Interesting Tips for Healthy & Fruitful Life

A new you this summer

arjayeusebio@gmail.com — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 02:55:00 +0000

Whenever the topic of change is brought up in conversations, many people tend to balk at the idea. Those who want change almost give up simply because what may otherwise be a challenge becomes a chore to them.

How to begin

1. Remove whatever stumbling blocks there may be. More often than not, the root cause of immobility or inability to get started is fear of failure. Do some housekeeping in that part of yourself that says, “I can or I cannot”.

2. Make a list of the dreams, plans/projects, targets you have set for yourself. The best and only judge of your choices is yourself. So, decide what plans to put on hold and what dreams need manifesting. It doesn’t matter whether they are simple (like dancing) or complicated (like sky diving). What’s important is how highly you regard it. Place a deadline or actual date of completion of your dream.

3. Go on a new kind of diet. Starve yourself if you must from the following: anger, bitterness, jealousy, hate. Instead, feed on forgiveness, reconciliation, love, optimism.

Here’s an inner cleansing regimen you can do. If you need to ask forgiveness from someone but are too ashamed to face him, do this. Go to a quiet corner, close your eyes, focus on the person who has wronged you or whom you have wronged. Imagine him/her before you. Now ask for forgiveness. This soul to soul reaching out is effective. Soon, you will sense a change in the other party’s behavior towards you.

Reshaping one’s self

It’s not as difficult as you think. One can follow a medical spa’s general rules:

1. Add more veggies and fruits to your diet.
2. Cook less or undercook your food. Between raw food and cooked, raw is best. This is because cooking changes the chemical composition of food. In general, the lesser the cooking, the more enzymes/nutrients are preserved.
3. Take a rest from eating. If you declare a moratorium on food and hydrate your body with clean, purified or alkaline water, you give your digestive system a rest. This ought to help victims of migraine and chronic headaches. Flushing the system rids the body of toxins.
4. Be kind to animals. Eat no meat of any kind at least once a week. Substitute with vegetables and nuts.
5. Exercise. Any workout done three times a week is a good start. Once you begin an exercise regimen, you will continuously look for the endorphin rush that will maintain your body in feel-good mode.
6. Breathe. Daily relaxation through the process of slow breathing will bring great health benefits. It will almost immediately control the stress hormones — adrenaline and cortisol. Thus, if you are continuously stressed, try breathing slowly (inhale, six counts; hold, 2 counts; exhale, 6 counts).
7. Stay calm. Stressed skin equals internal stress. So, smile rather than frown.
8. Load up on Vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K—the essentials to basic health. Ask your doctor for advice.
9. Compliment yourself each day. Instead of finding fault in yourself, look at your pluses.

If summer were forever, and renewal is your goal, then you are renewed all seasons.

By Cory Quirino

Preventing Stroke?

arjayeusebio@gmail.com — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 09:59:00 +0000

I got this article from charliebrown8989 and this was posted last May 2006.
For me I think this is important for you to know about the illnesses of STROKE and how will you prevent this specially this summer.

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:

During a BBQ, a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics) and just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes. They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food - while she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening. Ingrid's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00pm, Ingrid passed away.) She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today. Some don't die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition.
It only takes a minute to read this...

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE
Thank God for the sense to remember the "3" steps, STR . Read and Learn!
Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.
Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

* S Ask the individual to SMILE.
* T Ask the person to TALK - SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE
* R Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

NOTE:

Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out their tongue... if the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke}
If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

Erasing your Age

arjayeusebio@gmail.com — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 09:47:00 +0000

Time and its passage should treat you right. But you have to make it happen.

You cannot simply sit back and do nothing. That may have been the case with our grandparents and even parents. But that is not for us—unless you want the ravages of time to show on your body.

It may be something like this—at age 30, excessively dry and wrinkled skin; at 40, stiffness in the joints; at 56, high cholesterol and borderline diabetes; at 60 heart disease or osteoporosis (brittle bones).

Some basic facts

Exercise delays aging, especially the onset of arthritis and osteoporosis. Dr. Williams J. Evans, doctor of nutrition and metabolism at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, said, “There’s nothing that science can do for you that could be of more benefit than exercise.” He said low level exercise like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking short distances even if for only 10 minutes twice a day could be good.

Staying out of the sun prevents wrinkles.

Relaxation and meditation are stress-busters and can prevent disease.

High-vegetable diet is packed with enzymes and connected to better health. Eat high-octane foods like leafy green veggies, carrots, broccoli that are heavy on beta carotene (vitamin A).

Doing crossword puzzles and regular reading can delay/prevent memory loss.

Type A personalities (active, outgoing, pressure-driven individuals prone to anger) may age faster than calmer types.

Eating compulsively and obsessively will lead to diseases—obesity, diabetes, heart disease.

Get nutty. Do not worry about uric acid because you will not take a gallon of nuts like soy, macadamia, almonds, walnuts. Nuts are rich in antioxidants.

Go fruity. Nutrient-packed fruits give your body power. Try to observe your energy level after a serving of bananas, papaya, apples, kiwi, star apple. You will feel an instant lift that sweet cravings like pastries cannot give.

Boost youth hormones

You can actually return your body to its youthful look. Here is how:

Spike up the hormones. The forever-young hormones are human growth hormones that are converted by the liver into anti-aging hormone insulin growth factor and dehyroepean erosterone (DHEA). As you grow older, production of these hormones slows down.

Therefore, increasing their production can delay aging. Is it hopeless? Not at all. Diet plays a key role.

The mission: Boost hormones via a high-nutrient diet. Why? Aging is caused by free radical damage to the cells. One must contain/stop the damage through clean, toxic-free food.

The choice is simple. Eat your mango-topped cheese cake or eat a fresh mango.

Keep your blood sugar level steady. Any sudden rise can trigger cortisol (a stress hormone) release. High insulin and cortisol reduce your DHEA output. Go easy on white temptations (high glycemic food) like white rice, bread, pastries, pasta, crackers. Always combine them with low glycemic food—veggies, beans, protein, soy.

Never gorge on a huge slice of cake or dessert without eating a healthy meal. This ought to contain your sugar levels.

Contain the fat. A high-fat diet literally turns off your hormone factory. Saturated fat from animals can do a lot of damage to your health and youthful look.

Age-defying trivia

Load up on spinach and strawberries. Their high levels of antioxidants can boost your brain.

Steam, do not boil, your veggies to preserve the vitamins. Better yet, eat your food raw.

Add more tomatoes to your meal. Lycopene in tomatoes strengthens your immune system and makes your skin glow.

Reference: “Age-Erasing Secrets” by Kevin Ireland

By Cory Quirino

Solving Rubic Cube for Begginers

arjayeusebio@gmail.com — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 02:29:00 +0000

Playing Rubik Cube is one of the best enjoyable game ever since.

People around the world has been addicted of playing Rubik Cube, many are been expert already & many are also have no yet idea of how to solve this kind of puzzle.

So I searched the web to share a simple technique of how Rubik Cube can solve easily. Even me on the first place I'm having hard of solving this puzzle.

So for those beginners and have no yet idea of solving the rubik cube, I think you suppose to watch this video.

Feng Shui & 3 kinds of Luck...

arjayeusebio@gmail.com — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 04:45:00 +0000

First for those who not yet understand what Feng Shui its all about.
Let me to give you a meaning of this...

Feng Shui is an ancient art and science developed over 3,000 years ago in China. It is a complex body of knowledge that reveals the ways to balance the energies of the environment to assure health, wealth and good fortune for people inhabiting it.

"Feng" means "wind" and "shui" means "water" (pronounced fung-shway). In Chinese culture gentle wind and clear water have always been associated with good harvest and good health, thus "good feng shui" came to mean good livelihood and fortune, while "bad feng shui" came to mean hardship and misfortune.

Feng Shui is based on the Taoist vision and understanding of nature, particularly on the idea that the land is alive and filled with energy.

This is related into a 3 Kinds of Luck...
So it should be better to use & let us know the 3rd one.

Luck as we know it comprises of 3 portions, namely Heaven Luck (Tie’n Chai’), Earth Luck (Ti Chai’) and Mankind Luck (Ren Chai’).

