HEALTH TIPS TRICKS

Hair Loss Due To Health Problems

2011-02-17T22:35:00.000-08:00

For many women, they remember the days when their hair was long, luxurious, and thick. However, if they are have had the same experience as Ruth Caton, it which her hair became thin and started falling out, they might have a medical condition.
Caton realized early on that not only was her hair falling out, but that she was feeling dizzy and gaining weight. It took a few doctors to diagnose her with hypothyroidism, meaning her thyroid gland was not producing enough hormones. After taking replacement hormones, Caton’s hair returned back to normal.
According to Dr. Leslie Coker, hair loss really affects women because it is men that are thought of as being bald. “We’re not supposed to lose our hair,” she stated.
However, more than 30 million women in the US have experienced hair loss, and in some women this can be a symptom of a chronic medical condition. These conditions include anemia, thyroid disease, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Also some women can experience hair loss after childbirth, crash diets, emotional stress, and surgery.

Exercise May Slow Age-Related Memory Loss

2011-02-17T22:09:00.000-08:00

A new study suggests moderate aerobic exercise may slow or even reverse age-related memory loss in older adults by increasing the size of the hippocampus, a part of the brain that assists in forming memories.
WebMD Health

Proper diet, physical exercise key to prevent cancer: expert

2011-02-14T05:20:00.000-08:00

The importance of having a proper diet, good physical exercise and maintaining proper body weight to prevent cancer was stressed by experts speaking at an awareness programme organised jointly by The Hindu and the Andhra Hospitals on the occasion of the ‘World Cancer Day', at the Maris Stella College here on Friday.

Andhra Hospitals' consulting gynaecologist D. Lavanya told the students that they should not feel shy to get themselves checked for cervical or breast cancer because early detection was very important for complete recovery.

Biggest killer

Of the different types of cancers, cancer of the cervix (entrance to the womb) was the biggest killer of women in developing countries like India and breast cancer was the biggest killer of women in developed countries.

Cancer of the cervix could be detected at an early stage with the help of a very simple and painless test called “pap smear”.

While there was no age limit for cancer, all women above 30 years should undergo screening for cancer once a year, Dr. Lavanya said.

Genetic track

Ovarian cancer was another cancer of the genetic track with a high mortality rate because it was more difficult to detect and the symptoms show up at a late stage.

Women should undergo ultra-sound scanning every year for early detection of ovarian tumours. Self examination or mammography was needed for early detection of breast cancer.

Removal of breast for cancer patients was no more so traumatic because there was no disfigurement like in the past due to advancements in reconstructive surgery, Dr. Lavanya explained.

Seven signals

Andhra Hospitals' consulting oncologist M. Subba Rao said the seven signals that indicated the presence of cancer were changes in bowel or bladder habits, sores that don't heal, unusual bleeding of discharge, thickening or lumps in the breasts or anywhere else, indigestion or difficulty in swallowing, obvious changes in warts or moles or nagging cough or hoarseness in voice.

Interesting session

In an interesting interaction session, the doctors answered questions put to them by the students. Listing the symptoms of patients with cancer of the brain, Dr. Subba Rao said they suffer from “early morning head aches,” vomiting, fever and fits. Brain tumours were common in patients of age 20 to 25, he said.

Answering a question about cancer of the eye, Dr. Subba Rao said patients suffering from retinoblastoma (a form of eye cancer) display symptoms of “dancing eye”, eye balls that pop out and fits.

About blood cancer, he said that there was no specific cause for it, but it was curable if detected in the early stages.

Regional General Manager of The Hindu K. Chandrasekaran, introducing the topic, said the theme of World Cancer Day was “avoid UV exposure by being sun smart”.

The process of a sun burning transforming into cancer was very slow and it would take as long as two decades, he said.

Maris Stella College MBA faculty member Sr. Lavanya welcomed the gathering.

Resource: http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/article1158932.ece

Free Glucose Meters for Diabetes Patients

2011-02-13T05:23:00.000-08:00

Any diabetic man and woman will have same opinion that its vital to check amount of glucose in blood at regular intervals. Someone suffering from diabetes of type 1 should keep glucose checking meter for testing total amount of percentage blood glucose using which the needed insulin value could be computed.

The dissimilarityin Type 1 & Type 2 diabetes is such that in Type 1 diabetes body is not able to generate insulin on the other hand in Type 2, the body is not such prepared to make use of insulin. Owing to these reasons variations exist in percentage level blood sugar for those sick with diabetes compared to normal people. For people with diabetes Type one there are problems of problematic variations in blood sugar and thus with the help of glucose meter they can judge very low or considerably high blood sugar presence and initiate action for lowering it. Present day no cost free glucose meter could be used to figure out glucose amount which range from 0 mg to 600 mg.

Help on getting diabetes meter

Most suitable option while getting diabetes meter is taking help of a doctor. Doctor can suggest a meter that can record each & every reading in the memory and sometime later can be transferred into any computer. Such no cost diabetes meter is very useful as then the patient is relievedfrom the concern of documenting all readings himself every time.

Lot many manufacturers offer free glucose meters to sick patients to make them popular and also to develop their use. There are many programs active where these meters are given for very less price or free of cost to people with diabetes. The target is to enlarge their utilization plus to increase knowledge regarding such meters.

If you are interested in buying such without cost meter you can quite easily purchase from a firm which is providing a good discount on those buy. When the diabetes meter's purchase rebated value is sent back to the purchaser.

The formal procedure is to completely fill the form to get rebate and then send the formto the firm. These rebate forms are found with doctors, pharmacies and manufacturers website. To find these select companies which have large rebates a good option will be to browse the web or consult your local doctor. Some companies which give glucose meters for free consists of Accu Check Precision Xtra plus One Touch Ultra.

We should also tell here that insurance firms are compeled because of law to insert diabetes treatment insurance coverage policy. Additionally a person with Medicare can get the glucose meter without any cost as Medicare covers 80% cost of supplies related to diabetes & has stuff like glucose meter, batteries and lancets.

Glucose meter for free is also given by firms for mail order that provide them without any cost to people who hold insurance policy. You would be asked to fill one online form and then after your given details are verified, the diabetes meter will go to specified location. You will need to make certain that particulars you render are correct like policy for insurance that you have & name of doctor that you consult. It can be necessary to provide prescription to get the meter.

What is mesothelioma cancer?

2011-02-13T05:20:00.000-08:00

Mesothelioma is a rare and virulent cancer of the mesothelial surfaces, which affects the lining of the lungs (pleura), the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) or the lining around the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to mineral fibers (asbestos, for example). Some have been exposed to their work and secondarily by other family members who unwittingly, have reduced fiber to the home of their work in their clothes or their hair or on their skin. Most often mesothelioma cancer is the result of exposure from 20 to 50 years or more ago.

Malignant Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that starts in the mesothelium, a membrane that covers and protects most internal organs of the body. The mesothelium is composed of two layers, one surrounding the body itself, and the other forms a sac around it completely. A small amount of fluid is normally produced between these two layers, lubricating the motion of bodies protected. When normal cells of the mesothelium lose control and spread rapidly, they produce mesothelioma. The form of mesothelioma the most common is pleural mesothelioma. It occurs in the pleura, the lining of the lungs. Other forms are peritoneum mesothelioma, reaching the peritoneum lining the abdominal cavity and pericardial mesothelioma of the pericardium.

The occurrence of this disease, sometimes referred to asbestos cancer, this fiber is the main risk factor known for this type of cancer is not indicative of a minimum threshold of exposure and medical treatment has an impact limited to the life expectancy of patients, usually 12 to 18 months. A real market for lawyers mesothelioma cancer exists in the United States, certain keywords are present for example: mesothelioma lawyers, mesothelioma attorneys, also mesothelioma or mesothelioma treatments.

The first signs found on clinical examination are chest pain, often associated with breathlessness and recurrent pleural effusion, usually bleeding. The latency between first exposure and the development of mesothelioma is seldom less than 20 years, often around 30 to 40 years or more. It does not seem to exist a threshold value of exposure in relation to risk of onset.

