Health and Entertainment

Messi

2012-12-14T06:12:00.001-08:00

Why does my BODY do that ???

2010-12-05T05:16:00.000-08:00

Yawns

If your body is low on oxygen, your mouth opens wide and tries to suck more in. Yawning is a way to regulate the amount of carbon dioxide and oxygen in your blood. Unfortunately, yawns are nearly impossible to stifle.

Eye Twitches

Serious eye twitches can be a symptom of neurological disorders, but often there is a more mundane explanation. Common causes for eye twitches include stress, lack of sleep extended staring or eye strain. Before you get frantic, try reducing your stress level, cutting back on caffeine and catching up on sleep.

Itches

Our skin most often gets itchy because of dryness associated with the environment or over-washing water and soap can strip skin of its natural oils, thus sapping moisture. Face or body lotion should be able to keep these types of itches under control; also look for body washes and soaps labeled moisturizing.If you still have itchy patches, you may be experiencing an allergic reaction to a chemical, plant, food, animal or drug. See an allergist if the itching is persistent.

Hiccups

If you've frequently got a case of the hiccups, try slowing down when you eat and drink. Doing either too quickly causes your stomach to swell; this irritates your diaphragm, which contracts and causes hiccups. You may also get hiccups in emotional situations or if your body experiences a sudden temperature change. In both of these cases, the hiccups are a result of a glitch in your nerve pathways, which is why a sudden scare which might shake up and reset your nerves can sometimes end an episode

Goose Bumps

Those tiny bumps that cover your skin when you're cold or scared are actually a defense mechanism. Goose bumps occur when the arrector pili, a tiny muscle that connects the hair follicle with skin, contracts and makes the hair stand on end. If you had more hair like cavemen did the upright hair would trap air to keep you warm or make you look bushier and therefore more threatening to predators.

Sneezes

Sneezes happen when your body is trying to expel an irritant from the nasal cavity. If you have allergies, pollen or pet dander is usually to blame. If you have a cold, your body makes mucus to trap the virus, and sneezing helps force it (and the sickness) out of your body. An over-the-counter allergy or cold medicine helps suppress your reaction to allergens or reduce mucus production, which should prevent sneezing fits.

Coughs

A cough is another mechanism your body uses to get rid of irritants. There are special cells along your air passage, that recognize irritants and force them out. Common colds, sinus infections and pneumonia all increase your body's mucus production, which triggers coughing. Smoking and asthma also tend to irritate the cells. To help cut down on chronic coughing, exercise regularly and practice good posture to keep your air passage open.

Shivers

Shivering, is full-body muscle twitching. When your temperature drops too low, your body shakes all over in an attempt to generate heat. The only way to cure these kind of shivers is to get your temperature back to 98.6Â°F.

Ear Ringing

Ear ringing, or tinnitus, can happen for two reasons. If you have fluid or an infection in your middle ear, you may hear a constant buzz. However, the more common cause is damage to the microscopic ends of your hearing nerves, which often happens when you're exposed to loud noises. To prevent permanent damage (and preserve your hearing), wear earplugs at concerts and sporting events or even when you mow the lawn.

Stomach Rumbles

As food, liquid and gas move through your digestive tract, your stomach muscles and intestines contract and cause rumbling noises called borborygmi which is the scientific name. Everyone's stomach makes noise during digestion, but if you have extra-loud rumbles, a teaspoon of olive oil or a cup of herbal tea with lemon may help ease them.

Limbs Falling Asleep

When there's consistent pressure on part of a limb, like when you sit on your feet or rest your head on an arm the pressure squeezes your nerve pathways and scrambles messages sent to your brain. The mixed messages make you lose feeling in the squished body part because your brain has trouble telling it what to do. To prevent a case of pins and needles, avoid sitting or lying in positions that compress your nerves.

Seeing Stars

If you stand too quickly, suffer a blow to the head or are stricken by a migraine, there's a good chance you'll see stars as blood surges to different parts of your body. Generally these tiny flashes of light will fade in a few seconds. If you see stars for more than a few moments, you could have a tear or tiny clot in your retina, and you should consult a physician immediately.

Ear Popping

The Eustachian tube in your inner ear is responsible for maintaining equal pressure on both sides of your eardrum. When you experience a rapid change in altitude during takeoff in an airplane or when riding an elevator in an extra-tall buildings the Eustachian tube opens to release pressure, and you hear a pop. To force the tube open (and pop your ears), squeeze your nostrils closed while exhaling forcefully through your nose.

Dead Poet's Society

2010-11-28T04:41:00.000-08:00

* Life is never the same after i met you. It became worse. I like it this way.

* Every time i see you i feel like seeing you for the first time.

* I feel better watching you from. I just want to keep staring at you.

* Life will never remain same by each passing day. I wish to make most of it everyday.
But i spend the day thinking what is that i could extract from today.

* I feel down and feel like giving it up, then you called me and i felt its not bad.

Manipulations of Smoke

2010-10-05T21:20:00.000-07:00

Spirit and Essence of Women in The Paintings

2010-10-05T12:25:00.001-07:00

Virtual Souls

2010-09-30T11:22:00.000-07:00

Track Your Lost Mobile Phone

2010-01-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

Here is an interesting fact to share. Now a days each one of us carry Hi Fi Mobile devices and always fear that it may be stolen.

Each mobile carries a unique IMEI i.e International Mobile Identity
No. which can be used to track your mobile anywhere in the world.

This is how it works!!!!!!

1. Dial *#06# from your mobile.

2. Your mobile shows a unique 15 digit .

3. Note down this no anywhere but except your mobile as this is the number which will help trace your mobile in case of a theft.

4. Once stolen you just have to mail this 15 digit IMEI no. to cop@vsnl.net

5. Your Mobile will be traced within next 24 hrs via a complex system of GPRS and internet.

6. You will find where your hand set is being operated even in case your number is being changed.

Spice remedies for all diseases

2009-12-16T05:27:00.001-08:00

COLDS Mix a gram of dalchini/cinnamon powder with a teaspoon of honey tocure cold. Prepare a cup of tea to which you should add ginger, clove, bay leaf and black pepper.. This should be consumed twice a day. Reduce the intake as the cold disappears.

