10 Tips for Getting rid of ACNE

Top Ten Tips for Getting Rid of Acne

1. Fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds

Increase the variety of fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds in your diet. The easiest way to do this is to create delicious smoothies and juices from ripe fruit, have at least one salad every day — even just as a side dish — with your main meal, and snack on nuts and dried fruits. Brazil nuts and pumpkin seeds are fantastic for acne because they contain selenium (Brazils) and zinc (pumpkin seeds), deficiencies in these minerals have been linked to acne. If you're stuck for recipes containing a good variety of fresh ingredients, look no further than Clear Skin, the new eBook by Karen Jessett — it contains over 70 delicious recipes to aid acne-prone skin.

2. Water

Drink plenty of water every day. Aim to drink at least two litres of still mineral water. If the skin becomes dehydrated, dead skin cells are not effectively shed, which can lead to blocked pores and further acne.

3. Probiotics and prebiotics

Antibiotics destroy the bacteria in your digestive system, which can lead to poor digestion, constipation and reduced absorption of essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients — all of which can lead to more acne because your body isn't able to get rid of waste effectively and toxins get expelled via the skin instead. If you have been taking antibiotics for your acne, it's vital you replace the "friendly" bacteria in your digestive system with a good quality probiotic, such as Nature's Biotics.

Prebiotics are foods which help re-establish the good bacteria in the gut — these include honey, onions, artichokes and bananas. Taking a probiotic supplement and eating prebiotics foods will help restore the levels of beneficial bacteria that are destroyed by antibiotics.

4. Supplements & superfoods

Sometimes it's not possible to get all the vitamins, minerals and nutrients required to obtain and maintain clear skin. We can be eating all the right foods, but because of other factors — such as long-term antibiotic use — we may not be absorbing everything we need from our diets. There are a few supplements that are particularly useful to those with acne, including:

* Maca — a powdered Peruvian root vegetable that helps balance and stabilize the body's systems and helps normalise hormones. It tastes delicious blended into smoothies, a little bit sweet and little bit savoury. Maca is also rich in essential amino acids, fatty acids, phytochemicals and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, silica and iodine.

* Nature's Living Superfood — A nutrient-dense, mineral-rich superfood, it contains a full spectrum of absorbable nutrients: vitamins, minerals, trace minerals.

5. Use only natural products on your skin

Many skin care products on the market contain chemicals that can aggravate acne-prone skin. By overloading the skin with harsh chemicals that strip the skin's natural oils, the skin will produce more oil to compensate — which can lead to more blocked pores and acne! Use products that contain natural ingredients such as tea tree oil, which is known for its antibacterial properties. The best method for dealing with acne-prone skin is the less-is-more attitude. Use as few products as possible so your skin gets a chance to heal on its own. If you wear make-up, buy formulas that are non-acnegenic or non-comedogenic (non-pore blocking).

6. Reduce stress

Stress is on of the biggest precursors of acne, especially beyond puberty. Controlling stress can reduce the release of the stress hormone cortisol, and therefore reduce the severity of the acne. Id you suffer from stress regularly, learn to recognise the early symptoms and take action. There are various ways you can reduce stress and become more relaxed:

* Exercise — especially Yoga and T'ai Chi. Moderate exercise will increase blood flow to the skin and aid healing, as well as improve the health of your internal organs enabling them to get rid of waste more effectively.

* Relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises and meditation

7. Reduce your intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates

There is recent research pointing the finger at diet — eating refined carbohydrates (white bread, pasta, rice, flour etc) and sugar leads to a surge in insulin and an insulin-like growth factor called IGF-1. This in turn leads to an excess of male hormones, which encourage the skin to excrete large amounts of sebum. This grease-like substance encourages the growth of bacteria responsible for acne.

Refined carbs/sugar = more insulin = more hormones = more sebum (oil) = more bacteria = more acne

8. Reduce your intake of caffeine

Caffeine increases the levels of stress hormones in the body and can aggravate acne. Avoid coffee, tea, chocolate and other stimulant containing drinks.

9. Reduce your intake of dairy and red meat

Dairy products and meat are hard for us to digest, and are acid-forming in the body. The condition of the skin is linked to the health of your internal organs. If you're struggling to digest high levels of animal protein, your body won't get rid of waste products effectively, and they will be released via the skin as acne. Dairy and red meat also contain high levels of hormones which can increase our our levels, and result in more acne. Many people are also intolerant to dairy products without realising it, and a mild intolerance can manifest itself as acne. There are plenty of alternatives to dairy these days — and you can create simple and nutritious nut milks at home, such as the calcium-rich sesame and banana super smoothie.

10. Sunshine and fresh air

Sunshine stimulates the creation of vitamin D in the body — an essential vitamin for healthy skin. A little bit of fresh air and sunshine every day will also reduce stress and increase oxygen to the skin. Even when it's overcast, the sun's rays reach us, so take a 10 minute walk outside every day. Don't get burnt in the sun though — apart from increasing the risk of skin cancer, burnt and heavily tanned skin forms a thick layer on the skin's surface that doesn't exfoliate quickly enough and leads to blocked pores.

