Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Vain Worries: Turkey Neck

Gobble, Gobble.  Turkey season is in!

By Carolyn Roberson - Saturday 17 Dec 2011
Get rid of turkey neck: vain worries
So, I’m looking in the mirror this morning trying to take a new picture to update my profile. Every pose includes this hideous looking flabby neck, the proverbial turkey neck. Sags, bags, and tags create hags, and I don’t want to be one. The idea of aging, I’m okay with, but it is the effects of aging that bother me.

Let’s talk turkey, and I don’t mean the Thanksgiving kind.

 

Chewing gum

 

For years, I was told chewing gum helped tone the face, and it does, but very, very little, and it mainly focuses on the jaw line. A more toned jaw line may or may not benefit a turkey neck. But, better than nothing I say: chew away.

Singing


Using facial muscles while singing causes a slight stretch of the muscles, but has no long-term effect on a turkey neck. However, singing does increase oxygenation within the body affecting every cell including those in the neck. The lungs, and heart particularly benefit even while sitting. So, crank up the stereo and sing your way to a healthier you.

Facial yoga

 

Facial muscles, including the turkey neck, can benefit from resistance training. These isometric techniques are simple, and with consistency, over time, a new firmer jaw line will develop and the turkey will fly the coup. The Internet is a wonderful resource for finding these exercises.

Cosmetic procedures

 

Liposuction is a quick way to reduce the turkey neck. Costly as it may be, in as little as ten days of recovery, your neck will look thinner. Liposuction actually removes fat cells from any area treated, so fat will never accumulate in that area again. Adding a neck lift to the procedure will give it a more youthful appearance. Other procedures may include laser, Botox, and collagen injections but are only temporary solutions to a permanent problem. Please remember, it is important to research the cosmetic surgeon before undergoing any cosmetic procedure.

Electrical stimulation

 

Spa and at-home devices are being used to deliver mild electrical impulses to tissue in the skin. These impulses stimulate the skin, which improves muscle tone, increases collagen production, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and evens your skin tone giving the appearance of a tighter, younger, and healthier look. FDA approved, spa treatments by certified aestheticians may be expense, and at home devices initially can be costly.

Cosmetics

 

Neck creams containing collagen and elastin come in day creams, and more emollient night creams. Exfoliation twice a week helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and prevents an ashy, dried-out look. Using makeup, concealers, and natural color properly, the appearance of turkey neck can be reduced. Also, wearing certain necklines, earrings, and hairstyles can hide a turkey neck. Visit your local cosmetic counter, and sales associate for professional advice, or seek information via your favorite search engine.

Nutrition

Increasing vitamin C and fatty acid intake helps the body fight aging, and resist skin sagging. And, not only does sugar contribute to diabetes, but it is a major component in a process that leads to sagging skin. Avocado, nuts, peanut butter, shrimp, fish, lean meats, eggs, and turnips are good sources of fatty acids. And vitamin C can be found in supplements, but is naturally occurring in most fruit, chili peppers, leafy greens, and some herbs.

Water

 

Lastly, the amount of water required by the body is 64 ounces a day, or about 2 liters. You’ve heard to drink 8 ounces of water 8 times per day. Water is essential to keeping the body hydrated, and the skin is the largest organ of the body. So if the skin lacks water, it dries out, wrinkles, and sags. Increasing water intake will slowly bring the skin back to a more youthful appearance.

Turkey neck will be in season at some point in your life if you are fortunate to live long enough. Most of us don’t think about aging when we are younger, but the benefits of good skin care, proper nutrition, and exercise from our youth do affect how we age. Be a good steward of the wisdom we have gained and mentor younger women such as our daughters, granddaughters, or nieces in a healthy lifestyle. It is never too late to take control of how we age. So, let today be the first day of the rest of your life! Good hunting.

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