10 interesting vegetarian facts
Thought you knew everything there is to know about the vegetarian diet? These few facts may surprise you:
1. Vegetarianism has traditionally been linked to the people of ancient India. Even today, Indians make up more than 70 percent of the world's vegetarian population.
2. The first Vegetarian Society was formed in 1847 in England. The main aim of the members was to dispel the common belief that it's not possible to lead a healthy life without eating meat.
3. There are varying degrees of vegetarianism. The strictest of vegetarians not only steer clear of all forms of meat, they also avoid all animal products, including honey (bees are often killed in the production of honey), and foods which might contain traces of animal products, such as bread baked in buttered tins and sugar to which bone charcoal has been added (to make it white).
4. You might recall the scene in Notting Hill where William Thacker (Hugh Grant) goes on a blind date with a slightly off-the-wall "fruitarian". Fruitarianism is a very real form of vegetarianism, where the diet consists of fruit, nuts, seeds and other plant material that can be gathered without killing the plant (e.g. pears can be picked without killing the plant, carrots cannot).
5. Many vegetarians follow a meat-free diet in an attempt to lower the pressure meat production places on the environment. According to Wikipedia.org, growing crops for farm animals requires nearly half of the United States' water supply and 80% of its agricultural land.
6. Other people go the vegetarian route for religious reasons. Some of the denominations that actively advocate vegetarianism include the Hare Krishna and Rastafarian movements.
7. British research shows that a child's IQ predicts his likelihood of becoming a vegetarian as a young adult. You guessed it: the smarter the child, the more likely he'll eventually shun meat.
8. While veggie eating holds many health benefits, it also has other interesting effects on the body: research shows that avoiding red meat improves the sex appeal of male body odour.
9. The list of famous vegetarians includes Sir Paul McCartney, Ozzy Osborne, Sinead O'Connor, Brad Pitt, Albert Einstein, Henry Ford and Leonardo da Vinci.
10. And then, of course, it's believed that Adolf Hitler was a vegetarian during the latter part of his life. In fact, it's said that he predicted that the world of the future would be vegetarian. Records show that Hitler amused himself by telling grim stories of slaughterhouses while entertaining meat-eating guests. When they were put off their food, he would mock them for their hypocrisy. On one such occasion, he remarked: "That shows how cowardly people are. They can't face doing certain horrible things themselves, but they enjoy the benefits without a pang of conscience.”
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Avoid Medical Mistakes
20 Tips to Avoid Medical Mistakes
Last fall the Institute of Medicine (IOM) published an alarming report. "To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System" revealed that 44,000 to 98,000 Americans die each year as the result of preventable medical errors. Using the IOM's more conservative figure of 44,000 deaths demonstrates the severity of this finding: medical errors rank as the eighth leading cause of death killing more Americans than motor vehicle accidents, breast cancer, or AIDS. The report emphasized that many of these errors are system failures, not just human errors, and they are therefore capable of being corrected.
Take charge of your health care. The U.S. government's Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) recommends that patients do the following to reduce their risk of becoming the victim of medical mistakes:
1) Be an active member of your health care team: This is THE biggest predictor of getting the best health care results. Ask questions. Take part in every decision about your health care.
2) Make sure your doctor knows every prescription, over-the-counter medication, and dietary supplements, such as vitamins and herbs, you are taking.
3) Make sure your doctor knows about any allergies and adverse reactions you have had to medicines.
4) When your doctor writes you a prescription, make sure you can read it. If you can't read it, your pharmacist probably can't either.
5) Ask questions of your doctor and pharmacist about your prescription. What is it for? How am I supposed to take it and for how long? What side effects are likely? What do I do if they occur? If this medicine safe to take with other medicines or dietary supplements I am taking? What food, drink, or activities should I avoid while taking this medicine?
6)When you pick up your prescription, verify that it is the correct drug prescribed. A study the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences found that 88 percent of medicine errors involved the wrong drug or wrong dose.
7) Clarify your understanding of the dosage instructions with the pharmacist. For example, does four doses daily mean taking a dose every 6 hours round the clock, or just during regular waking hours?
8)Ask for instructions on measuring liquid medicines. A household teaspoon may not accurately measure a liquid teaspoon; a syringe or other device will probably provide more accuracy.
9) Ask the pharmacist for written side effects your medicine may cause.
10) If you are having a procedure or surgery done at a hospital, choose a hospital with a lot of experience with your condition.
11) Consider asking all health care workers who have direct contact with you in a hospital whether they have washed their hands.
12) When you are being discharged from a hospital ask your doctor to explain about the medications you will be taking, and the activities you may safely engage in, at home.
13) If you are having surgery, make sure that you, your doctor, and your surgeon agree on exactly what and where the surgery will be performed. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons urges its members to sign their initials directly on the site to be operated on before the surgery, for example on the left knee.
14) If you have questions or concerns, speak up.
15) Make sure that one person, such as your personal doctor, is in charge of your care. This is especially important if you have many health problems, or are in a hospital.
16) Make sure that all health professionals involved in your care have important health information about you.
17) Ask a family member or friend to be there with you and to be your advocate: pick someone who will help get things done for you and speak up for you when you can't.
18) Know that "more" is not always better. Find out why a test or treatment is needed and how it can help you.
19) Ask about the results of all tests. Don't assume that no news is good news.
20) Learn about your condition and treatments by asking your doctor and nurse and by using other reliable sources. Treatment recommendations based on the latest scientific evidence are available.
Last fall the Institute of Medicine (IOM) published an alarming report. "To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System" revealed that 44,000 to 98,000 Americans die each year as the result of preventable medical errors. Using the IOM's more conservative figure of 44,000 deaths demonstrates the severity of this finding: medical errors rank as the eighth leading cause of death killing more Americans than motor vehicle accidents, breast cancer, or AIDS. The report emphasized that many of these errors are system failures, not just human errors, and they are therefore capable of being corrected.
Take charge of your health care. The U.S. government's Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) recommends that patients do the following to reduce their risk of becoming the victim of medical mistakes:
1) Be an active member of your health care team: This is THE biggest predictor of getting the best health care results. Ask questions. Take part in every decision about your health care.
2) Make sure your doctor knows every prescription, over-the-counter medication, and dietary supplements, such as vitamins and herbs, you are taking.
3) Make sure your doctor knows about any allergies and adverse reactions you have had to medicines.
4) When your doctor writes you a prescription, make sure you can read it. If you can't read it, your pharmacist probably can't either.
5) Ask questions of your doctor and pharmacist about your prescription. What is it for? How am I supposed to take it and for how long? What side effects are likely? What do I do if they occur? If this medicine safe to take with other medicines or dietary supplements I am taking? What food, drink, or activities should I avoid while taking this medicine?
6)When you pick up your prescription, verify that it is the correct drug prescribed. A study the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences found that 88 percent of medicine errors involved the wrong drug or wrong dose.
7) Clarify your understanding of the dosage instructions with the pharmacist. For example, does four doses daily mean taking a dose every 6 hours round the clock, or just during regular waking hours?
8)Ask for instructions on measuring liquid medicines. A household teaspoon may not accurately measure a liquid teaspoon; a syringe or other device will probably provide more accuracy.
9) Ask the pharmacist for written side effects your medicine may cause.
10) If you are having a procedure or surgery done at a hospital, choose a hospital with a lot of experience with your condition.
11) Consider asking all health care workers who have direct contact with you in a hospital whether they have washed their hands.
12) When you are being discharged from a hospital ask your doctor to explain about the medications you will be taking, and the activities you may safely engage in, at home.
13) If you are having surgery, make sure that you, your doctor, and your surgeon agree on exactly what and where the surgery will be performed. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons urges its members to sign their initials directly on the site to be operated on before the surgery, for example on the left knee.
14) If you have questions or concerns, speak up.
15) Make sure that one person, such as your personal doctor, is in charge of your care. This is especially important if you have many health problems, or are in a hospital.