The 3 Kinds of Luck

Heaven Luck

Heaven Luck is preordained and cannot be changed. In a nutshell, heaven luck will determine when you are born, the location, as well as which family you are born into. Thus, our life to some extent is determined by the day, time and place we were born whether we like it or not. Our parents and the country of birth will affect the quality of our life. The pattern of our luck cycles follows a predictable and logical pattern and not on a random basis. The state of our luck will affect our endeavors and quality of life at a particular point in time and not be the same throughout our life.

Earth Luck

Earth luck relates to the kind of luck affected by our surroundings. Of course, we will not be able to make much change to the major scope of our environment. On a broader context, we can include the social, political and economic condition of the country and environment where one works at and this will affect quality of life. A more prosperous, stable and safe country with a cleaner or better environment will enhance one’s quality of life. Likewise, a poorer, politically unstable, war-torn country, or a dirtier environment will affect one’s quality of life. Again, even the physical landscape of our surroundings will play a part in the landscape feng shui of our surroundings.

Mankind Luck

Mankind luck is created by our behavior, our attitude towards life, as well as the choices that we make along this journey of life. There should not be any doubt that personal effort can greatly affect one’s quality of life. Many people from poorer backgrounds or in a disadvantageous position have turned around their quality of life thru their efforts and attitude towards life. There are many stories of people who have become very successful even though they started off life in a somewhat unfavorable position. Yet there are also many stories of frustrated geniuses that did not make it, despite being given every advantage in life.

However, the practice of Feng Shui allows us to effect changes within the realm of our home, office and personal space. Therefore, even if in the bigger scope of things, our earthly luck is not so good, we are still able to create some positive ‘chi’ thru the correction of our interior feng shui to improve our overall luck. Thus, thru the practice of feng shui, can one make that crucial difference in life, between one that is truly successful and one that average.

The final conclusion is do not despair, as you can still improve your overall luck by adopting the practice of feng shui and ensuring that your personal actions and attitudes create additional luck.

Mangoosteen Fruit - The Best Antioxidant

arjayeusebio@gmail.com — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 11:31:00 +0000

Mangosteen is a tropical fruit that is grown primarily in hot, humid climates of southeast Asia such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia and Philippines.

Mangosteen is a dark purple fruit about 2 to 3 inches in diameter – the size of a small peach or apple. Mangosteens are unrelated to mangos.

The Mangoosteen Fruit

How exotic is the mangosteen fruit? It is rumored that Queen Victoria is said to have declared it her favorite fruit and offered a knighthood to anybody who could deliver a supply of mangosteen fruit to her. The mangosteen is so exotic and sought after that it is referred to as "Queen of Fruits" or "Fruit of the Gods."

Mangosteen Origins
While virtually unheard of in the United States and Europe the mangosteen originated deep in the tropical rain forests of southeast Asia in countries like Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Taiwan, Singapore and Thailand. Unlike traditional fruits which are available year round, the exotic mangosteen bears fruit only 2 times a year.

Mangosteen is similar to other exotic fruits in that it has been traditionally used as a health supplement and pain reliever. But the benefits of the mangosteen fruit go on to help control pain, reduce fever, increase engergy and ward off infections as well as to help protect against disease. While the list of mangosteen benefits goes on and on, the overall deciding factor has been one thing, the taste! Why else would it be classified as the finest fruit in the world?

Heaven for the Body - Heaven for the Tongue
"A sweet-tart melding of elegance and opulence that had echoes of fruit of every climate." - This is just one reference on how the exotic the mangosteen fruit is. There is no other fruit on the planet that combines the distinctly beautiful taste and overwhelming health benefits as that of the mangosteen!

The Mangosteen fruit is composed of the following:

Pericarp (rind or skin)- it is smooth, 4-8mm thick with a dark purple color
Pulp (fruit) - consists of 4-8 snowy white colored segments. It is soft & juicy with an exquisite unforgettable taste.
Seeds - one mangosteen fruit usually contains 2-3 well-developed seeds ranging between 1.5 and 2.5 cm in length.

Inside the Mangosteen
Size: Roughly the size of a tangerine
Color: Smooth, dark purple pericarp (rind)
Color Inside: "Snow white" colored fruit
Taste: Unbearably exquisite, impossible to forget

Did you know?
The pericarp, or rind of the mangosteen contains more xanthones than any other source on earth! These are the same powerful xanthones that make XanGo Mangosteen the super star of health and nutritional supplements.

A Powerful Antioxidant
The xanthone laden mangosteen fruit and xango mangosteen juice contain an overwhelming amount of naturally occuring antioxidants.

Reference: Xango Mangoosteen

What I need to know about Urinary Tract Infections?

arjayeusebio@gmail.com — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 08:27:00 +0000

Most of ordinary people like me doesn't yet familiar when they hear ed the terminology of "UTI". We all known that this is a kind of sickness but we're not yet familiar what is this all about. So I do research and posting it to my blogs because I want you all my blog readers to be aware and have a background of what Urinary Tract Infections or UTI.

I hope that my researched article could help you and avoid this kind of infections.

What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

A UTI is an infection anywhere in the urinary tract.* Your urinary tract includes the organs that collect and store urine and release it from your body. They are the

* kidneys * ureters * bladder * prostate (in men) * urethra

* Kidneys = Your kidneys collect wastes and extra water from your blood to make urine.
* Ureters = The ureters carry the urine from your kidneys to your bladder.
* Bladder = Your bladder stores the urine and squeezes it out when full.
* Prostate = The prostate adds fluid to semen.
* Urethra = The urethra carries the urine out of your bladder when you urinate.

Images of the male and female urinary tracts that show the kidney, ureter, bladder, prostate, and urethra.

What causes a UTI?

Usually, a UTI is caused by bacteria that can also live in the digestive tract, in the vagina, or around the urethra, which is at the entrance to the urinary tract. Most often these bacteria enter the urethra and travel to the bladder and kidneys. Usually, your body removes the bacteria, and you have no symptoms. However, some people—including women and older people of both sexes—seem to be prone to infection.

Women are more likely to get UTIs than men and are more likely to get them at a younger age.
When should I see my doctor?

You should see your doctor if you have any of these signs or symptoms:

* burning feeling when you urinate
* frequent or intense urges to urinate, even when you have little urine to pass
* pain in your back or lower abdomen
* cloudy, dark, bloody, or unusual-smelling urine
* fever or chills

Women are more likely to get UTIs than men. When men get UTIs, however, they’re often serious and hard to treat. UTIs can be especially dangerous for older people and pregnant women, as well as for those with diabetes and those who have difficulty urinating.

How are UTIs treated?

Once it is determined that your symptoms have been caused by an infection, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic. Antibiotics can kill the bacteria causing the infection. The antibiotic prescribed will depend on the type of bacteria found.

For simple infections, you’ll be given 3 days of therapy. For more serious infections, you’ll be given a prescription for 7 days or longer. Be sure to follow your instructions carefully and completely. If you have any allergies to drugs, be sure your doctor knows what they are.

Will UTIs come back?

Most healthy women don’t have repeat infections. However, about one out of every five women who get a UTI will get another one. Some women get three or more UTIs a year. Men frequently get repeat infections. Anyone who has diabetes or a problem that makes it difficult to urinate may get repeat infections.

If you get repeat infections, talk with your doctor about special treatment plans. Your doctor may refer you to a urologist, a doctor who specializes in urinary problems. Your doctor may have you take antibiotics over a longer period to help prevent repeat infections. Some doctors give patients who get frequent UTIs a supply of antibiotics to be taken at the first sign of infection. Make sure you understand and follow the instructions your doctor gives you.

Men may need to take antibiotics for a longer time. Bacteria can hide deep in prostate tissue. Men shouldn’t take their spouse’s pills and think they will cure the infection. See a doctor for treatment that fits your needs.

How can I prevent more UTIs?

Changing some of your daily habits may help you avoid UTIs.

* Drink lots of fluid to flush the bacteria from your system. Water is best. Try for 6 to 8 glasses a day.

* Drink cranberry juice or take vitamin C. Both increase the acid in your urine so bacteria can’t grow easily. Cranberry juice also makes your bladder wall slippery, so bacteria can’t stick to it.

* Urinate frequently and go when you first feel the urge. Bacteria can grow when urine stays in the bladder too long.

* Urinate shortly after sex. This can flush away bacteria that might have entered your urethra during sex. Drinking a glass of water will also help.

