for your health

Acupuncture

2009-10-28T11:40:00.000-07:00

Take a few moments to read every aspect of this paper hopefully it will be of great help. The term Acupuncture is a combining of two Latin words 'acus' which means needle and 'pungere' means prick. It is in truth an ancient Chinese medical process in which needles were inserted into patient along some well-defined meridian points. In ancient China, stone needles were exploited for the treatment; then as metals were revealed subsequently needle were made of bronze, silver and even gold. In modern days, needles are made of stainless steel.

Acupuncture points are most crucial part of Acupuncture therapy. These are really the various stimulation points from various body parts. According to ancient theory; all these points have a direct access to stimulate the meridians, which are imaginary channels from where critical energy flows. There are more than 360 input points; when needles are inserted or someway stimulation of these points is done then it either interrupts or stimulates the energy flow.

This interruption or stimulation of points can cause analgesic effect that will cut down or totally eliminate pain. It can even suffer a more strong energy flow which can cure the various health problems. All theseAcupuncture points are mapped to Fourteen major meridian lines, for group Twelve inner organs one meridian; one meridian along the spine which is known as governing vessel and one more along the midline of abdomen which is named as conception vessel. The measure that is exploited to findAcupuncture points is named "Cun". Generally one Cun is equal to space between the distal interphalangeal joint and proximal interphalangeal joint on middle finger.

All these Acupuncture points are categorised as per their functions. First category of such Acupuncture points is Five transporting points system: This system explains the flow of vitality (which named as 'qi' in Chinese) exploitation analogy of rivers and points are described as points along the flow line.

According to this system; "qi' bubbles up from a spring and step by step grows in depth and breadth like a river fluent down from mountain to the ocean".In this five transporting system there are points;* Jing well points are the points that bring about energy flow when itbubbles up; these points are placed on tips of fingers and toes.* Ying spring points are where the energy river glides down the channel, these points indicate heat of the body and they also show the changes in our complexion.

* Shu stream; these points indicate heaviness of body along with afflictive areas in joints and intermittent diseases.* Jing river points give indication of cough and dyspnoea, fever and chills and foe bone diseases.* He sea points are where qi unites and heads deeper into the body; these points are useful for indicating diarrhea. The counter flow of qi and these points also indicates the disorders caused by irregular feeding and drinking.

Along with Five transporting points, there are some other sets of points like five phase points, Eleven cleft points, Yuan source points, Luo connecting points, Back shu points, front Mu points, Hue meeting points.Acupuncture treatment is successfully exploited to treat ear, nose and throat disorders, and then respiratory disorders.

Thank you for taking the time to read my article it is greatly appreciated. Try searching through my other Acupuncture Points related articles that you may find interesting

Organic Food

2009-10-26T23:50:00.000-07:00

There are two types of organic foods.

Fresh food

Fresh food is seasonal and perishable. Vegetables and fruits are the most available type of organic, fresh food, and are closely associated with organic farming. They are often purchased directly from growers, at farmers markets, supermarkets or through speciality food stores. Organic meat, eggs, dairy are also available.

Processed food

Processed food accounts for most of the items in a supermarket. Often, within the same store, both organic and conventional versions of products are available, and the price of the organic version is usually higher as already mentioned. Most processed organic food comes from larger companies producing and marketing products like organic baby food, organic beer, organic pasta or other convenience foods.

How do I know its organic?

The term organic is defined by law - all organic food production and processing is governed by a strict set of rules. Look for symbols such as the Soil Association symbol for your guarantee of the highest organic standards. The Soil Association organic symbol is the UK's largest and most recognisable trademark for organic produce. Wherever you see it you can be sure that the food you have purchased has been produced and processed to strict and rigorous animal welfare and environmental standards. Other symbols to look out for include the Organic Food Federation and Certified Organic Ingredients.

Most people dont have enough time to read the labels of all the different food products that they buy to check for organic ingredients. So look for the various symbols, you can then be sure that the product complies with minimum government standards.

The use of such symbols is entirely optional and a product can still be organic even though if it doesnt carry the symbol of a certifying body. That means if you want to be 100% satisfied that what you are eating or using is organic always read the label or speak to the vendor.

Where you will find the symbol? - Look out for organic symbols on almost any kind of food and drink you can think of from fresh produce like fruit, vegetables and meat to processed foods such as bread or baby food. You can even buy organic pet food!

