10 Tips to Improve Your Speaking Voice
“Well-timed silence hath more eloquence than speech.” - Martin Fraquhar Tupper
One of the most important components of public speaking is the sound of your voice. It influences the impact of your message, and might even make or break the success of your speech. Fortunately, for many people, good voice quality can be learned.
Instructions :
1. Breathe from your diaphragm - Practice long and controlled exhales. When you speak, use breath to punctuate your point. For example, take a breath at the end of each phrase whether you need to or not. Use that opportunity to pause and let the listeners absorb what you say.
2. Use pitch - Lower pitches generally are more soothing to hear. However, modulating your pitch for emphasis will keep your listeners engaged. Develop your pitch by practicing humming.
3. Moderate your volume - Find out if you speak too loudly or too softly. When you begin speaking, ask your audience how your volume is (each situation is different). Try to stay at the appropriate volume throughout your speech.
4. Moderate your pace - This one is also closely related to breath. If you speak too quickly, people can’t keep up. If you speak too slowly, people will lose interest. Record your speech to determine if you need to change your pace. Get feedback from others.
5. Articulate - Try exaggerating your lip movement to reduce mumbling. Practice articulating tongue twisters and extending and exaggerating vowel sounds. Become an expert at articulating tongue twisters as quickly and crisply as possible. Focus on the ones you find difficult.
6. Practice your speech in advance and determine where you want to pause for a breath. For more emphasis, pause for more than one breath. Mark your breathing points in your notes.
7. Loosen up before you begin. Look side to side. Roll your head in half-circles and roll your shoulders back. Shift your rib cage from side to side. Yawn. Stretch. Touch your toes while completely relaxing your upper body, then slowly stand up, one vertebra at a time, raising your head last. Repeat as needed.
8. Posture - Stand up straight and tall to allow full lung capacity and airflow.
9. Record your voice repeatedly using different ways of speaking. Determine which one is most pleasing.
10. Practice breath control - Take a deep breath, and while you exhale, count to 10 (or recite the months or days of the week). Try gradually increasing your volume as you count, using your abdominal muscles—not your throat—for volume. Don’t let your larynx tense up.
Showing posts with label Health And Beauty Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health And Beauty Tips. Show all posts
Monday, April 19, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
Mood and the Heart
Mood and the Heart
Mind and Mood can adversely affect the cardiovascular system..
Heart disease can be depressing literally. About 50 percent of hospitalised heart patients have some depressive symptoms, and upto 20 per cent develop major depression, and depression affects heart health.
Patients who are depressed at the time of hospitalisation for heart conditions are two to five times more likely than average to die or to suffer further cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, or severe chest pain in the following year.
Mind and mood can affect the cardiovascular system directly by creating a state of emergency readiness, in which stress harmone levels rise, blood vessels constrict and heartbeat speeds up. If a person is seriously depressed or anxious, the emergency response becomes constant, damaging the blood vessels and making the heart less sensitive to signals telling it to slow down or speed up as the body’s demands change, reports the Harvard Mental Health Letter.
Research suggests that the type of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may benefit depressed heart patients and possibly reduce their risk for future heart problems.. Cardiac rehabilitation programs that sustain patients’ morale and urge them to take better care of themselves may also help reduce the damage depression done to the heart.
Its hard to determine the precise cause and effect in the relationship between depression and heart disease. Symptoms may be similar, and the damage depression does to the cardiovascular system may trigger further depression. Still, the connection is real.. Cardiologists should ask their patients about stress and depression, and patients should not hesitate to bring up these subjects.
So… take care…keep your Mind & Mood cool always
Mind and Mood can adversely affect the cardiovascular system..
Heart disease can be depressing literally. About 50 percent of hospitalised heart patients have some depressive symptoms, and upto 20 per cent develop major depression, and depression affects heart health.
Patients who are depressed at the time of hospitalisation for heart conditions are two to five times more likely than average to die or to suffer further cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, or severe chest pain in the following year.
Mind and mood can affect the cardiovascular system directly by creating a state of emergency readiness, in which stress harmone levels rise, blood vessels constrict and heartbeat speeds up. If a person is seriously depressed or anxious, the emergency response becomes constant, damaging the blood vessels and making the heart less sensitive to signals telling it to slow down or speed up as the body’s demands change, reports the Harvard Mental Health Letter.
Research suggests that the type of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may benefit depressed heart patients and possibly reduce their risk for future heart problems.. Cardiac rehabilitation programs that sustain patients’ morale and urge them to take better care of themselves may also help reduce the damage depression done to the heart.
Its hard to determine the precise cause and effect in the relationship between depression and heart disease. Symptoms may be similar, and the damage depression does to the cardiovascular system may trigger further depression. Still, the connection is real.. Cardiologists should ask their patients about stress and depression, and patients should not hesitate to bring up these subjects.
So… take care…keep your Mind & Mood cool always
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
10 Tips for BRAIN HEALTH
10 Tips for BRAIN HEALTH
"There is a lot we can do to keep our brains healthy and potentially prevent or lessen the cognitive decline that often comes with aging," Daniel Perry, executive director of the nonprofit Alliance for Aging Research, said in a prepared statement. "We are encouraging people to take steps to improve brain health as part of their overall fitness regimen for the New Year."
The Alliance for Aging Research recommends these 10 steps for improving your brain health.
* Eat a Brain-Healthy Diet. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (commonly found in fish), protein, antioxidants, fruits and vegetables and vitamin B; low in trans fats; and with an appropriate level of carbohydrates will help keep your brain healthy.
* Stay Mentally Active. Activities such as learning a new skill or language, working on crossword puzzles, taking classes, and learning how to dance can help challenge and maintain your mental functioning.
* Exercise Regularly. Exercising often can increase circulation, improve coordination, and help prevent conditions that increase the risk of dementia such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
* Stay Social. Spending time with friends, volunteering, and traveling can keep your mind active and healthy.
* Get Plenty of Sleep. Not getting enough sleep can have a negative impact on brain health.
* Manage Stress. Participating in yoga, spending time with friends, or doing other stress-relieving activities can help preserve your ability to remember and learn.
* Prevent Brain Injury. Wearing protective head gear and seat belts can help you avoid head injury, which has been associated with an increased risk of dementia.
* Control Other Health Conditions. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet, and controlling stress can help reduce your risk of diseases that affect your brain, including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and hypertension.
* Avoid Unhealthy Habits. Smoking, heavy drinking and use of recreational drugs can increase the risk of dementia and cognitive decline.
* Consider Your Genes. If your family history puts you at risk for developing dementia, work with your doctor to find ways to maintain your brain health to help avoid or slow the progression of cognitive decline.
"There is a lot we can do to keep our brains healthy and potentially prevent or lessen the cognitive decline that often comes with aging," Daniel Perry, executive director of the nonprofit Alliance for Aging Research, said in a prepared statement. "We are encouraging people to take steps to improve brain health as part of their overall fitness regimen for the New Year."
The Alliance for Aging Research recommends these 10 steps for improving your brain health.
* Eat a Brain-Healthy Diet. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (commonly found in fish), protein, antioxidants, fruits and vegetables and vitamin B; low in trans fats; and with an appropriate level of carbohydrates will help keep your brain healthy.
* Stay Mentally Active. Activities such as learning a new skill or language, working on crossword puzzles, taking classes, and learning how to dance can help challenge and maintain your mental functioning.
* Exercise Regularly. Exercising often can increase circulation, improve coordination, and help prevent conditions that increase the risk of dementia such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
* Stay Social. Spending time with friends, volunteering, and traveling can keep your mind active and healthy.
* Get Plenty of Sleep. Not getting enough sleep can have a negative impact on brain health.
* Manage Stress. Participating in yoga, spending time with friends, or doing other stress-relieving activities can help preserve your ability to remember and learn.
* Prevent Brain Injury. Wearing protective head gear and seat belts can help you avoid head injury, which has been associated with an increased risk of dementia.
* Control Other Health Conditions. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet, and controlling stress can help reduce your risk of diseases that affect your brain, including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and hypertension.
* Avoid Unhealthy Habits. Smoking, heavy drinking and use of recreational drugs can increase the risk of dementia and cognitive decline.
* Consider Your Genes. If your family history puts you at risk for developing dementia, work with your doctor to find ways to maintain your brain health to help avoid or slow the progression of cognitive decline.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Home remedies for dry hair
Home remedies for dry hair
Dry hair tends to be thin and rough. It is susceptible to tangles, damage, breakage and split ends. We suggest a few remedies you can try at home for managing dry hair.
The primary aim is to replenish the oil and the moisture in the hair. That is why the emphasis is on the conditioning aspect of hair care. Strong cleansing routines and dry toning exercises and massaging of the scalp promote dryness and flakiness of the scalp.
The use of strong-action shampoo is prohibited for dry hair. Often a generous oil application and massage is recommended before washing the hair. Frequent shampooing is harmful for dry hair.
For the moisture-dry hair, a moisturizer application is required.
Home remedies for dry hair: The Gentle Cleanser
1. Beat an egg in a cup of skimmed milk. When the foam becomes consistent, rub it into the scalp. Leave it on for 5 minutes. Rinse the hair thoroughly with water. Carry out this routine twice a week.
2. Take a cup of coconut milk and add two tablespoons of gram flour or one teaspoon of shikakai. Apply on your scalp and hair and massage gently. Rinse it out after five minutes. Follow this recipe at least once a week.
Another dry hair home remedy: The Protein Conditioner Beat one tablespoon of castor oil, one tablespoon of glycerin, a teaspoon of cider vinegar and a teaspoon of protein, plus a tablespoon of mild herbal shampoo. Apply it on scalp and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse with clear water.
A Special Massage Oil/Toner
Get a bottle of castor oil or coconut oil. Add a teaspoon of lavender essential oil in it. Heat a little and massage it gently in your scalp at night. Rinse or shampoo it out in the morning. Follow this routine at least twice a week.
Other tips on home based treatment of dry hair
1. First assess whether your scalp and hair are moisture dry or oil-dry.
2. Condition your hair as often as you wash it.
3. Never comb, brush or massage vigorously if the hair is extremely dry.
Before any kind of routine care is followed, be familiar with the needs of your scalp and hair
Dry hair tends to be thin and rough. It is susceptible to tangles, damage, breakage and split ends. We suggest a few remedies you can try at home for managing dry hair.
The primary aim is to replenish the oil and the moisture in the hair. That is why the emphasis is on the conditioning aspect of hair care. Strong cleansing routines and dry toning exercises and massaging of the scalp promote dryness and flakiness of the scalp.
The use of strong-action shampoo is prohibited for dry hair. Often a generous oil application and massage is recommended before washing the hair. Frequent shampooing is harmful for dry hair.
For the moisture-dry hair, a moisturizer application is required.
Home remedies for dry hair: The Gentle Cleanser
1. Beat an egg in a cup of skimmed milk. When the foam becomes consistent, rub it into the scalp. Leave it on for 5 minutes. Rinse the hair thoroughly with water. Carry out this routine twice a week.
2. Take a cup of coconut milk and add two tablespoons of gram flour or one teaspoon of shikakai. Apply on your scalp and hair and massage gently. Rinse it out after five minutes. Follow this recipe at least once a week.
Another dry hair home remedy: The Protein Conditioner Beat one tablespoon of castor oil, one tablespoon of glycerin, a teaspoon of cider vinegar and a teaspoon of protein, plus a tablespoon of mild herbal shampoo. Apply it on scalp and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse with clear water.
A Special Massage Oil/Toner
Get a bottle of castor oil or coconut oil. Add a teaspoon of lavender essential oil in it. Heat a little and massage it gently in your scalp at night. Rinse or shampoo it out in the morning. Follow this routine at least twice a week.
Other tips on home based treatment of dry hair
1. First assess whether your scalp and hair are moisture dry or oil-dry.
2. Condition your hair as often as you wash it.
3. Never comb, brush or massage vigorously if the hair is extremely dry.
Before any kind of routine care is followed, be familiar with the needs of your scalp and hair
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Tips for a healthy head of hair
Tips for a healthy head of hair
1.Have a good diet which should include lots of leafy green vegetables, fruits and sprouts.