Source :http://www.acne-advice.com

First Aid For Common Injuries

Source :http://www.maksazone.com


As much as we'd like for it to be otherwise, injuries happen. Whether you suffer from a skinned knee or a broken arm, knowing how to treat common injuries (as well as knowing when to go to the doctor) is always useful.

What follows is a list of common injuries and some of the most common treatments for them. Should the injury have an odd look to it, excess pain or bleeding, or simply doesn't seem right, consult a doctor or local pharmacist. They may be able to offer better treatment options, or discover an underlying problem that could become severe if left untreated.



Bruises:

Bruises are caused by hits or blunt objects breaking small blood vessels in the skin. The larger the area where the injury occurs is then the darker the bruise will be, since there will be more blood vessels broken and more blood will be in the skin. It is also possible to have sub-dermal bruises, or bruises beneath the skin, which are a result of a blow breaking blood vessels in bone or muscle tissue.


The best treatment for bruises is to simply apply heat and massage the area. There are also creams available to deaden any pain associated with the bruise and to speed the bruise in healing. Should the bruise be especially dark or continues to grow, don't hesitate to consult a doctor.


Abrasions:

Scrapes, scuffs, and abrasions happen when the skin comes in contact with a rough material. Skinned knees or palms are the most common types of abrasions. Bleeding is usually minimal, and the pain often fades quickly.


To treat an abrasion, clean the wounded area well with water and either soap or an alcohol pad. Apply antibacterial ointment, alcohol, or iodine and cover with clean gauze. Keep an eye on it until it is healed for any change in color or puffiness that may indicate more serious conditions.


Cuts:

Depending upon the source, cuts can come in a variety of types; deep or shallow, smooth or jagged, thin or wide.


If the cut is a small one, or barely bleeding, clean the area and apply a bandage. If the cut is larger or bleeding heavily, apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth and seek medical attention immediately. Cuts that bleed heavily or that are large or jagged may have damaged major veins or arteries, and even if they haven't may require stitches in order to heal correctly.


Sprains:

A sprain is caused when a joint twists in a way that it shouldn't and damages the connective tissue, such as a sprained ankle or wrist. Swelling and pain accompany the injury, and use of the affected joint is extremely limited at best.


The best treatment for a sprain is to keep pressure off of the injured area and to alternate heat and ice on the injury. Use of anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen is also recommended. You may also wish to consult a doctor, as he can not only diagnose whether or not there is any further damage beyond just the sprain, but also may prescribe or recommend specific medicines for the pain and the swelling.

Source :http://www.essortment.com

Top Ten Medical Insurance Tips

source :http://www.shulayim.com

Having health insurance can give you peace of mind, knowing that you won’t have a large financial burden should you have any short-term health problems.

These top tips will help you choose the policy that’s right for you, at the best price.

1. It’s never too early to invest in health insurance for you or your family – As a general rule, the younger you are, the lower your health insurance premiums are likely to be. Additionally, when you are young you’re less likely to have developed pre-existing conditions which would be excluded from your policy cover. Even when you’re older, it isn’t too late to sign up for health insurance though, and you’ll still be able to reap the benefits.

2. Don’t skimp on cover - Not having enough health insurance cover could be a false economy, Do some research into how much some procedures cost and ensure you have the necessary insurance.

3. Choice - Look for a policy provider that offers you choice about when, where and by who you’re treated.

4. Check your records - Make sure that your doctor’s records are correct and up to date. Any incorrect information could mean that you end up paying higher premiums or can’t get cover for certain conditions.

5. Assess the excess options - Paying a higher excess fee can be one way to keep your medical insurance premiums low.

6. Shop around - Do your research before you sign up to any insurance policy. Don’t just accept the first quote you’re offered. Experts recommend that anyone shopping for health insurance gets a minimum of three policy quotes before making a decision.

7. Understand the policy - Make sure that you fully understand what is and isn’t covered by your health insurance policy. If you make presumptions without checking the facts, you could get caught out if you become ill.

8. Read the small print - Ask for clarification on anything that isn’t clear and seek independent advice if necessary. Don’t be embarrassed to query anything as it’s important you know what you’re signing up for and that you get the policy that’s right for you.

9. Avoid stress - Conditions such as depression or stress can increase the premium prices and avoiding stress can make you less prone to illness.

10. Be healthy - Leading a healthy lifestyle can help you keep your insurance premiums as low as possible and is clearly just better for you. Cut down on smoking and drinking and watch your weight. Try to take exercise for at least 20 minutes, three times a week.

Source :http://www.buzzle.com

What is Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. Malignant cells develop in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers most of the human body's internal organs. The most common location is the pleura which is the outer lining of the lungs and internal chest wall. Mesothelioma can also occur in the peritoneum which is the lining of the abdominal cavity, the pericardium which is a sac that surrounds the heart, or in the heart itself.

The majority of people who develop mesothelioma have worked in jobs where they were exposed to asbestos. Inhaling asbestos particles, leads to mesothelioma. People who develop may also have been exposed to asbestos fibers or dust in other ways. It could be possible that washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos could put a person at risk of mesothelioma.

Unlike lung cancer, there is no association between mesothelioma and smoking, but smoking greatly increases risk of other asbestos-induced cancer. Compensation via asbestos funds or lawsuits is an important issue with mesothelioma sufferers.

