What are head lice?

What are head lice?

Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are parasitic insects that are found on the heads of people. Having head lice is a very common occurrence in the U.S. and they are spread by close physical contact, especially among children.

Head lice are usually found on the scalp near the neckline at the back of the neck and behind the ears.

 

 

 

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Head lice photo as adult, nymph and nit.

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There are three forms of head lice:

1. Nit - Head lice eggs are called nits. They are very difficult to see and are often mistaken for dandruff. They are usually found attached to the hair shaft.
2. Nymph - The nit hatches into a baby louse which 
   is called a nymph.
3. Adult - The adult louse is very small, is tan to 
   greyish-white in color, and has six legs. In people
   with dark hair, the adult louse will look darker.

 

Photos of lice nits(eggs).

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Signs that your youngster may be infested with head lice:

• A tickling feeling in the hair and on the scalp
• Itching on and around the head area 
• Unexplained irritability 
• Sores on the head caused by your child's scratching 

How to rid the infested person of lice:

1. Visit your pharmacy and get a bottle of pediculicide
   (lice medicine) and follow the instructions
2. Have the affected person change into clean clothes. 
3. Run a fine comb through the hair every few hours 
   to remove the lice, nymphs, and nits.

If this treatment routine fails to remove all of the lice, see a doctor.

Recognizing Alzheimer's Disease

New report released in conjunction with National Alzheimer's Awareness Month states that most family members miss the earliest signs of Alzheimer's in their loved ones.

Why? Simply because they don't know what symptoms they need to look for. This article will tell you how to recognize the classic Alzheimer's symptoms in those around you.

The early warning signs (markers) of Alzheimer's are usually very subtle, sometimes appearing months or even years before the characteristic memory loss and other clinical symptoms become apparent.

But these Alzheimer's markers are often misunderstood or unrecognized by family and friends. The signs of Alzheimer's include:

• Depression: Over half of all Alzheimer's patients exhibit symptoms of clinical depression as early as two years before memory loss becomes apparent.
   
• Loss of the sense of smell: Although they're usually unaware of it, the affected person's ability to discern common odors may decrease by a wide margin. The sense of taste usually remains intact however.
   
• Loss of hearing: The common warning signs include keeping the TV volume too loud as well as avoiding use of the phone and face-to-face conversations.
   
• Impairment of visual and spatial abilities: The affected person may have difficulty remembering visual details about objects and locations. They may also have problems following directions and using maps.
   
• Unusual fingerprint patterns: Up to three-fourths of Alzheimer's patients have an abnormal number of ulnar loop patterns on their fingertips.
  
  These patterns are similar to those found on people with Down's Syndrome, suggesting that some people may possibly have a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's.

Over four million older Americans currently live with Alzheimer's Disease. We observe National Alzheimer's Awareness Month each November to help friends and family become better informed about Alzheimer's.

Being able to recognize the early signs of potential Alzheimer's related problems is extremely important because the sooner a person is diagnosed and treatment is started, the better their chances for enjoying a longer, healthier, and happier life. 

Is Laser Eye Surgery Right For You?

Laser Eye Surgery offers the promise of clear vision without the need to wear glasses, so it's no wonder that hundreds of thousands of Americans are taking the plunge. But is Laser Eye Surgery right for you? A review of the pros and cons might help you decide.

Laser Eye Surgery - The Pros:

• It can reduce or eliminate the need to wear glasses for many people.
   
• The procedure is relatively quick and painless.
   
• Most people can go back to work almost immediately after the surgery.
   
• Laser Eye Surgery is inexpensive when compared to buying new eyeglasses each year for the rest of your life.

Now, the Cons:

• Laser Eye Surgery simply isn't an option for some people. The only way to find out if you're a good candidate is to visit your eye doctor.
   
• Up front, it can be expensive at $500 and up per eye. This is especially true if it turns out that you still need glasses after the surgery.
   
• In some cases, the surgery doesn't work as well as planned, meaning the patient may still need glasses or contacts for reading or for seeing in general. In rare cases, the patient's eyesight is even worse after the surgery than it was before.
   
• Some patients require one or more follow-up surgeries before their eyesight is acceptable.

While there are risks associated with Laser Eye Surgery (as there are with any surgery), there are a few things you can do to minimize those risks and give yourself the best chance for improved eyesight:

• Listen to your doctor's recommendations concerning whether you should opt for laser surgery. If he tells you that you're a poor candidate, it's best to forget about having the procedure done. Laser Eye Surgery is one area where "taking a chance" can really cost you in the end.
   
• Get a second opinion. When it comes to having surgery done on your eyes, it's definitely worth a few extra dollars to get the opinion and perspective of another physician.
   
• Choose a doctor and surgery center that has lots of experience in successful Laser Eye Surgeries.
   
• Ask for recommendations and follow up with them. If a doctor and surgery center has lots of satisfied patients, your chances of having good results yourself will be better.
   
• Do an Internet search for your doctor's name and the name of the surgery center. If there have been complaints lodged against them, chances are they'll show up.

