All Health Related Tips

How to avoid kidney stones

2009-10-15T01:23:00.000-07:00

What is a kidney stone?

A kidney stone is a solid piece of material that forms in a kidney.

Kidney stones (or calculi) are hard stones that can form in one or both of the kidneys.

Types of Kidney Stones :

Primary stones are formed in acidic urine. alcoholism, excess intake of nitrogenous rich food.

Secondary stones arise in alkaline medium and are formed due to local infection.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones :

Painful urination, blood in your urine.

Frequent urination and presence of blood in the urine.

Extreme pain in your back and side.

Chill, shock, vomiting, nausea and sweating.

Urine that smells bad or looks cloudy.

Burning feeling when you urinate.

Causes of Kidney Stones :

Insufficient intake of fluids.

Excess intake of Vitamin D and lack of Vitamin C.

Excess intake of meat,condiment and spices,white flour and sugar. products, tea and coffee.

Overeating can lead to formation of stones.

Have a family history of kidney stones

Treatment of Kidney Stones :

Avoid foods that irritate the kidneys.

Try to drink 12 full glasses of water a day. Drinking lots of water helps to flush away the substances that form stones in the kidneys.

You can also drink lemon-lime sodas, and fruit juices.

If you are prone to forming calcium oxalate stones, you may need to limit foods that are high in oxalate.

Kidney beans are effective remedy for kidney stones and other kidney problems

Celery can be used regularly to prevent stone formation.

Restrict protein diet.

Yoga is also very beneficial.

Swine Flu Virus - Symptoms and Treatment

2009-10-03T00:51:00.000-07:00

The Swine Flu H1N1 Virus symptoms are just like ordinary flu but more severe. Even without treatment, most cases recover within a week and do not suffer complications; however, experts point out that the behaviour of this H1N1 virus strain is unpredictable and uncertain.

A Pandemic Is Declared, on June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6 in response to the ongoing global spread of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. A Phase 6 designation indicates that a global pandemic is underway.

More than 70 countries are now reporting cases of human infection with novel H1N1 flu. As of 26 June 2009, there has been 59,814 reported cases of the H1N1 flu worldwide with 263 deaths. This number has been increasing over the past few weeks, but many of the cases reportedly had links to travel or were localized outbreaks without community spread. The WHO designation of a pandemic alert Phase 6 reflects the fact that there are now ongoing community level outbreaks in multiple parts of world.

What is swine flu ?

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by Type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs.

Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.

Is the current swine flu virus contagious?

Various international agencies (US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, World Health Organization) have determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human.

WHO has escalated the world Pandemic Phase from Phase 3 to Phase 4 (in a 6-scale Phase), indicating that a worldwide pandemic due to swine flu H1N1 is possible.

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people.

How does swine flu spread?

Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads.

Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza.

Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with live flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

How are human infections with swine influenza diagnosed?

To diagnose swine influenza A infection, a respiratory specimen would generally need to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness (when an infected person is most likely to be shedding virus).

However, some persons, especially children, may shed virus for 10 days or longer.

Identification as a swine flu influenza A virus requires sending the specimen to a hospital laboratory for testing.

How can someone with the flu infect someone else?

Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick.

That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?

People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset.

Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

Is there a vaccine for Pandemic Flu?

Because the virus is new, there will be no vaccine ready to protect against pandemic flu.

Vaccine against Swine Flu virus H1N1 needs at least 6-12 months to be produced.

Seasonal flu vaccine or past flu immunization will not provide protection.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?

Yes. The US CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses.

Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body.

If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications.

For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?

The virus can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with the virus and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. The virus can then be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, doorknob, child's toy or phone handset and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

How long can viruses live outside the body?

We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks.

Frequent hand washing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. The virus can spread this way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

If you get sick with influenza, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?

If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket.

Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner.

When you wash your hands with soap and warm water that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores.

If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.

If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs (next 2 slides), seek emergency medical care.

In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

* Fast breathing or trouble breathing
* Bluish skin color
* Not drinking enough fluids
* Not waking up or not interacting
* Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
* Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

* Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
* Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
* Sudden dizziness
* Confusion
* Severe or persistent vomiting

Household Cleaning, Laundry, and Waste Disposal

Throw away tissues and other disposable items used by the sick person in the trash. Wash your hands after touching used tissues and similar waste.

Keep surfaces (esp bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, children's toys, phone handles, doorknobs) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.

Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first.

Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.

Helpful Eye Care Tips

2009-04-22T00:40:00.000-07:00

The best way to protect your eyes from that weary look is to have a very short exercise just sitting relaxed on your chair.This exercise can be follow by everyone for there better eye sight and for tired look of eyes

Simple Eye-Care Tips

Vitamins A, B and C is very essential for the good care of the eyes. Carrot, celery, parsley, spinach etc contain a large amount of vitamin A.

8 to 10 hours of sleep is a must for bright eyes.

Blinking your eyes several times

Keep two used tea bags in the refrigerator before you leave for work. Once you are home, place the tea bags on your eyes for a few minutes as you relax. It soothes tired eyes, but also reduces puffiness.

Roll your eyeballs both clockwise and anticlockwise and take a deep breath Later slowly open your eyes while releasing your breath.

Do not rub the eyes too hard.

Rub your palms against each other until they are warm, just put these warm palms on your closed eyes to feel relaxed.

Splash water on your face to get that relaxing effect.Just do it by blinking eyes. You’ll definitely feel refreshed.

Drink at least 12 glasses of water to avoid any kind of puffiness in the eyes. Drinking lots of water helps to flush out waste from the body.

