Good Health Tips for Men

The Top 12

1) Don't smoke. Smoking is estimated to kill 400,000 Americans every single year. That's the equivalent death toll of three jumbo jet crashes every single day! Choosing not to smoke is, without a doubt, the single most important health decision you can make.

2) Control your weight. This is not as easy a No. 2 choice for me as was No. 1. That's because the connection between obesity and actual illnesses or deaths is often more indirect than is the case with smoking. But I have come to accept the estimates of the Surgeon General's Office that obesity is responsible for approximately 350,000 deaths every year, and that if American men continue to stop smoking in large numbers, it may even replace smoking as the No. 1 cause of death for men.

3) Drink alcohol in moderation. This message can be taken in both positive and negative terms. Truly moderate drinking (one to two standard size drinks per day) does reduce the risk of coronary artery disease, the No. 1 cause of death in our country. However, excessive drinking is a major cause of both physical disease and social tragedy. Approximately 10 percent of people who start drinking socially will become alcoholics. The decision to drink even socially should not be taken lightly.

4) Exercise regularly. This health practice has enormous physical and emotional benefits. Besides reducing the risk for high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and osteoporosis, regular exercise can be helpful in raising our general mood and reducing the risk for depression.

5) Have regular cholesterol and blood pressure tests. Both high cholesterol and high blood pressure can be described as "silent killers," since they can cause extensive damage to our heart and arteries without producing any telltale symptoms until it is often too late. Therefore, the only way to find out if you have a potential problem is to get tested.

6) Have regular colonoscopy and prostate serum antigen testing. I strongly believe in the value of both of these tests in detecting two common and potentially lethal diseases — colon and prostate cancer — when they are still curable. There are not many cancers that we can either prevent of detect early enough to make a difference, but these are two.

7) Take a baby aspirin every day (for most men). Unless you are truly allergic to aspirin (very rare) or at high risk for gastrointestinal bleeding (not very common), this daily dose of aspirin is one of the most beneficial and simple things you can do. It acts to reduce the risk of clot formation in the arteries leading to your heart and brain, thereby reducing the risk of both heart attacks and strokes. And it probably acts in many other beneficial ways we don't yet fully understand.

8) Practice safe sex. In this age of AIDS, you could make a good case for putting this higher on the list. But even less lethal sexually transmitted diseases can cause a wide range of disability, such as infertility problems and pelvic pain in women. And unless you are in a truly monogamous relationship, there is no good way to tell a partner is safe, so prevention using condoms is key.

9) Have regular glaucoma screenings. I put this on the list because glaucoma is a major cause of blindness and it usually doesn't produce visual symptoms until it has caused significant damage to the optic nerve. That's why eye doctors call it a "thief in the night." The other benefit of glaucoma screening is that your ophthalmologist will have the opportunity to check for other eye problems such as macular degeneration.

10) Use a sunscreen of at least 15 SPF. Skin cancers are the most common of all cancers by far. Fortunately, most of them (basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas) are rarely lethal, though they can certainly cause local disfigurement if not diagnosed early. Melanoma is both disfiguring and lethal, so it must be diagnosed as early as possible. But since it is so inconvenient to do a truly thorough check of the skin, at least by yourself, prevention is a very helpful tool. And that means the use of sunscreen and protective clothing and the avoidance of direct sun exposure between the "high hours" of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun is strongest.

11) Increase good fats and good carbs in your diet. Some of the standard nutritional advice of the past is undergoing change. And this is particularly true in the growing emphasis on making a distinction between good fats and carbs — such as omega-3 fatty acids and whole grains, which should actually be increased in our diet — and bad fats and carbs, such as saturated fats and highly refined grains, which of course should be decreased. In other words, just "cutting down" on fats and carbs is not precise enough anymore.

12) Find time for some kind of meditation/relaxation practice. This goal is very flexible. It is more important to set aside some time for relaxation than it is to worry about a specific relaxation technique. Even physical activity that is "relaxing" in the sense that it gets your mind away from stressful thoughts can be helpful. All of us should take the time to "get away" mentally and emotionally at least once a day, wherever we are, or whatever we are doing.

Good Health Tips For Your Family

1. Go to the doctor or health professional every year for a
check-up.
• Write down your questions before you go. Or, have someone else
write them down as you say them.
• Tell your doctor about any health problems you have.
• Tell the doctor what medicines you take.
• Tell the doctor if you take supplements like vitamins and minerals
or if you take herbal products.
• Ask questions. Make sure you understand what the doctor tells
you.
• Take a trusted friend or family member with you if you need to.

2.Find out how to stay healthy and safe.
• Practice good health habits like washing hands before eating or
preparing food.
• Cook foods long enough and to the proper temperature.
• Stop unhealthy habits like smoking and chewing tobacco. People
around you can get sick from the smoke too.
• Use safety items to protect children. These include car seats,
electrical plug covers, and gates in front of stairs.
• Brush teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss
every day.
• See your dentist for regular check-ups.

3. Make a list of immunizations (shots), sicknesses and
surgeries. Do this for you and others in your family.
• Take the list when you go to your doctor or health professional.
• Ask what tests or shots you and your family need.

4. Read together.
• Reading is fun and good for you.
• You and your children can learn more about good health.

5. Prepare/Fix healthy foods for you and your family.
• Eat whole-grain breads and cereals (whole wheat, oatmeal).
• Eat 5 to 9 servings of vegetables and fruits every day.
• Eat or drink plenty of foods with calcium, like milk, cheese, or
yogurt.
• Limit foods with high fat and cholesterol.
• Limit foods with a lot of sugar or salt.
• Eat more healthy snacks like fruit. Eat less junk food like chips.

6. Get to a healthy weight and stay there.
• You can do this by watching what you eat and how much you eat.
• Get some exercise every day.
• Going for a fast walk for 30 minutes is a good start. Do this most
days of the week.


Exercise helps you feel better and helps to keep you from getting
heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

7. Talk with your children about risky behaviors.
• You can protect yourself from most sexually transmitted diseases
(STDs) by not having sex (oral, anal or vaginal).
• Using drugs and alcohol increases the chance of risky sexual
behaviors.
• If you do have sex, use condoms. Unprotected sex can lead to
HIV, other STDs (sexually transmitted disease), and unwanted
pregnancies.
• Using dirty needles (for drugs, tattoos, body piercing) can cause
HIV and hepatitis.
• Set a good example for children by modeling healthy behavior.
• Telling children the facts about risky behaviors can help them deal
with “peer pressure”.
• Learn to be a good listener.

8. What to do before you become pregnant:
• Get a check-up with your doctor. Medical conditions like
diabetes, high blood pressure, and epilepsy need to be under
control before you get pregnant.
• Eat healthy foods. Take a multi-vitamin with folic acid.
• If you smoke or drink, quit.
• Get prenatal care as soon as you think you are pregnant.

9. If you use well water for drinking, have it tested to be
sure it’s safe. Call your county health department to
find out about testing.

10. Keep from getting mosquito bites.
• Cover your body with clothing as much as possible.
• Use mosquito repellent with DEET.
• Don’t go outside after the sun sets and before the sun rises unless
you cover up or use repellent.
• Empty everything in your yard that has standing water.

11. Your mental health is important, too.
• If you are feeling “down” more than you think you should be, you
may have depression.
• Your doctor or health professional can help with depression and
other mental health conditions. Ask for help.

12. Find out where to get help when you need it.
• Your doctor or health professional
• Your county health department
• Community mental health centers
• Schools and libraries
• Faith organizations
• Look in the phone book or on the Internet

Healthy Life Tips

There are 13 ways to boost your chances of living a happy, healthy life. More can be added to this list, but, for simplicity's sake, we'll stick with this typically unlucky number.

Instead of bringing misfortune, however, the 13 habits promise a life of vigor and vivacity. There are, of course, no guarantees, but many of the practices mentioned here have been published in scientific journals. Disregard them, and you may well be taking a big gamble with your mental and emotional well-being.

Healthy Habit No. 1: Eat Breakfast Every Morning

Breakfast eaters are champions of good health. Research shows people who have a morning meal tend to take in more vitamins and minerals, and less fat and cholesterol. The result is often a leaner body, lower cholesterol count, and less chance of overeating.

"That one act [of eating breakfast] seems to make a difference in people's overall weight," says Melinda Johnson, RD, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association (ADA). She says breakfast can hold off hunger pangs until lunchtime and make high-calorie vending machine options less enticing.

Not only that, researchers at the 2003 American Heart Association conference reported that breakfast eaters are significantly less likely to be obese and get diabetes compared with nonbreakfast eaters.

Another study in the International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition showed that people who consumed breakfast cereal every day reported feeling better both physically and mentally than those who rarely ate cereal in the morning.

For kids, breakfast appears to enhance alertness, attention, and performance on standardized achievement tests, reports the ADA.

