health education

Bridal Beauty Tips For Your Special Day

2009-01-23T02:18:00.000-08:00

Today I Married My Best Friend Rachel Elizabeth Cooper

Today I married my best friend,

Our bond complete, it hath no end,

We share one soul, we share one heart,

A perfect time - a perfect start.

With these rings we share together,

Love so close to last forever,

This special day - two special hearts,

Let nothing keep this love apart.

It's your day! The most special day of your life, so relax, enjoy, and don't fret the small stuff. Life isn't perfect and your wedding may have a few hick ups too, however if you go with the flow you'll be less stressed and more radient.

It's your day! You've got the perfect dress, now you need the perfect makeup. Here are some Dos and Don't tips to help you on your very special day.

Use a professional makeup artist if possible. Have a pre-wedding consultation so your makeup artist already knows what you want

If you decide to do your own makeup then visit the cosmetic counter at least a month before your wedding and have the consultant try different colors to see what looks best on you

Do your makeup before dressing

Have your makeup done as close to the ceremony as possible

Have a facial two weeks prior to your wedding. If you've not had facials in the past we would recommend you start this process 3-4 months prior to your wedding.

Use a primer before applying your foundation. This will make your foundation last longer. It is also a good idea to use an eye primer to eliminate shadow creasing

Make certain your foundation is an exact match to your skin tone

Use powdered rice papers to eliminate any shine

Use a light to medium lipstick that is long wearing. If you will be having black and white photos then add a layer of lip gloss

Exfoliating your lips will result in your lipstick lasting longer

Use translucent powder to set your makeup

Blend, blend, and blend again to make sure all your makeup is smooth and even.

If you are prone to red eyes use eye drops prior to the ceremony

Use water proof mascara just incase the tears of joy appear

Charcoal, navy, or mahogany are your best options for eyeliner. Black or brown may look too severe, especially if your wedding will be held during the daytime and/or outdoors.

When applying your makeup wear a button shirt that can be easily removed when its time to dress.

Place a towel over your head prior to slipping into your gown to avoid getting makeup on your gown.

Don't forget your blush! A pop of color on your cheeks is like an instant facelift.

If you've had your hair professionally done and you will be removing your veil, then have the stylist show your mom or bridesmaids how to fix your style.

A week before your wedding rehearse your makeup - practice, practice, and practice some more, until you perfect the look you want for your wedding day.

Treat nails at least a week prior to your wedding to ensure you are not dealing with ragged or dry cuticles

If your wearing sandals then about a month before your wedding start your foot treatment so your feet look as good as the rest of you.

Do Notes

Do not do your own makeup. Have a professional makeup artist or a friend do it. Chances are you've got a bit of the jitters with all the excitement which could result in you having difficulties doing your own makeup

Don't make your foundation thick like a mask. Light for overall eveness is best.

Don't use shiny or shimmering products on dry skin

Don't overuse lip gloss

Don't have a facial within the previous 48 hours of your wedding. Facials can occasionally have unexpected results and you don't need any surprises.

Toilet Training Your Child

2008-12-10T03:42:00.000-08:00

When should I start toilet training my child?

Do not start toilet training until both you and your child are ready. You are ready when you are able to devote the time and energy necessary to encourage your child on a daily basis for at least 3 months.

Your child is ready when he or she can signal that the diaper is wet or soiled, or when your child is able to say that he or she would like to go to the potty. This usually occurs when a child is 18 to 24 months of age. However, it is not uncommon for a child to still be in diapers at 2 and a half to 3 years of age.

How should I prepare my child for toilet training?

Allow your child to be present when you go to the bathroom and make your child feel comfortable in the bathroom. Allow your child to see urine and bowel movements in the toilet. Let your child play with flushing the toilet.

Before toilet training your child, place a potty chair in your child's normal living and play area so that your child will become familiar with the potty. Consider placing a potty chair on each floor of the house if you live in a multilevel home. Allow your child to observe, touch and become familiar with the potty chair.

Tell your child that the potty chair is his or her own chair. Allow your child to sit fully clothed on the potty chair, as if it were a regular chair. Allow your child to leave the potty chair at any time. Do not force your child to spend time sitting on the chair.

After your child has become used to the potty chair and sits on it regularly with his or her clothes on, try having your child sit on the potty without wearing pants and a diaper. Let your child become comfortable with sitting on the potty without wearing pants and a diaper.

The next step is to show your child how the potty chair is used. Place stool from a dirty diaper into the potty chair. Allow your child to observe the transfer of the bowel movement from the potty chair into the toilet. Let your child flush the toilet and watch the bowel movement disappear down the toilet.

How do I teach my child to use the toilet?

After your child has become comfortable with flushing the toilet and sitting on the potty chair, you may begin teaching your child to go to the bathroom. Keep your child in loose, easily removable pants.

Place your child on the potty chair whenever he or she signals the need to go to the bathroom. Your child's facial expression may change when he or she feels the need to urinate or to have a bowel movement. Your child may stop any activity he or she is engaged in when he or she feels the need to go to the bathroom.

Most children have a bowel movement once a day, usually within an hour after eating. Most children urinate within an hour after having a large drink.

In addition to watching for signals that your child needs to urinate or have a bowel movement, place your child on the potty at regular intervals. This may be as often as every 1and a half to 2 hours.

Stay with your child when he or she is on the potty chair. Reading or talking to your child when he or she is sitting on the potty may help your child relax. Praise your child when he or she goes to the bathroom in the potty chair, but do not express disappointment if your child does not urinate or have a bowel movement in the potty. Be patient with your child.

Once your child has learned to use the potty chair, your child can begin using an over-the-toilet seat and a step-up stool.

How long will it take to toilet train my child?

It may take up to 3 months. It is important for you to be patient and supportive. Do not punish your child when he or she has an accident.

If your child is not toilet trained within 3 months, consult your family doctor. The most likely reason your child has not learned to use the potty is that your child is not yet ready for toilet training.

Turmeric Health Benefits

2008-11-20T00:33:00.001-08:00

Turmeric, known by the name of haldi in India, is a member of the ginger family. It is scientifically known by the name of ‘Curcuma Longa’ and has been accorded to impart a number of health benefits to its users. Infact, it has been in existence as a healing factor in Ayurveda, since ages. Turmeric extract has been known to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiseptic properties, mainly present in curcumin – one of its active ingredients. In the following lines, we have mentioned the health benefits arising from the use of turmeric.

Health Benefits of Turmeric

* Turmeric has antiseptic properties. Putting its powder over cuts, bruises, or scrapes helps in stopping blood loss as well as healing the wounds.
* Drinking boiled milk, with a little turmeric powder in it, helps in the strengthening of bones.
* The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric powder help in alleviating the pain associated with arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
* Taking turmeric on a regular basis helps in the reduction of fats, thus aiding in weight loss.
* Turmeric powder, when consumed regularly, helps improve blood circulation and also purifies blood.
* Studies have shown that turmeric helps in prevention and blockage of the growth of melanoma tumor cells, breast cancer, colon cancer and other cancers.
* Turmeric extract is believed to cure liver problems as well as prevent bad cholesterol.
* Turmeric has been said to help reduce the risk of childhood leukemia.
* Turmeric powder aids the healing process and remodeling of damaged skin.
* Turmeric has been known to be helpful in treating psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.
* Turmeric is said to be very good for digestion.
* Turmeric powder, when mixed with cucumber lemon or juice, helps in the reduction of pigmentation.
* Paste of turmeric and milk cream or turmeric and curd, when applied on stomach, helps in lightening of stretch marks.
* Applying a paste of turmeric, gram flour and milk cream is believed to help in giving a glow to the skin.

Here are just a few of the various benefits of turmeric:

Reduces Pigmentation

Plagued with pigmentation? Turmeric can help even out your skin tone and colour. Simply apply a little turmeric mixed with cucumber juice or lemon to the affected area. Leave on for fifteen minutes or more, and wash off. Do this everyday, and gradually you will notice your skin colour returning to normal.

Strengthens Bones

Drink a quarter glass turmeric juice every night, with milk. The best way to have this is to take a ½ inch piece of turmeric and boil it with half a glass of milk. Once the milk has turned yellow, remove from fire, let it cool slightly, and sip this. This will cure numerous ailments. Women especially should drink this every night, as it strengthens bones and reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis.

Softens the Body

Turmeric is a wonderful body scrub, which is why Indian brides apply a turmeric and gram flour (besan) mix to their entire body, the morning of the wedding. It leaves your skin soft, smooth and glowing. Of course, a single application will not really make that much of a difference. Do this regularly, and watch your skin change for the better - much better.

Makes the Skin Supple

If you are planning a pregnancy, apply a mixture of turmeric and malai or turmeric and curd to your stomach and waist before going for a bath. Leave it on for fifteen minutes, and wash off. If desired, you could even apply this mixture after bathing. After you have washed off the soap, apply the malai and haldi mixture, leave it on for five minutes, and wash off only with water. Gently, wipe your stomach with the towel. The sooner you start this routine, the more supple and elastic your skin will become, and after giving birth, you will not be left with unsightly stretch marks.

Inhibits Cell Damage

Turmeric is an excellent anti-oxidant, which essentially means that it stabilizes unstable oxygen molecules. These are known as free radicals, and are what cause damage to cells, leading to ageing and various other diseases such as cancer.

Fights Diarrhoea

Turmeric fights the bacteria that causes diarrhoea, so the next time your stomach starts 'running', reach for some haldi. German health authorities have officially declared turmeric herbal tea to be a cure for loose stools.

All around the world you can now avail of turmeric in the form of teas, capsules, tinctures, lotions, ointments and powder. However, here, you have access to turmeric in its purest form, so make the most use of it.

Reduce Stomach Fat & Get A Flat Stomach

2008-11-03T05:14:00.000-08:00

How to reduce stomach fat?

It is so hard to keep your reduce stomach fat and keep your belly flat and trim. It doesn't matter if your 120lbs or 200lbs, most people have a hard time getting and keeping a flat stomach.

In fact, a fat stomach can look even worse on someone who is slim than on someone who is not.

Stomach fat is not just ugly and unfashionable, it can be the sign of more problems than just obesity.
So why do you have stomach fat? And how to reduce stomach fat? Firstly, there are a few reasons why you don't have a flat stomach.

Get a flat stomach

1. Are you overweight or obese?

If you are carrying too much fat overall, it is likely that your bulging stomach is due to your extra weight.

However, this fat on your stomach should be an unobtrusive continuation of the curves of your body, not a pronounced bulge on the lower abdomen. If you're not overweight yet you still have a pronounced fat stomach, don't blame the size of your belly on fat. The answer here is not to diet more and eat less, but to look at other reasons why your stomach is extra rounded, and different ways to reduce stomach fat.

It is impossible to spot reduce on any part of your body, so if your stomach is a result of being overweight then you will need to reduce weight all over. To get started losing weight, an online diet plan will help you you reduce stomach fat.

If you go on a low calorie dietwithout following a regimen and getting support, you may find that you reach your target but your body is still unhealthy and you still have a flabby stomach instead of a flat one!

2. Are your stomach muscles weak?

Poor muscle tone in the abdominal region is another reason for a fat stomach, but it's not likely to be the only cause.

Your abdominal muscles need regular work to keep fit, just like your biceps. So if you have not been doing regular core-building exercises, chances are this is one of the reasons why your stomach is not flat.

If you have been doing hundreds of sit ups for weeks and not seeing any results, guess what? I believe you! Sit ups are not going to give you a flat stomach, but they have probably given you a sore back. Traditional sit ups only exercise some of the muscles in your stomach, but not all of them.
By following a simple regimen of core-building exercises, you can gain a strong set of muscles that will reduce stomach fat and make your belly flat.

3. Have you got good posture?

Most people don't have an ideal posture, sitting in front of a computer or TV screen is enough to end up with bad posture, and this contributes to having stomach flab.

In order to correct your posture you have to have the desire to do so and then the right exercises to get your back muscles into the right shape.
The weaker your stomach muscles are, the worse your posture is going to get, and it's a vicious cycle as lower back pain reduces ones desire to do abdominal exercise, and the problem just gets worse.

4. Are you eating for a flat stomach?

Depending on your diet your fat stomach could be a matter of bloating from eating the wrong types of foods.

Some foods cause us to retain fluid, for women, this can become worse at certain times of the month, meaning that for 2 weeks of every month, fluid retention is a problem.

If you body is having problems digesting certain foods you may be feeling bloated and possibly have a problem with gas.

If you are eating too fast you could be inhaling air with your food, giving your belly that bloated appearance.

An online diet plan might be just the right thing to boost your metabolism and get reduce stomach fat.

Foods that help reduce bloating

The size of your belly depends on various factors, such as your weight, your posture, the strength of your stomach muscles and even what you ate for your last meal.

Some foods will help you reduce your belly fat, while others will make you feel bloated. If you have a food allergy you probably feel bloated all the time, you may have tried many ways to lose belly fat but nothing has worked. This is because certain foods make you bloated. The most common foods for bloating are milk and wheat.

If you are often bloated, keep a food diary, and note what you are eating, portion sizes, and when you feel more or less bloated. This will help to show which foods are making you bloated. It's important that if you think you have a food intolerance or allergy that you see your doctor.

Foods that help reduce water retention

* Fresh fruit - particularly watermelon, pineapple, citrus fruits,

* Salads - tomatoes, celery, lettuce, cucumber

* Green tea

* Natural live yoghurt (unsweetened)

Foods to help reduce bloating & gas

* Peppermint tea

* Chamomile tea

* Ginger (fresh)

Foods to Avoid

* White bread / flour / pasta

* Milk pudding eg tapioca, rice pudding

* Doughnuts

* High salt foods like olives, pastrami, pizza

* Smoked salmon

* Coffee

* Chocolate

* Fatty meats

* Raw onion

* Beer / lager

* Alcohol

TIPS FOR EATING WELL

2008-10-20T05:11:00.000-07:00

These practical tips can help you make healthier choices. The two keys to a healthy diet are eating the right amount of food for how active you are and eating a range of foods to make sure you're getting a balanced diet.

A healthy balanced diet contains a variety of types of food, including lots of fruit, vegetables and starchy foods such as wholemeal bread and wholegrain cereals; some protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, eggs and lentils; and some milk and dairy foods

1. Base your meals on starchy foods

Starchy foods such as bread, cereals, rice, pasta and potatoes are a really important part of a healthy diet. Try to choose wholegrain varieties of starchy foods whenever you can.

Starchy foods should make up about a third of the food we eat. They are a good source of energy and the main source of a range of nutrients in our diet. As well as starch, these foods contain fibre, calcium, iron and B vitamins.

Most of us should eat more starchy foods - try to include at least one starchy food with each of your main meals. So you could start the day with a wholegrain breakfast cereal, have a sandwich for lunch, and potatoes, pasta or rice with your evening meal.

Some people think starchy foods are fattening, but gram for gram they contain less than half the calories of fat. You just need to watch the fats you add when cooking and serving these foods, because this is what increases the calorie content.

Why choose wholegrain foods?

Wholegrain foods contain more fibre and other nutrients than white or refined starchy foods.

We also digest wholegrain foods more slowly so they can help make us feel full for longer.

Wholegrain foods include:

* Wholemeal and wholegrain bread, pitta and chapatti
* Wholewheat pasta and brown rice
* Wholegrain breakfast cereals

2. Eat lots of fruit and veg

Most people know we should be eating more fruit and veg. But most of us still aren't eating enough.

Try to eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and veg every day. It might be easier than you think.

You could try adding up your portions during the day.

For example, you could have:

* a glass of juice and a sliced banana with your cereal at breakfast
* a side salad at lunch
* a pear as an afternoon snack
* a portion of peas or other vegetables with your evening meal

You can choose from fresh, frozen, tinned, dried or juiced, but remember potatoes count as a starchy food, not as portions of fruit and veg.

3. Eat more fish

Most of us should be eating more fish - including a portion of oily fish each week. It's an excellent source of protein and contains many vitamins and minerals.

Aim for at least two portions of fish a week, including a portion of oily fish. You can choose from fresh, frozen or canned - but remember that canned and smoked fish can be high in salt.

What are oily fish?

Some fish are called oily fish because they are rich in certain types of fats, called omega 3 fatty acids, which can help keep our hearts healthy.

How much oily fish?

Although most of us should be eating more oily fish, women who might have a baby one day should have a maximum of 2 portions of oily fish a week (a portion is about 140g). And 4 is the recommended maximum number of portions for other adults.

4. Cut down on saturated fat and sugar

Fats

To stay healthy we need some fat in our diets. What is important is the kind of fat we are eating. There are two main types of fat:

* saturated fat - having too much can increase the amount of cholesterol in the blood, which increases the chance of developing heart disease
* unsaturated fat - having unsaturated fat instead of saturated fat lowers blood cholesterol

Try to cut down on food that is high in saturated fat and have foods that are rich in unsaturated fat instead, such as vegetable oils (including sunflower, rapeseed and olive oil), oily fish, avocados, nuts and seeds.

Foods high in saturated fat

Try to eat these sorts of foods less often or in small amounts:

* meat pies, sausages, meat with visible white fat

* hard cheese

* butter and lard

* pastry

* cakes and biscuits

* cream, soured cream and crème fraîche

* coconut oil, coconut cream or palm oil

For a healthy choice, use just a small amount of vegetable oil or a reduced-fat spread instead of butter, lard or ghee. And when you are having meat, try to choose lean cuts and cut off any visible fat.

Sugar

Most people in the UK are eating too much sugar. We should all be trying to eat fewer foods containing added sugar, such as sweets, cakes and biscuits, and drinking fewer sugary soft and fizzy drinks.

Having sugary foods and drinks too often can cause tooth decay, especially if you have them between meals. Many foods that contain added sugar can also be high in calories so cutting down could help you control your weight.

5. Try to eat less salt - no more than 6g a day

Lots of people think they don't eat much salt, especially if they don't add it to their food. But don't be so sure!

Every day in the UK, 85% men and 69% women eat too much salt. Adults - and children over 11 - should have no more than 6g salt a day. Younger children should have even less.

Three-quarters (75%) of the salt we eat is already in the food we buy, such as breakfast cereals, soups, sauces and ready meals. So you could easily be eating too much salt without realising it.

Eating too much salt can raise your blood pressure. And people with high blood pressure are three times more likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke than people with normal blood pressur

6. Get active and try to be a healthy weight

It's not a good idea to be either underweight or overweight. Being overweight can lead to health conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes. Being underweight could also affect your health.

Check if you are the right weight for your height using the link below.

If you're worried about your weight, ask your GP or a dietitian for advice. But if you think you just need to lose a little weight, the main things to remember are:

* only eat as much food as you need
* make healthy choices - it's a good idea to choose low-fat and low-sugar varieties, eat plenty of fruit and veg and wholegrains
* get more active

It's also important to eat a variety of types of food so you get all the nutrients your body needs.

Physical activity is a good way of using up extra calories, and helps control our weight. But this doesn't mean you need to join a gym.

Just try to get active every day and build up the amount you do. For example, you could try to fit in as much walking as you can into your daily routine. Try to walk at a good pace.

Whenever we eat more than our body needs, we put on weight. This is because we store any energy we don't use up - usually as fat. Even small amounts of extra energy each day can lead to weight gain.

But crash diets aren't good for your health and they don't work in the longer term. The way to reach a healthy weight - and stay there - is to change your lifestyle gradually. Aim to lose about 0.5 to 1kg (about 1 to 2lbs) a week, until you reach a healthy weight for your height.

7. Drink plenty of water

We should be drinking about 6 to 8 glasses (1.2 litres) of water, or other fluids, every day to stop us getting dehydrated.

When the weather is warm or when we get active, our bodies need more than this. But avoid drinking soft and fizzy drinks that are high in added sugar.

8. Don't skip breakfast

Breakfast can help give us the energy we need to face the day, as well as some of the vitamins and minerals we need for good health.

Some people skip breakfast because they think it will help them lose weight. But missing meals doesn't help us lose weight and it isn't good for us, because we can miss out on essential nutrients.

There is some evidence to suggest that eating breakfast can actually help people control their weight.

So why not go for a bowl of wholegrain cereal with some low-fat milk and sliced banana and a glass of fruit juice for a healthy start to the day?

The Sodium Issue

2008-08-13T05:03:00.001-07:00

The Sodium Issue

Current health advice warns against too much sodium. This warning is based on research suggesting that

eating high amounts of sodium may contribute to the development of high blood pressure in certain people. High blood pressure may then lead to heart disease, kidney disease or stroke.

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Why Not Eliminate Sodium from the Diet?

Sodium is an absolutely necessary mineral for the human body. Without it, nerves and muscles would cease to function, the absorption of major nutrients would be impaired, and the body would not be able to maintain adequate water and mineral balance.

How Does Sodium Contribute to High Blood Pressure?

In a complex way, increased salt intake causes more fluid to be retained in the blood vessels. This increased volume of blood requires the heart to work harder to pump blood to all the tissues in the body. Increasing the blood’s volume within the enclosure of the circulatory system is one way that salt increases blood pressure.

Salt may also help elevate blood pressure through the action of the arterioles. Arterioles are blood vessels that dilate and constrict to regulate blood pressure and blood flow. By contracting under the influence of sodium, arterioles effectively increase the resistance to blood movement and lessen the volume of blood that is returned to the heart. This action also increases blood pressure.

Other mechanisms linking sodium with hypertension are less well understood. The extent to which each person responds to high intake of salt is probably genetically determined. Some people are more susceptible to the effects of sodium than others, and sodium sensitivity appears to increase with age.

At present, there is no accurate test to determine who may be sensitive to the effects of sodium. This is why the population overall is advised to limit sodium use.

Certain characteristics can help identify individuals who may develop high blood pressure. These risk factors include:

A family history of high blood pressure
Elevated blood pressure readings (normal is less than 120/80 mm/Hg)
A high resting heart rate (given the level of physical fitness)
A body mass index of 25 or higher. High blood pressure is a "silent" disease; it often has no symptoms. Be sure you and your health care provider monitor your blood pressure regularly.

Current research suggests a diet high in potassium and calcium may help lower blood pressure. Good sources of potassium include food from the fruit and vegetable group; good sources of calcium can be found in food from the dairy group. Include at least 5 servings of fruits and/or vegetables and at least 3 servings of dairy items each day.

How Much Sodium is Recommended?

Recommended intake of sodium is 1000-3000 mg/day. This replaces your normal daily loss of sodium. You can meet this recommendation by eating a healthy, nutritionally well-balanced diet. In fact, just one teaspoon of salt (including sodium found naturally in food or added during preparation) is enough to meet this requirement.

What Are the Sources of Sodium?

Sodium is a regular part of our food supply. It is found naturally in meats, nuts, grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products in low amounts. Unfortunately, most of the sodium Americans eat today is added to food in the form of sodium chloride, or table salt. Food manufacturers also add table salt to food in the process of preserving and processing, as well as flavor enhancing. Sodium is also hidden as a part of other chemical additives, such as sodium nitrate, sodium benzoate saccharin, and monosodium glutamate. As a result, many Americans unknowingly consume three to five times more sodium than they need.

How to Control Sodium Intake.

By eating a diet of predominantly unprocessed food, you may obtain enough sodium to meet the body's needs. The best way to decrease your sodium intake is to become more aware of the sources of sodium in your diet and to moderate your intake of salty food and table salt.

Read Food Labels for Sodium Information

The following standardized terms are used to identify the sodium content of foods.

Sodium-free and salt-free: less than 5 mg of sodium per serving.
Low sodium: 140 mg or less per serving.
Light in sodium: 50% less sodium than the comparison food.
Very low sodium: 35 mg or less per serving.

How to Cut Salt Intake

Most people eat more salt and sodium than they need, and some people can lower their blood pressure by avoiding highly salted foods and removing the salt shaker from the table. Food eaten without salt may seem less tasty at first, but with repetition, you can learn to enjoy the natural flavors of many unsalted foods.

Strategies to cut salt intake include:

Cook without added salt, or with only small amounts.
Prepare foods with sodium-free spices such as basil, bay leaves, caraway seeds, curry, garlic, ginger, lemon, mint, oregano, parsley, pepper, rosemary, sesame and thyme.
Add little or no salt at the table.
Read labels, looking for sodium content.
Eat high-salt foods in moderation or look for low-sodium options.
Eating foods that are lower in sodium, such as:
- Fresh vegetables and salads
- Homemade soup
- Shredded wheat
- Puffed rice or wheat
- Oatmeal
- Low-sodium, ready-to-eat cereals
- Salt-free matzo
- Crackers
- Pasta
- Beverages such as fresh fruit juices, seltzer water, or sodas other than club soda or saccharin-flavored soda
- Sandwiches with nitrite-free meats, such as turkey and chicken breast
Eating food that is high in sodium sparingly, including those such as:
- Food prepared in brine, such as pickles, olives, and sauerkraut
- Salty or smoked meats, such as bacon, bologna, corned or chopped beef, frankfurters, ham, lunch meats, salami, salt pork, sausage, and smoked tongue
- Salty or smoked fish, such as anchovies, caviar, salted and dried herring, sardines, and smoked salmon
- Beverages such as saccharin-flavored soda and club soda
- Snack items such as corn chips, potato chips, pretzels, salted popcorn, salted nuts, and crackers
- Sodium-heavy spices and sauces, such as bouillon cubes, celery salt, garlic salt, seasoned salts, soy, steak sauces, Worcestershire, and barbeque sauce
- Cheeses, especially processed types
- Canned and instant soups, canned or frozen vegetables
- Ready-to-eat cereals
- Fast food
- Baking soda and baking powder
- Prepared horseradish, catsup, and mustard

Emotional intelligence

2008-06-09T10:25:00.000-07:00

Origins of the concept

The most distant roots of Emotional intelligence can be traced back to Darwin’s early work on the importance of emotional expression for survival and adaptation.[1] In the 1900s, even though traditional definitions of intelligence emphasized cognitive aspects such as memory and problem-solving, several influential researchers in the intelligence field of study had begun to

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recognize the importance of the non-cognitive aspects. For instance, as early as 1920, E. L. Thorndike at Columbia University, used the term social intelligence to describe the skill of understanding and managing other people. [2]

Similarly, in 1940 David Wechsler described the influence of non-intellective factors on intelligent behavior, and further argued that our models of intelligence would not be complete until we can adequately describe these factors.[1] In 1983, Howard Gardner's Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences [3] introduced the idea of Multiple Intelligences which included both Interpersonal intelligence (the capacity to understand the intentions, motivations and desires of other people) and Intrapersonal intelligence (the capacity to understand oneself, to appreciate one's feelings, fears and motivations). In Gardner's view, traditional types of intelligence, such as IQ, fail to fully explain cognitive ability [4]. Thus, even though the names given to the concept varied, there was a common belief that traditional definitions of intelligence are lacking in ability to fully explain performance outcomes.

The first use of the term "Emotional Intelligence" is usually attributed to Wayne Payne's doctoral thesis, A study of emotion: Developing emotional intelligence from 1985 [5]. However, prior to this, the term "emotional intelligence" had appeared in Leuner (1966). Greenspan (1989) also put forward an EI model, followed by Salovey and Mayer (1990), and Goleman(1995).

As a result of the growing acknowledgement of professionals for the importance and relevance of emotions to work outcomes [6], the research on the topic continued to gain momentum, but it wasn’t until the publication of Daniel Goleman's best seller Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ that the term became widely popularized. [7] Nancy Gibbs' 1995 Time magazine article highlighted Goleman's book and was the first in a string of mainstream media interest in EI [8]. Thereafter, articles on EI began to appear with increasing frequency across a wide range of academic and popular outlets.

