Healthy Tips

Effects of Cold Water After Having Meal

2014-02-04T20:49:00.002-08:00

For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you. It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion. Once this "sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal. A serious note about heart attacks - you should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting. Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line. You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack. Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms. 60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know the better chance we could survive. A cardiologist says if everyone who reads this message sends it to 10 people; you can be sure that we ‘ill save at least one life.

Benefits of Raddish

2014-02-03T20:54:00.004-08:00

-Among the many root vegetables, radish is mostly avoided by many. But, radish has amazing benefits and shouldn't be left out of your grocery list. - 40-50 ml of radish juice is an effective remedy for piles.
- A paste made of powdered radish seeds mixed in vinegar is helpful to treat white patches, which may result in leucoderma. - The seed paste is also helpful in removing black heads and freckles. - The seeds help in relieving gastric discomforts.
- For bronchial disorders, chest complaints and whooping cough mix a tbsp. of fresh radish juice with honey and a pinch of rock salt. - Juice of radish leaves, sweetened with a little sugar can be taken twice by those suffering from jaundice.
- Radish juice can be taken in the dosage of 20-30 ml daily for 2 weeks to cure cystitis.
- Radish is also helpful against dysuria and genito urinary problems.
- Radish leaves have diuretic and laxative properties.

How to Lessen Waste this Holiday?

2011-12-11T06:35:00.000-08:00

During the holiday season, waste disposal increases 25 percent in the United States, causing an extra 5 billion pounds of waste to go into our landfills. If that weren’t shocking enough, toxic PVCs can be found in some children’s toys, especially if they are the plastic ones.
Vinyl chloride, the chemical used to make PVC, is a known human carcinogen. Additives, such as lead and cadmium, are sometimes added to PVC to keep it from breaking down; these additives can be particularly dangerous in children’s toys. PVC is also the least recycled plastic.
So you may be asking yourself, “Where do we go from here during the holidays?”
Good news! We can feel better about ourselves and our choices by choosing natural, eco-friendly products. We can also do a few things to encourage our families and friends to think green this holiday season by setting an example. Here are a few ideas on ways you can set that green example this year…

Don’t buy wrapping paper
Reuse old wrapping paper or put your gifts in reusable bags or boxes. Be creative — used scarves, magazines or calendars make great patchwork bags or collage wrapping paper. People love children’s artwork!

Decorate with natural materials
You can make beautiful holiday decorations with items found in nature: A bowl of evergreen boughs and fresh fruit; a basket filled with fallen branches, winter berries and pine cones; and seasonal plants like poinsettias make inexpensive holiday décor. Once the holidays are over, your decorations can be added to the compost pile.

Celebrating Hanukkah? Use soy-based candles
Soy candles are made from renewable resources and last twice as long as conventional paraffin candles. Beeswax candles are another health-friendly, planet-friendly option.

Send tree-free holiday cards
There are great on-line greeting card services out there and most are free to use.

Tips for Healthy Sleep

2011-06-16T21:38:00.000-07:00

Most adults need eight hours of sleep each night. You may need a bit more or less. There are many out there who sleep as little as possible.Their busy lifestyles dictating their sleep time. Others have no trouble getting plenty of sleep(and are often hard to get out of bed - some teenagers for example).

How do you know if you have healthy sleep habits? It's actually very simple. You just have to ask yourself a few questions. When you wake up in the morning, do you feel like you got a good night's sleep? Do you get at least 5-8 hours of sleep a night? Do you feel awake all day long? If you answer yes to all of these, then you probably have very healthy sleep habits.

Essential oils such as Lavender, Chamomile, Sandalwood, Oregano and others have calming properties that can help induce peaceful sleep. There are a number of ways to incorporate essential oils into your sleep routine, though the most popular are through mist and diffusion. Adding a few drops to a warm nighttime bath is also popular. As a person who’s had my fair share of sleepless nights, I’ve found success by adding a few drops of Lavender to my pillows two to three times a week. It’s surprising effective.

Establish a relaxing bedtime routine such as soaking in a warm bathtub, listening to soothing music or sipping a cup of relaxing herbal tea. With the relaxing before bedtime routine, it can help your body to ease all the tension you have and go to sleep easily.

Always follow a regular sleep schedule even during weekends - we must maintain a regular schedule for getting up and going to sleep, whether it would be weekdays or weekends. If you achieve a regular routine for sleeping, it will make you feel better and eventually, you will refrain from napping too much during the early evenings or late afternoons. This is usually the foremost factor why older people find it hard to fall asleep when it is time for doing so.

A basic need of the human body, sleep is also a basic need of the human mind. If we don't get enough sleep, our bodies and minds can't function properly and it becomes difficult to achieve our goals that we have set to do. During sleep, our bodies take time to rejuvenate, and our minds take time to work through problems, to explore themselves and to rest. These activities are essential for your health and well-being.

Do not over eat before sleep and finish eating least 2-3 hours before bed. You will feel less comfortable if you eat right before bed or having heavy meal before bedtime. It will cause indigestion and affect your sleep.

What Being overweight means?

2011-06-07T07:04:00.000-07:00

Your weight has been important since the moment you were born. Maybe you even know what your birth weight was. Most babies weigh less than 10 pounds and sometimes as little as 3 or 4 pounds. But very quickly, a young baby gains weight and everyone is glad about that because it means the child is growing bigger and stronger.
As you get older, your weight is still important. It's something your parents and doctor will probably keep an eye on. When you go for a checkup, the doctor often will record your height and weight and compare it with what it was the last time you came in. The doctor wants to check that you are a healthy weight because weighing too much — or too little — can be a problem. But these days, being overweight is more common than being underweight.
In the last 30 years, a growing number of kids and teenagers have developed weight problems. Today, 1 out of 3 kids and teens between the ages of 2 and 19 are overweight or obese, which is a word that means very overweight. Many grown-ups understand what it's like to have weight problems. Two out of every 3 adults are overweight or obese.
For kids and adults, weighing too much can lead to illnesses and health problems. And a kid who is overweight might get teased or find it hard to keep up with friends on the playground.

What Does It Mean?

When people talk about being overweight or obese, they mean that someone has more body fat than is healthy. Everyone has some body fat, but when someone has excess fat, it can affect the person's health and ability to walk, run, and get around. It also affects the way they look and may cause them to be bigger and rounder than other people.

How Is It Measured?