He described cases of pleural mesothelioma occurring in the family environment close to the workers exposed to asbestos, subjects were exposed due to contamination of residential premises or during maintenance of dusty clothes. Tobacco plays a synergistic role of cofactor in the risk of developing mesothelioma.

The facts about oral cancer and the effect it can have on you

2011-02-13T05:14:00.000-08:00

Oral cancer (also known as mouth cancer) usually occurs when cancerous cells develop in any part of the mouth (such as the tongue and gums) as well as the salivary glands. The most uncommon type of cancer, it accounts for approximately 5 per cent of all cancers - with men more at risk than women aged between 40 to 60.

Common symptoms of oral cancer

Appearing as a growth or sore, oral cancer can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. Symptoms of oral cancer include:

- A lump or swelling in the mouth, cheek, lips or gums that still has not healed after two weeks;
- Lesions in the mouth tissue, leukoplakia (white lesions) or erythroplakia (red lesions);
- Difficulty in chewing and swallowing, moving the tongue/jaw, soreness of the throat;
- Bleeding in the mouth that after two weeks still has not healed;
- Numbness/tenderness or a tingly sensation anywhere around the jaw, teeth, tongue, lips or cheeks;
- A change in voice, unexplained loss of weight, or continuous pain in the ear or mouth.

Should symptoms of oral cancer arise it is advised to visit the dentist as soon as possible, where a physical examination of the neck as well as the lips and oral cavity will be performed (oral cancer screening). Once a detailed diagnosis is confirmed your dentist will then provide you with the necessary information regarding treatment.

Causes of oral cancer

Whilst there is no single cause, the following risks can result in the development of oral cancer:

- Tobacco use. Chewing tobacco, dipping snuff and smoking accounts for 80 to 90 per cent of oral cancer cases. Those who smoke cigarettes, cigars or pipes are six times more likely to develop oral cancer than nonsmokers.
- Excessive alcohol consumption. Drinkers are approximately six times more likely to develop oral cancer than nondrinkers.
- Exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Improper protection whilst exposed to the sun increases the risk of oral cancer, especially in the lips.
- Unhealthy diet. An absence of vitamins A, C and E, iron, folate and selenium can increase the chances of oral cancer. Medical professionals strongly recommend a low-fat diet high in fibre, with fruits and vegetables.
- Poor oral hygiene. Unhealthy oral cavities and ill-fitting dentures can lead to tumours, especially when combined with alcohol and tobacco usage.

Treating oral cancer

As cancer treatment may affect the mouth's immune system doctors usually advise to have any dental work done before treatment commences. Depending on how progressed the oral cancer is, common forms of treatment involve the following:

- Surgery. Removing the tumour surgically is the most typical treatment for oral cancer, with a cure rate of approximately 75 per cent if caught and treated early. If the cancer has spread further then parts of the mouth as well as the lymph nodes may also be removed.
- Radiotherapy. Also known as radiation therapy, involves using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and stop their growth. Similar to surgery in that radiation therapy is local therapy, this method only affects cells in the treated area.
- Chemotherapy. Involving the use of chemicals to kill cancerous cells, chemotherapy works by disrupting the cancer cell's growth. Able to focus on multiple locations in the body, this form of therapy is the most effective way of treating the cancer.
- Monoclonal antibody therapy. Used in conjunction with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, its monoclonal antibodies are genetically engineered to attack cancerous cells - with Cetuximab being the specific type of monoclonal antibody used during treatment.

Recovery and rehabilitation

After treatment your doctor will discuss your prognosis and plans for recovery. Following removal of a tumour, options include:

- Reconstructive surgery. With advanced stages of cancer, patients who have had surgery may result in disfigurement. Reconstructive surgery will help rebuild any affected parts of the oral cavity as well as assist with chewing, swallowing, feeding and breathing.
- Rehabilitation. If damage has affected the mouth on a permanent basis, then adaptations will have to be made. A rehabilitation team involving a physiotherapist, speech therapist and a specialist will help the patient adjust to the changes, but those who have had lip and oral cavity cancer have a higher risk of developing a second oral cancer. Therefore it is imperative that regular follow-up appointments are made to prevent the cancer from coming back.
- Visiting your dentist every 6 months will help keep them up to date with your oral health and should you have any worries, ask them to carry out an oral screening. Whilst having regular check ups may not completely exclude the chances of getting oral cancer, early detection can hopefully diagnose the warning signs where treatment can be carried out as soon as possible.

Can Breast Cancer Really Be Prevented?

2011-02-13T05:10:00.000-08:00

Breast cancer can be caused by many things, such as heredity and genetic factors that give a person a predisposition for it. Though more common in women, it is still present in men and can be something that affects both people certainly. There is no definitive way to prevent breast cancer, as it is a disease that will occur, but there are ways to avoid its fatal effects and to avoid letting it get out of hand.

The best prevention is precaution, and that means having biannual exams with a doctor to make sure that everything is running smoothly. Specifically, biannual mammograms should be sought, once a woman is in her twenties. A doctor will take a biopsy and check to see if there are any abnormalities in the breast. Sometimes there can be something strange, like a lump or some other anomaly, but a biopsy shows that it is benign. Most times, the lumps that are found are benign but occasionally they can be malignant and indications of the cancer. The only way to catch it early is to continuously perform mammograms and tests, such as self breast exams, where you feel across your breasts to check for lumps.

In fact, sometimes you might have stage one of the cancer and no symptoms will present themselves at all. In these cases, just making it part of your daily routine to have a breast exam performed is what is necessary and essential to ensuring your good health and preventing the cancer from getting to a more dangerous stage. The more progressed it gets, the more aggressive the treatment needs to be and the greater your chance of a fatality. But, catching it early can result in a beating the disease before it gains any momentum to do any real damage.

Some symptoms that you might feel are tenderness of your breasts, strange lumps and formations that you did not feel before, and painful, itchy or dry skin around the nipples. Performing self exams daily, maybe while you are in the shower or before going to bed, will help you know when anything abnormal forms. And if you are pregnant or nursing, you might easily mistake lumps for milk ducts, as that is common during pregnancy. Even if that is what it is, it is important to still get checked, because missing it in the early stage will cause you grief later when you find that it has advanced and what you thought was nothing to worry about has turned into a dangerous and potentially life threatening cancer.

Both men and women need to have tests done, especially women, as breast cancer is becoming far more common in women all over the world than in men. Also, it is important to see your doctor if you feel any of the symptoms or if you have a history of breast cancer in your family. Even if you do not have a history and do not feel any symptoms it cannot hurt to have check ups where you have the mammograms performed so that you can be sure you are on the right track. And as women age, their chance of getting it increases, so make sure that you increase the number of doctor appointments you make as your age increases.

Starting on a Natural Fat Burner Diet

2011-02-13T05:03:00.000-08:00

If you want to lose weight, the best way to go about it is to start yourself on a natural fat burner diet. With a natural fat burner diet you will not need to worry about experiencing unfavorable symptoms or side effects as you would if you were taking any fat burner pills or products of the like, and so if you are looking to lose some weight and get healthy, this will often be the best approach.

Now if you are interested in starting on a natural fat burner diet, the first thing you want to start on is your diet.

Diet

You can go do as many exercises as you want, but if you are not eating the right foods then you are just not going to be able to lose the weight and get in the shape that you want. Diet is very important, and more than anything you want to make sure that you are eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.

You should also include whole grains in your diet, which can be found in certain breads and cereals. Water is always very important, and because your body is mostly made up of water, you obviously need to ensure that you a

re getting enough water every day, at least five to six glasses is what doctors recommend.

Exercise

Exercise is of course also vitally important, and with your natural fat burner diet you are going to want to be exercising every day, if possible. There are so many different types of exercise that you can do, and aerobics are a great place to start. These exercises will get your heart going and give you more stamina.

You can head to your local gym, but you can also work out right at home. This is more comfortable for many people, and it is an option, as there are various DVDs and other methods out there that you can use so you can get all your exercising in right in the comfort of your own living room.

