AJU GLOBAL LIMITED.

WHY ANKLES AND FEET SWELL UP DURING PREGNANCY

2013-05-17T23:29:00.000-07:00

Why are my ankles and feet so swollen?

What you're experiencing is edema – that's when excess fluid collects in your tissue. It's normal to have a certain amount of swelling during pregnancy because you're retaining more water. Changes in your blood chemistry also cause some fluid to shift into your tissue.

In addition, your growing uterus puts pressure on your pelvic veins and your vena cava (the large vein on the right side of the body that carries blood from your lower limbs back to the heart). The pressure slows the return of blood from your legs, causing it to pool, which forces fluid from your veins into the tissues of your feet and ankles.

For this reason, edema is most likely to trouble you during the third trimester. It may be particularly severe for women with excessive amniotic fluid or those carrying multiples. Edema also tends to be worse at the end of the day and during the summer.

After you deliver your baby, the swelling will disappear fairly rapidly as your body eliminates the excess fluid. You may find yourself urinating frequently and sweating a lot in the first days after childbirth..
When should I be concerned about swelling?

A certain amount of edema is normal in the ankles and feet during pregnancy. You may also have some mild swelling in your hands.

Call your midwife or doctor if you notice swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes, more than slight swelling of your hands, or excessive or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles. This could be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious condition.

Also call your caregiver promptly if you notice that one leg is significantly more swollen than the other, especially if you have any pain or tenderness in your calf or thigh. This could signal a blood clot, another serious condition.

AJU GETS REAL SHOW ON REAL STARS ON STARTIMES TELEVISION

2013-05-14T14:18:00.000-07:00

AJU GETS REAL SHOW
The concept of television is to visibly entertain, to create an atmosphere of viewing pleasure for the viewer through a medium that is appealing, informative and cohesively entertaining. However, television in recent times has become rather too fictional even in the concept of reality for it to be functional.
Mary-Jane AJU Elumelu-James, international artist simply known as AJU has since her arrival in Nigeria, put her music career on hold to pursue other lucrative ventures.. This workaholic lady who is highly versatile has now delved into television where she truly plans to make a difference in the lives of many youths. Her show ‘AJU Gets Real will feature on Real Stars on Star time television.

AJU

AJU GETS REAL is a functional program that puts a woman’s personal experience into the framework of television. The show’s basic intent is to bring to fore all aspects of Nigerian life into a true television contents programming that share and participate in the lives of every Nigerian involved, either on the streets, in the club, working a blue collar job or sweating it out in the brisk sunlight, AJU GETS REAL offers the television audience a chance to experience and embrace the fun, the joy, the pains and gains of everyday Nigerians in first hand practical manner.
In other words, we may say television has become personal again with AJU GETS REAL. Not restrictive in any way, AJU GETS REAL breaks the bonds of restrictive television programming with its focus based on shared societal experiences projected to entertain, educate and inform.
Welcome to AJU GETS REAL.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: READ AND BE EDUCATED ON THIS

2013-05-13T21:57:00.002-07:00

Multiple sclerosis, also known as MS, is a chronic disease that attacks the central nervous system, i.e. the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. In severe cases the patient becomes paralyzed and/or blind, while in milder cases there may be numbness in the limbs.
Over 350,000 people have MS in the USA. The Cleveland Clinic says that MS-related health care costs are thought to be over $10 billion per year in the United States.
According to the National Health Service, UK, approximately 100,000 people live with multiple sclerosis in Great Britain. Symptoms usually appear initially between 15 and 45 years of age. Women are twice as likely to get MS than men.
With MS the central nervous system (CNS) is attacked by the person's own immune system. That is why MS is known as an auto-immune disease.
Nerve fibers are surrounded by myelin, which protects them. Myelin also helps conduct electrical signals (impulses) - i.e. myelin facilitates a good flow of electricity along the nervous system from the brain. Myelin regulates a key protein involved in sending long-distant signals.
The myelin of a patient with MS disappears in multiple areas. This leaves a scar (sclerosis). Multiple Sclerosis means "Scar Tissue in Multiple Areas". The areas where there is either not enough or no myelin are called plaques or lesions. As the lesions get worse the nerve fiber can break or become damaged.
When a nerve fiber has less myelin the electrical impulses received from the braSYin do not flow smoothly to the target nerve - when there is no myelin the nerve fibers cannot conduct the electrical impulses at all. The electrical impulses are instructions from the brain to carry out actions, such as to move a muscle. With MS, you cannot get your body to do what your brain wants it to do.

Symptom Of Multiple Sclerosis:

Dizziness/vertigo
constipation
sexual dysfunction
spasticity/muscle spasm
tremor
vision problem
gait
environment
genetics

BRAIN LIQUID LEAKING THROUGH THE NOSE

2013-05-08T00:35:00.004-07:00

A man's runny nose was found to in fact be leaking brain fluid, in a shocking story coming out of Arizona this week.
For many years, Joe Nagy, from Arizona, thought he had a constant runny nose because of a bad case of allergies. However, after finally getting it checked out, he realized that his condition was actually far worse than he originally thought, according to Fox 10.
The condition first started years ago when he sat up in bed.
"Brooop! This clear liquid dribbled out of my nose like tears out of your eyes. I go what is this?" he told Fox 10.
Nagy said the condition got worse over time and he needed to use tissues all the time as his nose was constantly running.
He also described embarrassing moments when the fluid dripped out so fast that he couldn't get to a tissue on time.

After finally going to a specialist, who tested the fluid from his nose, he found out that it was in fact brain fluid leaking out of his nose.
He described the harrowing moment he found out: "I was scared to death if you want to know the truth."
The brain fluid started to leak after a hole appeared in the membrane surrounding Nagy's brain.
"You don't really think about it, but our brains are really just above our noses all of the time," said Dr. Peter Nakaji, a neurosurgeon at Barrow Neurological Institute.
Even worse for the man, just before the scheduled surgery to fix the leak, Nagy developed a dangerous case of meningitis which led to the brain fluid getting infected. Nagy eventually recovered from the infection was able to have the surgery to repair the membrane.
The procedure involved inserting a needle through his nose and a bit of glue to patch up the hole, according to Nagy.

By Jon Campbell , Christian Post Contributor

May 7, 2013|1:59 pm

HOW TO GET RID OF THE STOMACH POOCH

2013-05-01T15:19:00.000-07:00

A lot of the moms I asked said they used creams or oils on their belly skin during and after pregnancy to help moisturize and condition the skin, reduce stretch marks, and keep the skin elastic (to hopefully aid its return to non-pregnant tummy shape.) I consulted a skincare expert at a large cosmetic company on this topic, to see if it’s actually helpful. Her expert advice:
Use a good skin cream to keep your belly skin in a well-hydrated, healthy state. Hydration is a huge factor for skin health. You’d be surprised the simple visual effects you can get just by using a quality hydrating cream, which is any cream that effectively reduces water loss w/out clogging pores or giving you other ill effects. You don’t need to spend $150 on an antiaging cream, but you’re also not going to get as good of results from a $5 bottle. Retinol or retinyl palmitate may be used in cosmetics, but they are not nearly as effective as retinoic acid (which is only available by prescription). Retinoic acid has measureable wrinkle reducing and firming effects…however it’s mostly used for the face.

Other women I spoke to said they used cocoa butter. No one really could say whether it helped or not (and you’d have to have multiple pregnancies and try it both ways to know, wouldn’t you?) But it certainly can’t hurt, and as one woman pointed out “Having my husband rub lotion on my belly was very sweet bonding for all three of us.” Whether is helps with skin appearance or not, using moisturizer is a good idea to decrease the itchiness commonly reported late in pregnancy, when stretched skin is very susceptible to dryness.
Connective tissue

Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause increased laxity in connective and muscle tissue. After all, there’s a lot of stretching that needs to go on, and increased laxity in pelvic joints and ligaments help with delivery. You can’t do too much other than let your body’s hormones do what they will during and after pregnancy. But following delivery, levels will return to normal, and so will your connective tissue.

