Cool Health Tips

Health Benefits And Nurtional Information Of POTATO

noreply@blogger.com (Sanish) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 19:52:10 PDT

Potatoes are rich in nutrients that would surely be beneficial for all ages. From its skin down to its starch content, there’s a long list of vitamins and minerals that you can get from this root crop. You can get several benefits from potatoes.

Rich in starch. With its high content of starch, it acts and has an emollient property that can actually soothe the skin.
It acts as an antacid. Thus, it helps in the digestive system. It works best also for those suffering from constipation.
With its high content of potassium, it is good for combat for heart blood pressure. It acts as a vasodilator thus dilating or increasing the size of your blood vessels and it is known for its diuretic effect.
It is known for its antiscorbutic properties. Boosts the immune system thus decreasing the chances for illness.
With its high content of calcium and phosphorus, it is known to help calm the spasms and cramps individuals would usually experience. It has a sedative effective function, thus causing muscles to relax.
It is rich in carbohydrates thus boosting the energy of an individual.

They’re high in vitamin C and vitamin B6

One cup of potatoes gives you with a quarter of your daily requirement of vitamin C and they’re an excellent source of vitamin B6. Vitamin C is important for the synthesis of collagen, the main support structure found in connective tissue. Vitamin B6 is critical for maintaining healthy brain activity and is involved in hundreds of important chemical reactions. Potatoes help to provide significant amounts of these two important vitamins.

They may lower blood pressure

Potatoes were recently found to contain components called kukoamines, a type of flavonoid that appears to lower blood pressure. It’s not clear whether these kukoamines are present at high enough levels in potatoes to have an effect on blood pressure through normal diet or whether they remain stable when the potato is cooked. More research is needed in this area, but the potato appears to be more than just a high carb source of empty calories.

They’re a good source of lutein

Potatoes with a yellow flesh have been found to be high in an antioxidant known as lutein which helps to prevent macular degeneration, one of the most common eye diseases seen in adults. It appears that the lutein present in potatoes remains stable even when the potato is cooked.

They have other phytochemicals

Potatoes are a good source of phenols which act as antioxidants and may help to reduce the risk of chronic disease. In fact some types of potatoes, particularly those with darker skins, have phenol levels that are comparable to those of green, leafy vegetables.

Nutritional Fact about Potatoes

You can get 50 percent of the recommended daily dosage of vitamin B6 and vitamin C for adults in just 7 ounces of baked potato with the skin intact. There is also plenty of potassium and nearly 5 grams of fiber. You get all these for zero grams of fat and only 220 calories.

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum), raw, Nutritive value per 100 g.
Principle	Nutrient Value	Percentage of RDA
Energy	70 Kcal	3.5%
Carbohydrates	15.90 g	12%
Protein	1.89 g	3%
Total Fat	0.10 g	0.5%
Cholesterol	0 g	0%
Dietary Fiber	2.5 g	7%
Vitamins
Folates	18mcg	4.5%
Niacin	1.149 mg	7%
Pantothenic acid	0.279 mg	6%
Pyridoxine	0.239 mg	18%
Riboflavin	0.038 mg	3%
Thiamin	0.081 mg	7%
Vitamin C	11.4 mg	13%
Vitamin A	7 IU	<1%
Vitamin K	2.9 mcg	2.5%
Electrolytes
Sodium	6 mg	0.4%
Potassium	455 mg	10%
Minerals
Calcium	10 mg	1%
Iron	0.73 mg	9%
Magnesium	22mg	5.5%
Manganese	0.141mg	6%
Phosphorus	61 mg	9%
Zinc	0.33 mg	3%
Phyto-nutrients
Carotene, beta	4 mcg	--
Carotene alpha	0 mcg	--
Lutein-zeaxanthin	21 mcg	--

(Source: USDA National Nutrient data base)

# Potatoes are beneficial in curing stomach ulcers and inflamed conditions of the colon.
# Potatoes are also beneficial in hemorrhoid due to their high fiber content.
# Potatoes might help prevent cancer in glands and organs with epithelial tissue because of their high Vitamin A content.
# Potatoes make nice food for diabetics because they help to control blood sugar levels.
# Potatoes help to improve resistance to heart attack and stroke. The potassium content, available in potatoes, helps in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in the body cells.
# Potatoes also help in normal functioning of heart and keeping a check on blood pressure.

Bitter Gourd Health Benefits And Secrets And Nutritional Information

noreply@blogger.com (Sanish) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:24:59 PDT

As the name implies, this vegetable is a melon that is bitter. This tropical plant which goes by many names, is commonly grown for its edible fruit, which is probably among the most bitter of all vegetables on earth.

This vegetable has a rough and warty skin. It is very bitter in taste and the color of the skin is dark green. The seeds, leaves and vines can be used for many purposes. All parts of this vine can be used medicinally, but the fruit
is the preferred part of the plant. In summers, we often cook bitter gourd as it helps purify blood.

Did you know that eating bitter gourd has got lots of nutrition benefit?

People suffering from diabetes can have bitter gourd to decrease the sugar level.
It helps in fighting against cancer and many other infections.
It provides relief from constipation and also helps in the treatment of psoriasis.
It helps in the circulation of blood in our body.
Regular consumption of bitter gourd helps to prevent hypertension.
It helps to prevent eye complications. Apart from this, it also helps a lot in treating neuritis.
It helps in the treatment of alcoholism. Actually it is the juice of the bitter gourd that is found to be beneficial.

The health benefits of bitter gourd are almost unparalled among fruits/vegetables in its abilities to provide medicinal properties for ailments. Consuming the juice of bitter gourd for health is believed to be extremely beneficial in treating blood disorders such as blood boils and itching due to blood poisoning caused by bacterial toxic substances in the blood. Consuming regular quantities of bitter gourd juice is known to enhance the levels of energy and stamina in the body and is
especially beneficial for people with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Bitter gourd seeds can also be consumed in a powdered de-bittered form for those who find the taste of the juice unpalatable. Bitter gourd can also be consumed in the form of a decoction by boiling fresh pieces of bitter gourd in water and consuming it like a herbal tea.

Bitter gourd thrives in hot and humid climates, so are commonly found in Asian countries and South America.

Westerners may not be so used to bitter melons, so may find them more difficult to consume. But if you can generally take bitter taste, you may be able to take this too. Try it, at least for all its healthful virtues!

10 Healthy Natural ways to take care of your feet

noreply@blogger.com (Sanish) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:48:59 PDT

Most of us take care of our face but the feet is the most ignored part of the body. In fact the legs bear the whole weight of the body. So we should include foot care in our daily routine. Here are some ways, we can take care of our feet naturally.

1.Soak feet in a large basin or bowl to which warm water and mineral salt is added for about 10 minutes. You can even place pebbles in the large bowl and roll your feet back and forth giving slight pressure as it gives a massaging effect. Scrub using pumice stone to remove dead skin. Wash your feet well, then pat it dry and massage with a moisturizing cream.

You can even add juice of one lemon and a few neem leaves to the water as neem has antiseptic qualities.
Rose petals can be added to the water.

You can even add 2 drops of lavender essential oil to the water to have a spa effect at home.

2.Natural remedy for treating cracked feet:

Wash your feet well and apply Vaseline or petroleum jelly at night and slip a pair of cotton socks and go to sleep. In a few weeks, your feet will become soft.

Mix lime juice, castor oil, rose water and apply it after cleaning your feet.

Olive oil can be applied regularly to have a soft feet.

Neem paste mixed with turmeric powder can be used to treat cracked feet, though it is very messy.

Lemon rind can be rubbed daily .Wash it off after 15 minutes.

3.Walking is best exercise for your legs. Go for brisk walk at least 5 days a week.

4.Another exercise for your feet: Hold your ankles with your hand and rotate clockwise and anticlockwise. Do this for both the legs.

Also rotate each toes with your fingers.

Bend the toes forward and backwards.

Point your toes downwards as far as possible then flex them as high as possible. Do this for both the legs.

Exercise will improve blood circulation to your feet.

5.Hot (bearable) and cold treatment also improves blood circulation. Soak feet in hot water first, and then in cold water. Do this for 5-10 minutes. End with cold water .

6.Avoid heels as far as possible.

7.Buy good fitting shoes which is comfortable for you.

8.Waxing your legs is a better option than shaving. But if you have to shave, use lot of moisturizer to avoid razor rashes.

9.Take a few minutes to massage your legs with coconut oil or olive oil everyday before bath.

10.Natural Homemade scrub for lovely legs: Squeeze juice of one fresh lemon and mix it with a little sugar and scrub gently.

Natural Health Tips for getting a Beautifull Shiny Hair

noreply@blogger.com (Sanish) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 02:14:54 PDT

Do you long for shiny tresses, but lack the funds for expensive products and treatments? Don't despair - you don't have to be a supermodel to have gleaming locks. Before you mourn your lackluster strands, head to the kitchen and try these simple solutions to lock in shine the natural way.
Sun, wind, saltwater, pollution, and chemicals are just some of the shine-depleting elements your hair may be subjected to on a daily basis. They can strip your hair of its natural oils and create build-up leaving it dull and lifeless. Fortunately, Mother Nature has a few remedies to share.

The Alluring Avocado
Mash an avocado (one avocado for short hair, two for long) in a bowl until it forms a thick paste. Spread the paste on your hair from root to tip and leave on for 20 minutes. Shampoo and rinse. Avocados are high in fatty acids and nutrients. Feed your hair!

Amazing Apple Cider Vinegar
Mix half a cup of apple cider vinegar with one quart of water and use as a hair rinse after your regular shampoo. Rich in alpha-hydroxy acids, apple cider vinegar helps break down residue build-up leaving your hair soft and full of shine. Rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar and it will be shining in no time.