Although chemotherapy and surgery are the most common forms of treatment, participating in clinical trials can provide you with alternative mesothelioma treatment options. Increased awareness of mesothelioma and other asbestos-caused diseases has led to an increase on medical research to cure and control asbestos-caused cancers and related asbestos heart and respiratory diseases. Despite treatment with chemotherapy, radiation therapy or sometimes surgery, the disease carries a poor prognosis. Research about screening tests for the early detection of mesothelioma is ongoing.

The symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath due to pleural effusion or fluid between the lung and the chest wall. Chest wall pain, and general symptoms such as weight loss are other symptoms. The diagnosis may be suspected with chest X-ray and CT scan, and is confirmed with a microscopic examination and biopsy. Inserting a tube with a camera into the chest can be used to take biopsies. It allows the introduction of substances such as talc to obliterate the pleural space, which prevents more fluid from accumulating and pressing on the lung.

Source : http://whatismesothelioma.com

Heart Health-10 ways to reduce cholesterol

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1. Eat the right kind of fat to reduce cholestrol

Foods high in monounsaturated fats, such as almonds and avocados, will boost HDL. Almonds are 70 per cent monounsaturated fat and also contain two powerful antioxidants: vitamin E and flavonoids, which prevent the oxidation of LDL. Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids, such as salmon and flaxseeds, also have a good HDL-raising reputation.

2. Avoid coffee to reduce cholestrol

Caffeine junkies should note that downing three to six cups a day will raise your cholesterol by eight to ten per cent, according to a US National Institutes of Health study. The report also found that coffee drinkers experienced an 18 per cent rise in their fatty acids in the blood, the stuff that drives the production of bad cholesterol.

3. Choose low-GI carbs to reduce cholestrol

People on high-carbohydrate diets crammed with pasta and bread tend to have lower HDL levels than those who eat plenty of protein, good fats and fruit and veg. Switching to carbs with a low glycaemic index (GI) rating such as beans and wholemeal bread will also help you keep your energy levels stable and lose weight.

4. Jump around to reduce cholestrol

Working out raises your levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), commonly known as 'good cholesterol'. HDL is the stuff that takes cholesterol away from cells - where high levels can increase the risk of coronary heart disease - and back to the liver, where it's either broken down or excreted. But this doesn't mean you need to run marathons. Studies have found that your HDL levels will increase by doing just four moderate 30-minute sessions of aerobic exercise a week.

5. Lose your gut to reduce cholestrol

Here's another reason to banish the belly: being overweight raises total blood cholesterol levels. Not only will carrying extra inches around your waist throw your cholesterol levels out of balance, but it will also raise levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or 'bad cholesterol' - the harmful kind that allows cholesterol to clog blood vessels.

6. Know your levels to reduce cholestrol

The Department of Health's guidelines state that your total cholesterol should be less than 5 millimoles per litre (mmol/l) and your LDL cholesterol should be less than 3mmol/l. Home-testing kits are available but are usually inconclusive, so if you take one and the reading is high you should make an appointment to see your GP. He or she can arrange a blood test, which will diagnose your blood cholesterol levels and, if necessary, test for conditions that can be responsible for raising cholesterol, such as an underactive thyroid, diabetes and kidney and liver problems.

7. Stop smoking to reduce cholestrol

Along with all its other effects, smoking lowers HDL levels. So if you're fond of the odd fag, stubbing it out is the simplest way to give your good cholesterol a lift.

8. Keep calm to reduce cholestrol

Men who are able to keep calm when confronted with stressful situations benefit from increased levels of good cholesterol. Researchers at Oregon State University and the University of Hawaii found that people who reacted to stressful situations with hostility had lower HDL levels than those who were able to control their aggression.

9. Avoid saturated fat to reduce cholestrol

Cut back on foods that are rich in saturated and trans fats, because these stimulate the liver to produce extra cholesterol. The liver usually produces about 1g of cholesterol a day, but this can be multiplied by the consumption of foods such as fatty cuts of meat, ready meals, puddings, biscuits, cakes, pies and pastries.

10. Eat lots of fibre to reduce cholestrol

The type of soluble fibre found in oats, apples, pears, peas and kidney beans among other foods can slow cholesterol and raise HDL levels. Eating foods such as these also helps to keep your gut feeling satisfied, which can help you lose weight. A bowl of wholegrain cereal or porridge with berries is a good way to start to the day.

Source :http://www.mensfitnessmagazine.co.uk

Top killer diseases in the developing world

1. Lower respiratory infections

Death toll: More than 4 million people each year.

What are they? Mostly pneumonia and other diseases of the lungs, windpipe or bronchial tubes, including Legionnaire's disease.

How are they spread? Coughing, sneezing, laughing or exhaling.

Facts:
• Most victims are under five.
• Tuberculosis and whooping cough are also lower respiratory infections, but death tolls are tallied separately by the U.N. World Health Organisation (WHO).
• Often associated with AIDS.
Treatment and prevention: Virus usually runs its course after seven to 10 days, but sometimes antibiotics are needed.

Target: Goal number four of the U.N.-sponsored Millennium Development Goals aimed at cutting global poverty calls for a reduction in child mortality by two-thirds by 2015.