Belly binding is a popular trend in other cultures that is becoming popular in the U.S. Essentially, the idea is that wearing a supportive garment (something like a girdle) for a month or more after delivery helps reshape the abdomen. There are a million anecdotes from the companies selling these thingees that women “got back in their pre-pregnancy jeans in 2 weeks!” but actual research on these is nowhere to be found. However, I haven’t found any reports of them being risky in any way, so the biggest risk you run is wasted money and discomfort. I say: Can’t hurt, might help, I’d try it.
Muscle

All the moisturizer and belly binding in the world won’t help as much as some hard work to rebuild strength in your core. Firming up muscles can do a lot, not only for the appearance of your tummy, but to lessen back pain, improve your posture, and decrease skin sagging. Not to mention a strong core helps in all sorts of everyday ways like carrying groceries and toddlers. Some of the best activities for improving core strength include pilates and using several different exercises to work all the muscles in the core, not just the rectus abdominis (6 pack muscle). Make sure to get clearance from you doctor for when it’s okay to exercise, but as soon as you get the green light, get moving!
This site has a list of well-described exercises to target the transverse abdominals.
This site will help you figure out if you’ve experienced diastasis recti, which is a separation of the abdominal muscles that can occur during pregnancy. Don’t panic if you think you have. Most cases can be fixed with corrective exercises and avoiding regular crunches, which can actually worsen the separation.
Fat
Okay, this is one we don’t want to think about – but some of the leftover belly squish is likely to be stored fat. Reducing your body’s fat stores comes down to healthy eating, creating a calorie deficit, and exercise. Breastfeeding is also great to help you expend some calories (and stimulate hormones which help return your uterus to its normal size.) Don’t go on a crash diet, but think about the less-nutritious foods you eat and try to consume fewer of them. It’s a great time to start practicing setting an example for your new family member by eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, and less chips, soda and candy. Don’t put a harsh expectation on yourself to drop weight like a Hollywood actress, just aim to lose weight gradually and healthfully until you are close to your non-pregnant weight. If it’s been years since you delivered and you still have some belly fat to lose, it’s never to late to try eating better!
One safe and effective strategy is to try and cut 250 calories a day from food, and expend 250 calories more in physical activity. This net deficit of 500 calories a day is enough to shed one pound of fat a week. If you choose high volume, filling foods (think air-popped popcorn, broth-based soups, raw veggies and fresh fruit) you may not even notice that you’re eating less calories. You can use this handy calculator to find out how much exercise you need to do to burn 250 calories. Consider consulting a Registered Dietitian if you’d like help determining how to best meet your nutritional needs with a personalized diet.
o there you have it. In summary, pregnant women can take several steps which may help (and can’t hurt) such moisturizing and belly binding after delivery to help prevent postbaby pooch. All women (moms or not) can help firm their midsections through strengthening exercises and shedding excess fat with smart diet modifications.

“I did a variety of things. First of all I was probably a little obessive about weight gain and only put on 30lbs. I worked out 6/7days a week and worked until I delivered. My workouts included cardio, strength training, and core work. I did Kiegels at every traffic light every time I was driving. I felt great after I delivered and was ready to go home the next morning. After delivery: I did use a belly binder, I think that it helps because you definitely have abdominal latency after delivery. I also nursed which helpes the uterus contract down and decrease the amount of bleeding you have. Right after I delivered, in the hospital bed I started Keigels, pelvic tilts, and gentle bridges. Abdominal and perineum muscles are like any other, atrophy sets in fast!!!! Again I felt really good so when he was two weeks old I started walked 2-3 miles a day and gentle swiss ball exercises. At 4 weeks theraband and bike. At my postpardum check up (6weeks) the doctor cleared my and I started running. I got back to my prepreg weight in less than 6 months. HOwever… things are definitley relocated. The belly has no stretch marks, but not the same tonal appearance. I am not sure if that makes sense.”
“I had Christopher when I was 20 and snapped back pretty quickly with minimal stretch marks and such. Dylan came along when I was 24 and I gained over 60 lbs with him as I was in Alaska and I honeslty believe the cold weather and the water retention had something to do with it. Also the lack of fresh veggies and fruits that were available to me at that time. After Dylan was born (9 lbs 23 oz) ouch… My stomach looked like a deflated balloon. It took me months to get it back into shape. I used Vit E oil which worked great for lightening of the scarring. I still have scars 20 years later but I dont really worry about them much. My boys call them their personal tattos they gave me and I have no plan to ever have them removed. The one thing that I have a problem with is that I had my appendix taken out when I was in 8th grade back with they made a horizontal incision. That scar never recovered from my baby making days. It holds some fat and skin around it from the babies. Again, I dont stress over it.”
“Great topic! Yes my stomach looked different after having kids and it still does. No amount of sit-ups or other core exercises have given me 6-pack abs.”
“In my prenatal yoga class last night we did exercises to work on the transverse ab muscles to prevent diastasis or the spreading of the stomach muscles. I’ll let you know in a few months if these exercises paid off…I must say, we also do tons of pelvic floor exercises so that we get back in shape quicker, too. I know that Brook Burke (the model/spokeswoman) designed a belly band to help with this too. Apparently in other cultures, they tie the stomach in or wrap it in cloth post partum, and in America we’re just now catching on….”
“I found that after my first child, my stomach returned to its previous flat status very quickly – 2 -3 months. After my next three deliveries, my stomach returned to its flat status within 4-5 months. I have always been physically active and blessed with a flat stomach. However when menopause arrived and I had a hysterectomy at age 55, I developed a pouch. At 61, I still have very strong stomach muscles, but my skin has become less elastic and there is a bit of excess adipose tissue. I am still very active and at my ideal weight, but the small pouch is there.”
“I definitely worry about what my stomach and what my body will look like after having a baby… I feel like I have worked hard over the years and was getting to a place where I was comfortable with how I look and it can be stressful at times thinking about how much the muscles and tissues will be stretched over the next few months and the thought, will my stomach ever look the same definitely is a concern!! We see all these celebrities who have six pack abs 6 weeks after delivery and I wonder if that is truly possible?!”

RISKS OF SELF MEDICATION

2013-04-23T23:17:00.001-07:00

Risks of self-medication practices.
Ruiz ME.
Source

Department of Biological Sciences, National University of La Plata, Argentina. eruiz@biol.unlp.edu.ar
Abstract

Self-medication is defined as the selection and use of medicines by individuals (or a member of the individuals' family) to treat self-recognized or self-diagnosed conditions or symptoms. Several benefits have been linked to appropriate self-medication, among them: increased access to medication and relief for the patient, the active role of the patient in his or her own health care, better use of physicians and pharmacists skills and reduced (or at least optimized) burden of governments due to health expenditure linked to the treatment of minor health
conditions However, self-medication is far from being a completely safe practice, in particular in the case of non-responsible self-medication. Potential risks of self-medication practices include: incorrect self-diagnosis, delays in seeking medical advice when needed, infrequent but severe adverse reactions, dangerous drug interactions, incorrect manner of administration, incorrect dosage, incorrect choice of therapy, masking of a severe disease and risk of dependence and abuse. In this short review the author analyzes recent literature on some of the most important dangers related to self-medication practices, particularly: polypharmacy and drug interactions, medications abuse or dependence, misdiagnosis and incorrect choice of treatment.

RISK OF SELF MEDICATION

2013-04-22T04:47:00.001-07:00

Risks of self-medication practices.
Ruiz ME.
Source

Department of Biological Sciences, National University of La Plata, Argentina. eruiz@biol.unlp.edu.ar
Abstract

Self-medication is defined as the selection and use of medicines by individuals (or a member of the individuals' family) to treat self-recognized or self-diagnosed conditions or symptoms. Several benefits have been linked to appropriate self-medication, among them: increased access to medication and relief for the patient, the active role of the patient in his or her own health care, better use of physicians and pharmacists skills and reduced (or at least optimized) burden of governments due to health expenditure linked to the treatment of minor health conditions However, self-medication is far from being a completely safe practice, in particular in the case of non-responsible self-medication. Potential risks of self-medication practices include: incorrect self-diagnosis, delays in seeking medical advice when needed, infrequent but severe adverse reactions, dangerous drug interactions, incorrect manner of administration, incorrect dosage, incorrect choice of therapy, masking of a severe disease and risk of dependence and abuse. In this short review the author analyzes recent literature on some of the most important dangers related to self-medication practices, particularly: polypharmacy and drug interactions, medications abuse or dependence, misdiagnosis and incorrect choice of treatment. The author also proposes measures that could be adopted in order to solve or improve these issues.

