PRODUCTS FOR...

BIOLOGIC specialises in developing products in categories where there is significant market potential, and few or no competitor products. Our formulations are carefully developed after extensive research on traditional use of specific ingredients, as well as clinical experience. Final formulations undergo additional clinical or post-market trials to ensure maximum effectiveness.

BLADDER HEALTH

Definition
A wide range of conditions can cause bladder weakness. However, stress and poor bladder control most often occurs as a result of the stretching of the tissues of the pelvic floor muscles during childbirth. The pelvic floor can also be weakened by constipation, being overweight and hormonal changes after menopause. "Stress" relates to the stress caused to the pelvic muscles, for example when you cough or laugh. The ability to hold urine and maintain continence is dependent on normal anatomy and function of the lower urinary tract and the nervous system.

Stats/prevalence

Approximately 10-20% of the population is affected by bladder problems. Weakness of the bladder or poor bladder function is a widespread issue that affects people of all ages. (Continence Foundation Australia)

The prevalence of overactive bladder increases with advancing age and affects about 16% of adults over 40 (1).

Most are women aged over 40, particularly postmenopausal women, however women in child-bearing years are also affected. An increasing number of men also suffer from bladder weakness or poor bladder function.

An estimated 50% of sufferers do not discuss their bladder issues, even with their GPs, and ~60% of people with continence problems did not seek help (2).

General symptoms, and behavioural patterns associated with bladder weakness
• Urination more than four to eight times a day, passing small amounts of urine (less than 200ml) at a time
• Rising more than once during the night to go to the toilet
• leakage when coughing, laughing or exercising
• Sudden, urgent need to urinate.
• Feeling of incomplete urinary evacutation, followed by "dribbling" afterwards.
• Occasional "leakage" during sex.
• Difficulties starting or maintaining a stream of urine.
• Activity planning around access to toilets, or restriction of activities for fear of leaking.
• Wet the bed.

Lifestyle Recommendations for a healthy bladder
Natural treatments will only be truly effective if you adopt a healthy lifestyle. We suggest you try to follow these guidelines:
• Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight puts extra pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor.
• Avoid constipation. A full bowel and straining to go to the toilet places added pressure on the pelvic floor. Adopt a high-fibre diet with lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains (organic if possible). Avoid laxatives, as this can make things worse.
• Diuretic foods and drink interfere with the body's production of ADH (anti-diuretic hormone). The role of ADH is to act on the urinary bladder to control or prevent the urge and involuntary loss of urine from the bladder. Avoid the diuretics, caffeine (coffee, tea, colas, large quantities of chocolate) and alcohol.
• Avoid added salt in the diet as this can interfere with the fluid balance of the body.
• Drink 1.5 litres of (preferably) filtered water each day. In the end, avoiding water does not help with bladder control. Reduce fluids later in the day and evening.
• Do not smoke, it makes you cough - a prime trigger of stress incontinence.
• Have a brisk ½ hour walk daily. Exercise helps to tone the muscles in the body.
• Correct any digestive problems with a herbal digestive stimulant.
• Minimise stress. Kidney and bladder tones are weakened when under excessive or prolonged stress. Put aside time each day for your relaxation exercises.
• Make the pelvic floor exercises, recommended by the Continence Foundation of Australia, part of your daily routine.

Pelvic Floor and Bladder Exercises
Reprinted with the permission of the Continence Foundation of Australia, Millard, 1990

How do you exercise the pelvic floor muscles?

• Sit forward on your chair and place your feet and knees wide apart.

• Place your elbows on your knees and lean forward. Your pelvic floor should touch the seat now.

• Imagine that you want to stop yourself from passing wind or imagine that you have diarrhoea.
• Squeeze the muscles tightly around the back and front passages and lift your pelvic floor up and away from the chair.

• Repeat this squeeze and lift movement with a four-second rest in between.

• Note how many contractions you can do before your muscles fatigue.

• Do this number of contractions as often as you can remember but at least six times a day.

• You should not bear down.
• During the exercise, you should not feel any downward movement as you do a contraction.

• You should not use your tummy, thigh or buttock muscles.

• You should not hold your breath.