Insert 2 drops of pure rose water using a dropper to feel refresh.Put it at bedtime.

Always use sunglasses during the peak day time to protect your eyes from sunrays. Direct sunrays cause heavy damage to eyes.

Place a slice of potato or cucumber on both the eyes, after 10 minutes remove and wash the eyes. This helps to avoid and dark circles around the eyes.

Eat citrus fruits, green leafy veggies, tomatoes, spinach, poultry and dairy products which contain Vitamin A, B and C. Pack a box of chopped carrots, cucumber and fresh fruits and munch in-between meals at the office.

Safety and Health Tips for summer

2009-04-08T00:12:00.000-07:00

These days heat is increasing more and more which cause many health problem. To avoid and face this summer there are some helpful tips listed below

Drink plenty of liquids like water, juices, cold shakes, sweet lime-soda etc.

Avoid eating junk and heavy food.

Eat lots of summer-fruits like watermelons, grapefruits etc. Eating plenty of salads with broccoli lettuce, cucumbers etc are also advised.

Protect your eyes from damage; wear sunglasses.

Avoid exposure between 12pm and 4 pm when the sun’s rays are strongest.
Instead have a healthy lunch to refuel and re-hydrate.

Don’t forget to protect your nose, lips, and ears. They tend to burn more easily.

Avoid venturing out too much during the daytime. Try and stay indoors
or in air-conditioned places when possible.

Do not eat out-side or street cooked foods, as the possibility of germs
growing on them is comparatively higher.

Do not eat stale food.

Do not cook food in water that is static for a long time. Use fresh and clean water always.

Avoid eating red-meat during the summers

To keep your body surface clean from dust and sweat take a bath twice everyday.

Apply antiperspirant powders.

Do not use too much of make-up or any oily cream or lotions while venturing out in the sun.

Apply sun screen lotion while going outside.

Eat proper food and also exercise. As these too show a positive effect on your skin.

cardio exercise reduces the risk of breast cancer

2009-03-05T09:41:00.000-08:00

For women’s health, one of the best ways to start working out is by doing cardio exercises.

Cardio could be running, biking, swimming or just long walks at a brisk pace.

Cardio exercises such as running, whether outside or on a treadmill, help manage and control body weight and reduce the risk of chronic disease and illness.

Cardio exercises are best when you do them 3-4 times a week for a minimum of 20-30 minutes during each workout.

A good example is by starting off walking at a slow to normal pace. Once you free from discomfort, you can slowly increase the pace.

Research has shown that cardio exercise reduces the risk of breast cancer almost by 20 percent

Benefits and Source of vitamin A

2009-03-03T08:19:00.000-08:00

Benefits of Vitamin A :

Maintains the health of the specialized tissues such as Ritena.

Helps in growth and health of skin.

Promotes normal development of teeth , soft ,
& skeletal Tissues and helps your eyes adjust to light changes when you come in from outside and also helps keep your eyes, skin and mucous membranes moist.

Source :

Beef liver, Egg yolk, Cheddar cheese, Fortified milk

Eggs , Meat & dairy products.

Beta-carotene, comes from green , leafy vegetables & intensely colored fruits & vegetables.

It's suggest that women consume 800 mcg or 0.8 mg and men consume 1000 mcg or 1 mg of vitamin A daily.

Lemonade Benefits

2009-03-03T07:32:00.000-08:00

Lemonade is nothing but a juice which made from lemon which squeeze in water.

lemon contains an unusually high proportion of citric acid and the aromatic hydrocarbons which provide its flavor.

Fresh lemon with warm water drink in the morning will bring your metabolism up.

Lemons are best, You might lose some weight too.

TIPS

Drinking lemonade over a long period helps build strong bones and teeth.

It has extensive calcium.

It is also helpful in digestion.

Lemons help clean the blood, lower cholestrol and blood pressure.

SOUND SLEEP

2009-01-15T05:21:00.000-08:00

Sleeping pills are not the best way to solve sleeping problem.For older people, sleep pill can increase the risk of falling

A regular exercise routine will help you fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more refreshed,

Avoid drinking water in greater quantity just before bed and during the night

If you haven't fallen asleep within 30 minutes, then try to Get out of bed and do something relaxing, such as deep breathing or meditative exercises.

Regular meditation for at least 5-10 minutes before sleeping leads to proper sleep, making your breath calm and normal which helps you enjoy a sound sleep.

While children and teenagers generally need eight or more hours sleep every night, by the time people are 40, they usually only need seven hours a night.

TIPS

keep a bunch of fresh flowers in your room. research has shown that inhaling pleasant fragrances of flowers help to get pleasent dreams and sound sleep.

ROSE WATER TIPS

2009-01-15T04:57:00.000-08:00

Rose water is a totally pure and natural product which does not contain any preservatives,

It has been found to be a very useful skin tonic and is used cosmetically as a facial cleanser and toner.

Rose water is made from distilled water of the roses.

Rose water is used as an important ingredient in many body creams due to its pleasant fragrance.

Rose water is also a very useful toner.

Rose water also has certain antiseptic and anti bacterial properties. This is because it is useful to cure certain skin problems as well

TIPs

To cure burning of eyes, put two to three drops of pure rose water into the effected eye.

Watermelon helpful for health

2008-12-16T22:41:00.000-08:00

Watermelon is an amazing fruit. It acts as a natural moisturizer as well as a toner and keeps the skin cool, glowing and fresh.

Watermelon has always been a good source of vitamins A and C, and provides potassium and fiber. But now consumers have even more reasons to enjoy a sweet fruit.