2.Avoid shampoos as far as possible. Instead use sikkakai or besan or paste of fenugreek seeds, it will clean and soften the hair. If that is not possible, then go for herbal shampoos.
3.Henna or mehandi is a best way to keep a cool head. It conditions the hair, promotes growth, protects our hair from the harmful effects of the sun and also gives a glossy tint. However persons with sinus problems should avoid this.
4.Use wide toothed comb to remove tangles and do not comb wet hair. Avoid using hair dryer to dry your hair. Do not tie your hair tightly. Always use coated rubber bands or soft hair tie.
5.Brush your hair daily using a brush with rounded tip bristles to improve blood circulation.
6.Apply paste of gooseberry powder to prevent hair graying and falling. You can add gooseberry powder to henna paste also. Include amla or gooseberry in your diet as it is a rich source of vitamin C.
7.Apply coconut oil mixed with lime juice for dandruff. This is an excellent home remedy for dandruff.
8.Soak 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in water overnight. In the morning, grind it and apply the paste on the scalp and wash it off after half an hour to get rid of dandruff. This natural remedy for dandruff is very effective. This natural remedy also stops hair fall.
9.Heat coconut oil, switch off the gas when heated, then add neem flowers to it. Close it and keep it aside. When cooled, filter it and use that oil to prevent dandruff.
10.Grind white pepper with milk, warm it and apply it on the scalp, then wash it off after 15 minutes to cure dandruff. Do this once in a week.
11.Apply 2 tbsp of vinegar (diluted in a little water) to the scalp and massage gently and wash your hair after 15-20 minutes. This natural remedy also cures dandruff.
12.Fenugreek tea is not only good for the health but also nourishes and promotes hair growth if taken regularly.
13.Cover your hair with a scarf or shawl during travel to prevent tangles and to protect your hair from dust.
14.Massage warm castor oil + almond oil into your scalp gently. Wrap a hot towel around your scalp so that the oil gets absorbed into the hair. Do this once a week for healthy, shiny hair.
15.Avoid chemical treatment on your hair. Hibiscus flowers and leaves are good conditioners for the hair. You can grind 2-3 leaves or flowers and use its juice along with your herbal shampoo.
16. Always dilute shampoo in a little water and use it .Do not use it directly. Wet your hair first and then apply this diluted shampoo.
17.Amla oil nourishes and promotes hair growth. It also prevents hair fall.
18.Mayonnaise is an excellent conditioner for dry hair .Massage your scalp with mayonnaise and leave it for half an hour. Then shampoo as usual. Always rinse your hair well so that no traces of shampoo is left behind.
19.Apply a few drops of olive oil to get rid of frizz.
20.Massage your scalp with olive oil using your finger tips. Remain for half an hour and wash hair well .This natural remedy is an excellent conditioning treatment. Do this once in a week for healthy hair. It also controls frizz.
21.Vinegar is a great conditioner and can give shine to your hair. Mix 1 tbsp of vinegar to a mug of water and use it to your last rinse. It also controls frizz in dry hair.
22.Dilute 3 tbsp of beer in a mug of water and use it for the final rinse to give your hair a healthy shine.
23.Boil soap nut skin in water, cool it and use that water for the last rinse for silky hair.
24.Conditioner for dry hair: Beat an egg well and add 1/2 tbsp of olive oil and 1/2 tsp of vinegar to it .Mix well and apply it to your scalp and remain for half an hour. Then wash well with a good shampoo.
25.Drink 8-9 glasses of water daily.
26.Squeeze juice of 1 lemon in a mug of water and use it for the final rinse for oily hair.
27.Apply Egg white on the scalp and wash it off after 15-20 minutes. This home remedy stops hair fall and also nourishes the hair.
28.Take food rich in protein, essential fatty acids, carotenes, iron, silica, zinc, Vitamins E , C ,Vitamin B (especially biotin) to have a healthy head of hair.
29.Exercise for 5 days a week as it improves blood circulation to your scalp.
30.Lastly maintain a healthy life style as the health of your hair is related to your lifestyle.
1.Have a good diet which should include lots of leafy green vegetables, fruits and sprouts.
2.Avoid shampoos as far as possible. Instead use sikkakai or besan or paste of fenugreek seeds, it will clean and soften the hair. If that is not possible, then go for herbal shampoos.
3.Henna or mehandi is a best way to keep a cool head. It conditions the hair, promotes growth, protects our hair from the harmful effects of the sun and also gives a glossy tint. However persons with sinus problems should avoid this.
4.Use wide toothed comb to remove tangles and do not comb wet hair. Avoid using hair dryer to dry your hair. Do not tie your hair tightly. Always use coated rubber bands or soft hair tie.
5.Brush your hair daily using a brush with rounded tip bristles to improve blood circulation.
6.Apply paste of gooseberry powder to prevent hair graying and falling. You can add gooseberry powder to henna paste also. Include amla or gooseberry in your diet as it is a rich source of vitamin C.
7.Apply coconut oil mixed with lime juice for dandruff. This is an excellent home remedy for dandruff.
8.Soak 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in water overnight. In the morning, grind it and apply the paste on the scalp and wash it off after half an hour to get rid of dandruff. This natural remedy for dandruff is very effective. This natural remedy also stops hair fall.
9.Heat coconut oil, switch off the gas when heated, then add neem flowers to it. Close it and keep it aside. When cooled, filter it and use that oil to prevent dandruff.
10.Grind white pepper with milk, warm it and apply it on the scalp, then wash it off after 15 minutes to cure dandruff. Do this once in a week.
11.Apply 2 tbsp of vinegar (diluted in a little water) to the scalp and massage gently and wash your hair after 15-20 minutes. This natural remedy also cures dandruff.
12.Fenugreek tea is not only good for the health but also nourishes and promotes hair growth if taken regularly.
13.Cover your hair with a scarf or shawl during travel to prevent tangles and to protect your hair from dust.
14.Massage warm castor oil + almond oil into your scalp gently. Wrap a hot towel around your scalp so that the oil gets absorbed into the hair. Do this once a week for healthy, shiny hair.
15.Avoid chemical treatment on your hair. Hibiscus flowers and leaves are good conditioners for the hair. You can grind 2-3 leaves or flowers and use its juice along with your herbal shampoo.
16. Always dilute shampoo in a little water and use it .Do not use it directly. Wet your hair first and then apply this diluted shampoo.
17.Amla oil nourishes and promotes hair growth. It also prevents hair fall.
18.Mayonnaise is an excellent conditioner for dry hair .Massage your scalp with mayonnaise and leave it for half an hour. Then shampoo as usual. Always rinse your hair well so that no traces of shampoo is left behind.
19.Apply a few drops of olive oil to get rid of frizz.
20.Massage your scalp with olive oil using your finger tips. Remain for half an hour and wash hair well .This natural remedy is an excellent conditioning treatment. Do this once in a week for healthy hair. It also controls frizz.
21.Vinegar is a great conditioner and can give shine to your hair. Mix 1 tbsp of vinegar to a mug of water and use it to your last rinse. It also controls frizz in dry hair.
22.Dilute 3 tbsp of beer in a mug of water and use it for the final rinse to give your hair a healthy shine.
23.Boil soap nut skin in water, cool it and use that water for the last rinse for silky hair.
24.Conditioner for dry hair: Beat an egg well and add 1/2 tbsp of olive oil and 1/2 tsp of vinegar to it .Mix well and apply it to your scalp and remain for half an hour. Then wash well with a good shampoo.
25.Drink 8-9 glasses of water daily.
26.Squeeze juice of 1 lemon in a mug of water and use it for the final rinse for oily hair.
27.Apply Egg white on the scalp and wash it off after 15-20 minutes. This home remedy stops hair fall and also nourishes the hair.
28.Take food rich in protein, essential fatty acids, carotenes, iron, silica, zinc, Vitamins E , C ,Vitamin B (especially biotin) to have a healthy head of hair.
29.Exercise for 5 days a week as it improves blood circulation to your scalp.
30.Lastly maintain a healthy life style as the health of your hair is related to your lifestyle.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Benefits And Source Of Vitamin C
Benefits And Source Of Vitamin C
Each one of us knows that Vitamin C is good for health but do we actually know ‘how beneficial it is.' To get acquainted with so-called ‘cure-all' vitamin, firstly understand ‘what is the genre of Vitamin C.' Categorized under water-soluble vitamins, it is accountable for many body functions, and is an essential part of diet. Every person must take at least 90mg of Vitamin C in his/her daily diet. Citrus fruits and vegetables, like orange, grapes, tangerines, tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, and even potatoes, are good sources of Vitamin C. It protects our body from several diseases and has been proved to enhance the immune system. Given below are the benefits of Vitamin C.
* It keeps a check on the presence of cholesterol in the body. Thus, it actually helps to prevent gall bladder disease and even heart problems.
* Recommended intake of Vitamin C helps in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.
* It facilitates collagen repair and formation. So, it also helps you to look younger.
* It aids the function of body's immune system. Hence, ingesting more of this vitamin in winters protects from problems, like cold & cough. It also aids in healing from scrapes and bruises.
* Being an anti-oxidant, Vitamin C also protects the body from free radicals that could cause heart disease and cancer.
* It also helps to maintain healthy gums. People, who lack Vitamin C, frequently develop black and swollen gums, called scurvy.
* Over consumption of Vitamin C is not exactly harmful because being a water-soluble vitamin, extra amount gets excreted in urine. However, too much consumption can lead to problems of stones in later stages.
Each one of us knows that Vitamin C is good for health but do we actually know ‘how beneficial it is.' To get acquainted with so-called ‘cure-all' vitamin, firstly understand ‘what is the genre of Vitamin C.' Categorized under water-soluble vitamins, it is accountable for many body functions, and is an essential part of diet. Every person must take at least 90mg of Vitamin C in his/her daily diet. Citrus fruits and vegetables, like orange, grapes, tangerines, tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, and even potatoes, are good sources of Vitamin C. It protects our body from several diseases and has been proved to enhance the immune system. Given below are the benefits of Vitamin C.
* It keeps a check on the presence of cholesterol in the body. Thus, it actually helps to prevent gall bladder disease and even heart problems.
* Recommended intake of Vitamin C helps in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.
* It facilitates collagen repair and formation. So, it also helps you to look younger.
* It aids the function of body's immune system. Hence, ingesting more of this vitamin in winters protects from problems, like cold & cough. It also aids in healing from scrapes and bruises.
* Being an anti-oxidant, Vitamin C also protects the body from free radicals that could cause heart disease and cancer.
* It also helps to maintain healthy gums. People, who lack Vitamin C, frequently develop black and swollen gums, called scurvy.
* Over consumption of Vitamin C is not exactly harmful because being a water-soluble vitamin, extra amount gets excreted in urine. However, too much consumption can lead to problems of stones in later stages.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
The Eatables That Stopping Your Heart
The Eatables That Stopping Your Heart
What we eat makes a massive difference to the health of our hearts. Eating lots of fruit, vegetables and dietary fiber plays a big part in helping us to avoid heart disease and other horrible illnesses. But what about the foods we should avoid if we want to stay heart healthy?
Following a diet that is high in fat and salt can greatly increase cholesterol levels and put you at risk of heart attacks, stroke and other cardiovascular conditions. We look at some of the foods you should definitely avoid if you want to keep your ticker healthy.
Butter: Packed with dietary cholesterol and saturated fat, eating too much butter is a one way ticket to high cholesterol. Make the changes now - eat margarine (margarine is a plant-based product and therefore doesn't contain the dietary cholesterol in animal-based butter) and cook with olive oil instead.
Red Meat: While there is no reason why red meat, when eaten in moderation, can not be eaten as part of a healthy, balanced diet, experts recommend that we do not eat too much of it. Red meat contains fat which is converted to 'bad' cholesterol - so make sure you only eat it occasionally and try and go for the leaner cuts.
Cream: It may taste absolutely delicious, but cream is full of saturated fat, which increases blood cholesterol levels and puts you at risk of coronary heart disease. Try using low-fat yoghurt or fromage frais instead.