"If you look at the resources going into child health compared to the resources going into other areas, really it is very, very small and we need to increase the resources going in both from within national budgets and from external donors."
Elizabeth Mason, director of Child and Adolescent Health, WHO

2. HIV/AIDS

Death toll: More than 3 million deaths attributed to AIDS in 2004.

Infection rate: Some 39.4 million people in the world live with HIV.

What is it? HIV stands for "human immunodeficiency virus". It erodes the immune system. Infection with HIV has been established as the underlying cause of AIDS, which stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Most people with HIV develop signs of AIDS within eight to 15 years unless they receive treatment. AIDS-related deaths are often caused by pneumonia or tuberculosis.

How is it spread? Unprotected sex, blood transfusions or contaminated needles, or from mother to child during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding.

Facts:
• 65 percent of HIV cases are in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Teenage girls are at high risk in sub-Saharan Africa, where three-quarters of 15-24-year-olds living with HIV are female.
Treatment and prevention: There is no vaccine for HIV, but HIV-positive people can live on life-prolonging antiretroviral drugs for decades.

Target: The "3 by 5" initiative by WHO and UNAIDS aims to provide antiretroviral treatment to 3 million HIV-positive people by the end of 2005. As many as 6 million people need treatment. By the end of 2004, some 720,000 were receiving therapy, prompting UNAIDS to say it was on track to meet its goal.
"It will be difficult to reach 3 million people with these drugs but what this campaign for "3 by 5" has done is (ensure) treatment for HIV is now on the agenda in every developing country." Dr Peter Piot, UNAIDS executive director

3. Malaria

Death toll: Between 1 million and 5 million each year.

Infection rate: WHO puts the number of people affected annually at 300 million, but the Kenyan Medical Research Institute says there are actually 515 million cases a year of the deadliest form of malaria alone.

How is it spread? Mosquitoes.

Facts:
• Malaria kills an African child every 30 seconds.
• Malaria is transmitted to humans by the female anopheles mosquito.
• Ninety per cent of deaths are in Africa, home to the most deadly form of the virus.
• Malaria is responsible for 20 percent of Africa's under-five mortality and 10 percent of the continent's overall disease burden.
• Less than five percent of people at greatest malaria risk have insecticide-treated mosquito nets to sleep under.
Treatment and prevention: Insecticide-treated mosquito nets and indoor insecticide spraying. There are a variety of anti-malarial drugs, but the malaria parasite has developed immunity to many of them. For short-term prevention, travellers take daily or weekly pills.

Target: Millennium Development Goal number six includes a call for the international community to halt and begin to reverse the incidence of killer diseases, including malaria.


4. Diarrhoea

Death toll: Kills around 2.2 million people each year.

Infection rate: 4 billion cases a year.

What is it? Diarrhoea - caused by dysentery, cholera and a host of lesser-known scourges - is a symptom of infection from bacterial, viral and parasitic organisms like microscopic worms. Most diarrhoea-related deaths, particularly in children, are due to dehydration.

How is it spread? Contaminated water and food.

Facts:
• In Southeast Asia, diarrhoea is responsible for up to 8.5 percent of all deaths, and in Africa for 7.7 percent of deaths.

Treatment: Diarrhoea can be treated with oral re-hydration salts. Zinc is also now advocated as an accompanying treatment.



Target: Goal number 10 of the Millennium Development Goals is to halve the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation by 2015.


5. Tuberculosis

Death toll: Two million people die every year.

Infection rate: About 2 billion people are infected with TB and over 8 million new cases develop each year.

What is it? Symptoms of tuberculosis (TB) include a chronic cough, fever, chills, weakness and weight loss.

How is it spread? Coughing or sneezing.

Facts:
• One-third of the world's population is infected with TB.
• TB is a frequent killer for people with AIDS. African states suffering from the HIV pandemic have experienced an annual 10 percent rise in TB cases.
• Has suffered a re-emergence in Eastern Europe, largely due to patients failing to complete courses of treatment. This has contributed to drug-resistant strains evolving.


Treatment and prevention: The Bacille Calmette-Guerin - BCG - vaccine is the most commonly used preventative measure against TB in the developing world, but drug-resistant strains are on the rise.
Directly Observed Therapy Short-course - DOTS - is the internationally recommended approach to TB control. Under DOTS, health workers closely monitor treatment to ensure that patients complete the full course of medication, thereby helping to prevent new strains of drug-resistant TB developing. The method has cure rates of up to 95 percent, even in the poorest countries.

Targets: The Global Plan to Stop TB ran from 2001 to 2005. The target was to detect 70 percent of new TB infections, but the programme only achieved 45 percent case detection. However, 82 percent of detected cases were treated, almost up to the 85 percent cure target. A new Global Plan will run to 2015 from 2006, aiming for Millennium Development Goal number six, which is to halt and begin reversing the spread of major diseases like TB.
"The DOTS strategy is one of the most cost-effective of all health interventions."
The World Bank

6. Measles

Death toll: An estimated 530,000 measles deaths annually, mostly children.

Infection rate: More than 30 million people are infected with the virus each year.