* After using the toilet, always wipe from front to back, especially after a bowel movement.

* Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes so that air can keep the area dry. Avoid tightfitting jeans and nylon underwear, which trap moisture and can help bacteria grow.

* For women, using a diaphragm or spermicide for birth control can lead to UTIs by increasing bacteria growth. If you have trouble with UTIs, consider modifying your birth control method. Unlubricated condoms or spermicidal condoms increase irritation, which may help bacteria grow. Consider switching to lubricated condoms without spermicide or using a nonspermicidal lubricant.

Source : Kidney and Urologic Diseases Clearinghouse

Heavy cell phone use tied to poorer sperm quality

arjayeusebio@gmail.com — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 01:44:00 +0000

Amy Norton

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) -- Spending hours on a cell phone each day may affect the quality of a man’s sperm, preliminary research suggests.

In a study of 361 men seen at their infertility clinic, researchers at the Cleveland Clinic found an association between the patients’ cell phone use and their sperm quality.

On average, the more hours the men spent on their cell phones each day, the lower their sperm count and the greater their percentage of abnormal sperm.

The findings, published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, add to questions about the potential health effects of cell phones and other wireless devices. Some studies, for example, have linked long term cell phone use to a higher risk of brain tumors, though many other studies have found no such connection.

The concern is that, over time, the electromagnetic energy emitted from mobile phones could theoretically harm body tissue - by damaging DNA, for example.

However, the new findings do not prove that cell phones somehow damage sperm, according to the researchers.

"Our results show a strong association of cell phone use with decreased semen quality. However, they do not prove a cause-and-effect relationship," lead researcher Dr. Ashok Agarwal told Reuters Health.

He and his colleagues based their findings on semen samples from 361 men who came to their infertility clinic over one year. All of the men were questioned about their cell phone habits.

In general, the researchers found, sperm count and sperm quality tended to decline as daily cell phone hours increased.

Men who said they used their phones for more than four hours each day had the lowest average sperm count and the fewest normal, viable sperm.

"We infer from our results that heavy cell phone use ... is associated with a lower semen quality," Agarwal said. But whether cell phones somehow directly affect men’s fertility is not clear.

Agarwal said he and his colleagues have two studies underway aiming to shed light on the issue. In one, they are exposing semen samples to electromagnetic radiation from cell phones to see what, if any, effects occur.

The second is a follow-up to the current study that is assessing a larger group of men. Agarwal said this study is more rigorously designed and will account for certain other factors like lifestyle habits and occupational exposures that might affect sperm quality.

SOURCE: Fertility and Sterility, January 2008.

Be good to yourself

arjayeusebio@gmail.com — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 10:44:00 +0000

It is not about second chances, attempts at redemption or to ease a guilty conscience.
Abuse, neglect and ignorance may not justify your lamentations.

If you find yourself unattractive, unappealing and unhealthy, these are valid reasons to embark on a makeover mission.The start of a new year should signal your own renewal.

Crush not crash

Instead of being dismayed upon stepping onto a weight scale, be challenged. Think and say to yourself, “It is only a number.”

Crush your defeatist attitude. Allowing yourself to panic only triggers your own defeat. Of course, the last thing you should do is to go on a crash diet. This will only guarantee one thing—whatever weight you lose will definitely come back with a vengeance.
Studies have shown that people on diets experience depression. Therefore, do not starve yourself. Pace yourself instead. And use your common sense.

Detox not destroy

It is fairly easy to self-destruct. Simply give in to all your physical and emotional cravings without limits. In short, eat all you can and allow yourself to be swept away by your unchecked feelings.

This way, the word extreme will rule your life. Once accomplished, you will find yourself overweight, overburdened and over-exhausted.
Detoxify now. And the promise of a higher and more energetic body is yours.

Detox to-do:

1. List down your cravings. These may include chocolates, pastries, peanuts, ice cream, wine/spirits, high-fat foods, etc.
Know your weaknesses. This way, you will be on guard each time you are faced with your temptations.

2. Do not deny yourself a craving. Instead, take a little piece or small amount. By tasting something you will not feel totally deprived.

3. Stop eating when you feel full. Sins against the belly begin when you have burped once. And if you are the type that does not burp following the feeling of fullness, your waistline will expand and a feeling of tightness is inevitable.

4. Do not prolong the gaps between meals. Waiting too long to eat will only rob you of much-needed vitamins and minerals. If you wait too long to eat, there is a chance that your blood sugar levels will be affected and, in fact, may even fail to return to its normal level. This will immediately cause fatigue and depression.

5. If you intend to fast, make sure you are fully hydrated with water and vegetable juices every 30 minutes. Fasting will cleanse your gut and colon.
Make sure when you end your fast that it is quickly followed by two tablespoons of virgin coco oil or two tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or a combination of both.

6. Try a lemon or organic coffee enema.

Lemon rinse

One lemon, juiced. Mix into one pint of warm, purified water. Use as an enema. Hold in the liquid for ten minutes. Then release. Take two capsules of acidophilous (bacteria) to replace the ones lost during the enema (great for colds, cough).

Coffee cleanse

One heaping tablespoon of organic coffee boiled for 10 minutes in one pint of purified water. Introduce into your colon in three installments. Hold in for 15 minutes (if possible), then release.
You will instantly feel light and able to breathe better (if you have sinusitis problems).

7. Think of colors—red, pink, orange, green, gold, silver, etc. Make this your emotional guide for the day—red, passion/love; pink, affection; blue, calm; green, healing; orange, energy; gold/silver, prosperity.Adopt a color and watch your outlook change.
New year, new you

The possibility of a new you is within your reach but only if you have the determination to claim it—inside and out.

Love and light!

Healthy breads vs trans fat foods

arjayeusebio@gmail.com — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 11:41:00 +0000

The Mayo Clinic in the United States has declared trans fat as a "cholesterol double whammy" and "the worst of (all fats) because of its double-barreled impact on cholesterol levels."

It not only raises bad cholesterol (LDL), it also lowers good cholesterol (HDL). LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, when elevated, builds up in the walls of the arteries, making them hard and narrow. High-density lipoprotein or HDL, on the other hand is "good" cholesterol that picks up excess cholesterol and takes it back to the liver, the Mayo Clinic said.

Trans fat is made when hydrogen is added to vegetable oil – a process called hydrogenation. Hydrogenation increases the shelf life and flavor stability of foods containing these fats.

However, oil that is partially hydrogenated becomes the source of trans fat.
In fact, while one may not see trans fat on a food label, it is often indicated as "partially hydrogenated oils" instead. Trans fat is commonly found in some margarine, crackers, candies, cookies, snack foods, fried foods, baked goods and other processed foods.

The U.S. considers trans fat "Public Enemy No. 1" and recommends "intake of trans fatty acids should be as low as possible." Dr. Linda Mabesa of the University of the Philippines said, "one must limit intake of trans fat to one percent of one’s total calories."

Considering all the health hazards of trans fat, Gardenia Bakeries (Philippines), Inc. has made sure that its breads are 100 percent trans fat-free. Gardenia’s zero trans fat products are not only delicious, they may also help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Gardenia’s line of tasty breads provides a host of other nutritional benefits that go hand in hand with their fresh goodness. The High Fiber Wheat Bread, available in regular and thick slices, is packed with fiber, folate, Vitamin A and more vitamins and minerals.

Whole Wheat Bun is also a good source of fiber, folate, riboflavin and niacin. Sugar Free 12-Grain Loaf is a boon for diabetics who need to control their sugar intake and for those who want to watch their weight.

For health buffs who love the taste of natural honey and oats, Gardenia’s Honey Oat Loaf is the perfect choice. It’s got the right blend of honey sweetness and heart-healthful Quaker Oats and, contains vitamins like Vitamins A, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), and B3 (niacin).

High Calcium Milk Bread nourishes bones and teeth, may help reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life, and ideal for pregnant and lactating moms.

Choosing Food without Trans Fat

Reference:

http://www3.mb.com.ph/HLTH20080122114511.html

Cure for Dengue???

arjayeusebio@gmail.com — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 13:41:00 +0000

Dengue fever, or West Nile fever, is a mild viral illness transmitted by mosquitos which causes fever, rashes and muscle and joint aches. Treatment includes rehydration and recovery is expected. A second exposure to the virus can result in Dengue hemorrhagic fever, a life-threatening illness.

