Dry Fruits Are Healthy 4 Health
Monday, December 13, 2010
How To Loose Weight
There are many misconceptions in the era of weight loss. Over the years a number of weight loss myths have emerged and this makes the weight loss process a difficult and often unsuccessful process. Weight loss is not a difficult thing to achieve provided that you follow proper, healthy and correct weight loss tips and advice. This article outlines 10 weight loss tips that can help you understand the proper way to loose weight in a fast and healthy way.
Tip 1: Find out how many calories you need.
For instance, you weigh 140 lb and you perform 20 mins of moderate activity every day. BMR of this example = (140 x 15) + (20 x 3.5) = 2100 + 70 = 2170 kcal. BMR minus 500kcal; it would be 2170 - 500 = 1670 kcal. Therefore 1670 kcal is the target in this example to losing 1 lb per week.
Tip 1: Find out how many calories you need.
For instance, you weigh 140 lb and you perform 20 mins of moderate activity every day. BMR of this example = (140 x 15) + (20 x 3.5) = 2100 + 70 = 2170 kcal. BMR minus 500kcal; it would be 2170 - 500 = 1670 kcal. Therefore 1670 kcal is the target in this example to losing 1 lb per week.
Tip 2: Eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
Fruits and vegetables are packed with beneficial fibers, vitamins and antioxidants. They fill up your stomach fast so you feel full earlier. They are also low in calories and helps to keep your calorie count low.
Tip 3: Watch for Portion Size.
One serving of pasta means 1/2 cup of cooked pasta. However, most restaurants serve a pasta dish with 4 servings of pasta!!! You do not need to finish and clean off the plate every time. You can simply ask to take home the leftover.
Tip 4: Do not Skip Meals.
Eating small frequent meals help to balance your calorie intake throughout the day and also keeps your blood sugar level balanced. Instead of eating 3 big meals, try to eat 5 - 6 smaller meals throughout the day.
Tip 5: Go for wholesome fresh foods.
If possible, purchase fresh foods and avoid package (processed) and convenient foods such as fast food. Packaged and convenient foods are often higher in sodium and fat content. Many people we spoke to are amazed that they can easily lose weight by packing a home-cooked lunch to work instead of eating out.
Tip 6: Don't be overly-restrictive.
Everyone has his or her favorite treats. Simply allow yourself a little indulgence, but watch out for the frequency and the quantity. Having a small treat once in a while can be rewarding to your weight loss experience. Cutting too much of your favorite treats usually lead to an early relapse.
Tip 7: Understand Food Claims and Labels.
A product labeled with a fat-free claim does not mean that it is low in calories. Similarly a product labeled as low-sugar or low-crab does not mean it is low in fat or calories. Always read the nutrition label on the packaging.
Tip 8: Watch for the sugary drinks.
Juices, soda, cream & sugar in your coffee or tea all add up. Opt for drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day. In addition to providing hydration to your body, it will also help you feel full.
Tip 9: Keep a food journal.
Keeping a food journal helps you pin point your eating pattern and will enable you to easily modify it. If possible, have your Registered Dietitian review your journal.
Tip 10: Exercise, period.
Most authorities recommend 30 - 60 minutes of physical activity a day to stay healthy. Also try adding weight-bearing exercises at least 2 times a week. This will help burn some of the unwanted calories.
Fruits and vegetables are packed with beneficial fibers, vitamins and antioxidants. They fill up your stomach fast so you feel full earlier. They are also low in calories and helps to keep your calorie count low.
Tip 3: Watch for Portion Size.
One serving of pasta means 1/2 cup of cooked pasta. However, most restaurants serve a pasta dish with 4 servings of pasta!!! You do not need to finish and clean off the plate every time. You can simply ask to take home the leftover.
Tip 4: Do not Skip Meals.
Eating small frequent meals help to balance your calorie intake throughout the day and also keeps your blood sugar level balanced. Instead of eating 3 big meals, try to eat 5 - 6 smaller meals throughout the day.
Tip 5: Go for wholesome fresh foods.
If possible, purchase fresh foods and avoid package (processed) and convenient foods such as fast food. Packaged and convenient foods are often higher in sodium and fat content. Many people we spoke to are amazed that they can easily lose weight by packing a home-cooked lunch to work instead of eating out.
Tip 6: Don't be overly-restrictive.
Everyone has his or her favorite treats. Simply allow yourself a little indulgence, but watch out for the frequency and the quantity. Having a small treat once in a while can be rewarding to your weight loss experience. Cutting too much of your favorite treats usually lead to an early relapse.
Tip 7: Understand Food Claims and Labels.
A product labeled with a fat-free claim does not mean that it is low in calories. Similarly a product labeled as low-sugar or low-crab does not mean it is low in fat or calories. Always read the nutrition label on the packaging.
Tip 8: Watch for the sugary drinks.
Juices, soda, cream & sugar in your coffee or tea all add up. Opt for drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day. In addition to providing hydration to your body, it will also help you feel full.
Tip 9: Keep a food journal.
Keeping a food journal helps you pin point your eating pattern and will enable you to easily modify it. If possible, have your Registered Dietitian review your journal.
Tip 10: Exercise, period.
Most authorities recommend 30 - 60 minutes of physical activity a day to stay healthy. Also try adding weight-bearing exercises at least 2 times a week. This will help burn some of the unwanted calories.
Diet and Nutrition
What are diet and nutrition?
A person's diet is made up of the food they eat. Nutrition is the way that the food people eat nourishes their bodies.
Good nutrition means your body is getting all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals it needs to work at its best level. Eating a healthy diet is your main way to get good nutrition.
Most people know that a balance of good nutrition and physical activity can help them reach and maintain a healthy weight. But the benefits of good nutrition go beyond weight. Good nutrition can also:Improve cardiovascular and other body system functions, mental well-being, school / cognitive performance, and wound healing or recovery from illness or injury.
A person's diet is made up of the food they eat. Nutrition is the way that the food people eat nourishes their bodies.
Good nutrition means your body is getting all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals it needs to work at its best level. Eating a healthy diet is your main way to get good nutrition.
Most people know that a balance of good nutrition and physical activity can help them reach and maintain a healthy weight. But the benefits of good nutrition go beyond weight. Good nutrition can also:Improve cardiovascular and other body system functions, mental well-being, school / cognitive performance, and wound healing or recovery from illness or injury.
Does everyone need the same things for good nutrition or a healthy diet?
No—A number of factors impact a person's nutritional and dietary needs.
Different age groups have different nutritional needs, and people's diets should meet those specific needs. For example, an infant needs a different diet and nutrition than a teenager. Likewise, the nutritional needs and diet of a pregnant woman are different than those of an elderly man.
In addition, factors such as a person's height and current weight, current health status, and activity level also affect what kinds of nutrients they need and how much they need.
What are some tips for healthy eating?
Some general tips for healthy eating include:
Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables – Eat fruit that is fresh, frozen, canned, or dried rather than fruit juice for most of your fruit choices. Eat dark green vegetables, orange vegetables, and beans and peas.
Get your calcium-rich foods. Get 3 cups of low-fat or fat-free milk, or other dairy products, such as yogurt and cheese. You can also try dark green, leafy vegetables, lactose-free milk products, and calcium-fortified foods and beverages for your calcium needs.
Make half your grains whole. Eat at least 3 ounces of whole-grain cereals, breads, crackers, rice, or pasta every day. Look to see that grains such as wheat, rice, oats, or corn are referred to as "whole" in the list of ingredients.
