Healthy Wizard

Health is wealth, how ?

2021-02-13T21:28:00.004-08:00

This is a small and nice example given by an unknown author which I would like to share with you to explain the importance of the health.

Let's consider health as number 1 and all the other things which you have in life as number 0 (don't argue, it's just example I want you to assume as of now).

Things like your family, wife, childrens, cash, bank balance, house, job, achievements needs to be added as 0 infront of the 1 we started above.

So,

1 for health

0 for family = 10

0 for job = 100

0 for beautiful wife = 1000

0 for house you have = 10000

0 for bank balance you have = 100000

0 for life you have, rich and luxurious = 1000000

Now comes the importance of health, if you remove the 1 from the start then everything you have is nothing but 0, which you can compare with a real life as well. A person with a score of 1 million goes to zero if he/she does not have health.

So be healthy and fit, Regards

Rock salt wins

2021-02-13T17:49:00.004-08:00

I recently came across the fact that in old days people used to use rock salt in their diet and it used to be better for their health as well. Hence when I got a sore throat issue, I tried gargling with warm water and rock salt instead of iodised salt.

Guess what, the recovery time was far better than before compared to iodised salt and water gargling. First I thought it's a coincidence but later 2nd to 3rd time I felt the difference and concluded that it's not a coincidence for sure. Later to these incidents I tried searching a bit on the internet and I found this:

One study in 338 people determined that saltwater gargling was the most effective preventative measure for upper respiratory infections, compared with flu vaccines and face masks ( 29 ). Gargling salt water made with sendha namak may relieve sore throats and help prevent respiratory infections.16-May-2017, Credits - thehealthline.com

I would really suggest you using rock salt more in your diet if possible and reduce your intake of commercial iodised salt, especially if you have blood pressure problems.

Takecare and Stay fit, Health is wealth

10 Easy Solutions to Stress

2013-11-30T21:42:00.000-08:00

10 Easy Solutions to Stress

1. Lean on other people. Studies of both animals and humans show that social contact can help tone down the body's physical response to stress. It can even boost immunity. So cultivate a network of people you can turn to. Share what's bothering you with a friend and ask for some helpful advice. Avoid people who always need something without giving back or who are constantly moody or depressed.

2. De-clutter your world. Stop hoarding old magazines, and throw away those old receipts and tax returns you no longer need. Clutter-free surroundings will help prevent the frustration of not being able to find something you need, and give you the reassuring knowledge that everything's in its place.

3. Eliminate last-minute rushes. Leave the house 15 minutes early for appointments, set up a system for paying your bills (ask your bank about automatic bill paying), refill your prescriptions a week ahead of time, and stock up on birthday cards whenever you see ones you like. A little advance planning can spare you a lot of headaches.

4. Keep your journal. Reflect on your day, your emotions, and your personal goals. Include everything that stresses you, so you can start to recognize patterns and take appropriate action. Writing is also a great way to relax and put things into perspective.

5. Get organized. Set aside a place for bills, paperwork, letters. Store items you use most often in accessible places. Spend five minutes straightening your office or main living area at the end of the day. Keep a long-range calendar and a short-range to-do list. Check off items as you finish them.

6. Get a massage. Massage not only relaxes tense muscles, it decreases the level of stress hormones in the bloodstream and stimulates the release of serotonin, a brain chemical associated with relaxation and a feeling of well-being. Studies show that massage can even lower your heart rate and blood pressure.

7. Chop your to-do list in half. Most of us set the bar too high. After you've written your to-do list, decide what's most important to you in the long run, then cut the list in half. If you can't eliminate certain tasks, try to have someone else do them. For instance, hire a neighborhood teenager to do the yard work, or skip cooking and order in.

8. Carve time for yourself. Give higher priority to your "relax and renewal" time. Include it in your schedule at least every other day. If you have to cut out an activity to make time for your hobby -- or a warm bath -- then do it. Or spend some time alone reading or listening to music you love.

9. Avoid crowds. Schedule your commute to avoid traffic, go for lunch 15 minutes before the usual rush, make Thursday, not Saturday, your night out, shop for groceries on a weeknight, and order your clothes and prescription drugs through the mail.

10. Laugh a little. When you laugh, you send chemicals called endorphins to your brain that ease pain and enhance your feeling of well-being. Laughter also stimulates the heart, lungs, and muscles and boosts your resistance to infection. If you laugh for 20 seconds, your body gets the same amount of beneficial oxygen -- good for stress relief -- as it does in three minutes of aerobic exercise. Plus, it's nearly impossible to stay tense while you're laughing. Find cartoons, videos, TV shows, writers, and comics that make you laugh. Share jokes with friends over email.

6 Simple Steps to Relaxation
From ChangeOne

One proven way to ease stress is what Harvard University cardiologist Herbert Benson, M.D., calls the relaxation response. According to Benson's studies, the method taps an innate mechanism that can be used to counteract the human fight-or-flight response to stress. His research shows that the relaxation response can lower blood pressure and ease muscle tension. Benson suggests setting aside 20 minutes and following these six simple steps:

Find a quiet place where you won't be disturbed. Sit in a comfortable position, one that allows you to relax your body. Close your eyes.

Starting with your feet and progressing upward, relax your muscles. End with the muscles of your face. Take a moment to experience the feeling of being completely relaxed.

With your eyes still closed, breathe in and out through your nose, concentrating on each breath.

Then, as you exhale, begin to silently repeat a short phrase or single word, such as "peace" or "calmness" or "easy does it." Choose a word that helps you focus your mind and banish distracting thoughts.

Continue repeating your soothing word or phrase and concentrating on breathing. The experts usually recommend doing this exercise for 10 to 15 minutes. Don't set an alarm, though, or you'll constantly be thinking about when it will go off. Have a watch or clock handy and open your eyes now and then to check the time. And don't be discouraged from doing the relaxation routine if you don't have a full 15 minutes. Even a few minutes will help.

Sit quietly for a few more minutes, first with your eyes closed and then with them open. Savor the way your body and mind feel.

READ AND GET BACK TO ME NOW!!!

2013-01-01T13:05:00.000-08:00

Hello Dear,

Though this medium internet has been greatly abused, but I chose to reach you through it because it still remains the fastest medium of communication .However, this correspondent is unofficial and private.
Please give me this little chance to explain myself to you, I would have like to meet you face to face before departing from this mother earth but my illness continue to deprive the chance, but I know I am strong even if I die on the process of this operation I will still praise ALMIGHTY.

My name is Mrs. Maria Mark I am a dying woman and i decided to donate what I have to you which is to be used to assist poor people and charity homes. I am 49 years old and I was diagnosed for cancer for about 2 years ago, immediately after the death of my husband, who has left me everything he worked for and because the doctors told me I will not live longer than some weeks because of my health, I decided to WILL/donate the sum of $10,500,000(Ten million five hundred thousand dollars) to you for the good work of the lord, and also to help the motherless and less privilege and also for the assistance of the widows in general.
Before my husbad dead,he inform me that he had some deposit with Switzerland bank but i was unable to complete the bank required formalities as a result of my health that is why decided to donate the money to assist poor people and charity homes. If you believe that you can handle money as REQUESTED,then you have to arrange for claim to a Swiss bank, there is a fairly simple procedure to follow, depending on the date the account was opened and my lawyer will guide you on the required procedures.Below is the website for your kind reference.

website: www.crt-ii.org/2001_list/publication_list1_A.phtm

I wish you all the best and may the good Lord bless you abundantly, and please use the funds well and always extend the good work to others should encase I did not survive this major operation I am about to go through now, but all I need now is prayers.

I will like you to Contact my lawyer for all the assistance you need to get this money transferred to you. (Bar William Johnson) with his specified contact and let him knows all I just said about this money, ($10,500,000.00) although he is aware of my intention. Please send him all the below information for easy communication.

Your full name...........

Your mobile number............

