Sunday, December 27, 2009
Breast cancer
Breast cancer is an uncontrolled growth of breast cells. To better understand breast cancer, it helps to understand how any cancer can develop.
Cancer occurs as a result of mutations, or abnormal changes, in the genes responsible for regulating the growth of cells and keeping them healthy. The genes are in each cell’s nucleus, which acts as the “control room” of each cell. Normally, the cells in our bodies replace themselves through an orderly process of cell growth: healthy new cells take over as old ones die out. But over time, mutations can “turn on” certain genes and “turn off” others in a cell. That changed cell gains the ability to keep dividing without control or order, producing more cells just like it and forming a tumor.
A tumor can be benign (not dangerous to health) or malignant (has the potential to be dangerous). Benign tumors are not considered cancerous: their cells are close to normal in appearance, they grow slowly, and they do not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. Malignant tumors are cancerous. Left unchecked, malignant cells eventually can spread beyond the original tumor to other parts of the body.
The term “breast cancer” refers to a malignant tumor that has developed from cells in the breast. Usually breast cancer either begins in the cells of the lobules, which are the milk-producing glands, or the ducts, the passages that drain milk from the lobules to the nipple. Less commonly, breast cancer can begin in the stromal tissues, which include the fatty and fibrous connective tissues of the breast.
Over time, cancer cells can invade nearby healthy breast tissue and make their way into the underarm lymph nodes, small organs that filter out foreign substances in the body. If cancer cells get into the lymph nodes, they then have a pathway into other parts of the body. The breast cancer’s stage refers to how far the cancer cells have spread beyond the original tumor .
Breast cancer is always caused by a genetic abnormality (a “mistake” in the genetic material). However, only 5-10% of cancers are due to an abnormality inherited from your mother or father. About 90% of breast cancers are due to genetic abnormalities that happen as a result of the aging process and the “wear and tear” of life in general.
While there are steps every person can take to help the body stay as healthy as possible (such as eating a balanced diet, not smoking, limiting alcohol, and exercising regularly), breast cancer is never anyone's fault. Feeling guilty, or telling yourself that breast cancer happened because of something you or anyone else did, is not productive.
Breast Cancer Facts and Figures
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women
The risk of breast cancer increases with age and if you live to 90 years your risk of developing this cancer is almost 14%
1.7 million breast cancers were diagnosed worldwide in 2007
465,000 (approx.) women died due to breast cancer in 2007
North America, Australia, Europe have the highest incidence of breast cancer
Large parts of Africa and Asia have the lowest rates
In the last 25 years it incidence has gone up by 30% in the western world
Increased risk of developing breast cancer include -
Start of menstrual period at an early age
Menopause later in life
Having a first or second degree relative with breast cancer
Obesity
Consumption of alcohol
Never having children
Using contraceptives
Using hormone replacement therapy during post-menopausal years
Certain inherited genetic mutations for breast cancer (BRCA1 and/or BRCA2)
Decreased Breast cancer Risk -
Breast feeding
Moderate Physical activity
Maintaining normal weight
Stop smoking
Breast cancer can be prevented by screening
Early treatment can increase chances of 5 years survival to 98%
Women with a BRCA mutation who get their ovaries surgically removed can reduce their risk of breast cancer by over 50%.
A study from North Carolina State University indicated that Women who performed the act of fellatio and swallow semen regularly (one to two times a week) may reduce their risk of breast cancer by up to 40 percent!!
Exercises that fight fat
Functional training means replicating your daily body movements in the gym. This helps yoy get fitter and avoid injuries.
Start working the bigger body parts first
To burn fat effectively, start weight training with bigger body parts like your legs first.
Use bouts of cardio in between weight training
This technique is effective for fat burning. Between sets, do a quick 2 minute run , jumping jacks or the cross trainer.
Eat pre and post workouts One hour before your workout, have a meal containing carbohydrates and proteins. If you are short on time, just eat a banana. Post workout , consume protein.
Weight training is essential Women need to understand that weight training is not going to bulk them up. It only builds muscles and tones you up.
Drink enough water and keep yourself hydrated all the time.
Dont take long breaks while working out.
Foods that fight fat
A handful of almonds not only keeps the bowel movements in check but also metabolises fat faster.
Strawberries
Strawberries are rich source of vitamin C. And before your workout , eating vitamin C - enriched strawberries can help you lose 30% more fat.
Swiss cheese
With its high content of calcium , cheese aids in breaking fat content.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon when sprinkled on your coffee or other foods , helps to keep your insulin in check. It also prevents your body from storing fat.
Garlic and Onions
Found in most indian preparations, garlix and onion produce photochemicals that help break down the body"s fatty dep[osits and even cholestrol. They also protect you against heart diseases.
Oranges
They are not only great for your skin, but fresh oranges or freshly squeezed orange juice first thing in the morning helps your body to store less fat in the long run, especially true for women.
Kidney stones
Kidney stones, one of the most painful of the urologic disorders, have beset humans for centuries. Scientists have found evidence of kidney stones in a 7,000-year-old Egyptian mummy. Unfortunately, kidney stones are one of the most common disorders of the urinary tract. Each year, people make almost 3 million visits to health care providers and more than half a million people go to emergency rooms for kidney stone problems.
Most kidney stones pass out of the body without any intervention by a physician. Stones that cause lasting symptoms or other complications may be treated by various techniques, most of which do not involve major surgery. Also, research advances have led to a better understanding of the many factors that promote stone formation and thus better treatments for preventing stones.
What is a kidney stone?
Kidney stone is hard stone and crystalline material formed in the kidney or in urinary tract. Kidney stone is a general cause of blood in the urine and causes pains in abdomen, flank or in groin. Kidney stones are also called as renal calculi.
Using the ultrasound scanning, most of the renal stones that is kidney stones can be diagnosed easily without any symptoms. Now day's renal stone is major health problem. Creation of the stones in the urinary tract is called as urolithiasis and in kidney is known as nephrolithiasis. It hits at any time without any warning and worse pains occurs than the labour pain.
Occurrence of renal stones in men is more than women. The ratio of male-to-female is 3:1. It mostly occurs in 30-50 years of the age.
Kidney Stone Symptoms:
When the tubular structure is getting blocked, pains are generated in waves and body tries to unblock the barrier. These pain waves are called as colic.
Renal colic which is related to the kidney has a typical appearance when the kidney stone is passed.
The pain is powerful and comes on rapidly.
It is usually placed in the side or the flank of the mid back and emits to the groin. Those who gets affected can not find suitable position and many twist in the pain.
This is opposite to the non colicky type of pain, like pancreatitis or appendicitis, in which pains are increased after the movement and affected person hold very silent.
Sweating, vomiting and nausea are very common.
Blood found in the urine because ureter forced the stones. Occurrence of blood in urine does not for all the time means that person suffering from kidney stone. For the blood there are some other reasons such as trauma, bladder infection or the tumors. Microscope and urinalysis identified the blood in urine even if it is not shown by necked eyes.
Treatment for kidney stones:
Most of the kidney stones ultimately pass to the urinary tract by their own within the two days (48 hours), by taking lot of fluid intake. Medications for the pain relief are prescribed for the kidney stone symptoms. There are various factors responsible for passing the stone. These contain previous stone passage, the size of the person, prostate enlargement, size of the stone and the pregnancy. A stone is of size 4 mm has 80 percent chances of passage and a 5 mm stone has chances of 20 percent. The stones having the 9mm to 10m are rarely passed on their own. Mostly they have to need treatment for removing.
For increasing the passage rates of kidney stones, some medications are very useful. These medications include calcium channel blockers like nifedipine and alpha blockers like tamulosin. These are the drugs given to those people whose kidney stones do not quickly pass throughout the urinary tract.
The procedure named as lithotripsy is used fro the kidney stones that do not pass their own. Shock waves are used in this procedure which breaks down large stones in to small pieces which can then pass through urinary system.
For removing the kidney stones, surgical techniques may also used. This can be done by doing small cut in the skin or using an instrument known as ureteroscope which passed from urethra and bladder into the ureter.