SEX DURING PREGNANCY: AN OVERVIEW

2013-04-21T10:37:00.001-07:00

Most women who are having a normal pregnancy may continue to have sex right up until their water breaks or they go into labor. You won't hurt the baby...

From BabyCenter.com:

On the list of "is it safe" questions that pregnant women have (can I eat sushi? fly on a plane? highlight my hair? etc.), sex ranks pretty high. It's sex that got you pregnant (in most cases), but what happens now that you've achieved your goal? The good news is that with just a few precautions you can still keep things hot in the bedroom.
Is it safe to have sex while I'm pregnant?
Most women who are having a normal pregnancy may continue to have sex right up until their water breaks or they go into labor. You won't hurt the baby by making love. The amniotic sac and the strong muscles of the uterus protect your baby, and the thick mucus plug that seals the cervix helps guard against infection.
There are some circumstances, though, in which you may need to modify your activity or abstain from sex altogether for part or all of your pregnancy. Your midwife or doctor should let you know whether you have — or develop — any complications that make sex a no-go. If you're uncertain, ask your caregiver.
Will sex feel different now that I'm pregnant?
Many women report that sex feels different during pregnancy. Some find it more pleasurable, at least at times. Others may generally find it less so, for part or all of the pregnancy. Here's what's going on.
Increased blood flow to the pelvic area can cause engorgement of the genitals. The heightened sensation that results may add to your pleasure during sex. You may have more vaginal discharge or moistness, which could also be a plus.
On the other hand, you may not like how these changes feel and may find that genital engorgement gives you an uncomfortable feeling of fullness. You may also have abdominal cramps during or immediately after intercourse.
Your breasts may feel tingly, tender, and unusually sensitive to touch, particularly in the first trimester. The tenderness generally subsides, but your breasts may remain more sensitive. Some women will find this heightened sensitivity to be a turn-on, while others won't (and may even prefer that their breasts not be touched at all). Let your partner know if anything feels uncomfortable, even if it's something you're used to doing all the time. If you find you're feeling turned on but not enjoying intercourse, consider other erotic activities, such as mutual pleasuring, oral sex, or self-stimulation. Experiment and make adjustments as a couple to make sex relaxing and pleasurable for both of you.
Remember, too, that there's more to physical intimacy than sex. If you don't feel like having sex or your caregiver has advised you not to, you can still hug, kiss, and caress each other.
I haven't really been in the mood since I got pregnant. Is this normal?
There's a wide range of individual experiences when it comes to sexual desire during pregnancy. Some women have a heightened libido throughout pregnancy, while others find they're less interested in sex. Many women find that their sexual appetite fluctuates, perhaps depending on how they're otherwise feeling physically and emotionally.
You may feel too tired, moody, or nauseated to make love, especially in the first trimester. It's not unusual to feel overwhelmed by the physical and emotional changes you're going through. But take heart — you may find that your libido returns in the second trimester after morning sickness and fatigue have abated.
It's also not uncommon, however, for desire to wane again in the third trimester, particularly in the last month or two. At this point, you may be too big, achy, or exhausted to make love comfortably. You may feel self-conscious about how your body has changed or preoccupied with the approach of labor and birth.
Let your partner know how you feel and reassure him that you still love him. It's crucial to keep the lines of communication open and to support each other as best you can as you go through these changes together.

Will my partner's sex drive change?
Most partners find their pregnant lover as attractive as ever or even more so, though not all do. But there are all kinds of reasons your partner's desire may be dampened at least part of the time during your pregnancy. For example, he may be apprehensive about the burdens of parenthood, and that anxiety may affect his sexual desire.
Probably the most common reason that men become more tentative about sex during pregnancy is a fear that sex could hurt the baby. If your partner needs reassurance about the safety of sex during pregnancy, bring him with you to your next prenatal appointment.
Most importantly, talk to each other about your fears and anxieties, as well as your needs and desires. Open communication can defuse a lot of tension and allow you to relax, enjoy each other, and find ways to be intimate, whether or not you're having intercourse.

Is it safe for my partner to give me oral sex?
For the most part, yes. Licking is fine, but your partner shouldn't blow into your genital area. Forcing or blowing air into the vagina could cause an air embolism (a bubble of air that gets into your blood circulation). This happens very rarely, but it could be life threatening for you or the baby.
It's also not safe for your partner to give you oral sex during pregnancy if he has an active outbreak of oral herpes or feels one coming on. And during the third trimester, if your partner has ever had oral herpes, he should avoid giving you oral sex altogether, whether or not he has symptoms.
If you're not sure what your partner's HIV status is, use a dental dam (a sheet of latex that you place between your genitals and your partner's mouth). There's some evidence suggesting that a person may be able to transmit HIV through micro-abrasions or tiny cuts in his mouth.

How can I protect myself from sexually transmitted infections during intercourse?
If you're at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) — that is, you're not in a mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner — you should abstain from intercourse or at least use latex condoms every time you have sex. If latex isn't a good option for you, use polyurethane male or female condoms.

Which positions tend to be the most comfortable?
You may have to experiment to find which positions are best for you. Finding a comfortable position for intercourse becomes more of a challenge as your belly grows.
For example, the missionary position (man on top) becomes increasingly difficult as your pregnancy progresses and is nearly impossible late in pregnancy. (If you do use this position after the first trimester, your partner will need to keep his weight off your abdomen. And wedge a pillow under you so you're not flat on your back.) Some couples find pregnancy to be an opportunity to get creative and try some new positions. Here are some suggestions:
• Straddle your partner as he lies on his back. This way, there'll be no weight on your abdomen and you can control the depth of penetration.
• Straddle your partner as he sits on a sturdy chair.
• Lie side-by-side with your partner facing your back and entering from behind. (Deep thrusts can become uncomfortable as the months pass. Penetration tends to be shallower in this position.)
• Lie on your side, tilted back somewhat with a pillow wedged under your back to support you as you face your partner. This position allows him to keep most of his weight off your belly.
• Shift your bottom to the side or foot of the bed and lie back with your knees bent and feet perched at the edge of the mattress. (After your first trimester, wedge a pillow under one side so you're not completely flat on your back.) Your partner kneels or stands in front of you.
• Support yourself on your knees and elbows. Your partner kneels and enters from the rear.

What kind of symptoms should prompt a call to my practitioner?
It's normal to feel some cramping during or just after intercourse or orgasm, but if it doesn't go away after a few minutes, or if you have any pain or bleeding after sex, call your healthcare provider.

Don't hesitate to talk to your practitioner whenever you have any questions or concerns about sex, particularly if you're unsure whether you need to abstain or have fears about the baby's safety. If you are told to stop having sex, make sure you understand whether you need to avoid penetration or orgasm or both.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF SEMOLINA

2013-04-17T09:34:00.000-07:00

Semolina

Semolina comes from the endosperm of durum wheat, which contains harder kernels than those found in other types of wheat. Durum semolina is particularly valued by pasta makers due to its high protein and gluten content, which help keep the pasta's shape intact. Durum semolina also contains more of the antioxidant beta-carotene, responsible for its golden hue, than other wheat, according to bakery and pastry instructor Daniel T. DiMuzio, author of the book "Bread Baking: An Artisan's Perspective." Although semolina itself is not a whole grain, you can purchase whole-durum semolina, which contains all the nutritionally relevant parts of the wheat grain. Dr. Mehmet Oz recommends selecting semolina products that come in a package that says 100 percent whole-durum semolina.

