Health and Nutrition

10 Disgusting Facts About Fast Food

2014-03-20T00:24:00.000-07:00

How our Brain ages!

2014-03-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

10 Ways to Make Kids Eat Healthy Food.

2013-10-06T23:23:00.002-07:00

Well, I am a father of three kids, the eldest being 8 and the youngest 3 years old. You can literally take them to Pizza Hut, McDonald’s or KFC every day of the week, but making them eat salads, fibrous and fresh fruits or anything else that you consider healthy is one hell of a job. But being a parent it’s our foremost duty to make sure that eat a balanced and healthy food, because a sick kid is every parent’s nightmare.

There are certain ways we can ensure that our kids are having a healthy and balanced diet.

Why do you thing, kids want to play with the TV remote or your mobile….they don’t. They are just copying you. In the same way, if they see you eating healthy food, they are bound to follow sooner or later.
Take them to the grocery shop and let them observe raw food. Let them explore and ask question. Explain to them the benefits of a healthy diet and encourage them when they act accordingly.
A little relaxation sometimes is acceptable. Do treat them to a junk food once or twice a week.
Make sure that all the family sits together at the dinner table for a family meal. Don’t cook anything special for kids, just serve what everybody is.
Be patient and consistent. A kid will eventually try something new after the tenth time. All you have to do is be more tolerable to their attitude and wait for your efforts to bloom.
Don’t try to bribe them in eating healthy food. They will eventually grow more repulsive towards it.
Don’t be impressed by advertisement. Trust me; our kids don’t need processed food, frozen nuggets and frozen French fries. In case you want to treat them with some, bring potatoes home, peel them and fry them some. Similarly buy raw chicken and make some good dish out of it.
Let thee kids help you in the kitchen. Allow them to assist you in peeling the potatoes, or washing the vegetables for salad. It can act as a binding relationship between them and the healthy food.
Love and respect your child. They are many healthy diets, it’s not necessary that your kids likes all of them. Give some respect to his taste.
Last but not least, make sure they have a healthy breakfast or they’ll be too drained of energy to concentrate in school. An ideal breakfast must have around 500 calories to ensure a healthy routine……and above all, don’t forget to give them some multivitamins to keep them healthy and happy.

Time to Start ........Exercise!!!

2013-02-19T05:55:00.000-08:00

Do you know that laughter relaxes your whole body, boosts immune system, triggers the release of endorphins (feel good chemicals) and protects heart by increasing blood flow!!!

Have a nice day!

Must Read Tips for Effective Weight Loss

2013-02-16T23:54:00.000-08:00

Searching for weight loss tips on the internet will provide you with thousands of different techniques, ranging from simple changes in your daily routine to complicated surgeries. There's no doubt about the fact that feeling healthy is the best thing in the world, but retaining that health is the most vital achievement that needs steadfast determination.

Here are some simple, easy to follow and realistic tips that might prove beneficial in effective and sustainable weight loss.

Our body is 85% water. Maintain that level by having at least 8 glasses of water a day. Muscles flex better and remain active when they are well hydrated.
Try reducing your sugar intake in tea or coffee etc.
Eat small meals. Chew properly before you swallow. When food touches the inner walls of our stomach the stomach sends that signal to the brain that it is full, but before the signal reached fully, we've already ingested more than what is required. Ever wondered, why after having a single bite, you get a phone call, and you finds out after the call that you are full. That's because the signal has done its work.
Add fresh vegetables or fruit salads in your meal as sidelines.
Avoid fast, packaged and processed food.
Prefer eating fruits instead of juice. You'll consume less and get additional fiber.
Eat whole foods. They keep you satisfied for a longer duration. Whole foods are those that is free from additives, and have been least processed or refined.
Add a five minute walk in your daily routine.

Try following these tips. They are definitely not hard to practice, but once the results start pouring in, you'll be encourage enough to take your efforts to the next level.

Healthy Life Style Chart

2013-02-15T10:45:00.000-08:00

Well, you might find a lot of literature on how to develop a healthy life style, but sometimes pictures speak louder than words.

So here goes !!!!