Defining emotional intelligence

There are a lot of arguments about the definition of EI, arguments that regard both terminology and operationalizations. The first published attempt toward a definition was made by Salovey and Mayer (1990) who defined EI as “the ability to monitor one's own and others' feelings and emotions, to discriminate among them and to use this information to guide one's thinking and actions.” [9]

Despite this early definition, there has been confusion regarding the exact meaning of this construct. The definitions are so varied, and the field is growing so rapidly, that researchers are constantly amending even their own definitions of the construct. [10] Up to the present day, there are three main models of EI:
* Ability-based EI models * Mixed models of EI * Trait EI model

Emotional Intelligence Test

For decades, a lot of emphasis has been put on certain aspects of intelligence such as logical reasoning, math skills, spatial skills, understanding analogies, verbal skills etc. Researchers were puzzled by the fact that while IQ could predict to a significant degree academic performance and, to some degree, professional and personal success, there was something missing in the equation. Some of those with fabulous IQ scores were doing poorly in life; one could say that they were wasting their potential by thinking, behaving and communicating in a way that hindered their chances to succeed.

One of the major missing parts in the success equation is emotional intelligence, a concept made popular by the groundbreaking book by Daniel Goleman, which is based on years of research by numerous scientists such as Peter Salovey, John Meyer, Howard Gardner, Robert Sternberg and Jack Block, just to name a few. For various reasons and thanks to a wide range of abilities, people with high emotional intelligence tend to be more successful in life than those with lower EIQ even if their classical IQ is average.

The Emotional Intelligence Test will evaluate several aspects of your emotional intelligence and will suggest ways to improve it. Please be honest and answer according to what you really do, feel or think, rather than what you think is considered right in this test.

How to Care for Your Baby's Teeth

2008-04-22T00:05:00.000-07:00

The habits your children learn as babies will help them keep their teeth for life. Good habits promote good health.

During pregnancy it is really important for you to have a dental check-up to make sure that your teeth and gums are healthy. This is because babies are not born with the decay-causing bacteria. The bacteria is passed to them from others, especially parents. This can happen through kissing, food tasting and cleaning their dummy in your own mouth.

Really good cleaning of your own teeth and gums every day will help to stop passing bacteria to your baby and help keep your baby's teeth healthy. As a parent, have regular dental check-ups.
When will my baby get their teeth?

The teeth will usually start to come through between 3 and 15 months of age. Usually the front teeth come through first, the back ones later. By the time your baby is two and a half years old all 20 first teeth should have come through.

When your child is about six years old, new teeth called the "six year old molars" will pop up at the very back. These new teeth are adult teeth that have to last for the rest of your child's life.

What will I do when my baby starts to get teeth?

As soon as baby's teeth begin to come through clean them with either a small toothbrush or a clean face washer. Be sure to do this at least once a day.

How can I help at teething time?

Giving your child something cold to chew on helps. You could try using a teething ring from the fridge. If you give your child teething rusks, make sure they don't contain any sugars and stay with them while they suck or chew them.

First teeth are very important because they:

* allow your baby to chew more solid food
* help in the development of your baby's speech
* make baby look good
* keep space for when the adult teeth are ready to come through.

What causes holes in my baby's teeth?

The biggest cause of holes in babies teeth is putting them to bed with a bottle that has a sugary drink or fruit juice or even milk in it—in fact anything but water. This can cause what is called "bottle caries". Letting your baby walk around with these drinks in a bottle, or a training cup, all day also causes holes.

Why?

The sugary drinks, milk and juice lie around the teeth all night, and maybe all day, slowly rotting the teeth away. This can happen so quickly (maybe just a few months) that the teeth may look like they have come through rotten because the decay starts near the gum. We could call this toddler tooth decay.

How can I stop my baby getting holes in their teeth?

Follow this checklist to help your baby have healthy teeth for life:

* Use the bottle only when your baby is hungry. When they have had enough to eat, take the bottle away.
* Encourage your baby to use a cup as early as possible
* Please don't let your baby eat lollies and sugary foods between meals, although something sweet at the end of a meal is OK. It is a good idea to read the labels on all foods to see how much sugar they contain.
* Clean your baby's teeth every day.
* Look in your child's mouth regularly to check for any problems.
* Take your baby for a dental check-up when they are about two years old.
* Remember to keep your own teeth and gums healthy.

If you don't have fluoride in the water supply you should ask your dentist or dental therapist for advice on other possible ways to provide enough fluoride to make your child's teeth tough.

When teaching your child how to brush their teeth, seat them on your lap facing away from you and brush their teeth from behind, using a small soft toothbrush and junior toothpaste.

What about breast feeding, bottles and sippy cups?

Breast feeding is good for your baby's teeth. If you give your baby a bottle, always hold the baby when you feed him or her. Do not leave a bottle in the crib. Do not put juice in a bottle.

Your baby can start using a sippy cup when he or she is 6 months old. Stop giving your baby a bottle when he or she is a year old. Do not let your baby walk around with a sippy cup unless it has only water in it. Do not give your baby a sippy cup of juice or milk in the crib.

After your child is one year old, give only water or plain milk between meals instead of other drinks. If you give your child juice or flavored milk (like sweetened milk products), only give it with meals. Juice and flavored milk have a lot of sugar in them.
When should I start brushing my baby's teeth?

Start cleaning your baby's teeth twice a day as soon as the first tooth appears. Until your child is 1 year old, you can use a wet washcloth or gauze to clean your baby's teeth and gums. At about a 1 year to 18 months of age, you should start using a soft baby toothbrush and a small dab of toothpaste that does not have flouride in it. (This type of toothpaste is safe for your baby to swallow.)
When should I take my baby to the dentist?

Be sure to take your baby to a dentist by his or her first birthday, especially if there is a high risk for cavities or any other problems with his or her teeth. It is better for your child to meet the dentist and see the office before he or she has a tooth problem.

Developing Your Child"s Self-Esteem

2008-04-15T01:12:00.000-07:00

Healthy self-esteem is a child's armor against the challenges of the world. Kids who feel good about themselves seem to have an easier time handling conflicts and resisting negative pressures. They tend to smile more readily and enjoy life. These kids are realistic and generally optimistic.

In contrast, for children who have low self-esteem, challenges can become sources of major anxiety and frustration. Children who think poorly of themselves have a hard time finding solutions to problems. If they are plagued by self-critical thoughts, such as "I'm no good" or "I can't do anything right," they may become passive, withdrawn, or depressed. Faced with a new challenge, their immediate response is "I can't." Read on to discover the important role you can play in promoting healthy self-esteem in your child.

What Is Self-Esteem?

Self-esteem is the collection of beliefs or feelings that we have about ourselves, or our "self-perceptions." How we define ourselves influences our motivations, attitudes, and behaviors and affects our emotional adjustment.

Patterns of self-esteem start very early in life. For example, when a baby or toddler reaches a milestone, he or she experiences a sense of accomplishment that bolsters self-esteem. Learning to roll over after dozens of unsuccessful attempts or finally mastering getting the spoon into his or her mouth every time he or she eats are experiences that teach a young child a "can do" attitude. The concept of success following persistence starts early.

As a child tries, fails, tries again, fails again, and then finally succeeds, he or she is developing ideas about his or her own capabilities. At the same time, he or she is creating a self-concept based on interactions with other people. This is why parental involvement is key to helping a child form accurate, healthy self-perceptions.

Self-esteem can also be defined as the combination of feelings of capability with feelings of being loved. A child who is happy with an achievement but does not feel loved may eventually experience low self-esteem. Likewise, a child who feels loved but is hesitant about his or her own abilities can also end up with a low self-esteem. Healthy self-esteem results when the right balance is attained.

Signs of Unhealthy and Healthy Self-Esteem

Self-esteem fluctuates as a child grows. It is frequently changed and fine-tuned, because it is affected by a child's experiences and new perceptions. It helps for parents to be aware of the signs of both healthy and unhealthy self-esteem.

A child who has low self-esteem may not want to try new things. He or she may frequently speak negatively about his or herself, saying such things as, "I'm stupid," "I'll never learn how to do this," or "What's the point? Nobody cares about me anyway." The child may exhibit a low tolerance for frustration, giving up easily or waiting for somebody else to take over. Children with low self-esteem tend to be overly critical of and easily disappointed in themselves. Kids with low self-esteem see temporary setbacks as permanent, intolerable conditions. A sense of pessimism predominates.

A child who has healthy self-esteem tends to enjoy interacting with others. He or she is comfortable in social settings and enjoys group activities as well as independent pursuits. When challenges arise, he or she is able to work toward finding solutions. He or she voices discontent without belittling herself or others. For example, rather than saying, "I'm an idiot," a child with healthy self-esteem says, "I don't understand this." He or she knows his or her strengths and weaknesses, and accepts them. A sense of optimism prevails.

What Parents Can Do to Help

How can a parent help to foster healthy self-esteem in a child? Here are some tips that can make a big difference:

* Watch what you say. Children are very sensitive to parents' words. Remember to praise your child not only for a job well done, but also for effort. But be truthful. For example, if your child doesn't make the soccer team, avoid saying something like, "Well, next time you'll work harder and make it." Instead, say something like, "Well, you didn't make the team, but I'm really proud of the effort you put into it." Reward effort and completion instead of outcome.

* Be a positive role model. If you are excessively harsh on yourself, pessimistic, or unrealistic about your abilities and limitations, your child may eventually mirror you. Nurture your own self-esteem, and your child will have a great role model.

* Identify and redirect your child's inaccurate beliefs. It's important for parents to identify kids' irrational beliefs about themselves, whether they are about perfection, attractiveness, ability, or anything else. Helping your child set more accurate standards and be more realistic in evaluating himself or herself will help your child have a more healthy self-concept. Inaccurate perceptions of self can take root and become reality to a child. For example, a child who does very well in school but struggles with math may say, "I can't do math. I'm a bad student." Not only is this a false generalization, it's also a belief that will set your child up for failure. Encourage your child to see the situation in its true light. A helpful response might be: "You are a good student. You do great in school. Math is just a subject that you need to spend more time on. We'll work on it together."

* Be spontaneous and affectionate with your child. Your love will go a long way to boost your child's self-esteem. Give your child hugs. Tell your child you're proud of him or her. Leave a note in your child's lunch box that reads, "I think you're terrific!" Give praise frequently and honestly, without overdoing it. Kids can tell whether something comes from the heart.

* Give positive, accurate feedback. A comment such as, "You always work yourself up into such a frenzy!" will cause a child to start believing he or she has no control over his or her outbursts. A better statement is, "You were really mad at your brother. But I appreciate that you didn't yell at him or hit him." This acknowledges your child's feelings and rewards the choice that your child made, encouraging your child to make the right choice again next time.

* Create a safe, nurturing home environment. A child who does not feel safe or is being abused at home will suffer immensely from low self-esteem. A child who is exposed to parents who fight and argue repeatedly may become depressed and withdrawn. Always remember to respect your child.

* Make your home a safe haven for your family. Watch for signs of abuse by others, problems in school, trouble with peers, and other potential factors that may affect your child's self-esteem. Deal with these issues sensitively but swiftly.

* Help your child become involved in constructive experiences. Activities that encourage cooperation rather than competition are especially helpful in fostering self-esteem. For example, mentoring programs in which an older child helps a younger one learn to read can do wonders for both children.

Finding Professional Help

If you suspect your child has low self-esteem, you can get professional help. Family and child counselors can work to uncover underlying issues that are preventing your child from feeling good about himself or herself. Therapy can adjust the way a child views himself or herself and the world. This can enable a child to first see himself or herself in a more realistic light, and then to accept who he or she truly is. With a little help, every child can develop healthy self-esteem for a happier, more fulfilling life.

Gaming Addiction

2008-04-08T23:35:00.000-07:00

The "Violence" theme in most computer games is a hot topic for discussion & debate not only with Indian parents & but from Parents all over the world. Yes, there are a lot of games which show killings in graphic details.

And all it takes is a just few clicks for your child to get hooked on to them.

But it's not really 'the element of violence' that a child is getting hooked on here-it's the sense of having power and being in control. It is a known & accepted fact that computer games are addicting, specially the ones which have 'violence themes'.
Why are some computer games so violent?

Games are violent because that's what the kids prefer. Research & surveys indicated that children prefer violent video games involving human or fantasy violence. Very few kids prefer educational games. So it stands to reason that the more violent the game is, the better it will sell. Kids are no longer interested in simple animation, and educational games.

What effects do Violent games have on children?
Advantages v/s Disadvantages

Some experts believe that violent games are a means of interaction between children. It can be a release of violence and aggression which they may have within them. While many believe these games make children oriented towards violence. Some also believe these games make kids uncompassionate and insensitive towards death. Violent games are generally action packed & Manufacturers of such games insist that their games Improve coordination, reflexes, and skills ! A point which educational games manufacturers disagree with. Violent games can hold children ( & even adults !) spellbound in amazement. This can lead to them sitting on the computer for hours and hours sometimes leading to neck problems and eye damage.

GAME ADDICTION-Some signs to watch out for.

* Is your child playing computer games most of the time?
* Is your child playing for long periods?
* Doesn't like to play outdoor games like before?
* Get restless if they can't play?
* You make him get up but he/she comes back to the PC?
* plays instead of doing homework?
* sacrifices social activities, friends.
* Doesn't watch his favorite TV programmers like before, want to be play on the computer.
* School report shows & teachers begin to complain.

If the answer is "yes" to most of these questions, your child may be playing video games excessively and limits should be placed. The best way to help avoid addiction is to take breaks and set time limits allotted for playing. Most children cannot set their own limits so it is up to the parents to set restrictions and take notice of how much their child plays such games.

What does it all mean?

For many, computer games are usually fun and relaxing. But for some, games can become consuming and addicting, taking away from day to day activities and social behavior. So what is the best way to keep the situation under control? Banning materials is definitely not the answer. Probably the most important aspect to take note of is:

Like We always insist, " PARENTS MUST TAKE RESPONSIBILITY"
What can be done?

If you believe that computer games are bad for your kids you might be closing your child to a world that teaches them many good things. This is because good computer games can enhance computer skills and may be a way to make your child interested in computers. There are enough games that are not ultra violent but can be as interesting & and enjoyable as violent games.

Encourage your children to play Educational games.

You will find lots of interesting educational games for your kids on grammar, math, sports, spellings etc. You as a parent may sometimes have to tolerate a certain amount of violence in games. For example some amount of shooting in games is okay. As a parent you should know where to draw the line for your child.

Play with the kids.

Your kids love games & they love you too. So, why not pull a chair & sit with them & enjoy. Yes, your little kid will love it, especially when they beat you hands down. And you too would get to learn something about games and computers.
Set the time limit.

You have to set time limits & see that your child follows it. Be strict if necessary & see they don't neglect their homework.

Keep a watch.

Kids are smart these days. It is possible your smart kid may be enjoying games at his friends home ! Keep a check & remind him not to play violent games.

What about games for girls?
Not surprisingly most girls prefer creative games & dislike violent games. There are games like ' Barbie' which girls love. Girls also enjoy games on coloring, words & puzzles, grammar.

Remember that all games are not bad. Nor do all games incite violence. What is important is find good games & monitor your child when he plays on the PC. Like we always say,You, as a parent must be aware of what's there in the game and spend some time checking them out before you let your kids see the game. Parental involvement is always a MUST. There is no substitute .

web games @ http://binbrain.com/games/

Health Benefits of Eating Fish

2008-04-04T05:35:00.000-07:00

It is important to include fish and shellfish within an healthy diet. Seafood provides protein, fats and oils, vitamins and minerals and fish is a unique source of the Omega 3 fatty acid. In terms of nutritional value to the human body; fish can be classified into different groups, with each group providing a slightly different nutritional value than the next.

White Fish

Demersal fish feed in deep water or on the seabed. Examples of such fish are cod, haddock, plaice, whiting, sole, coley and monkfish. Their meat tends to be white and relatively low in fats. Nutritionally, the demersal group provide mainly protein. Demersal fish in general do not have a lot of lipid in their flesh, generally lipid stores are found in the liver. The high levels of lipid found in the liver of the Gadidae family (including cod, coley and haddock) is exploited to produce cod liver oil, a rich source of the Omega 3 long chain polyunsaturates as well as vitamins A and D.

Oil Rich Fish

Pelagic fish feed near the surface and have higher levels of lipid in their flesh giving them a non-white colour, they are often referred to as 'fatty', 'oily' or 'oil-rich' fish.. Examples of pelagic species are sprats, pilchard, tuna, herring and mackerel. Nutritionally trout and salmon are very similar to pelagic fish. Levels of protein in pelagic fish are similar to those in demersal fish.

The major proteins in fish are actin and myosin, which combine in muscle to form actomyosin. The amino acid composition of fish protein is such that it can provide the sole source of protein for humans. The actual amino acid pattern is comparable to that of other proteins of high biological value, such as beef, egg or milk protein.
Shellfish

The term "Shellfish" is often used to describe a very broad range of aquatic organisms. All living organisms are classified / identified using the same methods. They are grouped according to their biological appearance and structure and genetic make up.

The nutrient content of shellfish is much more variable than in fish and true comparison is difficult since analytical data is not available on all species in the same state. Generally, protein levels are a little lower and lipid levels a little higher than in demersal fish. Shrimp and crab are notable for a relatively high amount of lipid (2.5-5.5g/100g) and oysters and scallops for a significant amount of carbohydrate (2.7-3.4g/100g). There is no doubt that the crustaceans as a group contain quite high levels of cholesterol. Prawns in particular contain about 195mg of cholesterol per 100g of meat. In the context of a recommended maximum cholesterol intake of 300-600mg per day, this is significant, though it is still less than the cholesterol contained in an egg. At one stage it was thought that molluscs also contained high levels of cholesterol however this was caused by an analytical error. What was identified as cholesterol is now known to include other plant derived sterols or phytosterols. Cholesterol levels in molluscs range from 40-60mg in mussels, scallops and oysters up to 150-200mg in cuttlefish and squid. The phytosterols, though not yet widely studied are considered to be beneficial in the diet since they interfere with the absorption of cholesterol.
Vitamins Provided by Fish

Fish and shellfish are best known as sources of the fat soluble vitamins A and D, though they can also provide significant amounts of some B vitamins. Seafoods generally provide little or no vitamin C. The B vitamins are represented to varying extents, with the supply of thiamine, riboflavin and pyridoxine being the most significant nutritionally. 100g portions of most seafoods will supply 10% or more of the adult Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI) for these nutrients. Seafoods are especially rich in vitamin B12, supplying 100% or more of the adult RNI in a 100g portion.
Minerals Provided by Fish

Seafoods are better known nutritionally for the dietary minerals they supply than for vitamins. This is because minerals such as iodine and selenium, which are supplied by seafoods are not readily available at the same levels in many other non-marine foods. In general the balance between sodium and potassium is favourable in fish. In shellfish there is more sodium so the ratio is not so favourable. Calcium levels are low in most seafoods, though sprats, sardines and oysters are exceptions. Iron levels are also generally low, however iron is easily absorbed from white fish, and is therefore a useful dietary source. The level of iron in molluscs is similar to that of red meat. Zinc is also especially rich in molluscs, particularly oysters. Seafood is the richest source of iodine in the normal diet and one or two seafood meals per week will supply 100-200mcg per day, enough to meet the adult RNI of 140mcg.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Fish also contains the right type of fats, known as Omega 3 fatty acids, which are polyunsaturated fats that have a range of health benefits. In the human diet, omega 3 is a preferred substitute for Omega 6 fatty acids, the fats commonly found in other red meat and plants. The right balance between Omega 3 and Omega 6 acids also seems to be a factor in our getting the most health benefits.

The human body has evolved to run best on a mixture of Omega 3 and Omega 6 type polyunsaturates. While it can survive in the short term without either, long term optimal health requires that both be present in the diet. A growing body of evidence indicates that Omega 3 molecules help maintain cardiovascular health because they play a role in regulating blood clotting and vessel constriction. They may reduce tissue inflammation and alleviate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Other maladies in which Omega 3 may play a beneficial role include depression and irritable bowel syndrome. Various studies have shown that fairly small amounts of Omega 3 can make a big difference to heart risks. Current thinking is that around 400mg a day is enough to reduce risk quite substantially. You can get it by eating oil-rich fish or by simply taking one or more concentrated fish oil capsules a day. Eating oil-rich fish once or twice a week will make a good contribution towards supplying the right amount of Omega 3 you need to improve general health. Omega 3 fatty acids are found in high concentrations in finfish and shellfish that eat plankton and smaller fish with Omega 3 in their tissues. Good sources are bluefish, striped bass, smelt, shark tuna, salmon, mackerel, oysters, mussels, shrimp and squid.

Signs of Good Quality Fish

Fish is very easy and quick to cook. At Island Seafare all our products are readily prepared for you so that you do not have to worry about how to prepare our products for cooking. We have also produced a recipe book which is available upon request, all recipes are also available on the website. If you have any queries regarding the cooking of your fish do not hesitate to contact us by phone or e.mail and our in house chef will be pleased to pass on his knowledge.

Island Seafare is a company dedicated to quality and we take great pride in the products we produce. At first people were sceptical of receiving seafood by mail order, but we have proved that with our chilled packaging delivered to your door by noon next day the quality in no way suffers. We have also taken into account the higher summer temperatures and to ensure our produce reaches you in the best condition possible we have improved the insulation of our packaging and included extra gel packs to combat the summer temperatures.

What to Look for when Buying Fish Whole Fish

* Clear bright eyes, not sunken
* Bright red gills
* Scales should not be missing
* Skin is moist and feels slightly slippery
* Skin is shiny with bright natural colouring
* Tail is stiff and the flesh feels firm
* Fish has a sea fresh smell
Fillets
* Neat, trim fillets with firm flesh
* Closely packed together
* White fish should have a white translucent colour

Smoked Fish
* Glossy appearance
* Firm flesh, not sticky
* Pleasant, smoky smell
Shellfish

* Shells not cracked or broken
* Shells of oysters and mussels are tightly shut
* Lobsters, crabs and prawns have good colour and be heavy for their size
* Lobsters and crabs have all their limbs

Fish has a shelf life of 10 to 12 days. At Island Seafare we recommend that upon receipt of our products they are kept for a maximum of 5 days in the refrigerator (between 0 and 5 degrees C). Fresh fish should be covered with cling film and stored in the bottom of a refrigerator, it should be eaten as soon as possible. Ready to eat cooked fish such as our hot smoked mackerel, smoked salmon, kippers, prawns, dressed crab and lobster, should be stored on shelves above raw foods to avoid cross contamination. Smoked fish should be well wrapped up and kept separate from other fish to prevent the smell and dye penetrating other foods. Fish should not be stored at temperatures lower than -18 degrees C. In should be thawed overnight in a refrigerator. Defrosting fish in water is not recommended as the taste and texture are easily spoiled and valuable water soluble nutrients are lost.

Radiation and Cell phones

2008-03-25T22:05:00.000-07:00

Cell phones work by emitting radio frequency radiation (RFR) that transmit through the antenna on your phone. This antennae lies right next to your brain. The potential risk of a mobile phone comes from its emission of low levels of radio frequency radiation (RF), the same type of energy that comes off a microwave oven. The RF pulses off the device's antenna right next to the user's head, and that proximity to the brain is what concerns some researchers. It is well known that high levels of RF can produce biological damage through heating effects (this is how your microwave oven is able to cook food). However, it is not known whether, to what extent, or through what mechanism, lower levels of RF might cause adverse health effects as well.

Risks to children

Preliminary scientific evidence found exposure to radio frequency radiation might have subtle effects on biological functions, including the brain. Children may be more vulnerable because of their developing nervous system, the greater absorption of energy in the tissues of the child's head, and a longer lifetime of exposure.

Views of scientists and researchers

Inconclusive. There have been some 200 studies on the safety of cell phones. And they all seem to conflict concluding that scientists still aren't sure as to the safety of cell phones. The catch is that these are short-term studies. Cell phones have only been in the mainstream for a few years. No one is sure of the long-term effects.

Preventive measures

Limit time spent on your cell phone.
Use a phone design that moves the antennae away from the head.
Discourage children from using them.
Don't use a cell phone if the signal is weak. The phone shoots out more radiation to compensate for a poor signal.

SAR Levels

Human exposure levels to mobile phones are measured by testing the Specific Absorption Rate, referred to as SAR .The SAR measures how much energy is absorbed into the body. Individual countries set SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) guidelines, which indicate to the public what level of radio or other electromagnetic waves emitted by electrical appliances, is safe. In the UK,these guidelines are set by the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB)and the SAR limit for the general public is set at 10 watts per
kilogram (w/kg). ICNIRP*set the SAR limit for the general public at 2 watts per kilogram (w/kg).

Are mobile phones dangerous ?

Radiowaves given off by mobiles can heat-up body tissue, having damaging effects Radiowaves are not powerful enough to cause heat damage to the body

Magnetic fields created by mobile phones can affect the way that your body cells work
The magnetic fields are incredibly small, and so unlikely to affect cells in our body

People who make long mobile phone calls sometimes complain of fatigue, headaches, and loss of concentration The same results have never been reported in laboratory conditions and may be due to other factors in modern lifestyles

Mobile phone users are 2.5 times more likely to develop cancer in areas of the brain adjacent to their phone ears Researchers admit it's unclear this increase is linked to using mobiles

The International Agency for Research on Cancer found a link between childhood cancer and power lines. Like mobile phones, power lines also emit radiation The radiation produced by powerlines is a differnet kind of radiation, with much more energy than that coming from mobile phones

Radiofrequency waves similar to those in mobile phones altered the gene expression in nematode worms Worms are not humans, there is no guarantee that our brain cells will behave in the same way

If you are worried about the potential hazards of cell-phone radiation, here are few ways to reduce your risk:

Use a hands-free headset.
Use a phone that places the antenna as far away from you as possible.
Extend the antenna during use.
Limit calls inside buildings.
Use the phone in open spaces as often as possible.
Limit use by children.

The Metabolic Syndrome

2008-03-10T02:21:00.000-07:00

Since cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease is the leading cause of death for adults in developed countries, many medical studies focus on treating or preventing heart disease and stroke. The metabolic syndrome, a collection of unhealthy body measurements and abnormal laboratory test results, may identify persons at high risk for developing cardiovascular disease. Aggressive lifestyle modification and possible use of medications to treat the conditions that make up the metabolic syndrome may reduce a person's chances of developing heart disease or stroke. The metabolic syndrome has also been called syndrome X or insulin resistance syndrome.

How is the metabolic syndrome diagnosed?

There are no well-accepted criteria for diagnosing the metabolic syndrome. The criteria proposed by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III), with minor modifications, are currently recommended and widely used.

The American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommend that the metabolic syndrome be identified as the presence of three or more of these components:

* Elevated waist circumference:
Men — Equal to or greater than 40 inches (102 cm)
Women — Equal to or greater than 35 inches (88 cm)
*
Elevated triglycerides:
Equal to or greater than 150 mg/dL
* Reduced HDL (“good”) cholesterol:
Men — Less than 40 mg/dL
Women — Less than 50 mg/dL
* Elevated blood pressure:
Equal to or greater than 130/85 mm Hg
* Elevated fasting glucose:
Equal to or greater than 100 mg/dL

TREATING THE METABOLIC SYNDROME

Lifestyle modifications include weight loss, regular exercise, stopping smoking, and reducing dietary fat intake. Losing just 10% of excess body weight lowers blood pressure and improves insulin resistance. Some persons may be able to treat high blood pressure and hyperglycemia by altering their lifestyle alone. In many individuals, lifestyle modification is not adequate, and medications must be used to decrease blood pressure, lower triglycerides, and increase the level of HDL.