To get the full benefits of breakfast, the Mayo Clinic recommends a meal with carbohydrates, protein, and a small amount of fat. They say that because no single food gives you all of the nutrients you need, eating a variety of foods is essential to good health.

Yet, even with so much scientific support that breakfast does the body good; many people still make excuses not to eat in the morning. They include not having enough time and not feeling hungry. For these people, Johnson suggests tailoring breakfast to the day.

"When I'm getting ready in the morning, I don't really want to take the time to eat breakfast because that would mean sacrificing sleep," says Johnson. "So I bring my breakfast with me, and I know I have an hour when I'm reading emails in the office when I can eat it. By that time, I'm hungry because I've been up for almost a couple of hours."

Healthy Habit No. 2: Add Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids to Your Diet continued...

Fatty fish such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna, and salmon, are rich in two kinds of omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Foods such as tofu, soybeans, canola, walnuts, flaxseed, and their oils contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which convert to omega-3 in the body. Even though the benefits of ALA are controversial, the AHA still recommends foods containing it as part of a healthy diet.

In addition to their heart-health benefits, there is some evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may also soothe an overactive immune system, says Johnson. Even though this benefit is still being studied, she says there appears to be a link between getting more omega-3s in your diet and reducing allergies, asthma, eczema, and autoimmune disorders.

Healthy Habit No. 3: Get Enough Sleep

"Your body has to have enough time to rest," says Michael Fleming, MD, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Otherwise, he says you may find yourself feeling cranky and tired.

This may sound like common sense, but according to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), more than two-thirds of older adults suffer from sleep problems and many American adults don't get the minimum amount of shuteye needed to stay alert.

Sleep is vital to good health and to mental and emotional well-being. The NSF reports that people who don't get enough slumber are more likely than others to develop psychiatric problems and to use health care services. Plus, sleep deprivation can negatively affect memory, learning, and logical reasoning.

Not enough ZZZs can also be hazardous. More than one-half of adult drivers -- some 100 million people -- say they have driven drowsy in the past year, according to NSF polls. About one out of five of these drivers -- 32 million people -- say they've fallen asleep while driving.

Each year drowsy driving causes more than 100,000 car crashes, 1,500 deaths, and tens of thousands of injuries, reports the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The NSF recommends taking a 15 to 20 minute nap. Because it takes about 30 minutes for the caffeine to work, taking a nap while you wait for the caffeine to kick in can help restore alertness.

To avoid the pitfalls of insufficient sleep, make sure to get at least seven to 10 hours of slumber each night. Kids need more sleep, depending on their age.

Healthy Habit No. 4: Make Social Connections

Volunteer. Go to church. Join a club. Whatever you do, do it with people. Communal activities are good for your physical and mental health, according to a study published in the March/April 2004 issue of the American Journal of Health Behavior.

It makes sense, says C. David Jenkins, PhD, author of Building Better Health: A Handbook of Behavioral Change. He says social ties have many benefits, including:

• Providing information. You may think for instance your frequent nosebleeds, coughing, and sneezing episodes are trivial, but when a close friend or relative hears of it, he or she may encourage you to go to a doctor. If the symptoms turn out to be a serious condition, the social tie could have saved your life.
• Instrumental help. Friends and family can provide physical support in time of need. They may help with cooking, cleaning, running errands, doing grocery shopping, and driving to the doctor's office.
• Emotional support. Sharing a problem with a trusted person can help alleviate an internal burden. "It's a load off your chest," says Jenkins.
• Offering a sense of belonging. This feeling not only helps reinforce a person's identity, it also assists in preventing and overcoming depression and anxiety.

Community ties also help improve mental functioning, says Fleming. Group activities can help keep the mind active and maintain desirable levels of serotonin -- the brain chemical associated with mood. "Lack of social interaction will [decrease] serotonin levels," says Fleming.

Healthy Habit No. 5: Exercise for Better Health

We already know that physical activity has a bounty of benefits, which makes it so puzzling why so many people just don't do it. According to the CDC, more than 60% of Americans do not get regular exercise.

In case you needed an incentive, here is a review of the advantages of exercise, per the National Cancer Institute:

• Helps control weight
• Maintains healthy bones, muscles, and joints
• Reduces risk of developing high blood pressure and diabetes
• Promotes psychological well-being
• Reduces risk of death from heart disease
• Reduces risk of premature death

Studies have also shown a link between exercise and a reduced risk of certain cancers.

Besides its long-term effects, moving your body has immediate benefits, says Cedric Bryant, chief exercise physiologist for the American Council on Exercise. The short-term results of exercise include helping people to think and move better, manage stress, improve mood, and get an energy boost.

The excuses that people often give to not exercise are the precise reasons to exercise, says Bryant. People who say they are too tired or don't have time to workout don't realize that exercise gives people more energy and allows them to be more productive with the rest of their time.

Healthy Habit No. 6: Practice Good Dental Hygiene

Flossing your teeth every day could add 6.4 years to your life, according to Michael Roizen, MD, author of RealAge. In his book, Roizen lists flossing as one of the most important daily activities -- along with exercise and quitting smoking -- that could extend life span.

Roizen's calculation may raise some eyebrows, but the idea that oral health is connected to overall health isn't far-fetched.

The mouth, after all, is an integral part of the body. "Teeth have a blood supply, and that blood supply comes from the heart," says Richard Price, DMD, consumer advisor for the American Dental Association (ADA).

Researchers suspect that the bacteria that produce dental plaque enter the bloodstream. They say these bacteria are somehow associated with the inflammation that occurs with plaque that blocks blood vessels and causes heart disease.

Other researchers have found links between oral bacteria and stroke, diabetes, and the birth of preterm babies and those that have low birth weight.

In addition to preventing disease, flossing and brushing can help keep your pearly whites intact for more than just cosmetic reasons. Teeth help you chew food, speak properly, and smile -- which, according to Price, can help you keep your dignity.

Healthy Habit No. 7: Take Up a Hobby

Look up the word "hobby" in the Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, and you will find the definition as "a pursuit outside one's regular occupation engaged in especially for relaxation."

Since they are relaxing activities, hobbies are usually enjoyable. Some people find joy in craftwork, bird watching, sports, going to flea markets, walking in the park, or playing cards.

The joy may help people live healthier and recover better from illness. For one thing, taking part in hobbies can burn calories, more so than just sitting in front of the TV.

In a study of people who had undergone surgery, Jenkins found that people who were involved in hobbies before their operation had better recovery six months later, compared with people who did not have hobbies.

The participants with hobbies tended to have more drive and interest in things and other people, says Jenkins. "It was a more active orientation to life."

Healthy Habit No. 8: Protect Your Skin

Our skin starts to age as soon as we are born and, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the best way to protect it and look younger is to stay out of the sun.

The sun has harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that can cause wrinkles, dryness, and age spots. Overexposure can cause sunburn, skin texture changes, dilated blood vessels, and skin cancers.

Avoiding the sun, however, is not always ideal or practical. To reduce the risk of skin damage, the AAD offers the following tips:

• Always wear sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.
• Don a hat with a brim and wear other protective clothing.
• Don't deliberately sunbathe.
• Try to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Healthy Habit No. 9: Snack the Healthy Way

The ADA recommends five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day as part of a healthy diet. These plant foods can do many things to boost good health, including:

• Reduce the risk of some cancers
• Beat the signs of aging
• Improve memory
• Promote heart health
• Enhance the immune system

One way to incorporate fruits and veggies into your diet is to have them as snacks. "If you can do one thing [to improve your health], concentrate on getting fruits and veggies," says Johnson. "They are low in calories and high in nutrients."

She says baby carrots and cut-up produce make tasty, convenient munchies. Other healthful snacks include low-fat yogurt and nuts (in moderation).

The best time to snack is when you are hungry between meals, says Johnson. But beware: Cravings could easily be mistaken for hunger cues, especially for people who are dieting.

Healthy Habit No. 10: Drink Water and Eat Dairy continued...

The body needs water to keep properly hydrated and individuals vary widely in how much water they need. Joints need it to stay in motion, and vital organs such as the heart, brain, kidney, and liver need it to work properly.

If you don't get enough water, the body goes into emergency mode, and clings to every single water molecule it can find, reports the University of Minnesota Water Resources Center. The stored molecules appear as extra weight. The weight is only released once the body gets enough water.

The calcium in dairy, on the other hand, is known to be important for strong bones and teeth. Studies have also shown it can help prevent high blood pressure, kidney stones, heart disease, and colon cancer.

In the weight loss arena, three 8-ounce glasses of low-fat or fat-free milk appear to encourage body fat loss while maintaining muscle mass, according to the ADA. The dairy consumption must be part of a balanced reduced-calorie meal plan.

