Health Tips

Tip Your Servers This Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T08:31:00.000-08:00

Call it part two of last week’s report. No sooner had the blood cooled from the “he-covery” than in came more stark news from the world of women’s work. This time, it’s not just discriminatory employers at fault; it’s the federal government.

“In most industries, the gender wage gap is due to employer discrimination. In the restaurant industry, it’s also a matter of policy,” says Saru Jayaraman, co-founder of the workers’ group, the Restaurant Opportunities Center (ROC).

Virtually alone among employers, in the restaurant industry predominately male positions have a different minimum wage than predominately female positions. Since 2007, non-tipped workers (52 percent male) have a federal minimum wage of $7.25. Tipped workers (66 percent female) have a federal subminimum wage of $2.13.

Congress established that sub-generous sub-minimum for tipped workers back in 1991. Thanks to active lobbying by the National Restaurant Owners Association (one of the top twenty-five lobby groups in the United States), it has stayed at $2.13 ever since.

“The outcome is that servers, 71 percent of whom are female, are suffering a gender gap that doesn’t just mean inequity, it means the difference between living below or above poverty line,” says Jayaraman. (The federal poverty line is $18,000 for a family of three.) Food servers, it turns out, are twice as likely as the general population to use food stamps.

“The millions of workers who serve our food can’t afford to eat,” says Jayaraman.

Think about that as you sit down for your next meal. If Valentine’s Day 2012 is anything like last year, some 70 million lovey-dovy eaters will be served. According to a new report from ROC and a dozen partner organizations, within servers, the industry’s largest occupational category, full time, year round, female servers are paid 68 percent of what their male colleagues earn ($17,000 vs. $25,000 annually). Black female servers are paid 8 percent less than that, costing them a deficit of more than $400,000 over a lifetime.

Mayaba Liebenthal, an African American server at Stanley restaurant in New Orleans, has been in the business for fifteen years and sees no chance that she’ll ever move into a management post or to a better-paying “fine dining” establishment. “As a worker, I’m not able to access healthcare; I have to work when I’m sick and [dependent on tips which vary every week] I can’t save money, I can’t afford time to go to school.”

As for those tips? While managers generally decide whether tips are gathered into a pool, workers themselves determine how tips are distributed. So pay rests on subjective inter-personal relations, says Liebenthal. "It's not fair, and it's painful always to be wondering if this person going to pay me what I’m worth as a server or what he or she thinks I'm worth as a person?"

The law says that employers are supposed to ensure that tips make up the difference between the tip minimum wage and the regular minimum wage, yet the researchers behind the new report say they’ve heard from many workers that not only does that not happen but employers also tell workers to report that they are earning minimum wage. This means that workers end up getting taxed on income they don’t have. As a matter of law, taxes—levied on wages and tips—are deducted from wages. Workers making a good deal in tips (cash) have to remember to put money aside to cover the taxes they owe that their wages weren’t sufficient to pay.

“Diners may be aware that they are subsidizing their server’s wages; the thing that people don’t know is they’re subsidizing the wages of runners and busers and all the tipped workers” says Saru. Meanwhile, The National Restaurant Association is forecasting a record-breaking $635 billion in revenue in 2012.

ROC is equipping interested diners with information-packed palm cards to hand out to managers and servers. “It’s going to take customers speaking up and showing they care to make things change,” says Jayaraman. “Twenty years ago, customers started asking about organics and locally produced food, and the industry responded.”

ROC has also issued a 2012 directory of restaurants that take the high-road and pay their tipped workers the same or close to the same as the federal minimum wage. Seven states have already done away with the sub-minimum, including California, the number one restaurant state in the country.

“Running a restaurant is hard. Running it right is profitable,” says Barbara Sibley, owner of La Palapa, New York City. Sibley says she spends more on wages, but far less on waste and re-training.

Real change, however, needs to come from Congress. Maryland Democrat, Donna Edwards, showed restaurant workers some love this week by calling for Congressional action in an op-ed co-authored by Jayaraman for the Hill:

“There is no reason that the women who cook, prepare, and serve our meals should trade their health for wages and face limited opportunities for career mobility. America’s working women cannot live off the status quo and we must show them the economic respect they are long overdue—in the form of living wages, paid sick days and health coverage, and an end to discrimination and harassment.”

President Barack Obama pledged to raise the minimum wage to $9.50 an Hour by 2011. It hasn’t happened. If he put some muscle into the push for that (indexing it to inflation as he promised) and into raising the subminimum too, he just might be forgiven. As he said back in 2008, “people who work full-time should not live in poverty.” Raise a glass to that this week—and leave a tip—at a high road restaurant where the workers don't starve.

Source:http://www.thenation.com/blog/166235/tip-your-servers-valentines-day

Heart-Healthy Tips for February

2012-02-12T04:33:00.001-08:00

While February has Valentine’s Day as a heart-centered day, it also is American Heart Month, as recognized by the American Heart Association. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and there are many things that each of us can do to improve our heart health.

Taking care of your heart is really a two-fold thing. First, there’s the focus on the actual heart itself and making it strong and healthy. This is done through a combination of dietary choices, exercise habits and stress management. We can eat all the healthy food in the world but if we’re constantly stressed, that can lead to high blood pressure (hypertension) and can put a strain on our heart.

As a yoga teacher, I know that yoga has a tremendous ability to lower blood pressure through deep breathing. It has nothing to do with complicated poses and everything to do with rhythmic breath. Many students leave class feeling relaxed and for the first time, really feel connected to their body.

Here are some tips to keep your physical heart healthy:

Do some kind of regular exercise: While yoga is wonderful, the benefits of exercise are not limited to yoga. Running, going for a brisk walk or to the gym has the same stress-busting effects. Look in your neighborhood for deals run by your local gym or yoga studio or find a neighbor or nearby friend and start training for a spring road race.

Eat lots of fruits and vegetables and limit your intake of red meat: The more you can do to increase your intake of heart-healthy foods, you’ll lower your chances of developing high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. Locally, you can shop farmer’s markets when in season or even try one of the Community Share Agriculture programs. Also, a local Boston resource to try for delivery of fresh fruits and vegetables is Boston Organics. They’ll deliver organic produce to your door (www.bostonorganics.com). What could be easier?

Meditate: Sitting still in silence is critical to decreasing stress. Disconnecting from the TV, computer and smartphone gives the brain a much-needed rest. Many local yoga studios hold classes in meditation or will connect you with teachers who will work with you privately.

Get a physical: Too many people wait until there is a problem before going to their general practitioner. Make yearly appointments to get a physical. This will include checking your blood pressure and cholesterol, weight and blood work. These tests all are indicators of heart health and can help you get ahead of a problem that’s brewing.

Break those bad habits that create heart problems: Things like smoking, eating a lot of red meat, high-stress habits such as addiction to technology (called “Inability to Switch Off”) can all create heart disease. Sign up for a smoking cessation program, look for ways to limit your meat intake, such as only eating it on the weekend and leave your computer out of the bedroom can decrease some of the time you spend online.

The second aspect of taking care of your heart recognizes that the heart is the organ of emotion and intuition. When we live with anger, jealous and hatred, we’re putting a strain our heart as well.

Here are some tips to keep your emotional heart healthy:

Make peace with those around you: If you’re holding a grudge, let it go. If that takes owning up to a wrong, do it. If it takes letting something slide so you can be at peace, do it. It’s better to be healthy than angry.

Say what’s on your mind: Holding back what’s on your mind, not being clear with those around you, waiting for the “right” time to have a difficult conversation can all lead to pressure in the chest not from physical heart issues but more from an emotional strain.

Don’t take things to heart: Otherwise known as “don’t take things personally” this adage from a book called “The Four Agreements” by don Miguel Ruiz is a wonderful reflection of the fact that we have no control over other people but we can control our emotions and reactions to their actions. Rather than living in drama, stay in your own body and breath and move through life without taking on the burden of everyone else’s issues.

Despite the focus of Valentine’s Day being on romantic love, remember that the greatest love you can have is love of yourself. Take a moment each day to appreciate and acknowledge what you love about yourself.

Source:http://charlestown.patch.com/articles/heart-healthy-tips-for-february-823fa432

Five Tips For A Healthy Heart

2012-02-02T18:25:00.001-08:00

What better time to remind people about heart health, and continue to raise awareness about American Heart Month, than the month of February!

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, with coronary heart disease topping the list for the most common heart disease. Now for the good news: according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), your chance for developing coronary heart disease can be reduced by taking some preventive steps.

Put a limit on unhealthy, fatty foods and those high in cholesterol. Reduce foods with trans fats and saturated fats. Unfortunately, this probably includes many of your favorite snack items (even if the box says, “reduced fat”). Food that falls in this category can contribute to high blood cholesterol levels, leading to a risk of heart attack and stroke (from a buildup of plaque in your arteries). Limit butters, shortening and fatty meats in your diet, too, and use healthy substitutions when possible (salsa to top your baked potato instead of butter; low-fat yogurts instead of sour cream; olive oil instead of butter).

Related: 6 Fat Burning Foods in Your Home Right Now

Fill up on fruits and veggies. There’s a reason your mother told you to eat your vegetables! They’re low in calories, high in fiber and may contain properties that help prevent cardiovascular disease. Along with the vitamins and minerals they include, fruits and veggies can also keep you from eating high-fat foods, like meats, cheeses and snacks

According to Cindy Moore, MS, RD, director of the nutrition therapy department at The Cleveland Clinic, “Fruit is a great food choice any time of the day. Some fruits, such as berries and grapes, will be richer sources of fiber, but most fruits will contribute vitamins A, C, a variety of minerals, they will be low in calories, filling because of their water content, and just a terrific food to snack on.”

Add whole grains to your meals. Whole grains are a great source of fiber and also help regulate blood pressure. Try to avoid refined grain products like white flour, white bread, egg noodles, snack bars, cookies, and other high-fat snac
Put down the saltshaker and shrink your portions. Diets high in sodium can put you at risk for high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease. Sodium is sneaky, and hides out in processed foods, fast foods and prepared meals. Portion control (including at restaurants) can help prevent overeating and help reduce your calorie intake.

Related: Are You ‘Portion-Challenged’?

Switch to low-fat proteins. Look for the lean cuts of meat, and keep your portions limited. Try skinless chicken breasts, and adding more fish in your diet (certain fish like salmon and mackerel include omega-3 fatty acids, which can help inhibit plaque growth in your arteries; reduce the formation of blood clots; and increase your “good” cholesterol levels). Add legumes like beans, lentils and peas.

Source:http://www.business2community.com/health-wellness/five-tips-for-a-healthy-heart-0128212

Tips for Diabetics – C is for Consultation

2012-01-28T18:45:00.001-08:00

Having gone through the preceding seven letters of the word DIABETIC, I have come now to the final letter C – and for those of my readers who have been following this column regularly, perhaps even cutting the articles out for reference, I guess this series will constitute what might be termed the Eightfold Technique of managing Diabetes.

D stands for Dietary Discipline, I for Information and Intelligence about the disease, A for one’s Attitude to the condition, B for Blood sugar and Blood pressure measurement and control, E for what is probably the single most important weapon in our armamentarium Exercise, T for Tablets and I for Injections.

The final letter C stands for Consultation – which ties all the others together. I have often told my patients after they have been diagnosed as diabetic, have acquired an understanding of the condition, taken steps to get the situation under control and have stabilised their blood glucose readings and blood pressure measurements, with or without medication, that this is just the beginning of a long and lasting relationship with Diabetes. Unlike conditions such as appendicitis or kidney stones, where once the ailment is diagnosed and appropriately treated that is the end of the story, chronic conditions like diabetes need regular monitoring – and as time progresses, people with diabetes often require modifications to their treatment regime to keep the basic problem under control.

This is why you need a good team of health professionals that you can consult on a regular basis to help you with managing this disease. Obviously the team must include a doctor – either a committed general practitioner or a specialist, who can check your blood test results, measure things like weight, waist and blood pressure, assess the circulatory and nervous systems as well as organs like the heart, kidneys and eyes that can be affected by diabetes. My own personal opinion is that a diabetic needs a good GP who can check you twice or three times a year and advise about modifying if necessary the medications you are taking - with this GP working in collaboration with a good diabetes specialist who can see you for a specialised check-up once a year.

Having myself been a specialist, I must add a word of salutary advice here to my readers. Some people make the mistake of thinking that only a consultant physician (a doctor who has specialised and has postgraduate qualifications in medicine) can manage diabetes. If, my dear reader, you do want to patiently hang around a channelled consultation clinic for a five minute consultation and spend specialist fees every time you need to see a doctor, that is fine – but it is certainly more cost effective for basic diabetes management to find yourself a good GP, who will from time to time refer you to consult an endocrinologist (a specialist who has an interest and training in endocrinological diseases like diabetes) to get expert assistance with your management. This is because the specialist will be au fait with new techniques and medications (for example, modern drugs like Sitaglyptin and Exanetide which I mentioned in last week’s article) and can help to fine tune management.

Among other health professionals that you may need to consult are dieticians (who can assess and advise you about your diet), physiotherapists and if available specialised professionals called exercise physiologists (who can advise about exercises, particularly if you have conditions like arthritis or plantar fasciitis that preclude you undertaking the usual forms of exercise) and podiatrists (who can help with care of your feet and nails).

To quote an analogy that I often use, a cricketer can have the best coach, physiotherapist, masseur and manager in the world – but how he performs when he is out in the middle is entirely up to him. Whether your coach is Geoff Marsh or Graham Ford, this makes not a jot of difference when the eyes of spectators are on you and you are taking your stance to bat.

But trying to perform WITHOUT a coach and support staff is foolish. So while managing your diabetes is up to you, select your team – GP, specialist and ancillary health care professionals. Consult them regularly and follow their advice.

The rest, as they say, is up to you.

Source:http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=44129

Reduce Stress and Help Shoo the Flu

2012-01-27T07:13:00.000-08:00

A relaxed mind can go a long way toward helping to reduce the risks of respiratory infections

With flu season in full swing, Health Net, Inc. (NYSE:HNT) is working to increase awareness of not only standard flu-fighting basics such as habitual hand washing, but also of the strong connection between stress levels and susceptibility to respiratory infections, including flu.

"When we talk about seasonal flu, the focus most often is on vaccinations and good hygiene - both of which are important - but there's a tendency to overlook the strong connection between mental health and physical health," explains Jonathan Scheff, M.D., chief medical officer, Health Net, Inc. "Several studies have presented powerful evidence supporting the mind-body connection," he adds, "and that connection certainly applies to the impact of stress on our immune system."

The American Psychological Association (APA) assessed some 300 studies and concluded that long-term stress significantly suppresses the immune system. Other findings included:

The longer the stress, the more negative change in the immune system.
The most chronic stressors - stress that seems beyond a person's control - resulted in the most global suppression of immunity, with nearly all measures of immune system function dropping measurably.
Immune system functioning that is compromised by high levels of stress lowers the body's ability to fend off flus and colds; and, once a person actually catches a cold or flu, stress also can worsen the symptoms.

Stress-management tips

"Just as we take precautions to avoid contracting flu viruses, we also should take precautions to keep our stress levels in check," says Scheff. Toward this end, the APA offers the following tips:

Identify your sources of stress - The first step in managing stress is identifying what events or situations trigger stressful feelings. Make a list of situations that can be emotionally challenging for you, and learn to recognize them when they occur. Ultimately, the goal is to eliminate or reduce those situations that trigger a stress reaction.
Learn your stress signals - Stress manifests itself in different ways. For some, stress impacts their ability to concentrate, while others feel angry or experience headaches and muscle tension. By being aware of your personal stress signals, you will be in a better position to combat stress.
Find healthy ways to manage stress - While activities such as smoking, drinking alcohol or overeating may temporarily relieve stress, these are unhealthy behaviors that can have dire consequences. Instead, consider healthy, stress-reducing activities such as meditation, exercising or simply spending time with loved ones.
Take care of yourself - Eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, drink plenty of water, and engage in regular physical activity. It's also important to take vacations and otherwise make time for yourself, even if that only equates to engaging in simple activities such as reading a book or listening to music.

Scheff cautions, however, "If you continue to feel overwhelmed by stress, you need to consult your health care provider. Unmanaged stress not only can leave you more susceptible to seasonal flu, but it also can lead to serious medical problems."

Source:http://www.4-traders.com/HEALTH-NET-INC-12958/news/HEALTH-NET-INC-Reduce-Stress-and-Help-Shoo-the-Flu-13990095/

Tips for protecting your dog from the snow and cold

2012-01-22T05:57:00.001-08:00

It is important to know that while some are hardier than others, any breed of dog can get frostbite or even freeze to death. Even a Malamute or Samoyed knows to bury itself under the snow to keep warm when exposed to harsh elements. Also know that older dogs, sick dogs and puppies are even less tolerant. Here are some tips for proecting your dog from the snow and cold.

1. Consider a sweater for your light-coated dog. It won't mean that you can leave him out for extended periods of time but it will help keep him warm when you are out with him.
2. Booties or Musher's Wax worked into the paws can provide added protection against snow in the pads and harsh road chemicals which can be irritating. I hear petroleum jelly or cooking oil works too. Carefully trimming excess hair around the feet helps as well. If snow does become caked into the foot pads, don't yank it out because this will cause pain. Either work it out gently, let it melt naturally or use a warm wash cloth or bowl of water to melt it.
Check out this video.
3. If your northern breed dog spends a lot of time outside during the winter, provide adequate shelter such as a properly sized dog house turned away from the wind with warm bedding placed inside. A heated kennel would be even better. Even for a double-coated dog, wind, water and ice will not be his friend. Snow just sits on the coat but wind and water get underneath to the skin.
4. Provide ample water because winter air is exceedingly dry. Heated dog bowls which will prevent the water from freezing are something to consider for your outdoors loving dog.
5. Don't bathe your dog too often because this will strip him of his coat's protective oils. A soapless rinse off in the tub will help remove road salt and dirt as will regular brushing.
6. Give your dog a good quality fish oil supplement. It is great for overall health, stiffness and the skin and coat. Mix it into wet dog food or let a piece of bread absorb it. Always ease your dog slowly into any diet change. A small amount daily works wonders. I use a brand called Sea Pet that I buy at Pet World in Natick. A large bottle lasts a long time.
7. If you can, shovel out areas in the yard where they can do their "business" as well as take a break from trudging through deep snow.
8. Keep your dogs away from ponds or streams. Even if they are completely frozen over there can be unsafe sections and hidden ice fishing holes. Your dog could also slip easily and hurt himself.
9. Keep your dog away from fireplaces and space heaters. All that fur, need I say more?
10. Know the signs of a hypothermia in dogs; such as shivering, weakness, muscle stiffness, slow pulse and breathing and depression.

Please don't leave any dog outside for too long. No dog will be happy living out in the cold alone.

Source:http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/blogs/dogdish/x1069935591/Tips-for-protecting-your-dog-from-the-snow-and-cold

Tips for Diabetics – T is for Tablets

2012-01-14T18:23:00.001-08:00

During the past couple of decades, new medications have improved the control of high blood sugar in diabetic patients

Diabetes, we know today, is a complex disease - and the pathology of diabetes extends far beyond the basic problems of inadequate insulin production and insulin ineffectiveness.

In this series of articles about diabetes, I have tried to simplify the subject as much as possible - and I must admit that what I have written is not the whole truth as might be presented in a textbook for medical students. What I have tried to do in these articles, however, is to use the mnemonic DIABETIC and present the truth about diabetes management in a very practical, plausible and easy to understand manner.

Medicines for Diabetes

The medical treatment of diabetes in years gone by was relatively straightforward because all we had in our therapeutic armamentarium were tablets of the Biguanide group (like Metformin) and the Sulphonylurea group (like Glibenclamide and Gliclazide) plus injections of insulin.

During the past fifteen years or so, novel medications have improved control of high blood sugar in diabetics but these drugs have complicated the picture by increasing the costs of treatment and the range of possible adverse effects of these medications. Consequently it is now not so easy to make a decision as to which particular drug - or combination of drugs - will suit a particular patient at a particular stage in their disease.

Currently, the guidelines advocated by Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) for blood glucose control recommend diet, weight control and physical exercise as the first step, with oral Metformin added when needed followed as necessary by one of the Sulphonylurea medications. When and if these become inadequate to control blood glucose levels, the third line agents recommended are Acarbose, Thiazolidinediones, Incretin-based medications and Insulin.

Remembering that in DIABETICS the letters D for Dietary discipline and E for Exercise come BEFORE T for tablets and I for Injections, the first step in taking control of your diabetes once the diagnosis is made is to modify what and when you eat, and increase the amount of physical activity you undertake every day.

If these two measures prove inadequate, most doctors would start you on a small dose of a tablet called Metformin (sold under various trade names like Diabex, Diaformin, Glucophage, etc). Usually one starts with a single 500 mg tablet once or twice a day, and this dose can be increased up to a maximum total daily dose of 2000 grams (divided between breakfast, lunch and dinner times).

Measuring blood glucose levels and the HbA1C level (which indicates what the average blood sugar level was like over the preceding three months) allows the doctor to modify the dosage of Metformin in order to achieve optimum blood sugar control. If using the maximum dose permissible of this medication proves ineffective, the usual practice today would be to add a tablet from the suplhonyl urea group. There are several of these available (some common trade names are Daonil, Diamicron, Amaryl etc) that vary in their duration of action and the rapidity with which they take effect. So, your doctor will select the one that is most appropriate for you.

When diet, weight loss, exercise and therapy with Metformin and sulphonyl urea tablets fails to achieve sufficient control of blood glucose levels, what options are commonly used?

Pioglitazone (sold under the brand name Actos) can be tried, but is associated with weight gain, swelling of the ankles and worsening of cardiac failure. Latterly there has also been a suggestion that long term use is asscociated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. Acarbose is another tablet worth worth trying, although its possible side effects such as flatulence and diarrhoea can prove a social disadvantage.

Incretin-based Tablets

Among the latest medications available for the treatment of diabetes are those known as DPP-4 Inhibitors - the tablets currently available being Saxagliptin (Onglyza), Sitagliptin (Januvia) and Vildagliptin (Galvus). Basically, these tablets increase the amount of GLP-1, a hormone belonging to the Incretin group.

The Incretins enhance the production of insulin in response to dietary glucose but are relatively inactive when there is no glucose entering the blood from the intestine. Consequently, they are associated with a low risk of Hypoglycaemia (blood sugar levels falling too low). The only limitation of the use of these Incretin-based therapies is the lack of long term data as they are relatively new medications.

Source:http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=43173

Take ‘basic precautions’ to beat winter bug, say health chiefs

2012-01-07T18:33:00.001-08:00

Basic precautions" to prevent the spread of the winter vomiting bug norovirus are being urged by the Scottish Government.

Scotland's chief medical officer and chief nursing officer said people affected by the bug should follow simple tips to stop it spreading.

They include staying hydrated, keeping hands clean and not preparing food for other people.

Chief medical officer Sir Harry Burns said: "Norovirus, or the winter vomiting bug, spreads quickly where people are living or working in close proximity - such as schools, hospitals, care homes, offices and hotels.

"The virus is highly contagious and unpleasant, but fortunately most people make a full recovery with no complications.

"Rates of norovirus fluctuate from year to year with occasional spikes so we cannot estimate how severe this winter season will be. However, we remain vigilant and ready to cope with whatever the winter has in store."

In November 2011 an outbreak of norovirus affected patients in seven wards at Monklands Hospital in Airdrie.

The winter vomiting virus causes sickness and diarrhoea and usually lasts for 24 to 48 hours, but it is infectious for two days after the symptoms cease.

Chief nursing officer Ros Moore said: "The symptoms of norovirus usually clear up in a couple of days and are generally not serious. However diarrhoea can be serious in babies and the elderly because of the risk of dehydration. If diarrhoea is persistent or there are other symptoms, such as bleeding, you should go to see your GP.

"The Scottish Government and health boards monitor norovirus outbreaks closely throughout the year taking every step to minimise its impact on people who use and work in our hospitals.

"But there are simple steps everyone can take to prevent the spread of the virus, including washing your hands properly and not going to school or work or to visit people in hospital or care homes while you are ill."