Someone can be underweight, at an ideal weight, overweight, or obese. There is no one perfect weight for a kid to be, but there are ideal weight ranges for kids based on height and whether the person is a girl or a boy. Though healthy kids can weigh more or less, a good weight range is about 50 to 70 pounds (about 23 to 32 kilograms) for a kid who's 8 years old.
But being overweight is more than a number on the scale. A doctor is a good person to make a judgment about a kid's weight. The doctor can look at a kid's ideal weight range while also taking the kid's height into account. A taller kid naturally could weigh more than a shorter kid and not be overweight. Perhaps the best way to assess a kid's weight is to use something called body mass index, or BMI.
BMI uses a kid's height and weight in a calculation that results in a number. That number can be plotted on a chart that also considers the kid's age and if the kid is a girl or boy. BMI is an indicator of how much body fat the person has, but it's only an estimate. Because muscle weighs more than fat, it's possible for a muscular person to have a high BMI, but that doesn't mean he or she is overweight. Likewise, it's possible for someone to have a low or ideal BMI but still have too much body fat.

Ways to control high blood pressure without medication

2011-05-13T18:35:00.000-07:00

Lifestyle plays an important role in treating your high blood pressure. If you successfully control your blood pressure with a healthy lifestyle, you may avoid, delay or reduce the need for medication.

1. Lose extra pounds and watch your waistline

Blood pressure often increases as weight increases. Losing just 10 pounds can help reduce your blood pressure. In general, the more weight you lose, the lower your blood pressure. Losing weight also makes any blood pressure medications you're taking more effective. You and your doctor can determine your target weight and the best way to achieve it.
Besides shedding pounds, you should also keep an eye on your waistline. Carrying too much weight around your waist can put you at greater risk of high blood pressure. In general:

Men are at risk if their waist measurement is greater than 40 inches (102 centimeters, or cm).
Women are at risk if their waist measurement is greater than 35 inches (88 cm).
Asian men are at risk if their waist measurement is greater than 36 inches (90 cm).
Asian women are at risk if their waist measurement is greater than 32 inches (80 cm).

2. Exercise regularly

Regular physical activity — at least 30 to 60 minutes most days of the week — can lower your blood pressure by 4 to 9 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). And it doesn't take long to see a difference. If you haven't been active, increasing your exercise level can lower your blood pressure within just a few weeks.
If you have prehypertension (systolic pressure between 120 and 139 or diastolic pressure between 80 and 89), exercise can help you avoid developing full-blown hypertension. If you already have hypertension, regular physical activity can bring your blood pressure down to safer levels.
Talk to your doctor about developing an exercise program. Your doctor can help determine whether you need any exercise restrictions. Even moderate activity for 10 minutes at a time, such as walking and light strength training, can help.
But avoid being a "weekend warrior." Trying to squeeze all your exercise in on the weekends to make up for weekday inactivity isn't a good strategy. Those sudden bursts of activity could actually be risky.

3. Eat a healthy diet

Eating a diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products and skimps on saturated fat and cholesterol can lower your blood pressure by up to 14 mm Hg. This eating plan is known as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet.
It isn't easy to change your eating habits, but with these tips, you can adopt a healthy diet:

Keep a food diary. Writing down what you eat, even for just a week, can shed surprising light on your true eating habits. Monitor what you eat, how much, when and why.
Consider boosting potassium. Potassium can lessen the effects of sodium on blood pressure. The best source of potassium is food, such as fruits and vegetables, rather than supplements. Talk to your doctor about the potassium level that's best for you.
Be a smart shopper. Make a shopping list before heading to the supermarket to avoid picking up junk food. Read food labels when you shop, and stick to your healthy-eating plan when you're dining out, too.
Cut yourself some slack. Although the DASH diet is a lifelong eating guide, it doesn't mean you have to cut out all of the foods you love. It's OK to treat yourself occasionally to foods you wouldn't find on a DASH diet menu, like a candy bar or mashed potatoes with gravy.

4. Reduce sodium in your diet

Even a small reduction in the sodium in your diet can reduce blood pressure by 2 to 8 mm Hg. The recommendations for reducing sodium are:

Limit sodium to 2,300 milligrams (mg) a day or less.
A lower sodium level — 1,500 mg a day or less — is appropriate for people 51 years of age or older, and individuals of any age who are African-American or who have high blood pressure, diabetes or chronic kidney disease.

To decrease sodium in your diet, consider these tips:

Track how much salt is in your diet. Keep a food diary to estimate how much sodium is in what you eat and drink each day.
Read food labels. If possible, choose low-sodium alternatives of the foods and beverages you normally buy.
Eat fewer processed foods. Potato chips, frozen dinners, bacon and processed lunch meats are high in sodium.
Don't add salt. Just 1 level teaspoon of salt has 2,300 mg of sodium. Use herbs or spices, rather than salt, to add more flavor to your foods.
Ease into it. If you don't feel like you can drastically reduce the sodium in your diet suddenly, cut back gradually. Your palate will adjust over time.

5. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink

Alcohol can be both good and bad for your health. In small amounts, it can potentially lower your blood pressure by 2 to 4 mm Hg. But that protective effect is lost if you drink too much alcohol — generally more than one drink a day for women and more than two a day for men. Also, if you don't normally drink alcohol, you shouldn't start drinking as a way to lower your blood pressure. There's more potential harm than benefit to drinking alcohol.
If you drink more than moderate amounts of it, alcohol can actually raise blood pressure by several points. It can also reduce the effectiveness of high blood pressure medications.

Track your drinking patterns. Along with your food diary, keep an alcohol diary to track your true drinking patterns. One drink equals 12 ounces (355 milliliters, or mL) of beer, 5 ounces of wine (148 mL) or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor (45 mL). If you're drinking more than the suggested amounts, cut back.
Consider tapering off. If you're a heavy drinker, suddenly eliminating all alcohol can actually trigger severe high blood pressure for several days. So when you stop drinking, do it with the supervision of your doctor or taper off slowly, over one to two weeks.
Don't binge. Binge drinking — having four or more drinks in a row — can cause large and sudden increases in blood pressure, in addition to other health problems.

6. Avoid tobacco products and secondhand smoke

On top of all the other dangers of smoking, the nicotine in tobacco products can raise your blood pressure by 10 mm Hg or more for up to an hour after you smoke. Smoking throughout the day means your blood pressure may remain constantly high.
You should also avoid secondhand smoke. Inhaling smoke from others also puts you at risk of health problems, including high blood pressure and heart disease.

7. Cut back on caffeine

The role caffeine plays in blood pressure is still debatable. Drinking caffeinated beverages can temporarily cause a spike in your blood pressure, but it's unclear whether the effect is temporary or long lasting.
To see if caffeine raises your blood pressure, check your pressure within 30 minutes of drinking a cup of coffee or another caffeinated beverage you regularly drink. If your blood pressure increases by five to 10 points, you may be sensitive to the blood pressure raising effects of caffeine.
Regardless of your sensitivity to caffeine's effects, doctors recommend you drink no more than 200 milligrams a day — about the amount in two cups of coffee.

