Helen Hecker asked:


The use of natural or synthetic cosmetics to cover the condition of the skin is common among many cultures. Xeroderma, the medical name for dry skin, occurs most commonly on the lower legs, arms, the sides of the abdomen and thighs and is a very common condition.

Skin contains hair follicles, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, apocrine glands and blood vessels. The dermis is structurally divided into two areas: a superficial area adjacent to the epidermis, called the papillary region, and a deep thicker area known as the reticular region. The average square inch of skin holds 650 sweat glands, 20 blood vessels, 60,000 melanocytes, and more than a thousand nerve endings.

If you break out on the skin around your eyes, it could be the shellac in your mascara; buy a shellac-free mascara like Ecco Bella’s. Nutritional deficiencies, especially deficiencies of vitamin A and the B vitamins, can also contribute to dry skin or result in a chronic dry skin condition that’s not relieved by anything else. Serious skin complications, including a dry skin condition, can arise for people with type 2 diabetes.

Dry skin happens more often in the winter when the cold air outside and heated air inside cause the humidity to be low. When the oil glands do not supply enough lubrication to the skin, the skin becomes dehydrated. Forced-air furnaces may make skin even drier than it already is.

Consider taking cod liver oil or fish oil supplements, in liquid form, every day. The two most common problems that affect your skin are: not drinking enough water and not eating enough fiber. I put two tablespoons of coconut oil in my smoothies, which are made with fruits only – using a base of two bananas, then adding fruit, frozen or fresh– blend well.

If you use moisturizers, use the thick, oily-type which work better for dry skin. Avoid all products that have an alcohol base. For any skin condition, it’s always better to take a natural approach.

Apply coconut oil to irritated or chapped lips as well; it’s edible, so it’s safe and so healing to the lips. Use coconut oil to remove your make-up at night, like I do; it leaves a fine layer of oil to nourish your skin all night long; but better yet, apply more coconut oil. Use a thin layer of coconut oil under your make-up, if you wear it, to moisturize and soften your skin throughout the day.

Apply coconut oil daily to your skin to heal, moisturize and soothe it. Coconut oil is very inexpensive – a great, cheap home remedy for all skin conditions.

Skin that’s not clean favors the development of pathogenic organisms; the dead cells continually slough off of the epidermis and mix with the secretions of the sweat and sebaceous glands and the dust found on the skin, to form a layer on its surface. The skin is subject to constant attack from without; it can be affected by many conditions, diseases and ailments.

Following some of the above treatments, your dry skin should be well on its way to recovery. You should see the results with improved skin within a few days following using these dry skin tips and suggestions. If you’re still worried about your skin, or the problems persist, see your skin doctor.

Helen Hecker asked:


Xeroderma, the medical name for dry skin, occurs most commonly on the lower legs, arms, the sides of the abdomen and thighs and is a very common condition. Only a lucky few of us have ‘normal’ skin; the rest of us have dry, oily or combination skin; if dryness is your skin problem, read on.

The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. The average square inch of skin holds 650 sweat glands, 20 blood vessels, 60,000 melanocytes, and more than a thousand nerve endings. The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin.

Environmental factors, such as exposure to sun, wind, cold, chemicals, or cosmetics, or excessive bathing with harsh soaps, can cause dry skin. Skin gets exposed to the elements, especially in winter, causing it to become drier. When the oil glands do not supply enough lubrication to the skin, the skin becomes dehydrated.

Dry skin can be due to a genetic condition but it’s not common. Nutritional deficiencies, especially deficiencies of vitamin A and the B vitamins, can also contribute to dry skin or result in a chronic dry skin condition that’s not relieved by anything else. Bathing or showering too frequently, especially if one is using harsh soaps, may contribute to dry skin.

When the skin is dry and dehydrated, dead skin cells remain on the skin which may block pores and promote acne, zits, blemishes, or other breakouts; drink plenty of pure water. Consider taking cod liver oil or fish oil supplements, in liquid form, every day. Drink freshly extracted carrot juice, if you can, every day; carrot juice is an excellent cleanser for the liver, great for the skin and contains a great deal of nutrients, all beneficial for dry skin, eczema, acne, zits, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and other breakouts.