Aerobic

2009-10-25T20:52:00.000-07:00

Aerobic exercise is any activity that elevates your health rate and increases your oxygen consumption. In addition, this type of exercise is one of the best ways of improving and maintaining good overall health. The heart, vascular system, lungs, muscles, joints, brain, and nervous system all benefit. Regularaerobic exercise will help you to sleep better, have more energy, be more relaxed, and maintain a more positive outlook. In fact, aerobic exercise is considered an excellent treatment for mild depression, anxiety, and stress-related problems. In addition to all of those benefits, regularaerobic exercise can increase the levels of natural painkillers in the nervous system, making it a good way to control common types of pain.

When combined with a proper diet, aerobic exercise is the most effective method to control your weight. Many people would be happy to shed a few pounds, but for people with pain, weight loss may also mean an improvement in their condition. extra weight puts an extra stress on spinal joints and vertebral disks. If you are overweight,aerobic exercise will not only help to relieve your pain but may also help to control your weight.

Aerobic exercise is good for people with many different health conditions, as long as they start at a reasonable level and build up gradually. However, if you are over age 40 or have a medical condition that you think might be affected byaerobic exercise, be sure to check with your doctor before beginning such a program.

According to exercise physiologists, effective aerobic exercise should increase the rate of your pulse to roughly 70% to 80% of your predicted maximum heart rate. Before beginning to exercise, you should calculate your target heart rate. While exercising, you may want to monitor your pulse to make sure you stay within the target zone. A simple guide to remember is that you should not exercise vigorously and breathe so hard that you cannot carry on a conversation as you are exercising.

If you are taking certain medicines for high blood pressure, your heart rate will not increase with exertion as it normally would. In that case, you should use your breathing as a guide.

Although many jobs are physically demanding, very few will provide you with an aerobic workout. Better options for aerobic exercise include walking, jogging, swimming, bicycling, dancing, playing basketball or tennis, and engaging in any other activity that gets your heart rate into your target zone and maintains that rate for the time you are exercising.

Some people do only one type of aerobic exercise, but it is generally better to alternate among two or more activities. This so-called cross training will make you physically fit for a wider variety of activities and keep you from getting bored.

It's Healthy Food Time

2009-10-23T10:09:00.000-07:00

It is possible for people to make healthy food choices even if they only have a short time in which to prepare their meals. The first thing to realize is that it is often that healthy choices do not always mean a need for two-hour meals. A person can choose healthy foods that are quick and easy to prepare at home or to pickup from a takeout place. Cities often provide restaurant guides in their telephone books that display full-page menus indicating what a particular restaurant or drive-thru offers. Many of these food vendors now include healthy alternatives to their usual fast-food selection.

At places like McDonald's and Hardee's, it is possible to find consumers who are concerned about their carbohydrate consumption. This has prompted the restaurants to provide other options in their hamburger choices. Hamburgers can be ordered without the bun, for example, and fruit and yogurt are included on the menu along with fresh salads. Many restaurants provide salad choices either as side orders or as complete meals. Often, a salad of fresh vegetables with chopped ham, roast beef or chicken is more attractive than regular menu items. Salads are especially appealing in the summer months because they are lighter on the digestive system.

Restaurants that feature foods in season cultivated by local farmers offer very healthy and affordable choices. Some of these kinds of restaurants will create their own recipes for healthy food options. This provides the consumer with a totally new choice and encourages them to visit the restaurant again.

If home preparation of food is preferred, the options for healthy choices increase. Visiting a local grocery store or supermarket emphasizes the number of healthy choices that are available. Fresh fruits and vegetables are more varied than ever before due to improvements in transportation and preservation methods. All types of cuisine can be prepared quickly because of the choices of fresh goods rather than frozen foods. There are numerous choices among frozen foods as well. The demand for healthy frozen dinners and other meals has increased along with demands for more variety in frozen food offerings. Any frozen food aisle in any supermarket will show as many healthy food options and poor choices. The decision is up to the individual.

People can either choose to eat a healthy diet or an unhealthy one. Time and availability of healthy choices are no longer problems for a person who is trying to eat better and healthier foods.

Cereal

2009-10-23T09:51:00.000-07:00

Cereal is the name given to those seeds used as food (wheat, rye, oats, barley, corn, rice, etc.), which are produced by plants belonging to the vast order known as the grass family. They are used for food both in the unground state and in various forms of mill products.

The grains are pre-eminently nutritious, and when well prepared, easily digested foods. In composition they are all similar, but variations in their constituent elements and the relative amounts of these various elements, give them different degrees of alimentary value. They each contain one or more of the nitrogenous elements, gluten, albumen, caseine, and fibrin, together with starch, dextrine, sugar, and fatty matter, and also mineral elements and woody matter, or cellulose. The combined nutritive value of the grain foods is nearly three times that of beef, mutton, or poultry. As regards the proportion of the food elements necessary to meet the various requirements of the system, grains approach more nearly the proper standard than most other foods; indeed, wheat contains exactly the correct proportion of the food elements.