Because these problems are often linked, treating one aspect of the metabolic syndrome may help the other issues. For example, regular exercise can help you lose weight, reduce blood pressure, and manage hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Combining healthful eating with a regular exercise program is the cornerstone of treating the metabolic syndrome and reducing risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other medical problems.

PREVENTION

* Exercise regularly throughout your life.
* Encourage children to have daily physical activity and make healthful food choices.
* Eat a healthful, balanced diet low in saturated fats and high in nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables.
* Do not smoke.
* Recognize that you may have a genetic (inherited) predisposition for diabetes, heart disease, and the metabolic syndrome.
* Have regular medical check-ups and initiate early treatment for high blood pressure.

Benefits of Jackfruit

2008-03-03T01:53:00.000-08:00

Jackfruit is a very good source of potassium and vitamin C.
What is Jackfruit

The jackfruit is a huge, spined, oval fruit that is believed to have been first cultivated in Indian rainforests. The exterior of the fruit is not edible, but the flesh and seeds are commonly eaten. When the fruit has turned from green to yellow, it is ready to be picked. Jackfruit tends to be an acquired taste and frequently does not appeal to those unfamiliar with it.

What are the uses of jackfruit?

The pulp of the young fruit is cooked as a vegetable, pickled or canned. Pulp of ripe fruit is eaten fresh or made into various local delicacies including chutney, jam, jelly, and paste, or preserved as candies by drying or mixing with sugar, honey or syrup. The pulp is also used to flavour ice cream and beverages, made into jackfruit honey, reduced to concentrate or powder, and used for preparing drinks. The seeds can be eaten boiled, roasted or dried and salted as table nuts, or they can be ground to make flour and blended with wheat flour for baking. Young leaves can be used as fodder for cattle and other live stock.

Benefits of Jackfruit

1. Jackfruit is a very good source of potassium and good source of vitamin C.
2. Potassium rich in jackfruit may help to regulate your blood pressure.
3. Jackfruit contains lignans, isoflavones, saponins, that are called phytonutrients and their health benefits are wide-ranging from anti-cancer to antihypertensive, anti-ageing, antioxidant, anti-ulcer, etc.
4. The jackfruit root is a remedy for skin diseases and asthma. An extract of the root is taken to cure fever and diarrhoea. Jackfruit provides a good supply of proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins.

Nutrition chart (Amount in 100 grams of edible portion)
ENERGY (kilocalories) 94
WATER (grams) 73.23
FAT (grams) 0.3
PROTEIN (grams) 1.47
CARBOHYDRATES (grams) 24.01
FIBER (grams) 1.6

VITAMINS : Fat Soluble
Vitamin A (mcg-RAE) 15

Water Soluble
Vitamin C (mg) 6.7
Riboflavin (mg) 0.11
Pyridoxine(B6) (mg) 0.108

MINERALS(mg)
Calcium 34
Iron 0.6
Magnesium 37
Phosphorus 36
Potassium 303
Sodium 3
Zinc 0.42
Copper 0.187
Manganese 0.197

The jackfruit is the shape of a large melon. The fruit has a grey skin, and contains a great number of pips or kernels which are about the size of a pigeon's egg. These, when roasted, taste like chestnuts. The fruit is yellow and succulent, of a sweet taste and powerful smell. Thais eat the yellow flesh alone, with ice cream or mixed with other fruits and coconut milk in a compote. The cooked seeds find their way into many dishes. We put almost every part of the jack fruit tree to use. The young jack fruit used in curries, the seed is also used up. Sometimes the seeds are sun dried and stored for the winter.

Hair Replacement - Practical Solutions To Boost Your Confidence

2008-02-27T03:29:00.000-08:00

Hair Replacement is fast becoming a convenient option for people with receding hairlines. There are several methods-hair pieces, hair transplant, application of ointment and drugs, tissue expansion, flaps and scalp reduction etc. Each application has its advantages and disadvantages and come at a reasonable cost depending on the amount of hair loss.

Prior medical consultation is necessary for persons with complications like high blood pressure, blood clotting, etc. to take care of the risks involved. Some care and is necessary after hair replacement. But, mostly it is a very smooth procedure. Get a hair replacement done today and transform your appearance altogether.

Hair Replacement Methods and Cost

* Hair Pieces- Cover areas of hair loss with synthetic fiber or human hair as a temporary solution. Cost may be in the range of $2000 to $6000 depending on quality. It can look so good that people can hardly distinguish your hairpiece from a natural hairstyle.

* Hair Transplant-Involves surgical procedures that call for a thorough check on physical and health parameters like blood pressure, blood clotting time, smoking history, etc. The procedure has to take into account the possibility of infection, slow healing time, ineffective skin plugging and other similar risks. An expert medical consultation will be necessary. Replacement cost depends on the degree of hair loss. It is around $4000 for slight loss and around $20,000 for extensive hair loss.

* Scalp Reduction, Tissue Expansion, Flap, Ointments and Drug Therapy: The budget for scalp reduction may be in the range of $1500-4900 depending on the amount of reduction necessary. For other methods, cost will vary depending on the nature, extent and time involved in carrying it out.

Don't forget to get an expert Hair Replacement specialist to do the job for you. Research to make the right choice.

After Care

Hair replacement takes time to work and take hold on your scalp. Take great care afterwards, it may be necessary to change your hair care habits. A gentle shampooing after the third day helps. Do not wear any hairpiece or wig for at least two weeks to avoid irritations, infections, pain and damage to the hair.

Summary:

Hair replacement has a number of options depending on the extent of hair loss. From temporary solutions to hair transplants, there are many procedures. Expert medical consultation is necessary to determine the best option and the risks involved.

Get the replacement done by an experienced professional. Costs vary depending on the procedure and extent of hair loss. The right after care helps to make the procedure successful and painless. Consider hair replacement as a long lasting solution to your hair loss problems.

Health Benefits of Watermelon

2008-02-21T00:24:00.000-08:00

No other fruit says summer like the subtly crunchy, thirst quenching watermelon. Although watermelons can now be found in the markets throughout the year, the season for watermelon is in the summer when they are sweet and of the best quality. No other fruit says summer like the subtly crunchy, thirst quenching watermelon. Although watermelons can now be found in the markets throughout the year, the season for watermelon is in the summer when they are sweet and of the best quality.

Healthy Eating And Super Foods - 4 Health Benefits Of Watermelons

Think back to when you were a child and when during the summer months, the pinnacle of cookouts and family gatherings was always the cold juicy watermelon that was for desert. When you were young, eating watermelon was about taste, but now that you're older it's more than just taste that should inspire you to eat lots of watermelon each year when the season arises. This is because watermelons have tremendous health benefits that anyone who lives a healthy lifestyle should be determined to take advantage of every year. With that said, let's take a closer look at some of these health benefits this fruit has to offer.

Health Benefit of Watermelons #1: Lycopene

Lycopene is an antioxidant found in most red-colored fruits, with the exception of a few, such as strawberries. Scientific studies have shown that Lycopene reduces the risk of prostate cancer and heart disease in people, especially men, the sex most prone to these diseases. Men who eat a diet high in lycopene are much less likely to suffer a heart attack then men who don't.

Health Benefit of Watermelons #2: Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is an important attribute to have in a healthy diet because it promotes chemicals in the brain that help people to cope with anxiety and panic, two psychological disorders that are on the rise in America today.
Health Benefit of Watermelons #3: Vitamin C

If you thought oranges were the only fruit that could provide you with Vitamin C, think again. Vitamin C is important to not only being healthy, but remaining attractive all your life. Vitamin C boosts the immune system so that you get sick less often and it also slows down aging and medical conditions such as cataract.

Health Benefit of Watermelons #4: Vitamin A

Vitamin A works much like Vitamin C, in that it helps boost immunity, but it also help your body fight off infection. It also prevents blindness.

As you can see, eating watermelon is almost tantamount to taking a multivitamin every morning, but with a much better taste. Watermelons are seasonal, which means that they are not available all year long, like fruits such as apples, which also means that when they are in season you should make sure and take advantage.

When you go to the store to purchase one you want to try and find one that is ripe and ready to eat. The best way to do this is to knock on the outside of the rind. If you hear a hollow sound then melon is ready to eat, but if you hear solid thud put it back. The fruit is over ripe and you won't be getting very good flavor from it. Buy you water melon and eat it within the first few days of getting it home. Everything about it is healthy, and in addition, it won't leave you feeling over stuffed if you eat too much.

So the next time the weather becomes warmer and summer is approaching, don't forget about watermelons. Eat up and get the extra boost they will add to your healthy lifestyle.

Nipple Confusion

2008-02-15T06:48:00.000-08:00

What is it?

Babies are born knowing how to suck, but they use different techniques to get milk from a breast and a bottle. In general, breastfeeding requires more vigorous mouth and tongue motions, and greater muscle coordination than bottle feeding. Your baby uses 40 facial muscles to nurse effectively and only four to suck on a bottle. If you offer bottle nipples or even pacifiers to your newborn, he can forget how to nurse properly. This confusion can lead to diminished or discontinued nursing. Nipple confusion is generally not a problem after the early weeks, once your baby is nursing well.

What causes it?

Breast nipples are soft and flexible. Your baby must open his mouth wide to latch on and engage a host of muscles. Artificial nipples, on the other hand, are pre-formed and fairly rigid, so they require little effort from a baby and can even be coaxed into a closed mouth. (Many nipple shields also require a different sucking action.)

As a result, a newborn who uses artificial nipples may try to feed from the breast using the same jaw and mouth motions he used to suck on his bottle or pacifier — which are not usually strong enough to draw milk from the breast. He will quickly become frustrated and may fuss, cry, or refuse to nurse.

The baby won't get much milk or feel satisfied, and if this happens in the first few weeks after birth, it may be difficult for him to learn to breastfeed effectively. Nipple confusion can also lead to the more serious problems of nursing strike (when a baby refuses to nurse), sore nipples, breast engorgement, or a slow-down in weight gain.

What can I do?

Avoid artificial nipples and pacifiers until breastfeeding is well established, especially if your baby is having trouble learning to latch on or suck correctly, or you're concerned about your milk supply.

That doesn't mean pacifiers and bottles are always a no-no. If your baby is nursing well, the occasional suck on a pacifier can calm your little one when you're unable to nurse immediately or soothe him when your arms, breasts, and patience are strained.

Sometimes an unexpected illness or other circumstance will make it impossible for you to breastfeed and someone else will have to step in. To reduce the chance of creating nipple confusion, consider "finger feeding" with a supplemental nursing system. These systems allow a caregiver to feed your baby expressed breast milk through a tiny tube taped to his or her little finger. As strange as it sounds, sucking on a finger is much more similar to breastfeeding than bottle-feeding is.

If your baby is already experiencing nipple confusion, you may be in for a rough few days. But you can get through this together. Continue to offer the breast at every feeding, avoiding pacifiers and bottles until things have smoothed out again. Offer your baby your breast before he is fussy or overly hungry. Change your nursing position to find something more comfortable, and try to relax. If the problem is getting worse or you think your baby isn't getting enough milk, call your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant for additional help.

Will it affect my baby?

Yes, if it continues too long. Nipple confusion can lead to a decrease in nursing or ineffective sucking at the breast, which in turn may diminish your milk supply. That can interfere with the long-term success of breastfeeding. Nipple confusion can also cause you to cut feedings short and offer your baby a bottle, depriving him of the high-calorie, high-fat hindmilk (the milk produced at the end of feedings) so important for growth.

Can I still nurse?

Definitely. Although dealing with nipple confusion can be challenging, it is certainly beatable. Offering your baby your breast at every feeding is the first step in correcting the problem.

photo from http://flickr.com/photos/19077164@N00/45557437/

Chocoholism: A health benefit?

2008-02-11T23:40:00.000-08:00

It's an intense craving, an uncontrollable desire and a desperate need for the instant satisfaction. It's a craving for chocolate.

Satisfy the craving Chocolate is the most commonly craved food in the United States. Research shows that 40 percent of women and 15 percent of men experience the need for chocolate. Many experts disagree that chocolate addiction really exists. However, many chocoholics display addictive behaviors, such as secretly consuming chocolate, bingeing and trying to avoid it only to end up overeating. For those who experience these behaviors, the addiction is very real.

Indulge!Whether or not chocolate is addictive, research suggests chocolate may be good for you. Recent studies show that chocolate is packed with antioxidants known as polyphenols that may protect against heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants absorb free radicals in the body. Free radicals can damage cells, leading to disease. People who eat antioxidant-rich diets have lower rates of cancer and cardiovascular disease. While antioxidants have always been thought to come from traditional healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, red wine, black tea and chocolate were recently identified as good antioxidant sources. Now chocoholics have an excuse to eat the sweet stuff!

Pure chocolate comes from cocoa beans, the seeds of a fruit grown on Theobroma cacao trees, found predominantly in South America. Chocolate in its most processed form is loaded with extra oils and sugars. The more fat in the chocolate, the weaker the antioxidants. Dark chocolate and baking cocoa are excellent sources of polyphenols because much of the original cocoa bean remains intact after processing. However, chocolate in its more processed form is loaded with extra oils and sugars lowering its level of polyphenols. So, while a bar of dark chocolate weighing about 1.5 ounces contains approximately 950 milligrams of antioxidants, a similar bar of milk chocolate contains about only about 400 milligrams. White chocolate is a confection of fat and sugar and contains no antioxidants at all.A little of each, please

Is it caffeine you're worried about? Chocolate's caffeine level has been exaggerated. While a one-ounce chocolate bar has 10-20 milligrams of caffeine, a six-ounce cup of coffee contains approximately 105 milligrams. Chocolate has about a 10th of the caffeine in a cup of coffee.

Chocolate's chemical properties may add just the right touch to your Valentine's Day plans. Chocolate contains phenylethylamine, which research suggests is a stimulant released during intimacy. Studies also suggest that carbohydrates found in chocolate increase serotonin, a chemical that affects mood by increasing appetite and sexual interest.

Celebrate Valentine's Day with
Chocolate and this beautiful
Bouquet of Roses

ALCOHOL & YOUR BODY

2008-02-09T05:07:00.000-08:00

You will see the lounge bars, clubs, pubs etc full of young people. Some drink for experimenting for kicks, to release tension, and some to fit into the group. You may be pushed to try one or you may start of your own free will. Alcohol at a young age or excessive intake could make you addicted and affect your health.

ALCOHOL & YOUR BODY

1. Brain: Alcohol breaks through the blood-brain barrier of epithelial cells that line the capillaries, within 30 seconds of entering the bloodstream which results in disruption of nerve-cell communication. It weakens judgment, increases fatigue, lowers resistance to disease, reduces efficiency, shortens the attention span, etc.

2. Stomach: Within 5 minutes it enters stomach’s producing epithelial cells. The fuller your stomach, the slower the squeeze. Alcohol also jumpstarts the production of hydrochloric acid, which can eat through the stomach’s protective mucus. Alcohol intake at the young age could lead to heartburn, inflammation, ulcers, and bleeding 10 years down the line.

3. Small Intestine: Alcohol blocks the absorption of water and sodium here, which is why a binge dehydrates you. Chronic imbibing interferes with enzymes that break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, thus reducing update of vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids.

4. Heart: Moderate doses of alcohol may help keep the heart and its arteries. Heavier drinking, however, narrows the blood vessels and raises blood pressure, forcing the heart to pump harder. It also can short-circuit the electrical signals, causing an arrhythmia. Alcohol abuse damages heart muscle, causing it to pump less efficiently. This can lead to heart failure.

5. Lungs: Long-term alcohol abuse depletes an important antioxidant in the lungs, leaving them vulnerable to permanent, life-threatening damage from pneumonia, sepsis, and other infections.

6. Kidneys: Alcohol blocks the release of the hormone vasopressin, which normally stimulates the kidneys to conserve fluid and concentrate urine. Your body’s healthy cells get a helping of junk along with every important nutrient. This leads to high blood pressure, liver damage, and kidney failure.

7. Liver: Blood absorbs alcohol much faster than the liver can eliminate it, which is why it takes an hour for the effects of each drink to wear off. Heavy drinking creates excess free radicals and collagen, a building block of scar tissue. Both kill off healthy liver cells.

8. Genitals: Alcohol deadens nerve cells all over the body. 8 of 10 problem drinkers suffer from chronic erectile dysfunction: Heavy drinking cause’s high blood pressure, restricting blood flow to the penis, and chronic boozing reduces testosterone production to smithereens.

Heavy drinking also leads to accidents. Teenage drinking can blow up into dependence in adulthood. What seems to be the hype thing for the teenagers is actually poisonous for their health. Having it occasionally is fine but getting addicted to it could make you unhealthy emotionally and physically.

You have a alcohol problem if:
1. You drink to escape from worries, to relax, lose shyness and build up self confidence.
2. You drink when you get angry with other people.
3. You like to drink alone, in isolation.
4. Your work/grades (in case of students) are suffering.
5. You are missing work, college, etc

FIGHTING THE PROBLEM

You have tried lots to stop but all efforts in vain try the following also, it might work this time.
1. When someone forces you say no that you don’t drink it or it is not your style. It is socially acceptable to refuse a drink no matter whatever others say and do. This requires maturity and self respect and triggers respect in others.
2. Avoid get-togethers that revolve around drinking alcohol. Don’t hang around with friends for whom drinking is the only option. Make new friends.
3. Go and join a cool gym programme near your house. A swimming, salsa, squash class are also good options. Exercise gives the brain the high the same way alcohol does but the difference is it is good for your body.
4. Watch a movie to kill the free time.
5. Hang on to a soda; Sparkling soda or mineral water, garnished with lime and coriander looks and feels good and is a low calorie option. A Virgin Mary (tomato juice, lime and masala), tastes delicious.
6. Bond with your family. Swap jokes and happenings, have dinner together.
7. Go for a drive with the windows open to clear your mind.
8. Never drink from an open bottle of cola or from an anonymous punch, both of which can be spiked with dubious alcohol. Creamy cocktails look innocent but can knock you out cold.
9. Don’t accept that first drink or one for the road. Stop a friend when he or she has had enough.
10. Don’t lie about drinking or how much you have drunk, it can worsen your drinking habit
11. Think of all the ill effects of alcohol in your mind and keep repeating it in your head like alcohol makes you throw up, leaves you with a hangover etc till you refuse on taking some.
12. Master in a skill and let your group look up to you for that. That will boost your confidence and help you in saying no when these friends pressurizing you on having one drink.

Parents also play an important role in this regard. Don’t push your kids to things. Be friends with them. Talk to them now and then about issues, their highs and lows. Chances of turning to alcohol would be lot less in the times of lows. Understand the needs of the children and even if they are wrong doing say it to their face make them understand where it would take them.

Cycle for health and fitness

2008-02-05T21:34:00.000-08:00

Cycling - the healthy option
Cycling is healthy, both for you as an individual, and for the community you live in. That's the conclusion of the British Medical Association's report, 'Cycling: Towards Health and Safety'.

Cycling regularly will improve your fitness and can help you live a long and healthy life.
Riding a bike can help you maintain a healthy weight.
Three quarters of all personal journeys are less than 5 miles long - that's half an hour on a bike.

Switching these short journeys from car to bicycle will benefit your health and your community. You'll be helping to reduce noise and air pollution as well as traffic congestion.

What's In It For You?
More cycling is good news for the environment and your local community. But the biggest benefit is for you as an individual.

Increasing Fitness
Your strength, stamina, aerobic fitness and general muscle function will all be improved. Cycling is a low impact activity and one of the safest ways to exercise without risk of over-exertion or strain to muscles and joints. Regular physical activity also facilitates other healthy behaviour and could help you reduce weight or even give up smoking.

Lowering Risk of Heart Attack

Your heart muscles are strengthened, resting pulse is lowered and blood fat levels reduced. People taking regular physical activity suffer far less heart disease than people who don't!

Shedding Excess Weight

By burning body fat and raising your metabolic rate you can lose weight. If you undertake physical activity regularly you can enjoy a more varied diet without increasing body weight. Cycling is one of the more comfortable forms of physical activity for those who are new to exercise, allowing most people to get fit easily and safely without undue physical strain.

Reducing Stress
Anxiety, stress and depression are all alleviated, partly due to the physical activity itself, but also due to the pleasure and satisfaction of riding a bike. Cycling is convenient for short journeys, and often faster across town than other forms of transport. It's a stress free means of taking physical activity because it can form part of a daily routine. So there's no need to worry about fitting your new healthy lifestyle into an already overcrowded schedule. So go cycle - you'll feel better for it!

Better Bicycling » Getting Started

If you are new to bicycling or want to rediscover it as an adult, you'll find it a great form of recreation. It's fun, healthy, social and good for the environment. Bicycling is good exercise at any level of intensity; it can be as expensive or inexpensive as you want; it can be done in a group or done alone; and it can provide local transportation. As recreations go it's quite democratic: it can be done regardless of whether you live in the city or countryside, whether you are rich or poor, young or old, even liberal or conservative.

Getting started requires a bicycle. Some people inherit one from older sibling, some find one at a garage sale, and some buy it at a store. If buying a bike, the first thing to consider is the type of bicycle most suited to your needs: racing, mountain, comfort, etc. Any good bicycle shop can assist if you need help deciding.

However you come by your bike, make sure it properly fits and carries all required safety equipment. A properly fitted bicycle means having a frame of the appropriate size and having the adjustable features (such as seat height) set to accommodate the rider's body dimensions. Again, a good bike shop will help you with this, member shops . A properly equipped bike is the responsibility of the owner. In New York, the law requires bicycle stores to assure workable brakes and needed reflectors are on any bike it sells. The owner, however, needs to add a bell or horn and, if driven at night, a headlight and taillight. A helmet is required equipment for children.

At this point you are ready to ride, and the first order of business is to make sure you ride safely. If you are a parent or guardian, this includes making sure your child rides safely too. The next page in this Better Bicycling section - "Riding Safely" - can help you do this.

Now all that remains is for you to enjoy riding your bicycle. Get into the habit of regular bicycling by riding when weather permits. Invite friends to ride with you. If you are more serious, join one of the many cycling clubs through the state. They offer regular rides at various distances and levels of ability. The "For Families" page on this site will give you some ideas on enjoying bicycling.

The full potential for enjoying your bicycle will come over time. Some make bicycling a hobby. They learn to make bicycle adjustments, minor and even major repairs by themselves. Others enjoy honing their bicycling skills and sometimes entering competitive events. Still others make bicycling part of family tradition, going together on annual events.

Whatever your eventual level of commitment to bicycling - an occasional jaunt or fervid daily workouts - you'll find many bicycling resources on the web. The NYBC website has some of them and can lead you to others.

Happy Bicycling!

Homemade Facial Masks

2008-01-28T02:07:00.000-08:00

Make your own facial mask at home! Face masks for every type of skin

Masks Application are one of the oldest beautifying treatment. All it needs for a beautiful, glowing, fresh skin is put it on preparation, leave it ten to twenty minutes, the wash off. There are many different types of face masks - having a nourishing, healing, cleansing and an astringent lotion. Making masks from natural ingredients is easy to do and can be very effective.

And the good news is that you can make these wonder facial masks at home easily. One of the most important things to remember while using a mask is to relax. Here are a few simple home made face masks.

Homemade facial masks for All Skin Type
Mask 1. Milk Mask

This is one if the simplest and cheapest mask. Damp some cotton wool with milk and rub it on the face.
Mask 2. Egg Mask
Separate the egg white from the yolk. Put the egg white on your face and relax for about 15 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water. This facial mask leaves your skin smooth, refreshed and tightens your skin.
Mask 3. Cleansing Face Mask
Mix the following ingredients into a paste, apply and leave it for 15 minutes.

1 tablespoon powdered brewer's yeast
1/2 tablespoon yogurt
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon orange juice
1 teaspoon carrot juice
1 teaspoon olive oil

This mask is suitable for all types of skin, particularly if they feel tired and look sluggish or spotty. If the skin is very dry add more oil, and if very oily leave it out. The yogurt cleanses the skin thoroughly and fruits juices provide vitamins and minerals.

Face Packs for Dry Skin

Mask 1. For Mint face pack you will need one teaspoon of mint powder, One tablespoon of yogurt and One tablespoon of multani mitti.

Soak both multani mitti and mint powder in the yogurt for 20 minutes. Then mix them well by beating and apply on your face for 15 minutes. Leave it to dry for some time and then wash off with lukewarm water.

Mask 2. For Egg face pack you will need Egg yolk of one egg, One teaspoon of milk powder and Half teaspoon of honey. After beating egg yolk properly, mix milk powder and honey to it. Continuously beat again to obtain a medium thickness mixture. Apply it on the face and wash off with lukewarm water.

Avacado Face Mask: Avocados make excellent face masks for dry skin. They boast 14 minerals as antioxidant vitamins E and A. To prepare a face mask, mash up avocado, add a touch of sweet almond oil and smooth the mixture over your face, keep it on for as long as possible to nourish and soften the skin.

Face Packs for Oily Skin
Mask 1. Tomato Mask : For oily skin, mash up a ripe tomato and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water.

Mask 2. For Potato face pack you will need One teaspoon of potato juice and One teaspoon of multani mitti. Blend both the ingredients together and apply on the face. Leave it until it dries and wash off with lukewarm water.

Marie Antoinette's homemade facial mask: This mask is effective for all skin types, but the witch hazel and lemon can be harsh on dry skin. For preparing this face pack you will need the following ingredients - 1 egg, Juice of one lemon, 4 tbsp cup non-fat dry milk powder and 1 tbsp witch hazel. Put all the ingredients in a blender or food processor and mix well. Alternatively, you can blend them together by using a fork or a wire whisk. Apply the mixture to your face, neck and chest and allow it to dry for around 15 minutes. Use the remaining cream as a cleanser to remove the mask. Then, rinse your face thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.

Honey Cleansing Scrub: Mix 1 tablespoon honey with 2 tablespoons finely ground almonds and ½ teaspoon lemon juice. Rub gently onto face. Rinse off with warm water.

Gentle Oatmeal Face Mask: A good face mask for oily skin, this recipe is sufficient for one treatment and must be applied as soon as it is mixed. Mix 15 ml/1 tbsp runny honey and 1 egg yolk together in a small bowl, then slowly stir in enough (60 ml) oatmeal to make a soft paste. Smooth the mask in to the skin of the face and neck and leave for 15 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry.

Face Masks Application Tips

Your skin can change with the seasons. Skin that becomes oily in the hot summer months can become drier in winter and in central heating. So take your skin's quirks into account when choosing your mask.

1. Cleanse your face before applying the chosen face mask. Afterwards, rinse with warm water and than apply moisturizer.
2. Most face masks should be left on the skin for between 3 and 10 minutes. For the best results, read the instructions carefully.
3. If you have combination skin, use two masks - one suitable for
oily skin and one for dry skin. Just apply each one to the area that needs it.