Healthy Habit No. 11: Drink Tea

"Decaffeinated tea is better," says Fleming, noting that the caffeinated variety can be dehydrating, and sugary drinks can lead to weight gain.

There is some evidence that tea may help in improving memory, and preventing cavities, cancer, and heart disease. Fleming says, though, that the overall research is still inconclusive.

"There may well be some beneficial effects of tea, particularly the potential antioxidant effect, but we don't have great data on that right now that is that specific."

However, there's no doubt that a cool iced tea can be a refreshing treat during hot days. Try flavoring your tea with juices, fruits, cinnamon sticks, ginger, and other condiments.

Healthy Habit No. 12: Take a Daily Walk

We already mentioned the merits of exercise in habit No. 5. Now, here's a tip on how to incorporate physical activity into your daily life: WALK.

We're not talking about taking the time out of your busy schedule to work out -- that's important, too -- but infusing life- and limb-saving movement into your waking hours.

"Just move. Pace during phone calls, while you're brushing your teeth, while watching your son's soccer game," says Bryant, noting that every 20 steps a person takes is 1 calorie burned.

An eight-year study of 13,000 people also showed that people who walked 30 minutes daily had a significantly reduced chance of premature death compared with those who rarely exercised, reports the American Council on Exercise.

And there are plenty of opportunities to move those legs:

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Walk to the store.
• Window shop at the mall.
• Leave your desk and visit your co-worker instead of sending him an email.
• Walk and talk with friends instead of meeting for a meal.

Healthy Habit No. 13: Plan

There is, perhaps, no better word in the English language to better illustrate how you can incorporate healthy habits into your everyday life.

"A little planning goes a long way," says Johnson. "Eating healthy never happens by accident."

For the most part, neither do good fitness, skin protection, healthy teeth, weight loss, and social ties. Many of these habits take effort that need to be scheduled into busy lives.

To eat healthy, for example, it would help to set aside time to draft a menu, make a grocery list, go to the store, prepare meals, and pack breakfast and lunch.

Cell phones - Sperm quality

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Spending hours on a cell phone each day may affect the quality of a man's sperm, preliminary research suggests.

In a study of 361 men seen at their infertility clinic, researchers at the Cleveland Clinic found an association between the patients' cell phone use and their sperm quality.

On average, the more hours the men spent on their cell phones each day, the lower their sperm count and the greater their percentage of abnormal sperm.

The findings, published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, add to questions about the potential health effects of cell phones and other wireless devices. Some studies, for example, have linked long-term cell phone use to a higher risk of brain tumors, though many other studies have found no such connection.

The concern is that, over time, the electromagnetic energy emitted from mobile phones could theoretically harm body tissue -- by damaging DNA, for example.

However, the new findings do not prove that cell phones somehow damage sperm, according to the researchers.

"Our results show a strong association of cell phone use with decreased semen quality. However, they do not prove a cause-and- effect relationship," lead researcher Dr. Ashok Agarwal told Reuters Health.

He and his colleagues based their findings on semen samples from 361 men who came to their infertility clinic over one year. All of the men were questioned about their cell phone habits.

In general, the researchers found, sperm count and sperm quality tended to decline as daily cell phone hours increased. Men who said they used their phones for more than four hours each day had the lowest average sperm count and the fewest normal, viable sperm.

"We infer from our results that heavy cell phone use ... is associated with a lower semen quality," Agarwal said. But whether cell phones somehow directly affect men's fertility is not clear.

Agarwal said he and his colleagues have two studies underway aiming to shed light on the issue. In one, they are exposing semen samples to electromagnetic radiation from cell phones to see what, if any, effects occur.

The second is a follow-up to the current study that is assessing a larger group of men. Agarwal said this study is more rigorously designed and will account for certain other factors like lifestyle habits and occupational exposures that might affect sperm quality.

Herbal health tips

Appendices alternative cure

Appendices

The appendics is a small outgrowth of tissue forming a tube-shaped sac attached to the lower end of the large intestine. Inflammation of the appendix presents itself in acute and chronic forms and affects both male and female. This disease accounts for about half the acute abdominal emergencies occurring in between child to middle age person.

Symptom of appendices

Appendicitis usually begins with a sudden pain in the centre of the abdomen. The pain may effects to the abdomen, indigestion, diarrhoea, or constipation. Gradually, the pain shifts to the lower right side, and is usually accompanied by a fever varying from 39 oC to 40 oC.

Nausea is common and the patient may vomit two or trice. In the chronic state of appendicitis, the patient may suffer from recurrent pain in the right lower abdomen, constipation, loss of appetite, and mild nausea.

Home remedy :

Home remedy using vegetable juices

Certain vegetable have been found valuable in appendicitis. A particularly good combination is that of 150 ml each of beet and cucumber juices mixed with 400 ml of carrot juice. This combined juice can be taken twice daily. It will get good result

Using buttermilk

Buttermilk is very beneficial in of appendicitis. One litre of buttermilk may be taken daily twice for this purpose.

Using whole wheat

The consumption of whole wheat, which includes bran and wheat germ, has been found beneficial for appendices and also some other digestive problem. The bran of wheat can be sterilised by baking after thorough cleaning. This sterilised bran can be added to wheat flour in the proportion of one to six by weight. Two or four chapatis mane from this flour can be eaten daily for preventing this disease.

cold sores

Cold sores, also called as fever blisters are caused by herpes simplex virus. Cold sores are contagious.. Cold sores mainly occur on the skin adjacent to mouth, mostly on the lips. Sometimes they may occur on chin, nostrils, fingers or genitals. Cold sore home remedies effectiveness is not usually scientifically researched or proven Cold sore home treatments are very interesting because they are very inexpensive and easy to use.

Symptom of cold sores:

Generally signs and symptoms of cold sores are seen after fifteen days of exposure to the virus. Small, painful and fluid-filled red or brown blisters could be seen on the skin. Blisters may burst and ooze. Tingling precedes blisters after one or two days. Once infected by the virus you may experience head ache, irritability and fever.. Itching and swelling of lips are common. Lymph nodes on the neck may swell. Drooling may be seen among small children. Symptoms may last from seven to ten days.

Remedies for cold sores:

Ice is a very good home remedy for cold sores. Rub ice on the infected skin for few minutes, repeat this every hour. Apply a tea bag for few minutes on the blisters, repeat this every hour. One can also consider pressing a warm tea bag on the blisters for approximately 40 minutes. Applying Witch Hazel on sores will give you some relief. Dip your moist index finger in powdered common salt and press the sore for 20 seconds using this index finger. Gently rub aloe vera gel or oil on the sores. Lemon balm extract helps to reduce symptoms and speeds up healing. Those having weak immune system will take more time to recover and may face more severe consequences.

Another remedy for cold sores

Lemon as a home remedy for cold sores

Vitamin C is a great remedy for cold sores and disease fighter

If you're at work and you feel uncomfortable walking around with a slice of lemon on your face all day

You may also drink a good lemon juice in the morning. It's very good for general health and also good remedy for cold sores. For example, I take up to 3 lemon juices in a glass of water per day when I have a cold and it usually disappears in 20 hours. Try to drink in between meals for best results.

Raw of milk for cold sores

raw of milk is one of well home remedy for cold sores for years. Now science has confirmed its potential. Indeed, raw whole milk contains a fat called monocaprin that can kill the virus on contact according to a recent study. So applying milk fat should be better than milk itself. Whole milk is simple and easy to find.. So why not give it a try next time you feel that nagging itch again.

constipation-herbal care

onstipation

Constipation is a common disturbance of the digestive tract. In this condition, the bowels do not move regularly, or are not completely emptied when they move. Most doctors do not consider a person constipated unless they are experiencing difficulty passing hard, dry stool, and there has been a decrease in the number of bowel movements from the amount that's normal for the person Appendicitis, rheumatism, arthritis, high blood pressure, cataract., and cancer are only a few of the diseases in which chronic constipation is an important predisposing factor.Constipation is the chief cause of many diseases as such a condition produces toxins which find their way into the blood stream and are carried to all parts of the body. This results in weakening of the vital organs and lowering of the resistance of the entire system.



constipation symptom

Infrequency, irregularity in elimination of hard faecal matter
The most common symptoms of constipation are infrequency, irregularity or difficulty in elimination of the hard faecal matter.
Coated tongue, Foul breath, headache, depression , insomnia etc
The other symptoms include a coated tongue, foul breath, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, dark circles under the eyes, depression, nausea, pimples on the face, ulcer in the mouth, constant fullness in the abdomen, diarrhoea alternating with constipation, varicose veins, pain in the lumbar region, acidity, heart burn, and insomnia.