Being thus in themselves so nearly perfect foods, and when properly prepared, exceedingly palatable and easy of digestion, it is a matter of surprise that they are not more generally used; yet scarcely one family in fifty makes any use of thegrains, save in the form of flour, or an occasional dish of rice or oatmeal. This use of grains is far too meager to adequately represent their value as an article of diet. Variety in the use of grains is as necessary as in the use of other food material, and the numerous grain preparations now to be found in market render it quite possible to make this class of foods a staple article of diet, if so desired, without their becoming at all monotonous.

In olden times the grains were largely depended upon as a staple food, and it is a fact well authenticated by history that the highest condition of man has always been associated with wheat-consuming nations. The ancient Spartans, whose powers of endurance are proverbial, were fed on a grain diet, and the Roman soldiers who under Caesar conquered the world, carried each a bag of parched grain in his pocket as his daily ration.

Other nationalities at the present time make extensive use of the various grains. Rice used in connection with some of the leguminous seeds, forms the staple article of diet for a large proportion of the human race. Rice, unlike the other grain foods, is deficient in the nitrogenous elements, and for this reason its use needs to be supplemented by other articles containing an excess of the nitrogenous material. It is for this reason, doubtless, that the Chinese eat peas and beans in connection withrice.

We frequently meet people who say they cannot use the grains, that they do not agree with them. With all deference to the opinion of such people, it may be stated that the difficulty often lies in the fact thatthe grain was either not properly cooked, not properly eaten, or not properly accompanied. A grain, simply because it is a grain, is by no means warranted to faithfully fulfil its mission unless properly treated. Like many another good thing excellent in itself, if found in bad company, it is prone to create mischief, and in many cases the root of the whole difficulty may be found in the excessive amount of sugar used withthe grain.

Sugar is not needed with grains to increase their alimentary value. The starch which constitutes a large proportion of their food elements must itself be converted into sugar by the digestive processes before assimilation, hence the addition of cane sugar only increases the burden of the digestive organs, for the pleasure of the palate. The Asiatics, who subsist largely upon rice, use no sugar upon it, and why should it be considered requisite for the enjoyment of wheat, rye, oatmeal, barley, and other grains, any more than it is for our enjoyment of bread or other articles made from these same grains? Undoubtedly the use of grains would become more universal if they were served with less or no sugar. The continued use of sugar upon grains has a tendency to cloy the appetite, just as the constant use of cake or sweetened bread in the place of ordinary bread would do. Plenty of nice, sweet cream or fruit juice, is a sufficient dressing, and there are few persons who after a short trial would not come to enjoy thegrains without sugar, and would then as soon think of dispensing with a meal altogether as to dispense with the grains.

Even when served without sugar, the grains may not prove altogether healthful unless they are properly eaten. Because they are made soft by the process of cooking and on this account do not require masticating to break them up, the first process of digestion or insalivation is usually overlooked. But it must be remembered thatgrains are largely composed of starch, and that starch must be mixed with the saliva, or it will remain undigested in the stomach, since the gastric juice only digests the nitrogenouselements. For this reason it is desirable to eat the grains in connection with some hard food . Whole-wheat wafers, nicely toasted to make them crisp and tender, toasted rolls, and unfermented zwieback, are excellent for this purpose. Break two or three wafers into rather small pieces over each individual dish before pouring on the cream. In this way, a morsel of the hardfood may be taken with each spoonful of the grains. The combination of foods thus secured, is most pleasing. This is a specially advantageous method of serving grains for children, who are so liable to swallow their food without proper mastication.

Yoga

2009-10-23T09:43:00.000-07:00

For many people working on an exercise program or starting one, flexibility and reducing stress are major priorities and one of the best ways to begin being flexible and to help reduce stress is Yoga and Meditation.

If you are like me then you may be thinking like I did when I first heard about Yoga and wondering how you are going to bend over backwards or end up looking like a pretzel with a head attached to it. It wasn’t until I tried a very basic routine that I discovered how great Yoga makes me feel. The stretching is a bit difficult at first but you feel so relaxed at the end of a session that you end up wanting to continue learning and remaining consistent with your workouts.