Source:http://news.stv.tv/scotland/292785-take-basic-precautions-to-beat-winter-bug-say-health-chiefs/

Tips for a healthy holiday: Don't press antibiotic use

2011-12-23T17:52:00.001-08:00

The holidays are upon us. Tis the season two enjoy get-togethers with family and friends. It also is the season for an unwanted bug to attack us. Are you aware that colds, flu, most sore throats and bronchitis are caused by viruses? Did you know that antibiotics do not help fight viruses and that using them for viral infections only decreases their effectiveness overall?

Millions of Americans take antibiotics each year to fight illness, trusting that they will work; however, the organisms are fighting back. Within the past few years, new drug-resistant patterns have emerged, and resistance to common antibiotics has increased. “We can help this serious emerging problem by educating patients and healthcare workers about the proper use of antibiotics," said Dr. Daniel Uslan, assistant clinical professor of infectious diseases and director of the UCLA Antimicrobial Stewardship Program, which promotes the appropriate use of antibiotics for hospitals in the UCLA Health System.

Dr. Uslan notes that the public can also play a role in reducing the threat of antibiotic resistance, and he suggests the following:

If you are seeing your doctor for a cold or flu, discuss the use of antibiotics with your physician. If it is a viral infection, antibiotics aren't effective and will only add to the problem of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics are appropriately prescribed for only bacterial infections.
If your doctor determines that you do not have a bacterial infection, do not pressure your doctor to prescribe antibiotics. Instead, ask about methods you can use to reduce your symptoms.
Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed by your physician, even if you feel better.
Do not save leftover antibiotics for the next time you become sick.
Do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else.
Do not assume that yellow or green mucus means that you need antibiotics. It is normal for mucus to get thick and change color during a viral cold.

Air travel peaks during the holidays. It is not uncommon to come down with a bug shortly after a flight. The risk of infection is greatest from passengers seated nearby; germ transmission is via coughing, sneezing, or hand contact (either direct or indirect). Indirect contact occurs when one touches an object, which has been recently touched by another.

To reduce the risk of acquiring an airplane germ, the following steps will help:

Clean your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. We often infect ourselves, touching mouth, nose or eyes with our own hands that have picked up something.
Use an antiseptic wipe to clean off tray tables before using.
Avoid airline pillows and blankets—they are germ havens.
Avoid seat-back pockets––people stuff used tissues, soiled napkins, trash––and worse––into the pockets.
Avoid dehydration; drink water and keep your nasal passage moist with a saline spray.
Minimize or avoid alcohol.
Open your air vent; aim it so the air stream flows just in front of your face. Filtered airplane air can help direct airborne germs away from you.
Express concern to a flight attendant if air circulation is shut off for an extended period.
If you find yourself seated near a cougher, sneezer, or someone who appears ill, change seats if possible.
Express concern to a flight attendant if air circulation is shut off for an extended period.

Source:http://www.emaxhealth.com/11306/tips-healthy-holiday

Enjoy Christmas - and eat for health!

2011-12-15T08:32:00.001-08:00

With the festive season now in full swing and people’s minds turning to the culinary delights over the Christmas period, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has come up with top tips on how to enjoy the holidays without overindulging on calories and fat.

Food is one of the central elements of celebrating over Christmas. However, many of us can end up eating a little too much, resulting in an average weight gain of 5lbs (2kg) over the festive season. And getting that weight off in the New Year is a lot harder than putting it on!

On Christmas Day itself, we can eat as many as 6,000 calories – three times what is needed for an average woman aged 18-54.

But enjoying Christmas time does not have to mean that weight gain is inevitable, and the PHA advises that making a few minor changes can keep, your Christmas enjoyable, but also healthier.

Angela McComb, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager, for the PHA, gives some simple suggestions for a happy and healthy Christmas.

The main event

For starters traditional vegetable soup is a great choice of starter as it is low in fat and packed full of vegetables. You could also serve melon to start with, or even some smoked salmon which is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids which help to keep our hearts healthy.

Turkey (without skin), especially the breast meat, is naturally low in fat, and stuffing flavoured with fruits or herbs, such as apricots, sage, parsley and thyme, is lower in fat than one made with sausage meat. For lower fat gravy, cool turkey juices in the fridge or freezer then skim off the fat and use as normal.

Traditional Christmas vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, peas and carrots are all good sources of vitamins, but be careful and avoid adding butter or oil to these.

For the potatoes, use whole potatoes for roasting, rather than small chunks which absorb more fat; par-boil them, drain, then toss in a roasting tin with a small amount of unsaturated oil, like olive, rapeseed or sunflower oil rather than lard or goose fat.

Enjoy the Christmas pudding and consider lower fat alternatives to brandy butter and fresh cream – try low fat crème fraiche or make your own custard using skimmed or semi-skimmed milk.

If you enjoy a glass of wine, it’s worth remembering that alcohol is high in calories, and can contribute to unwanted weight gain.

The nibbles

Perhaps the most difficult aspect about Christmas food is that it is right in front of us all day and it can be so tempting! Try keeping the tempting treats like mince pies, chocolates and crisps out of sight and make sure there are plenty of healthy options available:

Mandarins and satsumas are a great source of vitamins, and eating two counts as one of your five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
Choose reduced fat crisps, or raw vegetables with low fat dips, or eat them less frequently.
Nuts tend to high in fat and they’re often coated in salt. Why not try roasting a few chestnuts instead, and these are also low in fat.

REMEMBER- being active will help to burn off some of those extra calories, so encourage the whole family to wrap up warm and get out for some walks over the holiday period. It’s also fun and a chance to spend time together.

Eat, drink and be healthy this Christmas - it only happens once a year, so really enjoy it. Be smart and avoid a pattern of eating more than you would normally, as this can quickly become a habit that is hard to break!

Source:http://www.healthcanal.com/life-style-fitness/24693-Enjoy-Christmas---and-eat-for-health.html

Tips for choosing New Year’s fitness resolutiono

2011-12-06T17:52:00.000-08:00

The holiday season is here and many of us will be enjoying the wonderful foods and family recipes that go along with the festivities. It can almost be guaranteed that many of us will also be choosing Jan. 1 to get back on track and make the ever famous New Year’s resolution. Here are some tips to help assure your resolution will be a lasting one.

LESS IS MORE: Goals are most easily achieved when they are structured as many small goals that will one day equal one big goal in days to come. If you have 20 pounds to lose do not approach it as 20 but rather battle it 5 pounds at a time. This provides you with a sense of achievement that will power you through the next level of your goal.
DON’T STRESS: Do not stress out about your goals for the new year. Look at them as a great adventure for you and your body. Fitness can be an exciting and interesting journey. Be sure not to focus so greatly on the end result that you forget to enjoy the journey along the way there.
ENJOYMENT COUNTS: When deciding how you will go about the achievement of your newly set resolution consider not just signing yourself up for torture but signing yourself up for a fitness minded activity you will enjoy. These days there are, more than ever, hundreds of avenues that will allow you to get moving, become active and place you steadily on your way toward making your goal a reality. Kickboxing, running, swimming, hiking, cycling and dancing are just a few methods of fitness achievement.
TALK TO EVERYONE: Get out there and utilize the resources around you. Talk to your fitness community. Reach out to speak to all the personal trainers, group instructors, doctors and other people in the fitness industry. Gather knowledge that will enable you. Subscribe to people in the fitness world on Facebook, read free blogs, join discussion groups. There is no short on resources so take advantage of them.
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH SUPPORT: If a well defined and designed fitness plan can get you 80 percent of the way there, a positive and encouraging support group can easily provide the other 20 percent to success. I always place myself in the company of the most upbeat, most driven, most health conscious, most amazing people I can find. Take inventory of your surroundings. If your gym is not offering the mindset you desire, try out new one. If your workout partner is not giving you that extra push, try out a new one. The energy these people provide absolutely without a doubt is contagious. Safeguard yourself by knowing that even on the days you feel you want to say no someone will be there to say yes, and when you want to say stop someone is there to say go, and when you want to say you can’t someone is there to remind you can.

Source:http://www.brightonpittsfordpost.com/community/blogs/fitness-league/x46242581/Tips-for-choosing-New-Year-s-fitness-resolutiono

Thanksgiving Food Health Tips: Controlling Salt Consumption On Thanksgiving

2011-11-21T18:31:00.001-08:00

No need for a salt shaker on the Thanksgiving table: Unless you really cooked from scratch, there's lots of sodium already hidden in the menu.

Stealth sodium can do a number on your blood pressure. Americans eat way too much salt, and most of it comes inside common processed foods and restaurant meals.

The traditional Thanksgiving fixings show how easy sodium can sneak into the foods you'd least expect. Yes, raw turkey is naturally low in sodium. But sometimes a turkey or turkey breast is injected with salt water to plump it, adding a hefty dose of sodium before it even reaches the store – something you'd have to read the fine print to discover.

From the stuffing mix to the green bean casserole to even pumpkin pie, a lot of people can reach their daily sodium allotment or more in that one big meal unless the cook employs some tricks.

"For Thanksgiving or any meal, the more you can cook from scratch and have some control over the sodium that's going in, the better," says the American Dietetic Association's Bethany Thayer, a registered dietitian at the Henry Ford Health Health System in Detroit.

The Food and Drug Administration this month opened deliberations on how to cut enough salt in processed foods for average shoppers to have a good shot at meeting new dietary guidelines. The idea: If sodium levels gradually drop in the overall food supply, it will ease the nation's epidemic of high blood pressure – and our salt-riddled taste buds will have time to adjust to the new flavor.

"Reducing sodium is important for nearly everyone," Dr. Robin Ikeda of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told the FDA hearing.

The question is how to make that happen. The prestigious Institute of Medicine and several public health advocates are urging the FDA to order gradual rollbacks, setting different sodium levels for different kinds of foods, a step the government has been reluctant to take.

Food makers want a voluntary approach and say they're reworking their recipes, some as part of a campaign launched by New York City to cut salt consumption by at least 20 percent over five years.

It will take different strategies to remove salt from different foods – and some may need to be a sneak operation, Kraft Foods Vice President Richard Black told the FDA meeting. Ritz crackers labeled low-sodium were a bust until the box was changed to say "Hint of Salt" and those exact same crackers started selling, he said.

In other foods, salt acts as a preservative with a variety of functions. Kraft sells cheese with somewhat less sodium in Britain than in the U.S. Americans melt a lot of cheese and lower-sodium cheese doesn't melt as well, Black said.

In the U.S., the average person consumes about 3,400 milligrams of sodium a day. The nation's new dietary guidelines say no one should eat more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium – about what's in a teaspoon of salt – and half the population should eat even less, just 1,500 milligrams. The smaller limit is for anyone who's in their 50s or older, African-Americans of any age, and anyone suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes or chronic kidney disease.

Why? One in three U.S. adults has high blood pressure, a leading cause of heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure. Being overweight and inactive raises blood pressure, too, but the weight of scientific evidence shows sodium is a big culprit.

People want to eat heart-healthy, but Wal-mart shoppers spend about 19 minutes buying groceries, added Tres Bailey of Wal-mart Stores Inc., which told its vendors to start cutting sodium.

That's not a lot of time for label-reading to find hidden sodium, especially in foods where it's unexpected – like salad dressings that can harbor more than 130 milligrams per tablespoon.

Depending on your choices, Thanksgiving dinner alone can pass 2,000 milligrams: About 600 per serving from stuffing mix, another 270 from gravy. The salt water-added turkey can bring another 320, double that if you saved time and bought it fully-cooked. Use canned beans in the green bean casserole and add another 350. A small dinner roll adds 130. A piece of pumpkin pie could bring as much as 350.

How to cut back? Thayer, the dietitian, has some tips for Thanksgiving and beyond:

_All bread contains sodium, but starting with a homemade cornbread for stuffing could help cut a few hundred milligrams.

_Use low-sodium broth for the gravy, and choose low-sodium soups whenever possible.

_Try onion, garlic and a variety of other herbs in place of salt. Lemon and other citrus also can stand in for salt in some foods.

_Check your spice bottles. Combination products, such as those labeled poultry seasoning, can contain salt.

_Fresh or frozen vegetables have little if any sodium, unless you choose the frozen kind with an added sauce.

_People tend to heavily salt mashed potatoes while sweet potatoes, even dressed up as a souffle, contain very little sodium.

Going suddenly low-salt can startle your palate, "but it adjusts much quicker than I think most people realize," Thayer says.

Source:http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/21/wheres-the-salt-hidden-in_n_1106205.html

Quick Tips for Healthy Bones

2011-11-16T18:27:00.001-08:00

Did you know that we reach our peak bone mass around the age of 30? The more bone mass you have, the more you will have in reserve as you age, which decreases your chance of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition where your bones become brittle and weak. People who have this condition are more likely to fracture or break bones.

Throughout your life, you can make good choices to support healthy bones, starting with consuming calcium. According to the National Institutes of Health, 99 percent of the total amount of calcium in the body is used to support our bones and teeth. The other 1 percent is used in other metabolic functions of the body. Just based on the numbers, you can see how important calcium is to bone health. You can find calcium primarily in dairy products, green vegetables and cereal.

Weight-bearing activities like walking, running, jumping and weight lifting also support our bones. Weight-bearing exercise helps us reach our maximum potential in bone mass. This is another reason why it’s important to get our children moving and exercising; it’s setting them up for healthy bones.

You should also be aware of the risk factors associated with osteoporosis. Women are typically more prone to osteoporosis because they tend to have a smaller frame. Other risks factors are low body mass index (less than 19 percent) for an extended period of time, family history, age and certain medications. You should talk with your doctor about your risk factors early in life so you can take the necessary steps to keep your bones healthy.

It’s not too late—or too early—to start focusing on your bone health. Even if you have neglected your bones, you can make decisions to support your bone health. Get plenty of exercise, limit alcohol and tobacco consumption and eat food which contains calcium.

Source:http://poway.patch.com/articles/quick-tips-for-healthy-bones-acf692c6

Avoid holiday sickness with these simple cooking safety tips

2011-11-16T18:26:00.000-08:00

The cooler weather is a reminder the holidays are fast approaching. But before you prepare those holiday meals. The Grayson County Health Department has some tips about how to safely prepare your thanksgiving feast for your family.

The holidays are supposed to be a time of celebration spent with friends and family, not spent running back and forth to the bathroom. Amanda Ortez with the Grayson County Health Department says it only takes a few simple cooking precautions to avoid getting sick over the holidays.

"First and foremost is to wash you hands of course and wash them often especially between handling raw meats and other ready to eat foods."

And don't thaw the thanksgiving turkey at room temperature.

"The proper way to thaw your turkey," Ortez said, "is at refrigerated temperatures which is 41 or below."

Ortez says it's actually pretty easy to avoid food born illness over the holidays, you just have to make sure that whatever surface your cooking on you clean as well.

"Sanitize surface between raw meats and of course things such as produce, lettuce and things that are not going to be cooked prior to consuming," Ortez said.

The most common mistake families make is leaving the food out for people to graze on after the meal is over.

"Don't allow foods to remain in the danger zone, basically room temperature, for more than two hours," Ortez said. "And if it's more than four hours you need to immediately discard the items that have been out."

Following these simple tips could mean the difference between a memorable happy holiday and a miserable experience you'd rather forget.

"You don't want to send them home with an illness based upon the fact that you could have used a few simple steps to avoid food born illnesses," said Ortez.

Source:http://www.kxii.com/home/headlines/Holiday_cooking_safety_tips_133996363.html

4 Tips To Change the Way You Deal with Stress

2011-11-13T05:11:00.001-08:00

Dr. James C. Dobson once said “there are very few certainties that touch us all in this mortal experience, but one of the absolutes is that we will experience hardship and stress at some point.” Stress may be inevitable, but how we handle it is our choice.

Stress is different for all individuals, so there is no “cookie cutter” solution to manage it. You may have to experiment to find what works best for you. Finding healthy, positive ways to deal with stress will add to your overall well-being.

When dealing with stressful situations, consider the four points below. They may aid in decreasing the amount of stress and changing the way you view it.

Nothing and no one can “make” you feel anything. How you feel and the way you deal with a situation is a choice. I’m reminded of a counselor who would often state “no one can drive your car unless you give them the keys.” You cannot control others’ actions, but you can be responsible for your reactions.

The serenity prayer states “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things that I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” When applied, this can be a great stress reliever. Look at the situation and ask yourself “is this something I can change?” If so, start exploring positive ways to change the situation.

If the situation cannot be changed, such as an illness or the economy, accept it for what it is. Accepting does not mean giving up. By accepting the situation and finding ways you can cope with what cannot be changed, stress can be drastically reduced.
Exchange attitude for gratitude. Our attitude has a profound effect on how we deal with situations. Negative attitudes affect our physical, spiritual, and mental wellbeing.

When in a particularly stressful situation, try exchanging attitude for gratitude. When you are running late for a meeting because you are stuck in traffic, change your attitude. Instead of being frustrated about the traffic, find some gratitude. Look around and think of all the things you can be thankful for. Sometimes you can find gratitude in the smallest things. You can be thankful for life, health, strength, friends, family, nature, etc. Focusing on gratitude can definitely change your attitude.
Relax, relax, relax. Amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, sometimes we forget to take care of ourselves. If we do not help ourselves, how can we effectively help others? Relaxation rejuvenates the body, mind, and spirit and leaves us better equipped to handle stressful situations when they come.

Try to find something that you enjoy and do it every day. If you can set aside time for relaxation, do it. Try to set aside a designated, uninterrupted time and stick to it. Many people state they don’t have time to relax, but relaxation does not have to be time-consuming. Relaxation can include periodic 5-10 minute breaks of breathing exercises or watching your favorite show for 30 minutes. Relaxation can also include connecting with positive people.
Look at the big picture. Evaluate your stressful situation from a “big picture” point of view. Ask yourself “how important is this?” and “will this matter in the long run?” If the answer is no, it’s likely not worth your time and energy.

Stress does not have to be a part of life. Success stress management is all about learning how and when to take control. It’s important to remember that you control how stress affects you. You can control the stress or let stress control you.

Source:http://psychcentral.com/lib/2011/4-tips-to-change-the-way-you-deal-with-stress/

Management Tip of the Day: Stem your work obsession

2011-11-10T17:49:00.000-08:00

(Reuters) - When one's life isn't in balance and work has totally taken over, the passion for your job can become obsessive and counterproductive, says Harvard Business Review.

The Management Tip of the Day offers quick, practical management tips and ideas from Harvard Business Review and HBR.org (http:\\www.hbr.org). Any opinions expressed are not endorsed by Reuters.

"It's harmful to care about your job to the point of obsession, especially if other things -- your relationships, your health -- suffer.

Here are three things that will help keep your passion in check:

1. Schedule breaks. Force yourself to leave work during the day for lunch or a trip to the gym. Block out time in the evenings and on the weekends to do other activities.

2. Don't bring work home. Don't bring home your laptop. Leave files on your desk. If necessary, limit your email access to just the office. Keep separate email accounts for home and work.

3. Find a new hobby. The more you enjoy things outside of work, the less space work will take up in your life and the smaller your chances of burnout."

- Today's management tip was adapted from "Increase Your Passion for Work Without Becoming Obsessed" by Scott Barry Kaufman.

Source:http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/11/11/us-management-tip-idUSTRE7AA05O20111111

Tips to Stay Healthy and Reduce Risks of Food Poisoning and Illness this Holiday Season from the CDC

2011-11-06T17:56:00.001-08:00

The holidays, including Thanksgiving and Christmas, are upon us. With them comes a lot of traditional family dinners, and unfortunately also sometimes illness from improperly prepared foods. According to a recent statement, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that each year roughly one out of six Americans (or 48 million people) get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die from foodborne diseases.

To help reduce the number of individuals who get sick from foods, the CDC has made some recommendations to help keep you and your family healthy while you enjoy family dinners and time together this holiday season.

The CDC reports that most foodborne illnesses “result from food being contaminated when it is being prepared or served by unwashed or improperly washed hands.”

Here are the steps that the CDC recommends to ensure that your favorite holiday recipe, and entire holiday meals are prepared with loving care and are as safe to eat as they are delicious.

•Clean. Wash hands, cutting boards, utensils, and countertops.
•Separate. Keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood separate from ready-to-eat foods.
•Cook. Use a food thermometer to ensure that foods are cooked to a safe internal temperature: 145°F for whole meats (allowing the meat to rest for 3 minutes before carving or consuming), 160°F for ground meats, and 165°F for all poultry.
•Chill. Keep your refrigerator below 40°F, and refrigerate food that will spoil.
•Check your steps at http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/basics/index.html
•Report suspected illness from food to your local health department.
•Don’t prepare food for others if you have diarrhea or have been vomiting.
•Be especially careful when preparing food for children, pregnant women, those in poor health, and older adults

Source:http://newstaar.com/tips-to-stay-healthy-and-reduce-risks-of-food-poisoning-and-illness-this-holiday-season-from-the-cdc/354683/

Tips to Get You Eating Better and Working Out

2011-11-02T18:39:00.000-07:00

Mary Claire Orenic, USA Today’s “happiest woman in America,” says her diet and exercise regimen have contributed to her high well-being. She eats five small meals a day in addition to a big breakfast, plays volleyball with her son and basketball with her husband and enjoys lots of walking with a neighbor.

“I continually eat throughout the day to keep my energy up,” she told ABC News. “I like doing sports....We love going skiing. We love going hiking. We love going down to the beach.”

Check out the following five tips to give your health a kick in the right direction.

Add 2 or 3 healthy snacks to your shopping list.
Ask a friend to go for a walk this week.
Climb a set of stairs (at least 20 steps) today.
Design a tossed salad.
List a healthy activity you can do to help you manage stress.

Source:http://www.knssradio.com/Tips-to-Get-You-Eating-Better-and-Working-Out/11365383

Power Out? Here's Some Food Safety Tips

2011-10-31T08:38:00.000-07:00

With thousands of households in Bethany and Woodbridge without power, it is important to take precaution with food that has spoiled or water that has been contaminated. The Connecticut Department of Public Health is providing the following tips to stay healthy in the aftermath of this rare October storm:

When the Power Goes Out

Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature.
The refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened.
A full freezer will keep the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.
Wash fruits and vegetables with water from a safe source before eating.
For infants, try to use prepared, canned baby formula that requires no added water. When using concentrated or powdered formulas, prepare with bottled water if the local water source is potentially contaminated.

Once Power is Restored

If an appliance thermometer was kept in the freezer, check the temperature when the power comes back on. If the freezer thermometer reads 40°F or below, the food is safe and may be refrozen.
If a thermometer has not been kept in the freezer, check each package of food to determine its safety. You can’t rely on appearance or odor. If the food still contains ice crystals or is 40 °F or below, it is safe to refreeze or cook.
Refrigerated food should be safe as long as the power was out for no more than 4 hours and the refrigerator door was kept shut. Discard any perishable food (such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs or leftovers) that has been above 40°F for two hours or more.
Keep in mind that perishable food such as meat, poultry, seafood, milk, and eggs that are not kept adequately refrigerated or frozen may cause illness if consumed, even when they are thoroughly cooked.

Carbon Monoxide Concern

At a press conference this morning, Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy warned of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can occur for a number of reasons – such as bringing propane or cooking grills inside or improper use of generators. No deaths have occurred but carbon monoxide-related medical calls have been reported, he noted.

Malloy said those concerns are one of the reasons he is urging towns to make warming centers and shelters available to residents to deter them from creating dangerous conditions inside their homes.

"Carbon monoxide may be our biggest enemy at the moment," he said.

Stay Warm: The Community School in Bethany has been opened as an emergency shelter if you need a place to stay warm.

Source:http://bethwood.patch.com/articles/power-out-here-s-some-food-safety-tips

BETTER SLEEP TIPS

2011-10-30T06:27:00.001-07:00

Too little sleep affects our work, our activities, even our sex lives. These tips from WebMD can help you sleep like a baby at night. Check back for more tips next month!