Conclusion

Your eyesight is perhaps your most important sense, so it makes sense to protect it as much as possible. As with any surgery, Laser Eye Surgery carries inherent risks. But you can minimize those risks by "doing your homework" and carefully considering your eye doctor's advice and recommendations.

 

bad breath (halitosis)

Bad breath (halitosis)

 

 

 Many people have a problem with bad breath (halitosis), but they have no idea what causes it or how to eliminate it. In general, there are three possible reasons why a person might have bad breath:

1 - Eating smelly foods

Aromatic foods such as onions, garlic, fish, peanut butter and others can leave a strong odor on your breath, but this type of bad breath is only temporary unless there are also other problems.

2 - Poor oral hygiene

Properly brushing, flossing and using mouthwash is essential for keeping bad breath at bay. Maintaining good oral hygiene is also very important for preventing the third (and most serious) cause of bad breath...

3 - A dental condition

Dental conditions such as gum disease, oral cancer, cavities, and/or bacteria on the surface of the tongue typically result in bad breath. Unfortunately, these conditions cannot be remedied without the help of a dentist.

In a nutshell, brushing (including the tongue), flossing and gargling with mouthwash after every meal coupled with regular professional cleanings will prevent the most pervasive causes of bad breath.

Chewing gum helps reduce the intensity of bad breath by keeping the mouth moist, and many people also find relief by using toothpaste, mouthwashes and other oral hygiene products that are formulated specifically to combat persistent halitosis.

COCONUT WATER

Read on. It will amaze you.
  
COCONUT WATER / MADAFU
  
Here is some information about Coconut Water:
 
 'It's a natural isotonic beverage, with the
 same level of electrolytic balance as we have in our blood.
 It's the fluid of life, so to speak.'
 
 During the Pacific War of 1941-45, both sides in the
 conflict regularly used coconut water - siphoned directly
 from the nut - to give emergency plasma transfusions to
 wounded soldiers..
 
 Most coconut water is still consumed fresh in tropical
 coastal areas - once exposed to air, the liquid rapidly
 loses most of its organoleptic and nutritional
 characteristics, and begins to ferment.
 
 Coconut Water is More Nutritious than whole milk - Less
 fat and NO cholesterol!
 
 Coconut Water is More Healthy than Orange Juice - Much
 lower calories
 
 Coconut Water is Better than processed baby milk- It
 contains lauric acid, which is present in human
 mother's milk
 
 Coconut water is naturally sterile -- Water permeates
 though the filtering husk!
 
 Coconut water is a universal donor-- Its identical to
 human blood plasma
 
 Coconut Water is a Natural Isotonic Beverage - The same
 level we have in our blood.
 
 Coconut water has saved lives in 3rd world countries
 thru Coconut IV.
 
 Coconut water is the very stuff of Nature,
 biologically Pure, full of Natural Sugars, Salts, and
 Vitamins to ward off fatigue... and is the next wave of
 energy drinks BUT natural!', according to Mortin
 Satin, Chief of the United Nation's Food &
 Agriculture Organization.
 
 Coconut water contains more potassium (at about 294 mg)
 than most sports drinks (117 mg) and most energy drinks..
 
 Coconut water has less sodium (25mg) where sports
 drinks have around 41mg and energy drinks have about 200mg!
 
 Coconut water has 5mg of Natural Sugars where sports
 and energy drinks range from 10-25mg of Altered Sugars.
 
 Coconut water is very high in Chloride at 118mg;
 compared to sports drinks at about 39mg.
 
 Data is based on a 100ml drink

INFO ON PLASTIC BOTTLE......... must read....

Did you ever drink from a plastic bottle and see a triangle symbol on the bottom with a number inside?


 
Do you know what the number stands for?
Did you guess that it's just for recycling?    
Then you are WRONG !!!!!!
THE NUMBER TELLS YOU  THE CHEMICAL MAKE UP OF THE PLASTIC.....

1)    Polyethylene terephalate (PET)
2)    High density polyethylene (HDPE)
3)    Unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (UPVC) or Plasticised polyvinyl chloride (PPVC)
4)    Low density polyethylene LDPE
5)    Polypropylene (PP)
6)    Polystyrene (PS) or Expandable polystyrene (EPS)
7)    Other, including nylon and acrylic
What you aren't told is that many of the plastics used are toxic and the chemicals used to create a plastic can leach out of the plastic and into the food / drink.
Think about it, how many times have you or a friend said "I don't like this, it taste like the plastic bottle ..... "
THAT'S BECAUSE YOU ARE TASTING THE PLASTIC
The WORST ONES are Nos: 3, 6, and 7 !!!

DO NOT USE THESE NUMBERS if stated at the bottom of the bottle) !!!


 
Check out this chart that breaks down the plastic, its uses and chemical makeup
(I find #7 a little scary)
http://www.epd. gov.hk/epd/ english/environm entinhk/waste/ guide_ref/ guide_plascod3. html
 

 

INFO ON PLASTIC BOTTLE......... must read....

