Health Benefits of Red Palm Oil

Health Benefits of Red Palm Oil

The health benefits of olive oil have been touted for many hundreds of years. More recently, coconut oil has become all the rage and hailed by many as the king of oils. But, whatever oil you choose - whether it’s olive, coconut, almond, canola, peanut, safflower, walnut, or even avocado oil - none compare to the powerful nutritional virtues of virgin organic red palm fruit oil.

The health benefits of red palm fruit oil can be achieved by incorporating only 1-2 tablespoons into your daily diet.

Red Palm Fruit Oil vs. Palm Kernel Oil
Regarded as a sacred healing food by many civilizations, including the ancient Egyptians, crude or virgin red palm fruit oil should be regarded as one of the most nutritious edible oils in the world. It is not to be confused with palm kernel oil .

It is derived from the fruit of the oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis) and is referred to as "red palm oil" because of its rich dark red color in its unprocessed natural  state. Palm kernel oil is derived from the seed or the kernel.

Power-Packed Contents  

Red palm oil’s health promoting properties are largely attributed to its high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory contents. Red palm oil is a rich source of tocotrienol, a powerful form of vitamin E,  lycopene and carotenoids, the latter being responsible for the oil’s distinctive red color in its unprocessed state.

Red palm oil has great science behind it for its beneficial role in fighting heart disease and high cholesterol.

Red palm oil has repeatedly stunned researchers with its heart-protective and cholesterol-lowering properties.  Studies have shown that adding palm oil in the diet can reduce plaque build-up in arteries and, therefore, reverse the process of plaque and prevent blockages formation within blood vessel walls. Science now understands that inflammation in the artery lining is what causes cholesterol to deposit in the first place. So, it makes sense that the protective effects come from the high antioxidant, anti-inflammatory content of the red palm oil which works to quench free radicals and keep inflammation under control.  Apart from helping tear away plaque from blood vessel walls, red palm oil also helps maintain healthy blood pressure and
cholesterol levels.

Brain Health
One of the natural vitamin E forms found in high amounts in red palm oil is known for its neuro-protective properties. When it comes to your brain,  the special form of vitamin-E (tocotrienol) in red palm oil stops destructive damage and improves blood flow to brain cells, which can also help to prevent Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

Anti-Cancer Food 
The high antioxidant content of red palm oil makes it a potent anti-cancer food. Though  tocotrienols can be found in rice bran, barley and wheat, red palm oil is the richest source of  tocotrienol. Research suggests that this form of vitamin E may help fight skin, stomach, pancreas, liver, lung, colon, prostate, breast, and other
cancers.

The  antioxidant power of red palm oil can be of help in protecting against a variety of health  problems, including osteoporosis, asthma, cataracts, macular degeneration, arthritis, and liver disease. It can even slow down the premature aging processes by protecting the skin against damaging UV rays.

Additionally, research has shown that red palm oil promotes  nutrient utilization, improves liver detoxification pathways and improves immune function. 

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TUBERCULOSIS - HOME REMEDIES

TUBERCULOSIS - HOME REMEDIES

This is a contagious and an infectious disease caused by the tubercle bacillus, which enters the body through the nose, mouth and windpipe and then settles down usually  in the lungs (called as the primary tuberculosis) or may settle in the tonsils, bones, intestines, glands, lymphatic system, joints and urinary tract. It multiplies very fast and produces small raised spots called as tubercles. The usual symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis are fatigue, lethargy, decreased appetite, weight loss, low grade fever (especially in the evening), persistent coughing, difficulty in breathing, indigestion and occasionally in later stages blood in the sputum.  

HOME REMEDIES 

1. Taking a glass full of fresh orange and lemon juice daily also helps since it contains a lot of vitamins useful for quicker healing. 

2. Onion soup should be taken daily. Milk and rice diet is given to the patient. 

3. Garlic  is a wonderful herb for tuberculosis since it contains many vitamins, calcium, iron, phosphorus, iodine and even a few trace minerals. Thus two to three cloves of garlic  or  one to two teaspoonfuls of garlic juice are given to the patient daily. 

4. Boil a few dates in some milk and then after cooling it for some time take this as a nutritive tonic especially for children. 

5. Holy basil (tulsi) leaf juice is also very useful, since it has a few antibiotic properties and is a useful expectorant. 

6. The juice of bananas or banana milkshake is useful for patients with frequent cough, abundant expectoration and high fever.  

7. A teaspoonful of fresh mint juice mixed with two teaspoonfuls of pure malt vinegar and an equal quantity of honey should be stirred in 120 ml of carrot juice and given to the patient thrice daily. 

8. Pineapple juice is found useful to dissolve the mucus and aid faster recovery for tuberculosis patients. 

9. A soup prepared from drumstick leaves (saijan ki phalli) is found useful in this disease. 

10. A mixture of Indian gooseberry (amla) and sesame seeds taken with honey is very effective.

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WHOOPING COUGH - HOME REMEDIES

WHOOPING COUGH - HOME REMEDIES

"Whooping cough " is an infectious disease , that commonly affects the young children (commonly from 0-5 years of age) and results in bouts or paroxysms of short, sharp coughs gathering in speed and duration and ending in a deep inspiration during which the characteristic "whoop" is heard. There is extreme exhaustion in the patient and can be life threatening in small babies. Vomiting, which is frequent, may lead to the bursting of the small capillaries in the nose or the conjunctiva. The disease may lasts for several weeks if left untreated. 

HOME REMEDIES

1. Boil the peel of pomegranate (anar) in 250 ml of milk and drink it.

2. The leaf juice of holy basil (tulsi) mixed with honey and ginger is very useful.

3. Peach tea or an infusion made from the bark and leaves of the Peach tree are useful for whooping cough when taken atleast thrice daily.

4. A teaspoonful of fresh ginger, mixed with a cup of fenugreek (methi) decoction and honey to taste is an excellent diaphoretic.

5. A teaspoonful of fresh radish juice with an equal quantity of honey and a little rock salt should be given thrice daily.

6. Juice of garlic is sniffed from time to time. Also a mixture of macerated garlic and ghee is rubbed on the chest and between the shoulder blades to give relief in the cough.

7. Linseed is a good remedy for whooping cough.

8. Paste of pecacuan (hing) when applied to the chest, acts as a good stimulant.

9. Five drops of almond oil should be mixed with ten drops each of fresh white onion juice and ginger juice and taken thrice daily for a few weeks.

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Acidity and Heartburns

Acidity and Heartburns

Sometimes the gastric glands in the stomach are over productive in secreting the hydrochloric acid which is necessary to break down the food that is eaten. When this happens, acidity and heartburn often develop. This can cause a painful burning sensation which may be the result of chronic acid reflux. The pain can be very disturbing because people often confuse it for a heart attack.

Natural Home Remedies
Many home remedies work well to neutralize stomach acid and prevent damage to the esophagus and intestinal tract. The following suggestions may prevent acidity and heartburn from becoming disruptive:

1. Combine equal parts apple cider vinegar and honey with a cup of water and drink just prior to each meal to control acidity.

2. Eliminate spices and fruits that have not yet ripened from the diet.

3. Drink a glass of milk with each meal.

4. Eat a cup of yogurt as a snack between meals.

5. Chew food longer and slow the eating process by putting down the fork between bites.

6. Add watermelon, bananas, and cucumber to the diet to cool heartburn.

7. Try a cup of chamomile tea for heart burn.

8. Try to reduce events that cause a stressful reaction and use meditation or deep breathing to relax.

8. Always sleep with the head much higher than the rest of the body to relieve the pressure that causes acid reflux to be more severe.

9. Drink a glass of green tea sweetened with molasses to neutralize acids.

10. Eat six small meals, rather than three large one, because a overeating aggravates acid reflux.

11. Chew gum until the heartburn disappears.

12. Eat a stick of raw celery to end heartburn quickly.

Some of these remedies will work better for one person than another depending on the cause of the acidity or heartburn.
Pregnant women seem to have excellent results from chewing gum while cider vinegar sometimes works better for those under stress.

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Hair Care Tips For Any Length and Style

Hair Care Tips For Any Length and Style

Regardless of its length or style, we all want one thing: a healthy, great looking head of hair. But the first step to having healthy, luxurious hair is to know its exact type. Is it oily, dry or normal? It your hair naturally curly or straight? Are you troubled by dandruff? Has your hair been processed in some way? Is it brittle or strong? Knowing your true starting point will allow you to better care for your hair and keep it looking its absolute best.