Kidney Stone Surgery
Kidney stone can be removed by surgery in rare cases, as most of the cases are treated by pill prescription. Majority of kidney stones are within 5 mm size and can be dissolved through dedicated diet and other therapies, but the kidney stones larger than 5mm need to be removed by a major surgical operation. Generally, kidney stones that are bigger than 10mm size cannot be dissolved into the kidney. Researchers believe that these larger size kidney stones can remain in the kidney unnoticed for long time and can cause some serious damage to the body.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Heart Attack Facts
12.5 million of an estimated 32 million heart attacks worldwide are fatal
40-75% of all victims die before reaching hospital
50% wait for 2 hours or more before getting help
52 people in USA die due to heart attack every minute making it 1,259 per day, 8,843 per week and 459,840 per year
Heart diseases kill more women than men in America every year. Women beat men by approx. 50,000
38 percent of women die within a year after having a heart attack, as compared to 25 percent of men.
One in five females has some form of heart or blood vessel disease.
The risk of second heart attack within six years of the first heart attack is estimated to be 35% in women and 18% in men
South Asians men are more prone to heart attacks at a much younger age in comparison to people belonging to other ethnic groups
It is estimated that worldwide 15.6 million people have rheumatic heart disease and that there are 470,000 new cases of rheumatic fever and 233,000 deaths attributable to rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease each year – mostly in developing countries
High blood pressure is called the "silent killer." High blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure or kidney failure
You can lessen the risk of heart attacks by certain lifestyle modifications – e.g. smoking, obesity, alcohol intake, physical inactivity and stress.
You can add up to 5 years to your life expectancy by quitting smoking - the earlier the age at which you quit the better
Eating fish once a week can reduce your chances of a heart attack by 52%
Hostile personalities are at higher risk of developing heart attack
Watching the World Cup increases the risk of a heart attack
LASIK Surgery – Interesting Facts
1. LASIK surgery on the eye has been performed since 1990 and until the year 2007 – almost 17 million people had the surgery with the maximum numbers coming from the USA (8 million).
2. The refractive surgery worldwide market exceeds $3 billion (2008). Refractive surgery procedures include corrections for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia.
3. The two popular refractive error correction procedures are called LASIK - Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and LASEK - Laser Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratomileusis.
4. The Main difference Between LASIK and LASEK procedure is thickness of the flap. In LASIK – both epithelium and stroma corneal tissue is thinned out whereas in LASEK only epithelial tissue is ablated.
5. There are almost similar proportion of males and females having their refractions corrected by LASIK and almost 90% of the patients recommend it to others.
6. The LASIK surgery (for both eyes) takes only 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish. The excimer laser used in LASIK surgery removes thin layers of corneal tissue that are 1/200th thickness of a human hair. And each slice is taken in about 12 billionths of a second.
7. The commonest problem after LASIK is chronic dry eyes and in one study it was reported to be 20%.
8. To get the best results – find an experienced surgeon (who has done over 700 cases). After surgery avoid eye makeup, strenuous exercise and contaminated water (swimming pools, spas, lakes etc.) for at least 1 to 2 weeks. Avoid rubbing eyes for at least 2 weeks.
9. Under-corrections may require another session whereas overcorrection may mean using glasses or contact lenses.
10. No report of blindness has been reported after LASIK Surgery.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Prevent Memory Loss with Brahmi
The traditional Indian medical system of Ayurveda mentions the use of the plants Brahmi (Bacopa moniera) and the Indian pennywort (Centella asiatica) in preventing the decreased mental performance that can be seen in many people during old age.
The ancient Ayurvedic texts state that regular use of this plant prevents memory loss and enables old people to organize their thoughts clearly and express them coherently.
Clinical trials carried out on laboratory rats by the Central Drugs Research Institute at Lucknow, have shown that rats who were administered Brahmi were better able to find their way out of mazes.
However further research is required to confirm these findings followed by extensive trials on humans.
Appa Rao and his colleagues has cited the effectiveness of this plant in treating diseases of the central nervous system. There has also been a double blind controlled trial of this plant which involved administering the plant extract to a group of thirty mentally retarded children over a period of twelve weeks. The results of this trial, which were published in the Journal for Research on Indian Medicine, in 1973, show that these children had an improved mental ability and behavioral patterns at the end of the trial.
Once all the research work has been successfully concluded and the process of drug synthesis has started, it could make a major difference for the better, in the lives of many old people. In order to speed up this process, it is imperative that some sort of a national or international level task force be set up for testing this plant. Generous funding for such research is also the need of the day and perhaps it could be sponsored by pharmaceutical companies who specialize in drugs for the central nervous system.
Such a dynamic approach will definitely go a long way in improving the lives of the elderly and mentally challenged.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Soon, a pill to straighten curly hair
Hair straighteners may soon be history, claim scientists who have discovered a "curly hair gene".
It is hoped the breakthrough could lead to a pill to make hair straighter or curlier, rendering the must-have beauty accessory redundant.
Researchers also believe that the discovery could make it possible to predict whether a baby will have straight or curly hair, reports The Daily Express .
At Australia’s Queensland Institute of Medical Research, researchers identified the trichohyalin gene as mainly responsible for creating curls.
Curly-haired lead researcher Professor Nick Martin said: “Potentially we can now develop new treatments to make hair curlier or straighter. Also, we could predict whether it was more probable that a baby would have curly or straight hair.
“We might be able to refine identikit pictures from DNA samples left at a crime scene to say whether the suspect had straight or curly hair.”
Eat healthy, snack on some pistachios
One of the highest fibre nuts with the lowest calorie and fat content, pistachios or 'skinny nut' as it's often called, has been recommended by the 2009 Dietary Guidelines for a Healthy Living to cut the risk of chronic diseases.
Released by the department of Science and Technology, the Diabetes Foundation of India and National Foundation of Diabetes, Obesity and Cholesterol Disorders, the study said 30 pistachios make a satisfying, delicious, healthy snack for about 100 calories.
According to a statement released Tuesday, these nuts offer important nutrients and can curb appetite while providing satisfaction between meals. Thus, they help maintain ideal weight and health in Indian adults.
Anoop Misra, director of the Diabetes Foundation of India, said: "India is undergoing a rapid shift in diet and lifestyle with a rapid rise of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Proper dietary management remains the cornerstone for the prevention and management of these diseases.
"Based on evidence, if a part of visible and invisible fats from animal foods should be substituted with whole nuts such as pistachios and almonds, it leads to metabolic benefits," he added.
Naini Setalvad, a nutritionist, added: "One of the reasons why pistachio is called the skinny nut is because they are a good source of fibre and protein. You are likely to eat less but feel fuller, longer. A 25 gram serving of pistachios has 2.6 gram of fibre, more than most other snack nuts and more than many pieces of whole fruit."
Naturally sodium free, pistachios contain more than 260 milligram of potassium per 25 gram serving, along with other minerals that help maintain blood pressure, the study said.
ANI23 December 2009, 10:26am IST
Tomatoes can help fight the flab
Move over starving diets and strict exercise regimes- the key to weight loss could simply be eating lots of tomatoes, experts believe.
According to researchers, the fruit leaves the eater feeling satisfied, and thus suppresses the urge to snack, which is one of a slimmer’s main pitfalls, reports The Daily Express .
It is thought tomatoes are rich in compounds that alter levels of appetite hormones, making them an easy way to keep off hunger pangs.
To reach the conclusion, researchers at Reading University fed 17 women sandwiches made with white bread, bread enriched with carrots or with tomatoes. The tomato bread proved the most filling, the researchers found.
Project leader Dr Julie Lovegrove said: “We can’t yet say what the crucial ingredient is, but the results were statistically significant.”
ANI4 November 2009, 10:59am IST
Healthy alternative to aspirin - tomatoes
Scientists are now recommending tomatoes as a healthy alternative to aspirin.
Clinical trials have shown that the natural gel in tomato seeds can prevent clotting and improve blood circulation in the body.
Professor Asim Dutta-Roy from the Rowett Institute in Aberdeen made the discovery.
The colourless, tasteless gel can be added to various foods and consumed.
In fact, it is already being used in one fruit juice product Fruitflow.
EU health officials have also accepted the medicinal value of the gel and permitted the use of such claims on packaged products.
Although, millions of older people presently take small doses of aspirin every day to improve blood flow, the drug can lead to bleeding in the stomach and also trigger off the development of ulcers.
“To date, no side effects have been demonstrated during the development of Fruitflow,” the Telegraph quoted Prof Dutta-Roy, as saying.
Studies show Fruitflow consumption can smoothen the flow of blood within three hours and the effect can last up to 18 hours.
ANI 23 December 2009, 09:48am IST
Early sex doubles cervical cancer risk
Young women who have sex at an early age are more likely to develop cervical cancer, a study of 20,000 women has found.