How to Stay Healthy During Winters

2012-01-15T05:16:00.000-08:00

Staying healthy during winters in a busy world is not the easiest thing to do, yet taking care of yourself is extremely important. Becoming ill can be a big hindrance in giving full attention to your responsibilities. Especially winters are the time that never goes unnoticed health wise.On average people catch cold one to four times a year, and almost one quarter of them catch flu. Although we are surrounded by viruses and bacteria all year long, yet this is the time when our immune system is most compromised. Therefore, this is the time to take most precautions. Enlisted are a few tips guaranteed to reduce your risk of exposure to a higher level of infective agents.
1. Get enough sleep. Sleep disorders or lack of sleep can dramatically weakens your immune system.
2. Good diet is the best immunization. Preservatives, artificial flavours and packages foods fail to give body the required nutrients to fight cold weather. Salads, fruits, vegetables and freshly prepared organic foods are most suitable to feel vibrant and frisky. Try adding citrus fruits like oranges and lemons to your dietary intake. Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, a key element in boosting your immune system.
3. Multivitamins can play a vital role in keeping you healthy. Have a pill daily to feel fresh and energetic. A body with balanced vitamins and minerals also recuperated quickly.
4. Don't forget to wash your hands with soap before meals and after using the bathroom. Make it a habit for everybody at home.
5. Exercise. I know how hard it is to get off your couch near the fireplace and convince yourself to jog, but exercise moderately at least thrice or four times a week. It helps generate endorphins. Endorphins strengthen the immune system by increasing production of white blood cells.
6. Avoid coughers and sneezers. Germs are mostly transmitted when the infected person touches his or her eyes, mouth or nose, and then shakes hand with you. Eventually you'll touch your own nose, or mouth and the infection will be transmitted.
7. Humidify your house. Dry air can be very irritating for the respiratory passage. To do so a humidifier can be used.8. Last but not least, get a flu shot if necessary after consulting your doctor.On top of everything keep yourself warm. Wear warm clothing and cover your head and ears when going out. Good luck and a happy winter.

16 Things You Didn't Know About Sleep

2011-06-06T10:28:00.000-07:00

Tips to a Lasting Weight Loss

2011-04-03T13:27:00.000-07:00

Health is not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. It is a state of complete physical, mental and social well being.

A person who takes medicine and neglects the dietary intake, wastes the skills of his doctors, but by watching your dietary intake strictly and vigilantly, doctor can be avoided altogether.

Today the basic requirement of a healthy body is a healthy lifestyle and the most alarming feature that endangers good health is obesity, as well as high fat and cholesterol levels.

The healthiest way to lose weight is neither sudden intense exercise nor crash dieting. In fact it’s the middle road between the two. If you haven’t exercised for the last several years, rushing yourself to any cardio or starving yourself will merely lead you to feeling dishearted and demotivated.

So if you want to lose weight that lasts for good, here is what you should do.

Use the already stored fat in your body to generate energy. Reduce the amount of calorie intake (take a look at this calorie chart) and increase physical activity level. For example, walk if the destination is within walking range or take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Be very gradual. Small changes can make big differences. Think of weight loss as a permanent goal. The main objective should be to make positive changes and sustain them over years and years to come. Believe it or not but eating one extra cookie a week can increase your body weight by 4 to 6 lbs in a year.
Reduce your calorie intake. Take quality food. If you can’t stop yourself from having chocolates and candies or cakes and cookies, at least limit your self. Set objective and realistic goals. Here are a few ways to reduce calorie intake.

Cut down unhealthy foods like cakes, candies and chocolates.
Have smaller portion of meal and avoid second helping.
Stop adding sugar to your tea or coffee.
Stop fizzy drinks altogether.
Add fiber to your diet.
Don’t skip breakfast. It’ll leave you much hungrier later on.
Last but most important, have plenty of water. At least 2 liters or 8 to 10 a day. In case you workout, double the quantity. Have a glass of water 5 to 10 minutes before you have your meal and the second one at least 20 minutes after the meal.

Practice these tips and I am sure you’ll see a big change ib your physical well being.

Good Luck.

6 Tips to a Lasting Weight Loss

2010-07-04T06:09:00.000-07:00

Commonly, and first of all, people who want to lose weight naturally think about reducing the amount of food they eat.

This is only part of the solution, but not exactly the best there is. In fact, depending on the amount you reduce in your diet, it may even be dangerous to your health. So, how do you lose weight naturally, effectively and safely?

