Health After 40

Should You Ignore Symptoms?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 08 May 2008 03:16:00 +0000

The body (like this tree) has one method of telling us that something is wrong – it creates symptoms. In many cases, we take medicines that stop our bodies from giving us the message that something is wrong, or cleaning out the offending virus or toxin.

A runny nose, itching skin, sensitivity, weak nails can all signal toxins and a digestive symptom breakdown that can lead to disease.

Weight gain, acne and thinning hair, which are all common symptoms of Glucose allergies. Women may suffer from lack of libido, a deep voice, low mood - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome PCOS which can be controlled by reducing Glucose in our food.
Chewing ice, or a craving for ice, may signal the need for calcium.

Binging may signal the onset of Type 2 Diabetes.

The point is, you should pay attention to things that change in your body and health. They could be symptoms that something is wrong with your system. Pay attention. Don’t listen to people who say ‘don’t worry.’ Instead, research the symptoms and try to find what is the problem before something breaks (like this tree.)

Understanding Love

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 07 May 2008 18:47:00 +0000

Love is a pattern of relationship that is designed to bring people closer together.

Stage One: Attraction

They say that we are attracted to other people by pheromones - their scent. This arouses in us feelings of passion and excitement. We often overlook this person's faults because we are 'so in love' with them.

Logical thinking and cognitive reasoning fades as we make statements like:

They are perfect
They meet all my needs
We are soul mates
He is the one
We were born to be together
We are perfect together

This grows as we date. We can date for a long time because the pheromones are not with us 24/7 so we receive a fresh rush every time they enter our lives.

Stage Two: Romance - Romance/Passion

This can be different for different couples.

Couple A may 'out date' the rush and see the person for what they are and then just drift away.

Couple B may not 'out grow' the rush, but may see the cost of a relationship as 'too high' at this time in their life.

Couple C gets married. They are now together all the time. Many people wake up the morning after wondering what they did. The 'shock' of realizing they are married to a normal person is too much for their system. There are faucets that need fixing - and don't get fixed. Dishes that need to be done and don't get done because of work problems.

What ever transpires after the first few months, the 'rush' fades. Many people feel that they are falling out of love. This is not true. What is 'really' happening is that your body is growing accustomed to their pheromones, so you no longer get a rush.

Stage Three: Romance/Passion - Passion/Intimacy

We start to build a relationship. Most of us find this a little difficult. If we are mature then we will stay in the relationship. After all, we know that there is nothing better out there - and we have developed deep feelings for this person.

Those who have not grown up want to leave. They only wanted to be in the marriage for the rush. They never wanted to be a 'real' husband/wife.

To continue in a relationship we need to learn that love without action will die. Millions of people came together through arranged marriages. Many of these people learned how to fall in love.

The people will need to put some effort into the relationship. They will need to say 'I love you' and do nice things that makes the other feel better. (the truth about love: Your ability to feel love is directly related to your ability to give it. If you do nothing in the day to make others feel loved, then you will not be able to feel love.)

There are 5 stages of love:
Attraction
Romance
Passion
Intimacy
Commitment

Today many relationships go through the first three stages within a year or two, whether married or not. They often feel they've fallen 'out of love' before they reach level 4 or 5

The good news - if you push through then you'll not only reach commitment, but those who do hit the end learn that the cycle never stops. The couple will return to level one and continue through until the day they stop working at their relationship. At this time, everything just fades and dies. The couple becomes a stranger.

Not all relationships will grow. There are three types of people and romance:

Selfish Romance - this occurs when a person acts romantic for the purpose of gaining something -- like gifts, self-gratification, sex, help paying bills or with house work, or someone to talk to. This in itself is not a bad thing, the five languages of love are:

Words of Affirmation - talking, saying nice things to each other, compliments, sweet talking, romantic poems.

Quality Time - this type of person wants long walks, romantic dinners, theater nights, and snuggling infront of a fire/movie.

Gifts - if this is true, then it doesn't matter whether the gift is a rose wrapped in a lace bow, or a card with a little surprise in it. If the gift is not true, then the person will measure the gift's value by its price tag.

Acts of Service - there are some people who don't want diamonds or poetry. They will feel loved if you take out the garbage, help them with dishes, or help them get a project done.

Physical touch - this person may think they have it easy, but it is hard for these people. The need to be touched, stroked - more than sex.

(b) Selfless Romance - when someone understands the love languages and cares about the other person they act romantic for the sheer pleasure and enjoyment of their partner. You receive enjoyment and pleasure through others happiness.

Selfish romance dies quickly. Romance is an "act" that feeds on itself. It can die, but with a little effort, it can be brought back to life. Sometimes a couple can even ignite the rush of pheromones.

The Truth About Sleeping

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 07 May 2008 04:27:00 +0000

A Canadian study, published today in the medical journal Sleep, tested 276 adults between 21 and 64 years of age. They tested short and long duration sleepers. They found that 35 per cent and 25 per cent are more likely to gain 5kg (11lb) compared with average duration sleepers who maintained 7 hours sleep.