It's Sleep Week!
Don't build up a sleep debt. Ongoing sleep deprivation can impair you as much as a six-pack of beer.
Power Your Day
Take a nap. A 40-minute snooze in the middle of a work day can pump up your energy.
Pregnant Pause
Sleep safe during pregnancy. Lying on your left side gives you and your baby the best blood flow.
The Better Sleep Diet
Don't gorge before bed. Good shut-eye foods: milk, tuna, eggs, and peaches.
Sleep Rituals
Cue your body that it's time for sleep with a relaxing ritual. Try a hot bath, aromatherapy, or meditation.
Room for Sleep
Make your bedroom a sleep haven. Keep temperatures moderate, use blinds or shades for blocking light, and remove the laptop or TV.
Tired People Eat More
Cut 6% of your daily calorie intake by sleeping eight hours a night instead of seven.
Smoke Out
Restrict smoking before bedtime. Cigarettes wake you up just like caffeine. Better yet, quit.
Heartburn Help
A wedge pillow can keep your head elevated and bring sweet relief from nighttime heartburn.
Take a Bed Break
Get out of bed if you can't sleep -don't stare at the clock. Read or watch TV until you feel tired.
Nightcap No-No
A bottle of wine may conk you out, but your sleep won't be restful. Finish imbibing three hours before bed for a satisfying snooze.
Guard Your Heart
Get a full 8 hours of sleep. Catching only 6 hours of sleep ups your risk of high blood pressure by 70%.
Plan Early
And sleep better at night. Make your next day's to-do list in the afternoon so worries don't creep into bed.
Talk Yourself to Sleep
Try talk therapy to fight insomnia. It gets better results than sleeping pills.
Boost Your Sex Drive
Take a nap. Tired people have lower libido. Want more sex? Get more sleep.
Dream Diet
Sleep controls appetite hormones. Get to bed and start your diet.
Do Not Disturb
Put traveler's insomnia to rest. Pack a tiny battery-operated fan -- to create white noise.
Out Like a Light?
You may be overtired. Most people need 5 minutes or more to fall asleep.
Give Dad the Gift of Rest
Let Dad sleep in on Father's Day. On average, men get fewer than 7 hours a night.
Bedtime Medicine
Getting a good night's rest may reduce your long-term risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Find a Midnight Oasis
Bring romance and good sleep back to your bedroom. Clear out laundry, TV, and kids' toys.
Give Teens Some ZZZs
The sun's up but your teens aren't? Teens need nearly 10 hours of sleep every day.
Sleepy & Stuffy
No sleeping beauty wants a stuffy nose at bedtime. A saline nasal spray is an easy fix.
Nix Late Naps
No matter how tired, don't nap after 3 p.m. Late naps make it harder to fall asleep at night.
Avocados & Sleep
Can't sleep? Reach for an avocado. They contain tryptophan, a sleep-promoting substance.
Jump on It
Exercise early in the day, and you'll sleep better. Nix workouts too close to bedtime.
Soothing Menopause Sleep Symptoms
Menopause can mean sleep problems. Exercise and stress reduction can help you rest easy.
Pregnant and Wide Awake?
Need help sleeping during pregnancy? High-carb foods like bread or crackers can promote sleep.
Nix the Nightcap
Alcohol at bedtime makes getting to sleep (and staying asleep) harder. Stop drinking three hours before bed.
Sleeping on a Cloud
A good mattress firmly supports the back, neck, and legs, and also offers cushion and recoil for comfort.
Use Sleeping Pills Short-Term
Sleeping pills are a short-term answer for your sleep problems -- five to 10 days max.
Sleep Problem Sign
Snoring could be a sign of a sleep disorder in kids. Talk to your child's pediatrician.
Diet Keeping Kids Awake?
Chocolate, tea, soda, and coffee-flavored desserts can interfere with kids' sleep. Steer clear if your child has sleep issues.
Making Light of Sleep
Light on your eyes can affect your brain's biological clock. Try a sleep mask if sleep eludes you.
Late-Night Mattress Shopping
Shopping for a mattress? Go late in the day -- lots of mattresses feel good when you're wide awake.
Better Sleep, Fewer Migraines?
Studies show sleep problems may trigger migraines. Talk to your doctor to learn more.
Deep Sleep
Regular exercise deepens sleep in young adults. Be sure to exercise no later than three hours before bed.
Creature Feature
Sleep better: Become a creature of habit. Keep your sleep routine familiar: similar hours, routines, and environments.
Food Making You Sleepy?
Is it insomnia or a food intolerance? Some experts think undiagnosed food allergies cause fatigue.
Stimulating Sleeplessness
Some medicines contain caffeine and may actually be at the root of unexplained fatigue.
When Sleepy Equals Sad
Lack of sleep can cause depression. Is it time to hit the snooze button again?
Sleep Yourself Healthy
Lower your diabetes, heart disease, obesity and depression risks -- get enough sleep.

Source:http://atumsnews.blogspot.com/?zx=5063ecde6e00ceba

6 tips to help you keep warm in your home this winter

2011-10-29T07:46:00.000-07:00

It's the time of year when heating experts start offering their handy hints for homeowners.

These heating tips come from the Carrier Corporation, one of the world's largest manufacturers of heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment.

We've added our own comments and additions to the experts' tips.

1 Remove clutter: Boxes, storage units and clutter near the furnace can obstruct air flow, preventing your system from working as efficiently as possible.

This isn't just a money-saving issue, it's also a safety point. It's so easy to park a cardboard box in the furnace room in summer, when it doesn't matter, and forget to move it later, when the combination of heat and flammable material constitutes a fire hazard. Be very cagey about what you put near a heat source.

2 Maintain your equipment: An annual service inspection of your home's heating system by a certified technician will ensure that equipment is in good condition and operating at peak performance.

It's an even better idea to plan for the service visit at the same time each year, so you make a note on your calendar to call, and include the fee in your annual expense budgt.

3 Change that air filter: A dirty filter in your heating system slows the flow of air and makes your system work harder.

Change your filter monthly or as instructed by the manufacturer.

Some filters can be cleaned and re-used, while others are disposable. Ask your service technician what is recommended for your furnace.

4 Look for leaks: Check for air leaks in your home's duct system and around doors and windows. Even the most efficient new system will not be able to halt energy losses due to leaks.

Make sure that ducts are sealed and select insulation with a high "R" value.

But don't seal up all leaks until your certified technician has given your furnace a clean bill of health and you're certain there's no danger of carbon monoxide collecting in the well-sealed house. Better yet, invest in a carbon monoxide alarm if your furnace could, in any circumstance, produce this poisonous gas.

5 Add a humidifier: Moist air feels warmer than dry air. A humidifier could allow you to keep your thermostat at a lower setting without compromising comfort.

If that's the case, how come Winnipeggers always insist that theirs is "a dry cold" and therefore not as chilling as our damp winter days?

6 Install a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts your home's temperature to provide the most comfort when your home is occupied. That means you can set the thermostat to dial down the temperature during the hours when no one is home.

Other experts say that many programable thermostats are so complicated, people can't be bothered to use them. But see the story above on Nest Thermostats, which program themselves after they "learn" what the homeowners do for a few days.

Source: http://www.timescolonist.com/health/tips+help+keep+warm+your+home+this+winter/5627661/story.html#ixzz1cBblFroy

Ten tips help prevent winter colds

2011-10-25T19:37:00.000-07:00

The common cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by a virus. There are over 200 viruses that cause colds; the most common is the rhinovirus. Colds are a major cause of lost work and school days, and doctor visits. Children are most susceptible to contracting the virus and may experience as many as 10 colds a year. As we get older, we develop immunity to many viruses and are less likely to get colds.

Colds are highly contagious. The virus enters your body through your nose or mouth. For example, if you are beside someone who has the virus and coughs or sneezes and you inhale those virus droplets then you can “catch” a cold. It can also be spread by hand to hand contact or touching an object that has been contaminated with the virus and then rubbing your eyes, nose or mouth.

A healthy functioning immune system is your best defense against a cold. If you catch a cold, there are a variety of lifestyle measures and supplements that can help speed healing and improve symptoms.

Is it a cold or flu?

These infections are caused by different types of viruses however they do share some common symptoms: aching, weakness, sore throat, and congestion. Here is where they differ: the flu causes a sudden onset of severe aching, pain, headache and high fever (102 to 104 F). Colds develop more slowly, don’t usually cause fever, and only cause mild aching and fatigue.

Ten Tips for Prevention

1. Wash your hands regularly - soap and water or hand sanitizer. This is the best way to prevent the spread of viruses.

2. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables - these foods are loaded with vitamin and minerals which support immune system function.

3. Minimize sugar and refined starches - these foods hamper immune response.

4. Drink plenty of fluids - to help the body eliminate toxins and prevent dehydration (dry mucus membranes can make it easier for viruses to enter).

5. Don't smoke and avoid second-hand smoke. Smoke damages mucus membranes in nose, throat and esophagus making it easy for viruses to invade the body.

6. Minimize alcohol - alcohol is hard on the liver - our key detoxifying organ - and it is dehydrating.

7. Relax and de-stress yourself - stress can hamper immune function.

8. Get regular, moderate-intensity exercise - it helps boost our immune response.

9. Ensure adequate sleep - proper rest is essential for immune health.

10. Take immune boosting supplements, such as vitamin C, aged garlic extract and Echinacea. See the list below for more details.

Source:http://www.agoracosmopolitan.com/news/health/2011/10/25/1338.html

Tips for effective stress management

2011-10-23T06:54:00.001-07:00

Identify stressors: try to identify stressors that can be avoided. Sometimes the stressors will be things that cannot be changed. If this is the case, try to think of ways you can alter your response to them.

Even identifying what the triggers are, can help you feel more in control. It may be helpful to write them down. External factors include things like work, family cross cultural community, unpredictable events, etc… Internal factors include unrealistic expectations, perfectionism and worry.

Identifying stressors - recognizing the triggers that cause it, avoiding those that can be avoided and evaluating what to do about those that cannot be avoided - is exactly the process we need to engage in to manage and balance our lives.

* Develop an action plan

Prioritize and plan your days ahead of time rather than reacting to circumstances as they arise. This will help you feel more in control of your life. Daily events can be contextualized in light of your long term goals and plans.

You can make daily and weekly plans in accordance with long term plans instead of reacting to daily events as they occur. Organize your time and your environment.

If you know where things are, you won't have to spend unnecessary time looking for things you have misplaced and also avoid the stress that these types of scenarios create.

* Practice tolerance

Try to be more tolerant of yourself and of situations over which you have no control. Frantic, harried reactions drain energy that can be used more productively and erode any sense of enjoyment or peace.

Cultivating healthy attitudes, like patience, and choosing to adopt a calm presence of mind are beneficial in maintaining balance and control. But also remember to accept that a certain degree of stress is normal … especially when living overseas.

* Exercise

The stress response is physical in nature and physical exercise is one of the biggest tools for managing stress. Exercise is also a mental "time out" from other things that may be pressing.

A study last year determined that exercise in green space "boosts mental health" - the biggest effect demonstrated in just five minutes.

Build exercise into your daily schedule. Give yourself permission to devote 30 minutes to this every day. The benefits are numerous.

* Eating well

A well-balanced diet provides us adequate energy to handle daily stress. Snacks high in sugar and carbs (which we tend to reach for when we are stressed or pressed for time!) provide a short burst of energy but they can leave us feeling drained and even more tired in a few hours.

Rather than crunching through a bag of potato chips, reach for a granola bar, an apple or some carrots!

Source:http://tehrantimes.com/index.php/health/3825-tips-for-effective-stress-management

Tips to Get Rid of Very Dry Skin

2011-10-21T19:37:00.001-07:00

To get rid of very dry skin you can use vitamin E, apply Argan oil, apply cocoa butter, apply lemon oil, or use a nourishing lotion with ample SPF.

There are many factors that can cause skin to dry out. The sebaceous glands on the skin are responsible for producing sebum or oil that naturally lubricates and moisturizes the skin. Some people produce insufficient amounts of oil which results in dry skin. The skin needs moisture in order for it to maintain its softness and suppleness. Very dry skin is more prone to premature aging and wrinkles. Dry skin is unhealthy and unattractive to look at and should be remedied. Using Argan oil for skin is one of the many ways to improve your skin’s condition. You can also use many other common ingredients to help try skin. Here are some tips you can follow on how to get rid of very dry skin:

Use vitamin E

Vitamin E is essential for having great and healthy skin because it offers many benefits. Including vitamin E in your diet can help nourish the skin, as it helps in the absorption of Vitamin A which is important for skin renewal and growth. Vitamin E is a well-known antioxidant that can help protect the skin from toxins and pollutants in the environment and combat skin aging. Vitamin E can also be applied topically like a moisturizer by rubbing the contents of a vitamin capsule directly onto your skin. It is also known to fade scars. Be sure to use natural Vitamin E because it is more effective and potent than synthetic varieties.

Apply Argan oil

Argan oil is well known in the beauty and health market for the multiple benefits it provides. Argan oil is a natural oil that is a rich source of vitamin E and many essential fatty acids that are perfect for nourishing and moisturizing the skin.

Apply cocoa butter

Cocoa butter is a kind of vegetable fat that is derived from cocoa beans. It has natural lubricating properties as well as Vitamin E. Cocoa butter can help protect your body by combating free radicals and toxins. Cocoa butter is known to have a long shelf life in any form, whether as a cream or lotion. You can use cocoa butter to moisturize your skin and relieve any symptoms of dryness. Other benefits include removing scars and stretch marks.

Apply lemon oil

Lemon oil is a great skin moisturizer and is known to exfoliate dry and dead skin with its citric acid content. It also has antibacterial properties that can cleanse your skin.

Use a nourishing lotion with ample SPF

There are many lotions available that offer different beautifying effects. The good thing about using commercial products is that most of them are designed in a way that no greasy residue is left on the skin. Be sure to look for a lotion that has moisturizing benefits and a sufficient Sun Protection Factor (SPF). SPF shields your skin from harmful UV rays which can dry or damage skin.

To get healthy and nourished skin it is important to find the natural ingredients and beauty products that best matches your skin’s needs.

Source:http://www.tempo.com.ph/2011/tips-to-get-rid-of-very-dry-skin/#.TqI6cHK9tkg

7 Tips for reducing stress. Live healthier

2011-10-21T19:36:00.000-07:00

We all feel stress... sometimes real and sometimes perceived. Either way stress takes a toll on our bodies and increases our risk for cardiovascular diseases and many cancers. Breathing can help change the increased cortisol levels which result from daily stress. Try these simple exercises to reduce stress in your life:

1. Take a deep breath! Try to sit for one minute and count the number of breaths you take. Breathing in and out counts as one breath. Strive to bring this number down to 8 or less.

2. Stop at the end of your day and pick at least three times during the day you felt happy. Replay these thoughts while taking a few deep, slow breaths. Fill in all the details of the moment and be grateful. Happiness is where we see it.

3. Sleep is important for weight loss, creative thinking and body repair. Opt for at least 6 hours of sleep and when you do not meet that minimum, cat naps of 10-20 minutes can help reset your body and optimize your health.

4.Nothing is more important than your health. It is important to feel your body and notice your heart-rate. Place your feet evenly on the floor and sit at the edge of your chair. Squeeze your shoulder blades on the inhale and relax our shoulders on the exhale. Try this for 10 deep breaths.

5.Laughing releases stress but how can you let yourself go and get a good belly ache going? Try using the web! I have found some silly things at www.kids.yahoo.com/jokes... see what you can find!

6. Some nights it might be hard to fall asleep. If this happens to you, try the following tips for better sleep: dim the lights, use your bed only for sleep, count backwards from 300 by 3’s and breathe deeply each numberplace a pillow under your knees.

7.Try this simple meditation to take yourself away from your day: Close your eyes. Picture the beach, sand, breeze, salt air, and warmth of the sun. Feel the heat on your face and take a deep breath. By imagining you are at your favorite beach, forest or vacation spot can relax your body and lower your stress level.

Remember to take the time to be grateful for your loved ones, accomplishments, and ability to change the things you can and accept the things you can’t. You are your best asset

Source:http://www.chicagonow.com/naked-fitness/2011/10/7-tips-for-reducing-stress-live-healthier/

7 Tips to Sleep Soundly Tonight

2011-10-19T09:11:00.001-07:00

Why? If you continually go without enough sleep, the aging process accelerates, which puts you at risk for conditions such as high blood pressure, cancer, memory loss, and possibly diabetes.

Over the years, I've learned that the best way to combat my husband's snoring is to fall into a sound sleep early. As the saying goes – an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of a cure. These days, I know if I don't follow my normal bedtime ritual, I can expect to be woken up by my husband's snoring.

Here are some tips that help me sleep through the night:

Set the mood. Bright lights stop your body from producing its natural sleeping aid, melatonin, according to the website of Dr. Andrew Weil, the founder and director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center. So, dim the lights, shut off the television and stay off the computer.
Keep the bedroom at a comfortable temperature. For most people, that's between 54 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Keep a notepad next to your bed, so you can write down whatever pops into your mind when you're trying to sleep. You can worry about those things tomorrow.
Keep Fido out of your bed. Much like humans, pets can toss and turn during the night, keeping you from getting a good rest.
Just relax. Right before bed, clear your mind; take a few deep breaths and stretch. If you're feeling especially stressed, try a warm bath before bed.
Don't have any caffeine for about 6 hours before bed.
Avoid alcohol and nicotine around bedtime.

Source:http://www.myhealthnewsdaily.com/tips-for-good-sleep-2018/

Healthy Way to Eat Your Desserts

2011-10-19T09:09:00.000-07:00

On my home from the office, I saw a delivery van with this sign:

“A balance diet should always consist of desserts.”

I was like, “Duh, is this a joke?” I always connect desserts to high calorie and high in fat food so how can you recommend eating desserts everyday if you want to live a healthy lifestyle.

With various coupon codes and vouchers available for restaurant deals, time will come that we will give in to those sweet delights. But then I realized that eating desserts could be guilt-free too by following some of these tips on how you can eat healthy desserts:

1. Make desserts from fruits. Health experts advised that we eat at least 5 portions of fruits and vegetables everyday so making a fruit dessert is a very healthy option. You can make a fruit salad made from different fruits like apple, oranges, bananas, and you can also add nuts, raisins and fresh fruit juice for added taste and texture.
2. Choose the healthy alternative. If you can’t resist eating ice cream for dessert then choose frozen yogurt instead. Yogurt contains anti oxidants to wash away bad toxins from your body and at the same time, it will help you satisfy your sweet tooth craving.
3. Choose Low Fat. When making your dessert, use low-fat milk instead of full cream or choose low-fat cheese like ricotta and cottage cheese instead of the regular fatty cheese.
4. Use other sweetener alternative. If you really need to add sugar to make your dessert, then use sweetener alternatives like honey, maple syrup, and the like.
5. Make desserts at home. Instead of ordering from a restaurant, why not try making desserts at home. By doing so, you will have total control of the ingredients to use for the dessert so you can choose the healthier alternative like the ones suggested above. Search the net and you will find a lot of recipes for healthy desserts like fruit parfait, baked apples, frozen banana bites and more.

Source:http://www.hivehealthmedia.com/healthy-eat-desserts/

Health Buzz: Low Birth Weight Linked to Autism

2011-10-17T08:44:00.000-07:00

Low-birth-weight babies are five times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than are normal-weight babies, a new study suggests. Researchers spent 21 years tracking 1,105 infants who weighed less than 4 pounds, 7 ounces at birth. Five percent of them developed autism by their 21st birthday, whereas just 1 percent of children in the general population do, according to a study published today in Pediatrics. Past research has linked low birth weight to an increased risk of cognitive and motor disabilities. But the study authors don't yet understand how low birth weight influences autism risk. "The number of children with a diagnosis of autism is on the rise and [we] haven't been able to explain why," lead author Jennifer Pinto-Martin, the director of the Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, told Health.com. "It's partly a function of awareness and better diagnosis, but we do a better job of keeping tiny babies alive and this may be one consequence of that."

Fighting the Autism-Vaccine War
Autism Called Urgent Public Health Concern

How to Have a Happier, Healthier, Smarter Baby

Pregnant women have tweaked their diets, tried prenatal education tricks, and attempted whatever else baby books and doctors have recommended—all in the quest to have happier, healthier, and perhaps even smarter babies. Mothers-to-be have latched onto fish oil, to cite one example, because of studies crediting omega-3 fatty acids with brighter babies and a lower risk of postpartum depression, U.S. News reported in 2010.

Recent research suggests none of the above. A study published last year in the Journal of the American Medical Association of more than 2,000 pregnant women who took either fish oil or vegetable oil capsules found no benefit to cognitive or language skills of babies born to fish oil-taking mothers. (Nor did fish oil seem to alleviate their postpartum depression.)

So what can women do to enhance their babies' prenatal experiences and give them a leg-up when they enter the world? In her book Origins: How the Nine Months Before Birth Shape the Rest of Our Lives, journalist Annie Murphy Paul explores the burgeoning field of fetal origins, which examines how the conditions we encounter before birth influence us down the line. U.S. News spoke with Paul, who shared her insight on which prenatal behaviors withstand scientific scrutiny—and which are shaky at best. [Read more: How to Have a Happier, Healthier, Smarter Baby.]

How to Avoid Excess Weight Gain During Pregnancy
Eating Fish During Pregnancy: What's the Right Approach?

Pregnant or Thinking About It? 10 Prenatal Tips

From conception to delivery, a fetus is at the mercy of its environment. A mother-to-be has more control over her internal chemistry than she might think, and her odds of having a healthy baby will be much improved if she follows these tips, U.S. News reported in 2008.

1. Take steps even before you're pregnant. If there's a chance you'll conceive, take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily to guard against preventable birth defects such as spina bifida. Also ask your doctor about getting vaccinations against chickenpox and rubella before you try to get pregnant. These and a few other "live" vaccines cannot be given to pregnant women, but if contracted during pregnancy the illnesses can cause birth defects.

2. Don't delay an OB visit. Early blood tests can catch anemia and infections that can affect the fetus if not dealt with quickly. Plus, congenital problems such as fetal heart abnormalities often can be detected and addressed during pregnancy.

3. Write down all meds. Your doctor should review your drugs, vitamins, and supplements. Some of them, such as certain antidepression and seizure medications, can harm your baby's heart and increase your risk of miscarriage.

4. Don't drink. Binge drinking is particularly dangerous to the fetus; known risks include miscarriage, stillbirth, and mental retardation. It may cause facial deformities such as cleft lip and cleft palate.

Source:http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/childrens-health/articles/2011/10/17/health-buzz-low-birth-weight-linked-to-autism

Tips for limiting TV, internet

2011-10-15T04:56:00.001-07:00

The kids are back in their school routines, and many schedules are full with sports and activities. Are you hassling with the kids every night to get their homework done because they want to spend too much time in front of the TV, video games or internet?

For many adults as well, limiting our computer usage and getting away from all screens can be a challenge. That means TV screens, computer monitors, and even the handheld devices we use for checking e-mail, listening to music, watching TV and playing video games on the go.

Health experts say screen time at home should be limited to two hours or less a day, unless its work or homework related.

Here are a few reasons for reducing TV/internet time:

Research shows clearly that when children, teens, and adults watch more than an hour or two of TV per day, they are more likely to make unhealthy food choices, be less physically active and spend less time working on school assignments.
The average teen/adult sees 40,000 ads per year on TV alone. Many of these are fast foods, which are high in calories and low in nutrients, like sugary cereals, snack foods and chips.
The more TV watched, the more likely teens are to snack between meals, eat foods advertised on TV and try to influence what foods their parents buy.
Children who watch TV at mealtimes eat few fruits and vegetables.
Having a television turned on while sleeping, even if the sound is muted, disrupts healthy sleep patterns and contributes to chronic fatigue.
Students who watch more than 1 to 2 hours of TV per day are less interested in school activities and have lower academic scores.
Youth who see violence on TV are more likely to find violence as an acceptable way to solve problems.

Here are some tips for reducing the amount of TV/internet your kids consume:

Limit screen time (TV, video, computer) to no more than two hours per day.
Set a good example yourself, by keeping your own recreational screen time to less than 2 hours per day.
Take the TV out of bedrooms. Yes, this may mean some family members may not get to watch what they each want. This is a good way to learn about taking turns and negotiating.
Turn off the TV during meals and eat together as a family. Practice talking to one another and develop better relationships with one another.
Develop hobbies and other interests. Get involved in your community, neighborhood, school, or place of worship.
Play games with your kids.
Do yard work as a family or tackle household projects together.
Socialize more. Go out with friends to see a play, attend a concert, join an organization, or volunteer.
Walk, play with and care for the family pet.