Did you ever drink from a plastic bottle and see a triangle symbol on the bottom with a number inside?


 
Do you know what the number stands for?
Did you guess that it's just for recycling?    
Then you are WRONG !!!!!!
THE NUMBER TELLS YOU  THE CHEMICAL MAKE UP OF THE PLASTIC.....

1)    Polyethylene terephalate (PET)
2)    High density polyethylene (HDPE)
3)    Unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (UPVC) or Plasticised polyvinyl chloride (PPVC)
4)    Low density polyethylene LDPE
5)    Polypropylene (PP)
6)    Polystyrene (PS) or Expandable polystyrene (EPS)
7)    Other, including nylon and acrylic
What you aren't told is that many of the plastics used are toxic and the chemicals used to create a plastic can leach out of the plastic and into the food / drink.
Think about it, how many times have you or a friend said "I don't like this, it taste like the plastic bottle ..... "
THAT'S BECAUSE YOU ARE TASTING THE PLASTIC
The WORST ONES are Nos: 3, 6, and 7 !!!

DO NOT USE THESE NUMBERS if stated at the bottom of the bottle) !!!


 
Check out this chart that breaks down the plastic, its uses and chemical makeup
(I find #7 a little scary)
http://www.epd. gov.hk/epd/ english/environm entinhk/waste/ guide_ref/ guide_plascod3. html
 

 

AICAR - Drug may cure obesity

AICAR – Drug may cure obesity

 

 

In a discovery that could help obese people and those afflicted with diabetes, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies has devised a new tablet that could help people reduce and burn fat. This, however, has openly been tested on mice and sedentary mice that took the tablet burned more fat and ran 44% farther and 23% longer than mice that didn’t. A second drug was also tried that gave better results and the mice could run 68% longer and 70% farther. The drugs may contain Resveratol, which is already being studied for anti-aging effects. The new drugs basically increase muscle endurance and thus increase metabolism as well. The drug, which is called the AICAR, might not only protect you against high-fat diet but also treat obesity. It might take a while before its efficacy and safety on humans is confirmed and could pave way for a new drug to help those who are obese. The researchers still insist exercise is always a better option than any tablet.

 

Natural Weight-Loss Food: Corn

 

Corn is a low-fat complex carbohydrate that deserves a regular place on any healthy table. Unfortunately, as with many other naturally low-fat foods, the American tendency is to smother corn-on-the-cob with butter.

 

But these high-fiber, fat-fighting kernels of goodness are better served with seasoning. Because corn is hearty and satisfying, it can curb your appetite.

Health Benefits

This popular food is high in fiber. In fact, it's notoriously hard to digest. But its insoluble fiber is tops at tackling common digestive ailments (like constipation and hemorrhoids) by absorbing water, which swells the stool and speeds its movement.

Nutritional Values Corn, Yellow or White Serving Size: 1 medium (7") ear Calories: 77 Fat: 1 g Saturated Fat: <1 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Carbohydrate: 19 g Protein: 3 g Dietary Fiber: 3 g Sodium: 13 mg Vitamin C: 5 mg Folic Acid: 41 mcg Niacin: 2 mg Potassium: 243 mg

Corn is a surprising source of several vitamins, including folic acid, niacin, and vitamin C. The folic acid in corn is now known to be an important factor in preventing neural-tube birth defects. It's just as important in preventing heart disease, according to studies that show folic acid can prevent a buildup of homocysteine, an amino acid, in the body. Long-term elevation of homocysteine has been linked to higher rates of heart disease; folic acid helps break it down.

Selection and Storage

End-of-summer corn is by far the best ear in town. Although you can find good-tasting corn year-round, many out-of-season ears aren't worth eating. When buying fresh corn, be sure it was delivered in cold storage -- as temperatures rise, the natural sugar in corn turns to starch, and the corn loses some sweetness.

 

 Corn is best eaten within a day or two of picking. Corn husks should be green and have visible kernels that are plump and tightly packed on the cob. To test freshness, pop a kernel with your fingernail. The liquid that spurts out should be milky colored. If not, the corn is either immature or overripe. Once home, refrigerate corn immediately.

 

People with Unbelievable Medical Condition !!!

People with Unbelievable Medical Condition-
 
 
1. The Man Who Can't Get Fat

Mr Perry, 59, can eat whatever he likes - including unlimited pies, burgers and desserts - and never get fat. He cannot put on weight because of a condition called lipodystrophy that makes his body rapidly burn fat.

He used to be a chubby child, but at age 12 the fat dropped off "almost over night". He initially tried to eat more to gain weight, but it had no effect. Mr Perry, of Ilford in Essex, endured a decade of tests before the illness was diagnosed. It finally emerged that his body produces six times the normal level of insulin. Doctors have admitted that the condition would be a "slimmer's dream".

 

2. The Man Who Doesn't Feel Cold

Dutchman Wim Hof, also known as the Iceman, is the man that swam under ice, and stood in bins filled with ice. He climbed the Mt. Blanc in shorts in the icy cold, harvested world records and always stands for new challenges.