Your age.......................

Your sex...........................

Your identification proof ....................

Your occupation...............................

Your country and city.......................

NB: I will appreciate your utmost confidentiality and trust in t his matter to accomplish my heart desire, as I don't want anything that will jeopardize my last wish. Always write me with below email address: mrsmariamarks@56788.com
Thanks.
From Mrs. Maria Mark

Heart Disease Cure Recipe...

2012-10-20T05:30:00.000-07:00

For Your Heart Vein Opening

Ingredients For Making Heart Vein Opening Drink Ingredients:

1 cup Lemon juice

1 cup Ginger juice

1 cup Garlic juice

1 cup Apple cider vinegar

Mix all above and simmer in low heat for about 60 minutes or till solution reduces to 3 cups.

Remove solution to cool, then mix 3 cups
of natural honey and store it in a jar.

Drink one tablespoon daily before breakfast. Your vein's blockage will open in most cases.

Enjoy your drink. Taste good too.

Final Product

Before

AFTER

Are You Suffering from Heart Diseases?

Or have you been advised to undergo Angiography or Bypass?

Please Wait...

Before you undergo Angiography or Bypass treatment, you must try with confidence this remedy. Insha Allah, you will be cured.

On the 18th April last year, I had to go to Sahiwaal(Pakistan) from the UK to attend the annual Khatme-e-Nabuwat conference. The day before I suffered acute pain at the place of my heart and thereafter, experienced uncomforting which continued for quite some time. I then met in Pakistan Hazrat Moulana Bashir Ahmed Usmani Sahib and disclosed to him, that when the doctors performed Angiography on me, they advised Bypass as they discovered 3 of my arteries were blocked and given a date to operate after a month.

During this period, a Hakim prescribed the remedy below which I consumed exactly for a month. A day before my bypass operation, I arrived at the Cardiology Hospital in Lahore (Pakistan) and deposited Pak Rs. 225,000.00 towards expenses for my Bypass surgery. After taking a close look at these results and my previous results, the Doctors then asked me if I took any medication after the previous tests were carried out.

I told them of Hakim Sahebs prescribed remedy. The panel of Doctors, surprised by the results, then informed me that according to the latest reports all 3 arteries were open and functioning normally and that surgery was not required. I was refunded my deposit and told to go home.

Hazrat Moulana Bashir Ahmed Usmani Saheb himself, prepared this medicine for me and also told me of it's ingredients and how it is prepared which is as follows:

1 Cup Fresh Lemon Juice

1 Cup Fresh Ginger Juice

1 Cup Fresh Garlic Juice

1 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar

3 Cups Honey

Mix all the juices & vinegar and boil very slowly for about half an hour until about 1 cup of contents evaporate and 3 cups remain. After it cools down, mix properly with the 3 cups of honey. Fill contents in a clean Jar and take 3 teaspoons on an empty stomach every morning. Insha Allah you will be cured.

(From Mufti Mohammed Kantharvi. London UK)

Distributed by AYP (Azaadville) for service to mankind. May Allah accept.

Please make copies and Hand out to the elderly or to people who do not have access to email. If it makes a difference only to 1 person, you will be highly rewarded by Allah. You may not know, how many persons, this can benefit.

EATING OF FRESH FRUIT

2012-10-20T05:21:00.001-07:00

EATING FRESH FRUITS

This is very informative!

We all think eating fruit means just buying fruit, cutting it up and popping it into our mouths. It's not that easy. It's important to know how and when to eat fruit.

What's the correct way to eat fruit?

IT MEANS NOT EATING FRUIT AFTER A MEAL! FRUIT SHOULD BE EATEN ON AN EMPTY STOMACH.

Eating fruit like that plays a major role in detoxifying your system, supplying you with a great deal of energy for weight loss and other life activities..

FRUIT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT FOOD.

Let's say you eat two slices of bread, then a slice of fruit. The slice of fruit is ready to go straight through the stomach into the intestines, but it's prevented from doing so.

In the meantime, the whole meal rots and ferments, and turns to acid. The minute the fruit comes into contact with the food in the stomach, and digestive juices, the entire mass of food begins to spoil.

Eat your fruit on an empty stomach, or before your meal! You've heard people complain: Every time I eat watermelon I burp, when I eat durian my stomach bloats, when I eat a banana I feel like running to the toilet, etc. This will not happen if you eat the fruit on an empty stomach. Fruit mixes with the putrefying other food and produces gas. Hence, you bloat!

Graying hair, balding, nervous outburst, and dark circles under the eyes - all of these will NOT happen if you eat fruit on an empty stomach.

There's no such thing as some fruits, like orange and lemon are acidic, because all fruit becomes alkaline in our body, according to Dr. Herbert Shelton who did research on this matter. If you have mastered the correct way of eating fruit, you have the Secret of Beauty, Longevity, Health, Energy, Happiness and normal weight.

When you need to drink fruit juice drink only fresh fruit juice, NOT from the cans. Don't drink juice that has been heated. Don't eat cooked fruit; you don't get the nutrients at all. You get only the taste... Cooking destroys all of the vitamins.

Eating a whole fruit is better than drinking the juice. If you should drink the juice, drink it mouthful by mouthful slowly, because you must let it mix with your saliva before swallowing it. You can go on a 3-day fruit-fast to cleanse your body. Eat fruit and drink fruit juice for just 3 days, and you will be surprised when your friends say how radiant you look!

KIWI: Tiny but mighty, and a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E & fiber. Its vitamin C content is twice that of an orange!

AN APPLE a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low vitamin C content, it has antioxidants & flavonoids which enhances the activity of vitamin C, thereby helping to lower the risk of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke.

STRAWBERRY: Protective Fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits & protect the body from cancer-causing, blood vessel-clogging free radicals.

EATING 2 - 4 ORANGES oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent & dissolve kidney stones, and reduce the risk of colon cancer.

WATERMELON: Coolest thirst quencher. Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione, which helps boost our immune system. Also a key source of lycopene, the cancer-fighting oxidant. Also found in watermelon: Vitamin C & Potassium..

GUAVA & PAPAYA: Top awards for vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fiber, which helps prevent constipation. Papaya is rich in carotene, good for your eyes..

Drinking Cold water after a meal = Cancer!

Can u believe this? For those who like to drink cold water, this applies to you. It's nice to have a cold drink after a meal, however, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you've just consumed, which
slows digestion. Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer.. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.

A serious note about heart attacks
HEART ATTACK PROCEDURE

Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting. Be aware of intense pain in the jaw. You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack. Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms. Sixty percent of people who have a heart attack while they're asleep do not wake up. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Be careful, and be aware. The more we know, the better our chance to survive.

MUST READ-- NATUREAL MEDICINE

2012-10-20T05:17:00.000-07:00

" Health Benefits of Consuming Dates "

1) Dates are free from cholesterol and contain very low fat. Dates are rich in vitamins and minerals.

2) They are rich source of protein, dietary fiber and rich in vitamin B1, B2, B3 and B5 along with vitamin A1 and C.

3)It helps improve the digestive system as it contains soluble and insoluble fibers and different kinds of amino acids.

4) Dates are great energy boosters as they contain natural sugars like glucose, sucrose and fructose. To get more advantage add dates to milk and make it a very nutritious snack.

5)Dates are very low in calories and are extremely suitable for health conscious people.

6) Dates are rich in potassium and reduced in sodium. This helps regulate a healthy nervous system. Researchers have revealed the fact that potassium intake up to a certain extent can reduce risk of stroke.

7) Dates also help in lowering of the LDL cholesterol.

8) Dates have high iron content and are very useful in treating anemia. The patients can eat many dates for better advantages.

9) Dates also have fluorine that slows down the process of tooth decay.

10) It helps people suffering from constipation. Soak dates overnight and take it along with water to have added advantage.

11) Dates help in weight gain and are beneficial for those who suffer from over slimming problem.