GINGER FOR COLDS.

Ginger tea is very good to cure cold. Preparation of tea: cut gingerinto small pieces and boil it with water, boil it a few times and thenadd sugar to sweeten and milk to taste, and drink it hot. DRY COUGHS. Add a gram of turmeric (haldi) powder to a teaspoon of honey forcuring dry cough. Also chew a cardamom for a long time.

BLOCKED NOSE.

For blocked nose or to relieve congestion, take a table spoon ofcrushed carom seeds (ajwain) and tie it in a cloth and inhale it.

SORE THROAT.

Add a tea spoon of cumin seeds (jeera) and a few small pieces of dryginger to a glass of boiling water. Simmer it for a few minutes, andthen let it cool. Drink it twice daily. This will cure cold as well assour throat.

AJWAIN/AJMO FOR ASTHMA

Boil ajwain in water and inhale the steam.

CURE FOR BACKACHE

Rub ginger paste on the backache to get relief.

GARLIC FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Have 1-2 pod garlic (lasan) first thing in the morning with water HONEY AND GINGER FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE. Mix 1 table spoon and 1 table spoon ginger (adrak) juice, 1 tablespoon of crushed cumin seeds (jeera), and have it twice daily.
MIGRAINE
For the cure of migraine or acute cold in the head; boil a tablespoonof pepper powder, and a pinch of turmeric in a cup of milk, and have it daily for a few couple of days.
BITTER GOURD/KARELA IS GOOD
A tablespoon of amla juice mixed with a cup of fresh bitter gourd(karela) juice and taken daily for 2 months reduces blood sugar.
TURMERIC/ ARAD CURE FOR INJURIES
For any cut or wound, apply turmeric powder to the injured portion tostop the bleeding. It also works as an antiseptic. You can tie abandage after applying haldi/turmeric.

CRAMPS

You must do a self-massage using mustard oil every morning. Just take a little oil between your palms and rub it all over your body. Then take a shower. This is especially beneficial during winter. You could also mix a little mustard powder with water to make a paste and apply this on your palms and soles of your feet.

HEADACHES.

If you have a regular migraine problem, include five almonds alongwith hot milk in your daily diet. You could also have a gram of blackpepper along with honey or milk, twice or thrice a day. Make an almond paste by rubbing wet almonds against a stone. This can be applied to forehead. Eat an apple with a little salt on an empty stomach everyday and seeits wonderful effects. OR When headache is caused by cold winds, cinnamon works best in curing headache. Make a paste of cinnamon by mixing in water and apply it all over your forehead

TURMERIC FOR ARTHRITIS.

Turmeric can be used in treating arthritis due to itsanti-inflammatory property. Turmeric can be taken as a drink other than adding to dishes to help prevent all problems. Use one teaspoon of turmeric powder per cup of warm milk every day. It is also used as a paste for local action.

GOOD FOR THE HEART

Turmeric lower cholesterol and by preventing the formation of theinternal blood clots improves circulation and prevents heart diseaseand stroke. Turmeric can be taken as a drink other than adding to dishes to help prevent all problems. Use one teaspoon of turmeric powder per cup of warm milk every day. It is also used as a paste for local action.

GOOD FOR INDIGESTION

Turmeric can be used to relieve digestive problems like ulcers,dysentery. Turmeric can be taken as a drink other than adding todishes to help prevent all problems. Use one teaspoon of turmeric powder per cup of warm milk every day. It is also used as a paste for local action.

HONEY IS A GOOD CURE FOR ALL DISEASES Mix 1 teaspoon honey with ? teaspoon cinnamon powder and have at night.

HICCUPS

Take a warm slice of lemon and sprinkle salt, sugar and black pepperon it.. The lemon should be eaten until the hiccups stop.

HIGH BLOOD CHOLESTEROL

In 1 glass of water, add 2 tbsps of coriander/dhania seeds and bringto a boil. Let the decoction cool for some time and then strain. Drinkthis mixture two times in a day. OR Sunflower seeds are extremelybeneficial, as they contain linoleic acid that helps in reducing the cholesterol deposits on the walls of arteries.

PILES

Radish juice should be taken twice a day, once in the morning andthen later in the night. Initially drink about ? cup of radish juice andthen gradually increase it to ? cup. OR Soak 3-4 figs in a glass of water. Keep it overnight. Consume the figs on an empty stomach, the next day in the morning

VOMITING

Take 2 cardamoms/elachi and roast them on a dry pan (tava). Powder the cardamoms and thereafter add a tsp of honey in it. Consume itfrequently. It serves as a fabulous home remedy for vomiting. OR Inthe mixture of 1 tsp of mint juice and 1 tsp limejuice, add ? tsp ofginger juice and 1 tsp honey. Drink this mixture to prevent vomiting. OR Limejuice is an effective remedy for vomiting. Take a glass of chilled limejuice and sip slowly. To prevent vomiting, drink ginger tea. OR In 1 glass water, add some honey and drink sip by sip. WARTS Apply castor oil daily over the problematic area. Continue forseveral months. OR Apply milky juice of fresh and barely-ripe figs a number of times a day. Continue for two weeks. OR Rub cut raw potatoes on the affected area several times daily. Continue for at least two weeks. OR Rub cut onions on the warts to stimulate the circ lation of blood.. OR Apply milk from the cut end of dandelion over the warts 2-3 times a day. OR Apply oil extracted from the shell of the cashew nut over the warts. OR Apply Papaya juice OR Apply Pineapple juice.

URINARY TRACT INFECTION

In 8 oz of water, put ? tsp of baking soda and drink it. OR Drinkplenty of water, as it aids in flushing out the waste products from the body. OR Drink Cranberry juice. You can also add some apple juice for taste.