Here are some points one should consider when trying to lose weight naturally:

Beware of the Crash Diets
If you are thinking of trimming down, you probably think that dropping the calories can alone shed off your unwanted excess of fat. Probably, this is because of the current fad in advertising about low-calorie food products and beverages. What you may not know is that this could be dangerous because when you decrease your calorie intake below the required levels, the body begins to digest the fats.

Sounds good, but it isn't, in actuality. Burning fat requires a lot of energy. Since there is not much energy in the body to facilitate metabolism of fat, it will run at a very slow pace resulting in fatigue, illness and a weak immune system...And you'll still have the fat. Fat is not the only place where the body gets it's energy from.

A low-calorie diet is also compensated for by the body by burning muscle. People on this type of diet, who revert back to their old eating habits, end up gaining back most of their weight, if not all the weight they have shed off. This would consist mainly of fats.

...And since fats have more volume per mass than muscle, this person ends up having the same weight as before, but will be bulkier. When losing weight, one should keep in mind that they should lose excess body fats only. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't reduce your calories...Just make sure that you've met the body's minimum requirement for calories to survive, energize, and repair.

However, one can try eating small meals at more frequent intervals. This way, the body will not think that it is being starved and will not store food as fat.

Eat Right
One may have considered junking the crash diet option, but that doesn't mean you should forget to watch what your is eating. Variety must always be considered so that you may be able to get the necessary nutrients your body needs from your diet.

It is also healthier to eat foods which are roasted, steamed or broiled, rather than fried. It is also important to include a lot of fiber in the diet. Frequent re-hydration is paramount.

Increase Your Lean Muscle Mass
Muscles burn calories when they work; they even do so at rest. Actually, you burn more calories just being alive than you probably ever will doing activities in a day. Unlike fats, which just lie around, bulge around the pants and dangle beneath the sleeves, muscles burn calories all-day long. With this fact as ammunition, one can start weight loss by increasing muscle mass.

The more muscles a person has, the less fat that is left. This is attainable starting with working out with resistance exercises, not just weights. There are tons of resistance moves that you can do with or without weights.

Aerobics-R-Us
Aerobic exercises are not just good for the heart by increasing cardiovascular endurance...Aerobics also help by increasing lean muscle mass, while simultaneously decreasing excess body fat. In addition to these reasons, aerobics make the metabolic process more efficient and helps to keep the metabolic rate increased, even a long while after exercising.

Imagine burning fat efficiently, while driving along the freeway or even while watching television. When you are in good aerobic shape, you will recover from workouts and between sets during your workout a heck of a lot faster. This will help you feel better while working out, and allow you to work harder without any conscious effort.

Extra "Push"
Some people need a little help with motivation. In fact, in one area or another, we all need a little extra push. So, try working out with a personal trainer once a week. Then half of the other days, get a workout partner...someone who is serious about obtaining goals. This will help hold both of you accountable,and will encourage you to show up and keep up with the plan.

On Taking Diet Pills
Over-the-counter diet supplements affect the amount of weight one loses, as well as how long one keeps that amount of weight off. However, one must be wary of the side-effects of these diet pills. As such, one must faithfully follow the instructions provided in the packaging of these pills. It is also prudent to consult a physician irregardless before trying out these drugs, and also to find out which type would be best pill for you.

Losing weight naturally does not have to mean sacrifice and suffering. It actually means opening up to a more full and healthy life where you don't have to feel bad about yourself, aren't sensitive about the way you look, and where you aren't able to do what you want to do because of insecurities or lack of ability due to being overweight or obese.

Losing weight naturally might entail a little adjustment in your lifestyle, plus some discomfort, but as the old saying goes, "no pain, no gain". What do you have to lose besides fat, cellulite, and a lack of self confidence anyway?

To your immediate and lasting natural weight loss success!

Understanding Obesity

2010-07-04T05:57:00.000-07:00

The term obesity is thrown about frequently, but what specifically is obesity? Basically, obesity means exceptionally over weight. Obesity is a quite prevalent physical state, with just about a third of US men and women -- roughly sixty million people -- afflicted, and about one billion people afflicted around the world.

You didn't read that wrong: nearly one billion persons the world over are obese.

As the rate of affliction in the

suggests, obesity is mostly seen in Western civilization. In what may be considered an unusual twist, obesity is considered a nutritional disorder. Putting aside how it gets labeled, obesity rates are on the rise: obesity numbers nearly doubled from 1991 through 1998.