Short sleepers gained 1.98kg (4.3lb) while long sleepers gained 1.58kg (3.4lb).

The risk of developing obesity increases more than 27 percent for over sleepers.

Previous research suggested that sleep loss could disturb the production of hormones that control the desire for calorie rich foods. The level of ghrelin, the hormone released by the stomach to signal hunger, was 15 per cent higher in people who sleep five hours compared to those getting eight hours.

Lack of sleep leads to tiredness during the day, which reduces the level of physical activity.

The alarming statistics are for those who lack sleep. People who sleep five or fewer face a 70 per cent risk of dying from all causes - and twice the risk of death from a cardiovascular disease.

Professor Jim Horne, director of the Sleep Research Centre at Loughborough University, said those whose sleeping habits exceed seven hours, or who regularly get less, should not despair. They are not at risk.

"There is a great deal of evidence now that sleeping less than five hours a night is linked with putting on weight," he said, "but it's a very slow weight gain over a number of years."

So, enjoy a full night’s sleep.

HealthNiche, A Health Blog: What Are Probiotic Yogurt Challenges?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 22:07:00 +0000

I found a blog that has several excellent articles on yeast infections. I spent about 2 hours reading Dana's posts today. She gave me permission to link to some of the articles I think you'll like reading.

HealthNiche, A Health Blog: What Are Probiotic Yogurt Challenges?: "to"

If you're scratching your head about what the fuss is with probiotic yogurts and seemingly mysterious two week challenges, here's a bit of advice that can demystify.

We all have bacteria in our bodies. We have friendly bacteria in our bellies that helps to break down food and overpower unfriendly bacteria. It works as an integral part of our chemistry. Positive flora is something that is in probiotic bacteria which can enhance digestive functions and your immune system.

In a healthy body, we should have enough positive flora to do the job but when things go out of whack, it can make this a challenge and the result can be that we don't digest as easily as possible which impacts how we feel and will impact our colon transit time (a.k.a. how often you have a bowel movement.)

Learn more about blogging and making money online at the wealthy-writer website. Find Resources, Reviews, and News

Online Pharmacy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 07:08:00 +0000

I've been shopping online for a while. Everything is moving 'online' even pharmacies. They are one place where you can get lower costs on everything from allergy medicine and cialis generic brands. The shipping takes about 10 days and is secured.

My husband is starting to look at generic cialis. We are not ready to give up our pleasure, but we are not as young as we use to be. Making jokes can only go so far. Sex is a part of a healthy relationship and a healthy body.

I was alarmed when I went on the website - at the number of medications that help problems I've had, but that my doctor never told me about. I was a little angry that this information was held from me. Now, I plan to take a more active role in my health, and make sure the doctor gives me a 'reason' for not prescribing over-the-counter drugs that could help relieve my pains.

When Health Food Stores Go Bad

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 05:14:00 +0000

I went into a health food store a few years ago with the objective of testing the ‘specially trained technitain.’ I asked what medical ingredients were in willow bark. I was assured that their willow bard was 100% organic and there was no medical chemicals added.

I took another step and asked if there were any medical ‘properties’ and was again assured that there are not. I finally asked why willow was good for my allergies. They assured me it was because natural things interact naturally with other natural things to help them work better – I left feeling uneasy.

The fact is that most of our medicines contain these ‘natural’ elements that are a part of our herbs and natural plants. Each of the properties that heal are – indeed – medical in definition. They are medicinal ingredients.

When a health store misrepresents this, they down play the importance of making sure there is no reaction between the medical properties in natural products and the pills that you are currently taking. It amazes me that herbalists in stores can do the same job as a pharmacist, but do not need any training.

I am sorry, but I can walk into my garden and make a tea that will help heal. I can also walk out there and make one that will kill. There is no way to measure the number of people who have died because of an interaction between medicines and holistic medicine.

Herbs and nutritional supplements can cause health difficulties. I remember one of the most shocking instances I’ve ever seen. It was in a published book. The book said to take comphry internally which we all know causes liver disease and other internal problems.

If you want to take herbs and natural supplements then you need to contact a National Institute of Medical Herbalists (www.nimh.org.uk).
But, try a good diet first. Foods should always be the first line of defense. They can help symptoms, and even reverse the damage caused by disease.

Stay Young

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 05:06:00 +0000

I've read a lot of other books on aging, but this is the first one that offers really credible advise instead of fountain of youth elixirs and snake oil! I particularly liked the easy-to-implement "Action Steps for Better Health Tips" found throughout the book, 63 of them in all. (I've already started doing many of them!) Virginia

I have started to find books that give people the information needed to stay healthy. It is no secret. I was talking to a friend of my husbands the other day and he said 'I'll be as healthy at 60 as my parents are at 80.'