SINUSITIS

Mango serves as an effective home remedy for preventing the frequent attacks of sinus, as it is packed with loads of vitamin A. OR Another beneficial remedy consists of consuming pungent foods like onion and garlic, as a part of your daily meals. OR Fenugreek/methi leaves are considered valuable in curing sinusitis. In 250 ml water, boil 1 tsp of Fenugreek seeds and reduce it to half. This will help you to perspire, dispel toxicity and reduce the fever period. OR Tie a tsp of black cumin seeds in a thin cotton cloth and inhale.
TONSILLITIS
Take a fresh lemon and squeeze it in a glass of water. Add 4 tsp ofhoney and ? tsp of salt in it. Drink it slowly sip by sip. OR Milk hasproved beneficial in treating tonsillitis. In 1 glass of pure boiledmilk, add a pinch of turmeric powder and pepper powder. Drink it every night for about 3 days.

Iman Maleki

2009-10-30T05:48:00.000-07:00

Iman Maleki was born on 1976 in Tehran. He has been fascinated by the art of Painting since he was a child. At the age of 15 he started to learn painting under the mastery of his first and the only teacher Morteza Katouzian - who is the greatest realistic painter of Iran

Darkness Falls !!!

2009-10-21T23:10:00.000-07:00

Friendship

2009-10-07T21:04:00.000-07:00

Friendship is not about “I m sorry “ its about “abbe teri galti hai “

Friendship is not about “I m there for u” or “I missed u “ it’s about “kahan marr gaya saale “

Friendship is not about “I understand “ its about “sab teri wajah se hua manhus“

Friendship is not about “I care for u “ its about “kamino tumhe chhod ke kahan jaunga “

Friendship is not about “I m happy for ur success “ its about “chal party de saale“

Friendship is not about “I love that girl“ its about “saalo izzat se dekho tumhari bhabhi hain “

Friendship is not about “R u coming for outing tomorrow” its about “ nautanki nahi, hum kal bahar ja rahe hai “

Friendship is not about “Get well soon” its about “ Itna piyega toh yehi hoga“

Russian Model in Indian Costumes

2009-09-24T06:45:00.000-07:00

Fruits and Human Body

2009-09-01T05:15:00.000-07:00

CARROTS – EYES

SLICE a carrot and it looks just like an eye, right down to the pattern of the iris. It’s a clear clue to the importance this everyday veg has for vision. Carrots get their orange colour from a plant chemical called betacarotene, which reduces the risk of developing cataracts. The chemical also protects against macular degeneration an age-related sight problem that affects one in four over-65s. It is the most common cause of blindness in Britain. But popping a betacarotene pill doesn’t have the same effect, say scientists at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore

WALNUT – BRAIN

THE gnarled folds of a walnut mimic the appearance of a human brain - and provide a clue to the benefits. Walnuts are the only nuts which contain significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. They may also help head off dementia. An American study found that walnut extract broke down the protein-based plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers at Tufts University in Boston found walnuts reversed some signs of brain ageing in rats. Dr James Joseph, who headed the study, said walnuts also appear to enhance signalling within the brain and encourage new messaging links between brain cells.

TOMATO – HEART

A TOMATO is red and usually has four chambers, just like our heart. Tomatoes are also a great source of lycopene, a plant chemical that reduces the risk of heart disease and several cancers. The Women’s Health Study — an American research programme which tracks the health of 40,000 women — found women with the highest blood levels of lycopene had 30 per cent less heart disease than women who had very little lycopene. Lab experiments have also shown that lycopene helps counter the effect of unhealthy LDL cholesterol. One Canadian study, published in the journal Experimental Biology and Medicine, said there was “convincing vidence’ that lycopene prevented coronary heart disease.

GRAPES – LUNGS

OUR lungs are made up of branches of ever-smaller airways that finish up with tiny bunches of tissue called alveoli. These structures, which resemble bunches of grapes, allow oxygen to pass from the lungs to the blood stream. One reason that very premature babies struggle to survive is that these alveoli do not begin to form until week 23 or 24 of pregnancy. A diet high in fresh fruit, such as grapes, has been shown to reduce the risk of lung cancer and emphysema. Grape seeds also contain a chemical called proanthocyanidin, which appears to reduce the severity of asthma triggered by allergy.

CHEESE – BONES

A nice ‘holey’ cheese, like Emmenthal, is not just good for your bones, it even resembles their internal structure. And like most cheeses, it is a rich source of calcium, a vital ingredient for strong bones and reducing the risk of osteoporosis later in life. Together with another mineral called phosphate, it provides the main strength in bones but also helps to ‘power’ muscles. Getting enough calcium in the diet during childhood is crucial for strong bones. A study at Columbia University in New York showed teens who increased calcium intake from 800mg a day to 1200mg – equal to an extra two slices of cheddar - boosted their bone density by six per cent.

GINGER – STOMACH

Root ginger, commonly sold in supermarkets, often looks just like the stomach. So it’s interesting that one of its biggest benefits is aiding digestion. The Chinese have been using it for over 2,000 years to calm the stomach and cure nausea, while it is also a popular remedy for motion sickness. But the benefits could go much further. Tests on mice at the University of Minnesota found injecting the chemical that gives ginger its flavour slowed down the growth rate of bowel tumours.

BANANA (SMILE) – DEPRESSION

Cheer yourself up and put a smile on your face by eating a banana. The popular fruit contains a protein called tryptophan. Once it has been digested, tryptophan then gets converted in a chemical neurotransmitter called serotonin. This is one of the most important mood-regulating chemicals in the brain and most anti-depressant drugs work by adjusting levels of serotonin production. Higher levels are associated with better moods.

MUSHROOM – EAR

Slice a mushroom in half and it resembles the shape of the human ear. And guess what? Adding it to your cooking could actually improve your hearing. That’s because mushrooms are one of the few foods in our diet that contain vitamin D. This particular vitamin is important for healthy bones, even the tiny ones in the ear that transmit sound to the brain.

BROCCOLI – CANCER

Close-up, the tiny green tips on a broccoli head look like hundreds of cancer cells. Now scientists know this disease-busting veg can play a crucial role in preventing the disease. Last year, a team of researchers at the US National Cancer Institute found just a weekly serving of broccoli was enough to reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 45 per cent. In Britain, prostate cancer kills one man every hour.

Thoughts from a man's heart

2009-08-17T01:04:00.000-07:00

Thought 1
When we are born, our mothers get the compliments and the flowers..When we are married, our brides get the presents and the publicity.When we die, our widows get the life insurance.What do women want to be liberated from?