The specific measure of obesity is being above what is considered average body weight by upwards of twenty percent. With respect to body fat measurements, obesity begins in males at more than twenty-five percent body fat, and more than thirty percent body fat in females. BMI, body mass index, is a standard means of documenting obesity. Someone who surpasses a 30 BMI iis documented obese.

Since it's become so common, obesity is frequently impacting the financial costs societies are paying. In the

, annual obesity expense is estimated to be a billion pounds: about five hundred million US dollars, as things currently stand. The cost the

pays for obesity is considerable, without question, but these costs represent just a small percent of what the

is paying. In the

, the annual monetary expense for obesity within the population is estimated at an incredible two hundred billion dollars. With prices like these, it isn't hard to understand the reason that obesity iscommonly being labeled "epidemic" in the

.

Obesity's big costs aren't any secret: it's almost entirely medical. Obesity ranks number one as a contributor to chronic illness, and comes in second to cigarette smoking in actually causing deaths. Medical and health problems linked to obesity reads similar to a grocery list: connected to coronary disease, to stroke, to Type 2diabetes, to ligament and joint strain from the pressure of excess bodyweight. Obese people tend to record high triglyceride levels and low HDL cholesterol levels.

Obesity is also connected with various sorts of cancer: kidney, throat, breast, colon, rectum. There's even some evidence that obese people have higher rates of Alzheimer's disease. And if the previous wasn't enough, a link exists between obesity and depression. All of these medical problems, multiplied by millions and millions of obese citizens. The end result is an enormous medical charge.

Though there are medical problems that can cause obesity, this scenario is exceptionally rare. Obesity resulting from secondary medical conditions is believed to constitute just one percent of every case of obesity. The vast majority of obesity cases come from lifestyle habits.

How to Avoid Cancer Caused by Smoking

2010-06-12T23:41:00.001-07:00

If you smoke, you can greatly reduce the risk of contracting cancer by drinking carrot juice. This according to the German Doctor Hans Nieper, founder of Eumatabolic Medicine, a new alternative mode of treatment which has become very popular in Germany. The carotene found especially in carrots prevents and can even cure cancer.

Dr. Nieper states, “If you smoke 60 cigarettes a day but drink 4 glasses of carrot juice, you will still be less prone to contract cancer than someone who doesn’t smoke but who doesn’t drink carrot juice.”

Of course, if you don’t smoke and do drink carrot juice all the better!

A Few Tricks For Treating Insect Bites

2010-06-12T23:39:00.001-07:00

You don’t have to sit back and just passively put up with insects, especially those that like to bite (mosquitoes, wasps etc.). Eat asparagus and your sweat will develop an odor that repels insects. Or apply lemon oil to your skin.

If you are bitten, there are natural substances to soothe the irritation. Aloe vera has extraordinary powers of soothing skin disorders. It is available in forms for both internal and external

application in most health and beauty stores.

If you have one of these amazing plants growing at home, cut the tip off one of the leaves (the leaf will heal itself). Apply the pulp and juice to the itching or swollen area.

Lightly boiled cabbage or leek makes an excellent analgesic poultice. Of course, if you are hiking in the woods, you might have a little trouble finding cabbage! Plantain also works well. Cut it and rub it to get to the juice then apply it to the affected area.

What To Do When You Get Something in Your Eye

2010-06-12T23:38:00.000-07:00

Got some dust in your eye? Or some other irritant like an eyelash or cigarette ash? You can use the following technique to help others as well as yourself.

Before doing anything, make sure you don’t do what you absolutely shouldn’t: rub or press the eye, lift the eyelid, or remove contact lenses without washing your hands.

How to proceed?

· Examine your eye. Is it red? Swollen? Is it tearing? What do you feel? Does it itch? Burn? Is your vision blurred?

· Let nature do its work - it is usually effective. Tears and natural eye movements will usually get rid of the irritation.

· Try rinsing your eye with some warm water, or with drops. You can pull on the skin around the eyes, but don’t touch the eyelid.

· If this doesn’t work, wash your hands, and then lift both the upper and lower eyelids to locate the irritant. Is it on the inside of one of the eyelids, or is it stuck to the eyeball itself? Pour some sterilized, warm water on your eye to flush the irritant out.

· If you can’t locate the irritant or if the discomfort persists after you have removed the particle, you would better consult a doctor.