Supplements

Now if you need help with your natural fat burner diet, you can always find natural supplements. The right fat burner supplement can help you to lose the weight and get in shape, but make sure that you only take the recommended dosage and no more.

Take this very seriously, and make sure that you watch your weight to ensure that you do not have to deal with more serious health conditions.

Symptoms of Diabetes

2011-02-11T22:34:00.000-08:00

In both types of diabetes, signs and symptoms are more likely to be similar as the blood sugar is high, either due to less or no production of insulin, or insulin resistance. In any case, if there is inadequate glucose in the cells, it is identifiable through certain signs and symptoms. These symptoms are quickly relieved once the Diabetes is treated and also reduce the chances of developing serious health problems.

Diabetes Type 1:

In type 1, the pancreas stop producing insulin due to autuimmune response or possibly viral attack on pancreas. In absence of insulin, body cells don’t get the required glucose for producing ATP (Adenosin Triphosphate) units which results into primary symptom in the form of nausea and vomiting. In later stage, which leads to ketoacidosis, the body starts breaking down the muscle tissue and fat for producing energy hence, causing fast weight loss. Dehydration is also usually observed due to electrolyte disturbance. In advanced stages, coma and death is witnessed.

Diabetes Type 2:

Increased fatigue : Due to inefficiency of the cell to metabolize glucose, reserve fat of body is metabolized to gain energy. When fat is broken down in the body, it uses more energy as compared to glucose, hence body goes in negative calorie effect, which results in fatigue.
Polydipsia : As the concentration of glucose increases in the blood, brain receives signal for diluting it and, in its counteraction we feel thirsty.
Polyuria: Increase in urine production is due to excess glucose present in body. Body gets rid of the extra sugar in the blood by excreting it through urine. This leads to dehydration because along with the sugar, a large amount of water is excreted out of the body.
Polyphegia : The hormone insulin is also responsible for stimulating hunger. In order to cope up with high sugar levels in blood, body produces insulin which leads to increased hunger.
Weight flactuation : Factors like loss of water (polyuria), glucosuria , metabolism of body fat and protein may lead to weight loss. Few cases may show weight gain due to increased appetite.
Blurry vision : Hyperosmolar hyperglycemia nonketotic syndrome is the condition when body fluid is pulled out of tissues including lenses of the eye, which affects its ability to focus, resulting blurry vision.
Irritability : It is a sign of high blood sugar because of the inefficient glucose supply to the brain and other body organs, which makes us feel tired and uneasy.
Infections : The body gives few signals whenever there is fluctuation in blood sugar (due to suppression of immune system) by frequent skin infections like fungal or bacterial or UTI (urinary tract infection).
Poor wound healing : High blood sugar resists the flourishing of WBC, (white blood cell) which are responsible for body immune system. When these cells do not function accordingly, wound healing is not at good pace. Secondly, long standing diabetes leads to thickening of blood vessels which affect proper circulation of blood in different body parts.

Women Can Get Great Benefits From Whey Protein

2011-02-11T05:01:00.001-08:00

Are you concerned about taking care of your body before and after strenuous activities or workouts? Do you try to avoid supplements that contain additives and possible side effects? I am very particular about what I am putting into my body at all times. I hate the idea of eating or taking something that I am not sure about what it is suppose to do or what side effects may be caused.

If you are interested in better health and improved physical fitness you have surely heard that bodybuilders and other athletes are turning to a simple, natural supplement called whey protein. Whey is the only supplement I take besides my daily multivitamin that I feel safe taking. So lets cover a few questions or concerns many women have about taking protein.

WHY DO ATHLETES USE WHEY PROTEIN?

Protein levels are depleted through exercise. Muscles require amino acids to prevent deterioration, give endurance and build mass. Proteins supply these amino acids to the muscles which is why athletes use whey protein. If you want to gain muscle you have to make sure you have the building blocks for it. Women need protein the same ways that men do so do not be afraid of it.

WHAT IS WHEY PROTEIN?

Commercial whey protein comes from cow's milk. Whey is the by-product of making cheese and was usually thrown away as a waste product. Now researchers know that whey protein is high quality, natural protein that is rich with amino acids essential for good health and muscle building. It is naturally found in mother's milk and also used in baby formula. It is being considered for use as a fortifier of grain products because of its considerable health benefits and bland flavor.

Although protein is also found in other foods such as meat, soy and vegetables, whey protein is proven to have the highest absorption (digestion) levels in comparison to all others.

WHO SHOULD CONSIDER USING WHEY PROTEIN?

Whey protein has many health benefits including immune support, bone health, sports health, weight management and overall well being. And as women, we need all the help we can get to keep out bones strong and supportive. Plus overall health is not a bad thing either. The better nutrition you have in your life the less likely that the flu or other bugs will come knocking on your door.

Because amino acids are 'building blocks' for the human body it is sometimes used by patients to speed up the healing of wounds or burns.

The high quality protein that comes from whey makes it a recommended choice for those who need optimal benefits from restricted diets including diabetics, those on weight management diets and even ill patients not able to consume enough protein in their diet to assist with healing.

CAN WHEY PROTEIN BE DANGEROUS?

Whey protein is a food and so it does not have have the risks associated with other supplements. That said, too much of anything carries risks. Extremely high use of whey protein can overload the liver which can cause serious problems. Moderation is always recommended.

If you are lactose intolerant you might try whey protein isolate which has less than 1% lactose and should be tolerable for most users.

Whey protein is a natural and healthy way to bring protein into your diet and increase well being.

WILL WHEY BULK ME UP?

No, women lack the hormones that men have that allow them to get those large bulky muscles. Women will get an overall toned appearance without looking like the Hulk. Those women you see in body building competitions more often than not achieve their unusual frame by injecting additional hormones or supplements into their body. But no, with the use of whey you will not look like these women.

SOME TRICKS WITH WHEY

If you buy the powder you will be able to do a lot more than just simple shakes. But for shakes be create.
Mix the whey with milk and maybe add some strawberries or blueberries to make the best shakes around!
When you bake cookies scoop some whey in for a power cookie
If you drink coffee but some chocolate whey in to make a great mocha

The possibilities are endless, get your creative juices going!

5 Beauty Tips That Every Woman Should Know

2011-02-11T04:27:00.001-08:00

Here are 5 indispensable beauty tips that can help you look fabulous at every age .

1: Never Underestimate the Power of Moisturizer : Whether your skin is dry, normal, or even oily, if you can only afford one skin care product, experts say, your dollars will be well spent on a good moisturizer.

2: Sunscreen Is Your Best Antiaging Product: Sunscreen can protect your skin from these damaging rays, so that even if you do spend time outdoors, your face is less likely to give away your age.

3: Choose Your Cleanser Wisely : If you’re a “soap and water” girl (or guy), you may want to rethink your cleansing strategy. Wash skin no more than twice a day and choose your cleanser wisely.

4: Use the Right Tools for the Right Job : Brushes should be soft and feel gentle on the skin, but also have substance so the product can be moved to the surface of your skin.

5: Update Hair and Makeup Every 2 Years : By keeping your look current you also look younger and more modern.

Super BananaS !

2011-02-10T23:48:00.000-08:00

The fully ripe banana produces a substance called TNF which has the ability to combat abnormal cells. So don’t be surprised very soon the shop will go out of stock for bananas.

As the banana ripens, it develops dark spots or patches on the skin. The more dark patches it has, the higher will be its immunity enhancement quality. Hence the Japanese love bananas for a good reason.

According to a Japanese scientific research, banana contains TNF which has anti-cancer properties. The degree of anti-cancer effect corresponds to the degree of ripeness of the fruit, ie the riper the banana, the better the anti-cancer quality.

In an animal experiment carried out by a professor in Tokyo U comparing the various health benefits of different fruits,using banana, grape, apple, water melon, pineapple, pear and persimmon, it was found that banana gave the best results. It increased the number of white blood cells, enhanced the immunity of the body and produced anti-cancer substance TNF.

The recommendation is to eat 1 to 2 banana a day to increase your body immunity to diseases like cold, flu and others.