Thought 2
The average man's life consists of:Twenty years of having his mother ask him where he is going,Forty years of having his wife ask the same question;and at the end, the mourners wondering too where he is going.

Thought 3
Everyone in the wedding ceremony was watching the radiant bride as her father escorted her down the aisle to give away to the groom. They reached the altar and the waiting groom; the bride kissed her father and placed something in his hand. Everyone in the room was wondering what was given to the father by the bride.The father could feel the suspense in the air and all eyes were on him to divulge the secret and say something. So he announced :'Ladies and Gentlemen. Today is the luckiest day of my life ...' Then he raised his hands with what his daughter gave him and continued, 'My daughter finally, finally returned my Credit Card to me..'The whole audience including the priest started laughing . . . . .. But not the poor Groom ! ! !And now the Best one. . . . .

Thought 4
A Man was walking down a street when he heard a voice from behind, 'If you take one more step, a brick will fall down on your head and kill you.'The man stopped and a big brick fell right in front of him. The man was astonished. He went on, and after a while he was going to cross the road. Once again the voice shouted, 'Stop ! Stand still ! If you take one more step a car will run over you, and you will die.'The man did as he was instructed, just as a car came careening around the corner, barely missing him. The man asked. 'Who are you?''I am your guardian angel,' the voice answered.'Oh, yeah?' the man said 'And where the hell were you when I got married?

Ten home remedies to avoid Swine Flu

2009-08-12T23:47:00.000-07:00

1. Have five duly washed leaves of Tulsi (known as Basil in English; medicinal name Ocimum sanctum) everyday in the morning. Tulsi has a large number of therapeutic properties. It keeps throat and lungs clear and helps in infections by way of strengthening your immunity.

2. Giloi (medicinal name Tinospora cordifolia) is a commonly available plant in many areas. Take a one-foot long branch of giloi, add five to six leaves of Tulsi and boil in water for 15-20 minutes or long enough to allow the water to extract its properties. Add black pepper and sendha (salt used during religious fasts), rock or black salt, or Misri (crystalised sugar like lumps to make it sweet) according to taste. Let it cool a bit and drink this kadha (concoction) while still warm. It will work wonders for your immunity. If giloi plant is not available, get processed giloi powder from Hamdard or others, and concoct a similar drink once a day. .

3. A small piece of camphor (kapoor) approximately the size of a tablet should be taken once or twice a month. It can be swallowed with water by adults while children can take it along with mashed potatoes or banana because they will find it difficult to have it without any aides. Please remember camphor is not to be taken everyday, but only once each season, or once a month.

4. Those who can take garlic must have two pods of raw garlic first thing in the morning. To be swallowed daily with lukewarm water. Garlic too strengthens immunity like the earlier measures mentioned.

5. Those not allergic to milk must take a glass of hot or lukewarm milk every night with a small measure of haldi (turmeric).

6. Aloe vera (gwarpatha) too is a commonly available plant. Its thick and long, cactus-like leaves have an odourless gel. A teaspoon gel taken with water daily can work wonders for not only your skin and joint pains, but also boost immunity.

7. Take homeopathic medicines — Pyrogenium 200 and Inflenzium 200 in particular — five tablets three times a day, or two-three drops three times a day. While these are not specifically targeted at H1N1 either, these work well as preventive against common flu virus.

8. Do Pranayam daily (preferably under guidance if you are already not initiated into it) and go for morning jog/walk regularly to keep your throat and lungs in good condition and body in fine fettle. Even in small measures, it will work wonders for your body’s resistance against all such diseases which attack the nose, throat and lungs, besides keeping you fit.

9. Have citrus fruits, particularly Vitamin C rich Amla (Indian gooseberry) juice. Since fresh Amla is not yet available in the market (not for another three to four months), it is not a bad idea to buy packaged Amla juice which is commonly available nowadays.

Last but not the least, wash your hands frequently every day with soap and warm water for 15-20 seconds; especially before meals, or each time after touching a surface that you suspect could be contaminated with flu virus such as a door handle or a knob/handle, especially if you have returned from a public place or used public transport. Alcohol-based hand cleaners should be kept handy at all times and used until you can get soap and warm water.

Tulsi to fight Swine Flu

2009-08-12T21:46:00.000-07:00

Ayurveda, the traditional 'science of life', has a remedy for diseases when every other stream of medicine fails. Now, at a time when swine flu is spreading like wildfire across the world, Ayurveda has the remedy in the form of the miraculous herb, the basil leaves commonly known as Tulsi.

Tulsi, the purest and most sublime plant, has been known and worshipped in India for more than five millennia for its remarkable healing properties. Considered as an 'Elixir of Life', this wonder herb has now been claimed to keep the deadly swine flu at bay and help fast recovery in afflicted persons.

"The anti-flu property of Tulsi has been discovered by medical experts across the world quite recently. Tulsi improves the body's overall defence mechanism including its ability to fight viral diseases. It was successfully used in combating Japanese Encephalitis and the same theory applies to swine flu," Dr U K Tiwari, a herbal medicine practitioner says.
Apart from acting as a preventive medicine in case of swine flu, Tulsi can help the patient recover faster.

"Even when a person has already contracted swine flu, Tulsi can help in speeding up the recovery process and also help in strengthening the immune system of the body," he claims.
Dr Bhupesh Patel, a lecturer at Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar is also of the view that Tulsi can play an important role in controlling swine flu.

"Tulsi can control swine flu and it should be taken in fresh form. Juice or paste of at least 20-25 medium sized leaves should be consumed twice a day on an empty stomach." This increases the resistance of the body and, thereby, reduces the chances of inviting swine flu," believes Patel.

As its name suggests, Tulsi has again proved to be the 'the incomparable' medicine - this time, in the prevention and cure of swine flu.The symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with novel H1N1 flu virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. The high risk groups for novel H1N1 flu are not known at this time, but it's possible that they may be the same as for seasonal influenza. However, Please consult a practitioner in case of any such symptoms. Doctors have strictly advised against self medication.

for more info click on http://in.news.yahoo.com/242/20090812/1512/tls-indian-natural-herb-tulsi-to-fight-b_1.html

Wild Birds

2009-08-10T05:09:00.001-07:00

Nepalese Lion Dogs

2009-08-06T05:36:00.001-07:00

Regular Health Mistakes

2009-08-06T02:49:00.000-07:00

Regular Health Mistakes

All of us make little health mistakes that cause damage to our bodies in the long run - simply because we are unaware we are doing something wrong. Here are some of the most common mistakes made by many of us.

