Good Stuff 2 Know

20 Proven Stress Reducers

2014-12-31T12:26:00.001-05:00

1. Get up 15 minutes earlier in the morning. The inevitable morning mishaps will be less stressful.

2. Don't rely on your memory: Write down appointment times, due dates, etc. "The palest ink is better than the most retentive memory." —Old Chinese Proverb.

3. Procrastination is stressful. Whatever you want to do tomorrow, do it today; whatever you want to do today, do it now.

4. Plan ahead. Don’t let the gas tank get below one-quarter full. Don't wait until you're down to your last bus token or postage stamp to buy more.

5. Don't put up with something that doesn't work right. If your alarm clock, billfold, shoelaces windshield wipers, or whatever are a constant aggravation, get them fixed or get new ones.

6. Be prepared to wait. A paperback can make waiting in a post office line almost pleasant.

7. For every one thing that goes wrong, there are probably 10 or 50 or 100 blessings. Count them.

8. Turn needs into preferences. Our basic physical needs translate into food, water, and warmth. Everything else is a preference. Don't get attached to preferences.

9. Simplify, simplify, simplify.

10, Make friends with non-worriers. Nothing can get you into the habit of worrying faster than associating with chronic worrywarts.

11. Create order out of chaos. Organize your home and workspace so you always know exactly where items are. Put items away where they belong, and you won't have to go through the stress of losing them.

12. Add an ounce of love to everything you do.

13. Become more flexible. Recognize you may need to change your expectations.

14. Eliminate destructive self-talk: "I'm too old to...," I'm too fat to...," etc.

15; Take care of the todays as best you can, and the yesterdays and the tomorrows will take care of themselves.

16. Do one activity at a time. When you are with someone, be with that person and with no one or nothing else. When you are busy with a project, concentrate on doing that project and forget about everything else you have to do.

17. If an especially "unpleasant" task faces you, do it early in the day and get it over with. Then the rest of your day will be free of anxiety.

18. Learn to delegate responsibility to capable others.

19. Forget about counting to 10. Count to 1,000 before you do or say anything that could make matters worse.

20. Have a forgiving view of events and people. Accept the fact that we live in an imperfect world.

Massage Oil Is A Must For The Ultimate Full Body Massage

2010-09-30T08:19:00.005-04:00

Massage Oil Is A Must For The Ultimate Full Body Massage
By Tangopang

If you’ve ever had a full body massage, you will know that masseuses usually use massage oil to perform the various techniques they use to relax you and to perform a great body massage. Using massage oil is a must if the masseuse hopes to dig deep into the muscle and ligament without causing undue discomfort. This is because using massage oil makes the hands slippery, which reduces the friction and chances of getting skin burn as the masseuse works his or her magic on your tired body.

Various Massage Oil Scents Are Available

Massage oil comes in a variety of scents, some scents are tailored towards a totally relaxing experience, which makes for a great full body massage. If you’ve never had a massage before using one of the scented oils, ask your masseuse to use it on
you the enxt time you get a body massage. You will love the way the various scents as it relaxes all your muscles and, essentially, take you to another place.

However, the massage oil does not need to be scented in order for it to work. All you have to do is to feel the masseuses well oiled hands on your skin and tired muscles to tell how effective using massage oil truly is. There is no discomfort as the masseuse slides his or her hands over your muscles, digging in deep to get out any tight knots that may have formed from stress.

Stress can cause all sorts of problems if leaves untreated. There are many ways to relieve stress, but a good body massage is still one of the best. It’s relaxing, for one, and it’s almost as if you are king or queen for a day, or an hour at the very least. There’s nothing else like having a great body massage. So, if you feel stressed, go schedule an appointment with a masseuse today. Most charge by the hour and the rates vary so make sure you shop around for a good deal. The best way to find a reliable masseuse is to ask your friends or coworkers to recommend one.

Let’s face it, we live in a very stressful times. Everyone experiences stress at some point in their lives and a massage with massage oil is the perfect way to relieve that body and mental stress. If you’ve never had a massage before, you should
schedule one today. When you’re in the room with the masseuse, ask them if you can have scented massage oil for the body treatment. If not, ask them if they offer various massage oils.

They will explain what each oil does and, when they finally get to work, you’ll have a chance to finally relax your tired body and you’ll never want another massage unless they are using your favorite massage oil.

About the Author: Tangopang is a certified massage therapist.
He owns the publications at http://www.allmassagetherapyguide.com. More massage therapy reading at http://www.allmassagetherapyguide.com
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THINGS YOUR BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU

2010-01-12T11:05:00.001-05:00

THINGS YOUR BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU
Source: Email contribution

1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.

2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.

3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste ... and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.

4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.

5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.

6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy.

7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom-and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.

8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door-understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather.

9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.)

10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.

11. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into a kids rooms.

12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me.

13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it at faketv.com.)

14. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.

15. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.

16. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature.

17. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?

18. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.

19. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook/MySpace/Blog pages. It's easier than you think to look up your address.

20. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation.

21. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.
-------------

Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina, Oregon, California, and Kentucky; security consultant Chris McGoey, who runs crimedoctor.com and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, who interviewed 105 burglars for his book Burglars on the Job.

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10 Reasons Why You Should Drink Ionized Alkaline Water

2009-12-21T12:37:00.005-05:00

10 Reasons Why You Should Drink Ionized Alkaline Water
By Dianne Ronnow

Under normal circumstances, the body's pH levels naturally run slightly alkaline. Most Americans' bodies are overly acidic because of our poor diet filled with acid producing overly processed foods. Because of this, many health professionals suggest that we drink alkalized water.

Here are 10 reasons why you should consider drinking alkaline ionized water to change your pH levels:

1. Alkalized water provides a way to help the body restore its natural alkaline pH.
It helps to keep your body ph levels balanced which helps keep the body running in optimal condition. Ionized water helps reduce many symptoms of aging and increases energy.

2. Overly acidic bodies promote disease. Alkaline pH levels help fight disease, so drinking alkaline water helps you stay healthier. As a natural antacid, alkaline water can reduce acid reflux and help neutralize the acidity in the body to prevent sickness and some chronic diseases.

3. Drinking alkalized water promotes weight loss. Micro-structured water is easier for the body to metabolize and helps with losing weight.

4. Alkaline water is rich in antioxidants! Micro-structured water attacks free radicals through powerful antioxidant properties. Medical studies show that alkaline ionic water has powerful antioxidant properties-- even better than vitamins A, C, E, beta carotene and selenium.

Regular tap and bottled water have a positive ORP – molecules that oxidize our tissues and accelerate aging. Only alkaline water has a negative ORP – the antioxidant molecules we need.

5. Ionized alkaline water is living water. An ionizer does more than filter; it changes the structure of water to an ionized state, which makes it easier for the body's cells to absorb. Living water is water with a natural hexagonal, snowflake-like geometric structure of hexagonal crystal. Living water is found in healing springs around the world, and that this geometrical structure is what gives the water its healing properties.

Filtered, distilled, tap and bottled spring water do not have this crystal structure. There is no electrical charge, so they are dead, which is why they are not as easily absorbed into your cells.

6. You are actually rehydrating your body with ionized water. Your body will be up to six times more hydrated with alkaline water than when drinking dead water. Hydration helps the body function better and increases your energy levels.

7. Alkalized water is anti-aging and helps with your skin. Effective hydration helps your skin look healthier and the body detox easier. There are many anti-aging properties in alkaline water, like antioxidants, oxygen, alkaline minerals, and the very structure of the water itself.

8. You flood your body with oxygen when you drink alkaline water! Green juices and alkaline water are best way to do this. Alkalized water has extra oxygen – one oxygen atom for every one hydrogen (OH) whereas ordinary water has two hydrogen atoms (H2O) -- more hydrogen, so more acid.

9. Ionized alkaline water is better for cooking and food preparation. It makes your coffee and tea healthier and taste better. Vegetables simmered in it retain their natural texture and color, and rice and oats are fluffier when boiled in it. You also get better absorption of nutrients from foods you eat when they are prepared with it.

10. Many alkaline water drinkers report that they have more clarity of mind and energy because of the extra oxygen that ionized water supplies.

Drinking pure ionized alkaline water is not an excuse to continue to eat in an unhealthy manner or avoid getting medical attention, but it is an important step to take toward wellness. Micro-structured water supports the body's ability to heal itself and maintain an alkaline pH within the body.

Alkalized water cannot be bottled because it rapidly looses the negative charge over a period of several days. This is why it is important to buy a home ionizing machine.

About the Author: A lot of people are talking about Kangen ionizing water machines. If you are looking for an unbiased review of Enagic's Kangen water system and business opportunity from someone who is not part of the company go to
http://Enagicreview.com now!
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=450534&ca=Wellness%2C+Fitness+and+Diet

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WHY HAVE ASPIRIN BY YOUR BED?

2009-10-14T10:41:00.003-04:00

WHY HAVE ASPIRIN BY YOUR BED?
Source: Email contribution

Dr. Virend Somers, a cardiologist from the Mayo Clinic who is lead author of the report in the July 29, 2008 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Most heart attacks occur in the day, generally between 6 am and noon, Somers said. Having one during the night, when the heart should be most at rest, means that something unusual happened, he said. Somers and his colleagues have been working for a decade to show that sleep apnea is to blame.

1. If you take an aspirin or a baby aspirin once a day, to take it at night. The reason: aspirin has a 24-hour "half-life". Therefore, if most heart attacks happen in the wee hours of the morning, the aspirin would be strongest in your system.