According to the Japanese professor, yellow skin bananas with dark spots on it are 8 times more effective in enhancing the property of white blood cells than the green skin version.

Dandruff: Some Effective Remedies

2011-02-06T05:25:00.000-08:00

In the present scenario dandruff is quite a common problem among people. It could appear because of excessive exposure to cold or heat. It could also arise because of stress, chronic constipation, fatigue, using various hair style products, pollution etc. Dandruff is also popularly known as Pityriasis simplex capillitii as well as scurf. Because dandruff flakes develop over the scalp, which becomes quite embarrassing for us.
Some remedies for dandruff:
•   Soak a tsp of fenugreek seeds in a cup of water (overnight). Drain the water in the morning & make a fine paste of the seeds. Use it over your affected scalp & allow it to stay for almost 30 minutes. Now use hot water to clean it thoroughly.
•   You can also use fresh Aloe Vera gel over your scalp. Let it stay for almost 30-40 minutes & then wash it thoroughly.
•   Take 4-5 tbsp of wheat germ oil (hot) & massage it thoroughly over your scalp. Now use a warm towel to wrap your head & let it stay for almost 30-40 minutes. Now use water to wash it well.
•   One of the options to get rid of dandruff is tea tree oil. It has anti-fungal properties, which helps to remove the dandruff. Add a few drops of tea tree oil into your hair oil & massage it well over your affected scalp.
•   Take the coconut oil & heat it gently. Now massage it over your scalp. Allow it to stay overnight & wash your hair well in the morning. You can do this thrice in a week to get the best result.
•   Prepare a mixture with 3 parts of water along with 2 parts of cider vinegar. After applying shampoo & rinsing it well, use the mixture for the ultimate wash.
•   After washing your water take a mug of water & pour a tsp of lime juice into it. Now use the mixture for the ultimate wash for your hair.
•   Instead of coconut oil you can also use the olive oil to massage your hair & let it stay overnight. Wash your hair thoroughly in the morning.
•   Beat a ½ cup of yoghurt well & then apply it well over your scalp. Let it stay for almost 30 minutes & then use hot water to wash it well.
•   Make a mixture of amla juice as well as lime juice (same quantity). Use it over your scalp & let it stay overnight. In the morning wash your hair thoroughly.
•   Prepare a mixture of fresh lime juice (1 lime), ground black pepper (10 grams) & milk (1/4 cup). Mix it well & gently massage it on your scalp. Keep it for almost 60 minutes & then wash it thoroughly with water.

Newborn Health Is the Priority in Baby Care

2011-02-06T05:19:00.001-08:00

You are a new daddy and a new mummy now. It must be very exciting to have that little angel between you two. However, along with the excitement of having a new baby come the anxious feeling on how to do the Baby Care. Baby care for new born is in fact very crucial. Newborn Health becomes the main priority in doing baby care.
For the first or two week of your baby’s life, it must be rather problematic for you to bath him. The high level of the difficulties in bathing newborn is caused by your awkward movement on handling that little cute fragile creature.

In addition, you also have to wait until the umbilicus falls off as well as the circumcision to heal. Immersing those unhealed wounds in water will be a dangerous decision, for that reason, the best way out in keeping your newborn hygiene is by doing the sponge bath.
To begin with, in caring your baby, make sure that you prioritize their safety. Do not let your baby to be cold and wet for an extensive time due to your lack of preparation. To do a baby care, preparation is the main key. Prepare your baby bath equipment such as a towel, a source of warm water, baby soap, cotton balls and alcohol, a washcloths, diaper cream, a diaper, and so on and so forth. Put those supplies near your reach.
Do not forget to turn off any fans or air conditioner before you take off your baby clothes. It is important because your baby will not tolerate the cold with his bare body. If you have prepared the warm water, do check the water temperature. It is imperative! You can check the water temperature by dipping your forefinger into the water. Make sure that the water is slightly warm. After undressing your baby, wrap him all the time with towel; expose only the part of his body that you will clean. Using the warm washcloths, start to wipe gently on the face area such as eyelids, eyes, mouths and nose. Make sure that you are not pressing that area. It is only a gentle sweeping. And continue to the hands, neck, and legs areas. Do not forget with the genitals area. When you are having your baby sponge bath, do not use too many soap for the skin of your baby is still very sensitive. Dry your baby quickly and gently with dry towel. Do not be hesitate, enjoy the moment of caring your baby as a way to communicate with him.

31 Simple Ways to Prevent Cancer

2011-02-06T04:56:00.000-08:00

Most cancers don’t develop overnight or out of nowhere. Cancer is largely predictable, the end result of a decades-long process, but just a few simple changes in your daily life can significantly reduce your risk. Here are 31 great tips.
1. Serve sauerkraut at your next picnic. A Finnish study found that the fermentation process involved in making sauerkraut produces several other cancer-fighting compounds, including ITCs, indoles, and sulforaphane. To reduce the sodium content, rinse canned or jarred sauerkraut before eating.
2. Eat your fill of broccoli, but steam it rather than microwaving it. Broccoli is a cancer-preventing superfood, one you should eat frequently. But take note: A Spanish study found that microwaving broccoli destroys 97 percent of the vegetable’s cancer-protective flavonoids. So steam it, eat it raw as a snack, or add it to soups and salads.
3. Toast some Brazil nuts and sprinkle over your salad. They’re a rich form of selenium, a trace mineral that convinces cancer cells to commit suicide and helps cells repair their DNA. A Harvard study of more than 1,000 men with prostate cancer found those with the highest blood levels of selenium were 48 percent less likely to develop advanced disease over 13 years than men with the lowest levels. And a dramatic five-year study conducted at Cornell University and the University of Arizona showed that 200 micrograms of selenium daily — the amount in two unshelled Brazil nuts — resulted in 63 percent fewer prostate tumors, 58 percent fewer colorectal cancers, 46 percent fewer lung malignancies, and a 39 percent overall decrease in cancer deaths.
4. Pop a calcium supplement with vitamin D. A study out of Dartmouth Medical School suggests that the supplements reduce colon polyps (a risk factor for colon cancer) in people susceptible to the growths.
5. Add garlic to everything you eat. Garlic contains sulfur compounds that may stimulate the immune system’s natural defenses against cancer, and may have the potential to reduce tumor growth. Studies suggest that garlic can reduce the incidence of stomach cancer by as much as a factor of 12!
6. Sauté two cloves of crushed garlic in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then mix in a can of low-sodium, diced tomatoes. Stir gently until heated and serve over whole wheat pasta. We already mentioned the benefits of garlic. The lycopene in the tomatoes protects against colon, prostate, and bladder cancers; the olive oil helps your body absorb the lycopene; and the fiber-filled pasta reduces your risk of colon cancer. As for the benefits of all of these ingredients together: They taste great!
7. Every week, buy a cantaloupe at the grocery store and cut it up after you put away your groceries. Store it in a container and eat several pieces every morning. Cantaloupe is a great source of carotenoids, plant chemicals shown to significantly reduce the risk of lung cancer.
The Power of Antioxidants
8. Mix half a cup of blueberries into your morning cereal. Blueberries rank number one in terms of their antioxidant power. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which are unstable compounds that can damage cells and lead to diseases including cancer.
9. Learn to eat artichokes tonight. Artichokes are a great source of silymarin, an antioxidant that may help prevent skin cancer. To eat these delicious veggies, peel off the tough outer leaves on the bottom, slice the bottom, and cut off the spiky top. Then boil or steam until tender, about 30-45 minutes. Drain. Dip each leaf in a vinaigrette or garlic mayonnaise, then gently tear the fibrous covering off with your front teeth, working your way inward to the tender heart. Once there, gently scoop the bristles from the middle of the heart, dip in a little butter or lemon juice, and enjoy!
10. Coat barbecue food with a thick sauce. Grilling meat can create a variety of cancer-causing chemicals. But researchers from the American Institute for Cancer Research found that coating the meat with a thick marinade and thereby preventing direct contact with the charring flames reduced the amount of such chemicals created. Another tip: Precook your meat in
the oven and then throw it on the grill to finish.