Cake Or Biscuits: Very few foods have no nutritional benefit, but trans fats (hydrogenated vegetable oils) are one of them. Used to extend the shelf-life of products, they are found in cakes and biscuits and other unhealthy snacks. Avoid like the plague unless you want to put your heart under unnecessary pressure.
Coconut Oil: Avoid any dishes made with coconut oil, which is full of undesirable saturated fats. Go for olive oil, corn oil or rapeseed oil instead.
Sausages: Keeping your heart in tip-top shape means cutting back on Cut back on sausages as well as fatty meat pies, sausage rolls and breaded meat. Sausages are okay as an occasional treat, but make sure you grill them rather than fry them in lots of oil and pierce the meat to let some of the fat drain out during cooking.
Chicken: Weren't expecting that, were you? But while chicken is a great source of protein, it is only low in fat if you remove the skin. Leaving the skin on makes the levels of saturated fat increase by about a third, so make sure you remove any skin before eating. And remember to buy free-range, folks!
Cheese: Most of us love the stuff, but the brutal truth is that cheese, especially hard varieties, is high in bad fats. But by checking the nutritional labels you can find cheeses that are lower in fat such as cottage cheese, ricotta or reduced-fat hard cheese.
Full Fat Milk: Milk is a vital source of calcium, so don't feel like you have to give it up for good. Just try and switch to semi-skimmed or, even better, skimmed to cut down on fat.
Crisps: Remember that short list of foods with practically no nutritional value? Add fat-drenched potato crisps to it. If you really must, then go for lower fat and salt varieties.
Salad Dressing: It may sound ridiculous, but often the fattiest and most calorific dish on a restaurant menu is a salad. Not because of the core ingredients, which should be consumed in abundance, but the salad dressing. While some dressings - made with healthy oils, lemon or herbs - are an excellent choice, some shop-bought products contain dangerous levels of fat and salt. So if you can, go for a basic dressing or, even better, make your own.
Fizzy Drinks: It is easy to ignore the amount of calories you take in through fluids, and fizzy drinks are among the worst. Fizzy drinks lead to obesity which in turn puts extra pressure on your heart and can cause other conditions such as diabetes.
What we eat makes a massive difference to the health of our hearts. Eating lots of fruit, vegetables and dietary fiber plays a big part in helping us to avoid heart disease and other horrible illnesses. But what about the foods we should avoid if we want to stay heart healthy?
Following a diet that is high in fat and salt can greatly increase cholesterol levels and put you at risk of heart attacks, stroke and other cardiovascular conditions. We look at some of the foods you should definitely avoid if you want to keep your ticker healthy.
Butter: Packed with dietary cholesterol and saturated fat, eating too much butter is a one way ticket to high cholesterol. Make the changes now - eat margarine (margarine is a plant-based product and therefore doesn't contain the dietary cholesterol in animal-based butter) and cook with olive oil instead.
Red Meat: While there is no reason why red meat, when eaten in moderation, can not be eaten as part of a healthy, balanced diet, experts recommend that we do not eat too much of it. Red meat contains fat which is converted to 'bad' cholesterol - so make sure you only eat it occasionally and try and go for the leaner cuts.
Cream: It may taste absolutely delicious, but cream is full of saturated fat, which increases blood cholesterol levels and puts you at risk of coronary heart disease. Try using low-fat yoghurt or fromage frais instead.
Cake Or Biscuits: Very few foods have no nutritional benefit, but trans fats (hydrogenated vegetable oils) are one of them. Used to extend the shelf-life of products, they are found in cakes and biscuits and other unhealthy snacks. Avoid like the plague unless you want to put your heart under unnecessary pressure.
Coconut Oil: Avoid any dishes made with coconut oil, which is full of undesirable saturated fats. Go for olive oil, corn oil or rapeseed oil instead.
Sausages: Keeping your heart in tip-top shape means cutting back on Cut back on sausages as well as fatty meat pies, sausage rolls and breaded meat. Sausages are okay as an occasional treat, but make sure you grill them rather than fry them in lots of oil and pierce the meat to let some of the fat drain out during cooking.
Chicken: Weren't expecting that, were you? But while chicken is a great source of protein, it is only low in fat if you remove the skin. Leaving the skin on makes the levels of saturated fat increase by about a third, so make sure you remove any skin before eating. And remember to buy free-range, folks!
Cheese: Most of us love the stuff, but the brutal truth is that cheese, especially hard varieties, is high in bad fats. But by checking the nutritional labels you can find cheeses that are lower in fat such as cottage cheese, ricotta or reduced-fat hard cheese.
Full Fat Milk: Milk is a vital source of calcium, so don't feel like you have to give it up for good. Just try and switch to semi-skimmed or, even better, skimmed to cut down on fat.
Crisps: Remember that short list of foods with practically no nutritional value? Add fat-drenched potato crisps to it. If you really must, then go for lower fat and salt varieties.
Salad Dressing: It may sound ridiculous, but often the fattiest and most calorific dish on a restaurant menu is a salad. Not because of the core ingredients, which should be consumed in abundance, but the salad dressing. While some dressings - made with healthy oils, lemon or herbs - are an excellent choice, some shop-bought products contain dangerous levels of fat and salt. So if you can, go for a basic dressing or, even better, make your own.
Fizzy Drinks: It is easy to ignore the amount of calories you take in through fluids, and fizzy drinks are among the worst. Fizzy drinks lead to obesity which in turn puts extra pressure on your heart and can cause other conditions such as diabetes.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
10 Tips to reduce eyestrain
10 Tips to reduce eyestrain
Most computer users suffer from the problem of tired eyes, dark circles and headaches. Follow the ten tips to avoid them
Studies have shown that stress, active nightlife and above all, the fact that most of us spend maximum time in front of the computer lead to dark circles, puffed and tired eyes. Timely treatment is essential for such difficulties.
Specifically with computer users, physical and visual discomfort is experienced by many after just a few hours in front of computers. It appears that PC users suffer from repetitive stress of their eyes and want an immediate solution to revive the tired eyes.
Studies show that most computer users start to feel eye-muscle stress after two or more hours at the computer. This usually starts with tired eyes. With more time at the computer, discomfort frequently spreads to the head resulting in headaches, burning of the eyes, blurred vision, loss of focus, double vision, and neck and shoulder pains. Before it is too late, your stressed out eyes need to be relaxed and revitalised so that you feel fresh later in the day.
Tips to reduce eyestrain
-Modify your workstation. Adjust your workstation and chair to the correct height.
Use proper lighting.
-Match the computer screen to the brightness of the environment. The contrast between the background and on-screen characters should be high.
-Minimise the glare. Use window shades, blinds or drapes to block excessive sunlight or install an anti-glare screen to minimise reflections.
-Take frequent breaks. Full-time computer users should take a 10 minute break every hour.
-Blink more often. Tears in the eye evaporate more rapidly during long non-blinking phases and cause dry eyes.
-Get an eye examination done.
-Re-focus your eyes. Look away from your computer screen every 10-15 minutes and focus for 5-10 seconds on a distant object.
-Exercise even when sitting. Move about or exercise frequently.
-Get sufficient sleep. Fatigue promotes eyestrain.
Most computer users suffer from the problem of tired eyes, dark circles and headaches. Follow the ten tips to avoid them
Studies have shown that stress, active nightlife and above all, the fact that most of us spend maximum time in front of the computer lead to dark circles, puffed and tired eyes. Timely treatment is essential for such difficulties.
Specifically with computer users, physical and visual discomfort is experienced by many after just a few hours in front of computers. It appears that PC users suffer from repetitive stress of their eyes and want an immediate solution to revive the tired eyes.
Studies show that most computer users start to feel eye-muscle stress after two or more hours at the computer. This usually starts with tired eyes. With more time at the computer, discomfort frequently spreads to the head resulting in headaches, burning of the eyes, blurred vision, loss of focus, double vision, and neck and shoulder pains. Before it is too late, your stressed out eyes need to be relaxed and revitalised so that you feel fresh later in the day.
Tips to reduce eyestrain
-Modify your workstation. Adjust your workstation and chair to the correct height.
Use proper lighting.
-Match the computer screen to the brightness of the environment. The contrast between the background and on-screen characters should be high.
-Minimise the glare. Use window shades, blinds or drapes to block excessive sunlight or install an anti-glare screen to minimise reflections.
-Take frequent breaks. Full-time computer users should take a 10 minute break every hour.
-Blink more often. Tears in the eye evaporate more rapidly during long non-blinking phases and cause dry eyes.
-Get an eye examination done.
-Re-focus your eyes. Look away from your computer screen every 10-15 minutes and focus for 5-10 seconds on a distant object.
-Exercise even when sitting. Move about or exercise frequently.
-Get sufficient sleep. Fatigue promotes eyestrain.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Helpful Tips on Eye Care
Helpful Tips on Eye Care
With so many of us spending lots of time in front of the computer every day it comes to no surprise that research is showing a rise in visual problems. What can one do? First, it¢s important to find out how you can protect your eyes through eye health exams and by making a few minor changes in your computer viewing habits.
Here are some helpful Eye Care Tips -
Positioning is everything
Correct positioning of your computer, keyboard and typing copy is essential. Your screen should be positioned about an arm¢s length from your eyes and 20 degrees below eye level. Consider foot and wrist rests for added comfort.
Lighting can make all the difference
Room lighting should be diffuse, not direct, to reduce glare and reflections from your screen. Look into an internal or external glare screen and be sure to set your colour, contrast and brightness levels to suit you.
A little extra help for your glasses
Anti-reflective coatings on the lenses of your glasses can be applied by your optometrist to reduce discomfort and to ease reduced vision from bright and/or flickering light sources such as VDTs and fluorescent lights. And don¢t forget, your doctor of optometry can talk to you about eyeglasses designed specifically for people who use computers a lot.
Take time out, our 20-20-20 rule
Step I :-
After every 20 minutes of looking into the computer screen, turn your
head and try to look at any object placed at least 20 feet away. This
changes the focal length of your eyes, a must-do for the tired eyes.
Step II :-
Try and blink your eyes for 20 times in succession, to moisten them.
Step III :-
Time permitting of course, one should walk 20 paces after every 20 minutes
of sitting in one particular posture. Helps blood circulation for the entire body.
Its all in the blinking
Did you know that on average we blink 12 times per minute? But wait, did you know that when we¢re on the computer we only blink 5 times per minute? That can add up to dry eyes. Relieve the discomfort by using artificial tear drops or gels and remember to blink!
Palming
Sit straight at your workstation and rub your palms against each other till you feel them warm. The warmth of your palms helps soothe and relax tired eyes. Then, lightly cup your eyes with your palms and relax for 60 seconds. Count the seconds in your mind. Repeat this exercise two to three times whenever your eyes feel tired, or as often as you want. While palming, you can either rest your elbows on your desk or keep away from the desk and cup your eyes. Both ways are fine.
Splash water on your face
During breaks, splash water on your face while closing your eyes. This has an overall relaxing effect and helps you feel refreshed.
Use tea bags
Keep two used tea bags in the refrigerator before you leave for work.. Once you are home, place the tea bags on your eyes for a few minutes as you relax. This not only soothes tired eyes, but also reduces puffiness.
Eat healthy
Incorporate Vitamins A, C, and E on a daily basis; eat citrus fruits, green leafy veggies, tomatoes, spinach, poultry and dairy products. Pack a box of chopped carrots, cucumber and fresh fruits and munch in-between meals at the office
With so many of us spending lots of time in front of the computer every day it comes to no surprise that research is showing a rise in visual problems. What can one do? First, it¢s important to find out how you can protect your eyes through eye health exams and by making a few minor changes in your computer viewing habits.
Here are some helpful Eye Care Tips -
Positioning is everything
Correct positioning of your computer, keyboard and typing copy is essential. Your screen should be positioned about an arm¢s length from your eyes and 20 degrees below eye level. Consider foot and wrist rests for added comfort.
Lighting can make all the difference
Room lighting should be diffuse, not direct, to reduce glare and reflections from your screen. Look into an internal or external glare screen and be sure to set your colour, contrast and brightness levels to suit you.