The message is getting out.

Prevent Breast Cancer

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 05:01:00 +0000

I've been floating around the net and I found this book. This is one of the growing number of books that say the Doctors way - to eliminate cancer after it starts causes more fear in most people than the thought of dying crom the cancer. A growing number of people are actually choosing to let the disease take them instead of enduring the 'cure' - which might not work.

I like the message of this book 'people get sick by not taking care of themselves.' It is a powerful one that is being echoed through the medical community.

Bring 'Green' Indoors

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 02:23:00 +0000

Go Green for Interior Decorating whether you have allergies, or are strong enough to push a vacuum cleaner around. Today's artificial plants are more realistic than they were 10 years ago. I am not talking about the grocery store variety - but the ones sold online by specialty stores.

There is no reason why your patio, porch, deck, house, office, or condo needs to lack the beauty of plants. Artificial plants are easy to clean, do not need to be cared for, and do not leach allergens into your personal environment.

Not only that, the cost of one artificial plant is far cheaper than the 'live' version when you include the cost of care, replacement, and wintering - then replacing the ones that died.

Foods That Help Lose Weight and with Dieting

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 03:08:00 +0000

I Am Hungry!

How do you diet when you feel hungry all the time? This can be one of the most difficult aspects of losing weight. I’ve resorted to some ‘no-no’ habits. I’ll pop some fiber pills if I am hungry. That works if I can force down a couple bottles of water afterward.

I’ve taken to having small fruit around. Sometimes I cannot down a full apple. But I’ll eat a few strawberries. I doubt I am really hungry, I just want to snack. My main problem is that I am a grazer. I like to eat a little at a time, all day. My problem is that I like crunchy foods. There is no natural substitute for crunchy and starchy foods.

Negative Calorie Foods

Asparagus
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Cucumber
Fennel
Leek
Lettuce
Peppers
Tomato

Negative Calorie Fruit
Blackberry
Blackcurrant
Mandarin orange
Melon Cantaloupe
Peaches
Plums
Raspberry
Rhubarb
Strawberry
Grapefruit
Honeydew Melon
Tangerine

Got The Munchies? Don't Gain Weight

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 03:06:00 +0000

Foods To Help You Lose Weight

We all know about salads, but what if salads are not your thing. I have stopped eating salads and have started eating vegi plats with tomato, carrots, cabbage, cucumber, and a few seeds like sunflower, fennel, or nuts.

Munchies
Grapes are much better than munching through a packet of biscuits or chips. They replace the hand-to-mouth action. Even if they are higher in sugar than most foods, they will help you change your cravings from carbs. Oranges have only 50 calories.

High Fiber Cereals can replace chips for people who love to enjoy the dry crunchy foods. Avoid the cereals that are crunchy. The manufacturer increases the crunch by coating the flakes in sugar. Add raisins, seeds, nuts, and popcorn.

Natural Foods Can Suppress Appetite

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 03:01:00 +0000

There has been a lot of controversy in the news over natural appetite suppressants. Hoodia has been in the news. It has been painted with an evil brush, but what most people do not understand is that it has been eaten as a part of people’s diet for centuries. It is part of a naturally growing cactus that just happens to have the ability to suppress the appetite.

This made me wonder whether other foods have any appetite suppressant qualities. The first thing I learned was that most people are not hungry when they ‘feel’ hungry – they are thirsty. Today’s diet has cross wired our brains messages. Most people feel the same whether they are hungry or thirsty. Next time you want to reach for a snack, pick up a bottle of water first.

If water doesn’t do the trick, then drink vegetable broth. The broth is better than juice. The juice may have starches added to make the drink thicker, smoother, or improve the color. Broth is primarily water and does are not ad calories.

Green foods will suppress the appetite. Any green or leafy vegetable will work. The simplest ‘food’ is apples. It works for people who are feeding their emotions, and it also curbs the appetite. Eat about 30 minutes before dinner and you’ll eat less food.

Another appetite suppressant food is a pickle. Trader Joe’s pickles have the benefit of having no added food coloring. But, read the ingredients. Some pickles are more ‘candied vegies’ than pickles. They have no dietary benefits.

If you must pop pills, then take fiber pills. Drink plenty of water with them. Without water they can cause digestive problems. Not only will they prime the digestive system so weight loss is easier, but the right ones will make the stomach feel full.

Pearl Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 02:53:00 +0000

I love pearl jewelry. There are a lot of people selling pearl jewelry at affordable prices. You can even find places like China Wholesale where you can purchase wholesale and resell the jewelry. I do not look very good in most jewels. The soft colors of freshwater pearls looks good against my olive skin.

I prefer shopping for jewelry online. The quality is often better, as they have less overhead. The selection is better. The quality is higher.

