Health TIPS Blog

Meaning of Gift

2009-12-20T21:10:00.000-08:00

Gifts also contain a meaning beyond the physical object. It carries a supplemental meaning about the value of the relationship between the giver and the receiver. The gift represents the giver’s feelings since the gift itself is an expression of the donor’s feelings toward the recipient.

The point of gift-giving is to give the giver an opportunity to demonstrate that he/she knows what the recipient likes.

You want to give a gift that will not be quickly discarded, and that the person will remember you by. The sure way to make sure the meaning of the gift is transferred is to make sure the gift you’re giving attracts attention. You want something that will be used frequently, daily if possible, to remind the person of you and the importance associated with you.

Gift giving is in truth another form of communication, a way by which individuals communicate with those who are important to them. By offering solid evidence of your affection and/or interest, you’re giving them a tangible quality to your relationship, which sometimes could very well be a symbol of the stability of your relationship.

Ways to Lose Excess Fat

2009-06-12T09:24:00.000-07:00

Breathe deeply:
The lymph system has 3 times more fluid than blood in the body, yet no heart-type organ to pump it. One of the main ways it moves is through breathing deeply. Breathe in that sweet smell of healing oxygen.
Get moving:
Exercise also ensures the lymph system flows properly. The best kind is rebounding on a mini-trampoline, which can dramatically improve lymph flow, but stretching and aerobic exercise also works well.
Drink plenty of water:
Without adequate water, lymph fluid cannot flow properly. To help ensure the water is readily absorbed by your cells, I frequently add some fresh lemon juice or Cellfood oxygen+nutrient drops to pure water.
Eat more raw fruit on an empty stomach:
The enzymes and acids in fruit are powerful lymph cleansers. Eat them on an empty stomach for best digestion and maximum lymph-cleansing benefits. Most fruits are digested within 30 minutes or so and are quick to start helping you feel better.
Eat plenty of green vegetables:
Chlorophyll in greens help purify your blood and lymph.
Eat raw, unsalted nuts and seeds:
To power up your lymph with adequate fatty acids. They include: walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, macadamias, Brazil nuts, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds.
Dry skin brush before showering:
Use a natural bristle brush. Brush your skin in circular motions upward from the feet to the torso and from the fingers to the chest. You want to work in the same direction as your lymph flows–toward the heart.
Alternate hot and cold showers for several minutes:
The heat dilates the blood vessels and the cold causes them to contract. Avoid this type of therapy if you have a heart or blood pressure condition or if you are pregnant.
Get a gentle massage:
Studies show that a gentle massage can push up to 78 percent of stagnant lymph back into circulation. Massage frees trapped toxins. You can also try a lymph drainage massage. It is a special form of massage that specifically targets lymph flow in the body. Whatever type of massage you choose, make sure it is gentle. Too much pressure may feel good on the muscles but it doesn’t have the same lymph stimulating effects.

7 Dont's after a meal

2008-04-02T23:05:00.000-07:00

1. Don't smoke-Experiment from experts proves that smoking a cigarette after meal is comparable to smoking 10 cigarettes (chances of cancer is higher).

2. Don't eat fruits immediately - Immediately eating fruits after meals will cause stomach to be bloated with air. Therefore take fruit 1-2 hr after meal or 1hr before meal.

3. Don't drink tea - Because tea leaves contain a high content of acid.This substance will cause the Protein content in the food we consume to be hardened thus difficult to digest.

4. Don't loosen your belt - Loosening the belt after a meal will easily cause the intestine to be twisted &blocked.

5. Don't bathe - Bathing will cause the increase of blood flow to the hands, legs & body thus the amount of blood around the stomach will therefore decrease. This will weaken the digestive system.

6. Don't walk about - People always say that after a meal walk a hundred steps and you will live till 99. In actual fact this is not true. Walking will cause the digestive system to be unable to absorb the nutrition from the food we intake.

7. Don't sleep immediately - The food we intake will not be able to digest properly. This lead to gastric.

Gifts

2008-02-25T20:15:00.000-08:00

There are lot of gift articles and items in the internet world like birthday gifts, flower hampers, wedding gifts, anniversary gifts, valentine day gifts, chocolate gifts, christmas gifts, new year gifts, gift shopping, diwali gifts, free gifts, gift baskets, farewell gifts, gift ideas, gifts to india, great gifts, holiday gifts etc.
A gift or present is the transfer of something, without the need for compensation that is involved in trade. A gift is a voluntary act which does not require anything in return. Even though it involves possibly a social expectation of reciprocity, or a return in the form of prestige or power, a gift is meant to be free.
In many human societies, the act of mutually exchanging money, goods, etc. may contribute to social cohesion. Economists have elaborated the economics of gift-giving into the notion of a gift economy.
By extension the term gift can refer to anything that makes the other more happy or less sad, especially as a favour, including forgiveness and kindness (even when the other is not kind).
Kinds of gifts - A gift may be one of
* an ordinary object,* an object created for the express purpose of gift exchange, such as the armbands and necklaces in the Trobriand Islands' Kula exchange, * an alternative gift such as a donation to a charity in the name of the recipient.* a regift of an unwanted gift previously received by the giver.* a virtual object as seen on Live Journal and Live Tutorials, both of which allow you to purchase virtual gifts or in games such as GiftTRAP which allow you to give virtual gifts. These are all examples of the Virtual Economy* Downloadable gifts refer to virtual gifts like e-books, software and music files which you can purchase and instantly download from web vendors.

Nutrition Information

2008-02-25T19:54:00.000-08:00

Nutrition is a science that examines the relationship between diet and health. Dietitians are health professionals who specialize in this area of study, and are trained to provide safe, evidence-based dietary advice and interventions.
Deficiencies, excesses and imbalances in diet can produce negative impacts on health, which may lead to diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, scurvy, obesity or osteoporosis,
Many common diseases and their symptoms can often be prevented or alleviated with better nutrition. The science of nutrition attempts to understand how and why specific dietary aspects influence health. There are lot of nutritional factors that determine a good and healthy life.
Nutrients:
There are seven main classes of nutrients that the body needs: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, fibre and water. It is important to consume these seven nutrients on a daily basis to build and maintain health.
Poor health can be caused by an imbalance of nutrients, either an excess or deficiency, which, in turn, affects bodily functions cumulatively. Moreover, because most nutrients are involved in cell-to-cell signaling (e.g. as building blocks or as part of a hormone or signaling cascades), deficiency or excess of various nutrients affects hormonal function indirectly. Thus, because they largely regulate the expression of genes, hormones represent a link between nutrition and how our genes are expressed, i.e. our phenotype. The strength and nature of this link are continually under investigation, but recent observations have demonstrated a pivotal role for nutrition in hormonal activity and function and therefore in health.
According to the United Nations World Health Organization ( WHO: 1996), more than starvation the real challenge in developing nations today is malnutrition-the deficiency of micronutrients (vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids) that no longer allows the body to ensure growth and maintain its vital functions.
Carbohydrates:
Carbohydrates may be classified as monosaccharides, disaccharides, or polysaccharides by the number of sugar units they contain. Monosaccharides contain 1 sugar unit, disaccharides contain 2, and polysaccharides contain 3 or more. Polysaccharides are often referred to as complex carbohydrates because they are long chains of sugar units, whereas monosaccharides and disaccharides are simple carbohydrates. The difference is important to nutritionists because complex carbohydrates take longer to metabolize since their sugar units are processed one-by-one off the ends of the chains. Simple carbohydrates are metabolized quickly and thus raise blood sugar levels more quickly resulting in rapid increases in blood insulin levels.
Protein:
Protein is composed of amino acids. The body requires amino acids to produce new body protein (protein retention) and to replace damaged proteins (maintenance) that are lost in the urine. In animals amino acid requirements are classified in terms of essential (an animal cannot produce them) and non-essential (the animal can produce them from other nitrogen containing compounds) amino acids. Consuming a diet that contains adequate amounts of essential (but also non-essential) amino acids is particularly important for growing animals, who have a particularly high requirement.
Fat:
Fats are composed of fatty acids, long carbon/hydrogen chains bonded to a glycerol. Fat may be classified as saturated or unsaturated. Saturated fats have all of their carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms, whereas unsaturated fats have some of their carbon atoms double-bonded in place of a hydrogen atom. Generally, saturated fat is solid at room temperature while unsaturated fat is a liquid. Unsaturated fats may be further classified as mono-unsaturated (one double-bond) or poly-unsaturated (many double-bonds). Trans fats are saturated fats which are typically created from unsaturated fat by adding the extra hydrogen atoms in a process called hydrogenation (also called hydrogenated fat).
Vitamins:
Mineral and/or vitamin deficiency or excess may yield symptoms of diminishing health such as goitre, scurvy, osteoporosis, weak immune system, disorders of cell metabolism, certain forms of cancer, symptoms of premature aging, and poor psychological health (including eating disorders), among many others.
As of 2005, twelve vitamins and about the same number of minerals are recognized as "essential nutrients", meaning that they must be consumed and absorbed - or, in the case of vitamin D, alternatively synthesized via UVB radiation - to prevent deficiency symptoms and death. Certain vitamin-like substances found in foods, such as carnitine, have also been found essential to survival and health, but these are not strictly "essential" to eat because the body can produce them from other compounds. Moreover, thousands of different phytochemicals have recently been discovered in food (particularly in fresh vegetables), which have many known and yet to be explored properties including antioxidant activity (see below). Other essential nutrients include essential amino acids, choline and the essential fatty acids.
Minerals:
Dietary minerals are the chemical elements required by living organisms, other than the four elements carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen which are present in common organic molecules. The term "mineral" is archaic, since the intent of the definition is to describe ions, not chemical compounds or actual minerals. Some dietitians recommend that these heavier elements should be supplied by ingesting specific foods (that are enriched in the element(s) of interest), compounds, and sometimes including even minerals, such as calcium carbonate. Sometimes these "minerals" come from natural sources such as ground oyster shells. Sometimes minerals are added to the diet separately from food, such as mineral supplements, the most famous being iodine in " iodized salt."