What is it? Measles can cause blindness, brain damage and make children susceptible to pneumonia and diarrhoea. Potentially fatal if left untreated.

How is it spread? Coughing and sneezing. It is highly contagious.


Facts:
• 1,400 people die from measles every day.
• It costs $1 to immunise a child.
• Africa and Southeast Asia account for 82 percent of the global death toll.

Treatment and prevention: Vaccination is effective. The disease can be treated with drugs, but strains of drug-resistant measles have developed.

Targets: The Measles Initiative and the WHO/U.N. Children's Fund (UNICEF) Strategy for Sustainable Measles Mortality Reduction aim to reduce measles deaths with comprehensive vaccination programmes. Global measles deaths have fallen by 39 per cent since 1999, while Africa has witnessed a drop of 47 percent.
"We can take a country that is endemic for a leading cause of child death and, almost at will, take it to zero percent and keep it there. Now we are just trying to get the resources and the political cooperation to do it everywhere."
Dr Mark Grabowsky, Technical Advisor, Measles Initiative & American Red Cross

7. Whooping cough, or pertussis

Death toll: 200,000 to 300,000 die each year.

Infection rate: 20 million to 40 million cases annually.

What is it? Highly contagious acute bacterial disease of the respiratory tract.

How is it spread? Coughing, sneezing or talking.

Facts:
• 90 percent of pertussis cases occur in developing countries. Most prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• The Global Alliance for Vaccines & Immunisation (GAVI) immunised 294,000 children against whooping cough last year.

Treatment and prevention: Can be treated with antibiotics, but vaccines are the most effective way to control it.


Targets: GAVI aims to introduce pertussis vaccine into routine childhood vaccination programmes all over the world.


8. Tetanus

Death toll: 214,000 deaths a year.

Infection rate: 500,000 cases a year.

What is it? Also known as lockjaw, tetanus is a potentially fatal disease of the central nervous system.

How is it spread? Caused by a wound becoming infected with bacteria. Clostridium tetani spores live in soil, so are present everywhere.

Facts:
• Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia bear the brunt of tetanus deaths, with 84,000 and 82,000 respectively.
• Neo-natal tetanus - passed from mother to child - is a leading cause of infant mortality in some regions.
• One in 10 Haitians projected to have HIV/AIDS by 2015.
• Since WHO called for global elimination of the disease in 1989, neo-natal tetanus deaths have decreased to 180,000 worldwide in 2002 from 800,000 in the 1980s.

Treatment: Can be prevented with a vaccine


9. Meningitis

Death toll: 174,000 deaths a year.

Infection rate: Over a million people contract a form of meningitis every year.

What is it? A frequently fatal infection of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord. Even with early diagnosis and correct treatment, five to 10 percent of patients die.

How is it spread? Droplets from the throat or breath. Close contact or sharing eating and drinking utensils can spread the disease.

Facts:
• The "Meningitis Belt" with the world's highest incidence rates stretches from Senegal in western Africa to Ethiopia in the east.
• 10 to 20 percent of survivors suffer brain damage, hearing loss, or learning disability.

Treatment and prevention: Vaccines are available. Antibiotics for treatment include penicillin and ceftriaxone. Oily chloramphenicol is the drug of choice in areas with limited health facilities because a single dose is effective.

Target: The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision for Epidemic Meningitis Control supports research to develop a new vaccine.


10. Syphilis

Death toll: 157,000 deaths a year.

Infection rate: Around 12.2 million cases worldwide.

How is it spread? Syphilis is primarily spread by sexual contact, though it can be transmitted internally from an infected mother directly to her baby.

Facts:
• Many common antibiotics do not work against syphilis.
• Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America -- in that order -- experience the highest rates of syphilis.

Treatment: Penicillin.

Source : http://www.alertnet.org

7 ways to reduce your risk of Cancer

Seven ways to cut Cancer risk

Because of medical advances and new treatment options, many forms of cancer have become manageable chronic illnesses, like diabetes.

And other discoveries have shown that it's possible to cut your cancer risk. From diet and lifestyle changes to avoiding toxic chemicals and too much sun exposure, simple changes can make a big difference.

• Cancer Risk #1: Tobacco

Tobacco kills. Smoking can damage almost every organ in your body and is a known cause of at least 15 different types of cancer.The risks for cancer aren't limited to cigarettes. Cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and the smokelesss tobacco called snuff are all linked to cancer.

Want another reason to quit? Secondhand smoke is a cancer cause, too. Tens of thousands of people — including children — have diseases ranging from asthma and pneumonia to sudden infant death syndrome and even ear infections as a result of secondhand smoke.

• Cancer Risk #2: Obesity

Being overweight or obese is a known cancer cause. In fact, excess weight is linked to an increased risk for developing more than a dozen types of cancer, including breast and pancreatic cancers. The American Cancer Society stresses the need to keep your weight in check by, first, eating right:

Eat a diet limited in processed and red meats and including five or more servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Eat whole grains instead of processed grains. Limit your alcohol intake to one drink per day for women or two for men.

• Cancer Risk #3: No Exercise

Diet alone usually isn't enough to maintain a healthy body and cut your cancer risk. So, pick an activity that suits your level of fitness and get moving.

