To millions of women it has been the great liberator over the past four decades, allowing them the freedom to control their fertility and their relationships. But the contraceptive Pill could also be responsible for skewing their hormones and attracting them to the “wrong” partner.
A study by British scientists suggests that taking the Pill can change a woman’s taste in men — to those who are genetically less compatible.
The research found that the Pill can alter the type of male scent that women find most attractive, which may in turn affect the kind of men they choose as partners. It suggests that the popular form of contraception — used by a quarter of British women aged between 16 and 50 — could have implications for fertility and relationship breakdowns.
The findings, from a team at the University of Liverpool, add to growing evidence that the hormones in the Pill influence the way that women assess male sexual attractiveness.
The Pill is thought to disrupt an instinctive mechanism that brings together people with complementary genes and immune systems. Such a couple, by passing on a wide-ranging set of immune system genes, increase their chances of having a healthy child that is not vulnerable to infection.
Couples with different genes are also less likely to experience fertility problems or miscarriages. Experts believe that women are naturally attracted to men with immune system genes different to their own because of their smell.
(Timesonline UK)
To read the complete article, click here.
You can look great in a swimsuit and still be a heart attack waiting to happen. And you can also be overweight and otherwise healthy. A new study suggests that a surprising number of overweight people — about half — have normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels, while an equally startling number of trim people suffer from some of the ills associated with obesity.
The first national estimate of its kind bolsters the argument that you can be hefty but still healthy, or at least healthier than has been believed.
(Source: AP)
For the complete article, click here.
A good rule of thumb is to eat or drink a maximum of two items a day that contains fake sugars—that is, one diet soda and a cup of coffee with only one packet of sweetener. Be cautious because there is still some debate about how safe sweeteners are. The FDA has OK’d sucralose (Splenda), aspartame (Nutrasweet), saccharin (Sweet’n Low), and acesulfame-K (Sweet One, Sunnett).
Artificial sweeteners are probably fine in small doses, but you’re better off with a teaspoon of real sugar in your coffee and eating naturally sweet whole fruit.
(source: Self magazine)
There are a lot of benefits to indoor cycling, commonly known as "Spinning."
For some reason there’s a mystique that Spinning is only for really fit people or athletes.
People will say to me, “I could never do it—it’s too hard.
Not true at all. Like any exercise, you start at your own level and build.
And unlike a group class like Step—where you are forced to try and keep up with the music and steps… Each bike has its own resistance knob, YOU control your how hard you work. So a tri-athlete training for a cycling race can be pedaling next to a recreational exerciser and both are getting the workout that works for them.
In the beginning, just stay on the bike and keep pedaling—even if you have the really light tension—that’s an accomplishment in itself! Each class you can add a little more. The upside of a spin class is hopefully good music---and someone is there to motivate you to keep pedaling.
Working the large muscles—like your quads, you’ll burn between 500-800 calories. Not bad for an hour or exercise!
The only people who can authenticate a real diamond are certified gemologists specializing in jewelry.
However, These tests at least rule out recognizable imposters because they rely on the way a real diamond stone refracts light, conducts heat, and looks up-close.
If the gem in question is loose and unmounted, try placing it over printing. Diamonds refract so much light that they will not work as a magnifying glass and you would see no lines, circles, or letters through them.
Other clear stones like glass or crystal will reveal the print clearly. A similar test uses a small light, such as the one that comes with your key ring. If you shine the light through the stone and cannot see it on the other side, but only a bright halo around the rim, it is more likely to be a true diamond.
Diamonds are also very good at conducting heat. Breathe on the surface of the stone and immediately check to see if it has fogged up. Again, quartz, glass, and cubic zirconium will stay hazy for a moment before the condensation dissipates, but you shouldn't be able to see any moisture on a true diamond. However, one rock, called moissanite, will also pass this test, so the best way is to get a complete thermal conductivity evaluation performed by a jeweler.
Have you ever had those 10-minute episodes where your index fingers turn white and get very tingly, and it’s difficult to move your hands? The problem could be Raynaud’s Phenomenon. This condition, which affects about 20 percent of women, is one in which blood vessels in fingers constrict in response to sudden temperature changes or emotional stress. Attacks can range from a few seconds to several hours, spurring the discoloration and tingling. Unfortunately, there is no cure, but you can decrease the number of attacks by adding more omega-3-rich foods like salmon to your diet or taking an omega-3 supplement. Healthy fat may lessen the frequency of attacks.
(source: First magazine)
You may have heard about the health benefits of antioxidants, but do you know what an antioxidant is — and how they actually work?
Antioxidants are dietary substances including some nutrients such as beta carotene, vitamins C and E and selenium, that can prevent damage to your body cells or repair damage that has been done.
Antioxidants work by significantly slowing or preventing the oxidative — or damage from oxygen — process caused by substances called free radicals that can lead to cell dysfunction and the onset of problems like heart disease and diabetes. Antioxidants may also improve immune function and perhaps lower your risk for infection and cancer.
In your body, the antioxidant process is similar to stopping an apple from browning. Once you cut an apple, it begins to brown, but if you dip it in orange juice, which contains vitamin C, it stays white.
An eating plan containing plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and nuts can supply all the antioxidants your body needs.
(Source: American Diebetic Assoc.)
For more info, click here.
Your doctor is treating your condition with a medicine that hasn’t been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for that specific use. But that doesn’t mean it’s unsafe. A medication is often shown in studies to treat more than one condition safely, but the FDA-approval process is lengthy and expensive, so most drug companies pursue only one approval.
Many doctors write off-label prescriptions based both on medical research and their own best judgment. For instance, antidepressants are often used to treat anxiety disorders, and spironolactone (approved to treat hypertension) is sometimes prescribed for acne. The practice is legal—and common—more than 20 percent of prescriptions are written for off-label use. For drug-specific information, visit the FDA’s website at fda.gov, and talk to your doctor.
(source: Redbook)
A person who has no more than three bowel movements per week is generally considered to be constipated, a condition that limits bowel movements and causes the stool to be small and hard. To fight constipation, many sufferers prefer to use natural laxatives rather than harsh over-the-counter medications. The most popular natural laxatives are foods rich in fiber. Fiber is found in fruits, vegetables, and grains.
When a person eats food rich in fiber, his or her stomach acids work to break the fiber down into soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber is the portion of the fiber that is hard to digest. It moves into the bowels and does not change form, which can cause hard stool. Soluble fiber, on the other hand, helps to soften the stool because it rapidly absorbs water. When water is added to soluble fiber, it turns into a gel-like sponge and rapidly enters the bowels to soften the stool.
Psylium Husks are other forms of natural laxatives that are sold throughout the world. They are beneficial in the relief of constipation because they offer high levels of soluble fibers. Many companies sell Psylium Husk capsules that are inexpensive and easy to swallow.
Prune juice is one of the better known natural laxatives. Prunes are not only high in potassium, Vitamin A, and iron, but they are also extremely high in both insoluble and soluble fiber. Prunes work efficiently and quickly as natural laxatives. Therefore, just a small amount of prunes is generally all it takes to relieve constipation.
Lack of exercise can also lead to constipation. The reasons are unclear, but patients who are bedridden as they recover from surgery or accident often deal with serious constipation issues. Gravity may be a factor. Nonetheless, daily exercise is another type of natural laxative that many individuals overlook.
(Source: wisegeek.com)
No, it can actually help improve the condition. All veins have one-way valves that keep blood flowing to the heart. Sometimes—thanks to heredity, age, standing too long day in and day out, or being overweight—those valves don’t function properly and blood pools in the veins (especially in your legs). This causes swelling, which makes the veins bulge under the skin or look darker.
Exercise increases blood flow to your muscles, which can temporarily make your veins appear more prominent as the pressure increases and they get pushed closer to the skin. But it also forces your leg muscles to contract and relax, speeding up blood flow to your heart, which can prevent new varicose veins from forming and help reduce swelling in existing ones over the long term.
(source: Shape magazine)
(Source: Punny Money.com)
People are reaching new heights of idiocy in a feeble attempt to combat rising fuel costs. Here are five superbly dumb things they are doing to save money on gas.
1. Riding on empty. Apparently if you wait until you’re just about out of gas (or worse—until after you’re out of gas), it makes gas less expensive somehow. A select few morons are even running out of fuel on purpose—just to get that free gallon of gas their automotive club or roadside assistance program provides to get them going again. True savings: -$100 or more for a tow truck, plus hours of lost time.
2. Refilling more frequently. While not quite as dumb as running on empty, people preach constantly running on full. The thinking: it doesn’t seem so bad when you’re buying $5 or $10 worth of gas every other day instead of buying $50 worth of gas once a week. True savings: With gas prices going up about a penny a day, you save… about a penny a day!
3. Stealing it. Some experts are predicting that, once gas hits $5 a gallon, almost 90% of drivers will resort to stealing gas. And we're not talking about simple gas-’n'-gos either; expect to see lots more high speed chases on TV between police and stolen fuel tankers. True savings: Lots if you get away with it, which you won’t, because you’re too stupid to get away with anything bigger than swiping cans of green beans from Walmart.
4. Buying merchandise that comes with “free” gas cards. Several stores have recently offered gas-related incentives for purchasing merchandise. For example, buy $100 worth of jeans, get a $20 gas card. If you didn’t actually need those $100 worth of jeans (or if you overpaid for them), then you just turned $4 a gallon gas into $20 a gallon gas. True savings: Hundreds of dollars worth of stuff you don’t need.
5. Replacing a $40,000 gas-guzzling SUV with a $40,000 sedan. Yay, you get 10 more miles per gallon! That $100 you save per month will definitely help with your new $800 a month car payment. Genius! True savings: Go try it and see for yourself, dummy!
Pork Rinds
WHY YOU THINK THEY'RE BAD: These puffy snacks are literally cut from pigskin. Then they're deep-fried.