A little extra help for your glasses
Anti-reflective coatings on the lenses of your glasses can be applied by your optometrist to reduce discomfort and to ease reduced vision from bright and/or flickering light sources such as VDTs and fluorescent lights. And don¢t forget, your doctor of optometry can talk to you about eyeglasses designed specifically for people who use computers a lot.
Take time out, our 20-20-20 rule
Step I :-
After every 20 minutes of looking into the computer screen, turn your
head and try to look at any object placed at least 20 feet away. This
changes the focal length of your eyes, a must-do for the tired eyes.
Step II :-
Try and blink your eyes for 20 times in succession, to moisten them.
Step III :-
Time permitting of course, one should walk 20 paces after every 20 minutes
of sitting in one particular posture. Helps blood circulation for the entire body.
Its all in the blinking
Did you know that on average we blink 12 times per minute? But wait, did you know that when we¢re on the computer we only blink 5 times per minute? That can add up to dry eyes. Relieve the discomfort by using artificial tear drops or gels and remember to blink!
Palming
Sit straight at your workstation and rub your palms against each other till you feel them warm. The warmth of your palms helps soothe and relax tired eyes. Then, lightly cup your eyes with your palms and relax for 60 seconds. Count the seconds in your mind. Repeat this exercise two to three times whenever your eyes feel tired, or as often as you want. While palming, you can either rest your elbows on your desk or keep away from the desk and cup your eyes. Both ways are fine.
Splash water on your face
During breaks, splash water on your face while closing your eyes. This has an overall relaxing effect and helps you feel refreshed.
Use tea bags
Keep two used tea bags in the refrigerator before you leave for work.. Once you are home, place the tea bags on your eyes for a few minutes as you relax. This not only soothes tired eyes, but also reduces puffiness.
Eat healthy
Incorporate Vitamins A, C, and E on a daily basis; eat citrus fruits, green leafy veggies, tomatoes, spinach, poultry and dairy products. Pack a box of chopped carrots, cucumber and fresh fruits and munch in-between meals at the office
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
An orange a day keeps wrinkles away!
An orange a day keeps wrinkles away!
An orange a day may actually keep your wrinkles away. An interesting study has revealed that regular intake of foods rich in Vitamin C helps prevent ageing of skin.
Vitamin C, also know as ascorbic acid, is found in a wide variety of fruit and vegetables. Good sources include peppers, broccoli, brussels sprouts, oranges, kiwi fruit, strawberries, tomatoes, leafy greens, papaya, mango, watermelon, cauliflower, cabbage, raspberries and pineapples.
British scientists examined links between nutrient intake and skin ageing in 4,025 women aged 40-74 years using data from the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. All the women had extensive dermatologic examinations designed to evaluate skin wrinkling and other aspects of skin ageing and also completed a survey listing all the foods they ate in a particular day.
Ageing of the skin was defined as having a wrinkled appearance, senile dryness and skin atrophy.
The study by nutritional epidemiologist Maeve C Cosgrove and other researchers found that those who ate plenty of Vitamin C-rich foods had fewer wrinkles than people whose diets contained little of the vitamin. "Vitamin C is an antioxidant that has been shown to play a role in the synthesis of collagen, the protein that helps keep skin elastic. Our findings add evidence to a predominately supplement and topical application-based hypothesis that what we eat affects our skin-ageing appearance," according to Cosgrove.
"This is one of the first studies to examine the impact of nutrients from foods rather than supplements on skin ageing. Diets rich in Omega-6 fatty acid were found to be associated with less skin ageing from dryness and thinning while higher fat diets and those higher in carbohydrates were found to be linked to more wrinkling," Cosgrove added. Vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin, is important in forming collagen, a protein that gives structure to bones, cartilage, muscle, and blood vessels.
An orange a day may actually keep your wrinkles away. An interesting study has revealed that regular intake of foods rich in Vitamin C helps prevent ageing of skin.
Vitamin C, also know as ascorbic acid, is found in a wide variety of fruit and vegetables. Good sources include peppers, broccoli, brussels sprouts, oranges, kiwi fruit, strawberries, tomatoes, leafy greens, papaya, mango, watermelon, cauliflower, cabbage, raspberries and pineapples.
British scientists examined links between nutrient intake and skin ageing in 4,025 women aged 40-74 years using data from the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. All the women had extensive dermatologic examinations designed to evaluate skin wrinkling and other aspects of skin ageing and also completed a survey listing all the foods they ate in a particular day.
Ageing of the skin was defined as having a wrinkled appearance, senile dryness and skin atrophy.
The study by nutritional epidemiologist Maeve C Cosgrove and other researchers found that those who ate plenty of Vitamin C-rich foods had fewer wrinkles than people whose diets contained little of the vitamin. "Vitamin C is an antioxidant that has been shown to play a role in the synthesis of collagen, the protein that helps keep skin elastic. Our findings add evidence to a predominately supplement and topical application-based hypothesis that what we eat affects our skin-ageing appearance," according to Cosgrove.
"This is one of the first studies to examine the impact of nutrients from foods rather than supplements on skin ageing. Diets rich in Omega-6 fatty acid were found to be associated with less skin ageing from dryness and thinning while higher fat diets and those higher in carbohydrates were found to be linked to more wrinkling," Cosgrove added. Vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin, is important in forming collagen, a protein that gives structure to bones, cartilage, muscle, and blood vessels.
Friday, March 5, 2010
How To Get 6 Pack Abs In Short Time Period
HOW TO GET 6PACK ABS IN SHORT TIME PERIOD
1.
Step 1
Getting six-pack abs is all about building muscle and losing fat. As the saying goes, "Abs are made in the kitchen, not in the gym." Everyone has abs, it's just a matter of exposing them, and getting a six-pack is more about diet than it is about exercise.
2.
Step 2
If you're looking to slim down and tone up, and you only have a week to do it, start with your diet. Cut out the fats, add more fruits and vegetables into your daily meals, and stick with fish and chicken or dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale for protein. Drink plenty of water and stay off the booze. Stay away from high-sugar food and drinks such as fruit juices and even so-called health snacks like granola.
3.
Step 3
Try to get in at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise per day. That could mean walking down the street to get lunch or a cup of coffee, or going for a walk or taking a jog on a treadmill or around your neighborhood. Take the stairs at work, at least part of the way. Through it all, keep an upright posture, which alone will strengthen your core muscles. The point is to get your blood flowing and your metabolism moving.
4.
Step 4
Getting a six-pack in a hurry is going to require some sweat. Crunches are good, but traditional sit-ups are better. Proper form in each is key. Use a yoga mat or exercise mat for cushioning on the floor. If you have a workout partner, opt for the sit-up. Have him kneel at the base of your feet while you get into position. Your back and feet should be flat on the floor, with your legs bent. Have your partner hold your ankles while you use your abs to lift your chest to your knees. Do not use your arms to lift your head. Work your core no more than four days a week, and try to mix up your routine.
As an alternative to crunches or sit-ups, Pilates and yoga offer a great core workout, and for more advanced ab work, invest in a Swiss medicine ball.
Tips & Warnings
*
If you can't quite manage in a week, don't stop! If you eat right and stay active, you'll reveal your six-pack in no time.
1.
Step 1
Getting six-pack abs is all about building muscle and losing fat. As the saying goes, "Abs are made in the kitchen, not in the gym." Everyone has abs, it's just a matter of exposing them, and getting a six-pack is more about diet than it is about exercise.
2.
Step 2
If you're looking to slim down and tone up, and you only have a week to do it, start with your diet. Cut out the fats, add more fruits and vegetables into your daily meals, and stick with fish and chicken or dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale for protein. Drink plenty of water and stay off the booze. Stay away from high-sugar food and drinks such as fruit juices and even so-called health snacks like granola.
3.
Step 3
Try to get in at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise per day. That could mean walking down the street to get lunch or a cup of coffee, or going for a walk or taking a jog on a treadmill or around your neighborhood. Take the stairs at work, at least part of the way. Through it all, keep an upright posture, which alone will strengthen your core muscles. The point is to get your blood flowing and your metabolism moving.
4.
Step 4
Getting a six-pack in a hurry is going to require some sweat. Crunches are good, but traditional sit-ups are better. Proper form in each is key. Use a yoga mat or exercise mat for cushioning on the floor. If you have a workout partner, opt for the sit-up. Have him kneel at the base of your feet while you get into position. Your back and feet should be flat on the floor, with your legs bent. Have your partner hold your ankles while you use your abs to lift your chest to your knees. Do not use your arms to lift your head. Work your core no more than four days a week, and try to mix up your routine.
As an alternative to crunches or sit-ups, Pilates and yoga offer a great core workout, and for more advanced ab work, invest in a Swiss medicine ball.
Tips & Warnings
*
If you can't quite manage in a week, don't stop! If you eat right and stay active, you'll reveal your six-pack in no time.
Nine ways money can buy happiness
The love of money may be the root of all evil - and lust for material goods can't be much better.
When it comes to status goods in a lifestyle based on conspicuous consumption, there is no natural stopping point. There will always be a bigger house and newer fashions, making for an unfulfilling upward spiral of comparisons with others and more spending.
But when it comes to spending on the things you really need, most people can identify and reach a point of satisfaction. Spending to improve your quality of life is a good investment - meaning that in some circumstances, money can buy you happiness.
Here are nine ways that we think this can happen.
1. Buy a smarter you
By using your cash to go to university or develop your skills, you essentially invest in yourself. From the Open University to adult learning centres, there are courses available for every schedule and budget.
"For thousands of people, investing in part-time study with The Open University undoubtedly offers the route to new lifestyles and careers. An OU qualification can help people to increase their earnings potential, climb the career ladder more quickly and widen their job options," said Neil Coaten, a spokesman for the Open University.
"The OU offers courses and programmes at all levels and costs. Short course fees start at £99 and typical total fees for an undergraduate honours degree are between £3,000 and £4,000, typically spent over six years. Many students also get financial support."
Appropriately, the OU offers a course to develop students' practical financial skills.
2. Buy some free time
If time is money, you can take a pay cut to buy more of it. While some people buy more free time by using a cleaner or a gardener, others give themselves a demotion to work closer to home. If you work out a budget and are willing to sacrifice a few city comforts, you can trade your working life for more flexible hours, less stress and more time out of the office.
3. The price you pay for children
And if you add children to the mix, sometimes what you save in childcare costs will balance out loss of earnings you get by staying at home. While this is not an option for everyone, changing jobs to allow you more flexible hours can make for a happier child and less stress on the daily commute.
Make sure you're taking advantage of all of the paid parental leave you're allowed. The law provides a basic right for parental leave, which employers can improve on as part of a benefits package.
4. Buy some creature comforts
Money spent on pets will be a long-term investment in your own happiness. A four-legged addition to the family will be repaid with love, even after the costs of adopting, vets bills, pet insurance and food are considered.
An RSPCA spokesperson said: "Owning a pet costs a bit of money but it has wonderful benefits. As well as the commitment and companionship you can get from a pet, various studies have also shown that pet owners are often less stressed than those without.
"Walking a dog, for example, can be a sociable activity as well as good exercise. And if you get your pet from a re-homing centre, you get the added warm glow of having helped an animal in need!"
5. Buy some interest
If you don't have enough time for a pet, spending your cash on activities you love will reap its own rewards - and it doesn't have to break the bank. A small amount spent on walking shoes or gardening equipment will buy you many happy weekends.
David Hamilton, who writes the Snappy Crocs Garden Blog, says that anyone can grow a love of gardening on any budget.
"Buying a few tools and plants can be done as a low-cost hobby. Friends and neighbours can supply volunteer plants, either as cuttings or some seeds to grow on from their gardens. The shops like Wilko's have many cheap plants for a few pounds. If you can work out how to grow from seeds, or take cuttings from existing plants you can do it on an even tighter budget.
"Gardening is an equaliser, being a common denominator across the economic classes. You can get as much pleasure after spending £20, as the gardener can who spent £500. It the healing earth on your hands, and the beauty of the plants tended, raised, and watched to flowering," he said.