Ladies, if your pelvic floor is very weak, you may not be able to feel it working unless you actually place your finger(s) inside your vagina. If you wish to try this, try it while sitting on the bed or toilet. Simply insert two clean fingers into your vagina and proceed to squeeze and lift up as described above.

Bladder Retraining
How long are you able to hold on? One minute? 15 minutes? Whatever is the longest time you can possibly hold on, add one minute.

Hold on for this length of time every time you feel the need to empty your bladder during the day.

Each time you feel that strong urge to pass urine, follow these three simple steps that will help you 'hold on'.
• Step 1: Stand still or sit down. It is also helpful to apply firm pressure to your pelvic floor (crutch) by placing a rolled-up hand towel on the seat before you sit down.
• Step 2: Squeeze up those pelvic floor muscles.
• Step 3: Get your mind off the sensation. Pretend you have just won Lotto - how will you spend all that money? Think of three towns in Australia beginning with A, then B, and so on.

References

1. Kuteesa W, Moore K, Anticholinergic drugs for overactive bladder. Aust Prescr 2006;29:22-4
2. Millard, R. (1998). "The prevalence of urinary incontinence in Australia." Australian Continence Journal 4(4): 92-99.

UroLogic

• PRODUCT INFO • PRODUCT TESTIMONIALS • PRODUCT RESEARCH • RETURN TO TOP

Bladder Tone

• PRODUCT INFO • PRODUCT TESTIMONIALS • PRODUCT RESEARCH • RETURN TO TOP

Bladder Control

• NOT IN STOCK • PRODUCT TESTIMONIALS • PRODUCT RESEARCH • RETURN TO TOP

URINARY TRACT HEALTH

Definition
Escherichia coli (E. coli) causes about 80% of UTIs in adults. These bacteria are normally present in the colon and may enter the urethral opening from the skin around the anus and genitals. Women may be more susceptible to UTI because their urethral opening is near the source of bacteria (e.g., anus, vagina) and their urethra is shorter, providing bacteria easier access to the bladder. Other bacteria that cause urinary tract infections include Staphylococcus saprophyticus (5 to 15% of cases), Chlamydia trachomatis, and Mycoplasma hominis. (1)

In many cases, bacteria first travel to the urethra. When bacteria multiply, an infection can occur. An infection limited to the urethra is called urethritis. If bacteria move to the bladder and multiply, a bladder infection, called cystitis, results. If the infection is not treated promptly, bacteria may then travel further up the ureters to multiply and infect the kidneys.

Prevalence

Bladder infections in women are surprisingly common: 10% to 20% of all women have urinary tract discomfort at least once a year, 37.5% of women with no history of urinary tract infection (UTI) will have one within 10 years, and 2% to 4% of apparently healthy women have elevated levels of bacteria in their urine, indicative of unrecognized UTI. (4)

Women develop the condition much more often than men, for reasons that are not fully known, although the much shorter female urethra is suspected. (1)
Infections of the urinary tract are the second most common type of infection in the body.

Women who are sexually active tend to have more UTIs. Sexual intercourse can irritate the urethra, allowing germs to more easily travel through the urethra into the bladder. Women who use diaphragms for birth control also may be at higher risk. After menopause UTIs may become more common because tissues of the vagina, urethra and the base of the bladder become thinner and more fragile due to loss of estrogen. (3)

Other risk factors include:
• Anything that impedes the flow of urine, such as an enlarged prostate in men or a kidney stone
• Diabetes and other chronic illnesses that may impair the immune system
• Medications that lower immunity, such as cortisone in higher doses
• Prolonged use of tubes (catheters) in the bladder
• A woman's immune system may play a role in her risk of recurrent UTIs. Bacteria may be able to attach to cells in the urinary tract more easily in women lacking certain immune factors or who have poorly defined immune factors. More research is needed to determine the exact factors involved and how such factors can be manipulated to benefit women with frequent UTIs. (3)

Common symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections
Symptoms
Not everyone with a UTI develops recognizable signs and symptoms, but most people have some. These can include:
• A strong, persistent urge to urinate
• A burning sensation when urinating
• Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
• Blood in the urine (hematuria) or cloudy, strong-smelling urine (3)