Causes of Constipation

Some of the main causes of constipation include:

Faulty diet and style of living
The most important causes of chronic constipation are a faulty diet and style of living.
Insufficient intake of water, strong tea and coffee etc
Paralysis, where peristaltic action is diminished or absent, so that feces are not moved along
Constriction, where part of the intestine or rectum is narrowed or blocked, not allowing feces to move past

Intake of refined and rich foods lacking in vitamins and minerals, insufficient intake of water, consumption of meat in large quantities, excessive use of strong tea and coffee, insufficient chewing, overeating and wrong combination of foods, irregular habits of eating and drinking may all contribute to poor bowel function.
Irregular habit of defecation, lack of physical activity Constipation means that a person has three bowel movements or fewer in a week. The stool is hard and dry. Sometimes it is painful to pass
.
Constipation treatment using Orange

Orange is beneficial in the treatment of constipation. Taking one or two oranges at bedtime and morning is an excellent way of stimulating the bowels. The general influence of orange juice excites peristaltic activity and helps prevent the accumulation of food residue in the colon.


Constipation treatment using Bael Fruit

all fruits are benefical for constipation Certain fruits are, however, more effective. Bael fruit is regarded as the best of all laxatives. It cleans and tones up the intestines. Its regular use for oneor two months throws out even the old accumulated faecal matter. It should be preferably taken in its original form and before dinner. About hundred grams of the fruit are sufficient for an adult.


Constipation treatment using Grapes

Grapes is also benefical for overcoming constipation. The combination of the properties of the cellulose, sugar, and organic acid in grapes make them a effective food. Their field of action is not limited to clearing the bowels only. They also tone up the stomach and intestines and relieve the most chronic constipation. One should take at least 300 gm of this fruit daily to achieve the desired results. When fresh grapes are not available, raisins, soaked in water, can be used. Raisins should be soaked for twenty-four to forty-eight hours. This will make them swell to the original size of the grapes. They should be eaten early in the morning, along with the water in which they have been soaked.
Constipation treatment using Other Remedies

Half a lime, squeezed is a glass of hot water, with half a teaspoon of salt is also an effective remedy for constipation. Drinking water which has been kept overnight in a copper vessel, first thing in the morning, brings good results. Linseed (alse) is extremely useful in difficult cases of constipation. A teaspoon of linseed swallowed with water before each meal provides both roughage and lubrication.

cough remedy tips

The air passages of the lungs are lined with cells secreting mucus, which normally traps particles of dust. When the membranes get infected and , the secretion of mucus increases and the lining of the air passages is irritated. .Whenever there is an obstruction or inflammation in the throat or in the upper airways, the brain thinks it to be a foreign object and tries to relieve it by coughing.

symptom of cough

A person who is going to cough first draws a deep breath in. This causes his glottis to close and his muscles to contract, thus building up pressure in the chest. after , the glottis opens, an explosive discharge of air sweeps through the air passages and carries with it the excess secretions or, in some cases, foreign body, which has irritated the larynx, trachea,.in simply.A cough can develop in the chest due to change in weather or seasonal changes.


cough treatment using onion

onion is one of the useful remedy for cough. onion is chopped fine and the juice extracted from it. One teaspoon of the juice should then be mixed with one teaspoon of honey and kept for threeorfour hours-it will make an excellent cough syrup and should be taken twice daily. Onions are also useful in removing phelgm. , the juice of one lemon added with one onion juice and then one cup of boiling water poured on it. A teaspoon of honey can be added for taste. This remedy should be taken two times a day.

cough treatment using turmeric

The root of the turmeric plant is useful in a dry cough. The root should he roasted and powdered. This powder should be taken in hot milk twice daily, in the morning and evening.


cough remedy using aniseed

Aniseed is effective remedy for a dry cough with difficult expectoration. It breaks up the mucus. A tea made from this spice should be taken twice regularly for treating this condition.


another remedies are: Suck on 3 peppercorns with a pinch of black cumin seeds (shah jeera) and a pinch of salt.
In a cup of boiling water add 1 tsp turmeric powder and 1 tsp carom seeds (ajwain). Boil till half. then Add 1 tsp of honey day and takes two times a day

Health Benefits of Drinking More Water

Health Benefits of Drinking More Water

Water is the most abundant substance on earth. It's also the most abundant substance in our bodies and we can't survive more than a few days without it. Every function in our body occurs in water. A human embryo is more than 80% water, a newborn baby about 74%, and a normal adult about 60-70% water. Yet most people have no idea how much water they should be drinking. In fact, many of us live from day to day in a dehydrated state--that is, we don't drink enough water.

What does water do?
Without water, we would die from internal poisoning by our own waste products and the toxins resulting from metabolism.

We all know that the kidneys remove wastes, such as uric acid and lactic acid, from the body. What we may not think about is that, in order to be removed, those wastes must be dissolved in water. If there isn't enough water, wastes are not removed as effectively, and it may be damaging to the kidneys. Water also is vital to digestion and metabolism--it acts as a medium for various enzymatic and chemical reactions in the body. It carries nutrients and oxygen to the cells though the blood. Water helps to regulate our body temperature through perspiration, which gets rid of excess heat and cools the body. Water also lubricates our joints--an important function if you are arthritic, have chronic muscular or skeletal problems, or are athletically active.

We even need water to breathe. Our lungs must be moistened by water in order to effectively take in of oxygen and get rid of carbon dioxide. We lose approximately a pint of liquid each day just exhaling!

So, if you don't drink enough water to be in "fluid balance," as doctors call it, you can impair every aspect of your body's physiological function. Excess body fat, poor muscle tone and size, decreased digestive efficiency and organ function, constipation, increased toxicity in the body, joint and muscle soreness (particularly after exercise), and water retention may all be related to lack of water.

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Water and weight loss:
Although most of us take it for granted, water may be the only true "magic potion" for permanent weight loss. Water may be the key to taking weight off and keeping it off.

"Proper water intake is the key to weight loss," says Dr. Donald Robertson, director of the Southwest Bariatric Nutrition Center in Scotsdale, Ariz. "If people who are trying to lose weight don't drink enough water, the body can't metabolize the fat, they retain fluid, which keeps weight up, and the whole procedure that we're trying to set up falls apart."

Water suppresses the appetite naturally and helps the body metabolize stored fat. Studies have shown that a decrease in water intake will cause fat deposits to increase, while an increase in water intake can actually reduce fat deposits.

Here's why: As we said, the kidneys can't function properly without enough water. When they don't work to capacity, some of their load is dumped onto the liver. One of the liver's primary functions is to metabolize stored fat into usable energy for the body. But, if the liver has to do some of the kidney's work, it can't do its own job as effectively. As a result, it metabolizes less fat; so more fat remains stored in the body and weight loss stops.

Drinking enough water is the best treatment for fluid retention. When the body gets less water, it perceives this as a threat to survival and begins to hold on to every drop. Water is stored in spaces outside the cells. This shows up as swollen feet, legs and hands. So, paradoxical as it may seem, the way to eliminate fluid retention is to drink more water, not less.

Some people choose to use diuretics. However, these offer a temporary solution at best. They force out stored water along with some essential nutrients. Again, the body perceives a threat and will replace the lost water at the first opportunity. Thus, the condition quickly returns.

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How much water should you drink?
Of course, people trying to lose weight are not the only ones who need to drink a lot of water. We all do. Count the glasses if you must to ensure that you get the proper amount.

"I'd say the minimum amount a healthy person should drink is 10 eight-ounce glasses a day, "says Dr. Flaks, bariartric physician in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Bariatrics is the branch of medicine dealing with obesity.). "And you need to drink more if you're overweight, exercise a lot or live in a hot climate. Overweight people should drink an extra glass for every 25 pounds they exceed their ideal weight."

A formula developed by East German physicians is:
o a daily water intake of ½ ounce per pound of body weight if you're a non-active person (that's 10 eight-ounce glasses a day if your weight is 160 pounds),
o 2/3 ounce per pound if you're an active athletic person (13 to 14 eight-ounce glasses a day if you're 160 pounds).

Your water intake should be spread judiciously throughout the day, including the evening. Try not to drink more than four glasses in any given hour. And remember you should always check with your physician before embarking on a regimen of increased water intake.

You may be wondering: If I drink this much water, won't I constantly be running to the bathroom? Initially, the bladder is hypersensitive to the increased amount of fluid, and you have to urinate frequently. But after a few weeks, your bladder calms down, and you urinate less frequently but in larger amounts. [Mine never did, but I feel so much better and sleep so much better when I drink enough water, that it is worth the extra trips to the bathroom.]

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I drink a lot of other liquids…isn't that enough?
There is a difference between pure water and other beverages that contain water. Biochemically, water is water--obviously you can get some liquid by consuming such beverages as fruit juice, soft drinks, beer, coffee and tea. Unfortunately, while such drinks contain water, they also may contain substances may contradict some of the positive effects of the added water. As Dr Jerzy Meduski, a medical doctor and biochemist in Los Angeles, says: "Beer contains water, but it also contains alcohol which is a toxic substance." And caffeinated beverages like coffee stimulate the adrenal glands, while fruit juices contain a lot of sugar and stimulate the pancreas. Tea is a diuretic, so you excrete more liquid than you take in. Soda contains sodium. Such drinks may tax the body more than they cleanse it.