12) Dates are excellent for alcoholic intoxication.Cures abdominal cancer.

13) It also helps in improving eye sight and helps in curing night blindness as well.

"The best thing is that it does not have any side effect on the body and is completely natural as well as it works better than medicine."

Mac Mold invited you to check out Dropbox

2012-09-06T02:25:00.001-07:00

Mac Mold wants you to try Dropbox! Dropbox lets you bring all your photos, docs and videos with you anywhere and share them easily.

Accept invitation here.

- The Dropbox Team

To stop receiving invites from Dropbox, click here.

Top 10 causes of lower backache

2012-08-04T12:31:00.003-07:00

Top 10 causes of lower backache

You have a niggling pain in your lower back and can’t figure out what’s causing it. We present, some of the most common causes of lower backache.

By Mdhil | Mdhil – Fri 20 Jul, 2012 4:30 PM IST

If all those advertisements of backache-relief balms, creams and sprays are anything to go by, lower backache is one of the most common conditions afflicting people in daily life. While the intensity might range from mild discomfort to seriously debilitating pain, it’s important to figure out the cause and of the backache and then go about rectifying it.

Top 10 causes of lower backache

Bad posture – We are all guilty of bad posture at some point or another in our daily lives. Sitting incorrectly at your work desk or computer, slouching on the couch while watching television and twisting your back awkwardly while sitting, standing or walking can all produce a strain on the back. This strain manifests as low backache.
Obesity – This lifestyle disease is affecting countless Indians and the clock is ticking. Putting on weight stresses your spine and back muscles by making them work excessively to lug around those extra kilos. In the long run, lower backache will occur as the body groans and can’t take the extra weight anymore.
Incorrect exercising – Exercises that work out your biceps and back and shoulder muscles are commonly done by many gym-goers. It’s when you do these exercises incorrectly that you strain your back which further leads to backache. Hence it is important to work out under a certified fitness instructor or trainer who will pay attention to you as you exercise. Incorrectly exercising can put you back on your fitness and weight loss program so keep this in mind and protect your back.
Bad furniture – The chair you sit on for eight hours while at work, the mattress on your bed and the firmness of your sofa; if incorrect; can put pressure on the lower back directly. Therefore it is very important to spend adequate time when choosing furniture and buying good quality stuff. Cheaply made furniture may be well within your budget but may not be as good for your spine.
Say goodbye to backaches forever!

Photo by Thinkstock Fri 27 Jul, 2012 2:30 PM IST
Vertebral abnormalities – Lumbar spondylosis, spondylolisthesis and ankylosing spondylitis are all due to some abnormal fusion of the spine. This occurs mainly in the lower back and is a common cause of lower backache in the middle aged and elderly population. Another possibility is when the lumbar and sacral vertebra below it fuse. In medical terms, this is called sacralisation of the lumbar vertebrae.
Tuberculosis of the spine – In our country, where tuberculosis is still a significant public health problem, the infection may also spread to the spine and the person may complain of pain depending on the location of the infection. The lumbosacral region or the lower back is usually affected.
Fracture of the spine – This may occur due to trauma or osteoporosis. Any fracture of the lower spine will cause lower back pain, which may radiate to on or both legs.
Sciatica – This is a common condition involving one or both sciatic nerves (these are nerves that start from the lower spinal canal and go at the back of the thigh to each leg). The sciatic nerve is one of the largest in the body and if it gets pinched where it leaves the spinal canal it may cause symptoms like low back pain which radiates down the leg. The pain can be excruciating at times and can make the person incapable of performing his day-to-day activities.
Disc prolapse – Commonly known as `slipped disc’, this acute condition leads to severe back pain. Slipped disc is common in the lower back as it takes on the extra load during weight bearing. The pain is due to the abnormal position of the cushiony disc in between two vertebrae which presses on the spinal cord.
Tumours – Benign or malignant growths involving the lower spine may originate in the spine or spread from other parts of the body. As this weakens the spine, it will lead to lower backache.
Pay attention to your posture:

This cannot be said enough. Slouching, sitting on sofas which do not offer firm support to the back and sleeping in an awkward position may give you a stiff back the next morning. Reclining in a chair without support to the lower back in the form of a cushion is a no-no. Sleeping on the side in the foetal position is the best way to take the pressure off a weak back.

Do you have a desk job? Then this workplace ergonomics article is a must for you.

Apart from the above, lower back pain could be due to your occupation; studies have found a higher incidence in dentists, surgeons, miners and truck drivers. Back pain is not common in children, and if persistent, should be thoroughly investigated. Also, gynaecological problems and disorders of the urinary tract like stones in the kidney or ureter should be considered while investigating the cause of low back pain.
Written by Dr Nisreen Nakhoda, General Physician

Sleep More to stay slim

2012-05-05T23:59:00.004-07:00

Sleeping more than 8 hours a night may help you stay slim

By ANI | ANI – Tue 1 May, 2012 12:46 PM IST

Melbourne, May 1 (ANI): Adding a few hours sleep to your night may prevent you from gaining weight.

A new study has found that sleeping more than nine hours a night appears to suppress genetic factors that lead to weight gain.
In contrast, getting too little sleep seems to have the opposite effect.
Previous research has shown an association between poor sleep and obesity, but the new findings reveal a complex interaction between sleep and genetic factors linked to body weight.
Scientists made the discovery after studying 1088 pairs of identical and non-identical twins.
Twin studies help researchers unravel genetic and environmental influences. Only identical twins share the same genes, and are therefore subject to the same genetic effects, so differences between them are likely to be due to environmental factors.

The study found heritability of body mass index (BMI) - a measurement relating weight and height - was twice as high for short than for long sleepers.
For twins sleeping less than seven hours a night, genetic factors accounted for 70 per cent of differences in BMI. In twins averaging more than nine hours' sleep, only 32 per cent of weight variations could be attributed to genes.
''The results suggest that shorter sleep provides a more permissive environment for the expression of obesity related genes," WAtoday quoted Nathaniel Watson, from the University of Washington, who led the US study, as saying.
''Or it may be that extended sleep is protective by suppressing expression of obesity genes," he stated.
The scientists suggested hectic modern western lifestyles might contribute to obesity.
''Modern society with its ubiquitous technology often can cause misalignment between sleep need and sleep actualisation. This frequently has adverse consequences for cognitive (mental) function and metabolic, cardiovascular, and immunologic health," they wrote.
''Indeed, over the past century habitual sleep duration has dropped 1.5 hours per night and since 2001 the percentage of US adults getting at least eight hours of sleep per night on weeknights has fallen from 38 per cent to 27 per cent.
''Evidence is mounting that chronically reduced sleep times are associated with obesity," they added.
Sleep may influence weight by affecting hormones, glucose metabolism and inflammation, they said.
Some studies have associated long sleep duration with heart disease, insulin resistence (a precursor to diabetes) and early death.
''We did not observe this in our sample, but our sample is much younger than those used in studies that established these adverse associations,'' the researchers noted.
The findings were published on Monday in the journal, Sleep. (ANI)

Just 3 mins of intense exercise can help burn fat

2012-02-25T04:11:00.000-08:00

London, Feb 21 (ANI): Those who feel lazy to go to gym or do not have time to exercise may be literally jumping once they read this news.

Scientists say we don't need to work for hours at the gym to cut flab, as just three minutes of exercise a week could be enough to help you lose weight.

The secret is short bursts ofintense exercise- known as high-intensity interval training.

According Scientists atBirminghamand Nottingham universities, such a session once a week is far more effective at -burning fat than daily workouts, the Daily Express reported.

HIT triggers the release of fat-burning hormones helping to shift those unwanted love handles. It also moves glucose from the blood into muscle tissue where it is burned as energy rather than converted to fat.

And vigorous bursts of physical activity also have the effect of killing your appetite, whereas longer workouts can leave you wanting to eat more.