FACTS ABOUT HEADACHE

2008-02-22T21:48:00.000-08:00

Definition
A headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. Serious causes of headaches are extremely rare. Most people with headaches can feel much better by making lifestyle changes, learning ways to relax, and occasionally by taking medications.
Common Causes
Tension headaches are due to tight, contracted muscles in your shoulders, neck, scalp, and jaw. They are often related to stress, depression, or anxiety. Overworking, not getting enough sleep, missing meals, and using alcohol or street drugs can make you more susceptible to them. Headaches can be triggered by chocolate, cheese, and monosodium glutamate (MSG). People who drink caffeine can have headaches when they don't get their usual daily amount.
Other common causes include:
Holding your head in one position for a long time, like at a computer, microscope, or typewriter
Poor sleep position
Overexerting yourself
Clenching or grinding your teeth
Tension headaches tend to be on both sides of your head. They often start at the back of your head and spread forward. The pain may feel dull or squeezing, like a tight band or vice. Your shoulders, neck, or jaw may feel tight and sore. Migraine headaches are severe, recurrent headaches generally accompanied by other symptoms like visual disturbances or nausea. They tend to begin on one side of your head, although the pain may spread to both sides. You may have an "aura" (warning symptoms that start before your headache) and feel throbbing, pounding, or pulsating pain.

Other types of headaches:
Cluster headaches are sharp, extremely painful headaches that tend to occur several times per day for months and then go away for a similar period. They are far less common.
Sinus headaches cause pain in the front of your head and face. They are due to inflammation in the sinus passages that lie behind the cheeks, nose, and eyes. The pain tends to be worse when you bend forward and when you first wake up in the morning. Postnasal drip, sore throat, and nasal discharge usually occur with these headaches.
Headaches may occur if you have a cold, the flu, fever, or prementrual syndrome. If you are over age 50 and are experiencing headaches for the first time, a condition called temporal arteritis may prove to be the cause. Symptoms of this condition include impaired vision and pain aggravated by chewing. There is a risk of becoming blind with this condition. Therefore, it must be treated by your doctor right away.
Rare causes of headache include:
Brain aneurysm -- a weakening of the wall of a blood vessel that can rupture and bleed into the brain
Brain tumor
Stroke or TIA
Brain infection like meningitis or encephalitis.

Home Care
Keep a headache diary to help identify the source or trigger of your symptoms. Then modify your environment or habits to avoid future headaches. When a headache occurs, write down the date and time the headache began, what you ate for the past 24 hours, how long you slept the night before, what you were doing and thinking about just before the headache started, any stress in your life, how long the headache lasts, and what you did to make it stop. After a period of time, you may begin to see a pattern.
A headache may be relieved by resting with your eyes closed and head supported. Relaxation techniques can help. A massage or heat applied to the back of the upper neck can be effective in relieving tension headaches.
Try acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen for tension headaches. DO NOT give aspirin to children because of the risk of Reye's syndrome.
Migraine headaches may respond to aspirin, naproxen, or combination migraine medications.
If over-the-counter remedies do not control your pain, talk to your doctor about possible prescription medications.

If you get headaches often, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent headaches before they occur.

Meaning of Colors in Rose:

2007-04-18T22:13:00.000-07:00

White (Bridal) Rose symbolizes a happy love.

Single Rose in any color expresses simplicity and gratitude .

White Roses express Purity/heavenly, secrecy, silence, innocence and charm.

Red (Dark) Rose reveals unconscious beauty.

Red Roses symbolize sincere Love, Respect, Courage & Passion.

Pink Rose carry the message of happiness, gracefulness and gentleness.

Pink (Light) Rose conveys admiration, gentleness, grace, gladness, joy and sweetness.

Pink (Deep) says Thank You.

Orange Roses indicate enthusiasm, desire and fascination.

Lavender Roses symbolize love at first sight and enhancement.

Red (Single) means "I Love You."

Yellow Roses indicate joy, gladness, friendship and "I Care."

Coral Rose conveys desire

IMPRESSIVE QUOTES ABOUT FRIENDS:

2007-04-18T22:11:00.000-07:00

Feeling is a painting, never spoil it, face is a book, try to read it , love is preceious never lose it, friendship is a mirror never break it.

"Two may talk together under the same roof for many years, yet never really meet; and two others at first speech are old friends." - Mary Catherwood .

The friendship between a man and a woman which does not lead to marriage or desire for marriage may be a life long experience of the greatest value to themselves and to all their circle of acquaintance and of activity; but for this type of friendship both a rare man and a rare woman are needed. Perhaps it should be added that either the man or the woman thus deeply bound in lifelong friendship who seeks marriage must find a still rarer man or woman to wed, to make such a three cornered comradeship a permanent success.__ Anna Garlin Spencer.

If you are my friend, walk with me and understand my pain...
Even if I'm right or wrong, your love for me shouldn’t change...
Don't stab me in the back, or look to do me harm...
Stay by my side, no matter how bad the storm...
When I'm feeling like no one loves me, just tell me everything will be cool...
It's something about your love, that changes my whole mood...
When my life is over, and everything is said and done...
My spirit will cherish our friendship, because you helped me move on...

“A friend is someone who brightens your day with a smile, a warm hello, or gentle words from the heart. A friend is a precious gift to be cherished and nurtured. A friend is a treasure beyond worth.”

BEHOLD A PERFECT DAY IN THE EARLY 21st CENTURY:

2007-04-18T21:26:00.000-07:00

Your eyes are opened by a couple of perfect mugs of coffee made automatically by your perfect coffee maker. Your work out in your home gym in pursuit of perfect body. You order some pills online in pursuit of perfect health (though if truth be told, you’ve been feeling under the weather lately). On the way to work, everyone jabbers on cell phones in pursuit of perfect reception as do you. You spend ten hours at your PC terminal in your closed-off office in perfect isolation, where you pay bills and make other financial transactions perfectly without needing a bank teller and send emails to those with whom you maintain perfect friendships, though you haven’t seen one another in years. In fact, no one has actually spoken to you all day (though for some reason you feel more stress than ever).