2. FYI, aspirin lasts a really long time in your medicine chest .. years. (when it gets old, it smells like vinegar.)

WHY ASPIRIN BY YOUR BED save lives ... It is important to always have ASPIRIN in the home!!!

Why have Aspirin by your bedside ?

There are other symptoms of a heart attack besides the pain on the left arm.

One must also be aware of an intense pain on the chin, as well as nausea and lots of sweating, however these symptoms may also occur less frequently.

NOTE : There may be no pain in the chest during a heart attack.

The majority of people (about 60%) who had a heart attack during their sleep, did not wake up. However, if it occurs, the chest pain may wake you up from your deep sleep.

If that happens, IMMEDIATELY DISSOLVE TWO ASPIRINS IN YOUR MOUTH and swallow them with a bit of water.

Afterwards, phone a neighbor or a family member who lives very close by and state ... "HEART ATTACK!!!" ... and that you have taken 2 ASPIRINS

Take a seat on a chair or sofa and wait for their arrival and ... DO NOT LIE DOWN !!!

A Cardiologist has stated that, if each person shares this with 10 people, probably a life can be saved!

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Tick Removal

2009-06-29T19:20:00.002-04:00

Tick Removal
Source: Email contribution - unverified

Spring will be here soon and the ticks will soon be showing their heads. Here is a good way to get them off you, your children, or your pets. Give it a try.

Please forward to anyone with children... or hunters or dogs, or anyone who even steps outside in summer!!

A School Nurse has written the info below -- good enough to share -- And it really works!!

I had a pediatrician tell me what she believes is the best way to remove a tick. This is great, because it works in those places where it's sometimes difficult to get to with tweezers: between toes, in the middle of a head full of dark hair, etc.

Apply a glob of liquid soap to a cotton ball. Cover the tick with the soap-soaked cotton ball and swab it for a few seconds (15-20), the tick will come out on its own and be stuck to the cotton ball when you lift it away. This technique has worked every time I've used it (and that was frequently), and it's much less traumatic for the patient and easier for me.

Unless someone is allergic to soap, I can't see that this would be damaging in any way. I even had my doctor's wife call me for advice because she had one stuck to her back and she couldn't reach it with tweezers. She used this method and immediately called me back to say, "It worked!"

Please pass on. Everyone needs this helpful hint.

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Baby Carrots - Health Risk

2009-06-26T18:02:00.001-04:00

Baby Carrots
Source: Email contribution - unverified.

The following is information from a farmer who grows and packages carrots for IGA, METRO, LOBLAWS, etc.

The small cocktail (baby) carrots you buy in small plastic bags are made using the larger crooked or deformed carrots which are put through a machine which cuts and shapes them into cocktail carrots - most people probably know this already.

What you may not know and should know is the following: Once the carrots are cut and shaped into cocktail carrots they are dipped in a solution of water and chlorine in order to preserve them. (this is the same chlorine used in your pool).

Since they do not have their skin or natural protective covering, they give them a higher dose of chlorine.

You will notice that once you keep these carrots in your refrigerator for a few days, a white covering will form on the carrots. This is the chlorine which resurfaces.

At what cost do we put our health at risk to have esthetically pleasing vegetables?

Chlorine is a very well-known carcinogen, which causes Cancer.. I thought this was worth passing on.

Pass it on to as many people as possible in hopes of informing them where these carrots come from and how they are processed.

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Healthy Foods

2009-02-01T10:14:00.003-05:00

Healthy Foods
Source: Email contribution

Sunflower Seeds
Eating foods that are high in copper, like sunflower seeds, can be beneficial. Your genes determine how old you'll be when you first start to go gray so stop the gray.

Apples
What They Do: Reduce Your Risk of Cancer
Bowden recommends eating foods high in quercetin, a nutrient found in apples and onions that has been shown to help fight cancer.

Salmon
What It Does: Keeps your heart healthy
Foods like salmon that are high in omega-3 fatty acids may help lower your risk of heart attack and have been shown to lower blood pressure.

Olive Oil
What It Does: Prevents wrinkles
Want to stay wrinkle-free, or at least prevent further skin aging.

Blueberries
What They Do: Fight memory loss
Even as early as your 20s, you can begin to see changes in your memory.

Hot Peppers
What They Do: Rev up your metabolism
It's a fact of life that as you age your metabolism gets sluggish, but adding some spice to your diet will help to keep your body burning.

Lean Protein
What It Does: Maintains muscle
Eggs, chicken, fish and lean cuts of beef, such as flank steak, are good sources. A known side effect of aging, muscle loss, can be reduced by eating enough protein. "Protein consists of amino acids, which are the building blocks of muscle; therefore, an adequate daily intake helps maintain, repair and build muscle.

Water
What It Does: Hydrates Your Skin
With age, our skin produces less oil and loses its elasticity. To fight off the effects of dehydration, "It's very important to drink plenty of water and try to limit caffeine and alcoholic beverages, which can enhance dehydration," Taub-Dix says. How much fluid a person needs depends on a variety of factors, such as physical activity and climate, but eight glasses a day is a good amount to aim for.

Carrots
What They Do: Protect Your Eyes
The most common cause of vision loss in people over 50 is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). But eating carrots, which are filled with beta carotene, can help stave off AMD, says Taub-Dix. So start munching: The earlier you begin eating beta-carotene rich foods the better.

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Cure for Coughing

2008-11-18T09:08:00.003-05:00

Cure for Coughing
Source: Email contribution from Margie

Well, folks, I checked this out on Snopes and although it says this does work and they don't know why... I'm not sure if I want to be putting Vicks on the bottom of my tootsies...

VICKS VAPO RUB. . . VERY INTERESTING!!

During a lecture on Essential Oils, they told us how the foot soles can absorb oils. Their example: Put garlic on your feet and within 20 minutes you can 'taste' it!

Some of us have used Vicks Vapor rub for years for everything from chapped lips to sore toes and many body parts in between.

But I've never heard of this. And don't laugh, it works 100% of the time, although the scientists who discovered it aren't sure why.

To stop night time coughing in a child (or adult as we found out personally), put Vicks Vapor rub generously on the bottom of the feet at bedtime, then cover with socks.

Even persistent, heavy, deep coughing will stop in about 5 minutes and stays stopped for many, many hours of relief.

Works 100% of the time and is more effective in children than even very strong prescription cough medicines.

In addition it is extremely soothing and comforting and they will sleep soundly.

Just happened to tune in A.M. radio and picked up this guy talking about why cough medicines in kids often do more harm than good, due to the chemical makeup of these strong drugs so, I listened.

It was surprise finding and found to be more effective than prescribed medicines for children at bedtime, in addition to have a soothing and calming effect on sick children who then went on to sleep soundly.

My wife tried it on herself when she had a very deep constant and persistent cough a few weeks ago and it worked 100%!

She said that it felt like a warm blanket had enveloped her, coughing stopped in a few minutes and believe me, this was a deep, (incredibly annoying!) every few seconds uncontrollable cough, and she slept cough-free for hours every night that she used it.

If you have grandchildren, pass this on.

If you end up sick, try it yourself and you will be absolutely amazed at how it works!

DON'T SHUN THIS ONE...TRY IT THE NEXT TIME YOU GET A BAD COLD!!

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Hygiene FYI ...

2008-10-06T13:01:00.003-04:00

Hygiene FYI ...
Source: Email contribution

1. “Hygiene” comes from Hygieia, the Greek goddess of health, cleanliness, and . . . the moon. Ancient Greek gods apparently worked double shifts.

2. The human body is home to some 1,000 species of bacteria. There are more germs on your body than people in the United States.

3. Not tonight dear, I just washed my hands: Antibacterial soap is no more effective at preventing infection than regular soap, and triclosan (the active ingredient) can mess with your sex hormones.

4. Save the germs! A study of over 11,000 children determined that an overly hygienic environment increases the risk of eczema and asthma.

5. Monks of the Jain Dharma (a minority religion in India) are forbidden to bathe any part of their bodies besides the hands and feet, believing the act of bathing might jeopardize the lives of millions of microorganisms.

6. It’s a good thing they’re monks.

7. Soap gets its name from the mythological Mount Sapo. Fat and wood ash from animal sacrifices there washed into the Tiber River, creating a rudimentary cleaning agent that aided women doing their washing.

8. Ancient Egyptians and Aztecs rubbed urine on their skin to treat cuts and burns. Urea, a key chemical in urine, is known to kill fungi and bacteria.

9. In a small victory for cleanliness, England’s medieval King Henry IV required his knights to bathe at least once in their lives—during their ritual knighthood ceremonies.

10. That’s their excuse, anyway: Excrement dumped out of windows into the streets in 18th-century London contaminated the city’s water supply and forced locals to drink gin instead.

11. A seventh grader in Florida recently won her school science fair by proving there are more bacteria in ice machines at fast-food restaurants than in toilet bowl water.

12. There’s no “five-second rule” when it comes to dropping food on the ground. Bacteria need no time at all to contaminate food.

13. The first true toothbrush, consisting of Siberian pig hair bristles wired into carved cattle-bone handles, was invented in China in 1498. But tooth brushing didn’t become routine in the United States until it was enforced on soldiers during World War II.

14. Please don’t squeeze the corncob. In 1935, Northern Tissue proudly introduced “splinter-free” toilet paper. Previous options included tundra moss for Eskimos, a sponge with salt water for Romans, and—hopefully splinter-free—corncobs in the American West.

15. NASA recently spent $23.4 million designing a toilet for the Space Shuttle that would defy zero gravity with suction technology at 850 liters of airflow per minute. That’s a lot of money for a toilet that sucks.