Scientists can't really explain it, but the 48-year-old Dutchman is able to withstand, and even thrive, in temperatures that could be fatal to the average person.  
3. The Boy Who Couldn't Sleep: stayed awake 24 hours a day for years

Rhett Lamb is often cranky like any other 3-year-old toddler, but there's one thing that makes him completely different: he has a rare medical condition in which he can't sleep a wink.

Rhett is awake nearly 24 hours a day, and his condition has baffled his parents and doctors for years. They took clock shifts watching his every sleep-deprived mood to determine what ailed the young boy.

After a number of conflicting opinions, Shannon and David Lamb finally learned what was wrong with their child: Doctors diagnosed Rhett with an extremely rare condition called chiari malformation.

"The brain literally is squeezed into the spinal column. What happens is you get compression, squeezing, strangulating of the brain stem, which has all the vital functions that control sleep, speech, our cranial nerves, our circulatory system, even our breathing system," Savard said.  
4. The Girl Who is Allergic to Water

 

Teenager Ashleigh Morris can't go swimming, soak in a hot bath or enjoy a shower after a stressful day's work - she's allergic to water. Even sweating brings the 19-year-old out in a painful rash.

Ashleigh, from Melbourne, Australia, is allergic to water of any temperature, a condition she's lived with since she was 14. She suffers from an extremely rare skin disorder called Aquagenic Urticaria - so unusual that only a handful of cases are documented worldwide.  
5. The Woman Who Can't Forget

That's the story of AJ, an extraordinary 40-year-old married woman who remembers everything.

McGaugh and fellow UCI researchers Larry Cahill and Elizabeth Parker have been studying the extraordinary case of a person who has "nonstop, uncontrollable and automatic" memory of her personal history and countless public events. If you randomly pick a date from the past 25 years and ask her about it, she'll usually provide elaborate, verifiable details about what happened to her that day and if there were any significant news events on topics that interested her. She usually also recalls what day of the week it was and what the weather was like.

The 40-year-old woman, who was given the code name AJ to protect her privacy, is so unusual that UCI coined a name for her condition in a recent issue of the journal Neurocase: hyperthymestic syndrome.  
6. The Girl Who Eats Only Tic Tacs

Meet Natalie Cooper, a 17-year-old teenager who has a mystery illness that makes her sick every time she eats anything. Well, almost anything. She can eat one thing that doesn't make her sick: Tic tac mint!

For reasons that doctors are unable to explain, Tic tacs are the only thing she can stomach, meaning she has to get the rest of her sustenance from a specially formulated feed through a tube.  
7. The Musician Who Can't Stop Hiccupping

Chris Sands, 24, from Lincoln, hiccups as often as every two seconds - and sometimes even when he is asleep. He has tried a variety of cures, including hypnosis and yoga, but nothing has worked. Mr Sands thinks his problem stems from an acid reflux condition caused by a damaged valve in his stomach. "If the acid levels are severe enough they are going to do keyhole surgery and grab part of my stomach and wrap it around the valve to tighten it," he said.

Mr Sands, who is a backing singer in the group Ebullient, said the condition has hampered his career as he has only been able to perform four times. In the next couple of weeks --as of the day of the report--, doctors at Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre will put a tube into his stomach to monitor acid levels and decide if keyhole surgery is possible.  
8. The Girl That Collapses Every Time She Laughs
Kay Underwood, 20, has cataplexy, which means that almost any sort of strong emotion triggers a dramatic weakening of her muscles. Exhilaration, anger, fear, surprise, awe and even embarrassment can also cause sufferers to suddenly collapse on the spot.

Kay, of Barrow-upon-Soar, Leicestershire (UK), who was diagnosed with the condition five years ago, once collapsed more than 40 times in a single day. She said: "People find it very odd when it happens, and it isn't always easy to cope with strangers' reactions. "

Like most cataplexy sufferers, Ms Underwood is also battling narcolepsy - a condition that makes her drop off to sleep without warning. Narcolepsy affects around 30,000 people in the UK and about 70 per cent of them also have cataplexy.  
9. The Woman Who is Allergic to Modern Technology

For most people talking on a mobile phone, cooking dinner in the microwave or driving in a car is simply part of modern living in 21st century Britain. But completing any such tasks is impossible forDebbie Bird - because she is allergic to Cell Phones and Microwaves.

The 39-year-old is so sensitive to the electromagnetic field (emf) or 'smog' created by computers, mobile phones, microwave ovens and even some cars, that she develops a painful skin rash and her eyelids swell to three times their size if she goes near them. As a consequence, Mrs Bird, a health spa manager, has transformed her home into an EMF-free zone to try and stay healthy. 'I can no longer do things that I used to take for granted,' Mrs Bird said. "My day-to-day life has been seriously affected by EMF".

