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 Is cosmetic surgery the answer to depression? Well, maybe not, but one study shows that having cosmetic surgery can improve your mood and quality of life. "The effect of cosmetic surgery could be strong enough to help people get off anti-depressant medications," says Bruce Freedman, MD, a plastic surgeon in the Washington , D.C. area, who led the study.
According to Freedman, 31 percent of the study participants had stopped taking anti-depressants after having cosmetic surgery such as facelifts, breast augmentations, breast reductions and tummy tucks. Five percent of the patients who weren't taking anti-depressants before their surgery started taking them within six months after the surgery, but the study found that self-esteem was boosted all around. Ninety nine percent of those who weren't taking anti-depressants before surgery and 98 percent of those who were taking anti-depressants before surgery cited better self-esteem.
While we're on the topic of depression, some doctors prescribe anti-depressants for patients who present with complaints of fatigue or daytime sleepiness, misdiagnosing the patient as depressed when the real cause may be insomnia. It's a common misconception that older people need less sleep. Most people require seven to nine hours of sleep throughout adulthood, but as we age, sleep can become elusive. For example, a study cited by the National Sleep Foundation reported that after age 65, 13 percent of men and 36 percent of women took more than 30 minutes to fall asleep.
Stress is one of the most common reasons given for why people can't fall asleep. Then a vicious cycle starts: you can't sleep, so you get even more stressed out. Some people say even just walking into the bedroom triggers a stress reaction because of their sleep problem, like a Pavlovian response. So what can you do? Experts say take time to relax before bedtime. For example, if you're working on your computer and get yourself all revved up about work, you're going to have a more difficult time unwinding. Also, if you're prone to insomnia, you may want to limit caffeine, nicotine and alcohol late in the afternoon or evening. For Aging Backwards, nicotine should be eliminated altogether. There is a link to stop smoking at AgingBackwards.com. Caffeine is a stimulant, which can delay sleep and alcohol may interrupt sleep later in the night. Of course, all the experts say that regular exercise daily will help you sleep better. And finally, make your bedroom environment as comfy, dark and quiet as possible. Sweet dreams!
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Anti-aging and beauty expert Jackie Silver, founder of AgingBackwards.com, shares her secrets, tips and shortcuts for looking and feeling young. In her blog, she will give tips, tricks and secret weapons for stopping the effects of aging and improving the whole self - mind, body and spirit. Aging Backwards was born from her desire to help people look and feel the best they can. She is "the one" her friends go to for anti-aging information because she is driven to stop the clock. Aging Backwards is not a magic cream or product that will suddenly transform you. It's a way of life that has worked for her and will work for you. Some of the tips are common sense and some will be surprising, but the real key is to take what will work for you and make it part of your lifestyle. Sign up for Jackie's FREE newsletter here! 
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