How good are the alternative medicines, diets and healing treatments you hear so much about these days?

What are the benefits of yoga - and do you have to be rubber-limbed to do it ?

Do you forget about caring for your skin outside the beach and suntan season?

Just what are naturopathy and reflexology?

How vital is iron in a woman's diet?

The following pages will provide many of the answers you seek - and help set you on the road to a more attractive appearance and a healthier life.

COOL SEASON SKIN CARE......

In winter, our bodies seem to crave extra fuel, but be careful how you feed this desire. Hot cups of sweet cocoa and extra slices of chocolate cake can be very tempting - and there's no harm in succumbing to that temptation. Just don't do it to excess!

You are what you eat......

Remember, a healthy diet plays a vital part in maintaining good skin.

So when that winter hunger strikes, be ready to answer it with better balanced foods. Forget those rich snacks and takeaway meals and instead seek out simple recipes you can make at home. Try warm, hearty nutritious and delicious soups, casseroles and pastas. You'll discover some new ways with winter vegetables, some real taste delights ­ and you'll be a lot healthier for that extra effort!

Autumn Re-hydration......

This is the time to re-hydrate your skin to counter the effects of all that summer sunshine. Moisturise daily using rich creams with the essential nutrients to protect against cold and wind. Gentle cleansing and exfoliation will help remove dry, flaking skin.

Don't neglect precious water intake......

Generally we don't feel as thirsty in the cooler months but this can be misleading.

Your body's need for rehydration is essential - and constant. Keeping up your water intake during winter is good for your body and good for your appearance too.

Drinking lots of water will not only help cleanse you internally but also improve the hydration of skin and muscle tissue.

If you find that you can't drink too much tap water, there are other alternatives. Bottled water can be a bit expensive, so why not sample the pure water casks now available on most supermarket shelves. Or make a real investment in your health and purchase a water purifier for home.

The sunburnt ski-er......

If you're treating yourself to a snowfields holiday, be prepared to protect your skin in these extreme conditions.

The cold clear climate can create potential for damaging sunburn, so be sure to pack a sunscreen lotion specially selected for facial protection.

Also include a chap-stick or lip balm - and a good moisturiser - to counter the effects of cold, dryness and windburn, and you'll keep yourself looking your best.

YOGA IS FOR YOU......

You don't really have to tie your body in knots or learn strange postures to gain great benefits from the gentle eastern exercise of yoga.

It's readily available around Sydney. Just check out your local evening college or community centre for yoga classes and give it a try - you're in for a pleasant surprise.

Relaxing body - and mind......

Your teacher will take you through a series of poses - called asanas - which quietly work at stretching and strengthening your muscles and exercising your body's joints. Even your internal organs will benefit from this stress - free exercise style.

At the end of a class you'll feel calm and relaxed in both body and mind.

The breath of life......

Yoga is completely free of stressful jumping or pounding away at uncomfortable routines. The whole principle behind this respected, age-old exercise technique is to unite mind, body - and inner spirit - by fully utilising your breath and working with it.

Making this connection with your breath at all times makes every stretch, every thought, deeper & more rewarding.

The results you can obtain are not only improvements in posture & in concen - tration, but creating balance & harmony within your total being, at all levels.

For information on yoga classes around Sydney, phone 9386 4397.

Cellulite? Fluid retention?......

The latest health & beauty technology from Europe holds the answers.

New pressotherapy treatment could make every woman's dream a reality.

After a session with ultrasound waves and a massage to break down fat cells, legs are clad in special leggings connected to 16 pressure valves.

These are programmed to apply and release pressure to collect fluid and release it from the skin in the form of sweat. It's a similar sensation to simply having your blood pressure taken. A course of treatment may be required and is most effective when combined with a holistic approach to weight loss.

Beauty for the Bride-to-be......

Great skin, a trim body and healthy looks won't happen overnight - so when you set your wedding date, you should include a health and beauty routine or programme as part of your planning.

Fitness comes first

If you'd like to lose weight, or just firm up certain areas, you should start early with a diet and exercise schedule.

A well-planned, regular fitness programme should start 8 to 12 weeks before your wedding day, at the least.

While you'll need to be disciplined about it, you can make it easier on yourself by firstly finding activities you enjoy, and secondly, finding a partner to do it with. Why not your matron-of-honour or one of your bridesmaids!

The ideal fitness programme should be based around a mix of aerobic exercise and activities for strengthening and toning muscle.

Beauty on Schedule

It's smart to start a similar programme with a qualified beauty therapist too.

A beautician will fully advise you on the best ways to improve your skin - eliminate blemishes and spots - and obtain that healthy glow.

They'll also assist with the removal of unwanted hair and a wide range of treatments including eyebrow and eyelash tinting, massage, controlled tanning, even aromatherapy.

The Finishing Touch Wedding Make-up

You may be one of those girls who wears minimal make-up. Even so, you should wear some on that special day for the optimum appearance - especially on wedding videos and photography.

Award-winning Skin Care.....

Hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence have truly paid off for local beauty salon, Skinergy, at 143 Great North Road, Five Dock.

The renowned beauty product manufacturer, Ella Baché regularly rewards the best skin centres in Australia and in 1997-98, this national award went to Emma Hodgkins of Skinergy, as the best therapist in Australia.

Adding further testimony to the salon's high standards of professionalism, Skinergy also won the Inner West Small Business Award.

Clear proof that you can trust your skin care to the experts at Skinergy. As well as Five Dock, there's a second salon at 4/73 Longueville Road, Lane Cove.