April 2010

Tech Problems Causing Computer Stress Syndrome

Crashing machines, slow boot times, and agony dealing with technical support have Digital Age people suffering from Computer Stress Syndrome, a study available online Tuesday found.

"Today?s digitally-dependent consumers are increasingly overwhelmed and upset with technical glitches and problems in their daily lives," a communications industry think tank said in a report entitled "Combating Computer Stress Syndrome."

The report identified sources of peoples' pain as "frustrating, complex computers and devices, technical failures, viral infections, and long waits to resolve support issues."

Findings were based on a survey of more than 1,000 people in North America by a Customer Experience Board created by the Chief Marketing Officer Council to look into how to keep customers happy in the highly competitive communications sector.

"The reality is that numerous, persistent problems are troubling most computer users, creating unnecessary anguish and anxiety as a result," the study found.

"Digitally dependent users are getting fed up and frustrated with the current state of computer related stress, and clearly looking for a better way to address and reduce it."

Ninety-four percent of those surveyed said they depend on computers in their personal lives.

Nearly two-thirds of computer users have needed to contact technical support or have experienced Computer Stress Syndrome (CSS) in the past year, according to the study.

"Users face a continuous state of technical anxiety and challenge such as setting up new computer products, keeping up with software upgrades and migrating to new applications and operating systems, as well as dealing with malware infections, web threats, identity theft and more," the study said.

Forty percent of computer users have experienced system failures in the past year and more than half have had to reach out for help fixing technical problems, according to Pew Center Research cited in the report.

"Because they are so important to us, computers are a two-edged sword," said Murray Feingold, a US physician credited in the study with giving CSS its label.

"When they are functioning properly, they?re great. But when something goes wrong, we immediately go into panic -- This is what I call the Computer Stress Syndrome."

The study highlights the importance of making it less vexing to use modern-day gadgets, according to board spokeswoman Liz Miller.

"We think it is about time that a lot of these technology companies really start to pay attention to where consumer stress and pain points are to create better experiences.

source: AFP

Turmeric: Spice to boost your health

Turmeric, a tawny orange-gold spice that is an integral part of curry powder and ballpark mustard, has been garnering some nice press lately — and not just among foodies.

Its health benefits, from aiding digestion to easing inflammation, have caught the attention of researchers, including the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Investigators there are "studying the active chemicals in turmeric and their effects — particularly anti-inflammatory effects — in people to better understand how turmeric might be used for health purposes."

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) does more than turn foods yellow. When used without being heated (in pickled vegetables, for example), turmeric will impart a floral, almost grass-like taste, said Julie Sahni, a New York-based cooking teacher and author of several books on Indian cooking. Once cooked, it will develop a woody scent, but, Sahni cautioned, "be careful when heating turmeric so you don't burn it."

We like to add turmeric to a bottled garlic-pepper blend to sprinkle on grilled meats and fish. Or use the blend to sprinkle on pan-fried cubed white and sweet potatoes with lots of chopped onion.

Sahni's favorite? This recipe from her book, "Savoring Spices and Herbs."

Turmeric cauliflower: Cut 1 small head of cauliflower into florets; set aside. Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 teaspoon turmeric; cook until fragrant. Add cauliflower and toss to coat. Add 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1 cup chicken stock. Cover, lower heat and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Uncover and cook, turning until liquid evaporates and vegetables begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro. Makes 4 servings.

source: chicagotribune

Wonderful Health Benefits of Musk Melon - Tropical Delight

'Cucumis Melo' or Musk Melon is a native to central asia. It is grwon in the tropical regions for a very long time. Musk melon is widely known as 'Cantaloupe'.

Musk melon being an annual plant is cultivated from the seeds. The plants have to be watered lightly. It is a monoecious plant where the male and the female flowers are distinct. The melons are easily grown in sandy soil. Manure is essential for a healthy growth. Dry river beds are the most suitable for melon cultivation. Unripe melons should be stored at room temperature until they ripen. The two principal varieties of muskmelon are those with netted skins and those with smooth skins.

The creamy flesh can be consumed chilled or as fruit juice. With scientific advancements the melon growers have introduced many hybrids which are much tastier. Melons make a good combination for custards and fruit salads.

Musk Melon juice is beneficial to be consumed during conditions like Lack of appetite, Weight loss, Urinary tract infections, Constipation, Acidity, Ulcer. Musk melon reduces heat in the body to a great extent, relieves tiredness, enhances appetite and is an effective laxative. It is a good source of Vitamins A, B, and C. Musk Melons are rich in potassium, a nutrient that may help control blood pressure, regulate heart beat, and possibly prevent strokes.

If you are a dieter, then muskmelon is an excellent fruit for you. It has significant amount of fiber and provides you the feeling of fullness quickly. It can taste good and can make good combination for fruit salads and custards. Hence, a quick weight loss program ought to include muskmelon.

In addition to health benefits, muskmelon takes care of your skin too. It contains Vitamin A, which is useful in maintaining healthy skin. The fruit provides pretty fair amount of folic acid, which is especially important for pregnant women. It helps to create healthy fetuses and can even prevent cervical cancer and osteoporosis. Though it offers special benefits to women, men can also get great many benefits. Folic acid in the fruit acts as a mild antidepressant.

source: healthtips.in

Kombucha: A healthy probiotic microbiological food

Kombucha is a probiotic, microbiological food. It helps regenerate the bowel flora and is excellent for wellbeing.

What is Kombucha made of? - Kombucha is a popular health promoting beverage and natural folk remedy made by fermenting tea. Kombucha is a colony or culture of yeast and other microorganisms embedded in a pure cellulose "pancake." When the "pancake" is grown in a blend of tea and sugar, it transforms the liquid into a refreshingly lightly sparkling, sweet and sour drink with a fruity fragrance full of health giving acids and nutrients. The Kombucha culture feeds on the sugar and, in exchange, produces other valuable substances which change into the drink: glucuronic acid, glucon acid, lactic acid, vitamins, amino acids, antibiotic substances, 0.5% to 1% alcohol is produced as well as other products.

Kombucha apparently evolved from plant organisms over 2.5 billion years ago. People have been preparing and making a fermented tea drink for over 2ooo years for many centuries. The fact that is still here today is a testimonial in itself and that millions of people throughout world for centuries have found it to have great value.

The components of Kombucha - The principal yeast is Schizosaccharomyces Pombe; others varyingly include Saccharomyces Ludwigii, torula and apiculatus types, Pichia fermentans and Mycoderma. Principal bacteria are Acetobacteria xylinum, Gluconobacter bluconicum and Acetobacter xylinioides; others varyingly include Acetobacter aceti/ketogenum/ pasteurianum.

Below is a list of some of the major ingredients found in Kombucha tea:

Various Enzymes, Acetic acid, Carbonic acid, Folic Acid, Gluconic acid, Glucuronic acid, L(+) Lactic, Usnic acid, Amino acids (various), Hydroxy acids (various), Vitamin B1 (Thiamin), Vitamin B2(Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin, niacinamide), Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine), Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin, cyanocobalamin), Vitamin C (from Lactic acid)

SOURCE: Kombuchaculture

7 Effective Ways Newly Diagnosed Diabetics Should Take Diabetes sufferers may be able to give up their cake and eat it, too. According to a new study, people who lost weight in the 18 months after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes experienced sustained benefits even if they regained the weight later. They were up to twice as likely to reach their targets for blood pressure and blood sugar as those who didn't lose weight, although by the end of the four-year study, most of them had regained the weight they had lost.
Click here to find out more!

Researchers speculate that "metabolic memory" may help explain the results; that is, achieving early metabolic control may have a long-term effect on clinical outcomes. Or it could be that the study didn't last long enough: "One possibility is that if we'd looked further out, the benefits would go away," says Greg Nichols, a researcher at Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research who coauthored the study, which appeared online today in the journal Diabetes Care.

Whatever the reason, the study simply adds more weight, as it were, to the existing recommendation that those newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes shed some pounds. "You only need to lose 5 to 7 percent [of your body weight] to have a major impact on glucose levels," says Om Ganda, a senior physician
at Joslin Diabetes Center and an associate clinical professor at Harvard Medical School.

If you've recently been diagnosed, there's more you can do to reduce your risk of complications. Here are six other tips, besides losing weight, based on American Diabetes Association recommendations:

* Get a primary-care physician. If you don't already have one, sign up with a primary-care physician who can work with you on an ongoing basis to keep your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels within recommended guidelines. Check out my recent story about studies that offer hints on how to prioritize your efforts. Most newly diagnosed patients don't need a physician who specializes in diabetes, says John Buse, an endocrinologist who's president for medicine and science at the ADA.