Yoga comes from the East and it is a name for a group of stretching and breathing exercises that can have a tremendous positive effect on your mind and body. You do not need any special equipment except for a mat or a place to work where you will not slip as you move along the exercises. I highly recommend investing a small amount of money for Yoga blocks because the will help you when you have to stretch. A good Yoga kit should not cost you more than twenty dollars and it will include a mat, 2 blocks and a stretching band.

There are many ways that you can learn how to practice. If you enjoy working out in your home then you can buy a book or you can use a DVD to learn how to perform Yoga. You will be able to mimic the moves as well as understand the proper breathing techniques by listening to the instructor. It is very helpful to watch it a few times before you begin to make sure that you are comfortable before attempting the moves because once you begin, you will take your cues from the audio instruction and not the visual since you will be looking up, down or away from the screen. (This took me a few tapes to figure out.) Also, if you belong to a health club, many of them offer Yoga classes and this will help you learn because you will be able to see firsthand what you are supposed to be doing and if the class is small enough, the instructor may be able to correct your posture when you are not getting it right. There are plenty of independent Yoga instructors in most areas but it can be a bit pricey at 10-20 dollars per lesson or about $100 per month for an unlimited membership.

As you progress through your diet and exercise plan, I want you to seriously consider giving Yoga a try. Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years and will continue to be used by people for their health and harmony.

Acne Treatment

2009-10-23T09:39:00.000-07:00

Acne treatments which are done to people are of different types and generally acne is categorized into three, types like mild, moderate and severe. It has to be treated by a professional dermatologist and only he can give an appropriate treatment. Acne can occur in arms, neck, back, the legs and in any part of the body. Skin care is very much essential for the Acne treatment and Doctors say that mostly all the acne are treatable.
In case of mild acne, the treatment is dealt with by gently washing the area with warm water and soap and after that applying a cream which includes benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which you get in majority of the pharmacies. This has to be done twice daily and this cream helps to kill the bacteria on the epidermis. The improvement will not occur immediately, but gradually there will be a steady improvement in your skin condition. To have a good appearance of the skin, doctors will prescribe certain vitamins and you cannot figure out any changes overnight.

Moderate acne occurs when more or less half of the face has been covered by pimples, blackheads, whiteheads and comedones. In order to handle this situation fast, you have to consult a dermatologist. Generally, moderate acne is treated by the use of combination therapies, which will be a blend of physical and prescription treatment. This can be further more precise by categorizing them into extraction or light therapy and antimicrobial or retinoid cream. You have to take care of your skin in the moderate stage itself, or else it will definitely become very serious, and so it is very essential to take care of acne as early as possible.

Severe acne is the one which will be very apparent that the individual is suffering from it. The area affected by acne will become deep, inflamed and cyst-like. In this stage a lot of scars and skin damage, causing feeling of sadness and depression will occur to the person. As this is a severe level, one individual must treat himself before he reaches this stage.
Mostly dermatologists’ treatment to this stage of acne will be aggressive, so that they can prevent the acne from spreading. Acne surgery is known as oral antibiotics and medications such as accutane and it may be used in this stage as well as drainage techniques and surgical incision. The cysts can be melted primarily within a few days of time by giving other acne treatments like injections of corticosteroids.Acne treatment or therapy which will be chosen by the dermatologist will be taking into consideration the severity of the skin being affected.

Get the exact information about the acne from the physician and patience is very much necessary as the treatment usually takes six to eight weeks to see the visible signs of improvement. Persistency is vital and it is also very much important that you consult a prescribed physician and follow up the instructions given by him. Acne care for adult and adolescent are different, as the hormones flow is different in both. So don't assume yourself that the method used to cure teenage acne problem can be used for adult problem also.

Dyslexia

2009-10-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

In the US, dyslexia afflicts about 40 million adults and children. In some cases, the condition is not easily detected until screening is conducted. Surprisingly, adults at work aren't aware they have dyslexia, and if they do, they keep it a well-guarded secret.

It is hard to figure out if the employee who's behind his job in the workplace has dyslexia. No assistance can be forthcoming until the individual undergoes screening for dyslexia. Online screening and support offered by service providers can assist dyslexic adults copeat work.
Management should provide programs to help potential dyslexics with their jobs and reach their full potential. Helping dyslexics promote positive attitude towards work reduces stress, improves work efficiency, and fosters loyalty.

What is Dyslexia

The neurological difference that affects a person's word processing ability is known as dyslexia. It's not an intellectual disability as it happens to people in various intelligence levels, including the very gifted such as Albert Einstein.

To help individuals become aware of their disorder, dyslexia screening is needed. Difficulty in spelling and reading, dismal concentration, restlessness, time management challenges, and dismal memory are a few symptoms of dyslexia.

