health blog

how to sit

2012-10-26T08:41:00.002-07:00

5 superfood duos

2012-10-25T09:54:00.001-07:00

medical complications of obesity

2012-10-25T09:49:00.001-07:00

Pretty cool way to reuse plastic bottles.

2012-10-25T09:47:00.002-07:00

high blood pressure

2012-10-25T09:46:00.002-07:00

the power of your amazing brain

2012-10-25T09:45:00.001-07:00

Your amazing liver

2012-10-25T09:42:00.001-07:00

Seafood Safety: Tainted Imports Are Fishy

2012-10-24T15:16:00.002-07:00

While seafood is usually touted as a health food high in omega-3 fatty acids helping boost brain and heart health, recent scathing reports paint a less desirable picture of America’s fish tainted with waste, chemicals, and antibiotics. Supermarket cases and restaurants make our seafood look presentable, but is it really safe to eat?
A recent Bloomberg Businessweek story reports unsanitary conditions for many Asian seafood exporters, along with government lagging in its ability to clean it up.
The 13 Worst U.S. Foodborne Illness Outbreaks

A Closer Look at Aquaculture

About 86 percent of our seafood is imported, and half of that is from aquaculture—fish farms. Most aquaculture imports are shrimp, tilapia, Atlantic salmon, and shellfish, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
In Vietnam, shrimp is stored in dirty plastic tubs, covered in ice made from tap water that could be contaminated with bacteria. Vietnam ships more than 100 million pounds of shrimp to the United States each year or about 8 percent of all the shrimp we eat.
In China, many fish farms reportedly use pig manure as feed, which contains salmonella and makes tilapia more susceptible to disease.
In addition, “shrimp farms in South and Southeast Asia are essentially factory farms, with all that implies—including antibiotic overuse,” according to a Wired piece published earlier this year. Many of the antibiotics in these fish farms are banned for use in the U.S.
The 10 Worst Disease Outbreaks in U.S. History

FDA Only Tests Small Sample of Imports

While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for ensuring the safety of our seafood, they may not be bringing their A-game to the task: Bloomberg reports that only 2.7 percent of all seafood imports are inspected by the FDA.
In 2008, FDA Deputy Director of Food Safety, Don Kraemer testified before Congress, summarizing the issue:
As the aquaculture industry continues to grow, concern about the use of unapproved drugs and unsafe chemicals in aquaculture operations has increased significantly. There is clear scientific evidence that the use of unapproved antibiotics and other drugs and chemicals, such as malachite green, nitrofurans, fluoroquinolones, and gentian violet, can result in the presence of residues in the edible portions of aquacultured seafood.
Even after this testimony, a 2011 GOA report found that the FDA tested about 0.1 percent of all imported seafood products for drug residues. To put this in perspective: out of 2.5 million metric tons of imported shrimp, the FDA tested only 34 samples for nitrofurans. Even worse: six of these samples came back positive.
The FDA also inspects processing facilities overseas, but that program too seems halfhearted at best. Only 1.5 percent of seafood facilities had been inspected, according to the GOA report.
Here’s a closer look at what it means for seafood-lovers.

The Impact of Tainted Fish And What to Do

A recent study by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said a quarter of the food-borne illness outbreaks from imported food involved seafood. That’s significantly more than the next food type on the list.
That doesn’t mean you should avoid seafood altogether. There are some steps you can take now to continue to enjoy safe, healthy fish and shrimp. Here are some tips:

The best course of action for consumers could be to avoid farmed fish. Look for sustainable seafood, wild caught, or eco-labeled.
Don’t be afraid to ask your local seafood provider questions and create dialogue.
Use seafood guides to stay informed and make smart choices in your area.