With short hairstyles, it’s important to protect your hair and your scalp every time you are in the sun. Look for protective styling products, and be sure to wear a hat to avoid sunburn. If your hair is short and curly, you should know that curly hair tends to break easier and needs more moisture than other types of hair.The key to keeping medium-length to long hair beautiful and healthy looking is to protect it from split ends and becoming brittle. The longer hair is, the heavier it is, and as a result, more prone to breakage. If you have long or medium-length hair, never use a rubber band to pull your hair back into a ponytail as they can pull and damage hair. Instead, use a something elastic that is covered in a soft cloth to avoid breaking the delicate hair shafts.

Here are a few simple do’s and don’ts to remember for every length and style of hair :


6 Essential Hair Care Do’s :

- Do gently brush your hair each night before going to bed as it will stimulate blood flow to your scalp and promote healthy hair growth.

- Do be sure to hold the hair dryer at least six to eight inches away from your hair and keep it moving at all times to avoid scorching the hair.

- Do gently wash your hair using a mild shampoo suitable for your type of hair with lukewarm water.

- Do use a conditioner to keep your hair manageable, healthy, and free of tangles.

- Do be sure to drink plenty of water and follow a balanced diet. Many people aren’t aware of the important role that proper nutrition plays regarding healthy hair care. Water is essential to keep your body and hair properly hydrated.

- Do try to avoid touching your hair unnecessarily as the oils from your hands can cause your hair to lose its luster and become dirtier faster.

6 Essential Hair Care Don’ts :

- Don’t brush wet hair, use a comb instead to avoid pulling and risking breakage.

- Don’t blow-dry your hair every day, the constant heat will cause it to become brittle and prone to breakage. Likewise, use your curling iron on the lowest possible setting.

- Don’t over process your hair using strong dyes and chemicals. If you do relax your hair or have it permanently waved, be sure to wait as long as possible in between treatments to avoid over processing and damage.

- Don’t change your hair color to more than three shades, in either direction, lighter or darker, to avoid excessive damage.

- Don’t wash your hair in extra hot water, instead use warm, and use cool water for the final rinse.
- Don’t allow stress to adversely affect your health, including your hair.

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Fascinating Facts About Human Body

Fascinating Facts About Human Body

1. The Skeletal System 
-  The largest bone is the pelvis, or hip bone. In fact it is made of six bones joined firmly together.
-  The longest bone is the 'femur', in the thigh. It makes up almost one quarter of the body's total height.
-  The smallest bone is the 'stirrup', deep in the ear. It is hardly larger than a grain of rice.
-  The ears and end of the nose do not have bones inside them. Their inner supports are cartilage or 'gristle', which is lighter and more flexible than bone. This is why the nose and ears can be bent.
-  After death, cartilage rots faster than bone. This is why the skulls of skeletons have no nose or ears.


2. The Muscular System
-  There are about 60 muscles in the face. Smiling is easier than frowning. It takes 20 muscles to smile and over 40 to frown.
-  The longest muscle in the body is the sartorius, from the outside of the hip, down and across to the inside of the knee. It rotates the thigh outwards and bends the knee.
-  The smallest muscle in the body is the stapedius, deep in the ear. It is only 5mm long and thinner than cotton thread. It is involved in hearing.
-  The biggest muscle in the body is the gluteus maximus, in the buttock. It pulls the leg backwards powerfully for walking, running and climbing steps.


3. The Circulatory System 
-  The heart beats around 3 billion times in the average person's life.
-  About 2 million blood cells die in the human body every second, and the same number are born each second.
-  Within a tiny droplet of blood, there are some 5 million red blood cells, 300,000 platelets and 10,000 white cells.
-  It takes about 1 minute for a red blood cell to circle the whole body.
-  Red blood cells make approximately 250,000 round trips of the body before returning to the bone marrow, where they were born, to die.
-  Red blood cells may live for about 4 months circulating throughout the body, feeding the 60 trillion other body cells.


4. The Nervous System 
-  The brain looks like a giant, wrinkled walnut.
-  Unlike other body cells, brain cells can not regenerate. Once brain cells are damaged they are not replaced.
-  The brain and spinal cord are surrounded and protected by cerebrospinal fluid.


5. The Immune System
-  The skin secretes antibacterial substances. These substances explain why you don't wake up in the morning with a layer of mold growing on your skin - most bacteria and spores that land on the skin die quickly.
-  Tears and mucus contain an enzyme (lysozyme) that breaks down the cell wall of many bacteria.
-  Lymph nodes contain filtering tissue and a large number of lymph cells. When fighting certain bacterial infections, the lymph nodes swell with bacteria and the cells fighting the bacteria, to the point where you can actually feel them. Swollen lymph nodes may therefore be a good indication that you have an infection of some sort.


6. The Digestive System 
-  Adults eat about 500 kg of food per year.
-  1.5 litres of saliva are produced each day.
-  The oesophagus is approximately 25cm long.
-  Muscles contract in waves to move the food down the oesophagus. This means that food would get to a person's stomach, even if they were standing on their head.
-  An adult’s stomach can hold approximately 1.5 litres of material.
-  Every day 11.5 litres of digested food, liquids and digestive juices flow through the digestive system, but only 100 mls of fluid are lost in faeces.
-  In the mouth, food is either cooled or warmed to a more suitable temperature.
-  We get two sets of teeth. Our 20 'Baby Teeth’ are replaced starting at around 6-7 years of age with our 32 ‘Adult Teeth’.


7. The Respiratory System
-  At rest, the adult body takes in and breathes out about 6 litres of air each minute.
-  The right lung is slightly larger than the left.
-  Hairs in the nose help to clean the air we breathe as well as warming it.
-  The highest recorded "sneeze speed" is 165 km per hour.
-  The surface area of the lungs is roughly the same size as a tennis court.
-  The capillaries in the lungs would extend 1,600 kilometres if placed end to end.
-  We lose half a litre of water a day through breathing. This is the water vapour we see when we breathe onto glass.
-  A person at rest usually breathes between 12 and 15 times a minute.
-  The breathing rate is faster in children and women than in men.

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Amazing Power of Amino Acids

Amazing Power of Amino Acids

In 1838, a Dutch chemist, G.J. Mulder, described a certain organic material as "unqestionably the most important of all known substances in the organic kingdom. Without it, no life appears possible on our planet. Through its means the chief phenomena of life are produced. " This complex nitrogen-bearing substance was called protein from the Greek word meaning " take the first place." Protein in now a group name signifying the principal nitrogenous constituents of the protoplasm of all plant and animal tissues.

Proteins are extremely complex organic compounds of the elements carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and,with some exceptions, sulphur. Most proteins also contain phosphorous, and some specialised proteins contain iron, iodine, copper and other inorganic elements. The presence of nitrogen distinguishes proteins from carbohydrates and fats.

Proteins are thus vital substances, which form important constituent of muscles, tissues, and the blood. Proteins supply the building material for the body and make good the wear and tear of tissues. Several substances concerned with vital life processes such as enzymes, which help in digestion of food, are chiefly protein in nature. 

There are several varieties of protein. Each type contains a specific number of "building blocks " known as amino-acids. Before they can be absorbed by the body, all proteins must first be broken down into amino-acids. When food stuffs are ingested, the nutrients and amino-acids do not immediately diffuse into all the different tissues. There are a series of biochemical reactions in the digestive tract which collect these proteins, break them down and then utilise them as needed. Any interference with the normal digestive process causes in-complete protein digestion resulting in gas, bloating etc.

There are about 22 amino acids needed for the normal functioning of the body. The body can manufacture many amino acids if it has no adequate nitrogen source, but it cannot produce certain others in sufficient amounts to meet its needs. The amino acids that the body cannot synthesis is in adequate amounts are called essential or indispensable because they must be supplied by the diet in proper proportions and amounts to meet the requirements for maintenance of growth of Non-essential or dispensable amino acids are those thatissue. the body can synthesize in sufficient amounts to meet its needs if the total amount of nitrogen supplied by protein is adequate. 

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Nutritional Benefits of Milk

Nutritional Benefits of Milk

Milk is an essential part of everyone’s diet. As a primary source for calcium and other nutrients, consuming milk is important for essential growth and development. Encourage children to consume adequate amounts of milk on a daily basis.Infants up to 12 months of age need only breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula.

Children ages one to two years old should be served whole milk. Children ages two and older may only be served fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk.

Nutrition Facts
Fluid milk provides the body with various nutrients essential to growth and development including
1.  calcium,
2.  phosphorus,
3. potassium,
4.  magnesium,
5.  vitamins A, B, and D, and protein.
Low fat (1%) and fat-free (skim) milk provide all of the nutrients above with about one third of the saturated fat found in whole milk.