Scientists indicate that watermelon contains high levels of lycopene-an antioxidant that may help the body fight cancer and prevent disease. Found only in select fruits and vegetables, lycopene is very effective at trapping cancer-promoting agents called free-oxygen radicals.

It contains many great nutrients, is fat free, available nearly year round and is cheap.
In addition, it's full of water and sweet enough to be a favorite for adults and children alike.

The watermelon consists of 93% water. A two- cup serving of watermelon contains many important vitamins and minerals. It is a multi-vitamin fruit and contains vitamins A, B6 and C to potassium and iron, which will surely boost your health. Dieticians advise that we should begin the morning with diced melon as they cleanse the body. A bowl of watermelon every morning starts a summer day off with close to no- fat, high fiber goodness. Taken with breakfast, it helps to protect you from the heat. Watermelon is also recommended to be taken in the evenings which are filled with physical activity.

TIPS TO REDUCE CANCER

Have a plate of water melon every alternate day.It has high levels of lycopene, an antioxidant that helps reduce the risks of cancer and other diseases

Pomegranate Benefits and For Wrinkle Free Skin

2008-12-15T22:49:00.000-08:00

Pomegranates possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and they aid in strengthening of the immune system along with aiding in wound repair. They can also help in fighting osteoporosis as they help in slowing down the deterioration of cartilage.

Pomegranates are one of the richest sources of natural antioxidants. The antioxidants help counter daily effects of oxidation and the aging effects of too much exposure to the sun

It is a rich source of various vitamins. Pomegranate is a good, natural source of vitamins A, C and E as well as folic acid.

You can also use a cotton ball to apply pomegranate juice to your face after cleansing.

The potassium in pomegranates, which is important for muscle contractions, possibly has a role to play in preventing high blood pressure.

Pomegranates have already been associated with reducing the risk of heart disease and preventing prostate cancer.

consuming a glass of pomegranate juice everyday extended the doubling period to 54 months, and that there was also evidence that the juice was actually killing off prostate cancer cells.

Studies have shown that pomegranate seed extract applied to the skin may reduce the formation of some forms of skin cancer, suggesting that its antioxidant capabilities may be responsible for some of pomegranate's skin benefits.

HOME MADE FACE PACK OF POMOGRANATE

Dry and Mash the shells of pomegranate & orange

Add 1tsp of mashed pomegranate powder with 1tsp of Orange peel powder little bit of turmeric and Mix it with lemon juice.

Make a thin paste of it and apply it on the face.

Wash it after 10mins.

It will remove the pimples/acne from the face.

Pomogranate and Orange are rich in vitamn C and act as scrubbers and Tumeric acts as an anti-bacterial.

GREEN TEA BENEFITS

2008-12-15T09:30:00.000-08:00

Green tea helps to lower LDL cholesterol, which is responsible for the formation of blood clots and thus reduces the risks of stroke and heart attacks. It is in fact as effective as aspirin in preventing platelets from clotting and greatly reduces levels of thromboxane, which is the villain in causing blood clots. It also promotes the production of HDL and does away with plaque present in the arteries. This fact maybe explains why the Japanese who drink a lot of green tea do not suffer as much from heart disease as their compatriots around the world. The anti oxidants in the green tea are supposed to ensure that the liver is protected against toxins present in cigarette ad alcohol. Early days yet, but the research done seems to point that way.

Green tea also helps to burn those extra calories and when combined with caffeine augments the calorie burning. It increases the energy that is expended, helps to oxidize fats.

green tea and its extracts have also been used to prevent dental plaque and hence prevent tooth decay. Deodorants and creams promoting oral health are being advertised strongly as science and technology has provided evidence that green tea can actually afford some protection against bacteria causing cavities because of its fluoride content.

The anti oxidant present in green tea help to decrease inflammation of blood and this in turn helps to prevent arthritis. New studies indicate that the beneficial effects of green tea could also include means to combat cancer especially lung cancer.

Special Benefits of Green Tea

Reduces high blood pressure

Lowers blood sugar

Fights cancer

Green tea also boosts the immune system because of its high concentrations of polyphenols and flavenoids.

What else can tea be used for?

IT can be used as garden fertilizer or compost.
IT can be used to sooth puffy eyes by placing used tea bags over them.
IT can be added to herbal bath mixes for skin care.
IT can relieve sunburn by applying a tea soaked compress.
IT can be used to relieve the itch from mosquito bites.
IT can be use for cooking.
IT can be used as a fabric dye.

Red Wine Increase Your Life

2008-12-15T08:47:00.000-08:00

Moderate consumption of red wine has been widely reported to reduce risk for cardiovascular disease.

Many studies investigated the benefits of red wine suggested that moderate amount of red wine i.e one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men lowers the risk of heart attack for people in middle age by ~ 30 to 50 percent.

It is also suggested that alcohol such as red wine may prevent additional heart attacks if you have already suffered from one.

Other studies also indicated that red wine can raise HDL cholesterol (the Good cholesterol) and prevent LDL cholesterol (the Bad cholesterol) from forming.

Red wine may help prevent blood clots and reduce the blood vessel damage caused by fat deposits. Indeed, studies showed that people from the Mediterranean region who regularly drank red wine have lower risks of heart disease

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a type of chemical produced by plants to ward off fungi and bacterial infections. It is often found in their skins since this is the main point of access by parasitic invaders.

Resvartrol has antioxidant properties. Many beneficial health effects in connection to resveratrol have been reported, such as anti-cancer, antiviral, neuroprotective, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects. This has led some to call resvaratrol a longevity enhancer, good for overall health. Resveratrol is most often associated with its cardioprocective (heart and artery-healthy) benefits.