It is possible to find 50 pearls inside a single mollusk. Pearls form when a foreign object make its way into the shell. The mollusk secretes nacre which coats the intruding object. Over seven or eight years, thousands of layers build into a pearl. In cultured pearls man implants the material into mollusks. The coating takes 6 months to 4 years.

My favorite colors are pinks and purples. I also like the black sheen on chokers.

Do You Know What True Love Is?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 19:56:00 +0000

True love isn't what you feel when you first meet someone

True love isn't what is felt after people learn to become intimate

True love is not the emotions felt in the middle of passionate sex.

What is True Love?

Time and experience give people a better understanding of love. I've seen so many people marry, divorce, remarry, divorce. It almost seems like a mad cycle.

Those who stay together are not always the best off. Many of them are in passive-aggressive relationships where bitterness and anger fester for years.

There are real cases of true love, but they are hard for people to find. Not because they are rare, but because 'emotionally healthy people get together' and 'dysfunctional people feel most comfortable with other dysfunctional people.'

If you are not in a 'true love' relationship then it is probably because there are dysfunctional parts of your personality make 'emotionally healthy' people stay away from you. It is the same theory that makes everyone who likes to rebel/drink/have casual sex will all meet in the bar on Friday night.

You also remember that a couple in an emotionally healthy relationship do not need to leave their home to feel happy. They do not need to seek out a friend - they have one. So, they are not likely to be out 'looking' in the same places that you are.

What is True Love?

After the passion stage, and the affirmation, and the intimacy, comes the total acceptance of the other person and the commitment stage.

Unconditional Acceptance Stage of Marriage

This is the third stage of a healthy relationship. No unhealthy relationship, selfish person, or dysfunctional relationship will ever reach this level.

During the transition through each of the stages of a relationship the couple must confront and resolve issues in their own lives, their past, and their relationship. There is a certain level of risk taking and effort to resolve issues.

This stage is defined as the stage where the couple decides there are some things that are easier to accept than argue over, or change. They measure how valuable being in a committed relationship is to them, how much they value the other person's love, and whether they are willing to risk driving that person away.

This is the stage where each member starts to learn the other's love language and work to make the other person feel loved. It is the stage where they decide to make things work. We can never change another person. The solution to all problems start by changing our own outlook and expectations.

Fantasy is Replaced by Realistic Expectations

The couple now realize that most of their past relationship was nothing more than a rush, a fantasy. They start to work to make the relationship, love, and emotions 'real.'

The word emotion is a combination of the words 'feelings' and 'action.' When we turn our feelings into an action then we are on the road to true love. Will there be deep feelings if we take the journey? Yes. Will we regain the feelings we felt at the beginning of the relationship? Yes - deeper and stronger.

There is an element of forgiveness in this stage. People realize that their needs are being met. Self forgiveness in part of forgiving others. There is an element of peace that can only be achieved in a committed relationship.

Primal Instinct

Most people do not understand that there are 5 human instincts that must be met before we can have a higher self-esteem or be happy. To be truly happy a person must be in a committed relationship. We cannot find a short-cut to this stage. We cannot feel good about ourselves without coming to the point that we must acknowledge this truth.

WIP: How Can You Improve Your Relationships

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 18:58:00 +0000

No relationship can remain in the first love and romantic stages. These stages are meant to help us get together with other people and meet our primal needs.

Most people have several primal needs:

Primal: food, water, warmth

Safety: The need to be safe, have a secure job, protect the level 1 needs.

Relationships: To meet this need the person must learn to both give and receive love. They need to grow and change until they are someone who can love, and someone who can make others feel loved.

Self-Esteem: Most of us grow to the point where our childhood abusers no longer look like monsters - they are just dysfunctional people. At this stage we see them as week. The woman who survives an abusive relationship and leaves has grown past the infatuation and passion stages and now sees the tormentor for what they really are.

People need respect from others to feel good. However, the only way to get respect is to learn how to give it. Forcing others to act the way you want, getting obedience, threatening, abuse - none of this makes others respect us. This is the vicious cycle of abuse. We want respect - we force others - they hate. In return we don't get the respect and lose the relationship plummeting down the list of needs until we only have level #1 and level #2 covered.

How do I Change My Spouse?

The first step is to change yourself. Learn the Five Languages of Love. Each person has a love language. Most of us want others to be happy with our own love language. That is why people buy gifts and then force others to wear it all the time. The gift buyer is trying to feel loved by forcing the other to meet their love language needs.

This never works. You need to learn your spouse's love language and then feed their love language. This will change how they feel about you. This will change how they feel about you. It will change how they treat you.

Learn how to communicate without becoming angry or yelling. Conflict is healthy. Conflict with abuse, control, punishment is not. If one person in the argument refuses to continue dysfunctional behavior, the anger level will eventually drop.

Choosing to change should be a personal choice. Do not change because 'He will treat me better' or 'she will stop spending so much.' Instead, change because it will make you a different person and move you one step closer to becoming an emotionally healthy person.