WHY THEY'RE NOT: A one-ounce serving contains zero carbohydrates, 17 grams of protein and nine grams of fat. That's nine times the protein and less fat than you'll find in a serving of carb-packed potato chips. Even better, 43 percent of a pork rind's fat is unsaturated, and most of that is oleic acid -- the same healthy fat found in olive oil. Another 13 percent of its fat is stearic acid, a type of saturated fat that's considered harmless, because it doesn't raise cholesterol levels.
Alcohol
WHY YOU THINK IT'S BAD: It has little nutritional value and is the reason we need the term "beer belly."
WHY IT'S NOT: In a study of more than 18,000 men, Harvard scientists discovered that those who had an average of two drinks a day at least five days a week had the lowest risk of heart attack. And researchers at the University of Buffalo have found that men who consume that same daily amount have lower levels of abdominal fat than those who drink only once or twice every two weeks but down more than four drinks each time.
Beef Jerky
WHY YOU THINK IT'S BAD: It's unhealthy meat that's loaded with preservatives.
WHY IT'S NOT: Beef jerky is high in protein and doesn't raise your level of insulin -- a hormone that tells your body to store fat. That makes it an ideal between-meals snack, especially when you're trying to lose weight. And though some beef-jerky brands are packed with high-sodium ingredients, such as MSG and sodium nitrate, chemical-free products are available. If you have high blood pressure, check the label for brands that are made from all-natural ingredients, which reduce the total sodium content.
Sour Cream
WHY YOU THINK IT'S BAD: 90 percent of its calories are derived from fat, at least half of which is saturated.
WHY IT'S NOT: The percentage of fat is high, but the total amount isn't. A serving of sour cream is two tablespoons. That provides just 52 calories -- half the amount in a single tablespoon of mayonnaise -- and less saturated fat than you'd get from drinking a 12-ounce glass of reduced-fat milk.
Coconut
WHY YOU THINK IT'S BAD: Ounce for ounce, coconut contains more saturated fat than butter does. As a result, health experts have warned that it will clog your arteries.
WHY IT'S NOT: Even though coconut is packed with saturated fat, it appears to have a beneficial effect on heart-disease risk factors. One reason: More than 50 percent of its saturated-fat content is lauric acid. A recent analysis of 60 studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports that even though lauric acid raises LDL (bad) cholesterol, it boosts HDL (good) cholesterol even more. Overall, this means it decreases your risk of cardiovascular disease. The rest of the saturated fat is almost entirely composed of "medium-chain" fatty acids, which have little or no effect on cholesterol levels.
Chocolate Bars
WHY YOU THINK THEY'RE BAD: They're high in both sugar and fat.
WHY THEY'RE NOT: Cocoa is rich in flavonoids -- the same heart-healthy compounds found in red wine and green tea. The healthiest is dark chocolate. In a recent study, Greek researchers found that consuming dark chocolate containing 100 milligrams of flavonoids relaxes your blood vessels, improving blood flow to your heart. What about the fat? It's mostly stearic and oleic acids.
No! The reasoning behind this old wives’ tale is that the cracking damages the joints, increasing your risk for the disease. A recent study showed that those who cracked their knuckles weren’t at any greater risk of developing arthritis than those who didn’t. Knuckle crackers aren’t totally in the clear, though. The same researchers found that this group was more likely to have less grip strength. When you crack, the joint stretches apart and fills with fluid and tiny air bubbles that burst, making that popping sound. Over time, this regular pulling may loosen the tendons that connect muscles to the bone, resulting in weaker hands. It’s likely a minimal effect, but drop the habit if you can.
(source: shape.com)
That distinctive unpleasant jolt you sense first thing in the morning comes from bacteria that live in your mouth. They're in your mouth all the time, day and night. But at night, the flow of saliva in your mouth slows way down. Your mouth isn't getting much oxygen circulating through it. So, the seven or so species of anaerobic (not needing oxygen) bacteria that live in this part of you are able to feed on--leftover food particles and skin cells from the lining of your mouth. The waste products from these bacteria often contain sulfur--and those compounds of sulfur are what we smell.
These bacteria thrive in the parts of your mouth that don't get much air, like in the narrow spaces between your teeth and the tiny spaces among the papillae--tiny projections--of your tongue. So when the oxygen carried in your saliva stops coming in and the saliva rinsing stops, the sulfur compound synthesis starts.
There are many products developed to help us deal with halitosis. Most of them overwhelm the smell of the bacterial waste products. Many of them kill some of the bacteria. But we are dealing with bacteria. There is probably no way to get rid of them all. And besides, we've come to depend on all manner of bacteria to help us digest food and control diseases that might infect us by getting their start in our mouths.
So, all things in moderation. But you will probably still want to get rid of that morning breath. To do it, rinse your mouth and breathe. You'll wash away the foul-smelling compounds and slow down the life processes of the bacteria by rinsing. Your regular salivating, swallowing, and breathing oxygen will keep the stinky microorganisms in check all day.
A kiddie pool is a great addition to summer landscaping, especially for households with small children and very little yard space. Though tempting to empty and refill after each use tempting, this wastes water, time, and money.
Kiddie pools range in size, most holding between 100 and 250 gallons, and made of vinyl construction, but some are made of plastic. The key to the longevity of a kiddie pool is to purchase a relatively expensive one, constructed of quality material, and then care for it properly.
If you purchase an inflatable kiddie pool, once you've inflated the pool and filled it with water, the kids can use it immediately. When play time is over, rather than draining 250 gallons of water into your yard or onto your deck or patio only to start all over again, clean the pool, cover it, and it's ready to go for next time.
First skim any debris -- grass and dirt-- from the surface of the water. Pool sanitizer kills any harmful bacteria in the water, clears out the sweat and sunscreen, and prevents algae growth. There are pool sanitizing products made specifically for kiddie and wading pools.
With proper care, it only needs to be filled every two or three weeks depending on frequency of play. When the water becomes too murky or debris becomes too heavy, drain the pool and repeat the process. Your child's pool will stay cleaner and last longer, and there's no need to wait to fill it up before each use.
When you buy a home with a down payment of less than 20% of the purchase price, your lender may require you to buy private mortgage insurance (PMI), which protects the lender against the risk that you may fail to repay your loan.
The premiums you can expect to pay will vary, but typically come to about 0..5% of the total amount you borrow.
For instance, on a $150,000 mortgage, a typical annual PMI premium would be $750, which is 0.5% of $150,000. Divided into monthly payments, this premium would come out to $62.50 a month.
You can usually cancel your PMI when you meet certain criteria. Generally, this is when the balance of the mortgage is paid down to 80% of either your home’s original purchase price or its appraisal value at the time you took out the loan. You can check if it’s possible to cancel your PMI by reviewing your annual mortgage statements or by calling your mortgage lender.
If you forget to cancel your PMI, your lender is required by federal law to end the insurance once your outstanding balance reaches 78% of the original purchase price or appraisal value at the time you took the loan or you have reached the mid-point of the loan term, provided you meet certain requirements.
The lender must give you information about the termination requirement at closing. There are some exceptions to the termination rule, including high risk mortgages, VA and FHA mortgages, and those negotiated before July 29, 1999.
(source: yahoo personal finance glossary)
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corportion (FDIC) insures deposits in banks and thrift institutions, assuring bank customers that their savings and checking accounts are safe.
Currently, the coverage limits are $100,000 per depositor per bank for individual, joint, and trust accounts, and $250,000 for self-directed retirement accounts. Business accounts are also insured up to $100,000.
You qualify for more than $100,000 coverage at a single bank, provided your assets are in these different types of accounts.
For example, you are insured for up to a total of $100,000 in all accounts registered in your own name and for another $100,000 representing your share of jointly held accounts. In addition, your individual retirement account (IRA) is insured up to $250,000 if the money is invested in bank products, such as certificates of deposit (CDs).
However, if you purchase mutual funds, annuities, or other investment products through your bank, those assets are not insured by the FDIC even if they carry the bank name.
The FDIC, which is an independent agency of the federal government, also regulates more than 5,000 state chartered banks that are not members of the Federal Reserve System.
For more information on the FDIC, click here.
If you can convert an asset to cash easily and quickly, with little or no loss of value, the asset has liquidity. For example, you can typically redeem shares in a money market mutual fund at $1 a share.
Similarly, you can cash in a certificate of deposit (CD) for at least the amount you put into it, although you may forfeit some or all of the interest you had expected to earn if you liquidate before the end of the CD's term.
The term liquidity is sometimes used to describe investments you can buy or sell easily. For example, you could sell several hundred shares of a blue chip stock by simply calling your broker, something that might not be possible if you wanted to sell real estate or collectibles.
The difference between liquidating cash-equivalent investments and securities like stock and bonds, however, is that securities constantly fluctuate in value. So while you may be able to sell them readily, you might sell for less than you paid to buy them if you sold when the price was down.
(yahoo personal finance.com)
(Source: HowToAdvice.com)
The surest way you can improve your fuel cost problem is to change your motoring habits. Listed below under four categories are 30 effective methods of doing so... no need to buy expensive add-on equipment.
ENGINE WARM-UP
1. Avoid prolonged warming up of engine, even on cold mornings - 30 to 45 seconds is plenty of time.
2. Be sure the automatic choke is disengaged after engine warm up... chokes often get stuck, resulting in bad gas/air mixture.
3. Don't start and stop engine needlessly. Idling your engine for one minute consumes the gas amount equivalent to when you start the engine.
4. Avoid "reving" the engine, especially just before you switch the engine off; this wastes fuel needlessly and washes oil down from the inside cylinder walls, owing to loss of oil pressure.
5. Eliminate jack-rabbit starts. Accelerate slowly when starting from dead stop. Don't push pedal down more than 1/4 of the total foot travel. This allows carburetor to function at peak efficiency.
