Alternative Health News

How to care for a Burn

2012-02-27T20:28:00.003-08:00

Burns demolish skin, which can guide to us losing heat as well as losing significant bodily fluids.

Plus, burns can make us susceptible to infection. While minor burns on fingers and hands are not terribly dangerous, burns on even relatively small areas of skin are capable of developing serious complications. If you think a burn of any type is significant, stop reading this and call 911 immediately.

For a video demonstration of burn treatments, watch How to Treat a Burn. To understand how deep burns look and what they do to skin.
1. Stop the burning process. Cool the burned area with cool running water for several minutes. Minor burns can be cooled with tap water over the sink. Don't be afraid to rinse bigger burns with a hose outside. Don't spray severe burns with high pressure, just let the water run over the burned area for as long as you can.

If an ambulance is coming, continue running water over the burned area until the ambulance arrives.

2. Look for blistering, sloughing, or charred (blackened) skin.
Blistering or sloughing (skin coming off) means the top layer of skin is completely damaged and infections are likely. Here is a picture of burned skin coming off.

If the blistered or charred skin is all the way around a wrist, arm, leg or ankle; if it covers most of a foot or hand; or if the blisters cover an area the size of the belly, call 911 immediately. Also call 911 if the burn is around the mouth, nose or eyes, or if the burn is on the genitalia.

3. Minor burns with reddened skin and no blisters may be treated with a topical burn ointment or spray to reduce pain. Ointments should be water soluble.

Cool water (not ice cold or warm) may also help with pain.

DO NOT APPLY BUTTER OR OIL TO ANY BURN! Butter or lard may feel cool because it comes out of the refrigerator, but the oils will trap heat and make the burn deeper over time.

4. Over the counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used for the pain of a mild burn (typically redness only). If stronger pain relief is needed, call a doctor or go to the emergency department.

Tips:

1. While the burn is healing, wear loose natural clothing like silks or light cottons. Harsher fabrics will irritate the skin even more.

2. Burns destroy skin and the loss of skin can lead to infection, dehydration and hypothermia (loss of body heat). Make sure that burn victims get emergency medical help if experiencing any of the following:
* dizziness or confusion
* weakness
* fever or chills
* shivering
* cold sweats

Thanks:firstaid.about.com

Halloween Costumes

Polio Vaccine

2012-02-26T21:21:00.005-08:00

Polio Introduction

Poliomyelitis (polio, for short) is a severe illness that can basis paralysis (when you can’t move your arms and legs) or even death.

Polio is caused by a virus. The virus can be increase by drinking water with the polio virus in it. It can also be passed by close contact, such as kissing, with an infected person. Before the first polio vaccine was developed in the 1950s, thousands of children got polio every year. Fortunately, the use of the polio vaccine has made the disease very rare in most parts of the world.

How can polio be prevented?

You can keep your children from getting polio by making sure they get the polio vaccine.
What is the polio vaccine?

A vaccine is used to protect you from getting a disease. The polio vaccine, also called IPV, is given by injection (a "shot"). (It used to be given by drops in the mouth.)

When should my child be vaccinated?

Most children get 4 doses of polio vaccine on this schedule:

* First dose when they are 2 months old.
* Second dose when they are 4 months old.
* Third dose when they are 6 to 18 months old.
* Last dose when they are 4 to 6 years old.

Are there reasons not to get polio shots?

Your child should not get the polio shots if he or she is allergic to these medicines: neomycin, streptomycin or polymyxin B.

What are the risks of the vaccine?

Most people have no problems. Some people will have some pain or redness where the shot was given. Vaccines carry a small risk of serious harm, such as a severe allergic reaction.

The polio vaccine doesn’t cause polio.

What if my child has a reaction to the vaccine?

If your child has any reaction after getting the polio vaccine, call your doctor as soon as possible. In addition, if your child gets hives (swelling, itching and a burning sensation of the skin), has problems breathing, or goes into shock (becomes weak, faint, cold, clammy and sweaty), call 911 or take your child to a hospital emergency room. Be sure to tell the doctors caring for your child the day and time your child received the vaccine. Ask your doctor to file a Vaccine Adverse Event Report form with the CDC, or you can do it yourself by calling 800-822-7967.

Thanks:familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/kids/vaccine

Halloween Costumes

Have a Look here before Getting A Knee Replacement

2012-02-23T22:22:00.005-08:00

If knee pain continuously bothers you, the viewpoint of joint replacement surgery can be appealing.

In fact, a new study shows that more and more women younger than sixty are opting for knee replacements. Why the popularity? And are they a good idea? We get the scoop from top arthritis experts...

Knee osteoarthritis. It can start out as an occasional twinge that eventually becomes a constant pain, making it difficult to walk, stay active or just get through the day.

And when joint degeneration starts affecting your life, you may start thinking about surgery.

You’re not alone. Knee replacements have become increasingly common among younger women, according to a January 2012 Finnish study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism.

Researchers at Helsinki University Central Hospital found that in Finland, the number of knee replacements in people ages 30-59 in 2006 was 130 times more than it was in 1980. And women had as many as 2.4 times more replacements than men.

The numbers jibe with American figures: More than 600,000 total knee replacements were performed in the U.S. in 2009, says an editorial accompanying the Finnish study co-written by Jeffrey N. Katz, M.D., professor of medicine and orthopedic surgery at Harvard Medical School.

The number has doubled since 1999, according to a February 2012 presentation to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, which said that 5.3% of women and 4.1% of men over 50 currently have total knee replacements.

The fastest-growing age group was 45-64, Katz says.

Read on to learn what you need to know about knee replacements.
Knee Replacement Fact #1: Why They’re Becoming More Popular
Joint replacement surgery is so popular, experts say, because of reasons that include:

Technological advances. Surgeons have become more comfortable performing these operations on younger people.

“Thirty years ago, surgeons wouldn’t do knee replacements in people under 60,” says Douglas Garland, M.D., medical director for orthopedics at MemorialCare Joint Replacement Center at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center in California.

But now, “our equipment is better, and we don’t worry about [knee replacements] wearing out like we did 30 years ago.”

In the past, knee replacements used cement that commonly broke down, but today’s metal and ceramic parts are more durable, he says.

In fact, 90%-95% of knee replacements now last 15 years or longer, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS).

Osteoarthritis strikes at an earlier age. Younger women are developing arthritis pain, possibly because of the strain of carrying extra pounds, Garland says.

Nearly two-thirds of American women are overweight or obese, according to the National Institutes of Health.

“Obesity is the No. 1 cause of knee osteoarthritis,” he says. “And the younger and fatter you are, the earlier your joints will wear out.”

Each step puts a force on your knee equal to six times your body weight, Garland says. So gaining 10 pounds adds 60 pounds of pressure to the joint.

Women have worse knee problems than men. That’s partly because estrogen plays a role in the laxity, or looseness, of joint ligaments, researchers say. They point to rising levels of the hormone during pregnancy, which allows pelvic ligaments to loosen for childbirth.

“[Women] have a laxity in the joints [related to] estrogen, and less muscle mass than men,” Garland says. “So their joint is less stable than a man’s.”

That makes women more prone to micro-trauma – tiny injuries to the bone – which is the second-leading cause of knee osteoarthritis, Garland says.

Baby boomers want to stay active. That means older adults are suffering more activity-related knee injuries that increase arthritis risk, says rheumatologist Nathan Wei, M.D., director of the Arthritis Treatment Center in Frederick, Md. At the same time, they’re more willing than previous generations to have joint replacement surgery if they think it will keep them going.

“Boomers have a sense of entitlement to a more active lifestyle,” he says. “They’re not going to let something [like knee pain] stand in their way.”

A lack of other choices. When it comes to knee pain, there’s isn’t much that can be done between conservative treatment – such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroid injections – and the more drastic joint replacement surgery, Wei says.

“Nothing fills in the gap,” he adds. “Until we have something, like stem cells, that’s proven to regenerate cartilage and prevent [the need for surgery], we’re going to continue to see a surge of knee replacements in active people.”
Knee Replacement Fact #2: You May Be Able to Prevent It
If you want to prevent or postpone joint replacement surgery, there are steps you can take now:

Drop pounds. “Weight loss may help avert severe osteoarthritis,” Katz says.

Not only does added body weight put extra pressure on your knees, the fat tissue itself secretes protein messengers called adipokines that stimulate inflammation, Wei says.

People with knee osteoarthritis who lost 11.4%of their body weight experienced nearly 50% less pain, according to 2011 research at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Exercise. “I give patients a simple formula: Good medications, ideal weight and regular exercise equal good-feeling knees,” Wei says.

If you’ve never exercised, he advises starting out just a minute or two a day, then building up gradually. Incorporate three types of exercise: cardio (aerobic exercise that increases your heart rate), strength training and stretching.

Women with the strongest thigh muscles were 50% less likely to develop knee pain compared with those with the weakest, a 2009 University of Iowa study found.

“You need to do some type [of exercise] every day, working up to as much as you feel comfortable with,” Wei says. “Make sure it’s a habit, like brushing your teeth.”

Garland advises his patients to walk 20-30 minutes every day to strengthen the muscles in their legs and knees.

“And if you want to lose weight, walk for an hour,” he says.

But avoid high-impact exercises like jogging or basketball, which can make knee pain worse, Wei warns.

If you like tennis, play doubles, Garland suggests. “You’re not [twisting] the knees as much.”

You can find exercises designed specifically to strengthen the knees on the AAOS’ website.

Also, check out 5 Pain-Relieving Arthritis Exercises.
Knee Replacement Fact #3: It May Not Be Permanent
Knee replacements don’t necessarily last a lifetime. At some point you may need another operation, known as a “revision.”

“If we look at people who’ve had knee replacements for 10 years, 95% have had no problem,” Garland says. “But right now, we really don’t know the lifespan of knee replacements.”

The need for a second replacement is greater among younger women.

“Rates of failure leading to revision in younger patients are two-fold higher than in older patients,” says Elena Losina, Ph.D., associate professor of orthopedic surgery at Harvard Medical School and co-director of the Orthopaedic and Arthritis Center for Outcomes Research at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

That’s because they run a greater risk that the first implant will fail – and, of course, they have more time to outlive the first joint replacement, she says.
Knee Replacement Fact #4: You May Not Need a Total Replacement
In total knee replacements, all three “compartments” in the knee, which are formed where the various bones meet, are removed and replaced. But partial knee replacements – in which the surgeon removes and replaces only the damaged areas of knee cartilage in one compartment – are also increasingly common.

In the short term, a partial replacement is more likely to make it easier for you to do things like climb stairs or kneel.

“Partial knee [replacement] may have better functional outcome and earlier recovery after surgery,” says Jarkko Leskinen, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at Helsinki University Central Hospital in Finland and lead author of the Finnish study.

But it’s also more likely to require a second operation, or revision, than a total knee replacement. And at that point, the joint is likely not to function as well as it would have after a single total replacement operation.

Talk to your doctor about which kind of surgery is best for you.
Knee Replacement Fact #5: How to Care for Your Knee
If you do opt for joint replacement surgery, here's how to make your knee last as long as possible:

Stay at a fighting weight. The same things that prevent knee osteoarthritis from getting worse also slow down the wear on your replacement, Garland says.

“If you’re 50 and overweight, your risk of revision will be high,” he says. “[But] if you can maintain a near-ideal body weight, that’s the best thing you can do for your joint.”

Keep leg muscles strong. “Good muscle tone [is also important] to avoid another joint replacement,” Garland says.

Many joint replacement programs, including the one at MemorialCare Joint Replacement Center, get patients up and walking the same day of surgery, he says.

Physical therapy can help, he adds. Following surgery, “we start an outpatient therapy program on machines so patients can start building their muscles back.”

But skip leg squats and lunges. “Deep knee bending isn’t good for the knee, before surgery or after,” he says. “It’s hard on the joints.”

Avoid triathlons. Physical activity is important to overall health, but when it comes to knee replacements, moderation is key, says Losina, who co-wrote with Katz the editorial in Arthritis & Rheumatism.

Thanks: news.peacefmonline.com/health/201202

Halloween Costumes

Clothes That Monitor Health

2012-02-22T22:24:00.004-08:00

A new scrap could one day watch a person's fitness using minuscule sweat model. The square is being urbanized by Biotex, a grouping of European explore institutes and companies, including the Swiss Centre for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM).

Most clothing designed for health monitoring focuses on physiological measurements, such as body temperature and heart rate. This is one of the first attempts to continuously analyze biochemical signals using clothing. The team employed a novel approach for monitoring: a combination of hydrophilic and hydrophobic yarns woven together to channel the sweat to the sensors. By utilizing natural attraction and repulsion actions to move the sweat, the method also circumvents the need for additional power sources, which would add bulk to such a device and make it less convenient for everyday use.

Once the fabric has directed a few milliliters of sweat into the patch, the sensors determine the amount of potassium, chloride, or sodium present. Measuring these electrolytes can provide insight into a person's metabolism. By comparing the electrolyte amounts to reference measurements, such a system could indicate if the user is overexerting herself or stressed, says Jean Luprano, project coordinator at the CSEM.

Once the tiny reservoirs are full of sweat, the user throws away the chemical part of the patch, which is about 5 to 10 square inches. The patch-embedded band or shirt can be washed, and the monitoring electronics reused.

Thanks:technologyreview.in

Halloween Costumes

Researchers alarmed over arsenic in baby food

2012-02-07T20:36:00.000-08:00

Europeans are abuzz with concerns about poisons exposed in store-bought baby foods.

Swedish researchers are reporting “alarming” levels of arsenic, cadmium and lead in rice-based infant foods, such as cereal and porridge.

Their study, appearing in the Journal of Food Chemistry, raises questions about whether rice-based products are suitable for infants.

"Alarmingly, these complementary foods may also introduce high amounts of toxic elements such as arsenic, cadmium, lead and uranium, mainly from their raw materials,” wrote the authors, from Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm. "These elements have to be kept at an absolute minimum in food products intended for infant consumption.”

The foods were produced by global manufacturers such as Nestle and Mead Johnson. According to the Sunday Telegraph, a British newspaper, the manufacturers insisted their products were safe.

Low levels of arsenic in foods is actually not uncommon. The question is, how much is too much?

In 2005, Scottish researchers found arsenic in rice grown in the United States. Arsenic is absorbed by the rice plant through soils contaminated with the toxin, which is naturally occurring. The U.S. has not set legal limits for arsenic levels in food.

California health department spokesman Ronald Owens said Californians should not be alarmed. Owens said the state has sampled rice in the past and "analyzed various baby food products for the presence of heavy metals that have never resulted in a finding that were of any public health significance."

Indeed, while no legal limits were broken in this latest study, the authors state that just two servings a day of the rice-based foods could expose an infant to 50 times the amount of arsenic they would get from breast milk alone. And with new uncertainties about how arsenic affects developing children, this level is too high, say the authors.

The European Food Safety Authority is now in the process of re-evaluating its safety limits for arsenic exposure in children and adults.

Thanks: http://californiawatch.org/dailyreport

adult costumes

Adult pirate costumes for your Halloween dress up

2012-02-06T20:31:00.000-08:00

Halloween is one among the most auspicious times of the year that is cherished and celebrated with a lot of spirit all around the world.

Everyone loves to dress up in some costume or the other on this day, trying to look as realistic as possible and fit pretty well into the character. On this day, everyone around the world irrespective of their age or size dress up in bizarre costumes and party all through the night. Irrespective of which character you dress up as, authenticity is very appropriate and important. At least everyone expects to look as real as the character while they dress up and they put in a lot of effort, money and time to create that appropriate character look.

Children on this same day dress up in children’s costumes and run around the neighborhood playing trick or treat. Trick or treat is a very popular concept. Children visits their neighborhood homes and asks for trick or treat while they are supposed to perform as the character in which they have dressed up as and authenticate their character. In return, neighbors give them sweets, candies and chocolates as treat. Traditionally it is believed that the concept to have originated from the fact that children ought to be treated on this spooky day or they can trick you into a scheme. Some people believe that children could cast a spell or jinx their neighbors with their special magic powers when neighbors fail to treat them. However, this is just a superstitious concept and every household all around the globe cherish the concept with a lot of passion that they always end up treating these kids with chocolates and candies irrespective of whether children performs as the character or not. In fact, every year during Halloween, they see to that they include large quantities of chocolates and candies in their grocery shopping lists. When it comes to costumes, you have two choices. You can either choose to purchase the outfit at retail or wholesale costume shops or you can make your own outfit from your own closet using simple accessories and clothes.

There are also retail shops that rent these costumes instead of selling them which works out all the more cheaper and convenient for you. However, in order to look authentic it is advisable for you to opt for purchasing these costumes which allows you to use them for several years to come or rent these costumes for Halloween instead of making them on your own. Jack Sparrow and Pirates of the Caribbean has been a very popular theme ever since it hit the market. Everyone loves the movie and rejoices Johnny Depp’s performance as Captain Jack Sparrow. The character has some wide base of fanatics as well. So it’s understandable that many would love to dress up as pirates for the upcoming Halloween.

You can find these adult pirate costumes across several websites online and retail stores. However, if you choose to purchase it, it is very important that you purchase it from a reputable store or a website in order to ensure the costume’s quality. These costumes are considerably expensive and no one would like to waste on poor quality costumes. Hence, it is very important that your research thoroughly on the background of the website or store before purchasing or renting these costumes. And always remember to never compromise over quality for cheap price at any given day.

Jackson is a Expert author for Halloween costumes and Women Costumes.He has written many articles like Adult pirate costumes. For more information visit our site http://www.costumecenterusa.com.
Contact him at ccusamaster@gmail.com

Back Pain aerobics

2012-01-29T21:09:00.000-08:00

Three Simple aerobics to Reduce or get rid of Back Pain

These sets of movements include hip rolls, waist twists and knee bends. These 3 aerobics alone will get your blood flowing again, gun down some much needed endorphins into the body and give your body a chance to detoxify and rid it of all the free radicals and harmful particles that can build up inside us all, leaving your back in pretty good shape and the pain at bay.

Knee Bends

The first work out, knee bends, are to be done in a relaxed and kind manner. If your body suffers from knee or back trouble then you’ll want to get the help of any steady furniture, such as a desk, table or chair.

To begin, stand with your legs shoulder-wide and keep relaxed. If you are using furniture for support get your hands on that furniture. Get your stomach muscles tight and blow your breath out evenly as you goes downward, bending at the knees.

You will want to go as far down as you can before you feel yourself starting to strain or tip over. As you come back up into a standing position again, take in another breath. Your set will consist of ten knee bends, after which you can move right in to the next exercise.

Waist Twist

The waist twist should come next. How this works is you keep your hands at your side, nice and tranquil, with your feet once again at shoulder-wide distance.

You start this exercise just by swinging your arms, first right then left. The object is to move your hand around to lightly tap your lower back, right hand patting the left and so on. Your kidneys will benefit from this light tapping.

Remember, though, not to get too out of control with your swinging or your hand patting. This is all supposed to be very relaxed and even. Your breathing should come in and out in a natural manner, and also be relaxed. Do this for a count of ten, then relax your body once more.

Hip Rolls

Finally its hip rolling exercises. For this, you won’t need furniture to support or equilibrium you, but you will start once more with your legs at shoulder width.

Once again, tighten your abdomen muscles, and place your hands on your hips. Then you will reverse direction for another five rotations.

While doing this imaginary hula dancing, remember to have a smile on your lips and to breathe in a natural rhythm.

You can see that these exercises are so easy to do, that it takes just a couple of minutes a set, so there are no excuses to performing these same three sets at least three times every day. Better yet, instead of going out for a smoke break, or a coffee break, why don’t you take an exercise break instead?

Thanks: http://7daybackpaincure.net

Women Costumes

How To Deal With Children’s Primary Complex

2012-01-26T20:31:00.000-08:00

While the illness, Primary Complex, may not seem injurious upon analysis, it may develop into tuberculosis (TB) when your child’s immune system is down.

What is Primary Complex?
Children uncovered to Mycobacterium tuberculosis may sometimes expand a tuberculosis (TB) infection called Primary Complex. The most common route of illness is through breathing. A person with active TB coughs up the germ and it is inhaled by a healthy child. The TB then travels to the lungs. The immune system kicks in and “quarantines” the germ at the local site and at the neighboring lymph nodes.The child remains healthy and usually has no symptoms. They may remain symptom free until their immune system declines and the disease becomes active.

How do you diagnose Primary Complex?
As most patients have no warning sign, they only find out they have Primary Complex through a tuberculin skin test (also called a Mantoux test or PPD test). A little amount of purified protein derived (a.k.a. PPD) of the TB germ is injected superficially into the forearm. An itchy, raised, red reaction past a certain size (these changes is considered positive. In 20% of cases, a PPD test will be negative in patients with TB infection. Other times, children will have a falsely positive PPD test because they had the BCG BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) vaccine.

Thanks: http://www.smartparenting.com.ph/toddler/health-safety

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Jackson is a Expert author for Halloween costumes and Women Costumes.He has written many articles like Boy’s costumes. For more information visit our site http://www.costumecenterusa.com

new born baby care

2012-01-26T01:27:00.000-08:00

Having a baby is actually a dramatic practice as well as the starting of the new era in a mom’s life. Motherhood certainly offers its rewards however often first-time mothers need a little bit of guidance concerning the good care of their own newborn baby.

New born Baby Sleeping Schedule

Newborn babies relax/rest on average, sixteen (16) several hours in a day. The actual newborn sleeps in obstructs of time around 2(two) hours at a time. The actual newborn’s central nervous system is actually creating following delivery and you can be assured that through the age of 3 months approximately, she or he will start to rest for longer intervals at any given time and can through which grow older, be resting a good 6 hours straight through the night. Make sure to allow your baby to rest whenever she or he wants to rest.