Adults should be physically active for at least 30 minutes on five or more days a week. Children should engage in physical play for at least 60 minutes five days per week.

• Cancer Risk #4: Sun Exposure

About one million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States and most are sun related. Melanoma, the most serious skin cancer, can be fatal. You can lower your risk for skin cancer by limiting the time that you spend in the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Take these additional steps:

* Seek out shade, especially during the middle of the day.
* Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing, specifically the kind you can't see through when
held up to a light.
* Wear a hat and protect your eyes with sunglasses that have 99 percent UV absorption.
* Follow these rules even on cloudy days.
* Avoid sun lamps and tanning beds because they can cause the same type of skin damage as
the sun.

• Cancer Risk #5: Infection

Infections from viruses, bacteria, and parasites are a known cancer risk in up to 20 percent of all cancers. Several of those viruses are sexually transmitted, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

You can reduce your risk for getting these types of viruses by using condoms during sex. Women can reduce their risk of cancer from HPV by getting a vaccine. In fact, the American Cancer Society now recommends the HPV vaccine for girls who are nine and older.

• Cancer Risk #6: Chemical Exposure

A variety of substances found in common products are known to be a cancer cause. Two of particular interest:

* Asbestos, a fibrous substance, is found in many older buildings where it was used as insulation and as a fire-retardant; inhaling it can cause cancer. So be sure to have your home checked for asbestos before beginning any sort of renovation. Carpenters and other skilled workers who deal with remodeling older homes should investigate proper safety precautions before working in buildings that contain asbestos.
* Tetrachloroethylene is a solvent used in dry cleaning. While wearing dry-cleaned clothes isn't considered dangerous, those who work in a dry cleaning business should change clothes after work, wash work clothes regularly, and keep their food out of the work area.

• Cancer Risk #7: Consumer Products

Antiperspirants, talcum powder, hair dye, aspartame, and some cosmetics have all been reported as possible cancer causes, often incorrectly. The truth is that there is no conclusive evidence that any of these products cause cancer. But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration continues to monitor various studies and issues periodic updates.

Source:www.everydayhealth.com

10 Tips to Protect Your Eyes

“Eyes are delicate and precious,” says Dr. Andrew Iwach, spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). “Just a touch of maintenance will keep them going for years.”

1.Regular checkups.

When was the last time you had an eye exam? If it was at 3 years of age, chances are you’re due. The AAO recommends an eye exam before 5 years of age to check for childhood problems like amblyopia (sometimes called lazy eye) or strabismus (misaligned eyes), and then on an as-needed basis (vision problems or injuries) up to 19 years of age. One exam in your 20s, and two in your 30s can identify problems which may benefit from early treatment. While it’s normal for vision to change with age, serious eye problems like glaucoma and macular degeneration (deterioration of retina that causes loss of detail vision) can be treated if detected early. So step up the eye exams after 40 years of age to every two to four years; after age 65, every one to two years. Anyone with diabetes, a family history of eye problems or African-Americans over the age of 40 should check with their doctor about more frequent visits. (African-Americans may need more frequent checkups in middle age because of an increased risk for glaucoma.)

2.SPF for the eyes.

Sunglasses don’t just prevent crows’ feet from squinting, they also block harmful ultraviolet and other rays than can play a role in the development of cataracts and macular degeneration. Fair-skinned caucasians are at the greatest risk for the latter. Be sure your sunglasses have 100 percent UV protection. “The blue wavelengths--violet and blue--hit the retina,” says Dr. Lylas Mogk, co-author of Macular Degeneration: The Complete Guide to Saving and Maximizing Your Sight. “The best filters against blue are in the amber-orange-brown range of commercial sunglasses.” You should always wear sunglasses when outside (and not just in the summer) but especially in high glare areas around snow or water. A wide-brimmed hat is great for blocking rays—even if it counteracts the cool of your aviators.
Eye protection. Sunglasses aren’t the only protective eyewear you should don. Obviously anyone working around construction, manufacturing—any job with machinery and flying particles—must wear

3.eye protection.

But even when you’re working around the house, you should guard your eyes. “Even while hanging a picture, plaster or a nail can fly into your eye,” warns Dr. Iwach. Any hardware store sells inexpensive clear plastic eye protection.


4.Contact care.

“Contacts are a great tool, but they come with responsibility,” says Dr. Iwach. Be sure to have a pair of glasses with a recent prescription so that if you get any irritation you can change over. Wearing your contacts when your eyes are irritated can turn a simple problem (irritation) into a significant problem (a corneal ulcer). Make sure you care for the lenses properly. “I can’t believe people who pop a lens in their mouth and then put it in their eye. That is not a good idea unless you want to be seeing the eye doctor a lot,” warns Dr. Iwach. Make sure your solutions aren’t expired, keep your contacts clean—and keep them out of your mouth.

5.Eye candy.

Are carrots really good for your eyes? “Carrots are rich in vitamin A, which the retina needs,” says Dr. Lylas Mogk. “But we’re not in danger of having vitamin A deficiencies.” Green leafy veggies like kale, collard and mustard greens, and spinach are good for the eyes because they contain lutein, which studies indicate can reverse symptoms of macular degeneration. And getting plenty of omega-3 fatty acids from fish and flax can help prevent dry eyes. But avoid omega-6 fatty acids, which is tricky in the American diet. Omega-6s are in vegetable oils. “There are very few processed or packaged foods that don’t have vegetable oils,” notes Dr. Mogk. “And the omega-6s counteract the good omega-3s.”