Changing a partner is a useless goal. You'll never do it. You'll never make them love you. You'll never fix them.

Problem Solving

There are strategies for solving problems. Most analysts learn how to solve problems (successfully) among several people, or an entire organization. This is a fact. Every couple can find solutions to their problems by incorporating typical problem solving strategies to their house.

The focus should be control. Learn how to control your emotions, your behavior, and how you communicate. The only way to learn communication is to Google it and learn the different styles. This will teach you new patterns of relating to others in various situations, speaking, reading body language, and 'letting go' of things that don't really matter in the greater scheme of things.

Problem solving is the 'healthy' part of conflict. Unhealthy conflict ends with everyone at a stalemate, angry and refusing to resolve the problem. Healthy conflict ends with both parties working toward a resolution.

Suppressing emotions is a learned behavior habit of a victim. The victim would rather feel hostility and separateness than resolve problems. Their goal is to remain the victim so they do not feel responsible for growth. Some people stay in this state-of-mind because they fear intimacy and the victim (submissive) doesn't need to show intimacy.

Solution

Good communication. If you were able to communicate well, with yourself and others, than you'd never entered into a difficult relationship. Sometimes, working through problems and learning to change, can bring the couple closer together. Each person feels appreciation, receive affirmation, and a sense of connection with someone else who is in the same boat.

When To Call It Quits?

This is hard to say. If a person has reached the level of self actualization needed to be emotionally healthy then they are able to create a relationship with anyone who is not emotionally or physically abusive.

If you want to leave a relationship (that is not abusive) then there is a good chance that you are running away from your own problems.

Protecting the Grandchildren with GPS

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 18:14:00 +0000

Parents give their grandchildren a lot of things when they are young. One of the best things they may ever give a child is a GPS unit. Today's units are very different from the old ones. They fit in something as small as a cell phone, or a shoe. They can be tracked in real time, and they can even be tracked on Google Maps from a tool made by GTX Corp.

They have a patented Personal Location Services (PLS) system that includes a miniaturized “always-on” GPS tracking and location-tracking module. This can provide real-time coordinates that work with Google Maps.

The company has a short video that will help parents and grandparents. The unit will fit into a shoe, a pack, or clipped into a pair of jeans. There are different types of transmitters being created.

"It's 3:30. Do you know where your kids are?" reads the advertisement for Smart Shoe. The shoes are a great deterrent. The logo for the GPS company is right on the side. This lets potential threats know the child is being watched even when a parent isn’t' in sight. The predator doesn't know whether the parent is 30' away watching from a computer.

GTXC now sells a version of the Smart Shoe GPS called GeoFence. This that sends an alert if the child goes beyond a certain area. I read a couple of reviews on this product. It is relatively easy to set it up on a PC.

Enjoy Earth Day

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:56:00 +0000

Most years April is wet and cool. This year, the temperature is a balmy 20C. The windows are open. The sky is blue. The air is warm. I love spring. I've already been to the garden centers. Their racks are still bare. The skids stacked in patient repose. Only the greenhouses are a hive of activity, their thousands of plants yearning for the summer's light.

Writing Eases Stress of Cancer

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 20:07:00 +0000

Writers have long known the health benefits of writing. The medical world is discovering the benefits of writing as a theraphy. Writing can even reduce the stress and severity of cancer, according to the journal The Oncologist. They claim that the younger a person is, and those recently diagnosed, were most likely to benefit.

The key is to write thoughts and feelings, or the cognitive processing and emotions related to cancer. The patients who just wrote about facts showed no health benefits.

Twenty minutes of expressive writing can change 49% of people and how they feel about their thoughts on the illness, while 38% said their feelings towards their situation had changed.

Writing can reduce stress and helps people come to terms with things that happen in their life. This empowers them, brings closure, and helps calm people. Anyone can start writing in a journal. IF you cannot write, then make an audio recording of your journal.

Potential Cure for Diabetes?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 19:17:00 +0000

The medical world is announcing new therapies and treatments almost daily. There is new hope for people who suffer from Type 1 Diabetes. Scientists have transplanted insulin-producing islet cells from a donor pancreas into Type1 patients' livers, and they began to produce insulin. Many people experienced a drop in their need for insulin, some dropped to zero.

Mike Wilson, the chief executive of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in Australia, said the treatment effectively reversed diabetes.

"This is an incredibly exciting step forward for both the type 1 diabetes community and for the world-class Australian researchers who are rapidly advancing in this area," he said.

However, low organ donation rates will limit the number of islet transplants and prevent a widespread cure unless there is another way to product, find, and cells. Fewer than 90 pancreases are available a year in Australia but newly diagnosed, type 1 diabetes exceeds 2000 people. About 200 patients worldwide have been treated, with 80 per cent of them not needing insulin 12 months later.

Xenotransplantation, where animal cells are transplanted into humans, is being investigated.

Scientists in the United States are turning stem cells into insulin producers that responded to blood glucose levels.