References

1. Urology Channel. UTI. www.urologychannel.com/uti
2. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health NIH Publication No. 06–2097, Urinary Tract Infections in Adults. Dec 2005. www2.niddk.nih.gov
3. Mayo Clinic. Urinary Tract Infections www.mayoclinic.com/health/urinary-tract-infection/DS00286

4. PIzzorno, J, Murray, M, Textbook of Natural Medicine, 2006, Elsevier LTD, U.S.A

• PRODUCT INFO • PRODUCT TESTIMONIALS • RESEARCH N/A • RETURN TO TOP

PROSTATE HEALTH

Definition

Medically diagnosed benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) or prostate enlargement, is a very common disorder in older men, varying from mild to severe forms. Although called hypertrophy, the change is actually hyperplasia of the prostatic tissue with formation of nodules surrounding the urethra; these changes lead to the compression of the urethra and variable degrees of urinary obstruction (6).

This hyperplasia appears to be related to an imbalance between oestrogen and testosterone that results from hormonal changes associated with ageing (6).

Stats/prevalence

Benign Prostate Hypertrophy (BPH) rarely causes symptoms before age 40; however, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH), BPH affects more than 50% of men over the age of 60 and as many as 90% of men over the age of 70. It is difficult to establish incidence and prevalence of BPH because research groups often use different criteria to define the condition.

The symptoms often experienced by men with BPH are as a result of the impact that an enlarged prostate has on the bladder and the urinary tract. The increase in size of the prostate gland exerts pressure on the urethra, resulting in obstruction and difficulty with urine flow.

Common symptoms of BPH

• Weak urine stream
• Difficulty starting urination
• Straining to urinate
• Stopping and starting again while urinating
• Dribbling at the end of urination
• Needing to urinate several times to empty the bladder completely
• Frequent urination at night (nocturia)
• Blood in your urine (hematuria)
• Need to urinate frequently
• Urgent need to urinate
• Leakage of urine associated with severe urges


References

1. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health NIH Publication No. 04–3012, Prostate Enlargement. http://www2.niddk.nih.gov/

2. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/prostateenlargement/index.htm#gland#gland

3. Mayo Clinic. Enlarged prostate (BPH) guide
www.mayoclinic.com/health/enlarged-prostate-bph/BP99999/PAGE=BP00016
4. E Drug digest. Benign Prostate Hypertrophy
www.drugdigest.org/DD/HC/Treatment/0,4047,550246,00.html&e=14911
5. Urology Channel. Prostate. www.urologychannel.com/prostate

6. Gould, B.E, 2006, Pathophysiology for health practitioners, Elsevier Inc U.S.A

• PRODUCT INFO • PRODUCT TESTIMONIALS • PRODUCT RESEARCH • RETURN TO TOP

RESTLESS LEG

Definition
The sensation of restless legs is an unpleasant and difficult to describe feeling in the legs that produces an invariable urge to move them as frequently as possible. This sensation tends to occur whilst resting or before sleep; and is often alleviated by moving the legs and activity.

Statistics / Prevalence

Symptoms associated with restless legs affects 5-15% of Caucasian adults 13, they are often unrecognized and misdiagnosed. It may begin at any age even as early as infancy, but most people who are severely affected are middle-aged or older. Symptoms progress over time in about two thirds of patients and may be severe enough to be disabling (1), (2)

Many people may have a mild case of Restless Legs but in approximately 20% of cases symptoms may be severe and disabling and may merit specific and specialist treatment. (1), (3)

Symptoms and Prevalence

The symptoms of restless legs can be mild, moderate or severe. In severe cases, the person may be unable to sleep. Common symptoms include:

• An urge to move the legs, usually accompanied or caused by uncomfortable and unpleasant sensations in the legs.
• The urge to move or unpleasant sensations begin or worsen during periods of rest or inactivity such as lying or sitting.
• The urge to move or unpleasant sensations are partially or totally relieved by movement, such as walking or stretching, at least as long as the activity continues.
• The urge to move or unpleasant sensations are worse in the evening or night than during the day or only occur in the evening or at night.