6.Eye lube.

As we age, we experience more dry eye symptoms. “The biggest reason people have dry eyes is that the tear film doesn’t have the right consistency of water, mucus and oil,” says Dr. Mogk. The oil part of your tears comes from little glands at the margin of your eyelids. As you blink, oil is supposed to coat the eyes. But if this coating is insufficient, the tear film evaporates and eyes feel dry. This triggers reflex tearing, which is why your eyes water when they get dry and irritated. Omega-3 helps with this. Also, heat and air conditioning can cause dry eyes, especially if you sit near a vent or fan unit. Make sure that the vent in your car isn’t blowing toward your face.

7.Quit smoking.

Need another reason to quit smoking? You got it: Smoking increases the risk and accelerates the development of cataracts, macular degeneration and optic nerve damage. “I’d be more afraid of losing your vision than lung cancer,” says Dr. Iwach.

8.Eye strain.

Any focused work means you don’t blink as frequently. And all the computer work and internet surfing can take a toll. It’s always good to take a break from activities which involve prolonged staring. And artificial tears can help reduce eye irritation, lubricating the eyes to help you work longer.

9.Talk to your family.

Eye problems are often hereditary. If you are diagnosed with glaucoma or another eye condition, share that information with your immediate and extended family. “It’s a way to give the gift of vision for the rest of their life,” notes Dr. Iwach. The sooner people are diagnosed, the more that can be done to treat and prevent further damage.

10Stay healthy.

We’ve already seen how eating right (veggies over processed foods) helps with eye health. Exercise increases circulation, which can lower pressure within the eyes, which helps with those who have glaucoma. Getting regular overall physicals may lead to early detection of diseases like diabetes or other systemic conditions that can lead to eye problems. And most important, if something bothers you or feels wrong, get it checked out. As Dr. Iwach puts it, “You get your oil checked regularly, so get your eyes checked regularly.”

Source : http://health.msn.com

10 Tips To Reduce Stress

Source : http://www.huntingtonhealth.com

While you may not be able to solve the biggest stressors in your life, you can do something about many of the smaller stressors that "nickel and dime you to death." Here are some proven stress reducers you can implement in daily life to help:


• Get up 15 minutes earlier each morning. That gives you a little more time to eat something, run back to get something you forgot, or enjoy a cup of coffee before heading out the door. If you drive to work, a 15 or 20 minute head start may decrease some of the traffic you face, and make the commute less stressful.

• Prepare for mishaps. Make an extra copy of your house key and bury it in your neighbors' yard; make a second copy of your car key and tape it under your coworker's desk. Both may allow you to get home and inside the house if you loose your keys. If you do have to use them, pat yourself on the back for being smart.

• Don't do something if you will have to lie about it afterwards. While this may seem obvious, the nagging guilt we feel often wears us down or makes us anxious about getting caught… Sure, it may be more time consuming to fax your resume to new job sites from Kinko's, but you don't have to worry about being caught.

• Do something healthy for yourself. That could mean taking the stairs once a day instead of the elevator, picking one day a week to have a salad for lunch, or eating fresh fruit instead of a candy bar. What's the overall effect on your health? Maybe not much, but small steps lead to bigger ones, and doing something simple for your body is the best way to start.

• Write it down. There is an old Chinese proverb that goes, "The palest ink is better than the most retentive memory." All those "Seven Secrets" tips are based on writing things down. Write down goals, errands, chores, due dates for projects and library books… Instead of just a "To Do" list, keep a "Have Done" list too. Move things over to that list after having completed them. At the end of the day, review how productive you were.

• Do something special on a whim. Buy flowers for your partner unexpectedly. Sneak a small greeting card that says "I love you" into your child's lunch box. Bring donuts, bagels, or muffins to the office for others one morning. You get the picture. Someone else's smile and "Thanks" can sometimes make a bad day better.

• Be willing to forgive others. Allowing others the right to make a mistake goes a long way toward forgiving yourself for mistakes. Assume that others are doing the best they can. Mark Twain once said, "Never attribute to malice what can easily be attributed to stupidity." This goes a long way toward doing the best you can as well.

• Don't eat lunch at your desk. Get away to somewhere quiet or different if only for a 15 or 20 minute break.

• Delegate new jobs. Say no to avoid additional responsibilities. Simplify. Put your best effort into a task, and ask yourself, "Is it really that important?" before you decide to do it over. Learn to ignore others' criticism sometimes.

• Get up and stretch periodically. Twist side to side and bend front to back. Roll your head around to stretch your neck a bit. Trade shoulder rubs with a coworker. If you used to smoke, but have stopped, get up and take a break anyway when you feel the need to smoke. A quick trip to the water cooler, to a coworker's desk, or to the restroom doesn't provide the nicotine a cigarette used to, but it does give you the break and moment's respite a cigarette did.