Despite the controversy over different methods, the hope for a cure is on the horizon.

Work at Home is a Good Thing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 18:41:00 +0000

The country is taking a good look at the work at home trend. The news is touting the environmental benefits. Even workers who stay home only one or two days a week are saving fuel and reducing pollution.

Technology

Phil Flaxton, chief executive of Work Wise UK, has said that technology is 'an enabler' without which it would be impossible to implement homeworking schemes as successfully.

He added: 'If there hadn't been the development in new technology over the last three to four years, with broadband and mobile technology being what it is, more and more of the working population could not do this; five or six years ago it wasn't possible.'

Health Issues

The health benefits are arguable. Ask any full time work at home employee if they think their home is a healthier work place and they may laugh. The fear of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is higher. Workers may sit in one place longer. They are less likely to have a proper desk. This doesn’t necessarily mean an ‘office desk.’ Some work at home workers prevent RSI by sitting straight in an ergonomic chair with a split keyboard in their lap. Others keep their keyboard on a table. The WAH worker often chooses their work space based on height and body build.
Migraines are also a side effect of working at home. Typists tend to lean forward if their monitor is not at the right height and distance. This strains the muscles at the back of the neck resulting in eye strain and migraines.
The number one problem is ‘lack of exercise.’ People who work from home work longer. They also stay in a chair without taking a break. There is no water cooler to visit, no lunch room.

Financial Savings

The worker and the company both save money creating a win-win situation. The worker can consider food and coffee savings, transport, vehicle wear and tear, clothing, grooming, as office supplies.

Colon Cleansing Scams

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 21:49:00 +0000

I want to say that this post does not state that all colon cleansing products are scams. In fact, I am sure that many of them are good. I have no method of testing them. All I know is that a good colon cleansing program does not 'just' increase the size and frequency of stool. The real gunk - the stuff that causes disease - is black and a gooy green. It is so awful looking that I refused to include pictures. If you seriously want to know what the 'bad' stuff looks like, then take a trip on the web and find out for yourself.

Most colon cleansing programs use fear, and promise more stools. But, they don't actually say they will clean the colon.

The only 'product' I will be using is Metamucil. That is right - the fiber drink/pills that lowers cholesterol. If you go here and read Mike's comment, you'll see that he has good results using organic juice and psyillium.

I am not saying that all these products are scams. What I am saying is that you don't need to take these products to cleans your colon.

My husband has been doing most of the research on the programs. Many of them are little more than laxitives. Others expect the user to drink so much water that it can be argued that the water is doing the work.

His main concern was the number of products that had alarming disclaimers, did not let people know how much of the herb was in the product, or was made outside of the USA. I was as suprised as he was and found this colon cleansing warning article The source for this article is the Mayo Clinic. I do want to post an excerpt as a warning:

A list of medication that does not mix well with herbal supplements is:

Blood pressure medicines;

Blood thinners (anticoagulants, anti-platelet agents; nonsterioidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen;

Diabetes medications;

Drugs that affect the liver;

Heart medications;

Monoamine Oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

The following is a list of herbal supplements that may possibly produce harmful effect when used in combination with certain types of medications:

Black cohosh

Dong quai

Ephedra

Feverfew

Garlic

Ginger

Ginkgo

Ginseng

Goldenseal

Milk thistle

Scotch broom

St. John's wort

So - can I answer the question 'scam or effective product?' Not really. I have done natural colon cleansing and used herbs, fruits and grains to detox my body. I haven't used the products. I haven't found any product where the negative comments out number the positive ones.

Diabetes Type 2 Natural Treatment

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 21:36:00 +0000

It only takes a few hours researching diabetes before you start realizing the impact our fast food industry has had on the disease. Don't be fooled, many of you reading this blog will come down with the disease. You'll be forced to make lifestyle and diet changes that you 'don't have time for' now, or just don't 'feel like' making. Those who don't end up in serious trouble. There are 60 000 new cases of diabetes each year, in Canada alone.

Diabetes Type 2 Natural Treatment

Type 2 diabetes is getting increasingly common in developed countries. Other developing countries are seeing a fast emerging trend of the disease. Diabetes type 2 is caused by insulin deficiency and hyperglycemia. Although this disease is more common in adults over 40, it is increasingly seen in young teenagers and even children. This worrying trend is linked to the rising rates of obesity as well as inactivity.

MAJOR RISK FACTORS FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES

Here are some of the major risk factors for type 2 diabetes:

1) Age - As people age, the chances of getting diabetes type 2 is considerably higher. So for those who are older than 45 years, they are at a higher risk of getting the disease.

2) Overweight - Being overweight is another strong risk factor especially the person is heavier in the center.

3) Genetic factors - Having someone with diabetes in the family puts you at a higher risk.