Returning home, you plug your iPod into your amp and play a perfect selection of songs chosen solely by you. Operate the TV by remote on which you order up the perfect movie for you and use your cordless phone to call for the perfect pizza for you. Online again, you order more pills for the perfect night’s sleep.

With luck, you will still have time to plan a customized funeral and to drop dead without having made contact with another human being. The perfect cremation is optional.

Tonics

2007-01-22T07:51:00.002-08:00

Maintaining a proper strength of the immune system in the body is a basic requirement for staying healthy. To avoid falling sick and to maintain good health, Ayurveda advises a number of simple formulas which are very effective to increase immunity or 'Ojas'. To become an expert in rejuvenation or 'rasayana' therapy, you might need to join our online courses on 'Original Ayurveda'.However, here are some recipes for simple Ayurvedic tonics that act as 'Rasayanas'.

These are especially beneficial for those who are physically weak, underweight and have weak muscles. The tonics given below nourish not only the body but mind too.

Eat 3 or 4 figs and drink 250ml warm milk in the morning. One or two teaspoons of honey may be added to the milk for sweetening. Soak the figs in water if they are dry. It is a very good tonic and also cures constipation and anemia.

Take 2 walnuts, 4 almonds and 7 raisins. Soak them overnight in water and eat the next morning with 250ml of warm milk. Chew well. It's good to add one or two teaspoons of honey to the milk for sweetening.

Take 1 part dry dates (without seeds), 2 parts dry coconut and 3 parts sugar candy. Cut/break them into small pieces and mix together. Take about 50 grams of this mixture every morning. It's specially good for the children and prevents common ailments like tonsillitis, cold, cough, indigestion and diseases relating to teeth. The dose for children is 2 teaspoons and 4-5 teaspoons for adults. Do not drink water immediately after eating this mixture.

Take equal quantity of unpeeled apples and carrots grated. This mixture should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning. Dose can be up to 200 grams. Do not eat anything for 2 hours after eating this mixture. It is very effective in reducing extra fat, specially for the women. For increasing weight the same mixture should be taken immediately after lunch. Special Ayurvedic tonic for infants:

Take 1 almond and soak it in water overnight. In the morning remove the skin of almond and make a fine paste by grinding it. Mix in 1 gram of honey. Give to babies who are 4 months or older. It is a nice tonic for both mental and physical development of the child. Please note that the almond should not be bitter and the paste should be very fine.

Take 25 grams black chickpeas (kala chana). Soak them in 200 ml water in the night. It is advised to eat these next morning. The water can also be taken with or without mixing a teaspoon of honey. The sprouts made from black chickpeas can also be taken. They strengthen the lungs, help reduce cholesterol and are good in cases of heart disease. Those having a weak digestion or who develop heaviness after eating this, should discontinue.

Take 2-3 dry dates and soak them in water every morning. In the evening boil them in 250ml milk untill half the quantity of milk remains. Cool and add one teaspoon honey as a sweetener. Eat the dates and drink the milk. This can be taken one hour before going to bed. Do not drink water for 2 hours after taking this tonic. This tonic helps to build all the 'Dhatus', gives strength to lungs, increases blood circulation, cleans the bowels and alleviates Vata and Pitta.

Honey

2007-01-22T07:51:00.001-08:00

The Predigested Natural Food Since ancient times, humans have used honey as a natural food, as a sweetener, for medical use, for beautification and for many other purposes.

Benefits of Honey :

EyesightRegular use of honey mixed with the carrot juice helps to improve the eyesight. It should be taken one hour before meals in the morning.

Cough: Mixture of equal quantities of honey and ginger juice is a good expectorant. It gives immediate relief in symptoms like cold, cough, sore throat, congestion of chest and runny nose.

Asthma: Mix half a gram of black pepper powder with honey and ginger juice mixture (equal quantity). Take this mixture at least three times a day. It helps to cure asthma.

Blood Pressure: Take one teaspoonful of garlic juice mixed with two teaspoonful of honey. It can be taken twice a day in the morning and evening. Regular use of this mixture is beneficial for high blood pressure.

Blood Purification and Fat Reduction: Take one glass of warm water and mix 1-2 teaspoonful of honey and one teaspoonful of lemon juice. Take this preparation daily before evacuation. It helps to purify the blood. It also helps to reduce fat and to clean the bowels.

Heart Tonic: One teaspoonful of anise powder mixed with one or two teaspoonful of honey acts a very nice tonic for the heart. It strengthens the heart muscles and improves its functions.

Remedies for Hair Loss and Balding

2007-01-22T07:50:00.000-08:00

Hair loss, thinning of hair and balding are some of the common hair problems. Many of us suffer from these ailments due to our modern lifestyle and diet. Ayurveda can be very beneficial in treating these conditions as it investigates the root cause of the problem. The causes for these hair conditions are:
Excess of Pitta dosha in the body is the chief cause of hair problems. Pitta is increased by excessive intake of tea, coffee, alcohol, meats and excessive smoking. Pitta is also aggravated by eating too much fried, oily, greasy, spicy, sour, and acidic foods.
Intake of too many chemical medicines, low blood circulation, anemia, general weakness after disease, stress, anxiety, and mental tension are also prime causes of hair loss.
Chronic diseases like typhoid fever, presence of dandruff or lice and hormonal imbalance also cause hair loss.
So watch out carefully for these reasons! You may be overdoing one of them, and thus losing your beautiful hair.Treatment
The first step is to locate the root cause in your diet or lifestyle that may be increasing the Pitta dosha. Once you locate it, try to give up or at least reduce the diet, habit, or activity responsible for increasing Pitta.
Always use a natural shampoo or soap to clean the hair. As most soaps and shampoos have chemicals, they might be the cause of your problem. Usually the chemicals have a heating effect, and increase Pitta locally. Amala (embilica officinalis), Shikakai (Acacia concinna) are very commonly used in India for washing the hair.
Oiling and massaging of scalp is very beneficial for stopping the hair loss. Use coconut oil or mustard oil at least three times in a week. Certain medicated oils like 'Mahabhringraj oil', 'Amala oil', and 'Arnica oil' are very useful. Put oil on the scalp, and massage gently in the roots of the hair.
The person should maintain a regular bowel movement everyday. In case of constipation, a mild natural laxative can be taken. Triphala, an Ayurvedic herbal powder, is also useful.
The diet should contain more green leafy vegetables, salads, milk, fruits and sprouts. Take more proteins, milk, buttermilk, yeast, wheat germ, soybean and vitamin A.
Regular physical exercise is very beneficial as it helps in balancing the aggravated doshas.
A special Ayurvedic preparation made from Bhringraj (Eclipta elba), Amala, corals, iron and black sesame seeds is very useful, and even stops the graying of hair.
Rub your scalp vigorously after washing the hair. It increases the blood circulation, and activates the sebaceous glands.
A mixture of lettuce and spinach juice is good to drink to induce hair growth. The juice of alfalfa mixed with that of carrot, and lettuce juice is also good to take.
Daily application of coconut oil mixed with lime juice on the hair is also beneficial. Applying juice of green coriander leaves on the head is also good.
Washing the hair with a paste of cooked Urad dal (black beans) and fenugreek (methi) 2-3 times a week, is also good.
A paste of licorice made by grinding it in milk can be applied in the bald patches. It induces hair growth. A paste of seeds of lemon and black pepper may also be applied on the bald patches.
These remedies are worth trying and will solve your hair problems.