Another problem with these beverages is that you lose your taste for water.

The way to interpret all this, therefore, is that the recommended daily water intake means just that--water!

HIV PREVENTION TIPS

HOW CAN HIV BE PREVENTED

PRVENTION IS THE ONLY CURE FOR HIV / AIDS

Prevention is simple easy and the only answer we have got today unless we find some cure. HIV can be easily prevented by adopting simple measures such as:

SAFE SEX:

The only safe sex is ‘no sex’; all other practices like masturbation, cuddling, hugging, rubbing, sticking to one partner or using condom if one cannot avoid multiple partners are safer sex practices.

SAFE BLOOD:

Judicious use of blood and use only pretested HIV free blood or blood product.

SAFE NEEDLES:

Insist your doctors and nurses to use sterile or disposable needles and instruments.

SAFE MOTHERHOODBefore taking any major step in life like marriage or having child ascertain that you are HIV free.

SAFE RAZOR AND BLADE:

Never share your shaving blades with anyone and also ask your barber to use properly cleansed razor and new blade during shaving or hair cut. (Although the risk of getting infection from a saloon is minimal)

CARE OF HIV / AIDS PATIENT

GENERAL CARE:

• Sympathetic attitude, family and public support

• Patient should be advised to take adequate rest and diet rich in proteins and vitamins

• Patient should be advised not to donate blood or organs

• Patient should be advised to use condom with any sexual partner

• As far as possible patient should avoid eating outside food

• Patient should be encouraged to give up all habits i.e. smoking, alcohol or chewing pan or tobacco

• Patient should drink boiled water

• Patient should be advised to do regular exercise or yoga

If patients follow above general care tips they can live 1-2 year longer.

SYMPTOMATIC TREATMENT:

• Early treatment of common problems like fever, cough, diarrhea etc. from family doctor

• Early detection and treatment of opportunistic infections like TB etc.

SPECIFIC ANTI-HIV TREATMENT:

Many new anti-HIV drugs which prevent the spread of the virus and can postphone various complications are now available at selected places in market and few of them are also manufactured in India e.g. AZT, 3TC, D4T, Saquinavir, ddc, nevirapine etc. But these medicines are very costly and in India 90% of HIV patients cannot even think of them. One year expenses of good comminations of these drugs and blood testing comes to around 1.5 to 2.5 lacs. These medicines can prolong the life of the patient but not cure him

CONCLUSION

Remember AIDS does not discriminate caste, creed, race, religion, educational or social status. Prevention of AIDS is our joint responsibility. Education and awareness is the only weapon in our hand. Let us accept the challenge to fight against AIDS. We must support and care for the people with HIV / AIDS with compassion and understanding.

Cancer Control Tips

Citrus for Cancer Control

During the winter many of us in the Northern states are indebted to Florida for the tasty citrus that comes our way. When we think of citrus, many people think of vitamin C. However, an orange does not top the list of fruits for vitamin C content. Guava, kiwi fruit, or a cup of strawberries have more vitamin C than an orange.This web site was designed to provide you with useful and up-to-date information regarding vegetarian nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.

Citrus Beyond Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of the beneficial antioxidants found in our food that may provide protection against heart disease and cancer. Vitamin C can protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation and can also block the formation of nitrosamines, cancer causing chemicals. In addition, vitamin C enhances cellular immunity by promoting the killing ability of white blood cells.

Winter time is quite often flu season. Some people wonder whether citrus has anything to offer in the way of protection against flu or relief from the common cold? Many Americans take a vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplement to protect themselves against the common cold and flu. The results of many clinical trials have shown that while vitamin C does not prevent a cold, its use can slightly reduce the severity of cold symptoms and may somewhat reduce the duration of the cold. The mild benefit obtained from the use of vitamin C can be achieved from as little as 250 mg/day (the equivalent of about 4 oranges). Higher doses of vitamin C do not provide any extra benefit.

Oranges, in addition to containing vitamin C, also provides substantial amounts of vitamin B1, dietary fiber, potassium and folic acid. Pectin, a fiber found in citrus, is known to significantly lower blood cholesterol levels. Potassium protects against sodium-induced elevation of blood pressure. Orange juice helps replenish electrolytes in children with diarrhea. Folic acid, in addition to protecting against neural tube defects, has been shown to have antioxidant properties. Adequate amounts of folic acid can decrease the risk of rectal, cervical and other cancers. Folate deficiency is associated with an impairment in the number and lifetime of white blood cells. While marginal folic acid intake is very common in the U.S., orange juice can provide 100 micrograms of folic acid per 8 oz. serving. Other good sources of folic acid include fresh green leafy vegetables, oatmeal and legumes.

In addition to the vitamins and minerals mentioned above, citrus contains a host of active phytochemicals that protect our health. In fact, there are over 170 phytochemicals in an orange. These compounds include carotenoids, flavonoids, terpenoids, limonoids, glucarates.

Over 60 flavonoids have already been characterized in citrus. Their properties include antitumor and antiviral activity, anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory activity, and ability to inhibit platelet aggregation and therefore reduce the risk of coronary thrombosis. The flavonol quercetin has a greater antioxidant activity than beta-carotene and vitamin-E. The flavonoids, tangeretin and nobiletin, are potent inhibitors of tumor cell growth and can activate the detoxifying P-450 enzyme system. Dr Bracke of Belgium has shown that tangeretin can block the invasion of normal tissue by malignant tumor cells.

There are at least 38 limonoids in citrus, with limonin and nomilin being the 2 major ones. These triterpenoid compounds partly provide the bitter taste in citrus. They occur in high concentrations in grapefruit and orange juice. Limonoids also possess the ability to inhibit tumor formation by stimulating the major detoxifying enzyme, glutathione S-transferase.

Orange and lemon oil contains substantial amounts of limonene, a terpenoid that also possesses anticancer activity. Citrus pulp and the albedo (the white of the orange) is rich in glucarates. These substances are being studied for their potential use to prevent breast cancer and lower the risk of PMS symptoms. Glucarates have the ability to modify estrogen metabolism.

There are about 20 carotenoids in an orange. Only pink grapefruit has a high content of beta-carotene. However, other citrus (tangerines, oranges) contain high levels of other carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin) that have significant antioxidant activity and protect against age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness after age 65. Pink gapefruit also contains a high level of lycopene, the red pigment in tomatoes and guava that has significant antitumor activity.

The National Cancer Institute recommends that we eat 5 or more (Strive for Five) servings per day of fruit and vegetables, especially green and yellow vegetables and citrus fruit. Clearly, with so many beneficial elements in citrus, it makes good sense to follow the adage "an orange a day, keeps the doctor at bay".

Onions Health Benefits

Onions are Beneficial for Your Health

Onions for Prostate
Research from the National Cancer Institute concludes that onions and garlic contain substances that help diminish the likelihood of prostate cancer. This study found a 50% lowered risk in men who consumed a considerable amount of vegetables containing alum, such as garlic, chives and onions. Benefits were seen with quantities as small as 10 grams (about 1/3 oz.) per day, or about one clove of garlic. Scallions seemed to offer the most benefit. The study involved 709 men, about a third of whom had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The research was done in China, which has the world�s lowest incidence of prostate cancer. Reuters, Nov. 6, 2002. Associated Press, Nov. 5, 2002

The onion has been used as an ingredient in various dishes for thousands of years by many cultures around the world. World onion production is steadily increasing so that onion is now the second most important horticultural crop after tomatoes.There are many different varieties of onion, red, yellow, white, and green, each with their own unique flavor, from very strong to mildly sweet. Onions can be eaten raw, cooked, fried, dried or roasted. They are commonly used to flavor dips, salads, soups, spreads, stir-fry and other dishes.

Onions (Allium cepa) belong to the lily family, the same family as garlic, leeks, chives, scallions and shallots.There are over 600 species of Allium, distributed all over Europe, North America, Northern Africa and Asia. The plants can be used as ornamentals, vegetables, spices, or as medicine. There are over 120 different documented uses of the Alliums.

Onion and other Allium vegetables are characterized by their rich content of thiosulfinates, sulfides, sulfoxides, and other odoriferous sulfur compounds. The cysteine sulfoxides are primarily responsible for the onion flavor and produce the eye-irritating compounds that induce lacrimation. The thiosulfinates exhibit antimicrobial properties. Onion is effective against many bacteria including Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella, and E. coli. Onion is not as potent as garlic since the sulfur compounds in onion are only about one-quarter the level found in garlic.