Baby Physical exercise

Your newborn baby can usually advantage from a person doing some ‘baby exercises’ along with him or her in addition to gently rubbing the newborn’s muscle tissue. Exercising a newborn baby might help the introduction of muscle mass control as well as control and may assist in creating muscle mass power. Lay your baby on his back and simply proceed his limbs lightly. You can bend their thighs in the legs as well as lightly flex his hands at the arms. This gives an excellent connecting encounter for you in add-on to the benefits towards the baby’s muscle development.

New Born Baby Feeding Advice

It is very important that the newborn have the healthy diet throughout the first pair of several weeks associated with life as well as past. Newborns may either be breast given or fed an infant formula from a bottle. The option can be every brand new mom. A newborn baby should be fed each and every couple of hours throughout the day. Your baby will certainly let you know whenever he or she is hungry by being fussy or even sobbing.

Bathing a new born baby

Newborns shouldn’t be bathed every single day as it can dry their sensitive pores and skin. The sponge bath is usually the smartest choice within the beginning as it is much milder and it is less likely in order to upset your child. Make sure to clean the wrinkles within the child’s skin and the diaper area well. Keep the infant wrapped in the soft hand towel and clean one part of the baby’s body at a time so that the baby doesn’t get perfectly chilled.

Thanks: http://www.newbornbabycare.net/

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Jackson is a Expert author for Halloween costumes and Women Costumes.He has written many articles like Boy’s costumes. For more information visit our site http://www.costumecenterusa.com.

Is Lobster Cholesterol Content Good or Bad for Health?

2012-01-23T02:00:00.000-08:00

Does Lobster have Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fatty, wax-like stuff originate in all animals. Even humans create a significant amount of cholesterol as a product of metabolism. These substances are used for the repair of damaged cells. Thus, all animal-based meat and products contain some amounts of cholesterol.

Lobster contains a relatively high amount of cholesterol.
• High in nutrition. A single serving of cooked lobster, about Three(3) ounces, has no soaked fat, 1 gram of carbohydrate, Seventeen (17) grams of protein, less than One(1) gram of fat, and Eighty Five(85) calories. There’s no argument in saying that lobster is both healthy and nutritious. A serving of lobster packs a good punch of high-protein, lean meat.
• Cholesterol content. Each serving of cooked lobster has about sixty (60) mg of cholesterol. In a day, healthy individuals should consume a maximum of Three Hundred( 300) mg, while those with high cholesterol levels should only have a maximum of 200 mg per day. A single serving of lobster in the diet completes at least 20 percent of the recommended daily count.

Is Lobster Cholesterol Good or Bad for Health
The cholesterol content present in servings of safe to eat lobster is suggested for healthy individuals. However, those who have high cholesterol levels, or have pre-existing cardiovascular diseases should consume the shellfish in moderation.
• Shellfish has the lowest caloric content among all forms of meat. Lobster has less than half the caloric content of hamburger made of ground beef. It also has less than half of chicken’s cholesterol content, while prime ribs have three times more.
• Lobster becomes packed with bad cholesterol when accompanied by butter. Each tablespoon of butter contains around 35 mg of cholesterol. Instead of using butter or margarine, a squeeze of fresh lemon can improve any lobster dish.
• A single serving of cooked lobster has the lowest cholesterol count and saturated fat levels among all types of shellfish. Shrimp has a whopping 166 mg of cholesterol, while crab has around 80 mg.
• The monounsaturated fats found in lobsters help raise the levels of both low-density lipoproteins (bad cholesterol) and high-density lipoproteins (good cholesterol). However, lobsters contain no trans-fats.
• Lobsters should only be grilled or steamed. Frying lobsters can significantly increase the levels of trans-fats. It can also be consumed chilled, boiled, or broiled. Instead of using animal-based oils, an equally delectable alternative is extra virgin oil. Instead of using whole-fat milk for lobster bisques, individuals can prepare the shellfish using low-fat milk.

Thanks : http://www.controllingcholesterol.org/faq/lobster-cholesterol-good-or-bad.html

First aid for burns

2012-01-17T21:11:00.000-08:00

The skin has a significant role to play in the liquid and temperature regulation of the body. If enough skin area is injured, the ability to maintain that control can be lost. The skin also acts as a protective barrier against the bacteria and viruses that inhabit the world outside the body.
For major burns (second and third degree burns)

1. Remove the victim from the burning area, remembering not to put the rescuer in danger.

2. Remove any burning material from the patient.

3. Call 911 or activate the emergency response system in your area if needed.

4. Once the victim is in a safe place, keep them warm and still. Try to wrap the injured areas in a clean sheet if available. DO NOT use cold water on the victim; this may drop the body temperature and cause hypothermia.

Burns of the face, hands, and feet should always be considered a significant injury (although this may exclude sunburn.

For minor burns (first degree burns or second degree burns involving a small area of the body)

* Gently clean the wound with lukewarm water.

* Though butter has been used as a home remedy, it should NOT be used on any burn.

* Rings, bracelets, and other potentially constricting articles should be removed (edema, or swelling from inflammation may occur and the item may cut into the skin).

* The burn may be dressed with a topical antibiotic ointment like Bacitracin or Neosporin.

* If there is concern that the burn is deeper and may be second or third degree in nature, medical care should be accessed.

* Tetanus immunization should be updated if needed.

For electrical burns

Victims of electrical burns should always seek medical care.

For chemical burns

1. Identify the chemical that was involved.

2. Contact the Poison Control Center in your area or your local hospital's Emergency Department. The United States National Poison Hotline is 1-800-222-1222. You will be automatically linked to the nearest poison control center. Many chemical burns may be treated with local wound care. Some chemicals can cause life- and limb-threatening injuries and need emergent intervention.

3. Victims with chemical burns to their eyes should always seek emergency care.

Thanks: http://www.medicinenet.com/burns

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Jackson is a Expert author for Halloween costumes and Women Costumes.He has written many articles like Boy’s costumes. For more information visit our site http://www.costumecenterusa.com.

When a Cold Becomes a Sinus Infection

2012-01-10T01:27:00.000-08:00

What is a sinus? A sinus is an empty, air-filled cavity. For the reasons of this article, a sinus will referred to those hollow cavities that are in the skull and connected to the nasal airway by a narrow hole in the bone (ostium). Normally all are open to the nasal airway through an ostium. Humans have four pair of these cavities each referred to as the:

1. Frontal sinus (in forehead), 2. Maxillary sinus (behind cheeks), 3. ethmoid sinus (between the eyes), and 4. Sphenoid sinus (deep behind the ethmoids).

Ever gets a sinus infection subsequent a bad cold? It's called sinusitis. After a cold, you are at greater risk of developing a sinus illness because a cold causes inflammation and swelling of the sinuses. While sinusitis and cold symptoms can make you miserable, they are common problems and affect millions of Americans each day. Here's up-to-date information you should have about sinusitis and colds.

What Is a Sinus Infection?

A sinus infection is soreness or swelling of your sinuses. Normally, your sinuses are filled with air. When the sinuses become blocked and filled with fluid, bacteria can grow there and cause infection. This infection is sinusitis.

What Are the Symptoms of a Sinus Infection?

Symptoms of a sinus infection include the following:

* Thick, yellow, foul-smelling nasal discharge * Pressure or pain around the face and eyes * Headache (generally in the forehead area) * Nasal obstruction * Congestion * Post-nasal drip * A cold that won't go away * Fever or cough that may or may not be present

Keep in mind that these symptoms can also be seen with a cold. But if the pain around your face and eyes and the thick nasal discharge continue for more than a week, you may have sinusitis.

Source:

http://www.medicinenet.com

http://www.webmd.com/

Jackson is a Expert author for Halloween costumes and Women Costumes. He has written many articles like Boy’s costumes. For more information visit our site http://www.costumecenterusa.com. Contact him at ccusamaster@gmail.com

Open courses on CeMAP

2012-01-10T01:15:00.000-08:00

When you apply for loans, you would have often come across a term called mortgage. We end up taking loans in our life for various reasons. Some, maybe very essential, and some to just to add that little bit of luxury in your life. Whatever the reasons we take out loans for, the issuing authority, or the lender, most commonly a bank, would like collateral for the loan that they give out to you.

This is because they want to make sure that they get back the money the money that they give you. In terms of security, the banks are only being fair. Most of the times, people sign in a guarantee who would be responsible to repay the back the money in case you are not able to. There are also many banks that ask for property as collateral. This is also known as mortgage. When a property or an asset is mortgage, it means that in the event you are unable to repay back the loan, the property would be seized by the loan issuing authority like the bank, and will be sold off or made use of to repay back the loan.

Thus mortgage is to pledge your property against the full loan amount that you have taken. It is quite common when a bank loans amount a large sum of money. When employees look for mortgage counseling, someone with a qualification in mortgage is highly sought after. Hence it is becoming an important career choice for many today. There are many countries who train their students to complete and clear mortgage exams. Innovative ideas and training tools are implemented to train students to clear their CeMAP exams. The curriculum and training program is designed to meet the needs of the students.

This site offers training for the CeMAP exam. There are many advantages to the CeMAP training. Clearing the CeMAP exams qualifies a student to practice as a mortgage advisor in the UK. The training is oriented towards their job and hence it allows students to become proficient in their work. There is a large need for qualified mortgage advisors in the country today.

This has created a lot of openings for qualified mortgage professionals in the market today. Also a CeMAP qualified professional not only has the option of joining existing firms as advisors but they are also qualified to open their own mortgage advisory services. However, there are many companies across the country that has a demand for mortgage professionals. Therefore it is a feasible career options for many students across the country as the opportunities are vast. This site will help and guide students who are looking to take up their CeMAP exams. You will find all information related to such exams here.

Halloween the Sensational Gut Feeling

2012-01-08T20:22:00.000-08:00

Guys get ready it’s time to celebrate the Halloween party.
Have you chosen your invites???? Has the planning for Halloween started???
Get access to stuff that you had never thought about in your lifetime…..
Choose a costume that is more edgy and just rock on………..

Halloween is a chance for restrained people to let loose and turn spooky, wild, wicked, and naughty almost to do things that are stupid. So this time make sure that Your Halloween is more enjoyable and it will be, but only if you plan for something unusual rather the same dress up. Halloween is known for the dreadful dress up rather anything else. Here you can find few tips concerned with the Halloween costumes for all age groups and some ideas to give an awe factor. Make sure that the makeup and costumes which you wear has a mixed effect of art and science such that it is dreadful.

Dressing up completely different attires is basically fun however finding the simplest and right kind of outfit for Halloween is sort of powerful task. Ton of your time is needed to hold out through analysis then solely you'll return up with the simplest attires. You can go with the cloth primarily based on your style and preference. When it involves wear enticing costume, you've got to be little artistic to consider some special outfits to wear in party.

Interesting information to you “One quarter of all the candy sold annually in the U.S. is purchased for Halloween” isn’t it exciting to know???

Though infants know nothing about the Halloween party it is fun dressing up for them and presenting them in the cutest way. While selecting infant Halloween costumes make sure that you opt for the one which your baby feels comfy. You can check out the various sites which offer the infant costumes and opt for the best one.

When it comes to women there are quite a lot of costumes like princess, bat girl, horror witch, and skeleton with bleeding-heart. While selecting for Halloween women costumes make sure that you opt the best costume suitable for you in varying styles and persona that will help you to look your "best" while you enjoy the partying.

Movie characters are great ideas for boys who wish to dress up for Halloween parties. When it comes to Boy’s costumes in Halloween, harry potter is in the trend. One of the main advantages in dressing up like a movie character for your Halloween party is it will help the onlookers to make out the character.

Adults are the one who make the most of from the Halloween party and they tend to blast off and enjoy off the charts to have a splendid time. When it comes to adult, costumes are available in a wide range like vampire look, deviled egg and many more.

On the whole, the best part of Halloween is that you could become anyone you wanted to be, even if was for one night.
Jackson is a Expert author for Halloween costumes and Women Costumes.He has written many articles like Boy’s costumes. For more information visit our site http://www.costumecenterusa.com.
Contact him at ccusamaster@gmail.com

Hot journey trends for 2012

2011-12-29T00:59:00.000-08:00

Personalized genealogy tours, Titanic centenary cruises, camping in British backyards and using Facebook to choose congenial seat-mates for long-haul flights are some of the hot travel trends tips for 2012.

International booking company Ticketmaster is already testing interactive seat maps for concert and sporting venues, linking them to Facebook and allow customers to check where friends are sitting.An app called Vocre can interpret what each speaker is saying, almost in real time and in nine languages.

There is already a popular app that translates Arabic. Airlines will begin rewarding common business flyers with electronic loyalty cards programmed to function as boarding passes that could be updated for each flight and used at routine check-in kiosks.

Not only can people visit the American Civil War or Crimean battlefields to see where their ancestors fought, they can also dress the part and join the exact regiments.

Expect lots of merchandise, as well as mini-cruises and flights over the area where the ship went down. Another emerging trend is customized tour planning, with website start-ups helping travelers develop individual itineraries by combing an eclectic mix of small-scale boutique tours and personal guides. You can visit this website for transportation facilities.

8 foods Americans like best

2011-12-18T22:39:00.000-08:00

Americans are more satisfied with our own food than we are with pet food, athletic shoes and apparel, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index, an ongoing, comprehensive survey of thousands of consumers about the products and services provided by more than 225 companies.

The ACSI has been asking consumers to rate their satisfaction with companies on a scale of 0 to 100 since 1995.

Tops in satisfaction this year, as it has been for the past 12 years, is condiment maker Heinz. Click on the photo above to find out how other food manufacturers - from candy maker Mars to soup giant Campbell - rate for customer satisfaction.

Why should we care?

ACSI founder Claes Fornell explains, "When there is little or no industry growth, the only way for many companies to expand is to take market share from competition. The best defense a company can have against competitive efforts to take market share is to have satisfied customers."

To measure customer satisfaction, ACSI asks three questions:

1. "Were you satisfied," measuring reaction to the overall experience

2. "How well did it meet your expectations," measuring satisfaction against expectations (a company that isn't well thought of that delivers better-than-expected service will do better on this question that a popular company that disappoints)

Read More: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/satisfaction-331921-companies-food.html

What is Pancreatic Cancer? Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms and Causes

2011-12-11T21:49:00.000-08:00

What Is The Pancreas?

The pancreas is a 6-inch long organ located behind the stomach in the back of the abdomen. It is spongy and shaped somewhat like a fish, extended horizontally across the abdomen. The head of the pancreas is on the right side of the abdomen where the stomach is attached to the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum). The tail of the pancreas - its narrowest part - extends to the left side of the abdomen next to the spleen.

The pancreas contains exocrine and endocrine glands that create pancreatic juices, hormones, and insulin. Pancreatic juices, or enzymes, made by the exocrine glands are released into the intestines by way of a series of ducts in order to help digest fat, proteins, and carbohydrates. Over 95% of the pancreas is made up of exocrine glands and ducts. The endocrine cells are arranged in small clusters called islets of Langerhans, which release insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. These two hormones manage levels of sugar in the blood. When they are not working properly, the result is often diabetes.

What Is Pancreatic Cancer?

Cancer is a class of diseases characterized by out-of-control cell growth, and pancreatic cancer occurs when this uncontrolled cell growth begins in the pancreas. Rather than developing into healthy, normal pancreas tissue, these abnormal cells continue dividing and form lumps or masses of tissue called tumors. Tumors then interfere with the main functions of the pancreas. If a tumor stays in one spot and demonstrates limited growth, it is generally considered to be benign.

More dangerous, or malignant, tumors form when the cancer cells migrate to other parts of the body through the blood or lymph systems. When a tumor successfully spreads to other parts of the body and grows, invading and destroying other healthy tissues, it is said to have metastasized. This process itself is called metastasis, and the result is a more serious condition that is very difficult to treat.

In the United States each year, over 30,000 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Europe sees more than 60,000 diagnoses each year. Because pancreatic cancer is usually diagnosed late into its development, the five-year survival rate after diagnosis is less than 5%.
How Is Pancreatic Cancer Classified?

Pancreatic cancer is categorized depending on whether it affects the exocrine or endocrine functions of the pancreas. There is an important distinction between the two broad types of pancreatic cancer because they have different risk factors, causes, symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, and prognoses.

Tumors that affect the exocrine functions are the most common type of pancreatic cancer. Sometimes these tumors or cysts are benign, called cystadenomas. However, it is more likely to find malignant tumors called adenocarcinomas, which account for 95% of exocrine pancreatic cancers. Adenocarcinomas typically start in gland cells in the ducts of the pancreas, but they can also arise from pancreatic enzyme cells (acinar cell carcinoma).

Other types of pancreatic cancers that are associated with exocrine functions include adenosquamous carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and giant cell carcinomas, named for their appearances underneath a microscope. There is also a disease called ampullary cancer (carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater) that starts where the bile duct and pancreatic duct meet the duodenum of the small intestine.

Tumors that affect the endocrine functions of the pancreas are called neuroendocrine or islet cell tumors, but these are fairly uncommon. These tumors are named for the type of hormone-producing cell that is initially affected. For example: insulinomas (insulin), glucagonomas (glucagon), gastrinomas (gastrin), somatostatinomas (somatostatin), and VIPomas (vasoactive intestinal peptide or VIP). Functioning islet cell tumors still make hormones, while non-functioning ones do not. Most of these tumors are benign, but non-functioning tumors are more likely to be malignant, islet cell carcinomas.

source:www.medicalnewstoday.com

Saffron protects brain cells

2011-12-05T02:15:00.000-08:00

A key ingredient in the Saffron may potentially protect brain cells from diseases involving neuro-inflammation, such as multiple sclerosis.

Inflammation is a protective attempt by an organism to remove injurious stimuli such as pathogens, damaged cells or irritants and to initiate the healing process.

MS is characterized by inflamed brain (neurons) that have lost their protective insulation, known as myelin, The Journal of Immunology reports. Symptoms range from mild to severe and include visual disturbances, muscle spasms, loss of sensation, speech impediment, dizziness, depression, etc, according to a University of Alberta statement.

Chris Power, from the University of Alberta, who led the research, said: ‘We found there is a compound in Saffron, known as crocin, that exerts a protective effect in brain cell cultures and other models of MS. It prevented damage to cells that make myelin in the brain.’
‘This research highlights a potential treatment role for crocin in diseases involving chronic neuroinflammation - something that had not been recognized until now,’ concludes Power

Alternative Health news

source:www.greaterkashmir.com

Health Benefits of Drumstick Leaves

2011-11-29T20:40:00.000-08:00

The Drumstick trees make themselves at home almost anywhere. They are the only genus of the family Moringaceae. The trees branch out profusely and bear pods which are edible the leaves are highly nutritious for humans.
Drumstick trees grow almost everywhere, but they prefer a tropical climate Livestock, monkeys feed on the leaves which serve to be a tonic for them, unawares. It is known to increase milk production in cattle. WHO have been utilizing the leaves for more than forty years, to treat malnourished children: as a cheaper alternative in the countries that needed them.

The leaves have essential amino acids, vitamins A, B, C and minerals They are anti inflammatory, promote metabolism and support normal sugar levels of the body It is the secret of athletes to boost themselves and big companies prefer to keep the general public in the dark about its value, the plant being so abundant.

The chemicals in the leaves are an antioxidant; they beautify the skin, aid in digestion and are nourishment for the the eyes and brain The leaves increase the natural defences of the body At home the tender leaves could be taken in a boiled form, boiled with lentils. They could also be sautéed in oil with a little garlic or spices for taste. Even the blossoms are edible.

Alternative Health News
Source : healthmad.com

What is a pulled hamstring or hamstring strain?

2011-11-27T21:10:00.000-08:00

A hamstring strain or a pulled hamstring as it is sometimes called is a tear in one or more of the hamstring muscles. Strictly speaking there are three hamstring muscles which are known as the hamstring muscle group.

The role of the hamstring muscles is to bend (flex) the knee and to move the thigh backwards at the hip (extend the hip). Understanding how the hamstrings work give vital clues as to their modes of injury. Mild to severe hamstring strains are extremely common in sprinters and hurdle jumpers and in all sports that involve sprinting activities, such as football and rugby.
Symptoms of a Pulled Hamstring:

* A sudden sharp pain at the back of the leg during exercise-most probably during sprinting or high velocity movements.

* Pain on stretching the muscle

* Pain on contracting the muscle against resistance.

* Swelling and bruising.

* If the rupture is severe a gap in the muscle may be felt.

* Click here for information on how a hamstring strain is assessed.

Severity of a Pulled Hamstring:
Strains are graded 1, 2 or 3 depending on severity. Grade 1 consists of minor tears within the muscle. A grade 2 is a partial tear in the muscle and grade 3 is a severe or complete rupture of the muscle.

Grade 1: What does it feel like?

* May have tightness in the posterior thigh.

* Probably able to walk normally however will be aware of some discomfort

* Minimal swelling.

* Lying on front and trying to bend the knee against resistance probably won't produce much pain.

Grade 2: What does it feel like?

* Gait will be affected-limp may be present .

* May be associated with occasional sudden twinges of pain during activity.

* May notice swelling.

* Pressure increases pain.

* Flexing the knee against resistance causes pain.

* Might be unable to fully straighten the knee.

Grade 3: What does it feel like?

* Walking severely affected- may need walking aids such as crutches

* Severe pain- particularly during activity such as knee flexion.

* Noticeable swelling visible immediately.