HOW TO BUY GASOLINE
6. Buy gasoline during coolest time of day - early morning or late evening is best. During these times gasoline is densest. Keep in mind - gas pumps measure volumes of gasoline, not densities of fuel concentration. You are charged according to "volume of measurement".
7. Choose type and brand of gasoline carefully. Certain brands provide you with greater economy because of better quality. Use the brands which "seem" most beneficial.
8. Avoid filling gas tank to top. Overfilling results in sloshing over and out of tank. Never fill gas tank past the first "click" of fuel nozzle, if nozzle is automatic.
HOW TO DRIVE ECONOMICALLY
9. Exceeding 40 mph forces your auto to overcome tremendous wind resistance.
10. Never exceed legal speed limit. Primarily they are set for your traveling safety, however better gas efficiency also occurs. Traveling at 55 mph give you up to 21% better mileage when compared to former legal speed limits of 65 mph and 70 mph.
Buy Now
11. Traveling at fast rates in low gears can consume up to 45% more fuel than is needed.
12. Manual shift driven cars allow you to change to highest gear as soon as possible, thereby letting you save gas if you "nurse it along". However, if you cause the engine to "bog down", premature wearing of engine parts occurs.
13. Keep windows closed when traveling at highway speeds. Open windows cause air drag, reducing your mileage by 10%.
14. Drive steadily. Slowing down or speeding up wastes fuel. Also avoid tailgating - the driver in front of you is unpredictable. Not only is it unsafe, but if affects your economy, if he slows down unexpectedly.
15.Think ahead when approaching hills. If you accelerate, do it before you reach the hill, not while you're on it.
GENERAL ADVICE
16. Do not rest left foot on floor board pedals while driving. The slightest pressure puts "mechanical drag" on components, wearing them down prematurely. This "dragging" also demands additional fuel usage.
17. Avoid rough roads whenever possible, because dirt or gravel rob you of up to 30% of your gas mileage.
18. Use alternate roads when safer, shorter, straighter. Compare traveling distance differences - remember that corners, curves and lane jumping requires extra gas. The shortest distance between two points is always straight.
19. Stoplights are usually timed for your motoring advantage. By traveling steadily at the legal speed limit you boost your chances of having the "green light" all the way.
20. Automatic transmissions should be allowed to cool down when your car is idling at a standstill, e.g. railroad crossings, long traffic lights, etc. Place gear into neutral position. This reduces transmission strain and allows transmission to cool.
21. Park car so that you can later begin to travel in forward gear; avoid reverse gear maneuvers to save gas.
22. Regular tune-ups ensure best economy; check owner's manual for recommended maintenance intervals. Special attention should be given to maintaining clean air filters... diminished air flow increases gas waste.
23. Inspect suspension and chassis parts for occasional misalignment. Bent wheels, axles, bad shocks, broken springs, etc. create engine drag and are unsafe at high traveling speeds.
24. Remove snow tires during good weather seasons; traveling on deep tire tread really robs fuel!
25. Inflate all tires to maximum limit. Each tire should be periodically spun, balanced and checked for out-of-round. When shopping for new tires, get large diameter tires for rear wheels. Radial designs are the recognized fuel-savers; check manufacturer's specifications for maximum tire pressures.
26. Remove vinyl tops - they cause air drag. Rough surfaces disturb otherwise smooth air flow around a car's body. Bear in mind when buying new cars that a fancy sun roof helps disturb smooth air flow (and mileage).
27. Auto air conditioners can reduce fuel economy by 10% to 20%. Heater fan, power windows and seats increase engine load; the more load on your engine, the less miles per gallon.
28. Remove excess weight from trunk or inside of car - extra tires, back seats, unnecessary heavy parts. Extra weight reduces mileage, especially when driving up inclines.
29. Car pools reduce travel monotony and gas expense - all riders chip in to help you buy. Conversation helps to keep the driver alert. Pooling also reduces traffic congestion, gives the driver easier maneuverability and greater "steady speed" economy. For best results, distribute passenger weight evenly throughout car.
30. During cold weather watch for icicles frozen to car frame. Up to 100 lbs. can be quickly accumulated! Unremoved snow and ice cause tremendous wind resistance. Warm water thrown on (or hosed on) will eliminate it fast.
A "burning" question: "What is the number of calories burned per pound of fat?
The number is higher than you might think.
Many dieticians agree that three thousand five hundred is the typical number of calories burned per pound of fat.
Yes to lose just one pound of fat you will have to burn up 3500 calories. Yikes. No wonder it is so difficult to lose weight.
But there is hope. You don't have to burn up all 3500 calories at one time. You can do it bit by bit.
You can also avoid calories in order to avoid gaining weight. The fewer calories you add to your daily diet, the fewer you will have to try to burn off every day.
Here are some activities and how many calories they burn for you.
Just sleeping burns about 50 calories.
An hour of gardening burns 350 to 500 calories per hour.
Skipping rope with a jump rope burns 700 calories per hour. About the same as fast running and more than jogging. This is one of the best exercises, it can be done anywhere and the equipment costs less than $5.00.
Jogging at 5 miles per hour will burn around 500 calories per hour.
Aerobics classes burn about 450 to 500 calories per hour.
Walking at a normal pace, and playing golf (without a golf cart), each burn around 250 to 280 calories per hour.
Power walking can burn over 600 calories an hour. So can riding a bicycle or an exercise bike at the gym.
Housework can burn 100 to 200 calories per hour, depending on the activity level.
Another way to "burn" away calories is to simply avoid the easy ones. For example, a tablespoon of mayonnaise has 150 calories of pure fat. If you leave it off your sandwich you never have to take it off your hips later.
Ask yourself, is a brief moment on the lips, worth a long time on the hips?
Use salt for scrubbing gunk off wooden cutting boards, glass baking dishes, and pet bowls. Sprinkle a liberal amount on a damp sponge and wipe.
Use baking soda for banishing stinky odors. Sprinkle a few tablespoons in the bottom of an empty gym bag and leave overnight; pour a liberal amount into a kitchen trash can before putting in a new bag.
Use cornstarch for absorbing oil and grease spills on clothing, upholstery, and leather. Pat on enough to cover stains (try to get to them before they set); let it sit awhile, then remove with a toothbrush or vacuum.
Use lemon juice for fading stains on unfinished wood, such as a butcher block. Apply with a cotton swab, then let air-dry.
(source: Good Housekeeping August 2007)
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Everybody knows that chocolate should be kept out of reach of your pets, but there is a new threat to be concerned about when it comes to sweets today. The new types of artificial sweeteners they contain are even more dangerous than chocolate. The main culprit here is the artificial sweetener Xylitol, found in newer gums like Orbit and Zapp.
The danger of these new sweeteners is that, although the human body can metabolize these complex molecules, the canine body is unable to do so. Also, it seems that once they contact Xylitol in particular, it tastes so sweet that they find it literally irresistible. This complex unmetabolizable molecule, is actually a sugar alcohol, and not a true sugar. Due to it's inability to be broken down like normal sugars by the liver and pancreas in the canine body, therefore falls to the kidneys to filter it out like other unprocessable substances. However, the action of the kidneys is not enough to prevent the level of Xylitol in the blood from reaching a critical level, and the animal will experience overdose, even from as little as a single piece of gum. The net effect of all this leads to a Grand Mals type seizure within 24 hours of ingestion of the compound. The animal may experience as many as 3 or more seizures within 24 hours after ingestion of Xylitol. These symptoms are caused by an apparent acute onset of hypoglycemia, which causes lack of coordination, collapsing and seizures
Due to it's unique property of being sweeter to the tongue than sugar, Xylitol tends to have a near addictive response in dogs who have been exposed to it. This leads to a dangerously high chance of toxic exposure occurring in dogs that have already been exposed to it, whenever they are in it's presence.
Like special precautions that must be taken with certain chemicals or compounds and children, special care should be taken in attempting to prevent exposure of our beloved pets to this chemical. Although it is safe and palatable for human consumption, like many other chemicals and compounds, it can be extremely dangerous to our canine friends.
(Helium.com and snopes.com)
Snopes has confirmed this is true. For more information, click here.
There’s no need to switch from your favorite antiperspirant just yet. Instead, try changing when you put it on. A recent study from Procter & Gamble shows that antiperspirant is more effective when applied at bedtime. That’s because your body’s core temperature naturally cools down when you’re resting, which sends the signal to your sweat glands to “turn off.” Applying antiperspirant to cool, dry skin allows its key ingredient, aluminum chloride, to more successfully absorb into the sweat glands and block the perspiration that will result from being active the next day. And since the ingredient has had plenty of time to penetrate the skin, you won’t have to worry about washing it off in your morning shower. Giving your skin an extra swipe in the morning won’t hurt, though.
(source: First July 2007)
Perimenopause, or menopause transition, is the stage of a woman's reproductive life that begins 8 to 10 years before menopause, when the ovaries gradually begin to produce less estrogen. It usually starts in a woman's 40s, but can start in the 30s as well.
Perimenopause lasts up until menopause, the point when the ovaries stop releasing eggs. In the last one to two years of perimenopause, the reduction of estrogen accelerates. At this stage, many women experience menopausal symptoms.
How long does perimenopause last?
The average length of perimenopause is four years, but for some women this stage may last only a few months. Perimenopause ends the first year after menopause (when a woman has gone 12 months without having her period).
What are the signs of perimenopause?
You will know you are transitioning into menopause when you begin experiencing some or all of the following symptoms:
• Hot flashes
• Breast tenderness
• Worsening of premenstrual syndrome
• Decreased libido (sex drive)
• Fatigue
• Irregular periods
• Vaginal dryness; discomfort during sex
• Urine leakage when coughing or sneezing
• Urinary urgency (a pressing need to urinate more frequently)
• Mood swings
• Difficulty sleeping
(Source: revolutionhealth.com)
For more infio, click here.