How to Avoid Motion Sickness

2010-06-06T08:47:00.000-07:00

Did you know that half a teaspoon of ground ginger is more effective than chemical medication in suppressing motion or sea sickness? And unlike most medication, it will not make you drowsy.

Ginger has been used in the Orient for centuries to prevent sea sickness.

Researchers asked subjects who were especially susceptible to motion sickness to sit in a reclining chair that spun around at high speed. All the subjects who ingested a well known medication or who took a placebo experienced violent nausea and/or vomiting.

On the other hand, six of the twelve subjects who took ginger twenty minutes before the test experienced no discomfort. They consumed only 840 milligrams of ground ginger, which is the equivalent of half a teaspoon.

The Japanese have a very curious method of treating all kinds of motion sickness. They use an adhesive plaster to fasten an “umeboshi” (a very salty fermented plum, available in most health food stores in the West) to their navel. The idea may seem a little strange, but what have you got to lose!

How to Prevent High Blood Pressure

2010-06-06T08:32:00.000-07:00

Research has shown that people whose diet is rich in potassium (vegetarians for example) are less likely than others to develop high blood pressure.

Calcium is also beneficial. Fortunately, potassium and calcium are abundantly present in a large variety of foods.

Fruits, vegetables, beans, fish, fowl and lean meats are full of potassium.

Calcium is a little more restricted. Foods rich in calcium usually also contain large amounts of sodium and fat, which can increase blood pressure.

However, moderate amounts of milk are recommended, as well as yogurt, almonds, bananas, grapes, broccoli, potatoes, beans, tofu and sardines.

How to Avoid Back Pain & Aches

2010-05-24T11:09:00.000-07:00

Back ache is a very common problem nowadays, and almost every individual faces lower back pain at least once in a life time.

It can be caused by a number of factors, and can affect your life to quite an extent. The best cure to back ache is care.

Here are some tips for reducing the back ache.

The best way to sleep is on your side with your knees bent. You can use a pillow under your head to support your neck. You may also put a pillow between your knees.

If sleeping position doesn’t reduce pain, try adjusting your sleeping surface. The choice of the firmness of the surface varies from person to person. Choose the one that suits you the most.

In case you have to stand for long periods, rest one foot on a low stool to relieve pressure on lower back. Switch your foot every 5 to 15 minutes. If case you have to stand with both feet firmly placed on ground, for example in case of a security guard, place both your feet inline with your shoulders.

While sitting (in your office) maintain a good posture by keeping your ears, shoulders and hips in a straight line, with your head up and stomach pulled in. Keep your lower back and feet supported, elbows at sides, shoulders relaxed and wrists straight. Don’t forget to stretch occasionally.

Wear flat shoes and low heels.

Exercise regularly. An inactive life style can also lead to lower back pain.

If you sleep on your back, you can place a pillow under your lower back.

Heating pads can help relax painful muscle spasms. Use heat for 20 to 30 minutes at a time. Massage can also be helpful in most of the cases.

Remember, lower back pain can be caused by using your back muscles in activity they are not used to, like lifting heavy furniture or twisting your body. It can also lead to a disc slip, a condition knows as herniated disc.

Push rather than pull when you must move heavy objects. Don’t lift by bending over. Instead lift by bending your knees and squatting to pick the object. Avoid twisting your body while lifting.

Just follow the above mentioned easy tips to cure your back ache. In case you don’t feel any relief , please seek medical help immediately.

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Digest Better

2010-05-24T10:23:00.000-07:00

There is a plant for each type of digestion problem.

· AIGREMOINE is useful when the stomach problem is accompanied by enteritis, diarrhea and/or chronic liver infection. It helps tone a lazy digestive system. And it also helps regularize acidity and soothe ulcers by improving metabolism. 3 or 4 cups a day. 3 1/2 to 4 tablespoons per quart of water.

· ANGELICA is a digestive, an aperitif, a stimulant, a tonic. It decongests and soothes stomach pains and swelling. Prepare an infusion (tea) preferably using the fresh plant: 3 ½ tablespoons of roots per quart of water. If your stomach is very

swollen, prepare and drink 3 cups per day made of 5 tablespoons of seeds per quart of water.

· ANISE is a soothing digestive. It aids digestion and the elimination of intestinal gas, it soothes stomach cramps, aerophagy, dyspepsia (contractions of the digestive organs, dizziness and a heavy feeling after eating). 2 or 3 cups per day, after meals: 2 tablespoons of seeds per quart of water.