* Get educated. Find a diabetes educator in your area to help you learn about the disease. Working with an expert can make you feel more in control. "When someone gets a diagnosis of diabetes, it's a little like cancer," Buse says. "They have some understanding but lots of fear."

* Exercise. The ADA recommends 30 minutes of moderately vigorous physical activity most days of the week. Even if you don't lose weight, exercise can help improve your blood sugar levels.

* Take the drugs you need. Get a prescription for metformin. This generic, inexpensive drug can help get your blood sugar under control, with few side effects. If you've got high cholesterol, you should have a prescription for a statin as well. If you're over 40 and have heart disease, take a baby aspirin every day.

* Make a plan for regular specialist checkups. At a minimum, you'll need annual eye and foot exams and a dental exam every six months.

* Get family members on board. "It's impossible to make these lifestyle changes if everybody in the family is doing something else," says Buse. In other words, it's tough eating vegetables if everyone else is having chips. Besides, it's a lot more fun to go for a daily walk with someone else than all by yourself.

source: health.usnews

Things You Can Do to Help Your Unborn Baby

The March of Dimes Mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality though research, community services, education and advocacy.

1. Planning

a. Talk to your partner about pregnancy (nearly half of all pregnancies are unplanned)

b. Folic acid 3 months before pregnancy and during early pregnancy

c. Medical checkup, ask your doctor about medications you take

d. Stop smoking, drinking alcohol or doing drugs

e. Healthy weight

f. Save money / know about insurance coverage

2. During pregnancy

a. You don't have to give up all the foods you love when you're pregnant. You just need to eat smart and make sure that most of your choices are healthy ones.

b. In general, most women need around 300 extra calories per day during pregnancy. However, the exact amount of extra calories you need depends on your weight before pregnancy. Talk to your health provider to learn more about a healthy eating plan that's right for you.

c. Follow the serving recommendations. And watch your portions-you may be eating more than you think! Avoid too much sugar and fat in your diet.

d. Check with your doctor or the Pregnancy RiskLine 1-800-822-2229 before you start or stop taking medicines (including herbs, supplements and over-the-counter drugs).

3. Get early and regular prenatal care

a. See doctor before 13 weeks of pregnancy and get 13 visits

b. Women who receive prenatal care are more likely to have access to screening and diagnostic tests that can help to identify problems early; services to manage developing and existing problems; and education, counseling, and referral to reduce risky behaviors like substance use and poor nutrition. Such care may help improve the health of both mothers and babies.

4. Warning signs of premature labor

a. Bleeding or leaking of fluid from the vagina

b. Contractions every 10 minutes or more often

c. Cramps that feel like a period

d. Pelvic pressure - like baby is pushing down

e. Low, dull backache

f. Excessive vomiting or diarrhea

g. Fever above 100 degrees F

h. Puffy face or fingers

i. Prolonged headache

j. Blurred vision or spots in front of eyes

k. Pain or burning when urinating

l. Baby is moving less than usual

5. Give your baby a full 9 months

a. Don't pressure Dr. to induce labor early

b. 37 weeks is premature

c. One out of every 9 babies is born premature in Utah

d. Baby's brain and lungs are still growing

e. Babies born too early may have more health problems at birth and later in life than babies born full term

SOURCE: abc4

How dark chocolates are linked with emotional stress

Dark chocolate has been shown to ease emotional stress in recent studies. However, in yet another study researchers are now saying that people who are depressed eat more chocolate than people who are not.

The latest in a long line of studies on chocolate indicates that people who were depressed ate an average of 8.4 servings of chocolate per month, compared with 5.4 servings among those who were not.

In the study, a serving was considered to be one small bar, or 1 ounce of chocolate.

The study, conducted by Dr. Natalie Rose of the UC Davis and UC San Diego, and her colleagues, looked at the relationship between chocolate and mood among 931 women and men who were not using antidepressants.

The one question the study did not answer is why people who are depressed eat chocolate. However, this does not seem to be something one needs to have a scientific degree to answer: most people perk up at the mention of chocolate, never mind eating it. Perhaps it's the therapeutic value of chocolate that gives a lift to those who are suffering from depression.

The authors of the study countered that theory by stating that chocolate actually makes people depressed. Although chocolate can be uplifting to one's mood, the benefits are fleeting. The initial rush from eating chocolate may leave people feeling even lower after the brief euphoria has passed.

Of course, there will be another study to study that.

All of these studies on chocolate are quite contradictory. One study indicates that chocolate lowers risk of heart attack, strokes. Yet another indicates that dark chocolate eases emotional stress. If we put all of the studies together, we'll be eating chocolate to ease our emotional stress and celebrating with chocolate to cut the risk of a heart attack, only to become depressed because we ate too much chocolate.

There is no medical advice given in this column, but perhaps the best suggestion might be "everything in moderation."

Craving chocolate after reading this? There is no medical study needed to state that you can find great chocolate here in Rhode Island:

Sweenor's Chocolates (Wakefield, Cranston and Charlestown, RI)

The Chocolate Delicacy (East Greenwich, RI)

The Bakery Boutique (Smithfield, RI)

source: examiner

Sodas, processed foods can boost signs of ageing

Washington, DC: High levels of phosphate in sodas and processed foods can accelerate the aging process in mice and contribute to age-associated complications such as chronic kidney disease, claims a new study.

The study has been published in the FASEB Journal.

"Humans need a healthy diet and keeping the balance of phosphate in the diet may be important for a healthy life and longevity," said M Shawkat Razzaque, MD, PhD, from the department of medicine, infection and immunity at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. "Avoid phosphate toxicity and enjoy a healthy life."

To reach the conclusion, Razzaque and colleague examined the effects of high phosphate levels in three groups of mice. The first group of mice was missing a gene (klotho), which when absent, causes mice to have toxic levels of phosphate in their bodies. These mice lived 8 to 15 weeks.

The second group of mice was missing the klotho gene and a second gene (NaPi2a), which when absent at the same time, substantially lowered the amount of phosphate in their bodies. These mice lived to 20 weeks. The third group of mice was like the second group (missing both the klotho and NaPi2a genes), except they were fed a high-phosphate diet. All of these mice died by 15 weeks, like those in the first group. This suggests that phosphate has toxic effects in mice, and may have a similar effect in other mammals, including humans.

"Soda is the caffeine delivery vehicle of choice for millions of people worldwide, but comes with phosphorous as a passenger" said Gerald Weissmann, MD, editor-in-chief of the FASEB Journal. "This research suggests that our phosphorous balance influences the aging process, so don't tip it."

source: dna

Relaxation techniques to calm down stress instantly

There are many techniques to deal with stress but the following three techniques works instantly to reduce your stress level.

• Listening to calming music, as well as pre-prepared relaxation or hypnosis tapes. This takes no effort on your behalf to listen to such and this may be welcome at the end of a long and hard day's work

• Another is meditation a good research has been conducted into meditation that can show it is a useful and practical technique for managing stress.

• Yoga breathing and this help lowers blood pressure and brings intense relaxation. It has been medically linked with attacks of mood swings, depression and other various disorders. Further, improved appearance through better muscle and skin-tone and posture may follow the dedicated practice of yoga. It also helps the bones to be strengthened and joints become more flexible.

ALSO READ:

* Top 5 Most Effective Foods To Lower Stress Levels

* Top 10 Effective Relaxation Tips

Great tips to grow herbs in containers

Here are tips from Cox and Creasy for filling window boxes or patio pots with herbs.

Grouping: Combine plants that need the same amount of water and fertilizer, Creasy says. Plant drought-tolerant Mediterranean herbs such as oregano, rosemary, thyme and marjoram in one container, and herbs that need more water and fertilizer (say, parsley, basil, cilantro, chervil) in another.

Size things up: “Genovese basil can grow to 2 1/2 feet tall. You put that in a window box, it’s not going to look very good,” Cox says. “If you’re going to put herbs that tend to grow tall in a window box, keep pinching them back.”

Shopping savvy: Buy healthy plants in good-size pots, Cox says; avoid the leggy ones. Too much top and too little pot means the herb has been watered with liquid fertilizer, he says, “so (it) hasn’t needed to grow a lot of root system and put its energy into growing a large top.” The plant won’t have the root strength to sustain itself.

Container choices: Use containers that have good drainage (holes on the bottom are a must, for starters). Cox puts a plastic tray in the bottom of a window box with drainage holes, then layers in some stone or gravel.