Pregnancy Period And Music – A Wonderful Combination

2008-01-25T23:17:00.000-08:00

Influence of music on the fetus during pregnancy period is being widely discussed these days. According to some gynecologists the fetus can receive vibrations during the latter part of the pregnancy. It can perceive the vibrations after the fourth month of pregnancy. Music may help in fetal growth, as during the advanced stages of pregnancy period, the reception of the fetus increases. The vibrations of music act as external stimuli and influence the environment surrounding the fetus. She can see, hear, and feel – and that, of course, means she can rock to the beat! Other gynecologists suggest, any music that is soothing for the mother is also good for the baby. On the other hand, any music that disturbs the mother would also have similar effects on the baby during pregnancy.

Pregnancy: Mama Let’s Play Some Music

When baby hears the soothing sounds of music through her mother’s womb, first, it stimulates her ear, brain, and body to begin preparation for sound and language comprehension. Second, it lulls her into a calm, meditative state According to musicologists, rhythms, similar to the mother's heartbeat, have the most calming effect on babies in uterus in the pregnancy period. The classics are great, but most any music will do, as long as it’s calming. After she is born, play the same few songs for your baby that you played in your third trimester of pregnancy, and watch her remember the rhythms and feel soothed.

Listening to music works as an aid to relaxation to the expectant mother during pregnancy. This can help avoid pregnancy complications such as morning sickness, heartburn and pregnancy high blood pressure. Any music or even prayers and chants from any religion, classical, Western or even Jazz will be fine provided the expectant mother enjoy listening to it. The music must be soothing and has to have a rhythmic pattern to it. It relaxes the mother-to-be and thus the growth and development of the fetus is enhanced.

According to a recent research, newborns are able to digest the sound of voices and even information they have heard during the final weeks of pregnancy. In an experiment, babies less than 2 days old could tell which sounds they preferred to hear. They showed sucking preference when known sounds were made. Many mothers have stated to the researcher that their newborn babies seemed to prefer the same type of music that was played during their later stages of pregnancy.

Although there is no data to prove that music could help in the growth of the baby during pregnancy and experts are still skeptical about any direct influence of music on the fetus, but it is also true that the baby can receive sounds from the fifth month onwards. In addition, children exposed to music before birth, develop an ear for it after they are born.

It is said that unborn babies listening to orchestral or classical music through their mother’s womb during pregnancy period do better academically in future than the ones that do not. It's based on the premise that this type of music stimulates more parts of the brain simultaneously thus building better connectors and receptors to help in the future to retain and process information. So, be ready to play your favorite music, enjoy and let your baby enjoy the same through you.

Pregnancy is a blissful time and the mother should try to remain happy to avoid pregnancy complications like pregnancy morning sickness or pregnancy high blood pressure. Music can help the mother to stay healthy and happy for a healthy pregnancy. Pregnancy Period provides all information that you need for a healthy pregnancy and to enjoy this glorious period of your life.

Food in Pregnancy

It's the time you took a long hard look at your diet and told yourself that you need to change some of your eating habits. Now, eating is not just about filling your stomach, but feeding two people. Yes, you're right - sounds like loads of food. And to some extent, it is. But you needn't worry. As usual, nature has provided for every eventuality and you will begin to eat more simply because your stomach will growl louder and more frequently.

And there is nothing to get upset about. The best guide to eating well so that your baby gets all she needs, is to eat a healthy and balanced meal. Sure you will put on weight, but then the fat is being stored in your body for the baby. So, for this once, you can convince yourself that eating and putting on weight is not a bad thing. Weight gain is also a very important sign of how the pregnancy is progressing. A full-term pregnancy usually means a weight gain of 10 to 12 kgs. But don't panic if you have put on a little more than that. You will start losing it the moment you start breastfeeding.

Not eating well will rob your baby of calories and nutrients. This could result in a premature delivery, low birth rate or higher chances of health problems.

Eating well, but not more than necessary
While nutrition is what you need to concentrate on, your daily calorie needs during the first trimester are the same as they were before pregnancy (approx. 2200 calories - this will differ depending on your height, weight and activity level). This will increase by only 100 to 300 calories per day during the second and third trimesters. The calorie requirements during this period too differ from woman to woman. But more than anything, what you need most are vitamins and minerals.

Nothing could be easier, if you eat according to the Food Guide Pyramid. That would not only be best for your baby, but also for you as you would not put on unnecessary weight - which can also cause problems and doesn't necessarily lead to a healthier baby.

Food Guide Pyramid

# Six or more daily servings of grains - preferably full grain. Chapatti, rice, breads and other grain products provide B vitamins. If they're whole grains, they also provide trace minerals, such as chromium, iron and selenium and add fibre to prevent constipation, haemorrhoids and other inconveniences of pregnancy.
# Five to nine daily servings of fruits and vegetables. These supply beta-carotene, vitamin C and folic acid. All of these nutrients are essential for your health and that of your developing baby.
# Three to four daily servings of low-fat or non-fat dairy products. Milk and other dairy products supply protein, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin B2 and magnesium - nutrients essential for the baby's normal bone, muscle, and nerve function.
# Three daily servings of extra-lean meats or other protein sources. Chicken, fish and cooked dried beans and peas provide protein, iron, magnesium, zinc, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and other B vitamins - nutrients necessary for the baby's blood, muscle, and nerve development.

Shaping The Nose!

2008-01-21T04:34:00.000-08:00

Rhinoplasty… the 'nose plastic surgery' is the procedure to redesign your nose, is one of the most common of all plastic surgery practices. Rhinoplasty can lessen or enhance the size of your nose, alter the shape of the tip or the bridge, thin the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between your nose and your upper lip. Your birth defect or any of injury scar can be done perfect as well.

Following details will give you a basic understanding of the nose plastic surgery.
* The best candidates for rhinoplasty are people who are looking for upgrading or enhancement of their appearance and not perfection, in the way they look. Those who are physically healthy, psychologically unwavering, and realistic in his/her expectations, are good candidates. Age may also be a greatest consideration. Generally the doctors prefer about 15 years for girls and about 18 years for boys. Candidates who have birth defects are also the right candidates for nose cosmetic surgery.
* Even when Rhinoplasty, the 'nose plastic surgery' is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, though complications are infrequent and usually minor, there is always a possibility of complications, including infection, nosebleed, or a reaction to the anesthesia.
* In most of the cases, a second procedure may also be required to get the right perfection. Such cases are unpredictable and happen even to patients of the most skilled surgeons. The corrective surgery is usually minor.
* You should not hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results.
* Though complicated nose plastic surgery would take longer, generally the duration for the surgery is not more than two or three hours. During surgery the skin of the nose is separated from its supporting framework of bone and cartilage, which is then shaped to the desired shape. The nature of the sculpting will depend on your problem and your surgeon's preferred technique.

* Tips after Rhinoplasty: After your nose plastic surgery, specifically during the first day, your face will feel puffy, your nose may be painful, and you may have a headache. You can control any discomfort with the pain medication prescribed by your surgeon. Plan on staying in bed for the first day.
* Most Rhinoplasty patients are up and about within two days, and able to return to their scheduled routine work a week or so following surgery. It will be several weeks, however, before you're entirely up to speed.
* Since nose is your most prominent facial feature, even a slight alteration can greatly improve appearance. Rhinoplasty alone cannot give you a perfect profile, make you look like someone else, or improve your individual life. Before surgery, it is very important that the patient have a clear, realistic understanding of what change is possible as well as the limitations and risks of the procedure.

Healthy breakfast: The best way to begin your day

2008-01-17T00:17:00.000-08:00

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day as it is considered as the brain food. After a long fast of about 7-8 hours of sleeping our body need fuel to carry out the activities throughout the day. Skipping breakfast with an intension of losing weight is not a wise idea, as the fasting period increases making you feel hungrier. As a result you tend to binge in the meal which you first eat leading to over consumption of excess calories.

Thus ultimately you gain weight instead of losing. Many studies prove that children who avoid breakfast are not able to pay full attention in school hours, have more than desired body mass index, or have low iron stores in the body.

Healthy breakfast options –

* Having your breakfast doesn’t always mean that you can have anything and everything in it.

# A healthy breakfast is what one should emphasize on. Here are some of the breakfast ideas which can help.

# Cakes, pastries, chips, wafers, junk foods like pizzas, burgers, and rolls are high in fat and sugar. Avoid such foods that contain fat especially saturated and trans fat, butter, sugar and excess salt as these are some of the major factors for health problems.
Also these foods don’t fulfill the requirement of other vital vitamins and minerals which are required by the body and give high satiety feeling thereby delay the time for next meal.

# Choose healthy breakfast food options like low-fat milk, low-fat yoghurt, roasted grains and cereals, air popped popcorn with minimum salt, whole grain cookies, oatmeal cookies and graham cookies.

# Variety should be the key, try to include little from the entire food groups for example a very wise option for breakfast is breakfast cereal along with a cup of low fat milk.
You can even add fruits of your choice like apples, bananas, oranges or peaches in it for better palatability. Along with this you can also include a cup of sprouts or an egg or pancake, french toast or waffle.

# Vegetables like carrots, cucumber can be cut in different shapes and dipped in some flavored low-fat yoghurt serves excellent finger foods for kids.

Here's a few facts you probably didn't know about breakfast:

~ Breakfast eaters are able to lose weight faster than others, as eating regularly each morning boosts your body's metabolism.

~ A regular meal every morning ensures that you will not binge at lunch -- your stomach will already be half full.

~ As compared to those who skip a morning meal, breakfast eaters are more alert and work more efficiently -- their brains receive the required nutritional energy at the start of each day.

~ Children who eat a good breakfast each morning are known to perform better at school and are less hyperactive.

~ While fruit juice is considered an essential part of a good breakfast, eating a whole fruit is a better idea -- it will provide you with less calories and more fibre, which may be lost in the juice.

Stuttering

2008-01-14T22:42:00.000-08:00

WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT?

Stuttering affects the fluency of speech. It begins during childhood and, in some cases, lasts throughout life. The disorder is characterized by disruptions in the production of speech sounds, also called "disfluencies." Most people produce brief disfluencies from time to time. For instance, some words are repeated and others are preceded by "um" or "uh." Disfluencies are not necessarily a problem; however, they can impede communication when a person produces too many of them.

In most cases, stuttering has an impact on at least some daily activities. The specific activities that a person finds challenging to perform vary across individuals. For some people, communication difficulties only happen during specific activities, for example, talking on the telephone or talking before large groups. For most others, however, communication difficulties occur across a number of activities at home, school, or work. Some people may limit their participation in certain activities. Such "participation restrictions" often occur because the person is concerned about how others might react to disfluent speech. Other people may try to hide their disfluent speech from others by rearranging the words in their sentence (circumlocution), pretending to forget what they wanted to say, or declining to speak. Other people may find that they are excluded from participating in certain activities because of stuttering. Clearly, the impact of stuttering on daily life can be affected by how the person and others react to the disorder.

What are signs and symptoms of stuttering?

Stuttered speech often includes repetitions of words or parts of words, as well as prolongations of speech sounds. These disfluencies occur more often in persons who stutter than they do in the general population. Some people who stutter appear very tense or "out of breath" when talking. Speech may become completely stopped or blocked. Blocked is when the mouth is positioned to say a sound, sometimes for several seconds, with little or no sound forthcoming. After some effort, the person may complete the word. Interjections such as "um" or "like" can occur, as well, particularly when they contain repeated ("u- um- um") or prolonged ("uuuum") speech sounds or when they are used intentionally to delay the initiation of a word the speaker expects to "get stuck on."
How is stuttering diagnosed?

Identifying stuttering in an individual's speech would seem like an easy task. Disfluencies often "stand out" and disrupt a person's communication. Listeners can usually detect when a person is stuttering. At the same time, however, stuttering can affect more than just a person's observable speech. Some characteristics of stuttered speech are not as easy for listeners to detect. As a result, diagnosing stuttering requires the skills of a certified speech-language pathologist (SLP).

During an evaluation, an SLP will note the number and types of speech disfluencies a person produces in various situations. The SLP will also assess the ways in which the person reacts to and copes with disfluencies. The SLP may also gather information about factors such as teasing that may make the problem worse. A variety of other assessments (e.g., speech rate, language skills) may be completed as well, depending upon the person's age and history. Information about the person is then analyzed to determine whether a fluency disorder exists. If so, the extent to which it affects the ability to perform and participate in daily activities is determined.

For young children, it is important to predict whether the stuttering is likely to continue. An evaluation consists of a series of tests, observations, and interviews designed to estimate the child's risk for continuing to stutter. Although there is some disagreement among SLPs about which risk factors are most important to consider, factors that are noted by many specialists include the following:

* a family history of stuttering
* stuttering that has continued for 6 months or longer
* presence of other speech or language disorders
* strong fears or concerns about stuttering on the part of the child or the family

No single factor can be used to predict whether a child will continue to stutter. The combination of these factors can help SLPs determine whether treatment is indicated.

For older children and adults, the question of whether stuttering is likely to continue is somewhat less important, because the stuttering has continued at least long enough for it to become a problem in the person's daily life. For these individuals, an evaluation consists of tests, observations, and interviews that are designed to assess the overall severity of the disorder. In addition, the impact the disorder has on the person's ability to communicate and participate appropriately in daily activities is evaluated. Information from the evaluation is then used to develop a specific treatment program, one that is designed to:

* help the individual speak more fluently,
* communicate more effectively, and
* participate more fully in life activities.

What treatments are available for stuttering?

Most treatment programs for people who stutter are "behavioral." They are designed to teach the person specific skills or behaviors that lead to improved oral communication. For instance, many SLPs teach people who stutter to control and/or monitor the rate at which they speak. In addition, people may learn to start saying words in a slightly slower and less physically tense manner. They may also learn to control or monitor their breathing. When learning to control speech rate, people often begin by practicing smooth, fluent speech at rates that are much slower than typical speech, using short phrases and sentences. Over time, people learn to produce smooth speech at faster rates, in longer sentences, and in more challenging situations until speech sounds both fluent and natural. "Follow-up" or "maintenance" sessions are often necessary after completion of formal intervention to prevent relapse.

The effects of pregnancy on your feet

2008-01-10T00:14:00.000-08:00

There are so many changes the body undergoes during pregnancy that it becomes easy to ignore the changes in the feet. During pregnancy the body releases hormones that allow the ligaments to relax in the birth canal. The ligaments in the feet also relax, causing the foot to lengthen and widen. Many will complain of a shoe size increase by one or two sizes. In most circumstances, this flattening and widening of the foot is benign and no problems result.

Water retention is also common during pregnancy, which can add to the swelling where the foot can sometimes turn a purple or blue colour.

The effects of pregnancy on your feet

Many women suffer from foot problems during their pregnancy, due to extra pressure exerted on to the feet by weight gain. The most common foot conditions amongst pregnant women are:

* Over Pronation / Flat Feet

* Edema

* Leg Cramps

* Varicose Veins

Prevention & treatment

* Try to elevate your feet as often as you can

* Don't walk around barefoot: Wear a supportive shoe, one that has a rigid sole and bends only where the foot bends (at the toes)

* Wear shoes and socks that are spacious and do not constrict the feet

* Dry your feet and between toes after showers: Increased moisture between your toes can lead to skin breakdown and eventual ulceration

* Have your feet measured regularly throughout your pregnancy to account for size alterations

* If sitting or driving for long periods, make sure you stand and walk about occasionally to aid circulation

* Exercise regularly to improve your circulation

* Keep your body hydrated by drinking approximately 8 glasses of water each day - Strangely enough this prevents water retention

* Avoid foods high in salt, which tend to promote water retention.

Swelling is usually the same in both feet. If one foot seems worse than the other this may be a sign of a vascular problem and you should get medical advice as soon as possible.

Though personally, I've never been "with child," from what I hear, it can wreak havoc on your feet.

Swollen feet, increased sweating, hormonal changes, and back and leg aches are a few of the bodily changes you might experience -- and all of these can affect your feet, and consequently the shoes you are able to wear while you're pregnant.
What Pregnant Women Should Look for in Shoes

* Flats, or low, wide heels - around 2" or lower.
* Good arch support. This can be accomplish through buying from noted comfort shoe brands, or by using an insert that adds arch support.
* Breathable uppers (canvas or leather) that won't trap moisture.
* Shoes that slip-on, as laces may become more difficult to tie.
* Larger or wider shoes -- swelling may make your regular size and width uncomfortable.

Additional Tips for Foot Care During Pregnancy

* Wearing socks with closed-toe shoes may increase your comfort.
* Avoid standing for long periods without a rest.
* Elevate legs when possible, and if your feet are feeling extra achy, try soaking them.

Cute Flats

Pregnant or not, we could all benefit from wearing more flats. But for many of us, the trick is in finding the cute ones. Add needing a wide width to the equation, and the task becomes nearly impossible -- the keyword, being "nearly."

3-step skincare routine

2008-01-03T08:52:00.000-08:00

The right (& wrong) ways to cleanse, moisturize & exfoliate your skin
Here we show you tips on how to properly care for your skin, from the right way to wash your face, to the best moisturizers and UV protection.

Before we start with the proper daily 3-step skincare routine, you'll need to know your skin type. How you care for your skin is utterly dependent on the type of skin you have: oily, normal/combination, dry, sensitive or sun- damaged. Check out this article to figure out what skin type you have.

The Basic 3-Step Skincare Regimen

* Step 1: Cleansing Simple is key here. You need to find a good cleanser that your skin responds well to, and stick with it. (I list the best cleansers for skin types in this article ).

# Avoid bar soaps as they tend to dry out the skin. According to Rona Berg, in her book, 'Beauty,' a French cosmetics executive once told her 'soap should only ever touch your skin from the neck down.' We agree. According to Berg, most cleansers contain oil, water and 'surfactants'. The oil dissolves oil on your face, surfactants dissolve dirt and makeup and the water washes it all away. Who knew? The secret is finding the right mix of oil. (Makes sense to us). Too much on your skin will clog pores, while too little will dry it out. This is why you need to know your skin type.

Be careful not to cleanse too often. Washing at night should do you. While some skincare experts swear you should cleanse skin with creamy cleansers that you wipe off with a tissue, never letting water touch your skin (some hard waters are especially hard on skin), we prefer the water method. In the morning, a splash of lukewarm water is all you need (we find it's great for removing excess oils from your nightly moisturizing). Never wash your face with hot or cold water (both can cause broken capillaries). Also be careful about overcleansing skin.

Here's the best way to wash your face: Use warm water to loosen dirt and clogged pores. Use a dime-sized bit of cleanser, then rinse with cool or lukewarm water. You'll also want to take off your makeup with a proper makeup remover.

# Step 2: Exfoliate Exfoliation is the step most people skip in their weekly skincare routine. But trust me, if you start properly exfoliating your skin, you will notice an almost immediate difference. According to Berg, one of the reasons men's skin looks more youthful than women's is because men tend to exfoliate daily when they shave. There are several ways to exfoliate skin: Microdermabrasion, chemical peels and retinoids.

Scrubs work by removing the top layer of dead skin cells that tend to dull your complexion. We find exfoliating skin once a week with a microdermabrasion kit keeps skin glowing year-round. Make sure you use a gentle scrub with tiny grains. Big grains in cheap scrubs can tear skin and cause more harm than good. My favorite microdermabrasion kit is made by Lancome.

In the hour it takes to get a chemical peel, you can take off five years from your face. Can't afford the pricetag for a monthly peel? Try some over-the-counter peels that work over the course of a month. I prefer MD Skincare's.

Retinoids (such as Retin-A) also work by removing the top layer of dead skin cells while also generating collagen in the skin. "Collagen is the skin's structural fiber," dermatologist Dennis Gross said in the October 2005 issue of O Magazine. "As we get older, it breaks down, creating lines and large pores." Skincare experts disagree on all sorts of things, but most of them consider retinoids to be a miracle skin saver.

Should you use a toner? Some people swear by toners, but many beauty experts do not (I once read a skincare expert claim, 'toners are only for copy machines'). Toners are meant to remove all remaining traces of oil, makeup and dirt, but a good cleanser should do this. I firmly believe it's up to you. If you like the way your skin feels with a toner. Buy it. Use it. Enjoy it.

# Step 3: Moisturize While I know of at least one famous beauty editor who swore skin doesn't need moisturizer, basically everyone else I've read disagrees and is an adamant believer in it. A basic law of beauty is that everyone, no matter her skin type, should moisturize. Even if your skin is oily, it will benefit from moisturizers. (The only exception is those with acne). Why? Moisturizers seal moisture into skin (Berg calls this the 'Saran Wrap effect'). So how much should you moisturize? Your skin will tell you. When your skin is tight, it's crying out for moisture. Be careful not to over moisturize -- this can cause clogged pores. For the skinny on great moisturizers for your skin type, check out this article.

Natural Foot Care Tips

2007-12-20T05:50:00.001-08:00

It is true that most of us neglect out feet. Taking care of our feet normally takes a back seat when compared to other beauty treatment. But we need to take care of our feet if we want to stay active and comfortable all through out lives. Taking care of our feet is important as if they do get damaged then a simple job like walking can become a painful exercise. Foot care can be simple and easy. Here are a few simple foot care tips that are not only good for the feet but are relaxing as well.

* Take care of your feet regularly to keep calluses under control. Use a pumice stone or an abrasive foot scrub to remove the dead and rough skin. If this skin is not removed it will become hard and thick and can become cracked and infected making walking difficult.
* Give your feet a foot bath. Put a cup of marbles in the bath water and roll your feet around on top of them to stimulate the nerve endings. Pick up the marbles with your toes, flex and contract your feet and toes and then let go off the marbles. This will allow the arches and muscles of the feet to stretch.
* Get a foot massage once in a while. Ask a loved one to take time off to give you a foot massage. At the same time you can have a foot massage, which is extremely relaxing. Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to your lotion for a sensational treat for your feet.
* The skin on the soles of your feet does not have any oil glands to soften them. So use a good moisturizer every day. Every night put a generous amount of cream on your feet before you go to bed and then pull on a pair of cotton socks.

Given below is a soak for your feet and will make your skin smooth and beautiful.

Ingredients:

* 1 cup lemon juice * Cinnamon for smell * 2 tablespoons of olive oil * ¼ cup of milk * Water (amount does not matter)

Mix all the ingredients in a tub and soak your feet in it for a while. Cinnamon can be replaced with any spice, perfume or flower petals. This soak will leave your skin refreshed and fragrant. After this wash your feet with a mild soap. Follow this foot care regime for a few weeks and your skin on your feet will be silky and smooth.

* Every time you buy shoes ensure that you get your feet measure. Measure your feet standing and not sitting. The shape of your feet changes with age as a result of the daily pressure and pregnancy. Your feet are likely to expand and lengthen with age.

* Replace your shoes every 6 months as well-worn shoes lose their ability to support your feet properly. This can lead to feet, leg and back fatigue and problems. If your job requires you to be on your feet all day it is best you change your shoes every 6 months.

NUTRITION FOR A HEALTHY PREGNANCY

2007-12-16T22:33:00.000-08:00

Many of us postpone well-intentioned health regimes - but pregnancy is one time when, dietarily, there is no tomorrow. What we eat, drink and do during those vital nine months will affect another tiny little person.

FIRST TRIMESTER
Many women do not know that they have conceived until they are several weeks into the pregnancy and may have carried on drinking, or even smoking, at this time. At 12 weeks the baby is fully formed, but is still only the size of a small plum. These first weeks are crucial in nutritional terms so it is best to think about lifestyle changes as early as possible, pre-conceptually if possible. Some substances cross the placenta and, unfortunately, this includes many things that do not serve the baby well. In particular alcohol, caffeine and drugs (prescription or over-the-counter) can cross the placenta and affect the baby - check with you doctor to see if you really need medication.

Despite all the publicity about the need for adequate folic acid to avoid neural tube defects such as spina bifida, 39% of women are still unaware that government guidelines advise taking 400mcg supplementally 6 weeks prior to conception and for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Morning sickness is often a problem at this time and is related to hormonal swings. An excellent anti-nausea tip is to drink ginger tea: Grate a bit of fresh ginger root into a cup, poor boiling water over it and let it steep for about three minutes.

SECOND TRIMESTER

This is usually the best time during pregnancy - it is fun watching a bump develop, you have got used to the hormone levels, you are not big enough to hamper activity and energy levels are often improved by adrenaline from the baby.

Some women will develop water retention problems and this should be dealt with to avoid discomfort. To help this drink lots of water, avoid coffee, tea and soft drinks, and avoid salt and all packaged products (a bowl of cornflakes has twice as much salt as a packet of crisps).

If you have a sweet tooth, you may increase risk of pregnancy related diabetes, if you are susceptible. Keep sweets, sugar, biscuits and puddings to a minimum and indulge yourself with mixed dried fruit and nuts, yoghurt with chopped fruit, baked apples or oatcakes with 100% fruit jam. Pregnancy related diabetes usually disappears, but is an early warning sign of an increased risk of diabetes later on in life.

You may notice food cravings - some say that this is a sign of deficiency. A craving for spinach or red meat may mean a need for iron, a craving to eat chalk (yes it can happen) could indicate a need for calcium. The strangest craving I have heard of is for sardine and jam sandwiches!

THIRD TRIMESTER

You are into the home run now. The final three months is when the baby is putting on most of it’s weight. The majority of pregnancy related problems at this stage relate to the sheer bulk of a baby pushing up against organs, and a mother may notice heartburn and changes in bowel habits. It is best to eat little and often so as not to have too full a stomach, and if constipation is a problem avoid added wheatbran, opting instead for gentler psyllium husks or linseeds.

Anaemia during this month is a frequent complication, but it may be inadvisable to take iron supplements or tonics unless a blood test has confirmed that iron is needed. Iron is vital at this stage and may well be necessary, but excess iron can interfere with zinc levels which is equally important for growth of the baby.

Pre-eclampsia is a serious condition encountered by 5-10% of mums-to-be and your doctor will check for it. However, research tells us that it can generally be avoided by supplementing with magnesium and vitamins C and E during the pregnancy. Magnesium can also help with muscle cramps which are quite common at this time.

A HEALTHY DIET FOR MUM

A pregnant woman needs around 2500 calories a day to feed both her and her passenger - this is not a time to lose weight or restrict calories, but it is a time to eat healthily. A nutrient rich diet will also help to ensure that breast milk quality is good, and to speed post-natal recovery.

• Plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables - 5 to 7 portions a day.

• Fibre rich foods such as beans, pulses, brown rice, oats and dried fruit.

• Drink at least 2 litres of filtered or mineral water a day.

• Snack on fresh pumpkin or sunflower seeds and fresh almonds and walnuts - all have beneficial oils, zinc, calcium and magnesium for the developing child.

• Eat plenty of oily fish - 3 or 4 portions a week - the oils they contain are used for brain development in the developing baby.

• Substitute herbal teas and coffees for the regular sort, and avoid alcohol.

• Around 1,200mg of calcium a day is needed, so an extra couple of plain, live yoghurts a day will help. Good sources of calcium include: green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds, tinned sardines and salmon, eggs, figs, carrots, broccoli, soya beans, dates and raisins, bread and fruit such as oranges, blackberries and apples.

WHAT TO AVOID

During pregnancy some foods, which may not be obviously damaging, are no-nos. Soft cheeses, unpasturised milk and uncooked eggs may harbour listeria and salmonella which can be dangerous to a developing baby. Liver has levels of vitamin A which could be harmful (beta-carotene in orange coloured fruit and vegetables - carrots, cantaloups, squash - is safest as it converts to vitamin A as needed). Peanuts should be avoided as they can establish a peanut allergy in the baby even before birth. Alcohol and caffeine deplete zinc, low levels of which are linked to nerve abnormalities and low birth weight. Maternal caffeine intake has been linked to infant cot death syndrome in some studies.