8. Reduce your stress

Stress or anxiety can temporarily increase blood pressure. Take some time to think about what causes you to feel stressed, such as work, family, finances or illness. Once you know what's causing your stress, consider how you can eliminate or reduce stress.
If you can't eliminate all of your stressors, you can at least cope with them in a healthier way. Take breaks for deep-breathing exercises. Get a massage or take up yoga or meditation. If self-help doesn't work, seek out a professional for counseling.

9. Monitor your blood pressure at home and make regular doctor's appointments

If you have high blood pressure, you may need to monitor your blood pressure at home. Learning to self-monitor your blood pressure with an upper arm monitor can help motivate you. Talk to your doctor about home monitoring before getting started.
Regular visits to your doctor are also likely to become a part of your normal routine. These visits will help keep tabs on your blood pressure.

Have a primary care doctor. People who don't have a primary care doctor find it harder to control their blood pressure. If you can, visit the same health care facility or professional for all of your health care needs.
Visit your doctor regularly. If your blood pressure isn't well controlled, or if you have other medical problems, you might need to visit your doctor every month to review your treatment and make adjustments. If your blood pressure is under control, you might need to visit your doctor only every six to 12 months, depending on other conditions you might have.

10. Get support from family and friends

Supportive family and friends can help improve your health. They may encourage you to take care of yourself, drive you to the doctor's office or embark on an exercise program with you to keep your blood pressure low. Talk to your family and friends about the dangers of high blood pressure.
If you find you need support beyond your family and friends, consider joining a support group. This may put you in touch with people who can give you an emotional or morale boost and who can offer practical tips to cope with your condition.

Good Food for High Blood Pressure

2011-05-11T19:12:00.000-07:00

Choosing food for high blood pressure sufferers need not be a daunting task or a boring one. Tips and recipes from around the world are soon to collect here, so we will have a whole menagerie of cultures to choose from. Heh! Let’s face it! Can you find a better excuse for enjoying the culinary delights of the whole world? Well, ok, there are lots, but at least just drooling over the recipes will make your blood pressure drop a few mmHg. And that’s exactly what I have in store for you in this little corner of delightful indulgences.
Here you are going to find a high blood pressure recipe to suit almost everyone, and if the dishes don`t stop you worrying over your high blood pressure for a while, then nothing will.
Starting with a list, preferably organic, of the main food categories that are known to help reduce high blood pressure, will help those of us who are born Chefs in the kitchen to create new, tasty dishes.

Vegetables
Parsley, Celery , Spinach, Green Cabbage, Broccoli, Carrots (raw), Beets (raw), Tomatoes, Garlic, Asparagus

These vegetables are at the top of the list of food for high blood pressure, for supporting the cardiovascular system either by their powerful antioxidants or diuretic activity.

Fruit
We have so much potassium rich fruit to choose from as food for high blood pressure. Instead of buying the usual, step out of the comfort zone and mix in some exotic varieties.
Sanguinello (the Sicilian blood red orange)
A medium sized sanguinello has 260mgs of potassium.

Bananas
Bananas are a well known nutrient packed food for high blood pressure. When you are in a hurry and don`t have time to sit and eat, pack a banana. What`s more maybe they protect against heart disease and stroke!

Strawberries
Anyone for tennis? One of the highlights of Wimbledon Tennis season is the strawberries and cream. Lovely! They definitely need to provide food for high blood pressure there, I should say! Strawberries are a great source of vitamin C, flavanoids and need I say it, potassium. Available worldwide they are found in desserts from around the world.

Apricots
Apricots glow with beta-carotene and potassium

Passion Fruit
Don’t forget the passion fruit. They call it Parcha in Puerto Rico believing that it lowers blood pressure. The flower too, as a herb, is noted for it`s effectiveness. It is said that if you eat enough of the fruit you can fall in love with the person sitting next to you, so if you want somebody that badly, invite them out to dinner and eat, drink and sleep Passion fruit. Eat your heart out King Solomon!
As a reminder, rich potassium laden food for high blood pressure should be eaten in balance. These are only rough guidelines to give you an idea of the choices. Your dietician knows you as an individual having specific needs.

Healthy Juice BlendsThis page is not just about food for high blood pressure, but also drinks too. While I was in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco Mexico, I sampled 2 great juice blends that are good for helping to lower blood pressure. If you are taking diuretics, consult your doctor before consuming them as some of the fruits and veg contain high amounts of potassium.

Vampire Juice
This juice blend consists of carrot, celery, and beet. Three vegetable juices that compliment each other and taste really great. Beet has been discovered to open the arteries and help blood flow, reducing blood pressure for up to 24 hours after consuming.

Diet Juice

This juice contains grapefruit, pineapple, celery, parsley, and wait for it...cactus! This combination of juices are great for reducing your weight and your blood pressure.
The taste is very refreshing and pleasantly sweet. If you don`t like the taste of celery very much, you don`t really taste it in this drink.

Foods to be avoided for high blood pressure

2011-05-11T18:59:00.000-07:00

High blood pressure if left unchecked results in increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and leads to target organ damage such as LVH, retinal changes and vascular changes. The main objective in the management of hypertension is prevention of target organ damage and reduction of cardiovascular risk. The management requires a multi-prolonged approach. Although it is widely accepted that drug therapy is essential for optimal Blood pressure control, it should not be forgotten that nonpharmocological measures are also important in the management of hypertension.

What are the foods to be avoided in high blood pressure? This is very common question my patients often ask me. On one hand, it is exceedingly complicated and complex and has been the continued focus of research by doctors and physicians. On the other hand, the vast majority of dietary recommendations for hypertension have resemblance and similarities to general healthy diet recommendations.

1. Alcohol
The association between alcohol and high blood pressure is well documented both in population and clinical studies. An Alcohol intake of about 80 g/day (Equivalent to four pints of beer) has been shown to raise Blood pressure particularly in patients of hypertension. Blood pressure tends to fall when alcohol is stopped or reduced and remains low in patients who continue to abstain. Patients with hypertension should avoid Alcohol. As alcohol can raise blood pressure directly, is also an important factor in damaging walls of blood vessels, which can elevate the blood pressure further and make it more difficult to treat, while at the same time increasing the risk of complications. Limit consumption of Alcohol to no more than two drinks per day in most men and one drink per day in women and lightweight men.