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The Sweet Truth About Cocoa Butter

The Sweet Truth About Cocoa Butter

Nothing melts in your mouth like chocolate-that’s one of the reasons so many people love it.  Chocolate‘s creamy, melting qualities come from cocoa butter, the naturally occurring fat found in cocoa beans.  Many plants are rich sources of natural fats olives, soybeans, peanuts, avocados and sunflower seeds, to name a few.  But only the cocoa bean provides the creamy and luxurious fat known as cocoa butter.

The Story of Cocoa Butter
Like many trees, the cacao tree produces fruit.  Inside this fruit are seeds known as “cocoa beans.”  When cocoa beans are crushed and pressed, cocoa butter and cocoa powder are released, both of which are essential to chocolate making.

Why Cocoa Butter?
The first “eating” chocolate was made in 1847 by adding cocoa butter to ground cocoa beans and sugar.  Look on the ingredient label of any chocolate bar today and you’ll find “cocoa butter” listed.  It’s an essential ingredient in chocolate.  Cocoa butter contributes to the delightful mouth-feel and flavor release of chocolate, and its unique and valuable characteristics set it apart from other  plant-derived fats:

Melting Point 
Cocoa butter is solid at room temperature and melts rather quickly in a 90°F - 93°F temperature range, just below body temperature (98.6°F).  This distinction is responsible for chocolate’s pleasant, melt-in-your-mouth sensation, a characteristic unique to cocoa butter.

Contraction 
When liquid cocoa butter becomes solid, it contracts slightly, which keeps it from binding to a mould.  This important property allows chocolate to be easily removed from moulds and gives us popular shaped confections like chocolate Easter bunnies, hearts, leaves, coins and more.

Cocoa Butter and You 
Because cocoa butter naturally contains saturated fat, many people wonder how it will affect their cholesterol levels.  Stearic acid is the predominate saturated fat in cocoa butter.  Stearic acid is unique and research has shown that it has an overall neutral effect on blood cholesterol.

In fact, studies indicate that eating chocolate on a daily basis, without an increase in calories in overall diet, may have no effect on blood cholesterol levels.

A Feel Good Fat
From the bean to the bar, cocoa butter is an essential part of chocolate.  Its exceptional characteristics are responsible for chocolate’s unique mouth-feel and neutral effect on blood cholesterol levels.  While there is still much to learn about this distinctive fat, just like chocolate, it’s something to feel good about.

Good for You, Inside and Out
Because cocoa butter is solid at room temperature, when applied to the skin it forms a thin protecting barrier that locks in moisture and blocks out harsh outside elements. That is why cocoa butter is commonly referred to as the “ultimate moisturizer” and used as a key ingredient in many lotions, lip balms, cosmetics and even anti-aging and scar reducing topical treatments. In fact,  doctors and scientists recognize cocoa butter as a skin protectant often  recommended for care of dry skin conditions.

Myth Melting 
Myth: Cocoa butter is a type of butter.
Fact: According to the Food and Drug Administration, “butter” is made exclusively from milk, cream or both.  Given this definition, cocoa butter is not technically a “butter.” It is a fat that comes from the cocoa bean, the seeds inside the fruit of the cacao tree.

Myth: Cocoa butter contains cholesterol.
Fact: Cholesterol from foods is only found in foods of animal origin, such as meat, fish, seafood, eggs and dairy products.  Because cocoa butter comes from a plant, it does not contain cholesterol.

Myth: Cocoa butter raises blood cholesterol levels.
Fact: Cocoa butter has been found to have an overall neutral effect on blood cholesterol levels.  While researchers are still investigating this effect, it is believed that this is due to cocoa butter’s naturally occurring fats called stearic acid, a unique saturated fat that does not raise blood cholesterol levels, and oleic acid.

Myth: Cocoa butter contains partially hydrogenated oil, a trans fat.
Fact: Partially hydrogenated oils, the most prominent source of trans fats in the diet, are man-made and have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.  Cocoa butter is a naturally-occurring fat that is not hydrogenated and contains no trans fat.

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25 Health Tips to Swear By

25 Health Tips to Swear By

How sex, dental floss, and belly laughs can make a good life great. Best-selling author Mehmet Oz, M.D., explains.


1. ROTF, LMAO

Laughing not only eases stress, promotes social bonding, and lowers blood pressure, it may also boost your immune system. So bring some humor into your life, whether it's through friends or even a new TV show (preferably mine).


2. Don't skip breakfast

Fiber in the morning means less hunger late in the afternoon, when you're most likely to feel tired and gorge yourself on sugar. My morning dose comes from steel-cut oatmeal, usually mixed with raisins, walnuts, and flaxseed oil. An early start on eating also keeps your metabolism more active throughout the day; breakfast eaters are thinner than people who just rush out the door.


3. Hit the sack

Conan and Dave are funny, but they're not worth the strain on your system. Seven hours of sleep a night not only helps you live longer, but also lowers your stress, sharpens your memory, and reduces cravings for pants-splitting foods. Set a bedtime and stick to it. My target is 10:30 p.m. I record the late shows and then watch them the next day as I pedal a stationary bike.


4. Admire your work

Don't be so trigger-happy with the flusher. Turn around and take a look at your poop, which speaks volumes about your gut and overall health. Poop should be smooth and S-shaped, like your colon. If it comes out too lumpy, or drops into the bowl like marbles, you're constipated. Increase your fiber and water intake. This happens to me when I travel, so I fiber-load before a trip to avoid getting irritable. But you don't need Metamucil-here are 30 great-tasting ways to add fiber to your diet.


5. Don't pamper your bad back

Even if you're hunched over in agony, taking to your bed will only make a bad back worse. The latest research shows that bed rest weakens back muscles and prolongs the suffering. Married men may suffer more than single men because of all the pampering. I used to love milking the care from Lisa, but the best solution is to get up, take a pain reliever, and be a soldier.


6. Taste the colors

Foods with bright, rich colors are more than just nice to look at. They're also packed with flavonoids and carotenoids, powerful compounds that bind the damaging free radicals in your body, lowering inflammation. (Sadly, Skittles do not count.) Eat nine fistfuls of colorful fruits and vegetables each day and you'll reap the benefits without having to give up other foods. Whenever I shop the produce aisle, I'm reminded that these foods are often more powerful than the drugs sold in pharmacies. My favorites are arugula and blueberries.


7. Brushing is not enough

If you plan to spend your later years eating more than yogurt and applesauce, invest in some floss. No matter how thoroughly or long you brush your teeth, you're missing a good portion of their total surface. That's like washing one armpit after a workout. But the dangers of skipping floss go beyond hygiene: The bacteria that linger can increase your risk of heart disease. I use Reach Ultraclean floss, which stretches to glide between teeth.


8. Take a deep belly breath

Do this anywhere, anytime. Push out your bellows and suck air through your nose until your lungs are full. They'll fill with nitric oxide, a chemical found in the back of your nose that opens up blood vessels. The dose of oxygen will make you feel happier and more alert. This is my secret technique for calming down before a show or a tough stitch in the OR.


9. Join a yoga class

Yoga is the most important exercise of my daily routine. Being surrounded by beautiful women in spandex should be reason enough for you to join a class, but if you need more motivation, consider this: Yoga eases stress, lowers blood pressure, slows heart rates, and increases flexibility. And there's nothing mystical about it. Loosening your muscles will make them more adaptable, so you may be less likely to injure yourself playing sports. Sure, some of the poses may look ridiculous, but that's for a reason you'll learn quickly enough. Yoga can reach and work muscles that are ignored during routine sports and daily life. My favorite maneuver is the sun salutation.


10. Don't be an island

Ever wonder why women live longer than men do? One major reason: They form tight networks and actually talk about their problems. If you face life's stresses alone, you will make yourself older. Bankruptcy, for example, causes enough stress to wreak havoc on your body. With another person's love and support, that inner aging can be reduced. You really can remake your body into a sleeker, fitter, stronger version of its younger self: Here's everything you need for your best body at 40+.


11. Avoid fad diets

The secret to weight loss is not to avoid carbs, fats, yellow foods, solid foods, or foods that start with the letter G. The real trick is to lower your daily intake by about 100 calories. You'll hardly notice, but it'll add up to a loss of about 10 pounds in a year. Calorie restriction has been shown to lengthen life (in rats and monkeys). I cut back once a year to reset my appetite and tastebuds. Healthy food tastes great afterward. Frankly, any food would.