· CAMOMILE: a digestive, sedative, anti-inflammation agent and tonic. It helps painful or difficult digestion, stomach cramps, gastro-intestinal spasms, loss of appetite, and it helps expulsion of gas (carminative). Particularly recommended for persons who suffer from stomach cramps (and/or who are irritable, temperamental, angry etc.) One cup of infusion, a half hour before meals, or one hour after. To prepare the infusion, add 5 1/2 tablespoons to a quart of boiling water and let stand for five minutes.

· CHERVIL: digestive, depurative and diuretic. It also acts as a stimulant. For difficult digestion, drink 2 or 3 cups per day. Prepare an infusion with one teaspoon of dried leaves per cup of water, and let stand for 10 minutes.

· SAGE: The ancients had a saying - “Why die when your garden is full of sage!” It is a digestive, diuretic, antispasmodic and helps combat hypoglycemia. It stimulates the appetite, fortifies the stomach and aids digestion, especially when digestion is difficult. It is also a general tonic. 2 or 3 cups of infusion per day. 1 1/2 tablespoons of dried leaves per quart of water.

Fruits, Vegetables & their Benefits

2010-05-20T20:53:00.000-07:00

apples	Protects your heart	prevents constipation	Blocks diarrhoea	Improves lung capacity	Cushions joints
apricots	Combats cancer	Controls blood pressure	Saves your eyesight	Shields against Alzheimer's	Slows aging process
artichokes	Aids digestion	Lowers cholesterol	Protects your heart	Stabilizes blood sugar	Guards against liver disease
avocados	Battles diabetes	Lowers cholesterol	Helps stops strokes	Controls blood pressure	Smoothes skin
bananas	Protects your heart	Quiets a cough	Strengthens bones	Controls blood pressure	Blocks diarrhoea
beans	Prevents constipation	Helps haemorrhoids	Lowers cholesterol	Combats cancer	Stabilizes blood sugar
beets	Controls blood pressure	Combats cancer	Strengthens bones	Protects your heart	Aids weight loss
blueberries	Combats cancer	Protects your heart	Stabilizes blood sugar	Boosts memory	Prevents constipation
broccoli	Strengthens bones	Saves eyesight	Combats cancer	Protects your heart	Controls blood pressure
cabbage	Combats cancer	Prevents constipation	Promotes weight loss	Protects your heart	Helps haemorrhoids
cantaloupe	Saves eyesight	Controls blood pressure	Lowers cholesterol	Combats cancer	Supports immune system
carrots	Saves eyesight	Protects your heart	Prevents constipation	Combats cancer	Promotes weight loss
cauliflower	Protects against Prostate Cancer	Combats Breast Cancer	Strengthens bones	Banishes bruises	Guards against heart disease
cherries	Protects your heart	Combats Cancer	Ends insomnia	Slows aging process	Shields against Alzheimer's
chestnuts	Promotes weight loss	Protects your heart	Lowers cholesterol	Combats Cancer	Controls blood pressure
chilli peppers	Aids digestion	Soothes sore throat	Clears sinuses	Combats Cancer	Boosts immune system
figs	Promotes weight loss	Helps stops strokes	Lowers cholesterol	Combats Cancer	Controls blood pressure
fish	Protects your heart	Boosts memory	Protects your heart	Combats Cancer	Supports immune system
flax	Aids digestion	Battles diabetes	Protects your heart	Improves mental health	Boosts immune system
garlic	Lowers cholesterol	Controls blood pressure	Combats cancer	kills bacteria	Fights fungus
grapefruit	Protects against heart attacks	Promotes Weight loss	Helps stops strokes	Combats Prostate Cancer	Lowers cholesterol
grapes	saves eyesight	Conquers kidney stones	Combats cancer	Enhances blood flow	Protects your heart
green tea	Combats cancer	Protects your heart	Helps stops strokes	Promotes Weight loss	Kills bacteria
honey	Heals wounds	Aids digestion	Guards against ulcers	Increases energy	Fights allergies
lemons	Combats cancer	Protects your heart	Controls blood pressure	Smoothes skin	Stops scurvy
limes	Combats cancer	Protects your heart	Controls blood pressure	Smoothes skin	Stops scurvy
mangoes	Combats cancer	Boosts memory	Regulates thyroid	aids digestion	Shields against Alzheimer's
mushrooms	Controls blood pressure	Lowers cholesterol	Kills bacteria	Combats cancer	Strengthens bones
oats	Lowers cholesterol	Combats cancer	Battles diabetes	prevents constipation	Smoothes skin
olive oil	Protects your heart	Promotes Weight loss	Combats cancer	Battles diabetes	Smoothes skin
onions	Reduce risk of heart attack	Combats cancer	Kills bacteria	Lowers cholesterol	Fights fungus
oranges	Supports immune systems	Combats cancer	Protects your heart	Straightens respiration
peaches	prevents constipation	Combats cancer	Helps stops strokes	aids digestion	Helps haemorrhoids
peanuts	Protects against heart disease	Promotes Weight loss	Combats Prostate Cancer	Lowers cholesterol	Aggravates diverticulitis
pineapple	Strengthens bones	Relieves colds	Aids digestion	Dissolves warts	Blocks diarrhoea
prunes	Slows aging process	prevents constipation	boosts memory	Lowers cholesterol	Protects against heart disease
rice	Protects your heart	Battles diabetes	Conquers kidney stones	Combats cancer	Helps stops strokes
strawberries	Combats cancer	Protects your heart	boosts memory	Calms stress
sweet potatoes	Saves your eyesight	Lifts mood	Combats cancer	Strengthens bones
tomatoes	Protects prostate	Combats cancer	Lowers cholesterol	Protects your heart
walnuts	Lowers cholesterol	Combats cancer	boosts memory	Lifts mood	Protects against heart disease
water	Promotes Weight loss	Combats cancer	Conquers kidney stones	Smoothes skin
watermelon	Protects prostate	Promotes Weight loss	Lowers cholesterol	Helps stops strokes	Controls blood pressure
wheat germ	Combats Colon Cancer	prevents constipation	Lowers cholesterol	Helps stops strokes	improves digestion
wheat bran	Combats Colon Cancer	prevents constipation	Lowers cholesterol	Helps stops strokes	improves digestion
yogurt	Guards against ulcers	Strengthens bones	Lowers cholesterol	Supports immune systems	Aids digestion