11. Every time you go to the bathroom, stop by the kitchen or water cooler for a glass of water. A major study published in The New England Journal of Medicine in 1996 found that men who drank six 8-ounce glasses of water every day slashed their risk of bladder cancer in half. Another study linked the amount of water women drank to their risk of colon cancer, with heavy water drinkers reducing their risk up to 45 percent.
12. Take up a tea habit. The healing powers of green tea have been valued in Asia for thousands of years. In the West, new research reveals that it protects against a variety of cancers as well as heart disease. Some scientists believe that a chemical in green tea called EGCG could be one of the most powerful anticancer compounds ever discovered.
13. Have a beer tonight. Beer protects against the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, known to cause ulcers and possibly linked to stomach cancer. But don’t overdo it. Drinking more than one or two alcoholic drinks a day may increase your risk of mouth, throat, esophageal, liver, and breast cancer.
14. Throw some salmon on the grill tonight. Australian researchers studying Canadians (go figure) found those who ate four or more servings of fish per week were nearly one-third less likely to develop the blood cancers leukemia, myeloma, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Other studies show a link between eating fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, halibut, sardines, and tuna, as well as shrimp and scallops) with a reduced risk of endometrial cancer in women. Ah, those amazing omega-3s at it again!
15. Take a multivitamin every morning. Many studies suggest getting the ideal levels of vitamins and minerals can improve your immune system function and help prevent a variety of cancers.
16. Get about 15 minutes of sunlight on your skin each day. You’ve heard of the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D haven’t you? Turns out we’ve been so good at heeding advice to slather on sun lotion and avoid the sun’s rays that many of us aren’t getting enough of this valuable nutrient. Researchers find that getting too little vitamin D may increase your risk of multiple cancers, including breast, colon, prostate, ovarian, and stomach, as well as osteoporosis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and high blood pressure.
The best source? Exposure to UVB rays found in natural and artificial sunlight. About 15 minutes a day ought to do it. Avoid overexposure, of course. That can increase your risk for cancers of the skin. You can also get vitamin D in your calcium supplement if you choose a supplement that contains both.
17. Carry a shot glass in your beach bag. Then fill it with sunscreen and rub it all over your body. A shot glass holds about 1.5 ounces, which is how much sunscreen dermatologists estimate you need to protect yourself from the cancer-causing UV rays of the sun. Repeat every two hours.
18. Cut a kiwifruit in half, then scoop out the flesh with a spoon. Now eat! Kiwi is a little hand grenade of cancer-fighting antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, and copper. You can also rub a couple of cut kiwifruit on a low-fat cut of meat as a tenderizer.
19. Use a condom and stick to one partner. The more sexual partners a woman has, the greater her risk of contracting human papillomavirus, or HPV, which causes cervical cancer. Having an unfaithful husband also increases her risk.
20. Cut out high-fat animal protein. A Yale study found that women who ate the most animal protein had a 70 percent higher risk of developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, while those who ate diets high in saturated fat increased their risk 90 percent. So switch to low-fat or nonfat dairy, have poultry or fish instead of beef or pork, and use olive oil instead of butter.
21. Have your partner feed you grapes. They’re great sources of resveratrol, the cancer-protecting compound found in wine, but don’t have the alcohol of wine, which can increase the risk of breast cancer in women. Plus, the closeness such an activity engenders (we hope) strengthens your immune system.
22. Sprinkle scallions over your salad. A diet high in onions may reduce the risk of prostate cancer 50 percent. But the effects are strongest when they’re eaten raw or lightly cooked. So try scallions, Vidalia onions, shallots, or chives for a milder taste.
23. Make a batch of fresh lemonade or limeade. A daily dose of citrus fruits may cut the risk of mouth, throat, and stomach cancers by half, Australian researchers found.
Unnecessary Chemicals
24. Take a 30-minute walk every evening after dinner. That’s all it takes to reduce your breast cancer risk, according to a study from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. Turns out that moderate exercise reduces levels of estrogen, a hormone that contributes to breast cancer. When 170 overweight, couch potato women ages 50-75 did some form of moderate exercise for about three hours a week, levels of circulating estrogen dropped significantly after three months. After a year, those who lost at least 2 percent of their body fat had even greater decreases in estrogen. Another study linked four hours a week of walking or hiking with cutting the risk of pancreatic cancer in half. The benefits are probably related to improved insulin metabolism due to the exercise.
25. Buy organic foods. They’re grown without added pesticides or hormones, both of which can cause cellular damage that may eventually lead to cancer.
26. Learn to love dandelions. Using commercial pesticides on your lawn may increase your risk of cancer, since most contain pesticides such as 2,4-D (linked to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma) and MCPP (associated with soft-tissue cancers). Plus, pesticides used solely on lawns don’t have to go through the same rigorous testing for long-term health effects as those used on food. And, as E/The Environmental Magazine noted in a 2004 article, no federal studies have assessed the safety of lawn-care chemicals in combination, the way most are sold.
27. Buy clothes that don’t need to be dry-cleaned. Many dry cleaners still use a chemical called perc (perchloroethylene), found to cause kidney and liver damage and cancer in animals repeatedly exposed through inhalation. Buying clothes that don’t require dry cleaning, or hand washing them yourself, can reduce your exposure to this chemical. If you must dry-clean your clothes, take them out of the plastic bag and air them outside or in another room before wearing.
28. Choose cucumbers over pickles, fresh salmon over lox. Studies find that smoked and pickled foods contain various carcinogens.
29. Switch from french fries and potato chips to mashed potatoes and pretzels. A potential cancer-causing compound called acrylamide forms as a result of the chemical changes that occur in foods when they’re baked, fried, or roasted. Not surprisingly, many foods with the greatest amounts of acrylamide are also some of the worst-for-you foods, such as french fries, potato chips, and baked sweets. Although the results aren’t final yet, Michael Jacobson, Ph.D., executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, estimates acrylamide causes between 1,000 and 25,000 cancers per year. His agency has petitioned the Food and Drug Administration to set limits on the amount of acrylamide foods can contain. The FDA is studying the issue.
30. Go for a spray-on tan. They’re available in most tanning salons these days and, unlike tanning beds, there’s no evidence that they increase your risk of skin cancer.
31. Call up your bowling pal and hit the lanes. A study from the State University of New York at Stony Brook found that men with high levels of stress and those with less satisfying contacts with friends and family members had higher levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in their blood, a marker for the development of prostate cancer.

Tips To Help People To Stop Smoking

2011-02-06T04:34:00.000-08:00

Although in the end, the decision to stop smoking is in the hand of the smoker but your support is very important to your partner to achieve their goal. One important thing to help others to achieve their goal to stop smoking is by providing continuous support.

So here are simple strategies that you can apply to help others to stop smoking :

1. Invite them to join in stop smoking community.
Hearing stories from others who already been able to quit smoking, can help someone to quit too. Hearing the success of other people to stop smoking can make them optimistic to do the same.

2. Offering support
Ask them about what kind of support that they wants from you. Anyone who wants to quit smoking, usually require a different support.

3. Free Smoking Activities
Plan an activity that is free of cigarettes with your partner, such as cycling.

4. Help them to change their routines
There are a certain moments in a day - like after meals or while drinking a coffee - someone always made time to smoke cigarettes. You need to help to solve this problem. For example, you can take your partner for a walk together after dinner so he or she was not interested in smoking.

5. Give Compliment
Praise your partner when he or she is managed to avoid smoking. Plan some sort of gift when he or she able to stop smoking.

Preventing Blindness In Diabetic Patients

2011-02-06T04:30:00.001-08:00

Eye conditions such as diabetic retinopathy (a complication of diabetes on the retina) can be detected earlier and treated appropriately to avoid fatal damage.

Now there have been active programs to detect early eye disease. You can do retina or diabetic retinal photography examination, so that the treatment can be undertaken and your vision can be saved.

Background retinopathy is an early stage of diabetic retinopathy that continues to grow slowly over a period of years. Patches of blood or fat can appear on the retina. For some patients, blood vessels can leak into the macula (the part where the retina should provide a visual focus), causing blindness.