The finding came after experts at the International Agency for Research on Cancer investigated why poorer women have a higher risk of the disease.
Until now, experts thought that the difference in cases of the disease could be just because poorer women were less likely to go for cervical screening.
But researchers now think the difference is largely because poorer women start having sex an average of four years earlier.
Cervical cancer is largely triggered by the presence of the human papillomavirus (HPV) - which is sexually transmitted.
Study’s lead author, Dr Silvia Franceschi, said the findings were not restricted to adolescence and the risk of cervical cancer was also higher in women who had their first sexual intercourse at 20 rather than 25 years.
"In our study, poorer women had become sexually active on average four years earlier,” the BBC quoted Franceschi as saying.
"So they may have also been infected with HPV earlier, giving the virus more time to produce the long sequence of events that are needed for cancer development,” Franceschi added.
Dr Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at Cancer Research UK, said the study raised some interesting questions.
"Although women can be infected by HPV at any age, infections at a very young age may be especially dangerous as they have more time to cause damage that eventually leads to cancer.
"Importantly, the results back up the need for the HPV vaccination to be given in schools at an age before they start having sex, especially among girls in deprived areas."
The findings are published in the British Journal of Cancer.
ANI 22 December 2009
Foods To Avoid When Losing Weight
Foods To Avoid When Losing Weight for good body weight
There are several kinds of foods to be avoided while losing weight. Losing weight can be quite a feat to achieve. Avoiding certain groups of food is an essential part of this feat. This is taken care of by setting up of and adhering to a particular diet chart either totally devoid of such foods or using the minimum quantity of such food varieties.
Categories of foods to avoid while on weight loss diet
Fatty foods or foods containing too much oil or fat in them are to be the prime category of foods to be avoided while attempting weight loss. The fatty, fried snacks or oily curries fall into this category. Besides, too much carbohydrate intake is also to be avoided since the carbohydrates may finally be converted to fats and stored in your body thereby adding to your body weight.
Grains and sugars have been considered to be the most fattening substances since these are also the most consumed. The carbohydrates in them consumed in excess get their way into finally becoming fats. Many researchers put the entire blame of fattening of people on them. Their consumption should be either totally checked or reduced considerably.
Avoiding consuming a variety of foods to lose weight
It has been discovered that people actually take in more calories when a wide variety of foodstuff is on offer. There may be some delicious food items, which tempt you to eat no matter how much you have already taken. Such tendencies should be curbed by limiting the number of delicacies being served.
Items of food to avoid for losing weight
Junk food and fad items of food emerging with hot pursuit and fan following are a strict no-no for persons on weight loss mission. These are not only lacking in essential nutrients but also high in calories and fat. They are quite often taxing on the digestive system too.
The seemingly cooling and refreshing beverages like sodas and juices, which have tantalizing tastes, are not all that virtuous. They are storehouses of calories. These sugary juices and soda drinks are better avoided.
Break up of food portions and meals to lose weight
You should try to reduce the size of the portions of each food item you take in. You ought to remain cautious about the quantity of food you eat while you are lonely or busy or stressed and therefore absent minded. Avoiding much food at each meal and instead eating more frequently is another way of scheduling your food intake so as to help reduce weight.
Substitutes for foods avoided
In lieu of the foods forsaken for losing weight you may take salads- green and fresh vegetables, pieces of fruit or whole fruit and low sugar whole grain cereals with much fiber and nutrients. The drinks avoided can be substituted by gulping down plain water or sugar free drinks when thirsty. Low fat or fatless milk may also be safely taken.
Weight losing by selectively avoiding food
A food diary may be maintained to keep a record of the food consumed by you and the amount thereof. If possible, the approximate calorie count can also be mentioned. Any reduction in the type and quantity of high calorie food should also be taken down to monitor your efforts at losing weight by avoiding food types. Introduction of healthy foods into your diet instead of fattening food and setting up an exercise routine goes a long way to help you lose weight together with the avoiding of certain food products.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Overcome sleeplessness
- Maintain strict timings on your sleep. Ensure that you go to sleep at the same time everyday. Also get up at the same time. This will help your body and mind to regularize your sleep.
Have a light snack before going to bed. Do not take spicy food or excessive sweets. Help your digestive system by taking light snacks like a few slices of bread or some cereal. This will reduce the pressure on your digestive system which will allow you to sleep peacefully and will not disturb you trying to digest food.
- Avoid nicotine... or atleast ensure that you do not consume any kind of nicotine atleast 5-6 hours before you go to bed.
- Many people have the habit of taking alcohol and assume that this gives better sleep. This is not true and also this could lead to complications. Usually, you will have disturbed sleep after consuming Alcohol. Avoid Alcohol atleast for 5-6 hours befor you go to sleep.
- Try taking milk before going to bed. You can also take some malt beverages which normally helps in having good sleep. Always ensure that you dont go to bed hungry.
- Try to keep your bedroom clean and well ventilated. If you are getting disturbed by any noise around, try to use earplugs to have a peacefull sleep.
- Be active during the day. Dont doze off during the day, as this may be an obstacle to your night sleep.
- Finally, sleep comfortably. Make a good and comfortable bed, stretch your legs and sleep comfortably. Dozing off on the Sofa, chair in uncomfortable positions is not a healthy habit.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
The Best Time to Exercise
Everyone can agree that exercise is a good way to stay physically fit and enjoy a healthy lifestyle. You'll feel better, have more energy and your whole outlook on life will be one hundred percent brighter than someone who fails to find the time to exercise. In short, exercise is a win-win situation that should be a part of your daily routine.
But when exactly is the best time to exercise? Is it first thing in the morning, before you enjoy that first cup of coffee? Or is the best time to exercise right after dinner, so you can work off that extra helping of mashed potatoes that somehow ended up on your plate?
If you are a person who exercises regularly, you may have already found a routine that's just right for you. But on the other hand, if you find your exercise time varies from day to day, and it's wearing you down instead of perking you up, then you need to learn how to listen to your internal clock to determine the best time of the day to schedule your exercise routines.
For example, you might be a person who wakes up very early everyday, and you are perfectly comfortable with beginning your exercise routine that time of the day. If it works for you, and you feel you are getting the most benefits from exercising at that hour, then keep at it. If it's not broke, don't fix it by adding stress.
But say you have to force yourself to get up early to fit in a half hour of jogging or other type of exercise, just because of your work schedule. Maybe you're not having fun with the program you are on, and it's making you miserable. That is something that is broken, and you need to learn how to fix it.
The best time of the day to exercise lies in your circadian rhythms, the daily cycles that our bodies follow. These rhythms regulate everything from body temperature and metabolism to blood pressure. Scientists and physicians have been studying body rhythms to help people determine the best time of the day they are the most productive, the most creative, and will reap the benefits of exercise.
Our bodies have conformed to a twenty-four hour light-to-dark cycle and each of us can determine when we are able to work at a particular task at peak performance. Ever hear someone say "I'm just not a morning person?" That person should not try and squeeze in an exercise program early in the morning.
Scientists have determined that it is the influence of circadian rhythms on body temperature that seems to yield the most control over the quality of a workout. When your body temperature is at it's highest, your workouts will probably be more productive. When your body temperature is lower, chances are your exercise session will be less than ideal. Your body temperature is usually at its lowest point anywhere between one to three hours before you wake up in the morning.
However, by late in the afternoon your body temperature reaches its peak. Medical studies have shown that people who exercise during the time of the day when their body temperature is at its highest produce better performance and more power. Muscles are warm and more flexible, your reaction time is quicker, and you are at your peak strength and less prone to injury.
Try this little experiment to determine your own circadian peak in body temperature. Record your temperature every few hours for 5 consecutive days. You will discover that your body temperature usually fluctuates anywhere up and down 1.5 degrees. You should try to exercise anytime during the period three hours before and after your highest temperature.
Your schedule may not allow you to always exercise at the most optimum time of the day, but remember, a healthy exercise program is a sure way to a happier and healthier lifestyle.
Myths about milk
Myth – Milk causes acne
Fact – The idea that foods cause acne is false. Certain foods such as milk, chocolate, french fries, cola, peanuts and iodine-containing foods such as shellfish, have all been accused of causing acne. Scientific research has not found a link between diet and acne.A number of factors working together, such as genetics, skin type, hormones and pollution are believed to be the cause.
Myth – Milk causes obesity
Fact – Drinking milk does not lead to obesity. No single food causes weight gain. Food can lead to weight gain when eaten in excess of your energy needs. If you consume more energy (calories) than you burn, weight gain will result. Milk products come in a range of fat contents (% MF) to suit any lifestyle. All milk has the same amount of calciumregardless of its fat content.