2. Salt
A restriction in dietary sodium intake can reduce the incidence of hypertension. Studies have shown that there is a clear relationship between dietary salt intake and Blood pressure and people who consume less salt have a smaller rise in Blood pressure with advancing age. Salt restriction to about 100mmol/day (2.4 gm sodium or 6 gm sodium chloride) has been shown to produce a significant reduction in systolic Blood pressure to about 8-14 mm Hg in several randomized placebo-controlled studies. In some people, eating too much salt can make blood pressure much worse and In other cases the same salt consumption may have no effect.

More salt intake will result in more retention of fluid by kidneys and this will lead to more preload on heart, that will result in more blood pressure. You should avoid salt in your diet if you really want to control your blood pressure. If you are already a patient of hypertension, then reduce salt in your diet as it just accentuates the problem. You can lower your blood pressure to a great extent if you reduce salt consumption in your diet. You should not have more than 6 grams (100mmol/day) of salt per day. Pizza, canned foods, frozen diners, broths, canned soups and salad dressings have high sodium so try to avoid these foods. If you are non-vegetarian then make sure you are including white meat like chicken and fish rather than red meat in your diet.

3. FatsFood that is rich in fats should be avoided. Foods High in Fat are as follows
Fats and oils (like margarine, vegetable oils, butter, lard, salt pork, meat drippings, gravy, and fat back)
Cream, ice cream, Whole milk, 2% milk.
Most pies, pastries, cakes.
Most cheeses (like cream cheese, cheddar, American)
Many snack foods (like nuts and chips)
Fatty meats (like corned beef, regular ground beef, ribs, sausage, hot dogs, bacon, bologna, salami,)
Fried foods (like French fries and fried chicken)
Most cookies contain high fat content
Many fast foods are also rich in fats

Saturated fats are not good for heart and blood vessels. Low density lipoprotein LDL is main factor which causes thickening of blood vessels so causing extra strain on blood vessels in patients of high blood pressure. The balanced high blood pressure diet should include mild amounts of saturated and trans-fats (red meat, fast food), and moderate amounts of other fats (olive oil and canola oil).

4- Caffeine Intake: The evidence from the literature is rather conflicting and the effects of caffeine seem to depend on multiple variables such as daily dose, preexisting Blood pressure and coffee drinking habits. The ingestion of 250mg of caffeine has been shown to cause an increase in systolic blood pressure ranging from 6mm of hg in normal individuals to 10 mm hg in patients with hypertension and an increase in diastolic blood pressure of 5 mm hg in normal individuals to 8.5 mm Hg in patients of hypertension.

Secret to Rainy Day Fitness!

2011-05-09T00:40:00.000-07:00

Now that summer showers are turning to autumn rain, the outdoors is a far less enticing place. It’s much harder to find the will to work out yourself, and almost impossible to motivate the kids. Here are a few ideas and guidelines to help fill those rainy hours and improve your family's fitness

1) Turn the music on. Great, upbeat music creates an instant boost of enthusiasm and can get any sulky child to tap their toes. Put on something filled with beat and rhythm, and get everyone dancing along. Just to dance through a couple of songs should be enough to get the blood pumping and the endorphines flowing. When you've started, you may not want to stop - so, if you're of that disposition, think about inventing a dance routine with the kids! If it's rainy all the time, you could get pretty good!
2) Another music-based tip: challenge the kids to dance everywhere they go - and during everything they do - for a few hours! If there's a reward waiting for them at the end of it, chances are they'll love the challenge. Simply dancing around makes your heart beat significantly faster than sitting down, or even walking: it improves circulation, co-ordination, and raises the fitness level considerably (if undertaken regularly).
3) Exercise videos. An obvious one - but true!
4) Creative indoor games! Invent some, or play some old favourites like 'keep-away': blow up some balloons bat them into the air. Try not to let any of them touch the floor again! Or use paper fans to play a version of table tennis: Use your fan to create gusts of air to blow your balloon across the table towards an opponent—get it past them to score a point. (Remember, the scraps from popped balloons are a choking hazard, so take precautions if you have small children.)
5) Other games. Stock your toy shelf with games that encourage kids to move, from classics like Twister to new hits like the Nintendo Wii, Wild Planet Hyper Dash, or Cranium's Hullabaloo. We hope that these ideas are enough to get you thinking of new ways to enjoy those rainy days, and new ways to enjoy keeping your family fit. Remember - it doesn't have to be a sport to be exercise, and the less it seems like a chore, the better.

How to Look Pretty

2011-05-07T00:59:00.000-07:00

Smile Making the effort to smile every once in a while will make you feel good about yourself, and make others feel positive. You can even practice smiling in the mirror--it'll be a great start to your day and put you in a good mood. Think of something that made you laugh, and you'll have the most charming and pretty smile!

Remember confidence is a very important thing. If you are self-conscious, chances are, you won't look or feel beautiful.

Clear skin is pretty too, but it doesn't matter if you don't have clear skin, not everyone does.

Buy clothing that flatters you. Unflattering clothing is horrible for an image. Black clothes are slimming, as are vertical stripes- Be modest, so don't wear shirts that are too low, or shirts or skirts too short.
Flatter a 'blah' outfit with accessories. Try a headband or a cute necklace, but don't over-accessorize! In the infamous words of Coco Chanel, 'take off one accessory before you go out the door.'

Take care of your hair. Get it trimmed regularly (search online for colors and styles that best fit your face shape and hair type).

Brush your hair everyday, because the oils at the top of the head not only keep your hair shiny, but it will protect it. (Plus, the oil at the top of your head can collect and ruin your appearance.) Apply a heat protectant if straightening or curling your hair, otherwise it can get damaged very easily. Healthy hair is pretty.
If you wish to dye your hair, make sure it's a dye that suits your skin tone--two shades darker or lighter than the natural color of your hair. It's not recommended however, as it can cause breakage.

Body language says a lot! Stand up straight. Let others know that you respect yourself, and they will follow your lead. Plus, it has the visual effect of smoothing out any bulges that aren't particularly flattering. Posture is important and can make you look more attractive.Standing or sitting slumped burns fewer calories then sitting or standing up straight.

Understand the value of inner beauty. There are "pretty" people in this world, but beauty is common. A bad attitude makes the difference. Being horrible towards others can make you seem really ugly, and make people stop paying attention to your looks.

- With that in mind, remember that all the makeup in the world won't help if you are unhappy and negative towards others.
Love yourself, love others and you will feel and look great.People are attracted to and feel comfortable with people who respect themselves. Liking yourself and respecting yourself doesn't mean you are conceited, it just shows others that you are happy about your appearance.
Never sacrifice your personality or looks for someone else.
Be yourself, be warm to others, and feel great. Soon enough, others are bound to notice.

If your friends give you positive compliments, don't try to change them into negative ones. Accept them and use them to make you feel even better. Expressing a modest "thank you" is much healthier than putting yourself down.