Alternative Health News

Read More : sportsinjuryclinic.net

Diabetes overview

2011-11-24T00:44:00.000-08:00

Diabetes Causes

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas to control blood sugar. Diabetes can be caused by too little insulin, resistance to insulin, or both.
To understand diabetes, it is important to first understand the normal process by which food is broken down and used by the body for energy. Several things happen when food is digested:

* A sugar called glucose enters the bloodstream. Glucose is a source of fuel for the body.

* An organ called the pancreas makes insulin. The role of insulin is to move glucose from the bloodstream into muscle, fat, and liver cells, where it can be used as fuel.

People with diabetes have high blood sugar because their body cannot move sugar into fat, liver, and muscle cells to be stored for energy. This is because either:

* Their pancreas does not make enough insulin

* Their cells do not respond to insulin normally

* Both of the above

There are three major types of diabetes. The causes and risk factors are different for each type:

* Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, but it is most often diagnosed in children, teens, or young adults. In this disease, the body makes little or no insulin. Daily injections of insulin are needed. The exact cause is unknown.

* Type 2 diabetes makes up most of diabetes cases. It most often occurs in adulthood, but teens and young adults are now being diagnosed with it because of high obesity rates. Many people with type 2 diabetes do not know they have it.

* Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar that develops at any time during pregnancy in a woman who does not have diabetes.

Diabetes Symptoms
High blood sugar levels can cause several symptoms, including:

* Blurry vision

* Excess thirst

* Fatigue

* Frequent urination

* Hunger

* Weight loss

Because type 2 diabetes develops slowly, some people with high blood sugar have no symptoms.
Diabetes Exams and Tests

A urine analysis may be used to look for high blood sugar. However, a urine test alone does not diagnose diabetes.

Your health care provider may suspect that you have diabetes if your blood sugar level is higher than 200 mg/dL. To confirm the diagnosis, one or more of the following tests must be done.

Blood tests:

* Fasting blood glucose level -- diabetes is diagnosed if it is higher than 126 mg/dL twice. Levels between 100 and 126 mg/dL are called impaired fasting glucose or pre-diabetes. These levels are risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
* Hemoglobin A1c test --
o Normal: Less than 5.7%
o Pre-diabetes: 5.7% - 6.4%
o Diabetes: 6.5% or higher
* Oral glucose tolerance test -- diabetes is diagnosed if glucose level is higher than 200 mg/dL after 2 hours. (This test is used more often for type 2 diabetes.)

Screening for type 2 diabetes in people who have no symptoms is recommended for:

* Overweight children who have other risk factors for diabetes, starting at age 10 and repeated every 2 years
* Overweight adults (BMI greater than 25) who have other risk factors
* Adults over age 45, repeated every 3 years

Alternative Health News

Instructions for Eating Meat on a Low-Fat Diet

2011-11-21T00:49:00.000-08:00

Meat be full of protein necessary to build muscle and carry out a variety of functions in the body. Unfortunately, meats also contain varying amounts of cholesterol and saturated fats.

The National Cholesterol Education Program recommends that, if you are trying to lower your cholesterol, your saturated fat intake should not be more than 7% of your total caloric intake each day. Following a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet doesn’t actually mean that you have to surrender your meat entirely. But there are a few things you can do to offset the damage it may do to your cholesterol levels:

Know Which Meats Are Leaner

Some meats are higher in fat than others. For instance, poultry (chicken, turkey), lamb, veal, and “loin” or “round” cuts of pork or beef are considered some of your leaner options.
Although it's not really what comes to mind when you think of "meat," fish -- including tuna, salmon, mackerel and trout -- is another great, lean option. Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which can lower your triglycerides and are considered to be heart healthy. In fact, the American Heart Association recommends consuming fish at least two times a week because of their high omega-3 fatty acid content.

Know Your High-Fat Meats

You don't have to cut out meat entirely, but you should make an effort to steer clear of any high-fat meats or meats that are processed (or try to lower your consumption of them). Meats that are high in fat content include ground beef, bacon, and organ meats (like liver). Meats that are processed, including sausages, hot dogs, and some luncheon meats, are also high in fat and should be consumed in minimal amounts. If you are in doubt, always check your food labels for saturated fat content.

Lean Cuts Are Also Important

If you see that any portions of your meat are trimmed with fat, be sure to remove it. This can also lower the fat content of your meat. Stay away from meats that appear fatty or have a “marbled” appearance to them.

How Is Your Meat Cooked?

The manner in which your meat is cooked also counts in the cholesterol department. Frying your meat is probably the worst way to prepare meat if you are trying to follow a low-fat diet. Meats that are fried are also high in saturated fat, which can increase your cholesterol levels. Instead, try baking, broiling, or roasting your meat. These methods can also deliver some tasty dishes and will not sabotage your cholesterol-lowering efforts as badly as frying your meat

Alternative Health News

Stomach fitness instructions

2011-11-16T20:34:00.000-08:00

Stomach fitness instructions are bound to be expected everyone seems to be talking health and calories these days. Advice abounds in terms of eating dos and don’ts. What we bring to you in this feature is stomach health tips and the science behind it.

1. Breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, dinner like a pauper: There can be no better advice for stomach health. Morning is the time we need energy the most. We have not had anything to eat for many hours and the entire day lies ahead. Most of us do the exact opposite. Our calorie intake is heavily tilted towards dinner; when we require calories the least.

2. Small and frequent meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner should not be the only meals of the day. Traditionally, we view these as occasions to stuff ourselves like there is no tomorrow. Most of us consume more than the stomach can handle at once. As a result, we do not get the complete benefit of the food and it makes us lethargic. Smaller and more frequent meals are highly recommended for stomach health.

3. Simple meals over buffets: Food is digested by enzymes in the stomach in an acidic environment. To digest different kinds of food (protein, carbs), different concentrations of enzymes and levels of acidity are required. The customary lunch containing at least four to five different items is impossible to digest effectively. It is ironic that we pay premiums for ‘all-you-can-eat’ lunches and buffets when all you can eat is not all you can use. Read more about wrong food combinations in this feature.

4. Water: Yes, plain water – no calories, no side effects. Keep a bottle handy at work and sip at regular intervals. Not only does water aid digestion, it also relieves acidity simply by diluting stomach acid. But do not drink cold water after meals, it makes digestion difficult. Have warm water instead.

5. Eat slowly: So you never listened to your Mom. And you are always pressed for time. But you should know that along with gobbling your food down fast, you are also ingesting large portions of air. This causes belching and a feeling of being bloated. Also remember to chew your food thoroughly.

6. Avoid acidity triggers: Major stomach illnesses include ulcers and stomach cancer. Though certain food items are considered risk factors, the causes of stomach cancer are largely unknown. What is in our hands besides eating healthy; is avoiding acidity. Identify food items that trigger acidity and stop or reduce their intake.
7. Reduce smoking and drinking: There is no good time for smoking. It causes acidity and makes digestion difficult by decreasing the oxygen carried in blood. Read our 8 reasons to quit smoking if you need motivation. Alcohol induces acid production and together with the various asides you eat to go with the booze, a dangerous concoction is formed in the stomach the effects of which last for many hours. It is best to have good meal before alcohol.

8. Mind the Milk: A large percentage of population is lactose intolerant, i.e. they cannot digest lactose found in milk and milk products. While it is not a serious illness, it does cause diarrhea, bloating and nausea. Even in people who are tolerant, milk is difficult to digest and should be had alone. Having it with other food items makes it even more difficult to digest.
9. Do not mix fruits with other food: Fruits are healthy and easy to digest only if they are had alone. This is because fruits directly hit the intestine and enter the blood quickly. If they are consumed with other food items like milk and curd, their passage to the intestine is slowed down and they start rotting in the stomach.

10. Do not depend on medicines: We do have a lot of options in terms of medicines used to treat stomach problems. While it is great to have options, medicines should only be used when symptoms are severe or caused by another condition or medication. People tend to develop a psychological dependence on medicine and the underlying cause of acidity and dietary imbalances go unaddressed.

Best foods for boosting immunity of human body

2011-11-13T22:23:00.000-08:00

Winter can be a hugely vulnerable time for the body, with pesky germs thriving on the warmth of well-incubated office blocks, houses and shops with so much illness about, it’s almost inevitable that you’ll feel a slight twinge in your throat at some point but thankfully there are easy ways to combat the onset of germs. Indeed, you can save yourself a lot time and money by avoiding the pharmacy altogether and simply eating your way towards better immunity.

White blood cells in the body work to fight bacteria and harmful toxins. However, to perform effectively, these cells need to regenerate in an effort to defend you from feeling ill. There are a number of key foods we can consume to feed our white blood cells with the nutrients they need to thrive and these may include the following:

* Eating yogurt for better immunity — Judging from their frequently bad press, you might assume that all forms of bacteria are out to get you. Thankfully, this couldn’t be further from the truth. ‘Good’ bacteria is great for regulating the immune system, by increasing its antibodies and preventing the rise of pathogenic organisms like salmonella and E.coli. Many yogurts include a high volume of ‘good’ bacteria so if you want to develop your flagging immune system, a few quick spoonfuls could really help you out!

* Eating fresh fruit and vegetables for better immunity — Cheap and easy to buy, fresh fruit and veg is perfect for boosting your white blood cells. Packed with phytonutrients, the likes of peppers and broccoli strengthen the immune system by rebuilding damaged cells and enhancing new ones. Eating fruit is also essential in fuelling any healthy immune system. Naturally detoxifying, fruit contains a number of antioxidants that shield white blood cells from harm. So why not grab some now?

* Eating spinach for better immunity — Whilst eating spinach won’t be enough to turn you into Popeye, it’s certainly excellent for boosting the body’s immunity from illness. Spinach and other leafy foods like kale and collard are high in folate which is vital in preventing DNA and blood vessel damage. It may not be the most appealing dish to come home to in the evening, but a plate of spinach really could keep you healthy through the dark winter months ahead.

* Eating oysters for better immunity — Oysters may be renowned for boosting the sex drive, but these slimy molluscs are also ideal if you’re looking to improve your immune system. Oysters are crammed with zinc, which can really enhance your immunity by helping white blood cells reproduce more quickly. Zinc also strengthens antibodies, making them more efficient at warding off infection. So, to keep your body in sync, just eat some zinc!

* Eating garlic for better immunity — Whilst it wouldn’t be wise to eat it on a hot date with a sexy stunner, garlic is nevertheless a fantastic infection deterrent. Containing key anti-virus elements like allicin and ajoene, garlic juice alone can clear up fungal maladies and even disinfect wounds. All things in moderation though; just make sure it doesn’t immunize your chances of scoring tonight

* Eating carrots for better immunity — Carrots aren’t just for rabbits, you know. Try and munch a few if you’re looking to avoid the curse of a nasty cough or cold. Carrots are full of beta-carotene which bolsters the number of white blood cells in the immune system, as well as T cells. So if you’re looking to go to war with an evil disease microbe, it might well be time you crunched on a bit of orange

Maintaining a strong immune system doesn’t have to be rocket science, just as long as you enjoy a healthy diet, rich in certain nutrients. Whilst foods like oysters and carrots won’t be dead-certs when it comes to fighting off illness, they’ll do you a lot more good than if you’re stuffing yet another quarter-pounder into your mouth. So put down the pasty and get chomping on some immunising foods. Otherwise it could be a long, hard winter

Stomach ulcer

2011-11-10T21:22:00.000-08:00

A stomach ulcer also called (peptic ulcer) is a break in the tissue lining the stomach most are caused by infection with the Helicobacter pylori bacterium. Symptoms may include abdominal pain just below the ribcage, indigestion, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, weight loss, blood in the vomit or bowel motions and symptoms of anaemia, such as light-headedness. Treatment options include antibiotics and acid-suppressing medications.

A stomach or gastric ulcer is a break in the tissue lining the stomach the term 'peptic ulcer' refers to those that occur in either the stomach or the first part of the small intestine that leads out of the stomach, called the duodenum it was once commonly thought that stress, smoking and diet were the principal causes of stomach ulcers. However, the Helicobacter pylori bacterium is now known to be responsible for most duodenal ulcers and 60 per cent of stomach ulcers. The H. pylori bacterium also prompts many symptoms of dyspepsia, or indigestion.

Symptoms of stomach ulcers
Some stomach ulcers don’t produce any symptoms. If present, they can include:

* Abdominal pain just below the ribcage
* Indigestion
* Nausea
* Loss of appetite
* Vomiting
* Weight loss
* Bright or altered blood present in vomit or bowel motions
* Symptoms of anaemia, such as light-headedness
* Shock due to blood loss – a medical emergency.

Causes of stomach ulcers
A stomach ulcer can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

* Helicobacter pylori – bacteria is thought to be responsible for around 60 per cent of stomach ulcers and at least 90 per cent of duodenal ulcers.
* Certain medications – which include aspirin or clopidogrel, taken regularly to help prevent heart attack or stroke, and drugs for arthritis. Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) are thought to cause around two fifths of stomach ulcers.
* Cancer – stomach cancer can present as an ulcer, particularly in older people.

Alternative Health News

Dry Skin overview

2011-11-07T21:27:00.000-08:00

Dry skin has a low level of sebum and can be prone to sensitivity. The skin has a parched look caused by its inability to retain moisture it usually feels "tight" and uncomfortable after washing unless some type of moisturizer or skin cream is applied.

Chapping and cracking are signs of extremely dry, dehydrated skin dryness is exacerbated by wind, extremes of temperature and air-conditioning, all of which cause the skin to flake, chap and feel tight. This type of skin is tightly drawn over bones. It looks dull, especially on the cheeks and around the eyes. There may be tiny expression lines on these spots and at the comers of the mouth.

Causes

The oil glands do not supply enough lubrication to the skin. As a result, the skin becomes dehydrated.
Skin gets exposed to the elements especially in winter.
Dry skin could be due to a genetic condition.
Poor diet. Nutritional deficiencies, especially deficiencies of vitamin A and the B vitamins, can also contribute to dry skin.
Environmental factors such as exposure to sun, wind, cold, chemicals, or cosmetics, or excessive bathing with harsh soaps.
Conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, or seborrhea.
Dry Skin Could Also Be From:
Dry skin can be a sign of an underactive thyroid.
Serious skin complications can arise for people with diabetes.
Certain drugs, including diuretics, antispasmodics, and antihistamines, can contribute to dry skin.

How To Care for Dry Skin

Avoid the use of tap water when cleansing dry skin. The deposits are too drying on the skin. And never, ever use hot water. Use mineral water to freshen your face. Don't use a washcloth-a rough texture can irritate. In the morning, apply a spray of mineral water on your skin misted on with a plant sprayer. (Do not use a sprayer that had been used for spraying insecticides.) Lightly pat dry.

Dry skin needs plenty of thorough but gentle cleansing, regular stimulation with massage and generous quantities of oil and moisture. It also needs extra careful protection. Washing dry skin with soap and water not only removes grime but also the natural oils protecting the skin. A moisturizer increases the water content of the outer layers of the skin and gives it a soft, moist look.

Use nondetergent, neutral-pH products to cleanse your skin. Avoid using any commercial soap. And always touch your face gently. Double-cleanse with a cream, leaving a light, thin trace of it on the skin after the second cleansing.

Follow a bath or a shower with a mild application of baby oil. Massage your face with home-made nourishing cream every night before retiring. Be generous with the cream in the areas surrounding the eyes where tiny lines and crows feet are born.

Avoid coming in contact with highly alkaline soaps and detergents like washing sodas and powders which contain highly alkaline and drying ingredients.

Moistening with water, then applying a thin film of air-excluding moisturizer, restores the suppleness of the dry skin.

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Skin care for teens

2011-11-06T20:32:00.000-08:00

I've been seeing a lot of teens for their "routine" checkups and skin care is always part of our discussion. If you have teens, you know how self-conscious they can be when it comes to their skin.

Some teenagers are blessed with good skin, and when you ask them what they do to care for their skin, the reply is usually "nothing." That's certainly not the norm.

Adolescence is prime time for acne, and whether breakouts are mild or persistent, good skin care is key for every teen.

All adolescents should wash their faces twice a day. They don't need "fancy" skin potions or lotions, either; the local drugstore has more than enough choices to begin a good cleansing program.

A mild soap-free cleanser may be enough to begin with; something like Purpose, Basis, Aquanil or Neutrogena. If the skin is oily and acne-prone, try a cleanser containing glycolic or salicylic acid - products like Neutrogena Acne wash or Clean and Clear. (Read labels to check the ingredients.) These provide gentle exfoliation of the skin surface. Wash with a soft cloth but don't scrub or buff.

After washing your face in the morning, apply a gentle noncomprehending moisturizer with sunscreen. This will not cause acne, but will prevent the sun damage we all experience every day. I like Oil of Olay complete or Neutrogena, but there are many other products out there.

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What happens to the body when a person gets TB?

2011-11-03T22:46:00.000-07:00

When the inhaled tuberculosis bacteria enter the lungs, they can multiply and cause a local lung infection (pneumonia). The local lymph nodes associated with the lungs may also become involved with the infection and usually become enlarged. The hilar lymph nodes (the lymph nodes adjacent to the heart in the central part of the chest) are often involved.
In addition, TB can spread to other parts of the body. The body's immune (defense) system, however, can fight off the infection and stop the bacteria from spreading. The immune system does so ultimately by forming scar tissue around the TB bacteria and isolating it from the rest of the body. Tuberculosis that occurs after initial exposure to the bacteria is often referred to as primary TB. If the body is able to form scar tissue (fibrosis) around the TB bacteria, then the infection is contained in an inactive state. Such an individual typically has no symptoms and cannot spread TB to other people. The scar tissue and lymph nodes may eventually harden, like stone, due to the process of calcification of the scars (deposition of calcium from the bloodstream in the scar tissue). These scars often appear on X-rays and imaging studies like round marbles and are referred to as a granuloma. If these scars do not show any evidence of calcium on X-ray, they can be difficult to distinguish from cancer.

Sometimes, however, the body's immune system becomes weakened, and the TB bacteria break through the scar tissue and can cause active disease, referred to as reactivation tuberculosis or secondary TB. For example, the immune system can be weakened by old age, the development of another infection or a cancer, or certain medications such as cortisone, anticancer drugs, or certain medications used to treat arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease. The breakthrough of bacteria can result in a recurrence of the pneumonia and a spread of TB to other locations in the body. The kidneys, bone, and lining of the brain and spinal cord (meninges) are the most common sites affected by the spread of TB beyond the lungs.

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Papaya Health Benefits

2011-11-01T22:07:00.000-07:00

Paw Paw how we call it here in Australia is these days plentiful all year round in most of the countries.
The parts that are used medicinally are fruit, seeds, stems and leaves. I did look around and found out you can buy paw paw in all forms, in a form of fermented papaya, herbal teas even tablets and of course plenty of the fresh fruit, which can be eaten as it is or in a form of juice. So you ask what are these awesome healing properties of paw paw? Well where do I start? Papaya fruit is and excellent source of dietary fiber, folate, vitamin A, C and E. It also contains small amount of calcium, iron, riboflavin, thiamine and niacine. It is also very rich in antioxidant nutrients flavonoids and carotenes, very high in vitamin C plus A, and low in calories and sodium.

Paw paw is rich in enzymes called papain and chymopapain which helps with the digestion, particularly it breaks down the proteins from the food we eat into amino acids. The latest research shows that amino acids are responsible for all what is happening in our organism, basically for what is happening in every chemical reaction as well as our mental and physical health. As we age we produce less of the digestive enzymes in our stomach and pancreas, which leads to ineffective digestion of proteins. Due to this we end up with excess amount of undigested protein, which leads to overgrowth of the bad bacteria in our gastrointestinal system and not enough of amino acids to perform all important chemical reactions. We can say that good quality protein is absolutely essential for our healthy being. This is where the papaya enzymes can be very beneficial.

The papain enzymes are produced in the skinny peel of paw paw. The combination of these enzymes repels insect during the ripening, without this protection paw paw fruit would not survive. Eating paw paw after a meal makes for better digestion, prevents bloating and chronic indigestion. It can also lower the inflammation in the body, alleviates the pain and edema caused by sport injuries. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties papaya can relieve the severity of Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Because of its high antioxidant content, papaya can prevent cholesterol oxidation and can be use in a preventative treatments against atherosclerosis, strokes, heart attacks and diabetic heart disease.

In a everyday health papaya works magic on strengthening the immune system preventing the recurrent colds and flu. After treatment with antibiotics eating paw paw or drinking its juice replenishes the good intestinal bacteria, which was destroyed by the antibiotic treatment. The latest good news from eating paw paw comes down once again to papain the enzyme which I talked about, it was found to destroy intestinal parasites. Papain is proteolitic enzyme, which means that it digests inert (non-living) proteins. Intestinal parasites are largely protein, the papain attacks it and causes parasite to die. Also, home applications of leaf and bark papaya extract is used to deal with mouth gums and toothaches which is being effectively practised in many cultures around the world.

Papaya Research and Products

Papain is also being studied for relief of cancer therapy side effects, especially relieving side effects such as difficulty swallowing and mouth sores after radiation and chemotherapy as well as boosting up the immune system and helping body to fight the cancer. I am big fan of the products made by Rochway, Australian company (for more information visit rochway.com.au) as they use organically grown papaya, producing among other products, product called Papaya35, fermented papaya enzymes. They also produce Blueberry and PawPaw probiotic Punch, which has very strong antioxidant properties that protects against free radicals. Free radicals contribute largely in many diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and cancer. Rochway products are 99% sugar free which makes them suitable for people suffering diabetes as well. As you can see there is plenty we can benefit from this simple fruit, more and more research is being done and I can’t wait to hear more about it.