VITAMINS AND MINERALS

Before and during pregnancy it is probably a good idea to take a specially formulated supplement as a form of health insurance. It is important not to take a normal formula as this may contain components that are not advised during pregnancy, such as high levels of vitamin A or some herbs. Special pregnancy products will give a balanced formula with beta-carotene instead of vitamin A and adequate amounts of folic acid, zinc, calcium, magnesium and iron. I would suggest you consult a qualified nutritionist before embarking on a supplement programme other than a specially formulated product.

Pregnancy should be a fulfilling experience, but with the pressures of modern life we frequently do a little too much, especially if we are holding down a job, have older children or are suddenly having to cope with one income instead of two. This is the time to take care of yourself and, if you feel tired, take a break and give yourself a treat - a hot bubble bath, a gentle walk, a lie-in or a new book to read with your feet up - soon you will have a wonderful, but very demanding, little person who won’t wait while you take 10 minutes extra in the bath!

Boy or Girl? 38 Fun Ways to Guess Your Baby's Sex

2007-12-14T21:19:00.000-08:00

Baby Boy

* You didn't experience morning sickness in early pregnancy
* Your baby's heart rate is less than 140 beats per minute
* You are carrying the extra weight out front
* Your belly looks like a basketball
* Your areolas have darkened considerably
* You are carrying low
* You are craving salty or sour foods
* You are craving protein -- meats and cheese
* Your feet are colder than they were before pregnancy
* The hair on your legs has grown faster during pregnancy
* Your hands are very dry
* Your pillow faces north when you sleep
* Dad-to-be is gaining weight, right along with you
* Pregnancy has you looking better than ever
* Your urine is bright yellow in color
* Your nose is spreading
* You hang your wedding ring over your belly and it moves in circles
* You are having headaches
* You add your age at the time of conception and the number for the month you conceived and the sum is an even number

Baby Girl

* You had morning sickness early in pregnancy
* Your baby's heart rate is at least 140 beats per minute
* You are carrying the weight in your hips and rear
* Your left breast is larger than your right breast
* Your hair develops red highlights
* You are carrying high
* Your belly looks like a watermelon
* You are craving sweets
* You are craving fruit
* You crave orange juice
* You don't look quite as good as normal during pregnancy
* You are moodier than usual during pregnancy
* Your face breaks out more than usual
* You refuse to eat the heel of a loaf of bread
* Your breasts have really blossomed!
* Your pillow faces south when you sleep
* Your urine is a dull yellow color
* You hang your wedding ring over your belly and it moves from side to side
* You add your age at the time of conception and the number for the month you conceived and the sum is an odd number

Eye Defects in Children

2007-12-11T22:04:00.000-08:00

Eyes are the most precious gift of God - they act as our window to the world. So it is important to take due care of eyes during the development of the child. In India, children constitute 40% of the population and millions of them get visually handicapped even before they reach the age of ten. This tragedy can be prevented if the parents and teachers are more observant and take proper care of the eyes of their wards.

According to Dr. Vishal Grover, Director, Netrayatan, GK II, who is an expert in laser surgery, microsurgery and phacoemulsification, it is very important to be properly informed about the normal development process of serial visual milestones and also about warning signals which indicate visual abnormalities so as to enable them to plan preventive and curative measures in time.

The new - born child, upto three months of age, normally does not follow light shown to him. Also some squinting is normal with them because of immature muscle control and immature fixation. Then he starts following light and movement of an object by steady movements of the eyes. By this time he can also converge and focus his eyes. If the child fails to do so, it indicates some congenital defects. At the age of six months to one year the child is capable of discriminating between objects. In this age group, if the child cover or closes one eye in bright light, strikes against objects while crawling, moves his eyes excessively, or does not notice the presence of bright or coloured objects, the child should be subjected to thorough screening.

The child between the age of 1 to 3 years becomes much active and interested in the things happening around him. Picture books interest him and he starts turning the pages. At this stage, if the child keeps playthings or books very close or far from the eyes, narrows his eyes while looking at the TV or other objects at a distance, strikes against objects while walking or has difficulty in finding things in dim light, a thorough check-up of the eyes is warranted, Dr. Grover advises.

Between the age of 3 to 5 years and above direction of visual effects becomes easy as the child may himself complain of his visual deficiency / handicap. However, the following symptoms should be viewed with concern:

* The child does not evince keen interest in outdoor games or is not inclined to meet / interact socially.
* An otherwise normal child performs poorly at school or shows falling grades. * Shows poor interest in the work where visual concentration is needed. * Complains of headache / eyestrain, watering of the eyes or blurring of vision on prolonged close work. * Is not able to see blackboard clearly while sitting at the back of the class. * Complains of inability to recognise colours. * Eyes of the child turn inward or outward or are misaligned.

Early detection of visual defects is very important for the overall development of the child. Therefore basic visual screening should start right from birth. Parents and teachers should be imparted adequate knowledge about basic ocular hygiene knowledge about basic ocular hygiene and basic eye care through health education material and lectures. Harmful effect of surmas of unknown constitution and self-medicaton should be explained clearly with conviction. Fads against use of spectacles in children suffering from refractive errors and their possible substitution by fancy exercise, Vitamin A capsules or strolls should be extinguished with appropriate motivational skills.

The first eye check-up should be conducted at the primary school level ( 3 to 4 years) and the second at the age of 5 years followed by a yearly check-up which should include detection of any eye infection, squint, lazy eye or any other organic problem like cataract or glaucoma.

In a survey conducted by the National Society for the Prevention of Blindness, it was found that nearly 25% of the children surveyed had eye problems. Refractive error was the single largest and most important defect accounting for 60% of all eye problems. Children with refractive errors should be properly evaluated and provided with glasses followed by yearly review, lest their status further deteriorates.

Working on the Computer? Take these precautions

The computer has become an integral part of our lives and more and more people spend a major part of the day before the computers, oblivious of the fact how they affect the eyes. Reports have shown that increasing number of computer users have symptoms of ocular surface disorders, called the Computer Vision Syndrome. The symptoms are grittiness, tiredness, itching, dryness and watering of the eyes on prolonged computer work. The reason is that people blink less while working on the computers. As a result, the tear film is not replenished regularly and in addition it evaporates faster and deprives the eye of lubrication and comfort. The problem can be easily corrected by taking the following precautions and consulting and eye specialist:

1. Video display units (VDU) in work areas should be so located that there is no glare on the screen. If glare exists, it should be eliminated by adjusting the light source, or at least reduced by installing a special cover on the screen or wearing anti-glare glasses. 2. It should be positioned at a comfortable height, and angle of viewing should be adjustable. The screen, as well as any reference material should be 350 to 500 millimetres away from the eyes. Also, the chair should provide good back support. 3. Lastly, to avoid possible headache, eyestrain or blurred vision, take a break of at least 15 minutes after two hours of work.

TV and your eyes

While watching TV, the following precautions should be observed:

1. Have additional lighting in the viewing area. The contrast between the bright screen and surroundings should be minimum to avoid undue strain. Soft indirect light should be used while making sure that no light is reflected by the screen towards the viewer's eyes.
2. The ideal distances for TV watching should normally be seven times the size of the TV screens. A good rule is that the minimum distance should be at least 3 metres. In general, a large screen permits more comfortable viewing because it gives a clear vision. However, a large screen in a small room is not recommended.
3. The TV and the viewer should be at the same level. Children often watch TV while sitting on the floor or lying in bed. This may result in fatigue of the eyes and the neck muscles.
4. TV should not be watched for long hours at a stretch. It should be interspersed with rest periods away from the set to avoid strain.

Amla is a gift of nature to mankind.

2007-12-03T05:52:00.000-08:00

It is an indispensable part of the Ayurvedic and Unani system of medicine. Amla has amazing remedial qualities. In Sanskrit, it is called amalaki or dhartriphala. It belongs to the family Euphorbiecae and its scientific name is Emblica officinalis.

There are two varieties of amla - cultivated (gramya) and wild (vanya). The wild amla is small, hard and has lots of fiber while the cultivated amla is big, smooth and juicy. The fruit of the amla tree possess medicinal value. It is basically sour but at times it is sweet and pungent also.

Composition of amla:

The amla fruit contains more than 80% of water. It also has protein, carbohydrate, fibre, minerals and vitamins. It also contains Gallic acid which is a potent polyphenol.
Rich Source of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is important for human beings. It is necessary for the synthesis of the inter cellular cement "collagen". Collagen is responsible for keeping the cells of the body together. 100 Gms of amla contains - 700 mg Vitamin C. If amla is dried in the shade then much of the vitamin C is retained. To get the maximum out of amla it should be taken raw with very little salt.

Amla & Common Ailments:

1. Constipation causes infrequent stool, anal and perianal pain and abdominal discomfort. This persistent straining during the defecation leads to bleeding piles (hemorrhoids). Amla being rich in fibre regulates the bowel action and keeps constipation at bay. Juice of amla taken with 250 mg of giloy extract provides an effective remedy for hemorrhoids.

2. If your blood cholesterol troubles you then take amla. The vitamin C in amla helps in dilating the blood vessels and thereby lowering the blood pressure.

Grind dried amla into a fine powder and mix it with sugar candy (mishri). Store this mixture in a glass bottle and take one teaspoon of this mixture every day empty stomach. This will help maintain the cholesterol level.

3. Amla has anti diabetic quality. Make a mixture of equal quantity of amla, jamun and bitter gourd powder. Take one teaspoonful of this mixture once or twice a day. This mixture is also useful in treating conjunctivitis and glucoma

4. In case of acidity take 1 gram of dry amla powder with a little sugar in milk or water twice a day.

5. 1 tablespoon of paste of amla leaves, mixed with honey is an effective treatment for diarrhea.

6. For promoting hair growth and prevent premature graying of hair one can use amla rich oils and shampoos. For a quick home remedy soak amla powder in water for a week. Then use it wash hair. This preparation is a 3 in 1 shampoo, conditioner and hair dye. Learn more about how to get shiny hair.

7. Amla is helps in restoring Vitamin C level in elderly, diabetic patients, hypertensive and women using oestrogen contraceptives.

8. Deficiency of Vitamin C makes a person lethargic, susceptible to infections, rheumatic pains and intestinal disorders. Consuming amla removes this lethargic feeling and makes one vibrant and upbeat.

9. According to a research low vitamin C levels puts a person at risk of developing gallbladder disorders. Taking amla saves one from gallbladder infections.

10. In children low vitamin C levels leads to disturbed growth and fragile disorders. For a person with low vitamin C level healing of wounds and fractures is a slow process. For quick healing, one must consume amla.

11. Amla is also a cure for scurvy. Dry amla powder mixed with an equal quantity of sugar taken in doses of one teaspoon thrice a day with milk provides enough vitamin C to beat scurvy.

12. Amla also works wonder with pregnant and lactating mothers.

13. It also reduces the incidence of cancer of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tract.

14. It provides protection against pollution.

15. Amla is nature's best antioxidant. Food rich in antioxidants combat free radicals naturally and without any side effects.

When amla is in season it should be consumed in chutneys and pickles. And when not in season it can be taken in the form of murabba.

Nail Care

2007-11-29T03:01:00.000-08:00

Unlike the feet or toenails, which can be occasionally covered with designer shoes, your hands are seen on a regular basis while interacting with people. Thus, it is essential to give equal attention and care to your fingernails just as the way you are particular about your hairstyles and garment selection. A little time spent in fingernail care on a regular basis can reflect a huge difference in your overall appearance and always work positively for you, be it at work or social gatherings.

One of the simplest ways to fingernail care is through a well-planned and balanced diet. The right kind of foods added in your regular diet can easily bring a healthy glow to you fingernails and enhance your overall appearance. However, it is important to remember that nails are made of keratin (a hard protein), which enables the nails to protect your fingers and toes from injuries. Similar to hair and skin, negligence and poor diet may reflect in weak and brittle nails, leading to ugly looking hands.

Fingernail care can be a simple process once you start considering the following tips and take adequate measures to implement them in your daily routine.

* Increase the intake of calcium, iron, potassium and Vitamin B by adding seafood, soy, celery and dairy products in your regular diet. You may also add a multi-vitamin to your regular diet to ensure the intake of other necessary vitamins.
* Never forget to pamper your fingernails by applying moisturizer and sunscreen lotions after swimming or while moving around in the sun. Both chlorine and sun tend to make the nails brittle.
* Often the reason behind splitting nails is traced back to low water intake and thus, it is essential to drink plenty of water regularly to maintain proper hydration levels.
* Never forget your gloves to protect your fingernails from dust and strong chemicals while cleaning dishes or other household objects and gardening.
* Spare your nails from the jobs of scraping off surfaces or opening boxes or lids of the containers. You have specific tools for all these jobs. Moreover, it not only affects the texture of the nails, but it also makes you look disgraceful.
* Try to avoid excessive use of perfumed lotions containing alcohol, especially if you have brittle nails.
* Maintain regular gaps between applying nail polish allowing the nails to breathe and reducing the possibilities of drying and chipping.
* To prevent your nails from getting unhealthy and ugly to look at avoid biting them. Moreover, the habit of biting nails represents a poor picture of your personality.
* Washing and cleaning with soaps tend to make your hands and nails dry and thus it is always good to use a moisturizer or cream to hydrate them. You may also use non-drying nail lotions to moisturize your fingernails once daily.
* Trim your nails regularly to avoid breaking off. You may find that the pointed tip of your fingernail tends to break off mostly and so, while trimming, cut your fingernails in a squared or rounded shape.
* Use specific cuticle creams to soften them. Trim cuticles at least once in a week using a cuticle clipper.
* Increase your Vitamin B intake if you develop ridges along the nail beds and rub a lemon after squeezing its juice off if you have weak nails.

Nail growth problems

Nail growth problems are directly related to lack of adequate nutrition and negligence in taking proper care of the nails. Some of the essential nutrients that affect the growth and appearance of the nails include calcium, Vitamin-B, Vitamin-C or folic acid, protein, fat and iron. Alternatively, too much exposure to harmful chemicals can lead to chronic deformities and radical changes in the growth and appearance of the nails.

Chronic nail growth problems can have multiple factors working together to cause various nail infections and deformities which might even need surgical treatments. Though apparently non-functional and non-organic, nails play an important role in protecting the toes and fingertips and thus nail growth problems can affect both our overall health as well the appearance of our hands and toes.

Ingrown nails are one of the most common ailments related to nail growth. Ingrown nails mostly affect the big toe of your feet and can sometimes be extremely painful to cope with. You can identify an ingrown toenail when you find the sharp edges of your toenail digging painfully inside the flesh around the nail. Usually, the toenails tend to grow straight out although at times due to specific reasons the sides of the nails curve inside the nail grooves. Ingrown nails are mostly caused due to improper ways of trimming, trauma and wearing ill-fitting shoes. To protect your nails from the pain of ingrown nails it is necessary to avoid trimming them in a rounded shape and instead always trim them straight across. It is equally important to wear shoes that fit well and allow enough breathing space to your toenails. Remember, lack of proper care and treatment of ingrown nails may even need surgical approaches.

Other ailments related to nail growth include splitting of the nails, hang nails and spoon nails. While lack of nutrition and protein leads to the split nails, hang nails are typically caused due to the tearing out of the cuticles or the nail folds. The cuticles tend to remain attached to the nail plates, which at times causes too much of stretching and tearing out as and when the nails grow.

Lack of iron or overall nutrition is reflected in the development of spoon nails. Alternatively, spoon nails can also be the effect of trauma caused to the nails. The growing of curled up edges of the nail plate can be identified as spoon nails, leading to a lot of pain and discomfort.

Sufficient intake of all the necessary nutrients can eliminate nail growth problems, further making them strong and healthy. The body needs adequate amount of all the elements that help in building keratin of which nails are made of. Thus, in order to avoid all sorts of nail problems just do the following:

* Cuticles protect the nails from bacteria and fungi. Do not trim them.
* Always use gloves to protect your fingernails from getting dry and exposed to harmful chemicals while doing household chores. * Keep short nails to prevent them from breaking off and soak them before trimming to avoid splitting. * Drink a cup of tea made of horsetail, nettle or oat straw to ensure healthy nail growth. Have lots of Vitamin C and E including Biotin, Vitamin B and mixed amino acid complex, containing sulfur, which also promotes nail growth.

Romantic Honeymoon Tips and Secrets

2007-11-23T00:17:00.000-08:00

*** Medical studies show that people in better relationships live longer, healthier lives! ***
*** Forget exercise, vitamins or meditating. The real secret to staying young is love ***

Send a dozen roses: 11 red roses and 1 white one. The note: "In every bunch there's one who stands out - and you are that one."
"The art of love ... is largely the art of persistence" Dr Albert Ellis

Write him/her a check for one million kisses

Something for the Honeymoon or anniversary.... a lottery ticket and a note: "I hit the jackpot when I married you."
Book A Massage to give your partner a professional massage..

Kiss every square inch of her body S-L-O-W-L-Y !

Hide a love note in a bottle of vitamins. The note will say: "Try some vitamin L."

Scatter rose petals all over the bed.

Buy the music CD "Let's talk about love" by Celine Dion.

Three simple sex rules:
* gals are slow, guys are fast * guys are visual: Show him... * gals are auditory: Tell her...
Write notes on Post-it notes and stick them around.

Don't buy cheap lingerie unless you plan to rip it off her in passionate lovemaking.

Hide a love note in his pants pocket.

Other places to hide a small note:
* under the pillow * in his shaving kit * between the pages he/she is reading

Guys: know her dress size, shoe and stocking size, blouse and nightgown size, bra and panty size, pants and coat size, and of course her finger size (for rings that fit).
Gals: know his coat size, shoe and hat size, shirt and pants size, finger size (for bowling balls that fit)...

Give the gift of time (wristwatch) with this inscription: "I'll always have time for you."

NEVER, never, never say "I told you so".

Mail a lock of your hair to your lover.

Ask him to pick a number between 1 and 50, then reward him with that number of kisses.

Make a habit of taking a stroll after dinner every evening.

"Women fall in love through their ears, men fall in love through their eyes." Woodrow Wyatt.
When dining, share everything: your meals and desserts.

Make love on top of the washer/dryer (while it's running).

Attach a note on the TV remote: "Turn me on instead!"

Before getting out of bed, face your partner, give him/her a kiss and say: "I'm so thankful I have you in my life."
Sign your letters: "Forever and a day"

Place a heart-shaped sticker on your wristwatch to remind you to call.

On your lover's birthday send his/her mother a "Thank you" card.

Hide a pair of earrings in a box of chocolates.
Celebrate the anniversary of when you first met.

Shower together by candlelight.

Use the little strips of paper from Hershey's kisses as coupons redeemable for one kiss each.

Tell your mate that you - love, adore, admire, cherish, desire, want, need, prize, esteem, idolize, revere, treasure him/her.

Hide a little gift for her so she'll find it during a walk together.

Leave a note: "I know we are soul mates because....."

"Imagination is more important than knowledge" - Albert Einstein

Give her your jacket when she is chilly.

Nothing is impossible to a willing heart, so let your imagination go wild...

Guys: Hold her dinner chair.

"One does not fall 'in' or 'out' of love. One grows in love" - Leo Buscaglia

Buy her an outfit while she's trying it on; let her wear it out of the store.

Slip a little love note into his wallet, in between the dollar bills.

Drip chocolate syrup on selected body parts before lovemaking.

Inspiration for long time lovers: "The older the violin, the sweeter the music" - Anonymous

Gently brush her cheeks with your lips.

Give him a lottery ticket. Attach a note: "You are one in a million"

While slow dancing, whisper something sweet to her.

Get the song "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston.

When attending a wedding, whisper: "If I had to do it over, I'd marry you again."

Hide a teeny, tiny gift somewhere on your body and make him find it.

Fill his toolbox with lingerie. Make him "work" to get his tools back.

Fold a love note in a fluffy bath towel.

Run your hands under warm water before going to bed.

Let a Shakespearean quote speak for you.

Gals: Never, never, never talk about your past boyfriends in front of him.

Sprinkle perfume on to light bulb. When light is turned on the scent of the perfume will fill the room.

Listen to a romantic audio tape, fix a cup of hot flavored tea, and light two candles.

Keep a journal of your romantic fantasies. Share it with your soul mate.

Take a picture of yourself in the most sexy outfit possible. Hide in a secret spot in your house and leave him or her clues on how to get there. Watch the sparks fly!

Play "hide-and-seek" in the rain. It's fun and VERY sensual!

Fill bathtub with warm water sprinkled with rose petals.

Invite your sweetie to an intimate dinner at your place. Make a pizza and with the pepperoni you can write something sweet, like "you are the one for me".

Surprise your lover with a kiss before they can finish a sentence.

Write your own love poems then record them on a tape and give them to your sweetheart.

Give your love an antique compass and say "You will never lose me". Your love will swear the needle always points to their heart!

While your love takes a shower, write the words "I love you" in the condensation of the bathroom mirror.

Leave a trail of "Hershey's chocolate kisses" from the front door to the bedroom, right up to the bed. On the bed leave a note that reads 'I kiss the ground you walk on.' Make sure you're not home when s/he gets in!

Play the game of monopoly with a few new rules. Change boardwalk into back rub, and Tennessee into take your shirt off. Every time you pass go, you get a kiss. etc.

Look straight into the eyes of your love and PAY ATTENTION to what they tell you! Tell your mate something about you that no one else knows.

Look into the eyes of your special someone often. "The eyes are the window to the soul". Weave love, sex, intimacy, passion and romance into the fabric of your daily lives.

Buy a set of matching silk pajamas, and take turns modeling them for each other.

Men: Talk more. Women: Touch more.

The Miracle of Green Tea

2007-11-19T03:54:00.000-08:00

("Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one." (Ancient Chinese Proverb)

Benefits of green tea and its effects were discovered 4,000 years ago and since then has been considered a wonder drink!

The green tea ingredients are the ones responsible for its amazing health benefits. They are called polyphenols!

Polyphenols are considered the most effective of all antioxidants and the amounts as well as the effects are far higher compared to black tea.

Asian population are experiencing the effects and benefits of drinking green tea. Statistics have shown that Asians have a lower risk of acquiring diseases because of their healthy lifestyle.

Another health benefit of green tea is it's potential to act as a protective agent against premature death from heart disease and cancer.

Drinking this tea is said to lower the levels of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, thereby reducing platelet aggregation, and helping keep blood pressure in check.

Other health benefits of drinking green tea are the following:

• fights against cancer
• helps stabilize diabetes
• prevents cardiovascular disease
• it keeps your skin acne-free, making it healthier and prettier
• assists in weight loss regimen
• slows the aging process
• aids your digestion
• encourages bowel regularity
• provides you with a mild stimulating effect without causing sleepless nights or nervousness especially during pregnancy

You can do a lot of things with this green drink. The health benefits are not only confined to drinking but you can also medicate with it. What else? You can cook with it! Use the leftover liquor to water your plants, and keep your cat's litter box fresh and pleasant smelling.

These powerful health benefits of green tea cannot be compared to any other substance in the world without a single side effect.

What makes green tea so special?

The secret of green tea lies in the fact it is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant: besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. The latter takes on added importance when you consider that thrombosis (the formation of abnormal blood clots) is the leading cause of heart attacks and stroke.

Links are being made between the effects of drinking green tea and the "French Paradox." For years, researchers were puzzled by the fact that, despite consuming a diet rich in fat, the French have a lower incidence of heart disease than Americans. The answer was found to lie in red wine, which contains resveratrol, a polyphenol that limits the negative effects of smoking and a fatty diet. In a 1997 study, researchers from the University of Kansas determined that EGCG is twice as powerful as resveratrol, which may explain why the rate of heart disease among Japanese men is quite low, even though approximately seventy-five percent are smokers.

Why don't other Chinese teas have similar health-giving properties? Green, oolong, and black teas all come from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. What sets green tea apart is the way it is processed. Green tea leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized. By contrast, black and oolong tea leaves are made from fermented leaves, which results in the EGCG being converted into other compounds that are not nearly as effective in preventing and fighting various diseases.

Other Benefits

New evidence is emerging that green tea can even help dieters. In November, 1999, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of a study at the University of Geneva in Switzerland. Researchers found that men who were given a combination of caffeine and green tea extract burned more calories than those given only caffeine or a placebo.

Green tea can even help prevent tooth decay! Just as its bacteria-destroying abilities can help prevent food poisoning, it can also kill the bacteria that causes dental plaque. Meanwhile, skin preparations containing green tea - from deodorants to creams - are starting to appear on the market.
Harmful Effects?

To date, the only negative side effect reported from drinking green tea is insomnia due to the fact that it contains caffeine. However, green tea contains less caffeine than coffee: there are approximately thirty to sixty mg. of caffeine in six - eight ounces of tea, compared to over one-hundred mg. in eight ounces of coffee.

Fear of crossing streets

2007-11-16T01:47:00.000-08:00

Abnormal and persistent fear of crossing streets, highways and other thoroughfares; fear of thoroughfares themselves. Sufferers experience anxiety even though they realize that streets, highways and other thoroughfares pose no threat commensurate with their fear.

Fear of crossing streets is termed "agyrophobia," a word derived from the Greek "gyrus" (turning or whirling) and the Greek "phobos" (fear). The first letter, "a," is privative--that is, it creates a negative. Thus, an agyrophobiac shuns or avoids the whirl of traffic.

What is Agyrophobia?

Defined as "a persistent, abnormal, and unwarranted fear of streets or crossing the street", each year this surprisingly common phobia causes countless people needless distress.

To add insult to an already distressing condition, most agyrophobia therapies take months or years and sometimes even require the patient to be exposed repeatedly to their fear. We believe that not only is this totally unnecessary, it will often make the condition worse. And it is particularly cruel as agyrophobia can be eliminated with the right methods and just 24 hours of commitment by the phobic individual.

Known by a number of names - Agyrophobia, Fear of Streets, and Fear of Crossing the Street being the most common - the problem often significantly impacts the quality of life. It can cause panic attacks and keep people apart from loved ones and business associates. Symptoms typically include shortness of breath, rapid breathing, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and overall feelings of dread, although everyone experiences agyrophobia in their own way and may have different symptoms. Our treatment involves no drugs.

Though a variety of potent drugs are often prescribed for agyrophobia, side effects and/or withdrawal symptoms can be severe. Moreover, drugs do not "cure" agyrophobia or any other phobia. At best they temporarily suppress the symptoms through chemical interaction.

The good news is that the modern, fast, drug-free processes of The CTRN Phobia Clinic will train your mind to feel completely different about streets or crossing the street, eliminating the fear so it never haunts you again.

Consider the true cost of living with Agyrophobia.

If you are living with agyrophobia, what is the real cost to your health, your career or school, and to your family life? Avoiding the issue indefinitely would mean resigning yourself to living in fear, missing out on priceless life experiences big and small, living a life that is just a shadow of what it will be when the problem is gone.

For anyone earning a living, the financial toll of this phobia is incalculable. Living with fear means you can never concentrate fully and give your best. Lost opportunities. Poor performance or grades. Promotions that pass you by. agyrophobia will likely cost you tens, even hundreds of thousands of dollars over the course of your lifetime, let alone the cost to your health and quality of life. Now Agyrophobia can be gone for less than the price of a round-trip airline ticket.

What is the cause of Agyrophobia?

Like all fears and phobias, agyrophobia is created by the unconscious mind as a protective mechanism. At some point in your past, there was likely an event linking streets or crossing the street and emotional trauma. Whilst the original catalyst may have been a real-life scare of some kind, the condition can also be triggered by myriad, benign events like movies, TV, or perhaps seeing someone else experience trauma.