Exercise. Looking great doesn't mean makeup and clothes, it means feeling good about yourself and staying healthy.Exercise for an hour or half hour at the least every day, and drink 8 glasses of water daily. The water helps you get a nice glow in your skin and makes your complexion much clearer.

If you don't have time to get to the gym one day, try incorporating 40 minutes of brisk walking - this can be as simple as walking around on coffee and lunch breaks for 20 minutes at a time or even walking to work or school instead of driving or taking the bus.
Any sports that you find interesting are nice, but if you don't play a sport find an exercise that fits you best .

Get enough sleep. This will help you to always look your best. Regular sleeping patterns help your body to effectively regenerate and feel great the next day! Avoid sleeping on your face, this will cause wrinkles.

Maintain good dental hygiene - Brush your teeth after every meal, floss twice daily, and use mouth wash. However, don't brush hard - you may think it cleans your teeth better, but it's only damaging them. Make sure you don't brush until at least 10 minutes after your meal. This can damage your enamel, which will make is painful to chew sugary and cold/warm foods.

Remove unwanted body hair. Wax, shave, or pluck body hair such as bikini line, armpit hair, leg hair, eyebrow hair and other areas.

Believe you are beautiful! If you don't think it, no one else will. Simply look in the mirror and say this: I Am Beautiful. Although you may not think so, everyone is beautiful in their own way. You can look the part by smiling. That is the easiest way to be pretty way. Remember - Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Food That Improves Eyesight

2011-04-27T20:46:00.000-07:00

The food that we eat has a direct effect on our health, psychological as well as physiological. For example, some food items strengthen our bones; a few enhance our mood, while others make us healthy. Then, there is another type of food items, the ones that helps improve our eyesight. The right type of food items ensure that you get those vitamins and minerals that are essential for a good sight. The consumption of such foods, combined with eye exercises, can work wonders for your vision. In the following lines, we have provided list of foods that are good for eyesight and lead to improved vision.

FOOD THAT HELP TO YOUR GOOD VISION

Carrots
Very rich in Vitamin A. "Carrots are good for your eyesight", we were told as children and indeed around 500, 000 children worldwide are going blind every year because their diet and their mothers' breast milk does not contain sufficient amounts of vitamin A and Beta-carotene.
Beta carotene is a substance that is converted to Vitamin A in the human body. This vitamin helps transfer fat to energy. A 1/2 cup serving of cooked carrots contains four times the recommended daily intake of Vitamin A. Beta-carotene is also a powerful antioxidant effective in fighting against some forms of cancer.

It helps maintain the surface linings of the eyes and the respiratory, urinary, and intestinal tracts. When those linings break down, bacteria can enter the body and cause infection, therefore it is good in several ways and it is not just eye food. Vitamin A also helps maintain the integrity of skin and mucous membranes that function as a barrier to bacteria and viruses.

In order to convert Beta-carotene into vitamin A the body also needs some fat, sufficient levels of zinc and iron along with the sanitary conditions, especially clean water. All must be available to avoid the carotene being flushed through the body with no effect.

Salmon

Apart from containing high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, Salmon is rich in Vitamins A and D, which make it one of the most popular food for improving eyesight and vision. These dietary essentials not only help improve eye health, but also boost your brain power. Just 2-3 servings of fresh salmon in your weekly menu and you would reap the benefits in no time.

Eggs

Whether it is just boiled or scrambled, egg inclusion in your diet is valuable for your eyes. The yolk contains several essential nutrients and proteins that keep you healthy. Apart from this, it contains lutein, essential fatty acids, B-vitamins and zinc that are requisites of maintaining the overall health of your eyes.

Blueberries and grapes

It does not matter whether you enjoy it fresh or in the form of jam or jelly, but bilberry consumption is a must for people who want to avoid the risk of vision loss. These dark purple berries contain anthocyanosides, a compound that may reduce chances of poor vision. Antioxidant-rich berries are another valuable source of nutrition that may also improve your eyesight.

These foods contain anthocyanins, which improve night vision. A cup full of blueberries, huckleberry jam, or a 100 mg bilberry supplement should improve dark adaptation within 30 minutes

Dark Chocolate

If you were of the opinion that only bland eatables help improve eyesight, you are in for a surprise. Eyesight can be improved by including dark chocolate in your regular diet. This is because it contains flavanoids, which help in protecting the blood vessels of the eyes, making the cornea, and lens strong. However, make sure that the dark chocolate is pure in form and contains at least 60% cacao extracts, for obtaining maximum benefits.

Garlic

The rich sulfur content in garlic makes it an ideal food that improves eyesight. The high amounts of sulfur help in making the lens strong and resilient. The best part about garlic is that it makes dishes flavorful and healthy.

Leafy Green Vegetables

Hundreds of time, you must have heard your mother or nanny inform you of the benefits of green leafy vegetables. Though this might sound repetitive, a list of food that improves eyesight would be incomplete without mentioning leafy green vegetables. They contain high levels of the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which are essential for protecting the eyes from degeneration.

Wine
Known to have a cardioprotective effect, wine has many important nutrients, which protect vision, heart and blood flow. Needless to say, moderation is always important.

Toon Trivia (part II)

2011-04-22T08:19:00.001-07:00

The adult human head weighs about 10 pounds, or the same as a light bowling ball.

Heads up! You should take into account, however, that the actual weight could vary depending on the weight of thoughts and whether certain thoughts weigh more than others.

In Japan, squid is the most popular topping for Domino's Pizza.

Make that squid with extra cheese for me! The favorite pizza topping is green peas in Brazil. In Russia, they serve pizza covered with mockba; a combination of sardines, tuna, mackerel, salmon and onions. In France, a popular combo is called the Flambé, with bacon, onion and fresh cream.

The pupil of the eye expands as much as 45% when a person looks at something pleasing.

The eyes have it! That's where the saying, "Love at first sight" comes from. Your eyes widen to take it all in so you can see it even better!

Can you think of any other reasons why or times when your pupils might dilate (expand)?

Toon Trivia

2011-04-22T08:13:00.000-07:00

It takes 17 muscles to smile and 42 muscles to frown.

It's much easier to smile than it is to frown! Smiles can be contagious. Try smiling today to everyone you meet and see how many people smile back at you!

The average duration of a single blink of the human eye is 0.3 seconds.

Blinking plays a very vital role in the protection of our eyes. The reason we have eyelids is to stop bacteria and rubbish from entering the eye and also to moisten the surface of the eyeball. We often blink because our eyes are dry or irritated.