12. Be a smart patient

Your doctor can help keep you in good health, but the responsibility ultimately falls on you. Seek a second opinion before undergoing any procedure, because 30 percent of the time, that opinion will change the diagnosis or plan. Keep a written medical history, and educate yourself about any family problems, even if that means calling your creepy uncle. You might even consider signing onto Microsoft HealthVault so your files are accessible in case you find yourself in trouble away from home.


13. Lose the beer belly

Most men fasten their belts below their waists. It's just another way of avoiding the truth about that gut. Grab a tape measure and put it around your body at the level of your belly button. That number should be less than half your height. So for my 6-foot, 1-inch frame, I need to keep my waist under 36.5 inches. If avoiding heart attacks and diabetes isn't enough motivation to eliminate that gut, consider this: For every point your body mass index is over 25, your testosterone drops 3 percent, which isn't very manly.


14. Go green

I drink green tea three times a day. It's packed with heart-boosting and cancer-stopping polyphenols that black tea doesn't offer. (These beneficial chemicals are lost when it's fermented.) Green tea also delivers a boost of alertness, but from a smaller dose of caffeine than black tea. Green tea can even fight dandruff, although only if you pour it directly onto your scalp. (It's probably a good idea to let it cool down first.)


15. Sweat till you're wet

If you can work up a sweat for just one hour a week, you'll enjoy a range of benefits: reduced risk of heart attack, better mood, and lower blood pressure. I like interval training on the elliptical, with 15 pullups and 15 dips every 10 minutes. Your muscles will become more efficient, so you'll have more stamina for more enjoyable activities that also work up a sweat.


16. Put it in the bank

Most people rank personal finance as their No. 1 stressor, usually because they feel powerless. Stress not only shortens lives, it also drives people to habits like smoking, drinking, or bingeing on food. Keep some money in a special bank account, safe from your lust for a new television, and you'll establish an emotional comfort zone with major health benefits.


17. Have as much sex as possible

If a 50-something man could have sex 700 times a year, the exercise and stress reduction would make him look and feel years younger. I wouldn't recommend quitting your day job in order to hit that number—but what's the harm in trying? The next time your loved one says she has a headache, tell her she's literally killing you. It works for me. Or use this fun schedule to have sex eight times this week.


18. Know your numbers, and then aim lower

Take the part of your brain dedicated to your steak house's phone number and reassign it to your heart's vital signs. These include blood pressure (which ideally should be below 115 over 75), LDL cholesterol (under 100), resting heart rate (under 70), and fasting blood sugar (under 100). If your numbers aren't ideal, change your diet until they improve.


19. Add some weights

Just 30 minutes twice a week spent lifting weights can build significant muscle mass. What's more, working all that muscle burns tons of calories, making it a great way to lose your gut, too. Don't have weights? Try lifting yourself: Pullups are the most valuable muscle-building exercises I do. Oprah's trainer, Bob Greene, pointed out to me that pullups work the back, pecs, arms, and belly all at once. And since you're lifting yourself, you'll think twice before eating that doughnut, because you'll just have to lift it later. A simple setup in a door frame is convenient and inexpensive.


20. Grab your nuts

Nuts are among the best sources of healthful fats and protein around. I keep a bag of walnuts in my fridge and use their massive dose of omega-3 fatty acids to boost my brainpower while I see patients. Half a handful eaten about 30 minutes before a meal will temper your appetite and help you avoid the drive-thru.


21. No, seriously, grab your nuts

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men in the 15-to-35 age group, but it's usually curable if it's caught early enough. I strongly urge you to grab your testicles. Check them for bumps at least once a month. Each testicle should feel smooth and slightly soft, and one should hang slightly lower than the other, like two avocados (which, in Aztec, actually means "testicles") growing on a tree. Here is everything else you need to know to to keep your package healthy.


22. Hit the dance floor

Crosswords and card games aren't the only way to keep your brain razor sharp. It turns out that any kind of dancing with complex moves is stimulating enough to give your neurons a workout. Even the simplest moves provide some physical exercise. So don't be such a wallflower on your next night out. As a bonus, dancing may help you with tip No. 17.


23. Do your penis a favor and step on a treadmill

Men who exercise enough to burn 200 calories a day significantly lower their chances of impotence. That's because impotence often has the same cause as heart attacks: blocked arteries. Your penis is like a dipstick for your arteries, so check it. If you're interested in keeping it up later in life, lace up the sneakers now.


24. Learn to cook

Think you know how much butter goes into those mashed potatoes at a restaurant? You're probably off by half. If you can cook, you not only save money but also gain control over what goes into your meals. Plus, for most women, a man who knows how to cook is as sexy as one who stars in movies. I have trouble boiling water. Thankfully, I'm already married.


25. Some pills should be popped

The indoor life gives modern man protection from the elements and the ability to watch Gossip Girl in private. Unfortunately, roughly half of us are deficient in vitamin D, of which the sun is a major source. This crucial vitamin may aid in fighting cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. I take a 1,000 IU supplement each morning. 

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Herbs and Seasonings

Herbs and Seasonings

Many organically grown fresh and dried herbs, seasonings, and spices are available; I have seldom observed problems with their use. Dried herbs are best purchased whole and then ground at home. Conventionally grown and produced ground herbs, seasonings, and spices contain some or all of the following: fillers, anticaking agents, artificial coloring, preservatives, monosodium glutamate (MSG), and pesticide residues. Reactions to these various extraneous substances often occur.

Culinary herbs go well with natural foods. Many commonly used herbs also have medicinal properties useful in helping alleviate symptoms of acute or chronic disease.

Black pepper is one seasoning best avoided; overuse may irritate the intestinal tract. Cayenne red pepper, used in moderation, does not seem to have this effect.

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10 Golden Rules to Stay Young Forever

10 Golden Rules to Stay Young Forever

Weight management is on everyone's mind. Every time you turn on the television, you are bombarded with stories about the growing obesity rate. You have seen the commercials and you may own one or more of the widely marketed ab roll thinners, butt tuckers, tummy suckers and electronic fat removers. You may have also tried an Assortment of firming cream and burning pills. People are on a relentless search for the answers to weight loss, physical fitness and to look younger and beautiful. Often people go to any extent to look younger on the outside. They buy the best clothes and cosmetics that money can buy but looking young is not only about what you wear and how you apply make-up.  What you put inside your body by maintaining a high quality natural food diet, has the best effect on how we look and feel. There are some basic facts which can be helpful in achieving your goals faster than you have ever thought.
Here is the list of some of the things that can help you own an enviable toned body and stay in top shape for years to come.

1) Eat “Fit Foods”- your choice in a high quality natural diet plays a significant role in the way to look and feel.  A diet containing balanced amount of complex  carbohydrates, protein and fats  is the key.  Complex carbohydrates intake through brown rice, whole wheat pasta, salads, potatoes, unprocessed cereals etc. have proved to be very effective in losing weight because complex carbohydrates not only control hunger but also provide energy as our body  burns them more efficiently as compared to unprocessed food.

Similarly,  fiber (contained in fruits, vegetables and whole grains) helps get rid of unwanted and toxic substances present in your intestine and colon, accelerates weight loss and keeps the skin glowing. High quality, easily digestible protein can be derived by consuming chicken, turkey, egg whites, fish, low-fat dairy and certain lean cuts of red meat. Protein present in these food sources is easy to digest and helps increase the muscle tissue rather than fat tissues.

2) Eat at least three meals per day - Our body needs to have 3 balanced meals per day which includes a heavy breakfast in the morning containing fruits, cereals, grain bread, eggs,  along with a healthy drink. Research has shown that people who skip breakfast,  find it harder to lose weight. Your body needs energy to get you through the day and that energy is supplied only through a proper breakfast, so if you are not a “breakfast person” start by eating  at least a piece of fruit on your way to work.

3) Drink plenty of water- Water plays a key role in the prevention of diseases, reduction of weight, toxins and chances of cancer; absorption and digestion of food, regulation of body temperature, removal of waste and toxins from the body and maintaining glow of the skin. Water helps the body to metabolize stored fat and acts as appetite suppressant, and thus, leads to weight loss. Whenever you feel hungry, drink a pint of water, it will curb your appetite.

4) Eliminate soft drinks, fruit juices and processed foods - Avoid carbonated beverages and fruit juices even if they are naturally sweetened.  Processed food, refined food and pre-packaged food are loaded with sugars and preservatives. You can replace soft drinks and juices with natural water, herbal tea and caffeine free coffee.