Go lean with protein. Choose lean meats and poultry. And vary your protein choices with more fish, beans, peas, nuts, and seeds.
Know the limits on fats, salt, and sugars. Read the Nutrition Facts label on foods. Look for foods low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars. Saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol tend to raise "bad" (LDL) cholesterol levels in the blood, which in turn increases the risk for heart disease.
How do I know if I'm eating a healthy diet?
In general, a healthy diet—one that gives your body balanced nutrition—includes these actions:
Make smart choices from every food group
Find your balance between food and physical activity
Get the most nutrition out of your calories
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans—a report published every five years by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture—explains how you can accomplish these actions. The report recommends a general diet that can help lead to good health and reduce risk for diseases for people two years and older.
How is physical activity related to diet and nutrition?
Another important part of good nutrition is creating a balance between the food you eat (ENERGY IN) and physical activity (ENERGY OUT).
For ENERGY IN, choose foods and amounts of foods that will help you and your family maintain a healthy weight and provide the nutrients they need while keeping their calories under control.
For ENERGY OUT, get moving! Adults 18 and older need 30 minutes of physical activity on five or more days a week to be healthy; children and teens need 60 minutes of activity a day for their health.
Combine healthy eating with a balance between food and physical activity to improve your overall health.
How is obesity related to nutrition and diet?
Good nutrition requires a balance of food, vitamins, and minerals (from eating a healthy diet) and physical activity. Overweight and obesity can result if things get out of balance—such as eating too much food, not getting enough physical activity, or having too much of one or more nutrients in the diet.
No—A number of factors impact a person's nutritional and dietary needs.
Different age groups have different nutritional needs, and people's diets should meet those specific needs. For example, an infant needs a different diet and nutrition than a teenager. Likewise, the nutritional needs and diet of a pregnant woman are different than those of an elderly man.
In addition, factors such as a person's height and current weight, current health status, and activity level also affect what kinds of nutrients they need and how much they need.
What are some tips for healthy eating?
Some general tips for healthy eating include:
Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables – Eat fruit that is fresh, frozen, canned, or dried rather than fruit juice for most of your fruit choices. Eat dark green vegetables, orange vegetables, and beans and peas.
Get your calcium-rich foods. Get 3 cups of low-fat or fat-free milk, or other dairy products, such as yogurt and cheese. You can also try dark green, leafy vegetables, lactose-free milk products, and calcium-fortified foods and beverages for your calcium needs.
Make half your grains whole. Eat at least 3 ounces of whole-grain cereals, breads, crackers, rice, or pasta every day. Look to see that grains such as wheat, rice, oats, or corn are referred to as "whole" in the list of ingredients.
Go lean with protein. Choose lean meats and poultry. And vary your protein choices with more fish, beans, peas, nuts, and seeds.
Know the limits on fats, salt, and sugars. Read the Nutrition Facts label on foods. Look for foods low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars. Saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol tend to raise "bad" (LDL) cholesterol levels in the blood, which in turn increases the risk for heart disease.
How do I know if I'm eating a healthy diet?
In general, a healthy diet—one that gives your body balanced nutrition—includes these actions:
Make smart choices from every food group
Find your balance between food and physical activity
Get the most nutrition out of your calories
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans—a report published every five years by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture—explains how you can accomplish these actions. The report recommends a general diet that can help lead to good health and reduce risk for diseases for people two years and older.
How is physical activity related to diet and nutrition?
Another important part of good nutrition is creating a balance between the food you eat (ENERGY IN) and physical activity (ENERGY OUT).
For ENERGY IN, choose foods and amounts of foods that will help you and your family maintain a healthy weight and provide the nutrients they need while keeping their calories under control.
For ENERGY OUT, get moving! Adults 18 and older need 30 minutes of physical activity on five or more days a week to be healthy; children and teens need 60 minutes of activity a day for their health.
Combine healthy eating with a balance between food and physical activity to improve your overall health.
How is obesity related to nutrition and diet?
Good nutrition requires a balance of food, vitamins, and minerals (from eating a healthy diet) and physical activity. Overweight and obesity can result if things get out of balance—such as eating too much food, not getting enough physical activity, or having too much of one or more nutrients in the diet.
Eyes Health
What are eyes.
Eyes are organs that detect light, and send signals along the optic nerve to the visual and other areas of the brain Complex optical systems with resolving power have come in ten fundamentally different forms, and 96% of animal species possess a complex optical system.
The simplest "eyes", such as those in unicellular organisms, do nothing but detect whether the surroundings are light or dark, which is sufficient for the entrainment of circadian rhythms. From more complex eyes, retinal photosensitive ganglion cells send signals along the retinohypothalamic tract to the suprachiasmatic nuclei to effect circadian adjustment.
Eyes are organs that detect light, and send signals along the optic nerve to the visual and other areas of the brain Complex optical systems with resolving power have come in ten fundamentally different forms, and 96% of animal species possess a complex optical system.
The simplest "eyes", such as those in unicellular organisms, do nothing but detect whether the surroundings are light or dark, which is sufficient for the entrainment of circadian rhythms. From more complex eyes, retinal photosensitive ganglion cells send signals along the retinohypothalamic tract to the suprachiasmatic nuclei to effect circadian adjustment.
Eyes Condition:
Acanthamoeba Keratitis:
Poor contact lens hygiene often causes this rare but serious eye infection.
Allergies:
Itchy, red, swollen, tearing eyes may mean eye allergies. Get tips for relief.
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye):
Amblyopia usually develops in young children and can mean permanent vision problems if not treated early.
Bell's Palsy:
This condition causes sudden paralysis of one side of the face. Because of inability to blink, you may develop severe dry eye.
Blepharitis:
Inflammation of the eyelids can cause chronic eye irritation, tearing, foreign body sensation and crusty debris.
Cataracts:
If you live long enough, you will eventually have cloudy vision from cataracts. Learn about causes and about cataract surgery, which replaces your eye's natural lens with an artifical one.
Eyes Diseases:
CMV Retinitis:
About 80 percent of adults have been exposed to the cytomegalovirus (CMV), but it mostly affects people with poor immune systems, such as AIDS patients.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye):
What you can do about redness, swelling, itching and tearing of pink eye.
Diabetic Retinopathy:
Diabetes causes sight-threatening retinal degradation.
Eye Herpes:
Ocular herpes is a recurrent viral infection that may lead to serious vision loss.
Ocular Hypertension:
High eye pressure has no symptoms, but it is easily detected in an eye exam. Take care of it before it develops into glaucoma.
Retinitis Pigmentosa:
Poor night vision and a narrowing field of vision beginning in childhood herald this rare disorder.
Stargardt's Disease (STGD):
Children and young people can develop Stargardt's disease, often leading to central vision loss.
Vision Problems:
Astigmatism:
Don't despair: distorted vision is usually correctable with eyeglasses, contacts or surgery.
Double Vision (Diplopia):
Many conditions cause double vision, including stroke and cataracts.
Higher-Order Aberrations (HOAs):
Higher-order aberrations are vision errors causing poor night vision or double images.
Hyperopia (Farsightedness):
Farsighted people can have poor near vision or blurred vision at all distances.
Myopia (Nearsightedness):
Nearsighted people can see fine up close, but distant objects are a blur.
Peripheral Vision Problems:
"Tunnel vision" can have various causes, including glaucoma.
Presbyopia:
Presbyopia means difficulty seeing close up for people 40 and older.