Two main muscles control blinking and during the day these muscles blink away every two to ten seconds. Their job is too spread tears over the cornea — the surface of the eyeball. If we were to keep our eyes open all day, our eyeballs would dry up and dangerous bacteria or dirt could fall in and cause nasty infections.

The human heart creates enough pressure when it pumps blood, that it could squirt blood 30 feet.

Your heart is a muscle that beats continuously with a pumping action. The heart sends your blood throughout your body providing the oxygen and nutrients it needs. It also carries away the waste that your body has to get rid of.

It's located a little to the left of the middle of your chest, and it's about the size of your fist. Sometimes you can feel your heart beating as it pumps the blood. Can you find your pulse?
It's important to eat healthy foods like fruits and vegetables and get a lot of exercise every day to keep your heart and other muscles strong.
Watching TV or playing video games will NOT help your heart. You must be physically active like running outdoors, taking a walk, playing sports, or mowing the grass, etc.

Health Trivia Facts (Part II)

2011-04-22T08:09:00.000-07:00

Do you know how many bones there are in the human body?

The answer is 206.
Some people are larger than others, but all of us have the same kind of skeleton, which is made up of 206 bones that do many different jobs.
Their first job is simply to hold us together and give us our framework. Without a skeleton, man would be just one large, jellyfish-like blob.
Another important purpose of bones is to protect the soft organs and tissues deep inside our bodies. Almost all of the 28 bones in the head or skull, for example, are there to protect the brain. They are called the cranium, and never move.
The one bone in our skulls which does move is the lower jaw or mandible. If it didn't, we would not be able to speak or eat!
Most bones must move as well as protect. Our 24 ribs can move in and out so that the lungs they surround can expand when we breathe.
The most important "bone" in the body is the spine. The spine is actually made up of a number of hollow tubes called vertebrae. If your spine or "backbone" really were only one long bone, you would be much like a statue. You would never be able to bend your body or move your head.
A child has 33 vertebrae in his spine, but as he gets older, some of these vertebrae grow together. An adult has only 26 bones in his spine.
Bones are long-lasting as well as useful. They are very strong and durable but if you fall or have an accident, they can break. But our amazing body can help the broken bone to heal itself within a few weeks.
Inside most bones there is a spongy marrow. Where fat is stored, it is yellowish in color, but in the parts of many bones, the marrow is reddish. This is because blood is made there by still another job done by our bones.
God created our skeleton and body to be the most amazing living creature on Earth!

Health Trivia Facts

2011-04-22T08:05:00.000-07:00

Here's some miscellaneous fun and interesting trivia about your general health and body that you may not have known.

Test Your Knowledge and Share What You Learn!

Dentists have recommended that a toothbrush be kept at least 6 feet away from a toilet to avoid airborne particles resulting from the flush.

You burn more calories sleeping than you do watching television.

Most dust particles in your house are made from dead skin.

All US Presidents have worn glasses. Some just didn't like being seen wearing them in public.

The average human body has 14 to 18 square feet of skin.

The skin of the armpits can harbor up to 516,000 bacteria per square inch, while drier areas, such as the forearm, have only about 13,000 bacteria per square inch.

A bird's eye takes up about 50 percent of its head; our eyes take up about 5 percent of our head. To be comparable to a bird's eyes, the eyes of a human being would have to be the size of baseballs.

A boy’s voice breaks during puberty because his vocal cords are lengthening. Up until that point, girl’s and boy’s vocal cords are the same length.

The strongest bone in the body, the thigh bone, is hollow. Ounce for ounce, it has a greater pressure tolerance and bearing strength than a rod of equivalent size in cast steel.

Most people lose half of their taste buds by sixty years of age.

The average human body holds enough: sulfur to kill all the fleas on an average dog, potassium to fire a toy cannon, carbon to make 900 pencils, fat to make 7 bars of soap, 10 gallons of water, and phosphorous to make 2,200 match heads.

The temporal lobe is the area of the brain that allows humans to hear and understand people speaking.

The average human eyelash lives about 150 days.

The average human has about 10,000 taste buds — however, they're not all on the tongue. Some are under the tongue; some are on the inside of the cheeks; some are on the roof of the mouth. Some can even be found on the lips — these are especially sensitive to salt.

The thumbnail grows the slowest; the middle nail grows the fastest.

The average human scalp contains between 120,000 and 150,000 hairs.

It takes about 20 seconds for a red blood cell to circle the whole body.

Like a finger print, every person has a unique tongue print.

The air released from a sneeze can exceed the speed of 100 mph.

The longest word is English language is pneumonoultramiscroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis - an inflammatory lung disease caused by the inhalation of fine silica dust.

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Natural Health Tips

2011-04-03T23:33:00.000-07:00

It is rightly said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. You know the maxim, but the big question is - how many of us practice the idea? Not many. We do not also often ask ourselves why we did not prevent an ailment, or illness, when it was knocking at our body's door with some of the most simple, and most effective, remedies available at home, or in the kitchen. This section presents you health tips from the world of natural, complementary and alternative systems of medicine - and, offers what you can do to prevent and manage common illnesses, naturally, and without side-effects.

It is said that 5 leaves of holy basil, taken on a daily basis, can help us avoid diseases such as hepatitis and typhoid.

Two basil leaves, a grain of salt, and a pinch of pepper powder, when applied and pressed against the affected tooth is said to be just as useful for toothache.

A glass of water, when taken along with a piece of jaggery after meals, is said to be effective in acidity, gas, and bloating.

The juice of carrot and tomato, mixed with some honey, is suggested to be a good tonic for children.

Health Tips for Women

2011-04-03T23:25:00.000-07:00

Women are sensitive to the rhythms and cycles of nature. They also have a natural ability to judge the effect, for example, of every kind of food on their body. This is not all. They also have an inborn perception of what is beneficial to their body constitution and seasonal changes. This understanding also extends to their physical condition, including health affections that are common to either sex, but more peculiar to women. For example: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers of the skin, cervix, breast, and colon. This section gives you quick insights on some of the most common health ailments women face in day-to-day life, and offers useful tips to help manage them.

Eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day and less saturated fat can help improve your health and may reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.

Eat better, get regular exercise, and see your health care provider about any health concerns to make sure you are on the right track to staying healthy.

Find fun ways to stay in shape and feel good, such as dancing, gardening, cutting the grass, swimming, walking, or jogging.

Start drinking eight glasses of water daily. None of your body parts, from your brain to your toes, work well without adequate hydration.

Holiday Health Tips

2011-04-03T22:20:00.001-07:00

Holidays are fun. But, just think of it - what happens when holidays, which are supposed to help you relax, revitalize and refresh, go wrong? What happens when you get sick, develop a fever, or have an upset stomach? They will rob the joy of your holiday, or vacation. This section takes the anxiety out of your holiday health problems and helps you know what you can do best before you go, or while you are there, and what to do and not to do, when you encounter problems along the way and back.