Use bath oils and moisturizers, or better yet, coconut oil, daily. Use as little soap as possible, if you have to use any, limiting its use to the armpits and genital area. Avoid all products that have an alcohol base.

After a soothing bath or shower at night just before bedtime, apply a thin layer of coconut oil over your entire body; it’ll even last on your skin through your shower in the morning. Use a thin layer of coconut oil under your make-up, if you wear it, to moisturize and soften your skin throughout the day. I buy coconut oil by the gallon; it’s cheaper for a whole gallon of coconut oil than a small jar of department store, name-brand moisturizer.

Coconut oil is the best healing, soothing, and moisturizing treatment I’ve found for dry skin; in fact all types of skin conditions, skin eruptions, pimples, acne, milia, irritations, cuts, burns, fungus, etc.

When you buy coconut oil, make sure you get the kind that hasn’t been refined, processed and deodorized.

The skin supports its own ecosystem of microorganisms, including yeasts and bacteria, which cannot be removed by any amount of cleaning. Sunlight, water and air play an important role in keeping the skin healthy.

Call your doctor or naturopath when your skin feels itchy all over your body, with or without a visible rash. Make sure to call your skin doctor or dermatologist when you have any open cuts or sores from scratching that won’t heal. Usually we can take care of dry skin without seeing our doctor, but sometimes we can’t avoid it.

Helen Hecker asked:


Dry skin happens more often in the winter where the cold air outside and the hot air inside creates a low relative humidity. Xeroderma literally means “dry skin”. Xeroderma is a very common condition.

Skin contains the hair follicles, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, apocrine glands and blood vessels. The skin is often known as “the largest organ of the human body”. Skin is considered one of the most important parts of the body.

The outermost layer of epidermis consists of 25 to 30 layers of dead cells. Epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin. The epidermis contains no blood vessels, and cells in the deepest layers are nourished by diffusion from blood capillaries extending to the upper layers of the dermis.

Dry skin could be due to a genetic condition. The skin loses moisture and may crack and peel, or become irritated and inflamed. The oil glands do not supply enough lubrication to the skin: as a result, the skin becomes dehydrated. Nutritional deficiencies, especially deficiencies of vitamin A and the B vitamins, can also contribute to dry skin.

Thick, oily-type moisturizers work best the use of natural or synthetic cosmetics to treat the appearance of the face and condition of the skin (such as pore control and blackhead cleansing) is common among many cultures. Natural treatment should always be the first type of treatment to consider when you want to take the best care of your skin.

Eat foods that contain essential fatty acids. Concentrating on a diet of lots of fruits and vegetables (preferably uncooked) and no junk food, should give you an observable improvement within 30 days. Consider taking cod liver oil or fish oil supplements every day. Put 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in your smoothies.

Good skin is often a reflection of a good digestive system.

Apply a thin layer of coconut oil and massage it deep into the skin. The best treatment I’ve found for dry skin is coconut oil. It just takes motivation, a willingness to try it, and diligent application of coconut oil several times daily and at bedtime to see its benefits. If you also have eczema or acne, coconut oil will treat those skin conditions too.

The skin supports its own ecosystems of microorganisms, including yeasts and bacteria, which cannot be removed by any amount of cleaning. Unclean skin favors the development of pathogenic organisms – the dead cells that continually slough off of the epidermis mix with the secretions of the sweat and sebaceous glands and the dust found on the skin to form a filthy layer on its surface. Sunlight, water and air play an important role in keeping the skin healthy.

It’s time to call the doctor when all your home remedies do not relieve your dryness and itching. You should see the results with improved skin within a few days following this advice. Skin doctors are called dermatologists.

Julie Health asked:


Dating back more than 4,000 years, Chinese green tea diet has been long revered as a tasty drink that can ward off diseases and improve one’s well-being. There are only a few herbs that can surpass its impressive history.

Since its first recorded use during the time of Emperor Shen Nung, the link between Chinese green tea diet and good health has never been severed. Today, further studies are made to test the benefits of the remarkable health elixir.

Traditional Health Benefits of the Diet

According to tradition, this diet could cure anything from headaches, body aches, and pains to constipation and depression. Over the centuries, more health claims are made on account of the Chinese green tea diet.

