Bad breath is caused mainly by the bacteria that flourish in the warm and moist conditions in the mouth, especially within the uneven surfaces of the tongue and in the throat. The bacteria are anaerobic, i.e. they do not require oxygen to breathe and the highest concentration is found in between the papillae or fibers that our tongue is made of. Given their prodigious rates of reproduction, they are back the moment they get some nutrients in the form of sugars, fats, carbohydrates and proteins.

In fact, a single bacterium can multiply into 16 million bacteria in around eight hours. The unpleasant odor is caused by the gases that are high in sulfur, like hydrogen sulfide. These gases are released as the bacteria go through their biological processes.

Dyspepsia, smoking, irregular eating habits, irregular brushing and flossing routines are some of the causes of bad breath or Halitosis. Other factors that may be related to bad breath are a white coating on your tongue, dryness of the throat and mouth; these need to be addressed if they manifest themselves. In addition, you may be a candidate for some oral care if too many people start offering you gum and mints.

How do I fight bad breath

To maintain oral hygiene, a few easy things need to be incorporated in our routines. It is important to rinse our mouth every time after we have eaten, preferably with a non-alcoholic mouthwash as alcohol can lead to dryness in the mouth and actually facilitate the growth of bacteria. In order to prevent the malodorous bacteria from flourishing, we need to brush our teeth daily, twice a day. This simple routine plays a very crucial part in removing food particles that attract bacteria.

Brushing needs to be complemented with regular flossing to dislodge those minute food particles that the brush cannot reach, like those that get wedged between our teeth; and of course scraping our tongue back to front to clear the surface of the tongue of the deposits that act as a breeding ground for the bacteria. It is important that we maintain an ongoing oral care program because it does not take long for the bacteria to regroup.

Those who suffer from chronic bad breath should try to eschew high protein foods, especially when eating out, like at lunch in the office. This is because high protein foods like meat upon being digested by the bacteria release the offensive smelling vapors that we call bad breath.

Secondary manifestations of bad breath include tonsiloliths, which are globules of thick saliva at the back of the throat, in which the sulfur gases released by the bacteria are mixed. They occur when one gets an attack of tonsillitis.

As these bacteria are anaerobic, they actually thrive in the absence of oxygen, which is why it is important to keep the mouth well lubricated and wet by drinking water, especially if one is taking prescription medications that can sometimes lead to a dry mouth.

It is also advisable to carry a mouth freshener, which helps prevent the bad breath from becoming stronger as time passes by during the day. These fresheners come in a variety of flavors like spearmint, peppermint, clove etc that refresh the mouth and fight bad breath at the same time.

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Bleaching is an alternative but then we all know what bleaches can do to the hair, right? Use a bleach if you have to but take care to apply it evenly so that you’re not left with streaky hair. A bleach plus toner combination works best. The toner will help give your hair natural color and also act as a conditioner.

You can try some repeated shampooing if you have applied semi-permanent dye. It is a good idea to prepare a solution that contains a mix of the mildest bleach out there, and a shampoo with conditioner. Add some water if you have to. But do check that the shampoo is not “color safe”; you don’t want it to protect the color, you want the shampoo to remove it! Anti-residue shampoos will do fine. If you don’t have bleach at home, try mixing some baking soda to the shampoo. It works. There are some who swear by the benefits of crushed Vitamin C pills in water – yes, you read that right. Get a pasty consistency of the mix and apply it to your hair, let it remain for an hour and then wash. It will remove semi-permanent black hair dye and your hair gets some vitamins…no, the last part is a PJ.

If the black hair dye to be removed is not on the hair but on your skin and your favorite shirt, then try using some nail-polish remover. Rubbing the skin with ash also works, try cigarette ash.

If you’re not in the mood to try home remedies for removing black hair dye then just buy some hair color remover and use it. If you don’t wish to put in even that much effort then just head to the nearest salon and let the staff there get rid of the hair dye for you. Just tell them not to use harsh bleaches, or you’ll end up with stringy hair in various shades of orange. If the dye has sat on your head for more than a few days, then its probably well set and you may require more than one visit to the salon to have it removed.