Resveratrol in red wine

Some researchers believe that resveratrol might be the key ingredient in red wine that helps prevent damage to blood vessels, reduces "bad" cholesterol and prevents blood clots.

The resveratrol in red wine comes from the skin of grapes used to make wine. Because red wine is fermented with grape skins longer than is white wine, red wine contains more resveratrol. Simply eating grapes, or drinking grape juice, has been suggested as one way to get resveratrol without drinking alcohol. Some studies have suggested that red and purple grape juices have some of the same heart-healthy benefits of red wine.

Other foods that contain some resveratrol include peanuts, blueberries and cranberries. It's not yet known how beneficial eating grapes or other foods might be compared with drinking red wine when it comes to promoting heart health. The amount of resveratrol in food and red wine can vary widely.

Liver Protection Tips

2008-12-14T23:39:00.000-08:00

Ways to Protect Liver

Liver is one of the most important organs of our body which perform number of important works inside our body.It builds complex molecules from simple substances absorbed from the digestive tract. It also do processing of alcohol and toxic substances in blood and produce important substance like bile which help body in absorbing fats and cholesterol.

Symptoms
Fatigue, general malaise, digestive disturbances, allergies and chemical sensitivities, premenstrual syndrome and constipation.

Diet and Lifestyle:

Eat a balanced diet. You may need to watch how much protein and sugar you eat.

If you drink alcohol, the most important way to help yourself is to stop.

Avoid strenuous exercise

Always wash properly fruits and vegetable before eating them.

Add good amount of high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetable, food grains, cereals etc in your food.

Drink enough amount of water during day.

Decrease the intake of food high in fats. Thus reducing the risks of gallbladder disorders like gallstone etc.

Visit your doctor regularly for regular checkups.

Follow day routine of regular exercise and meditation.

Avoid buying eatable items from unhygienic and roadside vendors.

Avoid intake of high salt in your food because it can lead to water retention and liver problems.

Avoid intake of calorie rich food, desserts, snacks, cold drinks etc.

If diabetic, put control on diabetics.

Maintain your weight under control to ideal levels because obesity can increase the chances of liver disorders.

Consumption different medication with care because some medicines can affect our liver negatively. Do not consumption more amount of medicines as directed by your doctor.

Do not mix different medicines without your doctor’s permission.

Try to reduce the intake of alcohol and avoid mixing drugs with alcohol intake.

Get yourself and your family members vaccinated for available liver protective vaccinations.

Use only disposable springs, needles because liver disorder like Hepatitis C can transmit through

use of contaminated springs.

Always go for safe sex, use condoms.

HONEY :- A Natural Beauty

2008-12-14T23:26:00.000-08:00

Today manufacturers are increasingly using honey in skin moisturizers, facial masks, hair conditioners and shower gels in response to consumer demand for more natural formulations.

Did you know!

All-natural honey is an effective treatment for minor abrasions and burns. A recent review of medical research documents its effectiveness as an antimicrobial agent.

A Natural Moisturizer

The skin’s ability to stay hydrated is an important factor in its ability to maintain softness, suppleness and elasticity. As skin ages, or as it is exposed to environmental stresses and chemical agents, it loses this ability to retain water, becomes dry and appears wrinkled. Honey is a humectant, which means it attracts and retains water. So honey is a natural fit for a variety of moisturizing products including cleansers, creams, shampoos and conditioners. Because honey is also an anti-irritant, it is suitable for sensitive skin and baby care products.

Skin Softening Bath

Add ¼ cup honey to bath water for a fragrant, silky bath.

Hair Shine

Stir 1 teaspoon honey into 4 cups (1 quart) warm water. Blondes may wish to add a squeeze of lemon. After shampooing, pour mixture through hair. Do not rinse out. Dry as normal.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Research is currently underway to develop a process using honey to create alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). AHAs are an important ingredient in many skin creams and moisturizers because they help exfoliate the skin. Increased exfoliation, or renewal of the skin cells, gives skin a younger, more vibrant look. Exfoliation can also cause skin irritation so honey’s natural moisturizing ability makes it a perfect fit for AHA products.

Moisture Mask

Mix 2 tablespoons honey with 2 teaspoons milk. Smooth over face and throat. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

Smoothing Skin Lotion

Mix 1 teaspoon honey with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil and ¼ teaspoon lemon. Rub into hands, elbows, heels and anywhere that feels dry. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with water.

Antioxidants

Preliminary studies have also revealed that honey has significant natural antioxidant properties. Antioxidants play a role in protecting the skin from the damage of UV rays and in aiding in skin rejuvenation. Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV radiation can cause skin damage, premature aging and even skin cancer. Because chemical and physical barrier sunscreens can cause skin irritation, companies are researching the use of antioxidants, anti-irritants and moisturizers in their sun care products. The natural properties of honey make it ideal for these products. Look for honey to appear in the ingredient statements of more and more cosmetics, sunscreens and skin care products.

Honey Cleansing Scrub

Mix 1 tablespoon honey with 2 tablespoons finely ground almonds and ½ teaspoon lemon juice. Rub gently onto face. Rinse off with warm water.
Firming Face Mask

Whisk together 1 tablespoon honey, 1 egg white, 1 teaspoon glycerin and enough flour to form a paste. (Approximately ¼ cup). Smooth over face and throat. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

Honey Pat. This is the best way to bring a lively glow to your face and body while you moisturize and smooth. And it’s so much fun! Just bring one of those cute little honey-bears into the tub with you. Squeeze some honey anywhere on your skin and pat it with both hands. As you continue to pat your skin, the honey gets really sticky, and will pull up your skin gently with every pat. This is the BEST for circulation, and you’ll end up with a gorgeous glow. Rinse off the honey when you’ve had enough.