It detoxifies the body. The presence of polyphenols, a naturally occurring antioxidant in this particular tea, is said to combat harmful free radicals and help keep the body free from diseases. In this regard, Chinese green tea helps maintain the overall well-being of the body. It fights against the anti-aging process because the antioxidants can boost immunity, preserve young-looking skin, and brighten the eyes.

Additional health benefits of the green tea is it increases the blood flow throughout the body. Because it contains a little caffeine, ingesting this drink stimulates the heart and allows the blood to flow more freely through the blood vessels. For the same reason that tea stimulates blood flow, it also stimulates mental clarity.

For many years, men of science remained skeptical about the health claims made by Chinese green tea diet enthusiasts because the health benefits are truly vast in number. Their doubt was changed to a more positive reception when subsequent researchers proved its disease-preventing attributes and confirmed most of the health claims.

The Heart

Study after study has shown that drinking green tea and eating polyphenol-rich foods reduces the risk of any heart complications. It helps strengthen the blood vessels that provide oxygen and valuable nutrients to the heart and brain. It has also been researched that men who use the diet have a 75 percent less possibility of having a stroke than those who don’t use the diet.

The green tea diet helps lower total cholesterol levels and improve the ratio between LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. Study shows that men who drink nine or more cups of Chinese green tea daily have lower cholesterol levels than those who drink fewer than two cups. While nine cups may seem a lot, break it up through out the day and you’ll realize it’s not that difficult to drink that many cups. You could have one during and after each meal and during your breaks.

You really need to learn more. The Silent Killer Exposed uncovers and gives you the information you need to maintain a healthy blood system. Visit it here now.

Longevity

The role of the ‘Chinese diet’ in promoting longevity has been investigated upon by many researchers. They found the premise of their study on observing Japanese women who are greater-than-average green tea drinkers; have lower mortality rates compared to others. This led the researchers to believe that the diet has “a protective factor against premature death.”

The polyphenols found in the diet may be held accountable. With its high amount of polyphenols, it seems to have a stimulating effect on the immune system. A stronger immune system as a result of drinking the green tea helps reduce risks of obtaining many illnesses.

If these health benefits of doing the Chinese green tea diet don’t motivate you to start drinking this miracle in a cup, chances are you’ll never become motivated to loose weight. So start today and drink up. The health benefits go well beyond weight loss!

Louis Bonaventura asked:


All the parts of the human body work together, although each one has its special functions to perform. The stomach must have time to rest between meals. The other parts of the body require rest, too. They usually get the required rest while we’re asleep. We mustn’t be neglectful and fail to give them enough rest, or they will quickly get worn out and give us trouble.

Sometimes, when people are not well or are all tired out, they find they can’t sleep well at night. There are a number of little things that can be done to induce sleep. A warm bath before retiring, followed by a gentle massage, especially along the spine, often will, through relaxing the nerves and muscles, produce very good results. A hot foot bath, which draws the blood away from the brain, frequently will be found beneficial. A glass of hot milk or cocoa, taken just before retiring, often will have the same effect.

If the sleeplessness is a result of indigestion, a plain diet will relieve some of the stress. Sleeping on a hard bed without any pillow sometimes produces the desired effect. Always have plenty of fresh air in the room. Keep the mind free from the cares of the day. If these thoughts intrude, push them out by repeating something else in your mind: some soothing sentence or bit of poetry possibly.

A good plan is to close the left nostril by pressing on it with the finger, then take four deep breaths through the right nostril. Then close the right nostril and take four deep breaths through the left one. Repeat this about four times. Then breathe slowly through both nostrils, but count your breaths. You seldom will count very many. Never take any sleeping powders or tablets except upon the advice of a physician. They usually contain drugs that can cause injury the heart or other organs.

You’ll find that you’ll meet a number of people who are nervous, which means they have no control of their nerves. Sometimes this is shown in palpitations of the heart, headache, backache, panic attack, and many other disorders. There may be a tendency to cry at trivial things, or a feeling of having “the blues.” The cause usually can be found in uncongenial surroundings or occupation, loss of friends, or real or imagined troubles.