Remember, most black hair dye removal ideas are more like dye fading tips, the dye is not removed but it fades out over time with repeated application of whatever it is that you wish to apply – bleach, detergent, shampoo, vitamin C…

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HVAC Training – Basics

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning. It is a vast field that finds application across industries. HVAC training prepares you for the correct installation, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of HVAC systems found in residential constructions, commercial buildings, office environments, storage silos, underground bunkers, malls, schools, anywhere you can think of. There is no escaping the control of air temperature, humidity, regulating refrigeration, and quality of air. It is only through proper installation and regular maintenance of the various components of an HVAC system can one hope to ensure correct climate control that is so necessary for the functioning of humans, machines, and also to prevent spoilage of goods during transportation and in storage.

HVAC training can be had in programs of durations in the range of six months to twenty-four months. The importance of obtaining certification from an accredited institution cannot be overstated. Accreditation implies that you have received proper training and are ready to meet industry expectations. HVAC training accreditation is carried out by the HVAC Excellence, the National Center for Construction Education and Research [NCCER], and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Accreditation [PAHRA].

HVAC training teaches you to read blueprints, understand layouts, plan installation, visualize what you cannot see, safety precautions to take, handling of tools and equipment, etc with the objective of preparing you to maintain, repair, and install of HVAC systems.

HVAC Training Requirements

A bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical or mechanical engineering is preferred for those planning on taking an HVAC Engineering and Design course. This is a kind of a super-specialization in a specialized field. You can also consider an Associate’s degree in HVAC engineering.
An HVAC training program for HVAC Control Systems is a good fit for those with an associate’s degree in electronics engineering or a network certification diploma course from a good institution.

There are no hard and fast physical requirements for taking up an HVAC training course. But you do need to assess yourself on a couple of parameters. This is a job that requires one to be sound in body and mind. You need to work in confined spaces, lift loads, remain standing for long periods of time, and exhibit a high degree of manual dexterity in installing HVAC units and using tools necessary to do so. Electronic components require proper handling.

Where to get HVAC Training

You can obtain HVAC training in a bricks and mortar school or an online school. In a physical institution, you can get hands-on training. There is no substitute for practical experience. You come out of such a school with more rounded HVAC systems skills.

Sometimes; however, an online HVAC training program is a viable alternative if you don’t have the time to attend a real-world technical school. An accredited online HVAC certification program can fast-track your career in this field. You may wish to select a course that offers a good mix of classroom studies and practical training.

Apprenticeship is another alternative. Instead of joining a vocational college, you sign up for on-the-job training. A high-school diploma is the basic educational requirement for an apprenticeship course that can last for up to five years. As with any apprenticeship, you will work with highly skilled technicians. You will also attend classes. Get in touch with your local HVAC industry organization to learn more about getting apprenticed in HVAC systems.

Job and Salary Prospects

The job prospects of HVAC technicians are good and are only going to get better in this decade. Because the field is wide, there are many niche jobs present and the introduction of newer technologies and materials means that there is an ever-present demand for technicians skilled in the use of these.

The average salary of an HVAC technician is around $45,000 per annum. Experienced HVAC technicians can command an annual salary of up to $66,000. Your experience and area of specialization will help determine your income. As against installation, if you choose to specialize in the maintenance of HVAC systems, you are more likely to get regular work throughout the year. You can strike out independently or work with motor vehicle manufacturers as well as plumbing and heating contractors.

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We can trace the history of Singapore from being a fishing outpost much loved by pirates to the model State that it is today. The capital of Singapore is Singapore City and it is the commercial hub of the country. Oh…the Singapore River is there too and is very important for moving cargo. Singapore has a strong economy that is based mainly on free trade and commerce. The Singapore dollar is a respectable currency acceptable all over the world.

Singapore lies to the south of the Malaysian peninsula; the two landmasses are separated by the Johar strait. The country lies to the east of the Strait of Malacca and to the north of the Strait of Singapore. The climate of Singapore is humid and hot; it rains on more days of the year than it does not. But if you happen to be in the city during the months of April, May, and June you’ll be treated to some bone-drenching thunderstorms and heavy rains.