“When you water, the water isn’t just running through and putting soil onto the deck or patio.” Also, “don’t set a pot with a drainage hole directly on a deck. The water can stain.”

Paint the exterior and interior of wooden containers; if you don’t, they will eventually rot after a few years, Cox says. Or line your pot with plastic and pierce it for drainage.

Clay, such as terra cotta, won’t rot, Cox notes, but remember that its substantial weight can make it difficult to move. If you’re putting terra cotta pots in a window box, you’ll need to provide a sturdy frame to connect the window box to the house.

Soil matters: Choose a good-quality, fast-draining soil, Creasy advises. It needs to be lightweight in a window box, but that’s also practical for containers you’ll be moving around a patio. She recommends that the soil have a water-holding medium; these may be pricier, but they are more practical in the long run.

Room to grow: Don’t cram herbs in too tightly, Cox says.

“Give them a little elbowroom because that really translates into root room and a healthier plant,” he says.

Sun and nutrients: Most herbs require full sun, although several (mints, for example) can handle some shade. Pay attention to their growing needs, especially if they will be in one place (like a window box) for the entire season.

Creasy recommends using a good-quality, organic slow-release fertilizer. Because the soil in containers dries out quickly, plants may need daily watering, especially when it’s hot.

Snip away: One of the biggest benefits of growing herbs is that they love to be used — so don’t be afraid to snip them. Herbs in containers especially benefit from constant harvesting, Cox writes, which also keeps plants under control in their restricted space.

Foot Care Tips For Diabetics To Prevent Wounds

Approximately five million Americans suffer with chronic wounds on their feet and lower legs that don’t respond to standard medical treatment. But, the best wound treatment is preventing wounds in the first place.

“When the actual wound is there, half the battle has been lost,” says Michael Sears, DPM, podiatrist and director of Raritan Bay Medical Center’s (RBMC) Central Jersey Wound Care Center. “Preventive care can be as simple as checking your feet every day for red marks, cuts or bruises.”

In recognition of National Foot Health Awareness Month, Dr. Sears suggests making the following five foot-care practices part of your routine:

• Inspect your feet daily. Look carefully for blisters and calluses as well as sores and cuts, especially between toes. “If it’s hard for you to examine your feet because of arthritis, obesity, or eyesight problems, put a mirror on the floor to help you get a good look or have someone else do a daily check,” says Dr. Sears.

• Take special care of your feet every day. Wash your feet with warm, not hot, water daily. Don’t soak your feet. Dry them well, especially between the toes. “Gently file corns and calluses with a pumice stone after you wash your feet,” says Dr. Sears. “Keep your toenails trimmed to the shape of your toe, filing the edges with an emery board.”

• Get the right shoes. Going barefoot increases the chance you’ll injure your feet, so always wear slippers or shoes and socks. Make sure your shoes fit well. “A podiatrist can fit you with shoe inserts, called orthotics, that provide extra support for your feet and legs,” says Dr. Sears. “Your health insurance may cover the price of special shoes to cradle feet that have changed shape.”

• Get foot exams. “At the very least, everyone with type 2 diabetes should have an initial foot exam with a podiatrist to evaluate their nerves, circulation and anything in their foot structure that could predispose them to problems down the line,” says Dr. Sears. “This includes bunions, corns and hammertoes.” Ask your doctor to look at your feet at every diabetes checkup.

• Exercise—but gently. Diet and exercise are the cornerstones of diabetes care—for keeping blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in check. If you’re worried about foot injuries, talk to your doctor about the right exercise for you. Swimming, biking, yoga, and tai chi are among the exercises that are easy on your feet.

Diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, venous disease, pressure ulcers, traumatic injury and any condition that compromises circulation can impair the body’s natural healing process and contribute to wound development. Some medications can also interfere with the healing process. These conditions may cause wounds to be unresponsive to standard treatments; causing pain, infection, lost function and even the need for amputation.

source: njtoday.net

Garlic have great potential to cure heart and cancer disease

Here are some of the health benefits of Garlic:

1. A compound in garlic called ajoene is a usual antioxidant that has anti-clotting abilities, thus helping in the prevention of heart disease and strokes.

2. Garlic has been established to lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol.

3. Compounds in garlic have been shown to put off prostate cancer.

4. A component of garlic called diallyl disulfide has been shown to destroy leukemia cells.

5. Research suggests garlic may possibly decrease the ability of H. pylori to cause ulcers and stomach cancer.

6. Research has shown that cooking garlic with meat reduces carcinogenic chemicals in cooked meat that are believed to be connected to breast cancer in meat-eating women.

7. It has been shown to struggle the germs that cause tuberculosis.

8. The allicin in garlic has been exposed to lower blood pressure.

9. Ajoene has also been revealed to stop the spread of skin cancer cells when applied topically.

10. A good foundation of vitamin B6.

Low testosterone tied to frailty in older men Older men with relatively low testosterone levels may be at greater risk of frailty than those with higher levels of the hormone, new research suggests.

In a study of more than 3,600 Australian men age 70 and older, researchers found that those with lower-than-average testosterone levels were more likely to be frail or to develop frailty over the next several years.

The findings, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, add to evidence connecting testosterone loss to health problems in older men. But the question of what, if anything, to do about it remains open.

"It's too early to recommend testosterone therapy at this stage," lead researcher Zoe Hyde, of the University of Western Australia in Perth, told Reuters Health in an email.

"Large-scale, clinical trials are needed first to see if testosterone can prevent or treat frailty," she said, "and to assess the benefits and risks of therapy."

Testosterone helps men maintain their bone density, muscle mass and strength, and red blood cell production. Levels of the hormone naturally decline with age, and studies have linked lower testosterone levels in older men to problems such as diabetes, depression and bone fractures, and even to a shorter lifespan.

But whether waning testosterone levels are a cause of older men's health problems is not certain. And so far, studies have come to mixed conclusions as to whether giving older men extra testosterone can improve their physical function.

Some have found that testosterone -- given orally or by skin patch or injection, for instance -- seems to build older men's muscle mass and reduce body fat, but that those changes do not translate into greater mobility, strength or overall functioning.

For the current study, Hyde and her colleagues assessed frailty and testosterone levels in 3,616 men who were between the ages of 70 and 88; they were able to reassess 1,586 of those men four to seven years later.

At the first exam, 15 percent of the men were considered frail. That meant that they had at least three of five signs of deteriorating health: chronic fatigue; difficulty climbing a flight of stairs; difficulty walking more than one block; more than five major medical conditions, like diabetes, heart disease or arthritis; or an unintentional weight loss of more than 5 percent over several years.

In general, the researchers found, men whose total testosterone levels were below the average for the study group were more likely to be frail. Moreover, lower-than average levels of "free" testosterone were related to a greater risk of becoming frail over the next four to seven years.

Free testosterone is not bound to a protein in the blood, and is therefore more biologically active than other forms of the hormone.

The findings do not prove that declining testosterone was the reason for some men's frailty.

"We can never be certain of causality," Hyde explained, because men with certain conditions may develop lower testosterone levels before their diseases make themselves known.

However, she added that because the study followed men over time and linked lower testosterone to a greater risk of developing frailty in the future, the findings do suggest that the hormone may be directly involved in the frailty process.

"It is also biologically plausible," Hyde said, "as testosterone is important for maintaining bone density and muscle."

Still, no one knows whether testosterone replacement can prevent or treat frailty. There are also safety concerns about giving older men supplemental testosterone. Testosterone could, for instance, trigger an enlargement of the prostate gland or fuel the growth and spread of any existing prostate tumors. In addition, researchers are unsure what effect the hormone could have on older men's heart disease risk.

To help reduce their risk of frailty, Hyde said, the "best thing" older men can do right now is to lead a healthy lifestyle -- keeping their weight in the normal range, eating a well-balanced diet, staying physically active and not smoking.

SOURCE: Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, online April 21, 2010, Reuters.

What Caused Bret Michaels' Brain Hemorrhage?

Moments before Bret Michaels was rushed to the emergency room, a source close to the former Poison frontman said Michaels was in excruciating pain, complaining of a headache that felt like he was “getting hit in the head with a baseball bat over and over again,” – a relatively typical symptom of a subarachnoid hemorrhage.

"Usually patients say it’s the worst headache of their life,” Dr. Nicholas Bambakidis, a neurosurgeon at University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio told FoxNews.com. "The most common cause is a brain aneurysm. Typically the aneurysms are present for many years — they may not bleed for years — either they grow or the wall of the artery gets thin enough that the blood starts leaking from the aneurysm.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, in any given year, an estimated six million people in the U.S. have aneurysms, but only a small percentage of those aneurysms will hemorrhage.