This means people keen to lose weight would be less likely to be tempted to snack on unhealthy treats if they ditched the gym and went for a short brisk walk.IT sessions can include running, riding a bike or walking.

"HIT is really good at improving glucose uptake into the muscles in a very, very short time,"Professor James Timmons, leading the research at Birmingham, said.

"With really intense exercise, you release hormones that can help break down fat. This may help burn that fat over time, after HIT is done. Also, we think, but don't know, that HIT will subdue appetite, while traditional exercise will stimulate appetite. This last point is key and will be researched by our team," he stated. (ANI)

from Internet.

10 Amazing Facts About Vitamin D That Everyone Must Know

2012-02-19T22:23:00.001-08:00

10 Amazing Facts About Vitamin D That Everyone Must Know

By now you probably know about the importance of vitamin D. Beyond supporting a healthy immune system, strong bones and an active brain, research shows that it may actually help you live a longer life!

Despite vitamin D's well-documented health benefits, the government reports that 75% of adults in this country are vitamin D deficient, causing needless health problems and even premature deaths.

Unfortunately, too many people have an "it's not me" attitude when it comes to vitamin D deficiency. You may think your levels are fine, despite the fact that statistics show the odds are against you.

Here are 10 interesting facts about vitamin D:

Vitamin D is produced by your skin in response to exposure to ultraviolet radiation from natural sunlight.

The healing rays of natural sunlight (that generate vitamin D in your skin) cannot penetrate glass. So you don't generate vitamin D when sitting in your car or home.

It is nearly impossible to get adequate amounts of vitamin D from your diet. Sunlight exposure is the only reliable way to generate vitamin D in your own body.

A person would have to drink ten tall glasses of vitamin D fortified milk each day just to get minimum levels of vitamin D into their diet.

The further you live from the equator, the longer exposure you need to the sun in order to generate vitamin D. Canada and most U.S. states are far from the equator.

People with dark skin pigmentation may need 20 to 30 times as much exposure to sunlight as fair-skinned people to generate the same amount of vitamin D.

Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption in your intestines. Without sufficient vitamin D, your body cannot absorb calcium, rendering calcium supplements useless.

Chronic vitamin D deficiency cannot be reversed overnight: it takes months of vitamin D supplementation and sunlight exposure to rebuild the body's bones and nervous system.

Sunscreens block your body's ability to generate vitamin D by 95%. This is how sunscreen products actually cause disease — by creating a critical vitamin deficiency in the body.

The sunscreen industry doesn't want you to know that your body actually needs sunlight exposure because that realization would mean lower sales of sunscreen products.

The sooner you start supplementing with vitamin D, especially during the winter months, the sooner you will have the peace of mind of knowing that you are not deficient in this critical nutrient. The current RDA for vitamin D is 600 IU, however most experts agree this is woefully inadequate. The latest research suggests supplementing with 1,000 IU to 5,000 IU of vitamin D per day. Also, it's important to make sure that you're taking the natural D3 variety of vitamin D (also known as cholecalciferol) instead of the synthetic D2 variety, which is not well absorbed by the body.

I hope you'll take your vitamin D levels seriously, especially during the winter months. Supplementing with vitamin D is the best way to boost your levels right away. However, the next time you are at your doctor's office, I recommend requesting a vitamin D blood test. Too few doctors insist on this test, yet it's critical to monitor your vitamin D levels on a regular basis.

SOURCES: INTERNET

Natural remedies for Diabetes

2011-12-14T05:29:00.000-08:00

Diabetes is among the most debilitating of lifestyle diseases, often the precursor to many other types of health disorders such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases and chronic illnesses of the eye. Most diabetics tend to depend upon taking medications, many of which include hormone supplementation injections and drugs for controlling the sugar levels. Though these aids are often critical for managing cases where diabetes seems to have turned into an incurable condition, it is always better to seek natural cures. These natural remedies don’t put forth the kind of side-effects associated with stronger medications and can be resourced from our everyday supplies.

Using Methi Seeds

Fenugreek or Methi seeds are considered the most effective of natural cures that can help alleviate typical symptoms of diabetes. Methi seeds should be soaked in water overnight. The water concentrated with the seeds’ juices should be consumed early in the morning on an empty stomach. For making this natural concoction stronger, you can crush the seeds and sieve them through a cloth or filter paper.

Using Natural Juices

Some juices have been found to be effective in controlling high sugar levels that can prove fatal for diabetics. These are juices of fruits and vegetables that are further enriched with antioxidants and many rare micronutrients. The most recommended variety here is the Bitter Gourd or Karela juice. Other options include grape juice or the juice-like extract made from boiling mango leaves in water.

Aloe Gel Remedy

An effective, natural concoction for diabetes can be prepared by adding a few teaspoons of ground Bay Leaf (Tejpatra) with one teaspoon of turmeric. This mixture should be mixed with an equal amount of aloe vera gel and consumed daily, before
lunch and dinner.

Using Chapattis to Your Advantage

Another useful way of managing diabetes is increasing the daily intake of fiber in the natural form. This includes increasing the fiber content in chappatis that tend to be eaten with regularity in Indian homes. The refined flour should be mixed with a combination of flours procured from different cereals, particularly those high in soluble fiber. This includes flours of barley and lentils like Chana Dal and soya bean.

Using Jarul or Banaba

Diabetics can use Banaba or Jarul plant extract. Banaba is among the lesser known of herbal plants in India. Along with India, it is grown in only a handful of other nations. The herbal powder of Banaba extract can be used to make herbal tea. This plant contains high concentrations of contains Corosolic acid—the most potent of biochemical compounds that stimulate faster glucose metabolism and help to regulate blood sugar and insulin levels that is very useful for combating diabetes.

Easy Natural Remedies for Diabetes

Jamun is one of the rarest plants where nearly each part, the leaves, berry and seeds are known to help in controlling blood sugar levels. Neem leaves are useful in a similar manner. Amla or the Indian goose Berry is similarly effective in managing sugar levels. Instead of using only Neem leaves, you can also add leaves of Tulsi and Bel Patra. All these leaves can be boiled together for increasing the potency of the filtered extract.

Childhood Asthma Out of Control

2011-10-25T04:37:00.001-07:00

Childhood Asthma Out of Control – Like World-Wide Air Pollution
Below is an article on Childhood Asthma extracted from the study shown in detail on the Nycomed website. Nycomed funded the study. The presentation here is meant only to mention the survey findings, not to advocate for any treatment or assess the risks of such treatment. No mention of prevention or cause is in this article but clearly strong international controls on allowed levels of pollution from energy generation and local controls in the case of such things as diesel motors and single cycle engine use need to be aggressively pursued. One of those controls is Cap and Trade based on 100% participation in International Agreements such as Kyoto.

Largest asthma survey shows disease is not controlled in majority of children
Asthma is not controlled in almost two thirds of affected children according to the largest ever international survey undertaken in paediatric asthma(1).
This poor result is despite apparently straightforward clinical guidelines and widely available preventative treatments for children with asthma.
The survey, “Room To Breathe”1 conducted by ICM Research, found that although only six per cent of parents had rated their child’s asthma as severe, nearly a quarter of their children (23 per cent) had been taken to an emergency department in the previous 12 months.
The Room To Breathe survey was carried out among 1,284 parents and 943 children aged four to 15 in six countries: UK, South Africa, the Netherlands, Greece, Hungary and Canada. Details of the survey are being released at the European Respiratory Society Congress 2009 in Vienna, September 12th to 16th.
Asthma affected the daily lives of the children and their families with 69 per cent of children avoiding sports and strenuous activity; half not sleeping properly, 42 per cent missing school, one in five not seeing their friends and one in five families curtailing outings and other activities. Ten per cent of children even said they had been teased or bullied because of their condition.

Despite these limitations and the impact on their child’s life, more than half of parents (57 per cent) were concerned about the effect of steroids in the asthma treatments. Inhaled corticosteroids have been endorsed by guidelines.