Eggs Over Olive Oil
Beat together two eggs for short hair, three for long, and add in three tablespoons of olive oil. Coat your hair from root to tip and leave on for 30 minutes. Shampoo and rinse. Eggs contain eleven essential nutrients and are packed with protein. Combine them with olive oil for conditioning and nourishment and you have one powerful duo.

Coconut Craze
Warm three tablespoons of coconut oil and gently comb into your hair from root to tip. Wrap your hair in a hot towel and let the oil sit for 30 minutes. Shampoo and rinse. Loaded with antioxidants, coconut oil works to smooth dry and damaged cuticles and lock in shine.
Life doesn't have to be dull and neither does your hair! It's time to shine! Open your cabinet and start mixing, then sit back and bask in your natural glow.

Swine Flu Preventive Measures

noreply@blogger.com (Sanish) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:11:36 PDT

Although flu shots have been offered in different nations, new types of flu viruses have remained a threat. So what can we do? The best bet will be to work on your immune system. With a stronger immune system, you body has a higher chance of winning battles against viruses.

How do we boost our immune systems? (These are not the only things you can do to boost your immune system. I am sure you can add more to this list. The important thing we should focus on is boosting our immune systems)

1. Increasing your intake of Vitamin C could be a good start to boosting your immune system.

The good thing is Vitamin C is easily available in fruits and vegetables. The foods that are very rich in Vitamin C include green peppers, citrus fruits and juices, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, turnip greens and other leafy greens, sweet and white potatoes, and cantaloupe. I believe there are more foods which you can add to the list.

2. Drink plenty of water. How many times have you heard about the important of drinking water? And how many of us are doing it? The usual guideline is about 6-8 glasses of water everyday. My body has a way to let me know that it needs water - it protests by giving me headaches. Headaches and thirst are both signs of dehydration.

3. Get a full night’s sleep. Depending on individual, your body may need anywhere from 6 to 10 hours of sleep each night. According to an article on Vibe Health dated 27 February 2009, “Medical researchers are discovering that sleep may be the body’s way of recharging your immune system, explaining why poor sleepers are prone to infections and heart disease.”

4. Exercising. Exercise can make a noticeable difference to your health and happiness by releasing Endorphins. Moderate and consistent exercise help one to boost immune system and to sleep better. If you overdo it, it may do harm to your immune system instead.

5. Drinking Tea. Immunologists at Harvard University discovered that people who drank five cups of black tea a day for 2 weeks transformed their immune system T cells into “Hulk cells” that pumped out 10 times more cold and flu virus - fighting interferon — proteins that defend against infection — than did the immune systems of those who didn’t drink black tea. Green tea should work just as well.

While five cups a day may seem like a lot, Dr. Jack Bukowski of the Harvard Medical School thinks fewer cups may still offer some valuable protection. Moderation is important.

Besides following these points to boost immune system, we must also adopt good hygiene practices and be socially responsible:

1. Washing hands thoroughly and often especially if you have been out in the public.
2. People should avoid touching their mouth, nose or eyes with their hands unless they’ve washed their hands.
3. Using a serving spoon when sharing food.
4. Not spitting on the floor, covering nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and to throw it into garbage immediately.
5. Wearing masks when unwell.

Those who have flu-like symptoms are advised to seek medical help promptly, and inform the doctors of their travel history.

Although there is no way to control 100 percent on how the swine flu pandemic may evolve, we can do our parts to prevent it from affecting ourselves, our immediate families and friends. I hope these few points can inspire you to take proactive measures to boost your immune system. Wishing everyone great health!

Taken from: http://www.symphonyoflove.net/blog/480/is-swine-flu-the-big-one-and-prevention.html

Black Currant Benefits for our daily lifestyle

noreply@blogger.com (Sanish) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 22:34:03 PDT

Black currants are known for their rich, natural vitamins, antioxidants, and delicious flavor. They contain 3 times the concentration of vitamin C, and more iron, potassium and organic acids than other fruits, black currants high vitamin C content of the berries, so that we can all enjoy a healthy diet without the need for taking additional supplements. Most people are unaware that blackcurrants, weight for weight, have a higher vitamin C content than an orange.

The berries of black currant are rich in polyphenolic compounds and especially in anthocyanins, demonstrating antioxidant activity.Antioxidant activities of plant products contribute multiple health benefits. Researchers evaluated 13 black currant juices and found anthocyanin content or vitamin C attributed 70% of the antioxidant capacity of the juices.

The taste of black currants is very sweet and sharp, and they're used to make blackcurrant jellies, jams, added to desserts or as a part of sauces and dippings. Blackcurrants are commonly used to make cordial, liqueur, ice-cream and they can also be found in juice form

Black currants contain anthocyanins, which are compounds naturally found in berries. They are very potent antioxidants and are responsible for the color of blackcurrants.

POTENTIAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF BLACK CURRANT

Black currant juice shows anti-cancer activities. The fruit juice of black currant was found to contain a polysaccharide-rich substance, which was designated cassis polysaccharide, with macrophage-stimulating activity.

Researchers investigated the effect of black currant concentrate on smooth muscle in rat thoracic aorta. They found that black currant concentrate dose-dependently relaxed the norepinephrine (0.1 microM)-precontracted aorta, and the response was abolished after endothelium removal.

The fruits, leaves and buds of the black currant have multiple effects in treating and preventing various diseases. Because it contains vitamin C, the black currant is used in treating cardiovascular diseases, preventing cardiac insufficiency and vascular accidents, it increases the resistance of fragile sanguine capillaries, reduces arterial hypertension. Also, it intensifies weak peripheral circulation caused by menopause, cleans the blood of toxins, wastes and cholesterol.

Black currant is recommended as a systemic anti-inflammatory agent with actions similar to those of natural cortisone, in cutaneous, acute and chronic allergies, bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, and diabetic retinopathy. In external use, the mixtures from black currant fruits are used for treating abcess, dermatosis, eczemas, insect stings or hits. The mixtures from buds are used in urticaria.

Being astringent, this fruit is useful against diarrhea and dysentery. Black currants are also useful against tiredness and overwork. The diet with these fruits is also recommended to plethoric and lymphatic people and to women who suffer from circulation disorders due to menopause.

The black currant diet is useful against rheumatism, arthritis and gout. The plant stimulates digestion, stimulates the functioning of the liver, pancreas, spleen and kidneys. Because of its diuretic qualities, the plant is useful for people suffering from oliguria.

Health Secrets And Benefits Of Yoga

noreply@blogger.com (Sanish) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 22:40:15 PDT

Happiness is in the mind, and the mind is supported by the body – a healthy mind lives in a healthy body. Your happiness depends on your mind and it depends on your body. Without physical health you can't be completely happy, and without mental happiness you can't be completely healthy.

If you practice yoga, then you know that it allows the mind to work together with the body to promote healing and well-being. Yoga can do wonders for a body that is in good or bad shape.

These claims aren't unfounded, medical studies have shown yoga does indeed produce health benefits. After a yoga class, many will affirm the fact that they feel more energized, happier and more peaceful. How exactly does yoga produce these feelings and how can the body heal itself?

Yoga makes you more aware of your body, its movements and its alignment. It allows you to know and understand yourself better. Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention. In India, where yoga originated, back pain is practically nonexistent. Yoga can cure and prevent back pain by enhancing strength and flexibility. It can also help people with arthritis by providing relief to aching joints and providing joint lubricants. In addition, it relieves tension in muscles.

Yoga is a science that has been practiced for thousands of years. It is consists of Ancient Theories, observations and principles about the mind and body connection which is now being proven by modern medicine. Substantial research has been conducted to look at the Health Benefits of Yoga - from the Yoga Postures (Asanas), Yoga Breathing (Pranayama), and Meditation. The information on Yoga Poses & Benefits are grouped into three categories-physiological, psychological, biochemical effects. Furthermore, scientists have laid these results against the benefits of regular exercise

Some Benefits of Yoga

Brings down stress and enhances powers of relaxation
Boosts physical strength, stamina and flexibility
Bestows greater powers of concentration and self control
Inculcates impulse Control
Helps in rehabilitation of old and new injuries
Intensifies tolerance to pain and enhancing mental clarity
Boosts functioning of the immune system
Enhances posture and muscle tone
Improves blood circulation
Results in healthy, glowing skin
Cleanses and improves overall organ functioning
Bestows peace of mind and a more positive outlook to life
Infuses a sense of balance and internal harmony
Breath-holding time increases
Joint range of motion increase
Grip strength increases
Eye-hand coordination improves
Dexterity skills improve
Reaction time improves
Posture improves
Strength and resiliency increase
Endurance increases
Energy level increases
Hostility decreases
Concentration improves
Memory improves
Attention improves
Learning efficiency improves
Mood improves
Self-actualization increase
Social skills increases
Well-being increases
Somatic and kinesthetic awareness increase
Self-acceptance increase
Attention improves
Concentration improves
Memory improves
Learning efficiency improves
Symbol coding improves
Depth perception improves
Flicker fusion frequency improves

There are also many psychological benefits produced by yoga also. It has been known to help with obsessive-compulsive disorders. It reduces stress, anxiety, depression and tension. It increases a feeling of well-being. Most people will experience a positive outlook on life and feel invigorated. They will have higher energy levels and will have a better knowledge of themselves and be more self-aware. Improved memory, attention and concentration, as well as, social skills and self-acceptance are also benefits of this exercise.

Biochemical benefits are lower sugar levels, lower cholesterol levels, lower sodium levels, hemoglobin increases and vitamin C level increases.