January 18, 2008. I just received this email and this is all about the Cure for Dengue fever. Here in my country dengue fever is very hard to manipulate and it is one of the major problem also when it regards to concern in healthy of community because obviously one of the reason here why they cant avoid and prevent this kind of illnesses are locking of capability to due of equipments and facility.

If you will going to read the story this is can be helpful for you and also to your community.
"Speak out: Cure for dengue?
By Bernardo Rocha Calibo
Director, National Police Commission 7

THERE is hope that the dengue scourge will be obliterated.

I was in a meeting in Manila recently with other Napolcom officials. While waiting for my flight back to Cebu, I happened to talk with friends. The conversation eventually turned to dengue. Some of their statements shocked me. I called up the persons concerned and they confirmed these revelations.

Computer technician Wenceslao Salesale Jr., 27, was downed by dengue. His platelet count plunged from 180 to 80. He was rushed by ambulance from Novaliches to Manila. Inside the ambulance, a relative, acting upon the advice of a missionary priest, made him drink soup made from camote tops. The following day, his platelet count was normal.

Dengue attacked the 7-year-old daughter of engineers Mar and Lita Budlongan of Kaloocan City. Her platelet count read 80. The same treatment was used. The following day she was back to normal.

The 15-year-old daughter of businessman Nepomuceno Salaga of Sampaloc, Manila had a dangerous platelet count of 80 due to dengue. The same treatment was followed. The following day she was back in school.

I asked a doctor of medicine about herbal cures and he said that many, if not most, medicines come from plants. He also said that under the Hippocratic Oath, doctors are bound encourage anything that can cure a patient.

Research

We need not do research deep in the rainforests of the Amazon or venture into the ocean depths in search of the elusive cure for dengue. It is right there in the backyard.

The following information is from Wikipedia:

“In 1992, the Center for Science in the Public Interest compared the nutritional value of sweet potatoes to other vegetables. Considering fiber content, complex carbohydrates, protein, vitamins A and C, iron and calcium, the sweet potato ranked highest in nutritional value. According to these criteria, sweet potatoes earned 184 points, 100 points over the next on the list, the common potato (NCSPC).”

“…Sweet potato tops are excellent sources of antioxidative compounds, mainly polyphenolics, which may protect the human body from oxidative stress that is associated with many diseases including cancer ad cardiovascular diseases. Sweet potato greens have the highest content of total polyphenolics among other commercial vegetables studied.

“Sweet potatoes contain protein, dietary fiber, lipid, and essential minerals and nutrients such as calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, sodium, potassium, sulfur, iron, copper, zinc, manganese, aluminum and boron. Sweet potatoes are also important sources of vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and ascorbic acid.”

Camote (Sweet Potato)

In the case of Salaga, he bought five sheaves (bugkos/ bigkis) of camote cuttings. Each sheaf consists of about 12 cuttings. Each cutting measures about one foot. A sheaf costs about P5.

Camote tops are boiled in water to extract the juice. The boiling lasts for about five minutes. A little salt is used to give flavor to it. The patient is made to drink slowly and gradually. The body’s immunity system is thus revived, making dengue helpless against the body’s natural defenses. Camote enables the body to heal itself.

Now you know why I earlier said that my friends’ revelations shocked me.

They were shocking because people are needlessly dying all around us from dengue, while their very cure is also all around us.

In the past, many were fond of using the derogatory statement, “Go home and plant camote.” Now, camote is big news. It can save lives. What could be bigger than that?

So, to fortify your family against dengue, “Go home and plant camote!”

(Engr. Lita Budiongan and Mr. Nepomuceno Salaga personally related to me their experiences with their respective daughters. I asked their permission to use their names.) "

Sweet Potato Plant - "Camote"

Cooked Camote

Airplane Safety Instruction

arjayeusebio@gmail.com — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 10:45:00 +0000

When planning a trip by Airplane, we are all known that we should priorities and secured our self first in encase of encountering problem or an Emergency.

The following photos are the common safety instructions given by attendant during a preflight.

Hope I could help you by giving idea.

Accessory must-have: a bling watch

arjayeusebio@gmail.com — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 14:05:00 +0000

There Is Nothing conventional about anything that bears the D & G imprint.

Since establishing their now incredibly famous fashion house in 1985, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have pushed the fashion envelope in ways that very few designers dare to. No wonder celebrities as diverse and as headstrong as Madonna, Kate Hudson, Matthew McConaughey, Whitney Houston and Barbara Bush take to the brand like fish to water.

It’s not at all surprising to see that these guys’ reputation as agent provocateurs extends to their D & G line of timepieces. These are watches that are known for much more than their ability to tell the time. These are watches that get noticed, watches that get talked about. Eyecatching without being tacky, D & G watches draw a lot of attention for their eclectic faces and varied strap materials that include fabric, silicon, leather, stainless steel and gold-plated steel with or without rhinestones.

Like Madonna, D & G’s most famous endorser, D & G women’s timepiece line is for women who like to stand out from the crowd. Produced and distributed by noted Italian jeweler Binda Italia Spa, these quartz watches are water-resistant up to 30 meters and usually come with D & G’s personalized jewelry buckle, a conversation piece in itself.

And with model names like Flower Power, Foxy Lady, Peek-A-Boo, C’est Chic, Pasion De Ibiza, Secret Service, Ocean Diva, Dig It, Groove On, Release Yourself, Amanda, Marianne, Gloria, I Love D & G and D & G Is Forever, they are virtual wrist magnets that also reflect the irreverent character of the brand. Well-crafted and certainly well-sculpted, D & G watches are practically works of art to marvel at. Their intricacies, especially in when it comes to straps and faces, also make them difficult to counterfeit, hence also making it easier to tell if one is wearing the real thing or not.

The new collection also reflects the current direction the brand is taking, which is “more sensual than sexual,” as Mr. Gabbana himself recently told the New York Times. “We take a risk. People say it is too much, but it depends on the eye.”

Priced between $225 to $625, the latest D & G watches are fabulous pieces of jewelry that both accentuate and, yes, punctuate just about every wardrobe she wears for every occasion—be it clubbing, malling, anything red carpet or black tie and everything else in between.

Check out their wide selection of watches at http://eng.dolcegabbana.it/time.asp.

sponsored by: Edwin P. Sallan

MOTTO FOR A POSITIVE OUTLOOK

arjayeusebio@gmail.com — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 04:27:00 +0000

Refuse to be unhappy; be cheerful instead.

Refuse to let your troubles multiply; just take them one by one.

Organize your time; keep your life simple and exactly the way you want it.

Refuse to dwell on the mistakes or disappointments that are sometimes a part of life; instead learn how you can make things better.

Be optimistic. Be energetic and positive about the things you do, and always hope for the best.

Believe in yourself at all times and in all aspects of your life. Before you know it, those wonderful dreams you have believed in all your life will come true, and your life will be the happy and successful that it was meant to be.

Tips for a fruitful trip

arjayeusebio@gmail.com — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 05:24:00 +0000

A sage once advised, “Life is short. With our limited tenure, we should aim for spiritual development. It would be foolish to waste time.” As “travelers,” we must remember these basic truths:

1. Overloading yourself with material things and desires slows you down. Carrying heavy emotional burdens can cause a flat tire. So, travel light and happy.

2. You are only passing through. Don’t treat your house as the final destination. Enrich your life, not your house.

Destination

3. Focus on the real destination—our spiritual home and shelter. Don’t get distracted by the side roads. If you get lost, you won’t get to your destination.

4. When the time comes, learn to let go. There’ll be less pain if you accept that everybody goes through a journey—we all have to move on.

5. Move forward in an enlightened condition. Seek wisdom. Don’t drown in illusions and fantasies. It’s easier to travel with the light.

6. Be brave. Cowards don’t go far.

7. Take shelter in the Holy Names such as Jehovah, Allah, Rama and Gopala. In the Supreme, you’ll find strength, happiness and protection. He provides refuge and love.

8. Be kind to fellow travelers along the way. The journey will be quicker if you help others reach their true home. Be compassionate.