16) Make sure that all health professionals involved in your care have important health information about you.
17) Ask a family member or friend to be there with you and to be your advocate: pick someone who will help get things done for you and speak up for you when you can't.
18) Know that "more" is not always better. Find out why a test or treatment is needed and how it can help you.
19) Ask about the results of all tests. Don't assume that no news is good news.
20) Learn about your condition and treatments by asking your doctor and nurse and by using other reliable sources. Treatment recommendations based on the latest scientific evidence are available.
10 HEALTH TIPS
10- Essential Health Tips (The Basics to Practice Every Day)
"He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything." -Arabian Proverb
1. Move MoreMake it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it's a stress buster. Think 'move' in small increments of time. It doesn't have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that's great when you're up to it. Meanwhile, move more. Thought for the day: Cha, Cha, Cha…. Then do it!
2. Cut FatAvoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats (i.e. pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage). Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise. Thought for the day: Lean, mean, fat-burning machine…. Then be one!
3. Quit Smoking The jury is definitely in on this verdict. Ever since 1960 when the Surgeon General announced that smoking was harmful to your health, Americans have been reducing their use of tobacco products that kill. Just recently, we've seen a surge in smoking in adolescents and teens. Could it be the Hollywood influence? It seems the stars in every movie of late smoke cigarettes. Beware. Warn your children of the false romance or 'tough guy' stance of Hollywood smokers. Thought for the day: Give up just one cigarette…. the next one.
4. Reduce Stress Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like. (i.e.,Soak in a hot tub; walk on the beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated. Avoid difficult people when possible. Thought for the day: When seeing red, think pink clouds….then float on them.
5. Protect Yourself from Pollution If you can't live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low. Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is good. Plant lots of shrubbery in your yard. It's a good pollution and dirt from the street deterrent. Thought for the day: 'Smoke gets in your eyes'…and your mouth, and your nose and your lungs as do pollutants….hum the tune daily.
6. Wear Your Seat BeltStatistics show that seat belts add to longevity and help alleviate potential injuries in car crashes. Thought for the day: Buckle down and buckle up.
7. Floss Your TeethRecent studies make a direct connection between longevity and teeth flossing. Nobody knows exactly why. Perhaps it's because people who floss tend to be more health conscious than people who don't? Thought for the day: Floss and be your body's boss.8. Avoid Excessive Drinking While recent studies show a glass of wine or one drink a day (two for men) can help protect against heart disease, more than that can cause other health problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer. Thought for the day: A jug of wine should last a long time.
9. Keep a Positive Mental Outlook There's a definitive connection between living well and healthfully and having a cheerful outlook on life. Thought for the day: You can't be unhappy when you're smiling or singing.
10. Choose Your Parents Well The link between genetics and health is a powerful one. But just because one or both of your parents died young in ill health doesn't mean you cannot counteract the genetic pool handed you. Thought for the day: Follow these basic tips for healthy living and you can better control your own destiny.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Sleeping is Better for Health
Too little sleep affects our work, our activities, even our sex lives. These tips can help you sleep like a baby at night. Check back for more tips next month!
It's Sleep Week!
Don't build up a sleep debt. Ongoing sleep deprivation can impair you as much as a six-pack of beer.
Power Your Day
Take a nap. A 40-minute snooze in the middle of a work day can pump up your energy.
Pregnant Pause
Sleep safe during pregnancy. Lying on your left side gives you and your baby the best blood flow.
The Better Sleep Diet
Don't gorge before bed. Good shut-eye foods: milk, tuna, eggs, and peaches.
Sleep Rituals
Cue your body that it's time for sleep with a relaxing ritual. Try a hot bath, aromatherapy, or meditation.
Room for Sleep
Make your bedroom a sleep haven. Keep temperatures moderate, use blinds or shades for blocking light, and remove the laptop or TV.
Tired People Eat More
Cut 6% of your daily calorie intake by sleeping eight hours a night instead of seven.
Smoke Out
Restrict smoking before bedtime. Cigarettes wake you up just like caffeine. Better yet, quit.
Heartburn Help
A wedge pillow can keep your head elevated and bring sweet relief from nighttime heartburn.
Take a Bed Break
Get out of bed if you can't sleep -don't stare at the clock. Read or watch TV until you feel tired.
Nightcap No-No
A bottle of wine may conk you out, but your sleep won't be restful. Finish imbibing three hours before bed for a satisfying snooze.
Guard Your Heart
Get a full 8 hours of sleep. Catching only 6 hours of sleep ups your risk of high blood pressure by 70%.
Plan Early
And sleep better at night. Make your next day's to-do list in the afternoon so worries don't creep into bed.
Talk Yourself to Sleep
Try talk therapy to fight insomnia. It gets better results than sleeping pills.
Boost Your Sex Drive
Take a nap. Tired people have lower libido. Want more sex? Get more sleep.
Dream Diet
Sleep controls appetite hormones. Get to bed and start your diet.
Do Not Disturb
Put traveler's insomnia to rest. Pack a tiny battery-operated fan -- to create white noise.
CHILDS SLEEP
Safe Sports, Safe Kids
More kids than ever are getting sports injuries at younger ages. Quiz your child's coach on avoiding and treating injuries.
Feeding Frenzy
Don't make dinner a battle. Let your children decide when they're full, and don't comment on the bites they take.
Have a Family Affair
Exercise together for your kids' health. Plan a hiking trip, bike to school, or play hopscotch together.
It's Diabetes Alert Day
Protect your kids. Serve 1½ cups of fruit and 2 cups of vegetables a day. And get them outdoors for plenty of play.
Nite-Nite, Baby
Leave the children's room when they're drowsy but not asleep. If you stay until they're asleep they may be startled if they wake up to find you gone.
A Mother's Massage
Massage helps calm wired kids. Give your kids a 10-minute massage before bed to help them sleep.
Bedtime Cures
Read a bedtime story aloud. When a child has a cold, TLC (tender loving care) is often the best remedy.
Believe It
Kids get headaches, even migraines. Take them seriously. Talk to your doctor.
Show Your Love
At least twice a day, give your child hugs, praise, even a wink or a smile. That's how parents boost kids' self-esteem.
Risky Business
Teens often get injured on the job. How safe is your teen's work environment?
Baby, Why Cry?
Babies cry for every reason -- diaper, bottle, ear infection, cuddling. Tune into your baby's cry.
Growing Pains
Active kids often have painful legs at night. That's from growing pains.
Breakfast for Mom
Make it fun and keep it simple. Add a flower or two. Mom deserves to be pampered!
Brat Pact
Tantrums? Turn things around: send clear messages, set ultimatums, and stick to your guns.
Tooth Truth
Knocked-out teeth. Chipped teeth. If you've got kids, put your dentist on speed dial.
Face Time
Kids need a heads-up on etiquette. Teach them about good eye contact. It builds trust.
Home Alone
Prepare for emergencies before they happen. Teach your child to use 9-1-1.
Want a Smart Baby?
Forget videos. Talking, playing, paying attention to baby -- that's what optimizes brain wiring.
Sick Kids
Diarrhea and vomiting are the route to dehydration. Kids need liquids (no milk) every few minutes.
CHILD CARE
Flu or Cold?
Knocked out by fever and fatigue suddenly? It's probably the flu. Get anti-flu drugs within 48 hours for maximum effectiveness.
Cold Care
Grandma's chicken soup will help keep you hydrated through a cold. The steam can also relieve a clogged nose.
Health at the Mall
Don't touch the escalator handrail at malls and stores. It's a germ factory.
Spring Sneezes
Use paper tissues instead of handkerchiefs. This helps keep your cold from spreading.
Pamper Your Nose
A dab of mentholated salve under your nose helps open breathing passages.
Don't Fight a Fever
Fever helps germ-killing proteins circulate in your blood faster. Let a slight fever of 102 F. or less run its course. You may get well faster.
Color Your Plate
Colorful vegetables are rich in antioxidants that strengthen natural immunity.