Yoga is an easy fitness program, which anyone can practice and from which everyone can benefit. It promotes good health and eases stress and tension. It stimulates and relaxes. It enhances concentration and provides us with flexibility and strength. It addresses our physical, mental and emotional needs. It addresses our whole person and provides us with many health benefits. Yoga can prevent the need for medicine or work in conjunction with a medical regimen.

Olive Oil Information and Health benefits

noreply@blogger.com (Sanish) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:05:24 PDT

Olive oil benefits have long been made known many years ago. The use of olive oil is an old practice that continues to exist in the present day. In fact, even medical studies have linked significant findings to olive oil benefits.

One of the main olive oil benefits is the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.Studies conducted revealed that this is owed to the fact that this nation prefers to use olive oil to animal fat-based oils. Thus they experience more of the benefits of olive oil.

The skin is the most visible example of olive oil benefits to the human body. Olive oil contains essential vitamins that are helpful in delaying the aging process. The healthy fatty acids present in olive oil promote soft and suppler skin, which is an important component of beauty. So, now you have discovered another vital beauty secret that is proven to be safe and effective

Benefits & Uses Of Olive Oil

Super Food For Heart

Olive oil is highly beneficial in preventing heart diseases and keeping the heart healthy. It is rich in mono-saturated fats, antioxidants, and vitamin E. It helps in lowering the blood pressure significantly and decreases the risk of heart attack as well. In addition, it helps in preventing the blood clots from reaching certain levels and thus reduces the chance of their becoming delinquent.

To Lower Blood Cholesterol Levels The monounsaturated fatty acids in olive oil help lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels without affecting HDL ("good") cholesterol or triglyceride levels. To lower your cholesterol at least 15 percent of your daily calories should come from monounsaturated fatty acids. Whenever possible use olive oil in place of butter or other vegetable oils in cooking, in preparing dressings for salads or vegetables and in making sandwiches.

Inhibits Growth Of Cancer

Some studies have shown that the growth of breast, colon, bowel, and skin cancer can be significantly reduced with regular use of olive oil. Oleic acid, one of the main monosaturated fats present in olive oil, has the ability to cripple the cancer gene and thus, prevent cancer growth.

Olive oil for constipation In the morning, take 1 teaspoon of olive oil mixed with lemon juice on an empty stomach. Or try an enema made from 5 ounces of olive oil in 20 ounces of boiling water, cooled to lukewarm.

Helps Maintain Lower Weight

Some fatty acids found in olive oil can curb hunger cravings. You can substitute olive oil for other vegetable oils, as the effect of fats in the former is far less cumulative. In addition, it promotes healthy metabolism and forces the body to burn off calories at a faster rate. So, if you are planning to lose weight and maintain a healthy body, olive oil would prove to be quite useful.

Anti Aging Remedy

The anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil help slow down the aging process of cells, on the inside as well as outside. It helps give the skin a stunning glow and also reduces the wrinkles. You can use the oil in your salad dressing, cook your food in it and even apply it on your skin directly.

Excellent Beauty Product

Olive oil does wonder to your skin, giving it a natural glow and shine. In fact, it plays an important part in increasing the overall beauty of a person. It is used in several beauty and cosmetic products. You can use it as scrub, cleanser, and moisturizer. It can be applied to the hair, to give shine, increase volume, reduce dandruff and control hair fall. Incorporate it in your lifestyle and see the magic yourself.

Blood Sugar Controller

Olive oil contains the highest amount of mono-saturated fats, compared with any other oil and helps in stabilizing the level of blood sugar. The oil also proves to be a great source of vanadium, a lesser-known mineral that is also helpful in controlling the blood sugar level in the human body.

Lessens Severity Of Asthma & Arthritis

Olive oil is a very good anti-inflammatory agent and the mono-saturated fats present in it prove helpful in decreasing any inflammation in the body. Thus, the oil proves helpful in lessening the severity of asthma and arthritis.

To Treat Ear Complaints To clear stopped-up ears, put a few drops of lukewarm olive oil in the affected ear. Lie for 5 minutes on the opposite side, then turn over, so that the olive oil can flow out again. (Do not put any liquid in your ear if you think you may have a perforated eardrum!) For earaches, soak a cotton pad in olive oil, then add 5 drops of lavender oil. Place it loosely in your outer ear until the pain abates.
Studies have shown that people who consumed 25 milliliters (mL) - about 2 tablespoons - of virgin olive oil daily for 1 week showed less oxidation of LDL cholesterol and higher levels of antioxidant compounds, particularly phenols, in the blood.

Build Strong Fingernails To help build strong fingernails and soften cuticles, soak your nails each night in a mixture of 3 parts lukewarm olive oil to 1 part freshly-squeezed lemon juice. Put on cloth gloves and let the oil penetrate overnight. Your nails will gradually become more resistant to breaking and chipping.

But while all types of olive oil are sources of monounsaturated fat, EXTRA VIRGIN olive oil, from the first pressing of the olives, contains higher levels of antioxidants, particularly vitamin E and phenols, because it is less processed.

Olive oil is clearly one of the good oils, one of the healing fats. Most people do quite well with it since it does not upset the critical omega 6 to omega 3 ratio and most of the fatty acids in olive oil are actually an omega-9 oil which is monounsaturated.

Hypertension Or High Blood Pressure Details , Causes, Treatments

noreply@blogger.com (Sanish) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 05:54:31 PDT

High blood pressure or hypertension is a condition in which the blood pressure exceeds the limit of 140/90.

These two numbers indicate the maximum(140) and minimum(90) pressure that the heart exerts during one single beat, which involves a contraction and an expansion. Technically known as systolic and the diastolic pressure

High blood pressure is very often hereditary in nature, but an unbalanced diet and a faulty lifestyle can also cause this condition. High blood pressure damages blood vessels and increases the risks of kidney damage and heart attack.

Causes

In 90% of the cases, the cause of high blood pressure is not known (referred to as primary hypertension). Although the specific cause is unknown, certain factors are recognized as contributing to high blood pressure.

* Age: The older you get, the greater the likelihood that you will develop high blood pressure, especially systolic, as your arteries get stiffer. This is largely due to arteriosclerosis, or "hardening of the arteries."

* Race: African Americans have high blood pressure more often than whites. They develop high blood pressure at a younger age and develop more severe complications sooner.

* Family history (heredity): The tendency to have high blood pressure appears to run in families.

* Gender: Generally men have a greater likelihood of developing high blood pressure than women. This likelihood varies according to age and among various ethnic groups.

* Overweight (obesity): Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2. It is very closely related to high blood pressure. Medical professionals strongly recommend that all obese people with high blood pressure lose weight until they are within 15% of their healthy body weight. Your health care provider can help you calculate your BMI and healthy range of body weight.

* Sodium (salt) sensitivity: Some people have high sensitivity to sodium (salt), and their blood pressure goes up if they use salt. Reducing sodium intake tends to lower their blood pressure. Americans consume 10-15 times more sodium than they need. Fast foods and processed foods contain particularly high amounts of sodium. Many over-the-counter medicines, such as painkillers, also contain large amounts of sodium. Read labels to find out how much sodium is contained in food items. Avoid those with high sodium levels.

* Alcohol use: Drinking more than one to two drinks of alcohol per day tends to raise blood pressure in those who are sensitive to alcohol.

* Birth control pills (oral contraceptive use): Some women who take birth control pills develop high blood pressure.

* Lack of exercise (physical inactivity): A sedentary lifestyle contributes to the development of obesity and high blood pressure.

* Drugs: Certain drugs, such as amphetamines (stimulants), diet pills, and some pills used for cold and allergy symptoms, tend to raise blood pressure.

Symptoms

Though hypertension does not have too many obvious symptoms, frequent and unexplained tiredness and dizziness, ringing in the ears, thumping in the chest and hot flushes on the face may be signs of increase in blood pressure.

Sometimes people with high blood pressure have the following symptoms:

* Headache

* Dizziness

* Blurred vision

* Nausea

People often do not seek medical care until they have symptoms arising from the organ damage caused by chronic (ongoing, long-term) high blood pressure. The following types of organ damage are commonly seen in chronic high blood pressure:

* Heart attack

* Heart failure

* Stroke or "mini stroke" (transient ischemic attack, TIA)

* Kidney failure

* Eye damage with loss of vision

* Peripheral arterial disease

* Outpouchings of the aorta, called aneurysms

Treatment

Studies show that many people get better control of blood pressure with combination treatment than with one drug.

Most people with mild high blood pressure respond to one medication. Sometimes it takes a few tries to find the most effective drug.

However, sometimes one drug cannot control high blood pressure. The doctor may increase the dose or change the medication, yet the blood pressure stays high. That's when a second drug may be added.

You can prevent high blood pressure by:

Maintaining a healthy weight. Being overweight can make you two to six times more likely to develop high blood pressure than if you are at your desirable weight. Even small amounts of weight loss can make a big difference in helping to prevent and treat high blood pressure.
Getting regular exercise: People who are physically active have a lower risk of getting high blood pressure -- 20%-50% lower -- than people who are not active. You don't have to be a marathon runner to benefit from physical activity. Even light activities, if done daily, can help lower your risk.
Reducing salt intake: Often, when people with high blood pressure cut back on salt, their blood pressure falls. Cutting back on salt also prevents blood pressure from rising.
Drinking alcohol in moderation, if at all: Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure. So to help prevent high blood pressure, if you drink alcohol, limit how much you drink to no more than two drinks a day. The "Dietary Guidelines for Americans" recommend that for overall health, women should limit their alcohol to no more than one drink a day.
Reduce Stress: Stress can make blood pressure go up and over time may contribute to the cause of high blood pressure. There are many steps you can take to reduce your stress.