6. Upgrade and invest in your environment
Sometimes even small investments in material items can bring you happiness dividends. Spending a little on paint can make you happier to stay indoors instead of going out. Items like board games, iPods and proper espresso machines all require an initial outlay, but will probably be worth more to you than the price tag.
Sarah Bush, the shopping editor at MSN agrees that some material items are far from frivolous when it come to the joy they bring. "Recently I've been spending a bit more than usual on cosmetics and toiletries. I bought some wonderful Chanel eye shadows and some heavenly Molton Brown hand wash and hand cream for my newly re-fitted bathroom.
"All of these purchases seemed extravagant at the time but now seem completely worth it - the little bit of extra luxury they provide lifts my spirits every time I use them and makes me feel spoilt before I even step out the door in the morning. Which is much better - in the long run - than treating myself to extra cakes or snacks during the day when I'm feeling a bit low."
7. Spend it on your debt
Paradoxically, most people who successfully use money to buy happiness are those who are financially responsible. Using your money to pay for your debt may mean more evenings in the short-term, but in the long-run, spending on your debt will let you reap happiness rewards.
"To be happy, it is important to get out of debt - especially credit card debt - as soon as you can," said James Ketchell, a spokesman at the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS). "People often come to us stressed and with their heads buried in the sand over their debt. But once they see the rewards of sticking to their budget with a debt management plan, the stress diminishes."
"Even after a few months, people are happier," he said.
8. Buy good karma
It seems that for every burden and injustice, there are a group of tireless souls that spend their time devoted to the cause. Britons are some of the most generous people with their cash and knowing you've helped lighten someone else's load.
A good way to boost your normal green efforts is to offset your carbon emissions. By planting more trees, offset projects can lead to improvements in the quality of life for a local population - and hopefully, a higher quality of life for future generations.
And it's not only trees that works can help neutralise carbon emissions. Renewable energy, energy conservation and methane capture offsets are increasingly popular.
"If you're an average guy or gal, you're producing about 11 tonnes of CO2 a year just getting from place to place and doing what you do. Buying certificates through organisations like PURE, the Clean Planet Trust, helps fund projects at home and around the world that reduce CO2 through renewable energy generation, forest protection and regeneration. said Simon Moynahan from Xelector, a broker for carbon ofsetting and energy providers.
"They help industry reduce emission, too. A couple of tons is good for the environment and great for all of us," he added.
9. Invest in financial security
An emergency fund and a pension will go a long way to improve your quality of life in the future. Emergency funds should be able to cover at least three months of all of your basic outgoings in case you become ill, need to visit a sick relative abroad or need to fund an unexpected and large repair.
Your emergency funds should be kept in an account that provides easy access and ready money, but still yields higher interest than a current account. ISAs and savings accounts are a fine place to start, but it's always good to seek advice with a financial adviser.
Little amounts of cash over a long period of time make pension payments easy - though it's never too late to start on a nest egg you can spend in retirement. And spending now to get out of work later is definitely one way your money can buy you happiness.
When it comes to status goods in a lifestyle based on conspicuous consumption, there is no natural stopping point. There will always be a bigger house and newer fashions, making for an unfulfilling upward spiral of comparisons with others and more spending.
But when it comes to spending on the things you really need, most people can identify and reach a point of satisfaction. Spending to improve your quality of life is a good investment - meaning that in some circumstances, money can buy you happiness.
Here are nine ways that we think this can happen.
1. Buy a smarter you
By using your cash to go to university or develop your skills, you essentially invest in yourself. From the Open University to adult learning centres, there are courses available for every schedule and budget.
"For thousands of people, investing in part-time study with The Open University undoubtedly offers the route to new lifestyles and careers. An OU qualification can help people to increase their earnings potential, climb the career ladder more quickly and widen their job options," said Neil Coaten, a spokesman for the Open University.
"The OU offers courses and programmes at all levels and costs. Short course fees start at £99 and typical total fees for an undergraduate honours degree are between £3,000 and £4,000, typically spent over six years. Many students also get financial support."
Appropriately, the OU offers a course to develop students' practical financial skills.
2. Buy some free time
If time is money, you can take a pay cut to buy more of it. While some people buy more free time by using a cleaner or a gardener, others give themselves a demotion to work closer to home. If you work out a budget and are willing to sacrifice a few city comforts, you can trade your working life for more flexible hours, less stress and more time out of the office.
3. The price you pay for children
And if you add children to the mix, sometimes what you save in childcare costs will balance out loss of earnings you get by staying at home. While this is not an option for everyone, changing jobs to allow you more flexible hours can make for a happier child and less stress on the daily commute.
Make sure you're taking advantage of all of the paid parental leave you're allowed. The law provides a basic right for parental leave, which employers can improve on as part of a benefits package.
4. Buy some creature comforts
Money spent on pets will be a long-term investment in your own happiness. A four-legged addition to the family will be repaid with love, even after the costs of adopting, vets bills, pet insurance and food are considered.
An RSPCA spokesperson said: "Owning a pet costs a bit of money but it has wonderful benefits. As well as the commitment and companionship you can get from a pet, various studies have also shown that pet owners are often less stressed than those without.
"Walking a dog, for example, can be a sociable activity as well as good exercise. And if you get your pet from a re-homing centre, you get the added warm glow of having helped an animal in need!"
5. Buy some interest
If you don't have enough time for a pet, spending your cash on activities you love will reap its own rewards - and it doesn't have to break the bank. A small amount spent on walking shoes or gardening equipment will buy you many happy weekends.
David Hamilton, who writes the Snappy Crocs Garden Blog, says that anyone can grow a love of gardening on any budget.
"Buying a few tools and plants can be done as a low-cost hobby. Friends and neighbours can supply volunteer plants, either as cuttings or some seeds to grow on from their gardens. The shops like Wilko's have many cheap plants for a few pounds. If you can work out how to grow from seeds, or take cuttings from existing plants you can do it on an even tighter budget.
"Gardening is an equaliser, being a common denominator across the economic classes. You can get as much pleasure after spending £20, as the gardener can who spent £500. It the healing earth on your hands, and the beauty of the plants tended, raised, and watched to flowering," he said.
6. Upgrade and invest in your environment
Sometimes even small investments in material items can bring you happiness dividends. Spending a little on paint can make you happier to stay indoors instead of going out. Items like board games, iPods and proper espresso machines all require an initial outlay, but will probably be worth more to you than the price tag.
Sarah Bush, the shopping editor at MSN agrees that some material items are far from frivolous when it come to the joy they bring. "Recently I've been spending a bit more than usual on cosmetics and toiletries. I bought some wonderful Chanel eye shadows and some heavenly Molton Brown hand wash and hand cream for my newly re-fitted bathroom.
"All of these purchases seemed extravagant at the time but now seem completely worth it - the little bit of extra luxury they provide lifts my spirits every time I use them and makes me feel spoilt before I even step out the door in the morning. Which is much better - in the long run - than treating myself to extra cakes or snacks during the day when I'm feeling a bit low."
7. Spend it on your debt
Paradoxically, most people who successfully use money to buy happiness are those who are financially responsible. Using your money to pay for your debt may mean more evenings in the short-term, but in the long-run, spending on your debt will let you reap happiness rewards.
"To be happy, it is important to get out of debt - especially credit card debt - as soon as you can," said James Ketchell, a spokesman at the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS). "People often come to us stressed and with their heads buried in the sand over their debt. But once they see the rewards of sticking to their budget with a debt management plan, the stress diminishes."
"Even after a few months, people are happier," he said.
8. Buy good karma
It seems that for every burden and injustice, there are a group of tireless souls that spend their time devoted to the cause. Britons are some of the most generous people with their cash and knowing you've helped lighten someone else's load.
A good way to boost your normal green efforts is to offset your carbon emissions. By planting more trees, offset projects can lead to improvements in the quality of life for a local population - and hopefully, a higher quality of life for future generations.
And it's not only trees that works can help neutralise carbon emissions. Renewable energy, energy conservation and methane capture offsets are increasingly popular.
"If you're an average guy or gal, you're producing about 11 tonnes of CO2 a year just getting from place to place and doing what you do. Buying certificates through organisations like PURE, the Clean Planet Trust, helps fund projects at home and around the world that reduce CO2 through renewable energy generation, forest protection and regeneration. said Simon Moynahan from Xelector, a broker for carbon ofsetting and energy providers.
"They help industry reduce emission, too. A couple of tons is good for the environment and great for all of us," he added.
9. Invest in financial security
An emergency fund and a pension will go a long way to improve your quality of life in the future. Emergency funds should be able to cover at least three months of all of your basic outgoings in case you become ill, need to visit a sick relative abroad or need to fund an unexpected and large repair.
Your emergency funds should be kept in an account that provides easy access and ready money, but still yields higher interest than a current account. ISAs and savings accounts are a fine place to start, but it's always good to seek advice with a financial adviser.
Little amounts of cash over a long period of time make pension payments easy - though it's never too late to start on a nest egg you can spend in retirement. And spending now to get out of work later is definitely one way your money can buy you happiness.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Total Health Breakthrough
Total Health Breakthrough.........!
Best diet drinks
When you think diet drink do you think diet fizzy drinks? Diet fizzy drinks are certainly diet drinks in the sense that drinking them doesn't add calories, but they also rank low on my list of best drinks for a healthy diet.
Women have to be especially judicious when it comes to their diets. They are more susceptible to osteoporosis than men -- in fact, four times more likely to get this bone-weakening condition.
Total Health Breakthrough
Ultimately, a healthy diet includes both what you eat and what you drink. A healthy lifestyle also includes not smoking, and staying active.
Here are the 10 best drinks to maintain your weight and your health.
1. Water: More than half the weight of the human body is water. Water is necessary for digestion, for elimination (and to prevent constipation), and for regulating your body temperature via perspiration.
Total Health Breakthrough
The recommendation is still eight 200 ml glasses daily. Water keeps your skin clear and helps take the edge off your appetite Sip on cool water throughout the day. It helps.
2. Sparkling water: A little fizz in carbonated water can satisfy your craving for something sweet, and since there are no artificial sweeteners or ingredients added, it's better than diet soda. Some mineral waters contain extra sodium; read the nutrition information label to avoid it.
3. Fruit juice: An occasional glass of 100% fruit juice is a nice treat. Freshly squeezed orange juice or grapefruit juice is delicious. Calcium-fortified juice provides extra bone protection.
If you're watching calories, then instead of full-strength juice (which has more than 100 calories per 200 ml glass), add a splash of fresh-squeezed juice to sparkling water.
4. Pomegranate juice: This new kid on the block is bursting with vitamins A, C, E and folic acid, giving it three times more antioxidant power than green tea or red wine.
Total Health Breakthrough
Recent studies have boosted sales, showing that it may help reduce bad cholesterol levels and the risk of developing heart disease, osteoarthritis and some cancers.
5. Milk: Studies show skimmed or semi-skimmed milk is helpful in losing and maintaining weight, and is an excellent source of calcium and protein (2 to 3 servings daily are recommended as part of a balanced diet).
Total Health Breakthrough
If you don't like milk or you're lactose-intolerant, enjoy calcium-fortified unsweetened soya or rice milk instead.
Try a smoothie: Blend a cup of semi-skimmed milk with a small carton of low fat plain yoghurt with a cup of blueberries and crushed ice.
6. Tomato juice: Tomato juice (or any other vegetable juice) has fewer calories compared to fruit juice, only 25 calories and about 85 milligrams of sodium per 100 ml serving.
Tomato juice is a great source for lycopene, a potent antioxidant that protects against disease.
7. Tea: Hot or iced tea, especially black tea and to lesser extent green tea, contains flavonoids, powerful antioxidants that make blood cells less prone to clotting, and may protect against disease.
Total Health Breakthrough
Instead of whole milk, use semi-skimmed or skimmed milk and just a little sweetener.
Note: Black tea and green tea are caffeinated (70 mg/200 ml and 35 mg/200 ml respectively).