Look Beautiful, the Natural Way

2007-01-22T07:49:00.000-08:00

Our skin faces a constant barrage of chemicals everyday from pollution to harsh chemically formulated products that strip the skin of its natural balance. These simple Ayurvedic home remedies help you to attain a clear, healthy and glowing complexion. Ayurveda mentions many simple natural ways to maintain a healthy and glowing skin. Using these natural ways, one can stay beautiful for a longer period without having to suffer the side effects of the chemicals.Below are some simple 'secrets' to achieve a naturally beautiful skin.
Mix equal quantities of cucumber juice, rose water and lime juice. Wash the face and apply it overnight. Rinse off in the morning. This clears the complexion and keeps it healthy.
Take 50 ml. of raw (not boiled) milk and mix a pinch of salt and two teaspoonful of lime juice in it. Use it as a cleansing lotion. It helps to clean the deep pores of skin.
Mix equal quantities of lime juice, glycerin and rose water. This lotion if applied to the face regularly at bed time is very useful in removing pimples, blackheads and other stains of the skin. It makes the skin soft, and can also be applied to other parts of the body (hands, feet etc.)
Take 50 ml. of tomato juice and mix with one teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply this mixture to the face. It helps to make the skin soft and glowing.
Take equal quantities of turmeric powder and wheat flour and make a paste with sesame oil. Apply it to the face to remove unwanted hair.
Apply orange juice to the face for smooth and soft skin.
Take 30 ml. of cabbage juice and mix one teaspoon of honey in it. This mixture, if applied regularly to the face, helps to keep the wrinkles away.
Make a paste of raw carrots and apply it to the face. Wash it after one hour. The skin will become glowing.
Regular application of mint juice to the face helps to remove stains.
Try out some of these simple natural remedies for smooth, clear and radiant complexion

Preparation of Home Remedies

2007-01-22T07:48:00.000-08:00

According to ayurveda home remedies are prepared in the same way and with the same purpose as other ayurvedic medicines. The main aim is to obtain the maximum therapeutic benefit while making it palatable.Some common methods of preparing home remedies are:
JuiceThe juice may be taken from the fresh leaves, flowers or stems of the herb. The part of the herb used should be crushed or ground in a mortar and pestle, to make a paste. This paste should be put in a piece of cloth and squeezed to take out the juice.Dosage: One to two tablespoons twice a day.

PowderDried herbs are used for powders. The herbs are usually dried in a cool, shady and well-ventilated place, although some herbs are dried in direct sunlight. The herbs are then ground into a fine powder and stored in a dry, airtight bottle. The powder may be taken with water, or if specified, with milk or honey.Dosage: Half to one teaspoon twice a day
DecoctionA decoction is prepared by boiling the herb in water (ratio: 1 part herb to 16 parts water). The herbs are broken into pieces and soaked in water overnight. This mixture is then boiled until it reduces to one quarter of the original volume. It is then filtered and stored in a glass bottle.Dosage: One to two tablespoons twice a day.
InfusionHerbs are soaked in water to make an infusion (ratio: 1 part herb to 8 parts water). Hot infusions result from adding herbs to hot water, or gently heating but not boiling the mixture. This is strained and taken internally. Herbal teas are forms of hot infusions. Cold infusions are made from soaking the herb overnight. Honey can be added.Dosage: half to one cup once or twice day.
PasteA paste can be made from either fresh or dried herbs. The flowers, roots, stems, leaves or bark are ground and mixed with water. Pastes are mainly used for external application, in cases of cuts, burns and swellings. The paste should be thick enough to be applied in a layer to the skin.
TabletsThe herbs should be first dried separately and then mixed together in a powder form, in fixed proportions. Water or herbal juice can be added to this powder to make a paste, from which tablets of a specific size or weight are made. Tablets remain potent longer than juices, powders, pastes or decoctions.Dosage: 1 or 2 tablets twice a day.
Medicated ghee and oilGhee is cooked with herbal juices, decoctions or pastes. The ghee should be heated with the herbal mixture at a moderate, controlled temperature. High temperatures can easily burn the ghee or oil, destroying its effectiveness. Medicated ghee and oils are either used internally or massaged externally.Dosage: Half to one tablespoon.

Reduce Weight by Natural Ways

2007-01-22T07:47:00.000-08:00

The chief cause of obesity or overweight is often overeating, irregular eating habits and not following the rules of eating such as improper mixing of food items in one meal.In ayurveda, Charak Samhita describes eight different types of bodies that are disease prone. Out of these, the obese body is described as the one afflicted with the most diseases and troubles. Obesity is the condition or physical state of the body when excessive deposition of fat takes place in the adipose tissue. Extra fat puts a strain on the heart, kidneys, liver and the joints such as the hips, knees and ankles and thus, overweight people are susceptible to several diseases like coronary thrombosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, gout, liver and gall bladder disorders. Chief cause of obesity is overeating, irregular eating habits and not following the rules of eating or mixing non-compatible food items in one meal. To decrease weight and get rid of obesity three things must be kept in mind:
Controlling eating habits.
Regular exercise.
Avoiding the causes of weight gain

Diet recommended to lose weight
Early morningJuice of half a lemon mixed in a glass of warm water and a teaspoon of honey.
BreakfastWheat or Mung bean sprouts and a cup of skimmed milk.
MidmorningA glass of orange, pineapple or carrot juice.
Lunch
Salad of raw vegetables such as carrot, beet, cucumber, cabbage, tomatoes. Steamed or boiled vegetables
Whole grain bread or whole wheat chapatis (Indian bread) and a glass of buttermilk.
Roasted cumin seeds, green coriander leaves, a little salt and some grated ginger mixed in the buttermilk.

Mid-afternoon
Coconut water
Dry fruits
Lemon tea
Fresh vegetable soup

Dinner
Whole grain bread or chapatis
Steamed vegetables
Seasonal fruits except banana and apple.
Home Remedies for Losing Weight
Increase the quantity of fruits and vegetables and low calorie foods.
Avoid intake of too much salt as it may be a factor for increasing body weight.
Milk products like cheese, butter etc. and non-vegetarian foods should be avoided as they are rich in fat.
Mint is very beneficial in losing weight. A chutney of green mint with some simple spices can be taken with meals. Mint tea also helps.
Spices like dry ginger, cinnamon, black pepper etc. are good for loosing weight and can be used in a number of ways.
Regular intake of carrot juice.
Avoid rice and potato, which contain a lot of carbohydrates. Among cereals wheat is good.
Vegetables like bitter gourd (Karela), and bitter variety of drumstick are useful in loosing weight.
Honey is an excellent home remedy for obesity. It mobilizes the extra deposited fat in the body allowing it to be utilized as energy for normal functions.Dosage: One should start with small quantity of about 10 grams or a tablespoon, taken with hot water early in the morning. A teaspoonful of fresh lemon juice may also be added.
Fasting on honey and lime- juice is highly beneficial in the treatment of obesity without the loss of energy and appetite. For this, mix one teaspoon of fresh honey with the juice of half a lime in a glass of lukewarm water.Dosage: Take several times a day at regular intervals.
Raw or cooked cabbage inhibits the conversion of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat. Hence, it is of great value in weight reduction.
Exercise is an important part of any weight reduction plan. It helps to use up calories stored in body as fat.
Walking is the best exercise to begin with and may be followed by running, swimming or rowing.
The gum of Commiphora Mukul called 'guggulu' is the drug of choice for the treatment of obesity.

Arthritis

2007-01-22T07:43:00.000-08:00

Symptoms:
Following are the signs that indicate the presence of this ailment:
Severe pain in the affected joints.
Muscles, ligaments and cartilage become inflamed.
Movement of the joint becomes extremely painful, especially in cold, windy and damp weather.
It is notable that if this disease is not taken care of properly at the initial stages the joint becomes immobile and may also become permanently deformed.

Causes:
This ailment is caused due to the aggravation of Vata (air) dosha and accumulation of Ama (toxins). Ama gets deposited in the weak areas of the body, joints with a simultaneous aggravation of Vata that is known as Ama Vata (arthritis).Weak digestion, constipation, overeating and very little physical activity are the symptoms that can develop in a patient of arthritis.

Remedies :
Ama must be digested and Vata reduced in the body.
Digestion should be improved and fasting for one day is beneficial for digesting Ama.
Two teaspoons of lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey mixed in a cup of warm water is good for curing arthritis.Dosage: Taken twice a day proves.
Bake one or two egg- plants. Mash and fry in about 2 tablespoons of castor oil. Spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, garlic and salt can be added while frying.Dosage: Take once daily for two to three months for relief.
Half a teaspoon of turmeric powder with warm water helps cure arthritis.Dosage: Taken twice a day
One raw clove of garlic every day is very beneficial. This clove can be fried in ghee (clarified butter) or castor oil.Dosage: Once daily for two-three months.
Guggulu (a herb) is very helpful in curing arthritis. If available, eat half a teaspoon twice a day after meals with warm water. ·Paste of 1 teaspoon red chilies and fresh ginger mixed in half a cup of sesame oil and strain. Gently rub this oil on the affected joints. ·Camphor, wintergreen and cinnamon oils are also beneficial for external application.