Whatever the cause, it should be removed, if possible, and measures taken to restore the worn out nerves that are crying for rest or food. Tonics help, so does nourishing food, such as eggs and milk; also a change of scenery and occupation, if possible. A person who is nervous frequently does not realize what is causing their condition and considers only the symptoms.

So when you have a headache, most people resort to taking medicine. In taking these medications, you’re only deadening the pain and not removing the cause of the problem, so the pain is likely to return. In order to resolve the problem, you need to find the root cause, not treat the symptoms.

Allowing your body to get enough rest and sleep is essential to good health. Treating the symptoms of a problem will render immediate relief, but it will not resolve the problem.

Helen Hecker asked:


Dry skin, occurs most commonly on the lower legs, arms, the sides of the abdomen and thighs and is a very common condition. It’s easily treatable naturally today when you know how to take care of it both inside and out.

The dermis is the layer of skin just beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. The skin contains hair follicles, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, apocrine glands and blood vessels. The blood vessels in the dermis provide nourishment and waste removal to its own cells and to the epidermis.

If you have a forced-air furnace it may make skin even drier than it already is. Serious skin complications, including a dry skin condition, can occur in people with type 2 diabetes. Dry skin can also be caused by a deficiency of vitamin A, systemic illness, overexposure to sunlight and a lot of medications.

When the oil glands don’t supply enough lubrication to the skin, the skin becomes dry and dehydrated. Dry skin can also be due to a genetic condition but it’s not common. Some drugs, including diuretics like Lasix, antispasmodics, and antihistamines, can contribute to dry skin conditions; check with your doctor and get a drug insert from your pharmacist.

Consider taking cod liver oil or fish oil supplements, in the liquid form, every day. Good nutrition from living foods – foods that are alive and full of energy – will help nourish your skin from the inside out. Eat at least two organic apples every day especially while working to clear up your skin; apples are good for your skin health. Eat organic so you can eat the pesticide-free skin (most of the apple pectin is in the skin), which helps with constipation too.

Only use very mild cleansers or mild soaps if you must use a soap or cleanser. Natural treatments should always be the first type of treatment to consider when you want to heal your skin and take the best care of it. For any skin condition, it is always better to take a natural approach first

I buy virgin coconut oil by the gallon; it’s cheaper for a whole gallon of coconut oil than a small jar of department store, name-brand moisturizer. After a soothing bath or shower at night just before bedtime, apply a very thin layer of coconut oil over your entire body. It will even last on your skin through your shower in the morning. And use coconut oil to remove your make-up at night, like I do; it leaves a fine layer of oil to nourish your skin all night long; but better yet, apply even more coconut oil.

If you have acne, eczema or any type of skin condition coconut oil will treat and quickly heal these too. When you buy coconut oil, make sure you get the kind that hasn’t been bleached, refined, processed and deodorized.

Many skin conditions can be converted into clear, healthy skin by using natural home remedies. Skin that is not clean encourages the development of pathogenic organisms; the dead cells continually slough off of the epidermis and mix with the secretions of the sweat and sebaceous glands and the dust found on the skin, to form a layer on the surface.

Usually most of us take care of dry skin without seeing our doctor, but sometimes we can’t avoid it. Following some of the above natural treatments, your dry skin should be well on its way to recovery and clearing up. If you’re still worried about your dry or damaged skin, or the problems persist too long, see your skin doctor.

Helen Hecker asked:


Skin is not dry because it lacks oil, but because it lacks water. Symptoms most associated with Xeroderma (dry skin) are scaling, which is the visible peeling of the outer skin layer, itching and cracks in the skin. The good news is that today, there are several types of natural treatments to choose from for your dry skin.

Skin also harbors many nerve endings that provide the sense of touch and heat. Skin is considered one of the most important parts of the body. The skin is often known as “the largest organ of the human body”.

The dermis is tightly connected to the epidermis by a basement membrane. The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. Epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin.

The skin loses moisture and may crack and peel, or become irritated and inflamed. Forced-air furnaces make skin even drier. Environmental factors such as exposure to sun, wind, cold, chemicals, or cosmetics, or excessive bathing with harsh soaps, can cause dry skin. Nutritional deficiencies, especially deficiencies of vitamin A and the B vitamins, can also contribute to dry skin.