Source:http://www.examiner.net/news/reader_submitted/x485791482/Jamieson-Tips-for-limiting-TV-internet

9 weird health tips that work

2011-10-15T04:53:00.000-07:00

THEY may be odd, but these ideas have science on their side.

1. High heels save knees

High heels, as favoured by Sarah Jessica Parker, may actually be good for you. Researchers at Warwick and Oxford Brookes universities discovered that wearing high heels may make women less likely to develop arthritic changes in their knee joints as they age. At the very least, they were no worse off than those who opted for lower footwear.

The study comprised 111 women aged 50 to 70 and it’s thought that by exercising the muscles of the leg, heel-wearers may build up better support for their knees. Especially if they regularly hit the dance floor.

Professor Margaret Thorogood, from Warwick University, says, “Women who wear stiletto heels will be reassured to learn that their choice of fashion-before-comfort footwear will not lead to joint problems and may even prevent them.”

A separate study suggests heels can also do wonders for a woman’s sex life. Italian urologist Dr Maria Cerruto discovered that a pair of “moderately high-heeled shoes” had the beneficial effects of toning legs and strengthening pelvic muscles. “

They directly work the muscles which are linked to an orgasm,” she says.

2. Ditch the whiskers to beat sneezes

Allergy prone? A moustache can aggravate hay fever by trapping pollen.

One study found men who washed their moustaches twice a day with liquid soap used fewer antihistamines and decongestants. The reason being that cleaning got rid of stuck pollen grains.

Dr Rob Hicks, GP and author of Beat Your Allergies (Infinite Ideas), says, “Like clothing, skin and hair, a moustache will trap pollen throughout the day.

A man with hayfever might consider shaving off his moustache to see whether it makes a difference. That would probably be easier and more effective than washing it twice a day.”

3. Keep tablets with the linen

If medication is constantly exposed to light, heat or humidity - in other words, a steamy bathroom - it could degrade faster than it should, thus reducing its potency and efficacy. Neal Patel, from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, says, “A cool, dry, dark area such as the linen closet is ideal for storing medications.’

4. Retune the radio to lose weight

Doing something different every day - even just switching radio stations - shakes us out of our routine and can help us kick bad habits, according to Professor Ben Fletcher, a psychologist at Hertfordshire University.

“Deeply engrained habits of thinking and behaviour keep us doing things that are bad for us, like smoking, eating and drinking too much or becoming stuck in negative thought patterns – all of which impacts on our health,” he says. “We can make our lives much better with very small changes.”

5. Wash your hands after getting cash

Cleanliness tests have revealed that cash machines are as dirty, and carry the same germs, as public toilets.
When scientists took swabs from urban ATMs around the UK, they found the machines were heavily contaminated with bacteria, including those known to cause sickness and diarrhoea.

Dr Mark Fielder, a medical microbiologist at Kingston University London, says, “If people don’t wash their hands properly, all sorts of organisms will be transferred to the buttons on an ATM. Just as it’s important to wash your hands after using the toilet, it would be sensible to clean them after getting money out.”

6. Use soap, not handwash

They have become ubiquitous in our homes, but scientists have warned that expensive antibacterial washes are no better at cleaning hands than ordinary soap and they may even encourage superbugs.

American research published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases found that triclosan, the main active ingredient in many antibacterial soaps, can cause some bacteria to become resistant to commonly used antibiotics such as amoxicillin.

That’s because triclosan targets bacteria in much the same way as antibiotics do, by destroying crucial components of their cells. Bacteria are highly adaptable and common ones such as E.coli and salmonella - major culprits in food poisoning - may develop some resistance to the threat.

Microbiologist Dr Anthony Hilton, of Aston University in the UK, says, “These products pander to people’s insecurities and they are often used inappropriately - for example, either too briefly or with cold water.

You should wash hands thoroughly for several minutes in warm, clean water. The action of washing and the temperature remove bacteria more effectively than a fancy [antibacterial] product.”

7. Sniff an apple to stop a migraine

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but it turns out they may have specific health benefits beyond that.
A recent study of 50 people by The Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago found the odour of green apple helped reduce the severity of migraines.

“This may have something to do with the ability of pleasant fragrances to relax us and reduce tension,” says Charles Spence, professor of experimental psychology at Somerville College in Oxford. “The happy associations of the odour may also help to distract people from thinking about the pain of the migraine.”

8. Flush with the lid down

Microbiologist Dr Charles Gerba, from the University of Arizona, warns that you should always flush the toilet with the seat lid down. If you don’t, polluted water particles float for a few hours around your bathroom before they all land, some on your toothbrush.

Dr Gerba says: “It doesn’t happen all the time, but E.coli and other faecal-based bacteria really can make you ill, so unless you want to brush your teeth with what was in the toilet, close the lid.”

9. Drink chocolate milk for fitness

Ron Maughan, a professor of sport and exercise nutrition at Loughborough University, says: “There are two primary things you are trying to do after exercise: recover and encourage the muscles you have worked to become stronger.

A bit of protein provides the most effective way of doing this. If you drink milk, you are getting a consistent source of protein, along with water and electrolytes. The chocolate provides useful carbohydrates and even the relatively high sugar content is an acceptable means of restoring lost energy.”

Source:http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/ipad/weird-health-tips-that-work/story-fn6jaj16-1226166820670

Elderhood Project: Tips for keeping medical records

2011-10-13T19:14:00.001-07:00

Technology has become such a part of our lives, we sometimes forget how important it can be.

That is especially true for our seniors.

It's a simple fact of life that seniors spend more time visiting with doctors than anybody else. And their medical records can get complicated.

"At Castle, we actually scan all of our medical records so they're readily available to the clinician if someone was to come back into the hospital and be re-admitted. So they're readily available. They're also available if any patient wants a copy of their medical records," said Lela Ollila of Castle Medical Center.

We live in a mobile society - that's true of seniors as well. Our kupuna may go to another island or state to visit relatives and Ollila says it's a good idea to keep medical records handy where ever we go.

"Definitely. And it's really good for people to keep a copy of their medical records, especially the elderly who might get re-admitted frequently. They can take those records with them on their next admission and that's helpful to the clinicians," she says.

If you are nervous about keeping an EXACT copy of your medical records, Ollila suggests keeping what you might call a medical diary.

"They don't have to have a copy of their records. They can also keep a personal health record. There's forms on line that they can print that are free. It would give them - they can fill out their past medical history, their past surgical history and most importantly, their medications that they're currently on and that would help as well," she says.

Finally, it is important for seniors to have their paperwork in order and that includes what is called an advanced health care directive.

"They can actually fill one out at Castle, we have forms there to fill that out and they would be able to get it going there," Ollila says.

Source:http://www.khon2.com/news/local/story/Elderhood-Project-Tips-for-keeping-medical-records/JefWv0g39EyoCg32r3Cg3Q.cspx

Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms

2011-10-11T19:11:00.000-07:00

According to the World Health Organization, “Breastfeeding is an unequalled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants; it is also an integral part of the reproductive process with important implications for the health of mothers.” But just because “breast is best” doesn’t mean all moms are able to do it effortlessly. Here are three tips to help you be a proud breastfeeding mama.

Don’t let people discourage you
After having to put her first child on formula when he was three months old, Amber Tower was committed to breastfeeding her second child as long as possible. According to her doctor and the lactation consultant she was making the right decision for her child, but according to her mom, she was “weird.” Said Amber, “I had to constantly put up with family members asking me if I was done breastfeeding. My mom even told me that the ladies in her office thought I should quit. It was really discouraging.” Amber stuck it out and is glad she did. But she warns women not to pay too much attention to the criticism of others, “Talk to your doctor, your lactation consultant and a trusted friend, beyond that, ignore what other people have to say.”

The first month is the hardest
Dr. Deonne Brown Benedict, a family nurse practitioner, says that women who stick through the first hard month of breastfeeding are usually able to continue. “I would say that the majority of women quit during the first week or two, even when they planned on breastfeeding, They stop because it’s not intuitive like they thought, they encounter challenges, they worry their baby isn’t getting enough milk, so they supplement, which further lowers milk supply. Their breasts are sore and they are in pain from their C-section, and, they just aren’t getting the important support that a lactation consultant can provide. Once a woman gets through the first very difficult month, she is likely to go the distance for at least several months. If she knows up front that the first two to three weeks are going to be hard, and she may need regular lactation consultations for a couple weeks. However, this will be compensated for by greater ease of feeding (and baby benefits) later, she is likely to make it through that 1st challenging month. “

Don’t let supply get you down
Stress, working out, a bad cold, all of these things can tank your supply, but don’t let that be the reason you give up. There are a lot of simple steps you can take to get your supply going again. Mom of eight, Toni Rakestraw recommends fluids: “Drink plenty of fluids—water, juice, smoothies, whatever, just drink. Eat nutritious food. You will be hungrier than you were when you were pregnant. This is not the time to diet. When you’re nursing, you’re eating for two even more than when you were pregnant. I never had to use herbs to improve my milk supply; I just nursed my babies on demand. If the demand is there, most women’s bodies will respond in kind and produce more milk.”

Source:http://www.newparent.com/news/breastfeeding-tips-moms/

Green tea reduces lung cancer risks from smoking

2010-01-13T04:04:00.000-08:00

Washington, Jan 13 (IANS) Drinking green tea could reduce the risk of lung cancer from smoking, says a new study.
“Lung cancer is the leading cause of all cancer deaths in Taiwan,” said I-Hsin Lin, a student at Chung Shan Medical University, Taiwan, who conducted the study.

“Tea, particularly green tea, has received a great deal of attention because tea polyphenols are strong antioxidants, and tea preparations have shown inhibitory activity against tumorigenesis (production of new tumour),” added Lin.

Lin and colleagues enrolled 170 patients with lung cancer and 340 healthy patients as controls.

They administered questionnaires to obtain demographic characteristics, cigarette smoking habits, green tea consumption, dietary intake of fruits and vegetables, cooking practices and family history of lung cancer.

Among smokers and non-smokers, those who did not drink green tea had a 5.16-fold increased risk of lung cancer compared with those who drank at least one cup of green tea per day.

Among smokers, those who did not drink green tea at all had a 12.71-fold increased risk of lung cancer compared with those who drank at least one cup of green tea per day.

Lin and colleagues suspect genetics may play a role in this risk differential, says a release of the American Association for Cancer Research.

“Our study may represent a clue that in the case of lung cancer, smoking-induced carcinogenesis could be modulated by green tea consumption and the growth factor environment,” said Lin.

The study was presented at the AACR-IASLC Joint Conference on Molecular Origins of Lung Cancer, being held Jan 11-14.

Source:http://www.thaindian.com/

Low selenium linked to cancer

2010-01-10T19:27:00.001-08:00

Getting enough selenium in your diet could help protect you from cancer of the oesophagus.

The amount of selenium in food depends on the selenium content of the soil in which it is grown. Natural food high in selenium includes cereals (corn, wheat, and rice), walnuts, soya-beans, animal products (chicken, egg, cheese) and seafood (tuna fish). There's some evidence for a link between selenium levels and stomach and oesophageal cancer.

The researchers looked at the relationship between selenium levels and three different types of cancer: oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), which arises from the cells lining the upper oesophagus; oesophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), which begins in gland cells located where the oesophagus joins the stomach; and gastric cardia adenocarcinoma (GCA), which involves the upper part of the stomach.

For the study, the researchers looked at data on 120,852 men and women, aged between 55 to 69 years old. The researchers compared selenium levels in 64 patients who developed ESCC during follow-up; 112 EAC patients; 114 GCA patients; and 2,072 cancer-free controls. All had provided toenail clippings at the study's outset; the selenium content of a person's nails is considered to be an accurate measurement of their levels of the mineral over the previous year.

It was found that the higher a person's selenium levels, the lower their likelihood of developing ESCC. GCA also was associated with selenium levels, but the relationship was less significant; it was stronger for women than for men. Overall there was no relationship between selenium levels and EAC, but when the researchers looked separately at women and people who had never smoked, they did find an association between higher selenium levels and EAC risk. There was also a relationship between selenium intake and EAC risk in people with lower intakes of several antioxidant nutrients.

The findings suggest that selenium intake may protect against the risk of ESCC and GCA, as well as EAC in women, never-smokers, and people with low antioxidant intakes.

Source:http://doctor.ndtv.com/storypage/ndtv/id/4178/Low_selenium_linked_to_cancer.html

Top 10 New Year Health Resolutions

2010-01-09T18:19:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve is always a fiesta time all across the globe. It has always been a time for looking back to the past and more importantly, forward to the coming year. It's that time of year when many people make their New Year Resolutions that they will abide by in the following year.

The Babylonians invented the New Year's resolution. One of their resolutions was to return something borrowed from a friend over the year just passed. The Romans too used to make a resolution to seek forgiveness from enemies of previous years. The Chinese let off fireworks over their New Year to cleanse the self of past sins and bad habits and start again with a clean slate.

Most people have a basic idea of what resolution they want to make. Others are a little less sure of where to begin. While some go overboard trying to change everything all at once (which rarely works!), the remaining lot just doesn't bother making one because they feel it will not materialize. Here is a list of suggestions for this year:

1. Lose Weight
Losing weight is one of the most popular New Year's resolutions. But majority of the people give up by the first month's end. Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are the two most important factors in sticking with a weight loss program. Weight loss isn't about what you do on one day; it's about what you do today, the next day, and the day after that. The first step to losing weight in the new year is to decide a realistic goal for yourself. A 3-4 kg (around 6-9 pounds) weight loss per month is the recommended rate at which you should lose weight.

2. Quit Drinking/Smoking
This is perhaps the most popular New Year resolution made by men. Making this resolution (just like any other) is easy; following it is quite difficult because it's a drastic change in the lifestyle. Even if you've tried to quit before and failed, don't let it get you down. The key to achieve this goal is not to eliminate all at once but to gradually reduce the consumption. Experts believe that you are more likely to achieve it if you are in a team with a concrete plan. The relationship between smoking/drinking and a whole range of diseases is well known thus there will always be benefits from stopping.

3. Exercise Regularly
This should be your most important resolution because it's a key to resolve all health related problems. One study reports that walking 30 minutes a day adds 1.3 years to a person's life. Another study found that walking can decrease hypertension, lower bad cholesterol levels and help you lose weight. Regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else known to man. It keeps the muscles in good working order, stimulates the flow of blood and makes you feel better both physically and mentally. If you think 'Regularly' is a tall order try atleast 3 times a week for about 30 minutes. Get exercise during your regular daily activities by walking at lunch, taking the stairs instead of the elevator and walking short distances instead of using your car.

4. Eat Healthy
To stay fit one must follow a good exercise regimen coupled with good diet. What you eat has a great influence on the way your body work. A balanced diet is vital to good health. In the day to day diet, some things are good, while others are bad. On the "good" list is fiber from fruits and vegetables, raw nuts and whole grains. On the "bad" list is excess salt, refined grains, refined sugar and fatty foods. Reduce the amount of saturated fats (found in animal products such as meat and butter, and processed foods) and trans fat (found in partially hydrogenated oils, vegetable shortening, some types of margarine, french fries, and processed foods) in your diet.
It's easy to overestimate the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat, and overlook the fatty foods or extra portions you had. Get a notepad and write down what you eat for a week. Just knowing what you are eating on a day to day basis can inspire you to eat healthier.

5. Reduce Stress
In this modern day life, everyone leads a stressful life. Chronic stress can lead to hypertension, poor digestion, a weakened immune system and many other conditions. Thus everyone needs to de-stress. Spend some more time with your family and friends or on your hobbies. Take a break if the stress is too hard to handle. Other methods of coping include proper breathing and meditation techniques. Stress contributes to many severe health problems, so it is important to deal with stress earlier, rather than later.

6. Get Good Sleep
Sleep and rest are essential to wellness. Sleep deprivation has been linked to stress, depression, immune-system suppression, and obesity. According to a published study, people who sleep an average of six hours a night have a 42% higher chance of developing hypertension than those who get seven. The prescribed amount of sleep required is seven hours. However, each person needs slightly different amounts. Studies suggest that it can boost your energy, immune system and helps your blood circulation to allow your body to mend after the day's activities. If you are tired, get some rest. Exhaustion can lead to many illnesses.

7. Drink ample water
This one is pretty easy to follow. Water is essential for everybody, and it is also the key to losing weight. Drink approximately eight glasses of water per day (not carbonated drinks). It regulates your body temperature, lubricates your joints, boosts your energy, eliminates waste and provides fluoride for your teeth. Other fluids, such as milk, juice and decaffeinated herbal teas, can also tally up.

8. Increase Your Health Awareness
To achieve a happy and healthy life, knowing about many aspects of health can go a long way. Knowing about common health problems, their symptoms and prevention techniques, along with things like important vitamins and minerals, proper skin care and correct posture, will allow to prevent many diseases for the rest of your life.

9. Regular Medical Check-up
This is one of the most ignored aspects of a healthy lifestyle. Health should not be avoided and a visit to the doctor should not be procrastination. A good idea would be to take regular health check ups and screen yourself for potential health ailments. After all, prevention is better than cure.

10. Socialize
Turn off the television (or the computer) and try to open yourself up to new people. Research suggests that loners are twice as much susceptible to any diseases. Don't just sit at home alone. Get out and meet people, make friends even better, go on a date. You can even start with social networking. And while you're at it, tell those closest to you how much they mean to you. Don't wait until it's too late.

Source:http://indiatv.lifemojo.com/lifestyle/top-10-new-year-health-resolutions-6427156

Depression - can it be treated?

2010-01-07T18:44:00.000-08:00

Depression can affect people of any age and sex. In many cases, it has even been seen to be fatal. But, yes, depression definitely can be treated with structured and appropriate treatments. With early intervention and effective treatment, majority of patients suffering from depression can recover.

Here are the two steps that can help:

Understand the symptoms

Patients of depression generally show persistent anxious or sad mood with feelings of pessimism, guilt, worthlessness and helplessness. There is a loss of pleasure in hobbies and activities. Patients complain of lower energy levels and increasing fatigue. Patients have also shown signs of memory loss and lack of concentration. Another symptom is the difficulty in sleeping or waking up early or oversleeping. Appetite or weight changes are visible in such patients. Some patients even have thoughts of death or suicide and even attempt suicide. Persistent physical symptoms not everyone who is depressed experiences every symptom. The severity of symptoms varies among individuals over time.

Seek professional help

The first step is to get a physically examination done to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms. Doctor should conduct a diagnostic evaluation for depression of refer the patient to a mental health professional for this evaluation, depending on the type of depression that one may be suffering.

Majority of people with depressive disorders improve when they receive appropriate treatment, which may include medication, talk therapy, support groups or other strategies that you and your health care provider may want to try.

Source:http://www.wonderdoctor.com

Eat pistachio to lower blood sugar

2010-01-06T01:24:00.000-08:00

Munching a handful of pistachio nuts not only makes for a great snack but also a healthy one because it lowers the blood sugar level by slowing

down the absorption of carbohydrates in the body, a study said Tuesday.

"Pistachio, when eaten with high carbohydrate food items like white bread, may actually slow the absorption of carbohydrates in the body, resulting in a lower than expected blood sugar level," said a statement on a study conducted by the University of Toronto.

"Therefore, these nuts can help control diabetes in a country like India where 40 million people suffer from the disease. This figure is likely to go up to 80 million by 2025," the statement added.

Cyril Kendall, lead researcher of the study, said: "Controlling blood glucose level is important for preventing and controlling diabetes. Our preliminary findings demonstrate that suppressing the glycemic (blood sugar) response of high carbohydrate foods may be part of the mechanism by which pistachio contributes to the prevention and control of diabetes."

The study further found that pistachio helps control the appetite by controlling hunger stimulating hormones - thus improving long-term blood sugar control.

According to an India-US study, there are about 2.98 million people suffering from diabetes in Delhi alone.

Health expert R.R. Kasliwal said: "In the past five decades, the rate of coronary disease among urban population has more than doubled from four to 11 percent. The situation is of concern in India where more and more young people are getting affected by heart diseases."

"The mono-unsaturated fat in pistachio has been scientifically proven to help lower the bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase the good cholesterol (HDL) which protects the heart," he added

Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Benefits of Honey!

2010-01-04T22:36:00.000-08:00

Honey is far better than what most people perceive...
Discover the enormous benefits of honey; its pure, natural, and varied tastes and all the health benefits it provides. Its versatility and the goodness it can bring into your everyday practical life is WOW!
Not only does this delectable liquid stimulate your taste buds and whet your appetite, its unique taste and aroma has sprung off many time honor cooking ideas and recipes such as the cannot-be-missed honey baked ham and honey dips. But is honey really good for you? This caramel-like liquid seems to be full of calories. ...sure it tastes good and has a pleasant texture that coats the irritated throat, but is it no more than just a tasty placebo?
The fact is, researchers are turning up more and more new evidence of honey's medical benefits in all directions. The benefits of honey don't just stop at satisfying the palate; honey also offers incredible antiseptic, antioxidant and cleansing properties for our body and health, hot beauty and skin care tips for ladies, and amazing healing properties as a head-to-toe remedy, from eye conjunctivitis to athlete foot. Its powerful healing attributes have long been used thousands of years ago and known to promote healing for cuts, cure ailments and diseases, and correct health disorders for generations after generations. The renowned UMF Manuka honey, perhaps the tastiest natural medicine, is commonly cited in many discussions on health benefits of honey. This honey not only fights infection and aids tissue healing but also helps reduce inflammation and scarring. In addition, it is often used for treating digestive problems such as diarrhea, indigestion, stomach ulcers and gastroenteritis. The page, titled "In What Ways have You Experienced the Benefits of Honey?" is filled with eye-popping testimonies about the healing power of honey. I've lost count of the number of times I have accessed that page, but the stories posted there never cease to move and amaze me over and over again. With more and more health experts and theories, such as the Hibernation Diet, supporting its benefits, this oldest natural sweetener just keeps getting better.
One of the greatest pleasure and fascination in using honey is understanding the different floral varieties of honey, their appearance and quality, and experimenting with each of their unique taste and distinct flavor, and being able to know which floral variety of honey is most perfect for which kind of foods. The uses and benefits of honey in foods are as diverse as its floral varieties and places of origin. It is almost like acquiring wine knowledge through wine-tasting and getting information on the origin, quality and worth of the different wines. Very intriguing, satisfying, and even infectious! Besides all the pages on benefits of honey, perhaps one of the most well-received topics in this web resource is related to those exotic, tantalizing recipes which I have specially created and developed using honey. I think this is what makes the honey recipes here different from the massive number of honey recipes available out there.....exotic!
This rich and comphrehensive honey web resource currently has over 200 pages (links to these pages can be found in the pages listed on the menu bar, otherwise, you could also make use of the above easy Custom Search). It sets out to share with all the honey buffs in this world how exciting discovering the uses and benefits of honey can be. (It has become a "Benefits of Honey Wikipedia"!) And since early 2007, it has grown into a phletora of other health and nutrition contents, bringing you news on some of the hottest health-buzzwords like cortisol, natural skin care, lymphatic systems, organic food, antioxidant, and detox - all of which you can find in our Health & Nutrition Resources Index . There you also can find links to some very layman, easy to understand explanations on honey bee products such as propolis, royal jelly, beewax, and bee pollen, and some of the most common health problems such as bad breath, athlete foot, hair loss, sleep disorder, arthritis, acne, and yeast infection - all of which honey has traditionally been used as a natural cure or alternative medicine. For the latest additions and new pages in this website, you can track and find them in the Honey Blog.
Come into my world of honey goodness, get some quick easy honey facts and interesting honey bees information, be introduced to some common bee products and their benefits and uses, scrutinize together the nutrition and properties of honey and its health benefits. Well, I probably cannot offer you medical advice on honey like a medical doctor or promote honey as a substitute for professional medical care, and I don't aim to, but as a honey enthusiast, I am eager to give you all the reasons in the most laymen, simplest language that is easy for everybody to grasp and appreciate - why honey is such a superfood, why we should feel indebted to the tireless creatures which have to visit two million flowers just to provide us with one pound of honey, why everyone should always keep a jar of honey at home, and even why one should consider using it during a fast. Also you will realize with its bewildering number of varieties, this natural sweetener is comparable to tea, coffee, wine in its complexity, and agree that it surely doesn't deserve to be labelled as a mundane or humdrum commodity which has a homogeneous taste and flavour, like water, salt, and sugar.
I sincerely hope that what we discuss in Benefits of Honey will change the way people perceive and experience honey, turning consumption into a special ceremony, and with its own special tastes, honey will find a new star status as a chic and awe-inspiring golden liquid.
Eating for health has never been sweeter.