The Value of Onions

Onions have a variety of medicinal effects. Early American settlers used wild onions to treat colds, coughs, and asthma, and to repel insects. In Chinese medicine, onions have been used to treat angina, coughs, bacterial infections, and breathing problems.

The World Health Organization (WHO) supports the use of onions for the treatment of poor appetite and to prevent atherosclerosis. In addition, onion extracts are recognized by WHO for providing relief in the treatment of coughs and colds, asthma and bronchitis. Onions are known to decrease bronchial spasms. An onion extract was found to decrease allergy-induced bronchial constriction in asthma patients.

Onions are a very rich source of fructo-oligosaccharides. These oligomers stimulate the growth of healthy bifidobacteria and suppress the growth of potentially harmful bacteria in the colon. In addition, they can reduce the risk of tumors developing in the colon.

Cardiovascular Help

Onions contain a number of sulfides similar to those found in garlic which may lower blood lipids and blood pressure. In India, communities that never consumed onions or garlic had blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels substantially higher, and blood clotting times shorter, than the communities that ate liberal amounts of garlic and onions. Onions are a rich source of flavonoids, substances known to provide protection against cardiovascular disease. Onions are also natural anticlotting agents since they possess substances with fibrinolytic activity and can suppress platelet-clumping. The anticlotting effect of onions closely correlates with their sulfur content.

Cancer Prevention

Onion extracts, rich in a variety of sulfides, provide some protection against tumor growth. In central Georgia where Vidalia onions are grown, mortality rates from stomach cancer are about one-half the average level for the United States. Studies in Greece have shown a high consumption of onions, garlic and other allium herbs to be protective against stomach cancer.

Chinese with the highest intake of onions, garlic, and other Allium vegetables have a risk of stomach cancer 40 percent less than those with the lowest intake. Elderly Dutch men and women with the highest onion consumption (at least one-half onion/day) had one-half the level of stomach cancer compared with those consuming no onions at all.

Western Yellow, New York Bold, and Northern Red onions have the richest concentration of flavonoids and phenolics, providing them with the greatest antioxidant and anti-proliferative activity of 10 onions tested. The mild-tasting Western White and Vidalia onions had the lowest antioxidant content and lowest anti-proliferative activity. The consumer trend to increasingly purchase the less pungent, milder onion varieties may not be the best, since the onions with a stronger flavor and higher astringency appear to have superior health-promoting properties.

Use and Safety

Onions have a universal appeal. They are safely consumed by most people. However, consuming large quantities of onions can lead to stomach distress and gastrointestinal irritation that may result in nausea and diarrhea. There are no known interactions with drugs except that they can potentiate the action of coagulants.

Conclusion

Onions, and other Allium species, are highly valued herbs possessing culinary and medicinal value. Some of their beneficial properties are seen after long-term usage. Onion may be a useful herb for the prevention of cardiovascular disease, especially since they diminish the risk of blood clots. Onion also protects against stomach and other cancers, as well as protecting against certain infections. Onion can improve lung function, especially in asthmatics. The more pungent varieties of onion appear to possess the greatest concentration of health-promoting phytochemicals.

Tips for Better Eyes

Tips for Better Eyes

Most computer users suffer from the problem of tired eyes, dark circles and headaches. Follow the ten tips to avoid them Studies have shown that stress, active nightlife and above all, the fact that most of us spend maximum time in front of the computer lead to dark circles, puffed and tired eyes. Timely treatment is essential for such difficulties. Specifically with computer users, physical and visual discomfort is experienced by many after just a few hours in front of computers. It appears that PC users suffer from repetitive stress of their eyes and want an immediate solution to revive the tired eyes. Studies show that most computer users start to feel eye-muscle stress after two or more hours at the computer. This usually starts with tired eyes. With more time at the computer, discomfort frequently spreads to the head resulting in headaches, burning of the eyes, blurred vision, loss of focus, double vision, and neck and shoulder pains. Before it is too late, your stressed out eyes need to be relaxed and revitalised so that you feel fresh later in the day. Tips to reduce eyestrain 1. -Modify your workstation. Adjust your workstation and chair to the correct height. Use proper lighting. 2. -Match the computer screen to the brightness of the environment. The contrast between the background and on-screen characters should be high. 3. -Minimise the glare. Use window shades, blinds or drapes to block excessive sunlight or install an anti-glare screen to minimise reflections. 4. -Take frequent breaks. Full-time computer users should take a 10 minute break every hour. 5. -Blink more often. Tears in the eye evaporate more rapidly during long non-blinking phases and cause dry eyes. 6. -Get an eye examination done. 7. -Re-focus your eyes. Look away from your computer screen every 10-15 minutes and focus for 5-10 seconds on a distant object. 8. -Exercise even when sitting. Move about or exercise frequently. 9. -Get sufficient sleep. Fatigue promotes eyestrain.

Tips for De-Stress

Stanford Medical School and the World Health Organization agree that 90-95% of illness and dis-ease is caused by - "Stress".

What is Stress? Hans Selye coined the terms stess, and general adaptation syndrome (GAS), a complex of reactions to prolonged unrelieved stress, in 1936. Briefly, we have primitive fight and flight responses which are designed to effectively help us deal with immediate threats to survival. When these responses are engaged for long periods without rest deterioration of the body ensues. Chronic stress keeps the immune system shut down resulting in chronic illness.

Unfortunately, a lot of us are on "red alert" for long periods in this high-pressure culture. It is important to give your body some much needed rest and supplies to combat the fatigue of long-term stress.

Here are some quick and easy tips for de-stressing your body. They take very little time to do and pay off greatly in not only reducing stress, but also in building more energy and stamina.

When you read these tips, you will see how obvious they are. Yet, I think you will agree that in our hectic days we often ignore these basic human needs.

Tip 1- Breathe

Take a moment before going on to the next task in your day for this simple act: take a deep breath, center yourself and smile. What a difference that moment will make toward relaxing and restoring your body and mind for the next situation.

Why it works~

When the body stresses, breathing becomes shallow. You may even notice that you hold your breath. Consciously taking a deep breath gives your cells the oxygen they need, so the body begins to relax and the mind is sharper. When you take that breath deep into the pelvic floor, you will find you stand up straighter and feel more centered and balanced. Standing strong and in charge of your next step feels great, so smile. When you smile, you actually feel better. Your body takes that physical cue as an indication that you are happy, so endorphins start to flow. A genuine smile cues everyone around you too. You may find that others respond better to you as well. Take this simple action several times today. Feel the difference it makes in your outlook at the end of the day. Teach it to others and see the difference it can make in the whole group!

Tip 2 - Eat

Taking just a few moments for you, before giving to others is time well spent. Now, you are giving from your abundance rather than from an empty basket. Think about your nutritionally empty cells for a moment. Pack a piece of fruit, some nuts, raisins or other quick snacks to have on hand when you feel the need to work beyond meal breaks. Something you can grab fast instead of donuts, candy or fast food from the vending machine. This does not require elaborate preparation, or time. Grab a zip lock bag, throw in a few unsalted nuts, dried berries, raisins, or other dried fruits, or natural foods you like in it, and put it in your pocket, purse or desk. I also have supplements in my energy pack. Take a handful or two whenever you feel a hunger pang or drop in energy.

Why it works~

A small change in eating can create a huge increase in energy levels immediately and in health over time. Your cells need nutrients to produce energy for work and to regenerate when they are under stress. Fast food, sugar and salt actually have a deteriorating effect on the body. Sugar can provide a temporary high, but to balance that high the body will rebound with an equal or greater low. You actually have less energy in the end. Eating a little bit of nutritious food every couple of hours not only feeds the cells what they need, it also has side benefits. When your body knows you are going to feed it regularly, it stops packing on fat to prevent you from starving. You won't get so famished you would eat anything in sight as long as it is fast (donuts, chips, fast food). As a bonus, your body may also release a few unneeded pounds, which can make everything feel lighter.

Tip 3 - Drink Water

Most of us have gotten into the habit of drinking many things our body cannot use (caffeine, sugar, carbonation). Replace one beverage a week with pure water and feel the rejuvenation in your cells. Ease into this change by replacing just one soda or cup of coffee with a glass water each week. Over a few weeks, your body will actually desire more water, and the transition becomes easy. You will find that your body prefers water once you get started. Keep a mug of water on your desk, or strap on one of those water bottles, so you always have some with you. Sip it all day long. Yes, you will need to take precious time to pee more often at first. This is time well spent. Once your body gets used to the idea that you will be giving it the valuable water it needs regularly, it will stop retaining water. Your drinking and peeing ratio will level out in a couple of days. As your cells re-hydrate, you will look and feel younger and more vibrant.