Whole-Grain Benefits

Whole grains contain all the essential seed components necessary for optimal nutrition: the bran, endosperm, or kernel, and the germ. These unrefined grains provide a rich source of dietary nutrients, including fiber, B vitamins, iron and magnesium. You can obtain whole grains from foods, including whole-durum semolina pasta and breads as well as from other whole-wheat products. In contrast, refined grains, such as white bread, lose many of their nutritional benefits through the refining process. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends consuming a minimum of half of all your grains as whole grains. The whole grains in whole-durum semolina also may decrease your risk of type 2 diabetes, some cancers and heart disease. In addition to helping your bowels function properly, the fiber in whole-semolina pastas and breads may also help you feel fuller longer to prevent hunger and subsequent overeating. Whole grains also contain healthy complex carbohydrates and are low in cholesterol and fat.

Immune System Benefits

Plant pigments, or carotenoids, such as the beta-carotene in semolina, may help protect your immune system from dangerous pollutants, toxins, diseases and the damaging effects of the sun's ultraviolet rays. Research published in the December 1998 edition of the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" observed the effects of beta-carotene supplements on immune system suppression resulting from ultraviolet light exposure in 32 healthy older men. Subjects were placed in two groups that received either 30 mg of beta-carotene or a placebo daily for 47 days. After 28 days, half of each group received 12 ultraviolet light exposures. Subjects who received both the beta-carotene supplements and the ultraviolet light sessions exhibited less immune-system suppression than other participants. Findings suggest that beta-carotene plays a protective role in the immunosuppressive effects of ultraviolet light in older male subjects. However, additional research is needed to scientifically prove the immune-enhancing effects of consuming semolina pastas and breads.

Protein Benefits

Semolina is a rich source of protein that generally contains from 12 to 15 percent of this vital nutrient, according to associate professor of culinary arts and author Paula I. Figoni. Every cell, organ and tissue in your body contains protein, which is essential to maintaining optimal cell, muscle and organ function. Complete protein sources from animal products such as milk, cheese, meat, and eggs contain all the essential amino acids, or protein-building blocks, your body cannot produce itself. Likewise, incomplete sources of protein, such as grains and beans, lack some essential amino acids. However, the abundant protein in durum semolina, when combined with other protein-rich foods can help you obtain all the daily protein you need to stay healthy. A 2011 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention generally recommends that 10 to 35 percent of your daily calories come from protein.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF BANANA

2013-04-14T08:38:00.003-07:00

Heart and Nerves: The high dosage of potassium in bananas means a healthier heart and nervous system. Potassium aids muscle contraction and, therefore, benefits the beating of the heart, digestion and other muscular movements which is why it’s a good pre and post-workout snack.
Kidneys and Bones: Rich potassium levels also contribute to healthy kidney function and bone development. This is due to the potassium suppressing calcium loss through the urine, thereby allowing your body to absorb more of the bone-building mineral.
Blood and Immune System: The high content of Vitamin B6 supplies the body with fresh hemoglobin, a key blood ingredient. B6 also works to maintain healthy blood sugar levels by converting carbohydrates into glucose. The abundance of B6 in bananas also helps the body produce antibodies which are effectively used by the immune system to fight disease.
Mood Enhancer: A medium-sized banana contains approximately 10.6 mg of the amino acid tryptophan which is a key protein building block. Tryptophan is also a big player in the production of serotonin which acts as a mild sedative, producing a calming sensation in the brain.

ALCOHOL ALERT: ALCOHOL’S DAMAGING EFFECTS ON THE BRAIN

2013-04-08T22:42:00.000-07:00

ALCOHOL’S DAMAGING EFFECTS ON THE BRAIN

Difficulty walking, blurred vision, slurred speech, slowed reaction times, impaired memory: Clearly, alcohol affects the brain. Some of these impairments are detectable after only one or two drinks and quickly resolve when drinking stops. On the other hand, a person who drinks heavily over a long period of time may have brain deficits that persist well after he or she achieves sobriety. Exactly how alcohol affects the brain and the likelihood of reversing the impact of heavy drinking on the brain remain hot topics in alcohol research today.
We do know that heavy drinking may have extensive and far–reaching effects on the brain, ranging from simple “slips” in memory to permanent and debilitating conditions that require lifetime custodial care. And even moderate drinking leads to short–term impairment, as shown by extensive research on the impact of drinking on driving.
A number of factors influence how and to what extent alcohol affects the brain (1), including

    * how much and how often a person drinks;
    * the age at which he or she first began drinking, and how long he or she has been drinking;
    * the person’s age, level of education, gender, genetic background, and family history of alcoholism;
    * whether he or she is at risk as a result of prenatal alcohol exposure; and
    * his or her general health status.

This Alcohol Alert reviews some common disorders associated with alcohol–related brain damage and the people at greatest risk for impairment. It looks at traditional as well as emerging therapies for the treatment and prevention of alcohol–related disorders and includes a brief look at the high–tech tools that are helping scientists to better understand the effects of alcohol on the brain.

CAUSES OF LOW SPERM COUNT

2013-03-24T08:18:00.003-07:00

The leading cause of male infertility is low sperm count. Others may be low sperm motility, bad quality sperm, lack of semen. In general, most cases of male infertility are due to low sperm count. There are many biologic and environmental factors that can lead to low sperm count. Here is a list if conditions that may cause low sperm count in men.

Age

The effect of aging on male fertility is not clear, however, evidence is growing that it may be a factor. Fertilization rates are usually over 60% for men under 39 but for those over that age, the rates fell to slightly over half.
Temporary and Lifestyle Causes of Low Sperm Count

Nearly any major physical or mental stress can temporarily reduce sperm count. Some common conditions that lower sperm count, temporarily in nearly all cases, include the following:

   1. Emotional Stress. Stress may interfere with the hormone GnRH and reduce sperm counts.
   2. Sexual Issues. In less than 1% of males with infertility problems, a problem with sexual intercourse or technique will affect fertility.
   3. Impotence, premature ejaculation, or psychologic or relationship problems can contribute to infertility, although these conditions are usually very treatable.
   4. Lubricants used with condoms, including spermicides, oils, and Vaseline, can affect fertility. If you need a sperm friendly lubricant, the choice of many couples trying to get pregnant is Pre-Seed.

SpermCheck Fertility Test for Men

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Testicular Exposure to Overheating.

Overheating (such as from high fever, saunas, and hot tubs) may temporarily lower sperm count. Work exposure to overheating may even impair fertility.
Substance Abuse

Cocaine or heavy marijuana use appears to temporarily reduce the number and quality of sperm by as much as 50%. Sperm actually have receptors for certain compounds in marijuana that resemble natural substances and which may impair the sperm’s ability to swim and may also inhibit their ability to penetrate the egg.
Smoking.

Smoking impairs sperm count, sperm motility, reduces sperm lifespan, and may cause genetic changes that affect the offspring. Additionally, a 1999 study found that men who smoke have lower sex drives and less frequent sex.
Malnutrition and Nutrient Deficiencies.

Deficiencies in certain nutrients, such as vitamin C, selenium, zinc, and folate, may be particular risk factors for low sperm count in such cases.
CountBoost for Men

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Obesity.

Some studies, but not all, have found an association between obesity in men and low sperm count.
Bicycling.

Bicycling has been linked to impotence in men and also may affect the sperm count. Pressure from the bike seat may damage blood vessels and nerves that are responsible for erections. Mountain biking, which involves riding on off-road terrain, exposes the perineum (the region between the scrotum and the anus) to more extreme shocks and vibrations and increases the risk for injuries to the scrotum.
Genetic Factors
Genetic factors are proving to be important contributors to male infertility. Such genetic conditions may be inherited or caused by environmental assaults. Inherited disorders can genetically impair fertility.

Examples include the following:

Cystic fibrosis patients often have missing or obstructed vas deferens (the tubes that carry sperm) and hence a low sperm count.

Klinefelter syndrome patients carry two X and one Y chromosomes (the norm is one X and one Y), which leads to the destruction of the lining of the seminiferous tubules in the testicles during puberty, although most other male physical attributes are unimpaired.