Sometimes it’s hard to decide what to toss and what to keep. If it takes more than two seconds to make up your mind about an item, though, you don’t need it.
Give each member of your family two trash bags. Fill one with trash and the other with stuff to give away or sell in a yard sale. Do this for two weeks and see the huge difference it makes.
Turn all the hangers in your closet from back to front. Every time you wear an article of clothing, turn the hanger around. At the end of six months, toss any pieces that are still hanging in the wrong direction. It’s a really good check to see which clothes you wear and which you don’t.
Empty the contents from your kitchen utensil drawer into a cardboard box. For one month, only put back the items you use from the box. Utensils that make it out of the box are the only ones that truly deserve to be kept and stored.
When in doubt, use the 3-to-1 ratio. With everything from books and clothes to shoes and crafts, for every three items you keep, get rid of one. You can make quite a dent in the clutter.
(source: womansday.com)
A new position may do wonders for your sleep. Consider arranging your bedroom
using vastu, the Indian design system based on harmonizing your living space with the earth’s rhythms.
HEAD TOWARD NORTH:
You’re bound to toss and turn. The earth’s strongest positive magnetic force comes from the North Pole, and according to vastu, the strongest positive force in the body is the head. The same way opposites attract, identical forces repel, disturbing your sleep.
HEAD TOWARD EAST:
The east signifies Surya, the god of enlightenment. Keeping your head closest to this direction is said to bring creativity and a mental boost.
HEAD TOWARD SOUTH:
You’ll sleep deeply and awaken easily at rising time, because your head (your body’s positive force) is aligned with the earth’s negative force, the South Pole.
HEAD TOWARD WEST:
Expect a decent night. West represents neutrality in vastu. You won’t reap benefits, but you won’t be bleary-eyed either.
(Source: Self magazine)
(Source msnbc.com)
It feels good to treat your pet to human food every once in a while. Those puppy-dog eyes are hard to resist as they watch you eat and try to convince you that they are starving! It makes you want to give them a taste of everything you eat. But beware: Giving in to those eyes and giving dogs human foods can actually harm them.
In 2007, the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center received more than 130,000 calls. Most cases of animal poisoning were caused by common human foods and household items.
Many foods we enjoy can be dangerous to animals. It's best to stick to pet food and a diet recommended by your vet. Here are a few of the most toxic foods that can harm your pet:
Bad news foods
Avocados
They contain a toxic component called persin, which can damage heart, lung and other tissue in many animals. This fruit is very toxic to dogs, cats and most animals.
Beer
Alcoholic beverages can cause the same damage to an animal's liver and brain as they cause in humans. But the effects can be deadly on animals since they are much smaller than us. The smaller the animal, the more deadly the effects can be. Even a small amount of alcohol may cause vomiting and damage the liver and brain.
Nuts
Walnuts and macadamia nuts are especially toxic. Effects can be anything from vomiting to paralysis to death. Within 12 hours of eating the nuts, pets start to develop symptoms such as an inability to stand or walk, vomiting, hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), weakness, and an elevated heart rate. These symptoms can be even worse if your dog eats some chocolate with the nuts. The effect can cause kidney failure, often leading to death.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine, which can kill your pet if eaten in large quantities. Dark and unsweetened baking chocolates are especially dangerous. Giving your pup a piece of chocolate cake or even letting him lick the chocolate icing on the cake could cause him to become ill. Theobromine can also cause a dog or cat's heart to beat very rapidly or irregularly, which could result in death if the pet is exercising or overly active.
Candy
Candy or anything containing Xylitol (a common sweetener found in some diet products) can cause a sudden drop in an animal's blood sugar, loss of coordination and seizures. If left untreated, the animal could die.
Caffeine
Coffee, tea or any product that contains caffeine stimulates an animal's central nervous and cardiac systems. This can lead to restlessness, heart palpitations and death, depending on how much the animal consumes.
Grapes and raisins
Grapes and raisins can lead to kidney failure in dogs. As little as a single serving of raisins can kill them. And the effects are cumulative, which means that even if a dog eats just one or two grapes or raisins regularly, the toxin that builds in his system will eventually kill him.
Onions
Onions are another common food that can be highly toxic to pets. They can destroy an animal's red blood cells and lead to anemia, weakness and breathing difficulties. Their effects are also cumulative over time.
Medicine
Hide medicine from your pets just like you would from your children. The most common cause of pet poisoning is from animals ingesting a medicine or drug normally prescribed for humans.
And this is not just because furry pals are getting into their pet parent's medicine cabinets. In many cases, pet owners give their feline and canine friends an over-the-counter medication to ease an animal's pain. But acetaminophen and ibuprofen, the active ingredients in many common pain relievers, are extremely toxic to dogs and cats. They can cause gastric ulcers, liver damage, kidney failure and sometimes death.
Good news foods
There are a few things that you CAN give to your furry pal. However, you should always consult a veterinarian before introducing a new food item to your pet.
Although these foods are normally harmless, some animals have sensitive gastrointestinal tracts. So even these healthy treats should be avoided if they cause gastrointestinal upset for your pet. Keep in mind that these and other "extras" should not make up more than 5 to 10 percent of the pet's daily caloric intake.
Lean meats
Any cooked lean meat should be fine for most dogs. High-fat meats, chicken skin and fat from steaks or roasts are not recommended. Ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal upset or even pancreatitis. This can be a very painful condition for dogs. In addition, most companion animals do not need extra fat in their diets. Never give your pet meat with the bone in it. Animals can choke on the bones, and they can splinter as well.
Vegetables
Carrot sticks, green beans, cucumber slices and zucchini slices are all OK.
Fruit
Apple slices, orange slices, bananas and watermelon are all OK. Make sure the seeds have been taken out; seeds are not good for your pet!
Baked potatoes
Plain baked potatoes are fine, but make sure they are cooked — no unripe potatoes or potato plants.
Bread
Plain cooked bread is fine; just make sure there are no nuts or raisins added.
Rice and pasta
Plain, cooked pasta and white rice are OK. Often veterinarians recommend plain rice with some boiled chicken when gastrointestinal upset is present.
In case of emergency
Despite all the precautions you take to keep your pet pals safe, accidents do happen. That's why the ASPCA, Humane Society and animal advocates advise pet owners to keep the telephone numbers of their local veterinarian and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — (888) 426-4435 — in a prominent location.
Common signs of poisoning include muscle tremors or seizures; vomiting and diarrhea; drooling; redness of skin, ears and eyes; and swelling and bleeding.
If you suspect your pet has consumed, inhaled or come in contact with a toxic substance, stay calm and call for help immediately. If you see your pet consuming anything you think might be toxic, seek emergency help immediately even if she or he is not exhibiting any symptoms.
Looking for a new pet? Adopt an animal-in-need from Animal Care and Control of NYC. For more tips and info, visit their site at nyacc.org.
As gas prices and worries about the environment increase, drivers look for ways to maximize the value of their car’s fuel. Hypermiling is a set of driving techniques geared toward increasing gas mileage and fuel efficiency in your car. According to some tests, using these tactics can lead to improved fuel efficiency of up to 35%.
One of the keys to hypermiling is maintaining your vehicle in excellent road condition. Tire pressure should be kept consistently high, reducing the energy needed to run the car. Oil should be checked regularly, and kept full to the low-level mark with low weight motor oil. Proper wheel alignment and tire balance have also been shown to lead to small decreases in fuel consumption.
Although the above tips lead to a minor reduction in fuel usage, the biggest key to hypermiling is using your gas and break pedals as little as possible. When a car is stopped at a red light, it is getting zero miles per gallon (MPG). In order to maximize your fuel economy, take your foot off the gas as soon as you see a red light or are approaching a stale green light. By coasting to a stop, your car is automatically using less energy.
To read more about hypermiling, click here.
If your cell takes an unexpected dunking, follow these steps to avoid a trip to the gadget graveyard.
Turn off the phone and remove the battery. And no matter what, do not turn it back on. Electricity and water don’t mix.
Dry it off as much as possible to prevent more liquid from seeping in. Get into as many nooks as you can, inside and out.
Put the phone and battery in a dry, warm spot with good ventilation (on top of the cable box or windowsill) so the remaining water evaporates.
Let the parts dry for two days. And not a minute less! We know it’ll be tough, but resist the urge to test your phone during this time. You may short-circuit the system is any wires are damp.
After two days, reattach the battery, turn it on and (fingers crossed!) make a test call. With luck your phone is back in working order. If your cell mixes with other liquids, these steps won’t work—a technician should clean it with distilled water and alcohol as soon as possible. Juice, coffee, soda or a grimy puddle will corrode the inside of your cell. The longer it dries, the more concentrated the substance will become.
(source: Family Circle July 2008)
These tips will ensure your grilled meal is safe to eat.
• Trim visible fat from meats to avoid flare-ups.
• Always marinate foods in the refrigerator, not on the counter.
• Always serve grilled meat on a clean plate. Never serve cooked meat from the same unwashed plate you used to carry raw meat to the grill.
• If you want to reuse a marinade (that has had raw meat in it) as a sauce, heat the marinade to boiling, then boil 1 minute before serving.
• Perishable food should be eaten within 2 hours; 1 hour if the temperature is 90ºF or above.
The Food and Drug Administration is alerting consumers nationwide that a salmonellosis outbreak appears to be linked to consumption of certain types of raw red tomatoes and products containing raw red tomatoes. The bacteria causing the illnesses are Salmonella serotype Saintpaul, an uncommon type of Salmonella.
The specific type and source of tomatoes are under investigation. However, preliminary data suggest that raw red plum, raw red Roma, or raw round red tomatoes are the cause. At this time, consumers should limit their tomato consumption to tomatoes that have not been implicated in the outbreak. These include cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, tomatoes sold with the vine still attached, and tomatoes grown at home.
For more information, please click here.
How does Picardin work?