For references and more on the current studies you can look up PubMed Gov. ( search www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ) as for the products there are few available on the market. I am sure if you look around you will be able to find many available or simply stick with the fresh fruit. However if you are looking or hoping for more therapeutic effect of eating papaya, you need to be aware the unripened papaya (still green papaya) contains far more of the proteolytic enzymes papain and chymopapain than ripened papaya which we commonly eat. You can also juice the leaves and stems but be prepared for the vile taste of it …. you can’t naturally like its taste nor does the cancer cells.
Summary of Healing Properties of Papaya

Increases quality of proteins in whole organism.
Revitalize the human body and maintain energy and vitality.
Encourages the renewal of muscle tissue.
Supports cardiovascular system.
Boosts up the immune system.
Helps with the digestive system, by breaking down the proteins and supporting production of digestive enzymes.
Papaya can be use also externally as a treatment for skin wounds that don’t heal quickly, for this you can use papaya peel or ointments made out of papaya.
Prevents the cataract formation.
Due to high vitamin A, it lowers the risk of emphysema in smokers and passive smokers.
Alleviates inflammation.
Helps with the nausea and constipation.

Can benefit people suffering colon cancer and other forms of cancers and aliments of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems.

Malaria Overview

2011-11-01T06:23:00.000-07:00

Malaria is caused by a parasite that is passed from one human to another by the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes.

After infection, the parasites travel through the bloodstream to the liver, where they mature and release another form, the merozoites. The parasites enter the bloodstream and infect red blood cells.

The parasites multiply inside the red blood cells, which then break open within 48 to 72 hours, infecting more red blood cells. The first symptoms usually occur 10 days to 4 weeks after infection, though they can appear as early as 8 days or as long as a year after infection. The symptoms occur in cycles of 48 to 72 hours.

Most symptoms are caused by:

The release of merozoites into the bloodstream
Anemia resulting from the destruction of the red blood cells
Large amounts of free hemoglobin being released into circulation after red blood cells break open

Malaria can also be transmitted from a mother to her unborn baby (congenitally) and by blood transfusions. Malaria can be carried by mosquitoes in temperate climates, but the parasite disappears over the winter.

The disease is a major health problem in much of the tropics and subtropics. The CDC estimates that there are 300-500 million cases of malaria each year, and more than 1 million people die from it. It presents a major disease hazard for travelers to warm climates.

In some areas of the world, mosquitoes that carry malaria have developed resistance to insecticides. In addition, the parasites have developed resistance to some antibiotics. These conditions have led to difficulty in controlling both the rate of infection and spread of this disease.

There are four types of common malaria parasites. Recently, a fifth type, Plasmodium knowlesi , has been causing malaria in Malaysia and areas of southeast Asia. Another type, falciparum malaria, affects more red blood cells than the other types and is much more serious. It can be fatal within a few hours of the first symptoms.
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Sinus Infection Symptoms

2011-10-31T02:36:00.000-07:00

Sinus symptoms and signs are caused because of infection of sinus and resulting causes the swelling because of bacteria within the cavities of sinus.

The sinuses are the cavities which are open in the continuous connection with nasal openings which are free for both air and mucous. At this situation, sounds certain type of volume. When sinus gets blocked because of certain swelling and infectious air already present inside the sinus then this situation causes the sinus headache.

Another reason for sinus pain is that when nasal get blocked because of swollen and air unable to get into the sinus. Sinus spray is generally used as a treatment for the sinus infection which is sometimes prescribed and gotten over the counter. This spray is is useful for killing the bacteria and microbes which causes severe sinus infection symptoms.

There are four major pairs of the sinuses which are listed below:
Maxillary sinuses (behind the cheek bones)
Frontal sinuses (in the forehead)
Sphenoid sinuses (behind the eyes)
Ethmoid sinuses (between the eyes)

Types of Sinus infection:

Sinus infections are classified in 2 ways as given below:

Length of time
They are infectious or not.

Acute lasts within one month, where as sub acute takes one to three months to cure. And chronic infection lasts after the three months. Infectious sinus infections are normally caused because of virus, but there are fewer chances for causing the infection because of bacteria.

Environmental irritations and allergies may causes non-infectious. Environmental irritation is such as drugs, smoke etc. Chronic and sub-acute conditions are generally caused because of lack of or insufficient treatment for acute sinusitis.

Causes of sinus infection:

There are many different causes of sinusitis. One of the causes is that blocks the passage in the opening or the tumor removes by the surgery. Not only nasal sprays cause the infection but may also addictive Sometimes over the counter nasal sprays can not only cause infection, but can also be addictive. Illegal drugs such as cocaine and other types which are snorted throughout the nasal can cause the sinus infection and irritation.

Various types of bacteria are also responsible for causing the sinus infection. The cilia which are the small hairs present in the passage of the nasal and sinus cavities helpful for moving the mucous out of nasal area. These are damaged because of lack of humidity, smoke, or other different causes. When this occurs the mucous gets stagnates and perfect area becomes for the growth of the bacteria and starts the infection. Allergies to the food and other different substances may cause the food allergy.

Sinus infection symptoms and signs:

The general sinus infection symptoms are headaches, tenderness of the face and twenty five percent of the patients suffering from acute sinusitis have the fever also. Coughing, sore throat, and a greenish, cloudy, or yellowish nasal discharge are some of the signs of the sinus infection.

The other signs which are checked by the doctor for diagnosing are swollen areas near the eyes, nasal passage which becomes reddened, drainage from the nose that is similar to pus and facial areas over the sinuses that are tender to percussion. Additional information is also useful for diagnosis such as history of the patient and some tests such as a MRI, or the CT scan may also be takes place because these tests are good at illuminating the actual infection rather than an X-Ray.

The bacteria, fungi and virus are responsible for causing the sinus infection. Treatment is based on the type of the infection so good and early diagnosis is very necessary.

Following are some common sinus infection symptoms::

Pain in the forehead, jaw, teeth and cheeks, or between the eyes.
Headache, particularly first thing in the morning.
Swollen or inflamed tear ducts, eyelids, and other tissues surrounding the eyes.
Fever.
Congestion, sore throat, neck pain or cough.
Weakness and fatigue.

Treatment of Sinusitis:

Self-Care at Home:

Home treatment opens the sinuses and eases their dryness:

Promote drainage
Drink lot of water and hydrating drinks as like hot tea.
Take a stream 2 to 4 times in a day by bowel of a hot water but not take when it is on stove or simply use stream vaporizer. Inhale the steam near about ten minutes. Steamy, hot shower is also effective. Vicks Vapo Run can be added in to the water and then take a stream which is useful for opening the passageways.
Thin the mucus: Expectorants are the drugs which are helpful for expelling the mucus from the lungs and the respiratory passages. They help thin secreation of the mucus and enhancing drainage from sinuses. Guaifenesin is used very commonly. Over- the-counter (OTC) cough medications which are in liquid form or prescription tablets can also combined for reducing the sinus infection symptoms. For knowing the right combination just read out the label ingredients or asks to the pharmacists.
Relieve pain: For reducing the inflammation and pain the medications are used such as ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil are examples), naproxen (Aleve) and aspirin. These drugs are useful for opening the airways by reducing the swelling. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used for fever and pain but it is not helpful for inflammation.

Medical Treatment:

The main goal of the treatment of sinus infection is reduce the inflammation and swelling in the nasal areas, removes the infection and support the drainage from sinuses and maintain the open sinuses. Medications are suggested for treating the sinus infection but antibodies are taken for at least 10 to 14 days.

If the infection is chronic then antibodies continues up to 21 days. Extreme chronic infection does not give response to the prescribed medications and therefore patients have to take the medications for long duration. Still there is no any effect of the medication then it is related to surgical procedure and need stay in hospital.

In case of the chronic sinus infection, some of the times infection extends up to brain and eventually causes the death. But this condition occurs very rarely and not occurs frequently.

If the proper treatment is provided and treated if treatment is sought in particular time then sinus infection cures immediately.

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Baby Nursery Ideas To Transform A Special Room

2011-10-23T21:15:00.000-07:00

Baby Nursery Ideas : The nursery of the past was, as the name implies, a place to nurse and care for the baby. It still is. although those tasks, and the simplicity with which they're done, have extended extremely over the past generation.

Moreover , a simple thing as the necessity to store diapers has developed to a high point of security and convenience.

Diaper bins come in a selection these days unheard of in the past. They provide a seal-tight area to keep odors locked inside until the diaper can be washed or disposed of permanently. Once emptied, keeping germs at bay is a simple substance of a short spray with antiseptic.

Baby Nursery Ideas : Boxes to stock up fresh diapers are sterilized, yet stylish. They can simply be kept free of bacteria with a simple swab of disinfectant. The outside can go anywhere from a traditional, rich-looking wicker to a high-tech wonder of design. A variety of styles and colors allows for decorating the nursery in any way that's preferred.

A nursery box is so much more, though. They offer a stylish, convenient place to store toys or crayons or CDs or.... The list is never-ending. Several have special sections that present a safe place to put easily broken CDs. Many have numerous pockets for softer items that are now within easy reach. In addition , the array of colors and designs is just as endless to fit right in with the nursery decor.

Nursing kits are a necessity and they, too, have highly developed.

Previous, an uncomplicated glass mercury thermometer might have been the showpiece, since body temperature is a key part of infant health. However , those were constantly a little risky and sometimes awkward to read. That piece has been substituted with a durable, digital thermometer that is quick, accurate and totally safe to use.

Baby Nursery Ideas : Have iodine or antibacterial spray with band-aids easily reached without having to dash to the bathroom. A nasal aspirator is not something you want to have to look for , also. A medicine dropper is a lot more helpful when it's within arm's reach. All these and more can be part of a nursery first-aid kit that holds all the bits and pieces you need.

On the contrary , the nursery is about more than just function, as vital as that may be. It is also a part of the home that you desire to decorate according to your personal taste.

A rocker is equally a great way to calm young nerves and work off some excess energy when your baby grows a little older . Although it needn't be purely functional, it can fit right in with a special design for the whole nursery. It can go with that walnut dresser, or the gingham-covered wicker nursery basket. It is part of the sum that includes that ideal bassinet.

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Breast cancer risk may rise with high hormone levels

2011-10-21T22:09:00.000-07:00

Elevated levels of hormones increase breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women, and as the number of different elevated hormones rises, so does the risk, a new study has found

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston examined levels of eight different sex and growth hormones in blood samples collected from nurses up to nine years before their health information was recorded the risk of breast cancer increased 16 percent with each elevated hormone level, according to the study published online Oct. 21 in the journal Breast Cancer Research.

The investigators found that the highest levels of circulating estrogens (estrone and estrogen), prolactin, and androgens (testosterone, androstenedione, DHEA, or DHEA-sulfate) were each associated with between a 50 and 200 percent increased risk of developing breast cancer.

A woman with elevated levels of one hormone had a 10 percent increased risk, while the risk was doubled for those with elevated levels of five or six hormones, and tripled for those with elevated levels of seven or eight hormones, the study authors explained in a journal news release.

And for women with estrogen receptor-positive (ER-positive) breast cancer, all of these risks were slightly higher, the researchers pointed out.

"Elevated estrogens had the biggest effect on risk, especially for ER-positive cancer. However, androgens and prolactin also contribute to increasing risk of breast cancer. These hormones are known to stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells in the lab and, while androgens can be converted to estrogen in the body, these hormones have also been found to stimulate cancer cell growth in the absence of ER," Shelley Tworoger, of Brigham and Women's Hospital, explained in the news release.

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Muammar Gaddafi's Death Correctly Predicted by Matthew Perry's Old Sitcom

2011-10-20T21:22:00.000-07:00

In a quite eerie coincidence, Muammar Gaddafi's year of death had been predicted by a 1980s sitcom "Second Chances" which starred Matthew Perry.

The pilot episode of the show which aired in 1987 featured the ex-Libyan leader as one of the people showing up in Saint Peter's Office on July 29, 2011 to be judged whether he will go to hell or heaven.

Initially refusing to believe that he is dead, Colonel Gaddafi is seen trying to kill St. Peter by shooting him with a machine gun in the scene. He is later sentenced to spend eternity in hell where he will be a human bomb who blows up every two minutes.

In real life, Gaddafi was killed early Thursday, October 20 when revolutionary fighters overwhelmed his hometown of Sirte. The interim government stated that the 69-year-old former Libyan dictator was captured unharmed and later mortally wounded in the crossfire from both sides. Another report, however, said he was already wounded in the chest when he was seized before later sustaining other wounds.

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Steps to Building Self-Confidence

2011-10-19T21:49:00.000-07:00

Building self-confidence is a continuous process which needs determination and effort. Here are some tips to think about when you're trying to build yours:

1. Take it one step at a time: Think about where you are right now, how far you've come and give yourself some credit for trying. Think about what is important to you, where you want to go, what gives your life meaning, and what your values are. Confidence starts with a strong foundation based on individualistic values and passions that help the common good.
2. Make sure your values are in congruent with your lifestyle: If there is a discrepancy between your values and the way you behave, this can create internal conflict and smash you up. Make sure you check the two and bring them to work together in harmony.
3. Living, believing and behaving in moderation: Start modifying your thought, your behavior and your lifestyle to match what you want and the way you want to be.

4. Self monitor, cognitively and behaviorally: Rational positive thinking is the key to this one. By focusing on what is working, you can make better progress on what is not and make the necessary changes. Activate your positive emotions and discharge the negative ones. Make sure you spend a few minutes every day focusing and reflecting on your progress and what you want to change.

5. Start helping others the way you can: Doing good for others does not have a specific formula. Not all of us have to be a hero in the public eye. Find your own way of helping others. What comes from your heart and core, with a pure intention of helping and giving just to be thankful for the things you already have and without any expectations in return. What you get is an internal joy that is blissful and helps build a self of self-worth.
6. Build on your skills and learn new things: Learn new skills and strengthen the ones you already have.
7. Surround yourself with well-intended, honest, aware, and positive people: Be open to productive feedback from people whose judgment you trust and be selective about whom you get close to. Don't invite negativity, drama and ignorance to your life and have clear boundaries for protecting your heart and mind.

8. Be true to yourself: Don't sell your integrity for anything. Don't self-betray by following someone else's path or believing something that does not sink in your intuitive heart and your logical mind. Learn to be yourself and be thirsty for knowledge, learn to become objective and then do what you feel is right not what others tell you "should" be. And make sure you activate your build-in integrity.

9. Take reasonable risks: While being grounded and reasonably careful are a part of a healthy life style, but to build self confidence, one must be willing to take some risks and experience new things, learn from them and move forward.

10. Accept other people's love and support openly and fully. Try to stop that little paranoid person inside of you who wants to read too much into an act of love and just take it with an open heart. Also, be willing to give love and show how you feel in healthy and positive ways.

People who are self-confident are more efficient and productive in their daily lives. They contribute more and have less negative effects on their surroundings. They accept challenges with an open arm and are more persistence and resistant. They don't spend much time on complaining but fixing. They are great communicators and have healthier relationships. At the end, this is a skill that everyone can learn, it is not limited to a few but all. It just needs practice.

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One of the best ways to grow taller naturally without unnecessary exercises: Height Growth+ Plus supplement.

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Eat fish, live longer

2011-10-18T03:09:00.000-07:00

MEDICAL researchers love fish. The reason: a person who eats fish lives longer as it combats a lot of health threats.

"If you eat a modest amount of fish, you dramatically decrease your risk of dying from a heart attack," says Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, a researcher of the Harvard School of Public Health.

Findings from 30 large studies conducted around the world show that people who consume just one or two servings of fish per week lower their risk of a fatal heart attack by an average of 36 percent.

That's good news for Filipinos as the Department of Health ranks heart disease as the number-one killer in the country. "The death toll from cardiovascular diseases in the country is about one every seven minutes," says Dr. Philip S. Chua, one of the country's top cardiologists.

Cardiovascular diseases don't affect the heart itself but also the blood vessel system, especially the veins and arteries leading to and from the heart.

If you have already a heart attack, shifting to a high-fish diet can cut your chances of future deadly attacks by one third. You see, fish contains oil that is nature's richest source of omega-3 fatty acids called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Omega-3 fatty acids are a form of polyunsaturated fat that the body derives from food. Omega-3s (and omega-6s) are known as essential fatty acids because they are important for good health. The body cannot make these fatty acids on its own so omega-3s must be obtained from food, particularly fish.

The American Heart Association suggests that a person should eat at least two servings of oily fish each week to help keep his hearts healthy. Among the fish species high in omega-3s are bas (striped), herring, mackerel (Atlantic), oysters (Pacific), sablefish, salmon, trout (freshwater), and tuna.

Shrimp may not be considered a fish but it is still seafood. One study found that people who ate shrimp everyday for three weeks had a relatively small rise in LDL (touted to be the "bad cholesterol") but an even greater jump in HDL ("the good cholesterol"). Result: Their heart disease risk actually went down.

Consuming oily fish may likewise reduce the risk of developing asthma.

In a University of Cambridge study of 770 volunteers, researchers found that those with symptomatic asthma were less likely to report having eaten fish at least twice a week throughout the year than those without asthma.

Study author Dr. Bipen Patel believes that the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish may reduce the production of substances that can cause constriction and inflammation in the airway.

The anti-inflammatory properties of fish oil have also been found to treat many medical conditions including rheumatoid arthritis.

Studies have shown that one teaspoon per day of cod-liver oil may help alleviate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis by providing the body with substantial amounts of vitamin D and A. Vitamin D is important for bone growth, while vitamin A may have anti-inflammatory effects. Fish oils also compete with other types of fatty acids that are believed to trigger arthritis inflammation.

So when is fish not so good for your health? Recent studies have shown that almost all fish is contaminated with trace amounts of mercury.

Mercury compounds are found in farming chemicals and in certain antiseptics and dyes. They are used heavily in industry. Most of them are released into the rivers and brought into the open sea, where fish may consume them.

Once these mercury-laden fish are consumed by human beings, the metal can be accumulated in the human body. Large doses of mercury can damage developing brains, causing learning difficulties and other problems.

Children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are advised to avoid some types of fish and shellfish to reduce their risk of mercury exposure.

Fish that contain the highest level of mercury are larger and older sharks, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. It is probably a good idea for most people to avoid eating much of these fish. They can be replaced with other fish and shellfish such as shrimp, pollock, anchovies, catfish, clam, crab, haddock, hake, herring, salmon, sardines, shrimp, trout (freshwater), tuna, and whitefish, which all contain much less mercury.

If you are concerned about mercury, or if you just don't want to eat fish, you need to get omega-3 fatty acids from other sources. Among the plant sources are canola oil, flax seeds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds.

The type of omega-3 fatty acids found in plants, called alpha linolenic acid (ALA), is not exactly the same as the fats found in fish, but experts say your body has the capability to transform ALA to both EPA and DHA.

Our very own tilapia has very low levels of mercury because it is a fast-growing and short-lived fish that mostly eats a vegetarian diet.

However, a study done in the United States has shown that eating tilapia is not good for those with heart problems.

"Cardiologists are telling their patients to go home and eat fish, and if the patients are poor, they're eating tilapia. And that could translate into a dangerous situation," said the researchers from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

The American study found farm-raised tilapia has very low levels of beneficial omega-3 fatty acid and, perhaps worse, very high levels of omega-6 fatty acids. "In a fish-farming situation, the fish that you get depends on what they are fed," explained Dr. Floyd Chilton, a professor of physiology and pharmacology and the director of the Wake ForestCenter for Botanical Lipids.

"Now if these fish are fed, as in the wild, Omega 3 fatty acids and algae, then they're going to have long-chain Omega 3 fatty acids, which are going to be incredibly beneficial. However, if these fish are fed short-chain Omega 6 products that come from corn products which are happening so often now then what one sees is the long-chain detrimental Omega 6 fatty acids. So really the fish really are what they eat and we really are what we eat as well," said Dr. Chilton, who headed the study.
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Victims of lower back pain are getting younger

2011-10-16T21:55:00.000-07:00

The lifestyles of young people in the UAE could lead to years of back pain and medical problems, according to new research.

A recent study from the UK indicates that two-thirds of people between 18 and 34 years old regularly suffer from spine and back-muscle complaints. Now, experts in the UAE fear that the severity of this problem could mean thousands of young men and women are destined to spend the rest of their lives with chronic back pain.

Health concerns around lifestyle-linked spinal problems are being described as a "time bomb" in Britain, where researchers found that 62 per cent of young people suffer from back pain - with half of those reporting they'd had the symptoms for up to five years.

The study echoes anecdotal findings among back specialists in the UAE. "I'm definitely seeing a rise in the number of young people coming to the clinic with back pain," says Gary Fitzgerald, a chiropractor at the Wellbeing Medical Centre in Dubai. "It's possibly even worse here because the average age of the population is younger than that in Europe and the vast majority of patients that I see in the 18 to 34-year-old age group have mainly sedentary, office-based jobs."

It's this "sit still" culture that is, according to the experts, the main cause for concern. "Continuously sitting in one place for long periods of time, be it in the car or the office, causes some muscles and joints to stiffen and some to overwork," says Fitzgerald. "As the majority of people are not just sitting for too long but also sitting incorrectly, these small errors in posture are multiplied over time and can lead to chronic joint, muscle and disc problems."

The human body is designed to move, he adds. "And just like going dune-bashing in the desert with a sports car, if we use a machine for something it's not designed to do, eventually that machine will break down."

While the survey focuses predominantly on the working population among people in their 20s and 30s, some leading back specialists have also highlighted worries that the seeds of the problem may be sown at a much earlier age.