9. Don’t procrastinate. Don’t prolong your misery in the mundane realm.

10. Be determined to achieve the goal. Only lazy people are contented with lack of progress!

By R. Valencia, S. Bismark

Fish Philosophy.....

arjayeusebio@gmail.com — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 02:38:00 +0000

In our House, Work, or even in School the most things & secret that we should care everyday is to stay our behavior calm and in a always good mood or happy.

Today many big company's are using and practicing this kind of Behavior because they found out that this is very important and effective for pursuing and care our works. This kind of behavior is what we called a "Fish Philosophy".

Fish Philosophy is just came from somewhere of Fish Market in Seattle.

"The fishmongers were firing large, slippery fish at each other, making spectacular catches and inviting delighted customers to try their luck. The market was crowded and noisy, but when one of the fishmongers focused on a customer, it was like they were the only two people in the place. Everyone was smiling! And the cash registers were ringing like crazy."

The FISH Philosophy is a simple set of guidelines that makes it easy for anyone to get and stay in the right frame of mind to create a positive impact in the work place. A dozen or so fishmongers go to work every day in less than desirable conditions and make a difference using these principles. They have been so effective that now hundreds of top service companies such as Southwest Airlines regularly use the FISH Philosophy. People are seeking meaning in their workplaces and the FISH Philosophy fills this void. The power of the philosophy lies in its simplicity.

Here are 4 simple steps to make work fun:

1. Choose Your Attitude:
You can choose the way you do your work, even if there is not a choice about the work itself. Choosing the right attitude for the day should become a daily routine. It will provide you the energy and faith you need to guide you through the day. So what is the weather going to be like for you today? Think Sunny!

2.Make Work Like Play:
You can be professional and make a profit while having fun at work. When work seems more like play you will have more interest and energy to get tasks started and finished. Look for ways to break the tension or to insert a little humor into the day. Payroll Solutions has a Golden Retriever who comes to work as the Vice President, Morale. She wags her tail a lot and loves to play!

3. Make their Day:
Your positive attitude and sense of play should bring a smile to your face and to the faces of your coworkers and customers. Remember to include everyone in on the joke. Sharing a smile, a compliment, a thoughtful gesture will make someone's day. They will be thankful and will remember your goodness.

4. Be Present:
Because we can think twice as fast as we can hear, its easy to let our minds wonder during conversations. Be attentive. Listen to others with all your senses and look for clues to understand not only the statements made but also the meaning behind them. Ask questions to sum up points to make sure you understand both the facts and meaning. It takes courage and determination to take action and affect change. But sitting still and doing nothing is costly.

To keep the FISH Philosophy alive and vibrant, our employees also fly. Once each quarter we select the individual who has most embraced the FISH Philosophy and they get to fly to Seattle for the weekend and visit the Pike Place market. Employees have the opportunity to nominate their peers based on specific examples of FISH Philosophy behaviors that they have consistently demonstrated. To know more just visit www.fishphilosophy.com

Ended it up & Junking the habit......

arjayeusebio@gmail.com — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 14:32:00 +0000

Steps to clear out and clean out promise only one gift—liberation. But to achieve this, you have to decide today to quit all habits that feed your dependency.

Addictions

It is true that people define their own way of living, their lifestyle revolving around their desires and dreams. Often, the stuff that makes life exciting can be addictive as reflected in the expression “if it isn’t sinful then it’s fattening.”

Here is a random list of popular addictions:

Love

Whether you are in a loving relationship, a marriage, a divorce/separation, an argument or a breakup, it is best to stop in the middle of your tracks and say: “It is all about me and where I want to be.”
In the need and search for love, there are certain tendencies—some aggressive, others self-destructive. At this point, it becomes a habit worth breaking.
If any situation/person is toxic to you, it is time to act. The question is how long do you intend to take your poison. Before making any move, try this exercise to know where your heart is.

Heart meditation

Sit quietly in the early morning. Close your eyes. Focus your breathing and attention to the middle of your chest. Find your spiritual heart directly behind your ribcage, in the center of your heart.
Do not listen to your heart beat, simply feel. Find that space where the heart is. Soon you will be aware of peace when you let your breath go into your heart center.
Now visualize soft pastel lights. If you sit and listen, your heart will release emotions you have long kept imprisoned—fears, wishes, feelings, memories.
It is okay if you fall asleep. Just go back to your meditation. Soon you will achieve purification. You have listened to your heart without judgment.

Sweets

A craving for sweets is not bad, but when you make it a daily habit to finish a whole box of chocolates or a plateful of pastries, then your craving has reached addictive levels.Though you may not have diabetes yet, you probably are already a borderline diabetic.
Managing your sweet tooth is possible if, you can:
Substitute a fruit for candy bar, delay the sugar craving when it hits, snack on something healthy before going for the cream puff, eat sweets only during the day, eat in the company of friends and not alone.
Why? Studies show that if you sugar binge alone, especially when you are depressed, you will exceed your limits.

Alcohol and more

The usual combination during celebrations is the explosive duo of alcohol and cigarettes. Any lung or cancer specialist will advise you to drop both habits.
Alcohol is a mood drink. It alters the chemical makeup of the brain and allows you to feel relaxed/exhilarated. But the feeling is temporary. When the mood passes, there is a need to drink more or to raise the happiness level.

To do: Drink moderately. Have a full meal while drinking. It is best to drink with others, not alone. Drinking alone will only entice you to finish the bottle. Do not drink when sad unless you can limit yourself to just two drinks. Instead, be with people that can make you laugh.

Cigarette smoking, while accepted socially, has been found to pose health hazards. If you are intent on quitting, try this:

Change your friends if you want to change your habits. Peer pressure will keep you from quitting bad habits unless you all decide to stay clean. This also applies to drug-related habits.
Without the will to change, bad habits are hard to give up, according to Pfizer that conducted decades of research on the challenge of quitting smoking. Did you know that there are 4,000 chemicals in a cigarette? Some have been linked to cancer.

Within 20 minutes of quitting your heart rate normalizes. And within 12 hours, carbon monoxide levels in your body will drop to normal.
Quitting may be easier for others. Some have the power to go cold turkey. Others will require help. With Champix Varenicline Tartrate, there is about an 80-percent chance you could quit the habit.

The oral medication, that needs a doctor’s prescription, works on the brain to block an addiction. Though it produces such side effects as nausea and sleeplessness, it remains one of the most promising medications for cigarette smokers eager and willing to quit.
So if you were told you could have a healthier body within 12 weeks, would you not let yourself be converted?

Conversion = liberation

When you transcend your self-imposed limitations, you are literally granting yourself permission to convert to a new way of loving and living. Once you have conversion, then you can fly. Then and only then will you earn your wings.

Sponsored link: Cory Quirino

Healthy Foods for Christmas....

arjayeusebio@gmail.com — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:20:00 +0000

We are all excited when every time the Christmas season has come because it will not be completed if theres no eating.

Here are some ways to have a healthier and happier Christmas.

Sweets are a big treat during Christmas, especially for children and young carolers, so instead of giving away regular candies, try giving out some sugar-free candy. Baskin Robbins, famous for their ice cream, came out with some interesting sugar-free hard candies. These are available in Fruit Medley, Sherbet, Sour Sherbet and Mint Chocolate Chip flavors.

Kids will also love the fat-free and sugar-free gummy bears. There is no difference in taste and appearance so there will be no problem with the kids being picky with their candy.

If the children like s’mores, there are also sugar-free and low fat marshmallows. De Bron and La Nouba are some of the brands that manufacture these. Hershey’s also came out with sugar-free chocolate syrup. Again, there is no difference in the taste and appearance of these products.

Cheese is another big star during the Christmas holidays. It is used in most pasta dishes and in some salads. Most store-bought cheeses are processed, and these have many additives to make their shelf life longer. Aside from that, these have high sodium and fat content. There are low fat and light cheeses available, but it is healthier to use natural cheese. The softer the cheese, the healthier it is. Natural soft cheese has lower saturated fat and sodium content. It also has very minimal additives.

Another popular ingredient during Christmas is mayonnaise as it is used in salads and sandwiches. A tablespoon of regular mayonnaise has 100 calories. Try using light mayonnaise as an alternative as it only has 50 calories per tablespoon. Better yet, use fat-free mayonnaise with only 10 calories per tablespoon. Using vinaigrette for salads is also very healthy as it uses a lot of olive oil. Olive oil is very good for the body as it reduces the risk of coronary heart disease.