In simple language, it forms a barrier on your skin, blocking an insect’s ability to locate you.
Testing
Efficacy: Picaridin was tested against mosquitoes, flies and ticks in both field studies and in laboratory cage tests. Against certain strains of mosquitoes, Picaridin provides equal or longer protection than identical concentrations of DEET. Efficacy against ticks has been demonstrated in laboratory cage tests. Cosmetics: Picaridin has been successfully tested with dermatologist. It will not cause irritations on your skin and is nearly odorless.
PROS:
Non Toxic
Non irritating to skin
Does not need to be washed off when returning indoors.
The main product I found online with PICARDIN is Cutter Advanced, which was strongly recommended by Dr. Andrea.
A leg model, a Gillette pro and an Olympic swimmer share their secrets for getting beyond smooth legs.
For silkiness with zero irritation: Dip your razor in a cup of cold water right before shaving. It’s a barbershop trick to reduce bumps and redness.
To score a longer-lasting shave: Don’t do it at the end of a longish-shower. Your skin swells, so you won’t get a close shave. One more gaffe to avoid: shaving with bar soap. It clogs up your razor.
To avoid nicks: Don’t rush! Raise your legs up and bend your knees so they’re easier to reach, and flex your feet to do your ankles.
(source: glamour.com)
You don't have to buy those expensive teeth-whitening products. One dentist suggests eating whitening foods such as apples and spinach, wearing the right lip color to achieve the right contrast, getting a tan, accessorizing well and wearing an off-white or cream-colored t-shirt.
How to Make Your Teeth Look Whiter
Whiten While You Chew: Red wine and coffee will stain your teeth, but some foods -- including apples, celery, carrots, spinach, broccoli and lettuce -- actually whitens them.
Kiss the Stain Away:
If you have grayish teeth, avoid red lipsticks with blue tones -- try a cool tone with a brown base. A Nude pink with an almost brownish hue is best. If you have yellowish teeth, avoid deep, dark shades, bright shades or super shiny glosses. Instead, go for nudes and pink shades with blue undertones.
Go Bronze:
Golden and tan skin tones (from a self-tanner) makes your eyes sparkle and your teeth look brighter.
Accessorize:
Shimmering white rhinestone jewelry or gleaming silver can make your teeth appear whiter. Stay away from gold, which exaggerates yellowish tones.
Clothing:
A bright white shirt will only accentuate less-than-white teeth. Choose an off-white or cream-colored shade instead. Reducing the contrast will result in the appearance of a brighter, whiter smile.
(Source: AreYouABeauty.com)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to use or purchase Mommy's Bliss Nipple Cream because the product might present a health risk.
The FDA said the cream, marketed by MOM Enterprises Inc. of San Rafael, Calif., contains potentially harmful ingredients that might cause respiratory distress, vomiting and diarrhea in infants. The product is promoted to nursing mothers to help soothe and heal dry or cracked nipples.
Although the product's labeling specifically states there is no need for mothers to remove the cream prior to nursing, the FDA said the ingredients contained in the cream might be harmful to nursing infants.
The FDA said it "strongly encouraged" consumers to report adverse events related to use of the nipple cream to MedWatch, the agency's voluntary reporting program, by e-mail at www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm, by phone at 800-332-1088 or by fax to 800-332-0178.
(Source: UnitedPressInternational.com)
Travel sickness is a common problem among dogs, especially when they are young. It is distressing for both the dog and its owner, and often restricts and diminishes the shared experience of travel.
Anyone who has been sea sick or car sick knows how awful travel sickness can make you feel. Dogs can suffer just the same, but can’t tell us how terrible they feel. It’s not just the annual holiday or day trips that cause problems, even short everyday journeys in the family car can make some dogs show signs of nausea and sickness.
This website is designed to help dog owners spot the signs of travel sickness in their pet and to help them make their dog feel more comfortable. No dog should have to feel uncomfortable in the car and no-one should have to avoid taking their dog with them when they travel.
Top Tips
Look for signs of travel sickness – if your dog acts differently in the car, salivates or drools a lot or generally looks unhappy, then he or she may be feeling nauseous.
Ask your vet for advice - if your dog shows signs of sickness when it travels, or you want to go on a long journey, ask at your vet surgery about products that can prevent the vomiting that is caused by travel sickness in dogs.
Don’t let travel sickness restrict your plans – there are prescription-only products that can prevent the problem in the vast majority of dogs.
Make journeys as stress free as possible – don’t feed your dog just before setting off, allow plenty of fresh air into the car, take regular breaks and provide clean water.
Start early – introduce puppies to the car gradually from an early age, so they associate it with good experiences (such as a walk) and not with stress.
For more information, click here.
Chapter 7 (Liquidation)
You may want to consider Chapter 7 if:
You have little property except for the basic necessities like furniture and clothing
You have little or no money left after paying basic expenses each month—or you’re not even meeting basic expenses
Advantages of Chapter 7:
Most unsecured debts can be discharged (completely eliminated)
The process moves quickly—you may receive your discharge in just a few months
Creditors can’t contact you while the automatic stay is in effect—or after debts are discharged.
Chapter 13 (Adjustment of debts for an individual with regular income)
You may want to consider Chapter 13 if:
You have significant equity in a home or other property and you want to keep it
You have regular income and can pay your living expenses, but you can’t keep up the scheduled payments on your debts
Advantages of Chapter 13:
You can keep most of your property while spreading out time to pay past due accounts
You’ll have 3-5 years to catch up delinquent accounts—according to a schedule that you
and the bankruptcy trustee have agreed is workable for you.
You’ll make one monthly payment to the bankruptcy trustee for distribution—you’ll have no direct
contact with creditors during the protection period of 3-5 years.
Who can file under Chapter 7?
Debtors who have qualified under the “ means test” and completed a required pre-filing session with a credit counselor may file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection.
Who can file under Chapter 13?
Any individual debtor whose unsecured debts are below $307,675 and whose secured debts are less than $922,975.
For more information on Bankruptcy, please click here.
Never cover up those legs again! Follow these tips to fix common leg flaws.
Spider Veins: Laser treatments will get rid of those annoying little purple squiggly lines on your legs. But be warned: they run $250 to $1,000 per treatment, and you typically need two to four sessions. You can always hide veins with concealer; get the thick, long-wearing kind. Celeb body-makeup pro Joanne Gair swears by Amazing Concealer ($40, sephora.com). Dab it on, then tap your finger to blend.
Cankles: Some women are born with calves that merge into their ankles, but often swelling makes them look worse. To prevent ankle bloat, avoid salty foods and sitting at your desk for long periods. Also, stay away from shoes with ankle straps, which call attention to that area. Flash some toe cleavage instead to shift the focus away from ankles.
Saddlebags: When you’re applying self-tanner, blend a second coat on your inner and outer thighs after the first one’s dried. Subtly darkening these spots instantly makes them appear slimmer. And stay away from shorts that are too clingy; a crisp pair of Bermudas will look great.
(source: Glamour June 2008)
Ultraviolet (UV) Rays-A form of invisible light energy given off by the sun. There are three types: UVA and UVB, which are responsible for skin cancer and skin aging (such as wrinkles).
SPF or Sun-Protection Factor-A rating system indicating the level of sunburn protection a formula supplies (the higher the SPF number, the more protection is offered). Most dermatologists recommend SPF 30. Once you go higher, to an SPF 50, for instance, the lotion becomes thicker and less comfortable, so you might not reapply it as often as you should.
Water-Resistant/Waterproof/Sweat-Proof-These terms mean a formula stays put longer during a swim or a long run. They have a little more oil in the mix, which helps them cling on to wet skin better.
Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide-Made from natural minerals, these sunblocks are gentle, so they’re the best choice for children and those with sensitive skin.
PABA-You’ll often see the term “Paba-free” touted on labels. This older chemical sunscreen is rarely used anymore because many people found it irritating to skin.
(source: shape.com)
(Source: Googlehealth.com)
Google's online filing cabinet for medical records have opened to the public, giving users instant electronic access to their health histories while reigniting privacy concerns. Called Google Health, the service lets users link information from a handful of pharmacies and care providers, including Quest Diagnostics labs. Google plans to add more.
Besides importing records from providers, users can enhance their password-protected profiles with details such as allergies and medications, they can search for doctors and they can locate Web-based health-related tools.
The health venture provides fodder for privacy watchdogs who believe Google already has too much about the interests and habits of its users in its logs of search requests and its vaults of e-mail archives.
Pam Dixon, executive director of the World Privacy Forum, said services like Google Health are troublesome because they aren't covered by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA.
By transferring records to an external service, patients could unwittingly make it easier for the government, a legal adversary or a marketing concern to obtain private information, Dixon said. "We are in uncharted territory here. A privacy policy, I don't think, is enough to protect what needs to be protected in a doctor-patient record," Dixon said.
From Google's Health website, here are some frequently asked questions.
Why is Google offering this product?
It’s what we do. Our corporate mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. Health information is very fragmented today, and we think we can help. Google believes the Internet can help users get access to their health information and help people make more empowered and informed health decisions. People already come to Google to search for health information, so we are a natural starting point. In addition, we have a lot of experience storing and managing large amounts of data and developing consumer products that offer a positive and simple user experience.
What kind of health information can I store in Google Health?
You can store as much or as little information in Google Health as you want. It's up to you. You can store records of current and past medications, allergies, procedures, immunizations, conditions, and test results. You can enter any of this information on your own, or you can import your medical records from a list of Google Health integrated partners, such as hospitals or neighborhood pharmacies. And remember Google stores your information safely and securely.
How much does Google Health cost to use?
Google Health is completely free. There is no cost to sign up. All you need is a username and a password. And if you already have a Google account set up then you are set.