 

5 Reasons Why You Should Start Practicing Yoga And Meditation

5 Reasons Why You Should Start Practicing Yoga And Meditation

The practice of yoga and meditation has become increasingly popular in the past few years, but I am sure that there are many people who are still asking themselves, "What's in it for me?" So, if you have been wondering whether it would be worth your time to start practicing yoga and meditation, I would like to give you five good reasons why it would be a very worthwhile activity for you.

1. Yoga and meditation will improve your health

Yoga postures put gentle pressure on the internal organs of the body and help them to function properly. In particular the postures help your digestive system to work smoothly and thus avoid problems such as constipation, acidity and indigestion, which are common conditions that can lead to more serious problems later on. Meditation and deep relaxation can be just what you need to lower your blood pressure. Thus, yoga postures plus meditation is a great combination for maintaining and improving health.

2. Yoga and meditation will help you to overcome bad habits

What's a "bad habit?" It's something that you are doing continually, and something that you know is harming you but you can't stop it. Are you smoking now? Maybe you thought it was good when you started, but you would now like to stop. The trouble is that it is not so easy to quit smoking or a similar habit once it has become established.

This is where yoga and meditation can help you out. The yoga postures help you to become more relaxed and mentally balanced. Meditation can help you to concentrate your mind and build up your will-power. Once you become internally balanced and have a stronger will power, it will become possible for you to break any habit, even one that you have been troubled by for many years.

3. Yoga and meditation will help you to lose weight

Obesity is one of the biggest health problems of the modern era. Our lives have become more sedentary and our food sources have changed over the last 100 years and this why many adults and even children are now overweight.

Although this is a life-style problem, it is something that can be dealt with. The surest way to lose weight is to get more exercise and to control what you are eating. This is of course, easier said than done. But yoga and meditation can help you out. There are some yoga postures that are helpful in weight loss programs. Similarly, the mental strength that you can get from both yoga postures and from meditation can help you to gain a better control over your diet and this can result in healthy and permanent weight loss.

4. Yoga and meditation will bring you inner peace

You may be earning a lot of money and you may have a lot of social prestige but is physical or social wealth the goal of your life? Whatever material or social wealth you have, if you are not contented, satisfied and at peace with yourself then you will not be a happy person.

The goal of meditation is to help you find the inner core of your being. Who are you? Is it the name and address on your identity card? If you start meditating you will find that deep within you is a pool of infinite love and peace. This is the real you. If you can reach this place, then you will find peace and contentment; it is guaranteed!

5. Yoga and meditation will make you a wiser person

Every one of us has made mistakes that we regret. There is nothing we can do about the past. We can't go back in time and not make the mistakes. But what we can do is to build up our capacity to see what has permanent value and what is transitory. When we attain this state of discrimination, then we will not do actions that we will regret later on.

Meditation helps a person to go beyond the "chatter" of the mind and attain a state of wisdom that will always be of help. Wisdom does not mean stuffing your mind with "facts" but it does mean to have a mind that will choose a course of action that brings about the welfare of everyone.

I have a list with many more reasons why yoga and meditation are helpful, but I thought I would start off with these five reasons. So, if any one of these items are interesting for you, then why not see for yourself, and start practicing yoga and meditation?

The Simple Art of Washing Your Face

Did you know that you have a great deal of control over the texture, clarity, suppleness and long-term health of facial skin just based on how and how often you cleanse? Whether you're young or old, man or woman, you can do your skin a big favor by cleansing correctly.

 

 

Cleansing is arguably the most important part of your basic skincare routine. Proper cleansing gets rid of old surface skin cells, dirt and dust, grime, make-up and bacteria, and keeps skin pores free of clogs and able to breathe freely. Cleansing also aids circulation and prepares the skin to receive topically applied nutrients and lipids.'

 

Here are some tips for proper facial cleansing from the 5,000-year-old healing tradition of Ayurveda:

 

1.      Cleanse twice a day, no more. Unless you have exposed your skin to excessive dust, grime or pollution, twice-a-day cleansing is more than adequate for any skin type. Cleansing too often strips your skin of precious natural oils. Not cleansing regularly, particularly before you retire for the night, may lead to build-up and eruptions.
 

2.      Choose a cleanser that is appropriate for your skin type. Do not use soap on facial skin: it can be too harsh and drying and damage skin over time. A too-rich cleanser can clog pores, while a too-dry cleanser can irritate the skin. A cleanser for dry skin should contain nourishing herbs and oils. One for oily skin should include herbs that balance oil production and support clarity. Sensitive skin benefits from an ultra-gentle, fragrance-free, non-irritating cleanser.
 
Traditional ayurvedic cleansers are made fresh with natural ingredients such as ground oats, lentils or chickpeas, complexion enhancing or clarifying herbs such as turmeric, Amalaki, Neem and sandalwood, emollients such as milk, cream yogurt or honey, and floral or citrus waters for pure healing fragrance. You can make your own by mixing the dry ingredients to last a week or two and blending the mix with milk or cream right before use. Otherwise, look for a natural cleanser that's gentle and fortified with skin-friendly herbs.
 