16. In 1843, Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. campaigned for basic sanitation in hospitals. But this clashed with social ideas of the time and met with widespread disdain. Charles Meigs, a prominent American obstetrician, retorted, “Doctors are gentlemen, and gentlemen’s hands are clean.”

17. Up to a quarter of all women giving birth in European and American hospitals in the 17th through 19th centuries died of puerperal fever, an infection spread by unhygienic nurses and doctors.

18. TV kills! University of Arizona researchers determined that television remotes are the worst carriers of bacteria in hospital rooms, worse even than toilet handles. Remotes spread antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus, which contributes to the 90,000 annual deaths from infection acquired in hospitals.

19. It is now believed President James Garfield died not from the bullet fired by Charles Guiteau but because the medical team treated the president with manure-stained hands, causing a severe infection that killed him three months later.

20. What on earth made them think manure-stained hands were remotely acceptable to treat anyone?

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How many zeros in a billion?

2008-06-13T18:21:00.000-04:00

How many zeros in a billion?
Source: Email Contribution

This is too true … to be funny.

The next time you hear a politician use the word 'billion' in a casual manner, think about whether you want the 'politicians' spending YOUR tax money.

A billion is a difficult number to comprehend, but one advertising agency did a good job of putting that figure into some perspective in one of it's releases.

A. A billion seconds ago it was 1959.

B. A billion minutes ago Jesus was alive.

C. A billion hours ago our ancestors were living in the Stone Age.

D. A billion days ago no-one walked on the earth.

E. A billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and 20 minutes, at the rate our government is spending it.

While this thought is still fresh in our brain, let's take a look at New Orleans. It's amazing what you can learn with some simple division.

Louisiana Senator, Mary Landrieu (D) is presently asking Congress for 250 BILLION DOLLARS to rebuild New Orleans. Interesting number... what does it mean?

A. Well... if you are one of the 484,674 residents of New Orleans (every man, woman, and child) you each get $516,528.

B. Or... if you have one of the 188,251 homes in New Orleans, your home gets $1,329,787.

C. Or... if you are a family of four, your family gets $2,066,012.

Washington, D. C .....HELLO???!!?? Are all your calculators broken?? Accounts Receivable Tax

Building Permit Tax
CDL License Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges (tax on top of tax)
IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Tax
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service charge taxes
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax (Truckers)
Sales Taxes
Recreational Vehicle Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Tax
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Tax
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax

STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY?

Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago and our nation was the most prosperous in the world.

We had absolutely no national debt...

We had the largest middle class in the world .... and mom stayed home to raise the kids.

What happened … ?? …. can you spell 'politicians!'

And I still have to press '1' for English.

WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED ???

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How To Start a WiKi

2008-06-02T13:38:00.002-04:00

How to Start a Wiki

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

A wiki is a Web-based application that allows a group of users to edit and contribute content through a web browser. It's one of the most fascinating new technologies that have been introduced to the Internet in the past few years! Since the editable articles are generally available to anyone through the World Wide Web, wikis are also becoming more important to business operations as well--having a wiki that runs internally behind the corporate firewall is a very productive environment for employees to share company information, such as specifications and corporate tutorials, for example.Have you ever wanted to start your own wiki website, like wikiHow, Wikipedia or Wikitravel? Here's how to set up your own wiki, which is quite easy with just a bit of research!

Steps

Decide which features you want your wiki to have. There are several software packages available that have slightly different features. If you have a general idea of which features you want, you can start researching the different options and make your selection.
Research the various available software packages (see External Links below) and take a look at a few sites that operate on these systems. For instance, Mediawiki is the software that Wikipedia currently uses. If you would like the feature set that Wikipedia has, you would probably choose this one. MediaWiki is derived from UseModWiki, a wiki engine that is also publicly available and that has a simple interface and is used on some of the sites that WikiWikiWeb, the first wiki, considers its "sister sites." Other popular sites use TikiWiki.
Choose how you want to host your wiki. In most cases, you will want your wiki to be accessible from the Internet, so you will have to find a hosting package that either offers a wiki or meets the requirements for building your own wiki. Keep in mind the following:
- Most wikis require an environment that has MySQL, PHP and Apache to be run effectively, but other configurations are supported since there are several packages to choose from.
- If you are very ambitious, you can consider getting your own dedicated server to host your wiki. This generally provides much more flexibility for your wiki, but is much more expensive.
- Several free wiki hosting sites are available and relatively easy to set up (see External Links).
Carefully and thoroughly read through the instructions that accompany your wiki regarding the configuration. Sometimes you'll be required to change your Apache configuration or add MySQL databases and tables. Some wikis will have a configuration page that you can submit all of your relevant values and the page will set everything up for you.
Develop community guidelines and a focus for your wiki. Clearly present this information to visitors so that they have a basis through which to view and contribute to the wiki.
Spread the word about your wiki. Start by e-mailing fellow employees or contacting friends. Initially you can expect that your wiki will grow slowly, probably slower than you would like. Establishing a user base is a big challenge and finding dedicated users who are inspired by your ideas in the early phases can be quite difficult.
Most importantly, have fun with your wiki and enjoy the information that is being communicated between people! The Internet was built in order to facilitate communication and the wiki is currently one of the most effective environments for collecting and sharing information. Congratulations on starting your own!

Tips

Make sure you choose a license for your Wiki's content before you start up. The most common licenses are the GNU Free Documentation License and Creative Commons license.

Warnings

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Seven Insider Food Secrets That Help You Beat Arthritis... By An Arthritis Expert

2008-04-08T21:12:00.000-04:00

Seven Insider Food Secrets That Help You Beat Arthritis... By An Arthritis Expert
By Nathan Wei

The term “arthritis” is derived from the Greek… “arthron” meaning joint… and “it is” meaning inflammation. Most types of arthritis are associated with inflammation. Inflammation is a defense mechanism the body employs to fight infection, tumors, and other foreign invaders. The mediator of this inflammatory response is the immune system.

Picture an army of warriors – the immune response- which is ready and eager to take on the task of protecting you against enemies. Inflammation is regulated so that under normal circumstances, once the problem is taken care of, inflammation stops. Unfortunately, inflammation can escape this control mechanism and become chronic. Chronic inflammation, it is believed, is the underlying basis for the development of diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease.

So is there a way to manipulate the diet so that arthritis damage caused by inappropriate inflammation can be controlled? Recent research has suggested that diets that contain omega-3 fatty acids that combat inflammation may be useful. Also, the elimination of foods containing omega-6 fatty acids which promote inflammation is also helpful.

Here is a list of seven “insider secrets” that you should know about.

Secret #1: Make cold water fish part of your diet at least two to three times a week. Examples include cold water salmon (not farm raised), sardines, herring, cod, and trout. The reason? These types of fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. If fish is something you don’t enjoy, consider flax seed, walnuts, or dietary fish supplements… all of which also contain significant amounts of omega-3. (Note: If you are a blood thinner, consult your doctor before taking a dietary supplements with omega-3 since your drug dose may need to be adjusted.)

Secret #2: Reduce the amount of certain oils such as corn oil, sunflower oil, and safflower oil. These contain large amounts of omega-6 fatty acids that promote inflammation. Use olive oil or canola oil instead.

Secret # 3: Go for veggies and fruits. Many vegetables and fruits are high in antioxidants that fight inflammation. Berries such as blueberries and cherries are excellent and tasty sources of anti-inflammatory ingredients. Pineapple is a good source of bromelain, an excellent anti-oxidant.

Secret # 4: Avoid the white poisons. Often ingredients like refined sugar, refined flour and salt are used in the production of processed foods such as white bread, sugary cereals, candies, and pastries. These white poisons promote inflammation and should be avoided.

Secret # 5: Reduce the amount of red meat in your diet: Animal protein contains large amounts of pro-inflammatory fatty acids.

Secret #6: Reduce the amount of trans fat in your diet. Trans fats, which are present in fried foods, cakes, pies, cookies, and other baked goods, increase low density cholesterol (LDL). This is the bad cholesterol that is pro-inflammatory.

Secret # 7: Use more spices: Spices such as curcumin, garlic, ginger, contain ingredients which have been shown in some well-controlled studies to reduce the inflammation of arthritis. Some people have claimed that dairy products and nightshade vegetables such as eggplant, potatoes, and tomatoes, cause their arthritis to get worse. There may be some individual food sensitivities/ allergies that do aggravate arthritis. However, a blanket statement about the role of dairy products and nightshade plants is not warranted. At our center we do suggest the use of food allergy testing in individuals who have arthritic symptoms that are troublesome and appear to be food-induced. For more information about food allergy testing, call us at (301) 694-5800.

Finally, dietary manipulation should not be used as a substitute for proper and aggressive conventional medical care. A rheumatologist should be consulted.

About the Author: Nathan Wei, MD FACP FACR is a rheumatologist and Director of the Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of Maryland. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.For more info: http://www.arthritis-treatment-and-relief.com/arthritis-treatment.html
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I Have Arthritis That Affects A Lot Of My Joints… Could It Be Rheumatoid Arthritis

2008-04-03T21:13:00.000-04:00

I Have Arthritis That Affects A Lot Of My Joints… Could It Be Rheumatoid Arthritis And How Will The Doctor Know?
By Nathan Wei

There are more than 100 different kinds of arthritis. Most of them involve inflammation. When a patient goes to a rheumatologist to get a diagnosis, there is a process of elimination in order to arrive at the proper diagnosis. This process of elimination is called “differential diagnosis.”