Although Filipinos do not consider bread as a complete meal, bread consumption increases during the Christmas holidays. White bread is the one of the most accessible type of bread in the country as most brands manufacture and sell them. However, whole wheat bread is healthier as it has four times the fiber of white bread. Many local and foreign and brands have these. A brand called Walter also developed sugar-free wheat bread and double fiber wheat bread which are both very good for the body.

As for the holiday beverages, cola and other soda products are very popular. An eight- ounce glass of Coke has about 105 calories. A healthier alternative would be Coke light which has no calories at all. Most of the Coca-cola products have a “light” or “diet” version which have the same taste and appearance but less or no calories. A healthier alternative to soda is iced tea. Bottled iced tea has become a popular drink for Filipinos over the last few years. It practically has the same calories as cola, but tea has anitoxidants that are good for the health. Tea, iced or not, is also good for digestion.

With these healthy food alternatives, Christmas doesn’t have to be a drag for the weight- watchers and the health-conscious.

Sponsored link: Marah S. D. Ruiz

Yellow Cab's Charlie Chan Pasta

arjayeusebio@gmail.com — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 07:34:00 +0000

Yellow Cab's Charlie Chan Pasta

This is one of the best Pasta I tasted & I just wanna share this because this is one of the kind, taste it for you to proved. You may found this at YELLOW CAB PIZZA Restaurant. And also this is a perfect recipes for this coming Christmas & New Year's Eve.....

Charlie Chan Pasta Recipe

(got it only into a online forum about charlie chan pasta)

Ingredients:
1 bottle java sauce (brown color)
1/2 cup nuts
lots of garlic (chopped or minced)
crushed pepper flakes (or any hot sauce/chili)
strips of chicken breast

Procedure :
1. saute garlic using butter until light brown in color
2. add strips of chicken
3. add peanuts
4. add the java sauce
5. add the hot sauce/ chili
6. then mix with noodles

Go for strong bones (Best Exercises)

arjayeusebio@gmail.com — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 23:50:00 +0000

Exercise plays an important role in building bone in childhood and adolescence, maintaining bone before 50, and slowing down bone loss after 50. But exercises are not equal.

The best exercises are those with impact (running, sprinting, jumping) or resistance (squats, pushups, rock climbing).

Current research indicates that non-weight bearing exercise like cycling and swimming and light impact exercise like slow walking are not enough.

Yoga and Pilates
There are not many yoga or Pilates bone density studies. However, knowing that resistance exercise is effective, we can logically assume that some aspects of yoga and Pilates are beneficial.

Standing yoga poses, like the warrior and transitional lunges, can build leg and hip bones. One-legged poses, like tree, improve balance. Poses like reverse plank and upward and downward dog should strengthen wrist and forearm bones.

All yoga and Pilates exercises that require lifting of the legs or upper torso in the supine or prone (face up and face down) positions may build bone density in the lumbar spine.

Pilates machines that use the resistance of springs are similar to gym machines using cables.

Tai Chi
This gentle exercise improves balance and leg strength. Studies found that people who did tai chi reduced their rate of falling by 50 percent. When they do fall, their rate of fractures is much less. Do tai chi once or twice a week for at least 15 minutes.

Jumping
Skipping rope, jumping jacks and vertical jumps are effective bone-builders. Skip rope for at least 15 minutes 3-5 times a week. You only need two minutes a day for jumping jacks and vertical jumps. Do several 15-30 second jumps and rest in between.

Racquet sports
A Finnish study found that squash players and weight lifters had the highest bone mineral densities. Squash, tennis and badminton are stop-and-go sports with rapid multidirectional changes—all beneficial to bone strengthening.

Gardening
Growing flowers can help build bone but only if you actually shovel, rake and weed. Telling your gardener what to do doesn’t count. A University of Arkansas study found that women older than 50 who went to the gym or who gardened had lower rates of osteoporosis.

Rowing
In an Oregon University study, postmenopausal women who rowed competitively for one year experienced a 6-percent greater increase in spine density than women who did not row but who were physically active.

Aerobic dance
Women who did a 45-minute step aerobics class three times a week for six months experienced a 3-percent increase in bone density in their spines, legs and heels.

Researchers at Texas A&M University say step aerobics adds the extra challenge of changes in direction and speed that stimulate the bones even better than skipping rope and jogging that only offer impact.

A British study found that high-impact aerobics (aerobics with hops, skips, and jumps) improved the hipbone density of postmenopausal women and men over 50.

Walking
A Johns Hopkins Hospital study found that light-intensity walking does not strengthen bones. Brisk walking delivers a higher impact than slow walking.

Brisk walking (as if you are late for an appointment) for 30 minutes four days a week can help reduce bone loss before and after menopause. A study found that women who regularly walked 7.5 miles a week lost bone at a slower rate (four to seven years longer) than women who did not walk.

For people at risk of falling, lifting weights is a better and safer alternative than walking.

Cycling
Off-road bikers have above average bone density while street cyclists have slightly below average bone density, according to a study published in the journal Bone. The jarring, bouncing and vibration on rough roads is a stimulation that builds bone.

If street cycling or spinning is your only exercise, add weight training or impact exercise to your regimen. A 2003 study found that male cyclists (aged 40-60) who had been cycling 12.2 hours a week for 20 years had bones that were 10 percent less dense than active non-cycling men their age. Of the 27 cyclists, 17 had moderate bone loss or osteopenia while four had severe bone loss or osteoporosis.

Profuse sweating from intense cycling may contribute to bone loss. Evidence suggests an hour of intense endurance training can result in a loss of 200 mg of calcium. A 1996 study attributed bone thinning among college basketball players to prolific sweating.

Swimming
Many studies found that swimmers had lower bone densities than athletes in weight-bearing sports and lower or similar bone densities as non-athletes. The results apply to males and females—prepuberty age, adolescents and adults. Swimming is not reputed to increase bone mineral density.

But most studies used dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), a two-dimensional measure highly influenced by body size.

Male water polo players and weightlifters assessed using quantitative computed tomography (QCT) had similar bone densities.

Rat studies found that swimming improved bone elasticity and structural strength—properties that could only be seen with quantitative ultrasound (QUS).
Perhaps when more human studies use QUS, swimming will shake off its bad reputation. In the meantime, swimmers should cross-train with weights or impact exercise.

Sources: National Osteoporosis Foundation, American College of Sports Medicine, American Council on Exercise, Harvard School of Public Health

www.tinajuanfitness.info.
By Tina Juan

Understanding and diagnosing diabetes

arjayeusebio@gmail.com — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 12:01:00 +0000

The different Effects of Diabetes In an era of SARS, Ebola, bird flu, and HIV/AIDS, many people are worried about epidemics. It’s a reasonable concern, but it often overlooks a major epidemic that is already gripping our nation: diabetes. Unlike epidemics that begin with biologic agents in other parts of the world, diabetes is already with us — right now. Like other epidemics, though, single measures can prevent the disease from spreading — but only if we understand diabetes and heed the call to action.

The Epidemic

Today, more than 245 million people worldwide are living with diabetes. Many more have impaired fasting glucose, which is better known as pre-diabetes. It is a silent killer with a devastating human social and economic impact. Unfortunately, about 50 percent of people afflicted with the disease do not even know about it. It is estimated that every 10 seconds, two persons develop diabetes due to lack of ample knowledge.

Tomorrow, Nov. 14, has been declared by the United Nations as World Diabetes Day to highlight the severe risks that the disease pose to “families, countries, and the entire world.” The UN further noted that “the growing pandemic is set to overwhelm healthcare resources in every country, and in many, it is disabling or killing people of working age.” Statistics show one person dies of diabetes somewhere in the world every 10 seconds! These are worrisome figures, but the explosive increase in the disease is more worrisome still. The prevalence of diabetes increased by about 40 percent during the 1990s and rose by another eight percent in the year 2000, with the greatest increase occurring in children and adolescents. Every projection indicates that it will continue to grow further in the future.

Does it matter?

