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It can be frustrating to find only a small section of a store with a couple of items to choose from in your size.  For more options and access to trends, check out some of the stores, in person or online, which cater to plus-size women.  Fashion to Figure is an online store offering some of the trendiest items available to woman sizes 1X-3X. Torrid not only provides clothing options, but you can find some heels and ankle boots in wide widths. If you want to walk into a store and browse the racks, Lane Bryant caters to plus-sized professional women. Have a dress made specifically to fit your body online at eShakti.  Choose any dress style on the site, then add your measurements.  They will tailor the dress accordingly before they ship it to you. It can seem like a pain to try everything on before you purchase it, but don’t write something off before you try it on.  It may turn out to fit much better than you anticipated.  On the other hand, it could fit much worse and the time you spent trying it on would have been much less time than it takes to return the item to the store. Ask the store clerk for assistance with sizes.  They can also make a good outside eye for a second opinion on the fit. If an item is too tight in one spot, opt for a slightly larger size.  You can always have the item tailored for a better fit.  Clothes which fit well are more flattering and professional than ill-fitting clothing. If you are wearing an item of clothing which is slightly large, match it with a more form-fitting item.  You don’t want the whole outfit to look baggy. Use a flexible measuring tape like one found in a sewing kit.  Measure your thighs, hips, waist and chest.  These measurements will be extremely helpful when shopping online or from catalogues.  Compare your measurements to the size charts listed by the seller.  Take all of your measurements at the widest part of that section of the body. Don’t pull the measuring tape too tightly around your body.  The measuring tape should not cause your skin to cinch, but should be gently touching your body all the way around. Don’t have any items of clothing in the way when you are taking your measurements. Write your measurements on a piece of paper and keep it handy. It is difficult for anyone to find the perfect fit.  All bodies are different.  A tailor can adjust the size and shape of an item of clothing for the best fit to your particular body. If you are between sizes, choose the item which is slightly too big to give your tailor room to work. Plus size women still come in a variety of shapes.  People carry their weight in different parts of their bodies.  It is helpful to know your shape and how to accentuate your best features.  Apple shaped women are wider in the middle with thinner legs.  They look great in shorter sheath dresses which create a straight line from the top to the thighs, and allow the attention to go to their great legs.  Just keep the length past your fingertips for work. Pear-shaped women carry their weight in their hips.  Jeans can be a tough fit here.  Try a boxy top to even out your look, or embrace the shape with an a-line dress. Hourglass refers to large hips and bust with a smaller waist.  Try a retro-style fit and flare look to fit your curves.

summary: Shop at stores which have several options for plus size women. Try the items on in the store. Choose clothes which are a good fit for you. Take your measurements. Hire a tailor to adjust the fit. Dress for your shape.


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If you suspect that your dark knees are caused by dry skin, drink more water! In general, aim to consume at least 68 fluid ounces (2.0 L) of water every day for healthy, glowing skin. If you don’t see results from increasing your water intake, consider using a natural remedy or applying a moisturizer in addition to drinking water. If you’ve tried multiple methods to get rid of your dark knees but haven’t had any results, make an appointment with a dermatologist. There, the doctor will be able to do tests and look at your knees to identify a likely cause for the dark skin in that area.  Be sure to explain which methods you’ve used to try to get rid of your dark knees. Your doctor may be able to explain why your skin is darker in that area, and can offer more potent treatments for lightening the skin. Sometimes, individuals with undiagnosed or untreated diabetes will develop dark spots on their knees and shins. If you have spots that won’t go away, visit your doctor to get tested for diabetes. This condition is called “diabetic dermopathy,” and people often mistake these marks for age spots.

summary: Increase your water intake to improve hydration. Visit a dermatologist to diagnose pigmentation issues or skin diseases. Get tested for diabetes if you have permanent dark spots on your knees.


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You need to know about the specific blood tests your doctor is ordering. Some blood tests will require special preparation to get accurate results. Some examples of common blood tests which require special preparation include:  Glucose tolerance tests, which require fasting prior to coming to the lab. You also have to remain at the lab for up to 5 hours and your blood is taken every 30 to 60 minutes. Fasting Glucose test, which is done after you have not eaten or had anything to drink except water for 8 to 12 hours. These tests are often first thing in the morning so you aren’t asked to go without eating all day. Serum Lipid testing, also called a cholesterol test, which will sometimes require you to fast for 9 to 12 hours before the test.  Cortisol blood test, where you are asked to refrain from exercising the day before, lie down for 30 minutes before the test, and refrain from eating or drinking for 1 hour before the test. There are certain substances that can alter blood tests, which you may need to stop before your blood test. Prescription medications, recreational drugs, alcohol intake, vitamins, blood thinners, or over-the-counter medications can often change the results of a blood test, depending on what the blood test is for. Your physician can determine if you should wait 24 to 48 hours to have the blood work done or if what you have taken will not significantly alter the blood test results. There are some blood tests that can be compromised based on your activities. These tests can be altered by recent physical activity or heavy exercise, undergoing dehydration, smoking, drinking herbal teas, or sexual activity. You might be asked to refrain from some of these activities prior to taking a blood test. Many tests do not require special preparation prior to getting your blood drawn. However, when in doubt, ask. If your physician does not give you any special instructions, it is important that you ask in order to reduce the potential that you arrive for the test without preparing sufficiently. Being sufficiently hydrated makes the blood draw easier. The veins will be bigger and easier to find and the blood is not as thick and flows into the tube easier. If you need to fast from water as well, be sure you are very hydrated from the day before. This may mean needing to get up during the night to urinate. However, being well hydrated will make your blood test easier. Before you get ready to take a blood test, warm the extremity where the blood will be drawn. Use a warm compress over the area for 10 to 15 minutes to improve the blood flow to that area. Wear warmer than normal clothes for the season when you go in to get your blood drawn. This increases your skin temperature, increases the blood flow to the area, and makes it easier for the phlebotomist (the person who draws your blood) to find a good vein. If you deviated from the instructions given to you to prepare for the blood test prior to having your blood drawn, you need to notify the person who will draw your blood when you arrive. If the deviation is significant enough to alter the results of the test, you may have to return to have the blood test drawn another day. Mention if you are allergic to latex or latex sensitive. Latex is in many types of gloves and band-aids, which are used while taking blood. Some people have an allergy or sensitivity to latex which can be life threatening. If you know that you have either an allergy or sensitivity, it is important to notify both your doctor and the phlebotomist so they can use latex-free equipment.
summary: Talk with your doctor. Discuss your medications. Refrain from certain activities. Ask your doctor for instructions. Drink enough water. Warm your extremities. Talk to the phlebotomist.