Google Health is also free to our partners as well. There is no charge to doctors' offices, hospitals, pharmacies, and other companies that partner with Google Health so that you can import medical records into your account safely and securely. Some third party companies that are integrated with Google Health and provide customized services may charge you directly but it's up to you to elect to work with them. Google has no financial relationship with these companies.
How does Google Health protect the privacy of my health information?
We will never sell your personal health information or data
We will not share your health data with individuals or third parties unless you explicitly tell us to do so or except in certain limited circumstances described in our privacy policy. We make it a point to let you know what information we collect when you use Google Health, how we use it, and how we keep it safe.
For the complete article and questions/answers, please click here.
by From the American Academy of Pediatrics
Teaching your child how to swim does not mean your child is safe in water. If you have a pool, protect your children by supervising them at all times and being prepared in case of an emergency -- and by following these pool safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics:
Make sure adults are trained in life-saving techniques and CPR so they can rescue a child if necessary.
Surround your pool on all four sides with a sturdy five-foot fence.
Make sure the gates self-close and self-latch at a height children can't reach.
Keep rescue equipment (a shepherd's hook -- a long pole with a hook on the end -- and life preserver) and a portable telephone near the pool.
Avoid inflatable swimming aids such as "floaties." They are not a substitute for approved life vests and can give children a false sense of security.
Children are not developmentally ready for swim lessons until after their fourth birthday. Swim programs for children under four should not be seen as a way to decrease the risk of drowning.
Whenever infants or toddlers are in or around water, an adult should be within arm's length, providing "touch supervision."
(Source: ivillage.com)
(Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine/yahoo.com)
Feeling run down? Are you in the midst of a pregnancy? Dealing with heavy periods? Do you avoid eating meat? If any of these apply to you, you could be at risk for anemia.
Anemia is the deficiency of the oxygen-carrying red blood cells, which are produced within the bone marrow from amino acids and iron with the aid of vitamin B12 and folic acid. Anemia develops for many reasons but most commonly when the supply of iron is depleted, the production line slows and makes sub par, small red blood cells.
Doctors diagnose anemia by measuring two blood test values: hemoglobin and hematocrit. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs. Hematocrit is the percentage of a blood sample that's made up of red blood cells, as compared to other cells and the surrounding fluid called serum. Anemia in women is generally defined as a hemoglobin level of less than 12 g/dL, or a hematocrit less than 37 percent.
Because of their monthly menstrual bleeding, women become anemic more often than do men, especially those with heavy cycles. The medical lingo for heavy menses is menorrhagia, defined as a blood loss exceeding 80 mL per cycle.
Menorrhagia is more common among women who have fibroids within the uterus or have inherited a bleeding disorder. Some have had heavy periods for so long that they presume their monthly loss of blood is normal.
Women with moderate menstrual flow but poor dietary intake of iron-rich foods may also develop anemia over time. And if a woman who has no menstrual cycles or a light cycle becomes anemic, she should be evaluated for conditions such as pernicious anemia, lupus, kidney failure, or colon cancer.
You should seek evaluation for anemia if:
You soak through a tampon or pad every 1-3 hours for more than a day.
You restrict meats and other iron-rich foods like fish and chicken from your diet. Vegetable sources of iron are less well absorbed.
You have a rapid heart rate (over 100 beats per minute) at rest.
You feel weak, tired, or short of breath when you're active.
You are going to have a surgical procedure that can entail significant blood loss.
To view the complete article and related links, click here.
(Source: yahoo.com Yahoo personals)
Nothing turns women off more than a guy who is really needy.
Below are ten signs that you are being needy. Remember you are trying to attract women, not turn them off. So if you suffer from any of these signs of neediness, you need to immediately stop those actions.
1. You just walked a woman to her door at the end of a date. Instead of kissing her, you ask her if she had a good time. Women are attracted to confident men. They don't want to have to tell you that they had a good time on a date... they want you to be secure enough in yourself to assume that they had a good time.
To read the complete list of tips and get the girl of your dreams, click here!
Little lies - and the occasional big ones - are part of workplace culture, just like boring meetings and gabby co-workers. A workday that's 100 percent fib-free is a rarity.
The good news is that much of our dishonesty doesn't come from a bad place. We're not always trying to be deceptive; often we're trying to please other people, even at our own expense.
Still, mom did say we should always tell the truth. Do we need to put the kibosh on lying?
Absolutely, says Dr. Gabriela Cora, corporate consultant and author of "Leading under Pressure: Strategies to Maximize Peak Performance and Productivity while Maximizing Health and Well-being." "In the long run, consistently stating the truth will work in your - and everybody else's - best interest."
Although telling a lie can be easy, and you might even get away with it sometimes, you're not creating the best work environment. To help bring more honesty into the workplace, here are five lies we're all guilty of telling and how we could better handle them.
1. "I'd be happy to." Think about the last few times you've said you'd be happy to do something. How often was that statement sincere? When a supervisor or colleague sends some work your way and you would rather work on more pressing tasks, you don't know how to turn them down without losing your job.
If you accept a task and say you'll do it, your boss expects you to keep your word, Cora says. Therefore, if a new assignment may interfere with your other work, ask your boss which tasks have the highest priorities so you don't miss a deadline. He or she might have forgotten how much you have on your plate and will let you know what's most urgent.
2. "No, I don't have any questions." Who hasn't been given an assignment that just didn't make sense, but when the boss asked if you had any questions you stayed silent? After all, you don't want to be that person who doesn't understand what's going on.
"If you have questions and they will affect your ability to do a good job, you will need to find some answers," Cora reminds. Preface your question by saying that you just want to be certain you understand everything completely.
(careerbuilder.com)
For the complete article, click here.
Cars make us irrational. We call them our babies and lovingly wax them every Saturday -- or we turn up the radio to drown out the sound of a dragging muffler. Either mindset will cost you money, sometimes a lot of it.
Walking the line between obsession and neglect means you never spend a nickel without a good reason -- and good reasons can include spending money on something that’s not broken.
Here, then, are 20 ways you waste money on your car.
Premium gas instead of regular. Buy the cheapest gasoline that doesn’t make your car engine knock. All octane does is prevent knock; a grade higher than the maker of your car recommends is not a “treat.”
3,000-mile oil changes. Manufacturers typically suggest 5,000 miles, 7,500 miles or even longer intervals between oil changes (many car markers now include oil-life monitors that tell you when the oil is dirty -- sometimes as long as 15,000 miles.) There may be two recommendations for oil-change intervals: one for normal driving and one for hard use. If you live in a cold climate, take mostly very short trips, tow a trailer or have a high-revving, high-performance engine, use the more aggressive schedule. If you seldom drive your car, go by the calendar rather than your odometer. Twice a year changes are the minimum.
Taking false economies. Better to replace a timing belt on the manufacturer’s schedule than to have it break somewhere in western Nebraska. Better to pop for snow tires than to ride that low-profile rubber right into a tree.
Using the dealer’s maintenance schedule instead of the factory’s. Of course he thinks you should have a major tune-up every 30,000 miles. Most of the tasks that we generally think of under the heading of “tune-up” are now handled electronically. Stick to the manufacturer’s schedule unless your car is not running well. If your engine doesn't "miss" -- skip a beat or make other odd noises -- don’t change the spark plugs or wires until the manufacturer says so.
Using a dealer for major services. Independent shops almost always will do the same work much cheaper. Call around, owner’s manual in hand, to find out, mindful that the quality of the work is more of a question mark. Some dealers may tell you using outside garages violates the car’s warranty. This is a lie.
Using a dealer for oil changes. Dealers sometimes run dirt-cheap specials, but otherwise you’ll usually find changes cheaper elsewhere. If you’re using an independent shop for the first time, you might inconspicuously mark your old oil filter to make sure it has indeed been changed. And don’t let them talk you into new wiper blades, new air filters or high-priced synthetic oil, unless your car is one of the few high-performance machines built for it.
Not replacing your air filter and wiper blades yourself. Buy them on sale at a discount auto-parts store rather than having a garage or dealer replace them. Replacement is simple for either part, a 5-minute job. A good schedule for new air filters is every other oil change in a dusty climate; elsewhere at least once every 20,000 miles. Treat yourself to new wipers (it’s easiest to buy the whole blade, not the refill) once a year.
Going to any old repair shop. At the very least, make sure it’s ASE-certified (a good housekeeping seal of approval from the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence). From there, look for a well-kept shop with someone who’s willing to answer all your questions. Estimates must include a provision that no extra work will be done without your approval. Drive your car to make sure the problem is fixed before you pay. Pay with a credit card in case there’s a dispute later. Be courteous and pay attention. A good mechanic is hard to find.
Changing your antifreeze every winter. Change it only when a hydrometer suggests it will no longer withstand temperatures 30 degrees below the coldest your area sees in winter. Your dealer or oil-change shop should be happy to check it for free. Every two years is about right. But you also should keep your cooling system happy by running the air conditioner every few weeks in winter to keep it lubricated, checking for puddles underneath the car and replacing belts and hoses before they dry and crack.
Replacing tires when you should be replacing shocks. If your tires are wearing unevenly or peculiarly, your car may be out of alignment or your shocks or struts worn out.
Letting a brake squeal turn into a brake job. Squeal doesn’t necessarily mean you need new rotors or pads; mostly, it’s just annoying. Your first check -- you can probably see your front brakes through the wheels on your car -- is to look at the thickness of the pads. Pads thicker than a quarter-inch are probably fine. If your brakes emit a constant, high-pitched whine and the pads are thinner than a quarter-inch, replace them. If your car shimmies or you feel grinding through the pedal, then your brake rotors need to be turned or replaced.
Not complaining when your warranty claim is rejected. Check Alldata and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) to see if a technical service bulletin (TSB) has been issued about the component in question. Manufacturers often will repair known defects outside the warranty period (sometimes called a secret warranty). It helps if you’ve done your homework and haven’t been a jerk.