Use as little soap as possible limiting its use to armpits and genitals. Drink plenty of water every day.

Use a humidifier if the air is dry.

Eat at least one organic apple with the skin on every day. Consider taking cod liver oil or fish oil supplements every day. Concentrating on a diet of lots of fruits and vegetables (preferably uncooked) and no junk food, should give you an observable improvement within 30 days. Good skin is often a reflection of a good digestive system. Fatty acids are particularly important to people with dry skin.

Use bath oils and moisturizers, especially coconut oil, which is the best natural product fr dry skin, at least daily. Also use a thin layer of coconut oil under your make-up to moisturize your skin all day. Apply a thin layer of coconut oil and massage it deep into the skin. Apply coconut oil anytime to heal and soothe your skin.

Sunlight, water and air play an important role in keeping the skin healthy. The skin must be regularly cleaned or it’ll become cracked or inflamed. The skin supports its own ecosystems of microorganisms, including yeasts and bacteria, which cannot be removed by any amount of cleaning.

Skin doctors are called dermatologists. Usually, these days, we can take care of dry skin without seeing our doctor, but sometimes we can’t avoid it. See your doctor or naturopathic doctor if your skin doesn’t improve in spite of your best efforts.

Helen Hecker asked:


Only a lucky few have ‘normal’ skin; the rest of us have a dry, oily or combination variety; if dryness is your problem, read on. Skin is not dry solely because it lacks oil, but because it lacks water. Xeroderma (dry skin) occurs most commonly on the lower legs, arms, the sides of the abdomen and thighs.

Skin also receives less blood flow and lower gland activity. Skin is our largest organ and is considered one of the most important parts of the body. Skin contains the hair follicles, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, apocrine glands and blood vessels.

The outermost layer of epidermis consists of 25 to 30 layers of dead cells. The dermis is structurally divided into two areas: a superficial area adjacent to the epidermis, called the papillary region, and a deep thicker area known as the reticular region. The dermis is tightly connected to the epidermis by a basement membrane.

Certain drugs, including diuretics, antispasmodics, and antihistamines, can contribute to dry skin. Environmental factors such as exposure to sun, wind, cold, chemicals, or cosmetics, or excessive bathing with harsh soaps, can cause dry skin. Forced-air furnaces make skin even drier. Serious skin complications, including dry skin, can arise for people with diabetes.

Natural treatment should always be the first type of treatment to consider when you want to take the best care of your skin. Use a humidifier if the air is dry. Drink plenty of water every day.

Consider taking cod liver oil or fish oil supplements every day. Drink freshly juiced carrot juice every day. Concentrating on a diet of plenty of fruits and vegetables (preferably raw: uncooked) and no junk food, should give you an observable improvement within 30 days.

The two most common digestive problems that affect your skin are not enough water and not enough fiber. Eat high-fiber snacks like raw nuts, raw seeds, and dried fruit, such as dates, and figs.

It just takes motivation, a willingness to try it, and diligent application of coconut oil several times a day and at bedtime to see its benefits. Use bath oils and moisturizers, especially coconut oil, at least once daily. Also use a thin layer of coconut oil under your make-up to moisturize your skin all day.

Use coconut oil to remove your make-up at night, like I do; it leaves a fine layer of oil to nourish your skin all night long.

The skin is subject to constant attack from without, so can be affected by numerous conditions, diseases and ailments.The skin supports its own ecosystems of microorganisms, including yeasts and bacteria, which cannot be removed by any amount of cleaning. Dry skin can be converted into healthy skin using natural home remedies.

If nothing seems to work it might be more than just dry skin, so you should see the doctor. Make sure to call your naturopath or dermatologist when you have any open cuts or sores from scratching that won’t heal. Skin doctors are called dermatologists.

Helen Hecker asked:


Symptoms most associated with Xeroderma (dry skin) are scaling, which is the visible peeling of the outer skin layer, itching and cracks in the skin. Only a lucky few have ‘normal’ skin; the rest of us have a dry, oily or combination variety; if dryness is your problem, read on.

Xeroderma literally means “dry skin”. Skin also harbors many nerve endings that provide the sense of touch and heat. The skin is often known as “the largest organ of the human body”. Skin also receives less blood flow and lower gland activity.

Epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin. The epidermis can be further subdivided into the following strata (beginning with the outermost layer): corneum, lucidum (only in feet), granulosum, spinosum, and basale.

The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain.

Dermatitis, contact dermatitis, eczema, seborrhea or psoriasis may cause the skin to be dry too. Skin gets exposed to the elements especially in winter. Dry skin could be due to a genetic condition. The skin loses moisture and may crack and peel, or become irritated and inflamed.

Natural treatment should always be the first type of treatment to consider when you want to take the best care of your skin. For any skin condition, it’s always better to take a natural approach. Apply moisturizers just after a bath or shower, when your skin is still damp.

Put two tablespoons of coconut oil in your smoothies. Drink freshly juiced carrot juice every day. Drink plenty of water, a minimum of a quart a day. Consider taking cod liver oil or fish oil supplements every day. Fatty acids are particularly important to people with dry skin.

Use coconut oil; it just takes motivation, a willingness to try it, and diligent application of coconut oil several times daily and at bedtime to see its benefits. The best treatment I’ve found for dry skin is coconut oil. Also use a thin layer of coconut oil under your make-up to moisturize your skin all day. Apply coconut oil to heal and soothe your skin.

The skin must be regularly cleaned or it’ll become cracked or inflamed. The skin supports its own ecosystems of microorganisms, including yeasts and bacteria, which cannot be removed by any amount of cleaning. Dry skin can be converted into healthy skin using natural home remedies.

It’s time to call the doctor when all your home remedies do not relieve your dryness and itching. Call your skin doctor or naturopath when you feel itchy all over without a visible rash. If nothing seems to work it might be more than dry skin, so you definitely should see the doctor.

Helen Hecker asked:


Skin is not dry because it lacks oil, but because it lacks water. As we age, our skin produces less of the natural oil that helps it retain its moisture. It’s easy to treat dry skin cheaply, simply, naturally, yet effective, at home.

The average square inch of skin holds 650 sweat glands, 20 blood vessels, 60,000 melanocytes, and more than a thousand nerve endings. Skin contains the hair follicles, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, apocrine glands and blood vessels. The skin is often known as “the largest organ of the human body”.

The dermis is structurally divided into two areas: a superficial area adjacent to the epidermis, called the papillary region, and a deep thicker area known as the reticular region. The blood vessels in the dermis provide nourishment and waste removal to its own cells as well as the epidermis.

The epidermis contains no blood vessels, and cells in the deepest layers are nourished by diffusion from blood capillaries extending to the upper layers of the dermis.

Environmental factors such as exposure to sun, wind, cold, chemicals, or cosmetics, or excessive bathing with harsh soaps, can cause dry skin. Dry skin could also be a sign of an underactive thyroid Xeroderma can also be caused by a deficiency of vitamin A, systemic illness, overexposure to sunlight or some medications. The oil glands do not supply enough lubrication to the skin: as a result, the skin becomes dehydrated.

For any skin condition, it’s always better to take a natural approach. Apply cool compresses to itchy areas. Dry your skin gently and thoroughly, patting not rubbing.

Consider taking cod liver oil or fish oil supplements every day.

Eat foods that contain essential fatty acids. Use flaxseed oil or walnut oil in your salad. You want to work from the inside out too. The two most common, sluggish, digestion culprits that affect your skin are not enough water and not enough fiber.

The best treatment I’ve found for dry skin is coconut oil. If you also have eczema or acne, coconut oil will treat those skin conditions too. Use coconut oil to remove your make-up at night, like I do; it leaves a fine layer of oil to nourish your skin all night long. Also use a thin layer of coconut oil under your make-up to moisturize your skin all day.

The skin must be regularly cleaned or it’ll become cracked or inflamed. The skin supports its own ecosystems of microorganisms, including yeasts and bacteria, which cannot be removed by any amount of cleaning. Dry skin can be converted into healthy skin using natural home remedies.

If your dry skin lasts for a long time and is itchy or feels hot when you touch it, see your doctor. You should see the results with improved skin within a few days following this advice. See your doctor or naturopathic doctor if your skin doesn’t improve in spite of your best efforts.