But so long as the negative association is powerful enough, the unconscious mind thinks: "Ahh, this whole thing is very dangerous. How do I keep myself from getting in this kind of situation again? I know, I'll attach terrible feelings to streets or crossing the street, that way I'll steer clear in future and so be safe." Just like that agyrophobia is born. Attaching emotions to situations is one of the primary ways that humans learn. Sometimes we just get the wiring wrong.

The actual phobia manifests itself in different ways. Some sufferers experience it almost all the time, others just in response to direct stimuli. Everyone has their own unique formula for when and how to feel bad.

The Health Benefits of Corn

2007-11-13T00:30:00.000-08:00

Corn An ear of fresh corn is a staple at cookouts during summer holidays, and frozen or canned corn is available year-round as a side dish or an addition to soups, salads, salsas, stir-fries, and pasta dishes. Because of its slightly sweet flavor and crisp, juicy texture, corn is a favorite of adults and children alike. But is there a nutritional benefit to eating corn?

Corn is high in fiber and contains important B vitamins, which have been shown to aid in the prevention of heart attacks and colon cancer and to help improve memory. Corn also contains zeaxanthin and lutein — phytonutrients that help promote the health of the heart and the eyes.
When purchasing fresh corn, look for green husks. Keep the husk intact while storing corn to maintain flavor and freshness, but you should really purchase fresh corn on the day you plan to eat it. To test the corn before purchase, peel back a corner of the husk and make sure the kernels are plump and tightly packed together. Pierce one kernel with a fingernail to check for plumpness — the raw kernel should exude a milky substance, which indicates that your corn will be plump and juicy when you bite into it!

Corn - A High-Fiber Food

Diets high in fiber-rich foods like corn - a cup provides 23% of the daily value for fiber - have been shown to lower high cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of colon cancer, and alleviate some of the uncomfortable symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

In addition to its beneficial effects on the digestive system and the heart, the fiber found in corn can help stabilize blood sugar levels. If you have insulin resistance, hypoglycemia or diabetes, corn may help you balance blood sugar levels while providing steady, slow-burning energy. Studies of high fiber diets and blood sugar levels have shown the dramatic benefits provided by high fiber foods. Those who ate the diet higher in fiber had lower levels of both plasma glucose (blood sugar) and insulin (the hormone that helps blood sugar get into cells). The high fiber group also reduced their total cholesterol by nearly 7%, their triglyceride levels by 10.2% and their VLDL (Very Low Density Lipoprotein--the most dangerous form of cholesterol) levels by 12.5%.

Corn for Cardiovascular Health

Corn's contribution to heart health lies not just in its fiber, but in the significant amounts of folate, niacin, and magnesium that corn supplies.
Folate, which you may know about as a B-vitamin needed to prevent birth defects, also helps to lower levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that is an intermediate product in an important metabolic process called the methylation cycle. Homocysteine can directly damage blood vessels, so elevated blood levels of this dangerous molecule are an independent risk factor for heart attack, stroke, or peripheral vascular disease, and are found in between 20-40% of patients with heart disease. It has been estimated that consumption of 100% of the daily value (DV) of folate would, by itself, reduce the number of heart attacks suffered each year by 10%. Folate-rich diets are also associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer. A cup of corn supplies 19% of the DV for folate along with 18.9% of the DV for niacin, another B vitamin that may lessen cardiovascular disease risk by helping to lower high cholesterol. As for the magnesium in corn, magnesium is Nature's own calcium channel blocker. When there is enough magnesium around, veins and arteries breathe a sigh of relief and relax, which lessens resistance and improves the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Studies show that a deficiency of magnesium is not only associated with heart attack but that immediately following a heart attack, lack of sufficient magnesium promotes free radical injury to the heart. Due, in part, to its relaxant effects, the magnesium found in corn has also been shown to reduce the severity of conditions like asthma and migraine, lower high blood pressure, and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. A cup of corn provides 16.4% of the DV for magnesium.

Lower Your Risk of Developing Lung Cancer

Consuming foods rich in beta-cryptoxanthin, an orange-red carotenoid found in highest amounts in corn, pumpkin,papaya, red bell peppers, tangerines, oranges and peaches, may significantly lower one’s risk of developing lung cancer. A study published in the September 2003 issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention reviewed dietary and lifestyle data collected from 63,257 adults in Shanghai, China who were followed for 8 years, during which time 482 cases of lung cancer were diagnosed. Those eating the most crytpoxanthin-rich foods showed a 27% reduction in lung cancer risk. When current smokers were evaluated, those who were also in the group consuming the most crytpoxanthin-rich foods were found to have a 37% lower risk of lung cancer compared to smokers who ate the least of these health=protective foods.

Maintain Your Memory with Thiamin (Vitamin B1)

Corn is an excellent source of thiamin, providing one-third (32.7%) of the daily value for this nutrient in a single cup. Thiamin is an integral participant in enzymatic reactions central to energy production and is also critical for brain cell/cognitive function. This is because thiamin is needed for the synthesis of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for memory, whose lack has been found to be a significant contributing factor in age-related impairment in mental function (senility) and Alzheimer's disease. In fact, Alzheimer's disease is clinically characterized by a decrease in acetylcholine levels. Don't forget to make corn a staple in your healthy diet.

Support for Energy Production, Even Under Stress

In addition to its thiamin, corn is a good source of pantothenic acid as well as its aforementioned niacin-vitamin B3. Both pantothenic acid and niacin are necessary for carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism. Pantothenic acid is an especially valuable B-vitamin when you're under stress since it supports the function of the adrenal glands. A cup of corn supplies 28.8% of the daily value for pantothenic acid along with 18.9% of the daily value for niacin.

Malaria

2007-11-08T23:25:00.000-08:00

Malaria is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium, which is transmitted via the bites of infected mosquitoes. In the human body, the parasites multiply in the liver, and then infect red blood cells.

Symptoms of malaria include fever, headache, and vomiting, and usually appear between 10 and 15 days after the mosquito bite. If not treated, malaria can quickly become life-threatening by disrupting the blood supply to vital organs. In many parts of the world, the parasites have developed resistance to a number of malaria medicines.

Key interventions to control malaria include: prompt and effective treatment with artemisinin-based combination therapies; use of insecticidal nets by people at risk; and indoor residual spraying with insecticide to control the vector mosquitoes.
Malaria Prevention

Levels of Prevention

Prevention of malaria can aim at either:

* preventing infection, by avoiding bites by parasite-carrying mosquitoes, or
* preventing disease, by using antimalarial drugs prophylactically. The drugs do not prevent initial infection through a mosquito bite, but they prevent the development of malaria parasites in the blood, which are the forms that cause disease. This type of prevention is also called "suppression."

6 Facts on malaria

Fact 1

About 40% of the world’s population, mostly those living in the poorest countries, are at risk of malaria. Of these 2.5 billion people at risk, more than 500 million people become severely ill with malaria every year and more than 1 million people die from the effects of the diseas

Fact 2

Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are two basic elements of malaria control. Early and effective treatment of malaria can shorten the duration of the infection and prevent further complications including the great majority of deaths. Access to disease management should be seen not only as a component of malaria control but a fundamental right of all populations at risk.

Fact 3

Inappropriate use of antimalarial drugs in the past century contributed to widespread resistance in the malaria parasite to drugs such as chloroquine, leading to rising rates of sickness and death. Over the past decade, a new group of antimalarials – known as artemisinin-based combination therapies – has brought new hope in the fight against malaria.

Fact 4

The main objective of malaria vector control is to significantly reduce the rate and number of cases of both parasite infection and clinical malaria. This is achieved by controlling the malaria-bearing mosquito and thereby reducing or interrupting transmission.

Fact 5

Long-lasting insecticidal nets can be used to provide protection to risk groups, especially young children and pregnant women in high transmission areas. This provides personal protection. The nets can also protect communities when coverage is high enough (more than 80% of people in a target community sleeping inside them). The nets are effective for a number of years (3 to 5 years, depending on models and conditions of use).

Fact 6

Pregnant women are at high risk not only of dying from the complications of severe malaria, but also spontaneous abortion, premature delivery or stillbirth. Malaria is also a cause of severe maternal anaemia and is responsible for about one third of preventable low birth weight babies. It contributes to the deaths of an estimated 10 000 pregnant women and up to
200 000 infants each year in Africa alone.

Benefits of Oranges

2007-11-02T10:03:00.000-07:00

Juicy and sweet and renowned for its concentration of vitamin C, oranges make the perfect snack and add a special tang to many recipes; it is no wonder that they are one of the most popular fruits in the world. Oranges are generally available from winter through summer with seasonal variations depending on the variety.

Oranges are round citrus fruits with finely-textured skins that are, of course, orange in color just like their pulpy flesh; the skin can vary in thickness from very thin to very thick. Oranges usually range from approximately two to three inches in diameter.

Possible Cholesterol-Lowering Benefits

The ARS team is now investigating the potential cholesterol-lowering effects of limonin. Lab tests indicate that human liver cells produce less apo B when exposed to limonin. Apo B is a structural protein that is part of the LDL cholesterol molecule and is needed for LDL production, transport and binding, so higher levels of apo B translate to higher levels of LDL cholesterol.

A Very Good Source of Fiber

Oranges' health benefits continue with their fiber; a single orange provides 12.5% of the daily value for fiber, which has been shown to reduce high cholesterol levels thus helping to prevent atherosclerosis. Fiber can also help out by keeping blood sugar levels under control, which may help explain why oranges can be a very healthy snack for people with diabetes. In addition, the natural fruit sugar in oranges, fructose, can help to keep blood sugar levels from rising too high after eating. The fiber in oranges can grab cancer-causing chemicals and keep them away from cells of the colon, providing yet another line of protection from colon cancer. And the fiber in oranges may be helpful for reducing the uncomfortable constipation or diarrhea in those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.

In addition to oranges' phytonutrients, vitamin C and fiber, they are a good source of thiamin, folate, vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), potassium and calcium.

Prevent Kidney Stones

Want to reduce your risk of calcium oxalate kidney stones? Drink orange juice. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that when women drank ½ to 1 litre of orange, grapefruit or apple juice daily, their urinary pH value and citric acid excretion increased, significantly dropping their risk of forming calcium oxalate stones.

Fresh orange juice with mint

Ingredients :
Serves 4 :
Juice of 8 oranges
A few leaves fresh mint
Ice cubes

Recipe :
Squeeze the oranges.
Roughly chop mint, add to juice.
Serve over ice.

Advice :
Only 60 calories per 100g and full of vitamin C!

What is Parkinson's disease?

2007-10-30T09:23:00.000-07:00

Parkinson's disease (PD or, simply, Parkinson's) is the most common form of parkinsonism, a group of motor system disorders. It is a slowly progressing, degenerative disease that is usually associated with the following symptoms, all of which result from the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells:

* tremor or trembling of the arms, jaw, legs, and face
* stiffness or rigidity of the limbs and trunk
* bradykinesia (slowness of movement)
* postural instability, or impaired balance and coordination

Dopamine is a substance produced in the body which has many effects, including smooth and coordinated muscle movement.

Facts about Parkinson's disease:

It is incorrectly believed that Parkinson's disease disappeared after the introduction of levodopa (L-dopa) in the 1960s. In fact, about 60,000 Americans are newly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease each year, with more than 1.5 million Americans affected at any one time. Further, more people suffer from Parkinson's disease than multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis combined.

What causes Parkinson's disease (PD)?

The specific cause of PD is unknown, however, medical experts believe the symptoms are related to a chemical imbalance in the brain caused by brain-cell death. Parkinson's disease is chronic (persists over a long period of time), and progressive (symptoms grow worse over time).

Although the disease may appear in younger patients (even teenagers), it usually affects people in late middle age. It is not contagious, nor is it likely passed on from generation to generation.

The biggest risk factor for developing PD is advancing age. In addition, men have a slightly higher risk of developing it than women.

Family history is another important risk factor. Individuals with a parent or sibling who are affected have approximately two times the chance of developing PD. This increased risk is most likely because of a combination of environmental and genetic factors.

Environmental causes are being researched and the strong consistent findings are that rural living, exposure to well water, and exposure to agricultural pesticides and herbicides are related to PD. It is important to remember, however, that these factors do not guarantee the development of PD, nor does their absence prevent it. Less than one percent of PD is familial (occurring among members of a family).

Currently researchers believe that in most individuals the cause of PD is a combination of genetics and environmental exposure.

What are the four primary symptoms of Parkinson's?

The following are the most common symptoms of Parkinson's disease. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

* muscle rigidity - stiffness when the arm, leg, or neck is moved back and forth.
* resting tremor - tremor (involuntary movement from contracting muscles) that is most prominent at rest.
* bradykinesia - slowness in initiating movement.
* postural instability - poor posture and balance that may cause falls; gait or balance problems.

How is Parkinson's disease diagnosed?

Making an accurate diagnosis in the early stages of Parkinson's disease can be difficult, and may require observation of the patient for some time until it is apparent that the tremor is consistently present and is joined by one or more of the other classic symptoms.

Currently, there are no specific tests or markers for PD, although there are several methods for making the diagnosis. Diagnosis depends on the presence of two of the three major signs: tremor at rest, rigidity, and bradykinesia, as well as the absence of a secondary cause of the signs.

Other methods to assist with the diagnosis of PD include:

* neurological examination (including evaluation of symptoms and their severity)
* trial test of drugs - when symptoms are significant, a trial test of drugs (primarily levodopa [L-dopa]) may be used to further diagnose the presence of PD. If a patient fails to benefit from levodopa, a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease may be questionable.
* computed tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.
* magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.

Treatment for Parkinson's disease:
Specific treatment for a Parkinson's disease will be determined by your physician based on:

* your age, overall health, and medical history
* extent of the condition
* type of condition
* your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
* expectations for the course of the condition
* your opinion or preference

With today's medicine, we have yet to find a cure for Parkinson's disease. However, based upon the severity of the symptoms and medical profile, the physician will establish an appropriate treatment protocol. Treatment for Parkinson's disease may include the following:

* medications
* surgery

Can Exercise Improve your Sex Life?

2007-10-21T09:17:00.000-07:00

Whether you're a fitness junkie or exercising for the first time, learn the answer to the question, "Can exercise make a huge impact on having a better sex life?"

There are several rational reasons why a physically fit person is more likely to fully enjoy sex compared to a non-fit person. For instance, improved muscle tone can increase sexual gratification since orgasms depend on multiple muscle activity. In the case of the more mature man, improved cardiovascular fitness can be critical for maximum sexual function.

Physically fit men seem to benefit in the bedroom as it relates to increased libido and stable testosterone levels that often decline as men age. On the other hand, sex can be as much mental as it is physical, and a person's physical appearance can be beneficial on an emotional level, as well. Looking and feeling healthy can increase your self-esteem while making you feel more attractive.

The relationship between physical fitness and sexual function is not the only factor that may increase a person's sexual pleasure. Some researchers attribute a good exercise program, along with other healthy activities such as good eating habits, smoking cessation and getting plenty of rest, with having a positive effect on sexual performance for people of all ages.

A study conducted at the University of California-San Diego tracked 78 middle-aged men on an aerobic exercise program. The subjects exercised at moderate intensity for 60 minutes a day, three or four days a week. After nine months of continuous exercise, these subjects reported that their sex life was more satisfying as far as stamina and orgasms. In comparison, 17 male subjects that performed light workout routines such as walking at a comparatively slower pace stated that they had no substantial improvement in their sex lives.

In conclusion, exercise alone should not be considered the panacea for all sexual dysfunctions or dissatisfaction. However, if you hope to improve your sex life through exercise, you should carefully consider adopting a more comprehensive healthy lifestyle in order to increase the possibility of fully experiencing your sexual peak.

Breast Feeding....Nature's Health Plan

2007-10-16T07:37:00.000-07:00

Basic Facts:

1. The ability of the breasts to produce milk diminishes soon after childbirth, without the stimulation of breast-feeding.
2. The immunity factors in breast milk can help the body fight off infections.
3. Breast milk contains vitamins, minerals and enzymes, which aid the baby’s digestion.
4. Breast and formula feeding can be used together.

Advantages of breast-feeding.

1. It is the simplest way to feed the baby.
2. It increases the period of lactation amenonhoes after childbirth.

3. Breast milk also contains infection-fighting anti-bodies from the mother.
4. Breast feeding in the initial 4- months of the baby’s life reduces the chances of infection and increases the immunity of the baby.
5. The amino acids in breast milk, the building blocks of proteins, are well balanced for the baby. These proteins best aid the baby’s intestinal tract.
6. The emotional bonding between the baby and mother is strengthened & gives a feeling of satisfaction and achievement to the mother.
7. It is much cheaper than artificial feeding.

The baby should be put to the breast as soon as possible after birth. The initial yellowish and thick fluid (colostrum) is rich in proteins and protective antibodies. The practice of giving ghutti should be discouraged, because the nourishment of the baby is delayed, increasing chances of infection and delaying the stimulation for milk production.

Some important points:
1. The mother should sit in a comfortable position, hold the baby in her arms and offer the baby her whole breast & not just the nipple.
2. The baby should be fed from a different breast each time so that both breasts produce the maximum amount of milk.
3. The baby should be fed, whenever she is hungry. Before offering the second breast to the baby, it should be ensured that the baby sucks the fat rich hind milk from the first breast.
4. A daily bath is sufficient to keep the breasts clean.
5. Frequent cleaning with soap removes the natural oils from the breasts, predisposing the nipples to develop fissures.
6. Burping the baby after every feed by holding her against the shoulder is advisable.
7. A mother who is feeding her baby should eat healthy foods to keep up her strength & feed the baby letter.
8. At times the breasts may feel hot, heavy and hard, due to accumulation of milk.
9. The mother should be encouraged to let the baby continue to suck for as long as possible.
10. If still enough milk is not removed, the milk should be squeezed out in a clear (preferably) boiled cup using the thumb and the finger.
11. A warm compress on the breast or a warm bath is also helpful.
12. It the baby is fed frequently both during the day and night this condition (engoryememt of breast) is uncommon.
13. If nipples are cracked and painful, the mother is advised to leave a drop of hind milk on, the nipple after feeding as this helps in healing. Malai can also be can applied.

Heart-Healthy Diet

2007-10-11T21:11:00.000-07:00

A heart healthy diet begins by paying close attention to what you eat. You can reduce your chance of developing atherosclerosis, the blocked arteries that cause heart disease with a heart healthy diet. If the artery-clogging process has already begun, you can slow the rate at which it progresses

While this is very important for everyone at risk for atherosclerosis, it is even more important if you have had a heart attack and/or procedure to restore blood flow to your heart or other areas of your body, such as angioplasty, bypass surgery or carotid surgery. Following prevention advice can protect against restenosis, or the renarrowing of your arteries.

Feed Your Heart Well

Feeding your heart well is a powerful way to reduce or even eliminate some risk factors. Adopting a heart-healthy nutrition strategy can help reduce total and LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol), lower blood pressure, lower blood sugars, and reduce body weight. While most dietary plans just tell you what you CAN'T eat (usually your favorite foods!), the most powerful nutrition strategy helps you focus on what you CAN eat. In fact, heart disease research has shown that adding heart-saving foods is just as important as cutting back on others.

Here are nine nutrition strategies to reduce your risk:

1. Eat more fish. Fish is a good source of protein and other nutrients. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
2. Eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes. These beautiful and delicious wonders of nature may be one of the most powerful strategies in fighting heart disease.
3. Choose fat calories wisely. Keep these goals in mind:
4. Limit total fat grams.
5. Eat a bare minimum of saturated fats and trans fats (for example, fats found in butter, margarine, salad dressing, fried foods, snack foods, sweets, and desserts).
6. When you use added fat, use fats high in monounsaturated fats (for example, fats found in olive and peanut oil).
7. Eat a variety -- and just the right amount -- of protein foods. Commonly eaten protein foods (meat, dairy products) are among the main culprits in increasing heart disease risk. Reduce this nutritional risk factor by balancing animal, fish, and vegetable sources of protein.
8. Limit cholesterol consumption. Dietary cholesterol can raise blood cholesterol levels, especially in high-risk people. Limiting dietary cholesterol has an added bonus: You'll also cut out saturated fat, as cholesterol and saturated fat are usually found in the same foods. Get energy by eating complex carbohydrates (whole-wheat pasta, sweet potatoes, whole-grain breads) and limit simple carbohydrates (regular soft drinks, sugar, sweets). If you have high cholesterol, these simple carbohydrates exacerbate the condition and may increase your risk for heart disease.
9. Feed your body regularly. Skipping meals often leads to overeating. Eating five to six mini-meals is the best way to control blood sugars, burn fat calories more efficiently, and regulate cholesterol levels.

Other Heart-Healthy Strategies

* Reduce salt intake. This will help you control your blood pressure.
* Exercise. The human body was meant to be active. Exercise strengthens the heart muscle, improves blood flow, reduces high blood pressure, raises HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol), and helps control blood sugars and body weight.
* Hydrate. Water is vital to life. Be sure to stay adequately hydrated.
* Enjoy every bite. Your motto should be dietary enhancement, not deprivation. When you enjoy what you eat, you feel more positive about life, which helps you feel better. An added bonus is that you eat less when you eat food you love, and that helps control weight and reduce cholesterol levels.

Neck pain

2007-10-02T10:38:00.000-07:00

Neck pain can be so mild that it is merely annoying and distracting. Or it can be so severe that it is unbearable and incapacitating.Most instances of neck pain (and stiffness) are minor and commonly caused by something you did. That is, if you keep your head in an awkward position for too long the joints in your neck can "lock" and the neck muscles can become painfully fatigued. The price you pay for carelessness in how you position your head and neck (say, while working, watching TV, using a computer, reading a book, or talking on the phone with the receiver held against your shoulder and under your chin), is a pain in the neck. You may be one of the many unfortunates who, after a long and tiring day, has "harmlessly" fallen asleep in a chair or in bed with your head propped up, only to awake with a stiff and painful neck. Fortunately, most minor, posture-induced neck pain episodes clear up on their own after rest and efforts not to repeat the offending stresses on the neck.

But neck pain that just won't go away after a day or so is a more serious matter. Neck pain that lasts for many days or keeps coming back is a signal that something isn't right. Disease, an injury (such as whiplash in an auto accident), a congenital malformation, or progressive degeneration that can come with age may be responsible for the more significant pain you experience. An expert must determine the underlying causes of such neck pain. Examination, diagnosis and treatment by a doctor of chiropractic can relieve your mind and may quickly relieve your pain.

Who gets neck pain

About 10% of the population has an episode of neck pain each year. Neck pain may occur slightly more frequently in women than in men.
How neck pain is diagnosed

In most circumstances, a medical history and physical examination are the essential components of an evaluation required for diagnosis of neck disorders. On occasion, individuals who do not respond to initial therapy may undergo specialized radiographic tests, such as plain x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography to screen for additional involvement of soft tissues, ruptured discs, spinal stenosis, tumors or nerve injuries.

Treatment Options

The rehabilitation of neck injuries occurs in three phases. During the first phase, called the acute phase, physiatrists treat pain and inflammation. After they make a specific diagnosis and develop a treatment plan, physiatrists may offer treatment options like ultrasound, electrical stimulation, mobilization, medication, ice and even specialized injections.

In the second, or recovery, phase of treatment, flexibility and strength are developed to get the body parts into their proper positions. The goal of this phase is to get you back to your usual work, sports and leisure activities. This goal is achieved through specially designed exercises that rebuild the body.

The main goal of the third phase of treatment, the maintenance phase, is to minimize recurrence of the problem and to prevent further injury. This often consists of a total body fitness program, designed to maintain body mechanics and increase endurance after the original symptoms have resolved.

These are very broad and general approaches to the treatment of neck pain. The physiatrist that you choose will develop an individual treatment plan for you.

Team up for Healthy Hearts

2007-09-26T21:57:00.000-07:00

Why do you need to keep a healthy heart?

Heart disease is the cause of death in men and women, greater than the next five causes of death combined!

According to the latest estimates by the American Heart Association, over 64 million Americans have one or more forms of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Fortunately, there are ways to significantly lower your chances of developing heart disease and reverse the effects of a current heart condition you may or may not be aware of. Lower cholesterol, triglycerides, homocysteine and CRP levels are a start to promoting healthy hearts.
Top 5 Ways to Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease

1. FOLLOW A HEART HEALTHY DIET
Following a few simple rules as laid out in our Healthy Heart Diet section can significantly decrease your chances of developing heart disease. A brief summary follows:

A. Limit intake of trans fats and hydrogenated oils found in margarine, fast food, fried food, etc.

B. Limit refined sugar intake from cakes, cookies, candy, etc.

C. Use extra virgin olive oil and garlic in cooking - they can lower cholesterol

D. Add Omega 3 Fatty Acids to your diet - the best source is Fish Oil

2. EXERCISE REGULARLY
Developing a steady exercise program as described in our Exercise for Healthy Heart section can also lower your risk of heart disease. A few quick tips:

A. Try to exercise 3-4 times per week, for at least a half hour at a time.

B. Keep your routine going, and start off slow.

C. Always stretch before and after training.

D. Keep yourself hydrated and rest between sets.

3. LEAD A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
In addition to following a healthy diet and exercise regimen, you should also try to do the following:

A. Stop smoking and avoid second hand smoke - both are major causes of heart disease.

B. Limit your intake of alcohol - excessive alcohol can deplete your body's supply of vitamins and other nutrients.

C. Try to reduce stress and anxiety - they can lead to high blood pressure and other health conditions.

D. Keep your weight within recommended limits - obesity is a leading cause of heart disease.

4. KEEP TABS ON THE BLOOD INDICATORS OF DEVELOPING HEART DISEASE
Make sure you get tested for increased cholesterol, triglycerides(fat), homocysteine and C Reactive Protein levels, and follow the protocols if any one of these indicators is elevated:

A. If your cholesterol is high, you can lower cholesterol naturally with policosanol, guggulipid and other herbal extracts as well as Fish Oil. Remember, only 20% of your cholesterol comes from what you eat, the other 80% is manufactured by your liver. Read more about lowering cholesterol here.

B. If your triglyceride (fat) levels are too high, lower your carbohydrate and sugar intake. Also, fish oil, Vitamin C, guggulipid and green tea are safe natural ways to lower triglyceride levels.

C. If your homocysteine levels are high, you can easily normalize the situation by including B Vitamins in your diet, particularly Folic Acid, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12.

D. If your C Reactive Protein levels are high, this indicates inflammation in the blood. Fish oil, ginger and MSM will help decrease inflammation naturally.

Beauty tips

2007-09-23T22:59:00.000-07:00

Grate raw coconut and squeeze milk out of it. Apply this milk over your lips and face. It adds grace and glow to your skin.
Cleansing the skin
Dip a piece of cotton wool in unboiled milk and wipe on the face with it. It also cleans unseen dirt and goes down to pores.

Skin Moisturizer
For normal skin mix 1 tablespoon orange juice and 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a cup of yogurt, to make a paste. Apply it on face as a mask and keep it on for 15 minutes. Then clean it off with a wet tissue. This mask enhances the complexion and glow of fac.
For dry skin a mixture of cooked oatmeal and honey when applied on face act as a very good moisturizer and cleanser.