Kartagener syndrome, a rare disorder that is associated with a reversed position of the major organs, also includes immotile cilia (hair-like cells in lungs and sinuses that have a structure similar to the tails of sperm). Germ cells may also be affected by this condition.
Environmental Assaults

Over exposure to environmental assaults (toxins, chemicals, infections) can reduce sperm count either by direct effects on testicular function or on the hormone systems, although the extent of the effect and specific environmental assaults involved are often controversial. Some chemicals that affect sperm production men are : Oxygen-Free Radicals, Estrogen emulation pesticidal chemicals (DDT, aldrin, dieldrin, PCPs, dioxins, and furans ), plastic softening chemicals like Phthalates, hydrocarbons (ethylbenzene, benzene, toluene, and xylene)
Exposure to Heavy Metals.

Chronic exposure to heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, or arsenic may affect sperm production and most often cause a reduced production in otherwise healthy males. Trace amounts of these metals in semen seem to inhibit the function of enzymes contained in the acrosome, the membrane that covers the head of the sperm.
Radiation Treatment.

Radiation treatments and x-rays affect any rapidly dividing cell, so cells that produce sperm are quite sensitive to radiation damage. Cells exposed to significant levels of radiation may take up to two years to resume normal sperm production, and, in severe circumstances, may never recover.
Low Semen Levels

A reduced amount of ejaculated semen (less than 0.5 milliliters per sample) may be caused by a structural abnormality in the tubes transporting the sperm.
Varicocele

A varicocele is a varicose vein in the cord that connects to the testicle. (A varicose vein is one that is abnormally enlarged and twisted.) Varicoceles are found in 15% to 20% of all men and in 25% to 40% of infertile men. It is not clear how they affect fertility, or even if they do at all.

babyhopes.com

LITHOTRIPSY: NON INVASIVE TREATMENT OF KIDNEY

2013-03-20T12:28:00.002-07:00

Lithotripsy

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is the non-invasive treatment of kidney stones. The lithotriptor was developed in the early 1980s in Germany by Dornier MedTech Systems GmbH, and came into widespread use with the introduction of the HM-3 lithotriptor in 1983. Within a few years, ESWL became a standard treatment of urinary tract calculi.
EWL using an externally-applied, focused, high-intensity acoustic pulse (shock wave) which pass through the body. When the wave encounters the calculus, the pressure causes the stone to be stressed, then fractured into small fragments that can pass spontaneously and eventually disintegrated. Ultrasound or fluoroscopic x-ray system is used to direct the focus of the waves precisely on the stone. The shock waves are able to break up the stones with less risk of damage to any of the surrounding tissue than an open surgical procedure. It is performed as an outpatient procedure, requiring sedation on some occasions. The patient is fit for discharge immediately after the procedure.
Why have ESWL?
The procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure with the patient able to return to their normal daily activity almost immediately. It is non invasive with no cutting to the body required. Analgesic requirement is minimal with reasonable stone clearance rate.
What are the risks of ESWL?
During the procedure, some patients may experience pain severe enough to require analgesia. The treatment may not break the stone. Occasional patients report transient passage of blood following ESWL. Very rarely stone fragments pass down the ureter and obstruct the kidney. There is a small risk of developing a urine infection.
Are there any alternatives to ESWL?
There are a number of factors which must be taken into consideration before offering alternative treatments. These will be discussed with you by your urologist and include Medical expulsive therapy / watchful waiting, PCNL, Ureteroscopy or surgical removal.
Can ESWL be used for all patients with stones?
ESWL is contraindicated in patients with:
# Acute urinary tract infection or urosepsis
# Uncorrected bleeding disorders or coagulopathies
# Pregnancy
# Uncorrected obstruction distal to the stone
# Body habitus: Morbid obesity and orthopaedic or spinal deformities may complicate or prevent proper positioning.
# Cardiac pacemakers are also not contraindicated, although seeking assistance from a cardiologist for possible changes to pacemaker settings would be prudent.
Any precautions before ESWL treatment?

You should check with your urologist about what medication you need to stop. If you are on Aspirin, Clopidogrel or warfarin, these will need to be stopped at least 10 days before your treatment.
How is ESWL performed?
You will be asked to lie on your back and the treatment begins once you are in a comfortable position on the treatment table. The stone will be located either by fluoroscopy or ultrasound. It is important to remain still during the procedure to ensure accurate delivery of shock waves onto the stone. You will hear and feel a flicking noise during the procedure. Treatment lasts approximately 45 minutes. On some rare occasions, analgesia may be required. Treatment might need to be repeated for large or hard stones.
What to expect post ESWL?
You might notice blood in the urine following the procedure, however, this is transient. Stone fragments can sometimes be seen in the urine. It is essential to consume large volumes of water to increase urine flow and help flush stone fragments through.
If the blood in the urine does not clear after a few days or should your pain fail to settle with analgesia or should you develop fever you should contact your urologist.