Not keeping records. A logbook of every repair done to your car can help you decide if something’s seriously out of whack. Didn’t I just buy new brake pads? With a log and an envelope stuffed with receipts, you’ll know who did the work and when, and whether or not there’s a warranty on the repair. And a service logbook helps at resale time, too.
Buying an extended warranty. Most manufacturers allow you to wait until just before the regular warranty expires to decide. By then you should know whether your car is troublesome enough to require the extended warranty. Most of them aren’t worth the price.
Overinsuring. Never skimp on liability, but why buy collision and comprehensive insurance on a junker you can probably afford to replace? Add your deductible to your yearly bill for collision and comprehensive coverage, then compare that total with the wholesale value of the car. If it’s more than half, reconsider.
Assuming the problem is major. If your car is overheating but you don’t see a busted hose or lots of steam, it might be the $5 thermostat, not your radiator. Or it may be that ominous “check engine” light itself that’s failed, not your alternator.
Not changing the fuel filter. Have it replaced as a part of your maintenance -- every two years or according to the manufacturer’s schedule -- rather than when it becomes clogged with grit, leaving you at the mercy of the nearest garage.
Not knowing how to change a tire. Have you even looked at your spare? Make sure it’s up to snuff and all the parts of your jack are there. Changing a flat yourself is not only cheaper, it’s faster, too.
Not keeping your tires properly inflated. Check them once a month; otherwise, you’re wasting gasoline, risking a blowout and wearing them out more quickly.
Car washes. Ten bucks for long lines and gray water? Nothing shows you care like doing it yourself.
(Source: msn.com)
To read the aricle online, click here.
Over-the-counter readers only work if you need the same level of correction in both eyes, if you don’t need correction for distance, and if you don’t have astigmatism (variation in the shape of your cornea). See an eye doctor first to find out what strength you need (from +1.00 to +2.50) and to rule out diseases like glaucoma. If your eyes are healthy, there’s no problem with buying inexpensive readers from the drugstore. If you do a lot of computer work, you may need two pairs—a stronger pair for reading and a weaker one for the computer.
(source: health.com)
The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics’ (CCIC) Leaping Bunny Program administers a cruelty-free standard and the internationally recognized Leaping Bunny Logo for companies producing cosmetic, personal care, and household products. The Leaping Bunny Program provides the best assurance that no new animal testing is used in any phase of product development by the company, its laboratories, or suppliers.
For more info on leapignBunny, click here.
http://www.leapingbunny.org/about.php
For a complete list of companies that have voluntarily complied with the LEAPINGBUNNY mandate, click here.
What is dyscalculia?
Dyscalculia is a term referring to a wide range of life-long learning disabilities involving math. There is no single form of math disability, and difficulties vary from person to person and affect people differently in school and throughout life.
What are the effects of dyscalculia?
Since disabilities involving math can be so different, the effects they have on a person's development can be just as different. For instance, a person who has trouble processing language will face different challenges in math than a person who has difficulty with visual- spatial relationships. Another person with trouble remembering facts and keeping a sequence of steps in order will have yet a different set of math-related challenges to overcome.
To read the complete article, click here.
So many times we see pictures of female celebrities with a nice rounded rump. Maybe she's born with it, maybe she's not. Enter "Booty Pop" panties.
The underwear is essentially a push-up for butt cheeks. It'll turn a woman's ordinary curves into something spectacular. If you've always been craving a Jessica Biel butt, then "Booty Pop" is your answer. Their tagline says it all "The panties that make your booty pop."
They're promoted by Jennifer Rosenblatt, who's worked with American Idol judge Paula Abdul. Jennifer says (quote) "As a celebrity wardrobe stylist, one of my biggest problems is that many of my clients do not have enough butt to make their rears look full and round. I heard about Booty Pop and immediately bought a few pair for my clients. When they tried them on with their jeans, shorts, slacks or dress pants, they could not believe their eyes. A cute pair of underwear produced a miracle."
The underwear isn't cheap, costing $28 a pair. But considering how much we spend on making ourselves look better, $28 for a delectable rear-end seems a small price to pay.
To find out more about Booty Pop panties, click here.
(LUND, SWEDEN) A medical school professor is telling girls to delay wearing a bra. In his estimation, early bra-wearers will eventually have much more saggy boobs. Doctor Goran Samsioe (yure-ON sam-SOY) in the Department of Obstetrics at Lund University has researched such matters. One study measured the distance between the ground and a young woman's nipples. The ones who wore bras found that over time their breasts sagged more. Doctor Samsioe says (quote) "A woman's natural, everyday movements stimulate the growth of supportive elastic tissue beneath the skin."
Therefore, artificially supporting your breasts in a bra may harm them in the long run. Samsioe went on to say (quote) "If you feel uncomfortable without a bra, you should use one, as long as it allows your breasts to sway in a natural way." Of course, there are plenty of cultural reasons to always wear a bra. Then worry about the sagging latter. That's why the medical school also has a Department of Plastic Surgery.
(Premiere Radio Networks/Shipper Report)
Plastic water bottles-whether from bottled water or handy nalgene sports bottles, carrying water with us has become as natural as carrying our keys. But now, new information from various organizations about possible toxic chemicals within the plastics, has many of us wondering if there is cause for worry. And now it's not just water bottles, but also baby bottles and sippy cups which is are household staples of a parents of young children.
The attached article shows the controversy is just starting and it depends on which article or which government group you want to believe. Are we getting more from our plastic water bottles than just water? Good question, but hard to difinitively answer.
(Source: Environmental News Network)
To read the complete article, click here.
From Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports has decoded juice-label lingo to help consumers buy what they intend and avoid added sugars and artificial ingredients.
Some CR readers say that they have been fooled by juice plucked off store shelves—including a recently discontinued Ocean Spray juice labeled “blueberry, pomegranate, and cranberry,” which listed grape and apple juice first on the label; a Sunny D product labeled “orange fused pineapple” that contained mostly water and high-fructose corn syrup with 5 percent juice, none of it pineapple; and a bottle of Veryfine Fruit20 Plus Citrus Energy Boost, since discontinued, composed of artificially flavored water, vitamins, and caffeine.
The full report on juice-label lingo is available in the May issue of Consumer Reports, on sale April 8 and online at www.ConsumerReports.org.
Here are some basics compiled by Consumer Reports' experts to help consumers understand what's in the juice they're buying:
“100 percent juice” or “100 percent pure.” This is the gold standard, indicating that the product contains pure juice, possibly reconstituted from concentrate (juice that has been concentrated, then rewatered to return it to its original form). One-hundred-percent juice blends are often made with apple or grape juice as the first ingredient and the featured juice lower on the list. That's allowed, as long as companies state on the label what the product really is.
“Juice cocktail,” “drink,” or “beverage,” are red flags. These drinks contain less than 100 percent juice and sometimes as little as 5 percent. Water, flavorings, and added sweeteners like high-fructose corn syrup might make up the rest.
“Light juice.” Tropicana, Welch's, Ocean Spray, Mott's, and other brands have come out with the light versions of their juices that tout less sugar and fewer calories. These are basically regular juice diluted with water in some cases, artificially sweetened, and priced the same as regular juice.
CR recommends that consumers should choose “100% juice,” but to check the ingredients for the listing of the juice they are looking for. Ingredients appear in descending order of weight. To save calories or money, consumers can dilute 100 percent juice with chilled water or seltzer.
(Source: MSNBC/Today Show)
Your credit score has a huge impact on your personal finances, especially now that it’s tougher to qualify for loans. If you have a good score, you can take advantage of today’s low mortgage rates. If you have a bad score, you might not be able to get a loan at all. Your credit score also affects the rates on your credit cards, car loans and insurance premiums, as well as your ability to get a job, rent an apartment or take out a cell-phone contract.
Despite the importance, people tend to make big mistakes when trying to improve their credit scores. Here are seven easy steps you can take to boost your credit score.
Fix your credit report
The fastest way to raise your score is to fix errors on your credit report. Go to www.annualcreditreport.com to get a free report from each of the three credit bureaus every 12 months. It’s important to fix mistakes on all three credit reports. You have a separate credit score based on each bureau’s report, so your scores could be very different if one report contains errors.
Mortgage lenders usually get all three scores and use the middle one. Other lenders and businesses may only use the score based on one bureau’s report. If you’re about to take out a mortgage very soon, see if your lender can get your credit record fixed quickly. Credit bureaus generally have up to 30 days to investigate disputes with consumers, but some lenders work with special services that can get credit reports fixed in as little as 36 to 72 hours.
Pay your bills on time
About one-third of your credit score is based on your payment history. If you’re having trouble paying the total balance, pay at least the minimum by the deadline. Making that deadline is more important to your score than the amount you pay (although the more you pay off, the less interest you’ll owe). If you do miss the deadline, pay up as soon as possible, the later you are, the more you’ll hurt your score.
Keep your balances low
Another big part of your score is the share of available credit you’ve used. Lenders get worried if it looks like you’re maxing out your cards. Keep card balances below 25 percent of the credit limit, 10 percent is even better. It’s the amount you charge that counts, even if you pay the balance in full every month.
Don't close old accounts
Keeping old accounts with a good record can help because the age of your oldest card and the average age of your cards are key elements of your score. Closing accounts also lowers your overall credit limits, which makes it look like you’re closer to maxing out your available credit. If you do want to close some accounts, especially ones with high annual fees, close only one every few months and don’t close any accounts within six months of applying for a loan.
Pay off old debts
Even a small library fine or disputed electric bill can crush your credit score if the debt goes into collection, dropping a high score by as much as 100 points. Now that more municipalities and utilities are sending small, old bills to collection agencies, I’ve been hearing from many more readers whose scores dropped significantly because of a very old bill for less than $100. Even if you pay off the bill after it’s gone to collection, the damage is already done. Negative information generally remains on your credit report for up to seven years, but the impact on your score lessens through time. Don’t lose track of small charges that can come back to haunt you, and pay the bills off quickly before your score suffers.