4) Certain ethnic groups such as such as native americans, african americans, latino americans, pacific islanders and asian individuals who are at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

5) People with high blood pressure and high cholestorol levels are at higher risk for type 2 diabetes.

6) Women at risk - women who have had a big baby of more than 9lbs are at higher risk of having type 2 diabetes. Other risk factors include women who had gestational diabetes, polycystic overian syndrom, irregular menstrual cycles and developing facial hair.

Of all these common risk factors, the most common are those who have family history as well as those who are gaining weight in the middle.

HOW TO CONTROL TYPE 2 DIABETES

Diabetes can be one of the hardest diseases to treat as it does not go away. It is always there with you, day in and day out. It will affect your daily life in what you do and what you eat. You have to be always conscious of your blood sugar as you can’t let it go too high to avoid complications. The next best thing you can do to help yourself is to control the disease.

The main cause of type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance and insulin deficiency. So the first thing you want to do is to help reduce the resistance of insulin. Exercising and losing weight can help reducing resistance to insulin and thus control type 2 diabetes. The other way is using pills which your doctor will recommend to you. However,due to the advance technology as well as rising awareness of using alternative way to treat type 2 diabetes, herbal and natural supplements are increasingly popular.

Here are a few of the natural/alternative herbs which have worked for many diabetics:

1. Bitter melon has long been regarded as the natural cure for diabetes. This fruit is known for its abilities to regulate blood glucose level. In fact, bitter melon is recommended by the Dept of Philippines as one of the best herbal medicines for managing diabetes.

2. Gymnema sylvestre is a herb native to the tropical forests of southern and central India where it has been used as a naturopathic treatment for diabetes for nearly two millennia. This herb has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels when used for an extended period of time. The active ingredient is thought to be gurmenic acid which has structure similar to saccharose. Extracts of Gymnema is not only claimed to curb sweet tooths but also for treatment of as varied problems as hyperglycemia, obesity, high cholesterol levels, anemia and digestion.

3. Cassia (Cinnamomum aromaticum or Chinese cinnamon) is a close relative to cinnamon. In fact, when cinnamon is said to be beneficial for diabetes, it is actually cassia, a less delicate version of the true cinnamon. A 2003 study published in the DiabetesCare journal followed Type 2 diabetics ingesting 1, 3 or 6 grams of cassia daily. Those taking 6 grams shows changes after 20 days, and those taking lesser doses showed changes after 40 days. Regardless of the amount of cassia taken, they reduced their mean fasting serum glucose levels 18–29%, their triglyceride levels 23–30%, their LDL cholesterol 7–27%, and their total cholesterol 12–26%, over others taking placebos. The effects, which may even be produced by brewing a tea from cassia bark, may also be beneficial for non-diabetics to prevent and control elevated glucose and blood lipid levels.

4. Chromium - Starting in the 1960s reports have shown that Chromium helps cells respond properly to naturally produced insulin. Current estimates show that 90% of Americans are lacking in this essential mineral nutrient.

5. Helps to improve circulation in the little capillaries in the hands and feet. Also valuable in balancing the digestion and strengthening the immune system.

6. Mulberry leaves is know to effectively help regulate blood sugar levels. Drink as tea can help to reduce absorption of sugar and carbohydrates. It is also a good source of antioxidants, vitamin C and carotene.

Beside these, there are others less known herbs for controlling diabetes. These herbs when combine together in the right balance can be very powerful in helping you manage diabetes. However, it is important to research on these supplements to ensure they indeed do what they claim. ProvenHealthCare.com provides informative reviews and articles on alternative methods of controlling diabetes.

ProvenHealthCare.com provide reviews and information on these natural treatments so that you can make an informed decision to choose the best for yourself.

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Can Soap Hold The Answer To Younger Skin?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 20:21:00 +0000

How Does Soap Work
Soap helps remove dead skin. Believe it or not, the skin is the body's largest organ, responsible for removing toxins and waste from the body.

Soap is made to remove the dead skin from the top layer of skin - the epidermis - and the microbes that eat them. Soap should be used with a brush to help perform this task.

A toner will close the pores and prevent them from being clogged with dead skin and pollutants in the air.

A good soap will do both. The soap does not need to lather to do this. There are different types of soap. A good soap is made from oils and fatty acid. The oils are mixed with alkali to form glycerin and the salt of the fatty acid.

The surfactants (surface-active agents) in soaps remove grease and dirt because Surfactants have a molecular structure that acts as a link between water and the dirt particles. So the soap actually works like a magnet, or glue, that picks up the dirt and adheres it to the water which then drains away.

A good soap may contain a toner or astringent to tighten the pores, but adding moisturizers, perfume, colors, and scents may actually work against the process by being deposited on the skin and clogging the newly cleaned pores.

Soaps work because of the structure of water. Water molecules contain 2 hydrogen atoms and an oxygen atom trapped between them. This makes the water molecule polar with a positive charge at one end and a negative at the other.