PAW PAW !!!!!! OYA, START EATING, START EATINGOOO

2013-03-14T10:19:00.000-07:00

Add caption

Traditional Oven.Com Just recently I came across an eye opening book by Barry Thomson “Join Our Escape From Death Row-Cancer Jail”, where he in a most genuine and generous ways shares valuable information and his knowledge in effective fight against cancer and ill health. Among other very interesting information I red about simple but wonderful papaya and its healing properties. One chapter in this book awoke in me more desire to learn and research as much as I possibly could as on a professional level I deal with people suffering many different health issues and aliments who look for alternative ways to help them. I would love to share what I know as I believe it can make difference in everyday life of many others. I am also hoping that this will prompt other people to share their knowledge about improving our general well being and health. (this book is further described in comment #100 below) Papaya, Paw Paw, Papaw, Tree Melon (botanical name Carica Papaya), it has oblong shape, normally greenish yellow, yellow or orange color. It is a large tree plant fruit usually reaching 2.5kg. It has bitter sweet taste and comes from tropical places with higher humidity, native to Mexico, countries of Central America, Thailand, Africa and Asia and growing well in Australia. Papaya Health Benefits Paw Paw how we call it here in Australia is these days plentiful all year round in most of the countries. The parts that are used medicinally are fruit, seeds, stems and leaves. I did look around and found out you can buy paw paw in all forms, in a form of fermented papaya, herbal teas even tablets and of course plenty of the fresh fruit, which can be eaten as it is or in a form of juice. So you ask what are these awesome healing properties of paw paw? Well where do I start? Papaya fruit is and excellent source of dietary fiber, folate, vitamin A, C and E. It also contains small amount of calcium, iron, riboflavin, thiamine and niacine. It is also very rich in antioxidant nutrients flavonoids and carotenes, very high in vitamin C plus A, and low in calories and sodium. Pawpaw - papaya for health - papaya tree leaves and green pawpaws. PawPaw tree. Paw paw is rich in enzymes called papain and chymopapain which helps with the digestion, particularly it breaks down the proteins from the food we eat into amino acids. The latest research shows that amino acids are responsible for all what is happening in our organism, basically for what is happening in every chemical reaction as well as our mental and physical health. As we age we produce less of the digestive enzymes in our stomach and pancreas, which leads to ineffective digestion of proteins. Due to this we end up with excess amount of undigested protein, which leads to overgrowth of the bad bacteria in our gastrointestinal system and not enough of amino acids to perform all important chemical reactions. We can say that good quality protein is absolutely essential for our healthy being. This is where the papaya enzymes can be very beneficial. The papain enzymes are produced in the skinny peel of paw paw. The combination of these enzymes repels insect during the ripening, without this protection paw paw fruit would not survive. Eating paw paw after a meal makes for better digestion, prevents bloating and chronic indigestion. It can also lower the inflammation in the body, alleviates the pain and edema caused by sport injuries. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties papaya can relieve the severity of Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Because of its high antioxidant content, papaya can prevent cholesterol oxidation and can be use in a preventative treatments against atherosclerosis, strokes, heart attacks and diabetic heart disease. In a everyday health papaya works magic on strengthening the immune system preventing the recurrent colds and flu. After treatment with antibiotics eating paw paw or drinking its juice replenishes the good intestinal bacteria, which was destroyed by the antibiotic treatment. The latest good news from eating paw paw comes down once again to papain the enzyme which I talked about, it was found to destroy intestinal parasites. Papain is proteolitic enzyme, which means that it digests inert (non-living) proteins. Intestinal parasites are largely protein, the papain attacks it and causes parasite to die. Also, home applications of leaf and bark papaya extract is used to deal with mouth gums and toothaches which is being effectively practised in many cultures around the world.Just recently I came across an eye opening book by Barry Thomson “Join Our Escape From Death Row-Cancer Jail”, where he in a most genuine and generous ways shares valuable information and his knowledge in effective fight against cancer and ill health. Among other very interesting information I red about simple but wonderful papaya and its healing properties. One chapter in this book awoke in me more desire to learn and research as much as I possibly could as on a professional level I deal with people suffering many different health issues and aliments who look for alternative ways to help them. I would love to share what I know as I believe it can make difference in everyday life of many others. I am also hoping that this will prompt other people to share their knowledge about improving our general well being and health. (this book is further described in comment #100 below) Papaya, Paw Paw, Papaw, Tree Melon (botanical name Carica Papaya), it has oblong shape, normally greenish yellow, yellow or orange color. It is a large tree plant fruit usually reaching 2.5kg. It has bitter sweet taste and comes from tropical places with higher humidity, native to Mexico, countries of Central America, Thailand, Africa and Asia and growing well in Australia. Papaya Health Benefits Paw Paw how we call it here in Australia is these days plentiful all year round in most of the countries. The parts that are used medicinally are fruit, seeds, stems and leaves. I did look around and found out you can buy paw paw in all forms, in a form of fermented papaya, herbal teas even tablets and of course plenty of the fresh fruit, which can be eaten as it is or in a form of juice. So you ask what are these awesome healing properties of paw paw? Well where do I start? Papaya fruit is and excellent source of dietary fiber, folate, vitamin A, C and E. It also contains small amount of calcium, iron, riboflavin, thiamine and niacine. It is also very rich in antioxidant nutrients flavonoids and carotenes, very high in vitamin C plus A, and low in calories and sodium. Pawpaw - papaya for health - papaya tree leaves and green pawpaws. PawPaw tree. Paw paw is rich in enzymes called papain and chymopapain which helps with the digestion, particularly it breaks down the proteins from the food we eat into amino acids. The latest research shows that amino acids are responsible for all what is happening in our organism, basically for what is happening in every chemical reaction as well as our mental and physical health. As we age we produce less of the digestive enzymes in our stomach and pancreas, which leads to ineffective digestion of proteins. Due to this we end up with excess amount of undigested protein, which leads to overgrowth of the bad bacteria in our gastrointestinal system and not enough of amino acids to perform all important chemical reactions. We can say that good quality protein is absolutely essential for our healthy being. This is where the papaya enzymes can be very beneficial. The papain enzymes are produced in the skinny peel of paw paw. The combination of these enzymes repels insect during the ripening, without this protection paw paw fruit would not survive. Eating paw paw after a meal makes for better digestion, prevents bloating and chronic indigestion. It can also lower the inflammation in the body, alleviates the pain and edema caused by sport injuries. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties papaya can relieve the severity of Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Because of its high antioxidant content, papaya can prevent cholesterol oxidation and can be use in a preventative treatments against atherosclerosis, strokes, heart attacks and diabetic heart disease. In a everyday health papaya works magic on strengthening the immune system preventing the recurrent colds and flu. After treatment with antibiotics eating paw paw or drinking its juice replenishes the good intestinal bacteria, which was destroyed by the antibiotic treatment. The latest good news from eating paw paw comes down once again to papain the enzyme which I talked about, it was found to destroy intestinal parasites. Papain is proteolitic enzyme, which means that it digests inert (non-living) proteins. Intestinal parasites are largely protein, the papain attacks it and causes parasite to die. Also, home applications of leaf and bark papaya extract is used to deal with mouth gums and toothaches which is being effectively practised in many cultures around the world.

HEALTH BENEFIT OF BITTER KOLA

2013-03-11T09:37:00.001-07:00

Health Benefits Of Bitter Kola The bitter kola is a type of kola found in parts of Nigeria. Its biological name is “Garcinia kola” and it belongs to the family of “Guittiferal”. Among the Yorubas, it is called ‘Orogbo’, the Igbos call it ‘Agbilu’, ‘Adi’ or ‘Aki ilu’ while among the Hausas, this very popular nut is known as ‘Namijin Gworo.’ It is a wonderful agricultural product with a wide range of applications in natural and orthodox medicine . informationng.com gathers that bitter kola is a potent antibiotic, which could be effective in the treatment of many ailments and infections. Dr Bartholomew Brai, Nutritional Biochemist at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, said that bitter kola was used in the preparation of herbal drugs either as nourishment, supplement or herbal remedy. Brai said, “If a patient on medication chews bitter kola, it will make the drugs ineffective. Aside this, I do not think bitter kola has any other side effect. “Bitter kola has lots of health benefits, like the treatment of cough, sneezing, cold, diarrhoeas, tuberculosis, bacterial infection and fever. “It improves lungs function by expanding the alveolar ducts and sac in the lungs thereby improving and strengthening the fibres in the lung tissue.” He said that there was no recorded side effect to the regular intake of bitter kola, adding that it was all round medicinal. So, what are you waiting for? Look for the closest bitter kola seller and buy some for yourself, and even friends

LOSE STOMACH FAT FAST WITHOUT DIETING

2013-03-05T21:36:00.000-08:00

By RealAge It's not that slice of cheesecake that goes straight to your belly bulge. It's the couch lounging. In a recent study, one group of overweight people lost significant amounts of belly fat over 8 months, while another group gained more belly bulge. Yet both groups ate about 2,000 calories a day. The difference? Exercise. The losers exercised about 3 hours a week. A Little or a Lot But not just any form of exercise will do. It was high-intensity cardio that helped the overweight exercisers carve out their middles. If you can't commit to 3 hours, know this: Working out less frequently -- and at a more moderate pace -- is also an option. A third group that took this approach didn't lose any belly fat; they didn't gain any, either. A decent accomplishment, considering they also downed about 2,000 calories daily. (Keep your portions under control with this easy-to-use formula.) Get the Most from Both So the take-home message is that even a little exercise helps keep your middle mini. And just imagine what you could do if you cut back on calories, too? Truth be told, not only would your jeans fit better, but also you'd reduce your risk of health problems like metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and heart disease. So start whittling your middle with these surgery-free tummy-tucking tools: * Don't just wing it. Make a plan.