Anti-diarrhoea tablets should be used only if you need to be away from the toilet for any length of time, and not as a long term treatment. If you get burnt by the sun, calamine lotion or yoghurt can help cool your skin, or take a cool bath or shower.

Dark leafy green vegetables (i.e., spinach, kale, and collards) have been found to contain two specific antioxidants that protect your eyes from the UV damage that causes cataracts.

When bitten by mosquitos and other nasties, apply lemon/lime juice or alcohol (any sort - the purer the better!) directly to the bite, this may sting slightly but gives great relief, dries up the bite and heals much faster.

Health & Beauty Tips

2011-04-03T22:04:00.000-07:00

This section on health and beauty will help you stay and also "think" young. In the process, it will assist you to sport a young, new look and look beautiful, ward off aging, and also live a vibrant life. Need ammo to deal with health and beauty problems? Here they are - with useful tips and simple advice - to help you make the best of what you were born with. All you need to do is just keep yourself looking good and feeling healthy in the best manner possible, and as long as you can.

The right way to apply cleansers and creams on your face is in an upward and outward movement. The skin should not be stretched, dragged or pulled. Leave the cleanser on for a minute or two so as to loosen the dirt and make up. Remove it either using a cotton wool or with a tissue paper, again using an upward and out ward movement. Finally rinse with water.

Apply little conditioner and rub the conditioner through the hair with the fingers. Never rub on the scalp.

Massage your lips with coriander leaf juice for soft and rosy lips.

For a fast, at-home body exfoliation, mix olive oil with sea salt or sugar. Smooth over skin in circular motions all over the body, avoiding the breast area. Rinse off in the shower and apply your favourite moisturizer.

Healthy Summer Recipes

2011-03-28T21:06:00.000-07:00

Gabriel's Guacamole Named after the Archangel Gabriel, this guac is so good (and good for you) that you might hear the angels singing.

Fun Factoid: Contrary to popular belief, an avocado is a fruit, not a vegetable.

Ingredients:
2 ripe avocados
1 plum tomato
1 jalapeo chile (seeded and finely chopped)
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
1/3 cup chopped sweet onion (Vidalias are always good)
Salt to taste
Plain tortilla chips (baked, if you like)

Instructions:
Place jalapeo, cilantro, onion, and salt in a large mortar, and grind away with the pestle. It's okay if the onions remain a bit chunky.

Cut the avocados in half. Twist in opposite directions to separate. Slip a spoon in, scoop the fruit out, and place it on a cutting board. Chop into chunks.

Cut tomato in half crosswise. Gently squeeze to get seeds out. Now add avocado and chopped tomato to onion mixture in the mortar. Mash. Spoon until mostly blended (some of the avocado chunks should remain intact.)

Serve immediately. Makes 12 tablespoon-sized servings.

Grilled Salmon Teriyaki

You can grill it or bake it. Either way, it's a delicious main dish that delivers Omega-3s in a big way.

Fun Factoid: A female salmon may lay up to 800 eggs for every pound she weighs.

Ingredients:
4 salmon steaks (about 6 oz. each), skinned
1 cup light soy sauce
1/3 cup sake (Japanese rice wine)
4 tablespoons granulated sugar
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons fresh ginger root, grated
1/3 cup sesame oil

Instructions:
Combine all the ingredients for the marinade in a small bowl and stir until the sugar dissolves.

Rinse salmon under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels. Divide each steak into two pieces by cutting along either side of the central bone and then discarding the bone. Place the salmon in a shallow glass or ceramic container and pour 1 cup of the marinade over the fish. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours, turning the fish occasionally.

Let come to room temperature before cooking. Prepare grill.

Remove the salmon from the marinade, reserving the liquid. Place the fish on an oiled grill rack, approximately six inches from the heat source. Turn once and brush with reserved marinade. Cook 3-5 minutes per side, depending on the salmon's thickness.

Makes 8 3-oz. servings.

Hawaiian Hula Punch
Fruity and plentiful, this Hawaiian-flavored drink delivers a powerful vitamin punch.

Fun Factoid: Papaya is the only food containing papain, a powerful enzyme that digests proteins.

Ingredients:
2 medium bananas, cut into chunks
1 ripe mango, cut into chunks
1 ripe papaya, cut into chunks
4 cups unsweetened pineapple juice
4 cups seltzer

Instructions:
In a blender add bananas, mango, papaya, and pineapple juice. Puree until smooth, and pour into glasses.

Serves 8

Good Business this summer!

2011-03-22T22:10:00.000-07:00

Yeah, It is almost there. Summer is the warmest of the four temperate seasons, between spring and autumn. At the summer solstice, the days are longest and the nights are shortest, with day-length decreasing as the season progresses after the solstice. The date of the beginning of summer varies according to climate, culture, and tradition, but when it is summer in the southern hemisphere it is winter in the northern hemisphere, and vice versa. In areas of the tropics and subtropics, the wet season occurs during the summer. Tropical cyclones develop and roam the tropical and subtropical oceans during the summer. In the interior of continents, thunderstorms can produce hail during the afternoon and evening. Schools and universities typically have a summer break to take advantage of the warmer weather and longer days.

The following are the possible business you can do.

1. Halo-halo (from "halo" = mix) is a favorite Filipino dessert or snack. It is basically a mixture of sweet preserved beans(red beans, chick peas), coconut meat (macapuno), jackfruit (langka), pounded dried rice (pinipig), sweet yam (ube), cream flan (leche flan), shreds of sweetened plantain (saba), filled with crushed ice, milk (or coconut milk) and topped with ice cream. The halo-halo basically is sweet, creamy, and a filling dessert.

This Filipino concoction is quite popular during the hot summer months (March-June) in the country, just as ice cream is. It is usually served in tall, clear glasses that show its colorful contents that tempt one's taste buds. One's thirst is even made worse by the perspiring ice-filled glass, and the melting ice cream on top.

2. Fruit Shake. It is amazing what you can do with a fridge full of fresh fruit and a blender. The difference between blender recipes and juicing is the added advantage of soft fibers.
This is wonderful for cleaning and maintaining a healthy colon. Blender recipes are an excellent addition to a healing and cleansing program.

Stay Healthy this Summer!!!

2011-03-20T21:52:00.000-07:00

Summer is almost there.Some of people go to beach or swimming pool to get refresh..But most important is to know how to stay healthy this summer? These are some tips:

   1. Drink plenty of water. It is very important to drink water. Your body needs water to prevent dehydration during warm summer days. Take special care to make sure infants and toddlers drink enough water. They can become dehydrated much more easily than adults.