Differential diagnosis can be a difficult undertaking because so many forms of arthritis, particularly inflammatory forms of arthritis look alike. The following is a list of types of inflammatory arthritis that can be seen and must be considered when evaluating a patient with inflammatory symptoms of arthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

RA is an chronic, autoimmune, inflammatory disease, that may affect any joint in the body but preferentially attacks the peripheral joints (fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, and feet. It can also affect non-joint organ systems such as the lung, eye, skin, and cardiovascular system. The onset of RA may be insidious-slow- with nonspecific symptoms, including fatigue, malaise, loss of appetite, low-grade fever, weight loss, and vague aches and pains, or it may have an abrupt onset with inflammation involving multiple joints. The joint symptoms usually occur bilaterally and are symmetric. Damage to joints- called “erosions” can be seen with magnetic resonance imaging early on or by x-ray later in the course of disease. Approximately 80% of patients with RA will have elevated levels of rheumatoid factor (RF) or anti-CCP antibodies.

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA)

JRA describes a group of arthritic conditions that occur in children under the age of 16. Three forms of JRA exist, including oligoarticular (1-4 joints), polyarticular (> 4 joints), and systemic-onset or Still’s disease. The latter is associated with significant internal organ involvement and may also present with fever and rash in addition to joint disease. Polyarticular JRA is considered to be the type that is most similar to adult RA, and is responsible for approximately 30% of cases of JRA. Most children with polyarticular JRA are negative for RF and their prognosis is usually good. Roughly, 20% of polyarticular JRA patients will have elevated RF, and these patients appear to be at more risk for chronic, progressive joint destruction and damage. Uveitis- an inflammatory condition of the eye- is a common finding in oligoarticular JRA, especially in patients who are antinuclear antibody (ANA) positive. The dangerous feature of uveitis is that it can cause relatively few symptoms so careful screening is recommended in order to avoid blindness.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

SLE is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder that can involve the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and blood vessel walls. At least 4 of the following symptoms which have been formulated by the American College of Rheumatology are generally present for a diagnosis to be made:

• Red, butterfly-shaped rash on the face, affecting the cheeks;

• Typical skin rash on other parts of the body;

• Sensitivity to sunlight;

• Mouth sores;

• Joint inflammation (arthritis);

• Fluid around the lungs, heart, or other organs;

• Kidney dysfunction;

• Low white blood cell count, low red blood cell count due to hemolytic anemia, or low platelet count;

• Nerve or brain dysfunction;

• Positive results of a blood test for ANA; and

• Positive results of a blood test for antibodies to double-stranded DNA or other antibodies including anti-Smith antibodies or antiphospholipid antibodies.

Patients with lupus can have significant inflammatory arthritis. That is why lupus can be difficult to distinguish from RA, especially if other signs and symptoms of lupus are minimal.

Inflammatory Muscle Disease

Polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) are types of inflammatory muscle disease. These conditions typically present with bilateral (both sides) large muscle weakness. In the case of DM, rash can be a presenting sign. Diagnosis consists of four major features, including elevation of creatine kinase (CPK), signs and symptoms such as muscle weakness, elevated muscle enzymes (creatine kinase, aldolase), electromyograph (EMG) abnormalities, and a positive muscle biopsy. Often, laboratory test abnormalities can be seen including the presence of autoantibodies such antinuclear antibody (ANA), and the myositis-associated antibodies.

In both PM and DM, inflammatory arthritis can be present and can look like RA -- including lung involvement. In RA, however, unless an overlap syndrome – ie., a patient having both RA as well as muscle disease) is present, muscle function should be normal. Also, in PM and DM, erosive joint disease is unlikely. RF and anti-CCP antibodies are typically elevated in RA and not PM or DM.

Spondyloarthropathies (SA)

A group of arthritic conditions called the spondyloarthropathies which include psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and enteropathic arthritis are a category of disease that cause inflammation throughout the entire body, particularly in parts of the spine and at other joints where tendons attach to bones. They also can cause pain and stiffness in the neck, upper and lower back, tendonitis, bursitis, heel pain, and fatigue. They are often called seronegative arthritis. The term 'seronegative' means that tests for lab markers such as rheumatoid factor are
negative. Symptoms of adult SA include:

• Back and/or joint pain;
• Morning stiffness;
• Tenderness near bones;
• Sores on the skin;
• Inflammation of the joints on both sides of the body;
• Skin or mouth ulcers;
• Rash on the bottom of the feet; and
• Eye inflammation.

In some cases of SA, peripheral arthritis resembling RA can be present. Careful history and physical examination can usually distinguish between these syndromes, especially if an obvious disease that is aggravating inflammation is present (psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease). In addition, since RA rarely affects the end joints of the fingers (DIP joints), if these joints are involved from inflammatory arthritis, the diagnosis of an SA is favored. Usually, RF and anti-CCP antibodies are negative in SA, although in some cases of psoriatic arthritis there may be elevations of RF and anti-CCP antibodies.

Crystal Associated Arthritis

Monosodium Urate Disease (Gout)

Gout is due to deposition of monosodium urate crystals in a joint. Gouty arthritis is typically sudden in onset, very painful, with signs of significant inflammation on exam (red, warm, swollen joints). Gout can affect almost any joint in the body, but typically affects “cooler” regions including the toes, feet, ankles, knees, and hands. Diagnosis is made by withdrawing fluid from a joint and examining the fluid under a polarizing microscope. Patients may also have elevated serum levels of uric acid.

In most cases, gout is an acute disease that affects one joint and is easily distinguished from RA. However, in rare cases, chronic erosive inflammation can develop and affect multiple joints. And, in cases where tophi (deposits of uric acid under the skin) are present, it can be difficult to distinguish from erosive RA. However, crystal analysis of joints or tophi and blood tests should be helpful in distinguishing gout from RA.

Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease (CPPD; Pseudogout) CPPD disease is caused by deposits of calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate crystals in a joint. The body's reaction to these crystals, leads to significant inflammation. Diagnosis includes:

• Detailed medical history and physical exam;
• Withdrawing fluid from a joint using a needle;
• Joint x-rays to show crystals deposited on the cartilage
(chondrocalcinosis);
• Blood tests to rule out other diseases (e.g., RA or
osteoarthritis).

In most cases, CPPD arthritis presents with acute arthritis affecting one or more joints. However, in some cases, CPPD disease can present with chronic symmetric multiple joint erosive arthritis similar to RA. RA and CPPD disease can usually be distinguished by joint fluid examination demonstrating calcium pyrophosphate crystals, and by blood tests, including RF and anti-CCP antibodies, which should be negative in CCPD arthritis.

Sarcoid Arthritis

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory type of arthritis. The majority of patients with this disease have lung disease, with eye and skin disease being the next most frequent signs of disease. In most cases, the diagnosis of sarcoidosis can be made on clinical and x-ray presentation alone. Patients will have acute arthritis, painful nodules under the skin on the shins (erythema nodosum), and a chest x-ray showing enlargement of lymph niodes. In some cases, the demonstration of a specific type of inflammation change, called a noncaseating granuloma on tissue biopsy, is necessary for definitive diagnosis.

Arthritis can be present in approximately 15% of patients with sarcoidosis, and in rare cases can be the only sign of disease. In acute sarcoid arthritis, joint disease is usually rapid in onset, symmetric, involving the ankle joints. The knees, wrists, and small joints of the hands can be involved. In most cases of acute disease, lung and skin disease are also present. Chronic sarcoid arthritis typically involves one or maybe a few joints and due to its often erosive nature can be difficult to distinguish from RA.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) / Temporal Arthritis

PMR is a form of arthritis that leads to inflammation of tendons, muscles, ligaments, and tissues around the joints. It is characterized by large muscle (shoulders, hips, thighs, neck) pain, aching, morning stiffness, fatigue, and in some cases, fever. It can be associated with temporal arthritis/giant-cell arthritis (TA/GCA) which is a related but more serious condition in which inflammation of large blood vessels can lead to complications such as blindness, aneurysms and cramping pain in the arms or legs (limb claudication) due to inflammation and narrowing of the large blood vessels in the chest and extremities. PMR is diagnosed when the clinical picture is accompanied by elevated markers of inflammation (ESR and/or CRP). If temporal arthritis is suspected (headache, vision changes, limb claudication), biopsy of a temporal artery may be necessary to make the diagnosis.

PMR and TA/GCA can present with symmetric inflammatory arthritis similar to RA. These diseases can usually be distinguished by blood tests. In addition, headaches, acute vision changes, and large muscle pain are uncommon in RA, and if these are present, PMR and/or TA/GCA should be considered.

Infectious Arthritis

Many infections can present with arthritis either due to direct joint infection or due to autoimmune joint inflammation. In most cases, infections lead to acute single joint arthritis; however, in some cases, chronic arthritis affecting a few or many joints can be present. Because missed infections can lead to significant complications, it is crucial to have a high index of suspicion for infection in any patient presenting with acute or chronic arthritis.

Lyme disease

Lyme disease is an infection due to a type of bacteria called a spirochete. The disease is manifested by a skin rash, swollen joints and flu-like symptoms, caused from the bite of an infected tick. Symptoms may include:

• A skin rash, often resembling a bulls-eye (target lesion);
• Fever;
• Headache;
• Muscle pain;
• Stiff neck; and
• Swelling of knees and other large joints.

The diagnosis of Lyme disease is typically made by blood testing. If, however, chronic single joint arthritis develops, joint fluid analysis or joint tissue biopsy may be necessary for diagnosis. Lyme arthritis can usually be distinguished from RA by clinical presentation and blood tests.