“Aneurysms are congenital and change in shape overtime,” Dr. Carolyn Brockington, director of the stroke center at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Medical Center in New York City said. “You can start with a very small one, but over a lifetime, the size of the aneurysm can increase. Many people have an aneurysm and don’t know because they don’t have symptoms.”

In the case of a subarachnoid hemorrhage, the bleeding occurs in the area between the brain and the thin tissues that cover the brain. Along with an aneurysm, there are two other main causes of this type of brain injury, which include trauma to the head and inflammation or infection in the brain.

In the case of Michaels, we still don’t know what exactly caused his brain injury, but we do know doctors discovered bleeding at the base of his brain stem when he was admitted to the hospital on Thursday. Further tests were planned for Monday to help pinpoint the exact source, according to the 47-year-old rocker's Web site. For now, he remains in intensive care, where Bambakidis said he could stay for the next several weeks.

“It’s all variable,” he said. “Twenty-five percent of patients don’t even make it to the hospital and 25 percent end up with some kind of neurologic problem even after successful treatment. A patient usually remains in the hospital two to three weeks after the bleeding episode.”

As for treatment, there are several options.

“Again it all depends on the extent of the injury, but one procedure is to open the skull where surgeons ‘clip the neck’ of the aneurysm, which is like tying a knot at the end of a balloon so blood can’t get into the brain,” Brockington said. “The other one involves endovascular coiling.”

This minimally invasive procedure is often performed to avoid brain surgery and involves treating the aneurysm through a catheter. Either way, Michaels still has a long road to recovery ahead of him.

“Even if he does OK with a surgical procedure to treat an aneurysm, there’s still two to three weeks where he’s at risk of having stroke,” Bambakidis said. “That’s because a bleeding episode creates a reaction in the blood vessels of the brain and they can spasm and get very narrow… and that can cause a stroke itself. There are things we do in the ICU to minimize that risk, but there is still an incidence in 10 to 20 percent of patients that can lead to permanent neurological injury,” he added.

This major health crisis comes just weeks after Michaels underwent an emergency appendectomy on April 12 after complaining of stomach pains before he was scheduled to perform at Sea World in San Antonio. Michaels later wrote on his Web site that although the surgery "has taken its toll," doctors expect him to make a full recovery.

source: foxnews

Aspirin: What happens when you overdose?

Aspirin which is chemically known as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is a most common drug used around the world to relieve minor body aches, fever, and inflammation and sometimes when taken in low doses for a long term it can prevent heart attacks, strokes and blood clot formation in people with higher risks of blood clots. However, just like most powerful drugs available in the market today Aspirin is also associated with a substantial number of side effects and dangers related to helth.

This normally happens when the person tends to take an overdose of this medicine. The kind of overdose of this drug is categorized as acute and chronic where acute defines an overdose of the drug taken in at the same time while chronic overdose in one in which the patient often ingests Aspirin and the dose builds up over time.

Dangers and Side Effects of Aspirin Overdose :

Some Side effects and dangers of an overdose of Aspirin are as follows:

* Upset stomach associated with pain
* Nausea and vomiting
* Sometimes ulcer is caused in the stomach which is referred to as gastritis. This may be a consequence of a lot of vomiting.
* Heartburn is a very common side effect to this drug overdose.
* Indigestion
* Stomach irritation is caused which eventually leads to bleeding from the stomach consequently leading to black colored stools.
* Fatigue
* Slight fever
* Confusion state of mind
* The overdosed patients may collapse all of a sudden.
* The heart beat rate is increased substantially and rapid heartbeats occur.
* Difficulty in breathing leading to uncontrollably fast paced inhalation and exhalation
* Ringing in the ears
* Temporary hearing loss
* Hyperactivity
* Dizziness
* Drowsiness
* Seizures
* Coma
* Few instances of asthma, hay fever, nasal congestion or hives
* Easy bruising of the skin may occur. Thus people with diseases like diabetes that imposes problems for clotting of blood should avoid this drug also people suffering from other blood clot related or major bleeding problems should stay away from this drug.
* An overdose of this drug may adversely affect the normal functioning of the kidneys.
* It may cause fluid retention in the body. It might a give you a bloated feeling and may lead to slight weight gain
* There is a possibility of a development of Reye’s syndrome which is a rare fatal disease seen in children and teenagers. It usually affects those who are recovering from chicken pox or flu.
* Angioedema is developed in some patients, which is characterized by rapid swelling of the dermis, subcutaneous tissue, mucosa and submucosal tissues.
* An overdose of this drug may also cause appearance of dark patches in the MRI scans of the cerebrum which are nothing but cerebral microbleeds.

Contact your physician immediately when you experience either of the above side effects. You must avoid taking in alcohol when you are on Aspirin dosage because this might increase your chances of having internal bleeding in the stomach.

When using Aspirin for cardiovascular conditions it must be done so only under the advice of your doctor. Giving them to your child or your teenager is not advisable when they have fever, especially when they have chicken pox.

Pregnant women should stay away from this drug because it may have adverse effects on the heart of the unborn baby and may also reduce birth weight causing furthermore dangerous effects. Aspirin can also pass through breast milk so nursing mothers should avoid them.

Top Ten Marvelous Health Benefits of Yoga

Yoga isn’t just fashionable, it’s accessible to all, recommended by many respected enthusiasts, and appears to have a wealth of associated benefits. The practice of yoga can range from meditation and breathing, right through to challenging movements requiring skill and stamina. If you’re wondering whether or not yoga is for you, maybe it will help to read the Models Direct top ten reasons to give it a try.

1. Mind and body: The breathing and meditation exercises taught in yoga act as natural tranquillisers, lowering blood pressure, heart rate and levels of cortisol (a ‘stress hormone’). It is a natural way to improve many stress-related conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, depression and even medical conditions such as migraine or asthma.

2. Lung function: It encourages deeper, slower breathing – strengthening the lungs by putting good habits in place for those who practice it.

3. Focus: By helping the process of disciplining the mind, yoga increases concentration, memory and focus.

4. Pain relief: Some have reported reduced pain associated with PMS, neck and back problems, auto-immune diseases and many other conditions.

5. Circulation: Various yoga poses are said to aid circulation and oxygenation of cells.

6. Strength-Stamina: Yoga movements and poses improve strength. They are designed to impact on every muscle in the body and are also said to massage internal organs.

7. Flexibility: Those who regularly practice yoga will notice their range of movement increasing, benefiting mobility and flexibility.

8. Posture: By increasing self-awareness, core strength and good postural habits, yoga will help those who practise it regularly to hold themselves better and move with more grace and agility.

9. Anger management: By teaching those who suffer from anger-related issues, more patience and tools to enhance calm, yoga can be beneficial as part of an anger management programme.

10. Confidence: All of the ways that yoga improves someone’s life encourage self-confidence, self-belief and a more positive outlook.

source: bignews.biz

Work or relax after retirement?

By Ellen Roseman
Personal Finance Columnist

Ann, 67, used to be a teacher. Now she works three days a week in the children’s department of a large bookstore in Toronto.

“It’s getting harder, standing for eight hours on a concrete floor,” she says.

“But this is my passion. I’ve had regular customers for 10 years. I can make a difference getting children excited about reading.”

Since everyone asks her why she’s still working, she has a list of pros and cons.

Reasons to stay: Keeping involved with her specialty, connecting with customers and young fellow employees (who keep her up to date on the technology scene), and qualifying for company-paid health benefits.

Reasons to quit: Sore back and legs, reduced pay as an hourly employee, having to plan her life three weeks in advance to comply with scheduling rules and commuting to work, especially during the long dark winter hours.

She plans to continue as long as she can to supplement her small pension (since she didn’t work in the public school system).

“This is just like teaching, but I’m not grading papers,” she says.

Evelyn and Bill Lamb, 71 and 78, work one day a week at their own business, FoamFX, which helps people design foam packaging. They use a fabricator to make the product, ship it and collect the payment.

“The fabricator sends us the commission that we decide the customer should be charged,” Bill says about his business, which relies on a website that cost him $450 to set up.

“Life’s good. There are only pros to working if you’re of entrepreneurial spirit.”

The Lambs also deliver meals on wheels and spend 10 weeks a year in Central America. They have a higher income than most retirees (close to six figures) from small pensions, careful investments, FoamFX and a frugal mentality earned early in life.

About 22 per cent of retirees have worked after retirement, according to the final report from the special Senate committee on aging in 2008.

There’s even a self-help book, Working After Retirement for Dummies, which helps you tailor your own plan.