How to Cure Neck Pain (Cericalgia)

2010-05-18T12:01:00.000-07:00

Neck pain (or cervicalgia) is one of the most common problem, affecting almost two-thirds of the global population at some point in their lives.

Its felt in the neck but could be due to numerous spinal problems. It surfaces due to tightness of muscles in the neck or upper back or pinching of nerves emanating from the cervical vertebrae.

Head is supported by the lower neck and upper back and these areas are the primary reasons of neck pain. The top 3 joints in neck are responsible for most movement in the neck where as the lower joints of neck and upper back create a support for the head. Any adverse affect on this support system will lead to tightening of muscle and eventually neck pain.

The most common causes of neck pain are.

Stress.
Prolonged posture.
Minor Injuries.
Referred pain (upper back)
Overuse and strain.
Whiplash (sudden distortion of neck)

Here are some ways to treat your neck.

1. Wait. If there’s nothing worn, the pain will be gone in 3 to 4 days at the max.

2. Improve your posture. This is the most common cause of neck pain. Sit straight and tall, raise your chest up, lower your chin slightly and pull your head back so that your ears are directly over your shoulders, and not in front of them. This posture will also help you with your lower back, in case you have one.

3. Use cervical collars. They can be really helpful but keeping your neck immobile for a longer period of time can adversely affect your neck muscles.

4. Hold the phone properly, not between your ear and shoulder.

5. Check your pillow and the surface that you sleep on. Your pillow should provide right cervical support. Choose the one that suits you the most.

6. Use cervical roll. It’s designed to slip under your neck to reduce the stress on neck joints.

7. Avoid stress. Your head weighs around 4.5 kg, and if pulled out of its natural position by your reaction to stress, your neck muscles are forced to work harder. This leads to tightness of neck muscles and causes pain.

8. Use pain killer but only as a short term approach. Pain killer at least allow you to have a good sleep and this rest can be very beneficial.

9. A gentle massage on lower neck, upper shoulders and trapezius muscles can be very relaxing.

10. Avoid abrupt temperature changes. If you are sweating, don’t do directly in front of the air conditioner. Wait for your body temperature to normalize before you switch it on.

You can also do some exercises but do them under the eye of your therapist, or you might end up worse than before.