Dyslexia have been defeated by a lot of individuals who now lead successful careers. A few examples are Thomas Edison, Pablo Picasso, Leonardo DaVinci, Tom Cruise, Whoopi Goldberg, and Jay Leno. This disability shouldn't hold back children and adults who have them.

Dyslexia's Diverse Kinds

There are various methods that are specially designed to help people overcome adult dyslexia. Adult dyslexics can conveniently and discreetly undergo online screening to determine the kind of method they require.

Dyslexia comes in two forms - developmental or acquired. Developmental dyslexia is described by a genetic abnormality in the brain area. Caused by injuries and brain trauma in birth is acquired dyslexia.

The level of dyslexia is also categorized according to the visuospatial difficulties, speech sound challenges, and correlating difficulties. Dyslexic adults can quickly figure out if they have any of these types with the presence of dyslexia screening on the Internet.

Dyslexia Treatment

Dyslexia has a cure. If a dyslexic starts to read, he is utilizing his brain differently. The fact that he has beated reading challenges shows that dyslexia can be treated. The dyslexic brain begins to work similar to those of non-dyslexics. Overcoming one problem and addressing the next have helped plenty of adult dyslexics functionat work, even if it's a lengthy process.

Eating Disorder

2009-10-20T20:21:00.000-07:00

An eating disorder is a condition which affects an individuals eating habits, either as a result of their own doing (self-inflicted), or as a bodily reaction to the consumption of food. Eating disorders can range from mild mental anguish to life-threatening conditions, and can affect every aspect of an individuals daily life. According to the authors of Surviving an Eating Disorder, "feelings about work, school, relationships, day-to-day activities and one's experience of emotional well being are determined by what has or has not been eaten or by a number on a scale.

Anorexia

The person suffering with Anorexia may be abnormally sensitive about being perceived as fat, or have a massive fear of becoming fat -- though not all people living with Anorexia have this fear. They may be afraid of losing control over the amount of food they eat, accompanied by the desire to control their emotions and reactions to their emotions. With a low self-esteem and need for acceptance they will turn to obsessive dieting and starvation as a way to control not only their weight, but their feelings and actions regarding the emotions attached. Some also feel that they do not deserve pleasure out of life, and will deprive themselves of situations offering pleasure (including eating).

Some of the behavioral signs can be: obsessive exercise, calorie and fat gram counting, starvation and restriction of food, self-induced vomiting, the use of diet pills, laxatives or diuretics to attempt controlling weight, and a persistent concern with body image. See Also, Signs and Symptoms.

Bulimia

someone who live with Bulimia will eat a large quantity of food in a relatively short period of time and then use behaviors such as taking laxatives or self-induced vomiting -- because they feel overwhelmed in coping with their emotions, or in order to punish themselves for something they feel they should unrealistically blame themselves for. This can be in direct relation to how they feel about themselves, or how they feel over a particular event or series of events in their lives. Those suffering with Bulimia may seek episodes of binging and purging to avoid and let out feelings of anger, depression, stress or anxiety. New research indicates that for a percentage of sufferers, a genetic predisposition may play a role in a sensitivity to develop Bulimia, with environmental factors being the trigger.
Some of the behavioral signs can be: Recurring episodes of rapid food consumption followed by tremendous guilt and purging (laxatives or self-induced vomiting), a feeling of lacking control over his or her eating behaviors, regularly engaging in stringent diet plans and exercise, the misuse of laxatives, diuretics, and/or diet pills and a persistent concern with body image can all be warning signs someone is suffering with Bulimia

Compulsive Overeating

People suffering with Compulsive Overeating have what is characterized as an "addiction" to food, using food and eating as a way to hide from their emotions, to fill a void they feel inside, and to cope with daily stresses and problems in their lives.

People suffering with this Eating Disorder tend to be overweight, are usually aware that their eating habits are abnormal, but find little comfort because of society's tendency to stereotype the "overweight" individual. Words like, "just go on a diet" are as emotionally devastating to a person suffering Compulsive Overeating as "just eat" can be to a person suffering Anorexia. A person suffering as a Compulsive Overeater is at health risk for a heart attack, high blood-pressure and cholesterol, kidney disease and/or failure, arthritis and bone deterioration, and stroke.

Men and Women who are Compulsive Overeaters will sometimes hide behind their physical appearance, using it as a blockade against society (common in survivors of sexual abuse). They feel guilty for not being "good enough," shame for being overweight, and generally have a very low self-esteem... they use food and eating to cope with these feelings, which only leads into the cycle of feeling them ten-fold and trying to find a way to cope again. With a low self esteem and often constant need for love and validation he/she will turn to obsessive episodes of binging and eating as a way to forget the pain and the desire for affection.