Myth – Milk contains hormones that are harmful to humans
Fact – Canada does not allow the use of growth hormones to increase milk production in cows. Therefore, no added growth hormones are found in any Canadian milk or milk products. There are also no antibiotic residues in any Canadian milk or milk products.Natural hormones from the cow do pass into the milk - however they have no effect onhumans when consumed and are digested like any other protein. Bovine Growth Hormone (BGH), also known as recombinant Bovine Somatotropin (rBST), is currently used in the United States to increase milk production in cows. rBST is not present in milk that is produced in Canada.
Myth – Milk causes heart disease
Fact – No one food causes heart disease. Eating any foods that are rich in saturated fat can increase risk of heart disease. Foods high in saturated fat include meats, baked products, butter, lard, coconut, palm oils, and high fat dairy products. The best way to reduce your risk of heart disease is to eat a balanced diet that is low in fat, include regular physical activity, and reduce the stress in your life.
Myth – Milk causes allergies
Fact – No one food causes an allergy. Milk allergy is a reaction of the immune system to the protein in milk. True milk allergies are not very common - only about 1% to 3% of children have a cow’s milk allergy and they usually outgrow this by age three. In adults the rate is even lower. The major factor that triggers a food allergy is family history of food allergies. Drinking milk will not cause a milk allergy or allergies of any other kind.
Myth – Milk robs the body of calcium
Fact – A common myth is that high protein foods cause the body to lose calcium. In fact, most food sources of protein such as milk and milk products, meat, fish and beans contain phosphorus, which helps prevent the loss of calcium in urine. Because of the phosphorus and other compounds in milk and milk products, calcium is highly absorbed, with very little negative influence from protein. The overall result is that the body retains more calcium from milk and milk products with minimal calcium loss in the urine.
Myth - Dietitians promote milk because they are all paid by the dairy industry.
Fact - This is simply not true. Registered Dietitians do not receive kickbacks or bonus money from dairy farmers of the dairy industry to promote milk. Registered Dietitians make recommendations based on sound scientific evidence rather than relying on opinions or a "good guess". The science clearly shows that milk products supply many valuable nutrients and can be part of a healthy way of eating.
Myth – Milk is important for kids, but adults do not need to drink it.
Fact – Milk and milk products are important at all ages in order to get the calcium we need. Different amounts are required at different ages. One cup of 1% milk contains 317 mg calcium. Children need to drink about 3 cups of milk per day, and teenagers and adults need to drink 4 cups of milk per day to get enough calcium. That means that for a family of four (2 adults, 2 children), one 4 litre bag of milk will last about one and a half days. If you choose not to drink milk, you still need to consume the same amount of calcium. There are other foods and beverages you can drink to get the calcium you need.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Sore Throat
Do's and Don't for Sore Throat
- Take a balanced diet including green leafy vegetables, fruits, whole grain wheat, cereals, etc.
- Do not have a head bath during sore throat.
- Do not expose yourself to cold water and cold climate for a few days.
- Avoid oily and fried foods as they are extremely aggravating for this condition.
- Do not eat cold or refrigerated food items when there is a throat infection. This will make the sore throat so severe that even swallowing food and breathing might become difficult.
- Avoid foods with a cold propensity such as cucumbers, bananas, watermelons, papayas, etc.
- Do not eat curds and other sour foods.
- Flavor your food with spices such as ginger, black pepper, salt and garlic.
- Gargling is the best remedy for sore throat. Put four teaspoons of salt in a liter of water. Warm the water, but not too much. Gargle with this water for fifteen minutes.
- Add a teaspoon of cumin seeds to boiling water. Put some pieces of garlic in it. Allow this to simmer for a few minutes. When simmered enough, set it aside to get cooled. Drink this in small sips. It helps in getting relief from the sore throat.
- Plain tea leaves boiled in water is also helpful in curing sore throat. Boil tea leaves in water, drain the mixture and drink it in small sips. You may also gargle with it.
- Cinnamon has very good results in the treatment of sore throat, especially the one caused due to cold. Take a glass of lukewarm water and add a teaspoon of black pepper, one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder into it. Drink this mixture in small sips.
- The juice extracted from the bark of mango tree is very useful in treating any kind of throat problem. Gargle with lukewarm water containing juice extracted from the bark of mango tree. Add a teaspoon of its extract in a glass of lukewarm water.
- Ginger is used in various ways to treat sore throat. It is also used in the treatment of cough and cold that causes sore throat. It can be taken in the form of a tea. The juice of ginger is also taken with honey in order to treat sore throats.
- Betel leaves are crushed and applied externally on the throat region. If the sore throat is accompanied by an irritating cough, then the berry of the plant is crushed and is taken with honey.
- Gargle with a hot decoction of the bay berry bark. This is very good herbal remedy for all kinds of throat infections.
- Fenugreek (methi) is very popular home remedy for sore throat. Put some fenugreek seeds in a liter of water and allowed to simmer. This is kept for half an hour on a low flame. Later it is cooled down and then strained. The liquid is used as a gargle for treatment of sore throat.
- Bishop's weed (ajwain) is a beneficial remedy for treating sore throat. Take a teaspoon of bishop weed, a pinch of salt in a glass of lukewarm water and gargle with it. Repeat this twice a day till the throat infection is completely cured.
- Henna leaves are taken in the form of a decoction for gargling. This is effective natural cure for sore throat.
- Liquorice is used effectively in sore throat. The juice of the liquorice herb has soothing powers for the throat. Suck on some pieces of raw licorice and allows the juices to pass slowly through the throat.
- Butea (palaash) leaves are another useful remedy for throat infections. A decoction of the leaves is prepared in water and is taken as a gargle.
- Basil (tulsi) leaves are an effective herbal remedy for curing cough, cold, sore throat, etc. Boil 10-15 basil leaves in a glass of water. Drain the mixture and drink in small sips. Take this drink two to three times a day till the sore throat is not cured completely.
Home Remedies for Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a condition in which a person has irresistible urge to consume alcohol. When a person consumes more alcohol than his body limits is often termed as alcohol abuse. This behavior soon takes a shape of a painful disease that kills both his physical as well as the mental health. If he continues drinking for long, he will not be able to resist alcohol and will become totally addicted to it. This situation is called as alcoholism. Both alcohol abuse and alcoholism are social vices and should be eliminated only by exercising control and being determined.
Causes of Alcoholism
Following are the major alcoholism causes:
- Due to loss in business
- Sudden demise of dear one
- Emotional reasons like heart break or unhappy relations
- Fashion or to maintain society status
- Diseases like depression, schizophrenia or genetic disorder.
Symptoms of Alcoholism
Following are the major alcoholism symptoms:
- Red eyes, unkempt hair, mouth reeking of alcohol and unsteady gait
- In the hour of their urge to drink, if alcohol is not available, they may become very cantankerous
- Weak digestive and respiratory system
- Poor functioning of nerves and pancreas
- Fast heartbeat, rough voice and swelling on face
- Increased tendency of vomiting and might complains about chest pain, inflammation, headache, stomachache, body pain
Do's and Don't for Alcoholism
- Patient suffering from alcoholism should take proper rest
- He should not take any type of stress and keep himself busy in simple but constructive work
- It is advisable for the patient to live only on fruit juice. This may continue for 10-12 days, later his diet should be rich in whole grains, cereals, green vegetables, fruits. All this will lower his carving for alcohol
- Avoid heavy fatty and oily foods
- The patient should get support and love from his family members and friends to give up alcoholism
- Try to replace your alcohols with drinks containing less alcohol like wine and cocktails. Eventually even these can be stopped.
Home Remedies for Alcoholism
- Drink juice of a lemon or orange. They are very useful in alcoholism remedy
- Eating an apple or banana also helps to flush out the toxins from the body which collect due to alcoholism
- When the person feels the urge to consume alcohol, having a glass of carrot juice will also help him to reduce the temptation
- Both grapes and dates are very useful in reducing the urge to consume alcohol
- Soak 5-6 dates in a 1/2 glass water and keep it aside for 2-3 hours. Drink this mixture at least 2-3 times a day for natural remedy of alcoholism
- Add 1/2 glass of celery juice to a glass of water. Patient can take this drink 1-2 times a day. It helps in cleaning off the toxic materials within the stomach, and lowers the carving for alcohol
- Patient should eat 2-3 apples every day. It is an effective home remedy for alcoholism. It will help to minimize the carve for alcohol and clears all the toxic materials stored within the body due to alcohol, purifies blood, make heart and lung strong
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of the extract juice from bitter gourd leaves to a glass of butter milk and give this drink to the patient continuously at least for 25-30 days. This drink will clear the toxic materials stored in the stomach, makes the liver and lungs strong and helps in purifying blood.