Acute rheumatic fever (ARF)

Acute rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that may develop after an infection with the Streptococcus bacteria (strep throat or scarlet fever). The disease can affect the heart, joints, skin, and brain. Symptoms include:

• Fever;
• Joint pain;
• Arthritis (mainly in the knees, elbows, ankles, and wrists);
• Joint swelling; redness or warmth;
• Abdominal pain;
• Skin rash
• Skin nodules;
• A peculiar movement disorder (Sydenham's chorea)
• Nosebleeds;
• Heart problems, which can be asymptomatic.

The diagnosis of ARF is made by clinical assessment and blood testing for antibodies against streptococcal proteins. ARF and RA can have similar clinical features including arthritis and nodules. However, ARF can usually be distinguished from RA by clinical presentation. Rash and migratory arthritis are unusual in RA. The use of blood tests is also helpful.

Viral arthritis (hepatitis B and C, parvovirus, EBV, HIV)
Arthritis may be a symptom of many viral illnesses. This makes viral infections a great masquerader. The duration is usually short, and it usually disappears on its own without any lasting effects. Clinical features in adults:

• Joint symptoms occur in up to 60%. These can be symmetric and affect the small joints of the hands, wrists, and ankles as well as the knees. Morning stiffness is also present.

• Parvovirus B19 is a very common viral infection that looks like RA.

• Diagnosis of viral arthritis is made by serologic testing. A high percentage of patients with hepatitis C may have elevated titers of RF. Therefore, RF testing is not helpful in distinguishing between hepatitis C infection and RA. However, in these situations, testing for anti-CCP can be helpful as anti-CCP antibodies have not been shown to be significantly elevated in isolated hepatitis C infections.

So as you can see... "it ain't easy..."

About the Author: Nathan Wei, MD FACP FACR is a rheumatologist and Director of the Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of Maryland. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. For more info:
http://www.arthritis-treatment-and-relief.com/arthritis-treatment.html
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Living With Arthritis: 6 Ways To Cope For Arthritis Sufferers

2008-04-01T21:15:00.002-04:00

Living With Arthritis: 6 Ways To Cope For Arthritis Sufferers
By John Robben

Just because you’ve been diagnosed with arthritis doesn’t mean that you have to wait in pain for your doctor to contact you. There are quite a few things you can do as an arthritis sufferer while waiting for new medications, an appointment for a specialist or just to work on the problem yourself. This article will detail some of the simple but highly effective ways you can manage arthritis comfortably on your own time and at your own pace.

Living With Arthritis Tip #1: Keep On Moving

Although it’s painful for most arthritis sufferers to stay active, you need to be mobile every single day in order to keep your current range of movement. Even if you can only manage a ten minute walk daily, those ten minutes will do wonders for your mood, joints and pain in the long term.

Living With Arthritis Tip #2: Don’t Push Yourself

If you don’t have to use your body to move, push or pull something, don’t. Living with arthritis means taking stock of what you can and cannot do, and then creating new ways of doing the same thing without hurting yourself. This might mean purchasing assistive devices (special can-openers for instance), losing weight or using the larger joints (such as your hips) instead of the smaller ones (such as your back) to lift things.

Living With Arthritis Tip #3: Stay Tuned

Keep up with the current findings, research and information related to fellow arthritis sufferers and the disease itself. As they say, knowing is half the battle!

Living With Arthritis Tip #4: Talk About It

Let your friends and family know when living with arthritis becomes a challenge, or when you are frustrated with the disease. Educate them as well, since the more they know the more they will be able to assist you as well. Even better, find a local support group where you can discuss with other arthritis sufferers your feelings about the illness.

Living With Arthritis Tip #5: If The Shoe Fits…

Make sure that what supports you is actually supporting you properly! Those suffering from arthritis need even more foot, ankle and joint support than most. Invest wisely in a pair of orthopedic shoes and you’ll notice the difference almost
immediately.

Living With Arthritis Tip #6: Stretch It Out

By stretching the joints that you use the most, you are not only making your body work better, you’ll be making your disease easier to manage. Try to focus on the larger joints (knees, ankles, hips, back) at least once a day for a cat-like stretch to invigorate the mind, body and spirit.

About the Author: John Robben is the owner/operator of Ultimate Water Massage (est. 2000), a Washington-based company that offers over 2000 products to ease the pain of arthritis sufferers. Visit for more information, tools, supplies and tips for living with arthritis at
http://www.ultimatewatermassage.com/.
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Managing Arthritis Pain - How You Can Stay In Control Of Your Arthritis

2008-03-31T21:17:00.000-04:00

Managing Arthritis Pain - How You Can Stay In Control Of Your Arthritis
By Maureen Wright

Have you ever ridden on a roller coaster and felt like you were out of control? LIFE can be like a roller coaster for those of us with Arthritis. There are good days and bad days. It is what we do with what we have—that counts.

Arthritis affects nearly 70 million Americans. There are more than 100 types of arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative arthritis. There are numerous arthritis treatments to help manage the pain as well. Arthritis is a major cause of chronic pain and leading cause of disability in the United States.

Did you know that the word arthritis literally means “joint inflammation?” Inflammation and pain are involved in most types of arthritis. Aching, throbbing, nagging, sometimes sharp pain – arthritis hurts!

It can make simple, daily activities like opening a pill bottle, getting out of a chair or even walking difficult. There is no cure for arthritis but there are things you can do to help manage arthritis pain symptoms.

See your doctor: Know what type of arthritis you have. Early diagnosis is important to proper treatment and prevention of permanent joint damage. Follow your doctor’s advice.

Keep a Positive Attitude: Make a plan for managing your arthritis. Take control. Arthritis is a condition that requires your participation in ongoing care.

Control your weight: Increased weight adds stress on joints in your back, hips, knees and feet. Less weight will reduce this stress.

Exercise: Stay fit! Exercise regularly to build muscles and keep joints moving well. Inactivity can increase your weight gain and your pain. Exercise (even walking 30 minutes a day or 10 minutes 3X a day) can increase strength and stability in weakened muscles and mobility in your joints. Remember the saying “Use it or lose it” – Then MOVE it!

Relax your muscles: Stress increases muscle tension, pain and feelings of helplessness and depression. Try relaxing by tensing and releasing muscle groups. Start at your head and work down to your toes. Deep breathing also helps to reduce stress.

Use assistive devices: Specially designed tools, called assistive devices, can help you perform basic activities. Long handled reachers, padded cooking utensils, etc., are available in stores, catalogs, and online.

Avoid improper positions: Using good posture and good body mechanics will help protect your joints. Don’t slouch in your chair; keep your head, neck and back straight, your legs uncrossed and your feet on the floor. This will help you reduce unnecessary pain.

Move around: Don’t stay in the same position too long. Taking frequent stretch breaks will reduce joint stiffness and pain.

Respect your Arthritis pain: Pain is a signal from your body that something is wrong. Arthritis causes some chronic pain, but when you have sudden excessive pain after an activity, you may have overexerted yourself or have been doing the activity incorrectly. Listen to your body, learn your limits and take extra care when you have pain.

Know your limits: Rest when you are tired. Arthritis can cause fatigue muscle weakness – a deep exhaustion that makes everything you do a great effort. Give yourself permission to rest. Pace yourself – don’t overexert yourself on one project. Break jobs down into smaller pieces that you can do over a period of time with rest breaks.

With proper attention to these items you can manage your arthritis pain.

About the Author: Maureen Wright, RN, CRRN, CCM is the Out-Patient coordinator for Walton Rehabilitation Health System. (WRHS) is a leading not-for-profit comprehensive, multi-specialty, dedicated provider of physical medicine and rehabilitation. For more information visit http://www.wrh.org or call 866-4-WALTON.
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Arthritis Cure – Discover The Natural Arthritis Remedy

2008-03-22T21:16:00.002-04:00

Arthritis Cure – Discover The Natural Arthritis Remedy
By Greg DBK Smith

Arthritis comes in many forms, such as gout, rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease or degenerative arthritis, and fibromyalgia. Anyone who lives with, or knows someone who has, this debilitating disease knows how
painful and life-affecting it can be. They also know how costly it can be to “manage” arthritis with expensive medications, such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), some of which result in terrible side-effects, have known dangerous health risks, such as increased risk for heart attack and stroke, and which decrease in effectiveness over time, if they were even effective to begin with. Other expensive options include invasive surgeries and mobility devices, such as crutches, canes or wheelchairs. But, the sad truth is that none of these “treatments” do anything to stop the progress of this crippling disease.

I personally know of a woman who has experienced the tremendous pain and suffering caused by rheumatoid arthritis in her elbows and wrists since she was 35 years old; she is now 43. I witnessed first-hand the enormous difficulty she had with the simple task of drying and brushing her hair; motions that any healthy woman takes for granted. The disease has damaged her wrists and elbows so badly that she currently has no cartilage remaining in one of her wrists and, consequently, has no movement in that wrist. In addition, both of her elbows are severely deformed; both elbows look swollen and are slightly bent. Since lifting, pushing, or pulling an object usually causes her pain, she rarely uses her arms and, as a result, her arm muscles have atrophied. Her arms look like those of an elderly woman; her muscles sag and look shriveled.

During the last eight years, this woman has made countless trips to the doctor and pharmacies and spent a tremendous amount of money and time trying to find relief from her suffering. However, nothing helped and her condition worsened to the point she was willing to try anything, including participating in experimental studies. Unfortunately, these experimental treatments did not help her either. On the contrary, they may have actually caused her cancer, which she is currently battling with now.