Sources:http://www.benefits-of-honey.com/

BENEFITS OF OILING HAIR

2009-11-27T23:40:00.000-08:00

Hot oil treatments are perfect for those suffering from dry scalp conditions like dandruff. However they are only a temporary fix and must be done regularly to gain benefits. Those with curly hair need a moisture boost and oiling provides a protective layer against damage such a split ends and reduces frizz leaving the hair soft and supple. One of the time-tested solutions for hair loss is an oil massage. You can use almond oil, olive oil, coconut oil or even olive. Just ensure that the oil is warm when you apply it as warm oil works on the hair roots faster.

OILIT: A WARM OIL MASSAGE WORKS WONDERS ON YOUR HAIR

Steaming the hair after applying oil helps to rejuvenate the scalp and stimulate circulation. Take a towel, dip it in hot water squeeze the excess water and wrap around the head like a turban. Repeat the process. This will help open the pores and allow the oil to penetrate inside the scalp promoting hair growth.
A well performed scalp massage can increase the blood circulation to the hair follicles decrease tension condition the scalp and improve the strength of the hair roots. The pressure applied by a massage warms the skin and opens up blood vessels to increase blood flow.
If you have brittle hair that is prone to breakage you can use almond oil to nourish the hair shaft and skin. Those suffering from thinning hair can opt for coconut oil. Coconut oil slows down the hair shedding process.

BENEFITS OF COCONUT WATER

2009-11-06T02:40:00.000-08:00

Coconut water is known to be more nutritious than whole milk because it has no cholesterol and lesser fat. It improves circulation and is known to clean your digestive. Coconut water not only makes your immune system stronger but also helps the body fight different types of viruses. If you suffer from kidney stones include coconut water in your diet. Drinking it regularly will break up the stones an make them easier to push out. Have urinary problems? Have a glass of naariyal paani to get quick relief. If you’re suffering from hangover nothing will help you faster than having some coconut water. Tender coconut water is very rich in electrolytes and potassium among other things. Potassium helps regulating blood pressure and heart function.

RED VEGETABLE NOT GOOD ARTHRITIS PATIENTS

2009-10-20T03:37:00.000-07:00

Consuming Red vegetables is not good for arthritis patients and those suffering from knee joint pains.It is due to stress and obesity. With early detention patients can escape from the disease by using simple medicine. Consumption of red vegetables like carrot, tomatoes by arthritis patients creates more risk and incidence of Rheumatoid arthritis which mostly occurs in women between 25 and 45 years.
Osteoarthritis affects predominantly senior citizens and a total knee replacement is the only pains relief. Yoga would not lead to joint pains but can affect the obese who bend their knee more than 100 degrees the surgeon opined that sucking of liquid from knees is not preferable as it gets automatically absorbed after three weeks.
Muscle exercise and sunlight which gives vitamin D is good for prevention of Arthritis. The Rheumatoid Arthritis a most common form is a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder that might affect many tissues and organs but principally attacks the joints producing an inflammatory synovitis that often progresses to destruction of the articular cartilage and joint ankylosis.

HOW DOES ONE BENEFITS FROM DRINKING COFFEE AND TEA?

A study has found that coffee and tea may reduce the risk of serious liver damage in people who drink alcohol too much are overweight or have too much iron in the blood. The study of nearly 10,000 people showed that those who drank more than two cups of coffee or tea per day developed chronic liver disease at half the rate of those who drank less than one cup each day.

BENEFITS OF BANANAS

2009-07-30T05:09:00.000-07:00

Bananas are known to prevent several illnesses.
Depression: they contain tryptophan a type of protein that is converted into serotonin by the body that improves mood.
PMS: the vitamin B6 in bananas regulates blood sugar levels.
Anaemia: Bananas have iron and stimulate the production of haemoglobin.
Blood Pressure: it’s high potassium but low salt content is knows to reduce the risk of blood pressure.

Learn how to make your own fruit juices, smoothies & shakes

2009-01-15T18:01:00.000-08:00

A FUN and EASY way to get more vitamins & minerals into your diet is by drinking freshly made fruit juices, vegetable juices, and by blending thick and frothy smoothies and shakes from frozen fruit.
Freshly made juices are a tremendous source of bio-available vitamins and minerals which are the partners of enzymes and co-enzymes. Vitamins activate enzymes and without vitamins, enzymes could not carry out their work, and we could not live.
Enzymes act as catalysts in hundreds of thousands of chemical reactions that take place throughout your body, and are essential for digesting, absorbing and converting food into body tissue. Enzymes produce energy at the cellular level and are critical for most of the metabolic activities taking place in your body every second of every day.
Another benefit of drinking fresh juices and smoothies is that your body can absorb MORE of the vitamins and minerals then if you were to eat the fruits and vegetables whole! Many of the nutrients are TRAPPED in the fiber and by blending fruits and vegetables, you break down the fiber and release the vital nutrients.
Example:
When you eat a raw carrot, you are only able to assimilate a small percentage of the available beta carotene. When a carrot is juiced, removing the fiber, a LARGE percentage of the beta carotene can be assimilated by your body.
Of course, you still need to eat whole produce because fiber is also an important part of your daily diet.
Meeting you or your children's need for energy and nutrients is essential for good health. Children who do not meet their needs for energy may stop growing and gaining weight. In severe situations, they can develop a condition which is life threatening called protein energy malnutrition. Vitamins and minerals are only required in very small amounts, but a diet insufficient in these can cause SEVERE deficiency diseases.
You may be showing signs of malnutrition if you ...
• feel tired and weak.
• feel like you never have the energy to clean your home, make meals or even do the dishes.
• have difficulty losing or gaining weight.
• can't easily get to sleep.
• feel stressed and/or nervous.
• feel drowsy during the day.
• sometimes can't concentrate, you're mind feels numb, or you get confused easily.
• have problems with your digestion.
• have constipation and/or hard dry stools.
• have mood swings, or get easily upset.
• don't have patience for anything.
• sometimes feel depressed.
• have overly dry or oily skin.
• sometimes have nausea and/or abdominal pain.
• have annoying eye twitches.
• bruise easily.
• have muscle cramps and/or low back pain.
• sometimes get cracks and sores in the corners of your mouth.
• notice that your nails have become thin and/or brittle.
• are losing your hair.
• have water retention.
• have uncontrollable temper outbursts.
• don't eat a well-balanced nutritious diet EVERY DAY
Natural vitamins are found only in living things, that is, plants and animals. Your body, with a few exceptions, can't manufacture vitamins. They must be supplied in your food or in dietary supplements but supplements can't replace food, especially fruits and vegetables which provide thousands of substances, some of which have well-known functions, and some whose roles in the human body are not yet understood or recognized.
Vitamins and minerals ...
 reduce your risk of getting a stroke or heart attack!
 strengthen your nails!
 improve your hair condition, strength and growth by providing certain essential nutrients to the hair follicle!
 beautify your skin by keeping it smooth, soft and disease-free!
 provide essential compounds that are necessary for growth, health, normal metabolism and physical well-being! Without them, you would die!
 promote normal growth and development!
 maintain bone density and strength!
 regulate blood clotting!
 help in the function of nerves and muscles, including regulating a normal heart beat!
When it comes to choosing a healthy diet for their children, many parents don't realize the important role that beverages play. For example, fruit flavored drinks and soft drinks are not a substitute for real fruit. Many of these drinks only contain 10% real fruit juice. The very best drinks are made from whole fruit and you can make great fruity healthy drinks at home.
How to make homemade fruit and vegetable juices:
1. You'll need an inexpensive juice machine.
2. All fruits and vegetables should be juiced raw.
3. Small seeded fruit, such as watermelon and pears, may be juiced with their seeds, with the exception of papaya and apple seeds. Orange and grapefruit seeds might impart a bitter taste to your juice. Remove the large pits from fruits like peaches and nectarines, etc.
4. Peel all fruits and vegetables that are not organically grown because the peel is where most of the chemical residues can be found. While most skins of organically grown fruits and vegetables may be left on, with the exception of waxed produce, the skins of pineapples, kiwis, oranges, grapefruits and papaya should be removed.
5. Choose fresh ripe produce. Rubbery vegetables, bruised fruit, wilted greens and over or under-ripe fruits will produce juices that are neither tasty nor healthful.
6. Cut the fruits or vegetables into pieces that will fit into the mouth of your juice machine. Turn the juice machine on and push the pieces through the mouth of the juicer. As you juice, pulp will collect in a large receptacle. If you don't clean the pulp out right away, it will develop a sour odor and tiny gnats and fruit flies may appear after 8 to 10 hours.

7. It is best to drink freshly made juices within one day.
How to make perfect homemade smoothies and shakes:
1. Put the fruit in the blender first. Make sure that the items are smaller than a golf ball so they will blend completely. Add the liquid ingredients next.
2. Fasten the lid and press the start button. Use high speed for about 20-30 seconds.
3. Stop the blender and check to see if the ingredients are well blended. Sometimes the frozen fruit will jam under the blade. If there is jammed fruit, use a spatula to unjam the fruit, and blend again.
4. Once the mixture is evenly blended, slowly add two ice cubes through the opening of the blender lid. Keep adding one or two ice cubes at a time until the blender sounds smooth. If your blender is not strong enough to blend ice cubes, omit the ice and substitute just enough ice cold water or fruit juice so that the shake will have a milkshake consistency.
5. If the shake/smoothie is too thin, add more fruit or ice. If it’s too thick, add more liquid.

WORK OUT TO RELIEVE YOUR STRESS

2008-12-24T18:19:00.001-08:00

Feeling fed-up and hassled or got a headache and tense shoulders while at work? Here are simple stress relieving tips and exercises that will help. Without the help of any equipment you can relax all the muscle groups and relieve the built up tension in your body.
Start by tensing all the muscles in your face, holding a tight grimace for ten seconds and then completely relax for ten seconds. Repeat this with neck, followed by your shoulders. You can do this anywhere, and as you practice, you will find you can relax more quickly and easily.
Deep breathing is an easy stress reliever and has numerous benefits. It relaxes the muscles and pumps more oxygen into the blood, which makes the mind feel fresh and active. Breathing exercises are especially helpful as you can do them anywhere and make you feel de-stressed in a flash.
Meditation takes the breathing exercises a step further. When you functioning that’s similar to sleep, but carries some added benefits including the release of certain hormones that promote health. Also, the mental focus on nothingness prevents your mind from working overtime and increasing your stress levels.

HERE ARE SOME EXERCISES TO MAKE YOU FEEL FRESH AND RELIEVE YOU FROM STRESS AND ACHES:

1. Stand tall, lift your head up and back so that you stretch your neck. Slowly turn it to the right and then to the left. Dip your head and return to looking straight ahead.

2. Slowly rotate your head in clockwise and then anti-clockwise direction.

3. Take your shoulders back as far as they will go. Lift your left shoulder and relax it down again. Now swap and lift and relax your right shoulder.

4. Swing your right arm slowly in a full circular movement to free the shoulder. Swing your left arm in the same way.

5. Raise and relax both shoulders. Repeat ten times.

6. Put your right hand over you right shoulder and touch your left shoulder blade. Repeat with your left hand to your right shoulder.

NEVER DOCTOR

2008-12-07T18:28:00.000-08:00

Never, put your banana in the refrigerator! !!
This is interesting.
After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at wor k leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking &Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out.. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"

WHAT GIVES YOU THAT HEADACHE

2008-11-23T09:54:00.000-08:00

Here is some reason why your head might hurt

Too much caffeine
You may think the coffee you drink helps your headache and it can, in moderation. But if you drink too much, you’ll get the opposite result. A lot of people think caffeine helps headaches, but if you have too much, it causes headaches. just how much caffeine is too much? Anything more than a cup and a half of coffee is too much.

Blood sugar imbalance
It’s the holidays. It’s your birthday. It’s donut in the office day. Whatever. Too much many sweets or carbs paired with not enough protein can create a climate in your body rife for headaches. Hypoglycemia is a really common trigger of headaches and people don’t think about that. Stabilizing glucose levels can really help people. Strokes suggests eating adequate amounts of protein throughout the day, starting with breakfast, because protein encourages stable blood sugar levels.

Eating the wrong foods
Several foods can trigger headaches, especially for people prone to migraines. About 30 per cent of migraine patients will have a food trigger. Peanuts, chocolate, and red wine are common-known triggers. Some of these foods have a lot of tyramine, an amino acid that is sometimes a headache trigger.
Processed meats that contain nitrates, such as sausages, hot dogs, and salami, can also trigger headaches. Dairy and wheat are a lesser-known cause of headaches, and are worth checking out if have chronic headaches pain.

Not drinking enough fluids
You remembered to eat. You forget to drink. If your head hurts and your skin feels as if you’ve aged 20 years in half a day, take stock. Your fluid intake may be low. Headaches are a major symptom of dehydration. Watch out for the effect of having too much coffee, says Joffe, because drinking too caffeine and not enough water leads to a headache for some.

Long term chronic stress
Often, a headache takes a long time coming and then sticks around for a while. A majority of headaches occur in women and there is usually a person who’s pushed themselves beyond their limits. They may get tired, but keep going anyway. The stereotypical picture is a working mom scenario. They are pushed to the wax.

Fragrance overload
The woman in the elevator may think she smells like a headache. Fragrances in perfumes, lotions, soaps, candles-anything with a specific smell can trigger headaches. People with migraines are susceptible.

Weather and altitude change
Climb high, sleep low, and go even lower if you get a headache. Every mountaineer knows this about acclimating to high altitude. A change in the weather can also cause a headache, so if a front is moving in, or out, or sideways, take note. Changes in barometric pressure can do it.

STRESS

2008-11-07T18:15:00.000-08:00

1. Make it a point to verbalize all your pent up feelings to colleagues. There is no substitute for communication when it comes to relieving stress. Feeling of isolation is common in cases of prolonged stress and talking about your feelings to a colleague can help you vie things in another perspective – thus act as a cushion in times of stress.

2. Take one day at a time. Do some effective time management. Do not spend your tea and coffee breaks to catch up with pending work. Instead, take time off to do something completely different which is in no way related to work. Taking a break from your normal schedule does wonders in refreshing your mind and outlook towards your job.

3. Try to realize your own energy schedules. We don't feel the same way during the entire day. So schedule your work accordingly. Find out which are your high energy hours – and keep the more stressful work during that time. This will ease out stress and stop unnecessary loss of vital energy.

4. Never try to work all the stressful jobs at the same time. It will require some amount of advance planning no doubt but if you can plan out your work and take one stressful work at a time – you will soon find out that you can really put in your best in that particular work. It will also leave you less drained.

5. Keep some outdoor activity in your daily work schedule. A refreshed body stores a refreshed mind. Out brain needs vital oxygen to keep our body and mind in optimal performing condition. Physical exercise makes us look better and feel better. It increases self-esteem. When you are hibernating, the emotional distresses increase and you feel more low.

6. When you have a big and intensive job in hand – do not get overwhelmed by its magnitude. Instead, break it up in small components. It will then seem easier to handle and manage. At the end you will not even realize that you have actually completed the big job so successfully.

7. Remember you can not handle everything. Learn to delegate, if you have the opportunity to do so. If you know your own limitations, it makes the task easier. This way you can involve many others in the problem solving and decision making process.

8. You do not have to say yes to everyone and every job that comes your way. Learn to decline. If you go on saying yes to every project, you will soon be full of anger and resentment. Saying no at the right time gives us a sense of control and happiness. That does not mean that you decline from getting involved or committed. Life is all about choices. So take as much as you can give but never over commit and under deliver.

THE TIPS OF TOOTH TROUBLE

2008-03-24T00:25:00.000-07:00

Here are a few remedies for toothaches…

A clove of garlic with a little rock salt should be placed on the affected tooth. It will relieve the pain and, sometimes, may even cure it. A clove should also be chewed daily in the morning.

If a person consumes one raw onion every day by thorough mastication, he will be protected from tooth disorders. Chewing raw onion for three minutes is sufficient to kill all the germs in the mouth. Toothache is often allayed by placing a small piece of onion on the bad tooth or gum.

Lime, as a rich source of vitamin C, is useful in maintaining the health of the teeth and others bones of the body. It prevents decay and loosening of the teeth, dental caries, toothache, and bleeding of the gum.

A mixture of a pinch of pepper powder and a quarter teaspoon of common salt is an excellent dentrifice. Its daily use prevents dental cavities, foul breath, bleeding from the gums, painful gums, and toothaches. It cures the increased sensitiveness of the teeth. A pinch of pepper powder mixed with clove oil can be put on the cavities to alleviate the toothache.

FISH MUST BE CONSUMED TWICE WEEKLY TO GET ITS HEALTH BENEFITS

2008-03-11T00:50:00.001-07:00

Fish is almost always an essential element of a good diet. It has long been noted that people from certain regions, where the diet is largely composed of fish, appear to have a reduced risk of heart disease.

Health Benefits:
• They lower the rate at which the lever manufactures fat.
• They reduce the tendency of blood to clot.
• They repair arteries damaged by lack of oxygen owing to fatty deposits.
• They lower the blood pressure.
• A study followed and found that those who ate 225 gms of fish a week had a 40% lower risk of fatal heart attack than those who ate no fish.
• Fish eaters have lower risk of oral and digestive track cancer. Scientists speculate that fatty acids prevalent in sea foods inhibit tumour growth.
• Fish oil is reported to be beneficial in rheumatoid arthritis.
• Oily fish helps block breast cancer because the omega-3 fatty acid content boosts the immune system ability to respond to developing tumours

Health - Important

2008-02-29T18:11:00.001-08:00

Reduce the amount of TEA you consume
Do not eat bread which has only JUST been toasted
Keep your distance from hand phone CHARGERS
Drink more WATER in the morning, less at night
Do not drink coffee TWICE a day
Reduce the amount of OILY food you consume
Best sleeping time is from 10pm at night to 6am in the morning
Do not have HUGE meals after 5pm
Do not take alcohol more than one glass/cup/serving a day
Do not take pills with COOL water
Do not lie down immediately after taking medicine before sleeping
Getting LESS than 8 hours of sleep affects your health
People used to napping will not get old easily
When battery is down to the LAST grid/bar, do not answer the phone
The radiation is 1000 times
Answer the phone by LEFT ear
It'll spoil your brain directly by using right ear
Do not use headphones/earphone for LONG period of time
Rest your ear awhile after 1 hour
Forward this to friends whom you CARE about

THE RISKS AND REWARDS OF SKIPPING MEALS

2008-02-23T18:07:00.000-08:00

People often miss because they get busy or are trying to lose weight. But how you sp meals, and the amount you eat at your next meal, can affect your overall health.
The scientific data on skipping meals has been confusing. In some studies, fasting has resulted in measurable metabolic benefits for obese people, and in animal studies, intermittent feeding and fasting reduce the incidence of diabetes and improves certain indicators of cardiovascular health. Even so, several observational studies and short-term experiments have suggested an association between meal skipping and poor health. In recent months, two new studies may help explain how skipping meals affects health.
The most recent study, published this month in the medical journal metabolism, looked at what happens when people skip meals but end up eating just as much as they would in a normal day when they finally do sit down to a meal. The study, conducted by diabetes researchers at the national institute on aging, involved healthy, normal-weight men and women in their 40s. For two months, the study subject ate three meals a day. For another eight-week period, they skipped two meals but ate the same number of calories in one evening meal, consumed between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
The researchers found that skipping meals during the day and eating one large meal in the evening resulted in potentially risky metabolic changes. The meal skippers had elevated fasting glucose levels and a delayed insulin response conditions that, if they persisted long term, could lead to diabetes.
The study was notable because it followed another study earlier this year that found that skipping meals every other day could actually improve a patient’s health. In that study, published in March in Free Radical Biology & Medicine, over weight adults with mild asthma ate normal meals one day. This was followed by a day of severely restricted eating, when they ate less than 20 percent of their normal caloric intake or about 400 or 500 calories a day the equivalent of about one meal. Nine out of 10 study participants were able to stick to the eating plan.
After following the alternate day dieting pattern for months, the dieters lost an average of eight per cent of their body weight and their asthma related symptoms also improved. They had lower cholesterol and triglycerides striking reductions in markers of inflammation were also significantly lower
The conclusion, say the authors of the more recent meal skipping study is that skipping meals as part of a controlled eating plan that result in better health.
However, skipping meals during the day and then overeating at the evening meal results in harmful metabolic changes in the body.

EAT THESE EIGHT FOODS EVERY DAY TO COVER ALL YOUR NUTRITIONAL BASES

2008-02-11T06:25:00.000-08:00

Our all-star panel of doctors, scientists, nutritionists, and chefs will tell you why and show you how.

Spinach

It may be green and leafy, but spinach is also the ultimate man food. This noted biceps builder is a rich source of plant-based omega-3s and folate, which help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and osteoporosis. Bonus: Folate also increases blood flow to the penis. And spinach is packed with lutein, a compound that fights age-related macular degeneration. Aim for 1 cup fresh spinach or ½ cup cooked per day. SUBSTITUTES: Kale, bok choy, romaine lettuce FIT IT IN: Make your salads with spinach; add spinach to scrambled eggs; drape it over pizza; mix it with marinara sauce and then microwave for an instant dip. PINCH HITTER: Sesame Stir-Braised Kale Heat 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 Tbsp. minced fresh ginger, and 1 tsp. sesame oil in a skillet. Add 2 Tbsp. water and 1 bunch kale (stemmed and chopped). Cover and cook for 3 minutes. Drain. Add 1 tsp. soy sauce and 1 Tbsp. sesame seeds.

Yogurt

Various cultures claim yogurt as their own creation, but the 2,000-year-old food's health benefits are not disputed: Fermentation spawns hundreds of millions of probiotic organisms that serve as reinforcements to the battalions of beneficial bacteria in your body, which boost the immune system and provide protection against cancer. Not all yogurts are probiotic though, so make sure the label says "live and active cultures." Aim for 1 cup of the calcium- and protein-rich goop a day. SUBSTITUTES: Kefir, soy yogurt FIT IT IN: Yogurt topped with blueberries, walnuts, flaxseed, and honey is the ultimate breakfast—or dessert. Plain low-fat yogurt is also a perfect base for creamy salad dressings and dips. HOME RUN: Power Smoothie Blend 1 cup low-fat yogurt, 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, 1 cup carrot juice, and 1 cup fresh baby spinach for a nutrient-rich blast.

Tomatoes

There are two things you need to know about tomatoes: Red are the best, because they're packed with more of the antioxidant lycopene, and processed tomatoes are just as potent as fresh ones, because it's easier for the body to absorb the lycopene. Studies show that a diet rich in lycopene can decrease your risk of bladder, lung, prostate, skin, and stomach cancers, as well as reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. Aim for 22 mg of lycopene a day, which is about eight red cherry tomatoes or a glass of tomato juice. SUBSTITUTES: Red watermelon, pink grapefruit, Japanese persimmon, papaya, guava FIT IT IN: Pile on the ketchup and Ragú; guzzle low-sodium V8 and gazpacho; double the amount of tomato paste called for in a recipe. PINCH HITTER: Red and Pink Fruit Bowl Chop 1 small watermelon, 2 grapefruits, 3 persimmons, 1 papaya, and 4 guavas. Garnish with mint.

Carrots

Most red, yellow, or orange vegetables and fruits are spiked with carotenoids—fat- soluble compounds that are associated with a reduction in a wide range of cancers, as well as reduced risk and severity of inflammatory conditions such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis—but none are as easy to prepare, or have as low a caloric density, as carrots. Aim for ½ cup a day. SUBSTITUTES: Sweet potato, pumpkin, butternut squash, yellow bell pepper, mango FIT IT IN: Raw baby carrots, sliced raw yellow pepper, butternut squash soup, baked sweet potato, pumpkin pie, mango sorbet, carrot cake PINCH HITTER: Baked Sweet Potato Fries Scrub and dry 2 sweet potatoes. Cut each into 8 slices, and then toss with olive oil and paprika. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes at 350°F. Turn and bake for 10 minutes more.