"The incidence of lower back pain in the Arab world is definitely on the rise," says Issam Ayache, a chiropractor with three decades of experience practising in Lebanon and Abu Dhabi. "In particular, I have found that school kids are suffering, often as a result of carrying too heavy a school pack - which in some cases weighs more than 50 per cent of the child - coupled with the way it is carried."

Ayache also blames the encouragement of the "sit still" trend among the very young as a big contributor to the increase in the spinal and muscle conditions he treats. "A lack of parents' encouragement for their children to participate in regular exercise has not helped this situation," he argues. "Also, the overuse of modern gadgets, which children are using with their fingers and straining their hand joints, compounds these problems."

Although statistical evidence is not as readily available as it is in the UK, several experts told The National there was no reason why the UAE would not mirror trends in Europe or the US, since the lifestyles and work environments were essentially the same. Indeed, specialists even fear that the situation is much worse here. "The level of penetration in understanding spine and musculoskeletal issues within Emiratis is very much at the first stage," warns Samuel Saukkonen, the medical director of Chiropractic Dubai at the Emirates European Medical Centre in Jumeirah. "It's like it was 30 years ago in Europe."

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Fibre in food

2011-10-14T21:50:00.000-07:00

Dietary fibre is found in cereals, fruits and vegetables. Fibre is made up of the indigestible parts or compounds of plants, which pass relatively unchanged through our stomach and intestines.

The main role of fibre is to keep the digestive system healthy.

Other terms for dietary fibre include ‘bulk’ and ‘roughage’, which can be misleading since some forms of fibre are water soluble and aren’t bulky or rough at all.
Fibre is a carbohydrate
Fibre is largely a carbohydrate. The building blocks of all carbohydrates are different types of sugars and they can be classified according to how many sugar molecules are combined in the carbohydrate:

* Simple sugars - consist of 1-2 sugar molecules; for example glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose and lactose.
* Oligosaccharides - consist of 3-10 glucose molecules joined together.
* Starch polysaccharides - have more than 10 glucose molecules joined together.
* Non-starch polysaccharides - have more than 10 sugar molecules; for example xylose, arabinose and mannose.

Fibre keeps the digestive system healthy
Dietary fibre is mainly needed to keep the digestive system healthy. It also contributes to other processes, such as stabilising glucose and cholesterol levels. In countries with traditionally high fibre diets, diseases such as bowel cancer, diabetes and coronary heart disease are much less common than in the West.

Most Australians don’t consume enough fibre. On average, most Australians consume 18-25g of fibre daily. The Heart Foundation recommends that adults should consume approximately 30g daily. Australian experts suggest that children should eat 10g of fibre a day plus an additional gram for every year of age. For instance, a 10 year old child should eat 15-20g of fibre per day.

Disorders that can arise from a low fibre diet include:

* Constipation
* Irritable bowel syndrome
* Diverticulitis
* Heart disease
* Some cancers.

Two types of fibre
There are broadly two categories of fibre and we need to eat both in our daily diets:

* Soluble fibre - includes pectins, gums and mucilage, which are found mainly in plant cells. One of its major roles is to lower blood cholesterol levels. Good sources of soluble fibre include fruits, vegetables, oat bran, barley, seed husks, flaxseed, psyllium, dried beans, lentils, peas, soymilk and soy products. Soluble fibre can also help with constipation.
* Insoluble fibre - includes cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin, which make up the structural parts of plant cell walls. A major role of insoluble fibre is to add bulk to faeces and to prevent constipation and associated problems such as haemorrhoids. Good sources include wheat bran, corn bran, rice bran, the skins of fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, dried beans and wholegrain foods.

Both types of fibre are beneficial to the body and most plant foods contain a mixture of both types.

Resistant starch
Resistant starch, while not traditionally thought of as fibre, acts in a similar way. Resistant starch is the part of starchy food (approximately 10 per cent) that resists normal digestion. It is found in many unprocessed cereals and grains, firm bananas, potatoes and lentils, and is added to bread and breakfast cereals as Hi-Maize. It can also be formed by cooking and manufacturing processes such as snap freezing.

Resistant starch is also important in bowel health. Bacteria in the large bowel ferment and change the resistant starch into short-chain fatty acids, which are important to bowel health and may protect against cancer. These fatty acids are also absorbed into the bloodstream and may play a role in lowering blood cholesterol levels.

Fibre keeps the digestive tract healthy
The principle advantage of a diet high in fibre is the health of the digestive system. The digestive system is lined with muscles that massage food along the tract from the moment a mouthful is swallowed until the eventual waste is passed out of the bowel (a process called peristalsis). Since fibre is relatively indigestible, it adds bulk to the faeces.

Soluble fibre soaks up water like a sponge, which helps to plump out the faeces and allows it to pass through the gut more easily. It acts to slow down the rate of digestion. This slowing down effect is usually overridden by insoluble fibre, which doesn't absorb water and speeds up the time that food passes through the gut.

You must drink lots of fluid
A high fibre diet may not prevent or cure constipation unless you drink enough water every day. Some high fibre breakfast cereals may have around 10g of fibre per serve and if this cereal is not accompanied by enough fluid it may cause constipation.

Fibre and ageing
Fibre is even more important for older people. The digestive system slows down with age, so a high fibre diet becomes even more important.

Lowering blood cholesterol
Recently, there has been a great deal of interest in oat bran, since some studies showed that regular intake of foods high in soluble fibre - such as oat bran, baked beans and soybeans - reduced blood cholesterol levels. When blood cholesterol levels are high, fatty streaks and plaques are deposited along the walls of arteries. This can make them dangerously narrow and lead to an increased risk of coronary heart disease.

It is thought that soluble fibre lowers blood cholesterol by binding bile acids (which are made from cholesterol to digest dietary fats) and then excreting them. Cereal fibre seems to be more protective against coronary heart disease than the fibre from fruit and vegetables.

A method of weight control
In many cases, people who are overweight or obese have been shown to lose significant amounts of excess body fat simply by increasing the amount of dietary fibre, especially soluble fibre, in their daily diet.

Fibrous foods are often bulky and, therefore, filling. They also tend to be low in fat. Soluble fibre forms a gel that slows down the emptying of the stomach and the transit time of food through the digestive system. This extends the time a person feels satisfied or ‘full’. It also delays the absorption of sugars from the intestines. This helps to maintain lower blood sugar levels and prevent a rapid rise in blood insulin levels, which has been linked with obesity and an increased risk of diabetes.

The extra chewing time often required of high fibre foods also helps contribute to feeling satisfied. As a result, a person on a high fibre diet is likely to eat less food and so consume less kilojoules (calories).

Good for people with diabetes
For people with diabetes, eating a diet high in fibre slows glucose absorption from the small intestine into the blood. This reduces the possibility of a surge of insulin, the hormone produced by the pancreas to stabilise blood glucose levels.

Conditions linked to low fibre diets
Eating a diet low in fibre can contribute to many disorders, including:

* Constipation - small, hard and dry faecal matter that is difficult to pass.
* Haemorrhoids - varicose veins of the anus.
* Diverticulitis - small hernias of the digestive tract caused by long term constipation.
* Irritable bowel syndrome - pain, flatulence and bloating of the abdomen.
* Overweight and obesity - carrying too much body fat.
* Coronary heart disease - a narrowing of the arteries due to fatty deposits.
* Diabetes - a condition characterised by too much glucose in the blood.
* Colon cancer - cancer of the large intestine.

The debate about diet, cancer and heart disease continues
Studies that show a reduced risk of some cancers and coronary heart disease have received much attention. How these apparent health benefits arise is not fully understood. It is very likely that these observed health benefits occur indirectly, through the protective effects of ‘phytochemicals’ (such as antioxidants) that are closely associated with the fibre components of fruits, vegetables and cereal foods. It has also been suggested that dietary fibre dilutes harmful substances and possible carcinogens present in the diet, thus reducing the gut's exposure to such compounds.

Recent studies have challenged the widely held belief that fibre reduces the risk of developing colon cancer. Differences in methodology, in particular the type of fibre used, between these recent studies and earlier ones may explain the inconsistencies in their findings.
Ways to increase your fibre intake
Simple suggestions for increasing your daily fibre intake include:

* Eat breakfast cereals that contain barley, wheat or oats.
* Switch to wholemeal or multigrain breads and brown rice.
* Add an extra vegetable to every evening meal.
* Snack on fruit, dried fruit, nuts or wholemeal crackers.

A daily intake of more than 30g can be easily achieved if you eat wholegrain cereal products, more fruit, vegetables and legumes and, instead of low fibre cakes and biscuits, have nuts or seeds as a snack or use in meals.

You don't need to eat a lot more kilojoules to increase your fibre intake; you can easily double your fibre intake without increasing your kilojoule intake by being more selective - compare the tables below.
A sudden increase in fibre can have explosive effects
It should be noted that a sudden switch from a low fibre diet to a high fibre diet can create some abdominal pain and increased flatulence. Also, very high fibre diets (more than 40g daily) are linked with decreased absorption of some important minerals, such as iron, zinc and calcium. This occurs when fibre binds these minerals and forms insoluble salts, which are then excreted.

This could increase the risk of developing deficiencies of these minerals in susceptible individuals. Adults should aim for a diet that contains 30-35g of fibre per day and should introduce fibre into the diet gradually to avoid any negative outcomes.

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Why Healthy Teeth Are Important

2011-10-13T21:52:00.000-07:00

How does taking care of your teeth help with all those things? Taking care of your teeth helps prevent plaque , which is a clear film of bacteria sticks to your teeth.

After you eat, bacteria go crazy over the sugar on your teeth, like ants at a picnic. The bacteria break it down into acids that eat away tooth enamel, causing holes called cavities. Plaque also causes gingivitis (say: jin-juh-vi-tis), which is gum disease that can make your gums red, swollen, and sore. Your gums are those soft pink tissues in your mouth that hold your teeth in place.

If you don't take care of your teeth, cavities and unhealthy gums will make your mouth very, very sore. Eating meals will be difficult. And you won't feel like smiling so much.
Before Toothpaste Was Invented

We're lucky that we know so much now about taking care of our teeth. Long ago, as people got older, their teeth would rot away and be very painful. To get rid of a toothache, they had their teeth pulled out. Finally people learned that cleaning their teeth was important, but they didn't have toothpaste right away. While you're swishing that minty-fresh paste around your mouth, think about what people used long ago to clean teeth:

* ground-up chalk or charcoal
* lemon juice
* ashes (you know, the stuff that's left over after a fire)
* tobacco and honey mixed together

Yuck!

It was only about 100 years ago that someone finally created a minty cream to clean teeth. Not long after that, the toothpaste tube was invented, so people could squeeze the paste right onto the toothbrush! Tooth brushing became popular during World War II. The U.S. Army gave brushes and toothpaste to all soldiers, and they learned to brush twice a day. Back then, toothpaste tubes were made of metal; today they're made of soft plastic and are much easier to squeeze!

Today there are plenty of toothpaste choices: lots of colors and flavors to choose from, and some are made just for kids. People with great-looking teeth advertise toothpaste on TV commercials and in magazines. When you're choosing a toothpaste, make sure it contains fluoride. Fluoride makes your teeth strong and protects them from cavities.

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Useful Tips to Control Blood Sugar Level

2011-10-12T21:04:00.000-07:00

Blood sugar level is the concentration of sugar in blood, which is present on the form of glucose.

Whenever you eat food, it is the task of the body to break down that food in usable form of energy. The carbohydrates present in the food get broken down into glucose which are then made available to the body cells through the blood stream and thus provide energy. The increase in this level of glucose in blood leads to a disease known as diabetes.
Blood sugar levels can be managed in the following ways:

1. Sugar intake must be checked. Avoid food high in sugar content. Product labels must be checked before buying for their constituents.
2. Diet must consist of fibers. Foods like nuts, olive oil contain monosaturated fats and must be regularly taken. Fruits and vegetables are highly recommended. Avoid food that contains high Trans fatty acids and fat dairy products.

3. Exercise regularly. It helps in breaking down the sugars present in the body. Another useful mean of controlling blood sugar level is by losing weight through exercises.

4. Keep a tab on your cholesterol level. This is another factor that should be taken care of along with blood sugar level.

5. Alcohol intake must be reduced. Alcohol contains high amount of calories and carbohydrates that can shoot up the blood sugar level.
6. Multivitamins and supplements can be taken. Vitamin C, E, Zinc and magnesium are very good for diabetic people.
7. Stress and anxiety must be avoided. Relaxation exercises and deep breathing are great in reducing stress.
8. Keep a regular check on your blood sugar level. Get it tested periodically and maintain a record of the changes in its level.

Blood Sugar Test	Normal Range
A1C	< 7.0%
Preprandial Plasma Glucose (before a meal)	70 - 130 mg/dl (5.0 - 7.2mmol/l)
Postprandial Plasma Glucose (after a meal)	< 180 mg/dl (< 10.0mmol/l)

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Seven Instructions for Guarding Against Kidney Stones

2011-10-11T21:52:00.000-07:00

What you eat and drink isn’t the only things that decide whether you’ll get kidney stones

1. Drink plenty of water and other fluids.
It’s first on the list for a reason -- Water dilutes urine and flushes away mineral-like materials that could possibly turn into stones.
2. Coffee and tea are fine if they help increase your fluid intake. Beer and alcohol are OK, too, in moderation. But avoid dark colas and grapefruit juice if you are prone to kidney stones.

3. Keep track of sodium and keep it under the U.S. recommended daily allowance (RDA) of 2,400 mg. Check labels on hot dogs, canned soups and vegetables, processed frozen foods and luncheon meats.
4. Don’t overdo it on meat, fish, eggs and organ meats like liver because of their effect on the chemical makeup of urine that’s conducive to stone formation.
5. Follow your health care practitioner’s recommendations for the calcium you need for your age. If you’re supplementing calcium in your diet with a pill or powder, be sure to take the supplement with meals.

Postmenopausal women should be aware that calcium supplements were shown to increase the risk of kidney stones by 20 percent in a recent Harvard University-based Nurses’ Health Study. Consider non-fat dairy products, leafy green vegetables and salmon instead.
6. Limit intake of spinach, rhubarb, beets, chocolate, nuts and wheat bran, which have been shown to contribute to a kind of stone called calcium oxalate. But you don’t necessarily need to eliminate these foods from your diet -- they have too many beneficial properties to do that.

7. Get advice from your doctor before taking vitamin C or D supplements as they can contribute to stone formation.

Beyond these guidelines, consider that your weight, environment, heredity and general health are also factors to potentially develop the condition.

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Weight Loss Tips for Teenage girls

2011-10-10T21:37:00.000-07:00

The teenager years, or the adolescent, or the puberty years, whatever you prefer to call it, is one of the main turning points in one’s life.

It is also the time that both girls and boys become conscious of themselves, which is why most of them want to lose weight. Granted, weight loss can be achieved just by about anyone, but, because of their childish tendencies, these teenagers try to lose weight in a very unhealthy manner.

At some point, especially with teenage girls, most prefer the ‘fast track’ and other diet regimens that promise to give results in a few weeks, or even days. However, these schemes not only they do not present results but they may generate side-effects that are quite harmful to the body.

If you do not want to do a deep research on how to lose weight here are some weight loss tips for teenage girls that will give you a good idea of what you need to do to address your weight problem. The list below is by no means complete but by following these tips you ensure that you are going towards the correct direction.

* Breakfast is one of the most important meals, and this is even more important for teenagers that need the nutrients and minerals in order to supplement their growing bodies. Eating healthy in the morning will give you more energy to cope with your lessons and activities and will keep your stomach full until launch time. If you think about it, all it takes to eat breakfast in the morning is to wake up 10 minutes earlier. Once you make it a habit everything else will be easier and you will feel better and healthier.

* Snack on fresh fruits and vegetables. If you really want to lose weight, you need snacks that are not only delicious and tasty but are also packed with nutrients and vitamins. As a teenager you need all the energy you can get from food and fruits and vegetables are among the best sources. Perfect examples are apples, oranges, bananas and apricots.

* Commit yourself to doing as much physical activity as possible. A careful diet is only the first part of the weight loss equation; the other part is physical activity and exercise. You do not have to join a gym or do any formal training; any physical activity is beneficial for your weight loss efforts provided that you do it regularly. For example do not underestimate the benefits of walking in losing weight. Walking is easy to do and can do wonders to your weight loss. Whenever you get a chance to walk, run, climb the stairs, and engage into sports (basketball, tennis etc) do it. It will help you burn calories faster and boost your metabolism.

* Do not forget that if you cannot address your weight loss problem alone, there are dedicated professionals to give you guidance and advice. The web is certainly a good way to get information but if this fails you need to consult a physician or a dietician first. This is in order to have a proper and full physical examination of your body, and to know the types of food that you should be eating.
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Gingered Carrot Soup

2011-10-09T21:41:00.000-07:00

Colorful and fragrant carrot and ginger soup is a light and soothing soup. Carrot soup with ginger is a nutritious and low fat soup recipe with just a touch of sweetness and a touch of spice.

This carrot and ginger soup recipe is both vegetarian and vegan. Scroll down for more vegetarian carrot soup recipes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients:

* 3 tbsp olive oil
* 1/2 yellow onion, diced
* 1/4 cup fresh ginger, minced
* 4 cups chopped and peeled carrots (about 1 1/2 pounds)
* 3 cups vegetable broth
* 1 1/2 cups orange juice
* dash nutmeg
* salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:
In a large pot, sautee onions and ginger in olive oil until soft, about 3-5 minutes.

Add carrots and vegetable broth and reduce heat to medium. Allow to simmer for about 40 minutes, or until carrots are soft.

Add orange juice and stir well.

Working in small batches and using a food processor or blender, process soup until smooth.

Return to pot or serving bowl and add nutmeg, salt and pepper, stirring well. Serve with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream if desired and enjoy!

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Steve Jobs' Pancreatic Cancer

2011-10-06T21:30:00.000-07:00

Since he revealed in an email from a hospital bed in 2004 that he had a rare form of pancreatic cancer, Apple CEO Steve Jobs' health became a topic of intense interest. The picture that emerged from subsequent news reports was a patchwork of details that introduced many to the idea that one could live for years with a pancreatic tumor, unlike actor Patrick Swayze, opera legend Luciano Pavarotti and journalist Dith Pran.

"With what was reported to be his type of pancreatic cancer, which was a neuroendocrine tumor, seven years [of survival] is not uncommon," said Dr. Baburao Koneru, chief of the Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery at UMDNJ-The University Hospital in Newark, N.J. "It's quite different from the common form of pancreatic cancer."

"These tend to be slow-growing tumors," said Dr. Steven Libutti, director of the Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care in New York.

While much of Jobs' journey through cancer was swathed in secrecy, other elements of his experience became very public – even if often speculative. Below is a timeline of media reports on Jobs' health:

August 2004: Jobs, 49, told Apple employees in an email that he had been diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in his pancreas and had undergone a successful operation to remove it.

"I have some personal news that I need to share with you, and I wanted you to hear it directly from me," the email read. "I had a very rare form of pancreatic cancer called an islet cell neuroendocrine tumor, which represents about 1 percent of the total cases of pancreatic cancer diagnosed each year, and can be cured by surgical removal if diagnosed in time (mine was). I will not require any chemotherapy or radiation treatments.''

(In truth, statistics indicate that pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors account for 2,000 to 3,000 of an estimated 44,000 cases of pancreatic cancer diagnosed each year.)

It was later revealed that Jobs had been diagnosed in 2003 with the cancer, but he chose not to reveal this to investors at the time.

August 2006: At Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference Jobs appeared thin and gaunt. Rumors of his death began to swirl around the Internet and in the media. An Apple spokesperson, however, said "Steve's health is robust."

June 2008: Again appearing gaunt at the annual WWDC, Jobs' health soon became a hot topic. Investors began to worry about the state of Apple, especially because its CEO had such a "hands on" approach. Although initially reps said Jobs was suffering from "a common bug," a New York Times reporter wrote that after speaking with Jobs, "his health issues have amounted to a good deal more than 'a common bug,' [but] they weren't life-threatening and he doesn't have a recurrence of cancer."

At Apple's September 2008 Let's Rock event in San Francisco, Jobs used Mark Twain's oft-cited quote: "Reports of my death are greatly exaggerated." Later he brushed off journalists' questions and soon refused to answer any questions about his health.

January 2009: Explaining his absence at a Macworld event, Jobs issued a statement blaming his noticeable weight loss on a "hormone imbalance."

"My decision to have [Apple marketing chief] Phil Schiller deliver the Macworld keynote set off another flurry of rumors about my health, with some even publishing stories of me on my deathbed. Fortunately, after further testing, my doctors think they have found the cause -- a hormone imbalance that has been 'robbing' me of the proteins my body needs to be healthy."

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Whooping Cough Outbreak Causes Concern

2011-10-05T22:21:00.000-07:00

The New Mexico Department of Health has a serious warning for Bernalillo County residents after it said it has seen a significant increase in whooping cough cases recently, especially in schools.
Health officials said it's not just parents who need to keep a close eye out, because anyone could potentially catch the disease that's spreading rapidly.

"(It's) really bad news because my son has asthma, and that's going on in his school and that means he's going to be affected right away," said parent Milady Ontiveros.

Ontiveros said her son is in seventh grade at Harrison Middle School, one of the schools the Health Department is investigating.

Health officials said whooping cough has also been linked to Barcelona Elementary School, A Children's Garden, Atrisco Heritage Academy High School, Eastern Hills Christian Academy and Rio Grande Christian Academy.