Order your credit score
You can’t get your score for free, but you can order it when you get a free copy of your credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com. Or you can go to www.myfico.com and get your score directly from Fair Isaac, which created the popular FICO score. Some credit bureaus also offer their own versions of credit scores, which can give you a general idea of how your record stacks up, but most lenders use the FICO score when setting your rates.
Don't ignore your score
Buying or refinancing a house is the biggest reason to be concerned about your score. But your credit score also affects your credit-card rates and terms, car-loan rates and auto and homeowners insurance premiums. Insurers found that people who have low credit scores are more likely to have insurance claims, and your score can have a big impact on your premiums in most states. Potential employers and landlords may also check your record. Don’t worry about micromanaging your score, you’ll usually look good with anything above the high 700s. But your score can affect your personal finances at any time.
Tim's doctor has nixed him following the Atkins diet. It seems Tim has fairly high blood pressure and the fat-laden Atkins wasn't helping the cause. His doctor suggested Tim try to follow the DASH diet instead, which promotes healthy eating comprised of whole grains, lots of veggies, and fruit.
Why the DASH Diet?
People with hypertension (high blood pressure) or prehypertension may be told by their physicians to adopt the DASH diet. The DASH diet eating plan has been proven to lower blood pressure in studies sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension). The DASH diet involves eating more fruits and vegetables, and low-fat or non-fat dairy. The full DASH diet plan is shown below.
In addition to being recommended by your physician, DASH is also recommended by:
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (one of the National Institutes of Health, of the US Department of Health and Human Services)
The American Heart Association
The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
US guidelines for treatment of high blood pressure
and, the DASH diet formed the basis for the new USDA MyPyramid,
For more complete information on the DASH Diet, click here.
(Source: Prevention magazine)
Location, location, location: Store owners aren't the only ones concerned with finding the perfect spot in which to situate their stuff. Researchers in a wide variety of fields know that how you organize your environment--from where you stand in fitness class to the place you choose to store your meds--has a surprising effect on everything from your weight to your chances of staying well. In other words, when it comes to how you feel, it's not just what you do, it's where you do it. Here, surprisingly bad locales for your health--and the best places to optimize it.
The worst place for your toothbrush: On the bathroom sink
There's nothing wrong with the sink itself--but it's awfully chummy with the toilet. There are 3.2 million microbes per square inch in the average toilet bowl, according to germ expert Chuck Gerba, PhD, a professor of environmental microbiology at the University of Arizona. When you flush, aerosolized toilet funk is propelled as far as 6 feet, settling on the floor, the sink, and your toothbrush. "Unless you like rinsing with toilet water, keep your toothbrush behind closed doors--in the medicine cabinet or a nearby cupboard," Gerba says.
The worst place for your sneakers and flip-flops: In the bedroom closet
Walking through your house in shoes you wear outside is a great way to track in allergens and contaminants. A 1999 study found that lawn chemicals were tracked inside the house for a full week after application, concentrated along the traffic route from the entryway. Shoes also carry in pollen and other allergens. Reduce exposure by slipping off rough-and-tumble shoes by the door; store them in a basket or under an entryway bench. If your pumps stay off the lawn, they can make the trip to the bedroom--otherwise, carry them.
And there's a lot more... The worst place to keep your coffeee fresh, the worst place to store your medications....yikes!
For the complete list, click here.
(Source: Health magazine/Today Show)
From eggs raising cholesterol to cold weather giving you a cold, Health magazine busts the biggest health myths out there.
Myth No. 1: Drink eight glasses of water a day
In 1945, the U.S. Food and Nutrition Board told people to consume eight glasses of fluid daily. Before long, most of us believed we needed eight glasses of water, in addition to what we eat and drink, every day.
The truth: Water's great, but you also wet your whistle with juice, tea, milk, fruits and vegetables — quite enough to keep you hydrated. Even coffee quenches thirst, despite its reputation as a diuretic; the caffeine makes you lose some liquid, but you're still getting plenty.
Contrary to common belief, urine color is not a great sign of dehydration, says Rachel Vreeman, M.D., a fellow in Children's Health Services Research at the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis: "If you're thirsty, you should drink." But don't overdo it. Drinking too much can lead to hyponatremia, in which sodium levels fall, causing an electrolyte imbalance that can make you very sick.
Myth No. 2: Stress will turn your hair gray
The car pool, the spilled milk, the deadlines... who doesn't believe that stress can shock your locks?
The truth: "Too much stress does age us inside and out," says Nancy L. Snyderman, M.D., chief medical editor for NBC News and author of "Medical Myths That Can Kill You." It ups the number of free radicals, scavenger molecules that attack healthy cells, and increases the spill of stress hormones in your body. So far, though, no scientific evidence proves a bad day turns your locks silver. "We gray according to genetics," she says. And, let's face it, when you do get those gray strands, hair products make covering them a cinch.
Myth No. 3: Reading in poor light ruins your eyes
It's the commonsense refrain of mothers everywhere — reading under the covers or by moonlight will ruin your eyesight.
The truth: "Reading in dim light can strain your eyes," Snyderman explains. "You tend to squint, and that can give you a headache. But you won't do any permanent damage, except maybe cause crow's-feet."
Your overtired eyes can get dry and achy, and may even make your vision seem less clear, but a good night's rest will help your peepers recover just fine.
Myth No. 4: Coffee’s really bad for you
Surely something 108 million Americans crave so much each morning couldn't possibly be good for you? Wrong.
The truth: Too much may give you the jitters, but your daily habit has a lot of positives. "Coffee comes from plants, which have helpful phytochemicals that act as antioxidants," says Stacy Beeson, R.D., a wellness dietitian at St. Luke's Boise Medical Center in Boise, Idaho. One set of antioxidants appears to increase insulin sensitivity, which might explain a lowered risk of type 2 diabetes in people who sip java. A Harvard study of more than 125,000 coffee drinkers found that women cut their risk of type 2 diabetes by 30 percent. Other studies suggest that coffee cuts the risks of Parkinson's disease, colon cancer, cirrhosis and gallstones. Drinking joe gives your brain a boost, too. And, despite the jolt of energy it provides, coffee has no effect on heart disease.
Two to three cups a day is fine for most people, Beeson says. But if you take your coffee with a racing heart, anxiety or wide-eyed nights, cut back or switch to decaf. If you're pregnant or low on calcium, talk to your doc about the best brew for you.
Myth No. 5: Feed a cold, starve a fever
The old wives' tale has been a staple since the 1500s when a dictionary master wrote, "Fasting is a great remedie of fever."
The truth: "Colds and fevers are generally caused by viruses that tend to last seven to 10 days, no matter what you do," Vreeman says. "And there is no good evidence that diet has any effect on a cold or fever. Even if you don't feel like eating, you still need fluids, so put a priority on those." If you're congested, the fluids will keep mucus thinner and help loosen chest and nasal congestion. A little chicken soup spoons in some nutrients as well.
For the complete article, click here
(Source: airsafe.com)
Traveling with children, especially infants and toddlers, puts special demands on the adults responsible for their well being. Based on analyses of dozens of aviation incidents and accidents involving children and on my own experience as a traveling parent, here are ten tips that can make the trip safer for the child.
Plan ahead: Ask yourself what supplies you will need to have on hand to take care of any normal or special needs for the child. Remember, it is the airline's responsibility to carry passengers to their destination, but it is the responsibility of the parent or responsible adult to take care of any children.
Use a child restraint system for children under 40 pounds (18.1 kilos): The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration strongly recommends that children weighing less than 40 pounds be put into a child restraint system appropriate for their weight. Children under the age of two may be carried on the lap of an adult, but the lap child should have some kind of restraint system.
For the complete article, click here.
The Food and Drug Administration is looking again at the popular asthma medication called Singulair. New evidence indicates users are at greater risk for suicidal thoughts. The pill, which treats asthma and hay fever, has been on the market for 10 years. But in the past year, the drugmaker Merck has linked several awful side effects to Singulair. These include depression, suicidal thinking and behavior.
Last year, millions of people used the drug. Sales are $4 billion. The FDA has asked Merck to re-focus studies on the behavior and mood changes in patients. In the meantime, Singulair users ought to find an alternative or stay away from sharp objects.
For more information, link to www.singulair.com
In the 1990s DVD (digital video discs) became popular. DVDs are the identical form factor of a CD but are able to hold much more data. The format was agreed upon because one DVD can hold a standard-length movie.
Blu-Ray is the next iteration on the optical disc timeline. The Blu-Ray standard was established to hold a standard-length movie in HDTV format, or high-definition television. Such movies are displayed in significantly higher resolution and therefore they require much more storage space. A standard Blu-Ray disc holds 27GB (gigabytes) of information which is about 40 times the amount of data that a CD can hold.
(Source: wisegeek.com)
For more information on Blu-Ray, click here.
Besides the obvious preventions against high blood pressure for women; lose weight, exercise, eating healthy, new studies reveal there are some additional things you can do to help stave off high blood pressure.
Avoid Energy Drinks:
In research conducted, the blood pressure and heart rates of healthy adults increased after they drank two or more energy drinks per day--most of these drinks are loaded with caffeine and taurine, an amino acid that can affect blood pressure and the heart.
Change The Way Your Meditate:
Try meditating twice a day for 20 minutes in a state of “restful alertness.” Studies show a reduction in blood pressure not found with other forms of stress management, including other types of meditation.
Get More Sleep:
A British study of nearly 70,000 people found that women who slept five hours or less a night were twice as likely to suffer from high blood pressure as women who slept for seven hours or more. Experts speculate that too little sleep might kick women’s fight-or-flight response into gear or trigger inflammation that chokes blood flow and raises pressure.
(Source: Bankrate.com)
1. Envy The Rich & Famous
Envy the