Blueberries

Host to more antioxidants than any other popular fruit, blueberries help prevent cancer, diabetes, and age-related memory changes (hence the nickname "brain berry"). Studies show that blueberries, which are rich in fiber and vitamins A and C, boost cardiovascular health. Aim for 1 cup fresh blueberries a day, or ½ cup frozen or dried. SUBSTITUTES: Açai berries, purple grapes, prunes, raisins, strawberries FIT IT IN: Blueberries maintain most of their power in dried, frozen, or jam form. PINCH HITTER:

Black Beans

Açai, an Amazonian berry, has even more antioxidants than the blueberry. Mix 2 Tbsp. of açai powder into OJ or add 2 Tbsp. of açai pulp to cereal, yogurt, or a smoothie.
All beans are good for your heart, but none can boost your brain power like black beans. That's because they're full of anthocyanins, antioxidant compounds that have been shown to improve brain function. A daily ½-cup serving provides 8 grams of protein and 7.5 grams of fiber, and is low in calories and free of saturated fat. SUBSTITUTES: Peas, lentils, and pinto, kidney, fava, and lima beans FIT IT IN: Wrap black beans in a breakfast burrito; use both black beans and kidney beans in your chili; puree 1 cup black beans with ¼ cup olive oil and roasted garlic for a healthy dip; add favas, limas, or peas to pasta dishes. HOME RUN: Black Bean and Tomato Salsa Dice 4 tomatoes, 1 onion, 3 cloves garlic, 2 jalapeños, 1 yellow bell pepper, and 1 mango. Mix in a can of black beans and garnish with ½ cup chopped cilantro and the juice of 2 limes.

Walnuts

Richer in heart-healthy omega-3s than salmon, loaded with more anti-inflammatory polyphenols than red wine, and packing half as much muscle-building protein as chicken, the walnut sounds like a Frankenfood, but it grows on trees. Other nuts combine only one or two of these features, not all three. A serving of walnuts—about 1 ounce, or seven nuts—is good anytime, but especially as a postworkout recovery snack. SUBSTITUTES: Almonds, peanuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts FIT IT IN:HOME RUN: Mix 1 cup walnuts with ½ cup dried blueberries and ¼ cup dark chocolate chunks.

Oats

The éminence grise of health food, oats garnered the FDA's first seal of approval. They are packed with soluble fiber, which lowers the risk of heart disease. Yes, oats are loaded with carbs, but the release of those sugars is slowed by the fiber, and because oats also have 10 grams of protein per ½-cup serving, they deliver steady muscle-building energy. SUBSTITUTES: Quinoa, flaxseed, wild rice FIT IT IN:PINCH HITTER: Quinoa Salad Quinoa has twice the protein of most cereals, and fewer carbs. Boil 1 cup quinoa in a mixture of 1 cup pear juice and 1 cup water. Let cool. In a large bowl, toss 2 diced apples, 1 cup fresh blueberries, ½ cup chopped walnuts, and 1 cup plain fat-free yogurt.

All-Star Panel Joy Bauer, author of Joy Bauer's Food Cures and nutrition advisor on NBC's Today show; Laurie Erickson, award-winning wellness chef at Georgia's Sea Island resort; David Heber, MD, PhD, author of What Color Is Your Diet? ; and Steven Pratt, MD, author of the best-selling SuperFoods Rx Sprinkle on top of salads; dice and add to pancake batter; spoon peanut butter into curries; grind and mix with olive oil to make a marinade for grilled fish or chicken. Eat granolas and cereals that have a fiber content of at least 5 grams per serving. Sprinkle 2 Tbsp. ground flaxseed on cereals, salads, and yogurt.

SKIN CARE TIPS FOR OILY SKINS & Green leafy vegetable could reduce skin cancer risk

2008-02-03T09:18:00.000-08:00

SKIN CARE TIPS FOR OILY SKINS
FOR PIMPLE TREATEMENT

1. Drink at least 8 glass of water every day ...morning after waking up on empty stomach u have to drink at least 2 glass of lukwarm water and rest of the day u can have 6 glass of water in breaks
2. Splash water on ur face without using any soap atleast 10 times a day (morning after waking up and before going to sleep , wash ur face with soap.)
3. Take lots of fruits daily and strictly have vegetables ..Stop using oily foods and junk foods
4. Every alteranate days scub your face with tomato or orange peel
5. Once in a week you can use face pack of Multani meeti and rose water ..keep it for 15 mins and wash it out .
6. Last and not the least always think positive ...your face will glow and you will be stress free.
Try this for at least a month ..your face will start showing changes and as an when u will make it a practice of this ritual u will be free of pimples

Green leafy vegetable could reduce skin cancer risk

Green leafy vegetable may be as important as wearing a hat, sunscreen and protective clothing to reduce the risk of skin cancer, says a study that highlights the importance of eating a healthy, well-balanced diet.

Those who eat at least three serves of green leafy vegetables a week reduced their risk of skin cancer by up to 55 percent, the study by Jolieke van der Pols and other researchers involving 1,000 people in Nambour, on the Sunshine Coast found, according to ABC News online.

Green vegetables such as spinach contain a crucial cocktail of nutrients that can boost the skin's natural defence against sun damage, the 11-year study said.

"Other researches that have looked at individual nutrients haven't found very clear evidence, so it might be that actually the combination of nutrients as they occur normally in the foods that we eat, actually have the effect on the skin cancer.

Beat tension headache

2008-01-25T09:40:00.000-08:00

A tension headache is precisely what it sounds like: Headache brought on by stress and tension.

Sleeplessness, stress, improper diet, reading for a long time and working in front of a computer for long hours can precipitate a tension headache, which is the most common type of headache.

One might feel relieved after taking a pill (Panadol, aspirin, etc) but the headache will recur when the effect of the drug wears off. This can be prevented through relaxation techniques, proper diet and practising certain yogic postures.

Postures can release tension in the neck and shoulders, increase blood circulation to the head, stimulate the nervous system and help alleviate the pain.

Yogic breathing exercises like Bhramri Pranayam can calm the mind, reduce stress and alleviate anxiety.

Try this technique for 10 or 20 minutes.

* Sit comfortably by loosening your clothing
* Close your eyes
* Take a few minutes to relax, breathing in and out in slow, deep breaths
* Start by relaxing the muscles of the feet. Focus on the tension flowing away and the way your foot feels as it becomes limp and loose. Hold for a count of 10
* Move slowly up through your body – legs, abdomen, back, neck and face – contracting and relaxing the muscle groups as you go.

A balanced diet can also be crucial in preventing or treating headaches.

SOURCE X PRESS

HEARING PROBLEMS IT MAY BE DUE TO SMOKING

2008-01-21T06:51:00.000-08:00

More bad news for nicotine addicts smoking causes not just cancer, lung , heart and blood vessel diseases, but could trigger hearing problems too.
According to a new US study, teenagers who smoke or whose mothers smoked during pregnancy are at higher risk risk of understanding what is being said.
In tests on 67 teenagers, Yale university researchers found that those exposed to smoke had trouble focusing and interpreting sounds when there was a distraction, reported the online edition of BBC News citing a report that appeared in the New Scientist magazine.
Researchers led by leslie Jacobsen carried out brain scans on the teenagers and found that those exposed to smoke were more likely to have more white matter- matter responsible for transmitting messages.
They believe the over-production of the white matter is caused by nicotine.
The scientists provided evidence after conducting computer tests on the teenagers, who were asked to recognize words while being distracted by visual images background noise.
Among the boys who were tested, those exposed to smoke got 77 percent right, while those who had not been exposed to smoke got 85 percent of the answer correct.
In girls, the breakdown was 84 percent to 90 percent, the researchers said, describing the results as “quite significant”.
Individuals affected will have problems in settings where there is a distraction, Jacobsen said.
This could certainly be the case in classrooms where there may be other people talking and lots of things going on.
Coupled with other conditions, such as behavioural disorders, this may tip a pupil towards failing at school.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF PRUNES

2008-01-14T04:09:00.000-08:00

The fresh version (plums) and the dried version (prunes) of the plant scientifically known as prunes domestica have been the subject of repeated health research for their high content of unique phytonutrients called neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acid. These substances found in prunes and plums are classfield as phenols, and their function as antioxidants has been well documented. These damage-preventing substances are particularly effective in neutralizing a particularly dangerous oxygen radical called superoxide anion radical, and they have also been shown to help prevent oxygen-based damage to fats. Since our cells membranes, brain cells and molecules such as cholesterol are largely composed of fats, preventing free radical damage to fats is no small benefit. Prunes ability to deter oxygen-related damage to our cells is also related to their beta-carotene content. Prunes emerged from our food ranking system as a good source of vitamin A.

Energy drinks: Costly boost to confidence -Dubai

2008-01-05T07:00:00.000-08:00

As exams approach, many Dubai students admit to increasing their intake of energy drinks. They believe that it enhances their capacity to study for long hours but are unaware of the health risks associated with excessive consumption.

6 Cans of ENERGY DRINKS IS WHAT ONE STUDENT SAYS SHE CONSUMES IN A DAY.

Doctor warns

Dr Samia Khalid, a dietician at Al Zahra Hospital in Sharjah, said that energy drinks in general do not have any adverse effect if taken in moderation. However, those with health problems such as diabetes or obesity should avoid consumption. She also said excessive consumption should be avoided. "People should limit their consumption of energy drinks to twice a week; more than that may produce side effects.

"Memory loss, bad temper, being on the edge and lack of concentration are common effects," she said.

CAUTION

Warning labels on some of the popular energy drinks

RED BULL : Not recommended for person sensitive to caffeine, pregnant women, children,diabetics.

POWER HORSE: Not recommended for diabetics and person sensitive to caffeine.
Do not mix with alcohol.

Source xpress4me

To prevent flu or any illness you’ve got to stick with a healthy lifestyle

2007-12-23T18:35:00.000-08:00

Your immune system takes care of a lot of things. Even if you’ve been exposed to the flu, you don’t have to get it. The best flu prevention strategy is basic-good nutrition, regular exercise, and enough sleep. You can also wash hands frequently, and avoid people who have the flu. But really, it’s hard to prevent contact with germs. Keeping yourself healthy is generally the best defense against the flu.

Eat your vegetables

A well-nourished immune system is better able to fight off infections. It’s got to be fuelled with natural vitamins and antioxidants found in healthy foods. Eat dark-green, red, and yellow vegetables and fruits. They’re packed with numerous antioxidants, plus vitamins a, c, e, and beta-carotene.

Exercise regularly

Every time you walk or run, you’re boosting your body’s immunity, the natural defense against viruses. A daily 30-minute walk- or three 10-minute walks- is the minimum you need. Doing more provides greater health benefits.

Get plenty of sleep

Most adults need about 7 to8 hours sleep. Teens need more about 9 hours daily. Growing kids need from 10 to 12 hours of sleep.

Reduces stress

Some stress is good. But know when to relax. Too much stress impairs the immune system. There are no guarantees. You can do all things, lead an absolutely healthy lifestyle, and still get sick. But if you’re healthy and your immune system is working, it’s possible to avoid getting the flu. At least, you will sick less often anyway.

EXERCISING WHILE YOUNG REDUCES BONE FRACTURES LATER IN LIFE

2007-12-13T05:41:00.000-08:00

Running And Jumping During Childhood Are More Than Child’s Play-They Provide Life-Long Benefit For Future Bone Health.

Researchers In The United States Have Carried Out A Study And Found Exercising While Young Lays Down Additional Outside Layers Of Bone And Reduces The Risk Of Fractures Later In Life The Science Daily Has Reported. “Exercise When Young May Reduce The Risk Of Fractures Later In Life, And The Old Exercise Adage Of ‘Use It Or Lose It’ May Not Be Entirely Applicable To The Skeleton,” Lead Researcher Prof Stuart J.Warden Was Quoted As Saying. Prof Warden And His Fellow Researchers Came To The Conclusion After Carrying Out An Experiment On Rodents.

They Exercised The Right Forearms Of Five-Weeks-Old Female Rats For A Few Minutes Three Times A Week For Seven Weeks. The Left Forearms Were Not Exercised. Bone Quantity And Structure Of The Rats Right And Left Forearms Were Assessed Before And After Exercise.

Researchers Did Not Exercise The Rodents For The Next 92 Weeks Virtually Their Entire Lifespan. At That Point Their Forearm Bones Were Assessed Again For Bone Quantity And Structure As Well As Strength.

They Found That The Rats Retained All Of The Skeletal Exercise Benefits They Obtained While Young Even Though They Hadn’t Exercised For The Rest Of Their Lives. We Found The Exercise Resulted In A Lifetime Increase In Bone Size In The Right Forearms Of The Rats And The Bones Of The Left Forearms Never Caught Up In Size. How Big A Bone Determines How Resistant It Is To Bending Or How Strong It Is.

6 WAYS TO KILL YOUR KIDS IN ACAR

2007-11-25T07:51:00.000-08:00

Child under 12 in a front seat

The explosive force of an air bag can break an infant's neck resulting in paralysis or death.
Additionally, there is a risk of inter-cranial haemorrhage.
The increase in pressure due to bleeding in the brain can also cause permanent disability and death.

Child without a seatbelt

A child that is not wearing a seatbelt will be flung forward at an impact.
Typically, a child will curl forward and hit the windscreen with the back of the head.
This commonly results in haemorrhage in younger children and broken spine in older ones.
Death is possible at any impact over 30kph and' almost inevitable for any child that actually makes it through the glass.

Child held in parent's arms

In the force of a collision no parent can hang on to their child, who will fly forward into the windscreen
as if he or she had no restraint.

Child sharing seatbelt with parent

A child held in the same seatbelt as an adult will be crushed by the parent's body in the case of a collision.
The child's body may cushion the impact for the parent, but the child risks injury and death.

Child wearing a seatbelt around waist.

In an impact the pressure concentrated on a small area can cause internal injuries to the bowel, liver and spleen.
If bleeding starts in the abdominal cavity then hypovolemic shock may follow and the child can bleed to death.
In addition, the child can suffer head injuries through hitting the seat in front.

Child wearing a seatbelt under neck

A child's large head in relation to its body size will aggravate the damage caused by the head lashing forward.
The child risks fracture dislocation at the junction of the head and the spine.

WAYS TO LOVE YOUR KIDS

Children under 20lbs should travel in a baby seat facing backwards.

If your car has an airbag, baby seats need to be placed in the back seat »

Children between 20lbs and 40lbs can travel in a baby seat facing forward.

Children over 401bs should sit on a booster seat under they are tall enough for the seatbelt to lie on their shoulder.

One seat belt for one passenger. Never share seat belts!

Keeping food safe to consume

2007-09-15T00:40:00.001-07:00

Abu Dhabi: The death of a schoolgirl in Abu Dhabi recently due to food contamination has made it necessary for us to take a good look at the way we handle food.

The 10-year-old girl who had home-made food died of food poisoning. To prevent such disasters from homes it is important that people know how to handle their food carefully.

Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) has issued a booklet that will help avoid such disaster.

Do you read the food labelling tag carefully before buying packaged food? Most of the educated people to whom Gulf News talked said they never did so but believed the advertisement or suggestion from friends to purchase new food products.

Apart from expiry date (on which most of us are aware of) a food labelling tag gives valuable information such as instructions for storage and use and a note for allergy.

Such instructions have to be strictly followed to avoid contamination. When you buy food stuff at a supermarket buy frozen food last, and then go home immediately. While transporting foodstuff care should be taken not to leave them in the car's boot where no air conditioning is available for long.

Avoid buying potatoes that are green in colour or that have fresh sprouts. Onion must be free of black-coloured fungi.

When buying cans make sure the cans are free from any swelling and rust.

While handling dairy products if you find bright pink pigments them dispose them of. These indicate presence of certain ferments which secrete bright pink pigments.

A clean environment will help eliminate most of the microbes that can cause contamination. Also try to take care of your utensils and kitchen towels. Change the kitchen towels and the washing sponge regularly.

When you cook the food cook it well to make sure that bacteria have been killed. Cook meat until 70C. You can make sure that meat has been well cooked if its colour turns brown or grey.

Refrain from reheating the food not more than once.

Source GN

CLEAN YOUR TEETH TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY HEART

Keep your teeth clean if you want to protect your heart from diseases, suggests a new study that has found evidence of a link for the first time between gum disease, and heart disease.

Periodontitis is a chronic gum disease, which occurs when waste material or plaque collects around the teeth and irritates the gums. One can remove the plaque by brushing and flossing the teeth regularly. However, failure to regularly brush and floss can lead to the irritated gums becoming infected. Teeth become loose and can even fall out.

Smoking ban in mall comes into force in Dubai

2007-09-15T00:37:00.000-07:00

Dubai: Shopping malls become smoke-free today, with the authority to refer smokers who flout the smoking ban to the police and municipality officials.

Under the regulations set by Dubai Municipality, smoking in shopping malls is prohibited except at designated smoking areas, which have to be approved by the municipality's Clinic and Community Health section. Malls also have to post notices and have staff on hand to inform their patrons of the smoking ban.

Sabina Khandwani, head of public relations and marketing at BurJuman Centre, told Gulf News the mall is ready to enforce the regulations.

"Our security will guide and inform smokers to the designated smoking areas. ... [if a dispute breaks out] the mall is authorised to refer cases to the police or Dubai Municipality," she said. "It's Ramadan ... people will work with the rules."

However, mall executives are unsure how to enforce the regulations for restaurants and cafes in the malls.

Tom Miles, senior retail general manager at Dubai Festival City, told Gulf News: "If the seating is enclosed [at mall restaurants and cafes] in their own space, then government has to do the regulation for that."

Source GN

HEALTH TIPS

2007-09-04T23:03:00.000-07:00

HEALTH INSTRUCTIONS

1) Eat Small Frequent Meals

2) Do Not Skip Or Delay Your Meals

3) Maintain Yout Timmings

4) Avoid Sugar, Jaggary, Honey, Ghee, Butter, Cheese, Groundnuts, Coconut, Dry Fruits,Bakery Biscuits

5) Oil ½ Kg Per Person Per Month. 2-3 Teaspoons Per Day

6) Milk: Cows, Skimmed Or Tonned. No Malai

7) Biscuits: Marie, Digestive, Cream Crackers

8) Oil Free Plain Khakara Allowed

9) Plenty Of Vegetables, Include Green Leafy Vegetables. Restrict Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Yam, Aarbi

10) Plenty Of Salads In Both The Main Meals. Avoid Beetroot & High Fat Salad Dressings.

11) 2 Fruits Per Day Allowed But Not After The Meals.

12) Allowed: Apple, Orange, Mosambi, Papaya, Peru, Pear, Peach, 2-3 Thin Slices Of Pineapple, 1 Slices Of Watermelon, 3-4 Strawberries, Raspberries, 1-2 Leeches, 10-12 Grapes.

13) Restrict: Banana, Sitaphal, Chickoo, Mangoes

14) Avoid: Dry Frits

15) Non Veg: No Red Meat, Mutton

16) Fish & Chicken Allowed, No Skin, Not Fried, No Organs, No Coconut, Only1 Meals

17) Use Brown Bread Instead Of White Bread

18) Avoid Soft Drinks. Use Diet Drinks.

19) Skimmed Milks Curds & Buttermilk Allowed

20) Clear Soups Can Be Consumed

21) Unbuttered Popcorns Or Kurmuras In Plenty

22) Drinks 10-12 Glasses Of Water

23) Regular Exercises

Chicken pox - children be careful

2007-09-03T06:12:00.000-07:00

Chickenpox is an infectious disease, spread widely.

It is from common diseases, especially between crowded like schools, institutes, universities,..etc

Causes:

Is caused by a virus called varicella zoster. Its transfer by air polluting breathing and mist. Also by handshake and using person materials like dresses.

Signs and symptoms:

· Slight increase in the body temperature, feel pain in back and joints.

. Less of appetite . Headache In the next day, the rash begins in a specific place in the body and then spread all over the body.

The symptoms continue from one week to three.

1- At first, the rash looks like pinkish dots that quickly develop a small blister on top (a blister is a bump on your skin that fills up with fluid).

2- After about 24 to 48 hours, the fluid in the blisters gets cloudy and the blisters begin to crust over.

3- After about a week, all the blisters should get scabs on them and start to heal.

Prevention:

1- Separate infected person from healthy person to stop the disease from prevails; an infected person should see the doctor. Get rid of infected person materials like tissues in a good way.

2- Cover the mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing.

3- Not using sick person materials like towels.

4- Avoid crowed and consider a healthy habits.

Home Care:

1- Keep cool because heat and sweat will make him itch more. You might want to put a cool, wet washcloth on the really bad areas.

2- If the child temperature increases more than 39, may give him medicine to reduce temperature.

3- The child may have less appetite for eating food. Encourage him for eating cold liquids. Should give light meals, avoid salty and citrus foods.

4- Trim his fingernails. Also he should wash his hands by soap against bacteria continually through daytime. For the small children who have harsh itching, you can cover their hands by gloves.

5- A person who has a chickenpox can pass it to someone else till the blisters begin to crust over. It happens after six to seven days.

Try to not take your infected child to the clinic to avoid pass it to another children. If its necessary keep him in the car till you finish registering.

The child should not stay at home till all the crust fall (It may takes two weeks)

Should Consult The Doctor In These Cases:

1- The infection began as a chickenpox rash 2- Appeared spot red rash on skin 3- Blood in the blister 4- Child become more sick 5- The temperature is continually high more than four days 6- The itching become harsh and not get benefit from the medication

Dear Mother

If you are pregnant, and not sure about the immunization against chickenpox, and doubt that you get it. Call your doctor immediately, because it may pass it to your fetus and cause deformity.

Healthy feet= happy you

2007-09-01T07:31:00.000-07:00

THE FEET - WITH 72,000 NERVE ENDINGS - ARE THE MICROCOSM OF THE BODY. CARING FOR YOUR FEET MEANS CARING FOR YOUR BODY.

Contrary to what many of us think, our feet shouldn't hurt. If they do, they're probably trying to tell us something.

The foot is the microcosm of the body, said Carole Addlestone, a reflexologist, referring to the 72,000 nerve 'endings,

reflex areas and points of the foot that correspond to various organs and glands of the body.

Bunions, hammertoes and arch problems can lead to arthritis, and favouring one foot more than the other causes stress on the joints that can lead to hip, knee and back problems. ' "Take better care of your feet, and you take better care of your entire body," reflexogist says. "It's a catalyst for self healing."

FOOT CARE

Basic foot care includes washing your feet and using lotions and ointments to soothe and moisturise them. If you have been on them all day, remember to give them a break and prop them up.

"Just like brushing your teeth, you need to take care of your feet every single day." Foot exercises such as picking up pencils and marbles with your toes, using a foot roller and walking on the beach barefoot to help strengthen your foot muscles.

PREVENTION

The best way to prevent foot problems is to wear proper-fitting shoes made with rubber soles and with good arch support that provides plenty of room for the toes, But that's not an easy task for most women.

"When you look at the shape of the foot and the shape of most shoes, it's not a match," he said, adding that high heels tighten calves, push feet forward, cramp toes and lead to arch and Achilles tendon pain. "Everyday shoes are designed for fashion and not function. I'd rather compromise looks for function.

"Vanity dictates fashion,"

"Life is too short to wear uncomfortable shoes."

Everyday shoes are designed for fashion and not function. I'd rather compromise looks for function.

2007-09-01T05:56:00.001-07:00

SOUND SLEEP

Sleep with your head towards the south or east direction to have a quality sleep.no matter how many hours you sleep, it will be a refreshing morning when you wake up. If you have a toilet or mirrors just opposite the bed, then your might have a problem of energy being drained. Hide mirrors with curtains for most of the time. The internal arrangement of furniture also needs attention. A bedroom with a tall and large wardrobe just near the bed can make you feel sandwiched.

2007-09-01T05:47:00.000-07:00

Stress

Among the biggest types of stress faced nowadays is electromagnetic stress.
This is caused by electrical and magnetic fields within our environment. Such fields are generated by wireless networks, computers, mobile, phones etc. the symptoms of this stress are fatigue, lowered immune system, decrease in work capacity, speed and concentration, joint pains, depression, lethargy and sometimes a tingling in the fingers. Placing live plants, natural crystals and wooden articles near such gadgets will help to make the stress levels subside.