5) Fast once a week- I strongly recommend fasting for everyone. It is something which everyone needs to do and please bear in mind that this has nothing to do with religious beliefs. If you abstain from meals, you are giving your body a chance to rest. In USA, we incessantly eat endless calories with every meal. The body never gets a chance to get rest, repair and restore itself. Our digestive system works round the clock even when we are sleeping. When we eat, it takes that meal three to four hours to travel through the stomach, another five hours for the food to be processed in the small intestine and an additional 12 to 36 hours for the food to go through the large intestine. If you fast one day in a week, you are giving your body a chance to rid itself of abnormal  cells, toxins, heavy metals and chemicals that you have ingested.

6) Don't eat 2 hours before you go for sleep: People generally make the mistake of not eating much during the day and then eating a big dinner before they go to bed. It becomes difficult for the body to burn the extra calories while you are sleeping because your energy levels plummet while sleeping. Therefore, try to eat earlier in the day and keep dinners as simple and light as possible.

7) Exercise to stay fit and young- We all have excuses and explanations for not exercising, like, lack of time, odd working hours, home, kids etc. Good eating and drinking habits and exercise keep you fit for your entire life. Exercise and workout will not only keep you healthy, increase longevity but will also give you mental peace because “A healthy body has a healthy mind”. Any anaerobic exercise like stationary cycling, walking, jogging, swimming, yoga etc. four times a week yields good results. If possible, go for a brisk walk of 10 to 15 minute at lunch or in the evening to boost your metabolism even more. Don't forget to tone your muscles with weight training three days per week.

8) Mediation and deep breathing- Meditation helps develop a stronger body and mind connection. This connection is vital for feeling younger and healthier. Breathing is one of the important and the oldest weapon to fight toxicity in the body. Breathing is an effective way to remove toxins as well as to cleanse and purify the body. When we exhale, we take out carbon dioxide and the toxins which are deadly poisonous for the body. The body has a great tendency and capacity for oxygen. If our body lacks oxygen, we feel tired and have headaches. A few deep breaths not only relieves us from the anxiety and ease digestion but also helps with waking up and going to sleep.

9) Stop smoking and drinking alcohol- Smoking and alcohol consumption have negative effects on your body. Alcohol depresses your metabolism and stimulates your appetite and thus affects your eating habits.

10) Live with a positive attitude- The way to a healthy life begins with a healthy mind. How we think determines everything in our life. We should choose the habits that make us feel younger and live longer with a healthy body and mind. 

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HEAD LICE--HOME REMEDIES

HEAD LICE--HOME REMEDIES

In this condition there is infestation of the hair with blood-sucking parasites, called as "lice" (pediculus capitis), causing the child to itch uncontrollably along with redness of the scalp. Once they grab a head hold, female lice lay upto ten new eggs daily. This condition is diagnosed by the presence of tiny, white or creamish oval eggs (also called as nits) that are seen attached to the base of the hair strands tightly and these parasites get transmitted easily between the school children. Wet combing with a plastic detection comb for 30 minutes provides an alternative but there is no efficacy in this method. 

SOME HOME REMEDIES 

1. Apply a mixture of garlic paste and limejuice to the hair roots and then wash the hair after two hours.

2. After shampooing, one can use a mixture of equal parts of  vinegar and water to rinse the head. Vinegar helps dissolve the dead nits and wash off their remains and also vinegar makes the hair look thicker and shinier.

3. A paste made out of bitter almonds is applied over the scalp and then washed off after an hour or two.

4. Use coconut oil with a pinch of camphor in it as hair oil. Apply fenugreek (methi) paste as a medicine and wash the hair once a week with very dilute camphor water.

5. Washing the hair with a decoction of the leaves of the Margosa (Neem) tree,prepared by boiling a few leaves in some water will not only kill the lice but will also stop the hair from falling. 

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Top 100 Reasons to Exercise

Top 100 Reasons to Exercise

1.  Reduces your risk of getting heart disease. 
2.  Increases your level of muscle strength. 
3.  Improves the functioning of your immune system. 
4.  Enhances sexual desire, performance and satisfaction. 
5.  Helps you to more effectively manage stress. 
6.  Helps you to lose weight especially fat weight. 
7.  Improves the likelihood of survival from a myocardial infarction (heart attack). 
8.  Can help relieve the pain of tension headaches-perhaps the most common type of headache. 
9.  Improves your body’s ability to use fat for energy during physical activity. 
10.  Increases the density and breaking strength of bones. 
11.  Helps to preserve lean body tissue. 
12.  Reduces the risk of developing hypertension (high blood pressure). 
13.  Increases the density and breaking strength of ligaments and tendons. 
14.  Improves coronary (heart) circulation. 
15.  Increases circulating levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. 
16.  Assists in efforts to stop smoking. 
17.  Reduces your risk of developing Type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. 
18.  Can help improve short-term memory in older individuals. 
19.  Helps to maintain weight loss-unlike dieting, alone. 
20.  Helps relieve many of the common discomforts of pregnancy (backache, heartburn, constipation, etc.). 
21.  Reduces your anxiety level. 
22.  Helps control blood pressure in people with hypertension. 
23.  Reduces the viscosity of your blood. 
24.  Reduces vulnerability to various cardiac dysrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms). 
25.  Increases your maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max-perhaps the best measure of your physical working capacity). 
26.  Helps to overcome jet lag. 
27.  Slows the rate of joint degeneration in people with osteoarthritis. 
28.  Lowers your resting heart rate. 
29.  Helps to boost creativity. 
30.  Reduces circulating levels of triglycerides. 
31.  Helps the body resist upper respiratory tract infections. 
32.  Increases your anaerobic threshold, allowing you to work or exercise longer at a higher level, before a significant amount of lactic acid builds up. 
33.  Reduces medical and healthcare expenses. 
34.  Improves ability to recover from physical exertion. 
35.  Helps speed recovery from chemotherapy treatments. 
36.  Increases ability to supply blood to the skin for cooling. 
37.  Increases the thickness of the cartilage in your joints. 
38.  Gives you more energy to meet the demands of daily life, and provides you with a reserve to meet the demands of unexpected emergencies. 
39.  Increases your level of muscle endurance. 
40.  Helps you sleep easier and better. 
41.  Improves posture. 
42.  Improves athletic performance. 
43.  Helps you to maintain your resting metabolic rate. 
44.  Reduces the risk of developing colon cancer. 
45.  Increases your tissues’ responsiveness to the actions of insulin (i.e., improves tissue sensitivity for insulin), helping to better control blood sugar, particularly if you are a Type II diabetic. 
46.  Helps to relieve constipation. 
47.  Expands blood plasma volume. 
48.  Reduces the risk of developing prostate cancer. 
49.  Helps to combat substance abuse. 
50.  Helps to alleviate depression. 
51.  Increases your ability to adapt to cold environments. 
52.  Helps you maintain proper muscle balance. 
53.  Reduces the rate and severity of medical complications associated with hypertension. 
54.  Helps to alleviate certain menstrual symptoms. 
55.  Lowers your heart rate response to submaximal physical exertion. 
56.  Helps to alleviate low-back pain. 
57.  Helps to reduce the amount of insulin required to control blood sugar levels in Type I (insulin-dependent) diabetics. 
58.  Improves mental alertness. 
59.  Improves respiratory muscle strength and muscle endurance-particularly important for asthmatics. 
60.  Reduces your risk of having a stroke. 
61.  Helps you to burn excess calories. 
62.  Increases your cardiac reserve. 
63.  Improves your physical appearance. 
64.  Offsets some of the negative side-effects of certain antihypertensive drugs. 
65.  Increases your stroke volume (the amount of blood the heart pumps with each beat). 
66.  Improves your self-esteem. 
67.  Reduces your susceptibility for coronary thrombosis (a clot in an artery that supplies the heart with blood). 
68.  Helps you to relax. 
69.  Reduces the risk of developing breast cancer. 
70.  Improves mental cognition (a short-term effect only). 
71.  Maintains or improves joint flexibility. 
72.  Improves your glucose tolerance. 
73.  Reduces workdays missed due to illness. 
74.  Protects against “creeping obesity” (the slow but steady weight gain that occurs as you age). 
75.  Enhances your muscles’ abilities to extract oxygen from your blood. 
76.  Increases your productivity at work. 
77.  Reduces your likelihood of developing low-back problems. 
78.  Improves your balance and coordination. 
79.  Allows you to consume greater quantities of food and still maintain caloric balance. 
80.  Provides protection against injury. 
81.  Decreases (by 20 to 30 percent) the need for antihypertensive medication, if you are hypertensive. 
82.  Improves your decision making abilities. 
83.  Helps reduce and prevent the immediate symptoms of menopause (hot flashes, sleep disturbances, irritability), and decrease the long-term risks of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and obesity. 
84.  Helps to relieve and prevent “migraine headache attacks”. 
85.  Reduces the risk of endometriosis (a common cause of infertility). 
86.  Helps to retard bone loss as you age, thereby reducing your risk of developing osteoporosis. 
87.  Helps decrease your appetite (a short-term effect only). 
88.  Improves pain tolerance and mood if you suffer from osteoarthritis. 
89.  Helps prevent and relieve the stresses that cause carpal tunnel syndrome.     
90.  Makes your heart a more efficient pump. 
91.  Helps to decrease left ventricular hypertrophy (a thickening of the walls of the left ventricle) in people with hypertension. 
92.  Improves your mood. 
93.  Helps to increase your overall health awareness. 
94.  Reduces the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. 
95.  Helps you to maintain an independent lifestyle. 
96.  Reduces the level of abdominal obesity a significant health-risk factor. 
97.  Increases the diffusion capacity of the lungs, enhances the exchange of oxygen from your lungs to your blood. 
98.  Improves heat tolerance. 
99.  Improves your overall quality of life. 
100. Lifelong regular exercise may be protective against the development ofAlzheimer’s disease. 