Dos and don'ts

Following is the diet suggested for the patients suffering form arthritis:
Vegetable juices and soups
Coconut water
Coconut milk
Carrot juice
Beet root juice
Cucumber juice
Cooked vegetables like squash, zucchini and pumpkin
Spices like cumin, coriander, ginger, asafetida, garlic, fennel and turmeric Green salad with a dressing of lemon juice and a little salt
Khichadi (recipe made by cooking rice and mung dal )
Regular physical exercise and massage with oil should form an important part of the routine.

The patient of arthritis must avoid the following:
Eating hot, spicy and fried foods, sweets, wind forming foods like cabbage, Cauliflower, spinach, broccoli, okra and potatoes.
Too much tea, coffee, alcohol, white sugar, yogurt, chocolate, cocoa.
Antibiotics, painkillers, steroids and nicotine
Sleeping during the day
Staying up late at night
Mental tensions like worry, anxiety, fear, stress and grief.

Exercise not only for body but also for eyes, the windows of our soul.

2007-01-15T18:56:00.000-08:00

*** Sit comfortably on a chair. Rub your hands together until they feel warm. Close your eyes and cover them lightly with your cupped palms. Avoid applying pressure on your eyeballs. Place your palms so that the nose remains uncovered, and the eyes remain behind the slight hollow of the palms. Make sure that no light rays enter the eyes, and leave no gaps between fingers or between the edge of the palms and the nose. You may still see other lingering traces of colors. Imagine deep blackness and focus on the blackness. Take deep breaths slowly and evenly, while thinking of some happy incident; or visualize a distant scene. After your eyes see nothing but blackness, remove your palms from your eyes. Repeat the palming for 3 minutes or more.

***Close your eyes tightly for 3-5 seconds, then open them for 3-5 seconds. Repeat this 7 or 8 times.

***Close your eyes and massage them with circular movements of your fingers for 1-2 minutes. Make sure you press very lightly; otherwise, you could hurt your eyes.

***Sit and relax. Roll your eyes clockwise, then counter-clockwise. Repeat 5 times, and blink in between each time.

***Focus on a distant object (over 150 feet away) for several seconds and slowly refocus your eyes on a nearby object (less than 30 feet away) that's in the same direction. Focus for several seconds and go back to the distant object. Do this 5 times.

Tips :
**It is more important to do the exercises regularly than to do them for a long time.
**Even 30-60 seconds of eye movement every hour is very helpful. For example, when your computer takes its sweet time to do something, most people just swear at the poor thing and waste the time, but you can make a few circles with your eyes. Even the first day you do this, you should notice that, when you finish working, your eyes aren't as tired as usual.
**Taking short breaks from near work (e.g. staring at a computer monitor) to stare out to the distance also relieves some strain.

Warnings
***Consult your eye doctor before doing any of these exercises. The last thing you want to do is add further strain to your eyes, or damage them permanently.
***When doing these exercises, make sure that you're not facing anybody, or that they know you're doing eye exercises. Otherwise they might think you've gone nuts.
***Extensive peer reviewed research has shown that visual clarity is not improved by exercise. ***Doing these exercises when you wear contacts may cause them suction to your eyeball. They might also move around and possibly become folded and/or dislodged, which can be extremely uncomfortable as well.
***Do not apply pressure on your eyes.

Eye care while working on Computer

2007-01-15T18:51:00.000-08:00

Vitamin A for healthy eyes:

Vitamin A is an antioxidant found in foods made from animals which includes liver and eggs and in fruits and vegetables like carrots and spinach. Most types of milk are also fortified with vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential to proper functioning of the retina. It also helps prevent night blindness by helping the eye to adapt between bright light and darkness. Vitamin A also helps reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and the forming of cataracts. With AMD and cataracts being the leading causes of visual impairment and with the number of people to be effected increasing, getting a good amount of Vitamin A is essential to the eye's health and beauty.

Adjust the position of your monitor :

The biggest cause of eye problems is placing the monitor too high. Our eyes work better and focus more accurately when they're looking slightly downward rather than straight ahead.

Pay attention to surrounding lighting:
Glare or shadows caused by nearby windows can cause eyestrain. To avoid this curtains can be used.

Take eye breaks:
Giving rest to eyes is one of the best way to protect eyes.

Eye allergies and symptoms

2007-01-15T18:44:00.000-08:00

Common allergens include:
**Pollen.
**Grass.
**Weeds.
**Dust.
**Pet dander.

Common symptoms of eye allergies:
**Redness.
**Tearing.
**Burning sensation.
**Blurred vision.
**Mattering and/or mucous production.

When to Seek Medical Care:

If you suffer from allergies but can identify and avoid whatever you are allergic to, your allergies should improve markedly. If you are unable to identify or avoid the allergens, seeking care for your ocular allergies from an ophthalmologist is advised. Occasional flare-ups of your symptoms may require more frequent visits. Consultation with an allergist may be very beneficial.

Secrets of healthy Eyes

2007-01-15T18:40:00.000-08:00

**Have your eyes checked every 12 month
**Go for the best quality contact lenses, take proper care of them, wear your contact lenses to the recommended schedule, and if you want to change the color of your eyes, choose only top quality color contact lenses.
**In summer, always wear sunglasses: It is proven that UV rays can seriously damage your eyes, but good sunglasses can prevent this damage.
**Eat what is good for you and your eyes: Vitamins C, A and E, folic acid, selenium and zinc are definitely beneficial for the health of your eyes. The effects of the other vitamins and minerals aren't determined yet, but it seems likely that they affect your eyesight as well.
**When you read or work on the computer make sure that the light is right: It is a common knowledge that working with poor light can cause eyestrain, but light that is too bright can do as much damage.
**Give your eyes a health break: Working at the computer causes eye dryness. Another thing is to look away from the screen and focus on some faraway object, as often as possible.

Who is Rich?

2007-01-10T21:30:00.000-08:00

"One day a father and his rich family took his young son on a trip to the country with the firm purpose to show him how poor people can be. They spent a day and a night in the farm of a very poor family.

When they got back from their trip the father asked his son, "How was the trip?"
Very good, Dad!"
"Did you see how poor people can be?" the father asked.
"Yeah!"
"And what did you learn?"

The son answered, "I saw that we have a dog at home, and they have four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of the garden, they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lamps in the garden, they have the stars. Our patio reaches to the front yard, they have a whole horizon.When the little boy was finishing, his father was speechless.

His son added, "Thanks, Dad, for showing me how poor we are!" Isn't it true that it all depends on the way you look at things? If you have love, friends, family, health, good humor and a positive attitude toward life, you've got everything!You can't buy any of these things. You can have all the material possessions you can imagine, provisions for the future, etc., but if you are poor of spirit, you have nothing!.

Tips to Avoid Cholesterol

2007-01-08T19:12:00.000-08:00

Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet: A healthy diet includes 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Base your meals on whole grains, beans, and legumes, or a 4-ounce portion of lean meat or poultry without the skin, and 2-3 servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy products each day. Limit your intake of sweets, and other high-fat foods.

Stop smoking: Smoking lowers your HDL as well as being an additional risk factor for heart disease, lung disease and cancers .

Exercise: Exercise helps increase your HDL as well as burning off excess fat.

Watch your weight: being overweight can increase your LDL and in itself is a risk for heart disease and high blood pressure.

Regular appointments with your doctor: We all should have regular exams by our doctor
You may need medicines: If all else fails, your doctor may need to start you on a medicine to lower cholesterol. Consult with your doctor if you are having trouble controlling your cholesterol and triglycerides.

Controlling Cholesterol

2007-01-08T19:07:00.000-08:00

Eating the wrong snacks is what can gets you into trouble. Snacks high in fats and carbohydrates can increase cholesterol levels, cause weight gain, and can eventually lead to complications such as heart disease, high cholesterol and diabetes. The good news is that, with so many people concerned with eating healthy these days, many food manufacturers have developed low fat, low carbohydrate alternatives to foods that are almost identical in taste to the “real thing”.