The health department said whooping cough starts with typical cold symptoms, but progresses into uncontrollable coughing, and it's highly contagious, making schools especially vulnerable.

"It's certainly not only the environment where it's spread. It's spreading in families that have a lot of close contact with one another and extended family members," said medical epidemiologist Dr. Joan Baumbach.

During an average year, the Health Department said it sees about 35 cases of whooping cough in Bernalillio County, but this year, the number has already spiked to 87, with many of the cases reported in the past two months.

The Health Department said at least 144 cases have been reported statewide.

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Female Hair Loss- a Real Fear

2011-10-03T21:00:00.000-07:00

Whole hair loss has never been the outcome of women’s hair loss like others (men). Women suffer from partial Hair loss but still it is a distressing factor for the female who suffers from it since hair forms a very vital part of beauty.

There can be dissimilar causes for women’s hair loss. Inheritance can be one of them. The treatment that women have to undergo to treat hair loss is different from what men have to undergo. Women can’t just use any product available in the market, they have to careful while using the products since there can be hair growth in other parts of the body as a result of medications. And it is a very irritating factor for women if they have hair growth on face, body or back.

It is very necessary for women to discuss with a medical practitioner so that the doctor may find out the exact causes of hair loss. After the cause of hair loss is determined the physician will be able to prescribe the correct medicine or treatment for her hair loss. Estrogen is often prescribed by the doctors to the women in order to correct their condition.

Glucocorticoids can be used to treat women’s hair loss. Topical application of Minoxodil or Anthralin is recommended treatment available for women’s hair loss. Women can receive good responses of the medicines in preventing hair loss if they are treated from an initial stage for the condition. Therefore it is advisable that you see a doctor when you start losing hair excessively.
Androgenic alopecia is an important condition and about 2% of the population is its victim. Under this condition one loses all the hair of the body and women suffering from this cannot be cured easily. However with the help of doctor’s prescription you can always reduce the symptoms.
Women often suffer from hair loss after giving birth to a child. It is a temporary hair loss and hair loss usually stops after 6 months of giving birth to the child.

The reason for hair loss after pregnancy is due to the presence of higher estrogen level during pregnancy which further affects the hair follicles in the growth phase. There is a sudden removal of estrogen right after the child birth and this allows the hair to enter in to the hair loss phase. But there is nothing to worry, hair will definitely re grow after 6 months and you can always use hair tonic to speed up the hair growth.

Physical and mental stress can be an important cause of hair fall. Improper life style and eating habits will definitely lead to weight loss and hair loss. One the stress is removed you will notice that the hair loss reduces too.

When women use chemical often when dyeing, or perming they may cause hair loss. Use of these chemicals break the hairs. The products for hair falling treatments are applied when the hair follicles are strengthened in scalp.
You can choose the right treatment for your hair loss only after you know the root cause of your hair fall. It is always recommended that women must consult a dermatologist for a complete check up before the problem of hair loss turns in to a serious problem.

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Ten foods you must have in your shopping cart for excellent health

2011-10-03T04:42:00.000-07:00

Ten foods you must have in your shopping cart for excellent health, here we List out the Top ten Foods

1. Vegetables. “Green vegetables like our callaloo, our beetroot and high coloured vegetables, the ones with fibre, I generally always encourage,” she said. “Eat vegetables raw when you can. Some people might not want to have pumpkin raw, but pumpkin can be substituted for some carrots once it’s firm. String beans also do not have to be eaten cooked, you can just cut them up in a salad and it is nice and crunchy.”

2. Fruits. Choose “the things that are in season like bananas, June plums, papaya, soursop, those kind of fruits. They have a lot more body, a lot more nutrients, they have minerals, they have vitamins, and like for the banana, the potassium would be higher on the list there. You have vitamin C type fruits, you have fibre type fruits too that are enzymatic in their giving such as papaya and pineapple,” she noted.

3. Wholegrains. Whole grains have been linked to lower risk of heart disease, diabetes and other health issues. “You will encourage people to have their whole wheat bread and their whole wheat flour, because people want to have their dumplings and so on,” said the nutritionist, who pointed out that some people might have strong allergic reactions to wheat in which case they will have to find alternatives.

4. Lentils. “Lentils are a good source of iron and calcium and protein and so you can have even lentil soup. Peas and beans are very important. A lot of people are not eating sufficient peas and beans and they are eating more meat and carbohydrates than anything else and therefore they are missing out on the nutrient contents of all of the other food groups that should be had,” said Fletcher.

5. Oatmeal. Oatmeal is great and can be found at most supermarkets. “Oats is a good thing, but rolled oats, not so much the instant oats, because that is processed,” the nutritionist said. “If you are doing rice, do the brown rice,” she added, while pointing out that those who hate the taste of brown rice could purchase additional vegetables to cook with it, such as pumpkin.

6. Ground provisions. “Sweet potatoes have more fibre than Irish potatoes, so it is more highly recommended. You have plantains, you have yam, even dasheen to some extent, but sometimes we boil the dasheen out too much,” Fletcher said.

7. Lean meats. “It’s good to have the meat fresh and with high nutrient contents — your fish and your chicken and your beef,” she said. “The organ meats I don’t lean too well on in terms of recommending it — maybe liver — but I kind of just stop there. I am not convinced of the value of the other organ meats; but that’s my personal take,” the nutritionist said.

8. Nuts. Fletcher noted that eating too many nuts can make you put on weight even though they are considered healthy. Even so, peanuts and almonds are good things to snack on when you want to avoid more high caloric snacks such as cookies and potato chips.

9. Coconut oil. Although olive oil is often touted as the best possible brand for good health, Fletcher’s personal preference for cooking is the coconut oil or the canola oil which is similar to olive oil.

10. Water. If you are restricted from having tap water for medical reasons, be sure to stock up on bottled water while at the supermarket. Stocking up on the healthiest of foods at the supermarket will not get you any closer to meeting your weight loss or health goals without this vital ingredient.

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Short Introduction about tonsillolith

2011-09-29T21:05:00.000-07:00

Introduction - tonsillolith? Tonsilloliths, also known as tonsil stones, are irregularly shaped, whitish/yellow, foul-smelling globs of mucus and bacteria that get caught in the back of the throat.

The tonsil stones form in the tonsil crypts which are simply small pockets or divots that appear in everyones tonsils. The scientific name for these white globs is tonsilloliths.

Here is the specific method I used to get rid of tonsil stones
It is only recently that the oral care community has begun to understand what these white spots actually are - many people have reported that their dentist told them that they were just extra food debris, which is not true!
These tonsillar stones don't do any physical harm, and sporadically coughing them up doesn't mean that there is anything wrong with you. However, they can be annoying (who wants to cough one up while they are kissing someone?), and sometimes they are an indication that you have tonsilloliths and bad breath.

If you have ever broken open a tonsil stone, then you know that they smell absolutely terrible! The smell is actually caused by a combination of volatile sulfur compounds (methyl mercaptan and hydrogen sulfide), post nasal drip, and bacteria.

They will only form in people who still have their tonsils; however, that does not mean that you should run out and get your tonsils removed! Not too long ago, they were routinely removed for being swollen and inflamed. What was not understood then was that the tonsils' sole purpose is to prevent organisms and bacteria from traveling deeper in the throat.

Tonsilloliths are not something that you have to live with - there are various treatments to get rid of them, without having your tonsils removed (which can be dangerous as people get older).

Alternative Health News

Are Cooking Oils excellent for You

2011-09-28T21:56:00.000-07:00

Are there any oils I should keep away from totally? Yes, The bad type of oil is an element in packaged foods including some stick margarines, baked goods, chips, crackers and candy.

I’m talking about partially hydrogenated oils—or trans fats, which is how they’re listed on Nutrition Facts panels on labels. Partially hydrogenated oil is vegetable oil that has been chemically altered so it’s less likely to spoil. Food manufacturers often add it to their products because it can help foods stay fresh longer.

But even in very small amounts, partially hydrogenated oil can wreak havoc on your heart health. It lowers levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol and raises LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and it even increases your risk for diabetes. The American Heart Association recommends that no more than 1% of your total daily calories come from trans fat. This translates to less than 2 grams for women, who typically need fewer than 2,000 calories per day. If a food contains trans fat, it’ll be listed below Saturated Fat in the “Total Fat” column.

For the record, which is better: butter or olive oil?

From a health standpoint, olive oil is the better choice. But butter still has its place. All oils are a mixture of fats including monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and saturated fatty acids (SFA)—but in each
oil (and in butter, too, which is basically a solidified oil), one type of fat dominates.

Olive oil is predominantly rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, which decreases your risk for cardiovascular disease by lowering LDL cholesterol and increasing HDL cholesterol. On the other hand, butter is mostly saturated fat, which increases LDL cholesterol and causes inflammation in your body. So generally, it’s best to use olive oil.

However, the distinctive smell, flavor and consistency of butter works best in certain baked goods—including cakes, cookies and pastries—so it’s OK to make these occasionally and enjoy the butter. Another butter-vs.-oil difference: Because butter is solid at room temperature, you have more control over how much (or how little) of it you spread on bread; with olive oil, it’s difficult to gauge how much oil is absorbed. So dip lightly!

What’s the difference between regular olive oil, virgin and extra-virgin?

Simply put, olive oil is made by crushing olives to make a paste that’s then put under a press. If the oil that comes out has a low acidity and a good taste and smell, it’s labeled extra-virgin or virgin. (Virgin is slightly lower quality than extra-virgin.) These types are ideal to use for bread dunking, drizzling on veggies and other foods, and making salad dressings, since their delicate flavor and aroma will be lost when heated (some chefs still prefer to use extra-virgin for cooking). The deeper the color, the more intense the olive flavor.

If the oil is highly acidic or not great quality, it’s refined and mixed with virgin or extra-virgin oil to make “regular” olive oil; this all-purpose oil is good for cooking.
The heart-health benefits of all types of olive oil are pretty much the same, although the virgin and extra-virgin ones have extra antioxidants.

How can oils be healthy if they’re so fattening?

Oils may be “fattening” in the sense that they’re pretty high in calories compared with other foods. All oils have around 120 calories per Tbsp, so you can easily gain weight if you use too much. Even butter has fewer calories than oil (100 per Tbsp of butter) because of its water content. What’s more, “whipped” butter sold in a tub has even fewer calories—about 60 to 70 per Tbsp, thanks to the air that’s been incorporated into the mix. And tub “light” margarine spreads have only 30 to 50 calories per Tbsp.

But since oils contain fats that are good for you, you’re better off getting that 120 calories from a healthy oil rather than stick or tub butter. By the way, if you’re inclined to cut out fats entirely, don’t: We do need some fat to be healthy. Without it, our bodies can’t absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K, and we miss out on fatty acids that are essential for the health of your skin, hair, heart and brain—and just about every other part of your body.

How should I store oils?

Heat, light and oxygen degrade oils, which makes them turn rancid more quickly and actually promotes the formation of cancer-causing compounds called free radicals. The more polyunsaturated fats an oil contains, the more susceptible to rancidity it becomes.

Oils rich in PUFAs, such as walnut and flaxseed, are best stored in the fridge in tightly capped containers. MUFAs, such as those found in olive oil, are a bit more hardy, but you should still protect oils that contain them by keeping the lid on tightly and storing them in a dark place far from the stove or other heat source. Saturated fats, such as butter, can withstand more heat, light and oxygen, but you should still refrigerate sat-fat–rich butter, because it contains milk solids, which can go rancid. If you store oils correctly, most will last about six months to one year.

When you’re shopping for oils, reach for bottles at the back of the shelf, since that’s where they are more protected from harsh lighting that can make them go bad. Check the bottle for an expiration date (most oils have one), and every time you open a bottle, give it a whiff to make sure it doesn’t smell rancid.

Alternative Health News

Best five foods to help you sleep

2011-09-27T20:58:00.000-07:00

Whether it’s a one-off incidence before a huge event or a nightly struggle, most of us affect from insomnia at one time or another.

Fortunately, there are many foods that can help you sleep a little easier. To help you relax and catch some Zs, check out our top 5 foods to help you sleep.

Dairy products

If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep, foods containing tryptophan should be a first port of call. Tryptophan, an essential amino acid, helps to raise serotonin and melatonin levels in the body, both of which can help induce sleep. While turkey is a famously good source of tryptophan, other (perhaps more bedtime-friendly) sources include dairy products such as yoghurt and milk.

On top of their tryptophan levels, dairy snacks are also a great source of calcium, which helps the brain to use tryptophan to create melatonin. Research has also suggested that a deficiency of calcium in the diet can cause disturbed sleep patterns and a lack of deep (REM) sleep.

Oats

While many of us associate oats with breakfast time, they are also the perfect evening snack. Oats are a good natural source of melatonin, which is often taken as a sleep aid due to its ability to help regulate the body's internal clock. They are also another good source of tryptophan, especially when combined with milk.

Furthermore, oats are rich in both calcium and magnesium; two minerals that have been proven to promote good quality sleep. For a warm, soothing snack before bed, try eating a small bowl of porridge to help you drift off, combined with any of the following toppings to help double its effects.

Bananas

If you suffer from muscle spasms or cramps during the night, it may be that you are deficient in the electrolytes magnesium and potassium, both of which help to relax muscles and keep them functioning properly. Fortunately, bananas are excellent source of both minerals, making them a good bedtime snack, particularly after a heavy exercise session.

As well as being rich in these essential minerals, bananas also contain tryptophan, which can help to promote sleep. Researchers from the University of New England in New South Wales have also found that having a banana before bed can help sufferers of sleep apnea by keeping their throats open and therefore reducing the risk of choking.

Cherries

For those who have trouble sleeping, you may be familiar with over-the-counter melatonin supplements used to treat insomnia. However, while melatonin can help to regulate sleep, it may be unwise to rely on supplements for long-term use. Fortunately, cherries provide a great natural source of melatonin as well as being excellent for overall health.

A research study published in The Journal of Sleep and Sleep Disorders Research has indicated that consuming tart cherries before bed helped participants sleep faster and easier, making fresh cherries or cherry juice a great natural sleep aid.

Flax seeds

Flax seeds are great for increasing levels of sleep-regulating substance serotonin in the body due to their high levels of both tryptophan and omega-3 fatty acids. Furthermore, the omega-3 fatty acids they contain have been proven to help reduce the anxiety, depression and stress which are leading causes of insomnia, and have been shown to be effective against the condition sleep apnea.

Not only that, flax seeds are a good source of magnesium, which is renowned for its ability to reduce stress due to its relaxing effect on the muscles and nervous system. Magnesium has also been shown to help prevent restless leg syndrome and night terrors; both of which can affect sleep.

Alternative Health News

Symptoms of Asthma for all Agers

2011-09-26T21:10:00.000-07:00

When the inhalation passages become aggravated or infected, an attack(hit) is triggered.

The attack may come on suddenly or develop slowly over several days or hours. The main symptoms that signal an attack are as follows:

• wheezing,
• breathlessness,
• chest tightness,
• coughing, and
• difficulty speaking.

Symptoms may occur during the day or at night. If they happen at night, they may disturb your sleep.
Wheezing is the most common symptom of an asthma attack.
• Wheezing is a musical, whistling, or hissing sound with breathing.

• Wheezes are most often heard during exhalation, but they can occur during breathing in (inhaling).

• Not all asthmatics wheeze, and not all people who wheeze are asthmatics.
Current guidelines for the care of people with asthma include classifying the severity of asthma symptoms, as follows:
• Mild intermittent: This includes attacks no more than twice a week and nighttime attacks no more than twice a month. Attacks last no more than a few hours to days. Severity of attacks varies, but there are no symptoms between attacks.

• Mild persistent: This includes attacks more than twice a week, but not every day, and nighttime symptoms more than twice a month. Attacks are sometimes severe enough to interrupt regular activities.

• Moderate persistent: This includes daily attacks and nighttime symptoms more than once a week. More severe attacks occur at least twice a week and may last for days. Attacks require daily use of quick-relief (rescue) medication and changes in daily activities.

• Severe persistent: This includes frequent severe attacks, continual daytime symptoms, and frequent nighttime symptoms. Symptoms require limits on daily activities.
Just because a person has mild or moderate asthma does not mean that he or she cannot have a severe attack. The severity of asthma can change over time, either for better or for worse.

Alternative Health News

How to utilize Banana Peel for Skin care

2011-09-25T22:51:00.000-07:00

Banana peel can be utilized to take away warts, decrease swelling or inflammation after a bug bite, and improve the overall texture and tone of the skin. Here's how to maximize the benefits of a banana peel.

The ancient Egyptians, Romans and Greeks have documented the health and beauty benefits of fruit and honey, and banana peel is especially helpful for reducing inflammation and getting rid of infection on the top of the skin.

Banana peel can be used to remove warts, reduce swelling or inflammation after a bug bite, and improve the overall texture and tone of the skin. It has been ailed as a natural solution for treating psoriasis, a skin condition that cause rough and scaly patches of skin and skin inflammation.
Skin and Health Benefits of Banana Peel

In many countries, banana fruit and the peel are considered to be the ‘golden fruit’ of nature because the fruit helps promote natural beauty and keep the body healthy. Eating bananas regularly can keep the digestive system running at an optimal level, restore energy and also provide the body with essential nutrients that help with cell regeneration.

Banana peel contains a number of antioxidants and minerals that can help the skin restore itself naturally. Banana peels have been used as a home remedy for a number of skin conditions including allergies, bruises and skin irritation. The key compounds in the peel include potassium and other antioxidants that help to keep the skin looking soft, supple and healthy. These compounds and have a positive effect on conditions such as psoriasis and warts, and also help to relieve irritation from allergies and other skin conditions.
Banana Peels for Managing Psoriasis

Dry and itchy skin that eventually turns scaly is a condition known as psoriasis; it is a genetic disease that affects both the skin and the joints, and the severity of the condition varies from person to person. People who suffer from psoriasis of the skin experience inflamed lesions that cannot be treated with standard moisturizers, oils, or other topical treatments.

The skin condition can be treated with prescription-strength creams and moisturizers, but each person reacts to the products in a different way. The inside of the banana peel has been used to treat psoriasis for many years, and most people will see results within a few days and weeks. The skin is replenished with natural moisture, nutrients and compounds that reduce itchiness and help make scales disappear. Rubbing the inside of the peel on the affected area or areas once or twice per day may help relieve or eliminate the symptoms of psoriasis and restore the skin back to a healthy state.

In addition to psoriasis, banana peel can help to alleviate several skin conditions including:

Irritation from mosquito bites – banana peel helps soothe the skin after a bug or mosquito bite

Treating poison ivy rashes – banana peel soothes and cools the skin after an allergic response and can help reduce the outbreak of rashes.

Reducing bruises – banana peel can speed up the natural healing and recovery process so that the skin cells can regenerate and restore themselves.

Getting rid of warts – banana peels can be used to cover up a wart and provide relief from skin irritation. The peel helps to heal the wart and surrounding skin so that the skin cells can regenerate naturally. The banana peel can be cut down to size and taped over the wart to secure it in place. It can take approximately 5 – 7 days for the wart to heal completely, but the compounds in the peel can help speed up the healing and skin regeneration process.

Getting rid of plantar warts – in addition to getting rid of regular warts that form on top of the skin, banana peels may help reduce the pain and irritation of plantar warts located on the soles of the feet. The peel can be placed directly on the wart to help reduce inflammation and pain and restore the skin.

Treating acne – since acne is involves skin inflammation and irritation, the inside of the banana peel can be used to soothe the skin and reduce acne outbreaks.
Banana Peels for Managing Wrinkles

Banana peels contain many nutrients and minerals that can help restore the skin. When applied across the forehead, they may also be a valuable headache treatment. Regularly pressing the inside of the peel on large areas of the skin such as the forehead or sides of the cheeks may help tighten up the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Results will not be instant, but the skin will look fresher, more toned and healthier.
Additional Skin Benefits of Bananas

The flesh of the banana can be used as an anti-wrinkle topical skin treatment and mashed banana is commonly used as a facial mask to brighten up the skin and clear up acne. ¼ cup of mashed banana combined with honey and other antioxidant-rich fruits can help detoxify the skin and deliver essential nutrients to the surface of the skin for brightening and toning. The soothing properties of the banana fruit can also help alleviate the symptoms of acne and other types of skin imbalances that cause inflammation.
Other Health Benefits of Bananas

In addition to the skin benefits of the banana peel, the flesh can be eaten to reduce symptoms of certain diseases or imbalances in the body. Some of the top benefits of banana and banana peels include:

Natural hangover cure: A banana milk shake can help soothe the stomach and replenish the body with nutrients after excessive alcohol consumption

Relieve hiccups: Burnt banana leaves mixed with honey can reduce hiccups instantly

Reduce the symptoms of depression: Bananas contain tryptophan which induces relaxation and also contains other compounds that can improve the mood

Reduce constipation: Eating raw bananas can improve digestion and reduce constipation. Boiled bananas can also provide relief from indigestion or diarrhea.

Increase energy: Raw bananas are a natural energy booster; each banana contains approximately 100 calories and is easily assimilated into the body

Alternative Health News

Tea vs Coffee - A short summary

2011-09-22T21:56:00.000-07:00

In the contest between Tea versus Coffee, you may wait for there to be a clear winner.

The truth is however, that coffee and tea remain two very different beverages that do different things for different folks.
First off, one is made from the leaves of a plant called Camellia sinensis, and the other is made from a bean.
When it comes to greater health benefits tea will ultimately beat coffee, especially white and green tea; but this does not mean coffee does not come with its share of health benefits. Granted tea has more antioxidants per cup when compared to coffee and also contains less caffeine...more below on that.