Honey Bath. If you don’t have time to pat-and-glow, just add 1/4 cup or so of honey to your bath. Mmmm—sweet, silky, and luscious skin.

Honey Shiny Hair. Mix 1 teaspoon honey, a squeeze of fresh lemon, and 1 quart of warm water. After shampooing, simply pour through hair. Let your hair dry as you normally would; you don’t need to rinse it out.

Moisturizing Honey Mask. Mix 2 tablespoons honey and 2 teaspoons milk or cream. Smooth on face and allow to remain for 10 minutes, then rinse.
Honey-Apple Toner. This sweet alpha-hydroxy miracle will help to firm, smooth, and moisturize your skin. In a blender or food processor, combine 1 peeled, cored apple with a tablespoon of honey and pulse until smooth. Apply pulp gently to face and allow to remain for 15 minutes, then rinse.

Good-Enough-to-Eat Facial Cleansing Scrub. Combine 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon finely-ground almonds, 2 tablespoons dry oatmeal, and enough lemon juice to moisten. Massage mixture gently onto face, then rinse with warm water.

Honey Hair Conditioning Treatment. This great formula combines the benefits of honey and olive oil for lustrous, silky, healthy hair and scalp. Simply combine 1/2 cup honey and 2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup olive oil (depending on the dryness of your hair and scalp). Saturate hair and scalp with this conditioner, then put on a shower cap and allow the conditioner to remain for 30 minutes before you shampoo and rinse as usual.

Benefits Of Green Vegetables

2008-12-14T23:20:00.000-08:00

Benefits Of Green Vegetables !

A nutrition professor once told me that it was common for our ancient ancestors to eat up to six pounds of leaves per day. He imagined them walking along from one place to another, just picking and eating leaves as they went. Can you imagine eating a grocery bag full of greens each and every day? Few of us even eat the minimum USDA recommendations of 3 cups of dark green vegetables per week. And yet, these veggies deliver a bonanza of vitamins, minerals.
Health Benefits

Dark green leafy vegetables are, calorie for calorie, perhaps the most concentrated source of nutrition of any food. They are a rich source of minerals (including iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium) and vitamins, including vitamins K, C, E, and many of the B vitamins. They also provide a variety of phytonutrients including beta-carotene,and zeaxanthin, which protect our cells from damage and our eyes from age-related problems, among many other effects. Dark green leaves even contain small amounts of fats.
Perhaps the star of these nutrients is Vitamin K. A cup of most cooked greens provides at least nine times the minimum recommended intake of Vitamin K, and even a couple of cups of dark salad greens usually provide the minimum all on their own. Recent research has provided evidence that this vitamin may be even more important than we once thought (the current minimum may not be optimal), and many people do not get enough of it.

Vitamin K:

Regulates blood clotting

Helps protect bones from osteoporosis

May help prevent and possibly even reduce atherosclerosis by reducing calcium in arterial plaques

May be a key regulator of inflammation, and may help protect us from inflammatory diseases including arthitis

May help prevent diabetes

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin, so make sure to put dressing on your salad, or cook your greens with oil. Almost Carb-Free

Greens have very little carbohydrate in them, and the carbs that are there are packed in layers of fiber, which make them very slow to digest. That is why, in general, greens have very little impact on blood glucose. In some systems greens are even treated as a "freebie" carb-wise (meaning the carbohydrate doesn't have to be counted at all).

Pistachios in demand

2008-12-02T02:14:00.000-08:00

Pistachios are a popular snack food and are used to make a variety of sweet and savory foods, from ice cream. Pistachio nuts are especially popular in Indian and Mediterranean cuisines. To remove the brownish skin, blanch pistachios in boiling water for about two minutes. Drain and cool slightly, then rub off the skins while still warm.

Pistachios are an excellent source of nutrients and calories.

At 160 calories per ounce, pistachios are high in important vitamins and minerals like thiamin (B1), phosphorus, magnesium, copper and iron.

Pistachios are also a “Heart Smart” food too with significant amounts of monosaturated fat, which in recent studies has been shown to lower blood cholesterol, possibly reducing the risk of heart disease.

Pistachios are also low in saturated fat and are cholesterol free.

Nutritional Highlights

Pistachios (raw), 30 nuts (18g)
Calories: 99
Protein: 3.68g
Carbohydrate: 5.25g
Total Fat: 7.7g
Fiber: 1.8g

ALMOND BENEFITS

2008-12-02T01:50:00.000-08:00

Raw almond nuts are rich in vitamin E, calcium, magnesium and fiber. Bitter almonds are used for almond oil and it is this oil which is famously used in the liqueur Amaretto. Almonds are thought to originally come from the regions of western Asia and North Africa; they are an ancient food which has been eaten since ancient Greek and Roman times. Almonds are now typically cultivated in the Mediterranean countries and also in Spain, Italy, Portugal, Morocco and also in the American state of California.Roasted almonds are slightly harder in texture than natural almonds because the dry-roasting process removes some of the moisture. Natural almonds are better for baking and cooking.

You can create delicious milk shakes by blending almond milk with frozen fruits.