I am writing this letter for her and for the millions of people around the world that are needlessly suffering from this horrible, life-affecting disease known, in general terms, as arthritis. Contrary to what the medical establishment might have you believe, such as “arthritis is just a part of life…there is no cure…learn to live with it”, every disease is curable, naturally, including arthritis; all that is required is the knowledge. In the case of arthritis, a few special individuals outside the medical establishment have discovered that knowledge on their own through years of in-depth research and testing; testing they actually performed on themselves. You see, these people too once suffered the horrible pains of arthritis but, after discovering and applying what they learned, they were able to cure themselves of this disease naturally. To further validate what they learned, they would revert back to their old ways and, without exception, the arthritis pain would return. They would then, of course, go back to applying what they learned and, again, without exception, the arthritis would “disappear”. In fact, by applying this knowledge, one woman, after suffering for 43 years, has been free from the pains of arthritis for over 29 years now; another woman applied what she learned and has been arthritis-free for over 16 years.

The point I want to get across is that ARTHRITIS IS CURABLE NATURALLY; real people have proven that it is. The details of what these people discovered to cure themselves of arthritis naturally are beyond the scope of this article. However, if you’d like to learn these details, simply visit http://www.databaseofknowledge.com/illness/arthritis.php. Here, for example, you can learn, in addition to so much more, the “gout remedy”, or rather, “gout diet” that explains what “gout food” to avoid in order to get rid of gout symptoms.

One last point: your health is ultimately your responsibility. As such, take an active stance and discover what your body needs to maintain optimum health. Do NOT simply leave your health in the hands of someone else. Do NOT assume that a highly-educated, licensed medical practitioner knows everything. They do NOT! No one person can know everything. Please do not misunderstand me, definitely work with a licensed medical professional when it comes to your health. However, if you find that what he/she is prescribing is not helping you, it is your responsibility to take further action and look for other solutions. Keep in mind that THERE IS A SOLUTION TO EVERY PROBLEM. You only need to seek it out. Remember the old adage: “seek and you shall find”. Wishing you a healthy, happy and prosperous life, Greg Smith Founder/President The Database of Knowledge: The Source for Enhancing Our Lives
databaseofknowledge.com

About the Author: Greg Smith is President of http://www.databaseofknowledge.com. For specific details on natural arthritis cures, visit http://www.databaseofknowledge.com/illness/arthritis.php
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Arthritis FAQ: Your Options In Treating Arthritis

2008-03-13T21:18:00.001-04:00

Arthritis FAQ: Your Options In Treating Arthritis
By Alex Trenor

* What causes arthritis?

Arthritis is caused by a variety of factors including joint instability, age-related changes, altered biochemistry, hormonal factors, environmental factors, and psychological factors. Stress can also cause arthritis since stress disrupts the body’s hormonal balance.

Stress-induced cortisone deficiency can be a factor in some forms of arthritis. When body systems release adrenalin and cortisone, it weakens the immune system. As a result, bacteria and other detrimental organisms spread throughout the body.

* How is arthritis treated?

Treatments for arthritis include rest and relaxation, exercise, proper diet, medication, and instruction about the proper use of joints and ways to conserve energy. Other treatments include the use of methods to relieve pain, and assistive devices such as splints or braces. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Ideally, the doctor and patient work together to develop a treatment plan that helps the patient maintain or improve his or her lifestyle. Treatment plans usually combine several types of treatment and vary depending on the arthritic condition and the patient.

* Can arthritis be cured?

There is no cure for arthritis but there are available treatments that can ease pain and stiffness. The treatments available address the symptoms. Proper treatment can really help the patients with arthritis.

* What are the side effects of the most common arthritis medications?

NSAID or the Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs are the most popular and the most commonly prescribed drugs for arthritis. Several types of NSAID are on the market. The most famous are the acetylated, COX, Selective Inhibitors.

NSAID works harshly on some of the enzymes and in blocking the activity of the cells. In some cases the risk of developing other health problems is increased with continuous taking of NSAID. According to some patients, they experience dizziness, insomnia and headache after taking these drugs.

* Can acupuncture help arthritis?

The National Arthritis, Musculoskeletal, and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse says that acupuncture can help minimize the pain of arthritis. Some researchers believe that the needles used in acupuncture help regulate the flow of natural painkillers.

Some hospitals in the United States offer acupuncture therapy, and there are several cases that prove how acupuncture has helped in surgery for rheumatic conditions.

* Can a chiropractor help arthritis?

There is evidence that chiropractic can help people suffering from arthritis. It also allows the spinal manipulation that helps regulate different joints as well as the spinal column. A good chiropractor can adjust all the joints of the body, allowing them to work normally.

There are several methods of chiropractic therapy that combine proper nutrition with overall massage to produce better health.

* Should I exercise or NOT exercise arthritic joints?

Many arthritis sufferers think it is harmful for them to exercise the affected area. This is a mistaken idea that has persisted for many years.

If arthritis attacks, the patient should exercise in order to increase blood flow to the affected area. Many researchers have discussed how important it is to exercise during an attack of arthritis. In fact, exercise is essential in managing your
arthritis.

About the Author: Alex Trenor is editor of http://www.arthritistip.com, the online guide to arthritis. He also writes Arthritis FAQ's for http://www.prettygreatanswers.com/articles/ArthritisQuestions/ .

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TIPS ON PUMPING GAS

2008-03-12T17:41:00.002-04:00

TIPS ON PUMPING GAS (Submitted from a Reader)

I don't know what you guys are paying for gasoline...but here in California we are also paying higher, up to $3.50 per gallon. But my line of work is in petroleum for about 31 years now, so here are some tricks to get more of your money's worth for every gallon.

Here at the Kinder Morgan Pipeline where I work in San Jose, CA we deliver about 4 million gallons in a 24-hour period thru the pipeline. One day is diesel the next day is jet fuel, and gasoline, regular and premium grades. We have 34-storage tanks here with a total capacity of 16,800,000 gallons.

Only buy or fill up your car or truck in the early morning when the ground temperature is still cold. Remember that all service stations have their storage tanks buried below ground. The colder the ground the more dense the gasoline, when it gets warmer gasoline expands, so buying in the afternoon or in the evening...your gallon is not exactly a gallon. In the petroleum business, the specific gravity and the temperature of the gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, ethanol and other petroleum products plays an important role. A 1-degree rise in temperature is a big deal for this business. But the service stations do not have temperature compensation at the pumps.

When you're filling up do not squeeze the trigger of the nozzle to a fast mode. If you look you will see that the trigger has three (3) stages: low, middle, and high. In slow mode you should be pumping on low speed, thereby minimizing the vapors that are created while you are pumping. All hoses at the pump have a vapor return. If you are pumping on the fast rate, some other liquid that goes to your tank becomes vapor. Those vapors are being sucked up and back into the underground storage tank so you're getting less worth for your money.

One of the most important tips is to fill up when your gas tank is HALF FULL or HALF EMPTY. The reason for this is, the more gas you have in your tank the less air occupying its empty space. Gasoline evaporates faster than you can imagine. Gasoline storage tanks have an internal floating roof. This roof serves as zero clearance between the gas and the atmosphere, so it minimizes the evaporation. Unlike service stations, here where I work, every truck that we load is temperature compensated so that every gallon is actually the exact amount.

Another reminder, if there is a gasoline truck pumping into the storage tanks when you stop to buy gas, DO NOT fill up--most likely the gasoline is being stirred up as the gas is being delivered, and you might pick up some of the dirt that normally settles on the bottom. Hope this will help you get the most value for your money.

DO SHARE THESE TIPS WITH OTHERS!

WHERE TO BUY USA GAS, THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW. READ ON

Gas rationing in the 80's worked even though we grumbled about it. It might even be good for us! The Saudis are boycotting American goods. We should return the favor. An interesting thought is to boycott their GAS. Every time you fill up the car, you can avoid putting more money into the coffers of Saudi Arabia. Just buy from gas companies that don't import their oil from the Saudis. Nothing is more frustrating than the feeling that every time I fill-up the tank, I am sending my money to people who are trying to kill me, my family, and my friends.

I thought it might be interesting for you to know which oil companies are the best to buy gas from and which major companies import Middle Eastern oil.

These companies import Middle Eastern oil:

Shell.......................... 205,742,000 barrels

Chevron/Texaco......... 144,332,000 barrels

Exxon /Mobil.............. . 130,082,000 barrels

Marathon/Speedway... 117,740,000 barrels

Amoco...........................62,231,000 barrels

Citgo gas is from South America, from a Dictator who hates Americans. If you do the math at $30/barrel, these imports amount to over $18 BILLION! (oil is
now $90 - $100 a barrel

Here are some large companies that do not import Middle Eastern oil:

Sunoco.................0 barrels

Conoco.................0 barrels

Sinclair................0 barrels

B P /Phillips............0 barrels

Hess......................0 barrels

ARC0...................0 barrels

If you go to Sunoco.com, you will get a list of the station locations near you.

All of this information is available from the Department of Energy and each is required to state where they get their oil and how much they are importing.

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DID YOU KNOW?

2008-03-11T08:39:00.003-04:00

DID YOU KNOW? (Submitted by a Reader)

Peel a banana from the bottom and you won't have to pick the little "stringy things" off of it. That's how the primates do it.

Take your bananas apart when you get home from the store. If you leave them connected at the stem, they ripen faster.

Store your opened chunks of cheese in aluminum foil. It will stay fresh much longer and not mold!

Peppers with 3 bumps on the bottom are sweeter and better for eating. Peppers with 4 bumps on the bottom are firmer and better for cooking.

Add a teaspoon of water when frying ground beef. It will help pull the grease away from the meat while cooking.

To really make scrambled eggs or omelets rich add a couple of spoonfuls of sour cream, cream cheese, or heavy cream in and then beat them up.