Coughing Hurts
A lozenge helps. Keep sugar-free cough drops or hard candy nearby to calm a tickle in your throat.
Sip a Cuppa
Hot tea soothes inflamed membranes that line nose and throat. Make sure it's herbal tea. Caffeine may dehydrate you.
Born to Run?
During allergy season, try to avoid irritants. If the pollen count is high, head for the gym instead.
Your Pillow
A cure for the common cold? "Get plenty of rest" tops the list of treatment tips for cold and flu.
Sore Throat?
Gargling helps. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt into 8 fluid ounces of warm water. Gargle hourly to relieve discomfort.
Starve a Cold?
That's a myth. Good nutrition helps your body heal. Start with citrus. Vitamin C still rules.
Clean Sweep
Cold and flu viruses cling to every surface -- for hours. Pump up protection with hand sanitizers.
Pack Some Heat
Relieve inflamed, painful sinuses with a moist, hot towel or gel pack.
Moist Air Medicine
Keep a humidifier running if you're prone to sinusitis. Dry air irritates sinuses.
Beware of Antibiotics
You can recover from some sinus infections without antibiotics. Warm compresses and decongestants can lead to relief.
No Fooling
Eucalyptus oil soothes sinuses. Add 4-5 drops of oil to a sink filled with steaming water. Put a towel over your head. Breathe deeply.
Home Health
Use a humidifier at home to avoid dry sinuses. Cold air -- and your home heating system -- dries out the air.
Taste a Spicy Curry
Pungent spices act as a natural decongestant. You breathe better after eating spicy, peppery food.
The Chicken Soup Cure
Research proves it. Hot chicken soup helps thin mucus in the mouth, throat, and lungs.
Breathe the Salty Spray
Ocean air clears sinuses. So does saline spray. Salt water nasal rinses may help reduce the risk of sinus infections.
Pollution Is Trouble
Pollution particles irritate sinus linings. Don't exercise outside during peak pollution hours.
Your Shower Spa
Ahhh, a steamy shower helps open clogged sinuses.
Flowers Need Watering
So do your sinuses. Drink up to keep your sinus membranes hydrated.
Plagued by Pollen?
A simple skin test will help you uncover your allergy triggers. Avoiding your triggers may prevent sinusitis.
Dust Mite Makeover
Want to cut allergens in your home? Rip out wall-to-wall carpets. Tear out drapes. That's a start!
Congested Airways
Got a cold or sinus infection? Air travel will be agonizing. A decongestant helps.
Tails of Fluffy and Fido
Humans and critters can live in harmony despite allergies. Learn to love housework.
Men and Migraines
Men, don't John Wayne your migraine. Seek treatment, relieve pain, and feel better.
Think Pain-Free
Try relaxation techniques or hypnosis for back pain. Relaxation often beats traditional medicine.
Avoid Hangover Headaches
Have a glass of water between each drink on St. Patrick's Day. Even a few drinks can trigger headaches.
Take a Pain Break
Schedule time for rest, exercise, and relaxation to help relieve persistent pain.
Drive Away Pain
Reduce back pain. Adjust your car seat so you don't have to reach for the steering wheel.
Record the Pain
Keep a record of your symptoms for a few weeks. It will help you understand your pain - and help your doctor treat it.
Got a Toothache?
Don't suffer the pain. A root canal can help save that tooth. April 3 launches Root Canal Awareness Week.
Chill the Pain
Grab a cold pack -- or a bag of frozen peas. Apply around your sore muscle or inflamed area for pain relief.
No Pain, No Gain?
No way. Let your body rest. Your body repairs muscle when you rest between workouts.
Kiss the IRS Off
Stressed by taxes? Smooch a little with the one you love. Kissing helps release endorphins -- the chemicals that counteract stress and pain.
Sensible Scents
Perfume stinks if it causes headaches. Strong odors can trigger the nerve system linked with headache pain.
Try Tai Chi
This gentle exercise improves balance and increases flexibility. Health organizations, including the Arthritis Foundation, advise tai chi for pain relief.
Mind Over Pain
Write it down. Talk it out. Laugh if off. Expressing your feelings relieves tension and helps ease pain.
Think About Pain
It's not "all in your head." But stress makes pain worse. Repeat a favorite word, sound, or prayer to bring on your body's 'relaxation response.'
Double Dipping
Take a dip. Take two. Water exercise helps ease joint pain and muscle stiffness.
Ticked Off
Nature's great, but beware Lyme-disease-carrying deer ticks. Wear sleeves, pants, and repellant.
May 5 Is Cinco de Mayo!
If you partied too hard at the fiesta, try a fruit smoothie the next morning. Food provides electrolytes that replenish a hung-over body.
Relax. Release.
Massage, meditation. As the body relaxes, muscle tightness and pain seep away.
Music as Medicine
If pain drags you down, turn to music. Music lifts and distracts. Maybe it's time for an iPod.
Dance Dance Dance
Take the work out of working out. Try dancing lessons. Make friends and relieve joint pain, too.
Retail Therapy
Old exercise shoes hurt feet and knees. New shoes are priceless protection. Need new shoes?
Core Your Apple
Got an apple shape? Peel it with Pilates. Pilates strengthens core muscles -- and also relieves pain.
Headache Du Jour
It's a made-to-order migraine: turkey and cheddar sandwich, diet soda, and dark chocolate. Certain foods contain chemicals that can trigger migraines.
Pins and Needles
Don't wince. Acupuncture helps arthritis pain, even joint movement -- and is NIH-approved.
Stroke Signals
After a stroke, pain and depression may follow. Look for signs. Reach out to help.
Bad Back
Back pain is bad enough. Anger, stress, and depression make it worse. Counseling helps a bad back.
Got Pain?
Rein in your thoughts. Staying positive fuels the immune system -- as well as natural painkillers.
It's Sleep Week!
Don't build up a sleep debt. Ongoing sleep deprivation can impair you as much as a six-pack of beer.
Power Your Day
Take a nap. A 40-minute snooze in the middle of a work day can pump up your energy.
Pregnant Pause
Sleep safe during pregnancy. Lying on your left side gives you and your baby the best blood flow.
The Better Sleep Diet
Don't gorge before bed. Good shut-eye foods: milk, tuna, eggs, and peaches.
Sleep Rituals
Cue your body that it's time for sleep with a relaxing ritual. Try a hot bath, aromatherapy, or meditation.
Room for Sleep
Make your bedroom a sleep haven. Keep temperatures moderate, use blinds or shades for blocking light, and remove the laptop or TV.
Tired People Eat More
Cut 6% of your daily calorie intake by sleeping eight hours a night instead of seven.
Smoke Out
Restrict smoking before bedtime. Cigarettes wake you up just like caffeine. Better yet, quit.
Heartburn Help
A wedge pillow can keep your head elevated and bring sweet relief from nighttime heartburn.
Take a Bed Break
Get out of bed if you can't sleep -don't stare at the clock. Read or watch TV until you feel tired.
Nightcap No-No
A bottle of wine may conk you out, but your sleep won't be restful. Finish imbibing three hours before bed for a satisfying snooze.
Guard Your Heart
Get a full 8 hours of sleep. Catching only 6 hours of sleep ups your risk of high blood pressure by 70%.
Plan Early
And sleep better at night. Make your next day's to-do list in the afternoon so worries don't creep into bed.
Talk Yourself to Sleep
Try talk therapy to fight insomnia. It gets better results than sleeping pills.
Boost Your Sex Drive
Take a nap. Tired people have lower libido. Want more sex? Get more sleep.
Dream Diet
Sleep controls appetite hormones. Get to bed and start your diet.
Do Not Disturb
Put traveler's insomnia to rest. Pack a tiny battery-operated fan -- to create white noise.
Safe Sports, Safe Kids
More kids than ever are getting sports injuries at younger ages. Quiz your child's coach on avoiding and treating injuries.
Feeding Frenzy
Don't make dinner a battle. Let your children decide when they're full, and don't comment on the bites they take.