EXAMINATIONS FOR EYE PROBLEMS:
The following are common exams for eye problems that your eye doctor or healthcare provider may perform on you:
Fluorescein or Rose Bengal staining:
To perform this exam, your eye care professional or healthcare provider may put special eye drops into your eyes. Using a special light, they can see if there are any problems with the surface of your eyes. This may be done if eye prlblems include having eye pain, trauma, or a feeling of itchy eyes.
Ophthalmoscopy:
This is when your healthcare provider uses an ophthalmoscope, to look at the back of your eye. They can see the structures of the eye, such as the lens, retina, blood veins and vessels. Your healthcare practitioner may do this in the office, whenever you notice any eye problems.
Pupil dilation:
The pupil is widened with special eye drops, to allow your healthcare provider or eye care professional to look more closely at the back of your eye.
Tonometry:
This test is performed when the examiner wants to check the fluid pressures in the eye. It may be using a manual, hand-held device, or a more modern machine that blows a "puff" of air into your eye. Increased pressure in your eye may be a sign of glaucoma.
Visual acuity test:
Your eye examiner will use a chart to test how well you can see at different distances. This test may be performed when you are getting new glasses or contact lenses.
Things you can do about eye problems:
Acanthamoeba Keratitis:
Poor contact lens hygiene often causes this rare but serious eye infection.
Allergies:
Itchy, red, swollen, tearing eyes may mean eye allergies. Get tips for relief.
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye):
Amblyopia usually develops in young children and can mean permanent vision problems if not treated early.
Bell's Palsy:
This condition causes sudden paralysis of one side of the face. Because of inability to blink, you may develop severe dry eye.
Blepharitis:
Inflammation of the eyelids can cause chronic eye irritation, tearing, foreign body sensation and crusty debris.
Cataracts:
If you live long enough, you will eventually have cloudy vision from cataracts. Learn about causes and about cataract surgery, which replaces your eye's natural lens with an artifical one.
Eyes Diseases:
CMV Retinitis:
About 80 percent of adults have been exposed to the cytomegalovirus (CMV), but it mostly affects people with poor immune systems, such as AIDS patients.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye):
What you can do about redness, swelling, itching and tearing of pink eye.
Diabetic Retinopathy:
Diabetes causes sight-threatening retinal degradation.
Eye Herpes:
Ocular herpes is a recurrent viral infection that may lead to serious vision loss.
Ocular Hypertension:
High eye pressure has no symptoms, but it is easily detected in an eye exam. Take care of it before it develops into glaucoma.
Retinitis Pigmentosa:
Poor night vision and a narrowing field of vision beginning in childhood herald this rare disorder.
Stargardt's Disease (STGD):
Children and young people can develop Stargardt's disease, often leading to central vision loss.
Vision Problems:
Astigmatism:
Don't despair: distorted vision is usually correctable with eyeglasses, contacts or surgery.
Double Vision (Diplopia):
Many conditions cause double vision, including stroke and cataracts.
Higher-Order Aberrations (HOAs):
Higher-order aberrations are vision errors causing poor night vision or double images.
Hyperopia (Farsightedness):
Farsighted people can have poor near vision or blurred vision at all distances.
Myopia (Nearsightedness):
Nearsighted people can see fine up close, but distant objects are a blur.
Peripheral Vision Problems:
"Tunnel vision" can have various causes, including glaucoma.
Presbyopia:
Presbyopia means difficulty seeing close up for people 40 and older.
EXAMINATIONS FOR EYE PROBLEMS:
The following are common exams for eye problems that your eye doctor or healthcare provider may perform on you:
Fluorescein or Rose Bengal staining:
To perform this exam, your eye care professional or healthcare provider may put special eye drops into your eyes. Using a special light, they can see if there are any problems with the surface of your eyes. This may be done if eye prlblems include having eye pain, trauma, or a feeling of itchy eyes.
Ophthalmoscopy:
This is when your healthcare provider uses an ophthalmoscope, to look at the back of your eye. They can see the structures of the eye, such as the lens, retina, blood veins and vessels. Your healthcare practitioner may do this in the office, whenever you notice any eye problems.
Pupil dilation:
The pupil is widened with special eye drops, to allow your healthcare provider or eye care professional to look more closely at the back of your eye.
Tonometry:
This test is performed when the examiner wants to check the fluid pressures in the eye. It may be using a manual, hand-held device, or a more modern machine that blows a "puff" of air into your eye. Increased pressure in your eye may be a sign of glaucoma.
Visual acuity test:
Your eye examiner will use a chart to test how well you can see at different distances. This test may be performed when you are getting new glasses or contact lenses.
Things you can do about eye problems:
- To prevent or treat a blockage of the eye's drainage system: If you have a history of sinus infections, this may cause a blockage in your eye's drainage system. Make sure to seek healthcare advice if you think you are developing a sinus infection, and take oral antibiotics, if your healthcare provider suggests.
- Use warm compresses to help your eye to drain, if you have any type of eye infection.
- Surgery may be recommended for your eye problems if there is an extensive blockage. This also depends on many factors, including your health condition, and the location of the blockage. Discuss this with your healthcare provider.
- If you have tearing as a result of allergies of irritants in the air, try to eliminate them from your work or home environment. An air cleaner may be necessary.
- If you have a dry eye syndrome, ointments or artificial tears may help.
Health Facts - 1
- The average red blood cell lives for 120 days.
- There are 2.5 trillion (give or take) of red blood cells in your body at any moment. To maintain this number, about two and a half million new ones need to be produced every second by your bone marrow. That's like a new population of the city of Toronto every second.
- Considering all the tissues and cells in your body, 25 million new cells are being produced each second. That's a little less than the population of Canada - every second !
- A red blood cell can circumnavigate your body in under 20 seconds.
- Our blood is on a 60,000-mile journey.
- Nerve Impulses travel at over 400 km/hr (25 mi/hr).
- Our heart beats around 100,00 times every day.
- Our eyes can distinguish up to one million color surfaces and take in more information than the largest telescope known to man.
- Our lungs inhale over two million liters of air every day, without even thinking. They are large enough to cover a tennis court.
- We give birth to 100 billion red cells every day.
- When we touch something, we send a message to our brain at 124 mph.
- We exercise at least 30 muscles when we smile.
- We are about 70 percent water.
- We make one liter of saliva a day.
- Our nose is our personal air-conditioning system: it warms cold air, cools hot air and filters impurities.
- In one square inch of our hand we have nine feet of blood vessels, 600 pain sensors, 9000 nerve endings, 36 heat sensors and 75 pressure sensors.
- We have copper, zinc, cobalt, calcium, manganese, phosphates, nickel and silicon in our bodies.
- It is believed that the main purpose of eyebrows is to keep sweat out of the eyes.
- A person can expect to breathe in about 40 pounds of dust over his/her lifetime.
Yoga And Health
Yoga is an ancient science, which leads to healthy body, peaceful mind, joyous heart and liberated soul. Whether you pursue yoga as a spiritual path or for its psycho-physiological benefits, yoga is a methodology for developing a deeper experience of your self and the world. And it makes you feel really good.Yoga makes you feel better. Practicing the postures, breathing exercises and meditation makes you healthier in body, mind and spirit.Yoga lets you tune in, chill out, shape up -- all at the same time. For many people, that's enough of an answer. But there's more if you're interested. | |||
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Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Copper Benefits
Our skin, bones and brain benefit greatly from copper. Here’s how it can be beneficial to us:
Helpful component
Many are aware of the importance of iron in preventing anaemia, but few know that copper, also plays a critical role. Without small amounts of copper circulating in the body, iron cannot be absorbed from the intestinal tract or released from its storage sites in the liver and elsewhere.