Source : http://www.psychpage.com

First Aid kit

Graphical Source : http://www.made-in-china.com

A well-stocked first-aid kit, kept within easy reach, is a necessity in every home. Having supplies gathered ahead of time will help you handle an emergency at a moment's notice. You should keep one first-aid kit in your home and one in each car. Also be sure to bring a first-aid kit on family vacations.

Choose containers for your kits that are roomy, durable, easy to carry, and simple to open. Plastic tackle boxes or containers for storing art supplies are ideal, since they're lightweight, have handles, and offer a lot of space.
Include the following in each of your first-aid kits:

* first-aid manual
* sterile gauze
* adhesive tape
* adhesive bandages in several sizes
* elastic bandage
* antiseptic wipes
* soap
* antibiotic cream (triple-antibiotic ointment)
* antiseptic solution (like hydrogen peroxide)
* hydrocortisone cream (1%)
* acetaminophen and ibuprofen
* extra prescription medications (if the family is going on vacation)
* tweezers
* sharp scissors
* safety pins
* disposable instant cold packs
* calamine lotion
* alcohol wipes or ethyl alcohol
* thermometer
* plastic gloves (at least 2 pairs)
* flashlight and extra batteries
* mouthpiece for administering CPR (can be obtained from your local Red Cross)
* your list of emergency phone numbers
* blanket (stored nearby)

After you've stocked your first-aid kits:

* Read the entire first-aid manual so you'll understand how to use the contents of your kits. (If your children are old enough to understand, review the manuals with them as well.)
* Store first-aid kits in places that are out of children's reach but easily accessible for adults.
* Check the kits regularly. Replace missing items or medicines that may have expired.

Source :http://kidshealth.org

Tips to Stop Snoring

The following tips will hopefully give you relief with your snoring problems. It's important to remember that different remedies will have varying success depending on the individual.

1.Elevate your head by sleeping on a thicker pillow or multiple pillows will help reduce your snoring.

2.Don't drink alcoholic beverages, take sleeping pills, tranquilizers, or antihistamines right before going to sleep, they will cause your muscles to relax and limit your air passage way.

3.Avoid dairy products, which can cause mucus build-up right before you go to sleep.

4.If you are overweight, losing some weight will reduce snoring by increasing the space in your air passage way.

5.Sleeping on your side instead of your back will help to prevent snoring.

6.A common remedy to prevent sleeping on your back is to sew a tennis ball to the back of your shirt; the discomfort of sleeping on the ball will prevent you from staying on your back.

7.Try following a regular sleep routine.

8.Try taking in a little bit of honey before sleeping.

9.Don't eat a big meal right before bed, if your stomach is full it will push up on your diaphragm and limit breathing passage ways.

10.Avoid eating "rich" foods such as cakes, cookies, chocolate and pizza.

11.Sleep on a firmer pillow, a pillow that's too soft encourages your throat muscles to relax and narrows your air passageway.

12.Inhale steam before sleeping or sleep in a room with a humidifier turned on, which will reduce congestion and moisturize the throat.

13.Purchase some nasal strips and put them on before going to sleep. Nasal strips will open up your nostrils and allow more air to come in, thus reduce snoring.

14.If you are a smoker, stop smoking, if that is not feasible then avoid smoking right before you go to bed. Smoking causes inflammation and swelling of the throat.

15.Take anti-snoring pills or use anti-snoring nasal spray.

16.Consult a medical professional if your snoring continues to adversely affect your sleep.

Source :http://www.stopsnoringtips.com

Tips on reducing or controling your snoring

The following tips will hopefully give you relief with your snoring problems. It's important to remember that different remedies will have varying success depending on the individual.

• Elevate your head by sleeping on a thicker pillow or multiple pillows will help reduce your snoring.
  

• Don't drink alcoholic beverages, take sleeping pills, tranquilizers, or antihistamines right before going to sleep, they will cause your muscles to relax and limit your air passage way.
  

• Avoid dairy products, which can cause mucus build-up right before you go to sleep.
  

• If you are overweight, losing some weight will reduce snoring by increasing the space in your air passage way.
  

• Sleeping on your side instead of your back will help to prevent snoring.
  

• A common remedy to prevent sleeping on your back is to sew a tennis ball to the back of your shirt; the discomfort of sleeping on the ball will prevent you from staying on your back.
  

• Try following a regular sleep routine.
  

• Try taking in a little bit of honey before sleeping.
  

• Don't eat a big meal right before bed, if your stomach is full it will push up on your diaphragm and limit breathing passage ways.
  

• Avoid eating "rich" foods such as cakes, cookies, chocolate and pizza.
  

• Sleep on a firmer pillow, a pillow that's too soft encourages your throat muscles to relax and narrows your air passageway.

• Inhale steam before sleeping or sleep in a room with a humidifier turned on, which will reduce congestion and moisturize the throat.

• Purchase some nasal strips and put them on before going to sleep. Nasal strips will open up your nostrils and allow more air to come in, thus reduce snoring.
  

• If you are a smoker, stop smoking, if that is not feasible then avoid smoking right before you go to bed. Smoking causes inflammation and swelling of the throat.
  

• Take anti-snoring pills or use anti-snoring nasal spray.

• Consult a medical professional if your snoring continues to adversely affect your sleep.