3.      Always cleanse with tepid water. Hot water dries and damages skin over time, and cold water won't dissolve and take away embedded dirt and grime as well as lukewarm water.
 

4.      If you use sponges or washcloths, make sure they are clean and soft. They are not necessary for effective cleansing: your fingertips can do just as good a job.
 

5.      Wash your hands thoroughly before you cleanse your face, or you will be working dirt into facial skin. Use a headband to secure hair away from the face.
 

6.      Start by splashing tepid water on your face and neck.
 

7.      Apply the cleanser with your fingertips or a soft sponge, using gentle circular massaging strokes and moving upward on the face and neck. Do not scrub too much…gentle massaging strokes are enough to help improve circulation as well as loosen grime and old surface skin cells. Too much scrubbing will stretch skin and irritate it, especially the delicate skin around the eyes.
 

8.      Rinse with lots of tepid water. Don't forget to rinse off cleanser from the neck and hairline. Cleanser residue can clog pores and attract dirt.
 

9.      Gently blot off excess water with a soft towel. Do not scrub dry or drag towel along skin.
  

10.       Follow immediately with a water-based toner and a moisturizer appropriate for your skin type to seal in surface moisture and offer nourishment when skin is receptive.    

 

Red grape lessens blood pressure

The humble red grape lessens blood pressure, cholesterol levels and even the risk of heart disease, Madrid University scientists have found.

 

The researchers believe that the antioxidants and fibre found in a combination of grape skin and seeds could be superfoods in the battle against heart attacks. 
 
The latest discovery was given as a dietary supplement to volunteers, who saw their blood pressure reduced by up to five per cent and cholesterol by up to 14 per cent. 
 
During the trials, the compound also improved volunteers’ Lipid Profiles – a range of blood tests to diagnose the risk of heart disease.
 
Many superfoods for the heart, such as the plant extract psyllium or healthy oats, are good for either fibre or antioxidants rather than both.
 
But the tests at Madrid University on grape antioxidant dietary fibre revealed that it was high in both potentially life-saving ingredients. 
 
Researchers say the grape extract would boost the average Briton’s intake of dietary fibre to recommended daily levels of 30g a day.
 
And combining the supplement with a Mediterranean-style diet which includes oily fish, olive oil and tomatoes would bring even greater health benefits. 
 
Scientists found that mixing the two elements together made the supplement 50 per cent more effective in reducing the risks of heart attacks. 
 
“The effects appear to be higher than the ones caused by other dietary fibres, such as oat, fibre or psyllium, probably due to the combined effect of dietary fibre and antioxidants,” The Daily Express quoted Jara Perez Jimenez, the study’s lead researcher, as saying.

Sugaring Hair Removal

Sugaring Hair Removal

 

 

 

 

Sugaring hair removal is one of the best methods for hair removal because of how affordable it is, how efficient it is and how inexpensive it can be as well. If you are looking for a way to remove hair from your body, you will want to consider this method.

 

It uses products that you probably already have within your home. There are plenty of reasons to give it a try and with its lasting results, it may work just fine for your needs.

The sugaring hair removal is quite simple. You will apply it and use it just like you would a wax solution. The liquid is warmed, but not hot. It is then applied to the location where you want the hair to be removed. Usually, you will work in small locations at a time. Once the sugar product is applied, you will apply a clean cloth strip to the area (sometimes waxing papers can be used as well.) With a bit of pressure on the area, the fabric or paper will latch on to the hair and skin. Once this happens, a swift pull and the hair is removed. It will stick to the fabric and come right out.

The bit of pain that is associated with sugar hair removal is generally just a second's worth. It will be just from the sensation of the hairs being pulled, and usually will leave a bit of redness on the area and that is about it. In a few minutes, the skin is back to normal and there are no lasting effects.

To make a sugaring hair removal, you can do this. Mix together one cup of sugar with ¼ of a cup of honey and the juice from a half of a lemon. Place the mixture in the microwave for about a minute to two minutes. You want to have a good, mixed consistency here. Stir it as needed. Then, you should put the mixture down and allow it to cool for several minutes. While you want it to be warm, you do not want it to burn you.

When applying this sugaring hair removal, make sure to apply it and the fabric in the direction that the hair is growing. This makes for a more efficient removal. You should also insure that the area is clean and that you wash off any remaining sugar from the area as necessary.

Sugaring hair removal techniques have been used for quite a long time. It is an effective and affordable method of hair removal.

 

F O O D M Y T H

FOOD MYTH

 

 

Food myths are created from outdated science, old wives' tales, and a bit of wishful thinking. They stick around because they are so familiar. But every now and then, you need to take another look at information you believe is true and change with the times. How many of these common myths are still part of your nutrition playbook?

Certain foods can burn fat.

WRONG!

According to the "negative calorie effect," the act of chewing and digesting certain foods burns up more calories than the food itself contains. Cucumbers, celery, and grapefruit top the list of foods rumored to have "negative calorie" value. However, while it may seem as if you expend a lot of energy when you chew, in reality, chewing eats up only about 11 measly calories per hour. Low-calorie, high-nutrient foods certainly will help you lose weight—not because they create negative calories, but because you're munching on them instead of crackers, chips, and cookies.