The most distinctive or unusual aspect of the condition is that lying down and trying to relax activates the symptoms. As a result, most people with restless legs have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. Left untreated, the condition causes exhaustion and daytime fatigue. Many people with RESTLESS LEGS report that their job, personal relations, and activities of daily living are strongly affected as a result of their exhaustion. They are often unable to concentrate, have impaired memory, or fail to accomplish daily tasks. (3)

Some people with restless legs will not seek medical attention, believing that they will not be taken seriously, that their symptoms are too mild, or that their condition is not treatable. Some physicians wrongly attribute the symptoms to nervousness, insomnia, stress, arthritis, muscle cramps, or aging. Many people with restless legs endure the symptoms and discomfort for years before seeking medical care, by which time they are in their 50s and 60s. (7)

Restless legs occurs in both genders, although the incidence may be slightly higher in women. Although the syndrome may begin at any age, even as early as infancy, most patients who are severely affected are middle-aged or older. In addition, the severity of the disorder appears to increase with age. Older patients experience symptoms more frequently and for longer periods of time. (7), (8)

In most cases, the cause of restless legs is unknown (referred to as idiopathic); however, secondary forms of the syndrome are closely associated with other medical disorders or conditions such as iron deficiency, uremia, pregnancy, and polyneuropathy.

Researchers have also found that caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco may aggravate or trigger symptoms in patients who are predisposed to develop restless legs. Some studies have shown that a reduction or complete elimination of such substances may relieve symptoms, although it remains unclear whether elimination of such substances can prevent restless legs symptoms from occurring at all. (9)

References

1. Avecillas, J.F., Golish, J.A., Giannini, C., & Yataco, J.C. Restless Legs Syndrome: Keys to recognition and Treatment. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. 2005., Vol. 72. No. 9.

2. Evidente, V.G.H., Adler, C.H. How to Help Patients with Restless Leg Syndrome: Discerning the indescribable and relaxing restless. 1999. Vol. 105, No. 3.

3. NINDS Restless legs Fact sheet. Publication date April 2001

4. Silber et. al. An Algorithm for the Management of Restless Legs Syndrome. Mayo Clinic Proc. 2004; 79 (7):916-922

5. Rados, Carol. Treating Restless Legs Syndrome, FDA Consumer Rockville: 2006. vol. 40, Iss. 3:26.

6. Trenkwalder, C., Paulus, W., & Walters, A. S., The Restless Legs Syndrome. 2005. Vol. 4.

7. Paulson, George. W. Restless Legs Syndrome: How to Provide Symptom Relief with Drug and Non-Drug Therapies. Geriatrics 2000. vol. 55, Iss. 4:35

8. Earley, C.J., Restless Legs Syndrome. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2003. vol. 348, Iss. 21:2103.

9. American Family Physicians. Restless Legs Syndrome: Detection & Management in Primary Care. 2000; 62:108-14.

• PRODUCT INFO • PRODUCT TESTIMONIALS • PRODUCT RESEARCH • RETURN TO TOP

Menopause and PMS

Definition

Menopause is the permanent cessation of menses, usually defined by 6 to 12 months of amenorrhea in a woman over 45 years of age.1 Menopause and the period pre-ceeding termed peri-menopause can be characterised by hormonal and sometimes emotional fluctuations, and menstrual irregularity. (2)

Statistics / Prevalence:
In 1990, the total population of postmenopausal women throughout the world was reported to be 476 million. (5)

With the prolongation of life expectancy, the menopausal and postmenopausal periods are becoming more significant in a woman’s life. In fact, today’s average women can expect to live at least one third of her life in the postmenopausal stage. (3)

Symptoms
The symptoms of menopause are variable, and may consist of:
Hot flashes, night sweats, palpitations, headaches, insomnia, mood swings, anxiety, vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence, rheumatism, fatigue, hair thinning, skin dryness, acne, facial hair, low libido, irregular bleeding in the time prior to menopause (perimenopausal) (3)

Each of these symptoms are a result of hormonal changes. Common symptoms such as hot flashes are caused by an increase of blood flow in the blood vessels of the face, neck, chest and back. Vaginal dryness is caused by thinning of the tissues of the vaginal wall, are the two side effects most frequently complained about. The mood changes and lack of sex drive may result partially from the hormone decrease, but may also result from having to deal with hot flashes and vaginal dryness. (4)

Lifestyle Changes

Avoid pesticides

Eat as many whole, unprocessed foods as possible. If possible eat organic foods. Pesticides used in agriculture and some agents used in the processing of foods are known to have xenoestrogen effects. Xenoestrogens (foreign oestrogens) can produce more potent oestrogenic effects in the body than oestrogens your body naturally produces. The ingestion of xenoestrogens can interfere with your body’s natural hormone balance.