Some Health Benefits of Tea
• helps build a stronger immune system
• promotes weight loss, younger looking skin, lower cholesterol, and blood pressure
• can help reduce the risk of heart disease and developing certain cancer

Some Health Benefits of Coffee
• also helps fight developing certain cancer
• reduces the risk of getting type 2 diabetes
• may help prevent strokes and aids in liver protection
• increases energy and focus

Tea vs Coffee - Caffeine Information
Nothing beats a morning cup of Joe when needing a boost to start a new day! So coffee has tea beat in this area. But for folks who are sensitive to caffeine perhaps tea is the better beverage.
A cup of black tea has half the amount of caffeine than a cup of coffee, and a larger amount of antioxidants such as plant polyphenols, flavonoids, catechins, and tannins. Coffee does not have some these properties present, yet does have its share of minerals.

Oolong, green, and white tea have even less caffeine and even more antioxidants. In fact, white tea has shown to contain the highest levels (beaten only by Olive Leaf Tea), and is one of the best sources when measured by volume for antioxidants compared to other herbs. So if drinking mainly for your health, tea will always beat coffee in terms of antioxidant intake per cup.

But coffee does have its advantages over tea in some areas. As just mentioned, take the simple fact that if you can tolerate caffeine, coffee is a great stimulant, and is helpful in waking folks up in the morning. People also prefer the stronger taste of coffee when having breakfast over the lighter flavor of tea.

Brewing coffee and tea is different for each, as tea is steeped in an infuser or tea bag, while coffee is either made in a percolator or slowly dripped through grains and into a pot (along with other methods).
When it come to tea vs coffee as far as varieties, tea has this one as well. There are literally thousands of varieties and sub varieties of tea that are processed by many different countries and cultures worldwide. Tea is also a more social beverage than coffee and is a better choice if one just wants to relax with a calming drink.

When it boils down to it, it is really on what folks prefer. I can tell you that I used to be a big coffee drinker until I found out about the world of loose leaf tea.

Alternative Health News

Health profits of Mutton-Lamb

2011-09-21T20:59:00.000-07:00

Lamb is a well-liked red color meat with marvelous health profits added to its credit.
Obtained from a young sheep not more than one year of age, it serves as a great source of necessary nutrients in the body. It easily features in the stew, for its tender and delightful taste, but is quite expensive than its counterparts – mutton and hogget. With improved breeding practices, butchery and trimming methods, the amount of fat in lamb has gone down at a great level, over the past twenty years, thus making it the perfect choice for health-conscious consumers. Sheep was domesticated in Middle East and Asia over ten thousand years ago, for both wool and meat. It has been even featured as a symbol of sacrifice in many religions, including Judaism and as a traditional dish on Easter in many countries. Lamb is rich in various nutrients, including the proteins, iron, vitamin B12, zinc, selenium, niacin and low in saturated fat, making it quite beneficial for health.

* Lamb is a good source of high quality protein and supplies the body with 60.3% of the daily requirement for protein.

* The meat is a good source of selenium, a mineral whose deficiency can lead to asthma attacks.

* Lamb is rich in iron, which is an integral component of hemoglobin and aids formation of red blood cells in the body. The form in which iron is present in lamb is easily absorbed by the body.

* The meat contains a high amount of zinc, which is required by every living cell in the body for healthy immune function, cell division and overall growth.

* It is a good source of vitamin B12, necessary to prevent a dangerous molecule called homocysteine from harming the body. It also promotes a healthy nervous system, supports the formation of red blood cells and prevents anemia. Moreover, vitamin B12 is found naturally only in animal foods.

* The niacin (vitamin B3) present in lamb provides protection against Alzheimer’s disease, promotes healthy skin and keeps age-related cognitive decline at bay. Moreover, it retards the risk of developing osteoarthritis by as much as half.

* Lamb is good for health conscious people, as it is a source of ‘good fat’ in the body and has less saturated fat than other meat products.

Alternative Health News

Best 10 Healthiest Vegetables catalog

2011-09-20T23:01:00.000-07:00

This healthiest vegetables catalog can help you reduce weight, battle disease and become much healthier. How do we know? Tons of research says so!

Just choose 5 or 6 every day from the healthiest vegetables list below.

Why? Because everyone, from Mom to the top scientists in the world, keep telling us to eat more vegetables. However, the vast majority aren't even getting three vegetables a day, much less the recommended five or more.

Whereas most vegetables are low in calories and high in nutrition, these top 10 healthiest vegetables are a lot better than others. So start adding at least five choices a day from this healthiest vegetables list.
1. Cruciferous Vegetables are filled with anti-aging, cancer fighting, immune boosting phytonutrients, plus vitamins C and K, potassium, calcium, iron and folic acid. The list below are most nutritious eaten raw, lightly steamed or stir-fried.

* Broccoli,
* Cauliflower,
* Brussels sprouts,
* Green and red cabbage.

2. Carrots help protect against cancer and improve eyesight with super high levels of carotenoids and vitamin A. They're also a good source of vitamins B, C and K, fiber (when raw), potassium, magnesium and folate. Grate them into salads or eat baby raw carrots as snacks.
3. Dark green leafy vegetables can be lightly steamed or used in soups, chilies, casseroles or stir-fries. Green and red leaf lettuce are most nutritious eaten raw in salads and on healthy sandwiches. They're high in iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, carotenoids and B, C, E and K vitamins. They include:

* Kale,
* Spinach,
* Swiss chard,
* Collard greens,
* The herb parsley,
* Red and green lettuce,
* Mustard and turnip greens.

4. Tomatoes are extremely high in lycopene carotenoids and vitamin C and are good on sandwiches, as raw snacks and in salads, soups and pasta sauce.

5. Beans and Peas are much higher in protein than other vegetables. And whether they're dried (lentils), canned (kidney beans), lightly steamed (soybeans), or eaten raw (peas), beans also contain fiber, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. They can be added to soups, salads, pasta sauce, chilie or eaten on their own. The list includes:

* Peas,
* Lentils,
* Soybeans,
* Lima beans,
* Kidney beans,
* Garbanzo beans,
* And other legumes.

6. Asparagus is an excellent source of potassium, fiber, vitamins A, C, K and B complex – especially B6 and folic acid. At just four calories a stalk, lightly steamed asparagus can help reduce weight, inflammation and depression.

7. Allium foods, such as garlic and onions, are best known for their natural antibiotic properties and can help boost immunity, reduce inflammation and fight infection. The allium foods below are most nutritious eaten raw in salads or healthy dips, but are also great for flavoring many cooked dishes.

* Leeks,
* Onions,
* Shallots,
* Scallions,
* And garlic.

8. Sweet potatoes and yams are very rich in carotenoids, vitamins A, B6, C, potassium, iron and fiber and are delicious when baked and eaten plain (without butter) or used in soups, casseroles or stir-fries.

9. Bell Peppers are great sources of potassium, manganese, fiber and vitamins A, B, C and K. These sweet peppers are flavorful additions to salads and healthy stir-fries. You can choose from a rainbow of colors, including:

* Green peppers,
* Yellow peppers,
* Orange peppers,
* And red peppers.
10. Summer and winter squash are rich in carotenoids, vitamins A and C, potassium, magnesium and fiber and can be served alone or added to many dishes.

The best thing about this top 10 healthiest vegetables list, besides the fact that they ARE the healthiest vegetables, is they're so adaptable. You can eat most of them raw, lightly steamed, as a snack, side dish or main dish or add them to soups, salads, stir-fries or casseroles – and then enjoy!. . . .

Alternative Health News

How to avoid Diarrhea disease

2011-09-19T21:14:00.000-07:00

Many cases of diarrhea are extending from person-to-person. The following safety measures can help a person avoid diarrhea and other viral or bacterial infections:

* Individuals caring for sick children or adults in any setting should carefully wash their hands after changing diapers, helping an individual use the bathroom, or assisting an individual around the home.

* Children should be instructed to wash their hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom.

Practice safe food-handling. Always wash hands before and after handling food.

* Use care when preparing raw poultry or meat. Food should be cooked to the recommended temperatures. Avoid raw or rare meat and poultry. Utensils coming in contact with raw food should be cleaned in soap and hot water.

* Fruits and vegetables consumed raw should be thoroughly rinsed in clean water.

* Unpasteurized (raw) milk may be contaminated with bacteria and should always be avoided. Unpasteurized fruit juice or cider should generally be avoided even if the source is not known because the fruit may have come in contact with contaminated animal feces in the orchard.

* Use caution when traveling, especially to foreign countries. Do not eat foods from street vendors. Don't drink water or drinks with ice cubes made from tap water if the country is deemed unsafe. Check the Travelers' Health Web site of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for travel information for your destination...

5 Super Foods for Keeping your Bones strong

2011-09-19T02:26:00.000-07:00

A muscular skeletal structure is vital not only to provide structure to the body but also protect the internal organs and anchor the muscles.

Apart from this, a healthy set of bones is crucial for good posture, balance and strength. Now the two key nutrients responsible for developing healthy strong bones are calcium and phosphorus. Smaller amounts of other nutrients like vitamins, proteins and minerals are also important for healthy bones.

The process of developing healthy bones begins at birth. However, it is important that a healthy, bone-friendly diet programme is maintained all throughout the life. This becomes particularly important after about 30 years of age.

You of course have the option of going for calcium supplements (but do consult a doctor before you do that), you can also try some calcium-rich foods to make up for the deficiency of calcium and keeping the bones healthy. Below, we discuss five super foods which can help you boost your bone density at any age:

Milk

Without a shadow of doubt, milk is the best (and readily available) source of calcium required for proper bone growth. According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), low fat or fat-free milk is the best choice as it has high calcium content without the added fat and this facilitates easy absorption of calcium by the body. And it's not just calcium. Milk is also rich in nutrients like potassium, magnesium, riboflavin, phosphorus and Vitamins D, A and B12, all of which are important for healthy bones.

Orange Juice

Oranges are packed with essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals and calcium. They are a must-have for healthy bone growth. They can be especially used by individuals who have intolerance to lactose and cannot obtain their daily calcium requirements from dairy products. So next time you help yourself with a serving of fruits, make sure you have enough oranges in that.

Dairy Products

Many experts have designated dairy products like cheese and yogurt as preferred source of calcium due to their high calcium levels. In case you are lactose intolerant, you can also opt for other dairy products that are either lactose-free or have low levels of lactose. Yogurt is contains a chemical called lactoferrin which an iron-binding protein which promotes the growth and activity of osteoblasts (the cells that build bones).

Nuts and Seeds

Besides being rich in calcium, nuts like walnuts, flaxseeds, almonds, pistachios etc are also very good sources of minerals and omega 3 fatty acids. Peanuts and calcium contain potassium which prevents loss of calcium in urine.

Greens

Dark green leafy veggies like brocolli and spinach are great sources of calcium and vitamin D and it's the latter which helps in absorption of Calcium and Phosphorus, thereby ensuring growth of healthy bones and teeth. Collards and turnip greens can also be helpful in providing you with your daily dose of calcium. The alkaline effect of eating a diet rich in these vegetables will help you to strengthen your bones and promote bone growth by preventing calcium loss. Besides, plant sterols (steroid hormones) are converted to a hormone called calciferol and that aids calcium absorption...

Cholesterol & Eggs: How Many Eggs Can You Eat Per Day?

2011-09-14T21:04:00.000-07:00

You eat 40 whole eggs per week. 5 to 6 eggs daily at breakfast. You eat them with veggies, really like them and feel full of energy at the gym each time your day starts with an omelet.

But everyone tells you you’re crazy eating so many eggs. They tell you eggs are unhealthy because they’re full of cholesterol. You’ll clock your arteries and die if you continue. Sounds familiar? Truth or myth? Let’s see.

Why People Say Eating Lots of Eggs is Unhealthy. Eggs contain high amounts of cholesterol. 1 large egg has about 200mg cholesterol and 5g of fat. Almost half of that fat is saturated fat.

The logic is that since eggs are high in cholesterol, a high egg consumption will increase your blood cholesterol. So by cutting eggs from your diet, your blood cholesterol will decrease. This, however, isn’t how your body works.

Facts on Cholesterol. You can find studies showing that high cholesterol levels will make you live longer and more immune to infections & diseases than low cholesterol levels. More facts:

* Your Body Makes Cholesterol. Your liver makes 3-6x more cholesterol than you can get eating eggs and other animal products.
* Cholesterol is Vital To Your Body. You need it for the production of steroid hormones like Testosterone and to build & repair cells.
* Dietary Cholesterol Isn’t Bound to Blood Cholesterol. There’s no relation to cholesterol & saturated fat intake to higher cholesterol levels.

Benefits of Eating The Egg Yolk. Eating the yolk makes your life easier since you don’t have to separate it from the egg white each time. Eating the yolk is also healthier for 3 reasons:

* More Vitamins. The yolk is full of vitamins A, D, E. Vitamin D is especially important since most people lack vitamin D.
* Twice The Protein. Eating whole eggs doubles the protein intake you’d get eating egg whites only: the yolk contains half the protein.
* Increased Testosterone Levels. Saturated fat and cholesterol increase testosterone production. Both are heavily present in the egg yolk.

How to Protect Yourself Against Heart Diseases. This is the real concern people have regarding cholesterol. Some things you can do.

* Lose Fat. People with high cholesterol usually have excess body fat. Read the article on fat loss and apply.
* Exercise. This will make you lose fat and improve your health. Check StrongLifts 5×5 if you don’t know where to start.
* Eat Healthy. No more junk food, sodas, artificial trans-fats and refined sugars. Apply the 8 nutrition rules.
* Get Antioxidants. Like berries and green tea. These keep your LDL particles acting normal, preventing blockage in arteries.
* Relax. Stress can negatively influence your cholesterol levels. Relax, take breaks, exercise, think positive,...

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Main causes of hair loss

2011-09-13T21:55:00.000-07:00

Telogen effluvium: Refers to any changes in your body due to physical or emotional stress that cause hair loss. Can include a death in the family, surgery and illness.

Disease: Includes lupus, thyroid disease or other thyroid abnormalities, and alopecia.

Hormonal changes: Often prompted by childbirth, menopause or use of birth control pills.

Medication side effects: From blood pressure, acne, antidepression and cholesterol medication.

Genetics: Can be inherited from mother or father. Heredity also dictates the age, speed and extent of your hair loss.

Preventing hair loss

Get checked: Usually, hair loss is due to an external medical condition. Be sure to speak with your doctor to treat this first, before treating your hair.

Eat well: Eat foods that are high in protein, such as beans or other legumes and eggs.

Relax: Stress induces hair loss, so take time to breathe once in a while.

Take vitamins: Biotin, a B-complex vitamin, is known to help some people experiencing hair loss.
Go natural: Excessive hair drying, curling and straightening can damage hair, and tying your hair too tight can lead to a gradual hair loss known as traction alopecia..

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Useful Tips for Fabulous Looking Nails

2011-09-12T21:14:00.000-07:00

Although your nails might seem like a small detail when it comes to beauty and style, nicely done nails or a botched manicure always attract attention.

Because fabulous looking nails can complete one's look, women don't go shy on spending tens of dollars on manicures that will leave their nails looking enviable. To ensure you always look impeccable, check out the following useful tips for fabulous looking nails and try to incorporate them into your regular beauty routine.

You don't have to be an expert to give your nails that eye catching definition that makes a difference, all you need is a little bit of skill, time and practice, and soon you'll definitely be able to achieve a salon-style mani that will receive admiration from all of your friends.

# Long nails exude femininity and the majority of women like to have longer cut nails, so if you wish to accelerate nail growth, make sure you get all the vitamins your body needs as well as massage your nails and cuticles with nourishing oils, as this way you'll stimulate and speed-up nail growth.

# The shape you file your nails in can definitely have an impact over the beauty of your hands, so make sure you opt for a flattering shape. Stiletto shaped nails are taking over as they have become a hot new trend, but that doesn't mean that oval and square shaped nails are less popular or less fabulous. Go for the shape that suits your hand and style as this way you'll surely not go wrong. Keep in mind to file the nail in one direction to avoid nail breakage.

# If you've got nail varnish on your nails and want to reshape your nails, don't remove the polish before filing as the nail polish remover will weaken the nail thus leaving it more prone to breakage during filing.

# Nail polish has become a must have of the season, but if your nail polish gets chipped, your manicure will look disastrous. Carry your nail polish with you and repair any nail polish chips in time so that you always have lovely and flawless looking nails.

# If you have just finished applying your favorite nail varnish and have to be on your way but don't have enough time to wait for the coats to dry, this trick can definitely save your mani. Hold your nails under a jet of cold running water for about 10 minutes as it will speed-up the drying process.

# If you have the bad habit of biting your nails and just can't help it but do so, the trendy solution for you is gel/acrylic nails. These thick nails will be difficult to bite and thus you'll be able to kick the habit goodbye while making sure your nails look fab at all times.

# Make sure you don't end-up with yellowish nails by applying a base coat prior to applying your favorite colored nail polish to prevent the lacquer pigment from transferring to your nail.

# Make sure your nails maintain their strength and healthy coloration by going nail varnish free for a few days every month. Your nails need to breath too, so go bare for a few days and let your nails regain their healthy shine..

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Whooping Cough Vaccine Required of 7th- to 12th-Graders

2011-09-11T21:29:00.000-07:00

A new state law requires public school students in grades seven to 12 to get a vaccine for whooping cough.
A new state law gives schools the option of granting parents a couple more weeks to get their children the whooping cough vaccine in accordance with a new state law.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious condition that produces violent coughing and may interfere with breathing.

Students entering grades seven and above are required to have received a whooping cough shot (Tdap) after their 10th birthday. The schools can conditionally allow students to attend class for up to a month after the first day of class before being excluded from campus.

Oceanside schools opened on Aug. 25.

It is unclear how many students in the Oceanside Unified School District are not in compliance. The websites of OUSD schools are running reminder bulletins such as this:

"A new state law, which takes effect for the beginning of the 2011-12 school year, now requires ALL students who will be in grades 7-12, to be immunized against Whooping Cough. Proof of this Tdap vaccination must be submitted prior to the start of the new school year, which begins Thursday, August 25, 2011.

"Students will NOT be allowed to register or attend class until showing proof of having received this vaccine. Students who have been given a Tdap shot on or after a 7thbirthday will meet the school immunization requirement by providing proof of immunization.

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Shoulder and Neck Pain Prevention

2011-09-08T21:21:00.000-07:00

Your neck and shoulders contain muscles, bones, nerves, arteries, and veins, as well as many ligaments and other supporting structures. Many conditions can cause pain in the neck and shoulder area. Some are life-threatening (such as heart attack and major trauma), and others are not so dangerous (such as simple strains or contusions).

* To prevent injuries, examine your home for potential hazards and correct them to reduce the chance of accidental injury.

* Proper exercise of the shoulders and neck can reduce the risk of injury.

* When performing hazardous tasks, have someone present to reduce the likelihood of injury. For example, when climbing a ladder, have someone hold the base of the ladder to keep it from sliding to either side.

* Know your limitations. Do not perform activities that you do not have the training, skills, tools, or strength to accomplish.

* Wear seat belts and use other safety equipment to reduce injuries..

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What Causes Dysentery?

2011-09-07T22:15:00.000-07:00

Dysentery is an infection that usually causes diarrhea. The infection is often passed on through improper hygiene. One of the most common causes of dysentery is not washing the hands after using public toilets.

Dysentery is spread from person to person. It is very common for one person in a family to pass it on to the rest of the family members. From there, it can be passed on to numerous people in the general public. The infection can last and be spread for around four weeks.

Dysentery can also be spread through contaminated food. Poor countries that have inadequate sanitation systems can be rife with dysentery. The water systems in these countries can be very infectious. This is why people are advised not to drink the water or take ice in their drinks in certain countries.
There are two main types of dysentery: bacillary and amoebic dysentery. Of the two, bacillary is more common. In this infection, the dysentery organism called Shigella enters through the mouth and multiplies in the bowel. The symptoms of this type of dysentery are usually mild and disappear within a few days to a week.

The main symptom of bacillary infection is usually severe diarrhea. It can be watery and sometimes contains blood or pus. There may also be vomiting, fever and abdominal pains.

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Homeopathy and Cancer

2011-09-06T22:00:00.000-07:00

What does homeopathy specifically offer the cancer patient? There are several ways homeopathy can help cancer patients. First, there are specific remedies for various cancers. These remedies may be used whether a person has conventional treatment or not. A number of remedies can make conventional treatment easier for the cancer patient. Finally, homeopathic remedies can help with terminal pain and with the fear of dying.

Let us begin with helping a cancer patient through conventional cancer therapies. One remedy which may be used during cancer chemotherapy and radiation therapy is cadmium sulph. This remedy has a number of uses but one of its main uses is for severe projectile vomiting. Thus this remedy can be taken before any cancer treatment which causes vomiting. This remedy is also an antidote to radiation sickness. A 30C dose of this remedy before and after treatment will ease any possible vomiting.

Homeopathy was developed at a time when conventional medicine had little to offer the cancer patient. Later there was cancer surgery, but the surgery and the diagnostic testing underlying the surgery were not as sophisticated as that of today. Homeopathic physicians found that there were remedies for cancer. Although it may seem that the more advanced the cancer, the less likely homeopathy would be to help but this was not always true. The successful use of homeopathic remedies depends on being able to identify characteristic symptoms which lead to specific remedies. Sometimes the more severe the cancer the easier it is to find the symptoms and the appropriate remedy.