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Thumbsucking: Rules of Thumb for Parents

Thumbsucking: Rules of Thumb for Parents

Like many parents you may be concerned about your child's thumbsucking. You may wonder if it's harmful, at what age your child should stop or what could happen if your child doesn't. The information below can help  put your concerns in perspective and answer some of your questions. 

Sucking is one of a baby's natural reflexes. As infants get older, sucking serves many purposes. Infants and young children may suck on thumbs, fingers, pacifiers or other objects because it makes them feel secure and happy and helps them learn about their world. 

Young children may also suck to soothe themselves. Placing a finger or thumb into their mouth provides a sense of security at difficult periods such as after a scolding or when being separated from their parents. Since thumbsucking is relaxing, it may induce sleep. For this reason, young children often suck in the evenings or when they are tired. 

After the permanent teeth come in, sucking may cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and alignment of the teeth. It can cause changes in the roof of the mouth and constriction of the upper jaw. 

1.Instead of scolding children for sucking, praise them when they are not.

2. Remember that children often suck their thumbs when feeling insecure.  Focus on correcting the cause of anxiety, instead of the thumbsucking.

3. Children who are sucking for comfort will feel less of a need when their parents provide comfort.

3. Reward children when they refrain from sucking during difficult periods, such as when being separated from their parents.

4. Your dentist can encourage children to stop sucking and explain what could happen to the teeth if they continue.

5. If these approaches do not work, remind the children of their habit by bandaging the thumb or putting a sock on the hand at night. If  the child pulls off the sock in their sleep, you may want to snugly tape the sock to the wrist so it does not come off easily.  An ACE bandage around the elbow  is another tool that has proven helpful. Your dentist or your orthodontist may recommend the use of a habit appliance that is cemented onto the  teeth.

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Weight Loss Tips

Weight Loss Tips

General Tips 
1. Eat at least three times per day.
2. Pay attention to your body. When you feel like you have had enough to eat, stop. Quit before you feel full, stuffed, or sick from eating. You can have more if you are really hungry.
3. If you still feel hungry or unsatisfied after a meal or snack, wait at least 10 minutes before you have more food. Often, the craving will go away.
4. Drink plenty of calorie-free drinks (water, tea, coffee, diet soda). You may be thirsty, not hungry.
5. Pick lean meats, low-fat or nonfat cheese, and skim (nonfat) or 1% fat milk instead of higher-fat/higher-calorie choices.
6. Get plenty of fiber. Vegetables, fruits, and whole grains are good sources. Have a high fiber cereal every day.
7. Cut back on sugar. For example, drink less fruit juice and regular soda.
8. Limit the amount of alcohol (beer, wine, and liquor) that you drink.
9. Keep all food in the kitchen. Eat only in a chosen place, such as at the table. Don’t eat in the car or the bedroom or in front of the TV.

Food Preparation 
10. Plan meals ahead of time.
11. Try cooking methods that cut calories:
12  Cook without adding fat (bake, broil, roast, boil).
13. Use nonstick cooking sprays instead of butter or oil. You can also use wine, broth, or fruit juice instead of oil when cooking.
14. Use low-calorie foods instead of high-calorie ones when possible.
15. Cook only what you need for one meal (don’t make leftovers).
16. If you do make extra portions, put them away as soon as they are ready so you can save them for other meals. Store the leftovers in containers that you can’t see through.
17. Cook when you are not hungry. For example, cook and refrigerate tomorrow’s dinner after you have finished eating tonight.
18. Make fruits, vegetables, and other low-calorie foods part of each meal.
19. Drink water while you cook.

Mealtimes 
20. Drink a glass of water before you eat. Drink more during meals.
21. Use smaller plates, bowls, glasses, and serving spoons.
22. Divide your plate into four equal parts. Use one part for meat, one for starch (such as pasta, rice, potatoes, or bread), and two for nonstarchy vegetables.
23. Do not put serving dishes on the table. This will make it harder to take a second portion.
24. Put salad dressing on the side instead of mixing it with, or pouring onto your salad. Then dip your fork into the dressing before you spear a bite of salad.
25. Change your usual place at the table.
26. Make mealtime special by using pretty dishes, napkins, and glasses.
27. Eat slowly. Take a few one-minute breaks from eating during meals. Put your fork down between bites. Cut your food one bite at a time.
28. Enjoy fruit for dessert instead of cake, pie, or other sweets.
29. Leave a little food on your plate. (You control the food; it doesn’t control you.)
30. Remove your plate as soon as you’ve finished eating.
31. If there’s no good use for leftovers, throw them out!

Snacking 
Snacking can be part of your plan for healthy weight loss. You can eat six times per day as long as you plan what to eat and don’t eat too many calories.
32. Plan ahead. Be sure to have healthy snacks on hand. If the right food is not there, you may be more likely to eat whatever is available, such as candy, cookies, chips, leftovers, or other “quick” choices.
33. Keep low-calorie snacks in a special part of the refrigerator. Good choices include the following:
34. Reduced-fat string cheese, low-calorie yogurt, and nonfat milk.
35. Washed, bite-size pieces of raw vegetables, such as carrots, celery, pepper strips, cucumbers, broccoli, and cauliflower. Serve with low-calorie dips.
36. Fresh fruit.

Eating and Emotions 
Do you use eating to deal with feelings other than hunger, such as boredom, being tired, or stress. If you eat for these reasons, here are some other things you can try:
37. Call a friend for support.
38. Use inspirational quotes to help you avoid the temptation to eat.
39. Take a warm bath or shower.
40. Listen to music or a relaxation CD.
41. Take a walk.
42. Try activities that keep you from eating. For example, it’s hard to eat while you’re exercising. If you are gardening, you probably won’t eat while your hands are covered in soil. 

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Nail Care Tips

Nail Care Tips

The nail is made of a hard protein called keratin. A protein is one of the building blocks which make up the body. The nail care help protect the ends of the fingers and toes from trauma and also help us pick up small objects.

Over the last hundred years, the nails have become more important for cosmetic reasons and less important for protection.

Manicuring is the care of the hands and nails. Basic manicuring should be done once a week.  Nice looking, neat, natural nails require care and proper manicuring. A shortish nail that is straight across the top with rounded edges is the current in style shape.  Other shapes include square, round, and oval.

1. Infections
- you may have a nail fungus infection if your nails go crumbly and whitish/yellowish and separate from the nail bed
- hangnails or loose skin around the sides of your nails should be trimmed with a shape scissor or nail nipper to reduce the risk of skin tearing or infections getting into the skin

2. Basic Nail Care
- Wash hands with mild soap, using a nailbrush.
- Soak the hands in warm water for a few minutes to soften the cuticles (the bits of skin at the bottom of the nails).
- Very gently push back the cuticles if they are long and ragged.
- Trim the nails to the same length, cutting off any snaggy or spiky bits.
- File the ends of the nails to smooth them off.
- If your hands are dry, apply some hand cream (it doesn't have to be the girly stuff that stinks of flowers, lads).
- Try not to bite your nails.