Have a Family Affair
Exercise together for your kids' health. Plan a hiking trip, bike to school, or play hopscotch together.
It's Diabetes Alert Day
Protect your kids. Serve 1½ cups of fruit and 2 cups of vegetables a day. And get them outdoors for plenty of play.
Nite-Nite, Baby
Leave the children's room when they're drowsy but not asleep. If you stay until they're asleep they may be startled if they wake up to find you gone.
A Mother's Massage
Massage helps calm wired kids. Give your kids a 10-minute massage before bed to help them sleep.
Bedtime Cures
Read a bedtime story aloud. When a child has a cold, TLC (tender loving care) is often the best remedy.
Believe It
Kids get headaches, even migraines. Take them seriously. Talk to your doctor.
Show Your Love
At least twice a day, give your child hugs, praise, even a wink or a smile. That's how parents boost kids' self-esteem.
Risky Business
Teens often get injured on the job. How safe is your teen's work environment?
Baby, Why Cry?
Babies cry for every reason -- diaper, bottle, ear infection, cuddling. Tune into your baby's cry.
Growing Pains
Active kids often have painful legs at night. That's from growing pains.
Breakfast for Mom
Make it fun and keep it simple. Add a flower or two. Mom deserves to be pampered!
Brat Pact
Tantrums? Turn things around: send clear messages, set ultimatums, and stick to your guns.
Tooth Truth
Knocked-out teeth. Chipped teeth. If you've got kids, put your dentist on speed dial.
Face Time
Kids need a heads-up on etiquette. Teach them about good eye contact. It builds trust.
Home Alone
Prepare for emergencies before they happen. Teach your child to use 9-1-1.
Want a Smart Baby?
Forget videos. Talking, playing, paying attention to baby -- that's what optimizes brain wiring.
Sick Kids
Diarrhea and vomiting are the route to dehydration. Kids need liquids (no milk) every few minutes.
Child Care
Keeping Kids Happy Despite Allergy Symptoms
Perk up kids with these simple home treatments for seasonal allergies.
Do seasonal allergy symptoms have your kids down for the count? The runny nose, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion can leave even the most even-tempered kid tired and out of sorts.
The next time seasonal allergic rhinitis -- the term allergists use for the symptoms we call hay fever -- has your children feeling bad, you’ve got the tools to make them feel better: These simple tips gathered by WebMD from allergists and others can help you soothe kids’ allergy symptoms in no time.
16 Tips to Help Kids Cope With Allergy Symptoms
Managing allergies starts with a medical assessment, says Rod Moser, PA, PhD, in his All Ears blog for WebMD. So before you treat symptoms you think are allergies, be sure that’s what they are with a visit to an allergist. Once you know seasonal allergies are what you’re child is dealing with, these quick tips can offer kids much-needed symptom relief.
- Stay Inside. The best way to treat allergy symptoms is to avoid allergens to begin with, say the experts at the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI). So when pollen counts soar, keep kids indoors as much as possible. Pollen is usually at its peak mid-morning, early evening, and when the wind is blowing.
- Use Saltwater. Nasal congestion can be one of the most exhausting symptoms for children with allergies. For relief, older children might want to try nasal irrigation with a saline solution, one of the “best home remedy of all,” says Alan Goldsobel, MD, a California physician and spokesman for the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. You can buy saline at the drugstore or make your own by mixing in a squirt bottle eight ounces of water to one teaspoon non-iodized salt.
- Stay Hydrated. All that sneezing and blowing can leave a child parched. Keep a water bottle full and close to hand and encourage your children to stay well-hydrated.
- Warm It Up. A hot shower or bath seems to offer allergy symptom relief for some, says Asriani Chiu, MD, associate professor of pediatrics and medicine at the College of Wisconsin, so encourage kids to enjoy a little tub time.
- Keep It Cool. To keep pollen out when the weather’s hot, air condition your car and home and keep windows closed.
- Deal With Dry Air. A little moisture in the air makes breathing easier for most, so if you suspect the air in your house is dry, you may want to turn on a humidifier. But be careful: Humidity over 40% can encourage the growth of indoor allergens like mold and dust mites.
- Go Cold. When itchy eyes are driving your kid crazy, try a cold compress, says Chiu, which may help reduce the itch and inflammation.
- Keep Your Hands to Yourself. And encourage kids to avoid rubbing their itchy eyes. Rubbing will only irritate them -- and could make the itchiness even worse.
- Spice It Up. If your kids enjoy spicy foods, a piquant dish made with cayenne pepper, hot ginger, fenugreek, onions, or garlic may help thin mucus and clear nasal passages.
- Use Top Tissues. When kids’ allergies are at their peak, tender noses can get sore pretty fast. Look for tissues with lotion or other soothing additives.
- Rub Jelly On It. And if your child’s nose is raw and red from blowing, you can soothe their sniffer with a dab of petroleum jelly.
- Gargle to Relieve Sore Throats . If postnasal drip leaves your child with a sore throat, gargling with warm salt water made of 1-2 tablespoons of table salt in 8 ounces of water may ease the pain.
- Drink Warm Tea . Drinking more fluids can also help sooth tender throats. Try a weak tea with honey and lemon. Bonus: The steam from a piping hot cup may relieve sinus congestion, too.
- Get Face Time. Warm compresses applied to the face may also help soothe a child’s sinus pressure and pain.
- Avoid Milk. Some folks may find milk can make mucus worse, though “that’s not a proven concept,” says Goldsobel. If in doubt, it may be a good idea to steer clear of milky goodies when kids are coping with allergy symptoms.
- Avoid Certain Foods . If your child is allergic to ragweed, they may also have an allergic sensitivity to certain foods. Symptom-provoking foods to avoid may include bananas, melons, chamomile tea, sunflower seeds, and cucumbers.
The best allergy symptoms are the ones that never occur. Here are a few tips to help you prevent symptoms before they take hold.
- Go Take a Shower! If the kids were outdoors, they almost certainly brought allergens back inside on their clothes and hair. That’s why it’s a great idea for them to take a shower or bath and change their clothes when they come back inside, suggests Chiu.
- Wash Your Hands . If the kids pop in and out during high pollen days, the very least they should do is wash their hands often, suggests the ACAAI, a prime way to remove clinging pollen.
- Protect the Eyes . Encourage your kids to wear glasses or sunglasses when outdoors to minimize pollen getting into their eyes.
- Clean Up . We all track in allergens, on our shoes, clothes, hands, and hair. To keep them at bay, try to keep floors clean with a damp rag or mop rather than dry dusting or sweeping; vacuum rugs and carpets often; and change bedding frequently.
- Get Better Bedding. To help control allergies, Goldsobel recommends looking into special bedding designed to be less permeable to allergens.
- Keep Laundry Indoors. If you’ve got kids susceptible to outdoor allergens, don’t hang sheets or clothes outside to dry. They make excellent pollen and mold collectors.
- Keep an Eye on Indoor Plants. An abundance of overwatered plants inside the house can encourage mold growth. So manage your green menagerie: avoid sopping wet soil and don’t collect too many plants.
- Talk to Your Child’s Doctor . There are over-the-counter and prescription medications and eye drops to help treat children with allergies. Talk to your child’s allergist or pediatrician to find out which medicines are best for your child’s allergy symptoms.
- Be Faithful -- and Smart -- With Medication . Don’t forget to encourage kids to take the medications prescribed by their doctor -- but remember more medicine doesn’t mean fewer symptoms. Take only as much as recommended.
- Get Teary . If recommended by your child’s doctor, eye drops/artificial tears can help flush allergens out of kids’ eyes.
It’s not always easy, but with a little time and effort you can help your kids manage -- and avoid -- allergy symptoms all year, every year.
TEN ways to health life
0 Essential Health Tips
(The Basics to Practice Every Day) "He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything."