Proliferative retinopathy is the advanced stages of background retinopathy and is the leading cause of blindness due to diabetes. New blood vessels appear on the retina surface and optic nerve. These vessels tend to crack and eventually leak. Alternatively, the wound tissue will grow due to damaged blood vessels, which will tighten and pull the retina and cause blindness.

If diabetic retinopathy is detected earlier, treatment with laser photocoagulation can prevent it from getting worse. However, in cases which are already severe, the treatment can help to reduce the possibility of blindness.

Treatment with a laser beam is aimed to patch up leaky blood vessels and to form small incised wounds on the retina. Scratch wound reduces new blood vessel growth, and existing blood vessels will shrink and close. This laser treatment can be done without hospitalization.

As for advanced diabetic retinopathy, treatment can be done by vitrectomy, which aims to remove the blood from the center of the eye and scar tissue that blocks the retina. Often, vitrectomy treatment was accompanied by laser treatment. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia.

Ovarian Cancer Survival Rate – What to Expect

2011-02-05T23:14:00.000-08:00

The five-year ovarian cancer survival rate is the proportion of individuals who manage to live five years past disease diagnoses, irrespective of whether they are having a small number of symptoms or are non-symptomatic, disease-free or undergoing therapy. The general five-year comparative survival rate from 1996 till six years later was noted to be at 44.7%. But, ovarian cancer survival rate is dependent on big sets of individuals and every patient differs from the other one with therapy & response to therapy differing widely.

Factors that have a capability of influencing survival rate for ovarian cancer would be based on:

The form of ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer staging.
How old a female is & her overall health.
* If the ovarian cancer has lately been detected or has relapsed (recurrence).

General Ovarian Cancer Survival Rate

Survival rate calculation could be done by diverse means for diverse uses. Presentation of survival rates mentioned herewith are on the basis of the comparative or relative survival rate (continued existence of ovarian cancer sufferers as compared to the usual populace) to assess cancer effects. The overall five-year relative survival rate for ovarian cancer according to ethnicity & gender are – 39 ½ per cent in case of negro females and around forty-four per cent in case of Caucasian females.
Survival Rate for Ovarian cancer as per Staging

Ovarian cancer staging dons a role in a female’s disease outlook. On the basis of chronological information:

Nineteen per cent of ovarian cancer cases are spotted when the cancerous presence is yet restricted to the initial location or localized staging.
Seven per cent cases of ovarian cancer are identified subsequent to the cancer having metastasized to local lymph nodes or direct past the primary location.
Sixty-eight per cent cases of ovarian cancer are detected following disease metastasis to remote locations.
Seven per cent cases of ovarian cancer were having stage data which wasn’t known.

The equivalent five year relative survival rate for ovarian cancer has been observed at:

Sixty-nine per cent survival rate for regional disease.
Around ninety-three per cent survival rate in case cancer is confined to a small area.
Close to thirty per cent for remote disease.
Twenty-three per cent in case of non-staged disease.

http://www.cancery.com/ovarian-cancer-survival-rate-what-to-expect.html

What is Cancer?

2011-02-05T22:42:00.000-08:00

Cancer is a class of diseases characterized by out-of-control cell growth. There are over 100 different types of cancer, and each is classified by the type of cell that is initially affected.

Cancer harms the body when damaged cells divide uncontrollably to form lumps or masses of tissue called tumors (except in the case of leukemia where cancer prohibits normal blood function by abnormal cell division in the blood stream). Tumors can grow and interfere with the digestive, nervous, and circulatory systems, and they can release hormones that alter body function. Tumors that stay in one spot and demonstrate limited growth are generally considered to be benign.

Cancer cell
More dangerous, or malignant, tumors form when two things occur:

1. a cancerous cell manages to move throughout the body using the blood or lymph systems, destroying healthy tissue in a process called invasion
2. that cell manages to divide and grow, making new blood vessels to feed itself in a process called angiogenesis.

When a tumor successfully spreads to other parts of the body and grows, invading and destroying other healthy tissues, it is said to have metastasized. This process itself is called metastasis, and the result is a serious condition that is very difficult to treat.

In 2007, cancer claimed the lives of about 7.6 million people in the world. Physicians and researchers who specialize in the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer are called oncologists.

What causes cancer?

Cancer is ultimately the result of cells that uncontrollably grow and do not die. Normal cells in the body follow an orderly path of growth, division, and death. Programmed cell death is called apoptosis, and when this process breaks down, cancer begins to form. Unlike regular cells, cancer cells do not experience programmatic death and instead continue to grow and divide. This leads to a mass of abnormal cells that grows out of control.

5 Cheap Ways to Prevent Diabetes

2011-02-05T04:54:00.001-08:00

5 Cheap Ways to Prevent Diabetes

Author: Bob Alter

Cheap Ways to Prevent or Stop Type II Diabetes

Prevention of Diabetes obviously starts before you have full fledged type ii diabetes. If you have been diagnosed as a pre-diabetic you have options to stop it's progress. I've heard people actually stop type 2 diabetes dead in it's tracks, but I don't personally know them. I do know many of us have been able to keep it under control using these 5 Cheap Ways to Prevent Diabetes.

*Rest
*Exercise
*Diet
*Smoking
*Alcohol

Which of the 5 are the most important? They are all important and they all work together to help keep your body healthy. Of the 5 you've probably heard much about smoking and alcohol.

*Smoking

We all know and have read the reports of how smoking will kill us. Plugging our lungs with black tar hurts the exchange of oxygen into our blood stream. It can also effect our cells ability to absorb and transmit. Just suffice it to say, nicotine can do a lot to our fantastic bodies and it ain't good. Diabetics do not need to add more stress to our bodies by smoking.

*Alcohol

One glass of red wine a day will keep the doctors away. Packed with antioxidants and all this other good stuff except the fact that it can create a yo-yo with our blood glucose levels. Did you know by drinking that one glass before ordering dinner it can influence your food choice? Good healthy choices for a great diabetic dinner can quickly go out the door when you are feeling "happy".

*Rest

Our American lifestyle has us running around with our heads chopped off most of the time. Others are so focused on advancing our careers we forget that rest is needed for our bodies to re-charge themselves. if we don't do it, then the body will do it for us. Rest of at least 7 hours of sleep has been found to be the most beneficial for diabetics.

*Diet

The stabilization of blood sugar levels is greatly influenced by our diet. Eat the wrong foods and your sugar levels will spike really high. Eat the right kind of foods and you can easily stabolize your blood sugar levels. The one place we spend a lot of time at is glycemic index (GI). There you can learn a lot about the good and bad carbohydrates and this applies to diabetics and heart disease along with many other ailments. Follow these guidelines to help you prevent diabetes:

Eat more smaller meals a day and cut out the snacks
Eat whole wheat products
Eat low fat dairy products
Eat more fish and low fat meat . Fish contains oils and are rich in omega-3 oils
Eat los of vegetables
Eat lots of fruit
Stay away from high calorie drinks and limit diet soda. Water is much healthier
Stay away from fat free food because it can create a yo-yo effect with your blood sugar levels

*Exercise

Exercise prevents sugar from accumulating in the blood, helps the body's ability to use insulin and helps control weight. If you think about it, we all move during the day. The amount of time spent moving is the problem.

Your ultimate goal is to incorporate aerobic exercise, strength training and flexibilty exercises into your overall fitness enhancement program.

Here is a list of exercises you can incorporate during your week that will greatly influence your "fitness level".

walking up and down hills
jogging
bike riding
stationary bike in the home
tennis
swimming
yoga
bowling
dancing
low impact areobics or water areobics
ice skating
stength training with elastic bands, tubes or weights
daily flexibility exercises or stretching exercises before activities

We are a product of our environment. The choices we make or don't make can greatly influence our lives and when it comes to health, you don't want to hear the word "diabetic". You can prevent diabetes and it's the choices you make today that will help you stop it dead in it's tracks.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/5-cheap-ways-to-prevent-diabetes-1006866.html

About the Author

How to Prevent Diabetes has a couple of suprises you've gotta see. The useful tips and tricks are pratical and easy to follow. Healthy Diabetic Solutions is a firm believer in healing yourself from the inside out. Learn specific strategies and products that are all natural and excellent in helping you control your diabetes.