Almonds contain protein and help to prevent diseases such as gallstones, type 1 diabetes, colon cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, cholesterol and aid weight loss. They are a good source of manganese, copper and vitamin B2 which help to fight against the health damaging free radicals and increase oxygen-based energy production which promotes the antioxidant molecule, glutathione. The flavonoids in the skin of the almonds, together with the vitamin E which is in the flesh of the nut, make almonds when eaten with the skin on, an extremely powerful antioxidant food with a double whammy effect.

BENEFITS

• Good source of protein and minerals especially for vegetarians

• Contains the anti-cancer agent leatril

• Very alkaline

• Excellent source of vitamin E and B vitamins thiamine and niacin

DISADVANTAGES

• Immature almonds can contain cyanide-producing compounds

• High in calories

• Some people may have an allergic reaction

Nutrition Information

• Shelled Almonds are a vitamin E-rich food; because of their skins, they are even higher in vitamin E than blanched almonds. One ounce (about 20-25 almonds) provides 35% of the daily value for vitamin E.• Almonds are also high in protein, having as much protein, ounce for ounce, as red meat, but without the cholesterol.

• Dietary fibre

• Folic acid

• Magnesium

• Phosphorus

• Potassium

• Tryptophan

• Vitamin E

• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

• Vitamin B3

• Zinc

• calcium

Garlic: TIPS For Health

2008-11-27T23:08:00.000-08:00

Garlic is well known to all as it’s wide use as a spice or condiment in Indian and continental cuisine.

Garlic belongs to the onion family who has given lots of importance in Ayurveda. It contains allicin, vitamin C, B6, selenium, magnesium, potassium, calcium and manganese and falconoid. Allicin has various properties like antibiotic, anti-viral and anti-fungal that is why garlic is widely used for skin infections like as athlete’s foot, herpes and warts, digestive and lung infections which includes diarrhea, coughs and colds.

Garlic is considered one of the most important herbal for blood pressure and cholesterol reduction.Eating garlic on regular basis may provide some protection against gastric cancer. Garlic has a very strong flavour, and it is difficult to eat in raw condition. It needs to be either mixed with other foods or to be added it in food while cooking. Allicin gets distributed throughout the meal, providing you with the benefits of its anti-carcinogenic and antiseptic properties.Garlic is considered as something of a miracle food and uses it as a home remedy for many complaints. The healing properties of garlic as an antiviral and anti bacterial agent are now backed with scientific evidence. Scientists have shown that the compounds in garlic are good for heart. They lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol production in the lever, suppress harmful cholesterol and raise level of the beneficial high-density lipoproteins in the blood. The daily dose recommended is about 6g, equivalent to two or three cloves.

Garlic is also extensively used for curing asthma, arthritis, sciatica, lumbago, backache, bronchitis, chronic fever, tuberculosis, rhinitis, malaria, obstinate skin disease including leprosy, leucoderma, discolouration of the skin and itches, indigestion, colic pain, enlargement of spleen, piles, fistula, fracture of bone, gout, urinary diseases, diabetes, kidney stone, anemia, jaundice, epilepsy, cataract and night blindness etc.

Garlic can be eaten raw in order to reduce nasal congestion and also in helping to reduce the amount of mucous in the nasal cavities. Garlic is also said to aid in the cleansing of the body's blood. And, true or not, it has been said that if you cut several onions in half and place them around your home, you and your family will not get any more colds.

Peel off the garlic only just before the cooking other wise it may lose many of garlic’s potent health properties. The natural compound of Allicin as found in garlic loses its beneficial properties within hours because it begins to react with garlic's other components as soon as the clove is crushed.

Garlic can also prevent blood clotting and increase the rate at which blood clots are broken down, but large amounts- ten or more cloves a day- may have to be eaten before any effect is noticed.

DISADVANTAGE to eating garlic is that it makes the breath smell and in few people can cause allergies

Benefits of Beet Root

2008-11-25T02:11:00.000-08:00

Beet root has natural property of cleaning the kidneys and gall bladder. The potassium present in it helps in providing nourishment to the body for daily functions while chlorine organically cleans the liver and kidney. In addition, it has positive effects on one’s digestive system as it helps in the treatment of digestive disorders and problems like jaundice, nausea and vomiting due to dysentery or diarrhea. Beet root combined with carrot juice can prove extremely beneficial in building the red corpuscles thereby helping in treating low vitality and anemia. Being an excellent solvent for inorganic calcium deposits, beet juice helps in the treatment of hypertension and other cardiovascular disorders. It is also extremely beneficial for women as it aids in the regulation of menstruation.
Along with having numerous health benefits, beet root is also beneficial for the skin. The water in which beet roots have been boiled proves effective for the treatment of boils, inflammation and even for skin breakouts like pimples. Similarly, the decoction of beets mixed with little vinegar can be used for the treatment of dandruff. Though beet root has various health benefits, it should be avoided by diabetic patients since it is high in sugar content.

Beetroot soup provides taste with health and it can be easily prepared at home. It has a stimulating effect on liver’s detoxification process and its fibers help in promoting healthy cholesterol levels and bowel function. Being rich in folic acid, fiber, manganese, potassium and phosphorus, beetroots are a healthy and a nutritious form of food item which can be easily made into soup to experience taste with health .Simple, healthy yet delicious beetroot soup can be made at home by following the given recipe.

Health Benefits and Medicinal uses of Onion

2008-11-25T01:45:00.000-08:00

The uses of onions are primarily in cooking, as it is the most abundant ingredient in most dishes. However, there are some medicinal uses of onion. Onion have an antibacterial and antifungal properties. Some people mixed vinegar with onion juice and apply it in their freckles and warts, it is believed that it can remove/reduce this skin problems.