Cancer from a homeopathic perspective must be seen as a disease and as a disturbance of the vital force and that something must have disturbed the vital force to lead to cancer. Homeopaths would thus often search for a cause in trying to find the appropriate remedy. For example physical trauma to the breast leading to cancer, also points to a specific remedy. Another cause would be a miasm, an underlying predisposition to illness.

The problem is that for someone choosing surgery over homeopathic treatment is that the disease, the disturbance of the vital force, does not go away because the cancer is cut out. The cancer can recur elsewhere and can be more malignant when it does. This is not really explainable under current understanding of cancer. For example if a woman has had cancer in one breast, why should cancer then appear in the other breast, which unfortunately happens all too frequently. The academic model that cancer arises because of hits to DNA, the genes, which somehow results in cancer, means that cancer has a certain probability of affecting a certain tissue, such as the breast, but why once the cancer is removed surgically, that cancer should show up in the other breast has no obvious explanation if everything is random hits to the genes, to DNA.
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Problem with kidney stones-Best food to eat

2011-09-05T22:04:00.000-07:00

What are causes for kidney problems ?

Kidney stones (Renal Calculi) are common cause of
blood in the urine.A kidney stone is a hard ,crystalline mineral material
formed with in the kidney or urinary tract.
Lack of enough water is the main cause of kidney stones.Kidney stones are normally observed in people who drink less water.Kidney stones can be observed in men and women.Most commonly between the ages 30 and 50.Family history is also one of the common cause.Certain medications will also leads to kidney stones.
People who take antacids and thus after the PH of the urine are also at higher risk of getting kidney stones since altering the PH of urine causes precipitation of the minerals.

Symptoms of Kidney stones.
* Sever pain in lower abdomen area.
* Some times lower back pain.
* Pain in the flanks.
* Some times blood in the urine.
* Vomiting sensation.
* Fever accomplished with chills is most probably because of Kidney stones.

Home remedies for Kidney stones

Drink more water
As we have discussed earlier lack of drinking enough water is one of the major cause for kidney stones,drink more water through out the day.

Coconut water
Drink coconut water regularly.It will help to break the stones and make them pass out.

Avoid oily food
Avoid oily ,fried ,Protein rich food.
Avoid Milk Products

Avoid excess milk and milk related products.As milk products are rich in protein they may be the cause for kidney stones.

Take vitamin A food rich

Vitamin A helps to strengthen urinary system and helps to prevent formation of kidney stones.
Eat Fruits

Fruits like Apple and Water melon are beneficial for kidney stones.
Pomegranate

Make a soup with one cup of pomegranate seeds and 2 cups of horse gram and drink it.

Orange Juice is also helpful in treating the disease of kidney stones.

Avoid Alcohol and carbonated beverages.

Take Tomato juice in the morning.

Take Lady fingers and Radish.They are very much helpful in curing the problem.

Limit your sodium(Salt) consumption.There is correlation between sodium consumption and salt intake.

Avoid oxalate rich food.Example:Beans ,Chocolate ,Green peppers,Spinach.

Regular intake of Celery will prevent kidney stones.

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Viral Fever Symptoms

2011-09-04T22:33:00.000-07:00

Viral Fever Symptoms and Treatment

Viral fevers are seen all over the world, and viral fever symptoms can affect all age groups from the smallest infant to the elderly. A small number of viral fever cases are deadly, but most of the time viral fever is not serious and it will go away on its own or with home care and over-the-counter treatment of the worst symptoms. Viral fevers can be highly contagious, however, so they have a tendency to spread very quickly.
In general, a viral fever is an infection in the body that is caused by a virus. This type of infection leads to a spike in body temperature once it has manifested itself in the body. Viral fever is unique in that it is most often treated and overcome without the true virus that caused the problem ever being determined.

Symptoms of Viral Fever
Treatment of viral fevers is usually symptomatic, or based on the various and separate viral fever symptoms. The most obvious viral fever symptom is the fever, of course, and it can be a low-grade fever (99 to 100 degrees) or a very high fever (102 degrees or more). Sometimes the fever will even come and go. Other viral fever symptoms include the following:
> coughing
> eye redness or irritation
> headache
> muscle aches, joint pain and general body ache
> nasal congestion
> runny nose
> severe and ongoing fatigue
> sore throat and swollen glands

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10 Ways to Instantly Build Self Confidence

2011-08-10T21:41:00.000-07:00

Build Self Confidence

1. Dress Sharp

Although clothes don’t make the man, they certainly affect the way he feels about himself. No one is more conscious of your physical appearance than you are. When you don’t look good, it changes the way you carry yourself and interact with other people. Use this to your advantage by taking care of your personal appearance. In most cases, significant improvements can be made by bathing and shaving frequently, wearing clean clothes, and being cognizant of the latest styles.

This doesn’t mean you need to spend a lot on clothes. One great rule to follow is “spend twice as much, buy half as much”. Rather than buying a bunch of cheap clothes, buy half as many select, high quality items. In long run this decreases spending because expensive clothes wear out less easily and stay in style longer than cheap clothes. Buying less also helps reduce the clutter in your closet.
2. Walk Faster

One of the easiest ways to tell how a person feels about herself is to examine her walk. Is it slow? tired? painful? Or is it energetic and purposeful? People with confidence walk quickly. They have places to go, people to see, and important work to do. Even if you aren’t in a hurry, you can increase your self confidence by putting some pep in your step. Walking 25% faster will make to you look and feel more important.

3. Good Posture

Similarly, the way a person carries herself tells a story. People with slumped shoulders and lethargic movements display a lack of self confidence. They aren’t enthusiastic about what they’re doing and they don’t consider themselves important. By practicing good posture, you’ll automatically feel more confident. Stand up straight, keep your head up, and make eye contact. You’ll make a positive impression on others and instantly feel more alert and empowered.
4. Personal Commercial

One of the best ways to build confidence is listening to a motivational speech. Unfortunately, opportunities to listen to a great speaker are few and far between. You can fill this need by creating a personal commercial. Write a 30-60 second speech that highlights your strengths and goals. Then recite it in front of the mirror aloud (or inside your head if you prefer) whenever you need a confidence boost.

5. Gratitude

When you focus too much on what you want, the mind creates reasons why you can’t have it. This leads you to dwell on your weaknesses. The best way to avoid this is consciously focusing on gratitude. Set aside time each day to mentally list everything you have to be grateful for. Recall your past successes, unique skills, loving relationships, and positive momentum. You’ll be amazed how much you have going for you and motivated to take that next step towards success.

6. Compliment other people

When we think negatively about ourselves, we often project that feeling on to others in the form of insults and gossip. To break this cycle of negativity, get in the habit of praising other people. Refuse to engage in backstabbing gossip and make an effort to compliment those around you. In the process, you’ll become well liked and build self confidence. By looking for the best in others, you indirectly bring out the best in yourself.

7. Sit in the front row

In schools, offices, and public assemblies around the world, people constantly strive to sit at the back of the room. Most people prefer the back because they’re afraid of being noticed. This reflects a lack of self confidence. By deciding to sit in the front row, you can get over this irrational fear and build your self confidence. You’ll also be more visible to the important people talking from the front of the room.

8. Speak up

During group discussions many people never speak up because they’re afraid that people will judge them for saying something stupid. This fear isn’t really justified. Generally, people are much more accepting than we imagine. In fact most people are dealing with the exact same fears. By making an effort to speak up at least once in every group discussion, you’ll become a better public speaker, more confident in your own thoughts, and recognized as a leader by your peers.

9. Work out

Along the same lines as personal appearance, physical fitness has a huge effect on self confidence. If you’re out of shape, you’ll feel insecure, unattractive, and less energetic. By working out, you improve your physcial appearance, energize yourself, and accomplish something positive. Having the discipline to work out not only makes you feel better, it creates positive momentum that you can build on the rest of the day.

10. Focus on contribution

Too often we get caught up in our own desires. We focus too much on ourselves and not enough on the needs of other people. If you stop thinking about yourself and concentrate on the contribution you’re making to the rest of the world, you won’t worry as much about you own flaws. This will increase self confidence and allow you to contribute with maximum efficiency. The more you contribute to the world the more you’ll be rewarded with personal success and recognition.

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Remedies for Gastric Problems

2011-08-09T22:56:00.000-07:00

Indigestion is the most often pronounced ailment of modern times branching out into varied abdominal diseases.

The most common one would be Gastritis. To research into the symptoms of this ailment would be acid reflux or heartburn, pain in the abdomen, excessive burping, puking or vomiting, nausea and difficulty in releasing gas.

The causes that underlie gastric problem could be fast eating without good chewing, heavy meals, and excessive intake of alcohol, stress, anxiety and intake of strong drugs. Is there no definite cure to curb this problematic aliment that ties your tongue, into not venturing into the dishes that it would like to savor?. No other way out other than scurrying to your physician? Here are some useful tips that help you encounter your problem better.

Soups, as an aperitif, taken at least 20 minutes before meals helps in digestion, as they are ideal for replacing liquids and salts as well as stimulating the production of gastric acid.

Drinking water with two three drops of mint essence gives relief.

Lime juice, taken with cider vinegar in a glass of water before meals, helps to prevent acid in digestion.

Ginger tea, taken after meals aids in promoting digestion

Herbal tea prepared using blackberry, raspberry, mint and chamomile helps effective digestion

Baking soda in a glass of water, produces instant relief

Sucking cloves after meals, aids in reducing gas problems

A flake of garlic swallowed with water in empty stomach, solves gas problems

Soaking little methi in water in the night and drinking it empty stomach in the morning, is also an effective remedy for indigestion.

Avoidance of wearing tight clothes, a daily walk of about a half an hour, non engagement in active sports immediately after meals, regular exercise and most importantly, timely meals and good chewing are a few suggestions for keeping indigestion at par.

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Malaria Symptoms

2011-08-09T03:14:00.000-07:00

When symptoms appear

The time from the initial malaria infection until symptoms appear (incubation period) generally ranges from:1

* 9 to 14 days for Plasmodium (P.) falciparum.
* 12 to 18 days for P. vivax and P. ovale.
* 18 to 40 days for P. malariae.
* 11 to 12 days for P. knowlesi.

Symptoms can appear in 7 days. Occasionally, the time between exposure and signs of illness may be as long as 8 to 10 months with P. vivax and P. ovale.

The incubation period may be longer if you are taking medicine to prevent infection (chemoprophylaxis) or because you have some immunity due to previous infections.

Variation in symptoms

In regions where malaria is present, people may have the disease but-due to immunity-they have few or no symptoms.2 The severity of malaria symptoms can also vary depending on your general health, what kind of malaria parasite you have, and whether you still have your spleen.

Common symptoms of malaria
In the early stages, malaria symptoms are sometimes similar to those of many other infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Symptoms may include:

* Fever.
* Chills.
* Headache.
* Sweats.
* Fatigue.
* Nausea and vomiting.

Symptoms may appear in cycles and may come and go at different intensities and for different lengths of time. But, especially at the beginning of the illness, the symptoms may not follow this typical pattern.

The cyclic pattern of malaria symptoms is due to the life cycle of malaria parasites camera as they develop, reproduce, and are released from the red blood cells and liver cells in the human body. This cycle of symptoms is also one of the major indicators that you are infected with malaria.
Other common symptoms of malaria

Other common symptoms of malaria include:

* Dry (nonproductive) cough.
* Muscle and/or back pain.
* Enlarged spleen.

In rare cases, malaria can lead to impaired function of the brain or spinal cord, seizures, or loss of consciousness.

Infection with the P. falciparum parasite is usually more serious and may become life-threatening.

There are other conditions with symptoms similar to a malarial infection. It is important that you see your doctor to discover the cause of your symptoms.

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Brush your teeth twice daily to prevent heart disorder

2011-08-05T03:49:00.000-07:00

Undoubtedly, the consequence of poor oral hygiene begins with discomfort and pain which may lead to life-threatening illnesses.

According to experts, poor oral health has remained a widespread global problem and one that is rarely prioritised by governments. Unfortunately, most people also accept it as a fact of life, especially in countries like Nigeria where there is little or no access to dentists.

In the views of a professional Dentists from the Nigerian Dental Association (NDA), Dr. Olufemi Orebanjo, during an Oral Care Social Mission cum Brush Twice Daily Programme organised by Unilever Nigeria Plc in collaboration with NDA at the Ajeromi /Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State last week, regretted that despite the fact that studies have shown that brushing twice a day could prevent against such life threatening diseases many Nigerians seem not to be embracing twice daily brushing.

Statistics available have shown that more than estimated three billion people do not brush twice a day.

In developing countries like Nigeria, where there is low awareness of oral hygiene and a poor healthcare infrastructure, 90 per cent of dental cavities remain untreated.

According to the World Health organisation, (WHO) even in developed countries only 5 to 10 per cent of public health expenditure relates to oral health.

Speaking further, Orebanjo who also noted that poor oral health is preventable said twice brushing can reduce tooth decay.

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With Junk Food Stores Nearby, Teens May Eat More of It

2011-08-03T05:53:00.000-07:00

Teens are much more likely to eat junk food if they live in or go to school in neighborhoods with many fast food restaurants and other sources of unhealthy foods, a new study finds. Click here to find out more!

Researchers compared 2007 data on junk food consumption by California teens living in neighborhoods with high concentrations of junk food outlets, such as fast food restaurants, convenience stores, dollar stores and liquor stores, with the eating habits of teens living near healthier food outlets, such as grocery stores and farmers' markets.

The study, from the University of California Los Angeles Center for Health Policy Research, found that nearly three-quarters of the teens lived in or went to school in neighborhoods crowded with junk food outlets, and that the teens on average had more than seven times as many junk food outlets near their home or school as healthy food outlets.

Teens in neighborhoods with high concentrations of junk food outlets were 18 percent more likely to eat fast food at least twice a week and 17 percent more likely to drink soda every day, compared to teens in neighborhoods with fewer junk food outlets.

Previous research has linked consumption of fast food and soda to high caloric intake, which can contribute to diabetes and obesity.

"You are what you eat. You are, also, where you live," study co-author Susan Babey, a senior research scientist at the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, said in a center news release. "And if you live in a place where there's a fast food restaurant or convenience store on every block, with few healthier alternatives, you are likely to eat more junk."

"It is a travesty that our kids have better access to liquor stores and other unhealthy food outlets than a grocery store," Dr. Robert K. Ross, president and CEO of the California Endowment, a private health foundation that funded the study, said in the news release. "We have put our children and youth in harm's way, and they are paying the price for our carelessness. If nothing is done, this will be the first generation to live shorter lives than their parents."

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When do patients require dialysis?

2011-08-02T01:40:00.000-07:00

Patients usually require dialysis when the waste products in their body become so high that they start to become sick from them.

The level of the waste products usually builds up slowly. Doctors measure several blood chemical levels to help decide when dialysis is necessary. The two major blood chemical levels that are measured are the "creatinine level" and the "blood urea nitrogen" (BUN) level. As these two levels rise, they are indicators of the decreasing ability of the kidneys to cleanse the body of waste products.

Doctors use a urine test, the "creatinine clearance," to measure the level of kidney function. The patient saves urine in a special container for one full day. The waste products in the urine and in the blood are estimated by measuring the creatinine. By comparing the blood and urine level of this substance, the doctor has an accurate idea of how well the kidneys are working. This result is called the creatinine clearance. Usually, when the creatinine clearance falls to 10-12 cc/minute, the patient needs dialysis.

The doctor uses other indicators of the patient's status to decide about the need for dialysis. If the patient is experiencing a major inability to rid the body of excess water, or is complaining of problems with the heart, lungs, or stomach, or difficulties with taste or sensation in their legs, dialysis may be indicated even though the creatinine clearance has not fallen to the 10-12 cc/minute level.

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Why is blood pressure important?

2011-07-28T20:50:00.000-07:00

The Facts about blood pressure

Why is blood pressure important?

Blood pressure is important because the higher your blood pressure is, the higher your risk of health problems in the future.

If your blood pressure is high, it is putting extra strain on your arteries and on your heart. Over time, this strain can cause the arteries to become to become thicker and less flexible, or to become weaker.

If your arteries become thicker and less flexible, they will become more narrow, making them more likely to become clogged up. If an artery becomes completely clogged up (known as a clot), this can lead to a heart attack, a stroke, kidney disease or dementia.

More rarely, if an artery has become weakened, the extra strain may eventually lead to the artery bursting. This may also cause a heart attack or stroke.

The good news is that there are many ways in which you can lower your blood pressure and put less strain on your arteries and heart.

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Tips for a Healthy Family

2011-07-27T21:35:00.000-07:00

The health of both women and children can be significantly improved by spacing births at least two years apart, by avoiding pregnancies before the age of 18 and by limiting the total number of pregnancies to three or less. Some basic parenting tips are:

* To reduce the danger of childbearing, all pregnant women should go to a health worker for pre-natal care and all births should be assisted by a trained midwife.

* For the first few months of a baby's life, breast milk alone is the best possible food and drink. Infants need other foods, in addition to breast milk, when they are four to six months old.

* Children below three years have special feeding needs. They need to eat 5 to 6 times a day. Mashed vegetables and small amounts of fats or oils should be added to their food to enrich their diet.

* Diarrhoea can kill by draining too much liquid from a child's body. So the liquid lost each time the child passes a watery stool must be replaced by giving the child plenty of the right liquids to drink- breast milk, home - based fluids such as dal water, rice water, butter milk or a special drink called Oral Rehydration Suspension (ORS).

* Immunization protects against several diseases, which can cause poor growth, disability, and death. All immunization should be completed in the first year of the child's life and a booster dose should be given at one and half years.

* Most coughs and colds will get better on their own. But if a child with a cough is breathing much more rapidly than normal then the child is seriously ill and it is essential to go to a health centre quickly. A child with a cough or cold should be helped to eat and to drink plenty of liquids.

* Many illnesses are caused when germs enter the mouth. This can be prevented by using proper latrines; by washing hands with soap and water after using the latrine and before handling food; by keeping food and water clean; and by boiling drinking water if it is not from a safe piped supply.

* Parents should keep an eye on the child's activities and also have knowledge about the mechanism of all the toys with which it plays

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Tooth and Teeth Disease

2011-07-26T20:34:00.000-07:00

The History and Causes of Tooth and Teeth Disease:

Essentially, the definition of tooth and teeth disease is anything which causes teeth to be malformed or suffer increasing damage in some way, over a period of time. So tooth and teeth diseases can be caused by genes or the environment. The key to the definition is that it is a process that occurs over time.

Tooth and teeth disease has been around since ancient times. From autopsies of Egyptian mummies, we know that some of the ancient Egyptians died agonizing slow deaths because of uncontrolled tooth disease / decay. Some mummies had all their teeth and jaws infected by tooth disease.

In the 1700's and 1800's we know from published cartoons that toothache was around and was treated often by blacksmiths and, often in public, even on public stages in front of large audiences.

In the late 1800's early 1900's, America was known as having the highest rates of tooth and teeth disease anywhere in the world. The cause of the high rate of tooth and teeth disease was attributed to the highly refined foods that Americans were eating.

The refined foods introduced higher concentrations of substances into the food supply, especially acidic types, which eat away / erode the tooth enamel.

It is clear, that even in the 1800's, the importance of diet in causing tooth and teeth diseases was well known.

This knowledge of tooth and teeth diseases continues to be verified to this day. When soft drinks became widely available, tooth disease increased quite markedly. Soft drink contains both sugar and acid which can quickly breakthrough the enamel of teeth, via causing plaque and acid erosion, allowing disease to enter the teeth.

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Google's Street View cars collect locations of Wi-Fi devices

2011-07-25T21:59:00.000-07:00

Google is back in the hot seat today following a CNET report that suggests the search giant's Street View cars collected the locations of countless Wi-Fi devices. Along with mapping Wi-Fi access points (the intended purpose), the vehicles also charted the street addresses and unique identifiers of wireless Internet devices such as laptops and smartphones -- a practice that has been confirmed by the CNIL (France's data privacy commission).

What's worse, the search giant reportedly releases that information online, and you can't opt out of it. Harvested MAC addresses and their last known coordinates are published on the company's public geolocation database for all to access. Although this isn't inherently dangerous (it's effectively just a snapshot of where your device last was, so it's not like someone can stalk you with the information), it still raises valid privacy concerns.

For instance, someone could use the data to show you were at a specific place during a specific time, and that's something you might not want to share with the world. The Internet exploded earlier this year when it was discovered that Apple's iOS devices recorded a year's worth of location data that could be mapped to show your previous whereabouts. The company later released a software update that minimized users' biggest complaints.

And of course, isn't the first time Google's Street View cars have been caught gathering more information than intended. The company faced worldwide investigations, raids and even a $143,000 fine from France after it was discovered that the company "accidentally" collected private information from Wi-Fi networks, including emails, fragments of visited websites and passwords. The US FTC dropped its Wi-Fi sniffing investigation last October.

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Blood Pressure Chart

2011-07-25T21:43:00.000-07:00

What is Normal Blood Pressure?

Buy and use an automatic blood pressure monitor. Compare your BP reading with the numbers on the chart above. Draw a line from your systolic pressure to your diastolic pressure. Is the slope of the line about the same as shown on the chart? Where do YOU fit in? What are your risk factors?

Are your blood pressure readings within the normal blood pressure range?
Should you take anti-hypertension medication to lower your blood pressure?

Normal human daily Blood Pressure Range can vary widely, so any single blood pressure monitor reading is not reliable. BP monitor readings must be taken at different times of day, to determine AVERAGE blood pressure levels over time.

What is important is your AVERAGE BP, or MAP (Mean Arterial Pressure) over time.
Or, where are those numbers sitting MOST of the time?
Normal MAP is about 93 mm of mercury.

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