Back pack without pain

2007-08-28T12:15:00.001-07:00

In 2006, about 7,600 hospital-treated injuries in the U.S. were associated with backpacks, and the most vulnerable age group was 9- to 16-year-olds.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a loaded backpack should weigh no more than 10 to 20 percent of a child's total weight, though our experts recommend staying closer to 10 percent. The pack should be worn about 2 inches above the waist and with both shoulder straps, close to the body. Straps should be shortened (and the excess length fastened securely out of the way) so that they can't get stepped on or caught in doors. Reflective trim added to the back and sides of the pack adds visibility in the fall and winter months, when kids might travel to and from school in near-darkness.

Most kids' backpacks for can easily hold school necessities. But construction details do matter, at least to parents. A good pack should have the following features:

• Shoulder straps that are contoured and padded to soften the load.

• A waist belt to stabilize the pack and transfer weight to the hips.

• A padded or quilted back or one with mesh fabric to make the bag less sweaty on steamy days.

• Compression straps on the sides to tighten a partially filled backpack.

• Look for multiple pockets: small ones for a calculator, a cell phone, and keys, and a concealed inside pocket for cash.

• Dual zippers for main compartment.

• Waterproof, colorfast material

Energy Drink Be aware

2007-08-26T11:18:00.001-07:00

Dubai: Moderation, not stronger warning labels, is important regarding energy drinks, medical professionals and drinks manufacturer advise, after a man almost died after overdosing on a caffeine-rich energy drink.

An Australian man, who suffered a heart attack after downing eight Red Bull energy drinks in five hours - a total of 640mg of caffeine - in his country last Sunday, is calling for energy drink companies to warn people of the possibly fatal consequence of the drinks.

He believed the drink caused the attack.

Red Bull cans sold in the UAE warn caffeine-sensitive pregnant women, children and diabetics against consuming the drinks. It does not warn against excessive consumption or to limit the number of drinks.

Raed Gerges, director of communications at Red Bull, told Gulf News the drinks in the Middle East did not need the warning as they did not contain the same ingredients as the ones sold in Australia.

"Red Bull sold in Australia contains niacin, instead of taurine, and that is why the [Australian] government recommended that no one drinks more than two bottles a day. But it's not in the Red Bull [drinks] sold in the Middle East," he said.

Niacin is aso known as nicotinic acid or Vitamin B3, which can cause cardiac arrhythmia, liver failure and birth defects.

He added that the energy drink and its ingredients were registered and passed by health authorities in the Gulf countries.

A competitor of Red Bull, Power Horse, warns people of over-consumption, recommending people against taking more than two bottles a day.

Mohammad Al Gamel, its managing director, told Gulf News the drinks were no more dangerous than other energy drinks.

"If you drink too much of anything, you can get heart attacks or other health problems," he said, adding that the label was in keeping with the Saudi Health Ministry requirements.

Health professionals Gulf News talked to said people should practise self-restraint.

Dr George Petroianu, chairman of the pharmacology and therapeutics department at UAE University, told Gulf News caffeine overdose to the point of death was difficult to reach.

"Caffeine becomes a poison if you take too much but how much is too much depends on how tolerant you are of it," he said.

"If you push the heart to beat faster, that means you increase oxygen consumption, and for somebody who is unable to supply enough oxygen to the heart, it can be harmful.

"It boils down to what you are used to, so in general, don't indulge in anything in large quantities if you're not used to it," he added.

Dr V.J. Sebastian, head of cardiology at Welcare Hospital, agreed, saying that average consumption of caffeine-rich energy drinks caused little concern.

"People should be aware that [over-consumption] is an issue, but not with the normal rate of three to four cans a day," he said.

source gulf news

That cool soda could be doing more harm than good for you.

2007-08-26T11:16:00.001-07:00

Dubai: Sugar in soft drinks and sodas can harm the human body and lead to obesity as well as a multitude of other physiological problems, a report has stated.

"The main culprit in all sorts of drinks is the sugar content and I wouldn't be happy to see someone sipping on them all day simply because they underestimate the calorific intake of soft drinks. It is better to drink sugar free," said a leading professor of pharmacology, on the heels of the study released by the Abu Dhabi Department of Agriculture.

They may also cause some types of cancers, osteoporosis and tooth decay. Sodas are not a source of either nutrition or energy. Their only source of energy is manufactured sugars, which cause obesity.

Soft drinks are also linked to tooth decay for the same reason. Studies showed that drinking 3 cans of soda increases tooth decay by 62 per cent, while consuming one can increases decay by 3 per cent among children.

Dr Abdul Wahab Abdul Razaq Al Jabouri, Head of the Animal Wealth Department and member of the Japanese National Institute for Physiological Sciences prepared the study and said many people assume that drinking sodas with and after food is helpful for digestion.
It is also the main drink served at banquets and special occasions, and this reflects badly on health, he said. Al Jabouri added sodas could be life-threatening as they contain harmful chemicals added to give flavour and aroma.
They also contain caffeine, phosphoric acid, sodium benzoate, carbon dioxide, poly glycol ethylene, artificial sweeteners and caramel.

However the study has been called 'unconvincing' by Dr George Petroianu, professor and chairman of the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics from the faculty of medicine and health sciences at the UAE University, who said negative impacts are blown out of proportion but emphasised sugar as the worst ingredient in carbonated drinks.
He said that no beverage has ever been proven to be bad or good for humans.

Artificial sugars

"I'm not worried about soft drinks if they are sugar free. As long as people are drinking sufficiently in this climate, that is the most important and if it's sugar free that is the most important," he added.
Despite sugar-free sodas containing artificial sugars or aspartame, Petroianu said this had little effect on the human body if consumed moderately.
"Aspartame has shown to increase weight in animals but that is because it tastes sweet and so they eat more of it. Aspartame does not damage the body and there is not the slightest chance that it is doing anything bad for you," he said.

He added that if children drink caffeine based beverages their metabolism does not break it down as in adults, and so they will have problems sleeping.

"Parents might avoid giving fizzy soft drinks to children because their stomachs are not fully separated from their esophagus and the carbon dioxide will cause regurgitation or vomiting," he said.

"If you continuously indulge in soft drinks it might affect the enamel on teeth but sugar is still the worst culprit. It is up to individuals to make the decision of how much is too much. Your body will tell you through bloating or stomach aches. It is the only way humans and animals learn. It is a learning curve. No regulatory body can do it for you," he said.

SOURCE GNEWS

Black Tea Benifts

2007-08-18T09:24:00.000-07:00

Black Tea has health benefits. Why is this?
Tea is among the richest natural sources of antioxidants, which have been linked with cancer prevention, decreased risk of stroke, and reduced blood cholesterol and controls diabetes. Additionally, it has trace amounts of various minerals calcium, magnesium, manganese and potassium; and the vitamins C & K.

Antioxidants and what do they do?
Naturally occurring antioxidants are nutrients found in most plants, including fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants help keep harmful substances in check. All teas contain amount of antioxidants.

Can Black Tea be drunk hot or iced and get the same health benefits?
Yes. Antioxidants are equal in Black Teas whether they are hot or iced but not necessarily in instant teas because some of the antioxidants are lost during the additional processing.

Does adding sugar, honey, lemon or milk affect Black Tea’s health benefits?
Sugars, sweeteners, lemon and milk do not appear to affect the antioxidant levels of Black Tea flavonoids. In fact, there are additional nutrients found in lemon and milk as well as unrefined honey.

2007-08-05T12:01:00.000-07:00

8 Simple Steps to Great Sleep

Experts say it's possible to get a good night's sleep by making only minor adjustments. No magic's involved, just consistency. Try these tips for about 6 weeks, and you'll get better, deeper, sounder sleep.

Stay on schedule. Your body loves a reqular sleep routine, so try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day. That means no napping or sleeping in on weekends. If you can't fall asleep, get out of bed (go into another room if you have to), and do something quiet. Don't let yourself fall asleep outside the bedroom. Go back to bed when you're sleepy, and repeat this process as often as you need to during the night.

Dress for sleep. Put on whatever's comfortable, but don't layer it on in bed. Body temperature drops prior to falling asleep, rises during the night, then falls before you wake up. Think lighter pjs rather than heavy ones.

Upgrade your mattress. Give your body the support it needs to relax by sleeping on a good, firm bed.

Watch those pre-bed workouts. Exercising several hours before turning in will relax you; strenuous physical activity done too close to bedtime may make you feel wired.

Move the boob tube. Research on children shows that kids who had the most sleep disturbances were those who had a television in their bedroom and used TV to fall asleep. (And the same goes for adults.)

Don't get buzzed. Avoid caffeine and alcoholic beverages within 4 to 6 hours of bedtime. Caffeine stimulates the brain, so steer clear of that after-dinner cup of coffee. And alcohol might make you conk out quicker, but it can shorten the time you spend in deeper stages of sleep and cause you to wake up during the night. The same goes for cigarettes.

Detox the bedroom. Eliminate disturbing sounds and light. If your alarm clock has illuminated numbers, throw a cloth over it. Turn down the thermostat; lower body temperature promotes sleep. Use the bed only for sleep and sex. Decorate your bedroom in soothing shades of green and blue; reds, oranges, and yellows can be overstimulating.

Eat a "sleepy snack." A low-fat, low-calorie carbohydrate snack should help put you out. Try these:

1 1/3 cups of breakfast cereal without milk

3 fig bars

1 cinnamon-raisin English muffin

1 bowl of cinnamon-spice instant oatmeal

1 toaster-size frozen waffle with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup

Banned Drugs available in INDIA

2007-08-05T11:57:00.000-07:00

India has become a dumping ground for banned drugs; also the business for production of banned drugs is blooming. Plz make sure that u buy drugs only if prescribed by a doctor Also, ask which company manufactures it, this would help to ensure that u get what is prescribed and that also from a reputed drug store. Not many people know about these banned drugs and consume them causing a lot of damage to themselves. Please Make sure u forward it to everyone u know.

DANGEROUS DRUGS :

THESE DRUGS HAVE BEEN GLOBALLY DISCARDED BUT ARE AVAILABLE IN INDIA .

The most common ones are D cold, action 500 & Nimulid.

ANALGIN:
This is a pain-killer. Reason for ban: Bone marrow depression.
Brand name: Novalgin

CISAPRIDE:
Acidity, constipation. Reason for ban : irregular heartbeat
Brand name : Ciza, Syspride

DROPERIDOL:
Anti-depressant. Reason for ban : Irregular heartbeat.
Brand name : Droperol

FURAZOLIDONE:
Antidiarrhoeal. Reason for ban : Cancer.
Brand name : Furoxone, Lomofen

NIMESULIDE:
Painkiller, fever. Reason for ban : Liver failure.
Brand name : Nise, Nimulid

NITROFURAZONE:
Antibacterial cream. Reason for ban : Cancer.
Brand name : Furacin

PHENOLPHTHALEIN:
Laxative. Reason for ban : Cancer.
Brand name : Agarol

PHENYLPROPANOLAMINE :
cold and cough. Reason for ban : stroke.
Brand name : D'cold, Vicks Action-500

OXYPHENBUTAZONE:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Reason for ban : Bone marrow depression.
Brand name : Sioril

PIPERAZINE:
Anti-worms. Reason for ban : Nerve damage.
Brand name : Piperazine

QUINIODOCHLOR:
Anti-diarrhoeal. Reason for ban : Damage to sight.
Brand name : Enteroquinol

Face tips

2007-08-03T23:05:00.001-07:00

Honey Mask Recipe

The best facial mask is honey. Place a cloth in warm water and apply to your face to open the pores. Smear on honey, and leave on for 15 to 30 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, then use cold water to close the pores. Use once a week.

2.Avocado Facial Recipe

Avocado is a naturally rich moisturizer. Mash the meat of the avocado into a creamy texture. Massage into the face and neck . Leave on for 15 minutes and gently rinse off.

3.Facial Mask Recipe

Squeeze half a lemon and mix the juice with one beaten egg white. Leave on your face overnight or, for a quick pick-me-up, just 15 minutes. Splash warm water on your face to rinse. It helps to removes blotches, because the lemon works as a bleaching agent.

4.Lighten Circles under Eyes Recipe

To lighten dark circles under your eyes, wrap a grated raw potato in cheesecloth and apply to eyelids for 15-20 minutes. Wipe off residue and apply an eye cream.

Your Printer May Be Hazardous To Your Health

2007-08-03T11:14:00.000-07:00

I've long heard rumors that the fine particulate dust used in laser printer toner cartridges may be a health risk. It certainly makes sense: Not all of that stuff can stick to the paper, and if you've ever spilled toner you know there's no way it can be good for your lungs. Now a controlled study is confirming the information, saying that 30 percent of all laser printers tested emit dangerous particles described as "causing lasting damage on the scale of inhaled cigarette smoke." These tiny particles lodge deep in the lungs and can lead to anything from lung irritation to full-on cancer.

The tests come from an Australian technology university and were conducted in a "large open-plan space," and found that printers could increase particulate matter in the air by up to 400 percent.

While I'm still trying to obtain the list of high vs. low particle emitters from the university, there appears to be a lot of variability among machines and even among different toner cartridges. New cartridges, for example, produce more particle matter than old ones. Printing graphics pages also produces more particle matter than text, since more toner is used, and obviously, air quality gets worse the more pages you spit out. I'll post the full list of printers tested here (or a link to it) as soon as I can obtain one.

The upshot is that printer emissions should potentially be regulated much the way that auto emissions are, but even in the absence of government intervention, use common sense around your printer: Limit use when possible (tell the guy that prints out every single email to cut it out), sequester printers in their own rooms and away from workers, ventilate offices appropriately, and have your own air and printer tested before it becomes a serious health problem.

UPDATE: The full study is available online now (scroll down to Table 1, at the bottom, for the list of printers tested). HP LaserJets (the vast majority of the models tested were HPs) appear among both the best and worst on the list. Check it out!

LINK: Printers pose health risks: study

Aquafina labels will carry a disclaimer that the water comes from public sources, not springs

2007-07-27T10:11:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK (Reuters) - PepsiCo Inc. will spell out that its Aquafina bottled water is made with tap water, a concession to the growing environmental and political opposition to the bottled water industry.

According to Corporate Accountability International, a U.S. watchdog group, the world's No. 2 beverage company will include the words "Public Water Source" on Aquafina labels.

"If this helps clarify the fact that the water originates from public sources, then it's a reasonable thing to do," said Michelle Naughton, a Pepsi-Cola North America spokeswoman.

Pepsi Chief Executive Indra Nooyi told Reuters earlier this week the company was considering such a move.

Pepsi's Aquafina and Coca-Cola Co's Dasani are both made from purified water sourced from public reservoirs, as opposed to Danone's Evian or Nestle's Poland Spring, so-called "spring waters," shipped from specific locations the companies say have notably clean water.

Coca-Cola Co. told Reuters it will start posting online information about the quality control testing it performs on Dasani by the end of summer or early fall.

"Concerns about the bottled-water industry, and increasing corporate control of water, are growing across the country," said Gigi Kellett, director of the "Think Outside the Bottle" campaign, which aims to encourage people to drink tap water.

San Francisco's mayor banned city employees from using city funds to buy bottled water when tap water is available. Ann Arbor, Michigan passed a resolution banning commercially bottled water at city events and Salt Lake City, Utah asked department heads to eliminate bottled water.

Critics charge the bottled water industry adds plastic to landfills, uses too much energy by producing and shipping bottles across the world and undermines confidence in the safety and cleanliness of public water supplies, all while much of the world's population is without access to clean water.

But industry observers said such opposition is unlikely to drain U.S. sales of bottled water, which reached 2.6 billion cases in 2006, according to Beverage Digest. The industry newsletter estimated that U.S. consumers spent about $15 billion on bottled water last year.

"Consumers have an affection for bottled water. It's not an issue of taste or health, it's about convenience," the newsletter's publisher, John Sicher, said. "Try walking up (New York City's) Third Avenue on a hot day and getting a glass of tap water."

Dave Kolpak, a portfolio manager at Victory Capital Management, said the environmental objections will have little impact on the bottom line for either Pepsi or Coke, though he admitted it could slow the market's growth rate.

SOURCE
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070726/hl_nm/pepsico_aquafina_dc

TIPS -HEART PROBLEMS

2007-07-24T06:18:00.000-07:00

Qn: What are the thumb rules for a layman to take care of his heart ?

Ans:
1. Diet - Less of carbohydrate, more of protein, less oil
2. Exercise - Half an hour's walk, at least five days a week; avoid lifts and avoid sitting for a longtime
3. Quit smoking
4. Control weight
5. Control blood pressure and sugar

Qn: Is eating non-veg food (fish) good for the heart?

Ans: No

Qn: It's still a grave shock to hear that some apparently healthy person
gets a cardiac arrest. How do we understand it in perspective?

Ans: This is called silent attack; that is why we recommend everyone past the age of 30 to undergo routine health checkups.

Qn: Are heart diseases hereditary?

Ans: Yes

Qn: What are the ways in which the heart is stressed? What practices do you suggest to de-stress?

Ans: Change your attitude towards life. Do not look for perfection in everything in life.

Qn: Is walking better than jogging or is more intensive exercise required to keep a healthy heart?

Ans: Walking is better than jogging since jogging leads to early fatigue and injury to joints .

Qn: You have done so much for the poor and needy. What has inspired you to do so?

Ans: Mother Theresa , who was my patient.

Qn: Can people with low blood pressure suffer heart diseases?

Ans: Extremely rare

Qn: Does cholesterol accumulates right from an early age
(I'm currently only 22) or do you have to worry about it only after you are above 30 years of age?

Ans: Cholesterol accumulates from childhood.

Qn: How do irregular eating habits affect the heart ?

Ans: You tend to eat junk food when the habits are irregular and your body's enzyme release for digestion gets confused.

Qn: How can I control cholesterol content without using medicines?

Ans: Control diet, walk and eat walnut.

Qn: Can yoga prevent heart ailments?

Ans: Yoga helps.

Qn: Which is the best and worst food for the heart?

Ans: Fruits and vegetables are the best and the worst is oil.

Qn: Which oil is better - groundnut, sunflower, olive?

Ans: All oils are bad .

Qn: What is the routine checkup one should go through? Is there any specific test?

Ans: Routine blood test to ensure sugar, cholesterol is ok. Check BP, Treadmill test after an echo.

Qn: What are the first aid steps to be taken on a heart attack?

Ans: Help the person into a sleeping position , place an aspirin tablet under the tongue with a sorbitrate tablet if available, and rush him to a coronary care unit since the maximum casualty takes place within the first hour.

Qn: How do you differentiate between pain caused by a heart attack and that caused due to gastric trouble?

Ans: Extremely difficult without ECG.

Qn: What is the main cause of a steep increase in heart problems amongst youngsters? I see people of about 30-40 yrs of age having heart attacks and serious heart problems.

Ans: Increased awareness has increased incidents. Also, sedentary lifestyles, smoking, junk food, lack of exercise in a country where people are genetically three times more vulnerable for heart attacks than Europeans and Americans.

Qn: Is it possible for a person to have BP outside the normal range of 120/80 and yet be perfectly healthy?

Ans: Yes.

Qn: Marriages within close relatives can lead to heart problems for the child. Is it true?

Ans : Yes, co-sanguinity leads to congenital abnormalities and you may not have a software engineer as a child

Qn: Many of us have an irregular daily routine and many a times we have to stay late nights in office. Does this affect our heart ? What precautions would you recommend?

Ans : When you are young, nature protects you against all these irregularities. However, as you grow older, respect the biological clock.

Qn: Will taking anti-hypertensive drugs cause some other complications (short / long term)?

Ans : Yes, most drugs have some side effects. However, modern anti-hypertensive drugs are extremely safe.

Qn: Will consuming more coffee/tea lead to heart attacks?

Ans : No.

Qn: Are asthma patients more prone to heart disease?

Ans : No.

Qn: How would you define junk food?

Ans : Fried food like Kentucky , McDonalds , samosas, and even masala dosas.

Qn: You mentioned that Indians are three times more vulnerable. What is the reason for this, as Europeans and Americans also eat a lot of junk food?

Ans: Every race is vulnerable to some disease and unfortunately, Indians are vulnerable for the most expensive disease.

Qn: Does consuming bananas help reduce hypertension?

Ans : No.

Qn: Can a person help himself during a heart attack (Because we see a lot of forwarded emails on this)?

Ans : Yes. Lie down comfortably and put an aspirin tablet of any description under the tongue and ask someone to take you to the nearest coronary care unit without any delay and do not wait for the ambulance since most of the time, the ambulance does not turn up.

Qn: Do, in any way, low white blood cells and low hemoglobin count lead to heart problems?

Ans : No. But it is ideal to have normal hemoglobin level to increase your exercise capacity.

Qn: Sometimes, due to the hectic schedule we are not able to exercise. So, does walking while doing daily chores at home or climbing the stairs in the house, work as a substitute for exercise?

Ans : Certainly. Avoid sitting continuously for more than half an hour and even the act of getting out of the chair and going to another chair and sitting helps a lot.

Qn: Is there a relation between heart problems and blood sugar?

Ans: Yes. A strong relationship since diabetics are more vulnerable to heart attacks than non-diabetics.

Qn: What are the things one needs to take care of after a heart operation?

Ans : Diet, exercise, drugs on time , Control cholesterol, BP, weight.

Qn: Are people working on night shifts more vulnerable to heart disease when compared to day shift workers?

Ans : No.

Qn: What are the modern anti-hypertensive drugs?

Ans : There are hundreds of drugs and your doctor will chose the right combination for your problem, but my suggestion is to avoid the drugs and go for natural ways of controlling blood pressure by walk, diet to
reduce weight and changing attitudes towards lifestyles.

Qn: Does dispirin or similar headache pills increase the risk of heart attacks?

Ans : No.

Qn: Why is the rate of heart attacks more in men than in women?

Ans : Nature protects women till the age of 45.

Qn: How can one keep the heart in a good condition?

Ans : Eat a healthy diet, avoid junk food, exercise everyday, do not smoke and, go for health checkup s if you are past the age of 30 ( once in six months recommended)...

Send it to all your nearest and deares t ......which should be many..........

ForwardSourceID:NT00018952

FEMALE PATTERN HAIR LOSS

2007-07-20T21:50:00.000-07:00

FEMALE PATTERN HAIR LOSS

The most common type of hair loss seen in women is female pattern alopecia or baldness. This is seen as hair thinning predominantly over the top and sides of the head. It affects approximately one-third of all susceptible women, but is most commonly seen after menopause, although it may begin as early as puberty. Normal hair fall is approximately 100-125 hairs per day. Fortunately, these hairs are replaced. True hair loss occurs when lost hairs are not re grown or when the daily hair shed exceeds 125 hairs. Genetically, hair loss can come from either parents side of the family.

The most common causes of telogen effluvium are:

Physical stress: surgery, illness, anemia, rapid weight change.
Emotional stress: mental illness, death of a family member.
Thyroid abnormalities.
Medications: High doses of Vitamin A, Blood pressure and Gout medications.
Hormonal causes: pregnancy, birth control pills, menopause.

When the above causes are reversed or altered you should see the return of normal hair growth.

DIET CONSIDERATIONS
Hair loss may also occur due to dieting. Fast food diet programs which are designed or administered under the direction of a physician with prescribed meals, dietary supplements and vitamin ingestion have become popular.

PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL STRESS
Surgeries, severe illnesses and emotional stress can cause hair loss. Anemia or low blood count and thyroid abnormalities cab cause hair loss.

MYTHS RELATED TO HAIR LOSS

Frequent shampooing contributes to hair loss.
100 strokes of the hair brush daily will create healthier hair.
Dandruff causes permanent hair loss.
There are cosmetic products that will cause the hair to grow thicker and faster.
Hair loss does not occur in the late teens or early twenties.
Hair loss affects only intellectuals.

Why choose height adjustable desking?

2007-07-19T08:41:00.000-07:00

Height adjustable desking has been proven to increase productivity and comfort at the workstation. The ability to change posture regularly between a seated working position and a standing working position has a number of benefits:

Improved blood circulation
Improved concentration
Movement and change of position without interrupting workflow
Flexibility to adjust your working position dependent upon the task in hand
Relief from static posture.