3. Filing Nails:
- file the nail when the free edge is 1/4 th  long (otherwise the nail will weaken)
- file from the corner of the nail towards the center in one direction.
- Should be done whenever necessary (sharp edges, weekly basis)

4. Buffing Nails:
- gives nails a shinier finish
- don't go back and forth to create heat - does damage to the nail
- should not be done all the time

5. Clean Nails:
- clean the nails from oils, lotions, and old polish
- ensure the nails are dry before beginning your new manicure

6. Base Coat:
- the base coat protects the nail from staining and keeps the polish from chipping (so it lasts longer)

7. Applying Polish:
- two thin layers of polish looks better than one thick layer
- apply polish to the sides and finish through the centre to keep a nice finish to the polish
- ensure the polish is thin enough prior to applying to the nail Drying Time:
- allow several minutes for polish to dry before applying the next coat
- drying time allows the next coat to adhere properly to the first coat
- dark shades need more time to dry

8. Top Coat:
- apply to nail once last coat of polish has dried completely

9. Moisturize:
- after nails are completely dry, apply moisturizer to hand and nails especially the cuticles

10. Cuticle Oil:
- massage into the cuticle to moisturize and soften dry spots on the cuticles

11. Bed Time:
- apply cream to nail and hands before going to bed

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DISEASES OF THE GUMS

DISEASES OF THE GUMS

Gums are made of soft tissue. They surround the bottom portion of your teeth (called the tooth root). Taking care of your gums is just as important as taking care of your teeth. The most common gum complaints are redness, swelling, tenderness and bleeding of the gums, which is a sign of inflamed gums or "gingivitis". This is caused due to the build up of plaque, a bacteria filled concoction of food and saliva, around the base of the teeth or in between the teeth and the gums. Thus brushing the teeth after every meal and flossing them at least twice daily helps to prevent the collection of plaque.

Women are more susceptible to gingivitis than men. Their gums bleed easily especially during their menstrual periods or during their pregnancy. Gingivitis is also common in people wearing dentures that don"t fit them properly or in those suffering from diabetes, chronic smokers, leukemia, etc. or  in those going through a lot of stress. Heredity, certain drugs (especially antidepressants, oral contraceptives, antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays and certain medications for hearttroubles) and vitamin deficiencies are some of the other common causes.

"Scurvy" is a condition where the gums become red, hot, swollen, spongy, very sensitive and they separate from the teeth and there can be formation of small ulcers on the gums, inside of lips and cheeks, palate and on the tongue with an offensive odor from the mouth. This condition usually results due to dietary deficiencies, especially that of Vitamin C or can be due to heredity, certain drugs or stress.

Use a soft bristled brush for sore and inflamed gums. Proxabrush is a special inter proximal brush that has tiny bristles that go below the gum line, where floss cannot reach. They are thus useful when used in conjunction with normal brushing and flossing.

SOME HOME REMEDIES

1. Incorporate a lot of fresh, raw or lightly cooked vegetables (especially broccoli, pecacua, cauliflower and tomatoes) and fresh, raw fruits (especially citrus fruits, which are a rich source of vitamin C) in your diet. The person should take a well balanced diet consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables and fruits.

2. Mixture of carrot and beetroot juice is a useful remedy for gum disorders.

3. Chew one unripe guava daily to stop the bleeding from the gums because of its richness in vitamin C.

4. Eating oranges and rubbing the gums with their skins daily can help cure pyorrhea (inflammation of the gums).

5. Oranges, pomegranates (anar) and bananas are useful for bleeding gums.

6. Oil from leaves of cinnamon tree (dalchini) is expressed and applied to the gums to make them firm and strong.

7. Dry Indian gooseberry (amla) should be  powdered with an equal quantity of sugar and this powder should be given in doses of one teaspoonful, three times daily, with milk.

8. Wash and cut six lemons in small pieces and pour in some water and bring it to a boil. Then let it cool for about half an hour and then strain it and hold some of this juice in your mouth for a few minutes and take a few glasses of it daily for a few days.

9. The juice of raw spinach (palak) is another useful remedy for bleeding gums and for the treatment of pyorrhea.

10. Grind a few cloves (lavang) to a paste and mix it with lemon juice and massage this paste over the gums.

11. Onions eaten raw keeps the gums healthy and strong.

12. Washing the gums daily with salt solution helps.

13. Lettuce leaves should be chewed daily immediately after meals.

14. One to two cloves of garlic should be chewed daily to keep them strong and prevent any bleeding gums.

15. Chewing cardamom (elaichi) seeds is useful to prevent gum decay.

16. Potato should be included in your daily diet, since it is a good source of Vitamin C.

17. Moisten a small piece of cotton with sandalwood oil and apply it locally over the bleeding gums.

18. Betel nut is chewed to check bleeding from gums.

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Body Piercing - Know The Risks

Body Piercing - Know The Risks

Traumatic tear of the earlobe

Having a part of your body pierced is a very important decision and can have negative health effects if done poorly.If you are considering having a piercing done read on and check out some of the facts for yourself.

Tongues, Lips and Cheeks

Although popular, these can be some of the more dangerous areas of the body to get pierced. Complications can include infections, speech impediments, breathing problems, increased tooth decay and broken teeth. Infections can result in blood poisoning, toxic shock syndrome, a blocked airway, as well as the risk of diseases like HIV and hepatitis.

Eyebrows, nose, ear Lobes and upper ears

Infections in the area around the eyes and nose can result in serious complications. Pierced ear lobes have been around for hundreds of years. Recently, the trend is towards piercing the upper ear through the cartilage that gives your ear its structure. Ear cartilage is sensitive and slow healing. Infections can cause a
‘cauliflower’ appearance of the ear. Piercing the side of your nose can also be very painful, and can cause difficulties if you have a cold or runny nose.

NippLes and naveLs
Nipple piercing in women can create scar tissue that may cause difficulties in breast-feeding in later life. The nipple is very sensitive and therefore can be very painful to pierce. Bellybuttons also should be pierced with care and watched constantly. The moist,  warm nature of the navel makes risk of infection a little higher.

Genitals
Piercing genitals is a decision that should not be taken lightly. An infection here is not only painful, but can be very serious. It is really important to try and get some advice from a doctor before considering piercing of the penis, labia, clitoris, foreskin or scrotum. Some States and Territories restrict access to these procedures to those aged 18 years and over.

HIV and other diseases
There are also significant risks of transmission of diseases like hepatitis B and C and HIV/AIDS in unsafe piercing studios and with piercing done by friends or relatives in un-sterile conditions. It is essential that any sign of infection is treated seriously and promptly.

After the procedure
The body piercing provider should provide you with information about how to care for your new piercing. Remember to make an immediate appointment with your doctor if there are any problems with an area that is pierced that might indicate infection or complications (such as bleeding, pain, weeping or swelling), or that you are worried about.

It is also important to remember that you can talk to your doctor before you decide to have any area of your body pierced.
You doctor will be able to: 

•   discuss the risks with you; 
•   warn about possible allergies, infections and abnormal “keloid” scarring; 
•   tell you how to make sure that the piercing  studio is safe; 
•   talk about how to care for your piercing; and 

  show you what to look for and what to do if something goes wrong.
Some doctors are happy to do piercing for their patients in a clean, sterile and safe environment. Remember your doctor can also give you another opportunity to discuss your decision further. Drugs and alcohol can impair decision making so do not get a piercing done while under the influence. It is best to give yourself some time to think through your decision to get a piercing.

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IRRITATION IN THE EYE

IRRITATION IN THE EYE

Irritation of the eye can result from presence of a foreign particle in the eye or due to straining the eye for long. If you are wearing contact lenses, take them out immediately. Do not itch or rub the eyes vigorously since that will only increase the itching and the irritation and lead to further complications. Press gently on the
inner corner of the eye towards the nose and at the same time draw the outer corner downwards; this will make the tears flow and wash the foreign substance towards the inner corner, from where it can be easily removed. If the irritation persists for long or if it is associated with lachrymation (watering from the eyes) and redness of the eyes, it is better to get it checked by an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

SOME HOME REMEDIES
1. First of all wash the eye with cold water and then apply a cold compress over the eyes, made by wetting a small gauze-piece with cold water. This compress should be used as frequently as possible and for as long as possible.

2. Splash cool water in the eye till the time the irritation decreases and if it doesn't go, then a few drops of rosewater can be instilled in both the eyes.

3. One drop of ghee or honey in each eye is a good cleanser.

4. In cases of burning in the eye, first rinse it with cool water as described above and then rinse the eye with tea after allowing it to cool upto room temperature. The eyes should then be covered with cold, wet tea bags. The tannic acid in the tea bags will soothe and cool down the itch and the irritation. Wrap the teabags with paper towels to avoid any staining of the eyelid.

