Unless cause by internal disorders or genetics, puffiness under eyes can be prevented. Cosmetologists recommend paying attention to delicate eye area starting at 20-25 years of age, especially, if your relatives have this problem.

Avoid such risk factors as stress, unhealthy foods, beer and strong alcoholic beverages - they all lead to water retention. You may want to limit your fluid intake as well.

Look for light eye creams and gels with arnica, vitamin K, collagen, elastin or hyaluronic acid.

Homemade treatments can also be effective. To reduce puffiness and improve circulation, mix 2 teaspoon of sour cream and 1 teaspoon of finely chopped parsley, put mixture in cheesecloth and apply to eye area for 10-15 minutes.

Another easy recipe is grated potato, applied in same manner as sour cream eye mask. These masks will produce visible improvements if done 1-2 times a week.

Herbal compress is another natural treatment you can do at home.

Cover 1 tsp of sage leaves with 1/2 cup of boiling water and let stand for 10 minutes. Filter infusion and divide it into two parts - warm and cold. Soak two gauze pads or cotton balls in each bowl and apply to eyes: 10 minutes warm and 10 minutes cold. Do this procedure every night during a month. Sage can be substituted by chamomile or dill weeds.

Finish treatments with your favorite anti-puffiness eye cream.

All of above measures, including massage, are also very beneficial in preventing wrinkles and brightening skin. You don't have to wait for puffy eyes or wrinkles to show up. Do something good for your skin now to keep it from aging.

(C) Natalie Katsman, 2004

·Be aware that it is dangerous to leave your beverages unattended if you are in company of persons you do not know and trust well whether male or female.

Trust voice of your core if you are getting a message that someone is being too controlling. ·Be aware that it is not safe to be in a position that causes you to be dependent upon another person. Carry a well-charged cell phone and always know whom you can call in a jam.

·When communicating your limits and boundaries speak from core. Speak clearly in short concise statements. Polite statements may be ignored. Make it clear that your decision is not up for discussion.

·Be aware that many victims will never share their painful secret with those who might expect that they would. Reassure people in your life care about that they can come to you if unfortunate happens and someone assaults them. Children and other loved ones should be assured that you will not blame them and they will not be in trouble if they share “secrets” with you. Take time to educate yourself about sexual assault and effects on victims, you may need it sooner than you realize.

·Be aware that many victims will never share their painful secret with those who might expect that they would. Right now is time to talk to your loved ones who will be attending college. Maintain ongoing communication with young men as well as young women about safe behavior. Encourage young men to educate themselves about consent and remind them to follow their intuition and not be lured into supporting jokes or situations in which someone may be assaulted.

These points of awareness may help to reduce your risk of sexual assault but may not entirely prevent this violent crime from occurring. It is important to keep in mind that offender is always to blame and that sexual assault is never fault of survivor. No one asks or deserves to be sexually assaulted. If unfortunate does happen, be aware that help is available.