How I Conquered My Hair Thinning Dilemma!

Every one of us has his or her one-of-a-kind hair loss story buried deep inside. Some might be open about sharing, while most would prefer to keep it to themselves. As for me, I want to share it to all the hair loss sufferers out there for them to realize that they are not alone in the battle to fight the ever-increasing hair loss issues. This is my very own story on how I conquered my hair loss dilemma.

I remembered my hair gradually getting thinner and finer during my early twenties. It started when I began pursuing my college degree. During those days, I was part of a young group of people who usually go out at night to unwind. When I started smoking and drinking, I noticed that my hair was becoming dull and dry but I never paid much attention to it. However, when I got stressed out I began to observe that my hair was falling off at a faster rate.  That was when I started to be alarmed because I got the devastating feeling that I would be experiencing hair loss. So, like every other person who is afraid to experience excessive hair loss, I began my search for a treatment that will help me fight my condition.

During those days when my I was losing my hair, I started to become aloof and anti-sociaI. I never thought that my hair falling off would make me feel vulnerable and uncomfortable. I felt the sudden fear of becoming the subject of criticisms and bullying. With that fear came the feeling of insecurity and depression.

My best friend noticed my problem. He was the one who helped me search for the right hair loss treatment. He told me that his cousin is also experiencing hair loss. One day, he told me that his cousin suggested that I should use a hair loss treatment solution. He then proceeded in telling me about the 30-day hair loss treatment free trial offered by Leimo International. With my best friend’s help we called the Leimo Hotline and availed of the Leimo Hair Treatment Pack 30-day free trial.

Within a span of 30 days, I was constantly under the Leimo hair loss treatment program. During my treatment, I saw that my hair was improving. The dullness and dryness was slowly fading. I also felt that my hair was becoming smoother, shinier and healthier. My flakes and dandruff on my scalp were also lessening. With that result, I finally decided to buy my very own Leimo Hair Treatment Pack when my 30-day trial ended.

Today, I am still an avid Leimo user. Within the 2-year span of treatment I have seen better results. My hair is regaining its former beauty. As days go by, my hair is becoming stronger and healthier. The thickness and volume of my hair is also improving.

I am very happy because finally I have conquered my hair thinning problem. With this, I want to thank Leimo for giving me a chance to regain my crowning glory. Without the Leimo suite of hair loss products, I would not experience the advantages of having a beautiful and healthy head of hair once again.

Visit http://www.leimo-hairloss.co.uk for more information

Fleas may be the culprit in older cat's hair loss

Dear Dr Johns: I have a two-cat household. Both are mature cats and are primarily indoor cats.

We have a screened-in back porch pool area that they sometimes go to get fresh air. Recently the older male cat has been pulling out clumps of hair while he grooms himself. I have not noticed any indication of fleas; however, neither cat is treated with flea repellant.

I hesitate to take him to the vet because the last time he was in a pet carrier; he FREAKED out and defecated all over the crate.

Any idea what could be causing him to do this? Nothing has changed to cause a behavior issue.

Thanks in advance.

— Deby

Dear Deby: I would certainly want to rule out fleas first. Since your cats are mature and have not had problems in the past, a change in their environment is suspected. That change could easily be fleas. Cats are so good at grooming themselves; they often eat the fleas before you can see them. Fleas can come in on your shoes. If your cats spend any time outside or if the porch is screened in, fleas can certainly find your cats.

May I suggest Advantage, Vectra, or Revolution for your flea control treatment? These products are safe and effective. Advantage is available over the counter. Vectra and Revolution can be purchased at your veterinarian’s office.

If flea control does not improve your older male’s hair coat, there are veterinarians that will come to your house. At Home Veterinary Service is one mobile practice in the area. Their number is (850) 420-6575. You may even be able to get your own veterinarian to make a house call.

At any rate, I would recommend starting on flea control medicine and giving it faithfully every month. Aside from causing itching, fleas can also carry diseases to your pets. It would be best to avoid all exposure to them.

Battle Scars of Children who Beat Cancer

Beating cancer is wonderful for a child who can now live a full life. But some children who overcome cancer experience emotional scars from their experience with the disease.

A recent study has found that persistent hair loss and other physical remnants of cancer are linked to higher levels of emotional distress and a reduced quality of life for children as they grow into adults.

Karen Kinahan, RN, a clinical nurse who specializes in pediatric oncology at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, spearheaded the study with data from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study.

A total of 14,358 people who had had cancer as children and 4,023 of their siblings (nominated to participate in the study by those who had cancer and used as a comparison group) were given two questionnaires, one in 1992 and one in 2003.

All the participants who had cancer were treated between 1970 and 1986. If they had died, were younger than 18 or were incapable of filling out the survey, a surrogate filled it out on their behalf.

The questionnaires asked whether those who had beaten cancer had head/neck, arm/leg and chest/abdomen scarring from cancer treatments, disfigurement or persistent hair loss.

The questions regarding quality of life and their psychological health were asked in the 2003 survey. Mental health was assessed based on their symptoms over the previous week and quality of life based on the previous four weeks.

Unsurprisingly, those who had had cancer also had higher rates of scarring or disfigurement compared to their siblings, at a rate two to four times greater depending on the part of the body. They also had greater hair loss (14 percent compared to 6.3 percent).

The researchers found that large amounts of cranial radiation more than doubled the likelihood that people would have head/neck disfigurement and quadrupled the risk of hair loss.

In terms of mental health, those who had beaten cancer but lost their hair were 1.6 times more likely to experience anxiety, and those with head/neck disfigurement were a little more likely (1.19 times) to be depressed.

Women who had persistent hair loss were also more likely to be depressed, and hair loss, arm/leg disfigurement and head/neck disfigurement were all linked to a somewhat higher risk of experiencing negative emotional symptoms.

"The results show that cancer treatments can affect childhood cancer survivors' physical appearances and their quality of life long after they turn 18," said Kinahan.

"I have patients who are asymmetrical because of radiation treatments, others with scars on their faces and necks from biopsies and surgeries and some who've had the amputation of a limb," she added.

Kinahan said the results of this study mean doctors need to take into account the way their cancer patients' long-term emotional health can be affected by the treatments they undergo.

"We need to be more aware, so that interventions facilitating coping skills, emotional adjustment and management strategies can be implemented for patients at highest risk," Kinahan said. "A natural next step would be to make efforts to minimize alterations to the physical appearance of pediatric cancer patients during diagnosis and treatment."

The study appeared online May 21 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The research was funded by grants from the National Cancer Institute and the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities. The authors indicated no conflicts of interest.