Friday, December 11, 2009
How To Stay Feeling Young
This includes age, height, eye and skin color, who your parents
are, past stuff and present stuff that you can’t change.
Don’t worry about what you cannot change.
2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
Who you are attached to will bless you up or mess you up.
Make sure that YOU are a cheerful friend and not a grouch.
3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts,
gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. ‘An idle mind is
the devil’s workshop.’ And the devil’s name is Alzheimer’s.
4. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
5. Enjoy the simple things. Breath is one of the simple things.
6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. Don’t blame
others for your situation. The only person, who is with us our
entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it’s family,
pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is
your refuge.
8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is
unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get
help. Your body is the most important vehicle you will ever own.
9. Don’t take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the
next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every
opportunity.
Feel young and live life to its fullest each day!
10 Tips to healthy eating
Start your day with breakfast.
Breakfast fills your "empty tank" to get you going after a long night without food. And it can help you do better in school. Easy to prepare breakfasts include cold cereal with fruit and low-fat milk, whole-wheat toast with peanut butter, yogurt with fruit, whole-grain waffles or even last night's pizza!
Get Moving!
It's easy to fit physical activities into your daily routine. Walk, bike or jog to see friends. Take a 10-minute activity break every hour while you read, do homework or watch TV. Climb stairs instead of taking an escalator or elevator. Try to do these things for a total of 30 minutes every day.
Snack smart.
Snacks are a great way to refuel. Choose snacks from different food groups - a glass of low-fat milk and a few graham crackers, an apple or celery sticks with peanut butter and raisins, or some dry cereal. If you eat smart at other meals, cookies, chips and candy are OK for occasional snacking.
Work up a sweat.
Vigorous work-outs - when you're breathing hard and sweating - help your heart pump better, give you more energy and help you look and feel best. Start with a warm-up that stretches your muscles. Include 20 minutes of aerobic activity, such as running, jogging, or dancing. Follow-up with activities that help make you stronger such as push-ups or lifting weights. Then cool-down with more stretching and deep breathing.
Balance your food choices - don't eat too much of any one thing.
You don't have to give up foods like hamburgers, french fries and ice cream to eat healthy. You just have to be smart about how often and how much of them you eat. Your body needs nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, fat and many different vitamins and minerals such as vitamins C and A, iron and calcium from a variety of foods. Balancing food choices from the Food Guide Pyramid and checking out the Nutrition Facts Panel on food labels will help you get all these nutrients.
Get fit with friends or family.
Being active is much more fun with friends or family. Encourage others to join you and plan one special physical activity event, like a bike ride or hiking, with a group each week.
Eat more grains, fruits and vegetables.
These foods give you carbohydrates for energy, plus vitamins, minerals and fiber. Besides, they taste good! Try breads such as whole-wheat, bagels and pita. Spaghetti and oatmeal are also in the grain group.
Bananas, strawberries and melons are some great tasting fruits. Try vegetables raw, on a sandwich or salad.
Join in physical activities at school.
Whether you take a physical education class or do other physical activities at school, such as intramural sports, structures activities are a sure way to feel good, look good and stay physically fit.
Foods aren't good or bad.
A healthy eating style is like a puzzle with many parts. Each part -- or food -- is different. Some foods may have more fat, sugar or salt while others may have more vitamins or fiber. There is a place for all these foods. What makes a diet good or bad is how foods fit together. Balancing your choices is important. Fit in a higher-fat food, like pepperoni pizza, at dinner by choosing lower-fat foods at other meals. And don't forget about moderation. If two pieces of pizza fill you up, you don't need a third.
Make healthy eating and physical activities fun!
Take advantage of physical activities you and your friends enjoy doing together and eat the foods you like. Be adventurous - try new sports, games and other activities as well as new foods. You'll grow stronger, play longer, and look and feel better! Set realistic goals - don't try changing too much at once.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Overactive bladder
What is an overactive bladder?
An overactive bladder is a condition that results from sudden, involuntary contraction of the muscle in the wall of the urinary bladder. Overactive bladder causes a sudden and unstoppable need to urinate (urinary urgency). Overactive bladder is also referred to as urge incontinence and is a form of urinary incontinence (unintentional loss of urine).
Overactive bladder is especially common in older adults. Overactive bladder affects an estimated one in 11 adults in the United States. Overactive bladder, however, should not be considered a normal part of aging.
What are symptoms of an overactive bladder?
The symptoms of an overactive bladder include frequent urination, urgency of urination, and urge incontinence. Overactive bladder may cause significant social, psychological, occupational, domestic, physical, and sexual problems. Again, these symptoms should not be considered a normal part of aging.
What are treatments for an overactive bladder?
The treatment for overactive bladder depends on the capabilities of the patient. Here are commonly recommended treatments:
Pelvic muscle rehabilitation to improve pelvic muscle tone and prevent leakage
Kegel exercises: Regular, daily exercising of pelvic muscles can improve, and even prevent, urinary incontinence. This is particularly helpful for younger women. These exercises should be performed 30-80 times daily for at least eight weeks.
Biofeedback: Used in conjunction with Kegel exercises, biofeedback helps people gain awareness and control of their pelvic muscles.
Vaginal weight training: Small weights are held within the vagina by tightening the vaginal muscles. These exercises should be performed for 15 minutes, twice daily, for four to six weeks.
Pelvic-floor electrical stimulation: Mild electrical pulses stimulate muscle contractions. This should be done in conjunction with Kegel exercises.
Behavioral therapies to help people regain control of their bladder
Bladder training teaches people to resist the urge to void and gradually expand the intervals between voiding.
Toileting assistance uses routine or scheduled toileting, habit-training schedules, and prompted voiding to empty the bladder regularly to prevent leaking.
What are treatments for the chronically incontinent?
Although many people will improve their continence through medications, pelvic-muscle exercises, and bladder training, some will never achieve complete dryness. Sometimes treatment failures are due to concurrent use of necessary medications, such as diuretics (water pills that increase urination), that actually can cause incontinence. Others may have dementia or other physical impairments that keep them from being able to perform pelvic-muscle exercises or retrain their bladders. Many will be cared for in long-term care facilities or at home. The following recommendations can help keep the chronically incontinent drier and reduce their cost of care:
Scheduled toileting: Take people to the toilet every two to four hours or according to their toilet habits.
Prompted voiding: Check for dryness and encourage use of the toilet.
Improved access to toilets: Use equipment such as canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and devices that raise the seating level of toilets to make toileting easier.
Managing fluids and diet: Eliminate dietary caffeine (for those with urge incontinence) and encourage adequate fiber in the diet.
Disposable absorbent garments: Use these to keep people dry.
9 Food Tips to Lower Cholesterol
A low-cholesteroldiet is one of the surest ways to improve heart health. In fact, studies show you can slash your bad cholesterol by as much as 10% to 20% by giving your diet a makeover. The secret? Follow a diet rich in healthy fats like vegetable oils and fish. And avoid foods high in saturated fats and trans fats. How do you know which foods keep your cholesterol low? Here are nine tips to help you get started.
Look over the TLC diet and make a shopping list of your favorite cholesterol-lowering foods.
___Stock your pantry and your refrigerator with the right foods for a low-cholesterol diet. Buy your favorite canned or dry beans, fresh fruits, whole grains, vegetables, and vegetable juice.
___For a low-cholesterol diet, toss the butter, trans fat margarines, and polyunsaturated oil. Replace them with canola oil, olive oil, or plant sterol spreads.
___Look for products specifically created for low-cholesterol diets, like Minute Maid HeartWise orange juice and Benecol, Promise, Smart Balance, and Take Control margarines. These foods have been fortified with plant stanols and sterols that help to block the absorption of cholesterol.
___Start your day with oatmeal. Experts agree this is one of the top cholesterol-lowering superfoods.
___Try a cholesterol-free egg substitute instead of whole eggs.
___For a tasty low-cholesterol dish, switch out the cream sauce on your fettuccine for lightly stir-fried vegetables.
___Instead of using butter to keep your pan moist while cooking, use white wine vinegar. It doesn't change the flavor of foods and doesn't add fat -- a key to low-cholesterol cooking!