Why it works~

Our cells are predominantly water. We need to replace the water lost from sweating, tears and the body's heating and cooling system on a continuous basis. Dehydration is associated with decreased energy, increased hunger, tiredness, and aging wrinkled skin. In addition to actually drinking water, you can eat more water-based foods, like fresh fruits and vegetables for hydration. Another good reason for replacing carbonated beverages with water is that carbonation leaches minerals from your body.

Tip 4 - Rest

Take a break every couple of hours or whenever possible. There have been many studies proving that workers who take a break increase their productivity. While you are taking that break, stretch your arms, back and legs. Most animals stretch regularly. Watch a cat or dog sometime, and notice how often they stretch.

Why it works~

Stretching improves the elasticity and mobility of the body, which allows for more relaxed movement and less tension. Resting the body and the mind to a state of quiet opens the senses and the mind for more presence in the moment, creativity and peace. When you create some spaces in your day, you can experience more of what is present and come up with creative solutions to stressful situations.

Putting the pieces together~

While you are taking that stretch break for 5-10 minutes, have a glass of water, pop some of those nutritional snacks, take a deep, deep breath into the floor of your pelvis, let it out and smile. Feel the return of energy and relaxation to your body, clarity to your mind, and caring to your heart.

When you feel stressed and depleted, try these simple tips for incorporating the basic needs of your body ~ breathing, eating, drinking water and rest ~ into your hectic day. Experience for yourself how taking care of YOU, provides the precious resources you need to do what needs to be done from a place of strength and abundance.

Yoga and its Benefits

Yoga is practiced by over 20 million Americans daily. Everyday people are reporting their wonderful experiences with Yoga, the transformation of being, taking you beyond the here and now. In one wonderful session of Yoga, people get to practice a number of things, some Yoga poses (asanas) breathing exercises (pranayama), meditation and chanting. In Yoga you get to learn basic terms like Mudras, Bandhas and Chakras. Best of all, Yoga is fun and relaxing while, at the same time, being delectably challenging to beginners. The intermediate and advanced students, who insist on continuing their practices, get more and more of the taste of this great 5000+ year old wondrous way of life. Yoga is for the body, mind and spirit. You learn to use your body, breath and mind to stretch, relax and energize yourself. So get up and go!

Yoga is all about feeling good; feel the blood surging through your veins, the energy pulsating through your nerves, the bliss coursing through your whole being. Best of all, Yoga is apt for all, regardless of age, color, caste, creed or religion; from the healthiest to the sickest, from the richest to the poorest, from the whitest to the blackest. And here are some of the specific – and immense – benefits of yoga:

Benefits of Yoga

• Brings down stress and enhances powers of relaxation
• Boosts physical strength, stamina and flexibility
• Bestows greater powers of concentration and self control
• Inculcates impulse Control
• Helps in rehabilitation of old and new injuries
• Intensifies tolerance to pain and enhancing mental clarity
• Boosts functioning of the immune system
• Enhances posture and muscle tone
• Improves blood circulation
• Results in healthy, glowing skin
• Cleanses and improves overall organ functioning
• Bestows peace of mind and a more positive outlook to life
• Infuses a sense of balance and internal harmony

Best of all, Yoga is highly therapeutic. Some of the ailments proven to be relieved, reversed and even healed through the practice of Yoga are acidity , allergies, alzheimer disease, anemia, anger, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain, bronchitis, cancer, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic fatigue, colitis, common cold, constipation, depression, diabetes, epilepsy, eye problems, facial wrinkles, gastro-intestinal disorders, headaches, heartburn, hemorrhoids, hepatitis, high blood pressure, hypertension, immune-deficiency, impotence, menopause, menstrual cramps, migraines, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, nervous tension, obesity, osteoporosis, prostate, enlargement, sciatica, skin problems, sleep apnea, slipped disk, sterility, stiffness, stress, insomnia, intoxication, thyroid problems, kidney stones, stuttering and stammering, urinary tract disorders for women, vaginal infections and many more...

So, if Yoga has varied and immense benefits, what exactly is Yoga?

Yoga is a 5000 year old science whose teachings were first imparted not in a classroom or Gurukul, but on the battle field. In the epic Mahabharata, the sage, Lord Krishna is first said to have imparted the teachings of Yoga to his despondent student Arjuna. Around 1500 years later, another sage, Patanjali, went on to enunciate, for the benefit of humankind and eternity, the way to reach the summom bonum of life through a series of 195 aphorisms (sutras) in his epic treatise The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

Derived from the Sanskrit root “Yujir Yogey” meaning to unite, to yoke, to join, to put together, Yoga is not about mind over body. On the other hand, Yoga is about developing harmony between them. In Yoga, you use your mind to perceive (diagnose) and guide (heal) your body. Never control, let alone force it!

Yoga is a way of life, a conscious act, not a set or series of learning principles. The dexterity, grace, and poise you cultivate, as a matter of course, is the natural outcome of regular practice. You require no major effort. In fact trying hard will turn your practices into a humdrum, painful, even injurious routine and will eventually slow down your progress. Subsequently, and interestingly, the therapeutic effect of Yoga is the direct result of involving the mind totally in inspiring (breathing) the body to awaken.

Contrary to popular – or unpopular – perception, Yoga positions are not about how far you can reach to touch your toes or how many repetitions you can perform. It is all about paying attention to how your body feels; how it moves without that excruciating pain or agony! Yoga is all about breathing correctly about integrating that breath into your being. Conscious Yoga doesn’t call for you to force or strain your never or sinew. Meaning to say, right Yoga is learning how to do things right, do less that gets you more!

Ironically, by doing less – correctly – Yoga enhances your strength, energy, vitality, flexibility and levels of endurance. Accordingly, your body and mind start to become more balanced until, eventually, you find it takes so much less energy to move through the day. Yes, any and everyone can do less…and get a lot, lot more!

Healthy Pregnancy Tips

7 Tips For A Healthy Pregnancy

It is always important to take whatever steps you can to be healthy, but while you are pregnant it is even more important: not only do you need to take good care of yourself, you are also profoundly affecting the life of another person ? your baby. Here's 7 tips to help you along the way.



1.If you smoke, one of the most important things you can do is to stop smoking: babies born to mothers who smoke have a lower average birth weight, are more likely to be born prematurely, and are at greater risk of death from sudden infant death syndrome than babies of non-smokers. Sometimes mothers feel having a low birth weight baby could be an advantage as it will make the baby easy to deliver. This is not necessarily the case, as it may lead to an emergency delivery, which can result in all sorts of complications. Even if you are already pregnant, stopping smoking will benefit the baby for the rest of your pregnancy. It is not only the baby who benefits. You are likely to suffer from less morning sickness, experience fewer complications and have a more contented baby after the birth.



2. It is also important to pay attention to your diet. Many women feel they should ?eat for two?, but research has shown that women only need an extra 200-300 calories a day while pregnant, and you may be eating those extra calories anyway. What is important is to ensure that you get the protein, vitamins and minerals necessary to build another human being. Those extra 200-300 calories should not be squandered on chocolate or crisps, but should be eaten as fruit, vegetables, etc. It is also important to increase your water intake, which will help avoid constipation.



3. It is generally a good idea to take a good quality multivitamin and mineral supplement too. There are now ones specially formulated for pregnant women. Ideally these should be started before you become pregnant, so that you are in the best shape possible for the pregnancy, and then continued throughout your pregnancy. An adequate supply of vitamins and minerals is important right from conception. For example, a deficiency of one of the B vitamins, folic acid, in the first month of pregnancy may lead to the baby being born with a cleft lip, congenital heart disease or spina bifida. Omega-3 fatty acids (obtained by eating oily fish, flaxseed oil, walnuts, spinach and spirulina, or taken as a supplement) are important for the development of the baby?s eyes and brain. Omega-3 also reduces the risk of premature birth and post-natal depression.



4. Nobody knows how much alcohol it is safe to consume during pregnancy, so many health experts feel it is better to avoid alcohol entirely for the sake of the baby. This can seem hard on the pregnant woman when everyone else is drinking, but it is important to remember that alcohol is a poison for the growing baby, and no caring mother willingly gives her baby poison.



5. Pregnancy is not a time to sit still. Although adequate rest is vitally important, most experts believe that healthy pregnant women should be taking 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day.



6. It is also important to minimise exposure to toxic chemicals while pregnant, so spending a lot of time painting the house and laying new carpets is not a good idea, especially in the early stages of pregnancy when the baby is particularly vulnerable.



7. Many women find pregnancy stressful, and this can be a particularly good time to turn to safe, non-invasive options such as Bach flower remedies, homeopathy, kinesiology and other therapies.



Making a new life is something miraculous. Doing the best you can for that new life starts long before you have the baby in your arms for the first time.