The healing agent
Copper is an essential ingredient in the making of melanin — the ***ment that is responsible for your skin and hair colour. It is also necessary in the formation of collagen. Copper deficiency leads to white patches.
Strong bones
Copper compounds are used in the treatment of numerous conditions characterised by arthritic changes, osteoporosis and inflammations.
Brain and nerve power
Copper is needed to build and maintain myelin, the protective sheath of nerves. It is also needed for the development of the brain from the embryonic stage.
Required dosage
The required copper intake, as per WHO standards is 0.4 to 2.0 mg per day for children and 1.5 to 3.0 mg per day for adults. It should not exceed 10mg a day.
Dietary source
The best source of copper for vegetarians lies in whole grains, nuts, raisins, lentils, chocolates, all cereals, potatoes, dark green vegetables, papaya, apples etc. Shellfish and red meat should be consumed by non-vegetarians .
10 Essential Health Tips
(The Basics to Practice Every Day)
"He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything." -Arabian Proverb
1. Move More
Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it's a stress buster. Think 'move' in small increments of time. It doesn't have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that's great when you're up to it. Meanwhile, move more. Thought for the day: Cha, Cha, Cha…. Then do it!
2. Cut Fat
Avoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats (i.e. pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage). Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise. Thought for the day: Lean, mean, fat-burning machine…. Then be one!
3. Quit Smoking
The jury is definitely in on this verdict. Ever since 1960 when the Surgeon General announced that smoking was harmful to your health, Americans have been reducing their use of tobacco products that kill. Just recently, we've seen a surge in smoking in adolescents and teens. Could it be the Hollywood influence? It seems the stars in every movie of late smoke cigarettes. Beware. Warn your children of the false romance or 'tough guy' stance of Hollywood smokers. Thought for the day: Give up just one cigarette…. the next one.
4. Reduce Stress
Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like. (i.e.,Soak in a hot tub; walk on the beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated. Avoid difficult people when possible. Thought for the day: When seeing red, think pink clouds….then float on them.
5. Protect Yourself from Pollution
If you can't live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low. Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is good. Plant lots of shrubbery in your yard. It's a good pollution and dirt from the street deterrent. Thought for the day: 'Smoke gets in your eyes'…and your mouth, and your nose and your lungs as do pollutants….hum the tune daily.
6. Wear Your Seat Belt
Statistics show that seat belts add to longevity and help alleviate potential injuries in car crashes. Thought for the day: Buckle down and buckle up.
7 . Floss Your Teeth
Recent studies make a direct connection between longevity and teeth flossing. Nobody knows exactly why. Perhaps it's because people who floss tend to be more health conscious than people who don't? Thought for the day: Floss and be your body's boss.
8. Avoid Excessive Drinking
While recent studies show a glass of wine or one drink a day (two for men) can help protect against heart disease, more than that can cause other health problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer. Thought for the day: A jug of wine should last a long time.
9. Keep a Positive Mental Outlook
There's a definitive connection between living well and healthfully and having a cheerful outlook on life. Thought for the day: You can't be unhappy when you're smiling or singing.
10. Choose Your Parents Well
"He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything." -Arabian Proverb
1. Move More
Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it's a stress buster. Think 'move' in small increments of time. It doesn't have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that's great when you're up to it. Meanwhile, move more. Thought for the day: Cha, Cha, Cha…. Then do it!
2. Cut Fat
Avoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats (i.e. pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage). Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise. Thought for the day: Lean, mean, fat-burning machine…. Then be one!
3. Quit Smoking
The jury is definitely in on this verdict. Ever since 1960 when the Surgeon General announced that smoking was harmful to your health, Americans have been reducing their use of tobacco products that kill. Just recently, we've seen a surge in smoking in adolescents and teens. Could it be the Hollywood influence? It seems the stars in every movie of late smoke cigarettes. Beware. Warn your children of the false romance or 'tough guy' stance of Hollywood smokers. Thought for the day: Give up just one cigarette…. the next one.
4. Reduce Stress
Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like. (i.e.,Soak in a hot tub; walk on the beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated. Avoid difficult people when possible. Thought for the day: When seeing red, think pink clouds….then float on them.
5. Protect Yourself from Pollution
If you can't live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low. Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is good. Plant lots of shrubbery in your yard. It's a good pollution and dirt from the street deterrent. Thought for the day: 'Smoke gets in your eyes'…and your mouth, and your nose and your lungs as do pollutants….hum the tune daily.
6. Wear Your Seat Belt
Statistics show that seat belts add to longevity and help alleviate potential injuries in car crashes. Thought for the day: Buckle down and buckle up.
7 . Floss Your Teeth
Recent studies make a direct connection between longevity and teeth flossing. Nobody knows exactly why. Perhaps it's because people who floss tend to be more health conscious than people who don't? Thought for the day: Floss and be your body's boss.
8. Avoid Excessive Drinking
While recent studies show a glass of wine or one drink a day (two for men) can help protect against heart disease, more than that can cause other health problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer. Thought for the day: A jug of wine should last a long time.
9. Keep a Positive Mental Outlook
There's a definitive connection between living well and healthfully and having a cheerful outlook on life. Thought for the day: You can't be unhappy when you're smiling or singing.
10. Choose Your Parents Well
The link between genetics and health is a powerful one. But just because one or both of your parents died young in ill health doesn't mean you cannot counteract the genetic pool handed you. Thought for the day: Follow these basic tips for healthy living and you can better control your own destiny.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Controlled Breathing
Why controlled breathing?
When you are short of breath, your breathing can become too fast, too shallow, or jerky. Because of this you may not get as much air into your lungs as is possible. 'Controlled breathing' will help you to get as much air as possible to your lungs, which may help to ease shortness of breath.
Controlled breathing technique
Your doctor or nurse will explain how to do controlled breathing. The following is a reminder. Practice it when you are relaxed so that you can do it whenever you need to.
1. Sit upright, if possible
Sitting upright is usually better than lying down, or 'slouching', as it can increase the capacity of your lungs to fill with air.
2. Control the rate of your breathing
If possible, breath in through your nose and out through your mouth in a steady rhythm. Try to make your breath out twice as long as your breath in. This helps to empty your lungs of old air, and to make as much room in your lungs for fresh oxygen-rich air. To do this you may find it helpful to count "one" as you breath in, and "two, three" as you breathe out.
3. If possible, mainly use your diaphragm (lower chest muscle) to breathe
Your diaphragm is the big muscle under the lungs. It pulls the lungs downwards which expands the airways to allow air to flow in. When we become breathless we tend to forget to use this muscle, and often use the muscles at the top of the chest and our shoulders instead. Each breath is more shallow if you use these upper chest muscles. So, you tend to breathe faster and feel more breathless if you use your upper chest muscles rather than your diaphragm.
You can check if you are using your diaphragm by feeling just below your breastbone (sternum) at the top of your abdomen. If you give a little cough, you can feel the diaphragm push out here. If you hold your hand here you should feel it move in and out as you breathe.
4. Try to relax your shoulders and upper chest muscles when you breathe
It is best to 'take the weight' off your shoulders by supporting your arms on the side-arms of a chair, or on your lap. Gentle massage of your shoulders by a friend or relative may help you to relax. They can stand behind your chair and gently rub your shoulders and encourage you to relax.