What happens in diabetes?

2011-02-05T04:46:00.000-08:00

When enough insulin is not available or when the insulin isn't able to perform its task well, as in Type II diabetes, the body reacts much like a machine running out of fuel.

Glucose is the fuel of the body, the fuel of each and every cell of the body. Insulin provides the key which allows glucose to enter the cells. When enough insulin is not available or when insulin is not able to function, then the fuel- glucose can't get into the cells, where it is needed; it then builds up in the blood. The unused glucose circulates through the kidneys. When the amount of glucose is more than what the kidneys can handle, the extra glucose spills out into the urine.

What are the different "types" of diabetes ?
Diabetes can be of different types.

    * Type I diabetes
    * Type II diabetes
    * Gestational diabetes

Type I diabetes usually occurs in younger people, children and adolescents.

Type II diabetes is the commonest diabetes. It usually occurs after age 40 - but Indians in India, and those all over the world are getting it at a much younger age.

Another type of diabetes is called " gestational" diabetes. It occurs only during pregnancy. Although, gestational diabetes goes away after the baby is born, women who have had it, are at higher risk for Type II diabetes, later on.

Some individuals may have blood glucose levels above normal but not high enough to be to be labeled as diabetes. This is called " prediabetes" or "impaired glucose tolerance ". It is especially important for these people to make changes in their eating habits, exercise frequently and to lose weight, ( if BMI is 22.9 or more), to prevent full blown diabetes. Even at this stage diabetes can be prevented and the prediabetes state can be returned back to normal. Regular blood glucose tests should be done by the doctor. This condition may progress to Type II diabetes especially it lifestyle of the individual does not change.

Low fat diet plan

2011-02-04T08:54:00.000-08:00

A low fat diet plan is a diet plan that is designed in such a manner that it tends to contain very little fat especially cholesterol and saturated fats, which are known to be the primary culprits behind high levels of blood cholesterol as well as heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems.

Low fat diet plans will not completely eliminate fats from the diet as a minimum amount of fats are required for the maintenance of overall good health. This is because fats tend to supply the body with fatty acids, energy as well as fat soluble vitamins such as A, K , D and E. As per various studies a low fat diet menu should be such that not more than 30 percent of one’s calorie intake should come from fats, notably saturated fats. Low fat diet recipes will typically include the use of oils and fats sparingly at the same time ensuring that the individual is following a balanced diet with all the major food groups covered.

A low fat diet is known to be beneficial for one’s heart and cholesterol levels, prevention of cancers as well as in the maintenance of overall good heath and optimal weight. Most low fat diet plans are such that they will concentrate on reducing the amount of trans fats in ones daily diet as these are the worst type of fats that are typically found in fast foods and various processed foods. The low fat diet recipes will also emphasize on the method of cooking foods which include reduction in the amount of oil while frying the food and also resorting to steaming, roasting or grilling the food instead so that the nutritional value of the food is preserved. One of the tips to successfully follow a low fat diet is to always purchase lean meats and poultry without skin as these meats tends to have almost 33% less fat than the varieties with skin.

Similarly, as part of most low fat diet plans, one should increase the consumption of grains as in doing so they will automatically reduce the amount of fat consumed. Similarly as part of the low fat diet plan, one should also increase the intake of beans as beans are known to be an excellent source of fiber and proteins. Thus they tend to keep the individual feeling full and satisfied for a longer period of time and the fiber also helps in the digestion process. Similarly, a low cholesterol low fat diet is one which will typically require the individual to increase the intake of fruits and vegetables as they are low in calories and fats, and hence will not raise the bad cholesterol levels. A low cholesterol low fat diet will also require the individual to reduce the intake of saturated fats as well as of fats that are labeled as partially hydrogenated or trans-fats as these fats not only raise the levels of bad cholesterol but also tend to lower the good cholesterol levels in the individual. Instead, while cooking with oils, as part of the low cholesterol low fat diet one should try and switch to canola oil and olive oil if possible, as they are high in monounsaturated fats, which are known to be effective in keeping the heart healthy by lowering the levels of bad cholesterol. Similarly one should also lower their intake of white foods, which are high in carbohydrates but lack fiber, and instead consume whole grain foods, which are rich in fiber. Certain carbohydrates are known to raise the levels of bad cholesterol and also cause heart problems in those who are already suffering from diabetes. Regular and consistent exercise is also an important part of a low cholesterol low fat diet.

It has been observed that in the case of both men and women a low cholesterol low fat diet should be followed especially when they reach middle age. On the other hand, high protein, low fat diets are those diets that are taken up to lose weight and to build muscle mass. In a high protein diet plan there is emphasis on eating foods that are sources of lean proteins such as fish, eggs, beans, poultry and so on.

One of the benefits of a high protein low fat diet is that it promotes weight loss which tends to occur because protein results in the individual feeling full very fast thereby decreasing their feelings of hunger. In fact high protein low fat diets are known to convert the body of the individual into fat burning machines over time as there is a reduced intake of carbohydrates, which are otherwise used by the body as a source of energy. Hence, since the diet reduces the intake of carbohydrates, the body burns fat instead to get its required amount of energy. High protein low fat diets are also known to be beneficial to diabetics as they tend to slow down the insulin response of the body. This is because as compared to carbohydrates, proteins tend to convert into glucose at a much slower rate. However like any other diet, the high protein low fat diet also has certain concerns that have been raised by medical experts and one of them is that the high levels of proteins being consumed by the individual may adversely affect the functioning of the kidneys. In fact, many young women who have followed the high protein low fat diet are known to have developed kidney stones. Hence it is recommended that a high protein low fat diet should not be followed for more than six months.

Protein diet

2011-02-04T08:53:00.000-08:00

Protein diet

A protein diet is also known as a high protein diet and it is generally used by athletes and sportspersons.

Proteins are a very important nutrient and are essential for the formation and maintenance of muscle tissue. As human beings, we require amino acids for the smooth functioning of our system. Proteins are made up of amino acids and once they are consumed, the gastric acids in our stomach help to break down these proteins and the amino acids that are formed are then utilized by the body. People who have a higher level of physical activity on a regular basis require more protein as compared to those who follow a more sedentary lifestyle. A protein diet is very important as it helps an individual calculate their nutritional requirements and make the required adjustments in their diet. However, since protein rich foods also provide a substantial amount of calories it is important to adjust one' meals accordingly.

The high protein low carb diet is an extremely popular diet plan that requires a person to have a substantially higher protein intake while their carbohydrate intake is decreased. This type of a diet helps the person to increase and tone their muscle mass without having to worry about excessive weight gain. A protein diet must be adjusted to suit an individual's requirements as sex, age, activity levels, and other factors will affect a person's protein requirements.

A high protein diet plan is also commonly used for weight loss. In such cases, the person will need to augment their diet with a regular exercise plan. If a person follows a high protein diet but does not receive adequate exercise, he/she will start to gain weight. This is because the protein rich foods are converted into amino acids which are then converted into glucose and stored in the body.