Refered From

1) http://www.emedicinehealth.com
2) http://www.webmd.com/

Headache Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

noreply@blogger.com (Sanish) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:33:51 PDT

Headache is defined as pain in the head or upper neck. It is one of the most common locations of pain in the body and has many causes.

The head is one of the most common sites of pain in the body.
The most common types of headache can be classified as 1) primary, 2) secondary, and 3) cranial neuralgias, facial pain, and other headaches.
The most common types of primary headaches are 1) tension, 2) migraine, and 3) cluster.
Tension headaches are the most common type of primary headache and usually are treated with over-the-counter medications for pain
Secondary headaches are a symptom of an injury or an underlying illness.
Patients should seek medical care for new onset headaches, fever, stiff neck, change in behavior, vomiting, weakness or change in sensation.

There are three major categories of headaches:

Primary headaches,
Primary headaches include migraine, tension, and cluster headaches, as well as a variety of other less common types of headache.
Secondary headaches,
Secondary headaches are those that are due to an underlying structural problem in the head or neck
Cranial neuralgias, facial pain, and other headaches
Cranial neuralgia describes a group of headaches that occur because the nerves in the head and upper neck become inflamed and are the source of the head pain. Facial Pain and a variety of other causes for headache are included in this category.

Treatment

The pain killers may grant you relief form the pain temporarily but is not permanent solution. The three most common and most effective migraine and headache treatments are the triptans, the ergots and the midrins. These three families of medications target the source of the headache instead of simply numbing the pain. Migraine headache treatments and medications is effective if should affect source of the pain.

Getting Down to the Cause

Migraine and headache occur due to the expansion of blood vessels in the brain. The brain is a very dense construction and the blood vessels as long thing balloons. Usually these blood vessels are deflated. The headache happens because these blood vessels grow larger and larger, like a balloon being blown up. As the blood vessels get bigger, they put pressure on the structure around them; this pressure is what causes a migraine. Thus focusing on the source of pain rather than just curbing the ache would curb the Migraine.

The Mechanics of Treatment

All three medications discussed above hits the root cause of the problem. It causes the blood vessels to constrict, relieving the pressure and hence the pain. The pain killer pills generally numb only the pain instead of addressing the main cause of the problem. It's for this reason that the medical treatments for migraines and headaches listed above are the most effective when it comes to treating true, sever, headaches.

Is One Better than the Others

Out of the three medical treatments listed, the triptan family is, at present, thought to be the safest especially for the heart patients. This is because all three medications constrict blood vessels all over the body, not just in the brain; thus mostly people are prone to a higher risk of heart problems and an attack following use of one of these vessel-targeting medications.

Apple Cider Vinegar Cool Health Benefits

noreply@blogger.com (Sanish) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 23:15:40 PDT

Everyone knows how good an apple is for their health. When this same apple is allowed to ferment, the fruit acid that is formed is more potent that one can imagine. It is loaded with pectin, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chlorine, fluorine, copper, sulfur, and a range of vitamins. It also contains carboxylic acids, acetates, ketones, and aldehydes. With all these elements present in substantial quantities, one can only imagine the benefits that apple cider vinegar can provide. Let us take a look at some of them:

Apple Cider Vinegar Remedies

Heart Health: Apple cider vinegar contains potassium which in conjunction with other elements keeps blood thin and controls blood pressure. The fruit pectin in apple cider vinegar is a fiber which is useful in eliminating LDL, or the bad cholesterol, and fats as waste by products.
Bone Health: Calcium along with other minerals like magnesium, iron, and manganese help maintain bone density and mass. It helps ageing and menopausal women combat the evils of osteoporosis.
Arthritis: Apple cider vinegar is a detoxifier and helps eliminate toxins from the body, especially from tissues. This greatly relives arthritic pains.
Diabetes: Pectin helps stabilize blood glucose levels and hence is beneficial as diabetic supplement.
Yeast Infection: Acid unbalance in the body can cause several types of yeast infections. The malic acid and acetic acid in apple cider vinegar can help combat infections like Candida when applied topically (mixed in warm water) and ingested orally.
Weight Loss: Apple cider vinegar is known to curb appetite, boost metabolism, and help burn fat. Two tbsp of apple cider vinegar half an hour before every meal helps you eat less and aids in effective digestion.
Digestion: Apple cider vinegar is known to aid digestion by helping produce to hydrochloric acid and pepsin in the stomach responsible for digestion.
Skin Allergies: Acetic acid in apple cider vinegar converts into acetate compounds which reduce toxicity levels increased during allergies. This helps alleviate many skin allergies.
Muscle Health: The amino acids in apple cider vinegar are good for muscle building and help combat muscle fatigue and soreness.
Overall Health: Due to the presence of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other compounds required for sound body function, apple cider vinegar is highly recommended for improving overall body health.

Other Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar Remedies

Apple cider vinegar is known to reduce varicose veins and skin lesions. It is a powerful anti-septic and anti-biotic and hence effective in healing wounds and combating bacterial infections. Chest congestion can be greatly relived by applying warm apple cider vinegar mixed with pepper.

Sore throats can be cured by gargling with apple cider vinegar. In fact, when it comes to health, apples cider vinegar is as effective as its parent fruit in keeping the doctor away. Just two to four spoons a day can help you avoid recurrent visits to the doctors and the expenses these visits can incur.

Health Benefits Of Garlic For You

noreply@blogger.com (Sanish) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 04:43:45 PDT

Most of us don’t take particularly well to the idea of eating raw garlic; understandably so, considering its pungent taste and the bad breath it leaves behind. There are ways to combat the bad breath, while there is no way to escape from the benefits that two to three pods of chopped garlic can provide. Allacin, Di Allyl-Disulfide (DADS) and S. Allyl Cysteine (SAC) are the main chemical components in garlic, responsible for its health benefits.

Garlic Benefits

Allacin in garlic has anti-biotic properties which the body cannot grow immune to as it does with many synthetic antibiotics. Hence, garlic can be used time and again to combat infections.
Allacin in garlic increases the anti-oxidative enzyme production in the body. In that sense it is an anti-oxidant and is very effective in protecting cellular damage by free radicals.
When garlic is crushed, mixed with water or vinegar and consumed, DADS which is formed, permeates the walls of the stomach and enters the lymphatic system where it inhibits and kills the cancer cells and prevents tumor formation.
After passing through the lymphatic system DADS enters the vena cava and then the liver where it act as a blood purifier.
In the liver, the SAC in garlic promotes the production of HDL and lowers the production of LDL and triglycerides. LDL, or the bad cholesterol, and triglycerides are detrimental to heart health. Garlic tips the cholesterol ratio in favor of HDL, or the good cholesterol, thereby ensuring well being of the heart.
The SAC in garlic is also known to lower blood pressure.
SAC is also an anti-coagulant. It helps prevent blood clots, and thereby reduces the chances of strokes and thrombosis
It helps in reducing arterial wall plaque, thereby maintaining their elasticity.
Garlic is detoxifying in nature. It is particularly effective in removing lead and mercury from the body.
It is also anti fungal and anti viral in nature. Many skin ailments are known have found a cure in garlic.
Common cold can be effectively treated by consuming two to three crushed or chopped garlic pods in a day.
It helps the body produce anti-bodies, thereby strengthening the immune system.

Keep in mind that:

On cutting or chopping garlic, allacin is formed. Hence it is advisable to wait for at least 15 inutes before consuming it, so that an ample amount of allacin is formed.
Some people are sensitive to garlic and complain of irritation in the respiratory tract. In such cases garlic pills are an effective alternative.
If you are taking anti-coagulants, it is advisable to refrain from garlic consumption without proper medical advice.
Garlic must be taken as a supplement and not as a diet replacement.

Healing Power of Garlic

Garlic has long been a wonder drug for centuries as a remedy for everything from a nose cold and flu to the Plague. Garlic is used mostly as an alternative medicine in which natural extracts are used to promote health and wellness and has also been used topically to treat some acne problems.

The stronger the garlic and its cent, the more sulphur it contains. It was long thought that sulphur was the key to the medicinal power of garlic, but as it turns out, researchers have found that an acid in garlic is responsible for the flavor and its natural healing properties. An organic compound called allicin could be the antioxidant in charge.

Many people do not like garlic is because of its after effect “Garlic breath”. One way to avoid it, is to take garlic supplements, but of course the original ingredient in its raw form is always preferred. Garlic is a natural antibiotic and can be taken for as long as needed as long as you are not allergic to it. Antioxidants prevent the body from free radicals which kill good cells in your body.

Some other things that garlic has been know for is detoxifying your body of metals, lowers blood pressure, gets rid of yeast infections, reduces cholesterol levels, and just makes you feel great.

19 reasons to take a nap

noreply@blogger.com (Sanish) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 23:14:59 PDT

Studies show that not only will you feel better almost immediately, says Sara Mednick, PhD, a sleep medicine researcher at the University of California at San Diego and author of Take a Nap! Change Your Life, but a daily nap of between 20 and 90 minutes before 4:00 pm will also increase your mental performance, reduce your chances of gaining weight, and make you feel a whole lot more like having sex after dinner than you probably do now. What's more, it won't affect your nighttime sleep.