It's better to eat six mini meals than three squares.

INCORRECT!

As long as your food choices for the entire day are healthy and not too high in calories, either eating style can work. I find that many people prefer to eat more volume less frequently because of hectic schedules or heartier appetites. If that sounds like you, just be sure to keep your daily calories in check, and try not to go longer than four to five hours without eating. Doing so may make your blood sugar drop, causing low energy, headaches, and overeating in response to feeling blah. Have small snacks on hand—such as fruit, nonfat yogurt, or a bag of baby carrots—in case you're running late for lunch or dinner.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are more nutritious than frozen ones.

FALSE!

You may actually get more nutrients from some frozen fruits and vegetables. The same holds true for some canned vegetables. That's because the "fresh" produce you just bought at the grocery store may be a lot older than you think. After being harvested, produce can spend days being sorted, packaged, and then shipped, often cross-country. During that time, fluctuations in light and temperature rob fruits and vegetables of important nutrients such as vitamin C and folate.

The negative side of processing comes down to three factors: taste, texture, and additives. Frozen foods rarely taste as good as fresh, and processing can change the consistency of many items. Food manufacturers often add salt, sugar, and fat to otherwise healthy products. If you become a label sleuth, you can bypass foods that contain these additives. One final note: Items frozen in bags should move about freely, because clumping indicates that the product has been thawed and then refrozen.

Decaf coffee has no caffeine.

NOT TRUE!

My caffeine investigation found that decaf varieties contain between 8 and 32 milligrams of high-octane zip, depending on the cup size. Although this is significantly less than regular Joe (a typical 8-ounce cup provides 100-150 milligrams of caffeine), even a small amount may matter to caffeine-sensitive people. My advice: If you struggle with insomnia, stick with caffeine-free herbal tea  starting late afternoon.

Margarine is better than butter.

NOT!

Butter contains saturated fat that, when eaten in excess, can raise "bad" (LDL) cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease. For that reason, some people use margarine as a substitute. The problem with margarine—specifically stick margarine—is that it contains trans fats, which increase LDL cholesterol and lower the "healthy" (HDL) cholesterol. Double whammy!

Your best bet is a soft-tub vegetable spread that says "trans-fat free"— it will be low in saturated fat as well. If you're watching your calories, opt for soft-tub brands in "reduced fat" or "light" versions.

Bananas are fattening.

WRONG!

One medium banana has only about 105 calories—you'd have to eat at least six to equal one slice of New York-style pizza! Bananas are a good source of fiber, magnesium, and potassium, all of which can help manage blood pressure. They're also a good source of vitamin B6, which helps boost your immune system. What's more, they're portion-controlled, portable, and don't require refrigeration. Enjoy them sliced into cereal, mixed with nonfat yogurt or cottage cheese, or frozen for a yummy dessert. (On the other hand, I can't recommend packaged "banana chips," which have added fat and sugar and are loaded with calories.)

Cravings are your body's way of telling you it needs something.

NOT TRUE!

It's a convenient excuse, but a craving is not a signal that your body "needs" a specific nutrient. Scientists have gone to great lengths to test this assumption. Imagine that you have a chocolate craving (as far-fetched as I know that must be!). You are given the choice of a nutrient-rich (but not flavorful) cocktail that mimics the chemicals found in chocolate, or a candy bar that looks, smells, and tastes like chocolate but contains no authentic chocolate compounds. Which do you think would satisfy your craving most—the chocolate nutrients or the chocolate taste? In actual psychological studies, taste won, hands down.

Cravings are driven by emotions and psychology. We crave foods we enjoy and associate with pleasurable times. For example, you may crave hamburgers because you downright love the taste, or because you have strong and happy memories of eating them at family barbecues—not because you're deficient in protein or iron. Of course, hormonal changes also can be responsible for cravings. Ice cream and pickles, anyone?

Cooking veggies destroys their vitamin content.

NO WAY!

Cooking actually boosts your body's ability to absorb the nutrients in some vegetables. For example, the cancer-fighting phytonutrient lycopene is stronger in cooked tomato sauce than in raw tomatoes. That said, many nutrients will be lost with the wrong cooking technique. The most important rule: Do not overboil veggies! Nutrients will slip out of the vegetables and into the boiling water, so all that goodness will be lost. To retain the most nutrition, steam, roast, or microwave with as little water as possible, and keep cooking time to a minimum.

 

10 Superfoods

The benefits from eating healthily are endless. It's not about settling for less, it's about heaping more -dense foods on your plate. All it takes to make a difference in your overall health is making the right decision. But which food should you choose? Luckily nature is generous and provides us with many nutritional options that can pave the path to optimal health.