1. Move More
Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it's a stress buster. Think 'move' in small increments of time. It doesn't have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that's great when you're up to it. Meanwhile, move more. Thought for the day: Cha, Cha, Cha…. Then do it!
2. Cut Fat
Avoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats (i.e. pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage). Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise. Thought for the day: Lean, mean, fat-burning machine…. Then be one!
3. Quit Smoking
The jury is definitely in on this verdict. Ever since 1960 when the Surgeon General announced that smoking was harmful to your health, Americans have been reducing their use of tobacco products that kill. Just recently, we've seen a surge in smoking in adolescents and teens. Could it be the Hollywood influence? It seems the stars in every movie of late smoke cigarettes. Beware. Warn your children of the false romance or 'tough guy' stance of Hollywood smokers. Thought for the day: Give up just one cigarette…. the next one.
4. Reduce Stress
Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like. (i.e.,Soak in a hot tub; walk on the beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated. Avoid difficult people when possible. Thought for the day: When seeing red, think pink clouds….then float on them.
5. Protect Yourself from Pollution
If you can't live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low. Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is good. Plant lots of shrubbery in your yard. It's a good pollution and dirt from the street deterrent. Thought for the day: 'Smoke gets in your eyes'…and your mouth, and your nose and your lungs as do pollutants….hum the tune daily.
6. Wear Your Seat Belt
Statistics show that seat belts add to longevity and help alleviate potential injuries in car crashes. Thought for the day: Buckle down and buckle up.
7. Floss Your Teeth
Recent studies make a direct connection between longevity and teeth flossing. Nobody knows exactly why. Perhaps it's because people who floss tend to be more health conscious than people who don't? Thought for the day: Floss and be your body's boss.
8. Avoid Excessive Drinking
While recent studies show a glass of wine or one drink a day (two for men) can help protect against heart disease, more than that can cause other health problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer. Thought for the day: A jug of wine should last a long time.
9. Keep a Positive Mental Outlook
There's a definitive connection between living well and healthfully and having a cheerful outlook on life. Thought for the day: You can't be unhappy when you're smiling or singing.
10. Choose Your Parents Well
The link between genetics and health is a powerful one. But just because one or both of your parents died young in ill health doesn't mean you cannot counteract the genetic pool handed you. Thought for the day: Follow these basic tips for healthy living and you can better control your own destiny.
(The Basics to Practice Every Day) "He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything."
1. Move More
Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it's a stress buster. Think 'move' in small increments of time. It doesn't have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that's great when you're up to it. Meanwhile, move more. Thought for the day: Cha, Cha, Cha…. Then do it!
2. Cut Fat
Avoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats (i.e. pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage). Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise. Thought for the day: Lean, mean, fat-burning machine…. Then be one!
3. Quit Smoking
The jury is definitely in on this verdict. Ever since 1960 when the Surgeon General announced that smoking was harmful to your health, Americans have been reducing their use of tobacco products that kill. Just recently, we've seen a surge in smoking in adolescents and teens. Could it be the Hollywood influence? It seems the stars in every movie of late smoke cigarettes. Beware. Warn your children of the false romance or 'tough guy' stance of Hollywood smokers. Thought for the day: Give up just one cigarette…. the next one.
4. Reduce Stress
Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like. (i.e.,Soak in a hot tub; walk on the beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated. Avoid difficult people when possible. Thought for the day: When seeing red, think pink clouds….then float on them.
5. Protect Yourself from Pollution
If you can't live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low. Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is good. Plant lots of shrubbery in your yard. It's a good pollution and dirt from the street deterrent. Thought for the day: 'Smoke gets in your eyes'…and your mouth, and your nose and your lungs as do pollutants….hum the tune daily.
6. Wear Your Seat Belt
Statistics show that seat belts add to longevity and help alleviate potential injuries in car crashes. Thought for the day: Buckle down and buckle up.
7. Floss Your Teeth
Recent studies make a direct connection between longevity and teeth flossing. Nobody knows exactly why. Perhaps it's because people who floss tend to be more health conscious than people who don't? Thought for the day: Floss and be your body's boss.
8. Avoid Excessive Drinking
While recent studies show a glass of wine or one drink a day (two for men) can help protect against heart disease, more than that can cause other health problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer. Thought for the day: A jug of wine should last a long time.
9. Keep a Positive Mental Outlook
There's a definitive connection between living well and healthfully and having a cheerful outlook on life. Thought for the day: You can't be unhappy when you're smiling or singing.
10. Choose Your Parents Well
The link between genetics and health is a powerful one. But just because one or both of your parents died young in ill health doesn't mean you cannot counteract the genetic pool handed you. Thought for the day: Follow these basic tips for healthy living and you can better control your own destiny.
 |
Friday, April 25, 2008
Excellent Health Tips For U
Eat Healthy
"An apple a day keeps the doctor away." There's more truth to this saying than we once thought. What you eat and drink and what you don’t eat and drink can definitely make a difference to your health. Eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day and less saturated fat can help improve your health and may reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. Have a balanced diet, and watch how much you eat.
Maintain Healthy and Weight
Obesity is at an all time high in the United States, and the epidemic may be getting worse. Those who are overweight or obese have increased risks for diseases and conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Eat better, get regular exercise, and see your health care provider about any health concerns to make sure you are on the right track to staying healthy.
More than 50 percent of American men and women do not get enough physical activity to provide health benefits. For adults, thirty minutes of moderate physical activity on most, preferably all, days of the week is recommended. It doesn’t take a lot of time or money, but it does take commitment. Start slowly, work up to a satisfactory level, and don’t overdo it. You can develop one routine, or you can do something different every day. Find fun ways to stay in shape and feel good, such as dancing, gardening, cutting the grass, swimming, walking, or jogging.
Sometimes they’re once a year. Other times they’re more or less often. Based on your age, health history, lifestyle, and other important issues, you and your health care provider can determine how often you need to be examined and screened for certain diseases and conditions. These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, sexually transmitted diseases, and cancers of the skin, cervix, breast, and colon. When problems are found early, your chances for treatment and cure are better. Routine exams and screenings can help save lives.
They’re not just for kids. Adults need them too. Some vaccinations are for everyone. Others are recommended if you work in certain jobs, have certain lifestyles, travel to certain places, or have certain health conditions. Protect yourself from illness and disease by keeping up with your vaccinations.
Perhaps now more than ever before, job stress poses a threat to the health of workers and, in turn, to the health of organizations. Balancing obligations to your employer and your family can be challenging. What’s your stress level today? Protect your mental and physical health by engaging in activities that help you manage your stress at work and at home.
Your parents and ancestors help determine some of who you are. Your habits, work and home environments, and lifestyle also help to define your health and your risks. You may be at an increased risk for certain diseases or conditions because of what you do, where you work, and how you play. Being healthy means doing some homework, knowing yourself, and knowing what’s best for you... because you are one of a kind.
What comes to mind when you think about safety and protecting yourself? Is it fastening seat belts, applying sunscreen, wearing helmets, or having smoke detectors? It’s all of these and more. It’s everything from washing your hands to watching your relationships. Did you know that women at work die most frequently from homicides, motor vehicle incidents, falls, and machine-related injuries? Take steps to protect yourself and others wherever you are.
Health is not merely the absence of disease; it’s a lifestyle. Whether it’s getting enough sleep, relaxing after a stressful day, or enjoying a hobby, it’s important to take time to be good to yourself. Take steps to balance work, home, and play. Pay attention to your health, and make healthy living a part of your life.
"An apple a day keeps the doctor away." There's more truth to this saying than we once thought. What you eat and drink and what you don’t eat and drink can definitely make a difference to your health. Eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day and less saturated fat can help improve your health and may reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. Have a balanced diet, and watch how much you eat.
Maintain Healthy and Weight
Obesity is at an all time high in the United States, and the epidemic may be getting worse. Those who are overweight or obese have increased risks for diseases and conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Eat better, get regular exercise, and see your health care provider about any health concerns to make sure you are on the right track to staying healthy.