8. Herbal teas: Made from flowers, herbs, fruits and spices, a cup of herbal tea is relaxing and soothing and caffeine-free. Don't fall for the weight-loss claims displayed on many teas, but instead buy commercially sealed teabags from a well-known manufacturer, such as Twinings or Lipton.
Camomile, peppermint, rosehips or orange blossom are some of my favourites.
9. Coffee: Phew. I'm certainly relieved that recent research points to the health benefits of coffee. I enjoy the quick wake-up and alertness a fresh cup of java provides, and recent research also shows coffee is a good source of antioxidants, in both regular and decaf coffee.
But, caffeine is a stimulant, and drinking too many cups can be addictive and have counterproductive side effects. Limit your coffee to one or two cups daily: one 200 ml cup of brewed coffee has about 80 to 135 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the brew-strength.
Total Health Breakthrough
Some are more sensitive to caffeine than others. If you are sensitive, make your coffee intake a morning routine, and switch to decaf in the afternoon.
Don't add saturated fat (cream) or sugar in excess. A little hot semi-skimmed milk makes coffee taste even better.
10. Diet fizzy drinks: I've saved this diet drink for last. Diet fizzy drinks contain a variety of artificial sweeteners, and in moderation are safe. However, they do contain other artificial ingredients and phosphorus, and a high phosphorus intake, if not balanced by a good intake of calcium, can promote loss of bone.
Watch out for caffeine in diet fizzy drinks. Diet Coke has 45 milligrams in a regular sized can. Sugar-free Red Bull has 80 milligrams. Read labels.
For good measure
Alcohol: Research shows potential benefits for moderate wine and alcohol consumption against heart disease and stroke, but the benefits are far outweighed by the risk of drinking excessively, especially for women.
If you don't currently drink, don't start, and get your antioxidants from fruit and vegetables. Limit alcohol to one (women) or two (men) daily. A drink is half a pint of beer, a small glass of wine or a measure of spirits. Always use diet mixers.
Best diet drinks
When you think diet drink do you think diet fizzy drinks? Diet fizzy drinks are certainly diet drinks in the sense that drinking them doesn't add calories, but they also rank low on my list of best drinks for a healthy diet.
Women have to be especially judicious when it comes to their diets. They are more susceptible to osteoporosis than men -- in fact, four times more likely to get this bone-weakening condition.
Total Health Breakthrough
Ultimately, a healthy diet includes both what you eat and what you drink. A healthy lifestyle also includes not smoking, and staying active.
Here are the 10 best drinks to maintain your weight and your health.
1. Water: More than half the weight of the human body is water. Water is necessary for digestion, for elimination (and to prevent constipation), and for regulating your body temperature via perspiration.
Total Health Breakthrough
The recommendation is still eight 200 ml glasses daily. Water keeps your skin clear and helps take the edge off your appetite Sip on cool water throughout the day. It helps.
2. Sparkling water: A little fizz in carbonated water can satisfy your craving for something sweet, and since there are no artificial sweeteners or ingredients added, it's better than diet soda. Some mineral waters contain extra sodium; read the nutrition information label to avoid it.
3. Fruit juice: An occasional glass of 100% fruit juice is a nice treat. Freshly squeezed orange juice or grapefruit juice is delicious. Calcium-fortified juice provides extra bone protection.
If you're watching calories, then instead of full-strength juice (which has more than 100 calories per 200 ml glass), add a splash of fresh-squeezed juice to sparkling water.
4. Pomegranate juice: This new kid on the block is bursting with vitamins A, C, E and folic acid, giving it three times more antioxidant power than green tea or red wine.
Total Health Breakthrough
Recent studies have boosted sales, showing that it may help reduce bad cholesterol levels and the risk of developing heart disease, osteoarthritis and some cancers.
5. Milk: Studies show skimmed or semi-skimmed milk is helpful in losing and maintaining weight, and is an excellent source of calcium and protein (2 to 3 servings daily are recommended as part of a balanced diet).
Total Health Breakthrough
If you don't like milk or you're lactose-intolerant, enjoy calcium-fortified unsweetened soya or rice milk instead.
Try a smoothie: Blend a cup of semi-skimmed milk with a small carton of low fat plain yoghurt with a cup of blueberries and crushed ice.
6. Tomato juice: Tomato juice (or any other vegetable juice) has fewer calories compared to fruit juice, only 25 calories and about 85 milligrams of sodium per 100 ml serving.
Tomato juice is a great source for lycopene, a potent antioxidant that protects against disease.
7. Tea: Hot or iced tea, especially black tea and to lesser extent green tea, contains flavonoids, powerful antioxidants that make blood cells less prone to clotting, and may protect against disease.
Total Health Breakthrough
Instead of whole milk, use semi-skimmed or skimmed milk and just a little sweetener.
Note: Black tea and green tea are caffeinated (70 mg/200 ml and 35 mg/200 ml respectively).
8. Herbal teas: Made from flowers, herbs, fruits and spices, a cup of herbal tea is relaxing and soothing and caffeine-free. Don't fall for the weight-loss claims displayed on many teas, but instead buy commercially sealed teabags from a well-known manufacturer, such as Twinings or Lipton.
Camomile, peppermint, rosehips or orange blossom are some of my favourites.
9. Coffee: Phew. I'm certainly relieved that recent research points to the health benefits of coffee. I enjoy the quick wake-up and alertness a fresh cup of java provides, and recent research also shows coffee is a good source of antioxidants, in both regular and decaf coffee.
But, caffeine is a stimulant, and drinking too many cups can be addictive and have counterproductive side effects. Limit your coffee to one or two cups daily: one 200 ml cup of brewed coffee has about 80 to 135 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the brew-strength.
Total Health Breakthrough
Some are more sensitive to caffeine than others. If you are sensitive, make your coffee intake a morning routine, and switch to decaf in the afternoon.
Don't add saturated fat (cream) or sugar in excess. A little hot semi-skimmed milk makes coffee taste even better.
10. Diet fizzy drinks: I've saved this diet drink for last. Diet fizzy drinks contain a variety of artificial sweeteners, and in moderation are safe. However, they do contain other artificial ingredients and phosphorus, and a high phosphorus intake, if not balanced by a good intake of calcium, can promote loss of bone.
Watch out for caffeine in diet fizzy drinks. Diet Coke has 45 milligrams in a regular sized can. Sugar-free Red Bull has 80 milligrams. Read labels.
For good measure
Alcohol: Research shows potential benefits for moderate wine and alcohol consumption against heart disease and stroke, but the benefits are far outweighed by the risk of drinking excessively, especially for women.
If you don't currently drink, don't start, and get your antioxidants from fruit and vegetables. Limit alcohol to one (women) or two (men) daily. A drink is half a pint of beer, a small glass of wine or a measure of spirits. Always use diet mixers.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
The Abs : More Important Than You Think
The Abs : More Important Than You Think
What comes to your mind when I say the word "abs"? Do you think of the infomercials advertising "6 second abs" or the latest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue? Most people focus on training their abs to look thinner or sexier. But, do you realize the importance of your abs in everyday activities? Most yoga instructors do. And that's why one of the focuses of yoga is to build your core abdominal strength.
Important for posture
Your abs attach to your spine and pelvis, helping balance your back in good posture. Often times, when your back is not supported in the correct posture by your abdominals and back muscles, back pain occurs. Did you know that back pain accounts for approximately 50 billion dollars in health care costs each year. This is not something to be taken lightly -- so remember -- one of the best ways to prevent back pain is to strengthen your abs.
It often takes a conscious effort to sit in good posture. But, even if you get into a good sitting posture, you will need the abdominal and back endurance to maintain it! How are you sitting at your computer right now? I would bet most of you are sitting in a slumped posture?.some more than others. To sit in good posture, you should have a slight inward curve in your back with your ears directly over your shoulders.
One way to strengthen your abs while working on your computer is to use an exercise ball as your chair. Yes, you heard me right! In fact, I am sitting on my exercise ball as I write this article.
Important for balance
Without abdominal strength, you will have difficulty sitting, standing and walking. Your center of gravity is located at your sacrum or roughly just below your belly button. Therefore, your abs play an important part in keeping you balanced at your center of gravity.
Think about someone who is a quadriplegic or paralyzed from the neck down. They are not able to sit by themselves because their back and abdominal muscles are paralyzed. In other words, they are no longer able to balance themselves. In contrast, a paraplegic, someone paralyzed from the waist down, is able to balance and sit by themselves because only their legs are paralyzed leaving their abdominal and back muscles intact. This proves that our abdominals are important for our balance.
If you are now sitting on your exercise ball, you can practice some balance exercises and strengthen your abs simply by rolling your hips forward, backward and side to side. Make sure to pull your stomach inward during these motions.
Exercise your abs
Now that you know the importance of your abs, you need to integrate abdominal strengthening into your regular strength training. Abs should be trained like any other muscle ? 8 to 12 repetitions, 3 times per week.
What comes to your mind when I say the word "abs"? Do you think of the infomercials advertising "6 second abs" or the latest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue? Most people focus on training their abs to look thinner or sexier. But, do you realize the importance of your abs in everyday activities? Most yoga instructors do. And that's why one of the focuses of yoga is to build your core abdominal strength.
Important for posture
Your abs attach to your spine and pelvis, helping balance your back in good posture. Often times, when your back is not supported in the correct posture by your abdominals and back muscles, back pain occurs. Did you know that back pain accounts for approximately 50 billion dollars in health care costs each year. This is not something to be taken lightly -- so remember -- one of the best ways to prevent back pain is to strengthen your abs.
It often takes a conscious effort to sit in good posture. But, even if you get into a good sitting posture, you will need the abdominal and back endurance to maintain it! How are you sitting at your computer right now? I would bet most of you are sitting in a slumped posture?.some more than others. To sit in good posture, you should have a slight inward curve in your back with your ears directly over your shoulders.
One way to strengthen your abs while working on your computer is to use an exercise ball as your chair. Yes, you heard me right! In fact, I am sitting on my exercise ball as I write this article.
Important for balance
Without abdominal strength, you will have difficulty sitting, standing and walking. Your center of gravity is located at your sacrum or roughly just below your belly button. Therefore, your abs play an important part in keeping you balanced at your center of gravity.
Think about someone who is a quadriplegic or paralyzed from the neck down. They are not able to sit by themselves because their back and abdominal muscles are paralyzed. In other words, they are no longer able to balance themselves. In contrast, a paraplegic, someone paralyzed from the waist down, is able to balance and sit by themselves because only their legs are paralyzed leaving their abdominal and back muscles intact. This proves that our abdominals are important for our balance.
If you are now sitting on your exercise ball, you can practice some balance exercises and strengthen your abs simply by rolling your hips forward, backward and side to side. Make sure to pull your stomach inward during these motions.
Exercise your abs
Now that you know the importance of your abs, you need to integrate abdominal strengthening into your regular strength training. Abs should be trained like any other muscle ? 8 to 12 repetitions, 3 times per week.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Whats The Real Cause Of Acne?
Whats The Real Cause Of Acne?
Most acne medications only mask the symptoms of acne and does nothing to stop the real cause of acne. This is why people buy acne products month after month (year after year). And every time they stop using the product acne would come back again and again.
What you need to do is find out what the real cause of acne is and stop it.
So what's the real cause of acne?
Acne occurs when your body contains more toxics than your kidneys and bowels can remove. (Your kidneys and bowels are the two primary channels of elimination that your body expel toxics and waste products through.)
These toxics can be the accumulation of fat stored chemicals the liver can not wash out or there may be a problem with fat digestion, fat accumulation, food allergy, or even the accumulation of hormones that your body produces.
Once these toxics build up, your kidneys and bowels can get overloaded and clogged up, causing it to not function properly. When that happens some of the load will be dumped onto your liver. One of your liver's main roles is to metabolize pile up fat into usable energy for your body.
This means, your liver will be doing some of your kidney's work. So now, your liver gets overloaded and it too will not work at full capacity.
What happens when your bowels, kidneys, and liver gets overloaded?
When that happen your body will expel toxins through your lungs and skin (your secondary channels of elimination). And this is when acne occurs. This is when your skin starts to breakout.