5. Try to relax your mind too
Anxiety can make breathing problems worse. So, if possible, try to distract your mind when you are short of breath. For example, shut your eyes and try to concentrate on pleasant, peaceful thoughts. Some people find it easier to distract their mind by watching TV, or listening to music. If persistent anxiety is a problem which you think is making your breathing worse, then see your doctor. He or she may be able to advise on relaxation exercises or other treatments for anxiety.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Drink water on empty stomach
It is popular in Japan today to drink water immediately after waking up every morning. Furthermore, scientific tests have proven a its value. We publish below a description of use of water for our readers. For old and serious diseases as well as modern illnesses the water treatment had been found successful by a Japanese medical society as a 100% cure for the following diseases:
Headache, body ache, heart system, arthritis, fast heart beat, epilepsy, excess fatness, bronchitis asthma, TB, meningitis, kidney and urine diseases, vomiting, gastritis, diarrhea, piles, diabetes, constipation, all eye diseases, womb, cancer and menstrual disorders, ear nose and throat diseases.
METHOD OF TREATMENT
1. As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth, drink 4 x 160ml glasses of water
2. Brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for 45 minutes
3. After 45 minutes you may eat and drink as normal.
4. After 15 minutes of breakfast, lunch and dinner do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours
5. Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink 4 glasses of water at the beginning may commence by taking little water and gradually increase it to 4 glasses per day.
6. The above method of treatment will cure diseases of the sick and others can enjoy a healthy life.
The following list gives the number of days of treatment required to cure/control/reduce main diseases:
1. High Blood Pressure - 30 days
2. Gastric - 10 days
3. Diabetes - 30 days
4. Constipation - 10 days
5. Cancer - 180 days
6. TB - 90 days
7. Arthritis patients should follow the above treatment only for 3 days in the 1st week, and from 2nd week onwards - daily.
This treatment method has no side effects, however at the commencement of treatment you may have to urinate a few times.
It is better if we continue this and make this procedure as a routine work in our life.
Drink Water and Stay healthy and Active.
This makes sense .... the Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals ...not cold water. maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating!!! Nothing to lose, everything to gain...
For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you.
It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion.
Once this "sludge" reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.
A serious note about heart attacks: Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting.
Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.
You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack.
Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms.
60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up.
Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know, the better chance we could survive...
A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this mail sends it to everyone they know, you can be sure that we'll save at least one life.
**Please be a true friend and send this article to all your friends you care about..
METHOD OF TREATMENT
1. As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth, drink 4 x 160ml glasses of water
2. Brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for 45 minutes
3. After 45 minutes you may eat and drink as normal.
4. After 15 minutes of breakfast, lunch and dinner do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours
5. Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink 4 glasses of water at the beginning may commence by taking little water and gradually increase it to 4 glasses per day.
6. The above method of treatment will cure diseases of the sick and others can enjoy a healthy life.
The following list gives the number of days of treatment required to cure/control/reduce main diseases:
1. High Blood Pressure - 30 days
2. Gastric - 10 days
3. Diabetes - 30 days
4. Constipation - 10 days
5. Cancer - 180 days
6. TB - 90 days
7. Arthritis patients should follow the above treatment only for 3 days in the 1st week, and from 2nd week onwards - daily.
This treatment method has no side effects, however at the commencement of treatment you may have to urinate a few times.
It is better if we continue this and make this procedure as a routine work in our life.
Drink Water and Stay healthy and Active.
This makes sense .... the Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals ...not cold water. maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating!!! Nothing to lose, everything to gain...
For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you.
It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion.
Once this "sludge" reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.
A serious note about heart attacks: Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting.
Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.
You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack.
Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms.
60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up.
Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know, the better chance we could survive...
A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this mail sends it to everyone they know, you can be sure that we'll save at least one life.
**Please be a true friend and send this article to all your friends you care about..
Spices with Health Benefits
These five hot spices can be good for everything from easing arthritis pain to keeping your heart healthy. Recent studies suggest that when it comes to cuisine, kicking it up a notch can be as good for your health as it is tasty for your palate. Some spices, particularly hot ones, contain phytochemicals that may help ward off cell damage associated with chronic diseases.
Chili Powder Potential health perk: Relieves achy joints. Research shows that capsaicin, found in chili peppers, has an anti-inflammatory effect, which may help ease arthritic swelling and pain. Hot way to dish it: Sprinkle a few shakes of chili powder and salt on baked French fries.
Cinnamon Potential health perk: Protects against Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. A 2003 study found that about half a teaspoon lowered blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Hot way to dish it: Mix half a teaspoon of cinnamon into your coffee, or jazz up whipped cream with a couple of pinches.
Curry Powder Potential health perk: Safeguards your brain. The yellow curry pigment curcumin may fight Alzheimer's by thwarting development of the disease's signature amyloid brain plaques, says a study. Hot way to dish it: Whisk 1 1/2 teaspoons mild curry powder into mayonnaise to dress up sandwiches.
Garlic Potential health perk: Improves your heart's health. Brigham Young University researchers found that garlic consumption can lower total cholesterol and triglyceride levels by an average of 10 percent. Hot way to dish it: Add minced garlic and chopped cucumber to plain yogurt for a light dip or salad dressing.
Wasabi Potential health perk: Prevents ulcers. A South Korean study suggests Japanese horseradish can kill ulcer-causing Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Plant chemicals may also prevent tooth decay. Hot way to dish it: Mix a smidgen of wasabi paste with mashed avocado for a snappier guacamole.
Diet Changes Help Knee Pain
Simple diet changes can help chase away knee pain. Learn which foods can help ― and hurt ― knee health. by Jan Sheehan
Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH
Print Article Print E-mail Article Email
Looking for a natural way to relieve knee pain? You may want to tweak your diet. A growing body of research suggests that small dietary changes can add up to big benefits for knee health. "A number of foods have powerful anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that may be as effective as some prescription medicines for arthritis and other types of knee pain," says Beth Reardon, RD, MS, an integrative nutritionist and medicinal foods expert at Duke Integrative Medicine Center in Durham, N.C. Read on to learn how mealtime may be affecting the health of your knees.
Diet and Knee Pain: Go Fish
The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are natural anti-inflammatories. Calming joint inflammation can often help ease knee soreness, according to Steven Stuchin, MD, director of orthopedic surgery at NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases in New York City. In randomized clinical studies, omega-3 fatty acids were found to ease pain and reduce the duration of morning stiffness in people with rheumatoid arthritis. The best sources of omega-3s are salmon, tuna, sardines, herring, cod, and mackerel, as well as fish oil supplements. Another benefit of adding fish to your diet: "Fish is safer than anti-inflammatory medication, which may have side effects," says Reardon.
Diet and Knee Pain: Drink Orange Juice
Orange juice is a top-notch source of vitamin C, a nutrient that may guard against knee osteoarthritis. A 10-year Australian study of almost 300 middle-aged adults found that those getting high amounts of vitamin C were less likely to suffer the kind of bone degeneration associated with knee osteoarthritis. "Drinking a glass of orange juice provides about 25 percent more vitamin C than eating an orange," says Reardon. Other good sources of vitamin C to prevent knee pain are green peppers, grapefruit, and strawberries.
Diet and Knee Pain: Eat Spinach and Onions
Follow Popeye's lead and add spinach to your regime. Australian researchers found that getting high amounts of the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin (found in green veggies like spinach) can help relieve knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. Several studies have found an additional benefit of lutein and zeaxanthin, as they can help prevent vision-related diseases.
Don't forget to add some onions to your spinach salad as well. Adding onions to salads, sandwiches, stews, and casseroles may help put the brakes on knee pain. Onions are a rich source of quercetin, a flavonoid with strong anti-inflammatory properties, says Reardon. In studies of arthritic mice, quercetin resulted in significant decreases in arthritis symptoms. Apples, red grapes, and tea are also good sources of quercetin.