I hope these suggestions help. If your symptoms persist, please seek medical help immediately.

How to Avoid Eye Problems Caused by TV & Monitors

2010-05-13T19:54:00.000-07:00

The eye was not made to be constantly focused on close objects. If your work requires that you stare at a computer screen all day long or if you watch a lot of television, stop from time to time to do a few eye exercises.

For example, roll your eyes in large circles in both directions; look over to each side as far as possible and then go from up to down; or scan an imaginary text on the wall from left to right; or look out the window as far as you can following the horizon then return to a point right in front of you and begin again.

In this way, you will avoid long term eye problems, you will enlarge your inner space, and relax both your eyes and your mind.

Exercises for Women

2010-05-12T10:33:00.000-07:00

HOW TO KEEP FIT WITHOUT GOING TO HEALTH CENTERS
(please click on the pics to open in a new window in case they don't show any movement)

Good Luck !!!!

The Funny Side of Health

2010-05-11T11:03:00.000-07:00

HEALTH TIP OF THE DAY!

THE FITNESS LEGEND!

Laughter, The Best Medicine

2010-05-11T11:00:00.000-07:00

LAUGHTER, THE BEST MEDICINE

1. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services 2004 Mar;42(3):18-25

A CHUCKLE A DAY KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY: THERAPEUTIC HUMOR AND LAUGHTER

MacDonald CM

There are several beneficial efforts attributed to humor and laughter, including improved immune function, increased pain tolerance, and decreased stress response. Humor therapy, laughter therapy, laughter meditation, and laughter clubs all have unique implications as group programs and as self-management techniques.

2. Humor therapy could one day be a part of preventive care. A good giggle helps you:

Scorch calories - Laughing for 10 to 15 minutes increases your heart rate by 10% to 20%, which means you can burn an extra 10 to 40 calories a day. Over a year, that can add up to a four-pound weight loss.

Ease pain - In a UCLA study funded by Rx Laughter, a group that promotes research on the connection between humor and health, experts discovered that children tolerated pain better than usual when watching a funny program or video.

Stay healthy - Humor increases the production and effectiveness of natural killer cells that stomp out germs. These cells are elevated for at least 12 hours after just an hour of watching...Will Ferrell....

Tyranski, Kathryn M., "The Comedy Cure," READER'S DIGEST, September 2007, p. 210.

3. Stanford University psychiatrist Allan L. Reiss, MD, recruited 20 male and female college students. Inside an MRI, the men and women looked at 70 cartoons flashed on a small overhead screen and rated them on a funniness scale. When the results came back, Reiss made an unexpected discovery: Men and women process funny differently. The analytical region of women's brains was more active than the men's, suggesting women studied the cartoons more. When they found the cartoon amusing, the reward region of their brains lit up noticeably more than the guys.

All of which is a fancy way of saying women appear to think a little more about whether they find something humorous. They don't necessarily expect to laugh, and so they enjoy it a lot more when the joke works for them. With men, apparently, it was more like, Hey ...cartoon. Must be funny. Funny is good.

Colligan, Doug. "Why Men and Women Laugh Out Loud" READER'S DIGEST Sept. 2007, p. 99.

4. Humor has been shown to boost brain-power and improve immune-cell function (which can help ward off cancer). Not only that, but a positive attitude means you're more likely to do healthy things like walk, eat cruciferous vegetables and avoid saturated fats --three choices that substantially help the chance of survival after a heart attack, stroke or cancer. So instead of feeling blue, take charge of your life.

"Health IQ" READER'S DIGEST Sept. 2007, p. 63.

How To Fight Aging

2010-05-11T07:45:00.000-07:00

Did you know that just walking for 30 minutes, 3 or 4 times a week is enough to combat aging? According to researchers at the University of California, one of the principle causes of deterioration of the human organism’s physical faculties is its diminished ability to metabolize glucose. And they showed that even leisurely exercise, like taking a walk, plays an important role in keeping glucose metabolism functioning smoothly.

Do you spend the whole day sitting at your desk or in front of a computer screen? Why not get up occasionally and do a few minutes of physical exercise? Don’t worry about what other people think.

In some Japanese companies, it is even become a collective habit. Every twenty minutes a bell sounds, and everybody gets up to do some stretching exercises, after which they sit down again as if nothing had happened. Japanese managers are convinced that their employees are more productive when they are relaxed.