But whatever the toxic source is that's causing this problem, acne is a sign that your bowels and kidneys are overloaded with toxins, waste products, or hormones.
It is a sign that your liver is growing weaker in its detoxification abilities (and it will continue to grow weaker if you do not do what it takes to get rid of the toxics in your body).
So if you think that acne is your only problem, think again, your liver, kidneys, and bowels are getting weaker every time you breakout.
Most acne medications only mask the symptoms of acne and does nothing to stop the real cause of acne. This is why people buy acne products month after month (year after year). And every time they stop using the product acne would come back again and again.
What you need to do is find out what the real cause of acne is and stop it.
So what's the real cause of acne?
Acne occurs when your body contains more toxics than your kidneys and bowels can remove. (Your kidneys and bowels are the two primary channels of elimination that your body expel toxics and waste products through.)
These toxics can be the accumulation of fat stored chemicals the liver can not wash out or there may be a problem with fat digestion, fat accumulation, food allergy, or even the accumulation of hormones that your body produces.
Once these toxics build up, your kidneys and bowels can get overloaded and clogged up, causing it to not function properly. When that happens some of the load will be dumped onto your liver. One of your liver's main roles is to metabolize pile up fat into usable energy for your body.
This means, your liver will be doing some of your kidney's work. So now, your liver gets overloaded and it too will not work at full capacity.
What happens when your bowels, kidneys, and liver gets overloaded?
When that happen your body will expel toxins through your lungs and skin (your secondary channels of elimination). And this is when acne occurs. This is when your skin starts to breakout.
But whatever the toxic source is that's causing this problem, acne is a sign that your bowels and kidneys are overloaded with toxins, waste products, or hormones.
It is a sign that your liver is growing weaker in its detoxification abilities (and it will continue to grow weaker if you do not do what it takes to get rid of the toxics in your body).
So if you think that acne is your only problem, think again, your liver, kidneys, and bowels are getting weaker every time you breakout.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Internet Computer Addiction Among Teens
Internet computer addiction among teens is a growing trend. Unfortunately it is not a positive trend, but a negative and often destructive one that can have a major effect on not only the teen internet computer addict, but his or her family and friends as well.
The internet and computers are almost a necessity for a teenager who is going through high school. Even kids in lower grades require computers to type and research assignments. In this information age, if you don't have a computer you will be left behind.
So how does a parent combat internet computer addiction among teens without completely confiscating the equipment? That is the challenge faced by parents of teens who are suffering from computer and internet addiction.
Internet computer addiction among teens can range from being addicted to games to spending hours upon hours in chat rooms living out a fantasy life. The internet is often an escape for teens who feel they do not fit in with the 'real world'. Online, teens can be whoever they choose. At the click of a mouse, they can dive into another world.
Unfortunately for a minority of teens, this sort of role playing turns into a full on addiction. Teen internet computer addicts can spend every waking hour in a chat room or playing a game. They often stay up all night and will forego social and family events so they can use their computer instead.
In the worst cases, teens will quit school or college in favor of their computer and internet addiction.
Computer internet addiction is similar to other addiction such as smoking and alcohol. The symptoms can include mood changes, withdrawal, anger and impact on social relationships.
Preventing and ending internet computer addiction among teens can be a challenge. .parents can act with due diligence by trying to limit hours spent on the computer. Encouraging the child to take up other hobbies will in most cases sway their attention from the computer.
There is an organization set up solely for this cause called the The Center of On-Line Addiction. They have treated many thousands of teens and people of all ages with computer addiction.
The internet and computers are almost a necessity for a teenager who is going through high school. Even kids in lower grades require computers to type and research assignments. In this information age, if you don't have a computer you will be left behind.
So how does a parent combat internet computer addiction among teens without completely confiscating the equipment? That is the challenge faced by parents of teens who are suffering from computer and internet addiction.
Internet computer addiction among teens can range from being addicted to games to spending hours upon hours in chat rooms living out a fantasy life. The internet is often an escape for teens who feel they do not fit in with the 'real world'. Online, teens can be whoever they choose. At the click of a mouse, they can dive into another world.
Unfortunately for a minority of teens, this sort of role playing turns into a full on addiction. Teen internet computer addicts can spend every waking hour in a chat room or playing a game. They often stay up all night and will forego social and family events so they can use their computer instead.
In the worst cases, teens will quit school or college in favor of their computer and internet addiction.
Computer internet addiction is similar to other addiction such as smoking and alcohol. The symptoms can include mood changes, withdrawal, anger and impact on social relationships.
Preventing and ending internet computer addiction among teens can be a challenge. .parents can act with due diligence by trying to limit hours spent on the computer. Encouraging the child to take up other hobbies will in most cases sway their attention from the computer.
There is an organization set up solely for this cause called the The Center of On-Line Addiction. They have treated many thousands of teens and people of all ages with computer addiction.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Smoking can cause erectile dysfunction
Smoking can cause erectile dysfunction
Washington: Men who smoke are exposing themselves to the risk of erectile dysfunction, according to Tulane University researchers.
The more men smoke, the higher their chances of experiencing erectile dysfunction, say the researchers. Led by Jiang He, professor of epidemiology at the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, the researchers examined the association between cigarette smoking and erectile dysfunction in a 2000-2001 study in China that involved 7,684 men.
The surveyed men were between the ages of 35 to 74 and they did not have vascular disease. The researchers used questionnaires to assess the status of cigarette smoking and erectile dysfunction.
It was found that there was a significant statistical link between the number of cigarettes that men smoked and the likelihood that they would experience erectile dysfunction. This association was even stronger in participants with diabetes.
The study, reported in the American journal of epidemiology, suggests that an estimated 22.7 per cent of erectile dysfunction cases among Chinese men may be attributed to cigarette smoking.
Although erectile dysfunction is not a life-threatening condition, it affects well-being and quality of life. The researchers are of the opinion that smoking preventions may prove an important approach for reducing the risk of erectile dysfunction.
Washington: Men who smoke are exposing themselves to the risk of erectile dysfunction, according to Tulane University researchers.
The more men smoke, the higher their chances of experiencing erectile dysfunction, say the researchers. Led by Jiang He, professor of epidemiology at the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, the researchers examined the association between cigarette smoking and erectile dysfunction in a 2000-2001 study in China that involved 7,684 men.
The surveyed men were between the ages of 35 to 74 and they did not have vascular disease. The researchers used questionnaires to assess the status of cigarette smoking and erectile dysfunction.
It was found that there was a significant statistical link between the number of cigarettes that men smoked and the likelihood that they would experience erectile dysfunction. This association was even stronger in participants with diabetes.
The study, reported in the American journal of epidemiology, suggests that an estimated 22.7 per cent of erectile dysfunction cases among Chinese men may be attributed to cigarette smoking.
Although erectile dysfunction is not a life-threatening condition, it affects well-being and quality of life. The researchers are of the opinion that smoking preventions may prove an important approach for reducing the risk of erectile dysfunction.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Drink lot of water to keep disease away
Drink lot of water to keep disease away
Six [6] glasses of water (1.5 litres) everyday..
Drink six [6] glasses of water (1.5 litres) everyday and avoid medicine, tablets, injections, diagnosis, doctor fees etc. You can never believe before practicing.
HOW TO DO THIS WATER THERAPY?
1. Early morning, after you get up from bed, (without even brushing your teeth) drink 1.50 litres of water i.e. 5 to 6 glasses. Let us all know that ancient Indians termed this therapy as “USHA PAANA CHIKITSA ". You may wash your face thereafter.
2. Here it is very essential to note that nothing else, neither drinks nor solid food of any sort should be taken within 1 hr. before and after drinking these 1.5 litres of water.
3. It is also to be strictly observed that no alcoholic drinks shall be taken the previous night.
4. If required, boiled and filtered water may be used for this purpose. Is it possible to drink 1.50 litres of water at one time? This is a BIG QUESTION? To begin with, one may find it difficult to drink 1.50 litres of water at one time, but one will get used to it gradually. Initially, while practicing you may drink four glasses first and then the balance two glasses after a gap of 2 minutes. Initially you may find the necessity to urinate 2 - 3 times within an hour, but it will become normal after quite some time.
By research and experience, the following diseases are observed to be cured with this therapy within the indicated days as below:
Constipation -- 1 day
Acidity -- 2 days.
Diabetes -- 7 days.
Cancer -- 4 weeks
Pulmonary TB -- 3 months
BP & Hypertension -- 4 weeks
Here is the list of diseases that can be cured by this water therapy:
1. Head Ache
2. Urogenital diseases
3.Blood Pressure / Hypertension
4.Hyper acidity
5. Anemia (Blood shortage)
6. Gastro - entities
7. Rheumatism (Pain in joints/muscles)
8. Dysentery
9. General Paralysis 10.Rectal Piodapse
11. Obesity
12. Constipation
13. Arthritis
14. Hostorthobics
15. Sinusitis
16.Diabetes
17. Tachycardia
18. Eye diseases
19. Giddiness
20. Ophthalmic Hemorrhage & Ophthalmic|
21. Cough
22. (Reddish eye)
23. Asthma
24. Irregular Menstruation
25. Bronchitis
26.Leukemia
27. Pulmonary Tuberculosis
28.¡teros Cancer
29. Meningitis
30. Breast cancer
31. Kidney stones
32. Laryngitis
NOTE:
It is advised that persons suffering from Arthritis or Rheumatism should practice this therapy thrice a day i.e. morning, mid day and night, 1 hour before breakfast, lunch and dinner for one week and twice a day subsequently until the disease disappears.
HOW DOES PURE WATER ACT?
Consuming ordinary drinking water by the right method purifies human body. It renders the colon more effective by forming new fresh blood, known in medical terms as Haematopaises. That the mucosal folds of the colon and intestines are activated by this method, is an undisputed fact, just as the theory that new fresh blood is produced by the mucosal fold. If the colon is cleansed then the nutrients of the food taken several times a day will be absorbed and by the action of the mucosal folds they are turned in to fresh blood. The blood is all-important in curing ailments and restoring health and for this water should be consumed in a regular pattern.
LIFE IS SHORT & INVALUABLE, JUST GO FOR IT.
Six [6] glasses of water (1.5 litres) everyday..
Drink six [6] glasses of water (1.5 litres) everyday and avoid medicine, tablets, injections, diagnosis, doctor fees etc. You can never believe before practicing.
HOW TO DO THIS WATER THERAPY?
1. Early morning, after you get up from bed, (without even brushing your teeth) drink 1.50 litres of water i.e. 5 to 6 glasses. Let us all know that ancient Indians termed this therapy as “USHA PAANA CHIKITSA ". You may wash your face thereafter.
2. Here it is very essential to note that nothing else, neither drinks nor solid food of any sort should be taken within 1 hr. before and after drinking these 1.5 litres of water.
3. It is also to be strictly observed that no alcoholic drinks shall be taken the previous night.
4. If required, boiled and filtered water may be used for this purpose. Is it possible to drink 1.50 litres of water at one time? This is a BIG QUESTION? To begin with, one may find it difficult to drink 1.50 litres of water at one time, but one will get used to it gradually. Initially, while practicing you may drink four glasses first and then the balance two glasses after a gap of 2 minutes. Initially you may find the necessity to urinate 2 - 3 times within an hour, but it will become normal after quite some time.
By research and experience, the following diseases are observed to be cured with this therapy within the indicated days as below:
Constipation -- 1 day
Acidity -- 2 days.
Diabetes -- 7 days.
Cancer -- 4 weeks
Pulmonary TB -- 3 months
BP & Hypertension -- 4 weeks
Here is the list of diseases that can be cured by this water therapy:
1. Head Ache
2. Urogenital diseases
3.Blood Pressure / Hypertension
4.Hyper acidity
5. Anemia (Blood shortage)
6. Gastro - entities
7. Rheumatism (Pain in joints/muscles)
8. Dysentery
9. General Paralysis 10.Rectal Piodapse
11. Obesity
12. Constipation
13. Arthritis
14. Hostorthobics
15. Sinusitis
16.Diabetes
17. Tachycardia
18. Eye diseases
19. Giddiness
20. Ophthalmic Hemorrhage & Ophthalmic|
21. Cough
22. (Reddish eye)
23. Asthma
24. Irregular Menstruation
25. Bronchitis
26.Leukemia
27. Pulmonary Tuberculosis
28.¡teros Cancer
29. Meningitis
30. Breast cancer
31. Kidney stones
32. Laryngitis
NOTE:
It is advised that persons suffering from Arthritis or Rheumatism should practice this therapy thrice a day i.e. morning, mid day and night, 1 hour before breakfast, lunch and dinner for one week and twice a day subsequently until the disease disappears.