Notably the Room To Breathe found that nearly three quarters of parents (73 per cent) described their children’s asthma as “mild”. All parents were asked how worried they had been when their child was first diagnosed and 77 per cent said they had been “quite” or “very” worried. However, when asked how worried they felt now only 38 per cent said they felt “quite” or “very” worried.

About Asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung disease caused by airway inflammation and results in airway constriction in response to certain stimuli. It is characterized by a variety of symptoms, including wheezing, coughing and a tightening of the airways, which causes shortness of breath and can be life-threatening. According to the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), more than 300 million people worldwide suffer from asthma; the prevalence varies from 1 to 18 percent of the population in different countries. The prevalence of asthma is increasing by approximately 50 percent every decade and worldwide deaths from asthma total more than 250,000 annually(3).

Heart Health for Women (and Men!)

2011-10-25T04:36:00.001-07:00

Heart Health Excellent Overview
By Woman’s Day Staff Feb 19 2010
You’re never too young—or too old—to start lowering your heart disease risk. Of course, exercising, eating healthy and reducing stress are key throughout life, but due to physiological changes that happen as we age, certain risk factors do become more of a threat.
In Your 20s
Stub Out a Social Smoking Habit
Smoking is enemy number one when it comes to heart disease, and even just a few cigarettes can do damage: New research from McGill University in
Montreal found that smoking just one cigarette a day stiffens your arteries by a whopping 25 percent. Plus, smoking erases the hormonal advantage you have from estrogen, which can leave you vulnerable to a heart attack before menopause, explains Dr. Bonow.
Don’t Ignore the Birth Control Factor
Remember that hormonal contraceptives slightly increase the risk of blood clots, so if you’ve ever had one, make sure to discuss it with your doctor before going on birth control. And if you’re currently a smoker, don’t take oral contraceptives, because the combo can be especially dangerous, says Sharonne N. Hayes, MD, director of the Women’s Heart Clinic at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
Watch Your Alcohol Intake
Moderate amounts of alcohol can have a beneficial effect on your heart. (By “moderate,” we mean one drink a day or about 5 ounces—but many restaurants serve far more than that.) Overdoing it can raise triglycerides, increase blood pressure and lead to weight gain, thanks to all those empty calories.
In Your 30s
Get a Grip on Stress
When you’re juggling career and family, it’s crucial to find stress management techniques that work. “Untamed stress has a direct negative impact on heart health,” says Dr. Stevens. “The constant bombardment of adrenaline raises blood pressure and destabilizes plaque in your arteries, making it likely to cause a clot or heart attack.”
Lose the Baby Weight
No, you don’t have to fit into your skinny jeans by the time the baby’s 6 months old, but do aim to get back to your pre-pregnancy weight within one to two years. “Carrying around extra pounds can lead to high cholesterol, high blood pressure and other heart disease risk factors,” Dr. Bonow says. Also remember that it’s easier to lose weight in your 30s than in your 40s, when your metabolism slows down.
Stay Social
It’s important to stay connected to friends and family for the sake of your mood and heart. Research at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that high levels of loneliness increase a woman’s risk of heart disease by 76 percent. On the flip side, having strong social support can help lower your blood pressure and improve other cardiovascular functions. Set aside time once or twice a week to call friends, or make a monthly dinner date.
In Your 40s
Make Sleep a Priority
Thanks to peri-menopause, fluctuating hormone levels can interfere with a good night’s sleep. But not getting at least seven hours of shut-eye regularly can lead to increased blood pressure, low-grade inflammation and higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol, all of which are harmful for your blood vessels and heart, explains Jennifer H. Mieres, MD, a cardiologist at New York University School of Medicine and coauthor of Heart Smart for Black Women and Latinas. Lack of sleep has also been linked to weight gain. So establish good habits: Turn in (and wake up) at the same time every day—even on weekends—and do your best to relax before going to bed, whether it’s watching a favorite funny TV show or reading.
Reassess Your Risk Factors
You may discover that your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels have changed in this decade, even if you aren’t doing anything differently, says Dr. Hayes. In fact, 22 percent of 40-something women have high blood pressure and 50 percent have high cholesterol (a jump from 38 percent of women in their 30s), according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Also, be sure to get your thyroid checked around 45; hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland), which becomes more common as women get older, can negatively affect your cholesterol levels as well as your heart.
Step Up Strength Training
You start to lose muscle mass more rapidly in your 40s, which causes your metabolism to slow down since muscle burns more calories than fat. Unfortunately, this makes it harder to stave off those extra pounds. To help maintain muscle and keep your metabolism going, aim for two 15-minute sessions weekly of lifting weights, using a resistance band or doing other toning exercises.
Carve out Personal Time
“Between the demands of work and family, it becomes even more challenging to find time for yourself in your 40s,” says Dr. Mieres. But it’s crucial to do so—not only to help ease stress but also to guard against depression, which commonly crops up in this decade and can raise your risk of heart disease. “Find at least 10 minutes of ‘me’ time every day to do something—even if it’s just chatting on the phone with a friend—that helps you destress and regroup,” says Dr. Mieres.
In Your 50s
Move More
Around menopause, you tend to gain extra weight around your belly, which can lead to insulin resistance, inflammation and heart strain. Cardiovascular fitness also starts to decline, particularly if you’re not that physically active to begin with. “Unfortunately, at this point, women have to burn more calories to stay at the same weight,” Dr. Stevens says. Start taking the stairs instead of the elevator whenever you can, walk faster around the mall, or jog to the mailbox to send letters instead of sticking your hand out the car window as you drive by. Small changes really do add up.
Have an ECG
Silent heart abnormalities become more common in your 50s, and an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check your heart’s electrical activity can pick them up, says Dr. Goldberg. Also ask your doctor if you should have a stress test; this is especially important if you’re just starting to exercise.
Add Fiber
Besides being good for your cholesterol and blood sugar, pumping up your fiber intake (think whole grains like oatmeal, brown rice and flaxseeds, as well as beans, fruits and veggies) can help prevent constipation, which becomes more of a problem as you get older and your digestive system starts to slow down.
In Your 60s
Get Even More Vigilant About Screenings
After you go through menopause and get older, your blood pressure and cholesterol tend to go up, and blood vessels get stiffer. “Have your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol measured yearly,” advises Dr. Goldberg.
Consider Medication
If you have hypertension or high cholesterol, the way you’ve been managing it before may not be enough. “As you get older, you may need more aggressive therapy,” Dr. Bonow says. “High blood pressure that was controlled with one medication may now require three to control it.” Talk to your doctor about whether you need to add to or adjust your medications to control your risk factors.
Be Alert to Symptoms
Now is when the first noticeable symptoms of heart disease may appear, so it’s important to know what’s normal for your body and be on the lookout for worrisome signs like chest discomfort, shortness of breath or changes in exercise tolerance—meaning you suddenly feel winded going up a flight of stairs or feel unusually tired for no apparent reason, says Dr. Mieres. If these appear, see your doctor pronto!

Bad and Worse Everyday Use Chemicals

2011-10-25T04:35:00.000-07:00

Many recent articles on ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products that cause adverse skin reactions provide valuable information under certain circumstances of use. Unfortunately the circumstances of use are not included in such articles and conclusions as to risks for “harm” are misleading.
Dividing these into risk categories and discussing the risk based on circumstances of use and discussing what can be done to reduce risks with such products might be helpful. Groups such as the Environmental Working Group should be supported in their efforts to make improvements, especially their efforts to add labels with ingredients to products that are ingested. The risks with intake of chemicals into the body with breathing or with eating and drinking need to be prioritized above that of cosmetics that are designed to be used on skin only.