All told, a nap, according to Dr. Mednick, will:

• Increase your on-the-job alertness by 100 percent
• Sharpen your thinking so you make more accurate judgments and better decisions
• Ramp up your productivity
• Regenerate skin cells so you look younger
• Increase your sex drive
• Help you lose weight by altering metabolism and shifting chemicals that affect appetite
• Reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular problems
• Lift your mood by bathing your brain in the neurotransmitter serotonin
• Speed up your ability to perform motor tasks, like typing, operating machinery, even swimming
• Improve your accuracy—in everything
• Improve the way your body processes carbs, which reduces your risk of diabetes
• Sharpen your senses so you take in what's important in your environment—and screen out the 24-hour culture chatter that surrounds us
• Put your brain into its creative gear so you can come up with fresh ideas
• Trigger a naturally occurring hormone that blocks the destructive chemicals produced by stress
• Boost your ability to learn something new—and, better yet, remember it
• Zap the need for drugs like caffeine and alcohol to manipulate your mood and energy level
• Relieve migraines
• Improve your nighttime sleep by eliminating that wired feeling and thus shutting off the brain chatter
• Make you feel good all over

Top - 10 Anti Cancer Foods That Helps In Our Daily Diet

noreply@blogger.com (Sanish) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 05:35:11 PDT

Cancer. The mere mention of the word makes us shrink in fear. It's like a death sentence. It's the leading cause of death in the United States, overtaking heart disease. But take heart, recent statistics show a decline in the incidence of both diseases. Now, that's heartening news! And the American Cancer Society reports that half of all these cancer deaths can be prevented by adopting a healthier lifestyle (assuming you already lead a healthy one). Now, that's doubly heartening news! Opting for a healthier (and heartier) lifestyle means you should stop smoking, lose weight, exercise, and eat more antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, according to a recent article published inHealthy Options lifestyle newsdigest

For starters, let's get to know more about the top 10 anti-cancer foods.Take this list (and please take them often):

1) Tomatoes :You probably know that tomatoes are oozing with lycopene, which helps ward off the free radicals associated with lung and digestive cancers as well as prostate, ovarian and lung cancers. Lycopene is also found in watermelon and pink grapefruit.

2) Broccoli Sprouts : For a veggie that's so small you can hold it with one hand, this one's got a fistful of antioxidant benefits that last for days. In the same family of cruciferous vegetables are broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and cabbage. Their sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol protect against prostate, bladder, colon, pancreatic, gastric, breast, and other hormone-related cancers. Indeed, it's the ultimate baby vegetable, baby!

3) Berries :Blueberries, strawberries, cherries, raspberries, cranberries, and grapes are all berry-rich in anthocyanins that help repair and protect DNA.

4) Soybeans :They're soy-good for your health as they've got isoflavones (like genistein) that prevent and treat prostate cancer. Soybeans may also reduce breast cancer risk. Soy is truly beanificial to our health!

5) Tea :Tea make that green and black is steeped in powerful compounds that, according to countless studies, may lower the risk of several types of cancer. Care for tea?

6) Pumpkin :This Halloween symbol and Cinderella's chariot has magical powers indeed. But not too many know that this superfood is a super-rich source of beta-carotene and alpha-carotene, two carotenoids that work hard to fight lung and ovarian cancers. Also rich in carotenoids are carrots, yams, squash, melons, and sweet red peppers.

7) Spinach :Aye, aye, Popeye was right spinach's a-okay. Its active antioxidant lutein may even help KO cancers of the liver, ovaries, colon, and prostate. Lutein is also found in kale and other leafy greens.

8) Garlic :The allium family, to which garlic belongs, works to boost the body's antioxidant defense systems to protect against stomach, esophageal, and breast cancers. Meet the other members of the family: scallions and onions. Truly, in onion, there is strength.

9) Pineapple :This pine cone-like fruit with its coveted sweet pulp contains an anti-inflammatory enzyme bromelain that may inhibit the growth of malignant lung and breast cancer cells.

10) Apple : Yes, there's a mouthful of wisdom in the saying "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." Studies show that quercetin a flavonoid abundant in apples prevents the growth of prostate cancer cells. The phytochemicals in the skin of an apple inhibits the reproduction of colon cancer cells. According to the National Cancer Institute, eating an apple a day may reduce the risk of lung cancer by as much as 50 percent.Excuse me while I bite into my apple.

Source: Consumerline by Ching M. Alano

25 Health Benefits of Lemons

noreply@blogger.com (Sanish) — Sun, 24 May 2009 23:48:50 PDT

Lemon is one of those super foods with a myriad health and cosmetic benefits. There are a few persons for whom it is an allergen, so make sure you are not allergic to this natural product, before you start enjoying the many benefits.

1. Lemon being a citrus fruit , fights against infection. It helps in production of WBC's and antibodies in blood which attacks the invading microorganism and prevents infection.

2. Lemon is an antioxidant which deactivates the free radicals preventing many dangerous diseases like stroke, cardiovascular diseases and cancers.

3. Lemon lowers blood pressure and increases the levels of HDL (good cholesterol).

4. Lemon is found to be anti-carcinogenic which lower the rates of colon, prostate, and breast cancer . They prevent faulty metabolism in the cell, which can predispose a cell to becoming carcinogenic. Also blocks the formation of nitrosamines in the gut.

5. Lemon juice is said to give a glow to the skin.

6. A few drops of lemon juice in hot water are believed to clear the digestive system and purify liver as well.

7. The skin of lemon dried under the sun and then ground to make powder can be applied to the hair for a few minutes before bath which relieves head ache and cools the body.

8. Applying lemon juice to acne dries the existing ones and prevents from getting more.

9. Lemon juice acts as a natural hair lightner and skin bleach which reduces the pigment melanin and prevents the risk of chemical allergic reactions which is common with hair dyes and bleaches.

10. Lemon juice is given to relieve gingivitis, stomatitis, and inflammation of the tongue.

11. Lemon juice is given to prevent common cold.

12. Lemon juice is given to prevent or treat urinary tract infection and gonorrhea.

13. Lemon juice is applied to the sites of bites and stings of certain insects to relieve its poison and pain.

14. Lemon juice relieves colic pain and gastric problems .

15. Lemon juice soothes the dry skin when applied with little glycerin.

16. Lemon juice used for marinating seafood or meat kills bacteria and other organisms present in them, thereby prevents many gastro-intestinal tract infections.

17. Lemon juice with a pinch of salt (warm) every morning lowers cholesterol levels and brings down your weight.

18. Lemon juice is the best drink to prevent dehydration and shock in case of diarrhea.

19. Lemon juice can also be used as a mouthwash. It removes plaque, whitens the teeth and strengthens the enamel.

20. A table spoon on thick lemon syrup everyday relieves asthma.

21. Lemon juice relieves chilblains and itchy skin.

22. Gargling lemon juice relieves throat infection and also used as a treatment for diphtheria.

23. Lemon juice is an excellent treatment for dandruff and greasy hair.

24. Lemon applied over the face removes wrinkles and keeps you young.

25. Lemon juice helps to prevent and cure osteoarthritis.

Laughter Therapy : What Happens When We Laugh?

noreply@blogger.com (Sanish) — Thu, 14 May 2009 21:18:36 PDT

We change physiologically when we laugh. We stretch muscles throughout our face and body, our pulse and blood pressure go up, and we breathe faster, sending more oxygen to our tissues.

People who believe in the benefits of laughter say it can be like a mild workout — and may offer some of the same advantages as a workout.

"The effects of laughter and exercise are very similar," says Wilson. "Combining laughter and movement, like waving your arms, is a great way to boost your heart rate."

One pioneer in laughter research, William Fry, claimed it took 10 minutes on a rowing machine for his heart rate to reach the level it would after just one minute of hearty laughter.

And laughter appears to burn calories, too. Maciej Buchowski, a researcher from Vanderbilt University, conducted a small study in which he measured the amount of calories expended in laughing. It turned out that 10-15 minutes of laughter burned 50 calories.

While the results are intriguing, don’t be too hasty in ditching that treadmill. One piece of chocolate has about 50 calories; at the rate of 50 calories per hour, losing one pound would require about 12 hours of concentrated laughter!

Laughter's Effects on the Body

In the last few decades, researchers have studied laughter's effects on the body and turned up some potentially interesting information on how it affects us:

Blood flow. Researchers at the University of Maryland studied the effects on blood vessels when people were shown either comedies or dramas. After the screening, the blood vessels of the group who watched the comedy behaved normally — expanding and contracting easily. But the blood vessels in people who watched the drama tended to tense up, restricting blood flow.

Immune response. Increased stress is associated with decreased immune system response, says Provine. Some studies have shown that the ability to use humor may raise the level of infection-fighting antibodies in the body and boost the levels of immune cells, as well.

Blood sugar levels. One study of 19 people with diabetes looked at the effects of laughter on blood sugar levels. After eating, the group attended a tedious lecture. On the next day, the group ate the same meal and then watched a comedy. After the comedy, the group had lower blood sugar levels than they did after the lecture.

The Miracle of Green Tea

noreply@blogger.com (Sanish) — Wed, 06 May 2009 06:59:07 PDT

Any other food or drink reported to have as many health benefits as green tea?Today, scientific research in both Asia and the west is providing hard evidence for the health benefits long associated with drinking green tea. For example, in 1994 the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the results of an epidemiological study indicating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly sixty percent.

University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. There is also research indicating that drinking green tea lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol.

To sum up, here are just a few medical conditions in which drinking green tea is reputed to be helpful:

* cancer
* rheumatoid arthritis
* high cholesterol levels
* cariovascular disease
* infection
* impaired immune function

Other Benefits

New evidence is emerging that green tea can even help dieters. In November, 1999, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of a study at the University of Geneva in Switzerland. Researchers found that men who were given a combination of caffeine and green tea extract burned more calories than those given only caffeine or a placebo.
Green tea can even help prevent tooth decay! Just as its bacteria-destroying abilities can help prevent food poisoning, it can also kill the bacteria that causes dental plaque. Meanwhile, skin preparations containing green tea - from deodorants to creams - are starting to appear on the market.