Binge Eating Disorder

Men and Women living with Binge Eating Disorder suffer a combination of symptoms similar to those of Compulsive Overeaters and Bulimia. The sufferer periodically goes on large binges, consuming an unusually large quantity of food in a short period of time (less than 2 hours) uncontrollably, eating until they are uncomfortably full. The weight of each individual is usually characterized as above average or overweight, and sufferers tend to have a more difficult time losing weight and maintaining average healthy weights. Unlike with Bulimia, they do not purge following a Binge episode.

Reasons for Binge Eating can be similar to those of Compulsive Overeating; Using Binges as a way to hide from their emotions, to fill a void they feel inside, and to cope with daily stresses and problems in their lives. Binging can be used as a way to keep people away, to subconsciously maintain an overweight appearance to cater to society's sad stigma "if I'm fat, no one will like me," as each person suffering may feel undeserving of love. As with Bulimia, Binging can also be used as self-punishment for doing "bad" things, or for feeling badly about themselves.

A person suffering with Binge Eating Disorder is at health risk for a heart attack, high blood-pressure and cholesterol, kidney disease and/or failure, arthritis and bone deterioration, and stroke.

Asthma and its treatment

2009-10-19T00:58:00.000-07:00

Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory disorder of the respiratory air-passage. Although symptoms do not exist all the time; but during an asthma attack, normal air passage through the blocked and narrow airways becomes difficult, resulting in breathing problems, panting, coughing, or other associated symptoms.

Early detection :

* Coughing - this often becomes worse at night or early in the morning.

* Wheezing - breathing with a squeaky sound and with great difficulty.

* Shortness of breath - due to insufficient supply of air

* Fast and/or noisy breathing along with panting.

Long-term control medications

* Inhaled corticosteroids such as fluticasone (Flovent Diskus), budesonide (Pulmicort), triamcinolone (Azmacort), flunisolide (Aerobid), beclomethasone (Qvar) and others. These medications reduce airway inflammation and are the most commonly used long-term asthma medication. Unlike oral corticosteroids, these medications are considered relatively low risk for long-term corticosteroid side effects. You may need to use these medications for several days to weeks before they reach their maximum benefit.
* Long-acting beta-2 agonists (LABAs) such as salmeterol (Serevent Diskus) and formoterol (Foradil Aerolizer). These inhaled medications, called long-acting bronchodilators, open the airways and reduce inflammation. They are often used to treat persistent asthma in combination with inhaled corticosteroids. Long-acting bronchodilators should not be used for quick relief of asthma symptoms.
* Leukotriene modifiers such as montelukast (Singulair), zafirlukast (Accolate) and zileuton (Zyflo CR). These inhaled medications work by opening airways, reducing inflammation and decreasing mucus production.
* Cromolyn and nedocromil (Tilade). These inhaled medications reduce asthma signs and symptoms by decreasing allergic reactions. They're considered a second choice to inhaled corticosteroids, and need to be taken three or four times a day.
* Theophylline, a daily pill that opens your airways (bronchodilator). It relaxes the muscles around the airways.

Quick-relief medications

* Short-acting beta-2 agonists, such as albuterol. These inhaled medications, called bronchodilators, ease breathing by temporarily relaxing airway muscles. They act within minutes, and effects last four to six hours.
* Ipratropium (Atrovent). Your doctor might prescribe this inhaled anticholinergic for the immediate relief of your symptoms. Like other bronchodilators, ipratropium relaxes the airways, making it easier to breathe. Ipratropium is mostly used for emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
* Oral and intravenous corticosteroids to treat acute asthma attacks or very severe asthma. Examples include prednisone and methylprednisolone. These medications relieve airway inflammation. They may cause serious side effects when used long term, so they're only used to treat severe asthma symptoms.

Bananas

2009-10-18T03:32:00.000-07:00

Bananas are one of our best sources of potassium, an essential mineral for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function. Since the average banana contains a whopping 467 mg of potassium and only 1 mg of sodium, a banana a day may help to prevent high blood pressure and protect against atherosclerosis.

The effectiveness of potassium-rich foods such as bananas in lowering blood pressure has been demonstrated by a number of studies. For example, researchers tracked over 40,000 American male health professionals over four years to determine the effects of diet on blood pressure. Men who ate diets higher in potassium-rich foods, as well as foods high in magnesium and cereal fiber, had a substantially reduced risk of stroke.