Does population aging account for the trend to work longer?

I consulted David Foot, the University of Toronto economics professor who said in a 1984 bestseller, Boom, Bust and Echo, that demographics can explain two-thirds of everything.

Now a professor emeritus, Foot says that 90 per cent of people who can afford to retire will do so as soon as they can get their pensions. The average age in Canada is 62.

But he sees a trend to part-time work after retirement – and he wishes more employers would let their employees move into phased retirement. Unfortunately, Canada’s tax laws don’t accommodate it.

Those turning 65 today are living longer than previous generations – to an average of 83 for men and 88 for women.

“For most people, the motivation to keep working is to have a healthy life,” Foot says. “I’m talking about both physical and emotional health.”

But if you’re an older worker, don’t count on being in demand. You’ll face competition from the echo generation – children of boomers, born from 1980 to 1996 – for years to come.

Predictions of a labour shortage as boomers retire are exaggerated, Foot says. He doesn’t expect to see anything until at least 2020.

And he doubts Canada will face a labour shortage at all, except in certain occupations such as health care.

“Aging populations have much lower growth. You don’t need as many new bodies when there’s lower growth.”

The echo generation peaked in 1991. Now 19, they’re in post-secondary courses, stretching classroom space and enrollment to the seams.

But a few years from now, they’ll be in the workforce, competing for jobs that may be in scarce supply because of automation and outsourcing.

source: thestar

Abusive people often have low self-esteem Have you noticed that people with feelings of low self-worth often inflict abusive behavior on others?

It's hard to imagine that someone who likes himself with slam or hurt someone else.

When people are down on themselves, this triggers feelings of anger. For example, domestic violence escalates when people start losing their jobs.

A policeman we'll call Paul told us he slapped his wife a couple of weeks ago. He confessed to us that he knows several other fellow officers who have been in physical altercations with spouses or close family members.

"We get dumped on by all of society," says Paul. "Anger can build up in a cop just like anyone else."

"I can divide people up into two general groups," says a psychologist we'll call Donna. "Anyone can figure this out pretty quickly. There are people who have healthy self-esteem and those who feel a lack of true self-worth. This causes big problems."

Donna goes on to say, "If a man just got a compliment from the boss and a raise at work, he's not going to want to go home and hurt his family."

A minister we'll call Rick says he's getting reports of domestic violence in his church. Both men and women are hitting their partners when arguments escalate.

"Whether you're religious or not, there are certain behaviors that can help to heal our society," Rick insists. "We all need to build other people up versus tearing them down."

Here are some of Rick's tips:

— Compliment a hurting person. Dig deep, even if the person seems unlovable. For example, say, "You always have such a neat desk."

— Love on people. Try to make others around you feel good. Listen to the words coming out of your mouth to help others feel supported, connected and appreciated.

— Use humor to get people off the hook. If your employees mess up a project, try to protect their egos without slamming them too harshly. Encourage them to fix what's wrong by finding humor in the bad situation.

Rick says, "I'll give you an example of how softening a blow saved my hide the other day during road rage."

Rick and his brother were taking their mom to lunch. Rick had to kind of force his way into another lane of traffic to reach the restaurant.

"The man I pulled in front of went nuts," says Rick. "He was swearing at me and making faces. He pulled in beside us at the restaurant."

What came next really made Rick nervous. "The man made an obscene gesture at me, my brother and my mother," Rick declares. "His finger was clearly in our faces, and my mind started to race. Should I fight? Should I flee?"

Rick's mother, who is 81, saved the day. She slowly leaned in on the road rage man. She was riding in the front passenger seat.

"Mom very, very slowly raised two fingers in the air like she was returning his gesture," says Rick. "I nearly fainted. She leaned over the steering wheel to make sure the angry man could see her fingers moving slowly skyward."

Rick laughs, "Mom opened her two fingers into a V — a peace symbol. And she smiled sweetly."

The road rage man started laughing and sped off. Rick's mother had diffused a bad situation by treating the man friendly and getting him to laugh. Instead of directing anger toward him, she used humor to get him off the hook.

SOURCE: seattletimes.nwsource

Physical Activity Benefits Brain Function Cognitive health-or brain health-is on everyone's mind. According to a recent national survey by Research! America, adults worry more about losing their mental capacity than their physical ability.

Conventional wisdom says that mind-engaging activities, such as working through crossword puzzles, may decrease the risk of brain disease and dementia, but researchers are still working to find the full evidence.

"We want to target the activities that people identify as appealing, such as playing games and staying involved, and then find out what works for brain health and what doesn't," said Susan Ivey, M.D., of the University of California at Berkeley Prevention Research Center (PRC).

The PRC Program, a network of 37 academic centers funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), supports a Healthy Aging Research Network (HAN) consisting of researchers at seven PRCs across the country. The HAN focuses on the health needs of older adults, including factors that promote brain health.

In one project, HAN members asked more than 600 people in nine states what they believed about brain health and how they thought it could be maintained. Now, researchers are using this information to craft clear messages about maintaining a healthy mind.

"People hear about brain health but they find the information confusing or conflicting," says Daniela Friedman, Ph.D., of the University of South Carolina PRC. "We need to discover the best ways to talk about it in different communities."

So while research continues, people of all ages are encouraged to eat healthy, be physically active and engage in social activities. Researchers emphasize that physical activity benefits both body and brain.

"The best single thing anyone can do for his or her brain is to be as active as possible," says William Satariano, Ph.D., who leads a study at the Berkeley PRC on how walking contributes to health. "You don't have to run a marathon. Whatever you can do is good."

"Exercise also lowers your risk for heart disease and other illnesses," adds Amy Fiske, Ph.D., of the West Virginia University PRC, where researchers are providing physical activity programs for seniors in rural areas. "The kinds of things that promote brain health are beneficial for everybody."

SOURCE: healthnewsdigest

Effect of swimming pool chlorine on health

Swimming is a good way of exercise. Irritation can happen on the skin and scalp, making for a dry, itchy body and head if the pool in the water contains chlorine. Additionally, the Pacific Center for Health says that chlorine can also wipe out much-needed proteins in our bodies. Depleted of protein, skin and hair may become very dry. Hair can become uncontrollable and color-treated hair can be ruined.

Chlorine in swimming pools reacts with organic matter such as sweat, urine, blood, feces, and mucus and skin cells to form more chloramines. Chloroform risk can be 70 to 240 times higher in the air over indoor pools than over outdoor pools.

While swimming in a chlorinated pool can heighten the chances of these affects, showering with a filter that take away the chemical can greatly lower the effects of it. (This type of filter also helps in universal for households who also may have chlorine.) Also, wetting the hair with non-chlorinated water before swimming will lessen that amount of the element that can be absorbed.

How doctors inspect skull fractures before x-ray was invented?

500 years before x-rays were invented, Italian surgeon Guido Lanfranc would place a violin string between a patient's teeth.

When the string was plucked, it would cause the skull to vibrate in a musical note. If the sound was bright and clear, the skull was intact and healthy.

If the sound was dim and muffled, it indicated that a fracture was likely present. His results were surprisingly accurate.

How long does cannabis stay in the body after smoking? Cannabis contains an active chemical called Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) can stay in a person's body for as long as 3 to 90 days after smoking or being ingested orally.

There are many determining factors for how long drug toxins stay in a person’s body which vary from person to person, such as the analytical method used, your health, your body weight, metabolism, fluid intake, the type of drug toxin, and the degree of exposure to the drug toxin.

source: mdinfo

Homemade Healthy Food, Recipes Kids Can’t Resist

Children can be very picky when it comes to food. The fact is they don’t like the healthy food kids are often forced to eat by their parents. Their sweet tooth always craves for something sweet and unhealthy.

They simply can’t resist a pint of ice cream, a bar of chocolate, a slice of cake, or a bag of chips. If kids often eat these junks, they will more likely to grow malnourished and prone to sickness.

As a parent, it is your responsibility to feed your kids the right food. One way to do so is by preparing homemade healthy food kids can’t resist.

There are many healthy foods kids love to eat. The secret is to combine healthy ingredients with those which they find very appealing. Foods which are purely fruits or vegetables can ruin their appetite.

All you have to do is mix fruits and vegetables together with something they find very tempting like creams, chocolates, and anything sweet.

The best thing about preparing homemade healthy food kids like to eat is that you are assured that they get all the health benefits their body need. Next, it is also fun to prepare these foods together.

You get to bond with your child while cooking healthy snacks for them. Moreover, you can make your imagination run wild and come up with unique healthy food kids will surely love to sink their teeth into.