Singapore is a highly urbanized society; there is little agriculture happening. Man and animals compete for space. The larger species of animals have yielded space to humans and today all that is left on the island is lizards, albeit many varieties of them including the one that you don’t want to bite you – the venomous monitor lizard. Snakes are at home here, more than 40 types of these ophidians are found in Singapore. However, in spite of the high degree of urbanization, there exist pockets and colonies in Singapore that let you experience the true intense flavor of the region.

There’s great eating and the feel of China to be had…where else but in Chinatown. Head to the Indian quarter if you’re craving for some South Indian food and to purchase some very fragrant spices. The Arab section is good for a visit to a mosque and to enjoy delicacies during Ramadan.

Singapore is a food lover’s paradise. The Singaporeans have fused Chinese, Malaysian, and Indian influences to come up with stuff that is very Singaporean. Street food here is a big attraction for locals and tourists alike. Similarly, the country has borrowed heavily from neighboring cultures and you find echoes of India, Burma, China, and the Malay Peninsula in the music and festivals of the nation.

Old guys still go nostalgic about the classical Chinese Opera and the Chinese Lion Dance. Music festivals in Singapore are a big draw for all, ditto for the many book fairs that take place regularly in the country – of these the yearly Singapore International Festival of Books is a much awaited event. Many trade fairs and tech conferences are held in Singapore City.

You’re just a flight away from enjoying the charms of Singapore; the journey of a lifetime begins the moment you check out at the Changi Airport, one of the great airports of the world. The country is connected to Malaysia by rail.

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There is no denying the fact that we eat a lot of processed food laced with preservatives and chemicals not all of which are good for our health. Preservatives, anti-oxidants, coloring matter, taste enhancers, refining agents, bleaching agents, sweeteners are added to processed foods and chemicals in each of these categories hurt our body. Here’s an excellent article on the harmful effects of processed foods. Along with processed foods, we have the specter of junk food and fast food that are low on nutritional value and high on empty calories. Therefore ideas that exhort us to return to a more organic lifestyle appeal to many.

Cooked food is not only more palatable but also helps in better assimilation of nutrients; particularly protein; eggs are a good example. Protein assimilation or bioavailability (91%) from boiled eggs and fried eggs is higher than what your body absorbs when you consume a raw egg (51%). On the other hand; certain vitamins are destroyed when exposed to high heat. Those that believe in the doctrine of raw foods and uncooked salads hold “living enzymes” in high esteem. These enzymes are credited to be near miracle workers. There is no verifiable scientific claim as yet in support of what the raw foodists say about the enzymes. Cooking, unfortunately, destroys them.

Raw foods bestow the following health benefits on our body -

1. Boosting the immune system and helping digesting because of the presence of healthy bacteria – for example in curds and cheese.
2. Higher nutritional value because nutrients like calcium, folate, iron, vitamins, potassium, phosphorous, etc are preserved.
3. Organically grown food (presumably eaten raw) tastes better than farm-grown using fertilizers and pesticides.
4. There is no or very little oil involved with preparing raw food for consumption; so no chance of trans-fats and LDL entering our bodies.

Salads are much favored by raw food enthusiasts and the rest of us alike. There is a lot of variety available with salads; practically any food item is a candidate for ending up on a salad plate. Salads can be green, main course, vegetable, bound, fruit, and dessert salads.

Salads are filling and yet pack less calories so long as you go easy on the toppings. Salads do not usually contain fried stuff and ideally the olive oil on top should only be a drizzle; so these food items are low on cholesterol. Salads contain fiber or in any case a salad made from fiber-rich food items such as beet root and bran will help in digestion. Greens contain water and help us stay hydrated.

1. The surgeon’s experience and quality will affect the cost of the procedure. You’ll get what you pay for so be prepared to look around and get customer references on liposuction surgeons and clinics in your area or wherever you plan to get treated.
2. You should check out the non-surgical as well as surgical fees when you compare in order to get a total figure. Non-surgical fees will include lab test fees, anesthesiologist fees, operation theater fees, and the cost of special elastic compression garments.
3. The price of lipo surgery varies with the area being operated. Upper and lower abdomen liposuction procedures are typically the most expensive and a lipo job for the back is the least expensive.