___Don't lean on butter, sour cream, and other fatty additives for flavoring. Instead, reach for the spices -- either while cooking or at the table. Liven up your dishes with oregano, basil, parsley, rosemary, thyme, cilantro, coriander, or cumin.
Yoga Benefits
Yoga Benefits
The most important benefit of yoga is physical and mental therapy. The aging process, which is largely an artificial condition, caused mainly by autointoxication or self-poisoning, can be slowed down by practicing yoga. By keeping the body clean, flexible and well lubricated, we can significantly reduce the catabolic process of cell deterioration. To get the maximum benefits of yoga one has to combine the practices of yogasanas, pranayama and meditation.
Regular practice of asanas, pranayama and meditation can help such diverse ailments such as diabetes, blood pressure, digestive disorders, arthritis, arteriosclerosis, chronic fatigue, asthma, varicose veins and heart conditions. Laboratory tests have proved the yogi`s increased abilities of consciously controlling autonomic or involuntary functions, such as temperature, heartbeat and blood pressure. Research into the effects of yogic practices on HIV is currently underway with promising results.
According to medical scientists, yoga therapy is successful because of the balance created in the nervous and endocrine systems which directly influences all the other systems and organs of the body. Yoga acts both as a curative and preventive therapy. The very essence of yoga lies in attaining mental peace, improved concentration powers, a relaxed state of living and harmony in relationships.
Through the practice of yoga, we become aware of the interconnectedness between our emotional, mental and physical levels. Gradually this awareness leads to an understanding of the more subtle areas of existence. The ultimate goal of yoga is to make it possible for you to be able to fuse together the gross material (annamaya), physical (pranamaya), mental (manomaya), intellectual (vijnanamaya) and spiritual (anandamaya) levels within your being.
Physiological Benefits
Physicians and scientists are discovering brand new health benefits of yoga everyday. Studies show it can relieve the symptoms of several common and potentially life-threatening illnesses such as arthritis, arteriosclerosis, chronic fatigue, diabetes, AIDS, asthma and obesity.
Asthma
Studies conducted at yoga institutions in India have reported impressive success in improving asthma. It has also been proved that asthma attacks can usually be prevented by yoga methods without resorting to drugs.
Physicians have found that the addition of improved concentration abilities and yogic meditation together with the practice of simple postures and pranayama makes treatment more effective. Yoga practice also results in greater reduction in anxiety scores than drug therapy. Doctors believe that yoga practice helps patients by enabling them to gain access to their own internal experience and increased self-awareness.
Respiration Problems
Patients who practice yoga have a better chance of gaining the ability to control their breathing problems. With the help of yogic breathing exercises, it is possible to control an attack of severe shortness of breath without having to seek medical help. Various studies have confirmed the beneficial effects of yoga for patients with respiratory problems.
High Blood Pressure
The relaxation and exercise components of yoga have a major role to play in the treatment and prevention of high blood pressure (hypertension). A combination of biofeedback and yogic breathing and relaxation techniques has been found to lower blood pressure and reduce the need for high blood pressure medication in people suffering from it.
Pain Management
Yoga is believed to reduce pain by helping the brain`s pain center regulate the gate-controlling mechanism located in the spinal cord and the secretion of natural painkillers in the body. Breathing exercises used in yoga can also reduce pain. Because muscles tend to relax when you exhale, lengthening the time of exhalation can help produce relaxation and reduce tension. Awareness of breathing helps to achieve calmer, slower respiration and aid in relaxation and pain management.
Yoga`s inclusion of relaxation techniques and meditation can also help reduce pain. Part of the effectiveness of yoga in reducing pain is due to its focus on self-awareness. This self-awareness can have a protective effect and allow for early preventive action.
Back Pain
Back pain is the most common reason to seek medical attention. Yoga has consistently been used to cure and prevent back pain by enhancing strength and flexibility. Both acute and long-term stress can lead to muscle tension and exacerbate back problems.
Arthritis
Yoga`s gentle exercises designed to provide relief to needed joints had been Yoga`s slow-motion movements and gentle pressures reach deep into troubled joints. In addition, the easy stretches in conjunction with deep breathing exercises relieve the tension that binds up the muscles and further tightens the joints. Yoga is exercise and relaxation rolled into one - the perfect anti-arthritis formula.
Weight Reduction
Regular yoga practice can help in weight management. Firstly, some of the asanas stimulate sluggish glands to increase their hormonal secretions. The thyroid gland, especially, has a big effect on our weight because it affects body metabolism. There are several asanas, such as the shoulder stand and the fish posture, which are specific for the thyroid gland. Fat metabolism is also increased, so fat is converted to muscle and energy. This means that, as well as losing fat, you will have better muscle tone and a higher vitality level.
Yogic practices that reduce anxiety tend to reduce anxious eating. In addition, yoga deep breathing increases the oxygen intake to the body cells, including the fat cells. This causes increased oxidation or burning up of fat cells. Yogic exercises induce more continuous and deeper breathing which gradually burns, sometimes forcefully, many of the calories already ingested.
Psychological Benefits
Regular yoga practice creates mental clarity and calmness, increases body awareness, relieves chronic stress patterns, relaxes the mind, centers attention and sharpens concentration.
Self-Awareness
Yoga strives to increase self-awareness on both a physical and psychological level. Patients who study yoga learn to induce relaxation and then to use the technique whenever pain appears. Practicing yoga can provide chronic pain sufferers with useful tools to actively cope with their pain and help counter feelings of helplessness and depression.
Mental Performance
A common technique used in yoga is breathing through one nostril at a time. Electroencephalogram (EEG) studies of the electrical impulses of the brain have shown that breathing through one nostril results in increased activity on the opposite side of the brain. Some experts suggest that the regular practice of breathing through one nostril may help improve communication between the right and left side of the brain. Studies have also shown that this increased brain activity is associated with better performance and doctors even suggest that yoga can enhance cognitive performance.
Mood Change And Vitality
Mental health and physical energy are difficult to quantify, but virtually everyone who participates in yoga over a period of time reports a positive effect on outlook and energy level. Yogic stretching and breathing exercises have been seen to result in an invigorating effect on both mental and physical energy and improved mood.
Spiritual Benefits
When you achieve the yogic spirit, you can begin knowing yourself at peace. The value of discovering one`s self and of enjoying one`s self as is, begins a journey into being rather than doing. Life can then be lived practicing "yoga off the mat".
Pride
Pride, and especially anxiety about pride, is something which Hatha Yoga seeks to diminish or eliminate. To one who has been dejected because he cannot do his work properly when he becomes tired, irritable, or haggard, any degree of refreshment may be accompanied by additional degrees of self-respect. Furthermore, one who has benefited from yoga may be moved to help his friends who are obviously in need, he may instruct others and be rewarded with appreciation due a to teacher.
But if one succeeds in achieving skill which provides health and self-confidence, one may justly raise his self-esteem simply by observing himself living the improved results as an achieved fact.
Knowledge
Yogic theory and practice lead to increased self-knowledge. This knowledge is not merely that of the practical kind relating to techniques, but especially of a spiritual sort pertaining to grasping something about the nature of the self at rest.
Knowing the self at rest, at peace, as a being rather than merely as an agent or doer, is a genuine kind of knowledge which usually gets lost in the rush of activities and push of desires. The value of discovering one`s self and of enjoying one`s self as it is, rather than as it is going to be, is indeed a value as well as a kind of knowledge.
Make Your Own Homemade Face Mask
You can use basic ingredients found around the house to make your own simple, hydrating masks. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, mud or clay-based masks are great for balancing out your skin. Dry skin will benefit from hydrating masks made from glycerin, honey and oils. Ginseng or green tea masks are great for soothing sensitive skin.
Masks (homemade or otherwise) should stay on for 10-15 minutes, should follow with a cleansing and a thin layer of moisturizer.
Egg Whites and Yogurt Mask
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Ingredients:
2 egg whites, separated from the yolk and placed in a bowl
2 tablespoons of plain yogurt (I like Greek yogurt)
Preparation:
Separate the egg whites from a couple eggs and place them in a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of yogurt (do not use flavored yogurt!). Mix them up and apply to face. Leave on face for a few minutes then rinse face in warm water, followed by a warm washcloth.