Ad an ionic compound like sodium chloride and the positive and negative parts of water are attracted to the positive ions and negative ions. This is what makes soap water soluble. The solubility of the soap depends on the strength of the attraction.

In this way, the fat in our skin, and on our skin are water soluble, making it easy for them to wash away. The epidermis needs a non-polar material that can be dissolved, moved, and then restored to its non-polar state, like a lipid, or triglyceride.

A lipid is made from two parts fatty acid, and an alcohol called glycerine. Both the fat and glycerine are water soluble.

Saturated fats are solid at room temperature, like l lard and butter. Unsaturated fats are liquids at room temperature like safflower oil. While the unsaturated fat is healthier, liquid soap is not easy to handle.

Cleansing and astringent herbs may be added to the mix, to improve the scent and cleansing ability of the soap. When the soap dissolves, dirt and pollutants are trapped, and sloughed away with the water.

As the soap takes away pollutants, dead skin, biological contaminants, and waste, the skin works less to remove toxins from the body. Drinking lots of water improves this task, and keeps the skin healthier.

This could be one reason why we are seeing woman in their 50s who look young. They have 'good' soaps, and a good diet that keeps their epidermis working well. Like all 'organs' a healthy epidermis looks healthy - and a chemically damaged and abused organ looks wasted, damaged, and color spotted.

Avoid Phone Scams by Using Phone Cards

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 19:35:00 +0000

To save money with international long distance phone calls the customer needs to realize that getting the lowest price doesn't mean saving money. Gimmicks, hidden fees, and surcharges cloud the truth behind advertised rates. Even if you ask the service provider for full disclosure, they may not reveal all of the surcharges.

There are several ways that long distance providers can advertise low prices - but never provide.

"Slamming" is when along-distance telephone service is switched to another company without the customer's permission. If your fees are higher then look on the bill for a different long-distance company's name. If you find one, call the local phone company and ask to be switched back with no fee and demand to be re-billed at the original long-distance company's rates.

"Crammed" means that charges pop up on a telephone bill for services the customer never authorized such as voice mail, paging. Like slamming, it may happen by filling out a contest entry form, hanging up on a telemarketer, or calling a 900 number. A crammer may pick random number and claim that you agreed to purchase the services. This can not happen if you do not have long distance on your phone service.

"Toll Fraud" occurs when a stranger charges their long-distance calls to your number. This cannot happen if you use a pay-per-use calling card.

Prepaid phone cards are sometimes more expensive. Beware of cards that do not come with clear information about the rates for the calls. Comparison shop for the best rates and read all the fees and surcharges that apply.

All the above problems can be avoided by buying a long distance card from one of the web sites that sell these cards - not the local corner store.

Comparison Shopping for Phone Cards can save money by eliminating the monthly fees and surcharges applied whether a call is made or not. The best
international phone card are difficult to find. The best way to shop for them is visiting a comparison site. Make sure you buy one with no hidden charges.

Sunpoarch Sunroom Wins Design Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 21:38:00 +0000

Have you ever wanted a sun room? The above image is of a SunPorch sunroom. They are healthy additions to your home. I Just thought I'd show you one of the renovations we are thinking of adding to our home.

SUNPORCH SUNROOM WINS 2007 NSA DESIGN AWARDS

WESTPORT, CT April 16, 2008 - The National Sunroom Association (NSA) announced the winners of the NSA Design Awards for 2007 at the association’s annual meeting in San Antonio, TX. For the fifth year in a row SunPorch Structures of Westport, Ct, prevailed over 196 industry competitors to win the Best in Class design award in the Glazed Roof Sunrooms under $15,000 category for 2007.

The design award recognizes excellence in the design and installation of sunrooms, solariums and patio rooms based on three important criteria; aesthetic appeal...interior appeal and functionality...and finally on how well the structure enhances the architecture and natural surroundings of the home or commercial setting.

This year the SunPorch’s NEW Easy-Slide Window system, that allows the SunPorch to convert from sunroom to screenroom in a matter of seconds, was an exciting innovation that was of particular importance in the judging. “We are particularly excited about the award this year because 2007 was the first year we produced our new Easy-slide Windows.” said Dean Schwartz, General Manager of SunPorch Structures. “The Easy-slide Window system is a major design change that we are very proud of!”

This remarkable new window system has also received high marks from SunPorch customers. Robin Quiles, Customer Service Manager at SunPorch says “We have received extremely positive feedback from our customers about the Easy-Slide Windows and the NSA Design Award is icing on the cake for this new window system!”

For over 34 years, SunPorch Structures has produced and sold innovative and award winning SunPorch sunroom/ screenrooms nationwide. Its’ complete ready-to-assemble design mounts easily on an existing deck or patio without costly site prep making the SunPorch a remarkably affordable home addition.

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For more information visit www.sunporch.com or contact Dean Schwartz at dean@sunporch.com or Robin Quiles at robin@sunporch.com.