Of course avoiding toxins in cosmetics is highly desirable and a good place to start is to avoid lipstick with lead and propylene glycol in cosmetics and shampoo, for example.
Avoiding harmful chemicals relative to the environment such as oxybenzone or other bleaching agents in chemical sunscreens is also a good idea for saving the planet, in this case the coral reefs that are being destroyed in the world’s oceans.
But first consider supporting the efforts to label such things as water in plastic bottles. The industry has steadfastly resisted having labels indicating the source of the water and whether or not it was purified. Toothpaste ingredients are not required to be on the label because it is not to be swallowed. Obviously children and everyone else should not be using toothpaste with ingredients that are harmful on ingestion and we deserve to know. Consider joining the effort to label anything that can enter our bodies.
And consider that air-borne carcinogens are more mobile and therefore can be transmitted into our lungs more easily so that air quality is even more important that what is ingested. See the article on diesel fumes and carcinogenic soot and realize that children on school buses with unfiltered diesel exhaust are subjected to excessive levels of such fumes and soot and can acquire childhood asthma or worse.
Then, prior to getting into cosmetics, consider using particle-based sunscreen with zinc oxide in a mineral oil/petrolateum/beeswax or similar (shea oil, green tea or almond oil are possible alternatives, although not necessarily as inert) purified carrier is proven to be the best sunscreen to prevent melanoma and other skin cancer. Some cosmetics also have this protection built into the formula for protection against sun damage and aging as well as against skin cancer.
Now consider the warnings about personal care product ingredients and know that such information can be investigated using the label on the product.
Some articles have painted artificial colorants, artificial fragrance, petroleum (unfortunately this description is then confounded with the terms mineral oil and petrolateum that are used for medical grade ointments are safe for baby skin in USP preparations that have been used for generations), parabens and phthalates as being “substances to avoid”. Other than the last two, which are dangerous and should never be used for any personal care product, this is just wrong. Colorants and fragrances can be harmful whether organic or artificial, and so can associated chemical carriers, so these must be evaluated case by case. Certain organic fragrances, such as lavender, are known to be soothing and not harmful on ingestion. Contrary to some articles, the term organic in this context is definitely meaningful and refers to the fact that no pesticides are applied to the plants and the extraction has no chemicals added so that the extract is pure and organic.
The list of ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products that can be irritating and sometimes severely so is long. Lanolin and many of the chemicals in chemical sunscreen are known to be irritating to many people but are found in hundreds of products on shelves in stores. A look on websites associated with skin care and the EWG site for products will help make decisions easier.
Some artificial colorants and artificial fragrances are considered questionable for harm. The dyes and colorant D&C Red –19, -31, and 36 and Yellow –11 have been questioned and fragrances that evaporate that use solvents such as tolulene or benzene or other such volatile and harmful chemicals are certainly good to avoid although warning bells go off for just about everyone when finding such ingredients in personal products. The best advice is to look up ingredients on the web and determine the problems directly.
Mineral Oil is nonirritating but it is not by itself a UV block
Recent research has shown that UVB exposure with mineral oil applied to skin on lab animals allows formation of skin lesions and cancer at an accelerated rate and that chemical formulations containing a mixture of UVB absorbing chemicals such as propylene glycol applied to the skin shows a reduction of such skin lesions with the same exposure. The notion that mineral oil is not good for the skin is an incorrect interpretation of the results; the actual finding confirms that mineral oil transmits and enhances (optically couples) the UVB radiation to the skin which then causes the lesions. To be of value for skin protection against UV radiation, zinc oxide particles need to be present in the mineral oil. In that case the skin will also be protected against melanoma with safety, unlike the propylene glycol mixture which provides no UVA protection. UVA radiation was not part of the test but is the radiation associated with by far the most dangerous form of skin cancer, melanoma.
One report on the web regarding mineral oil is reproduced in part below:
Cosmetics-grade mineral oil and petrolatum are considered the safest, most nonirritating moisturizing ingredients ever found (Sources: Cosmetics & Toiletries, January 2001, page 79; Cosmetic Dermatology, September 2000, pages 44–46). Yes, they can keep air off the skin to some extent, but that’s what a good antioxidant is supposed to do; they don’t suffocate skin! Moreover, petrolatum and mineral oil are known for being efficacious in wound healing, and are also considered to be among the most effective moisturizing ingredients available (Source: Cosmetics & Toiletries, February 1998, pages 33–40).

Eleven Cancer Prevention Tips

2011-10-25T04:32:00.001-07:00

Thanks to the Environmental Working Group for the great article that is the basis of this post, Nine Cancer Prevention Tips. I have rearranged and augmented and tried to stress points that sometimes get missed. Here goes…

1. Filter your tap water. A simple carbon tap-mounted filter or pitcher can help reduce the levels of some of contaminants. The less chlorine and pollutants that are in river sources that you ingest, the better. And make sure that your children do not swallow any more than a minimal amount of toothpaste with fluoride.
2. Seal outdoor wooden decks and play sets. Those built before 2005 are likely coated with an arsenic pesticide that can stick to hands and clothing.
3. Cut down on stain- and grease-proofing chemicals. “Fluorochemicals” related to Teflon and Scotchgard are used for cookware and in stain repellants on carpets and couches. Say no to optional stain treatments in the home. Try waxed paper for food wrap. Avoid getting any plastic or coating beyond the intended maximum temperature. Try a cast iron skillet that is properly cured and even then do not overheat to “carbonize” the curing layer.
4. Stay safe in the sun. More than one million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. To protect your skin from the sun’s cancer-causing ultraviolet (UV) radiation, seek shade, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen that is mineral- (micronized zinc oxide) based without chemicals that have benzene- in the name. The latter is a chemical that bleaches coral and kills it and that is found in the urine of most people in the US and has not been proven safe.
5. Avoid meat and dairy products with hormones. Buy only ice cream (and other dairy products) without hormones (so marked or marked “organic”). Buy meat that is indicated hormone-free. Avoid meat on tray liners that have chemicals to keep it looking “fresh”. Consider sending a post card to companies that provide products that are not organic to indicate your preference as a consumer.
6. Buy organic and realize the chemical use on fruit and vegetables from bulk sources. Many pesticides have been linked to cancer. Eating from the Environmental Working Group Clean 15 list of the least contaminated fruits and vegetables will help cut your pesticide exposures. Consider shopping at Farmer’s Markets or joining a food alliance and having a conversation about their chemical use to ensure that they are concerned about their and your safety to the extent of minimizing any chemical application on their farm or orchard.
7. Cut your exposures to BPA. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic estrogen found in some plastic water bottles, canned infant formula, and in can liners for most, but not all, canned foods. To avoid them, eat fewer canned foods, breast feed your baby or use powdered formula, and choose water bottles free of BPA.
8. Avoid carcinogens in cosmetics. Use EWG’s Skin Deep cosmetic database to find products free of chemicals known or suspected to cause cancer. When you’re shopping, don’t buy products that list ingredients with “PEG” or “-eth” in their name. Use sunshade lotion that contains zinc oxide or titanium oxide with the best being zinc oxide. Avoid any sunshade that does not say “for sensitive skin” or that contains a benzo-anything, a bleaching agent that is the major factor in the death of coral reefs world-wide. Did we mention that before? Yes, but it is important to take care of your skin and mineral zinc oxide lotion, the only sunshade lotion approved by the FDA for children under six months (it is also used for diaper rash), is anti-fungal and anti-irritant and prolonged irritation can lead to cancer creation in time as we were all taught early in life.
9. Read the warnings and keep up with genetic, airborne and neural threats. Some products list warnings of cancer risks — read the label before you buy. Californians will see a “Proposition 65″ warning label on products that contain chemicals the state has identified as potentially cancer-causing and mutagenic threats. Be aware that pesticides that contain IMDs should be avoided and find another means to protect hybrid roses and to kill slugs. This is the family of chemicals that attacks neural ganglia and wipes out generations of bees. Many herbicides cause fish to fail to smell and navigate. Roundup mixtures contain toxic surfactants. All of these avoid the requirement of labeling as harmful but are potential carcinogens. Some of these chemicals are associated with Parkinson’s disease and populations that deal with these chemicals daily have much higher cancer rates. Diesel soot is carcinogenic and there is no requirement for buses to indicate whether filtration has been added or not so when walking avoid walking along arterials with heavy diesel traffic, the pollution index goes down exponentially with distance from the arterial. Try to find a parallel path on a side street or lane.
10. Find the Environmental Working Group website and follow it. The EWG actively testifies in Washington DC to combat toxics in the environment and deserves your support. The web site and newsletters provide updated information on threats and what you can do about them to protect yourself and join the voices of others.
11. Understand and use immune system strengthening vitamins, minerals and foods and ignore advice saying it is not necessary but heed advice not to use in excess. Vitamin C, vitamin D, minerals such as zinc, anti-oxidants and fish oil as well as certain herbs are known to help the immune system fend off irritation from chemical imbalances caused by toxins and irritants that are both natural and unnatural in the body. In other words,two-time sole Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling and his preventive care philosophy was, to some extent at least, correct! And we know now that his nuclear proliferation prevention concept, including but not limited to above-ground-testing (demonstrating capability and instilling fear in neighboring enemy states), was and still is, vital to survival of all. Not only that but he was a good person and attributed his Nobel Peace Prize to the idea person in the family, his wife Ava.