For a cool brownie treat, make brownies as directed. Melt Andes mints in double broiler and pour over warm brownies. Let set for a wonderful minty frosting.

Add garlic immediately to a recipe if you want a light taste of garlic and at the end of the recipe if you want a stronger taste of garlic.

Leftover snickers bars from Halloween make a delicious dessert. Simple chop them up with the food chopper. Peel, core and slice a few apples. Place them in a baking dish and sprinkle the chopped candy bars over the apples. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes!!! Serve alone or with vanilla ice cream.

1. Reheat Pizza

Heat up leftover pizza in a nonstick skillet on top of the stove, set heat to med-low and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy micro pizza. I saw this on the cooking channel and it really works.

2. Easy Deviled Eggs

Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash till they are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, keep mashing it up mixing thoroughly, cut the tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg. Just throw bag away when done easy clean up.

3. Expanding Frosting

When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar and calories per serving.

4. Reheating refrigerated bread

To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in a microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture will keep the food moist and help it reheat faster.

5. Newspaper weeds away

Start putting in your plants, work the nutrients in your soil. Wet newspapers put layers around the plants overlapping as you go cover with mulch and forget about weeds. Weeds will get through some gardening plastic. They will not get through wet newspapers.

6. Broken Glass

Use a wet cotton ball or Q-tip to pick up the small shards of glass you can't see easily.

7. No More Mosquitoes

Place a dryer sheet in your pocket. It will keep the mosquitoes away.

8. Squirrel Away!

To keep squirrels from eating your plants sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn't hurt the plant and the squirrels won't come near it.

9. Flexible vacuum

To get something out of a heat register or under the fridge add an empty paper towel roll or empty gift wrap roll to your vacuum. It can be bent or flattened to get in narrow openings.

10. Reducing Static Cling

Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you will not have a clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works with slacks that cling when wearing panty hose. Place pin in seam of slacks and -- ta da! -- static is gone.

11. Measuring Cups

Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill with hot water. Dump out the hot water, but don't dry cup. Next, add your ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out.

12. Foggy Windshield?

Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of your car. When the windows fog, rub with the eraser! Works better than a cloth!

13. Reopening envelope

If you seal an envelope and then realize you forgot to include something inside, just place your sealed envelope in the freezer for an hour or two. Viola! It unseals easily.

14. Conditioner

Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It's a lot cheaper than shaving cream and leaves your legs really smooth. It's also a great way to use up the conditioner you bought but didn't like when you tried it in your hair...

15. Goodbye Fruit Flies

To get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small glass fill it 1/2" with Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 drops of dish washing liquid, mix well. You will find those flies drawn to the cup and gone forever!

16. Get Rid of Ants

Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it, take it "home," can't digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so, especially if it rains, but it works & you don't have the worry about pets or small children being harmed!

17. INFO ABOUT CLOTHES DRYER

The heating unit went out on my dryer! The gentleman that fixes things around the house for us told us that he wanted to show us something and he went over to the dryer and pulled out the lint filter. It was clean. (I always clean the lint from the filter after every load clothes.) He took the filter over to the sink, ran hot water over it. The lint filter is made of a mesh material - I'm sure you know what your dryer's lint filter looks like. Well,....the hot water just sat on top of the mesh! It didn't go through it at all! He told us that dryer sheets cause a film over that mesh and that's what burns out the heating unit. You can't SEE the film, but it's there. It's what is in the dryer sheets to make your clothes soft and static free -- that nice fragrance too, you know how they can feel waxy when you take them out of the box, well this stuff builds up on your clothes and on your lint screen. This is also what causes dryer units to catch fire & potentially burn your house down with it! He said the best way to keep your dryer working for a very long time (& to keep your electric bill lower) is to take that filter out & wash it with hot soapy water & an old toothbrush (or other brush) at least every six months. He said that makes the life of the dryer at least twice as long! How about that!?! Learn something new everyday! I certainly didn't know dryer sheets would do that. So, I thought I'd share!

Note: I went to my dryer & tested my screen by running water on it. The water ran through a little bit but mostly collected all the water in the mesh screen. I washed it with warm soapy water & a nylon brush & I had it done in 30 seconds. Then when I rinsed it the water ran right thru the screen! There wasn't any puddling at all! That repairman knew what he was talking about! PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR ADDRESS BOOK. NOT ONLY COULD IT SAVE SOMEONE'S HOME, BUT IT COULD SAVE SOMEONE'S LIFE.

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Arthritis - Herbs And Ayurvedic Remedies, Arthritis Symptom And Other Treatments

2008-02-22T21:11:00.001-05:00

Arthritis - Herbs And Ayurvedic Remedies, Arthritis Symptom And Other Treatments
By Tom Alter

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. It can occur anywhere in the body and, based on that, there are several types of arthritis. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis which is the common ailment of pain in the joints observed in elderly people. Other common types of arthritic ailments are rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

The word arthritis is derived from two root Greek words – arthros meaning ‘joint’ and it is meaning ‘inflammation’. Hence, arthritis literally translates as inflammation of the joints.

Arthritis is an auto-immune disease, which means, it is a disease in which the human body attacks itself. It begins in one or two joints where an acute pain is felt. This is the most miserable phase of arthritis. Over time, this pain may disappear, but it could cause permanent deformities in the bones and joints.

Why is Arthritis caused?

Different types of arthritis are caused due to different reasons.

(1)Osteoarthritis – Osteoarthritis is a common old-age problem, which affects several people who have crossed the age of 40 years. In people with osteoarthritis, the bones may increase in size at their articulating points. As a result the spaces between them in the joints become less. When moving about, there is a high probability that different bones will rub against each other. This is the cause of osteoarthritis.

(2)Rheumatoid Arthritis – Rheumatoid arthritis is a more serious problem than osteoarthritis because it can occur at any age. In people with rheumatoid arthritis, the ligaments and tendons between the joints undergo degeneration. This causes severe pain where the degeneration has taken place. Common rheumatoid arthritis pains are felt in the fingers; but other places like the wrists, hip and knees are also affected. Rheumatoid arthritis is responsible for deformation of the fingers.

(3)Septic Arthritis – Septic arthritis is a special type of arthritis which is caused when the joints get infected.

(4)Gout – Gout is common old-age arthritis. It is caused when crystals of uric acid are deposited in the spaces between the joints. This type of arthritis is linked with faulty digestion.

What are the Symptoms of Arthritis?

In all types of arthritis, the following symptoms are observed:-

§ The initial pains are felt as fleeting pains in the joints, which seem to be no more than a twitching pain.

§ Pains alternate between various joints quickly.

§ If the arthritis becomes acute, then on a particular day there is very sharp pain in a joint, and it becomes absolutely normal the next day. The next day another joint could be affected in a similar fashion.

§ The pains could increase in the winter season or in cold nights.

How can Arthritis be avoided?

Arthritis cannot be avoided effectively as it is a common ailment that occurs with advancing age. One must learn to live with the problem. But there are various things which can be avoided in order to keep arthritis at bay.

The following foods must be avoided if you have continuous arthritic pains:-

§ Animal fats
§ Fried foods
§ Foods rich in carbohydrates like potatoes
§ Tomatoes
§ Peppers
§ Salt

Simple yogic asanas and light exercise helps proper digestion of the body and also protects it from autoimmune problems. Hence, these are beneficial in arthritis.

If you have recurrent pains in the joints, then do not keep the joint covered. As far as possible, keep the joint exposed to the air. For example, if you have pain in the knee joints, then do not wear tight denim clothing; shorts would be a good idea. This will provide freer circulation of blood in the joint and reduce the pains.

How can Arthritis be controlled with Simple Home Remedies?

Some household remedies are known to provide relief from arthritic pains. The following are some of the more benefiting ones:-

§ Applying a paste of limestone and honey on the affected joints externally provides relief.

§ Mash some mustard in warm water and apply this solution on the joints. This must be done repeatedly to get results.

§ Put two teaspoons of cumin into a glass of water. Bring this to a boil. When the water is still hot, soak a towel in it and foment the affected region with this towel. This will provide relief from the pain within a few hours.

§ Asafetida mixed with egg yolk can be applied on the affected joints to seek immediate relief.

§ Prepare a pancake from wheat flour. Roast it on one side, but leave it uncooked on the other. Then put some heated mustard oil on the uncooked side. When it is hot, tie it like a tourniquet on the affected joint, or provide fomentation with it. This provides quick relief.

§ Mix some cardamom in milk. Put a pinch of turmeric in this milk. This is to be drunk every night while going to sleep. This makes the person sleep peacefully in the morning.

About the Author: Read More on Arthritis treatment by Ayurveda and Arthritis Home Remedies. Read more about Ayurveda at http://www.ayushveda.com/ World's Largest Portal on Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Remedies. - The Free Ayurvedic Encyclopedia
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The Cheaper Arthritis Treatment: Improve Your Diet To Prevent Or

2008-02-21T21:08:00.004-05:00

The Cheaper Arthritis Treatment: Improve Your Diet To Prevent Or Cure Arthritis
By Gloria Diaz

Arthritis is often associated with people in their 50s or older. But nowadays, more and more younger people are showing signs of this joint-related disease. What exactly are the causes of joint inflammation and what are the best arthritis treatment? Inflammation of the joints can result from previous injuries, like tibial plateau fracture, which affects certain sensitive cartilages and muscle tissues. A person can also develop joint swelling and pain if two or more of his or her family members have gout or any related illness. Needless to say, age is also one of the most significant factors in determining the onset of swelling of the joints. As a person gets older, his or her bones tend to be weaker and more fragile as one of the results of the natural laws of aging. But this doesn't necessarily mean teenagers or the twenty-somethings can be complacent. There are cases of brittle joints among younger age brackets because of extraneous determinants like weight and existing illness.