How to Brew a Cup of Green Tea

Producing the perfect cup of green tea is a tricky process. If not handled properly, those same polyphenols that provide health benefits can ruin the flavor, making the tea taste "gassy." It's particularly important not to overbrew. While it's best to follow the manufacturer's instructions for each variety of green tea, here are some general instructions:

* Use one tea bag, or 2 - 4 grams of tea,* per cup.
* Fill a kettle with cold water and bring to a boil.
* After unplugging the kettle, allow it to stand for up to 3 minutes.
* Pour the heated water over the tea bag or tea, and allow it to steep for up to 3 minutes. If using a tea bag, remove the bag.
* Allow the tea to cool for three more minutes.
*One to two teaspoons, depending on the variety of green tea you are brewing.

SWINE FLU Some usefull Health Tips To Protect Yourself

noreply@blogger.com (Sanish) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 02:15:44 PDT

A swine flu outbreak appears to have killed dozens in Mexico and more cases are showing up in the United States and around the world. Health officials are recommending several steps to prevent the spread of the virus:

Public health emergencies and pandemic disease outbreaks tend to create media frenzies. Reports of swine flu are the latest examples dominating headlines everywhere.

There have been 28 confirmed cases in New York. Read the press release from SU’s Health Services about the threat to the university community.

Here is a list of ten practical steps you can take to prepare and protect yourself and your family.

1) Know the symptoms - Here are some of the symptoms that sound like swine flu - fevers over 100 degrees, body aches, cough, runny nose, and sometimes, nausea and diarrhea. It’s also useful to know if you might have had an exposure - either by recent travel to Mexico, or to the areas of known cases so far in America - California, Texas, New York, Ohio and Kansas. Or you may have been exposed to a sick person who came from those areas. The incubation time for swine flu is believed to be pretty short - 48-72 hours, and the virus seems to spread easily between people. If this sounds like your symptoms, then what do you do?

2) Don’t panic - If you have a cold or flu, and the media is full of details about a potentially lethal pandemic, it’s hard to not imagine the worst. Once the announcement of confirmed cases of swine flu at St. Francis Preparatory School in New York hit the news, local hospitals were swamped with concerned people. Not only is this difficult for the healthcare system, it can also be potentially dangerous for everyone - all those people gathered in one place can help spread potential infection even more, including to hospitalized patients who are particularly vulnerable.

3) Call or go? - If you have symptoms and possible risks that sound like swine flu, call your doctor or local public health clinic before going in. You may be asked to go to a specific place to be tested, or you may be asked to stay home as long as you are able to breathe well. Anyone, however, who is rapidly getting worse, or having difficulty breathing, needs to be seen urgently by a doctor.

4) Contain the illness - First, take care of yourself - rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take over-the-counter medications to help with fevers, aches and pains, and stomach symptoms. Do not, however, give cough or cold medicines to children under two years of age - those medications are contraindicated. Some people with respiratory illnesses feel much better with a humidifier. If you have asthma, emphysema or other lung-affecting diseases, you need to be sure to take your regularly prescribed medicine, and watch closely for worsening symptoms, including difficulty breathing. If you live alone, be sure you check in with family or friends by phone each day. They’ll want to know how you’re doing, and it’s good to have someone helping you keep watch on your symptoms. Second, take steps to contain the spread - if you live with others, practice careful hand-washing, bypass the hugs and kisses of well-wishers, and do not share telephone handsets or computers. Be especially careful to always cough into the elbow of your arm (yes! the elbow, not your hand!). Dispose of your snotty tissues yourself, to protect others. People with swine flu are believed to shed the virus for 4-5 days, but young children can spread virus for as long as 10 days - so stay home until you feel well.

5) Protection works - if you feel fine, is there anything you can do to protect yourself and limit the potential spread of the virus? Influenza is spread by coughing and sneezing (droplet transmission). Influenza is also spread by touching a surface that’s been contaminated, then touching your own face/mouth/nose (fomite transmission). The question of whether or not “close contact” spreads the virus (e.g. being in the same air space - called airborne transmission) has not been completely answered by existing research. Also unanswered is the question - if it is spread that way, then how-close-is-close? No one knows. So, given all that, what can you do? First, handwashing works. Wash, wash and wash again. Invest in some hand sanitizer for the whole family. A bottle for everyone! Use hand sanitizer for those bus and subway rides where thousands of hands touch the same strap and rail. Alcohol-based diaper wipes can be used for shared telephones, keyboards, and work-out equipment. If you get on a plane, wipe down the armrests, tray-tables and entertainment console. If you work in a place - like a cafe - where it’s not possible to wipe down the cash register between each person’s use, then do not touch your face while you work. Don’t touch your face at all until you’ve washed your hands first. Teachers at schools can be especially helpful by reminding kids to handwash, cover coughs, and sneezes, and by eliminating shared hand-held items (like hall passes) that could be replaced with individual slips of paper. Teachers and administrators play an especially important role by supporting families who keep their kids out of school because of illness.

6) What about a mask? - The data shows that masks do work - as long as there is a tight seal about the mouth and nose. That means the floppy blue pleated mask you sometimes see hanging below a person’s nose isn’t doing a thing for anyone. And, if you’re a guy, a beard is probably stopping any mask anywhere from ever working for you. Expert panels and pandemic review boards, in general, do not recommend masks despite saying they work, both because masks often aren’t properly fitted, and because masks in public are not “widely accepted.” If you’re exposed to people who cough on you, and you are able to wear a mask, be sure to pinch the metal strip across your nose down snug, and tighten the straps so the mask touches skin around all the edges. And shave that beard.

7) Eat the pork (if you want) - Swine flu gets its name because pigs can get the infection and spread it to each other - as well as to humans. This latest virus contains pieces that indicate it evolved from swine flu virus, and can now spread from person to person. Swine flu is not spread by properly prepared and cooked pork products. So if you want to eat pork, you can.

8) Getting sick - stay home! - In our go-go-go culture and these severe economic times, it can be very hard to call a boss and cancel a day’s work. Perhaps even more so if there’s a big meeting and your third grader feels “crummy” but doesn’t (yet) look sick. Now, however, is the time to pay attention to symptoms - and if you or your loved ones are feeling like there’s a flu coming on, stay home.

9) Stockpile? - The public health department recommends that each home have two weeks of supplies, in case we must stay home - either for illness or to help contain transmission. That means two weeks of food for everyone in your home, two weeks of all medications (both over-the-counter and prescription), and, if you’re like most people, two weeks of books and DVDs.

10) Stay in? - If there is an outbreak in your community, but you’re feeling healthy, it can be a very difficult decision whether or not to stay home from vital activities like work. Luckily public health officials are acting on the latest reports, so keep an eye on the news for announcements like closures of schools. However, if you’re in an area of potential transmission, now is probably a good time to postpone some completely discretionary activities that involve large crowds, like going to the movies or the mall. Decisions are much harder when the activity is both not-exactly-required and not-discretionary - like going to church, for example, or community events like your school’s Open House. Right now, it’s too early for any of us to be a Swine Flu Shut-In, but you may want to have your hand sanitizer constantly with you for the next few weeks.

Refered From : http://www.docgurley.com/2009/04/26/swine-flu-ten-tips-for-me-and-you/

Top 5 lifestyle changes to reduce cholesterol

noreply@blogger.com (Sanish) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 02:13:19 PDT

Lifestyle changes can help reduce cholesterol, keep you off cholesterol-lowering medications or enhance the effect of your medications. Here are five lifestyle changes to get you started.

High cholesterol increases your risk of heart disease and heart attacks. You can reduce cholesterol with medications, but if you'd rather make lifestyle changes to reduce cholesterol, you can try these five healthy lifestyle changes. If you're already taking medications, these changes can also improve their cholesterol-lowering effect.

1. Lose excess pounds
Carrying some extra pounds — even just a few — contributes to high cholesterol. So losing as little as 5 to 10 pounds (2.3 to 4.6 kilograms) can help reduce cholesterol levels.

Start by taking an honest look at your eating habits and daily routine. Consider your challenges to weight loss — and ways to overcome them.

If you eat when you're bored or frustrated, take a walk instead. If you pick up fast food for lunch every day, pack something healthier from home. If you're sitting in front of the television, try munching on carrot sticks instead of potato chips as you watch. And, look for ways to incorporate more activity into your daily routine, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Remember that adding physical activity, even in 10-minute intervals several times a day, can help you begin to lose weight. Just be sure that you can keep up the changes you decide to make. Take stock of what you currently eat and your physical activity level, and slowly work changes in.

2. Eat heart-healthy foods
Even if you have years of unhealthy eating under your belt, making a few changes in your diet can reduce cholesterol and improve your heart health.

Choose healthier fats. Saturated fats, found in red meat and dairy products, raise your total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the "bad" cholesterol. As a general rule, you should get no more than 10 percent of your daily calories from saturated fat. Instead, choose leaner cuts of meat, low-fat dairy and monounsaturated fats — found in olive, peanut and canola oils — for a healthier option.
Eliminate trans fats. Trans fat can be found in fried foods and many commercial baked products, such as cookies, crackers and snack cakes. But don't rely on packages that are labeled "trans fat-free." In the United States, if a food contains less than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving, it can be labeled "trans fat-free." Even though those amounts seem small, it can add up quickly if you eat a lot of foods that have a small amount of trans fat in them. Instead, read the ingredients list. You can tell if a food has trans fat in it if it contains partially hydrogenated oil.