Onion is Benenificial in the following conditions:
Onions stimulate the immune system.
Onions are also used as a diuretic,expectorant and antiseptic.
Onions may be particularly beneficial for women in combating osteoporosis.
Onion can improve lung function,especially in asthma.
Influenza Colds, Tuberculosis ,Insomnia ,Pneumonia ,Antiallergy,Obesity,Reduce inflammation
Slightly laxative ,High Blood Pressure ,Lowers cholesterol ,Prolong longevity
Helps destroy worms and other parasites.
Bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchial tube)
Neuritis (inflammation of the nerves)
Vertigo (inflammation of nerves)
Diuretic (increases the secretion of urine)
Diabetes mellitus - lowers blood sugar.
Valuable for the hair, nails of the fingers and toes, and for the eyes.
Sinus conditions - helps to drain mucus from the cavities and loosen phlegm.
fresh or cooked onions have antiplatelet, adhesiveness, thus preventing thrombosis.

Dengue causes and tips to cure

2008-11-25T01:12:00.000-08:00

Dengue can be diagnosed by blood test. The infected person as such cannot spread the infection but can be a source to spread it.Dengue fever is a flu kind of illness spread by mosquito bites. Dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever are caused by any of the dengue family virus. This is also widely known as 'Break bone fever' due to the severe joint pain caused during the attack.

Dengue is an infectious disease causing frequent epidemics.Dengue hemorrhagic fever is often complicated and severe. This rather can be termed as a complication dengue fever. Those bitten by the mosquito can get dengue fever and those already infected once if infected again are prone to higher risk of getting dengue hemorrhagic fever.
Dengue is spread by the bite of an 'Ades' Mosquito. This mosquito bites the infected person and then bites someone else who is not affected thus transmitting the infection. These mosquitoes are active during the day time and spread the infection during day time. These mosquitoes live among human beings and breed in discarded tyres, flower pots, water stores etc.,
Dengue fever starts suddenly accompanied by headache, severe joint pain ,rashes, nausea and lack of appetite. The illness can last up to 10 days and the complete recovery could take about four to six weeks. Widely the dengue infections result in relatively mild illness however in some cases it may lead to the dengue hemorrhagic fever. In the complicated stage the blood vessels start to leak and cause bleeding through mouth, nose and gums. This is most prevalent among children and young adults. This stage requires close medical attention.

Preventive Measures to control Dengue Fever

Keep the water stores clean and closed.

keep yourself well covered when outside.

Take prompt medical advice once fever starts.

Use mosquito repellents.

discard all unwanted items getting gathered around the living area to avoid the breeding of mosquitoes.

HOW TO AVOID STOMACH CANCER

2008-11-18T09:34:00.000-08:00

Stomach cancer (also called gastric cancer) is the growth of cancer cells in the lining and wall of the stomach.

chances of getting stomach cancer?

Your chances of getting stomach cancer are higher if you have had a stomach infection caused by bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, which also causes ulcers in the stomach.

You are also more likely to get stomach cancer if you:

Are a man

Are older than 50 years of age

Have a close relative who has had stomach cancer

Smoke

drink alcohol in more contain

Have small growths in the lining of your stomach

What are the symptoms of stomach cancer?

Sometimes cancer can grow in the stomach for a long time before it causes symptoms. In the early stages, stomach cancer can cause the following symptoms:

Indigestion, stomach discomfort or heartburn

Nausea or loss of appetite

Feeling tired

When the cancer is larger, it can cause the following symptoms:

Blood in your stool or stools that are black in color

A bloated feeling after eating, even when eating a small amount

Vomiting after meals

Unintended weight loss

Stomach pain, especially after meals

Weakness and fatigue

HOW TO AVOID STOMACH CANCER

Prevent stomach cancer by becoming familiar with the risk factors involved. Stomach cancer was much more common when the American diet included more preserved and cured foods, and as a result, researchers have been able to identify key foods to avoid as well as many to incorporate into your diet as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Reduce your risk of stomach cancer by avoiding diets that are high in smoked or pickled foods as well as those high in salted meats and fish.

Consider eating a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables to lower your risk of stomach cancer. A diet rich in whole grain foods is also recommended by the American Cancer Society.

Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking to help prevent stomach cancer. Tobacco use has been proven to increase the risk of many types of cancer, including stomach cancer, while consuming large amounts of alcohol has also been shown to contribute stomach cancer.

Drink green tea as part of a healthy diet and you may decrease your risk of stomach cancer.

Follow up on any stomach cancer symptoms, such as persistent abdominal pain or excessive vomiting. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss these symptoms, especially if you belong to an at-risk group.

Tips to avoid Back pain

2008-11-12T02:16:00.000-08:00

Back pain is one of the most common medical problems in this country. Eighty percent of the population will have some sort of serious back pain in their lives.

Good posture and regular exercise helps minimize chronic back conditions. Regular exercise is good but it is important not to strain your back.

Back Pain Tips

Lifting.

Avoid bending from the back or twisting while lifting objects. Instead, hold the object close to your body with a good base of support and your legs apart. Then, bend from the knees, lift and turn your entire body from the feet to move objects and avoid putting stress on your back.

Build up muscular strength and flexibility.

Your abdominal muscles and back muscles work together in order to give your spine support and strength. Strength and flexibility in your hips and thighs help towards maintaining good pelvic bone alignment.

Build strength as you stand.

Try standing on one leg when standing while doing the dishes or brushing your teeth. This will help build strength in the core muscles of your lower back and abdomen. Use the sink to stabilize yourself if needed and alternate your legs every 30 seconds.