It is understandable that obese or overweight persons have greater tendencies of exhausting or wearing out their bones. Since weight is identified as a factor in causing joint inflammation, doctors suggest arthritis treatment can be in the form of improving one's diet. There are specific diets, like meals heavy in unsaturated fat and cholesterol, that make a person even more susceptible in experiencing joint pain and swelling. On the other hand, foods rich in certain minerals and vitamins are one's best ally in preventing early signs of bone inflammation. Choose foods with high nutritional value and specifically contain Vitamins K and E, which promote healthier bones. To alleviate inflammation, a person should boost his or her intake of vitamins B12 and B6. If beneficial minerals like zinc and copper are not usually found on your daily meal plan, take health supplements that offer these specific nutrients.

There are also certain medications supposedly aimed at combating arthritis. Some of these drugs don't come without hazardous side effects so it is still best to follow natural remedies to prevent or cure joint inflammation. Arthritis treatment need not cost someone a fortune. The safest and surest way is still through sticking to a healthy diet, or even particular exercise routines, or whatever a doctor advised a patient to do. One should not wait to get older before he starts to take care of his bones and joints. A person may not realize the importance of bone health until he experiences the premature tell-tale signs of joint swelling and inflammation.

About the Author: For more valuable information on Arthritis and Arthritis treatment please visit http://www.arthritis-hub.com
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Top Tips To Relieve Burns

2008-02-19T13:02:00.000-05:00

Top Tips To Relieve Burns
By Raymond Geok Seng Lee

Scalding tap water, the business end of a red-hot iron, a welt from a hot oven rack, all can cause an excruciating painful burn. So the most effective burn remedy is to avoid getting burned in the first place. Wise advice. But if you do get scalded or singed and you probably will at some point, it is important to act fast, both to ease the pain and to save your skin. What you do in the first few moments is crucial. Common household burns are the kind that you get if you grasp the handle of a smoking saucepan or brush your calf against a blistering-hot radiator. They are known as first- or second- degree burns resulting in redness, pain, and some blistering. More serious burns needs a doctor’s attention. Here are some tips that you can consider to adopt to relieve your pain.

Cool the burn. Flush the burn with cold water until the pain stops as long as 20 to 30 minutes. The heat from a burn continues to penetrate your skin even after you have removed the source of the heat. Cool water can help prevent the burn from going deeper. If using running water is too painful, try a cold-water compress.

Save the salve. Wait for a while before applying any kind of salve or ointment to your burn. You have to neutralize the heat first. Otherwise, all the salve will do is baste the burn by keeping the heat inside. When can you use salve? Hours later. If the burn is still painful and you develop a small blister, you can apply ointment to keep the burn lubricated. It is recommended using an ointment containing the antibiotic bacitracin.

Aid the aloe. Use the cooling gel of the aloe vera plant to ease the pain of a superficial burn. As with salves and ointments, you should hold off on the aloe to give the burn a chance to neutralize. At that point, you can apply the gel twice a day, either directly from the leaf of the plant or in bottled form. Use the clear kind, not the stuff with added coloring.

Keep the burn covered. Cover a burn with loose gauze, not an adhesive bandage. Or try an over-the-counter product called Spenco Second Skin. It is a thin layer of synthetic material that can be applied over superficial burns. It is very soothing. Put one on your burn, and chill its replacement in the refrigerator. Why the fridge? Keeping the product could makes it more effective as a pain reliever. A bonus benefit to bandaging your burn is that you are less likely to bump it as a bandage reminds you that the burn is there.

Speed healing with C. While it won’t help reduce the pain, taking 500 to 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C a day can help a burn. It is recommended taking the mineral zinc. Take 25 to 50 milligrams of zinc a day after you burn yourself and continue until the burn heals. Bear in mind that high levels of zinc can be toxic and should be taken only under the guidance of your physician.

About the Author: Raymond Lee is one of the foremost experts in the health and fitness industry specializing in body health, muscle development and dieting. He is currently the author of the latest edition of "Neck Exercises and Workouts." Visit http://www.bodyfixes.com for more information.
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Arthritis – Ways To Overcome It

2008-02-18T13:10:00.002-05:00

Arthritis – Ways To Overcome It
By Peter C Johnson

Finding the best arthritis treatment is always a challenge. There are so many factors involved in determining the health of an individual- genes, lifestyle, area where they live, diet etc.

However a person can lead the healthiest life, with the least genetic disposition to contracting a disease, yet they can still end up with the disease. This often baffles modern day medicine, as there are simply not always clear indications of why a person has a condition such as arthritis. The number one factor in arthritis treatment is an early diagnosis- this in itself will provide the possibility to treat the condition with the most effective method from the onset of the condition.

In the case of arthritis there are many forms which can take hold of an individual at all stages of life- even children. Some types of arthritis may occur, but not show symptoms for some times- so again early diagnosis and examination by one’s physician is crucial. Sometimes there is simply no explanation why an individual suffers from arthritis. Some forms of arthritis have no known causes, which makes it very difficult for a doctor to recommend preventative steps. However, no matter what form of arthritis a plan of dealing with the arthritis and treating it is needed.

As there are so many different types of arthritis, it is vital for the patient to understand which exact type of arthritis they are suffering from, and how it is effecting them. As in treating any medical condition, the doctor would normally start with ways to prevent the condition through to ways to treat and manage the condition. However, in the case of arthritis, there is not necessarily preventative measures which can be recommended – in some cases there certainly are- take the example of a body builder who develops arthritis in the joints This would be an example of an arthritis which has resulted from a distinct lifestyle issue- however this is not the norm. In the case that the cause of the arthritis is unknown, the first step is to understand the form of arthritis and its symptoms.
Next it is crucial to narrow down the most effective treatments and physical therapy to help manage the arthritis pain effectively. Finally it is important to accept the condition, and re-design your lifestyle to benefit the condition.

Currently there is no distinct cure for arthritis- largely due to the fact it shows in so many different forms, however there are many different forms of arthritis treatment--- there are pain killers, medicines, physical therapies and exercises, and
even surgery. Overcoming arthritis is not necessarily simply applying the most effective treatment, rather it is adapting one’s lifestyle and mentally accepting the condition as an inconvenience rather than a life changing event. There are certainly many ways to overcome arthritis- there is a wealth of information in the form of books and articles. The most important aspect is most certainly the way the patient mentally copes with the condition. A positive mental outlook will no doubt serve to help overcome the condition more effectively.

About the Author: Want further information on arthritis treatment and pain relief? Please visit: http://www.arthritis-treatment-advice.com Looking for a cure for your arthritis? Please visit: http://www.arthritis-treatment-advice.com/Products.html
(Visitors get FREE ‘Living With Arthritis' Ebook)
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Home Remedies For Hair Loss That Are Both Easy And Safe

2008-02-14T13:09:00.000-05:00

Home Remedies For Hair Loss That Are Both Easy And Safe
By Nick Mutt

Many of us are concern about a common topic - hair loss. In this article I have tried to cover some of the common hair loss treatments that you can try even at home. These home treatments help in controlling your hair fall. Try them as they natural and safe.

Home Remedies for Hair Loss

- Soak fenugreek in deep pot of water throughout the night. Massage the liquid into the scalp and wrap with a cloth for three hours. Repeat everyday for one month.

- Massage the scalp with uncooked egg yolk, leave for one hour and wash.

- Boil one cup of water, add one teaspoon of mustard seeds, cook for five minutes, cool and drink.

- Boil rosemary leaves in water, strain and keep the liquid in a glass bottle. Use it to wash your hairs daily. You can also put rosemary water in a sprayer and spray your hairs every morning.

- Massaging scalp with coconut milk will nourish the hair and promote hair growth. Coconut milk is prepared by grinding the coconut shavings and squeezing them well.

Herbal Treatments for Hair Loss

- Amla oil - Amla helps in rejuvenating the hairs and promotes hair growth. It helps in redefining the root of hairs by facilitating the nutrition to them. It also helps in improving the circulation in the scalp when massaged on it as oil.

You can prepare amla oil by boiling dry amla pieces in coconut oil. It is considered as a valuable hair tonic for enriching hair growth. A mixture of equal quantities of fresh amla juice and lime juice used as a shampoo stimulates hair growth and prevents hair loss.

- Aloe Vera - It is believes that the regular use of aloe vera gel activates the production of nitric oxide and contains an enzyme known as superoxide dismutane. Some experts feel that these two substances combine to stimulate hair regrowth in those suffering from male pattern type baldness.

- Red pepper (Capiscum) - It helps to draw blood and nutrients to the scalp and encourages the release of histimines to stimulate cell division and hair regrowth.

- Safflower oil (Carthamus tinctorious) - Safflower oil applied to the scalp acts as a vasolidator that dilates blood vessels. This allows more blood to deliver nutrients to the hair follicle thus helps in promoting hair regrowth.

- Dong Quai - It is a traditional Chinese herb that contains phytoestrogens that reduces the formation of DHT. Hence, this herb is believed to stop hair loss and even regrow hairs.

- Saw Palmetto - It is a small creeping palm containing free fatty acids and phytosterols, which block the formation of DHT and by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase that contributes to androgenetic alopecia.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

Copyright © Nick Mutt, All Rights Reserved. If you want to use this article on your website or in your ezine, make all the urls (links) active.

About the Author: Know more on home remedies for hair care and herbal treatments at http://www.home-remedies-guide.com

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