Preventing wrinkles
Application of pure castor oil prevents wrinkles and softens the skin. This also slows down the aging process
Home made conditioner: mix one table spoon of honey and 2 table spoon of cream. Apply this mixture on face and wash it off after few minutes. It works wonders.
Removing skin pigmentation and marks : Rubbing a raw potato on face removes marks and pigments.
Sun-screen lotion from kitchen : Prepare a homogeneous mixture of cucumber juice, glycerin and rose water .Apply this mixture on face. This mixture can be refrigerated.
Beauty secrets for naturally beautiful skin

Mix equal quantities of cucumber juice, rose water and lime juice. Wash the face and apply it overnight. Rinse off in the morning. This clears the complexion and keeps it healthy.

Take 50 ml. of raw (not boiled) milk and mix a pinch of salt and two teaspoonful of lime juice in it. Use it as a cleansing lotion. It helps to clean the deep pores of skin.

Mix equal quantities of lime juice, glycerin and rose water. This lotion if applied to the face regularly at bed time is very useful in removing pimples, blackheads and other stains of the skin. It makes the skin soft, and can also be applied to other parts of the body (hands, feet etc.)

Take 50 ml. of tomato juice and mix with one teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply this mixture to the face. It helps to make the skin soft and glowing.

Take equal quantities of turmeric powder and wheat flour and make a paste with sesame oil. Apply it to the face to remove unwanted hair.

Apply orange juice to the face for smooth and soft skin.

Take 30 ml. of cabbage juice and mix one teaspoon of honey in it. This mixture, if applied regularly to the face, helps to keep the wrinkles away.

Make a paste of raw carrots and apply it to the face. Wash it after one hour. The skin will become glowing.

Regular application of mint juice to the face helps to remove stains.
Sandal wood powder pack to rejuvenate skin
Ingredients:- Sandal wood powder ,Turmeric powder & Milk
Method of preparation:- Mix all the ingredients to form a paste. Apply this as face pack. This rejuvenates the skin

Morning Sickness

2007-09-20T10:24:00.000-07:00

Nothing can dampen the excitement of early pregnancy like a bad bout of morning sickness. Unfortunately, about three quarters of pregnant women suffer from it. It usually starts around the 5th to 7th week of pregnancy and disappears between the 12th and the 15th and is often at its worst in the morning, but the nausea and vomiting can strike at any time of day and at any stage of pregnancy. Although the precise cause of morning sickness is still unknown, the two most common culprits of morning sickness are extreme changes in blood sugar levels, which tend to be lowest in the morning, and hormones, which run rampant during pregnancy.

One theory believes that the hormone progesterone is responsible for your queasiness. It is secreted in high concentrations during pregnancy (especially in the first few weeks) and relaxes many of the muscles in your body, including those of your digestive system. This can slow digestion and lead to a buildup of stomach acids. Another, and more popular theory, is that the surge in hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in your system causes the nausea. hCG levels begin to decrease around the 12th week of pregnancy, just about the time most morning sickness eases.

Unfortunately, there isn't a lot you can do about your hormone levels; however, you may be able to alleviate some symptoms of morning sickness if you focus on keeping your blood sugar levels steady. Even though you may not feel like even looking at food, you’re more likely to be nauseous if you allow your stomach to become empty, so try eating many small snacks throughout the day instead of three big ones.

Eat meals that include complex carbohydrates, protein, and a little fat. These will give you the fuel you need to maintain steady blood sugar levels and studies have shown that protein eases nausea.

Try the following the help settle your stomach and make you feel better:

* Eat a snack before you get up in the morning. Keep crackers by your bed and eat a few 20 minutes before trying to get up. This will help settle your stomach before you begin moving around.

* Try snacking on ginger. For some, fresh or candied ginger can ease morning sickness.

* Sip water throughout the day. Don’t drink so much that you feel full, which can slosh around in your stomach and add to nausea, but drink a little every few minutes.

* Avoid fatty, rich, or spicy foods. Fatty foods take longer to digest (and your digestion is slow enough already!) and bland foods tend to be easier on your stomach.

* Try wearing an acupressure band – often sold as a motion-sickness band. There is a pressure point on your wrist that may help relieve nausea from pregnancy as well as motion.

* Taking vitamin B6 supplements seems to help some women with morning sickness, but should only be taken in recommended doses, so first talk to your health care provider.

As annoying and exhausting as they can be, the nausea and vomiting of typical morning sickness won’t harm your baby. Even if don’t gain any weight, or even lose a pound or two during your first trimester, you and your baby are most likely fine, as long as you stay hydrated and are keeping some food down.

If these tips don't give you relief from morning sickness, your doctor may have other ideas. Keep in mind that morning sickness doesn't mean your baby is sick.

Breath Easier

2007-09-18T09:50:00.000-07:00

Asthma (Az-muh) is a chronic disease that affects your airways. The airways are the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. If you have asthma, the inside walls of your airways are inflamed (swollen). The inflammation (IN-fla-MAY-shun) makes the airways very sensitive, and they tend to react strongly to things that you are allergic to or find irritating. When the airways react, they get narrower, and less air flows through to your lung tissue. This causes symptoms like wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe), coughing, chest tightness, and trouble breathing, especially at night and in the early morning.

Asthma cannot be cured, but most people with asthma can control it so that they have few and infrequent symptoms and can live active lives.

When your asthma symptoms become worse than usual, it is called an asthma episode or attack. During an asthma attack, muscles around the airways tighten up, making the airways narrower so less air flows through. Inflammation increases, and the airways become more swollen and even narrower. Cells in the airways may also make more mucus than usual. This extra mucus also narrows the airways. These changes make it harder to breathe.

Asthma attacks are not all the same—some are worse than others. In a severe asthma attack, the airways can close so much that not enough oxygen gets to vital organs. This condition is a medical emergency. People can die from severe asthma attacks.

So, if you have asthma, you should see your doctor regularly. You will need to learn what things cause your asthma symptoms and how to avoid them. Your doctor will also prescribe medicines to keep your asthma under control.

Taking care of your asthma is an important part of your life. Controlling it means working closely with your doctor to learn what to do, staying away from things that bother your airways, taking medicines as directed by your doctor, and monitoring your asthma so that you can respond quickly to signs of an attack. By controlling your asthma every day, you can prevent serious symptoms and take part in all activities.

If your asthma is not well controlled, you are likely to have symptoms that can make you miss school or work and keep you from doing things you enjoy. Asthma is one of the leading causes of children missing school.

What Causes Asthma?

It is not clear exactly what makes the airways of people with asthma inflamed in the first place. Your inflamed airways may be due to a combination of things. We know that if other people in your family have asthma, you are more likely to develop it. New research suggests that being exposed to things like tobacco smoke, infections, and some allergens early in your life may increase your chances of developing asthma.
The list below gives some examples of things that can bring on asthma symptoms.

Allergens

* Animal dander (from the skin, hair, or feathers of animals)
* Dust mites (contained in house dust)
* Cockroaches
* Pollen from trees and grass
* Mold (indoor and outdoor)

Irritants

* Cigarette smoke
* Air pollution
* Cold air or changes in weather
* Strong odors from painting or cooking
* Scented products
* Strong emotional expression (including crying or laughing hard) and stress

Others

* Medicines such as aspirin and beta-blockers
* Sulfites in food (dried fruit) or beverages (wine)
* A condition called gastroesophageal (GAS-tro-e-sof-o-JEE-al) reflux disease that causes heartburn and can worsen asthma symptoms, especially at night
* Irritants or allergens that you may be exposed to at your work, such as special chemicals or dusts
* Infections

This is not a complete list of all the things that can bring on asthma symptoms. People can have trouble with one or more of these. It is important for you to learn which ones are problems for you. Your doctor can help you identify which things affect your asthma and ways to avoid them.
How Is Asthma Treated?

Your doctor can work with you to decide about your treatment goals and what you need to do to control your asthma to achieve these goals. Asthma treatment includes:

* Working closely with your doctor to decide what your treatment goals are and learning how to meet those goals.
* Avoiding things that bring on your asthma symptoms or make your symptoms worse. Doing so can reduce the amount of medicine you need to control your asthma.
* Using asthma medicines. Allergy medicine and shots may also help control asthma in some people.
* Monitoring your asthma so that you can recognize when your symptoms are getting worse and respond quickly to prevent or stop an asthma attack.
Can Asthma Be Prevented?

We don't yet know how to prevent asthma, but there are some things that can lower your chances of having an asthma attack.

To prevent asthma symptoms:

* Learn about your asthma and how to control it.
* Use medicines as directed by your doctor to prevent or stop attacks.
* Avoid things that make your asthma worse as much as possible.
* Get regular checkups from your doctor.
* Follow your asthma self-management plan.

Scientists do not yet know how to prevent the inflammation of the airways that leads to asthma. Scientists are exploring some theories:

* Babies exposed to tobacco smoke are more likely to get asthma. If a woman is exposed to tobacco smoke during pregnancy, her baby may also be more likely to get asthma.
* Obesity may be linked to asthma, as well as other health problems.

Period Pain

2007-09-15T07:50:00.000-07:00

It is common for women to suffer pain associated with their normal menstrual cycle. One type of pain that you may experience is congestive pain. This occurs a few days before your period and usually improves when bleeding begins. Women describe this pain as a deep, dull ache.

Pain during your period is known as dysmenorrhoea. Dysmenorrhoea is usually classified into primary or secondary dysmenorrhoea.

Primary dysmenorrhoea

Primary dysmenorrhoea usually begins within a year or 2 of your first period. The pain is spasmodic and colic-like or cramping. This type of pain occurs when your period begins and lasts about 2 to 3 days. It is thought to be due to forceful contractions of your womb (uterus) brought about by prostaglandins.

Prostaglandins are normal hormones that are produced by the body. They stimulate contractions of your uterus during your period and are responsible for contractions in childbirth, during labour. The contractions are painful because they compress the blood vessels to the uterus, cutting off the blood supply and depriving the tissues of blood.

Secondary dysmenorrhoea

Secondary dysmenorrhoea is period pain caused by an underlying disorder. It usually begins later in life. Causes include endometriosis (when tissue from the lining of the womb grows elsewhere in the body and bleeds every month when you have your period), pelvic inflammatory disease, a benign tumour of the uterus called a submucous myoma, IUDs, a rare congenital condition called a blind uterine horn, and narrowing of the cervical canal (the entrance to the uterus), which restricts the flow of blood.

Women who have heavy periods (menorrhagia) have trouble with period pain more often than women who do not. Their pain may be caused by the uterus trying to expel blood clots that have not fully dissolved.
How do you treat period pain?

Visit your doctor
Visit your family doctor if the pain has started after a history of trouble-free periods or is getting worse. It is important to make sure that there is no underlying disorder causing the pain.

Your doctor may suggest an internal examination. For some women, in conjunction with a medical and symptom history, this will be sufficient for the doctor to make a diagnosis.

For other women with severe pain, a range of investigations may be offered. These may include a laparoscopy (examination of your pelvic organs with a telescopic instrument inserted into a small hole below your navel, carried out under anaesthetic) or a pelvic ultrasound (in which sound waves aimed through your pelvis or vagina bounce back and give a picture of your internal organs).

Self care
A warm pack, such as a hot water bottle or wheat bag, applied to the abdomen can give relief.

Keep a diary of your symptoms for a couple of months. It will force you to look closely at when the pain is at its worst and enable you to plan ahead. You will also be able to give your doctor accurate information about the nature of the pain, if required.

Exercise regularly between periods. When you have a period, resist the urge to walk hunched over (you may need to take some mild painkillers to do this). Some women find that doing gentle stretching exercises or going for a walk relieves their pain.

Some women find that a hot drink can help them feel better, especially ginger tea, which can help with cramps and nausea. Mint tea is useful to ease abdominal discomfort if caused by wind.

Various herbal and mineral remedies have been claimed to help with period pain. These include black cohosh, evening primrose oil, magnesium, dong quai and Vitex agnus castus. Acupuncture and TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) have also been used.
Medications

Mild painkillers, such as paracetamol or aspirin, can help relieve the pain for some women. However, because some period pain can be caused by an excess of prostaglandins in the uterus, medications which can stop the production of prostaglandins are often very effective in relieving period pain.

These types of medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Examples of NSAIDs used for period pain that are available from pharmacists are diclofenac (such as Voltaren), ibuprofen (e.g. Nurofen), mefenamic acid (Ponstan) and naproxen (e.g. Naprogesic). Although you can buy these products without a prescription, it's advisable to discuss with your doctor or pharmacist which medication would suit you best. Stronger painkillers are also available on prescription from your doctor.

One successful treatment is the contraceptive pill, which suppresses ovulation and so causes bleeding to be less painful in some women. This works because the pain of dysmenorrhoea only occurs in menstrual cycles in which ovulation (release of an egg) occurs.

For secondary dysmenorrhoea, treatments will vary depending on the nature of the underlying problem.

Snoring is no joke

2007-09-10T23:34:00.000-07:00

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Over one third of adults snore. And the problem is worse with overweight persons.

Snoring occurs when there is a partial obstruction to the free flow of air through the mouth and nose. The sound occurs when loose structures in the throat, like the uvula and soft palate, vibrate as air passes over them. Snoring can get worse when the muscles in the back of the throat are too relaxed either from drugs that induce sleep or alcohol consumption. Snoring can also be caused by a large uvula and soft palate, nasal congestion, a deviated septum or other obstructions in the nasal and pharyngeal airways.In children, large tonsils and adenoids can be the cause of snoring. Pregnant women snore because of a narrowing of the airway and increased weight.

can snoring be serious?

Snoring can be serious both socially and medically.

Snoring can disrupt marriages and cause sleepless nights for bed partners.

Medically, snoring can be the precursor of obstructive sleep apnea that has been linked to heart failure, high blood pressure and stroke. In its own right, snoring has been linked to Type II Diabetes. Sleep apnea usually interrupts loud snoring with a period of silence in which no air passes into the lungs. eventually the lack of oxygen and the increase carbon dioxide will awaken you forcing the airway to open with a loud gasp.
ask your physician or dentist

You may not be aware of your snoring but your bed partner is! Seeking professional advice can help you both because snoring not only causes disruption in sleep it can also be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea.

If your child snores, speak to your pediatrician about the problem. Nose and throat problems as well as obesity may be the cause. Treating these conditions could help your child sleep better at night and help your child's mental and physical development to stay on track.
severity of snoring

Snoring is often graded from your bed partner's point of view:

* Grade 1: Heard only if you listen close to the face * Grade 2: Heard in the bedroom * Grade 3: Heard just outside the bedroom with the door open * Grade 4: Heard outside the bedroom with the door closed
complications of snoring

Snoring may be more than a nuisance. Untreated snoring can increase your risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure and stroke. In children, snoring may increase the risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
treatment of snoring

If losing weight and changing sleep position don't help, your physician or dentist may suggest

* Surgery to remove excess tissue in the back of the throat
* Laser surgery to remove some excess tissue from the uvula and soft palate
* Somnoplasty - a radio frequency signal used to reduce volume of tissues in the soft palate or tongue
* Strips implanted in the soft palate to stiffen it
* CPAP - this is positive air pressure applied through a pressurized mask over the nose.
* Oral appliance therapy - Dental appliances are specially constructed appliances much like a sports guard or some orthodontic appliances that will either hold the tongue forward or advance the lower jaw forward to open the airway in the back of your throat.

what you can do for yourself

To prevent or lessen snoring, try this:

* Lose weight if you are overweight - Being overweight is the most likely cause of snoring.
* Sleep on your side not on your back. Sewing a tennis ball in the back of a t-shirt can remind you not to sleep on your back.
* See a physician if you have chronic nasal congestion or obstruction
* Avoid drinking alcohol before you go to bed - Alcohol and sedatives can relax the muscles in the back of the throat and lead to snoring. In addition, they can increase the duration of apneic events by dulling your brain's activity that signals you to awaken and restart to breathe.

Hepatitis B

2007-09-08T07:31:00.000-07:00

Hepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver and is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), a

member of the Hepadnavirus family and one of hundreds of unrelated viral species which cause

viral hepatitis. It was originally known as "serum hepatitis" and has caused current epidemics in

parts of Asia and Africa. Hepatitis B is recognized as endemic in China and various other parts

of Asia. The proportion of the world's population currently infected with the virus is 3 to 6%,

but up to a third have been exposed. Symptoms of the acute illness caused by the virus include

liver inflammation, vomiting, jaundice, and rarely, death. Chronic hepatitis B may cause liver

cirrhosis which may then lead to liver cancer, a fatal disease with very poor response to current

chemotherapy.

Hepatitis B usually gets better on its own after a few months. It may, however, cause a more

serious chronic infection.

Structure

Virions consist of an outer lipid envelope and an icosahedral nucleocapsid core composed of

protein. The nucleocapsid encloses the viral DNA and a DNA polymerase that has reverse

transcriptase activity. The outer envelope contains embedded proteins which are involved in viral

binding of, and release into, susceptible cells. Virion shape is generally spherical with a

diameter of 40 - 48 nanometers (nm) but pleomorphic forms exist, including filamentous and

spherical bodies lacking a core. These "subviral" particles are not infectious.[citation needed]

The DNA genome is not segmented but rather partially double-stranded, containing a long and short

segment which overlap approximately 240 nucleotides to form an open circle. The longer strand is

3020-3320 nucleotides long, and the shorter is 1700-2800 nucleotides long. The virus can be

divided into four major serotypes (adr, adw, ayr, ayw) based on antigenic epitopes present on its

envelope proteins, and into eight genotypes (A-H) according to overall nucleotide sequence

variation of the genome. Different genotypes have distinct geographic distributions. For example,

genotypes B and C are prevalent in China and neighboring countries.

Transmission

Transmission results from exposure to infectious blood or body fluids containing blood. Possible

forms of transmission include (but are not limited to) unprotected sexual contact, blood

transfusions, re-use of contaminated needles and syringes, and vertical transmission from mother

to child during childbirth. Without intervention, a mother who is positive for the hepatitis B

surface antigen confers a 20% risk of passing the infection to her offspring at the time of

birth. This risk is as high as 90% if the mother is also positive for the hepatitis B e antigen.

HBV can also be transmitted between family members within households, possibly by contact of

nonintact skin or mucous membrane with secretions or saliva containing HBV.

The primary method of transmission reflects the prevalence of chronic HBV infection in a given

area. In low prevalence areas such as the continental United States and Western Europe, where

less than 2% of the population is chronically infected, injection drug abuse and unprotected sex

are the primary methods, although other factors may be important. In moderate prevalence areas,

which include Eastern Europe, Russia, and Japan, where 2-7% of the population is chronically

infected, the disease is predominantly spread among children. In high prevalence areas such as

China and South East Asia, transmission during childbirth is most common, although in other areas

of high endemicity such as Africa, transmission during childhood is also a significant factor.

The prevalence of chronic HBV infection in areas of high endemicity is at least 8%.

Roughly 16-40% of unimmunized[citation needed] sexual partners of individuals with hepatitis B

will be infected through sexual contact. The risk of transmission is closely related to the rate

of viral replication in the infected individual at the time of exposure.

Diagnosis

The original assays for detection of hepatitis B virus infection involve serum or blood tests

that detect either viral antigens (proteins produced by the virus) or antibodies produced by the

host. Interpretation of these assays is complex. The table below is organized chronologically,

from top to bottom:

Prevention

While abstinence is the only guaranteed way of preventing sexual transmission of hepatitis B.,

latex condoms, if used properly, greatly reduce the chances of transmission.

How can avoid bad mood

2007-09-02T05:13:00.000-07:00

We’ve all been there: something annoying or frustrating happens and as a result we spend the rest of the day in a foul mood. And the additionally frustrating thing is, someone can often know they’re in a bad mood, but be unable to snap out of it.

However, you and others around you don’t have to put up with those moods; instead, you can do something about them. By following realbuzz.com’s top 12 tips, you will be able to deal with your bad mindset in a number different ways – so if one doesn’t work, another one will!

Let it all out

If you are in a bad mood, then there’s obviously a reason for it. Pinpoint why you’re in a bad mood and, if you can, talk to a friend about it. Simply talking about your problem with someone will make you feel many times better. After all, what they say about ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’ rings very true. But if you can’t talk to a friend, try going outside and letting out a mighty scream or having a good cry. Remember that bottling it all up will only darken your mood – so let it out!

Exercise

Exercise is a great way to get you out of a bad mood. If you can make yourself do some exercise, you will reap the benefits. Exercise releases endorphins, which are chemicals in your brain that make you feel good – so by doing some exercise you will automatically make yourself feel better. A game of squash could be a good option, as you’ll be able to take your bad mood out on the ball. On the other hand, if you take your sport too seriously and are a bad loser, then a non-competitive form of exercise may be the best way to go.

Chocolate heaven

It’s amazing how many people instantly reach for their favorite chocolate bar for comfort if they are feeling low. It’s probably not a bad thing to do, though, as chocolate is known to be responsible for positive mood-lifting effects due to the release of serotonin, the brain’s natural pick-me-up. If you find that chocolate does the trick for you, then a little of it can be no bad thing. However, if you’re the sort who ends up with pang of guilt after devouring one of your favorite bars, then it’s best that you leave it alone.

Think about less fortunate people

If you’re in a really bad mood, it may be because you think everything is going wrong for you. What you need to do in this case is to regain your sense of perspective on life. Take a stroll through and town center, maybe in your lunch time, and have a look at the people around you. Chances are you’ll probably pass by at least one homeless person who would probably settle for your problems and a roof over their head. Or you might see someone disabled or elderly struggling to get into a store. If you can, get a sense of perspective – then things may not seem so bad after all!

Blast out some music

Everybody has some favorite tunes to listen to, from rousing classical music compositions to bouncing pop tunes. Listening to one of your favorite tracks – such as one that you associate with a happy time in your life – will help draw you out of your bad mood. And why not go one step further by belting out your favorite tune at the top of your voice? You could even do this if you feel yourself being drawn into a bad mood while stuck in traffic – as long as you don’t mind being a source of amusement to other motorists.

Lighten up!

At certain times of the year – particularly around winter – the lack of daylight hours can have a negative impact on your mood. Some people even get seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is even worse. Whether or not you get SAD, it’s always good to get more light into your life. You could try to get out more during daylight hours, as this is known to improve mood – and you might also want to add some additional lighting and brighter colors into your home.

Take time out

Give yourself a chance to blank out all your negative thoughts by taking a few moments out and doing something different. For example, take half an hour out to have a soak in the bath – it can work wonders and help soothe both the body and mind. And why not get some candles out and have a glass of wine at the same time? If you’re in a bad mood, it’s sometimes good not to be around other people until you have got it out of your system. If you stay around people, you may cause a ruckus which will, in turn, add to your bad mood.

Avoid people who put you in a bad mood!

It might seem obvious, but there are people who just have an ability to put you in a bad mood. Okay, so some situations can’t be avoided – for example a work colleague or your boss – but there will be others in your social life who you can avoid. Some people can drain you and leave you in a bad mood – including some people who you are friends with! It’s best to avoid these people when you can – or at least keep your contact with them to a minimum.

Make contact with positive people

The flipside of avoiding negative people is making contact with positive ones. There are some people out there who have a very positive influence on us. They are the type you probably never argue with, or the type of people that have you cracking up with their sense of humor. It may be that you’ve lost touch with them recently, so why not look them up and give yourself a boost? Don’t be waiting for them to make the first move – do it yourself. Surrounding yourself with positive people will have a positive effect on your mood.

Involve yourself in some heavy petting!

We’re not talking about anything x-rated here – we’re talking about owning a pet for positive mood benefits. Studies have found that pets can actually help us feel better. For starters, animals do some pretty funny things at times, which will help to make you laugh. Even stroking a pet is known to lower heart rate, making you calmer. And if you get yourself a dog that requires plenty of walks, this will mean you get some exercise and daylight – which will further enhance your good mood.

Think happy thoughts

If you can take yourself back to a time when you were happy, then this will instantly fill you with happy thoughts. If you need a prompt, why not dig out some old photographs of great times that you’ve had? Being in a bad mood is avoidable if you rid yourself or intruding bad thoughts and replace them with good ones. It really comes down to choice – choose to think of unhappy thoughts and you will be unhappy, and vice versa. People are only as happy as they allow themselves to be!

Stop worrying

Worry is one of the major causes of unhappiness – so eradicating it will definitely improve your mood. The simple answer is to stop worrying – after all, worrying doesn’t actually help in any way at all. If it’s something that you can deal with at the time, then do it, and hopefully that will end the worry. If you can’t deal with it at that moment in time, then think of potential solutions and be optimistic rather than worrying excessively about a problem.

A final word...
Anyone can become more upbeat and optimistic just by using some of the techniques mentioned above. When you try some of them, you will inevitably feel a burden lift off your shoulders and become more positive. The key to it all is an optimistic outlook. Accepting that bad moods are an inevitable part of life can immediately lessen the impact of a bad mood – and having an optimistic outlook means you’re more likely to actively look on the bright side.

How to do a Breast Self-Exam

2007-08-28T10:31:00.000-07:00

A regular breast self-exam is one of the best ways to find a cancerous tumor when it is small, before the cancer has a chance to spread. Check yourself at the same time every month , 2 to 3 days after your period. (Remember, self-examination is not a substitute for regular exams by a doctor.)

1 Stand facing a mirror with your arms at your sides. Look for
anything unusual on your breasts: dimples, scaly patches,
puckers, or discharge coming from a nipple.

2 Check for changes in the contours of your breasts.Watch in
the mirror as you lift your hands behind your head, clasp your
hands, and press them against the back of your head.

3 Check again with your hands on your hips and your elbows
pulled forward.

4 Squeeze your nipples gently to check for discharge.

5 With one arm raised, use the fingertips of your other hand
to feel your breast for any lumps under the skin. Start in your
armpit and move toward your breast, pressing in small areas
about the size of a quarter. (Try this in the shower; your fingers
will slide more easily over soapy skin.) Use a definite
pattern—a spiral, line, or wedge. Cover the entire breast, as
well as the upper chest and underarm. Repeat on other side.

Spiral Start at the outer edges of the breast and
slowly work your way around it in smaller and smaller
circles.

Line Start under your arm and slowly stroke up
and down,progressing across the breast.

Wedge Start at the outer edge of the breast and
move slowly toward the middle, then back to the
edge.

6 Repeat step 5 lying on your back,with one arm over your
head and a pillow under your shoulder. Use one of the patterns
above to check each breast.

If you find a lump, unusual firmness, a change in shape, or any discharge from a nipple, call your doctor.

Endosulfan

2007-08-25T23:25:00.001-07:00

Endosulfan is a neurotoxic organochlorine insecticide of the cyclodiene

family of pesticides. It is highly toxic and an endocrine disruptor,

and it is banned in several countries including Germany, Norway, and

the Philippines. It is still used extensively in many countries

including the US and India. It is made by Bayer CropScience,

Makhteshim-Agan, and Drexel Company among other, and sold under the

tradenames Thionex, Thiodan, Phaser, and Benzoepin. Uses

Endosulfan is used in agriculture around the world to control insect

pests including aphids, leafhoppers, Colorado potato beetles, cabbage

worms, and other pests. It has also seen use in tse-tse fly control, in

wood preservation, and in home gardening. The World Health Organization

estimated world wide annual production to be about 20 million lbs in

the early 1980s.In India, more endosulfan is produced than any

other pesticide except mancozeb and monocrotophos, with almost 180

million lbs manufacturerd in 1999-2000.