Crossing our legs
Do you cross your legs at your knees when sitting? Although we may believe that this is the lady-like elegant way to sit, sitting this way cuts down circulation to your legs. If you don"t want varicose veins to mar the beauty of your legs and compromise your health, uncross your legs every time you realise you have one knee on top of the other. The best way to sit is to simply place both legs together on the floor, balancing your weight equally. If you feel like changing position, instead of crossing your legs, simply move both legs together to one side. As an alternative, you could also consider crossing your legs loosely at the ankles. This is a classically elegant way to sit, and is far better for your legs and your health than sitting with your legs crossed at your knees.

Not changing our toothbrush
How often do you change your toothbrush? Most of us wait until most of the bristles have either fallen off, or are in such bad shape that we"d be embarrassed to pull out our brush in public. However, since not many of us need to pull out our brush in public, we carry on with our frayed one until we lose it. Replace your toothbrush often. Damaged bristles can harm the enamel, and don"t massage your gums well. If you find brushing your teeth a pain like I do, but know you must do it, you might as well be doing it right. Imagine going through the annoyance of brushing your teeth twice a day only to find out that you"re damaging your enamel every time you clean your teeth. Also, use a brush with soft bristles unless your dentist has advised otherwise.

Eating out often
There are oils that are high in cholesterol, and oils that cause little harm and are better for your heart. However, no matter how light the oil is, it is never a good idea to eat too much of it. Avoid fried foods.Remember that in all probability your favourite Indian food restaurant throws a huge, HUGE chunk of butter in a tiny bowl of dal. Rita, who worked in the kitchen of a 5 star hotel, was shocked when she saw the cook chop a 500gm butter slab in half, and throw half into a Paneer Makhani dish. No wonder the customers left licking their fingers. And no wonder they felt so stuffed and heavy afterwards. Limit outdoor eating unless you know that you"re getting served light and healthy food.

Skipping breakfast
Never, ever skip breakfast. Remember, when you wake up in the morning it"s been around 10-12 hours since your last meal. Your body needs food now, more than at any other time.. Eat a heavy breakfast. You will then be busy through the day, and the calories will get expended quickly. If you are trying to diet, eat a light dinner. Here are some more common health mistakes we make. Being informed and making a few changes can help make us feel a whole lot better.

High heels
High heels sure look great, but they're murder for your back. This however doesn't mean you should steer clear of stilettos. Wear them, but not when you know you will be walking around a lot. Wear them when going out for lunch or dinner - when the only walking you will be doing is to your car, to the table, and back. Avoid high heels when you are going somewhere on foot. If you are constantly tempted to wear your heels, take a good look at your flats. Is there something about them you dislike? Invest in a new pair of beautiful flats or shoes with a low heel. Buy something you love, that you will enjoy wearing. If possible, get a matching bag. You will then enjoy your flats as much as you do your heels.

Sleeping on a soft bed
You don't have to sleep on the floor be kind to your back, but do make sure you have a firm mattress. Although a mattress on springs is soft and lovely to sink into, it's bad for your back. If you already have an old bed with springs, you don't need to invest in a new one - simply get a thick wooden plank put over the springs, and place the mattress on the plank. Similarly, if your mattress is old and lumpy, throw it out and get a new one. Your neck and your back will thank you. The same rule applies to sofas. If you will be spending hours on a sofa, get a firm yet comfortable one. Sofas you completely sink into are not the best idea.

Pillows
No matter how comfortable sleeping with ten cushions is, have pity on your neck and resist. Sleep with one pillow, and make sure it is not too thick. If your pillow gets lumpy, discard it and go for a new one. Get a thin pillow if you sleep on your stomach, and something a little thicker if you sleep on your back, to give your neck adequate support

Not exercising
So all of us know we should exercise more, but many of us don't. This is a health mistake we consciously make! And why is that? Simply because we refuse to admit the damage we are causing to our bodies by not working out. A number of people only start working out once they've experienced a warning signal. Don't wait for a heart attack to strike before you decide to opt for a lifestyle change. Make the change now. You don't need to train for the marathon to be in top shape. Half an hour of brisk walking three to four times a week will make a world of difference to your health. You could then increase this to forty minutes, four times a week - and you're all set. If you haven't exercised for a week, you're making a mistake.

Top Ten Horror Movies

2009-08-04T21:39:00.000-07:00

28 Days Later… (2002)This is number 1 on this list for several reasons. First, great character development. With so few characters throughout most of the film, it makes the people involved seem very real and interesting. Secondly, it has plenty of action and gore, but also intelligently examines what the apocalypse may indeed be like. Third, great direction and chilling shots of an empty London coupled with superb acting and story compel this one high above all the others.

The Descent (2005)This is one of the scariest movies that I have ever seen. It combines darkness and claustrophobia with carnivorous cave dwelling creatures. It scares the hell out of me time after time and really shows what darkness mixed with a desperate situation can do to a person’s decisions. Plenty of gore and scares put this one firmly near the top of the list.

Grindhouse (2007)While in theaters, this one was sadly a large disappointment financially which made them cut the fantastic 3 hour experience into 2 separate DVDs (Death Proof and Planet Terror), but I still consider it to be a singular experience. It is two great films rolled into one by two of the better action directors of this generation (Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino). If you haven’t seen this one check it out for sure – I don’t think you’ll be dissapointed.

Shaun of the Dead (2004)This is the 2nd movie that successfully blends comedy and horror, and is the favorite movie of all time for many. It is somewhat of a spoof movie on the zombie genre, but not in the horrific ways that those rogue scary movie writers have been passing off. It has a great amount of affection for what it is spoofing along with some good action and gore thrown in.