Regular exercises

such as swimming walking and cycling allow your muscles to function better.

Remember, consult your doctor if you are at all worried about new forms of exercise.

Avoid prolonged stand

Try to avoid standing or bending down for long periods.

Change your position.

When standing for long periods of time, such as cooking or cleaning, widen your stance or alternate your position to avoid repeated stress on the same muscles.

Seating and back problems

Chairs need good back support. Use chairs that are at the right height. Straining to get on or off a chair , especially if you have to twist the spine into strange positions, can cause discomfort and injury. Ergonomically designed chairs are best.

Good bed mattresses for back problems

It is important to get a mattress that provides enough back support. Get a medium-firm mattress rather than a very firm mattress. Use pillows to support the neck, but not to the extent they push your head neck into odd angles.

Lifting, load carrying, and your back

Poor lifting and carrying techniques are the most common and most avoidable causes of back injury and pain.Never carry loads that are too heavy.Work places are legally obliged to provide appropriate equipment for you to carry out your work. See your boss if you feel you are at risk.Make sure that when you do lift you keep your back straight and bend at the knees to weight-bear.If you think you may have trouble lifting something get help. Don't risk back injury.

Weight gain and back problems

Maintain a healthy weight.If you are overweight it puts a tremendous strain on the back muscles. Losing weight can make a dramatic difference to back pain and discomfort.

Losing weight makes you more energetic.

Smoking and back problems

Smoking causes diminished levels of oxygen levels to spinal tissues. Diminished oxygen levels can hinder the healing processes if you get a spinal injury.

Wear comfortable shoes.

High heels, and flip flops can throw off your body alignment. High heels will create an anterior pelvic tilt, which pulls on the muscles of the low back. Flip flops do not lend enough support for the feet.

TIPS TO PREVENT BREAST CANCER

2008-11-12T01:45:00.000-08:00

Breast cancer is a cancer that starts in the tissues of the breast.

There are two main types of breast cancer:

Ductal carcinoma starts in the tubes (ducts) that move milk from the breast to the nipple. Most breast cancers are of this type.

Lobular carcinoma starts in parts of the breast, called lobules, that produce milk.

In rare cases, breast cancer can start in other areas of the breast.

TIPS TO PREVENT BREAST CANCER

Take a Walk

Women who spend a little more than an hour a day walking may reduce their risk of developing breast cancer by 23 per cent, compared to their non-active peers.

Eat fruit

You can't go wrong with this – almost all dietary advice comes down to the single instruction to eat more fruit and veg. Diet is thought to be a key factor in one in four cancer deaths – and animal fat in the diet is the suspect ingredient in breast cancer. The Japanese, who eat a diet of fish, rice and vegetables that is extremely low in animal fat, also have low rates of breast cancer.

A high-fat diet increases the levels of the female hormone oestrogen in the blood, which encourages the growth of cancer cells. In populations with a high-fat diet, women tend to start their periods earlier and reach menopause later so they are exposed to high levels of oestrogen for longer, increasing their risk of breast cancer.

Studies into what effect eating fruit and vegetables has on breast cancer have produced mixed results. One study found that, when combined with taking exercise, the results were dramatic. Published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology last June, it showed that women who ate their five portions a day and walked briskly for at least 30 minutes halved their risk of breast cancer.

Avoid less drink .

It may be unpopular, but it works. Every alcoholic drink a woman consumes on a daily basis increases her risk of breast cancer by 6 per cent. Drinking has been rising, especially among young women, and researchers estimate it accounts for 2,000 cases out of the 40,000-plus diagnosed every year.

Cutting down on drinking could be a wise move for the 18 per cent of young women aged 16 to 24 who consume more than three drinks a day.

But going teetotal may be a step too far. Moderate drinking is good for the heart, especially in middle age, and this could outweigh the higher risk of cancer. The dull but true reality is that moderate drinking is best for all-round health.

Protect yourself from the sun

Avoid peak radiation hours.

The sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation peaks between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Minimize or avoid being outside during these hours.

Stay in the shade.

If you go outside, minimize your sun exposure by staying in the shade.

Cover exposed areas.

Wear light-colored, loosefitting clothing that protects you from the sun's rays. Use tightly woven fabrics that cover your arms and legs, and wear a broad-brimmed hat that covers your head and ears.

Don't skimp on sunscreen.

Make sure your sunscreen has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.

Don't use indoor tanning beds or sunlamps.

These can damage your skin as much as the sun can. There's no such thing as a healthy tan.

Give birth

Having children, especially before the age of 30, helps protect against breast cancer. It is down to those hormones, again. Over the last century, economic progress has led to delayed childbirth and smaller families as women with their own careers have sought to balance the demands of work and home. But researchers estimate that delaying childbearing increases the risk of breast cancer by 3 per cent for each year of delay.

Breast-feed

Breast-feeding protects against breast cancer, as well as being best for the baby. But smaller families and the rise in the number of working mothers has meant the time spent breast-feeding has reduced. Breast-feeding for six months reduces the risk, experts say. Yet many women never get that far. In England, 77 per cent of mothers start breast-feeding but more than a third switch to bottle-feeding in the first six weeks.

Increase oxygen contain in your body.

An underlying cause of cancer is low cellular oxygenation levels. Poor oxygenation comes from a buildup of toxins within and around cells, causing red blood cells to clump up, slowing down the bloodstream, and restricting flow into capillaries. Increasing oxygen into your body will lower your acidic level to alkaline. Cancer cells do not survive in a normal alkaline environment.

You can increase oxygen in your body by doing breathing exercises as explained in The Yogi Science of Breath.