2. If you have asthma or other respiratory problems, keep a careful watch on the daily air quality reports. Also, don't forget to take your inhaler or other medication with you when you go out.

3. Take a rest or nap. Don't push yourself beyond your physical limits.

4.Wear Sunscreen. Sunburn is painful and unhealthy. Use a sunscreen that is right for your skin.

5.Stay Cool. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing to help you stay cooler.

6. Wear Sunglasses. Sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun's UV rays.

7. Maintain your energy level by limiting your intake of fat and sugar; focus on carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables.

8. Before leaving for vacation pack a few items (calamine lotion, baking soda) that will help with itchy or painful insect bites.

9. If you have allergies and plan to be traveling/vacationing, find out which plants will be pollinating in your vacation spot

10. Know your body. If you are feeling ill, see a doctor. An average of 400 people die each year in the United States due to extreme heat.

Foods and Vitamins to protect body against radiation exposure..

2011-03-19T20:16:00.000-07:00

Concerns about radiation poisoning and exposure have led many people to wonder if there are some pills or treatment that will help protect them. Radiation exposure can lead to thyroid cancer and this is one of the greatest risks of death. There are actually some natural treatments and food products that can help a person deal with the effects of radiation poisoning. Not all treatments will work for every type of radiation, but some of these remedies can be helpful for certain types of exposure.

Potassium Iodide
Potassium Iodide is the most famous supplement made for radiation treatment. If you saturate your body with potassium iodide, it helps to protect your thyroid from absorbing radiation from nuclear sources. The effects only last for 24 hours so the substance must be taken daily during the threat. It only helps protect from radiation leaks from power plants and not from nuclear bomb attacks from terrorists because of the different types of isotopes.

Naringin
Naringin is a bioflavonoid compound that is found in citrus fruits such as grapefruit. It has been known to attack and help repair cells that have radiation damage. There is no proof that it helps to prevent radiation poisoning though.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C has been proven to be a valuable asset to fighting radiation poisoning. It can not only protect you from radiation but also help your body recover from previous exposure. Lemons have also been proven to be a good source.

Kelp
Kelp is large algae seaweed that grows in the ocean. Kelp is edible and high in iodine. It helps the body to prevent absorption of strontium 90 which is a by-product of nuclear plants. Kelp also helps to fight the effects of cesium, barium, cadmium, and plutonium.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D, especially in an active form calcitriol, has been shown to fight the effects of radiation poisoning. It helps to trigger communication between the cells and the prevention of dead cells to become cancerous. It has been shown to be helpful before and after exposure to radiation.

Tips on Earthquake preparedness

2011-03-13T06:54:00.000-07:00

The most important way to be earthquake ready is having an established plan, including having enough critical supplies for yourself and your family for at least three days -- also known as "the three-day rule."
Here's what you need to know to prepare yourself and your family for a major earthquake:
Emergency Preparedness Plan (from Vancouver's Fire and Rescue Services):

Stock up on at least a three-day supply of water, food and medical supplies for all.
Exit plan: Decide where and when to reunite your family after an emergency
Phone a friend: Choose a person at least 300 kilometres away from where you live to contact if your family becomes separated. Long distance phone service is often restored faster than local lines
Be prepared: Practice emergency exit plans with your family every six months.
Know the safest place in each room because it will be difficult to move from room to room
Locate shutoff valves for electricity, water and gas. Know how to use them
Make copies of vital records and keep them in another city/province
Take photos and/or videos of your valuables for insurance purposes
Keep an extra set of glasses and car keys on hand
Keep extra cash and change. In case of an emergency, it is unlikely ATM's will work
Keep an emergency kit. Check and replace items every six months

Tips for if you are at home during a quake:

Keep your hallway clear. It is usually one of the safest places to be in an earthquake
Stay away from kitchens and garages, which tend to be the most dangerous places because of the many items that are stored there
Stay away from heavy furniture, appliances, glass panes, shelves holding objects, and large masonry - like fireplaces

Basic emergency kit supplies:

One litre of water per person per day
Non-perishable food
First-aid supplies and training
Pet supplies
Battery-operated radio
Flashlights with extra batteries
Toiletries
Clothing
Blankets
Medicine

How to become safe in cold weather??

2011-01-27T06:34:00.000-08:00

Falling temperatures and fewer daylight hours don't mean that your outdoor running routine has to go into hibernation for the winter. Running through the cold weather can help shake those winter blues, improve your energy level, and guarantee that you'll be in better shape once bathing suit season rolls around. Follow these tips for cold weather running:

Dress in Layers

Start with a thin layer of synthetic material such as polypropylene, which wicks sweat from your body. Stay away from cotton because it holds the moisture and will keep you wet. An outer, breathable layer of nylon or Gore-Tex will help protect you against wind and precipitation, while still letting out heat and moisture to prevent overheating and chilling. If it's really cold out, you'll need a middle layer, such as polar fleece, for added insulation.

Protect Your Hands and Feet

As much as 30% of your body heat escapes through your hands and feet. On mild days, wear running gloves that wick moisture away. Mittens are a better choice on colder days because your fingers will share their body heat. You can also tuck disposable heat pocket into your mittens. Add a wicking sock liner under a warm polar fleece or wool sock, but make sure you have enough room in your running shoes to accommodate these thicker socks.

Avoid Overdressing

You're going to warm up once you get moving, so you should feel a little bit chilly when you start your run. A good rule of thumb: Dress as if it's 20 degrees warmer outside than it really is.

Don't Forget Your Head

About 40% of your body heat is lost through your head. Wearing a hat will help prevent heat loss, so your circulatory system will have more heat to distribute to the rest of the body. When it's really cold, wear a face mask or a scarf over your mouth to warm the air you breathe and protect your face.

Watch for Frostbite

On really cold days, make sure you monitor your fingers, toes, ears, and nose. They may feel numb at first, but they should warm up a few minutes into your run. If you notice a patch of hard, pale, cold skin, you may have frostbite. Get out of the cold immediately and slowly warm the affected area. If numbness continues, seek emergency care.

Don't Stay in Wet Clothes

If you get wet from rain, snow or sweat in cold temperatures, you're at an increased risk for hypothermia, a lowering of your body temperature. If you're wet, change your clothes and get to warm shelter as quickly as possible. If you suspect hypothermia -- characterized by intense shivering, loss of coordination, slurred speech, and fatigue -- get emergency treatment immediately.

Stay Hydrated

Despite the cold weather, you'll still heat up and lose fluids through sweat. Cold air also has a drying effect, which can increase the risk of dehydration. Make sure you drink water or a sports drink before, during, and after your run.