5. The eyes can also be covered with slices of raw potato (which help draw the toxins out of the eyes) until the pain reduces.

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BOWLING’S HEALTH BENEFITS

BOWLING’S HEALTH BENEFITS

Bowling is good exercise for all ages and works 134 different muscles. It does not take a lot of physical strength to become a good bowler. Bowling helps to improve hand to eye coordination. 

1. Bowling burns roughly 240 calories per hour of activity.

2. It strengthens and tones your arm, shoulder, chest, and leg muscles.

3. It improves heart and respiratory fitness.

4. It increases endurance while maintaining bone density.

5. It speeds up your metabolism.

6. An average bowler swings a bowling ball a full 360 degrees (200 degree back swing, 160 degree down swing).

7. An average bowler with a 16 pound ball swings 864 pounds full circle in a three game series (54 shots times 16 pounds per shot). That is well over one third of a ton.

8. An average bowler walks an average of 60 feet per turn, or about 6/10 of a mile in a three game series.

9. The social aspect of bowling helps improve your mental outlook.

10. Bowling is a lifetime sport. It is one of the few sports that allow you to compete at a high level at an older age.

11. Bowling provides an exercise optionfor those with physical limitations.

12. The millions of dollars of scholarships awarded annually to youth bowlers help them reach their educational goals, which keeps our nation as a whole healthy.

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Cracked Heels - Remedies

Cracked Heels - Remedies

The appearance of fissures (cracks in your skin) and general dryness around the heel of your foot. Dry skin is a primary culprit of cracked heels. The body produces no oil in the palms of hands and on the bottom of the feet. Therefore, the area remains dry most of the time. Individuals who do not use proper hygiene on their feet accumulate up to 30 times more skin in that area than on other parts of the body. Heels are also more prone to cracking with age. Cracks or deep wounds may facilitate the development of infections. Calluses are thickened skin that may also form on the toes. 

1. The onset of advanced years can unfortunately also bring with it this condition, or a higher chance of you developing it.

2. Shoes that do not fit properly.

3. Athlete’s foot can also be associated with this problem.

4. Other major dermatological conditions such as Psoriasis and eczema.

5. If you have diabetes you may well have a higher risk of having very dry skin.

6. A higher level of household heat that reduces humidity and dries out your skin.

7. This condition can also be linked to the wearing of open backed footwear that causes the outer part of the heel to rub and crack.

8. The over use of excessively hot water.

9. Being overweight.

The Main Symptoms are:

This condition is not serious as such, but when the skin breaks open and bleeds then it becomes a source of infection, which is of course not welcome.

Red and flaky patches of skin can be seen and felt.

Peeling and cracked skin.

Itchy skin.
Some suggested treatment programs

Use a pumice stone or other foot file to help reduce the thickness of the skin.

Follow this treatment with the use of a good foot cream in order to moisturise the area and keep it supple. Use frequently i.e. every day. 

1. Use the foot cream at night and wear bed socks to help the foot absorb as much of the cream as possible.

2. Check your shoes and footwear for tight spots that rub against your heel and try and eliminate these.

3. You can wear insoles and corrective devices to realign your feet and get them to work properly so as not to rub on your heels which can make this condition much worse.

4. Applying an oil based moisturizing cream twice daily is really important to get on top of this problem. After looking at the 'tomato' analogy above it should be obvious why it is important to avoid open backed shoes or thin soled shoes.

5. Never try to reduce the hard skin your self with a razor blade or a pair of scissors.

6. There is a risk of an infection developing and taking too much off.

7. Apply any shortening or hydrogenated vegetable oil after washing the feet clean on dry and cracked areas of the feet. After applying a thick coat of shortening on the feet, wear a pair of thick socks. Leaving this application overnight can surely provide positive results in few days.

8. Apply the pulp of a ripe banana on the dry or cracked area of the heel. Leave it on for 10 minutes and rinse it clean.

9. Soak the feet in lemon juice for about 10 minutes. Follow this therapy on a weekly basis until one finds a change.

10. A daily regime of cleaning and moisturizing is a good cure for dry or cracked heels.

11. At the end of the day soak the feet in warm soapy water for about 15 minutes. Rinse feet and pat dry. Make a healing mixture comprising of: one teaspoon Vaseline and the juice of one lemon. Rub this mixture onto the cracked heels and other required areas of the feet till it is thoroughly absorbed. This can be done daily until visible results are obtained.

12. A regular application of a mixture of glycerin and rosewater is known to soothe and cure cracked heels.

13. Another result oriented solution is to melt paraffin wax and mix it well with little mustard oil. Apply on the dry or cracked area of the heels. Rinse it off in the morning. A continuous application for 10 to15 days can achieve desirable results. 

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HEALTH BENEFITS OF JUJUBE FRUIT

HEALTH BENEFITS OF JUJUBE FRUIT

1. Jujube contains antioxidant with rejuvenating properties to help improve the immune system and overall health.

2. Jujube contains high amount of minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, manganese and calcium.

3. Jujube contains vitamin C, riboflavin and thiamine. Jujube fruit has 20 times the amount of vitamin C as citrus fruits.

4. The vitamin and mineral content of the jujube helps to soothe the stomach, ease sore throats, suppress the appetite, support cardiovascular health, enhance metabolism and cleanse the blood vessels.

5. The body requires 24 amino acids to function, and the jujube fruit contains 18 of the 24. Amino acids help with the maintenance and formation of the bones, skin, muscle, bloods, hormones, neurotransmitters and enzymes in the body. They are also essential to the building of more that 50,000 proteins made by the human body. Amino acids assist the body in healing wounds and diseases.

6. The protective effects of jujube fruit on the liver help to eliminate oxidative stress in the liver. Oxidative stress is when free radicals form in the body and interact with cells. Free radicals can lead to many diseases.

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Taking care of your feet

Taking care of your feet

Foot care is important as foot problems are a common complication of diabetes. Your feet can be affected in two ways. Your blood supply may be affected, resulting in slower healing, and you may also lose some feeling in your feet due to nerve damage.

1. Take care of your diabetes.
 Work with your health care team to keep your blood sugar within a good range.

2. Check your feet every day.
Look at your bare feet every day for cuts, blisters, red spots, and swelling.

Use a mirror to check the bottoms of your feet or ask a family member for help if you have trouble seeing.

3. Wash your feet every day.
Wash your feet in warm, not hot, water every day.

Dry your feet well. Be sure to dry between the toes.

4. Keep the skin soft and smooth.
Rub a thin coat of skin lotion over the tops and bottoms of your feet, but not between your toes.

5. Smooth corns and calluses gently.
If your feet are at low risk for problems, use a pumice stone to smooth corns and calluses.
Don’t use over-the-counter products or sharp objects on corns or calluses .

6 . If you can see and reach your toenails, trim them each week or when needed.
Trim your toenails straight across and file the edges with an emery board or nail file.

7. Wear shoes and socks at all times.
Never walk bare foot .

Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and protect your feet.

Feel inside your shoes before putting them on each time to make sure the lining is smooth and there are no objects inside.

8.  Protect you feet from hot and cold.
Wear shoes at the beach or on hot pave m e n t .

Wear socks at night if your feet get cold.

Don’t test bath water with your feet.

Don’t use hot water bottles or heating pads.

9. Keep the blood flowing to your feet.
Put your feet up when sitting.

Wiggle your toes and move your ankles up and down for 5 minutes, 2 or 3 times a day.

Don’t cross your legs for long periods of time.

Don’t smoke.

10.  Be more active.
Plan your physical activity program with your doctor.

11.  Check with your doctor.
Have your doctor check your bare feet and find out whether you are likely to have serious foot problems. Remember that you may not feel the pain of an injury.

Call your doctor right away if you find a cut, sore, blister, or bruise on your foot that does not begin to heal after one day.

Follow your doctor’s advice about foot care.

12. Get started now.
Begin taking good care of your feet today.

Set a time every day to check your feet.

Tips for daily foot care

*Inspect your feet daily. Carefully look at your feet. Check between your toes and if necessary use a mirror to check underneath your feet .

*Look for swelling, redness, heat that may be a sign of infection .

*Wash feet every day and dry well between the toes .

*Use methylated spirits if there is a lot of moisture between the toes .

*Moisturise dry skin, especially cracked heals (eg Sorbolene cream) but not between the toes .

*Calluses may be treated with careful use of a pumice stone .

Do not use blades or sharp instruments.

Take care of your feet for a lifetime.

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