Avoid chemical sprays (particularly toxic garden or insect sprays). Make your own natural sprays.
Review your cosmetics – use only vegetable based products avoiding petrochemicals at all costs.

Eat fruit and vegetables

Eat more fruit and vegetables and less fatty meat. Fruit and vegetables provide your body with nutritious vitamins and minerals, as well as fibre and other healthy food components.

Consume essential fatty acids

Try to consume essential fatty acids found in seed and nut oils, cold water fish (cod, tuna, mackerel, salmon, sardines) and supplements such as Evening primrose oil, on a daily basis. Use virgin olive oil in salads or for cooking. The omega 3 and 6 fatty acids found in these foods help to maintain hormone balance and act as precursors to anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. They may be of use in the relief of symptoms of breast and menstrual pain and to maintain healthy skin.

To further help with the effects of these natural fatty acids, use butter sparingly and avoid hydrogenated oils such as those found in margarine.

Stop smoking

Smoking is a risk factor for osteoporosis as well as many other health problems such as cancer and heart disease.

Exercise

Have a brisk ½ hour walk daily. Exercise not only helps to maintain muscle tone and help with feelings of general well being, it also is important to maintain bone density.

Eat small, regular meals to maintain normal blood sugar levels

Irregular meals or a diet high in refined sugar and sweets can contribute to fluctuations in blood sugar levels. This may result in symptoms of lethargy, cravings for sugars, starches or food in general and irritability. The best option is the avoidance of highly refined foods and the consumption of small, regular meals

Avoid added salt in the diet

Added salt in the diet may contribute to water retention

Avoid caffeine and alcohol

These substances place extra loads on your liver and detoxification process. A healthy liver is important to allow for efficient, daily removal of hormones and chemicals from the body.

Put aside time each day for your relaxation exercises

References

1. www.wrongdiagnosis.com
2. Trickey, R. 2003, Womens hormones and the Menstrual cycle, Allen & Unwin Aust.
3. Pizzorno, J.E, Murray.M, 2006, Textbook of Natural medicine, 3rd Ed Vol.2, Elsevier Ltd, U.S.A
4. www.mamashealth.com/menopause
5. www.gfmer.ch/Books/bookmp/24.htm Takeshi Aso, Demography of the menopause and pattern of climacteric symptoms in the East Asian region. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan.
6. Mills.S, Bone.K, 2000, Principles and practice of Phytotherapy, Modern Herbal medicine, Churchill Livingstone. U.K

• PRODUCT INFO • PRODUCT TESTIMONIALS • PRODUCT RESEARCH • RETURN TO TOP

PMS

Definition

Premenstrual syndrome is the term used to describe a number of symptoms that collectively occur during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and abate with the onset of the period or very soon afterward. (1)

The female menstrual cycle ideally lasts approximately 28 days. Some women experience irregularities in their menstrual cycle, premenstrual symptoms or menstrual discomfort that interferes with day-to-day life. The reasons for these symptoms can be quite varied and include stress levels, dietary habits, exercise and sleep patterns.

Prevalence

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common condition affecting women during their reproductive years. Symptoms appear to most significantly affect women aged between 26 and 45 years.

Symptoms

PMS symptoms can commence up to 14 days before menstruation. The most common and recurring physical and emotional symptoms include1:

References

1. Trickey, R. 2003, Womens hormones and the Menstrual cycle, Allen & Unwin Aust.
2. Tisserand, T and Balacs, R. (1995) Essential Oil Safety. A Guide for Health Care Professionals. Churchill Livingstone, 28-34, 259-260, 264-5.