Check out these organizations:
The INCOFISH Project has a summary of international seafood guides and a searchable database to look up seafood by name, country or continent.
The Seafood Choices Alliance works with conservation groups worldwide and offers seafood recommendation guides, aquaculture and fisheries resources and links to conservation organizations working on seafood and other issues.
The National Resources Defense Council offers a Sustainable Seafood Guide with tips for making smarter seafood choices.
Fishwise is a sustainable seafood consultancy that promotes the health and recovery of ocean ecosystems by providing resources for consumers and industry leaders.
Foods That Boost Your Immune System

How to Have a Power Handshake

2012-10-24T15:15:00.002-07:00

According to popular wisdom, a firm, yet friendly handshake can help you make a strong first impression or seal a business deal. Now a new studyunderscores what a powerful message you may be sending simply by how you shake hands.

The Business of Handshaking

This clever little study, published in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, was led by Sanda Dolcos, PhD, a postdoc research associate in psychology at the University of Illinois. Eighteen participants watched brief animations that portrayed one character greeting another in a business setting. There was no dialogue in the clips, just body language.
In some cases, the host was warm and welcoming, with open arms and a smile. In other cases, the host was less inviting, with crossed arms and a scowl. Half the time in both conditions, the interaction was preceded by a handshake.
As participants watched the animated clips, researchers measured their brain activity with functional MRI (fMRI). Participants then rated the hosts on competence, trustworthiness, and appeal as a business partner. Not surprisingly, the welcoming host was rated more positively on these dimensions, and a handshake just enhanced that good impression.
More interestingly, a handshake also blunted the negative reaction to the uninviting host. The implication is that shaking someone’s hand when you first meet may offer a bit of insurance in case you make a social blunder later.
The fMRI scan showed that watching a handshake activated brain regions associated with social thinking. These regions are engaged when people assess the intentions of others, according to study coauthor Florin Dolcos, PhD.

Let’s Shake on It

Based on previous research, you're more likely to be seen as outgoing, emotionally expressive, and trustworthy if you have a good handshake. Plus, in one study, when college students played the role of applicants in mock job interviews, those with firm handshakes were rated as more suitable for employment by interviewers.
What exactly is the ideal firm handshake? You don’t want a dead-fish grip, but you also don’t want a bone-crusher. Strive for these five characteristics of a power handshake:

Strong
Vigorous
Long duration
Direct eye contact
Complete grip

But if you’re someone who routinely needs help opening the pickle jar at home, don’t despair. Research suggests that other nonverbal cues, such as a friendly smile and approachable posture, can help make up for a weaker grip.

list of ingredients to avoid

2012-10-24T08:17:00.001-07:00

The many, many healthy benefits of fruits and vegetables! Thank you God for nourishing us with these beautiful foods.

2012-10-23T07:34:00.000-07:00

Your honey, it is pure or manufacturing?

2012-10-23T07:32:00.000-07:00

how magnets work

2012-10-22T08:34:00.001-07:00

breathing more

2012-10-22T08:27:00.001-07:00

electro-graph chakra reflexes

2012-10-22T08:26:00.001-07:00

symptoms of dengue fever

2012-10-22T08:24:00.001-07:00

Dengue, also known as break bone fever, is a mosquito-borne infection which is characterized by an abrupt onset of severe headache, muscle, joint pains, fever and rash. This flu-like illness occurs

in warm and wet areas of the world, especially in the rainy season, and is caused by a group of virus which belongs to the genus flavivirus. These viruses are transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female aedes mosquitoes, a domestic, day-biting mosquito that prefers to feed on humans.
Facts:
• Aedes aegypti mosquito breeds in any storage containers having even a small quantity of water.
• It doesn’t fly high
• It’s an office time mosquito and bites during the day time.
• It generally bites on the lower elbow and lower knee areas.
• Eggs of aedes aegypti can live without water for more then one year.
Dengue fever mainly affects infants, young children and adults and its symptoms appear 3—14 days after the infective bite. If not controlled it might turn into lethal dengue hemorrhagic fever, which causes internal bleeding – from your nose, gums or under your skin. It can also become dengue shock syndrome, which causes massive bleeding and shock. These forms of dengue are life-threatening.
Warning signs
• Sudden chills and rise in the temperature
• Acute headache
• Pain behind the eyes (retro-orbital pain) which worsens with eye movement
• Muscle and joint pains
• Low backache
• Loss of appetite
• Measles-like rash over chest and upper limbs
• Nausea and vomiting
• Minor haemorrhagic manifestations like bleeding from nose or gums may occur.
Prevention is the only treatment