More than 50 percent of American men and women do not get enough physical activity to provide health benefits. For adults, thirty minutes of moderate physical activity on most, preferably all, days of the week is recommended. It doesn’t take a lot of time or money, but it does take commitment. Start slowly, work up to a satisfactory level, and don’t overdo it. You can develop one routine, or you can do something different every day. Find fun ways to stay in shape and feel good, such as dancing, gardening, cutting the grass, swimming, walking, or jogging.
Sometimes they’re once a year. Other times they’re more or less often. Based on your age, health history, lifestyle, and other important issues, you and your health care provider can determine how often you need to be examined and screened for certain diseases and conditions. These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, sexually transmitted diseases, and cancers of the skin, cervix, breast, and colon. When problems are found early, your chances for treatment and cure are better. Routine exams and screenings can help save lives.
They’re not just for kids. Adults need them too. Some vaccinations are for everyone. Others are recommended if you work in certain jobs, have certain lifestyles, travel to certain places, or have certain health conditions. Protect yourself from illness and disease by keeping up with your vaccinations.
Perhaps now more than ever before, job stress poses a threat to the health of workers and, in turn, to the health of organizations. Balancing obligations to your employer and your family can be challenging. What’s your stress level today? Protect your mental and physical health by engaging in activities that help you manage your stress at work and at home.
Your parents and ancestors help determine some of who you are. Your habits, work and home environments, and lifestyle also help to define your health and your risks. You may be at an increased risk for certain diseases or conditions because of what you do, where you work, and how you play. Being healthy means doing some homework, knowing yourself, and knowing what’s best for you... because you are one of a kind.
What comes to mind when you think about safety and protecting yourself? Is it fastening seat belts, applying sunscreen, wearing helmets, or having smoke detectors? It’s all of these and more. It’s everything from washing your hands to watching your relationships. Did you know that women at work die most frequently from homicides, motor vehicle incidents, falls, and machine-related injuries? Take steps to protect yourself and others wherever you are.
Health is not merely the absence of disease; it’s a lifestyle. Whether it’s getting enough sleep, relaxing after a stressful day, or enjoying a hobby, it’s important to take time to be good to yourself. Take steps to balance work, home, and play. Pay attention to your health, and make healthy living a part of your life.
WOMEN'S HEALTH
Despite obvious differences between women and men—biologically, psychologically, and socially—the concept of viewing the totality of women's health as different from men's health arose in Western medicine only in the last two decades of the twentieth century. As recently as the 1980s, students in most Western medical schools were taught that, except for issues related directly to reproductive anatomy and function, women were medically identical to men. According to this belief system, medical research could be carried out on men, and the results could simply be applied to women. As a result, only health care providers who specialized in areas related to reproduction were expected to be knowledgeable about issues particular to women.
In order to understand the modern definition of women's health, it is important to understand the history of how women's health care has been viewed by the medical and medical research establishments. Traditionally, the health of women has been seen as synonymous with maternal or reproductive health. Clearly, the Western medical profession's view of women's health as "maternal health" was concordant with societal mores that valued women mainly for their ability to bear children. However, until well into the twentieth century, the major causes of illness and death in women did, in fact, relate to reproductive issues. Childbirth and sexually transmitted diseases, including cervical cancer, have been the most important health issues for women in all ages and places—except in the West and certain other countries in the twentieth century. Prior to 1900, the majority of elderly persons in the United States were men, reflecting the toll that childbearing took on the health of women.
In 1970 the book Our Bodies, Ourselves became a touchstone of the women's health movement. Authored by a group of women participating in a course on health, sexuality, and childbearing, the book emphasizes the importance of women attaining knowledge about their health and being active participants in health care in both an individual and societal sense. Our Bodies, Ourselves also considers the social context of health, including effects of sexism, racism, and financial pressures on the health of women. Throughout the 1970s, major focuses of the women's health movement
In the 1980s, women's health advocates began to argue for a broader definition of women's health and increased participation of women in research studies. A major new focus became changing the medical establishment. The reasons for this change in orientation, particularly toward the participation by women in research studies, were complex. They included, but were not limited to, the growing number of women living beyond their reproductive years and the growing number of women reaching positions of influence within academic medicine.
In 1983 the United States Public Health Service commissioned a task force on women's health. This task force broadly defined women's health issues to include not only reproductive and social issues, but also biological differences between men and women. The modern field of women's health includes the study of illnesses and conditions that are unique to women, more common or serious in women, have distinct causes or manifestations in women, or have different outcomes or treatments in women. Since the 1980s, research on gender differences in health and disease has had important implications for the treatment and prevention of a variety of common serious illnesses, including heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, depression, colon cancer, and dementia. Research in all these areas is ongoing.
Integral to this new expanded view of women's health has been a change in how medical research has been viewed by the public. In the 1970s, the focus of women's health advocates in the United States was on "protecting" women from potential abuses by seeking to avoid their inclusion in medical research studies. It should be noted that women were excluded from medical research during this time because of a variety of factors, and not solely, or even mainly, because of popular advocacy. Medical research was conducted almost exclusively by male physicians, and because most research scientists believed that effects of the reproductive cycle of women might lead to unreliable research results, most supported the belief that research should be conducted on men and then applied to women. Even most medical research on rats during this period was conducted using male rats.
However, by the 1980s, women's health advocates had realized that because women were being excluded from research studies, knowledge about the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of common diseases in women lagged far behind knowledge of diseases in men. A major focus of the women's health movement in the 1980s and 1990s was improving knowledge about disease in women by promoting the inclusion of women in research studies, mainly through mandating inclusion of women in federally funded research studies.
A greater understanding of the factors influencing women's health from a biological perspective has been paralleled by a greater understanding of the psychosocial and societal factors that affect women's health status. As an example, research published in the early 1990s showed that because women were more likely than men to require ongoing, rather than episodic, treatment for their health conditions, federally sponsored insurance in the United States (Medicare) actually covered less overall health costs for women than for men. Differences in employment patterns also result in fewer women being medically insured than men, strongly affecting access to health care and health status. Research on domestic violence, which disproportionately victimizes women, underlined the short-and long-term health effects of what had previously been considered either a nonissue or a law enforcement issue.
Some have suggested that the term "women's health" be replaced by the term "gender-based medicine," in part to reflect that medical research that promotes a greater understanding of the effect of gender on health benefits both women and men. However, others believe that the term "women's health" is most accurate, since it incorporates not only biomedical issues, but also the psychosocial and societal factors that ultimately influence the overall health status of women.
The field of women's health seeks to promote an understanding of the biological and psychosocial factor affecting women's health, and to integrate this understanding into public health initiatives, including training of health care providers. Recognition by the medical research establishment of the need to study health and disease in women as well as men has been essential to this new paradigm. Despite the strong influence of biological factors, psychosocial issues still remain the single
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Lovely Lips and Face Care
Grandma's Kitchen Cosmetic Recipes @ Home
Get yourself a Glowing Skin
Take one teaspoon Chiraunji powder, one teaspoon Rose Petal paste and Milk.
Scrub gently into the skin
Wash off with cold water and watch it glow!
Home-made Lip Gloss
Mix one teaspoon Glycerine with half teaspoon Almond Oil
Glide over your lips for a natural shine!
How To Deal With Dandruff
Get yourself a Glowing Skin
Take one teaspoon Chiraunji powder, one teaspoon Rose Petal paste and Milk.
Scrub gently into the skin
Wash off with cold water and watch it glow!
Home-made Lip Gloss
Mix one teaspoon Glycerine with half teaspoon Almond Oil
Glide over your lips for a natural shine!
Natural Skin Care
Natural Skin Care Tips for Healthier, Beautiful Skin
When meeting someone new, most people take notice of the person’s face first. For this and other reasons, maintaining clean, healthy skin is paramount to self-esteem, confidence and even attitude.
Getting healthier skin is not contingent upon high-cost prescription medications or obsessive skin care routines. Modifying your daily routine a tiny bit and upholding disciplined cleansing habits can help to add flawless skin to the list of your best qualities.