• RETURN TO TOP

BEDWETTING

Definition
(according to International Children’s Continence Society): the involuntary loss of urine that occurs only at night 2.

Managing sleep and settling problems are common concerns for the parents of young children. Sleep difficulties affecting children aged 3 to 12 years can perpetuate daytime sleepiness, irritability, overactivity and problems with concentration; affecting school performance and general daytime behaviour. As well as the child’s sleep being disrupted; parents and other family members often also have their sleep interrupted. Linked closely is the problem of bedwetting where it is estimated that 100,000 to 150,000 Australian children of 5 to 10 years regularly wet the bed at night. Daytime and/or night-time wetting (in children) are one of the most common problems seen in clinical practices of paediatric urologists. Often considered a nuisance associated with growing years, wetting can be the source of much anxiety to children, parents, teachers and healthcare providers. Depending on the age of the child, incontinence can have a devastating impact on a child’s social life, self-esteem, emotional well-being & overall quality of life.

Stats/Prevalence
Bedwetting happens less often after age 5: About 10 percent of 5-year-olds, 5 percent of 10-year-olds, and 1 percent of 18-year-olds experience episodes of bedwetting. It is twice as common in boys as in girls.

Symptoms
The main symptom is involuntary urination, usually at night, that occurs at least twice per month (1).

Settling Problems

• Settling problems are difficulties in getting a child to bed and settled to sleep

• Settling problems are concerns for parents with young children occurring in about 16% of three year olds and about 12% of 8 year olds (reference if possible)

• Settling problems include:

- a child refusing to go to bed and settle to sleep alone
- a child falling asleep in the living area
- a child going to bed at the same time as their parents
- a child refusing to sleep unless their parents lies down with them or cuddles them to sleep
- a child who keeps coming out of their bedroom once left to sleep
- a child insisting on a prolonged bedtime ritual

Sleeping Problems

• Sleep problems are when sleep is disturbed after the child has gone to bed and fallen asleep

• Sleep difficulties affecting children aged 3 to 12 years can perpetuate daytime sleepiness, irritability and problems with concentration; affecting school performance and general daytime behaviour

• Sleep problems include:
- a child waking frequently in the night and disturbing their parents by calling for attention
- a child waking and creeping into bed with their parents

• Sleep problems occur in 14% of three year olds and are still found to occur in 5% of eight year olds (reference if possible)

• As well as the child’s sleep being disrupted; parents and other family members often also have their sleep interrupted

References
1. Medlineplus Medical encyclopedia: Bedwetting Urol Clin North Am. (2004)

www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001556.htm
2. Thiedke, C. Nocturnal Enuresis. American Family Physician. 2003; 67: 1499-1506.
Youth Studies Australia. 2003; 22: p8.
3. Neveus, T. The role of sleep and arousal in nocturnal enuresis. Acta Paediatr. 2003; 92: 1118-1123.
4. Houts, A., Berman J., Abramson, H. Effectiveness of psychological and pharmacological treatments for nocturnal enuresis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. 1994; 62: 737-745.
5. Gera, T., Seth, A., Mathew, J. Nocturnal enuresis in children. Int. Jour. Urology. 2002; 1; 13-25.
6. Serel, T., Perk, H., Koyuncuoglu, H., Kosar, A., Celik, K., Deniz, N. Acupuncture therapy in the management of persistent primary nocturnal enuresis. Scand. J. Urol. Nephrol. 2001; 35: 40-43.
7. Honjo, H., Kawauchi, A., Ukimura, O., Soh, J., Mizutani, Y., Miki, T. Treatment of monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis by acupuncture: a preliminary study. International Journal of Urology. 2002; 9: 672-676.
8. Neveus, T. The role of sleep and arousal in nocturnal enuresis. Acta Paediatr. 2003; 92: 1118-1123.
9. Rogers, J. An overview of the management of nocturnal enuresis in children. British Journal of Nursing. 2003; 12: 898-903.
10. Cendron, M. Primary nocturnal enuresis: current. American Family Physician. 1999; 59: 1205-1214.

• PRODUCT INFO • PRODUCT TESTIMONIALS • PRODUCT RESEARCH • RETURN TO TOP