Here are some homemade recipes of healthy food kids will love:

Creamy fruit bowl

Fruits are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals. They are also rich in antioxidants that naturally clean the body. This healthy food kids can do on their own will help boost their immune system as they enjoy every bite. Combine fruits like apples, pineapples, grapes, kiwi, pears, and strawberries in a large bowl. Top with cream and serve chilled.

Fiber-rich cookies

Always keep that cookie jar filled with healthy food kids like to have for snacks. Bake your own homemade cookies rich in fiber by adding oats or wheat.

You can make chocolate chip cookies or peanut butter cookies, and then add oats and grains to the main ingredients. Kids will not even notice they are already eating something healthy.

Veggies and dips

Find out what vegetables do your kids like to eat. Carrots and celery can make very tempting vegetable sticks which your children can chew on. This healthy food kids can dip in savory and saucy dressings can make very delicious snacks or appetizers.

Make your own dips by combining cheese, mayonnaise, and tomato sauce or you can buy ready-made salad dressings and serve them as dips.

Milky fruit and vegetable shakes

There is no need to go to the mall for a refreshing glass of fresh fruit juices. You can make this healthy food kids enjoy drinking by preparing your own homemade milky fruit shakes.

Simply blend fruits like strawberries, pineapples, apples, bananas, and mangoes then add crushed ice, milk, and sugar. You can even blend carrots for a refreshing glass of pure vitamin A.

source: oromoindex

Sudarshan Kriya: A rhythmic stress busting breathing meditation

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, an Indian spiritual teacher whose Hindu-rooted approach to meditation has earned him millions of followers, will speak Monday at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood.

One of the best-known spiritual figures in India, Shankar is known for Sudarshan Kriya, a rhythmic breathing exercise he developed to reduce stress. He founded the Art of Living Foundation in 1981 to spread his message of a stress-free, nonviolent society.

``He has this electricity. He makes you think,'' says Kanchana Krishnan, 48, who first studied Shankar's teachings six years ago while visiting India.

``It is a series of exercises that use the deepest portion of your lungs and its varying rhythms,'' says Krishnan, of Coral Springs, who adds that the 40-minute daily practice has improved her blood pressure and cholesterol and helped her feel more at peace.

``He has synthesized and revived ancient Vedic knowledge in a way that's much more powerful for the modern day,'' says Michael Fischman, a former advertising agency executive who is president of the Art of Living Foundation.

The organization offers four-day classes for about $250 in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. About 5,000 South Floridians have enrolled since 1993. Most of Shankar's followers are in India, where 2.5 million attended an anniversary event in 2006.

source: miamiherald

Bret Michaels Hit By Massive (Subarachnoid) Brain Hemorrhage

Bret Michaels has been rushed to an LA hospital with a massive subarachnoid hemorrhage -- which is bleeding in the brain and apparently Michaels' publicist has confirmed to ABC News.com that there is bleeding at the base of his brain stem.

HollywoodLife.com consulted Dr. Dexter Sun, a neurologist at New York Presbyterian Cornell-Weill Medical College, to find out what this type of brain hemorrhage is, and what the prognosis can be.

"If this is massive and especially if the brain stem is involved, this is usually very serious," says Dr. Sun. "If the hemorrhage was minor, usually it would resolve on it's own. However, if it's massive, the most common cause would be a cerebral aneurysm."

Dr. Sun explained that if Michaels' hemorrhage was caused by an aneurysm, he would need a very skillful brain surgeon to operate and "clip" the aneurysm to stop it.

If the hemorrhage is not caused by an aneurysm, it could be caused by a brain injury or by a blood clotting factor defect . If caused by a blood clotting factor defect, Michaels would be transfused with blood clotting factor to stop the bleeding.

It is very important to control the severe headache pain and to decrease pressure in the brain, according to Dr. Sun.

Severe headache pain can increase pressure in the brain ,which can then increase the hemorrhage and if the brain swells, it can be very dangerous if it pushes down on the brain stem, explains Dr. Sun."The brain stem truly is the center of life -- it's the center of breathing." Severe pressure on the brain stem can cause "'brain herniation' which could cause a a coma.

More Information on Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

source: huffingtonpost

Hip hop music benefits brain and mental health

Research has shown that music has a profound effect on your body and psyche. In fact, there’s a growing field of health care known as Music Therapy, which uses music to heal.

Those who practice music therapy are finding a benefit in using music to help cancer patients, children with ADD, and others, and even hospitals are beginning to use music and music therapy to help with pain management, to help ward off depression, to promote movement, to calm patients, to ease muscle tension, and for many other benefits that music and music therapy can bring.

This is not surprising, as music affects the body and mind in many powerful ways. The following are some of effects of music, which help to explain the effectiveness of music therapy:

* Brain Waves: Research has shown that music with a strong beat like hip hop can stimulate brainwaves to resonate in sync with the beat, with faster beats bringing sharper concentration and more alert thinking, and a slower tempo promoting a calm, meditative state. Also, research has found that the change in brainwave activity levels that music can bring can also enable the brain to shift speeds more easily on its own as needed, which means that music can bring lasting benefits to your state of mind, even after you’ve stopped listening.

* Breathing and Heart Rate: With alterations in brainwaves comes changes in other bodily functions. Those governed by the autonomic nervous system, such as breathing and heart rate can also be altered by the changes music can bring. This can mean slower breathing, slower heart rate, and an activation of the relaxation response, among other things. This is why music and music therapy can help counteract or prevent the damaging effects of chronic stress, greatly promoting not only relaxation, but health.

* State of Mind: Music can also be used to bring a more positive state of mind, helping to keep depression and anxiety at bay. This can help prevent the stress response from wreaking havoc on the body, and can help keep creativity and optimism levels higher, bringing many other benefits.

* Other Benefits: Music has also been found to bring many other benefits, such as lowering blood pressure (which can also reduce the risk of stroke and other health problems over time), boost immunity, ease muscle tension, and more. With so many benefits and such profound physical effects, it’s no surprise that so many are seeing music as an important tool to help the body in staying (or becoming) healthy.

source: stress.about

How far should a blow (hair) dryer be from your hair?

You should hold your hair dryer 6 to 8 inches away from your head for optimal results and to avoid too much hot air near the scalp.

Air drying may be healthy and natural, but blow drying, when done carefully and with the right techniques, can not only keep your locks dry, but also improve them, without excess damage. So if you're sick of wet patches on the back of your shirt and frantically rubbing your wet "do" with a towel, then ditch your old routine and improve your blow drying techniques today.

In a world of early mornings, late nights, endless last minute jobs and frantic hurrying, the 'towel off and run' gig doesn't seem to cut it anymore. Sure, every hairdresser vows that constant blow drying will damage your locks. But how, exactly, are you supposed to stroll into your office job wearing a suit - with dripping wet hair?

How do you make it to that party without ratty wet ringlets? Air drying may be healthy and natural, but blow drying, when done carefully and with the right techniques, can not only keep your locks dry, but also improve them, without excess damage. So if you're sick of wet patches on the back of your shirt and frantically rubbing your wet "do" with a towel, then ditch your old routine and improve your blow drying techniques today.

Wash your hair. You can use your regular shampoo, but for better blow drying effects and protection, try washing with a moisturizing shampoo (Dry Hair Formula, as it's often called). This type of shampoo will provide extra moisture that will protect your hair from the effects of the blow dryer. It will also protect it from any other heat caused by straightening or curling, and generally add more moisture to your locks. You don't have to buy a super expensive brand - moisturising shampoos are available just about anywhere for all kinds of prices, so look around and secure the best deal for you.

Towel off your hair slightly, just enough to stop the dripping. Don't rub your hair with the towel as the friction causes split ends, frizzy dryness and generally does a lot of damage. Instead, gently wrap the towel around your hair and squeeze, like blotting the water out of your hair. If you have hair that's too short a length for that technique, wrap the towel around your head and rub very very gently using strong, circular motions. Don't rub too fast or hard, and if you can feel pain or hair breaking, then use your common sense and stop. Your hair doesn't have to be very dry at all after toweling; it just shouldn't be excessively soaked and dripping everywhere.

Separate your hair into sections. The bigger the section, the longer it will take to dry. It's best to go for 4-6 sections, but make sure nothing is tangled. If you have thick or longer hair, try using clips to help. If your hair's a bit too short, you may want to just part it into two sections.

Start blow drying at the top/roots, about six inches away from your scalp. Maintain this distance throughout, so nothing burns. Never blow dry in an upwards motion, as this causes more damage. Plus, by drying the hair on your scalp, it prevents the moisture from soaking the rest of your hair.