A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine also confirms that eating high fiber foods, such as bananas, helps prevent heart disease. Almost 10,000 American adults participated in this study and were followed for 19 years. People eating the most fiber, 21 grams per day, had 12% less coronary heart disease (CHD) and 11% less cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to those eating the least, 5 grams daily. Those eating the most water-soluble dietary fiber fared even better with a 15% reduction in risk of CHD and a 10% risk reduction in CVD.

In addition to these cardiovascular benefits, the potassium found in bananas may also help to promote bone health. Potassium may counteract the increased urinary calcium loss caused by the high-salt diets typical of most Americans, thus helping to prevent bones from thinning out at a fast rate.

Soothing Protection from Ulcers

Bananas have long been recognized for their antacid effects that protect against stomach ulcers and ulcer damage. In one study, a simple mixture of banana and milk significantly suppressed acid secretion. In an animal study, researchers found that fresh bananas protected the animals' stomachs from wounds.

Bananas work their protective magic in two ways: First, substances in bananas help activate the cells that compose the stomach lining, so they produce a thicker protective mucus barrier against stomach acids. Second, other compounds in bananas called protease inhibitors help eliminate bacteria in the stomach that have been pinpointed as a primary cause of stomach ulcers.
Source : http://www.whfoods.com

Futsal

2009-10-17T11:21:00.000-07:00

Futsal is a variant of association football that is played indoors. Its name is derived from the Portuguese fut ebol de sal ão and the Spanish fút bol sal a/de sal ón, which can be translated as 'salon football'. In Madrid 1985 the name fútbol de saló and all other names the game was called were changed officially and internationally into FUTSAL.

Futsal is played between two teams of five players, one of whom is the goalkeeper, and up to seven substitutes per team. Unlike some other forms of indoor football, the game is played on a hard court surface delimited by lines; walls or boards are not used. Futsal is also played with a smaller ball with less bounce than a regulation football.[1] The rules create an emphasis on improvisation, creativity and technique as well as ball control and passing in small spaces

With the small court and lack of walls, players are constantly placed in demanding decision-making situations, requiring quick thinking, good ball control, precise passing, and creative solutions. The rules of futsal favor skilful, creative play above the physical contact that tends to be a feature of traditional US indoor soccer.Slide tackles and excessive bodily contact is forbidden in Futsal, resulting in fewer injuries. Smaller team sizes allow players to get more frequent touches on the ball and increased opportunities to score goals.

Players are not just a defender or an attacker but a complete player resulting in a much better all-round understanding of the game. Futsal is a simple game and devoid of complex rules such as ‘off-side’ Futsal is fast and exciting, providing an action packed game that keeps players physically active while having fun.

Because the sport is a great skill developer, demanding quick reflexes, fast thinking and pin point passing, it is an exciting game for children as well as adults. The game is very economical and safe, simple and fun to play. Just by playing with the ball develops precise ball control and technical skill, agility, lightening reflexes and decision making. As the balls have less bounce they tend to stay in play longer and promote close ball control. After playing in enclosed areas and learning to think and react quickly, players find when they play to the full game they react well under pressure. Ever notice how the World Cup winning Brazilians cope with short quick passes with ease and flair? Playing in enclosed areas develops creativity; players are also constantly placed in demanding decision making situations in enclosed areas which is a major reason why Futsal is one of the finest teachers of the quick pass and move. In football it is very hard to defend against a team that is adept at this type of play. Playing beautiful football is developed through Futsal.

Eggs

2009-10-17T10:37:00.001-07:00

Eggs are a natural food, rich in good quality protein and are not high in fat. They are a source of many essential vitamins and minerals and contain just 80 calories each.

Eggs are both high in protein and have a low energy density, so they are an ideal food to include if you are trying to lose or maintain weight when eaten with other low energy dense foods such as salads, vegetables, fruit and whole grain cereal foods. Eggs contain all of the essential amino acids that humans need and in the right amounts needed for tissue growth and repair. Nutritionally speaking an egg is a complete, high quality protein. (Incomplete, lower quality proteins lack one or more of the essential amino acids.) When dietary protein is rated for its protein quality, eggs are given a protein rating of 100, which is the highest quality rating. They contain the best combination of essential amino acids when compared with other sources of protein such as fish, beef, milk and rice. In fact, the protein found in eggs is used as the standard against which the quality of protein in other foods is set.

An egg is made up of approximately 11 percent fat, and the saturated fatty acid component of this fat is low. Eggs are high in cholesterol, which is important for the structure of cell membranes, embryonic development, and the production of vitamin D, bile and hormones.Eggs contain vitamins A, D, E, K and the B-complex vitamins. They are rich in minerals and do not contain as much cholesterol as was once feared. In fact, the American Heart Association now suggests that it is acceptable to consume up to four egg yolks per week as part of a balanced diet.