Yogurt Face Mask for All Skin Types
Prep Time: 2 hours
Ingredients:
1 tbsp natural yogurt, room temperature (not lowfat or non-fat)
1 tsp runny honey (microwave for a few minutes to soften hardened honey)
Preparation:
Combine mixture, then apply to face.
Let sit for 15 minutes.
Wash face with steaming washcloth.
For dry skin, use an extra tsp of honey.
Oily skin? Add a few drops of fresh lime juice.
HOME FACIALS
NO TIME TO GO TO THE SALON?
DO YOUR OWN FACIALS, IT IS JUST AS EFFECTIVE!!!!
Facials are usually done in the salon but you can do this equally well at home.
If you are keen on doing it yourself, here are step by step instructions. Try it once a month for deeper cleansing and to see improvements in your skin tone. It will make a difference to your complexion.
There are essentially 6 steps. Before beginning, remove your make-up.
CLEANSE
Use a non-lathering cleanser.
Apply the cleansing cream over your face.
Massage in circular movements over the face and neck.
Leave it on for a few minutes to dissolve dirt, grime, stale make-up and oils.
Gently wipe off with cotton pads. Do not drag the sensitive skin around the eyes.
Rinse off with lukewarm water.
STEAM
Steaming hydrates and softens the skin. It will help to soften the plugs that cause whiteheads and blackheads.
After steaming, the whiteheads and blackheads can be more easily removed with a mask.
Use the following steps to do steaming at home.
Drape a towel over your head.
Fill a sink or wash basin with hot boiling water.
Lean over the top of the basin (about 20 cm away) to capture the steam.
Do this for 5 - 10 minutes.
Pat the face dry with a clean tissue or soft towel.
Cover your fingers with tissue paper before removing any blackheads, gently.
Do you have broken veins or sensitive skin? Skip this step.
Electric facial steamers can also be used.
EXFOLIATE
Scrubs contain abrasives in a cream or detergent base. They will scrub away accumulated dead cells that make the skin appear dull and lusterless. This will leave your face softer and smoother.
Facial scrubs for acne or oily skins are usually formulated in a detergent base.
Those for dry skin are formulated in a creamy base with some added oils.
Use warm water to make your face damp.
Massage the face gently with a blob of scrub using your fingertips. Do this in circular motions for about 1 – 2 minutes. Avoid the eye area where the skin is delicate.
Rinse with warm water.
Skip this step if you have broken veins.
FACIAL MASK
Do you have oily skin? Choose a clay-based mask.
Do you have a normal or dry skin? Choose a moisturizing one.
Smooth on a facial mask.
Leave the mask on for about 15 – 30 minutes. Check the instructions specified on the product. You should follow the length of time as given.
Lie down after applying the mask and relax. You can apply cool eye pads if you like.
Use warm water to rinse away the mask.
To finish, splash some cool water. This will help to close the skin’s pores and refresh the face.
Use a soft towel to pat the skin dry.
TONE
Do you have dry skin? Choose a mild alcohol-free toner.
Pour some facial toner onto a cotton pad.
Smooth over the skin. Pay attention to oily areas, in particular the T-zone on the forehead, chin and nose.
MOISTURIZE
Dot some moisturizers on your skin.
Smooth it over the skin.
Massage slowly with circular movements your skin. This will boost blood circulation resulting in a brighter complexion and reducing puffiness.
Apply a small amount of eye cream around the eyes.
Gently pat it in with your ring finger. The tapping action helps relieve puffy eyelids and also stimulates the acupressure points around the eyes.
Monday, December 7, 2009
sex is good for your health
1. Our mental and emotional health balance is clearly influenced by sex. Abstinence is known to cause from anxiety to paranoia and depression… In fact, in case of light depressions, after having sex the brain releases endorphins, that decrease stress, inducing a state of euphoria.
2. Sex can be a beauty treatment. While having sex, a woman’s body doubles the estrogen level, and this makes her hair shine and the skin becomes softer.
3. A 10-year research carried on 1,000 middle-aged men at Queens University in Belfast, Ireland, showed that sex on a regular basis increases the humans’ lifespan. For the same age and health, those who had orgasms more frequently had half the death rate of men who did not have such frequent orgasms. This could be due to the plummeting stress hormones, reaction that installs after we have sex.
3. Sweating while having sex cleanse the skin pores, making the skin brighter and decreasing the risk of developing dermatitis.
4. Sex can make us lose weight. You burn all that fat and carbohydrates from the romantic dinner. Quickies of 20 minutes weekly mean 7 500 calories annually, that’s as much as you consume on 120 km (745 mi) of jogging. A sex session can burn about 200 calories. This is like running 15 minutes on a treadmill!
5. Sex strengthen our muscles. You can imagine the effort made by your muscles through those pushes and flexions. It depends on your stunts in bed, of course. And it’s clearly a lot more fun than running for miles.
6. The more active your sex life is, the more attractive for the opposite sex you are. High sexual activity makes the body release more pheromones, chemicals that attract the opposite sex.
7. Sex sharpens our senses, at least the smell. Following the orgasm, a rise of the hormone prolactin makes the brain’s stem cells form new neurons in the olfactory bulb, boosting a person’s olfactory abilities.
8. Sex is also a pain reliever, ten times more effective than Valium: immediately before orgasm, levels of the hormone oxytocin rise by five times, determining a huge release of endorphins. These chemicals calm pain, from a minor headache to arthritis or migraines, and with no secondary effects. Migraines also disappear because the pressure in the brain’s blood vessels is lowered while we have sex. So now we see that actually, a woman’s headache is rather a good reason for having sex, not against it.
9. Kissing your partner daily means less visits to dentist. Kissing stimulates salivation, which cleanses food left between the teeth and lowers the acidity in the mouth, the main cause of the tooth decay.
10. A good sex session can be a good remedy against stiff nose, being a natural antihistaminic that helps combating asthma and high fever.
11. Having sex regularly drops the cholesterol level, balancing the ratio good cholesterol: bad cholesterol.
12. The hormones released while we have sex helps both men and women; estrogen protects a woman’s heart but on the long term, it can be efficient also against Alzheimer’s disease and osteoporosis while testosterone strengthens the bones and muscles.
13. Sex is not beneficial not only for the heart, but also for the blood circulation, especially in the brain, because of the increased heart rate and deep breathing.
14. The sexual activity lowers the risk of getting colds and the flu. 1-2 intercourses weekly means 30 % higher levels of the antibody immunoglobulin A, that spurs the immune system.
15. Sex leads to a better control of the bladder, by strengthening the pelvis muscles controlling the flow of urine.
16. After orgasm, especially in the evening, we become sleepy. This is the effect of some good sex: it increases sleep quality. Following an orgasm, the body of both males or females becomes completely relaxed, so they may have a good deep sleep.
17. Sex fights cancer! Various researches have shown that a high ejaculation frequency and sexual activity are linked to a lower risk of prostate cancer later in life. A study found out that men who ejaculated 13 to 20 times monthly presented a 14% lower risk of prostate cancer than men who ejaculated on average, between 4 and 7 times monthly for most of their adult life. Those ejaculating over 21 times a month presented a 33% decreased risk of developing prostate cancer than the baseline group.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Cervical Cancer
Cancer that forms in tissues of the cervix (the organ connecting the uterus and vagina). It is usually a slow-growing cancer that may not have symptoms but can be found with regular Pap tests (a procedure in which cells are scraped from the cervix and looked at under a microscope). Cervical cancer is almost always caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
Estimated new cases and deaths from cervical (uterine cervix) cancer in the United States in 2009:
New cases: 11,270
Deaths: 4,070
Treatment
Information about treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and vaccine therapy.
India’s first vaccine for cervical cancer launched
Kolkata, October 20th, 2008 - 7:21 pm ICT by IANS
MSD Pharmaceuticals India, part of US pharma giant Merck & Co, Monday launched India’s first vaccine to help prevent cervical cancer.”Cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women in India, well ahead of breast cancer,” said Anjana Narain, MSD’s director vaccine, during the launch here.
The vaccine, Gardasil, was launched in the US in 2006.
In India, each dose of the vaccine will cost Rs.2,800, and one needs to take three doses.
Narain said low awareness of this type of cancer is the sole cause behind high mortality rate among women.
“Every year, there are 132,000 new cases of cervical cancer in India and 74,000 women die every year because of it,” she said.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Protect Your Skin in Winter
Apply liberal amounts of sunscreen when you spend time outside. Snow and ice reflect UV rays back to your skin, increasing the amount of exposure you receive to these harmful rays. This is not the time to put away your sunscreen.