Eat healthier
By avoiding foods that often make your face breakout, your skin will be less oily and more resistant to blemishes. Some problem foods that may cause pimples or breakouts include chocolate and other candy, French fries, fast food, pizza and soft drinks.
To get your skin in better shape, you may not have to give up everything that has negative effects on your skin, but rather, eat those things in moderation. Have greasier foods as a special treat or on rare occasion when eating a healthy, balanced meal is out of the question.
Hydrate and exercise
Drinking the recommended eight glasses of water per day coupled with some regular exercise - walking, running, bicycling, engaging in sports - should have a great impact on one’s complexion. Increased blood flow due to aerobic exercise will positively impact one’s complexion with a glowing look to replace dull skin.
Not only will exercise and drinking water help skin tone and texture, but it will also make you feel more energized and great about yourself. By keeping your body in shape, you will feel less stressed and more capable of achieving those things you set out to do.
Monitor sun exposure
By using a moderate strength sunscreen, you will be protecting your skin from sun damage, skin cancer, aging and premature wrinkles. Too much sun can blister one’s lips, leaving them red, sore and charred. Sunburned skin will eventually peel most times, leaving skin areas blotchy and sensitive. The best approach to preventing sunburn and other sun-caused skin problems is to monitor how much time one spends in the sun and to avoid sun exposure by using sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater.
Practice a regular cleansing routine
Cleanse, exfoliate, tone and moisturize…this daily routine should carry you on your way toward healthier skin. Select a gentle skin cleansing solution that works for your specific type of skin - dry, oily, normal. Using your selected product, cleanse face in a circular motion and rinse with lukewarm water, as hot water zaps skin’s moisture.
Follow the cleansing stage with an exfoliant. A granular product is often especially effective in smoothing rough areas and releasing dead skin cells, allowing the face to be better moisturized.
After the exfoliation process concludes, use a toner or an astringent to tighten skin and remove any makeup or cleanser residue. A nice alternative to a toner or astringent would be doing a facial masque at least once a week, which tackles clogged pores while also firming skin and leaving it soft and silky.
Finally, pat skin dry with a soft towel but do not dry up all the water. Apply a moisturizer (with or without sunscreen) to help protect skin from dryness. Those who have oily skin do not have to moisturize as often as those who have dry, normal or combination skin.
By following the daily skin care routine along with drinking lots of water, exercising and protecting your skin from sun damage, you should soon notice positive results. Maintaining discipline and adhering to your goal to achieve healthier skin make the actual task at hand so much easier to accomplish
Tips for a beautiful skin
Here are a few things you can do to care for the skin that you were born with.
1-Avoid stress as much as you are can.
2-Stay out of the sun (or protect your skin with UV blockers).
3-Don't smoke. This does nasty things to your skin...
4-Drink lots of water.
5-Get plenty of sleep.
6-Be sure to clean your skin properly.
7-Eat lots of fruit and vegetables.
What to do about oily skin
If you have oily skin and you'd like to do something about this condition, here are some good tips for you:
Cleanse only two or three times at the very most with a product made for your skin type. Washing more often will only strip the skin of oil which simply stimulates the oil glands to replace it.
Rinse thoroughly and then finish off with a toner/astringent on the oily areas of your skin. The astringent can be used throughout the day to help control the excess oil that appears.
The importance of Vitamin C for your skin
Have you noticed that Vitamin C is used in many skin care products?
Why? It helps in the formation of collagen (the skin's support fibres).
Does it work? It varies from person to person, but many people report that their skin's texture seems to be improving. Usually you have to wait so long to see improvement in your skin's texture. Not so apparently with Vitamin C.
Dealing With Dandruff
How To Deal With Dandruff
Some are of the opinion that at the early stages of hair loss, dandruff begins to increase. However, an increase in the amount of dandruff does not necessarily mean that there is a "cause-effect" relationship resulting in the thinning of hair.
You should think of excessive dandruff as a warning sign as far as the health of the hair is concerned.
Dandruff is made up of bits of dead skin that peel away from the scalp as a result of the effects of metabolism. Normally, dandruff, in its early stages of growth, is not visible to the naked eye. It becomes visible only after enlarging into pieces of dead skin (what we normally call "dandruff") as a result of the propagation of bacteria and/or problems with seborrhoeic scalp conditions.
Persons suffering from prolonged dandruff are said to have a dandruff ailment. This type of ailment, accompanied by itchiness, can lead to eczema if it worsens. Suppressing the propagation of bacteria is one means of dealing with fatty dandruff. This is because bacteria is one of the causes of this condition.
If possible, try to shampoo on a daily basis to prevent bacterial propagation. One effective means of dealing with dandruff is to disinfect the scalp area with commercially available medicated shampoos specifically designed for dandruff removal. However, daily shampooing can lead to eczema for persons who suffer from dry scalps. Shampooing once every three days may be ideal for such persons.
Persons who suffer from persistent, hard-to-cure dandruff are urged to consult a skin specialist.
Your Best Hair Ever!
Best Hair
If Your Hair Is Curly:
Since your hair is prone to dryness, use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.
After washing, gently blot hair dry with an absorbent towel and apply 4 to 6 drops of silicone-based shine serum (the thicker your hair, the more you can use).
Detangle hair with fingers, and allow it to air dry.
If Your Hair Is Wavy:
Lather up with a shine-enhancing shampoo and conditioner. Rinse well.
Smooth and separate wet strands with wide-tooth comb, then spritz a silicone-based shine-enhancing spray from ends to roots.
Dry hair using a blowdryer with a tapered nozzle to direct air down the hair shaft and seal the cuticle.
If Your Hair Is Straight:
Your hair tends to lie flat against your scalp, where it can accumulate shine-dulling grease.
To avoid this, use a deep-cleaning shampoo daily and apply a clarifying gel treatment to roots once a week to prevent oil buildup.
After blowing hair dry, use a flatiron to enhance sheen.
Homemade Hair Spray
Chop one lemon (or an orange for dry hair). Place in a pot with 2 cups water. Boil until half of the initial amount remains. Cool, strain, and place in a spray bottle. Store in the refrigerator.
If it is too sticky, add more water. Add one ounce rubbing alcohol as a preservative and then the spray can be stored for up to two weeks unrefrigerated.
Reverse Hair Loss
How To Reverse Hair Loss
These are helpful tips to help regenerate hair follicles, but they do not cure any underlying conditions, or stress-related hair loss.
* Try drinking this - blend bananas with honey, yoghurt & low-fat milk. A drink rich in biotin can help keep your crowning glory firmly rooted.
* Take dietary supplements such as Vitamin B6, zinc & saw palmetto. Supplements are useful when you can't get enough from natural food sources.
* Invert your head while you shampoo & massage your scalp. This helps promote blood circulation to the head.
* Eliminate stress or else it can be disastrous to your precious hair!
* Get enough sleep.
Adding Shine
Adding Shine To Different Hair Types
Fine Hair:
Look for a shampoo that has wheat protiens and polymers as ingredients. They coat the hair shaft, making it appear thicker.
Learn to use spray volumizers. They light enough to deposit a light mist of shine in droplets on the hair without wilting it.
Normal Hair:
Use a shampoo that has silk amino acids. It adds softness and repair hair structure. Lecithin restores hair texture.
Gels and creams will add shine without weight. First, it's necessary to pour the product in your palm. Rub your hands together, and then lightly pat over head.
Thick Coarse Hair:
The best shine enhancers for this type of hair are old-fashioned pomades. They work not only to deliver shine, but to moisturize this type of hair.
Tips For More Shine:
* Use heat-activated shampoo
* Deep condition at least weekly
* Don't use too many styling products that can dull the hair by coating it.
Strawberry Hair Mask:
Mash eight strawberries with one tablespoon mayonnaise. Massage into washed, damp hair. Cover with a shower cap, then a warm towel. Wash out with a shampoo/conditioner combination. This luscious mix of rich acidic berries will leave your hair both conditioned and with rich gloss.