In the US, endosulfan is registered only for agricultural use, where it

is used extensively on cotton, potatoes, and apples according to the

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA estimates that 1.38

million lbs of endosulfan were used annually from 1987 to 1997. In

California, annual use of endosulfan dropped from 230,000 lbs in 1995

to just 83,000 lbs in 2005.

Health Effects

Endosulfan is one of the more toxic pesticides on the market today,

responsible for many fatal pesticide poisoning incidents around the

world. Endosulfan is also a xenoestrogen—a synthetic substance that

imitates or enhances the effect of estrogens—and it can act as an

endocrine disruptor, causing reproductive and developmental damage in

both animals and humans. Whether endosulfan can cause cancer is

debated.

Endosulfan and Cancer

Endosulfan is not listed as known, probable, or possible carcinegon by

the EPA, IARC, or other agencies. There are no epidemiological studies

linking exposure to endosulfan specifically to cancer in humans, but in

vitro assays have shown that endosulfan can promote proliferation of

human breast cancer cells.[15] Evidence of cancinogenicity in animals

is mixed.

Endosulfan in the Environment

According to the EPA endosulfan breaks down in to endosulfan sulfate

and endosulfan diol, both of which have "structures similar to the

parent compound and are also of toxicological concern…The estimated

half-lives for the combined toxic residues (endosulfan plus endosulfan

sulfate) [range] from roughly 9 months to 6 years." The EPA concluded

that, "[b]ased on environmental fate laboratory studies, terrestrial

field dissipation studies, available models, monitoring studies, and

published literature, it can be concluded that endosulfan is a very

persistent chemical which may stay in the environment for lengthy

periods of time, particularly in acid media." The EPA also concluded

that "[e]ndosulfan has relatively high potential to bioaccumulate in

fish.

The EPA recommends not more than 74 ppb (part per billion) in lakes,

streams, or rivers, and not more than 0.1 – 2 ppm (parts per million)

on surfaces of agricultural products

Amazing Benefits of Turmeric

2007-08-20T10:58:00.000-07:00

Ayurvedic practitioners believe that it is a cleanser for all parts of the body. Thus, apart from using in cooking, turmeric is also used as a form of digestive aids, in treating infection, arthritis, jaundice and fever. A symbol of prosperity, the turmeric's healing property lies in its stalk. It is this same part that is usually used to color, preserve and flavor foods in everyday cooking. In Asian cooking, it is popularly used fresh while the dried, powdered form of the root is commonly used in other parts of the world.
Here are some of the many benefits of turmeric:
Turmeric Benefits

1) Lowering LDL cholesterol - Studies have shown that turmeric lowers LDL cholesterol levels. LDLs are responsible for the buildup of plaque in the arteries that could lead to heart disease.

2) Treating High Blood Pressure - Turmeric has been shown to improve blood flow as well as strengthen blood vessels.

3) Guarding Against Cancer - Studies point to turmeric's ability to neutralize free radicals, chemicals that could damage cells. Turmeric can ward off cancer and tumorous growths.
4) Promoting General Health - Turmeric extract contains powerful antioxidants which can help boost the body's immune system and protect against illness and disease.

Other Turmeric Benefits

Some of the other turmeric benefits include protecting the liver, aiding in digestion and helping with irritable bowel syndrome

Ayurveda BodyMassage - An Easy Way to Stay Healthy

2007-08-14T05:34:00.000-07:00

Massage (Abhyanga) is a type of passive exercise. It is especially good for weak people, who are unable to exercise. Regular massage is the key to good health, and is necessary both for prevention and cure of diseases.

An Easy Way to Stay Healthy

Oil massage is the most common type of massage. Oil should be chosen according to the season and the personal constitution. Sesame oil is the best for massaging according to Ayurveda. In the winter one can also use mustard oil, though it should not be used in summer. However, those in the habit of constant internal use of mustard oil can massage with it in all seasons.

Coconut oil and sunflower oil are also good for massaging in hot climate. Olive oil can be used in the winter as it is heating in nature. People with a vata type of body should use warming oils, and those with pitta type will benefit from cooling oils. The kapha types should have dry massage or should use mustard oil after warming. In order to determine what type you are take a constitution test.

Method of Massaging

One can either start massage from the feet or from head. In self massage one generally starts from feet, then the legs, hands, abdomen, back, chest, neck, shoulders, face and head. While receiving massage from some one it is generally started from head. There are no specific reasons for this.

First apply the oil on the part which is to be massaged. Then massage the part gently with palms till the oil penetrates the body. When massaging, upward strokes should be employed. The motion should be uniform (not too fast and not too slow) and pressure should be applied only on the muscles, not the bones. Different types of actions of fingers and hands are used for massaging different organs.

One should receive a massage on an empty stomach. The best time for massaging is early morning or evening. One may wash the oil off after massage. Wait for 20-30 minutes before washing. There should be no anxiety, stress, anger, and worry. The person should concentrate fully on the part being massaged. It is better to get massage from an expert but you can do it yourself too.

One should avoid taking a massage when there is too much mucus in the body (aggravation of Kapha), when suffering from fever, and after one has undertaken cleansing therapies like vomiting (emesis) and purgation.

Benefits of Massage

Massage stimulates the internal functions of the body and provides nourishment to various body tissues. It helps in cleansing the toxins from channels. Massaging with oil provides lubrication to various body mechanisms. It stimulates the different agni (enzymes), increases assimilation of food and increases the vital body fluid called the Ojas. It works at both mental and physical levels of the body. It is beneficial in the case of insomnia, weakness of nerves, laziness, exhaustion, general debility, dry and unhealthy skin.

Reiki - The Spiritual Treatment

2007-08-09T10:40:00.000-07:00

A "laying on of hands" Eastern therapy using a technique — according to practitioners, a "spiritually guided universal life force energy" called “ki” — for stress reduction and relaxation, based on the knowledge that this unseen universal life force energy flows through all living things and is connected directly to the quality of health.

Reiki techniques are said to be capable of balancing the body's energy on a physical and emotional level, and to be very effective in the treatment of emotional and mental distress as well as chronic and acute physical problems; in addition, practitioners claim it promotes spiritual focus and clarity.

Developed in the early 1900's in Japan by a man called Mikao Usui, Reiki is believed to have been based in Tendai Buddhism and Shintoism ancient philosophies and techniques.

In Tibet, thousands of years ago, ancient healers and mystics studied many types of unseen natural energies. These oriental sages developed a system of sounds and symbols for universal healing energies. Various healing systems, crossing many different cultures, emerged from this single root system, including the ones in which Reiki is based on. There are many variant's of Reiki being practiced today. See Alternative Medicine.

Whole body treatment

In a typical whole-body Reiki treatment, the practitioner asks the recipient to lie down, usually on a massage table, and relax. Loose, comfortable clothing is usually worn during the treatment. The practitioner might take a few moments to enter a calm or meditative state of mind and mentally prepare for the treatment, which is usually carried out without any unnecessary talking.

The treatment proceeds with the practitioner placing his hands on the recipient in various positions. However, some practitioners use a non-touching technique, where the hands are held a few centimetres away from the recipient's body, for some or all of the positions. The hands are usually kept still for 3 to 5 minutes before moving to the next position. Overall, the hand positions usually give a general coverage of the head, the front and back of the torso, the knees and feet. Between 12 and 20 positions are used, with the whole treatment lasting 45 to 90 minutes.

Some practitioners use a fixed set of hand positions. Others use their intuition to guide them as to where treatment is needed, sometimes starting the treatment with a 'scan' of the recipient to find such areas. The intuitive approach might also lead to individual positions being treated for much shorter or longer periods of time.

It is reported that the recipient often feels warmth or tingling in the area being treated, even when a non-touching approach is being used. A state of deep relaxation, combined with a general feeling of well-being, is usually the most noticeable immediate effect of the treatment, although emotional releases can also occur. As the Reiki treatment is said to be stimulating natural healing processes, instantaneous 'cures' of specific health problems are not usually observed. A series of three or more treatments, typically at intervals of 1 to 7 days, is usually recommended if a chronic condition is being addressed. Regular treatments, on an on-going basis, can be used with the aim of maintaining well-being. The interval between such treatments is typically in the range of 1 to 4 weeks, except in the case of self-treatment when a daily practice is common.

Spiritual practice

Many practitioners use Reiki as the basis of a spiritual practice, or to augment other spiritual practices. The cornerstone of Reiki spiritual practice is a daily one hour self-treatment,[68] conducted in a meditative frame of mind. As well as maintaining physical, mental and emotional well-being, this practice is understood to induce spiritual growth, potentially leading to self-realization.

Top 20 tips to live longer

2007-08-07T10:32:00.000-07:00

Life expectancy for both men and women has continued to rise with improvements in diet, awareness and medical care. In 2002, life expectancy for females born in the UK was 81 years, compared with 76 years for males. This contrasts with 49 and 45 years respectively at the turn of the last century in 1901.

These estimates are expected to increase further over the coming years, and to ensure that you are one of those helping boost future life expectancy figures, realbuzz.com have prepared a list of 20 great tips to help with putting off the inevitability of death for as long as possible…

1. Have a good laugh
Research states that laughter may be beneficial to health. Laughing appears to boost the blood flow (by more than 20%) and researchers say it may reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Laughing has previously been found to help fight infections, relieve hay fever, ease pain and help control diabetes. The positive effect of laughing is thought to last around 30-45 minutes.

2. Adjust sleeping time
Life expectancy may be reduced by sleeping more than eight hours a night. A study found that people who get only six to seven hours sleep a night live longer than those who sleep eight hours or more, or less than four hours.
3. Eat more garlic
Garlic has been referred to as ‘nature’s antibiotic’. It is a powerful cleanser of the body and regular ingestion promotes a healthy heart and circulation by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, and also helps fight infection and boost immunity. There is also strong evidence to suggest that garlic helps with the prevention of cancers of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, colon and rectum. Those who don’t like the taste of garlic should try the odorless supplements that are available.

4. Boost your sex life
Having sex between 3-4 times a week is thought to reduce the risk of having a heart attack or stroke in half. During sex, the average person maintains their heart rate above 70% of the maximum, making sex a wonderful cardiovascular workout! Sex reduces stress, leads to greater contentment and better sleep.

5. Drink tea
Many bodies of research support the view that tea is good for your health. Scientists tend to agree that tea, both black and green, may contribute positively to the promotion of health and the prevention of chronic disease. Recent research studies reveal the antioxidants in tea may inhibit the growth of cancer cells, support dental health, increase bone density and strengthen cardiovascular health. According to a study published in Circulation: The Journal of the American Heart Association, heart attack patients who were tea drinkers decreased their risk of death by up to 44%, as compared to non-tea drinkers.

6. Drink more red wine
Any excuse to drink more has good to be good! Recent studies show that drinking around one glass of red wine a day may have certain health benefits by protecting against certain cancers and heart disease, and can have a positive effect on cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Excessive or binge drinking, however, unfortunately doesn’t produce the same benefits.

7. Regular self examination
For women this means regularly examining their breasts, and while breast cancer is not unknown among men, males should regularly check their testicles for lumps. It is important to get to know how your body parts normally feel and look, and report any changes, such as a lump, to your doctor. More often than not, lumps prove to be benign, and these types of cancer are usually curable if they're caught early enough.

8. Have regular smears/prostate test
Women will usually be called once every one to three years for a smear test, and should make sure they attend when requested. Cervical screening probably prevents around 2,500 deaths a year in the UK. Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in men and is second only to lung cancer as the biggest cancer killer. There are varying viewpoints about how often men should have a test and at what age. Testing should start at the age of 50, or at the age of 40 if in high-risk groups, such as black men or those with a father, brother or son with the disease. However, if you have any concerns go and visit your doctor.

9. Monitor your bowel behavior
Any dramatic change in bowel habits such as an increase in constipation, or passing blood should be referred to a doctor immediately. It could prove be something as simple as piles (hemorrhoids), or worse case scenario could be bowel cancer, which is important to discover as early as possible.

10. Drink more water

Most people are unaware that the recommendation is that the average person should drink around eight glasses of water a day. The human body is made up of between 55 and 75% water, and is in need of constant water replenishment.
11. Get more friends
Research suggests that friends help people live longer. Research in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health says that socializing with friends is beneficial.
Good friends will promise to be there for you, and their presence can actually help you live longer, researchers say. Australian scientists said having friends around in old age can do more for life expectancy than having family members around, and that friends may encourage people to look after their health, and help reduce feelings of depression and anxiety at difficult times.
12. No smoking
Everyone is aware of the potential catastrophic effect of smoking. It is better not to start at all, but the sooner a smoker quits, the better. Because the damage caused by smoking is cumulative, the longer a person smokes the greater the risk of developing a smoking-related disease, such as lung cancer or heart disease. Quitting not only saves money, but also has added health benefits. Within one year after quitting, the risk of a heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker, and within ten years, the risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker. In Britain, about 120,000 a year die through smoking – that’s more than 300 every day.

13. Relax
Relaxation reduces blood pressure and helps reduce stress-related conditions such as depression. A relaxation technique such as yoga or meditation can help reduce stress levels.

14. Get a pet
Owning a pet has a surprising amount of health benefits for the owner, according to a series of studies. Ownership of a pet, particularly a dog, means people are more active. Animals are known to reduce anxiety both from the actual physical comfort from stroking them, but also because they are a distraction and something pleasant to focus on. They are also good friends to many and provide a source of amusement, making us laugh.

15. Exercise
Exercise is known to reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, diabetes and obesity. It keeps joints, tendons and ligaments flexible, and contributes to mental well-being by helping treat depression, relive stress and anxiety. Exercise also aids better sleep. Even if you are pushed for time, exercise could be gained simply by walking up stairs rather than taking the lift, or even try walking or cycling on shorter journeys rather than taking the car.

16. Eat more fruit and vegetables
Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can help ward off heart disease and stroke, control blood pressure and cholesterol, and prevent some types of cancer. It is recommended to eat at least five servings of fruit and vegetables a day.

17. Change job
Research suggests a strong relationship between how long people live and the nature of their jobs. According to UK Government statistics, for the period 1997-99, life expectancy at birth in England and Wales for males in the professional group was 7.4 years more than that for those in the unskilled manual groups. The gap between the social classes was smaller for women than for men, at 5.7 years.

18. Have a happy marriage
Married people tend to have better health than unmarried people. For instance, married individuals tend to be able to have lower rates of alcoholism than their unmarried counterparts because they tend to offer encouragement, support, and protection from daily problems. They are also more able to handle stress better as a result. However, studies suggest that divorcing then remarrying actually increases the risk of dying prematurely.

19. Be optimistic
People with a positive outlook on life can actually live longer. Researchers found that optimistic people decreased their risk of early death by 50% compared with those who leaned more towards pessimism.
20. Eat chocolate
Chocolate contains flavanoids and antioxidants which have positive health benefits. Flavanoids aid cardiovascular health, while antioxidants are believed to prevent or delay certain damage to the body’s cells and tissues. Dark chocolate is considered best as it contains more than twice as many antioxidants as a bar of milk chocolate, and has fewer calories.

Basic Shampooing Tips

2007-08-02T23:04:00.000-07:00

Basic Shampooing Tips

Shampoos are designed to cleanse the hair and scalp, removing dirt and grime without stripping the hair it away too much of its natural oils.

They contain cleansing and conditioning agents that can coat the hair’s shaft to make it appear shiny and thicker. The conditioning agents smooth out the cuticle scales so the hair doesn’t tangle and help eliminate static from the hair during and after drying.

Many shampoos are labeled “pH Balanced”, which means they have the same acidity level as the hair. Individuals with damaged or chemically treated hair should opt for these types of shampoos.

However, for healthy hair that is in good condition, a pH balanced shampoo is not particularly necessary provided your shampooing is followed be conditioning.

Shampooing Steps

Always use shampoos formulated for your hair type – dry, normal, oily or chemically treated.

* Brush hair and scalp before shampooing to free any knots and to loosen dirt and dead skin cells.
* Use lukewarm instead of hot water to help in removing any oily residues.
* Wet your hair then work a small amount of shampoo through out the hair, gently massaging your scalp with the pads of your fingers.
* Pay attention to areas where makeup and dirt easily get trapped like the hairline.
* Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear. Repeat the process if necessary.
* Blot the hair with a clean towel to remove excess water before conditioning your hair.

Additional Shampooing Tips

* Use the correct shampoo for your hair type. If in doubt, choose the mildest formulation available.
* Do not wash your hair with soap or other detergents not formulated for the hair. They are highly alkaline and will upset your hair’s natural pH balance by stripping it of its natural oils.
* Change your shampoo now and then, hair seems to grow resistant to certain ingredients after a while.
* Whenever possible, buy small sachets of a shampoo to test and determine which one works best for you.

Kissing and health

2007-07-31T11:11:00.000-07:00

Kissing and health

Can you "catch something" by kissing?
Yes you can -- anything from just a cold to
a pretty serious sexually transmitted
disease. Also, since the AIDS virus has been
found in the saliva of people with AIDS, it
could be transmitted by kissing someone who
has the disease, especially if you have any
cuts in your mouth.

There's no such thing as 100% safety. But
if someone has a cold or the flu, wait until
it's over. If you see he's got sores on his
mouth or lips, stay away! Also, if you have
cuts in your mouth, or he does this increses
your chance of passing on infection.

I don't want to make you paranoid, but just
to tell you there's no such thing as "safe kissing"
so keep that in mind.

How to kiss

When your lips meet, keep them slightly parted and
press gently against his lips. Tilt your head
slightly to one side, so your noses won't get
in the way.

What do you do next? It depends. If it's just a
little kiss, a peck on the lips, move away but
(this is very important) don't move away all of
a sudden, as if you were disgusted by his kiss!
Just move away slowly, maybe while still holding hands,
and looking in his eyes.

Kissing and s-e-x

Kissing can be a lot of fun. Don't think that just
because you kiss a guy you have to do anything
more.

On the other hand, once you're kissing
passionately, you might both feel like going further.
The best way I know to avoid that is to kiss
him in a semi-public place. If you kiss him in
a movie theater or on your front porch, you know
it's not going to lead to sex right there!

On the other hand, if you're sitting on your bed when
your parents aren't home, there's not really anything
to stop you, so it's something you might want to avoid.

I'm not trying to tell you how to run your life, just
telling you what's worked for me.

Practice makes perfect!

The only way to get good at kissing is to
practice. Have fun!

Kissing do's and dont's

A sure way to ruin a perfect kiss is with bad
breath. Carry around some mints or gum, and
have one a few moments before you kiss. Offer
him one too. Avoid spicy foods, garlic and
onions just before. Or at least make sure
you're both eating spicy food, so neither will
notice.
Non-smokers hate kissing a smoker! It's
as gross as kissing an ashtray!
You might be nervous, but don't giggle during or
after you kiss. The other person won't understand
it's nervous laughter. He'll think that you were
laughing at him!

How to avoid Badbreath

2007-07-26T10:58:00.000-07:00

How to avoid Badbreath

What's That Smell?

Bad breath is the common name for the medical condition known as halitosis (say: ha-luh-toe-sus). There are many different things that can cause halitosis - from not brushing your teeth to certain medical conditions.

Sometimes, a person's bad breath can blow you away - and he or she may not realize there's a problem. There are tactful (nice) ways of letting a person know that he or she has bad breath. You could offer mints or sugarless gum without having to say anything.

If you need to tell a friend he or she has bad breath, you could say that you understand foods can cause bad breath because you've had it before yourself. By letting someone know that bad breath isn't something unusual, you'll make the person feel more comfortable and less embarrassed about accepting your piece of chewing gum.

If you suspect your own breath is foul, ask someone who will give you an honest answer without making fun of you. (Just don't ask your brother or sister - they just might tell you your breath stinks even when it doesn't!) Although everyone gets bad breath sometimes, if you have bad breath a lot, you may need to visit your dentist or doctor.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Here are three common causes of bad breath:
foods and drinks, such as garlic, onions, cheese, orange juice, and soda
poor dental hygiene (say: hi-jeen), meaning you don't brush and floss as you should
smoking and other tobacco use

Poor oral hygiene leads to bad breath because when you leave food particles in you mouth, these pieces of food can rot and start to smell. The food particles may begin to collect bacteria, which can be smelly, too. Plus, by not brushing your teeth regularly, plaque (a sticky, colorless film) builds up on your teeth. Plaque is a great place for bacteria to live and yet another reason why breath can turn foul.

Preventing Smelly Breath

So what's a kid to do? Don't smoke or use tobacco products, of course. And take care of your mouth by brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day. Brush your tongue, too, because bacteria can grow there. Flossing once a day helps get rid of particles wedged between your teeth. Also, visit your dentist twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings.

Not only will you get a thorough cleaning, the dentist will look around your mouth for any potential problems, including those that can affect breath. For example, gum disease, also known as periodontal (say: per-ee-o-don-tul) disease, can cause bad breath and damage your teeth.

If you're concerned about bad breath, tell your doctor or dentist. But don't be surprised if he or she leans in and take a big whiff! Smell is one way doctors and dentists can help figure out what's causing the problem. The way a person's breath smells can be a clue to what's wrong. For instance, if someone has uncontrolled diabetes, his or her breath might smell like acetone (the same stuff that's in nail polish remover).

If you have bad breath all the time and the reason can't be determined by your dentist, he or she may refer you to a doctor to make sure there is no other medical condition that could be causing it. Sometimes sinus problems, and rarely liver or kidney problems, can cause bad breath

Sleeping Tips

2007-07-23T11:04:00.000-07:00

Sleeping Tips

You should wake up refreshed in the morning without the use of an alarm clock and feel energetic all day. If not you may find some good tips below.

Sleep deprivation is a large proportion of the problem is due to the high paced
lifestyle causing the lack of time to get the sleep we need. When we do not get the
amount of sleep we need we accumulate a sleep debt. This sleep debt has to be
paid back or sleepiness will continue to worsen. Many people try to pay back the
debt on the weekends resulting in the disruption of their circadian rhythm.

Here are some Tips that may help.

* Sleep is as important as food and air. Quantity and quality are very important. Most adults need between 7.5 to 8.5 hours of uninterrupted sleep. If you press the snooze button on the alarm in the morning you are not getting enough sleep. This could be due to not enough time in bed, external disturbances, or a sleep disorder.
* Keep regular hours. Try to go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time every day. Getting up at the same time is most important. Getting bright light, like the sun, when you get up will also help. Try to go to bed only when you are sleepy. Bright light in the morning at a regular time should help you feel sleepy at the same time every night.
* Stay away from stimulants like caffeine. This will help you get deep sleep which is most refreshing. If you take any caffeine, take it in the morning. Avoid all stimulants in the evening, including chocolate, caffeinated sodas, and caffeinated teas. They will delay sleep and increase arousals during the night.
* Use the bed for sleeping. Avoid watching TV or using laptop computers. Know that reading in bed can be a problem if the material is very stimulation and you read with a bright light. If it helps to read before sleep make sure you use a very small wattage bulb to read. A 15 watt bulb should be enough. Bright light from these activities may inhibit sleep.
* Avoid bright light around the house before bed. Using dimmer switches in living rooms and bathrooms before bed can be helpful. (Dimmer switches can be set to maximum brightness for morning routines.)
* Don't stress if you feel you are not getting enough sleep. It will just make matters worse. Know you will sleep eventually.
* Avoid exercise near bedtime. No exercise at least 3 hours before bed.
* Don't go to bed hungry. Have a light snack, avoid a heavy meal before bed.
* Bedtime routines are helpful for good sleep. Keep routines on your normal schedule. A cup of herbal tea an hour before bed can begin a routine.
* Avoid looking at the clock if you wake up in the middle of the night. It can cause anxiety. This is very difficult for most of us, so turn the clock away from your eyes so you would have to turn it to see the time. You may decide not to make the effort and go right back to sleep.
* If you can't get to sleep for over 30 minutes, get out of bed and do something boring in dim light till you are sleepy.
* Keep your bedroom at comfortable temperature. Not too warm and not too cold. Cooler is better than warmer.
* If you have problems with noise in your environment you can use a white noise generator. A old fan will work or you can buy noise machies from many sources.
* Know that the "night cap" has a price. Alcohol may help you to get to sleep but it will cause you to wake up throughout the night. You may not notice it. (It is worse if you have sleep apnea because the alcohol makes the apnea worse.) Sometimes people snore only if they have had some alcohol or may snore worse if they already snore.)
* If you have a sleeping partner, ask them if they notice any snoring, leg movements and/or pauses in breathing . Take this information and try the sleep test. You may have a sleep disorder or you may just need to increase your awareness about your own sleep need. If you have any concerns see your doctor.

Understanding Depression

2007-07-20T00:41:00.000-07:00

Depression

Also called: Clinical depression, Dysthymic disorder, Major depressive disorder, Unipolar depression

Depression is a serious medical illness that involves the brain. It's more than just a feeling of being "down in the dumps" or "blue" for a few days. If you are one of the more than 20 million people in the United States who have depression, the feelings do not go away. They persist and interfere with your everyday life. Symptoms can include

* Sadness * Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy * Change in weight * Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping * Energy loss * Feelings of worthlessness * Thoughts of death or suicide

Depression can run in families, and usually starts between the ages of 15 and 30. It is much more common in women. Women can also get postpartum depression after the birth of a baby. Some people get seasonal affective disorder in the winter. Depression is one part of bipolar disorder.

There are effective treatments for depression, including antidepressants and talk therapy. Most people do best by using both.

Causes

There's no single known cause for depression. The illness often runs in families. Experts believe a genetic vulnerability combined with environmental factors, such as stress or physical illness, may trigger an imbalance in brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, resulting in depression. Imbalances in three neurotransmitters — serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine — seem to be linked to depression.

Scientists don't fully understand how imbalances in neurotransmitters cause signs and symptoms of depression. It's not certain whether changes in neurotransmitters are a cause or a result of depression.

Factors that contribute to depression include:

* Heredity. Researchers have identified several genes that may be involved in bipolar disorder, and they're looking for genes linked to other types of depression. But not everyone with a family history of depression develops the disorder, and conversely, people with no family history of the disorder can become depressed.
* Stress. Stressful life events, particularly a loss or threatened loss of a loved one or a job, can trigger depression.
* Medications. Long-term use of certain medications, such as some drugs used to control high blood pressure, sleeping pills or, occasionally, birth control pills, may cause symptoms of depression in some people.
* Illnesses. Having a chronic illness, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer or Alzheimer's disease, puts you at higher risk of developing depression. Having an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), even mildly, also can cause depression.
* Personality. Certain personality traits, such as having low self-esteem and being overly dependent, self-critical, pessimistic and easily overwhelmed by stress, can make you more vulnerable to depression.
* Postpartum depression. It's common for mothers to feel a mild form of distress that usually occurs a few days to weeks after giving birth. During this time you may have feelings of sadness, anger, anxiety, irritability and incompetence. A more severe form of the baby blues, called postpartum depression, also can affect new mothers.
* Hormones. Women experience depression about twice as much as men, which leads researchers to believe hormonal factors may play a role in the development of depression.
* Alcohol, nicotine and drug abuse. Experts once thought that people with depression used alcohol, nicotine and mood-altering drugs as a way to ease depression. But using these substances may actually contribute to depression and anxiety disorders.

Risk factors

Depression affects all ages and all races. Twice as many women experience depression as men. While men are less likely to become depressed than women are, depression does affect men as well. Gender differences in depression may be due in part to biological causes, such as hormones and different levels of neurotransmitters.

Other factors that may put you at an increased risk of depression include a family history of the disorder, pregnancy or stressful life events, such as the loss of a loved one or a job.