MONEY DOESN'T MAKE PEOPLE HAPPY

2013-03-03T09:05:00.001-08:00

Money Doesn't Make People Happy Tim Harford 02.14.06, 12:00 PM ET Tim Harford "The hippies," claimed economist Andrew Oswald recently, "are having their quiet revenge." Oswald, a professor at Warwick University in England, is one of a growing number of economists fascinated by the question of what makes us happy. In a recent public lecture he announced, "Once a country has filled its larders, there is no point in that nation becoming richer." That, at least, should bring a smile to a few faces. Economists have suddenly realized that money can't buy you happiness? This is like the squarest kid at school suddenly discovering beer, girls and music in his 30s. The rest of the world had worked it out already. One of the things that excites economists like Oswald is the ability to compare data on wealth, education and marital status with the results of happiness surveys. In these surveys, people are asked such questions as "Taking all things together, would you say you are very happy, quite happy, not very happy, not at all happy?" Economists have been trying to make sense of the results across individuals, across countries and across the years. The headline: Once a country gets fairly rich (though much poorer than the United States), further economic growth does not seem to make its citizens any happier. So, money does not buy happiness. Or does it? "In every society, at any point in time, richer people are happier," points out Will Wilkinson, a policy analyst at the Cato Institute in Washington D.C., who runs a blog on happiness research and public policy. "But that in itself doesn't tell you much about the relationship between money and happiness." Richer people, after all, tend to have high-status jobs. They tend to have more control over their lives at work--why pay someone six figures if you're not going to ask her to use her own judgment? They also have higher expectations and will be comparing themselves to wealthier people. It's hard to say what is really driving the results: money, status or expectations. Perhaps each society's richer people are also happier because happiness comes not from absolute wealth but from relative wealth--recall H.L. Mencken's quip that "a wealthy man is one who earns $100 a year more than his wife's sister's husband." A more skeptical view is that while it means something to compare my happiness with that of the guy asking me for change on the street, it means nothing to compare my feelings today to those of my grandfather in 1950--or those of a Portuguese shopkeeper or a Japanese salaryman. Wilkinson and economists like Oswald and his compatriot Lord Layard are thinking about the policy implications of happiness research. My own interest is a little different: Can the new breed of happiness economists offer us any tips for happier living? Much of the advice is pretty slippery. For instance, married people are much happier than single people. So perhaps you should get married? (Even better if your fiancée's sister's husband is unemployed.) Not so fast. More sophisticated surveys show that the causation runs both ways: Happy people tend to find spouses, while those suffering from depression don't find it so easy. And--not surprisingly--some people do brilliantly out of marriage, and others are utterly miserable. As an economist, I'm afraid I have no idea whether you should propose to that cute girl you've been seeing. (You may or may not take comfort in Oswald's finding that you can always get out of marriage: People are happier immediately after a divorce than immediately before.) Oswald also suggests self-employment, if you can pull it off without losing out financially. "Everything associated with self-employment--independence, autonomy--is also associated with being happy." Both Oswald and Richard Layard argue that relationships are more important than money--and that includes professional relationships. "I've come to believe in the old-fashioned view that one should be tender in one's dealings with colleagues," Lord Layard told me in an interview. And what else? "Think about what you have rather than what you don't have, both materially and in your relationships and your personal strengths. To use the language of economics, don't try to rectify things that aren't your comparative advantage." This is spiritual thinking from an economist, but Oswald goes one better. If you're depressed, why not just wait? "There's a kind of J-curve describing happiness over time. Your late 30s are the most unhappy period of your life, but then the older you get the happier you are. Life really does begin again at 40." I think the most useful research, though, is by an honorary economist: Danny Kahneman, the only psychologist ever to win the Nobel Prize in economics. He asked nearly 1,000 working women in Texas to reflect on their previous day, list the different episodes in it, what they were doing and how they were feeling. Some results are predictable enough: Work is miserable, and commuting is worse. Others are not so obvious. For instance, praying is fun, but looking after the kids is not. Spending time with your friends is one of the most enjoyable things you can do, but spending time with your spouse is merely OK. In fact, parents or other relatives turn out to make more enjoyable company than the supposed love of your life. What is perfectly clear, though, is that socializing with anyone except your boss makes you feel good. Sex is best of all. This is handy advice at last. But what if you are having sex with your boss? Whereof economists cannot speak, we must remain silent. Tim Harford, a Financial Times columnist, is the author of The Undercover Economist.

WHEN THE HEART FORMS OUTSIDE THE BODY.

2013-03-02T02:00:00.001-08:00

WHAT IS ETOPIC CORDIS? Ectopia cordis is an extremely rare congenital heart malformation that remains very difficult to treat. Occurrence is .79 in every 10,000 births. In ectopia cordis, the heart forms outside of the chest wall, so it is not protected by the skin or sternum. Other organs may also have formed outside the skin. To further complicate this difficult presentation, the heart itself is generally improperly formed. It may have defects like Tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonary atresia, atrial and ventricular septal defects, or double outlet right ventricle, among others. Along with heart malformations, children with ectopia cordis may also have cleft palates. The spine can also be formed improperly, causing kyphosis, too great of a C curvature in the thoracic spine. There is some slim evidence that ectopia cordis may be related to Turner Syndrome. Chromosomal anomalies like Trisomy 18 have also been observed in some children with ectopia cordis. In general, however, there is no recognizable cause for this condition. In one way, this may be comforting to parents who have had a child with ectopia cordis. The condition is unlikely to repeat in future children. Sadly, most cases of ectopia cordis result in stillbirth or death shortly after birth. A few cases of ectopia cordis have been treated successfully, but this defect still poses the biggest challenge and rate of failure for pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons.

COULD SUGAR IN YOUR DIET LEAD TO ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION?

2013-02-27T12:58:00.000-08:00

Could sugar in your diet lead to erectile dysfunction? That hasn't been proven yet, but it's inevitable and here's why: Scientists have discovered a new risk factor for heart disease: sugar consumption. We're all familiar with other cardiovascular risk factors that include saturated fat/cholesterol, low HDL, triglycerides and so on and, as I have shown, the Penis and the Heart are intimately linked. If you injure the lining of your arteries and coat it with calcifying plaque, you can expect your erectile strength to go down accordingly. The arteries that supply blood to the penis and the veins within the penis are some of the first to be noticably affected. This means that, for the sake of your sex life (and life in general), you need to be working on all cardiovascular risk factors and that now includes sugar consumption. One recent study of Americans found that sugar was correlated with higher triglycerides and lower HDL levels. Researchers grouped participants into five groups based on the amount of sugar consumed and found that, for men, the more the sugar, the worse the lipid profile. [1] And researchers almost always find out that anything that negatively impacts your lipid profile will lead to erectile dysfunction and impotence. Do you know the foods and drinks that increase erection-boosting Nitric Oxide? Check out the Peak Erectile Strength Diet where I show you how to dramatically and naturally improve your erectile strength. The researchers found that the average person takes in 16% of their calories in the form of simple sugars. For the typical guy, this means around 400 of his calories come from sugar, i.e. 100 grams. This is enough, according to the study, to elevate our lipid profiles negatively and increase risk of heart disease. Of course, part of the reason sugar is so hard on the heart is that half of standard table sugar is fructose and you can read more about the Negative Effects of Fructose on Heart and Erections elsewhere on my site. However, glucose, the other half of table sugar, is nearly as evil. Glucose will, of course, raise blood glucose levels and, if high enough, elevated blood glucose levels will lower endothelial nitric oxide in various tissues throughout the body, including your blood vessels. [2] [3] And decreased nitric oxide means higher blood pressure and less blood flow for your erections. Your doctor won't give you testosterone? Show him What Low T Does. Combine supplements for max erectile strength? Go with This Approach. One of the key reasons that glucose lowers nitric oxide is that it increase superoxide, one of the "evil" free radicals generated within the body, which impairs calcium metabolism leading to decreased nitric oxide. [4] Sugar also has long term effects as well: it gives you a nearly instant high from endorphin production and thus stimulates you to eat more and more often than you should. That and the extra calories will help you to put on weight and those extra pounds are correlated with lower testosterone and increased erectile dysfunction. So long term or short term, sugar is going to be bad for your sex life.

A PERM OR RELAXER IS VERY DAMAGING TO THE HAIR.

2013-02-23T08:19:00.002-08:00

There are two types of relaxers. They are SODIUM HYDROXIDE (lye-based) and GUANIDINE HYDROXIDE (no-lye). Although the no-lye products are thought to be less damaging, both types are harmful to the hair because in order to straighten it, they must first strip it of its natural moisture and then break down the structure of the hair. Hair Damage Sodium hydroxide and guanidine hydroxide both have a very high pH factor, meaning they are highly alkaline products. When applied to the hair, they immediately strip it of all moisture, because any retention of moisture would reduce the effectiveness of the straightener. This is why a deep-conditioning treatment is always applied to the hair after the chemical process. These treatments are designed to drive moisture back into the hair shaft and to coat the hair strand to make it look shiny and appear healthy, or in other words -- to camouflage the damage. But no hair that has undergone a chemical relaxer is healthy. It's been purposely and permanently damaged by the chemicals... and hair can't be damaged and healthy at the same time. Relaxed hair is always dry. This is why we're constantly putting something on it.. oiling our hair and scalp two or three times a week. There are several reasons for this: 1) Start with the moisture-stripping process of the chemical relaxer that I spoke about in the above paragraph; 2) Add the steady regimen of hot-comb touch-ups, curling irons & flat irons (all work with heat which is drying to the hair) and hair sprays and styling/holding gels, (these contain alcohol which is drying to the hair). The natural oils our scalps produce can't serve our hair's needs. The scalp can't manufacturer enough natural moisture to replenish the moisture we're stripping from our hair on a daily basis; and 3) The products we usually use in an attempt to fight dryness (usually petroleum-based products, or "grease") don't really add moisture to the hair at all. They simply coat the hair with petroleum to provide shine. At the same time, they clog the pores of the scalp so that the scalp can't secrete its own natural moisture. Some people think that Black hair either doesn't grow as fast as Caucasian hair or doesn't grow at all. WRONG! All hair grows at the same rate on average inch per month. But the reason that most black women have shorter hair is because of breakage. Why does the hair break? Because of the harsh treatment we give it. We strip it of its moisture in every way we possibly can! So after a period of time (short for some, a little longer for others) the need for a cut to camouflage the damage done to your hair will become evident. When your stylist suggests a designer cut (like the fade), that's your cue that your hair has had enough. Nappurality.com