Diet and Knee Pain: Order Indian Food
A helping of curry could do wonders for your knee pain. That's because turmeric, a spice used in curry and other Indian dishes, contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory. "Curcumin works similarly to COX-2 inhibitors ― drugs that reduce the COX-2 enzyme that causes the pain and swelling of arthritis," says Reardon. A 2006 Canadian study of the effects of both curcumin and quercetin found that curcumin reduced the inflammation of arthritis in animals. Quercetin (the flavonoid in onions) worked too, but not to the extent of the curcumin.
Diet and Knee Pain: Use Ginger Generously
The herb ginger traditionally has been used to relieve upset stomach, but researchers recently discovered that it also reduces knee pain by decreasing inflammation. In a study of 261 patients with moderate to severe knee pain due to osteoarthritis, ginger extract significantly reduced knee pain during standing and walking. Cooking with this spice can increase the flavor of meals while decreasing knee pain.
Diet and Knee Pain: Avoid Refined Carbohydrates
Some research suggests that diets high in refined carbohydrates can increase inflammation, says Reardon. She recommends steering clear of white bread, pasta, and baked goods ― taking these foods out of your diet can have an added bonus of helping you drop excess pounds.
Because changing your diet is a relatively easy step, it makes sense to try some ― or all ― of the foods listed above. You may find some relief from knee pain and get some added health benefits to boot.
Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH
Print Article Print E-mail Article Email
Looking for a natural way to relieve knee pain? You may want to tweak your diet. A growing body of research suggests that small dietary changes can add up to big benefits for knee health. "A number of foods have powerful anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that may be as effective as some prescription medicines for arthritis and other types of knee pain," says Beth Reardon, RD, MS, an integrative nutritionist and medicinal foods expert at Duke Integrative Medicine Center in Durham, N.C. Read on to learn how mealtime may be affecting the health of your knees.
Diet and Knee Pain: Go Fish
The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are natural anti-inflammatories. Calming joint inflammation can often help ease knee soreness, according to Steven Stuchin, MD, director of orthopedic surgery at NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases in New York City. In randomized clinical studies, omega-3 fatty acids were found to ease pain and reduce the duration of morning stiffness in people with rheumatoid arthritis. The best sources of omega-3s are salmon, tuna, sardines, herring, cod, and mackerel, as well as fish oil supplements. Another benefit of adding fish to your diet: "Fish is safer than anti-inflammatory medication, which may have side effects," says Reardon.
Diet and Knee Pain: Drink Orange Juice
Orange juice is a top-notch source of vitamin C, a nutrient that may guard against knee osteoarthritis. A 10-year Australian study of almost 300 middle-aged adults found that those getting high amounts of vitamin C were less likely to suffer the kind of bone degeneration associated with knee osteoarthritis. "Drinking a glass of orange juice provides about 25 percent more vitamin C than eating an orange," says Reardon. Other good sources of vitamin C to prevent knee pain are green peppers, grapefruit, and strawberries.
Diet and Knee Pain: Eat Spinach and Onions
Follow Popeye's lead and add spinach to your regime. Australian researchers found that getting high amounts of the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin (found in green veggies like spinach) can help relieve knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. Several studies have found an additional benefit of lutein and zeaxanthin, as they can help prevent vision-related diseases.
Don't forget to add some onions to your spinach salad as well. Adding onions to salads, sandwiches, stews, and casseroles may help put the brakes on knee pain. Onions are a rich source of quercetin, a flavonoid with strong anti-inflammatory properties, says Reardon. In studies of arthritic mice, quercetin resulted in significant decreases in arthritis symptoms. Apples, red grapes, and tea are also good sources of quercetin.
Diet and Knee Pain: Order Indian Food
A helping of curry could do wonders for your knee pain. That's because turmeric, a spice used in curry and other Indian dishes, contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory. "Curcumin works similarly to COX-2 inhibitors ― drugs that reduce the COX-2 enzyme that causes the pain and swelling of arthritis," says Reardon. A 2006 Canadian study of the effects of both curcumin and quercetin found that curcumin reduced the inflammation of arthritis in animals. Quercetin (the flavonoid in onions) worked too, but not to the extent of the curcumin.
Diet and Knee Pain: Use Ginger Generously
The herb ginger traditionally has been used to relieve upset stomach, but researchers recently discovered that it also reduces knee pain by decreasing inflammation. In a study of 261 patients with moderate to severe knee pain due to osteoarthritis, ginger extract significantly reduced knee pain during standing and walking. Cooking with this spice can increase the flavor of meals while decreasing knee pain.
Diet and Knee Pain: Avoid Refined Carbohydrates
Some research suggests that diets high in refined carbohydrates can increase inflammation, says Reardon. She recommends steering clear of white bread, pasta, and baked goods ― taking these foods out of your diet can have an added bonus of helping you drop excess pounds.
Because changing your diet is a relatively easy step, it makes sense to try some ― or all ― of the foods listed above. You may find some relief from knee pain and get some added health benefits to boot.
Cures from Cucumber
1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.
2. Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.
3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.
4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.
5 Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!
6.. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish
essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache!!
7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.
8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don't have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not
only looks great but also repels water.
9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!
10. Stressed out and don't have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.
11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don't have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.
12. Looking for a 'green' way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but is won't leave streaks and won't harm you fingers or fingernails while you clean.
13. Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!
2. Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.
3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.
4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.
5 Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!
6.. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish
essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache!!
7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.
8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don't have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not
only looks great but also repels water.
9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!
10. Stressed out and don't have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.
11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don't have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.
12. Looking for a 'green' way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but is won't leave streaks and won't harm you fingers or fingernails while you clean.
13. Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!
Health Benefits of Eggs
1. Eggs are great for the eyes. According to one study, an egg a day may prevent mascular degeneraton due to the carotenoid content, specifically lutein and zeaxanthin. Both nutrients are more readily available to our bodies from eggs than from other sources.
2. In another study, researchers found that people who eat eggs every day lower their risk of developing cataracts, also because of the lutein and zeaxanthin in eggs.
3. One egg contains 6 grams of high-quality protein and all 9 essential amino acids.
4. According to a study by the Harvard School of Public Health, there is no significant link between egg consumption and heart disease. In fact, according to one study, regular consumption of eggs may help prevent blood clots, stroke, and heart attacks.
5. They are a good source of choline. One egg yolk has about 300 micrograms of choline. Choline is an important nutrient that helps regulate the brain, nervous system, and cardiovascular system.
6. They contain the right kind of fat. One egg contains just 5 grams of fat and only 1.5 grams of that is saturated fat.
7. New research shows that, contrary to previous belief, moderate consumption of eggs does not have a negative impact on cholesterol. In fact, recent studies have shown that regular consumption of two eggs per day does not affect a person's lipid profile and may, in fact, improve it. Research suggests that it is saturated fat that raises cholesterol rather than dietary cholesterol.
8. Eggs are one of the only foods that contain naturally occurring vitamin D.
9. Eggs may prevent breast cancer. In one study, women who consumed at least 6 eggs per week lowered their risk of breast cancer by 44%.
10. Eggs promote healthy hair and nails because of their high sulphur content and wide array of vitamins and minerals. Many people find their hair growing faster after adding eggs to their diet, especially if they were previously deficient in foods containing sulphur or B12.
2. In another study, researchers found that people who eat eggs every day lower their risk of developing cataracts, also because of the lutein and zeaxanthin in eggs.