HOW DOES PURE WATER ACT?
Consuming ordinary drinking water by the right method purifies human body. It renders the colon more effective by forming new fresh blood, known in medical terms as Haematopaises. That the mucosal folds of the colon and intestines are activated by this method, is an undisputed fact, just as the theory that new fresh blood is produced by the mucosal fold. If the colon is cleansed then the nutrients of the food taken several times a day will be absorbed and by the action of the mucosal folds they are turned in to fresh blood. The blood is all-important in curing ailments and restoring health and for this water should be consumed in a regular pattern.
LIFE IS SHORT & INVALUABLE, JUST GO FOR IT.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Tips to look slim
Tips to look slim
There are times when you take a break from your sensible-eating and exercise regime and want to just lie back and enjoy all those forbidden foods. Well then you are bound to put on weight but until you have worked towards reducing the excess weight you can follow these few tips to look slim.
* Stand comfortably erect and stick your stomach in. Good posture always makes you look slimmer.
* Dark colours such as olive, black, charcoal grey, and navy help make areas appear smaller so wear them where you think you need it. For most women it's from the waist down.
* Avoid shiny or heavily textured fabrics. Shiny fabrics reflect light, making any area appear larger. Heavily texture fabrics only add extra weight.
* Sewn-down pleats in skirts and blouses can both create a slimming effect. Include vertical lines in your accessories, such as long chains worn around the neck.
* Avoid extensive use of horizontal lines - belts, boat-collar blouses and border print skirts. These styles can add extra width to your body frame.
* Your best asset is your face; so draw attention to it with scarves and jewellery worn around the face.
* Introduce simple lines, such as A-line skirts, tailor-notched, collared blouses and blazers. The oversized blazer is a great solution for camouflaging large derrieres and hips. Double-pleated skirts and trousers mask protruding stomachs and provide comfort as well.
* If you want to appear thinner incorporate dark, cool and dull colours and textures. Dull textures absorb the light like wool or cotton. Some very slimming colours include black, navy, olive, violet, charcoal grey, chocolate brown, plum, eggplant and burgundy.
There are times when you take a break from your sensible-eating and exercise regime and want to just lie back and enjoy all those forbidden foods. Well then you are bound to put on weight but until you have worked towards reducing the excess weight you can follow these few tips to look slim.
* Stand comfortably erect and stick your stomach in. Good posture always makes you look slimmer.
* Dark colours such as olive, black, charcoal grey, and navy help make areas appear smaller so wear them where you think you need it. For most women it's from the waist down.
* Avoid shiny or heavily textured fabrics. Shiny fabrics reflect light, making any area appear larger. Heavily texture fabrics only add extra weight.
* Sewn-down pleats in skirts and blouses can both create a slimming effect. Include vertical lines in your accessories, such as long chains worn around the neck.
* Avoid extensive use of horizontal lines - belts, boat-collar blouses and border print skirts. These styles can add extra width to your body frame.
* Your best asset is your face; so draw attention to it with scarves and jewellery worn around the face.
* Introduce simple lines, such as A-line skirts, tailor-notched, collared blouses and blazers. The oversized blazer is a great solution for camouflaging large derrieres and hips. Double-pleated skirts and trousers mask protruding stomachs and provide comfort as well.
* If you want to appear thinner incorporate dark, cool and dull colours and textures. Dull textures absorb the light like wool or cotton. Some very slimming colours include black, navy, olive, violet, charcoal grey, chocolate brown, plum, eggplant and burgundy.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
How to Keep Your Blood Pressure Under Control
How to Keep Your Blood Pressure Under Control
From the Rose Men's Health Resource
Many men don't even think about their blood pressure. Well, maybe you do, when someone makes you mad or you get really upset about something. Aggravating events tend to cause a temporary rise in blood pressure.
What we're talking about here is something more serious: "hypertension," or high blood pressure that remains elevated over time. This condition can be a symptom of something else going on in your body or, uncontrolled, it can signal problems to come. Keeping your blood pressure under control is tremendously important to your overall health. High blood pressure is one of several factors associated with cardiovascular disease, which is the number one killer of Americans... both men and women. Cardiovascular disease claims more lives annually than all cancers combined, killing approximately one million people in the U.S. each year. It disables countless others.
High blood pressure is often silent -- or without symptoms -- until a major problem develops. That's why it's essential to see your primary care physician for checkups on a regular basis. Such checkups can literally save your life. Your doctor can help you prevent high blood pressure or, at minimum, treat it at an earlier stage when it's easier to manage.
The lowdown on high blood pressure
Blood pressure is the force of the flowing blood against the walls of the arteries. It's measured in two numbers ...for example, '140/90.' The first number (140) is systolic pressure, the pressure when the heart contracts and pumps the blood through the body. The lower number (90) is diastolic pressure, the pressure between pumps, when the heart is resting.
120/80 is considered normal. You have high blood pressure (hypertension) if your blood- pressure reading is equal to or greater than 140/90 for extended periods of time. Elevated blood pressure means your heart is working harder than normal, putting both your heart and arteries under a greater strain.
FACT: As many as 50 million Americans either have high blood pressure or are taking high blood pressure medication.
What causes high blood pressure?
The cause of high blood pressure is unknown in 90% of cases. This is called "essential hypertension." In secondary hypertension, a disease or other physical problem is behind the disease. Common causes are kidney or thyroid disease. Many factors are associated with high blood pressure, including genetics, age, race, stress, obesity, smoking, a high- salt diet, smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, and a sedentary lifestyle.
What are the symptoms?
High blood pressure can develop over many years with no noticeable symptoms. That's why regular blood pressure checks are so important. Only when high blood pressure is severe do symptoms appear. Warning signs can include nosebleeds, racing or irregular heartbeat, headaches, and dizziness. It's a mistake to conclude that you don t have high blood pressure because you don't have any symptoms.
Males are affected earlier
Men are more likely to develop high blood pressure than women in young adulthood and early middle age; thereafter, the incidence of high blood pressure is higher among women. In general, our blood pressure tends to rise as we get older -- that's true for both men and women.
High blood pressure is serious business. Allowed to run unchecked, it can cause many health problems, including heart attack, stroke, kidney damage, and blindness. On average, people with uncontrolled high blood pressure are:
Seven times more likely to have a stroke.
Six times more likely to develop congestive heart failure.
Three times more likely to have a heart attack.
How to keep high blood pressure under control
If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, it's extremely important that you follow your doctor's treatment guidelines to the letter. These guidelines include keeping your diet low in fat, reducing your salt intake, quitting smoking, and limiting your alcohol consumption.
In addition, you should exercise regularly, keep your weight within normal bounds, and learn to manage stress (instead of letting it manage you). Some recent research suggests that constant stress and pressure may predispose some men to continually elevated blood pressure later in life.
Hey, what's wrong with salt, anyway?
Excessive salt can make high blood pressure worse. It causes water retention, which makes your heart work harder than it has to. The National High Blood Pressure Education Program recommends no more than 2,400 mg per day (the amount in about 1 teaspoon of table salt). On average, Americans consume 4,000 to 6,000 milligrams of sodium daily.
CHECKLIST for blood pressure control
Have your blood pressure checked regularly. Your primary care physician can tell you how often.
Stop smoking.
Avoid excessive salt intake.
Eat more fresh fruits, vegetables, and foods high in fiber...and less fat.
Reduce stress on and off the job; master relaxation techniques.
Be moderate in your drinking.
Exercise regularly, and keep your weight within normal limits.
If your doctor prescribes medication to lower your blood pressure, be sure to follow his or her directions exactly.
From the Rose Men's Health Resource
Many men don't even think about their blood pressure. Well, maybe you do, when someone makes you mad or you get really upset about something. Aggravating events tend to cause a temporary rise in blood pressure.
What we're talking about here is something more serious: "hypertension," or high blood pressure that remains elevated over time. This condition can be a symptom of something else going on in your body or, uncontrolled, it can signal problems to come. Keeping your blood pressure under control is tremendously important to your overall health. High blood pressure is one of several factors associated with cardiovascular disease, which is the number one killer of Americans... both men and women. Cardiovascular disease claims more lives annually than all cancers combined, killing approximately one million people in the U.S. each year. It disables countless others.
High blood pressure is often silent -- or without symptoms -- until a major problem develops. That's why it's essential to see your primary care physician for checkups on a regular basis. Such checkups can literally save your life. Your doctor can help you prevent high blood pressure or, at minimum, treat it at an earlier stage when it's easier to manage.
The lowdown on high blood pressure
Blood pressure is the force of the flowing blood against the walls of the arteries. It's measured in two numbers ...for example, '140/90.' The first number (140) is systolic pressure, the pressure when the heart contracts and pumps the blood through the body. The lower number (90) is diastolic pressure, the pressure between pumps, when the heart is resting.
120/80 is considered normal. You have high blood pressure (hypertension) if your blood- pressure reading is equal to or greater than 140/90 for extended periods of time. Elevated blood pressure means your heart is working harder than normal, putting both your heart and arteries under a greater strain.
FACT: As many as 50 million Americans either have high blood pressure or are taking high blood pressure medication.
What causes high blood pressure?
The cause of high blood pressure is unknown in 90% of cases. This is called "essential hypertension." In secondary hypertension, a disease or other physical problem is behind the disease. Common causes are kidney or thyroid disease. Many factors are associated with high blood pressure, including genetics, age, race, stress, obesity, smoking, a high- salt diet, smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, and a sedentary lifestyle.
What are the symptoms?
High blood pressure can develop over many years with no noticeable symptoms. That's why regular blood pressure checks are so important. Only when high blood pressure is severe do symptoms appear. Warning signs can include nosebleeds, racing or irregular heartbeat, headaches, and dizziness. It's a mistake to conclude that you don t have high blood pressure because you don't have any symptoms.
Males are affected earlier
Men are more likely to develop high blood pressure than women in young adulthood and early middle age; thereafter, the incidence of high blood pressure is higher among women. In general, our blood pressure tends to rise as we get older -- that's true for both men and women.
High blood pressure is serious business. Allowed to run unchecked, it can cause many health problems, including heart attack, stroke, kidney damage, and blindness. On average, people with uncontrolled high blood pressure are:
Seven times more likely to have a stroke.
Six times more likely to develop congestive heart failure.
Three times more likely to have a heart attack.
How to keep high blood pressure under control
If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, it's extremely important that you follow your doctor's treatment guidelines to the letter. These guidelines include keeping your diet low in fat, reducing your salt intake, quitting smoking, and limiting your alcohol consumption.
In addition, you should exercise regularly, keep your weight within normal bounds, and learn to manage stress (instead of letting it manage you). Some recent research suggests that constant stress and pressure may predispose some men to continually elevated blood pressure later in life.
Hey, what's wrong with salt, anyway?
Excessive salt can make high blood pressure worse. It causes water retention, which makes your heart work harder than it has to. The National High Blood Pressure Education Program recommends no more than 2,400 mg per day (the amount in about 1 teaspoon of table salt). On average, Americans consume 4,000 to 6,000 milligrams of sodium daily.
CHECKLIST for blood pressure control
Have your blood pressure checked regularly. Your primary care physician can tell you how often.
Stop smoking.
Avoid excessive salt intake.
Eat more fresh fruits, vegetables, and foods high in fiber...and less fat.
Reduce stress on and off the job; master relaxation techniques.
Be moderate in your drinking.
Exercise regularly, and keep your weight within normal limits.
If your doctor prescribes medication to lower your blood pressure, be sure to follow his or her directions exactly.
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