Dawn of the Dead (2004)Some may disagree with this being on the list given that it is a remake of one of the most revered horror movies of all time. It does stay faithful to the original – only giving zombies some well-needed updates on their abilities. Zach Snyder shows a lot of talent with this movie, which is a lot of fun along with being scary and suspenseful. He needs to be applauded for reinvigorating the genre.

28 Weeks Later (2007)This was a film that I really wanted to hate. I thought of it as a bad idea because Danny Boyle would not be directing again, and that there was no need for a sequel to the almost perfect 28 Days Later. I was quite surprised that this was almost as good while being completely different than the first. It goes for big action sequences and a large cast of characters rather than the very small feel the first film had. Nonetheless, it is a creepy film that should be commended. Read our review.

Zodiac (2007)Zodiac was another that was tough to categorize but given the suspense, the true life aspect and the fact that this is one of the best mystery movies I have ever seen, I consider it in some ways horror. It completely covers all of the investigations of the Zodiac murders along with showing them. Twists and turns throughout, along with some really original action sequences make this a movie everyone should see if they have three hours to kill. Read our review.

Slither (2006)Slither was one of two movies on this list that successfully blended horror and comedy. It was a great sort of alien movie that didn’t take itself too seriously, but instead had fun with the things that were going on. Some good action and suspense coupled with some laughs make this a film that any horror fan should check out.

Saw (2004)This is a movie that succeeds on many different levels. First of all, it was a huge financial success that let Lionsgate make some different and great movies soon after. Also, it was genuinely suspenseful with a great twist and some very good scares. We, the viewer, were much like the characters, in that we were thrust into a situation that we didn’t understand and figured out things as they unfolded. It is a shame that they abandoned the template of the first film and instead decided to make haunted house ride kinda movies where it became just one room of gore to the next. If you haven’t had the chance, make sure you check out the one that started it all.

The Sixth Sense (1999)I was tentative in putting this movie on the list because of the fact that it is more suspense than anything else (plus it was PG-13, which in my mind is a big no-no). None of this can take away from the fact that it is a fantastic movie with a great twist and some nice scares. I personally believe this movie is somewhat of a blessing and a curse considering the hordes of PG-13 horror movies it spawned after its success. This is still a movie that no one will really forget (unless you got the ending spoiled like most people did).

All About Blood Pressure

2009-08-04T05:41:00.000-07:00

What is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force created by the heart as it pushes blood into the arteries and the circulatory system. When the heart pumps, it causes blood to flow through the arteries and into the arterioles. As the blood goes through the arterioles, the arterioles either contract or expand altering both the amount of blood flow and the resistance to blood flow. If the arterioles remain in a contracted form, they create high blood pressure. The heart must then pump harder because the arterioles are exerting a greater resistance to blood flow.
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High blood pressure is often called the "silent killer". High blood pressure is called this because there are usually no symptoms. Very high blood pressure can also cause arteries to bulge (aneurysm) or burst (hemorrhage) .
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Blood Pressure and Heart Disease
High blood pressure is a risk for both heart disease and stroke. Unfortunately, high blood pressure usually has no specific symptoms and no early warning signs. It directly increases the risk of heart disease. High blood pressure is a risk for heart disease because the heart is working harder than normal thus putting the heart and the arteries under a greater strain.

When the heart is forced to work harder for long periods of time, the heart becomes enlarged. A heart that is slightly enlarged may function okay but a severely enlarged heart has a hard time pumping a sufficient amount of blood. High blood pressure is also a risk for strokes.
It is estimated that over 60 million Americans have high blood pressure. Of this 60 million, about 35 percent don't know they have it.

Blood pressure and Kidney disease
High blood pressure and kidney disease are closely related. High blood pressure is a common cause of kidney failure in Australia . One mechanism for this is the production of a hormone called 'renin' by the kidneys. If the kidneys aren't functioning properly, renin can be produced inappropriately, raising the blood pressure.

If high blood pressure is left unchecked, it can cause blood vessels in the kidneys to become thickened and narrowed, possibly leading to reduced blood supply and reduced kidney function.

Blood Pressure as a Tool
Blood pressure is an important diagnostic index, especially of circulatory function. It is an important diagnostic index for many reasons. Firstly, any condition that dilates or contracts the blood vessels or affects their elasticity, affects the blood pressure. Secondly, any disease of the heart that interferes with its pumping power, affects the blood pressure. In a healthy animal, the blood pressure normal for its species is maintained within a certain range with great constancy. Thus if blood pressure is abnormally low or high, it usually indicates that greater health problems are present.

How is Blood pressure Measured?
Blood pressure is measured at two points, a high point and a low point. The high point is the point at which the heart contracts to empty its blood into the circulation, called systole. The low point is the point at which the heart relaxes to fill with blood returned by the circulation, called diastole. Pressure is measured in millimeters (mm) of mercury by an instrument called a sphygmomanometer.

In humans, blood pressure doesn't vary greatly. In healthy persons, blood pressure increases from about 80/45 in infants, to about 120/80 at age 30, to about 140/85 at age 40 and over. Blood pressure increases with age because the arteries loose elasticity.

Abnormally high blood pressure (hypertension) is considered a contributory cause of arteriosclerosis. Abnormally low blood pressure (hypotension) is observed in infectious and wasting diseases, hemorrhage, and persons who have collapsed.

Causes of High Blood Pressure?
In about 10 percent of patients, the disease can be traced to specific causes: heredity, kidney abnormalities, adrenal gland tumors, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, hormone abnormalities, use of birth control pills, pregnancy or a congenital narrowing of the aorta. This is called secondary hypertension. In the other 90 percent of patients, the cause is unknown and is referred to essential hypertension.

Does Blood Pressure stay the same?
No. Your blood pressure varies all the time to meet your body's needs. The pressure will be different when you get up in the morning, to when you are relaxing, exercising or sleeping. Blood pressure is usually at its highest when we exercise, and lowest when we sleep. Blood pressure can also rise due to anxiety, excitement, activity or nervousness. . In general, blood pressure remains fairly constant throughout the day.

How to Decrease Blood Pressure
There are many ways to decrease blood pressure. Blood pressure can be decreased if a person exercises, doesn't smoke, limits salt intake, limits alcohol intake and if obese, loses weight. Individuals who are very active have a lower risk of getting high blood pressure (20 to 50 percent) than people who are not active.