Beyond health in a beauty regime....
The parts of a beauty regime that go beyond health benefits, are definitely optional but can be an enjoyable part of expressing your personal style.
Makeup, hair, fashion, beauty accessories etc are a great way of accentuating unique features, individuality and supporting a positive attitude towards your own self image.
Beauty and Makeup Tips also delivers information on other aspects of your beauty routine...organization, makeup tools, beauty strategies, product recommendations and other helpful topics. If this your beauty wish list;
Look better, feel better, save time, save money...
These online beauty and makeup tips are helpful, healthy, smart, reliable and effective. Not only will you enjoy the benefits of a healthy and informed approach to your beauty routine, you will have the added pleasure of reduced confusion in this massive cosmetic industry marketplace, as you make confident product choices.
Oh yeah, and you will save time and money (yeah!)Wednesday, April 2, 2008
BEAUTY TIPS
Skin Care Tips
Here are a few things you can do to care for the skin that you were born with.
- avoid stress as much as you are able.
- stay out of the sun.
- don't smoke. This does nasty things to your skin
- drink lots of water
- get lots of sleep
- be sure to clean your skin properly
- eat lots of fruit and vegetables.
Be sure to stop by tomorrow for a new tip!!
You will discover in these pages more than the usual celebrity talent search makeup tricks for hair, skin, and eyes.
Prepare yourself for a complete makeover as you discover the inner world of true beauty as we dispense tips and advice on every aspect of beauty from homemade remedy to beauty pageant secrets. Our free tips and advice will work whether your skin is Asian, African American, Indian, or a light complexion.
The free beauty tips, advice and secrets contained here are for the mature woman as well as the teen girl still facing the trials of acne. The information contained here goes past the normal focus of teaching women how to apply their makeup, do their eyebrows, or fix their hair. We will deal with our inner attitudes, how we treat others, our posture, and our diet. We will guide you how to get the most out of what you have and how to find what you might be missing and camouflage what you have more than you need.
Green Tea: How to Drink up Natural Beauty Benefits
Discover how drinking loose green teas can add anti-oxidants to your diet that are good for natural beauty and may improve your health.
Common Causes and Treatments for Insomnia
Learn about common causes for insomnia and what you can do to treat and cure your bouts of sleepless nights.
Benefits of Water in Beauty Care
Learn about the benefits of drinking eight glass of water daily, but make sure it's the right water!
Beauty Lighting - Looking Your Best
Learn how different light levels change your personal appearance.
Alternative Sunless Tanning Options
Learn what alternative sunless tanning options exist before putting your self at risk for excess wrinkles and skin cancer.
Bike into a Healthly Exercise Lifestyle
Learn how biking is a sensible fitness and exercise plan that can lead to healthy weight loss while building lean muscle.
Do you have a nickel allergy?
Does wearing certain jewelry cause a allergic skin rash?
About 15% of the population is allergic to nickel, which is an element found in many types of jewelry. Learn how to identify this allergic reaction and how to avoid it.
Safety and Self Defense Tips for Women
Discover helpful safety tips that ever women should know to protect herself in a dangerous or unexpected situation. The right self defense moves, personal security products and a little safety common sense can save your life.
Stress management relief techniques:
Learn to reduce the causes & effects of workplace related stress.
The simplest definition of stress is force that produces physical or emotional tension or strain on the body. If you work at a computer or a desk you're at risk for back pain, carpal-tunnel problems, eyestrain and obesity. These are all common symptoms of workplace related stress injuries. That's great news, huh. But just because you're at risk for these stress and anxiety related effects, doesn't mean these things will necessarily happen to you (sigh of relief...). You can take control of your workspace and your workday to reduce these physical symptoms, so that you don't have to do your job at risk to your body.
Is your Employer Making the Workplace an Anti-Stress Environment?
Good companies have employees who specialize in setting up office equipment to be ergonomically correct, relieving and dealing with weird, repetitive movements that put unnatural work related strain on your body. The tilt of a computer screen, glare from a window, the position of your mouse can all contribute to potential causes for physical problems. Managing the seemingly small details of your workspace can add up to big relievers in tension and your overall health.
How to Relieve and Manage Work Related Body Tension
A physical therapist I know recommends to her clients that they take a five or ten-minute break every hour that they're at work on the computer. Get up, walk around, wiggle your fingers, get the blood moving to your seat and feet are several ways to relieve common on the job aches and pains.The lifestyle of the workplace is filled with stress. Ringing phones; office intrigues; bad fluorescent lighting: so many of the things we take for granted at work are bad for the mind and the body.
While you may not be able to control the behavior of your workmates, you can take some control over your own workspace. Making sure your mouse pad is close enough to hand helps you avoid carpal-tunnel related stress injuries. Reducing glare on the computer screen by changing the lighting or repositioning your screen can reduce headaches and eyestrain. Working at a desk subjects your body to additional stress, so pay especial attention to the kind of chair you're working from. It should support your back, leaving your arms free to work with papers or the computer. If you suffer fatigue or back and leg pain after sitting all day at work, you should be shopping for an ergonomic office chair.
See a selection of affordable ergonomic chairs that can be delivered to your doorstep.
Be a Clutter Reducer: Clear your Desk
Keeping your desk clear of unnecessary items is also a great stress management technique. It's surprising to see the number of people who try to manipulate a mouse, keyboard, papers, monitor and paper clips on a desk that also contains a coffee mug, pictures of the family, a list of jokes from the office intranet, and a flower in a vase. Morale-building items are nice to have around, but try attaching them to a nearby wall or placing them on a shelf above your desk, leaving yourself room to move. Training yourself to keep the desk clutter away will be a good emotional reducer of stress.womens HEALTH care
| Being a woman in today's world is challenging enough! On top of that, you have to cope with what your body goes through. Periods, stress, fatigue and sometimes, mood swings and irritability - you may have to cope with these and much more! This is why the demands on the body are huge and your nutritional needs very different. For centuries, women have been taking care of the family. You realize now that you need to take care of yourself. Recognizing this need, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare has recently launched New Women's Horlicks, the first and only health drink in India, designed for today's woman with the complete list of micronutrients recommended for women by the World Health Organization [WHO]. # | ||||||||||||
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| # As per WHO RDA 19-50 year old women (menstruating) ^ sucrose, # Indian Journal of Community Medicine. 31(3): (2006-07 - 2006-09) Healthy Eating There is this age-old wise saying that will hold good forever - "You are what you eat". There is no denying the fact that a good nutritious diet will not only keep you healthy and radiant on the outside, but also ensure that your inner organs function well. Being a woman you need to make sure you do not lack a balanced nutritious diet as this can lead to health complications like heart diseases, stroke, and diabetes, osteoporosis or weight problems like being overweight or underweight. If you are pregnant, nutrition is even more important, because, now you have to eat for two - you and your baby. As a woman you play multiple roles; that of a sister, a friend, a homemaker or a mother. Hence, an adequate, well balanced nutritious diet along with regular physical activity is a prerequisite not only for your health but that of your loving family too. This portion will help you chart out your daily diet plan so that you do not miss out on the vital nutrients that are so essential when it comes to healthy eating. Healthy Looking The expression of your beauty as a woman is often based on a combination of inner beauty, which includes psychological factors such as intelligence, grace and charm and outer beauty, which includes physical factors, such as health, youthfulness and complexion. Inner beauty can be charm, intelligence or elegance, but there is another beauty that is conveniently ignored; the beauty of the inner physical body. Beauty is not in your skin alone; the beauty of your skin is derived from within. Many factors affect your appearance and natural beauty including diet, environment, stress level and physical, mental and emotional well-being. Your beauty and radiance depends largely on healthy internal nutrition for it is healthy nutrition that will pave the way for your looking healthy. This section will take you through some interesting facts and tips that will help you and your family glow with health.
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