It sure does matter. People with diabetes are about twice as likely to develop heart disease as those without diabetes. In addition, diabetes is a cause of kidney failure, loss of vision, peripheral artery disease, leg amputation, and cognitive impairment. And if that’s not bad enough, remember that men with diabetes are much more likely to develop erectile dysfunction than healthy men, and the problem starts 10 to 15 years earlier in diabetics. Diabetics also have a higher risk for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

All in all, diabetes shortens life expectancy by about 13 years; no wonder it’s one of the leading causes of death in many countries. And diabetes is expensive. In the United States for instance, it drains the economy of over $120 billion a year and consumes about one in four Medicare dollars.

What is diabetes?

To understand diabetes, you should first understand how your body handles glucose, the sugar that fuels your metabolism. After you eat, your digestive tract breaks down carbohydrates into simple sugars that are small enough to be absorbed into your bloodstream. Glucose is far and away the most important of these sugars, and it’s an indispensable source of energy for your body’s cells. But to provide that energy, it must travel from your blood into your cells.

Insulin is the hormone that unlocks the door to your cells. When your blood glucose levels rise after a meal, the beta cells of the pancreas spring into action, pouring insulin into your blood. If you produce enough insulin and your cells respond normally, your blood sugar level drops as glucose enters the cells, where it is burned for energy or stored in your liver as glycogen for future use. Insulin also helps your body turn amino acids into proteins and fatty acids into body fat. The net effect is to allow your body to turn food into energy and to store excess energy to keep your engine running if fuel becomes scarce.

A mild elevation of blood sugar doesn’t produce any symptoms, which is why diabetes often goes undiagnosed for four to six years, if not longer. But even mild diabetes is dangerous, since it damages blood vessels and other vital organs. When sugar levels get higher, they produce symptoms that may include fatigue and blurred vision. Excess sugar spills into the urine, taking water with it. This produces excessive urination and dehydration, which lead to increased thirst. Excess hunger is another symptom, and weight loss may develop despite a hearty appetite. This happens because while the blood has too much sugar, the cells don’t get enough. Diabetes is starvation in the midst of plenty. Over time, some people develop symptoms of diabetes-related heart disease, kidney disease, eye disease, or blood vessel disease. And since prompt and aggressive treatment can head off many complications of the disease, every healthy person should also be tested regularly starting at age 45.

The Three Types Of Diabetes

The name diabetes encompasses three different disorders that are all marked by abnormally high blood sugar levels. All forms of diabetes develop when the pancreas is unable to supply enough insulin to meet the body’s demands. In some cases, the problem is a low supply; in others, the tissues don’t respond to insulin as they should; and in still others, it’s both.

• Type 1 diabetes was formerly known as juvenile or insulin-dependent diabetes. It usually begins abruptly before age 20, often with a critical rise in blood sugar levels. The disease is caused by a combination of genetic abnormalities and environmental triggers that cause the body’s immune system to attack the pancreas, destroying its ability to produce insulin. Since insulin is required for glucose to enter the cells, blood sugar levels rise sharply. Type 1 diabetes is the most severe form of the disease, but it accounts for only about five percent of cases. Lifelong insulin therapy is mandatory.

• Type 2 diabetes was once called adult-onset or non-insulin-dependent diabetes. In most cases, the main problem is insulin resistance. The pancreas produces reasonable amounts of the hormone, but the body’s tissues don’t respond properly, so blood sugar levels are abnormally high. Oral medications can help many patients compensate for insulin resistance. But over time, the ability of the overtaxed pancreas to secrete insulin may run down, requiring insulin therapy. More than 90 percent of diabetics have type 2 disease. Genes play a role in risk, but lifestyle factors are the major contributors to the disease, with obesity leading the list. Type 2 diabetes depends less on who your parents are than on how you live. And that means you can protect yourself from this major chronic illness with a series of simple lifestyle choices.

• Gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy, increases the risk of complications for mother and child. Blood sugar levels return to normal after delivery, but many women develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

Diagnosis

Diabetes experts have proposed a simple standard for the diagnosis of the disease: a fasting blood sugar (FBS) of 126 mg/dL or higher, providing the result is confirmed on a second test. To be accurate, the blood should be obtained after eight hours without any caloric consumption. Fasting blood sugars between 100 and 125 indicate impaired glucose tolerance, a milder condition that may lead to diabetes; levels below 100 are officially normal. Still an important 2005 study of 74,309 healthy young men found that glucose levels between 87 and 99 indicate an increased risk for diabetes. It’s a warning for all of us.

Although an FBS of 126 is the new standard for diagnosing diabetes, two other criteria are available. Any blood sugar level above 200 suggests the diagnosis, even if it’s obtained after eating. To be officially diagnosed as diabetic, however, people with random sugars of 200 or higher should also have symptoms of the disease, such as increased thirst and urination or unexplained weight loss. A third way to evaluate diabetes is to see what percent of the oxygen-carrying hemoglobin molecules in a person’s red blood cells has glucose attached to them. A single glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) level reflects a person’s average blood sugar during the preceding 30 days. Normally, it’s about 5.0, meaning that five percent of the hemoglobin molecules has glucose attached to them. A level above 7.0 almost always indicates diabetes.

When should you be tested for diabetes? The ADA recommends a test every three years for people 45 or older. Individuals with risk factors such as being obese or overweight, having a diabetic parent or sibling, or having high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels should begin testing earlier and should have repeat tests as often as once a year. Needless to say, people who have had borderline or high blood sugar readings in the past should also be tested regularly.

Diagnosing diabetes early is important because prompt and aggressive treatment can help ward off the often deadly complications of the disease. It sounds too good to be true, but it can be done!

http://www.philstar.com/

Toys on the chopping block

arjayeusebio@gmail.com — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 00:05:00 +0000

Maan D'Asis Pamaran

Christmas is almost here, and it is again time to hit the malls in full force, in order to find the best gifts for our little ones.

The first destination on the shopping map? Toy stores, of course! To be sure, the latest and coolest playthings are the best bets to make your children’s eyes glow with holiday cheer. But before making a beeline for the toy store for this year’s stocking stuffers, read on about lead content in toys.

Since last August, the Department of Health (DOH) has been issuing public warnings about popular toys made in China that have been found to contain lead. These products have been recalled, but there are some toys which have already been purchased and are already being played with by a lot of children.

This can lead to dire consequences, says Director Agnette Peralta, of the DOH Bureau of Health Devices and Technology. Lead, which was found in paints used as coating in the toys, is a metal that is toxic at very low exposure levels. The paint in the toy may chip off and be ingested by children, who are more sensitive to the effects of lead than adults. She adds, "The adverse health effects of lead range from subtle deficits such as learning and behavioral problems to mental retardation and, in rare cases, death." Unfortunately, a consumer cannot determine just by looking at the toy if it contains excessive lead or not. Laboratory testing should be conducted to determine the lead content of toys.

The effects of lead depend on how much of it a child swallows. At lower levels of exposure, lead can affect a child’s mental and physical growth. A child who swallows large amounts of lead may develop blood anemia, kidney damage, colic, muscle weakness and brain damage.

The symptoms of lead poisoning, according to pediatrician Dr. Vilma Arkoncel of the Makati Medical Center, include vomiting, fever, lethargy, abdominal pain and diarrhea. "It is hard for parents to diagnose it on their own. They really have to bring the child to a doctor. One important sign is fever that does not subside for 3 days."

Better safe than sorry

The DOH has a list of the items that have been recalled by toy manufacturer Mattel. For the full and updated listing, along with photos of the products, check out the Mattel website on www.mattel.com.

If you have purchased a toy that has been recalled, Director Peralta advises the following:

- Put the toy in a plastic bag or box and keep it out of reach of children;

- Check if some parts of the toy are worn out or if paint has been chipped off; your child may have ingested parts of the toy or its paint. Consult a doctor and have your child checked;

- Do not throw the toy in the trash bag;

- Return the toy to the store where it was purchased for proper disposal.

More to look out for

Director Peralta and Dr. Arkoncel say that parents should consider the following when buying or allowing children to use toys:

1. Check labels on the packaging and observe precautions.

2. Ensure that the child will play with a toy suited for his age under adult supervision.

3. Dispose of plastic packaging properly. Small kids can suffocate on them.

4. Be cautious in buying toys with coatings of paint.

5. Children under 3 years old tend to put everything in their mouths, or even in their ears. In buying their toys, avoid the following:

a. toys intended for older children, which may have small parts that pose a choking hazard;

b. toys that have sharp edges and points;

c. toys constructed with thin plastic that might easily break into small pieces or leave jagged edges.