Superfoods have been creating quite a stir among dieticians and consumers alike and for good reason. The term `superfood' is used to describe those foods (fruits, vegetables, nuts and wholegrain) enzymatic ally alive ; whole foods which are powerhouses of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals, shown to have a potentially beneficial effect on health when consumed as part of a varied diet.

According to research done some time ago, the TOP 10 SUPERFOODS are as follows:

 1-Blueberries

Analyzed for their anti-oxidant capabilities, blueberries came out top, rating highest in their capacity to destroy free radicals.

 

*Contains vitamin C, folic acid and carotenoids

*Rich in phytonutrients that may help reduce the risk of cancer and help lower cholesterol.

 

Fresh or frozen, add to low fat yoghurt for extra fiber or your favorite wholegrain cereal, with skimmed milk, for a nutritious breakfast.

 2-Dark Leafy Greens

Dark leafy greens like broccoli and spinach are packed with anti-oxidants such as beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin- all cancer fighting substances. The high vitamin C content also enhances your immune system, while the calcium and potassium help maintain strong bones and contribute to healthy connective tissue and cartilage. In order

to preserve the vitamins and minerals greens contain, always choose steaming as your preferred method of preparation.

 

*Contains vitamin C, Folate, B vitamins, calcium and potassium.

*Rich in anti-oxidants lutein and zeanthin, which helps reduce risk of cancer.

*Boost your immune system, bone health and great source of fiber

 3-Garlic

Garlic is nicknamed `Russian Penicillin', due to its legendary anti-oxidants properties and is a powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial food. Studies show garlic lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. In order to benefit from it, it is important to mash it prior to eating.

 

*Contains manganese, vitamins B6 and C AND Selenium

*Detoxifies the body and boost immune functions to fight infection.

*Beneficial for those with poor circulation and high blood pressure.

 4-Legumes

Legumes such as chickpeas, lentils, and split peas not only provide a delicious base for countless meals, but are also nutritional powerhouses containing many essential nutrients needed for good health. It helps lower LDL cholesterol levels, decreases the risk of certain cancers, and helps control diabetes and assist in weight maintenance.

 

*Excellent source of soluble fibre to promote healthy heart.

*Rich in Zinc, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium, iron and B vitamins.

 5-Nuts

Eating plain, unsalted nuts such as walnuts, almonds, and pistachios can lower the risk of heart disease. Nuts contain monounsaturated fats which works to lower `bad' (LDL) and

Raise `good' (HDL) cholesterol, when eaten in moderation. They are. rich in fibre, vitamin E, folate, calcium, magnesium, protein, and phytochemicals.

 

*Beneficial for those with high LDL and low HDL cholesterol levels.

*Eat dry roasted, raw or unsalted nuts as a snack or add to salads or stir-frier.

 6-Oats

Oats contain several nutrients that provide health benefits: fibre ( both soluble & insoluble ), good carbohydrates, plant protein, healthy fat, vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants, Oatmeal is the only whole grain food recognized by the FDA to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.

 

*Start your day with a bowl of oatmeal prepared with skimmed milk for added calcium & protein.

 7-Salmon

 

Salmon and other cold water fish (e.g. tuna mackerel, and halibut ) contain an essential fatty acid called Omega-3. This `good fat' protects your arteries against plaque build up and is effective in lowering bad cholesterol. Prepare using low fat cooking methods such as blackening, steaming, poaching or grilling.

 

*High in proteins and relatively low in calories.

*Beneficial for those with high cholesterol levels.

 8-Soy

 

Soybean provides soluble fibre and complex carbohydrates for stabilized blood-glucose levels and sustained energy. This humble bean supplies unsaturated fat .A source of plant-based protein and phytochemicals (isoflavones), soy also helps repair and build muscle while fighting off disease at the same time.  

 

*The perfect bean- protein, complex carbohydrates, and unsaturated fat.

*Helps stabilize blood sugars, build muscle and promote a healthy heart.

*Steam whole soybeans for a nutritious snack; throw in a soup, salad, stir-fry or casserole for extra protein.

 9-Tomatoes

 

This diverse fruit / vegetable is the epitome of a cancer fighting superfood . Not only do tomatoes contain lycopene, the anti-oxidant phytochemical also help prevent heart disease, they are also a good source of dietary fibre and an excellent source of vitamins            A, C, and E, all enemies of cancer-friendly free radicals.

 

*Eating it raw is the best.

 10-Yoghurt

Yogurt is available in a variety of flavors, although plain low fat yoghurt is the most simple, wholesome and versatile. It is not only its calcium that makes yoghurt a bone-friendly food, yoghurt also contains lactoferrin, an iron binding protein that boost the growth and activity of osteoblasts (the cells that build bone).A very good source of phosphorous, riboflavin, and iodine, as well as vitamin B12, pantothenic acid, zinc, potassium and molybdenum.

 

*Add low-fat yoghurt to fresh fruit salads, wholegrain cereals, soups, curries, and dips or serve it by itself for a healthy snack.

 

Enjoy your meals now that you know what is good for the body, and if you want to be really strong, young and healthy also take a capsule of Transfer Factor.