HYPERTENSION: BELLS, BELLS AND BELLS. GO GET CHECKED

2013-02-20T21:51:00.000-08:00

Diabetes & Hypertension Help Society. Hypertension also known as high blood pressure is a condition that occurs when the pressure inside your large arteries is too high. It is silent and affects people more as they grow older, although more young people who live under a lot of pressure ( job, relationships, lifestyle, etc) are starting to suffer as well. Where you live and work can also affect you- busy city or in the village? Anger or rage can trigger it. If your parents (either) have high blood pressure, it doesn't mean that you will inherit it as their children. The only way to know if your blood pressure is high or low(or normal) is to check it using a blood pressure monitor. Complications High blood pressure can lead to several complications if untreated like cardiovascular complications e.g strokes, heart attacks, heart failure, heart rhythm irregularities and kidney failure more than in people who have normal blood pressure. It can also cause death. Understanding your blood pressure You may have heard your nurse or doctor say ‘sir (or madam), your blood pressure is 120/80 ‘(120 over 80)’. What does it mean? The first number (systolic) tells you what the blood pressure is when your heart pumps blood-on your heartbeat-and the second number (diastolic) is the blood pressure when your heart rests or relaxes-in between heartbeats. If your blood pressure is consistently 140/90 or above you have hypertension, and the longer your blood pressure stays at this level, the greater is your risk of heart problem. If there is an ideal blood pressure, it would be 120/80 when you are resting. All sufferers from hypertension or diabetes should try to keep their blood pressure at this level. Patient recieving treatment To manage your hypertension * Check your blood pressure regularly. * Exercise 30 minutes every day - 5days per week is a minimum. * Lose excess weight. * Reduce your salt intake because salt contains a lot of sodium which retains water in the body causing your blood pressure to rise. * Increase your potassium and calcium intake. * Avoid drinking alcohol, coffee and any other food or drink which ‘excites your body’. * Try to be calm and relax. Meditation and massages may help. * Never ever smoke. For both diabetes and hypertension, take your medication seriously. Do not interrupt your medication unadvised.

RAPPER HEAVY D DIED FROM PULMONARY EMBOLISM CAUSED BY DVT

2013-02-18T21:17:00.001-08:00

SHEADING MORE LIGHT OF PULMONARY EMBOLISM Coroners say the hip-hop star was killed by a blood clot that probably formed during a flight from London to LA. # guardian.co.uk, Thursday 29 December 2011 10.57 GMT The sudden death of Heavy D was down to a pulmonary embolism caused by deep vein thrombosis, coroners have announced. The rapper was killed by a blood clot that probably formed in his leg during a flight from London to Los Angeles, and which made its way fatally to his lung. Although Heavy D's autopsy was initially inconclusive, the Los Angeles county department of coroner have now completed their investigation into the 44-year-old's cause of death. When Heavy D was found outside his home on 8 November, collapsed but conscious, the clot in his lungs was likely restricting blood flow and putting severe pressure on his heart. He died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre. Heavy D's flight "is the connection", Craig Harvey, chief coroner investigator, told the New York Daily News. "He had reportedly been in London for about six weeks and had returned to LA within the preceding week or so." The 344lb (26 stone) rapper was found to have deep leg vein thrombosis, pointing to the formation of a clot during the long flight. Air travel, as well as obesity, are common causes of thrombosis. A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot formed in another part of the body migrates to the lungs and blocks an artery. Despite early reports, pneumonia has been ruled out as a cause of death. So have drugs, despite a toxicology report that found medication in Heavy D's system. "He was treating himself with cough syrup," Harvey told the LA Times, "but it was not contributory." Born Dwight Arrington Myers, Heavy D was one of hip-hop's leading voices in the late 80s and 90s. As leader of Heavy D & the Boyz, he released five top 40 albums in the US and the international hit single Now That We Found Love in 1991. Before returning to the stage in October 2011, Heavy D had not performed live in 15 years.

PULMONARY EMBOLISM: MOVE AROUND IN THE PLANE, THIS KILLS.

2013-02-18T01:16:00.000-08:00

Pulmonary embolism Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blockage of the main artery of the lung or one of its branches by a substance that has travelled from elsewhere in the body through the bloodstream (embolism). PE most commonly results from deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in the deep veins of the legs or pelvis) that breaks off and migrates to the lung, a process termed venous thromboembolism (VTE). A small proportion of cases are due to the embolization of air, fat, talc in drugs of intravenous drug abusers or amniotic fluid. The obstruction of the blood flow through the lungs and the resultant pressure on the right ventricle of the heart lead to the symptoms and signs of PE. The risk of PE is increased in various situations, such as cancer or prolonged bed rest. Symptoms of pulmonary embolism include difficulty breathing, chest pain on inspiration, and palpitations. Clinical signs include low blood oxygen saturation and cyanosis, rapid breathing, and a rapid heart rate. Severe cases of PE can lead to collapse, abnormally low blood pressure, and sudden death.[1] Diagnosis is based on these clinical findings in combination with laboratory tests (such as the D-dimer test) and imaging studies, usually CT pulmonary angiography. Treatment is typically with anticoagulant medication, including heparin and warfarin. Severe cases may require thrombolysis with drugs such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) or may require surgical intervention via pulmonary thrombectomy. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

WHY MEN LIKE WET KISSES

2013-02-06T21:11:00.000-08:00

Why men like wet kisses? ANI, Aug 9, 2009 (Why men like wet kisses?…) When you share a kiss with your man, you reveal a lot more than just passion. US scientists have found that modern man uses smooch to pick up traces of estrogen in a woman's saliva and thus gauge her fertility. Anthropologist Helen Fisher of Rutgers University says that such behaviour may explain why men like wet kisses with more 'tongue action'. While at a meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Chicago, Fisher said that wet kisses could also be an unconscious attempt to transfer testosterone to the woman, which would stimulate her sexual interest. Do men and women really enjoy wet sloppy kisses? Sure you can enjoy long, slow wet kisses. Maybe without the "sloppy" part. Our bodies release hormones when we kiss. It is what starts the dance. In fact I am totally in tune with my body and just let go. Kissing and foreplay are such a part of the actual sex act. Just kissing does not mean you will "do it". Hopefully we are adults now and can just say no or stop. Kissing is part of finding out if we are compatable. As adults we "should" have self control or the ability to play a little an still have fun. We are still sexual beings no matter how old we get. I hope that feeling never goes away. If we start making rules I cannot french kiss I am too old... well I hope I don't ever get that old. Nothing better in my book that a great kisses before, during and maybe a little less after but please kiss me with passion. Love it. There is an art to kissing. Know or learn you partner and hopeful they learn your body language. If you are truly into your partner you will not need a road map the passion will guide you. Focus on only yourself and that partner may not like the long slow, wet kisses. Do it right and you both will love. That is my take and I will stick with that. Love kissing. Now, put me with a guy I don't like or really not my type... that kissing would be such a huge turn off. Let your body be your guide and pay attention then let go. There is a difference between porn and erotic, a difference between like the partner and don't. I personally love sensual, erotic, long slow wet kisses. And maybe unless you get a guy or gal that hates oral...kisses is great.

OH MY GOODNESS, CHECK BELOW ARTICLE ON HOW TO REPAIR VERY CROOKED AND DISFIGURED PENIS

2013-02-01T05:00:00.000-08:00