Fiber reduces cholesterol: A diet high in soluble fiber, such as that found in oat bran, whole oats, psyllium, legumes, barley, fruit, and prunes, lowers blood levels of the harmful type of cholesterol (LDL) without lowering the good cholesterol (HDL) levels. As it travels down the intestines, soluble fiber absorbs water and forms a gluey gel which picks up cholesterol and carries it out of the body. Yet, doctors caution, adding more soluble fibers to your diet is not a license to eat high cholesterol foods. High fiber diets are usually low in fat, too, and the cholesterol-lowering effects may be related to less fat in the diet as well as to fiber.

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables: They are low in calories and fat. In addition they provide vitamins and antioxidants.

Watch your saturated fat intake: Consumption of saturated fats should be lowered, if not avoided, since they are associated with raising cholesterol levels. Saturated fats are usually encountered in fried foods and in animal meats.

Watch what you put on the food that you cook: Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, such as those used in many margarines and shortenings, contain a particular form of fat known as trans-fatty acids. These should also be avoided, since they raise cholesterol levels. They are usually found in fried foods and processed foods, such as cookies, chips, and candies.

Carbohydrates are an important and quick energy source: Since these are converted to sugar in the body, consumption of too many carbohydrates can cause weight gain and elevated glucose levels in diabetics. Additionally, previous research has indicated that consuming too many carbohydrates can lower HDL (good cholesterol) levels. Whole grain products, such as wheat bread and oats, are low in flour and high in fiber, minerals and vitamins. With the gaining popularity of the Atkins diet, many food manufacturers have low carbohydrate versions of breads and other grains. Low fat, unsalted pretzels and unbuttered, unsalted popcorn are also good alternatives.Nuts and seeds (preferably unsalted) are good and filling snack foods.They contain large amounts of unsaturated fats, which tend to lower total cholesterol levels. Nuts (especially walnuts) contain omega 3-fatty acids, which have been linked to lowering total and LDL (low density lipoprotein—the “bad” cholesterol) cholesterol levels while raising HDL (high density lipoprotein—the “good” cholesterol) cholesterol levels. Seeds, including pumpkin and sunflower seeds, contain high amounts of Vitamin E, B vitamins, and minerals.

MAKING NEW FRIENDS AND NEED FOR A FRIEND

2007-01-05T23:03:00.000-08:00

“Strangers are just friends about to happen.”

Don't pretend to be someone you're not. Other people will see right through your act anyway. You want people to like you for the special person you are. Be yourself, have fun, and enjoy.

NEED FOR FRIEND

Everyone hears what you say
Friends listen to what you say
Best friends listen to what you don't say.

Friends are important for many reasons, but one of most important--though you may not have thought about it--is to help us learn more about ourselves. Have you ever noticed that when you talk to a friend about a problem, you gain a better understanding of it? The things you say, out loud, to a trusted friend are generally things that are important to you.

Friends can tell you many things about yourself that you may overlook. A friend may notice that you have a real skill working with numbers, that you're great at explaining things to others, or that you always order a chocolate shake to celebrate something. When your friends tell you these things, it helps you understand what makes you unique.

Being a good friend means more than just hanging out with someone. If you want good friends, look first at your own actions.

A good friend listens without judging, stands by you no matter what happens, encourages you to do your best, and gently points out when you are about to make a bad decision.

Make new friends, but keep the old.
One is silver and the other is gold.

Getting to the core of Fiber

2007-01-01T02:02:00.000-08:00

Fiber is the part of fruits, vegetables, and grains that is neither digested nor absorbed. Fiber helps keep your intestines working comfortably and helps prevent many diseases. Fiber comes in two forms, soluble and insoluble. Each acts differently in the intestines and benefits the body in different ways. Soluble fiber acts like a sponge; insoluble fiber acts like a broom.

Soluble fiber. Found in dried beans and peas, oat bran, rice bran, barley, and fruit pectin (the substance used to thicken jams and jellies). Soluble fiber absorbs water in the intestines, mixes the food into a gel, and thereby slows the rate of glucose digestion and consequent absorption in the bloodstream.

Insoluble fiber. This is the stringy stuff that holds plants together. It's called "insoluble" because it doesn't dissolve in water. It can be found mainly in plant leaves, peels, skins, and the coverings of whole grains (e.g., wheat bran). Like a disposable diaper, insoluble fiber can absorb many times its own weight in water. This water adds bulk and softness to the stools and keeps them moving along more comfortably. Think of eating fiber like brushing your teeth - it cleans out your intestines daily.

Facts about Fiber

2007-01-01T01:58:00.000-08:00

USES OF FIBER:Fiber curbs overeating, soaks Up Fat, steadies your blood-sugar level, slows fat absorption, reduces cholesterol, promotes regularity, reduces cancer risk, increases peristalsis, etc.

Signs of insufficient fiber in a diet are:
• Constipation • Infrequent stools • Hard stools • Abdominal pains • A general feeling of "sluggish bowels." Signs of too much fiber are: • Excessive gassiness • Bloating • Abdominal pain • Stools uncomfortably frequent and large overall volume.

Best sources of soluble fiber are:
Oat bran, kidney beans, lentils, sweet potatoes, broccoli, pears, apples, barley, peas, corn, spinach, Orange (with membrane), figs (dried). The skins of fruits are rich sources of fiber, so don't peel apples.
Best sources of insoluble fiber are:
• wheat bran • legumes • skin of fruit • seeds and nuts: sunflower seeds, soybean nuts, almonds.

**Consume whole fruits and vegetables instead of juice.
**Cut back on refined foods.
**Snack on dried fruits.
**Be a bean freak.
**Increase the amount of fiber in your diet gradually.
**It's important to eat fiber from a variety of sources.
**Spread out your dietary fiber throughout the day.
**Drink a lot of water with your fiber.
**Get your fiber from food, not from pills.

Home remedies for ACNE

2007-01-01T01:57:00.000-08:00

Acne is a common and chronic skin disease. It is an inflammatory condition and is charecterised by presence of blackheads, pimples, sebaceous cysts, and scars. The chief areas attached are forehead, temples, cheeks, and chin. All forms of acnes have their origin in wrong eating habits such as irregular hours of eating, excessive intake of sugar, starch, fried and fatty foods. Chronic constipation is another cause of acne.

Orange peel, pounded well with water should be applied to the affected area for relief. Applying the juice of lemon regular has also proven beneficial in reducing pimples and acne. Pimples disappear without scars when rubbed with raw garlic several times a day. Even persistant forms of acne suffered by adults have been healed with this herb. The process is further helped by eating three pods of garlic daily for a month to purify the blood stream, so as to secure a long-term clearance of skin. A teaspoon of coriander juice or mint juice , mixed with pinch of turmeric powder is another effective home remedy. The mixture should be applied to face after thoroughly washing it every night before retiring. A paste made of fenugrek leaves applied over face, should be left until it's dry and washed with warm water prevents pimples and black heads. Grated cucumber applied over face for twenty minutes is the best tonic for the skin of the face.

About Kidney Stone

2007-01-01T01:53:00.000-08:00

Kidney stones are solid masses of mineral salt deposits that are normally filtered through the kidney and emptied via urine. Urine has a natural substance, which dissolves these minerals thereby preventing them into becoming solids or calculi. Sometimes, due to dehydration, these salts don’t get dissolved and crystallization takes place. It grows large enough to obstruct the renal ducts or stuck in the uterus, causing sharp and severe pain in the urinary tract. Untreated urinary stones can cause renal failure.

Common causes of kidney stones are urinary tract infection, overdose of vitamin D, mineral imbalance, kidney disease, dehydration, gout, diet.