Live Longer

2011-10-25T03:41:00.000-07:00

Live Longer
We know a few things that have been proven, at least empirically, to shorten our lives. Not all of them are well-recognized.
The first thing to avoid is smoking. I think we all understand this one. This includes avoiding breathing second-hand smoke and avoiding diesel fumes from unfiltered buses. Live away from major bus routes (or avoid drift-in fumes) if you live in a city that has old unfiltered buses like many, including the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area, otherwise famous
for being “green“. Arrange for your children to get to school without taking a diesel school bus that has not been upgraded to meet the 2007 Clean School Bus Standards for buses made in the US. Walk and bicycle for exercise and transportation but avoid bus and truck routes as much as possible,. Opt for tree-lined quiet street routes where possible.
The second thing to avoid is obesity. A Princeton study has conclusively proven that obesity is connected with diets with high fructose corn syrup. There are life-threatening and life-shortening aspects to obesity that go beyond all the ones that are obvious. One is that deaths at birth are much higher for women who are obese. Is it possible for a cultural shift to drinking water preferentially to drinks with high fructose corn syrup, or even drinking sweetened drinks that contain real sugar? This would make a tremendous difference in life expectancy.
Give blood, you will live longer, this is particularly true for males.
Maintain good dental hygiene.
Protect your skin. Use only sunscreen with the active ingredient zinc oxide and apply religiously. Avoid irritation by using zinc oxide lotion. If you are in an area with insects that can convey a deadly disease, take triple precautions. Use repellants (natural is as good as the bad stuff), use clothing protection and use barriers.
Drive, walk and bicycle safely.
Don’t keep loaded guns in the home and be wary if your spouse or ex-spouse suddenly seems to need a bunch of handguns and/or a short-barreled shotgun. Alert everyone you are around to be wary also.
If your work or your hobby involves using toxics, use full personal protective equipment. Downscale the toxicity of any products or chemicals to the extent possible and educate yourself on the dangers. For example, systemic hybrid rose treatment, and some other pesticides, contain IMD. IMD attacks the nerve ganglia of insects and is known to be a major factor in bee colony collapse. Regarding your health, quality of life and lifetime, before using pesticides that are essentially “weapons of mass destruction” compared to the old fashioned simple chemicals, which are only mildly toxic, consider that Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s are human diseases that are on the rise and are associated with neural functions. Steer clear of any biocides that are so powerful and new and released without adequate testing regarding the effects on animals and humans or worse, released in spite of known effects. Reducing the time spent tending roses is not worth the risk of agonizing diseases and death. This is simply one example. Again, educate yourself as to chemical dangers with any products you use and at work consult the Material Safety Data Sheets your employer must maintain for your reference.
Keep your immune system happy. Take vitamin C, fish oil and natural foods. A natural food is something that your great-grandmother would have recognized as food.
Whatever you do and wherever you are, stretch at least every two hours. Figure out some sort of exercise routine, even if it is just doing sit-ups and jogging in place on a daily basis. Stay hydrated. Don’t just drink alcohol or coffee, drink water. Don’t snack uncontrollably, one good rule is to not eat after 8 PM. Seek out advice on health from knowledgeable people and be proactive with preventive care. Remember the credo, first, do no harm. And keep thinking!

Too Much Salt In Our Diets

2011-10-25T03:40:00.000-07:00

Too Much Salt?
Salt is essential to life. As described in the book Salt, in the past it has been precious and it has been a factor in world history. Our bodies attempt to save salt and this begins to become a problem for our heart (with excess fluid causing heart failure for example), blood pressure and edema (swelling, particularly of the feet and ankles, thanks to gravity).

Recently I noticed, after a workout at the gym, that my feet and ankles were swollen like balloons. I had no other symptoms but of course it is a concern because a build-up of fluid can cause heart failure and deterioration of important organs like the liver and kidney can be the cause. My doctor said the solution was simple, either wear “support hose” or take a diuretic. He was not surprised when I opted for the diuretic. I am almost 70 but my mind is not able to deal with “support hose” because it still thinks I am 40. The diuretic did what diuretics do and I lost a lot of fluid but the swelling was still there. I tried not taking each of the vitamins I take, and skipping on various things I figured might have some impact. Nothing worked. A friend, who is a gifted doctor in terms of diagnostic ability said that, since other things could be ruled out, the problem was simply too much sodium. He said that with the diuretic “nothing is free” so while it works it is hard on the liver. With that advice I set out to cut down on sodium in my diet.
I was amazed at the sodium levels in what I was eating. I thought I would pass these findings along, even though my wife tells me that I should have known. I guess I should have but it was still amazing!
We buy bread from a bakery that is wonderful and hand crafted. I eat a lot of this bread, half a loaf a week easy. Usually I would eat the honey white. I decided to ask about the salt. They said the nine grain is not only healthier but it has a lot less salt. The sodium is marked on the label and one piece is about 150 mg. (A daily diet is supposed to include about 2400 mg. ; better according to my doctor friend is to shoot for 2000 mg. if you want to have a low sodium diet.) The bakery said the Nine Grain Bread had half the salt that the Honey White had in it. Who knew? Of course I stopped putting the fancy French salt in scrambled eggs when I eat them. I found that breakfast cereals are loaded with salt. Good news: Oatmeal, which I never liked, has zero. I already knew that any breakfast meat had lots of salt and sodium nitrate so I at least knew to skip that.
For lunch I typically ate a half a sandwich with turkey or ham. I asked at the deli about the sodium in their meat. The data showed 350 mg. for 2 oz. I figure 2 oz. is about two thin slices. The butcher said that brand was good, it was low. I thought “no way” and went to the supermarket to look for low sodium lunchmeat. The “reduced sodium, 40% lower” lunchmeats were about 350 mg. for 1 oz.! This was twice as much as the deli brand! The butcher was right! So with regular lunchmeat the sodium is off the charts. I now eat an avocado, onion and lettuce sandwich on the nine grain bread with a little mayo for lunch.
I used to get a container of prepared pico de gallo (salsa) that is really hot and I thought healthy. The sodium in this is about 350 mg per tablespoon. So I made a salsa from tomatillos, cilantro, jalapenos, lime and garlic that had zip sodium.
I decided I would like to have a can of soup. The reduced sodium soup is way too high, my wife again saying “told you so!”. So I looked at chili. There is no low sodium chili or soup. So I looked at just a can of beans. Finally I got to a can of black beans which has 150 mg. and figured this would be OK, although I wondered why it was necessary to put salt into a can of black beans. With a lot of lime juice and some chopped green onions, this made a decent soup. But again I was amazed that every prepared anything has a ton of sodium.
I thought I would get some olives, what else could be in olives except olives and olive oil, right? Wrong, as my wife again pointed out, I should have known. Olives are pickled in brine and loaded with salt although nothing on the display or container tells you this. I did get some unsalted peanuts in the shell and that made a decent snack.
So foods like limes, avocados, tomatoes, onions, peppers, lettuce and peanuts with no salt became my friend and the swelling in my ankles and feet disappeared like magic. With fish and chicken and even steak it is possible to enjoy these without a whole lot of salt. With pasta you can find some sauces that if used sparingly are OK for salt content. But overall it is amazing to me, and I agree that it was something that I should have known all along, how much salt is in so many things that I was oblivious to until I actually did the math.
I guess I should be glad for the diagnostic of the swelling. Hopefully this message will give fair warning. We have TOO MUCH SALT in our diet!