Tilting desk tops: Tilting your work up towards you, reduces the need to look down and will allow you to use your chair back for support, improving posture and decreasing neck and shoulder pain. Some desks have built in tilting surfaces. For a smaller outlay you could try a writing slope that can be placed on top of your existing desk if you have sufficient room.
	The body is not actually designed to sit down for long periods, as we do today. Standing to work reduces the strain on our lumbar spine. In Germany the majority of office workers have sit/stand desks.

5 bad food habits office-goers must change

2007-07-15T12:32:00.000-07:00

If you, like so many of us, are so caught up with work that you have little time to watch what you eat, it's time to take a breather before your lifestyle takes its toll on your health.

Here are five bad habits which you must avoid to salvage your health.

1. Skipping breakfast

A lot of people leave home with just a cup of tea or coffee and then they wonder why they are always crabby, irritable and low on energy throughout the day.

Skipping this first, most important meal of the day is like starting a car without fuel. Your body is forced to call on its energy reserves and these do not last very long, making you irritable and snappy and lacking in concentration by the middle of the day.

What's more, you will end up eating a lot more servings or calorie-dense foods at lunch, which will cause your sugar levels to go up and then come crashing down, making you feel sluggish and tired.

Solution: A good breakfast does not have to be elaborate; a glass of skimmed milk with 2 handfuls of corn or wheat flakes and a fruit will suffice. For hot breakfast lovers, an egg, two slices of bread and a fruit or a bowl of oatmeal porridge accompanied by a fruit are enough.

2. Drinking too much tea/coffee

Sipping constantly can be a tough habit to break. But too much of either tea or coffee can do two things:

It may leave you feeling jittery, irritable, dehydrated, and even interrupt your sleep pattern at night so you do not get deep sleep or do not feel rested the next day.
If taken with your meals, tea and coffee inhibit the absorption of iron from your food. Your body throws out the nutrient as waste.

Solution: If you cannot cut down on the number of cups, cut down on the size of cups so you drink half the quantity. If you have a choice, opt for water.

3. Not drinking enough water

Most corporate offices are air-conditioned, so we do not really sweat and therefore, do not feel so thirsty. What's more when you are used to drinking water below your requirement, your body adapts and when you do start drinking a little more water, your body treats it as excess -- in fact, initially, the body actually throws it out causing you to run to the toilet every few minutes.

In the long run, not drinking enough water can cause constipation, indigestion, gas, increased hunger pangs, dehydration and can make your skin look dull too.

Solution: Keep a 1 litre bottle of water at your table and aim to finish it before the end of the day. It may take you two to three days to adapt to an increased dose but when you do, you will notice the positive benefits immediately -- better skin, better bowel movements and better control on your hunger pangs.

4. Eating at odd hours

While you cannot be expected to leave in the middle of a meeting because the clock says lunch time, it is definitely possible to try to have a somewhat regular meal timing for the majority of the days in the week.

Having a somewhat fixed meal time helps keep your metabolic rate up and can help prevent gas and acidity, which result from long gaps between meals.

Timely eating will also prevent you from overeating as once your body is used to getting energy at a particular hour, it will stop demanding food at odd hours.

Solution: Try to have a fixed time-frame in which you can have your meal peacefully and finish it in a matter of 15 to 20 minutes.

5. Weekend binging

Most of us put in endless hours during the week eating whatever is available, and then comes the weekend. We go on another binge that we feel we deserve. Hard drinks along with food add to the damage we cause to our health in the long run.

Solution: Try to take some time to relax at the end of each day and don't wait for the weekend to unwind. Take a relaxing massage, watch a movie or a play or read a good book. Eating is not the only way to pamper yourself!

Ban that acne, banish those wrinkles

2007-07-14T11:06:00.000-07:00

It's the first impression that counts, you've been told time and again.

And you don't want that first impression marred by unseemly acne or other skin-related problems.

Many of us have specific skin issues we want to target. These could be anything from fine wrinkles to acne to blemishes. Alternately, we may just want to make our complexion lighter or condition our skin.

Here are some specialised face packs that can help you tackle skin-related needs.

Whitening/ Anti-tanning packs

~ Crushed tomato pulp mixed with milk powder is a very good tan removing pack. You can use it on face and your arms, legs, etc.

~ Freshly ground turmeric (1/2 teaspoon), mixed with 2 teaspoons of besan (chickpea flour), 2 teaspoons honey and 2 teaspoons milk is an excellent whitening agent. Use 4-5 times a week.

Anti-ageing/ Tightening masks

~ Take a medium-sized ripe peach. Dip in hot water to blanch and remove the skin. Blend the pulp in a mixer with an egg white and apply on your face for half an hour. Wash off gently with warm water.

~ Take half a cup of ripe strawberries. Wash well and remove the hull (leaves, etc). Blend with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch in a mixer and apply immediately. Leave on for half an hour.

Conditioning and softening pack

Blend an egg yolk with 2 teaspoons of honey, 5 ground almonds, a tablespoon of milk cream and a few strands of kesar (saffron). Leave on for 15-20 minutes. Wash off gently to reveal instantly softened skin.

Exfoliating/ Blemish removing masks

~ Equal quantities of olive oil and coarse sea salt can be used as an excellent exfoliating scrub for the face and the body. Alternately, use sugar granules instead of sea salt. It takes off dead cells and the dull layers of skin. Use daily if possible.

~ Mash � a banana with 10 coarsely ground almonds and apply. Scrub off vigorously after 15 minutes.

~ Mix 2 teaspoons of oats with ground almonds, honey and a teaspoon of full fat yoghurt till you get a paste like consistency. Apply for 10-15 minutes, then wet and scrub for another 10 minutes before rinsing.

Acne reducing masks

~ Mix fuller's earth (multani mitti) with rosewater. Add a little Glyco-A (12%) cream (Rs 95, available at all chemists) and apply all over your face for 30 minutes. This mask not only controls acne, but also helps to get rid of marks left by old acne lesions.

~ Two teaspoons of besan mixed with 1 teaspoon lime juice, � teaspoon turmeric and 3-4 teaspoons cucumber juice makes a great acne pack. It removes excess oil and acts as an antiseptic against acne causing bacteria.

Whatever your need, there's a pack for you.

However, do remember to be realistic -- a face pack can't transform your into Aishwarya Rai [Images] or get rid of serious acne or pigmentation problems or stop wrinkles.

For specialised treatment, do consult a dermatologist.

Got great looking skin? Keep it that way

2007-07-14T11:03:00.000-07:00

By definition, if after two hours of washing your face your skin is neither too dry nor too oily, you have balanced or 'normal' skin.

People with a balanced skin type are lucky, since they do not suffer from problems like acne and 'oil shine', or excessive dryness which causes flaking and dullness on the skin. However, do not take your skin for granted. You need to care for your skin to ensure that it doesn't fall prey to the heat, humidity and dust.

Here are some face packs to help refresh and rejuvenate your skin:

1. An apple a day
Blend half an apple into a puree, add two teaspoons of honey and squeeze in a capsule of vitamin E. Mix well and apply for 10-15 minutes.

2. Carrot-honey scrub
Wash and peel a medium-sized carrot and blend in a mixer along with two teaspoons of honey. Add a teaspoon of coarse rava (semolina) and a few drops of lavender essential oil (optional), and apply immediately. Scrub off with circular movements of your palms after about 15 minutes. This works as a skin conditioner while exfoliating your skin.

3. Orange-yogurt mask
Whisk three tablespoons of full cream yogurt with three teaspoons of orange juice. The lactic acid in the yogurt helps peel off dead skin cells and is a whitening agent. The orange juice acts as a skin toner, tightening up open pores.

4. Pumpkin-egg yolk nourisher
Take a two-inch cube of ripe orange pumpkin and puree it. Add an egg yolk and blend well. You can add a few drops of rose or sandalwood essence to disguise the odour of the egg. Egg yolk contains vital nutrients that nourish the skin and pumpkin is a rich source of vitamin A.

5. Grandma's sandal pack
The age-old recipe for beautiful skin -- sandalwood paste -- does indeed work wonders. Crush a small piece of sandalwood (available at shops selling pooja supplies) till you get half a teaspoon of brown paste. Mix this with besan (gram flour) or Multani mitti (Fuller's earth) and a few drops of milk to make a thick paste. Apply over face and neck and leave for 15 minutes. Use this pack at least twice a week for best results.

Even with normal skin, there may be seasonal fluctuations. For instance, your skin might feel a slightly drier in winter or a stickier in summer, so vary your face pack accordingly by adding an extra ingredient or two. You can add milk cream or olive oil in the winter to your routine pack to increase its moisturising capacity. Conversely, a few drops of lemon juice in the summer take care of any excess oiliness.

Remember to pay attention to the way your skin reacts to various face packs and their ingredients. With time and experience, you can tailor-make your face pack to perfectly suit your skin.

Food, Diet & Herbal Remedies Therapy for osteoarthritis.

2007-07-14T10:50:00.000-07:00

Food

Proper diet and nutrition are key elements in the prevention of all types of disease, including arthritis. An important first step in treating arthritis lies in achieving normal body weight. Excess weight puts increased stress on weight-bearing joints affected with arthritis.

Eat a diet that is high in fiber and that is not tainted with chemicals, which stress the body. Maximize your intake of fresh vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

Make sure your menu includes cold-water fish such as salmon and halibut.

Avoid saturated fats, hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils, rich fattv foods, fried foods, and refined sugar. These substances make the internal environment more acidic. Acid in the joints promotes inflammation, which worsens symptoms and increases pain.

Fatty meats, eggs, margarine, shortening, caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, sugars and dairy products should be dramatically cut down or eliminated from the diet.

About one-third of those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis are sensitive to solanines, or nightshade plants, which include potatoes, peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, and tobacco. These should be eliminated from the diet.

Drink at least six to eight glasses of pure water daily. This will help to flush out toxins from your body.

Foods to eat

	Green vegetables, such as watercress, parsley, celery, kale, and okra
	Seaweeds
	Carrots
	Spirulina
	Barley and wheat grass products (anti-inflammatory and detoxifying)
	Avocados
	Pecans
	Potassium broth
	Soy products
	Whole grains, such as brown rice, millet, oats, wheat, and barley
	Cold-water fish such as salmon, sardines, or herring

Foods to Avoid

Studies have shown that all arthritis symptoms are reduced, even for those with rheumatoid arthritis, after a person adopts a vegetarian diet, free of all animal foods, including-and especially-dairy products.

Calcium Inhibitors

	Reduce or eliminate red meat, dairy, eggs, and chicken
	Alcohol
	Coffee
	Refined sugar and too many sweets
	Excess salt

Foods High In Oxalic Acid

	Rhubarb
	Cranberries
	Plums
	Chard
	Spinach

The Nightshade Family of Foods

	Tomatoes
	Eggplant
	Potatoes
	Peppers
	Tobacco

Foods that will Create Wind and Dampness

	Buckwheat
	Dairy foods
	All animal fat
	Nuts, oil-rich seeds, and nut butters

Diet Therapy

1. Remove all inflammatory causes from your diet. Dairy products, wheat, and nightshade plants, including potatoes, peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, and tobacco, are most often responsible for these food allergies. Eliminate all the suspect foods from your diet for at least one month. If this is helping with your arthritis, gradually reintroduce them (one new food every three to four days). This way you can determine which specific food is contributing to your arthritis.

2. Remove or decrease consumption of all animal products other than fish. If possible eat a raw food vegetarian diet (vegetarian plus elimination of all animal products, especially dairy).

3. Periodic supervised fasting is also very effective for osteoarthritis. For more than 50 years, fasting clinics throughout Europe have successfully employed periodic juice fasting for managing arthritis. Fasting enhances the eliminative and cleansing capacity of the lungs, skin, liver, and kidneys. It also rests and restores the digestive system and helps to relax the nervous system and mind.

4. Besides green vegetables, your diet should include: carrots, avocado, sea weeds, spirulina, barley and wheat grass products, sprouts, pecans, soy products, whole grains (such as brown rice, millet, oats, wheat, and barley), seeds (sesame, flax, and pumpkin), and cold-water fish (such as salmon, sardines, herring, and tuna).

5. Avoid the following foods: alcohol, coffee, sugar, saturated fat, hydrogenated fat (margarine), excess salt, spinach, cranberries, plums, buckwheat, nuts.

6. Weight reduction, through diet and exercise, is also recommended in treating arthritis.

Diet & Osteoarthritis

For centuries, we humans have considered that our health is influenced by what we eat. Let's face it - if you eat beef with hot sauce and have diarrhea followed by anal burning the next morning, the food affected your body!

The concept that diet can, in any way, affect osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) is being evaluated by researchers. Keep in mind that this field is just developing and few hard conclusions can be reached. Here is the latest:

1.Obesity increases the risk for developing osteoarthritis. Overweight persons might reduce their chances for developing or aggravating their osteoarthritis by losing weight. Furthermore, if a person already has substantial osteoarthritis in a weight-bearing joint, such as a knee or hip, weight reduction can significantly improve their ability to rehabilitate after joint surgery as well as decrease their risk of surgical complications.

2.Vitamin C is important in the development of normal cartilage. A deficiency of Vitamin C might lead to the development of weak cartilage. Vitamin C is commonly available in citrus fruits. Supplementation with a Vitamin C tablet may be advised if dietary fruits are unavailable.

Persons with low bone mineral density, such as in osteoporosis, may be at increased risk for osteoarthritis. Exercise and adequate calcium intake, as recommended for age and gender, can help to maintain bone density.

3.Vitamin D deficiency has been shown to increase the risk of joint space narrowing and progression of disease in osteoarthritis. Many doctors are recommending Vitamin D supplementation of 400IU daily. This can also help to prevent osteoporosis.

In recent years, there have been studies originally conducted in Europe and more recently in the United States that have verified that the food supplements:-

4.Glucosamine and chondroitin can help to relieve osteoarthritis symptoms, including pain and stiffness. Each of these supplements can be taken alone or in combination formulations. Keep in mind that glucosamine has been marketed as a "cartilage rebuilder." This is in part under the assumption that, because glucosamine is a component of normal cartilage, consuming it will assist in the rebuilding of damaged cartilage. There is no strong evidence that glucosamine alone, or in combination with chondroitin, is of value in rebuilding cartilage that has been damaged by osteoarthritis.

Herbal Remedies

Many herbal remedies are useful for arthritic sufferers. Depending on your condition, and the availability of herbal products, some remedies might be more suitable than others. Fresh juices are more easily absorbed by the body and capture the whole synergistic complex of healing ingredients locked in the plant. Find the one that works best for you.

Boswellia has unique anti-inflammatory action, much like the conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used by many for inflammatory conditions. Unlike NSAIDs, however, long-term use of boswellia does not lead to irritation or ulceration of the stomach.

Cayenne (Capsaicin) Capsaicin, the "burning" substance in cayenne creams has been used topically to relieve pain from osteoarthritis. The benefit from cayenne creams, generally containing 0.025-0.075% of the active ingredient capsaicin, has been confirmed in double blind research.

Devils claw (Harpagphytum procumbens)-an analgesic and anti-inflammatory
Dosage: one to two grams, three times daily

Ginger (zingiber officinale)-acts as an anti-inflammatory
Suggested Dosage: 0.5 to 1 mg of powdered ginger daily
Ginger Tea- Add one grated teaspoon of fresh ginger to a cup of hot water. Take two times daily.

Horsetail: The silicon content of horsetail is believed to exert a connective tissue strengthening and anti-arthritic action in traditional medicine.

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)-an anti-inflammatory. Long-term use can elevate blood pressure and increase potassium loss.
Dosage: one-eighth to one-quarter teaspoon of a 5: 1 solid extract up to three times daily

Turmeric (Curcumin (Curcuma longa))- an effective anti-inflammatory
Suggested Dosage: 400 mg three times daily; take on an empty stomach and combine with 1,000 mg of bromelain

White willow has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Although the analgesic actions of willow are typically slow-acting, they tend to last longer than aspirin. One double blind study found that a product featuring white willow (though also containing black cohosh, guaiac [Guaiacum officinale], sarsaparilla, and aspen bark) effectively reduced osteoarthritis pain compared to placebo. White willow products providing approximately 100 mg salicin per day are generally recommended by doctors of natural medicine.

Yucca-has long been used to reduce arthritic pain.

Cherries, hawthorn berries and blueberries: Cherries, hawthorn berries, blueberries and other dark red-blue berries are rich sources of anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins. These compounds are flavonoid molecules that give them their deep red-blue color. These compounds are remarkable in their ability to enhance collagen matrix integrity and structure.

Celery seed extract-acts as an anti-inflammatory

Castor oil hot packs-apply to affected joint

Apply angelica root compress or add 5 drops of angelica oil to a hot bath to reduce spasms.

Take 3 capsules of horsetail daily for two weeks each month to help rebuild bones.

Acute Joint Inflammation:

In the acute, inflamed stage, slowly start with movement exercises and hot, moist fenugreek packs on the painful areas. Take 1 tbsp. fenugreek seeds internally three times daily.

For internal 10-day cleansing and to reduce inflammation, drink willow bark tea. Add 1 tsp. willow bark to 1 cup boiling water, steep for ten minutes, strain and drink unsweetened twice daily.

Take a hayflower bath. Combine wild yam with celery seeds or willow leaves and make an infusion, strain and add to bath water.

Teenage Depression on Rise.

2007-07-13T10:42:00.001-07:00

Take control of your teen age depression. For the teen age person and their parents. This truly is a world wide illness, not just in the united states but all over the world. This illness has been around as long as life itself. We can find out the signs by observing our thoughts on many aspects of your life.

Do you not care about your friends any more? Do you stay in bed all day? Do you get angry for no reason? Is your grades declining in school? Do you have the I do not care attitude about anything like how you talk or how you look. Do you feel like you are not worth any thing? Have the feeling that no body cares about you?

These are some of the signs of teen depression. Do not ignore these signs. There are ways to get help and control all of these feelings. Do not tell your teen to get a life, to get over it or how hard you had it in life as you grew up. This just fuels the fire.

Depression smolders for time and then you feel you are slowly slipping away. There is hope. Do not give up! Know you are not alone and their are thousands of teens who feel the same way you do. Guess what, adults suffer from this illness also. So see you really are not alone. Lets get you some help. You need to go see your doctor. Be truthful, do not be afraid. This is okay. Seek counseling. This does work. It may seem lame to you at first but give it a try and stick with it!!!!!

Start to believe in your self. You are important and always will be important. Talking helps get your feelings know out loud. When you do this you can start to address your thoughts. Then you can start to climb that mountain with out running out of breath. When you finally reach the top you will be able to see all the beautiful things in this wold. You will also see the bad, but that is okay because you will see them in a whole new way and be able to handle these situations in a different way.

There is hope for you and sunshine at the end of this long dark tunnel. Remember get help, this is okay to do! Talk your problems and thoughts out and if you are recommended to take medicine than take that medicine. Its okay, I call it the wonders of happy feelings for the rest of your life. Take control of teen depression, so you have the chance to become a happy adult.

For more information visit www.letscuredepression.com

Osteoporosis exercises

2007-07-13T10:36:00.000-07:00

Here are some exercises designed to prevent or treat osteoporosis by strengthening your muscles and bones and improving your posture and balance.

Before you try any of these osteoporosis exercises, check with your doctor or physical therapist. He or she can help you determine which exercises are safe for you to do and tell you how many repetitions you should do.

Standing posture

Learning to stand properly improves your seated and walking posture. To practice correct standing posture:

Stand with your head, shoulders and buttocks against a wall, with your heels 2 to 3 inches from the wall.
Relax your shoulders and pull in your chin. Tighten your abdomen and buttocks.
Press your back against the wall, leaving room for your hand to fit flat behind the curve of your lower back.

Walking posture

Walking strengthens your legs and heart and improves your balance. To maintain proper walking posture:

Hold your head high.
Keep your back and neck as straight as possible.
Keep your chin parallel to the ground.
Gently tighten your abdominal muscles.
Let your shoulders move freely and naturally.

Wall arch

To stretch your shoulders and calves and tone your back and abdomen:

Stand facing the wall, arms at your sides, feet 6 inches apart and 6 inches from the wall.
While inhaling, flatten your stomach and stretch both arms up to touch the wall (1).
Exhale and lower both of your arms to the starting position.
While inhaling, reach up with your right arm and stretch down with your left arm (2).
Exhale and lower your right arm to the starting position.
Switch arms. While inhaling, reach up with your left arm and stretch down with your right arm (3).

Repeat each movement five times.

Chin tuck

To straighten your head and shoulders:

While seated, look straight ahead.
Pull your chin in toward your neck, but keep looking straight ahead; don't let your head bend forward.
Push your hands down on your thighs to help straighten your back.

Hold this position for a few seconds. You'll feel a stretch in the back of your neck. Repeat this exercise five times.

Chest stretch

To stretch your chest and straighten your back:

Sit with your feet flat on the floor. Keep your back erect and look straight ahead.
Stretch your arms out to the side, keeping them level with your shoulders (1).
Bend your arms at the elbows and bring your hands toward your chest (2).

Repeat five to 10 times, depending on your ability.

Shoulder blade squeeze

To stretch your chest and strengthen your upper back muscles:

With your feet flat on the floor, sit slightly forward in a sturdy chair, keeping your back and neck straight.
Look straight ahead, bending your arms at the elbows (1).
Gently move your elbows and shoulder blades back as far as you can and still be comfortable (2).

Hold the position for five seconds while breathing normally. Return your arms to the starting position. Repeat this exercise five to 10 times, depending on your ability.

Pelvic tilt

To strengthen your lower back and abdominal muscles:

Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor (1). Maintain a normal curve in your back; don't arch your back.
Tighten your abdominal muscles.
Roll your pelvis down to flatten your back against the floor (2). Avoid using your leg and buttock muscles.

Hold the position for five seconds while breathing normally, and then relax. Repeat this exercise 10 times.

Back and shoulder stretch

To stretch your upper back and shoulders.

Lie on the floor. Bend your knees, tighten your abdominal muscles and stretch your arms above your head (1).
Keeping your arms straight, spread them out and lower them until they're level with your shoulders (2 and 3).

Hold the position for a few seconds while breathing normally. Then return your arms to the starting position. Repeat this exercise five to 10 times, depending on your ability.

Back posture exercise

To flatten your upper back and stretch your chest:

Sit in a chair as shown, with your hand behind your neck (1).
Inhale while gently moving your elbows backward (2).

Hold the position for a few seconds, breathing normally, before returning to your starting position. Repeat five to 10 times, depending on your ability.

Sitting knee extension

To strengthen your thigh muscles:

Sit with your back straight and your hands on your thighs. Tighten your abdominal muscles and look straight ahead.
Slowly straighten one knee while lifting your heel a few inches from the floor. Don't slouch or round your back.

Hold this position for a few seconds while breathing normally. Relax and return to the starting position. Repeat five to 10 times with each leg, depending on your ability.

Calf stretch

To stretch your calf muscle, your heel cord and the back of your thigh:

Stand with your feet parallel, hip-width apart. Place your hands on the back of a chair for balance.
Bend your knees, flatten your stomach and straighten your back and shoulders.
Slide one foot backward, keeping it flat on the floor, until your back leg is straight.
Lean your weight forward onto your bent front knee.

Hold this position for a few seconds while breathing normally. Repeat five times with each leg.

Upper back lift

To strengthen your back muscles:

Lie facedown on the floor with a pillow under your abdomen and hips (1). Use a rolled towel to cushion your forehead, if you wish.
Keep your arms at your sides as you tighten your abdominal muscles.
Keep your head in line with your neck and torso. Focus on keeping your shoulders down � don't let them shrug up toward your ears.
Inhale and raise your head and chest a few inches from the floor (2).

Hold for five seconds, breathing normally, before returning to your starting position. Rest for a few seconds. Repeat five to 10 times, depending on your ability.

Shoulder strengthening

To strengthen the muscle along the back of your shoulder, the muscle on the back of your upper arm (triceps) and your upper back muscles:

Stand with one leg in front of the other, your hand on the back of a chair. Bend your front knee while holding a 1- to 2-pound weight in your opposite hand (1).
Move the hand with the weight backward and hold for a few seconds (2).
Return to your starting position and repeat five to 10 times.
Perform the exercise with the weight in your other hand and with your opposite knee bent. Repeat on this side five to 10 times.

If your doctor approves, you can gradually increase the weight, but don't exceed 5 pounds.