Jogging

2009-10-17T03:08:00.001-07:00

Jogging is one of the finest exercise programs, as it yields a lot of benefits. You can do it independently and it helps you build a good physique by stimulating your heart rate, relieving stress, toning your muscles and also prevents a number of aging problems. It increases your energy level and it brings a sense of discipline and is more result oriented than any other type of workout. It helps burn calories and stay fit.

There are a few disadvantages that jogging yields such as muscle or joint strains and injuries. It is advisable to meet a physician before beginning this workout. Firstly, you need to confirm if you have any other health problem that could cause you physical stress if you exercise too hard. It is really necessary to get a medical clearance if you are overweight, or have a family history of blood pressure and heart problems or if you are above the age of 60.

When you start jogging, follow a regular guideline. At the start do a warm up exercise, light stretching and determine a pace that is most comfortable for you. You can gradually increase your speed. Do not hunch your body and swing your arms naturally. Do not let them strain. When you happen to mount a hill lean slightly.

To avoid injuries increase your activity for only 1-2 minutes per day. After several weeks, review your progress and then increase or decrease the activity accordingly.

Swimming

2009-10-17T03:06:00.000-07:00

Swimming is good exercise. Swimming is a lifetime sport that benefits the body and the whole person! But what is it that makes swimming good, specifically? That depends on what you are trying to accomplish.
Swimming is a healthy activity that can be continued for a lifetime – and the health benefits swimming offers for a lifetime are worth the effort it takes to get to the pool.
Why do you swim? For the health benefits to your heart and lungs? For the chance to be with some of your friends at the pool? Because, in your case, running everyday hurts? Because you like the feeling of floating and sliding through the water? Or is it something else?If you are looking for a break from the heat of the summer, then a dip in the water is exactly what you need; swimming is a way for you to cool off. It fills a wonderful recreational need for individuals and families, from beach and pool fun to water parks.

Maybe you are a runner, training on a regular basis, and want to find an activity that keeps your heart rate up but takes some of the impact stress off of your body. Perhaps you have been doing some other form of land exercise, and now an injury prevents you from putting weight on a knee or ankle. Swimming can help you. Kicking workouts, water aerobics, pool running, or a regular swimming workout can all give you a great exercise session without the weight of your body pounding you with each move.

Regular swimming builds endurance, muscle strength and cardio-vascular fitness. It can serve as a cross-training element to your regular workouts. Before a land workout, you can use the pool for a warm-up session. Swimming with increasing effort to gradually increase your heart rate and stimulate your muscle activity is easily accomplished in the water. After a land workout, swimming a few laps can help you cool-down, move blood through your muscles to help them recover, and help you relax as you glide through the water.
Swimming does burn calories at a rate of about 3 calories a mile per pound of bodyweight. If you weigh 150 lbs. and it takes you 30 minutes to swim one mile (1,760 yards or 1,609 meters), then you will be using about 900 calories in one hour. However, many swimmers do not swim that quickly, and many cannot swim for that distance or duration.

Smoking & Breast Cancer

2009-10-17T00:27:00.000-07:00

Smoking may actually help reduce the risk of breast cancer in some women, according to a study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. The study found that smoking reduces by 50 percent the risk of developing breast cancer in women who have a rare genetic mutation that can lead to to the disease.
Studies have shown evidence of an inverse relationship between smoking and the risk of contracting Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease. In fact, most studies show that the more one smokes, the lower the risk level.

Scientists reported at the Society for Neuroscience annual meeting that they’re encouraged they can design medications to capitalize on the benefits of nicotine without cardiovascular and other side effects. Apparently, they found that Nicotine-like compounds can improve memory and might one day be used in pills to treat disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. [CBS Marketwatch, Nov 8, 1998]

Tuberculosis (TB)

2009-10-16T20:32:00.000-07:00

Tuberculosis Also called: TB Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection caused by a germ called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but they can also damage other parts of the body. TB spreads through the air when a person with TB of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes or talks. If you have been exposed, you should go to your doctor for tests. You are more likely to get TB if you have a weak immune system.
Symptoms of TB in the lungs may include
* A bad cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer
* Weight loss
* Coughing up blood or mucus
* Weakness or fatigue
* Fever and chills
* Night sweats If not treated properly
TB can be deadly. You can usually cure active TB by taking several medicines for a long period of time. People with latent TB can take medicine so that they do not develop active TB.