Work your way down, and remember to move the blow dryer around, again, so nothing burns. If you simply focus the dryer on one spot for too long it will dry out and burn the hair, rather than simply drying it gently.

Leave your hair a little bit damp. Don't ever dry until your whole head is completely dry - you need to leave in some moisture, so your hair won't dry out, and become frizzy or damaged. Leave it tolerably damp, not so it soaks your clothes, but so it will dry naturally in about 5-10 minutes.

Finish with a blast of cold air, to lock in shine. Brush through your hair gently, or de-tangle it with your fingers. If needed, apply a moisturizing or anti-frizz serum and brush it through evenly. You can even use a tiny bit of olive oil for a more "natural" option. These will work to keep your locks shiny and smooth, and now, dry, all day long!

source: wikihow

Shopping can be hazardous to your kids health

By Laurie McDermott

Went to a mall for the first time since my boobs have nestled into their inverted negative A. Cause I haven't bought a new anything since 1997.

Each time I walked into a ‘girly’ store the “Noooooo” chorus coming from my three kids (finally doing something they all can agree on) was so out of control even store employees raised their eyebrows....silently suggesting that I leave.

Now I'm doing the catalog thing. Which is really brain consuming. I love the day the package arrives, that's fun.

It's the opening it and trying it all on and then convincing myself that I look good in vomit grey just so I don't have to spend more time and money packing up the ugly item and shipping it back. Then I've got to remember I shipped it back. Then I've got to remember to check that I received credit.

Ugh.

Maybe I'll just take the kids to back to the mall, chained to the stroller, blindfolded, with tape on their mouths.

That'll be fun.

source: zoiksonline

Cause of low libido in young women

Low libido in young women may be due to stress, antidepressants and birth contol pills: research

A great sex life eludes millions of young women despite the fact that they’re at the height of their fertility - and even though they may be in love.

In fact, research by the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health found that many young women had distress piled on top of the guilt about their lagging sex lives. And a 2008 study in Obstetrics and Gynecology magazine of 31,000 women age 18 and above found that in the 18 to 44 age group, one in 10 reported low libido, or hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).

While stress, depression and dysfunctional relationships are thought to contribute to decreased sex drive, it’s often antidepressants or birth control pills that are to blame.

The disorder is marked not just by lack of sexual desire but by accompanying distress.

"I think a lot of women are distressed out there and feel bad and think something is wrong with them," Dr. Carolyn Nemec, woman’s health specialist in the department of family medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, told ABCNews.com. "The younger patients hear so much about menopause and a lot of these women - aged 18 to 30 - don’t feel they have a voice. We need to focus on them."

Close to 40% of women diagnosed with HSDD also say they’re depressed, according to Nemec. And for women who are on certain antidepressants, up to half may report decreased sexual desire.

source: nydailynews

Top 3 Hidden Health Dangers of Grilling

There are three hidden dangers to grilling. People rarely hear anything about these dangers, but it is important to know what they are a why they are dangerous or how they can be harmful.

1. HETEROCYCLIC AMINES (HCAs)

2. POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS (PAHs)

3. ADVANCED GLYCATION END PRODUCTS (AGEs)

Each of these work in different ways, but they are produced by grilling (and some are produced by other cooking methods as well,) and they post a far greater health risk than most of us realize, or probably want to realize.

HETEROCYCLIC AMINES (HCAs)

HCAs form in the muscle of meat, fish or poultry when it is cooked at high temperatures. The high heat of the grill interacts with the proteins in chicken, fish, red or any other type of meat to create the HCAs.

POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS (PAHs)

PAH's are created when the juices or fat from the meat, fish or poultry drips down into the grill, touching the coals, the heat source, or directly onto fire. The liquid produces a huge amount of smoke that forces hydrocarbons that were produced by the liquid to rise, and they adhere to the meat as part of the cooking process. When food is cooked to the point where there is charring, these hydrocarbons don't just coat the meat; they are embedded in the meat.

ADVANCED GLYCATION END PRODUCTS (AGEs)

Grilling (and frying or microwaving,) causes the cooking process to react with natural fats and sugars that are present in meat. The interaction of all of these factors creates AGEs. This happens with most meats, but to a greater degree with meats that have already been smoked or cured.

AGEs form when very hot and dry heat comes into contact with meat, fish or poultry and causes the naturally occurring fats and sugars to break down into protein molecules. When the molecules shrivel up, they turn black or brown, producing the grill marks we see on grilled foods. (They also cause the breading on fried chicken to get crispy, and the crust on breads to get brown and crisp.)

WAYS TO REDUCE HCAs AND PAHs TO DECREASE DANGERS -

*Marinate meat, fish, protein and other foods to create a protective barrier against the heat.

*When cooking meats, look for the leanest cuts available. Remove skin from chicken and fish, and trim the fat from meat. The less fat there is, the less can drip into the heat.

*Opt to cook fish rather than meat or chicken. Fish cooks much faster, and the faster the food cooks, the less exposure it has to these potentially hazardous compounds.

*Never cook frozen meat directly on a grill. When it is put on the grill in its frozen state, it gets direct exposure from the heat source, and it takes much longer to cook, prolonging the length of exposure.

*Precook meat before grilling it. You don't have to cook it completely. Just cook it enough to cook fat off. This way, you'll prevent fat from dripping onto the heat.

*Avoid grilling foods on very high heat. The higher the heat, the greater the potential for flareups, and flareups can blacken the food or produce smoke that is caused by dripping liquid onto the heat, the coals or the fire.

*Don't ever let the meat get charred. The more charred it is, the more hydrocarbons and AGEs you are ingesting.

*Do anything possible to reduce direct smoke exposure. Move the food further away from the heat, use a spit, cover the grill grate with foil.

*Put a layer of foil between the coals and the meat. This will prevent the liquid from dripping directly onto the coals or the heat, minimizing the potential for flareups.

No one will willingly abandon the pleasure of grilling. It may be worth one's effort to take precautions to minimize the potential that these cancer causing agents will have as much contact with the meat. Another way to help oneself is to cook the meat to medium rare as opposed to medium or medium well. The longer the meat has contact with the grill, the more of these compounds it can absorb. Make sure that the meat can't get totally blackened, and if necessary, create greater distance between the heat and the food.

source: helium

A Variety In Meal Is A Health Pledge

Some years ago “the sparing diet” that calls Ornisha supposing 15-25 grams of animal fat a day, has undergone to the rigid criticism of group of researchers from Harvard. They have published the report which has made effect of the broken off bomb. The small maintenance in a diet of fats including traditional “horror stories” – fats sated, it has appeared, in their opinion, the reason of coronary and other vascular diseases. All is very simple: reduction of refractory fats reduces cholesterol level in blood. And further all as on a chain – the sick vessels, sick heart.

For this reason many doctors recommend far not the fast Mediterranean diet so favorite by inhabitants of Italy and Spain, plentifully watering the prepared dishes with olive oil. The trifle, apparently, and actually increases life expectancy. The main thing is healthy eating. Also a great source of nutrients has tomatoes. It is considered that thanking to licopen it promotes strengthening of a man’s organism and potentiality improvement.

For supporters “east way” is not present anything better an Asiatic cuisine. Rice and fish here it is an Alpha and Omega. In fish is a considerable quantity of irreplaceable amino acids: tryptophan and methionine. There is, of course, a fish fat, but we people moderated, and us quite will arrange 0,5-1 % of fat, are especially good for diets of a crash and its oceanic relatives.

Also without aracidon acids which source is cod-liver oil not to manage. Besides, we receive calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and in a case with a cod – the iodine stimulating work of a thyroid gland. Last argument in favor of a cod – vitamin A, sight vitamin for the sake of which we have got used to gnaw a carrot., However, too nobody cancelled a carrot, but with oil do not forget to water – so vitamins will be better acquired.

According to last researches, the use of seafood improves brain activity. And even positively influences destiny of descendants. If the future mum does not refuse to eat shrimps and crabs, its child will be born not only stronger, but also smarter.

As to rice, it is a basis of a dietary food. Wild and other sorts of grades of calories and fiber contain twice less usual and thus are a well of microcells: magnesium, zinc and folic acid. Rice well plentifully to strew grasses yes spices: thanks to presence of phitoncids in their essence they possess anti germs properties.

From the Asian widths we will return to native open spaces. Meat also concerns obligatory elements of diets. It is necessary to watch only that the maintenance of fats in portion did not exceed 5-6 grams.