Get a magical glow

2010-07-04T05:39:00.000-07:00

Beauty experts say that facials are the best way to tighten up facial muscles, detoxify and tone the skin. They not only remove dead cells, but also provide nourishment.

Here are a few exotic facials that keep you radiant, no matter what the weather. Caviar spa facial: Caviar are exotic fish eggs which are rich in proteins, minerals and lipids known for cell regeneration and anti-ageing properties.

The omega 3 fatty acids and DHA component found in caviar oil is a tonic for tanned skin. Good for: Dry skin, freckles, crow feet and fine lines.

Cost: Rs 2,200. Crystal glow facial: Crystal salts used in it relax es the entire body. They also help remove dead skin. Helps: Enhance the overall purification and detoxification of body.

This facial therapy also incorporates the Thai Candle detoxification procedure in which the toxin waxes are extracted from the ear with the help of suction. Cost: Rs 3,000 Wine and honey facial: This facial uses a mixture of wine, honey, glycerine, turmeric, gram flour, jojoba oil and semolina.

Helps: Serves as a protein pack for the skin, which provides nutrients to the skin externally. Wine is a very good agent which contains high protein and minerals which are readily absorbed by the skin.

Cost: Rs 1,500 Spanish chocolate facial: Chocolate has elastic properties and one can choose between white chocolate and dark chocolate for application. Good for: Wrinkled, parched skin.

Also effective for under eye dark circles. Cost: Rs 1,200 Jasmine and lavender facial: If mixed with sour curd, it hydro cleanses the oily skin and helps in drying acne faster.

Few drops of mint essence with jasmine and ylang ylang oil brings a glow to open pores. Good for: Oily skin.

Text: Hindustan Times

Drink up

2010-06-15T06:31:00.000-07:00

Whatever the season, keeping oneself hydrated is imperative. However, the chances of getting dehydrated are the most in the summer heat. One tends to lose around 2.5 litres of water simply by sweating, breathing and waste removal.

Along with water, you lose electrolytes and minerals such as sodium, potassium and calcium, which help maintain the balance of fluids in the body. Although one can replenish the lost water and electrolytes through diet, food and liquids. If the amount of water lost exceeds the amount that can be replaced, you get dehydrated.

Why do you need it

1. Detoxification. Water helps wash out the toxins from the body, cleansing the system. This results in healthy functioning of the kidneys and liver along with easy circulation of blood, fluids and other necessary elements inside the body.

2. Not having enough water might lead to the formation of blood clots, especially in the summer as water is lost faster during this time of the year.

3. It regulates bowel movement. Drinking enough water prevents constipation as it helps quick digestion of food.

4. It moisturises skin. Water controls and regulates the skin's natural balance. When water is warm, it has the power to revitalise, detoxify, and oxygenate the skin. Warm water also gets rid of blackheads and makes large pores smaller.

5. Drinking water invigorates the body, replacing the moisture lost due to everyday activities.

6. Water is the best thing to drink, since it has no sugar, sweeteners and preservatives in it.

How to make sure you get enough

1. One should avoid having water along with the meals. Ideally a small amount of water should be had hourly.

2. Drink six to eight glasses of fluid every day. This is the minimum amount required by the body.

3. Increase your fluid intake if you are active. When exercising, drink something every half an hour.

4. Make sure you consume water first thing in the morning. Breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day because the body has been fasting the whole night. It's the same with water.

5. If you know you are going to be out in the sun the entire day, carry a bottle of water with you.

6. Drink before you feel thirsty. If you're thirsty, it means that you are already dehydrated.

Fact Box

Everything in your body contains water.

The muscles are 75 per cent water
The human brain is 76 per cent water
The blood has 82 per cent water
The lungs have 90 per cent water

BY Natascha Shah
Reproduced From India Today. © 2010. LMIL. All rights reserved.

Ten tips to stay healthy

2010-06-14T09:50:00.000-07:00

Staying healthy is a journey, not a destination. It's about a process not an outcome. It's about being 'alive' & 'awake' not just living. Imagine what it might be like if you were to truly feel vibrant & alive not just occasionally, but throughout your life - decade after decade!

Most people overeat during festivals. It is an excuse for them to give up their healthy eating pattern and indulge in sweets, greasy foods. Habitual overeating especially strong flavors can inflame the stomach lining and produce excess heat in the body. It gives you indigestion, excessive hunger, irritability and weight gain.

Youth, attractiveness and beauty begin with good health. Health is defined as the state of balance. It is a state that reflects physical, mental & spiritual well being. Good health can be achieved by each and every one of us and the means to achieve it lie within you rather than in global remedies. This is because your body has 'Prana' or bio-energy with self healing powers. All that you need to do is support the activity of this magnificent body that we have by correcting our eating and living habits. Minor changes in your diet and your lifestyle can bring about major changes in your health and looks.

Here are 10 tips that will help you get started on the path towards healthy living:

Raw vegetable juices like carrot juices, amla juices, and mixed vegetable juices are full of known and unknown anti-oxidants & enzymes that help to remove toxins and digest food better. Drink a glass of vegetable juice everyday.
Consume adequate protein to enable tissue repair & prevent loss of muscle mass and bone degeneration.
Consume anti-oxidants like beta-carotene, vitamin C, Vitamin E, and selenium by including fruits & vegetables, nuts and seeds in your daily diet.
Get in shape: It is an important aspect of looking good and staying healthy.
Fast for any one day in a week (on raw vegetable juices) or three consecutive days (on raw fruits and vegetable) in a month. This is a good way to detoxify and an important tool in treating obesity.
People who lead a life of excesses and those who eat excessively at night need to detoxify twice a year. People with toxicity symptoms like headaches, digestive problems and allergies will benefit greatly by detoxification.
MUFA rich oil like olive, rice bran, til, groundnut oil, mustard oil etc. are beneficial for reducing cholesterol and attaining good heart health.
Reduce the process of aging by cutting back on alcohol, tobacco, cigarettes, sugar, processed foods, refined foods and fried foods.
Control stress. It is said that your mind is the biggest contributor to disease. Stress suppresses the immune system and makes you age faster.
Try to develop a loving relationship with your family, friends, spouse, and pets. Love makes life meaningful. It has healing energy. It is a powerful stimulant to immune system.
Make sure you exercise at least five times a week for 30 to 40 minutes. Sweating releases stored toxins and aerobic exercises help improve digestion & metabolism.

By choosing to eat sensibly and by making a few lifestyle changes you can stay healthy and prevent many forms of illness. People usually associate health in terms of losing weight and counting calories. But health is much more than just body weight. Yet achieving ideal body weight is the first step towards achieving good health.

Dr. Anjali Mukherjee is a nutritionist and founder of Health Total, a nutrition counseling center.

- Contact numbers: 022-6726 6888 / 022-6504 4001 / 022-6726 6826

- You may direct your questions to query@health-total.com

- For further information, visit www.health-total.com

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