HEART ATTACK PREVENTION TIPS

Author: Raymond Lee

Top 7 Tips To Prevent Heart Attack

Heart attack. The words alone can send a chill down even the strongest man's spine, and with good reason. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death for Americans. Men have a greater risk of heart attack at a younger age than women. But the risk increases for women as they near menopause and, eventually, surpasses that of men. If the nicest thing we can say about someone is that he has a good heart, the most important thing we can say is that he has a healthy heart. You probably can decrease your risk of heart attack by changing your lifestyle in the following areas:

1. Keep tabs on your cholesterol levels

To control your cholesterol, avoid saturated fat, eat fewer calories, and try to eat foods rich in fiber, such as vegetables and fruits. If your cholesterol is very high, drugs to lower it may be an option for you.

2. Ask your doctor about aspirin

Daily intake of aspirin may reduce your risk of heart attack by thinning your blood and preventing clots from forming. However, you should talk with your doctor before doing so because aspirin is not safe for everyone.

3. Drink moderately

Studies show that one drink a day (12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of liquor) may have a protective effect on your heart. However, the effects are more beneficial if you are middle-aged or older and have suffered a heart attack or stroke or already have cardiovascular disease.

4. Exercise

Regular exercise is good for you because it helps reduce stress, cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and excess weight, and it can make your heart stronger, leading to a lower pulse rate. But overdoing exercise isn't a good thing, especially weight-lifting exercises that can trigger heart attacks. Talk with your doctor before beginning an exercise program.

5. Relax

Because stress is such a factor in heart disease, eliminating or decreasing it can do wonders for your cardiovascular health.

6. Control your blood pressure

Your heart has to work harder to push blood through your body when your blood pressure is high. This causes your heart to enlarge and can speed up atherosclerosis. Fortunately, by reducing your diastolic blood pressure by only 2mm Hg (millimeters per mercury), you can decrease your risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. The average healthy blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg.

7. Stop smoking

Smoking is harmful to your cardiovascular health. Smoking also clogs your arteries and in the process, raises the blood pressure in those clogged arteries. This condition helps to double the heart attack risk for smokers compared with non-smokers. Therefore, as soon as you stop, your body immediately starts to bounce back and improve your cardiovascular health.

About the Author

Raymond Lee is one of the foremost experts in the health and fitness industry and is the Founder of Bodyfixes Group specializing in body health, muscle development and dieting. He is currently the author of the latest edition of "Neck Exercises and Workouts."

PEDIATRIC TIPS

Pediatric Tips

Fever

Cool Bath for Fever Reduction
A cool bath can help reduce a fever. Make sure the water is not too cold as a sudden drop in body temperature, especially in children, can cause a seizure.

Definition of a Fever
A fever is defined as a rise in body temperature to 100 degrees or more orally. Do not administer fever reducing medications for temperatures of less than 100 degrees.

Fever and Teething - It's a Myth
A common myth is that a baby will run a fever when teething. (Keep in mind that a fever is a temperature of 101 degrees or more rectally.)

Fever Relief
When children are achy and fussy with fevers, besides giving them an over-the-counter medicine, there are other ways you can help them feel better.

Give your child plenty to drink to prevent dehydration and help the body cool itself.
Keep the room temperature at about 70 to 74 degrees.
Dress your child in light cotton pajamas so that body heat can escape.
If your child is chilled, add an extra blanket, but remove it when the chill stops.

Ibuprofen as Fever Reducer
Ibuprofen (Motrin) is a better fever reducer than acetaminophen (Tylenol). Only administer for oral temperatures over 100 degrees.

No Aspirin for Fever
DO NOT give children aspirin products as a fever reducer. The use of aspirin in children is associated with the often fatal condition Reye's Syndrome.

Pediatrics - General Information

Baking Soda as Powder Replacement
Baking soda is better than talcum powder to use on babies. It keeps them drier.

BRAT Diet
If your child has diarrhea, try the BRAT diet to prevent dehydration and help solidify bodily waste. BRAT stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Tea.

Burp the Colicky Baby
Some colicky babies have more than the usual amount of gas and may be more difficult to burp. Feed the baby in an upright position and burp after every ounce, if bottle-feeding. You can also experiment with different nipple types.

Children with Motion Restrictions
Adapt the environment to meet the needs of a disabled child. Consider the texture and fabric to avoid buying clothes that further restrict movements. Try using an inflatable baby pool with towels stacked as pillows for support. This can provide your child with freedom and independence.

Children's Eyes Need Protection from Sun's Rays
Nearly half of American parents don't regularly provide their children with sunglasses that protect their eyes from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. And that oversight is setting the kids up for potential vision problems later in life. The sun is as much a threat to your eyes as it is to your skin. Sunburned corneas, cancer of the eyelid, cataracts and macular degeneration are among the eye problems caused or aggravated by too much UV exposure.

Colic and Allergies/Asthma
All babies fuss and cry from time to time, but some babies cry excessively. Maybe they have gas, maybe they are in pain, maybe they are hungry. Or maybe they are developing allergies and/or asthma.

Colic Carry
If your baby has colic, try the colic carry. Extend your forearm with your palm up. Then place the baby, chest down, on your arm with his head in your hand and his legs on either side of your elbow. Support the baby with your other hand and walk around to help soothe him.

Diaper Rash Tips
Give the baby's bottom as much air as possible.
Don't dry the affected area with a towel. It can irritate the skin even more. Blow dry your baby's bottom with a blow dryer set on low. Be very careful!
Use super absorbent diapers.
If you use cloth diapers, add vinegar to the final rinse - 1 ounce of vinegar to 1 gallon of water.
For older babies, give 2 to 3 ounces of cranberry juice which will lower urinary pH and reduce irritation.

Hospitalization Can Traumatize a Child
A stint in the hospital can traumatize a child for months. Caretakers need to focus more attention on the psychological impact of hospitalization. Psychological support services are essential.

Infant Walkers Delay Movement Milestones
A new study adds to growing evidence that baby walkers can slow infants' motor skill development, delaying such milestones as crawling, standing alone and walking.
Infant walkers are wheeled seats that allow a baby's feet to touch the floor and move the walker around. The seat is surrounded by a frame, and many parents have seen the walkers as a safe way for infants to develop movement skills.
But recent research has indicated the devices are neither safe nor useful for encouraging walking and other skills. In fact, serious injuries--usually due to falls down stairs--have been reported, and studies have suggested walkers actually hinder babies' motor skill development. Last year, the American Academy of Pediatrics called for a ban on mobile infant walkers in the US.

Pacifier Safety
1. To prevent strangulation, no ribbon, string, cord, or yarn should be attached to a pacifier.
2. The shield should be large enough and firm enough to not fit in a child's mouth.
3. The guard or shield should have ventilation holes so the baby can breath if the shield does get into the mouth.
4. The pacifier nipple should have no holes or tears that might cause it to break off in baby's mouth.

Rash Prevention
Visitor tip: When my son was a baby he got heat rash on his little face, my doctor told me to sprinkle baking soda on his sheets because it would keep him from lying in his drool. It worked!

Smelly Feet
Sprinkle a little baking soda into the sleeper feet of children’s pajamas after they come out of the dryer to avoid "smelly feet."

Spanking Does More Harm Than Good
While spanking may make children more compliant, it can also lead to very negative behaviors including aggression, defiance and isolationism.

Sunburned Kids
Put sunburned kids (or yourself) in a cool (not cold) baking soda bath for half an hour. This also works well for chicken pox and mosquito bites.

Tasty Teether
Wrap a piece of cold apple in a moistened, baby-size washcloth and use this as a substitute for the usual teething ring. Your baby is more likely to chew on the apple than a tasteless teether.

What Parents Can Do to Prevent Sports Injuries
Since the majority of youth sports coaches are not required by their club or league to have any type of safety training, you should:

Learn about the safety risks of the sport your child plays. You may have heard the ad slogan "An educated consumer is our best customer." It applies to sports programs as much as to buying clothes or furniture. Parents who are aware of the risks of the sport their child plays can do a lot to minimize its hazards.

Lobby local youth sports groups to make training available and require that all coaches participate and complete the programs in order to coach.

Insist that the training for all youth coaches cover three areas: sport-specific first aid, CPR, and skill development, with an emphasis on coaching safe playing techniques (such as the proper way to head a soccer ball).

What to Do When You're Overwhelmed with Child Care
When you're overwhelmed with child care, make sure the child is safe, then try one or more of the following:

Call a friend, family member or babysitter to watch your child so that you can have some time to yourself.
Take several deep breaths.
Close your eyes and put yourself in your child's place.
Slowly count to 100.
Splash water on your face.
Call a help line such as Parents Anonymous.
Hug a pillow.
Get a drink of water.
Go for a walk.
Write down as many helpful, positive words as you can think of. Save the list.
Try to remember all the times you have been proud of this child.
Change the situation: do a different activity with the child.
After calming down, compliment yourself on being a great parent.