3. One egg contains 6 grams of high-quality protein and all 9 essential amino acids.
4. According to a study by the Harvard School of Public Health, there is no significant link between egg consumption and heart disease. In fact, according to one study, regular consumption of eggs may help prevent blood clots, stroke, and heart attacks.
5. They are a good source of choline. One egg yolk has about 300 micrograms of choline. Choline is an important nutrient that helps regulate the brain, nervous system, and cardiovascular system.
6. They contain the right kind of fat. One egg contains just 5 grams of fat and only 1.5 grams of that is saturated fat.
7. New research shows that, contrary to previous belief, moderate consumption of eggs does not have a negative impact on cholesterol. In fact, recent studies have shown that regular consumption of two eggs per day does not affect a person's lipid profile and may, in fact, improve it. Research suggests that it is saturated fat that raises cholesterol rather than dietary cholesterol.
8. Eggs are one of the only foods that contain naturally occurring vitamin D.
9. Eggs may prevent breast cancer. In one study, women who consumed at least 6 eggs per week lowered their risk of breast cancer by 44%.
10. Eggs promote healthy hair and nails because of their high sulphur content and wide array of vitamins and minerals. Many people find their hair growing faster after adding eggs to their diet, especially if they were previously deficient in foods containing sulphur or B12.
Sweet potatoes and its Benefits
| Did you know that SWEET POTATO (kamote) far exceeds the nutrition and health values of rice? Here are the benefits of substituting rice with kamote: 1. Sweet potato is more filling and suppresses hunger pangs longer. It is also cheaper than rice. 2. Unlike rice, it is easy to grow. It grows in backyards with or without fertilizers. Local government executives can provide their poor communities with idle government land for planting kamote which the entire community can share. 3. Unlike rice which needs to be eaten with a dish, Sweet Potato tastes good and can be eaten by itself. Thus, substituting rice with sweet potato saves money for other needs. 4. Rice cannot match the nutritional values of potato. Because rice converts to sugar in the body, the Philippines registers as a top producer of diabetics in the world.The poor tends to load up on rice and less on the dish which are more expensive. That makes them vulnerable to diabetes, an ailment known in developed countries as a rich man's disease. 5. The nutritional values of a 3 oz. baked sweet potato are: calories 90, fat 0 g, saturated fat 0 g, cholesterol 0 mg, carbohydrate 21 g, protein 2 g, dietary fiber 3 g, sodium 36 mg, vitamin A 19,218 IU, folic acid 6 micrograms, pantothenic acid 1 mg, vitamin B6 <1 mg, vitamin C 20 mg, vitamin E 1 mg, calcium 38 mg, manganese 1 mg, carotenoids 11,552 mcg, potassium 475 mg and magnesium 45 mg. Compare that to a 100 g serving of white rice with: calories 361 kcal, water 10.2 g, total fat 0.8 g, dietary fiber 0.6 g, calcium 8 mg, phosphorous 87 mg, potassium 111 mg, sodium 31 mg, vitamin B1 0.07 mg, vitamin B2 0.02 mg, niacin 1.8 g, protein 6 g and carbohydrates 82 g. 6. Too much rice consumption can make you sick, but sweet potato(kamote) can bring you to health and keep away some health problems. These have been proved medically. In a medical documentary I watched recently on KBS World (the South Korean TV Network), I was awed by the results of the research the Koreans conducted on the nutritional and medicinal benefits of kamote (which they refer to as sweet potato). In that Korean medical documentary I watched (which I followed through the English subtitles), they presented the research findings on people with established health problems who were placed on a kamote/sweet potato diet. Believe it or not – Sweet Potato (kamote) lowers hypertension, bad cholesterol and even blood sugar when eaten as SUBSTITUTE TO RICE! The purple sweet potato (kamote) is particularly effective for lowering hypertension. Not only that, the Korean medical documentary credits the sweet potato (kamote) as high fiber and is one of the best foods that one can eat to prevent cancer! |
Diabetes: Foot Care
Diabetes: Foot Care
Diabetes is a disease that occurs when a person's body doesn't make enough of the hormone insulin or can't use insulin properly. There are 2 types of diabetes.Type 1 diabetes occurs when your body's pancreas doesn't produce any insulin.Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas either doesn't produce enough insulin or your body's cells ignore the insulin. Between 90% and 95% of people who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.
How does diabetes affect our body.
When we digest food, your body changes most of the food you eat into glucose (a form of sugar). Insulin allows this glucose to enter all the cells of your body and be used as energy. When you have diabetes, your body doesn't make enough insulin or can't use it properly, so the glucose builds up in your blood instead of moving into the cells. Over time, too much glucose in the blood can damage the blood vessels and nerves in your body.
Damage to your nerves means that you may have burning pain or lose feeling in a part of your body (this is called diabetic neuropathy). Damage to the blood vessels that some areas of your body (usually the feet) may not be getting a good supply of blood.
All of us are likely to have problems with our feet, but diabetics may develop serious problems more quickly and have more complications, especially when circulation or nerves are impaired.
The key for the diabetic is to view all foot problems as potentially dangerous and to prevent them and seek podiatric care as soon as they occur. Except for blindness, the complication most heard about diabetics is loss of a leg. This widespread concern is realistic.
--30% of all diabetics have peripheral vascular disease.
--Of all non-traumatic amputations, 50% to 70% are performed on diabetics.
Diabetes may cause
Poor circulation often happens in diabetics, which can lead to serious complications. Chronically tired or painful feet may mean circulation is poor. Symptoms such as numbness, tingling, cold or blue feet, and swelling that will not go down indicate poor circulation. Cramping may occur at night, during rest, or while walking a short distance. Smoking and stress usually increase the severity of the symptoms. Examination by a podiatrist will reveal any circulatory deficiencies.
Diabetic Neuropathy can cause insensitivity or a loss in ability to feel pain, heat or cold. If precautions are not taken, a hot bath can be a potential for a burn. Position sense is often lost in neuropathy, so the feet scrape objects in their path. Diabetic neuropathy can also affect the muscles of the feet causing deformity such as hammertoes. When insensitivity is present, serious problems, such as ulcers and gangrene, can occur without pain. The infection may go unnoticed and appropriate care may be delayed until too late. By the time the trouble is discovered, amputation may be necessary to save the person's life. Daily observation of the feet is necessary by a diabetic or a responsible family member or other party.
Ulcers can be caused by lack of blood circulating to the foot, lack of soft tissue protection, excessive callus tissue, infection, and pressure points caused by deformities. Some causes of injury and ulcers are wearing ill-fitting shoes, performing self-surgery, applying electric heating pads or hot water bottles, and using ingrown toenail and corn remedies. If the circulatory response is adequate, most diabetic ulcers can be healed if diagnosed and treated early.
Skin changes in the foot can be caused by diabetes. Dehydration is common since the diabetic has less natural lubrication than the non-diabetic. Fissures and cracks in the skin develop and often itching can become severe. Scratching can cause breaks in the skin that may become infected. Dryness can be helped by using a good skin cream daily on every part of the foot except between the toes.
Cuts, Scrapes, Blisters, and Puncture Wounds can cause serious problems. To prevent such injuries, diabetics should always wear some kind of footwear. If foreign bodies, such as splinters, become lodged in the foot, or if an infection or puncture wound occurs, the diabetic should be treated promptly by a professional.
Ingrown Toenails can cause infections, which tend to be especially severe in diabetics. To treat the problem, the podiatrist may drain the infection to relieve the pressure, prescribe an antibiotic, and recommend special home care to help the infection heal.