Limit your cholesterol intake. Aim for no more than 300 milligrams (mg) of cholesterol a day — less than 200 mg if you have heart disease. The most concentrated sources of cholesterol include organ meats, egg yolks and whole milk products. Use lean cuts of meat, egg substitutes and skim milk instead.
Select whole grains. Various nutrients found in whole grains promote heart health. Choose whole-grain breads, whole-wheat pasta, whole-wheat flour and brown rice.

Stock up on fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are rich in dietary fiber, which can help lower cholesterol. Snack on seasonal fruits. Experiment with veggie-based casseroles, soups and stir-fries. If you prefer dried fruits to fresh, limit yourself to no more than a handful (about an ounce or two). Dried fruit tends to have more calories than does fresh fruit.

Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids can help lower your LDL ("bad") cholesterol. Some types of fish — such as salmon, mackerel and herring — are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Other good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include walnuts, almonds and ground flaxseeds.

3. Get some daily exercise
Whether you're overweight or not, exercise can reduce cholesterol. Better yet, moderate physical activity can help raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol. With your doctor's OK, work up to 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day. Take a brisk daily walk during your lunch hour. Ride your bike to work. Swim laps. Play a favorite sport. To maintain your motivation, find an exercise buddy or join an exercise group. And remember, any activity is helpful. Even taking the stairs instead of the elevator or doing a few sit-ups while watching television can make a difference.

4. Quit smoking
If you smoke, stop. Quitting can improve your HDL cholesterol level. And the benefits don't end there. Just 20 minutes after quitting, your blood pressure decreases. Within 24 hours, your risk of a heart attack decreases. Within one year, your risk of heart disease is half that of a smoker. Within 15 years, your risk of heart disease is similar to someone who never smoked.

5. Drink alcohol only in moderation
Moderate use of alcohol has been linked with higher levels of HDL cholesterol — but the benefits aren't strong enough to recommend alcohol for anyone who doesn't already drink. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation. This means no more than one drink a day for women, and one to two drinks a day for men. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to serious health problems, including high blood pressure, heart failure and stroke.

If lifestyle changes aren't enough ...
Sometimes healthy lifestyle changes aren't enough to lower cholesterol levels. Make sure the changes you choose to make are ones that you can continue, and don't be disappointed if you don't see results immediately. If your doctor recommends medication to help lower your cholesterol, take it as prescribed. But remember the significance of the healthy lifestyle choices you've made.

Is Red Wine Really Good for Your Health?..... Check Out The Health Benefits of Wine

noreply@blogger.com (Sanish) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:35:52 PDT

When word got out about the health benefits of wine, most wine drinkers stopped swirling for a long minute and took notice. It was the mid 90s when story of the "French Paradox" poured from all media sources, and wine drinkers across the world swirled and sipped and rejoiced.

In case you missed it, baffled researchers launched a study of French folk, trying to determine why people with diets so high in cheese fats were not suffering from more heart attacks.

The findings? It's their moderate and steady intake of wine. Long after the discovery that the French were absurdly beating health odds, tons of research in support of wine drinking for good health continued to surface.

First, there were scores of positive studies related solely to the healing powers of resveratrol, an antioxidant found in red grape skins and therefore in red wine. However, now they're finding just as many benefits from white wines. As a matter of fact, winemakers worldwide are even altering their production processes in order to boost the health benefits in white wine. All kinds of new findings still frequently bombard the media today.

Check out some of the most recent studies that boast the health benefits of wine:

Overall Health Benefits:
     Anti-aging effects in red grape skins (Harvard Medical School in Boston, 2004)

Lung Health Benefits:
    Improved lung function from antioxidants in white wine (American Thoracic Society, 2002)

Heart Health Benefits:
    Coronary heart disease reduced (University of California, Davis, 1995)
    Healthier blood vessels in elderly (University of Ferrara in Italy, 2004)

Ulcer Prevention:
    Ulcer-causing bacteria reduced (American Journal of Gastroenterology, 2003)

Cancer Prevention:
   Cancer cells killed by protein in red grape skins (University of Virginia Health System, 2004)

Stroke Prevention:
   Arteries kept clean by polyphenols in red grape skins (William Harvey Research Institute, 2002)

Women's Health Benefits:
   1) Decreased ovarian cancer risk (The Queensland Institute of Medical Research in Australia, 2004)
   2) Stronger bones (Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology Unit, St. Thomas Hospital in London, 2004)
   3) Lower risk of stroke (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2001)

Men's Health Benefits:
Lower risk of heart attack for men with high blood pressure (Worcester Medical Center in Massachusetts, 2004)

So What's the catch? you ask. Well, the catch is simple moderation. Most of these studies promote drinking in moderation in order to achieve the blissful health benefits of wine drinking.And what's moderation? Well, moderation is defined as a glass or two each day, and no, you can't save them up all week and drink all of them on the weekend.

In fact, too much wine per day or per week can lead to negative health effects in many cases and rather than prevent disease, you'll actually up your odds of acquiring such diseases.

Isn't it great when you discover that something you enjoy could actually lead to better health? I guess this must be how vegetable lovers feel about eating.

In any case, now you can sip your favorite glass of wine with ease and even fervor tonight. After all, the health benefits of wine speak for themselves.

7 important thing's should not be done after having meals

noreply@blogger.com (Sanish) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 01:58:50 PDT

* Don't smoke - Experiment from experts proves that smoking a cigarette after meal is comparable to smoking 10 cigarettes (chances of cancer is higher).

* Don't eat fruits immediately - Immediately eating fruits after meals will cause stomach to be bloated with air. Therefore take fruit 1-2 hr after meal or 1hr before meal.

* Don't drink tea - Because tea leaves contain a high content of acid. This substance will cause the Protein content in the food we consume to be hardened thus difficult to digest.

* Don't loosen your belt - Loosening the belt after a meal will easily cause the intestine to be twisted & blocked.

* Don't bathe - Bathing will cause the increase of blood flow to the hands, legs & body thus the amount of blood around the stomach will therefore decrease. This will weaken the digestive system in our stomach.

* Don't walk about - People always say that after a meal walk a hundred steps and you will live till 99. In actual fact this is not true. Walking will cause the digestive system to be unable to absorb the nutrition from the food we intake.

* Don't sleep immediately - The food we intake will not be able to digest properly. Thus will lead to gastric & infection in our intestine.

Some Usefull Health Tips On THE EYE Care

noreply@blogger.com (Sanish) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:00:09 PDT

With so many of us spending lots of time in front of the computer every day it comes to no surprise that research is showing a rise in visual problems. What can one do? First, it’s important to find out how you can protect your eyes through eye health exams and by making a few minor changes in your computer viewing habits.

Here are some helpful Eye Care Tips -

Positioning is everything

Correct positioning of your computer, keyboard and typing copy is essential. Your screen should be positioned about an arm’s length from your eyes and 20 degrees below eye level. Consider foot and wrist rests for added comfort.

Lighting can make all the difference

Room lighting should be diffuse, not direct, to reduce glare and reflections from your screen. Look into an internal or external glare screen and be sure to set your colour, contrast and brightness levels to suit you.

A little extra help for your glasses

Anti-reflective coatings on the lenses of your glasses can be applied by your optometrist to reduce discomfort and to ease reduced vision from bright and/or flickering light sources such as VDTs and fluorescent lights. And don’t forget, your doctor of optometry can talk to you about eyeglasses designed specifically for people who use computers a lot.

It’s all in the blinking

Did you know that on average we blink 12 times per minute? But wait, did you know that when we’re on the computer we only blink 5 times per minute? That can add up to dry eyes. Relieve the discomfort by using artificial tear drops or gels and remember to blink!

Palming

Sit straight at your workstation and rub your palms against each other till you feel them warm. The warmth of your palms helps soothe and relax tired eyes. Then, lightly cup your eyes with your palms and relax for 60 seconds. Count the seconds in your mind. Repeat this exercise two to three times whenever your eyes feel tired, or as often as you want. While palming, you can either rest your elbows on your desk or keep away from the desk and cup your eyes. Both ways are fine.

Splash water on your face

During breaks, splash water on your face while closing your eyes. This has an overall relaxing effect and helps you feel refreshed.

Use tea bags

Keep two used tea bags in the refrigerator before you leave for work. Once you are home, place the tea bags on your eyes for a few minutes as you relax. This not only soothes tired eyes, but also reduces puffiness.

Eat healthy

Incorporate Vitamins A, C, and E on a daily basis; eat citrus fruits, green leafy veggies, tomatoes, spinach, poultry and dairy products. Pack a box of chopped carrots, cucumber and fresh fruits and munch in-between meals at the office.

DRINKING WATER ON EMPTY STOMACH IS GOOD FOR HEALTH

noreply@blogger.com (Sanish) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 22:02:25 PDT

It is popular in Japan today to drink water immediately after waking up every morning. Furthermore, scientific tests have proven its value. We publish below a description of use of water for our readers. For old and serious diseases as well as modern illnesses the water treatment had been found successful by a Japanese medical society as a 100% cure for the following diseases:

Headache, body ache, heart system, arthritis, fast heart beat, epilepsy, excess fatness, bronchitis asthma, TB, meningitis, kidney and urine diseases, vomiting, gastritis, diarrhoea, piles, diabetes, constipation, all eye diseases, womb, cancer and menstrual disorders, ear nose and throat diseases.

METHOD OF TREATMENT

1. As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth, drink 4 x 160ml glasses of water

2. Brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for 45 minutes

3. After 45 m! inutes you may eat and drink as normal.

4. After 15 minutes of breakfast, lunch and dinner do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours

5. Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink 4 glasses of water at the beginning may commence by taking little water and gradually increase it to 4 glasses per day.