Medications for Blood pressure
Please note: Medications for blood pressure should be prescribed by and taken under the direction of a doctor.
Diuretics: Commonly called "water pills," they lower blood pressure by reducing the body's sodium and water volume
Vasodilators: These drugs relax the muscles in the blood vessel walls, causing them to dilate, or widen

How is Blood pressure controlled?
Blood pressure is regulated largely by the nervous system. Hemoglobin, the iron-protein compound that gives blood its red color, also plays a role in regulating blood pressure. However, hemoblobin's affect is usually localized and is not very useful when trying to control blood pressure on a large scale. Hemoglobin contains nitric oxide, a gas that relaxes the blood vessel walls, thus increasing blood flow. It controls the expansion and contraction of blood vessels, and thus blood pressure, by regulating the amount of nitric oxide to which the vessels are exposed.
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Individuals with high blood pressure can be given medication to lower their blood pressure. Mild cases of blood pressure can be treated through behavior modification like changing diet and increasing exercise. More severe cases of hypertension require medications like diuretics and beta blockers. Diuretics rid the body of excess fluids and salt. Beta blockers reduce the heart rate and the heart's output of blood.

Blood Pressure Statistics
As many as 50 million Americans aged 6 and older have high blood pressure.
One in five Americans (and one in four adults) has high blood pressure.
Of those people with high blood pressure, 31.6 percent don't know they have it.
People with lower educational and income levels also tend to have higher levels of blood pressure.
Non-Hispanic blacks and Mexican Americans are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure than are non-Hispanic whites.

Who is at risk for High Blood Pressure?
In the early and middle adult years, men have high blood pressure more often than women. But as men and women age, the reverse is true. Unfortunately, more than half of all Americans over age 65 have high blood pressure.

Garlic and Your Health

2009-08-04T05:33:00.000-07:00

Garlic and Your Health

Garlic (allium sativum) is packed full of health-promoting power. It's famous for being one of our most powerful natural health allies. It can be used in poultices and teas or in direct applications. Or you can enjoy more of it in all your favorite foods. In fact, nearly everyone would benefit from a generous boost of garlic in the daily diet, because it...

* is a potent antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal and immune-boosting herb

* can be used to treat wounds, infections and sties

* improves circulation * treats ulcers

* attacks cold germs and flu viruses

* prevents and treats respiratory and throat problems, such as chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, sore throat, tonsillitis and pneumocystis pneumonia

* alleviates allergy symptoms

* retards inflammatory reactions

* can be used directly to treat burns and insect bites and stings

* treats earaches and ear infections

* helps prevent altitude sickness

* is effective at treating breastfeeding- related mastitis with the added bonus of not introducing antibiotics into baby's milk

* helps babies nurse better

* reduces high cholesterol levels

* helps control blood sugar levels

* lowers high blood pressure

* helps prevent ischemic stroke (If you're concerned about hemorrhagic stroke, avoid anti-clotting herbs.)

* helps prevent heart disease and heart attacks

* helps prevent angina and congestive heart failure

* reduces ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation of cardiac arrhythmia

* treats athlete's foot and other fungal infections

* treats vaginal yeast infections (candidiasis) , thrush and vaginitis

* helps prevent some types of cancer

* helps prevent migraines

* helps treat both types of herpes virus

* treats pinworms, roundworms, giardia (an amoeba) and other parasitic infections

* contains more blood-thinnning anticoagulants (9) than any other herb

* may help slow physiological aging and age-related memory loss

* helps prevent opportunistic infections of AIDS, and may inhibit spread of HIV in the body

* helps reduce the leg pain associated with peripheral vascular disease

* fights tuberculosis and enhances the action of standard antibiotics in fighting off tuberculosis bacteria

Cute Rabbits

2009-08-04T02:12:00.000-07:00

2012 End Of World ! What are your predictions ?

2009-08-03T23:17:00.000-07:00

There are many 2012 end of the world predictions. We will just identify a few.

1. What about the biblical PROPHECIES OF ARMAGEDDON - we have already had two world wars, will the world end with the ultimate war between good and evil in the year 2012? Biblical prophecies have been right before.
One example is the birth of Christ which fulfilled about 300 prophecies. Before Armageddon comes however (and December 21 2012 is not predicted in the Bible as "Armageddon Day"), biblical prophecies speak of a great time of GREAT TRIBULATION on the earth. Having said that, the Bible not only prophecies about a battle of Armageddon on earth but also increased earthquakes, floods, famine, disease, wars and rumours of wars. There will be things happening in the heavens far beyond our control. These are not end of the world 2012 dooms day predictions. But the Bible does say God will use cosmic events as means of his judgement on earth before the final day of judgement. If there is a dooms day, that's it. But before that day, Revelation 16:21 speaks of catastrophic disasters like 50 kilo hailstones. Matthew 24:29 says, "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the SUN be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:" But while the Bible speaks of judgment on earth before the ultimate "day of judgement", it also speaks of hope and describes very clearly how to escape the coming wrath. This is not about escaping any December 21 2012 doomsday prediction... but something more fearful!

CLICK HERE to read more about Armageddon

CLICK HEREto read more about Bible prophecy

CLICK HEREto read about escaping the wrath of God and why you need to

2. There are theories about ALIENS FROM OUTER SPACE - but is this December 21 2012 end of the world idea a result of too much time sitting in front of the box and not enough actual facts? And how did they come up with this 2012 prediction about an alien invasion when there is no widely accepted proof that aliens even exist!
This unlike, the next theme, does not deseve any serious attention.

3. Then there are stories surfacing about SCIENTIFIC EXPERIMENTS along the lines of splitting the atom - will the earth be blown up by a mad scientist?
Apparently there is an experiment on a very large scale planned for the year 2012. Could this bring about an end of the world 2012 dooms day? In a long very tunnel, particle physicists plan to collide electrons and positrons (the opposite of electrons). The tunnel may be up to 50km long and they will use energies of up to a trillion electron volts. This will hurl these particles at close to the speed of light. No one knows what will happen if antimatter is created. Could it destroy a delicate balance in the universe?
Will December 21 2012 end of the world predictions be fulfilled through scientific a experiment?