Athlete's Foot is a fungal infection common in diabetics. If it or other skin rashes are not promptly treated, secondary bacterial infections that require vigorous treatment with antibiotics may develop.
Structural changes in the feet of healthy adults may also occur in the feet of diabetics and these problems can be far more serious because the disease causes changes in the nervous system. These changes in turn may prevent the diabetic from experiencing or expressing pain or discomfort and will require evaluation on a continuous basis to prevent serious bone and joint changes.
Why do I have to worry more about my feet.
--Of all non-traumatic amputations, 50% to 70% are performed on diabetics.
Diabetes may cause
Poor circulation often happens in diabetics, which can lead to serious complications. Chronically tired or painful feet may mean circulation is poor. Symptoms such as numbness, tingling, cold or blue feet, and swelling that will not go down indicate poor circulation. Cramping may occur at night, during rest, or while walking a short distance. Smoking and stress usually increase the severity of the symptoms. Examination by a podiatrist will reveal any circulatory deficiencies.
Diabetic Neuropathy can cause insensitivity or a loss in ability to feel pain, heat or cold. If precautions are not taken, a hot bath can be a potential for a burn. Position sense is often lost in neuropathy, so the feet scrape objects in their path. Diabetic neuropathy can also affect the muscles of the feet causing deformity such as hammertoes. When insensitivity is present, serious problems, such as ulcers and gangrene, can occur without pain. The infection may go unnoticed and appropriate care may be delayed until too late. By the time the trouble is discovered, amputation may be necessary to save the person's life. Daily observation of the feet is necessary by a diabetic or a responsible family member or other party.
Ulcers can be caused by lack of blood circulating to the foot, lack of soft tissue protection, excessive callus tissue, infection, and pressure points caused by deformities. Some causes of injury and ulcers are wearing ill-fitting shoes, performing self-surgery, applying electric heating pads or hot water bottles, and using ingrown toenail and corn remedies. If the circulatory response is adequate, most diabetic ulcers can be healed if diagnosed and treated early.
Skin changes in the foot can be caused by diabetes. Dehydration is common since the diabetic has less natural lubrication than the non-diabetic. Fissures and cracks in the skin develop and often itching can become severe. Scratching can cause breaks in the skin that may become infected. Dryness can be helped by using a good skin cream daily on every part of the foot except between the toes.
Cuts, Scrapes, Blisters, and Puncture Wounds can cause serious problems. To prevent such injuries, diabetics should always wear some kind of footwear. If foreign bodies, such as splinters, become lodged in the foot, or if an infection or puncture wound occurs, the diabetic should be treated promptly by a professional.
Ingrown Toenails can cause infections, which tend to be especially severe in diabetics. To treat the problem, the podiatrist may drain the infection to relieve the pressure, prescribe an antibiotic, and recommend special home care to help the infection heal.
Athlete's Foot is a fungal infection common in diabetics. If it or other skin rashes are not promptly treated, secondary bacterial infections that require vigorous treatment with antibiotics may develop.
Structural changes in the feet of healthy adults may also occur in the feet of diabetics and these problems can be far more serious because the disease causes changes in the nervous system. These changes in turn may prevent the diabetic from experiencing or expressing pain or discomfort and will require evaluation on a continuous basis to prevent serious bone and joint changes.
Why do I have to worry more about my feet.
People who have diabetes often have trouble with their feet. The loss of feeling in your feet can make it hard for you to tell if you have a blister or sore. If little sores aren't taken care of, they can get worse and turn into ulcers (serious, deep sores). If these ulcers become infected, you may have to go to the hospital or, in very serious cases, have a foot amputated (removed).
Protect Your Feet
Keep your blood sugar level as close to normal as possible. Also, follow your doctor's advice on diet and exercise. Take your insulin or medicine exactly as prescribed. Here are some other ways to protect your feet:
- Wash your feet every day with lukewarm (not hot) water and mild soap.
- Dry your feet well, especially between the toes. Use a soft towel and pat gently; don't rub.
- Keep the skin of your feet smooth by applying a cream or lanolin lotion, especially on the heels. If the skin is cracked, talk to your doctor about how to treat it.
- Keep your feet dry by dusting them with no medicated powder before putting on shoes, socks or stockings.
- Check your feet every day. You may need a mirror to look at the bottoms of your feet. Call your doctor if you have redness, swelling, pain that doesn't go away, numbness or tingling in any part of your foot.
- Don't treat calluses, corns or bunions without talking to your doctor first.
- Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails. It might help to soak your toenails in warm water to soften them before you cut them. File the edges of your toenails carefully.
- Don't let your feet get too hot or too cold.
How often will my doctor check my feet.
Your doctor or nurse should check your feet periodically when you go in for a visit. If you are having any problems, such as numbness, sores or ingrown toenails, tell your doctor right away.
Diabetic Foot Care.
- Do not ever walk barefoot.
- Do not wear any shoes with open toes, soles or heels. Be sure to wear shoes or slippers with firm soles, especially outside of the house, in your yard or at the beach or pool.
- Wear shoes that fit snugly but not tight. There should be ½ inch between the big toe and the shoe. The toe-box should be round and high to allow space for toe deformities. The upper portion of the shoe should be soft and flexible. The lining should be smooth and free of ridges, wrinkles and seams.
- Rotate your shoes every day and keep your shoes in good condition.
- Break in new shoes gradually and wear for only a few hours at first to prevent blisters and sore spots. Check your foot for red areas indicating too much pressure.
- Check inside your shoes daily for sharp edges and foreign objects.
- Do not soak your feet. This causes too much moisture between the toes and Athlete's foot.
- Carefully and gently pat your feet dry (DO NOT RUB). Use a soft towel and remember to get in between all your toes.
- Use moisturizing cream in small amounts and massage into feet well twice a day. Do not apply between toes.
- Do not pull off loose pieces of skin.
- Wear clean socks, change them daily and discard when worn out.
- Inspect the socks daily for signs of drainage from an open sore that you may not realize you have because you cannot feel it.
- Keep your toenails trimmed. Since you are diabetic, it is recommended that you visit a podiatrist regularly for cutting of your nails.
- Do not attempt to trim you own corns or calluses.
- Do not use commercial corn or wart remedies. These contain harmful acids that are very dangerous to diabetics.
- Avoid extremes, such as cold or heat, and if your feet are cold, wear warm boots. Never use hot water bottles or heating pads.
What should I look for when choosing shoes and socks.
· Don't wear shoes without socks.
· Don't wear sandals or other open-toed shoes.
· Avoid high-heeled shoes and shoes with pointed toes.
· Wear well-padded socks or stockings that are 1/2 inch longer than your longest toe. Don't wear stretch socks, nylon socks, socks with an elastic band or garter at the top, or socks with inside seams.
· Don't wear uncomfortable or tight shoes that rub or cut into your feet. If you've had problems before because of shoes that didn't fit, you may want to be fitted for a custom-molded shoe.
· Talk to your doctor before you buy special shoes or inserts.
· Shop for new shoes at the end of the day when your feet are a little swollen. If shoes are comfortable when your feet are swollen, they'll probably be comfortable all day.
· Break in new shoes slowly by wearing them for no more than an hour a day for several days.
· Change socks and shoes every day. Have at least 2 pairs of shoes so you can switch pairs every other day.
· Look inside your shoes every day for things like gravel or torn linings. These things could rub against your feet and cause blisters or sores.
· Change socks and shoes every day. Have at least 2 pairs of shoes so you can change.
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