A rule of thumb for determining protein intake is that a person should follow a protein diet that has approximately 1 gram for every pound of body weight. If an individual exercises religiously, he/she may require 1.2 grams for every pound of body weight; on the other hand if the individual has a very light workout, he/she may require just 0.8 grams of protein for every pound of body weight. Meat, soy, and dairy products are all very good sources of protein; however, since most high protein foods are extremely low in fiber, it is essential that a protein diet menu also include fiber rich foods like fruits and vegetables. The importance of fiber in a protein diet is often ignored and as a result individuals on a protein diet have a higher risk of suffering from minor gastric ailments such as acidity, gas, and constipation. Simple ways to include more fiber in your diet includes starting your day with a bowlful of oatmeal as oatmeal is rich in fiber as well as protein and will help to kick-start your day. You can also include a large serving of salad in your afternoon meals and you can have a fruit platter instead of your usual snacks. It is better to ease into a new diet so that your digestive system becomes accustomed to your new eating habits. Suddenly switching to a new diet can cause uncomfortable and avoidable problems such as bloating and gas. The sudden increase in fiber can also cause bloating and so it is important to slowly change your eating habits so that you substitute unhealthy foods for healthy ones. A healthy protein diet menu should consist of a large breakfast with plenty of protein rich foods along with a healthy lunch and a light dinner. It would also be wise to make provisions for at least one or two healthy snacks. For breakfast you can have a milkshake along with eggs and whole meal bread and for lunch you can have skinless white meat such as turkey or chicken along with a large salad serving. Your last meal for the day should contain plenty of mixed vegetables along with a small amount of meat. Your snacks can consist of homemade yogurt smoothies and peanut butter sandwiches. You can also go for a short stroll after your dinner as this will aid digestion and prevent acidity and gas.

Many athletes and body builders also turn to protein supplements in order to gain muscle mass quickly. However it is important to discuss these options with your doctor as these can cause severe damage to the organs of the body over a prolonged period. In such cases, people mistakenly associate these problems with high protein diet side effects and not with their supplements. These individuals may then try to modify their diet but since they continue with their protein supplements, they may not experience any positive results.

In addition to protein supplements, protein meal replacements, protein dietary supplements, and protein bars invariably contain high amounts of synthetic protein which may not be easily absorbed by the body which then places additional stress on the liver and kidneys and this can cause severe and irreparable organ failure. 'Protein shots' are the newest craze as they are small portions of an extremely concentrated protein drink. The idea behind this new fad is that instead of following a protein diet, one can simply down a couple of these protein shots and be done with his/her protein requirements. However, the consumption of this concentrated protein product will probably place an enormous amount of stress on the system. It is therefore important to talk to your doctor or a nutritionist before you decide to take any of these protein supplements.

Eye Makeup Tips and Tricks

2011-02-04T08:46:00.000-08:00

No matter if blue, brown, hazel or green, eyes have been referred to as ?windows to the soul,? giving those who exchange glances the power to better grasp one?s personality and emotions. Eyes reveal joy and elation as much as they uncover sadness, melancholy and distress. Sometimes pensive, mischievous or mysterious, eyes can let us in on little secrets we might otherwise miss in dealings with people we know and love.

Eyes can exercise a special power of seduction by casting an enchanting gaze in another?s direction. A wink can signal a special understanding or remind another of an inside joke or amusing memory. Eyes also key into flirtation a great deal. Cartoons and old movies always show the femme fatales batting their long, dark eyelashes in an attempt to attract the men.

No matter what your motives, playing up the looks of your eyes will bring a natural definition to your facial features while accentuating perhaps the most distinguishing characteristic on your visage. The main makeup components you may want to consider when dressing up your pretty peepers Retro Eyes are mascara - Lashes Unlimited, eye shadow and possibly eyeliner, though sometimes pressed powder or a light foundation will work wonders for circles under the eyes.

Eye Shadow Artistic Palettes

Depending on the hues you wish to use, you can get a little colorful and creative with the wide selection of products for eyelids on the market. No longer do you have to sift through dozens of shades of eye shadow powder looking for the perfect blend? now you can accessorize your eyes with a beautiful array of powders - see Evangeline Lilly, creams and glittery dustings. Traditional eye shadow powders are very easy to use with small applicator brushes and foam pads. For a dimensional look, blend two colors of powder or one color of powder atop a cream shadow base.

With cream-based eye shadows, less really is more. The cream shadows generally come in small squeeze tubes that really enhance the look of your eyes with a light application across the lid, reaching up to your brows if you wish.

Not sure about colors? Go with something neutral, like Uma Thruman, the first couple of times until you get the hang of it. Apply a light dusting of bronze, tan - see Bronze Ambition or other shimmery transparent color for a gentle hint of color.

Mascara

When selecting mascara, many factors come into play, with each brand?s newest addition to the line claiming bigger and better benefits. From thickening to lengthening to blackest black, waterproof and curling, each mascara product has a special offering of its own. Considering your own lashes, choose one that best suits your needs.

If you wish to avoid that scary-looking metal eyelash curler that appears more like an ancient torture devise, opt for a product that contains a curling formula. Choose the color you want to wear - black, brown or even navy blue. With so many options available, you can add a couple types of mascara to your collection and change your look as often as you like!

Generally, applying two coats of mascara will give enough definition to lashes to really make a difference. Allow the first coat to dry before applying the second in an effort to prevent clumping. If some of the mascara accidentally brushes onto your eyelids or underneath, simply use a q-tip to remove it. This may necessitate touching up your eye shadow a bit.

Eyeliner

To really define your eyes, apply a thin line of eyeliner in black or brown, khaki, plum or navy. To properly apply the eyeliner pencil or liquid liner, gently pull the corner of your eye outward, forming a straight line along your lashes. Starting at the inside corner and working toward the outside, delicately trace a line with the pencil angled toward your lashes.

Be careful how much eyeliner you apply, as a little really does go a long way. For a dramatic look, thicker and darker is very acceptable. For a subtle definition, stick with a lighter application.

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Feel free to experiment with a bunch of different products until you find the ones that suit you best. Also, check into the makeup counters at local department stores. They have a wide array of makeup you can test before you buy so that you know what you are getting for the money. For lower budgets, drug stores sometimes offer a return policy if a customer is dissatisfied with her purchase. Doing a home makeover can be fun as well as a form of much-needed stress relief. For best results, invite some girlfriends over and make a night of it!

How To Apply Cat Eye Makeup

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While Angelina Jolie is well known for her famous for her style, fashion sense and bold cat eye makeup, you can have the same look using inexpensive cosmetics from drugstore brands like Cover Girl and Loreal. The cat eye makeup look has been around for hundreds of years, with Angelina Jolie obviously not being the first to rock this look. In fact, Cleopatra was well known for her cat eye makeup and was likely the first documented female who sported this fun and sexy eye makeup trend.

Use these beauty tips to learn how to use liner and mascara to create a sensual cat eye makeup look!

    * Cat eye makeup starts with a major choice. You must decide if you want to take on this task of trying to apply cat eye makeup liner with a liquid liner or a pencil liner. If you're new to applying liner, pencil liner is much more forgiving. But, liquid can give you bolder results. To figure out which works best for you, it's a great idea to try out both. You can also find liquid pen liner which is kind of the best of both worlds offering easy application and bold color! When choosing the liquid pen, be sure you find the shortest pen tip available because it will give you the most control possible. You can choose any dark color but black is obviously the most common choice for this task.
    * Before you start with the liner however, you must prime your eyelid area. Most people choose not to use bold shadow when they are doing cat eye makeup. So, go for a neutral highlighting shadow and sweep it over your entire eyelid before you start with the eyeliner. A shimmery shadow can help you get the sexy look you're looking for.
    * After you gather your eyeliner, simply set up a hands-free mirror. If you have a magnified mirror, you'll have better vision throughout the process. After all, when you apply liner you'll want to be able to clearly see what you're doing!
    * Starting with the inner corner of the eye, touch the pen lightly to the lashline and drag it toward the outer corner of the eye. The main point here is to draw the line as close to the lash line as you possibly can. A thin line to start is fine. You can always go back and fatten it up to get better results and shape.
    * As you get to the end of your lash line, you can slightly turn the line upward toward your temple. The length of the shade line is up to you but you can always shorten it if you overdo it by dipping a Q-tip in makeup remover and erasing the edge of the line. The placement of the winged tip is more crucial to the beauty results than the length.
    * After you have the eyeliner perfectly applied, it's time to work on your lashes. For the most dramatic look, false eyelashes are a great option. However, you can learn to do use your own lashes for this as well. If you don't want to try false lashes, simply start by using an eyelash curler on your lashes. Hold it in place for ten seconds and then immediately apply bold black mascara to the lashes. Allow them to dry and do the same for the other eye. Then add another coat of bold black mascara to finish them off.