Use a deep penetrating moisturizer on your face. These products are formulated to help moisture work its way into the layers of skin on your face, protecting you from the drying affects of winter wind and central heating.
Stash a lip balm in your pocket, in your purse, in your desk and in your car's glove box. This essential product will prevent and heal chapped lips.
Turn on your humidifier. Cold winter air and central heating pull all the moisture out of the air and out of your skin. Use your humidifier to counteract the biggest cause of dry winter skin.
Store your favorite hand lotion beside both the kitchen and bathroom sinks and beside the bathtub. Apply hand lotion immediately after washing and drying your hands. Slather your body with lotion within 3 minutes of getting out of the tub or shower.
Start at the top.
After coming in from the cold, nothing knocks off the chill like a steaming shower or a hot bath. Just remember that the hot water and shampoo that you use can strip your scalp of its natural moisture, leaving it dry and itchy. As a remedy, skip the shampoo and try just conditioning your hair once a week. If your scalp still itches, try rinsing your hair with cool water to soothe your skin.
Revitalize your lips.
Winter brings with it the losing battle of keeping your lips moist. Resist the temptation to lick your lips. As your saliva evaporates, it robs your lips of their natural moisture as well. Apply a lip balm instead. Look for products that contain glycerin or lanolin along with a sunscreen. Flavored versions may smell good and they usually taste good as well. Be careful that your lip balm doesn’t cause you to lick your lips more and be wary of cinnamon flavors as the cinnamon oil can irritate or burn tender winter lips.
Pamper yourself.
Your moisturizer can only help you as much as you help yourself. If you apply it over dead scaly skin, it’s not going to do you much good. To give your moisturizer the best possible surface, use a sugar scrub every two days to help exfoliate your skin and gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel afterwards (indulge and buy new bath towels for the winter). Then apply a glycerin moisturizer. Also be sure to use a new razor blade every three shaves. A dull blade can cause irritation.
Pay attention to your hands.
No part of your body bears as much of the brunt of winter weather as your hands. They are the one part of our body that is exposed the most to the elements – and the one that suffers the most. Look for hydrating soaps and be wary of antibacterial varieties as the active ingredient (triclosan) can irritate already dry chapped hands. Remove any jewelry as well so that water and excess soap do not get trapped against your skin. And don’t for get to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.
Don’t forget your feet.
They spend most of the winter hidden from view, but be sure to take care of them. Pay special attention to your heels where the skin is thickest – and most prone to taking on that attractive sandpaper-like texture. Use your pumice judiciously and look for creams that contain urea to help moisturize and exfoliate.
Winter will soon be over and your skin will see the light of day again, be sure to keep it healthy so it looks its best when those warm days of spring entice you to show it off.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
21 REASONS for being VEGETERIAN
Avoiding meat is one of the best and simplest ways to cut down your fat consumption. Modern farm animals are deliberately fattened up to increase profits. Eating fatty meat increases your chances of having a heart attack or developing cancer.
Every minute of every working day, thousands of animals are killed in slaughter-houses. Pain and misery are common. In the US alone, 500,000 animals are killed for meat every hour.
There are millions of cases of food poisoning recorded every year. The vast majority are caused by eating meat.
Meat contains absolutely nothing - no proteins, vitamins or minerals - that the human body cannot obtain perfectly happily from a vegetarian diet.
African countries - where millions are starving to death - export grain to the developed world so that animals can be fattened for our dining tables.
'Meat' can include the tail, head, feet, rectum and spinal cord of an animal.
A sausage can contain ground up intestines. How can anyone be sure that the intestines are empty when they are ground up? Do you really want to eat the content of a pig's intestines?
If we eat the plants we grow instead of feeding them to animals, the world's food shortage will disappear virtually overnight. Remember that 100 acres of land will produce enough beef for 20 people but enough wheat to feed 240 people.
Every day, tens of millions of one-day-old male chicks are killed because they will not be able to lay eggs. There are no rules about how this mass slaughter takes place. Some are crushed or suffocated to death. Many are used for fertiliser or fed to other animals.
Animals who die for your dinner table die alone, in terror, in sadness and in pain. The killing is merciless and inhumane.
It's must easier to become (and stay) slim if you are a vegetarian. (By 'slim', I do not mean 'abnormally slender' or 'underweight' but rather, an absense of excess weight!)
Half the rainforests in the world have been destroyed to clear ground to graze cattle to make beefburgers. The burning of the forests contributes 20% of all green-house gases. Roughtly 1,000 species a year become extinct because of the destruction of the rainforests. Approximately 60 million people a year die of starvation. All those lives could be saved because those people could eat grain used to fatten cattle and other farm animals - if Americans ate 10% less meat.
The world's fresh water shortage is being made worse by animal farming. And meat producers are the biggest polluters of water. It takes 2,500 gallons of water to produce one pound of meat. If the US meat industry wasn't supported by the taxpayer paying a large proportion of its water costs, then hamburger meat would cost $35 a pound.
If you eat meat, you are consuming hormones that were fed to the animals. No one knows what effect those hormones will have on your health. In some parts of the world, as many as one on four hamburgers contain growth hormones that were originally given to cattle.
The following diseases are commoner among meat eaters: anaemia, appendicitis, arthritis, breast cancer, cancer of the colon, cancer of the prostrate, constipation, diabetes, gallstones, gout, high blood pressure, indigestion, obesity, piles, strokes and varicose veins. Lifelong vegetarians visit hospital 22% less often than meat eaters and for shorter stays. Vegetarians have a 20% lower blood cholestrol level than meat eaters and this reduces heart attack and cancer risks considerably.
Some farmers use tranquillisers to keep animals calm. Other routinely use antibiotics to starve off infection. When you eat meat you are eating those drugs. In America, 55% of all antibiotics are fed to animals and the percentage of staphylococci infections resistant to penicillin went up from 14% in 1960 to 91% in 1988.
In a lifetime, the average meat eater will consumer 36 pigs, 36 sheep and 750 chickens and turkeys. Do you want that much carnage on your conscience?
Animals suffer from pain and fear just as much as you do. How would you like to spend your last hours locked in a truck, packed into a cage with hundreds of other terrified animal and then cruelly pushed into a blood soaked death chamber. Anyone who eats meat condones and supports the way animals are treated.
Animals which are a year old are often far more rational - and capable of logical thought - than six week old babies. Pigs and sheep are far more intelligent than small children. Eating dead animals is barbaric.
Vegetarians are fitter than meat eaters. many of the world's most successful athletes are vegetarian.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
AIDS
World AIDS Day
Started on 1st December 1988, World AIDS Day is about raising money, increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. The World AIDS Day theme for 2009 is 'Universal Access and Human Rights'. World AIDS Day is important in reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done.
According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 33.4 million people living with HIV, including 2.1 million children. During 2008 some 2.7 million people became newly infected with the virus and an estimated 2 million people died from AIDS.1 Around half of all people who become infected with HIV do so before they are 25 and are killed by AIDS before they are 35.2
The vast majority of people with HIV and AIDS live in lower- and middle-income countries. But HIV today is a threat to men, women and children on all continents around the world.
Definition of AIDS and HIV Infection
AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. AIDS is a serious condition that weakens the body's immune system, leaving it unable to fight off illness.
AIDS is the last stage in a progression of diseases resulting from a viral infection known as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV or AIDS virus). The diseases include a number of unusual and severe infections, cancers and debilitating illnesses, resulting in severe weight loss or wasting away, and diseases affecting the brain and central nervous system.
There is no cure for HIV infection or AIDS nor is there a vaccine to prevent HIV infection. However, new medications not only can slow the progression of the infection, but can also markedly suppress the virus, thereby restoring the body’s immune function and permitting many HIV-infected individuals to lead a normal, disease-free life.
Causes and Risk Factors of AIDS and HIV Infection
AIDS is transmitted via three main routes:
The most common mode of transmission is the transfer of body secretions through sexual contact. This is accomplished through exposure of mucous membranes of the rectum, vagina or mouth to blood, semen or vaginal secretions containing the HIV virus.
Blood or blood products can transmit the virus, most often through the sharing of contaminated syringes and needles.
HIV can be spread during pregnancy from mother to fetus.
You cannot get AIDS/HIV from touching someone or sharing items, such as cups or pencils, or through coughing and sneezing. Additionally, HIV is not spread through routine contact in restaurants, the workplace or school. However, sharing a razor does pose a small risk in that blood from a minor nick can be transmitted from one person to another.
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