Home remedies for kidney stones:
Watermelon is full of water and potassium, this fruit works as an excellent diuretic to keep the kidneys flushed of kidney stone substances.
Figs can be boiled to extract the juice. Drink this on an empty stomach in the morning for one month.
Basil presumably has the ability to strengthen kidney function to fight kidney stones. It is believed that by consuming one teaspoon of basil juice and honey on a daily basis over a six-month period, kidney stones can be passed. The basil should be soaked overnight and then squeezed to extract the juice needed for this concoction.
Juice of radish leaves are also effective, take 1 cup of this juice 2 times a day.
Eating 2-3 apples a day is also found to be effective.
Drink 1 glass of fresh Tomato juice, with a pinch of salt and pepper, empty stomach in the morning.

Another concoction is a complex mixture of juices combined and taken at specific intervals. The recipe is as follows: One quart of apple juice should be consumed on a daily basis for five days followed by a tablespoon of Epsom salts with water on the sixth day, preferable missing dinner that evening, taken twice in the evening. Two hours after the last glass of Epsom salt and water, drink four ounces of olive oil and four ounces of fresh lemon juice. By the next morning, the stones should pass. At this point, another drink should be made of tomato juice with salt and paper sprinkles.

Facts about cholesterol

2007-01-01T01:51:00.000-08:00

Controlling cholesterol level is the first and best defense against dangers of heart disease. Though there is no cure for high cholesterol, preventive methods does have an answer to this important health problem.

Cholesterol can be both good and bad. The body produces it naturally and needs the waxy, fat-like substance to function normally. However, excessive cholesterol creates plaque and builds up on the walls of your arteries. Over time, this buildup can slow down blood flow and even block blood flow to the heart.

Fast foods, chips, soft drinks, candy bars, refined sugars, butter cream, fried cheese, fried dough, and cotton candy are foods that we’ve been enjoying since we were kids. But, they are the foods that can contribute to your high cholesterol.They taste delicious in our mouth but they are harmful for our health. Don’t let a little joy hurt you.

By monitoring the cholesterol level and taking action when it rises beyond the optimal level of 200, you can reduce your risk of a stroke, heart attack or heart disease by changing the lifestyle including diet and exercise. It is always better to discuss any change to your physician as they might recommend cholesterol-lowering medications. This is especially important if you have a family history of heart disease.

Desirable: Less than 200 mg/ dL .
Borderline: 200-239 mg/ dL.
High: 240 mg/ dL or higher.

While we are fortunate today to have safe and powerful drugs to lower high blood cholesterol, the key to good health and long life is prevention. By taking measures to prevent the development of various diseases and health problems, we can enhance our chances to enjoy a healthy future.

Importance of Exercise

2007-01-01T01:50:00.001-08:00

“It's easier to maintain your health than regain it." —Dr. Ken Cooper.

Exercise add years to your life and life to your years. The more you exercise, the greater the benefits. Physical activity is also considered as an exercise, but does not burn as much calories compared to proper exercise.But people give many reasons for not exercising regularly. For example lack of time because of family responsibililties, cost of equipment or gym membership, and even some complain of lack of facilities near by. Why should we let our health deteriorate and seek profesional help to cure our disease, all because of "LAZINESS."

Walking is the best exercise prescibed by all doctors and health experts all around the world. Just two streets around our house is sufficient everyday. Once we make this a habit We feel like missing some thing if we don't walk.

There are both long-term and short-term benefits associated with exercising. Some of the short-term benefits are reduces mental tension, increases, we can also consider it a break from daily routine and worries. Long-term benefits include lowering the risks of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, depression, arthritis, etc."Where there is will there is way."

Golden rules for healthy eating:

2007-01-01T01:47:00.000-08:00

We are what we eat. Nutrition plays an important role to stay healthy. Many disease and health problems are not destiny, but the result of our way of living. Food from plants is medicine for body. The most important part of our food should be fresh vegetables. If there is more work of chewing, swallowing, and digestion the healthier you will become.

There should be long interval between meals ( five hours) in other words eat when you are hungry.Unsuitable nutrition is one of the most important causes of all our civilisation's diseases and our disastrous state of health. We eat too much, too fast, too often and usually at the wrong time of the day.

Sugar is a vitamin and mineral thief. The more sugar we eat the greater becomes our lack of B vitamin, which are extremely important for our nerves. Have you noticed, nervous people and restless, sleepless children love sweets.

Many people now-a-days prefer to drink coffee, tea, hot chocolate, soft drinks, cola drinks, alcoholic drinks and also milk, which is often indigestible. When thirty one should drink water, nothing but fresh natural water. The bodies of many elderly people are continiously undersupplied with water and many disease are linked with water loss in the body.

"Never be fanatical about your nutrition, but let common sence prevail."

Facts About Coffee

2007-01-01T01:28:00.000-08:00

It is a stimulant. Stimulants may make us feel more awake and alert. Many people drink liquids with caffeine because they think it helps them to wake up and feel sharper
Caffeine can cause your heart to pump faster and your breathing to quicken. Caffeine is also a diuretic.
Caffeine can boost your energy temporarily, and make you feel more awake and ready for the day. But a lot of caffeine can also lead to symptoms that you probably don't want and your body can't tolerate
you drink too much caffeine at one time, it can make you feel nervous or jumpy. Your hands may shake. You may feel like there's something you forgot to do. Too much caffeine will make it hard to fall asleepCaffeine isn't a nutrient, like calcium, so you don't need a certain amount to be healthy.

Benifits Of Oil Pulling

2007-01-01T01:18:00.000-08:00

Dr Karsch swears by the mouth oil-wash for anything from organ-disorders, skin-diseases, menstrual problems, paralysis to every ache and it is in the human anatomy. You can gargle even when you have fever, he says, adding, it takes anything from two days to a year to cure a disease.

The first sign of improvement is in the teeth-they become firm and white, he says. Other healing indications: fresh, relaxed feeling on waking up, disappearing dark pouches below the eyes, anew appetite and energy, better memory and deep sleep.

When Dr Karsch examined the gargled milk-white oil under a microscope with 600 magnification, he saw live organisms swimming in it. It's poisonous, so never swallow it, he warns. These poisons are bacteria-embryos, which, if not eliminated, cause diseases. Apparently, Dr Karsch cured his own chronic blood disease and 15-year-old arthritis.

Other diseases believed to be cured by oil pulling:

Mouth & Gum Disease; Stiff Joints; Allergies; Asthma; High Blood Sugar; Constipation; Migraines; Bronchitis; Eczema; Heart, Kidney, Lung Diseases; Leukemia; Arthritis; Meningitis; Insomnia; Menopause (hormonal issues); Cancer; AIDS; Chronic Infections; Varicose Veins; High Blood Pressure; Diabetes; Polio; Cracked Heels.

Possible reasons to become diabetic:

2006-12-31T21:22:00.000-08:00

§ Weight. Being overweight is one of the main risk factors for type 2 diabetes. The more fatty tissue you have, the more resistant your cells become to your own insulin. Still, it's not just a matter of how much you weigh. It also depends on where the weight is distributed. If you have extra weight in the upper part of your body — particularly around your abdomen — you're especially at risk. The good news is that many people with type 2 diabetes who are overweight can improve their glucose levels simply by losing weight.
§ Inactivity. The less active you are, the greater your risk of type 2 diabetes. Physical activity helps you control your weight, uses up glucose, makes your cells more sensitive to insulin, increases blood flow and improves circulation in even the smallest blood vessels. Exercise also helps build muscle mass. That's important because most of the glucose in your blood is absorbed into your muscles. When you have less muscle tissue, more sugar stays in your blood.
§ Family history. The risk of type 2 diabetes increases if you have a parent or sibling with the disease. In fact, researchers have confirmed that a variant in a particular gene increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In a July 2006 study, the risk of developing diabetes was about 80 percent higher for participants who inherited two copies of the newly identified gene variant than for participants who didn't carry the variant.
§ Age. The risk of type 2 diabetes increases as you get older, especially after age 45. Often, that's because people tend to exercise less, lose muscle mass and gain weight as they age. But diabetes is also increasing dramatically among children, adolescents and younger adults.
§ Race. For reasons that aren't entirely clear, people of some races are more likely to develop diabetes. More than 6 percent of the general population has diagnosed diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. But that rate doubles for blacks and Hispanics and more than doubles for American Indians. Among the Pima Indians of Arizona, half of all adults have type 2 diabetes — one of the highest rates of diabetes in the world.
§ Gestational diabetes. If you developed gestational diabetes when you were pregnant, your risk of developing type 2 diabetes is greater. If you gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds, you're also at risk of type 2 diabetes.
§ Depression. Depression seems to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, possibly because people with depression often gain weight and are inactive.