4. On an ancient MAYAN CALENDER 2012 is an IMPORTANT DATE The Mayan Calendar runs out on December 21 2012 and it has been suggested that they knew something we don't. This is the basis of what has been called the Mayan 2012 Prophecy. However, just because an ancient Mayan calendar ends on December 21 2012 it does not mean that the world will end then too, especially as the Mayan's did not actually speak of a doomsday, much less a 2012 doomsday. True, on the Mayan Calendar 2012 was important and you can find out more about this by clicking the link below the next paragraph. STRANGE MAYAN BELIEFS. While the Mayan's had some interesting beliefs and insights about life and the cosmos and while some of them reflect scientific observations today, there are other things you may not have heard of. For example, the Mayans also believed that our sun is a god powered by blood from human sacrifices - this and other beliefs were influenced by hallucinogenic drugs which were used, among other things for autosacrifices (yes, suicide). So be careful what you believe.

CLICK HERE to read more...

5. A very real possibility is DISEASE - we have seen how quickly it can spread and devastate human life on earth. And there has been talk of the threat of pandemics for several years now. Including the recent Swine Flu pandemic. But is it reasonable to say that the world will end this way on exactly December 21 2012 with an earth wide pandemic? No!

6. Will SOLAR FLARES snuff out the earth on December 21 2012 - solar flares seem to come in cycles and NASA have said that the sun is due for a big one around 2012. How big and if it will really happen or bring about an end of the world 2012 doomsday are unknown. What we do know is that our life on earth is deeply affected by the activity of the sun. And as mentioned in the section above on Armageddon, the sun WILL play a role in end time biblical judgments on the earth. However, while solar flares and other solar activity may affect us more in 2012 than other years, no one can predict that solar activity will bring about the end of the world on December 21 2012.

CLICK HERE to read more...

7. BIOLOGICAL WARFARE has been suggested as a means to earth's end. But again, how can one predict that the world will come to an end in this way on exactly December 21 2012? The threat of biological warefare will always be here as long as we have insane and / or hateful world control freaks. However, biological warfare cannot be seriously considered as and end of the world 2012 prophecy, let alone the exact date of December 21 2012. This must be seen as scaremongering and not worthy of attention

8. One prediction is of a GIANT METEOR OR ASTEROID. Meteors have struck the earth before. Could a giant meteor or comet bring and end to the world? Some predict we are overdue for a strike and give 2012 as a possible date for a giant meteor strike on earth.

9. Others believe that a PLANET X: NIBIRU, two thirds earth's size, will pass through our solar system around 2012 causing polar axis shifts on earth. A process, if it actually happens, that would apparently take up to 5,000 years. So, it would not happen on December 21 2012. Planet X has also been linked to some VAGUE prophecies suggesting that for NOSTRADAMUS 2012 end of the world predictions are true. However, more than once Nostradamus predictions have been "tweaked" to fit with world catastrophies. And while Nostradamus was a clever man, he was no prophet.

EAT SMART "Cut out the killer colas "

2009-07-31T06:27:00.000-07:00

Cut out the killer colas ........

Most of us opt for a soft drink when thirsty. But have you thought of what it does inside the body?

We know that colas are bad for health; yet, most of us drink them all the time. In the 1970s, a soft drink was a treat. Today, a chilled cola is the first thing we reach out for after a hot trip. For the hip youth, they are the ‘right’ choice. Buying (and guzzling down!) a 600 ml bottle of cola on the way home from school has become routine for children.
Research has now categorically proved that a glass of fizzy soft drink — or soda as it is called in the U.S. — is nothing less than a killer assault on the body! Consider this: One can of soda (330 ml) contains about 8-10 teaspoons of sugar, 150 calories, 30 to 55 mg of caffeine, and is loaded with artificial food colors and sulphites. How can a drink that provides a whole lot of calories, sugar and caffeine be good for health?

What it does ?

What exactly does soda do inside our body? Within 10 minutes of drinking a cola, a huge dose of sugar hits our system. Within 20 minutes, blood sugar spikes and is promptly converted to fat by the liver. Within 40 minutes, all the caffeine from the soda dilates the pupils, raises blood pressure and the liver dumps more sugar into the blood. The high sugar and caffeine in our blood gives us a ‘Feel Good’ high. However, soon thereafter, blood sugar begins to crash giving way to tiredness, lethargy and fatigue. Drink soda twice or thrice a day and our body keeps roller coasting between sugar highs and lows throughout! What’s more, drinking a single can a day translates to more than a pound of weight gain every month. And doubles the risk of diabetes! To make matters worse, phosphoric acid — added to colas for their distinct ‘tang’ — pulls calcium out of bones and weakens them for life. It also dissolves tooth enamel causing cavities and promotes formation of kidney stones. The caffeine — the ‘kick’ part of the soda — causes jitters, insomnia, high blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat. Lately, doctors are warning that excessive cola consumption can lead to anything from mild weakness to profound muscle paralysis. This is because the drink can cause your blood potassium to drop dangerously low. Sodium benzoate — the preservative in soft drinks — can alter DNA eventually increasing our risk for liver damage and Parkinson’s disease.

Give it up :)

So there is absolutely no reason why anyone should ever drink soda. None at all. If you are a soda drinker (otherwise you wouldn’t be reading this), giving up this habit is the easiest way to improve health. So, take soda off your shopping list. Try a tall glass of chilled water instead. Add a dash of lemon — it is tasty, refreshing and harmless.
A posting on the Internet: My grandfather just turned 99. The secret to his long life and health? “I’ve never drunken cola. It’s poison!” If you think diet sodas are a healthy alternative, nothing could be further from truth.
In fact, diet colas often pack a lot more (20-47 per cent more) caffeine compared to regular cola. Aspartame -—the chemical in diet soda — causes slow damage over time: brain tumours, birth defects, diabetes, emotional disorders and epilepsy/seizures are a few of the 92 side-effects associated with the chemical. Anxiety, depression, dizziness, panic attacks, nausea, irritability and impaired memory/concentration are some of its immediate effects. They may even induce a whole set of physiologic and hormonal responses that actually make you gain extra pounds!