So, let’s summarize the “how to lose weight fast” topic. You must get to the point that everything is at your fingertips. This is vert simple: all you need is to remember that today the Internet technologies give you a really unique chance to choose what you need for the best price on the market. Strange, but most of the people don’t use this opportunity. In real practice it means that you should use all the tools get the info that you need.

Search Google or other search engines. Visit social networks and have a look on the accounts that are relevant to your topic for “how to lose weight fast“. Join the niche forums and track the discussion. All this will help you to build up a true vision of this market. Thus, giving you a real opportunity to make a wise and unbiased decision.

source: my-health-n-fitness

Discover How Your Diet May Lead To Abnormal Cell Growth

Did you know that cancer claims one out of every two people after age 65? As both a doctor and a family man, this statistic sends chills down my spine!

By age 65, the average American has a one-in-two chance of getting cancer and a one-in-three chance of dying from cancer. In fact, in spite of billions and billions of dollars spent on research, many cancers are just as deadly as they were 20… 30… even 50 years ago.

One reason may be the foods you consume. A diet rich in meat and fats and low in complex carbohydrates, like the one consumed by a typical Westerner, may increases your risk of cancer, according to a University of Pittsburgh researcher.

Stephen O’Keefe, Ph.D., from the University of Pittsburgh arrived at the conclusion based on an expanding body of evidence which shows the composition of the diet influences the diversity of intestinal microbes, supporting the link between diet, colonic disease and colon cancer.

In particular, those who eat a healthy diet containing high levels of complex carbohydrates have significant populations of micro-organisms in their gut called firmicutes.

These bacteria use the undigested residues of starch and proteins in the colon to synthesize short-chain fatty acids and vitamins such as folate and biotin that maintain colonic health.

By contrast, meat digestion produces sulfur which decreases the activity of ‘good’ bacteria and increases the production of hydrogen sulphide and other possible carcinogens by sulfur-reducing bacteria.

O’Keefe states that colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in adults in the West, described his conclusions to the Society for General Microbiology meeting in the United Kingdom.

My best suggestion for a healthy diet is an alkaline diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains and more. These foods offer the most nutrition when consumed in their raw form to help you maintain acid-alkaline balance. This means that your tissues, organs and cells are slightly alkaline and measure around 7.5 on a scale from zero to 14. This measurement can be taken with a saliva or blood sample.

If you body is too acidic, then you are at risk for abnormal cell growth that could possibly lead to cancer. This growth thrives in an acidic environment so be sure to test your alkaline balance and look for the best foods to help maintain optimum levels.

But a change in diet is not the only alternative solution to dealing with abnormal cell growth. Patients dealing with the late stages of terminal cancer may benefit from gentle massage therapy, according to a new study conducted by the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine.

Researchers studied 380 hospice patients suffering from advanced forms of cancer. Lead researcher Jean S. Kutner, M.D., and colleagues found that after two weeks of massage therapy, many reported temporary improvements in both mood and pain levels.

“Massage does seem to be helpful, at least for a short time,” Kutner said in a published health report from Reuters. She explained that it’s not entirely clear why massage helps with the pain, but that the basic principals of massage therapy have been shown to decrease inflammation and swelling… decrease muscle spasms… and may trigger “feel good” hormones called endorphins.

Kutner also noted that the simple human contact between the patient and the therapist could contribute not only to increased physical well being, but mental well being, too.

[Ed. Note: Michael Cutler, M.D. is a board-certified family physician with more than 17 years of clinical experience. He is a graduate of Brigham Young University and Tulane Medical School. Dr. Cutler’s practice focuses on integrative solutions to health problems, and behavioral and nutritional medicine.]

source: totalhealthbreakthroughs

Great Healthy Pregnancy Tips Your Doctor May Miss Out

Dr. Philip Landrigan, pioneering pediatrician, lead investigator of the National Children's Study and winner of the 2010 Heart of Green "Protector" Award offers simple advice for women who are, or may become, pregnant.

Pediatrician Dr. Philip Landrigan is a pioneer in the study of environmental chemicals and their effect on children's health. He was among the first to identify toxic lead as a concern, and fought to remove it from gasoline, paint and other products. His research and advice was critical to the government's decision to regulate chemicals not just on their health effects on adults, but on children too. And he is leading the National Children's Study, a landmark 21-year study that will help identify the causes of chronic childhood illnesses like autism, asthma, obesity and learning disorders. He is a 2010 Heart of Green Award winner (read more about Dr. Landrigan). The Daily Green asked him to share tips for women who are or may become pregnant; here's what he said:

Keep yourself healthy
The most fundamental attributes of health matter whether you're pregnant or not, but especially so when you are pregnant. Keep fit, maintain low blood pressure and a healthy weight.

Get vaccinated
Pregnant women should be protected against rubella. Children should get the vaccines recommended by public health officials, including the Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) shot that some parents increasingly shy away from. He discounts concerns about vaccines causing autism:

"There have been a dozen high-quality studies that looked at vaccines and autism. ... Every one of these studies has failed to find any connection between vaccines and autism. ... I think one of the most compelling studies is one that came out of Japan. In Japan they have a very top-down health care system. They made a decision to stop MMR because they were worried about autism. When they suspended vaccination, rates of autism continued to go up. They reinstituted the vaccine."

He added that failing to vaccinate your child is putting him or her at real risk:

"There have been reports of measles outbreaks. There will be rubella. Young parents today don't remember, but 10 percent of kids who suffer measles are left with some degree of hearing loss. One in 20 develops pneumonia. One in 1,000 develops brain damage or encephalitis. Rubella for a pregnant mom, there's a high risk of heart and lung deformities in her child, even autism. ... These are severe consequences. There has been so much chatter on the Internet about the hazards of vaccination, most of it ill informed. These are ancient scourges."

Take your vitamins
Most importantly, be sure to take the recommended dose of folic acid, which can prevent serious birth defects.

Beware lead
Older homes built before lead paint was banned in 1978 are likely contaminated with lead. Don't renovate, particularly to create a baby nursery, because you may well introduce a serious brain-damaging toxic metal into the air in your home. Once exposed, babies' brains do not recover from the damage.

"I always warn young women and young couples of the dangers of lead paint," Dr. Landrigan said. "Don't start sanding old paint to prepare a room in the house for the baby; we've had a couple horrible cases where they do that."

Also be aware that the most common health standard used to test for lead poisoning was set in 1991 and Dr. Landrigan considers it outdated. While health professionals may say a blood lead level under 10 micrograms per deciliter is safe, Dr. Landrigan puts the safe figure at under five. Any blood lead test that shows a level above five should prompt parents to identify sources of lead, and remove them to stop the ongoing exposure.

Eat only safe fish
Many fish, particularly predators like tuna and swordfish, have high levels of mercury and/or PCBs, which like lead, can cause permanent brain damage. On the other hand, fish is also a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which may be important for childhood brain development. What's a pregnant mother to do? "There are plenty of safe fish out there," Dr. Landrigan said. "Pick the safe fish and avoid the dangerous ones."

Carry a pocket guide like the Environmental Defense Fund's Seafood Selector, which usefully identifies fish that are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, low in contaminants and fished sustainably. (There are also mobile phone apps that do the same thing.)

Ideally, women should start avoiding high-risk fish at least six-to-eight months before getting pregnant.

Avoid phthalates and Bisphenol A
These controversial chemicals are difficult to avoid. Phthalates are found in many soft plastics (including baby products), in fragrances and in cosmetics and personal care products. Bisphenol A is found in many hard plastics, including many food containers, the lining of food and beverage cans, and in other products. Both chemicals, though, mimic human hormones and may have a particularly risky effect on development. The government still sanctions their use, but many scientists – Dr. Landrigan included – recommending doing all you can to avoid phthalates and BPA: Don't microwave food in plastic, avoid canned foods and only use bottles that are BPA-free. Dr. Landrigan recommends checking personal care products against the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep database to find safe phthalate-free options.

"In the case of lead, PCBs and mercury, the data is ironclad," Dr. Landrigan said. "There is uncertainty with BPA and phthalates, but there's enough data to encourage prudence."

Avoid pesticides
Avoid using lawn, garden and household pesticides to kill weeds, bugs or mice. And buy organic food "to the extent you can afford it," Dr. Landrigan recommends.

Food for thought
"The most fundamental message is for people to remember that the environment is not just something that they visit on weekends or during their summer vacation – that the environment is all around us, that it is in us and we are in it, and that it profoundly influences our health," Dr. Landrigan said. "The second message is that our children, especially children at the very beginning of life, are most sensitive to the environment."

source: thedailygreen

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