Concentration

2006-12-12T22:41:00.000-08:00

Concentration means directing one's attention on whatever one intends. We all have a natural ability to concentrate. Have you noticed how difficult it is to get young children's attention when they are playing? Do you remember the time when you were completely engrossed in an interesting novel, a super film, an exciting match or an exhilarating piece of music? You were concentrating then. At this very moment you are reading these words, you are concentrating. It helps to know what it is like to concentrate, so that you can get back to that state of being.

Activity: Think back to a time when you concentrated on something. It does not matter what you were doing; it could be you were working or having fun. What was the situation? What were you doing? How do you know you were concentrating? What did it feel like to concentrate? How was your body? What went on in your mind? Factors that may cause Poor Concentration Lack of concentration is one of the frequent complaints among students.

Distraction is a major cause of poor concentration. There are two types of distractions: external and internal.

External Distractions External distractions are related to the physical environment of your study area. Once you have identified these distractions, it is often easy to deal with them. Some of the common external distractions are: Noise; conversations Inappropriate furniture; inadequate lighting Interruption from other people; telephone Television Work: paid or unpaid; housework The Internet; email .

Internal Distractions Internal distractions are related to you: your body, your thoughts and your emotions. Some of them can be easily dealt with once they are identified. Others can be managed with practice and/or with a little help. Some of the common internal distractions are: Hunger; tiredness; illness Lack of motivation; boredom; lack of interest Personal worries; stress; anxiety.

To Stay Away From Acidity

2006-12-07T23:21:00.000-08:00

**Consume a small piece of jaggery after having all three meals and see what wonders it can do to keep acidity away.

**Take a cup of water and boil it. Add 1 tsp of Aniseed (Saunf) to the water and leave it overnight. On the next morning, filter the water and add 1 tsp of honey to it. Drink it thrice a day and bid goodbye to acidity.

**Take a cardamom and a clove and powder it. Consume it like a mouth freshener after having your each meal. Not only this remedy will take care of your acidity problem, but also will keep away bad breath.
**Take about 1-½ liters of water and add 1 tsp Caraway seeds (shah jeera) to it. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Drink it while warm at least 2-3 times a day for 5-6 days.

Foot Care: About Corns and Callus.

2006-12-07T22:31:00.000-08:00

Corns and callus are the most common conditions on the skin of the foot seen by Podiatrists. They vary in symptoms from a mild callus under the foot, to an infected ulcer that can develop under a corn on a toe. They can occur anywhere in the feet but are usually located over bony prominences. Excessive pressure and sheering stress over bony prominences cause the outer layer of the skin to thicken forming corns and callus. These conditions are usually painful but with conservative care can be managed effectivelyPathologically, corns and callus are all the same. Skin thickened in response to pressure.

A callus generally refers to a more diffuse thickening of the skin (more common on the toes, but can occur under the ball of the foot) whereas a corn is a thicker more focal area (more common on the toes). A corn can occur under and be surrounded by callusThey can also be justified as a normal and natural way for the body to protect itself. For example, callus develops on the hand when chopping a lot of wood. It’s a normal way for the skin to protect itself. In the foot, the skin will thicken up to protect itself when there are areas of high pressure. The problem occurs when the pressure continues, so the skin gets thicker. It eventually becomes painful and is treated as something foreign by the body.Corns are easy to take out. The reason they keep coming back is that the cause is still there and that cause is pressure. If the pressure is not removed, they will come back.This condition is more prevalent in females as a result of wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes. Corns appear as white/ gray or yellow/ brown in colour depending on a person’s type.

CAUSES OF CORNS:Tight shoes.Deformed toes (Hammer toes).Seam or stitch inside the shoe which rubs against the toe.Abnormality of walking style.Surgery to the lower extremities.Bunions.

TREATMENT OF CORN:The first step in foot corn treatment is to eliminate the source of pressure easiest ways to avoid a foot corn.Avoid tight shoes and hosiery.Use a pumice stone to reduce the thickness of the corn.Use silicone pads to alleviate pain and the occurrence of a corn.Use a foot cream, such as flexitol heel balm twice daily. Flexitol heel balm is primarily used for cracked skin on the heels, however patients have reported a 90% improvement to their corns with this creamDo not use corn plasters as they can lead to destruction of healthy skin. Corn plasters should never be used by diabetics or by patients suffering from poor circulation as it may lead to ulcers.

HOME REMEDIES:Soaking your foot corn with warm water and Epsom salt for at least five minutes, three times a day will help to soften the corn. Another common foot corn treatment is using a pumice stone on the corn which will file it down and it will begin to remove part or all of the corn.Important Note: Treating foot corns by using removing ointments that contain acid can damage healthy skin on the other areas of the foot. Also, if the foot corn is open and discharging pus or a clear fluid it may be infected and you will need to seek medical treatment for a complete evaluation.

Lemon is another valuable remedy for corns. A fresh slice of lemon should be tied over the painful area at night and allowed to remain there the whole night.

What is friendship?

2006-12-07T22:28:00.000-08:00

It is an in-depth relationship combining trust, support, communication, loyalty, understanding, empathy, and intimacy. Being able to trust and relax with your friend is a big part of friendship. A friend is one who believes in you when you have ceased to believe in yourself.

“A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.”-Donna Roberts.

Friends come in many shapes, sizes and guises: school friends, work colleagues, siblings, partners, parents, pets and neighbours.
Remember when you are young and went to some place out of home for few days. You would be excited to come home. It was wonderful. Your feeling was “I’m home. I can relax now.” That’s what friendship should be. You go out into the world and do your best, you have your ups and downs, your problems and triumphs, then you come “home” to a friend you can relax, put up your feet, you are relieved. Remember, if you still have to charm or perform, it’s is not a relief.

"Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow.
Don't walk behind me, I may not lead.
Walk beside me and be my friend." - Albert Camus.

International Friendship Day is celebrated annually, on the first Sunday of August, time to recognise your friends and their contribution to your life. Friendship helps to bring peace and positivity to the globe - a great reason to celebrate.

Maintaining Friendship

2006-12-07T22:24:00.000-08:00

"One must be a friend to have one." Making friends is eaisier comparing to mainting the friendship. Frequent contact is necessary. Yet it is hard to make time in a busy day and busy life to maintain our friends. We can send email, call once a week, keep in touch through short messages, by sending occasional cards, we can also plan to meet weekly, monthly, at least yearly regularly.

What do friends expect?
1-Be a good listener, refrain from offering advice or moralizing.
2-Respect your friend’s point of view. Different personalities can complement each other.
3-Never betray a trust. When violated, can riun even the best friendship.
4-Support and praise your friends, ignore their failures and imperfections.
5-Never resent a friend’s success. Instead, strive to admire their achievements.

Flexibility is always important for maintaining friendships. Be understanding when your friend has last minute changes in plans. Learn to accept “I’m sorry to cancel, can we schedule for some other day.”When there is a conflict it must be resolved for friendship to continue. Confrontation is one way to resolve conflict. Talking out is another. A cooling-off period is sometimes necessary.

Symptoms of depression

2006-12-07T22:21:00.000-08:00

**Constant feelings of sadness, irritability or tension
**Decreased interest or joy in usual fun activities or hobbies
**Loss of energy or feeling overly tired
**Change in appetite with significant weight loss or weight gainy
**Change in sleeping patterns such as difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
**Restlessness or feeling slowed down
**Decreased ability to make decisions or concentrate
**Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness or guilt
**Thoughts of suicide or death

Work at home... New Trend in India Medical Transcription

2006-11-11T17:46:00.000-08:00

There is a synergy among Indians finding new oppurtunities in Medical Transcription recent days. Since English is our Official language, and Indians feel comfortable grasping international accents, huge opportunities for sincere and knowledged persons. Working from home is another convenience especially for Women. Literates with good listening knowledge, familiarity with medical terms and drug names is an additional advantage.