6. Parents should check the toys of their children periodically for breakage and potential hazards. Damaged toys should be repaired or disposed of properly.

7. Buy from reputable dealers.

"Avoid buying cheap toys from the bangketa, if you can, as these may not have passed safety standards," says Arkoncel. Director Peralta adds that we should be wary of any toy, not just ones made in China.

"We should be cautious with all the toys sold in the market not only those that were manufactured in China but also those from other countries. The BHDT has collected several samples of toys sold in the market for testing and we are still awaiting the results of these laboratory tests."

She adds that the toys given as part of the promotional activities of fast food chains are also being tested to determine their compliance with toy safety standards.

8. Bust the dust. A lot of stuffed animals are dust and allergen collectors, says Arkoncel. "Anything that has feathers or fur can be a trigger for asthma or dermatitis." If it is not washable, nix it.

9. Say no to cheap batteries. Cheap batteries may leak, says Arkoncel. Get good brands, and always check their condition. If batteries are not in use, remove them. And if a battery has been drained, dispose of it properly.

http://www3.mb.com.ph/MOMS20071109105669.html

Why We Should Eat Apples??

arjayeusebio@gmail.com — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 04:04:00 +0000

Apples are one of the most popular and important fruits that grow on trees. Apple trees are a member of the rose family. There are hundreds of different apple varieties with colors of the fruit ranging from various shades of red to green and yellow. The flavor of apples ... varies from tart to sweet. Apples are about 85 percent water and contain vitamins A and C, potassium, pectin, and fiber.

BENEFITS

APPLES REALLY ARE GOOD FOR YOU!
Eating fresh apples is always good for you, but to get the full nutritional benefits associated with eating apples you should eat at least one fresh apple every day.

WHOLE-BODY HEALTH BENEFITS
Lower blood cholesterol, improved bowel function, reduced risk of stroke, prostate cancer, type II diabetes and asthma.CANCER PREVENTION
Over the past four years, apple consumption has been linked with reduced cancer risk in several studies.

HEALTHY LUNGS
Two recent British studies indicated that eating apples can improve lung health.

HEART DISEASE & STROKE PREVENTION
A Finnish study published in 1996 showed that people who eat a diet rich in flavonoids have a lower incidence of heart disease. Other studies indicate that flavonoids may help prevent strokes.

WEIGHT LOSS
Apples are a delicious source of dietary fiber, and dietary fiber helps aid digestion and promotes weight loss. A medium apple contains about five grams of fiber, more than most cereals. Also, apples contain almost zero fat and cholesterol, so they are a delicious snack and dessert food that’s good for you.

UC-DAVIS: APPLES ARE HEART-HEALTHY
Researchers at the University of California-Davis recently reported that apples and apple juice may help protect arteries from harmful plaque build-up. In the first study conducted in humans, adults who added two apples, or 12 ounces of 100% apple juice, to their daily diet demonstrated a significant slowing of the cholesterol oxidation process that leads to plaque build-up - thereby giving the body more time to rid itself of cholesterol before it can cause harm.

for more information visit at
http://www.agroplod.com.mk/apples_other_health_benefits.htm

Varieties

Red Delicious predominates production, constituting about 40 percent of the packed crop in 2001. This is down from 69 percent of the crop in 1990. Golden Delicious is second in order, with 15 percent, then Fuji (14%), Gala and Granny Smith (12% each), with the remaining seven percent made up in order of Braeburn, Jonagold, Pink Lady, Cameo, and other lesser varieties. Fuji is expected overtake Golden Delicious production in the year 2004; and Gala production is rapidly increasing, perhaps in line to become number two or three in production sometime during the next decade.

The Right Way

arjayeusebio@gmail.com — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 01:06:00 +0000

Mike de Leon (illustrations)

To maximize a 15-minute hydrotherapy session and to achieve its maximum health benefits, here are the following suggested positions with their corresponding areas of concentration.

Most spas have guides for their clients, usually posted inside treatment room, but if in case there is none; this bit of information would definitely come in handy. And remember : refrain from eating an hour before and an hour after the treatment.

Side. The massaging effect helps to contour the body including bust area.

Sit. It stimulates the acupoints under the feet for reflexology.

Cross-legged. The warm massaging on the knees and joints accelerate exercise effect thus, strengthening the legs.

Squat. It stimulates the lower part of the body and improves hormonal balance.

Bend backward. The bubbles stimulate arms, shoulder, backbone and spine increasing metabolic rate and blood circulation.

Bend forward. It stimulates chest, stomach and kidney, and rejuvenates cells in the stomach, liver, intestine, bladder and anus.

Reference:

http://www3.mb.com.ph/WLBG20071101106902.html

Medical Notes - Hives (Tagulabay)

arjayeusebio@gmail.com — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 07:38:00 +0000

What causes tagulabay? My brother, who is now 35 years old, has been having this condition although on and off for many years now. What is the treatment for this problem? � Joanne A., Cebu City

Tagulabay is the Filipino word for hives, a skin condition which the medical professional calls urticaria. Hives are clearly defined, pale swellings surrounded by an area of redness ("pantal" in Filipino) that occur in groups on any part of the skin. The swellings vary in size from less than a quarter of an inch to huge ones that are more than a food in diameter. Often, the individual swellings coalesced to form larger lesions.

Hives is a form of allergic or hypersensitivity reaction � an overwhelming response of the body�s immune defense system to an essentially harmless substance or physical agent. Why the immune system reacts violently to an innocuous substance or agent is unknown.

What is known is that in response to the presence of the causative material or agent, cells known as "mast cells" that are present in the connective tissue in and under the skin release a chemical called histamine.

When histamine is released, it causes the surrounding small blood vessels to dilate and become more permeable. This allows blood plasma to leak out and form the elevated swellings that typify hives.

Hives are usually itchy, but sometimes they give rise to a burning or stinging sensation. Crops of hives can appear in any part of the body. Typically, the swellings appear suddenly and disappear even without treatment after several hours. They do not cause any permanent damage to the skin unless the skin is scratched so violently that it breaks and gets infected.

When hives form in skin areas close to mucous membranes like the lips, eyes or genitals, the mucous membranes may likewise swell excessively, but as a rule, this swelling also subsides spontaneously after a few hours. Hives become life-threatening only if it is accompanied by angiodema, i.e., excessive swelling of the mucous membrane in the throat that results in difficulty of breathing or swallowing. Thus, people with hives who develop difficulty of breathing or swallowing should seek medical attention immediately.

A variety of substances and conditions can trigger the formation of hives. Common causes of hives include foods, drugs, infection and insect bites.

Any food item is a potential trigger for formation of hives, but the most common are shellfish, eggs, nuts and milk. Food preservatives and additives are likewise known to trigger hives.

Any drug, whether over-the-counter or prescription, is also a potential trigger for hives, but the most notorious are the antibiotics.

Hives sometimes appear with or after a viral infection such as the common cold, hepatitis or German measles.

Physical agents such as heat, cold, sunlight and pressure are occasional causes of hives. Of these agents, the most common culprit is cold. Exposure of the skin to a cold environment triggers hives formation in some people.

Hives is fairly common. Experts estimate that 10 to 20 percent of the population will develop hives at least once in their lifetime. But most attacks of hives last only a few days to weeks and do not recur. Often, the offending substance is identified and easily avoided.

However, as in the case of your brother, hives becomes a chronic condition that keeps recurring for many years. The offending agent in chronic hives is usually difficult to identify. In fact, sometimes, it is never discovered, in which case the hives is labeled chronic idiopathic urticaria.

The cure for hives is finding and avoiding the cause, but often, this is easier said than done. To provide relief, especially from the itchiness, antihistamines are the standard drugs prescribed by doctors. Most antihistamines, however, cause drowsiness and people taking them should be cautioned against driving or operating machineries.

People with acute episodes of hives may need to take antihistamines for just a few days, but those with chronic hives may have to take them for prolonged periods of time. In severe cases, corticosteroids, either orally or by injection, are sometimes administered. Corticosteriods should however be given for a limited period of time only, because they lead to serious adverse effects if taken for prolonged periods.

Reference:

http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2005/01/24/HLTH2005012427031.html