There is no specific treatment to prevent dengue. Best way is to keep yourself well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water and control the spread of mosquitoes. Avoid taking antibiotics. Incase of high fever and acute body ache, paracetamol can be taken.
Prevent dengue by avoiding mosquito bites and eliminating mosquito breeding sites:
• Wear mosquito repellents creams and oils on the skin. Use coils, mats,etc.
• Wear full sleeve shirts and long pants with socks when going out.
• Avoid crowded residential areas.
• When indoors, stay in air-conditioned or screened areas.
• Use bed net during day time, if sleeping areas are not screened or air-conditioned.
• Ensure that there are no stagnating water bodies around the living areas and the surroundings are kept clean.
• Remove water from coolers and other containers like drums, buckets, tyres, etc, at least once in a week
With early diagnosis and proper symptomatic treatment Dengue can be stopped from becoming an endemic.

stress affects the body

2012-10-22T08:17:00.001-07:00

How Sitting Too Long Affects Your Body

2012-10-20T05:14:00.002-07:00

How Sitting Too Long Affects Your Body

Good oral hygiene is imperative to total body health

2012-10-20T05:13:00.003-07:00

Good oral hygiene is imperative to total body health.

Scientists now see a relationship between poor dental health and diseases in the rest of the body. In other words…taking care of your teeth isn’t just about having a pretty smile.

water's effect on the body

2012-10-20T05:12:00.002-07:00

Drinking water is essential for maintaining good health. Here's why. Drink at least 10-12 glasses of water everyday.

Tag & Share the post to spread this information.

2012-10-19T09:32:00.000-07:00

Natural Cure for Enlarged Liver

A swollen liver is the symptom of many possible disorders, and needs prompt professional medical investigation. It is often related to a similar symptom: swollen spleen. There are many condition that may cause swollen liver or enlarged liver, including liver disorders such as hepatitis and various other diseases not directly related to the liver.

The Indian aloe i

s used in treatment of hepatomegaly. For treatment, the pulp of a single leaf of the plant is taken and mixed with black salt and ginger. This is taken every morning for ten continuous days.

Mix ½ teaspoon saunf, ½ teaspoon dhania, 5nos kali mirch, 5nos lasun, 5nos tulsi, ½ teaspoon adrak. Boil in 1-1/2 cups of water for five minutes, strain and add one teaspoon honey when warm and take twice a day after meals.

Mix amla powder–300 gms with dried ginger powder 100gms. Take one teaspoonful of this powder with water once in the morning and once in the evening.

Drink alcohol in moderation, or not at all. alcohol can lead to fat accumulation, inflammation and scarring in the liver. If drinking continues, liver damage may be fatal.

Chicory juice obtained from its flowers, seeds and roots is very beneficial in the treatment of several liver problems. Its juice is commonly prescribed to treat enlargement of the liver.

The kantakari herb is used in the treatment of enlargement of both the liver and the spleen, which is known as hepatosplenomegaly.
Gokulakanta: This herb is used for treatment of several liver problems including jaundice, hepatitis and derangement of the liver. Its root is prescribed in such conditions. A specially prepared decoction of the root (60 grams root powder mixed in half a liter of water and boiled for about half an hour) is given in doses of 30 to 60 milliliters twice or thrice daily.

Eat four to six small meals every day instead of only three main meals. Include : fresh fruits, vegetables and unprocessed foods in your diet. Drink plenty of water to flush toxins. Intake of supplements to boost the immune system. Required supplements are: Vitamin A, Vitamin B-complex, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Potassium and Calcium

2012-10-19T09:30:00.002-07:00

How Sitting Too Long Affects Your Body

2012-10-19T09:29:00.002-07:00

SMILE IS A BIG REMEDY FOR ALL PAIN

2012-10-19T09:28:00.001-07:00

2012-10-17T06:13:00.002-07:00

DID YOU KNOW?
The pectin in apples lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol.
So People who eat two apples per day may lower their cholesterol by as much as 16 percent.