4. The size of the patient is a big factor; it influences the amount of effort and skill involved and definitely the volume of fat to be removed.
5. Repeat liposuction treatment of a given area is difficult because of the presence of scar tissue. This adds to the complexity and also the cost.
6. Location.
7. Mode of payment will affect cost of liposuction; this procedure is not one that everybody wants or can afford. So if you take a loan for a lipo job, you’ll be paying interest too.
8. Type of anesthesia – local or general will affect the liposuction surgery cost.
9. Type of procedure whether tumescent, dry technique, wet technique, super wet technique, SmartLipo, CoolLipo, etc will also have to be taken into account.
10. If you are going to travel, then factor in the travel and accommodation costs.

1. Waxing – A tried and tested method that is perhaps the most popular choice; it is a refined choice and keeps your free of hair for a fair period of time. You have the options between cold wax and hot wax strips. Another technique used is sugaring; this is a process in which a liquid mix of oil, lemon juice, and sugar. Spread the mix on the skin and then pull the strip in the opposite direction. You can choose to get it done in a professional parlor or do it at home; with practice you’ll learn to make it less painful for yourself .
2. Razor – Not as refined as waxing but a handy and quick technique that takes less time and is hassle-free. The effect does not last as long, at most for three-four days. Besides there is a chance that you may get rashes on the skin characterized by red skin and pimples or worse you may nick yourself. You’ll do well to apply some soothing skin cream after using a razor.
3. Epilation – Sounds painful and is a painful method, in this you use an epilator to grab the hair by its roots and pull it out. Takes time to perfect the technique but you get good results and a smooth hairless skin for five weeks. Look for an epilator with a massaging head that renders the skin more pliable and makes the procedure that much more painless. Done on dry skin and later on a skin moisturizer is applied.
4. Laser hair removal – This is almost a permanent treatment. The hair roots are removed and stay that way for around three years. This treatment requires skill and you should choose a good laser treatment clinic if you want to avoid burns, scars, and dark / light areas on the skin. This is an effective albeit costly procedure.

Platinum-based chemotherapy drugs are till date the only treatment option against pleural mesothelioma, a cancer that affects the mesothelial tissue of the lungs. Research with curcumin on humans and animals has shown that the compound can cause the cancer cells to die (apoptosis). It can slow down tumor growth by increasing the levels of the protein Bax and acting to stimulate the action of other proteins such as CARP-1, XAF1, and SULF1 – these help in curbing cell growth. Not only this, the compound increases the effectiveness of the drug cisplatin.

Ascites can produce a lot of liquid, in fact liters and gallons of it (up to 25 liters over time) and all of it stays trapped in the abdominal lining. This affects not just surrounding tissue but body extremities as well. Ascites can result in breathlessness due to the pressure on the diaphragm, weight gain, pain in the abdomen, and swelling in the ankles.

Ascites can lead to heart and kidney failure or become a cause for major malfunction in these organs. The sac that encloses the heart can become hard; there is a direct co-relation between low levels of blood albumin and ascites. One way of removing the fluid is via paracentesis, i.e. using a needle to drain the fluid from the abdominal cavity. This is a safe outpatient procedure. This is usually followed by regular intake of a diuretic to keep the fluid accumulation in check. If none of these work then the doctor may advise the use of a shunt to direct the fluid to the venous circulation system so that the fluid can be removed through the kidneys.

The major problem with mesothelioma is the very poor prognosis due to late detection; late diagnosis of mesothelioma occurs because of the extremely long latency period of up to 50 years. However; even one to two months of exposure to asbestos fibers is enough for a person to become a candidate for mesothelioma. Temsirolimus stops the growth of all types of mesothelioma cells; however, the main mesothelioma chemotherapy treatment drug cisplatin is hypersensitive to temsirolimus. This has led researchers to conclude that temsirolimus can be used as a second-line chemotherapy treatment for mesothelioma. Clinical trials with the drug will throw greater light on the situation particularly as it has shown potential to suppress the oncogene mTOR even after in vitro and invivo resistance to chemotherapy.