6. The above method of treatment will cure diseases of the sick and others can enjoy a healthy life.

The following list gives the number of days of treatment required to cure main deseases:

1. High Blood Pressure - 30 days

2. Gastric - 10 days

3. Diabetes - 30 days

4. Constipation - 10 days

5. Cancer - 180 days

6. TB - 90 days

Arthritis patients should follow the above treatment for only 3 days. In the 1st week to be followed by daily treatment. This treatment method has no side effects, however at the commencement of treatment you may have to urinate a few times

Cool Information About Smoking

noreply@blogger.com (Sanish) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 02:14:44 PDT

Do you smoke? Have you ever stopped to think about how smoking is affecting your body and your life? Most teens are aware that people who have smoked for awhile can get lung cancer and emphysema and eventually die, but many don't know about all of the bad things that smoking can to them right now. If you smoke, you owe it to yourself to find out about the effects of smoking on your life now. Here, we've listed some information about what smoking is doing to your body and some of the common reasons why people keep smoking even though they know it's bad for them. These are important things to think about to help you decide if you should continue smoking.

Why is cigarette smoking bad for us?

Everyone knows that smoking can cause cancer when you get older, but did you know that it also has bad effects on your body right now? A cigarette contains about 4000 chemicals, many of which are poisonous. Some of the worst ones are:

* Nicotine: a deadly poison
* Arsenic: used in rat poison
* Methane: a component of rocket fuel
* Ammonia: found in floor cleaner
* Cadmium: used in batteries
* Carbon Monoxide: part of car exhaust
* Formaldehyde: used to preserve (to keep in perfect condition) body tissue
* Butane: lighter fluid
* Hydrogen Cyanide: the poison used in gas chambers

Every time you inhale smoke from a cigarette, small amounts of these chemicals get into your blood through your lungs. They travel to all the parts of your body and cause harm.
What do all these chemicals do to my body?

As you might imagine, even small amounts of the poisonous chemicals in cigarettes can do bad things to your body. Here are some facts about what smoking cigarettes does to you:

* Smoking makes you smell bad, gives you wrinkles, stains your teeth, and gives you bad breath.
* Smokers get 3 times more cavities than non-smokers.
* Smoking lowers your hormone levels.
* When smokers catch a cold, they are more likely than non-smokers to have a cough that lasts a long time. They are also more likely than non-smokers to get bronchitis and pneumonia.
* Teen smokers have smaller lungs and a weaker heart than teen non-smokers. They also get sick more often than teens who don't smoke.

What happens to your lungs when you smoke?

Every time you inhale smoke from a cigarette, you kill some of the air sacks in your lungs, called alveoli. These air sacks are where the oxygen that you breathe in is transferred into your blood. The alveoli don't grow back. So when you destroy them, you have permanently destroyed part of your lungs. This means that you won't do as well in activities where breathing is important, like sports, dancing, or singing.
Smoking paralyzes the cilia that line your lungs. Cilia are little hairlike structures that move back and forth to sweep particles out of your lungs. When you smoke, the cilia can't move and can't do their job. So dust, pollen, and other things that you inhale sit in your lungs and build up. Also, there are a lot of particles in smoke that get into your lungs. Since your cilia are paralyzed because of the smoke and can't clean them out, the particles sit in your lungs and form tar.

I know smoking is bad for me, but I really like it.

Many teens like the feeling that smoking gives them. This good feeling is from the nicotine in the cigarettes. Some teens think smoking will help them lose weight or stay thin. Many teens also feel like smoking gives them a sense of freedom and independence, and some smoke to feel more comfortable in social situations. If this sounds like you, you should stop and think about whether the things you like about smoking are really worth the risks.

* Nicotine can make you feel good, but is feeling good (a feeling you can also get from healthy activities like playing sports) really worth all the bad things cigarettes do to you? If you smoke, you'll get sick more often. You also have the chance of getting lung cancer or emphysema, which will make you really sick for a long time before you die. If you are very sick, that good feeling from nicotine won't seem so important anymore.
* Smoking doesn't really help people lose weight. If that were true, every smoker would be thin.
* Smoking lowers your hormone levels.
* Do you think that smoking is a sign that you can do what you want? That you are in control of your life? Think about it this way: When you decide to start smoking, you are doing exactly what tobacco companies want you to do. They spend millions of dollars every year on advertising to try to get new people, especially teens, to smoke. Once they have you hooked, THEY are controlling YOU. You are forced to buy their products in order to support your addiction. Do you really want a big corporation controlling your life and telling you how to spend your money?

Why should I stop smoking if I'm not addicted?

Many people don't realize they are addicted to smoking. The think they can easily quit any time they want. But when they try, they forget it is extremely difficult. Unfortunately, it is very easy to get addicted. Cigarettes are just as addictive as cocaine or heroin. Even if you only smoke one or two cigarettes a day and even if you've never bought a pack of cigarettes yourself, you are at risk. Stressful situations or hanging out with friends who smoke might cause you to increase the number of cigarettes you smoke and become addicted. Try going a whole week without smoking at all. If you find this difficult, you are probably addicted to cigarettes.

If I quit smoking, won't I gain weight?

Many people are afraid to quit smoking because they think they will gain weight. In reality, many do gain a little but not enough to change how they look. People don't gain weight because they stop smoking. They gain weight because they start eating more. Often, people confuse the feeling of craving nicotine with hunger and eat to try to make this uncomfortable feeling go away. Smokers are also used to having something in their hands and in their mouth, so they may pick up food to replace holding a cigarette. To keep from gaining weight, try these things:

* Drink sips of water instead of eating when you feel uncomfortable.
* Eat carrot or celery sticks or other healthy, low calorie foods.
* Exercise. This will also help take your mind off smoking and make you healthier.
* Keep busy. You will be less likely to eat when you're not really hungry if you are doing other things.

I'll quit in a year or two when I'm ready.

A lot of people put off quitting smoking, thinking that they'll do it when the time is right. Only 5% of teens think they will still be smoking in 5 years. Actually, about 75% of them are still smoking more than five years later. If you smoke, it will never seem like the right time to quit and quitting will never be easy. The longer you smoke, the harder it will be to stop and the more damage you will do to your body. Here are some reasons to quit sooner rather than later:

* Most teens would rather date a non-smoker.
* You'll save money if you quit smoking. A pack of cigarettes costs about $5.00. Even if you only smoke a couple packs a week, you're spending about $40 per month and $480 per year on smoking. Think of all the other things you could use that money for.
* You only have one pair of lungs. Any damage you do to them now will be with you for the rest of your life.
* The longer you smoke, the better your chances are of dying from it. One out of 3 smokers die from smoking and many more become very sick. Think about your friends who smoke. 1/3 of them will die from smoking if none of you quit.

As you can see, smoking can have serious effects on your life. The longer you smoke, the more damage you do to your body and your health. Most people who begin smoking as teens say that they wish they had never started. The decision to start or continue smoking is entirely up to you and no one can make you stop, but you should think about whether it is really the best thing for your body and your life.

Weight Loss Through Simple Home Remedies

noreply@blogger.com (Sanish) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 00:00:39 PDT

Treatment with Simple Home Remedies

Remedy # 1

This one is not actually a remedy, but it is the most important thing you must do in order to keep your weight in a normal level. And that is, stick to a healthy diet. The following are the dietary guidelines you must follow in order to keep your waistline healthy: -

1 Do not overindulge in eating any one type of food. Keep your diet balanced.

2 Keep the intake of sugars and fats to a minimum. The fats to be avoided are the saturated fats and the trans-fatty acids.

3 Too much carbohydrates build weight. Hence, the intake of rice and potatoes must be reduced. Wheat, barley and maize are ideal substitutes for rice in people who has weight problems.

4 You must have at least one bitter vegetable per day. This helps in the proper metabolism of fats and do not allow them to accumulate in the body.

5 Never eat to full capacity.

6 Consume a lot of fluids in the day. This helps to eliminate the undigested foods effectively.

7 Exercise is extremely important. It is necessary to indulge in mild physical activity after each meal even if you cannot make time to go to a gym.

Remedy # 2

Have a totally salt-free diet once a week. This helps reduce weight. Also skip a meal once in a month.

Remedy # 3

Prepare chutney of mint leaves. This must be taken with every single meal. It helps in the proper breaking down of the fats. Also begin your day with a cup of mint tea.

Remedy # 4

Vitamin C is very good for people who are looking to reduce their weight. Since amalaki (Emblica officinalis, Indian Gooseberry) is the best source of vitamin C in the world, it is good to eat two three fruits of the amalaki each day. Also have a glass of any one citrus fruit – orange, lemon, etc. – each day. Green leafy vegetables also have good vitamin C content. They can be consumed raw in the form of salads.

Remedy # 5

Honey is very good for mobilizing the fats in the body. Take a spoonful of honey half an hour after every meal. A good remedy is to mix a teaspoonful of honey and lemon juice and have it twice a day. Alternatively, you can take a bowl of warm water, put a teaspoonful each of honey and lemon juice and drink it in the morning on an empty stomach. This is a very good remedy to dissolve the excess fats.

Remedy # 6

The Indian plum, i.e. jambula, is renowned for its weight controlling properties. Jambula dissolves the excess fats and gets them properly utilized in the body. Take four leaves of the jambula plant and soak them in a glass of water overnight. In the morning, discard the leaves and drink the water on an empty stomach. If you do this everyday, then you will find a positive reduction in your weight in three weeks or a month.