Secondhand smoke has a marked effect on the health of infants and children. They're more vulnerable than adults because they're still developing physically and generally have higher breathing rates, which means they may inhale greater quantities of secondhand smoke than do adults.
For children who live in households where someone smokes, the effects are worst during the child's first five years, since the child may spend the bulk of that time with a smoking parent or guardian. Ironically, infants are at the highest risk of secondhand smoke from their own mothers. A child who spends just one hour in a very smoky room is inhaling as many dangerous chemicals as if he or she smoked 10 or more cigarettes.
Here's a look at some of the main health problems in infants and children associated with secondhand smoke.
Growth and development
Women who are exposed to secondhand smoke during pregnancy are at higher risk of having babies of slightly lower birth weight. This can cause a host of health problems for the baby, such as cerebral palsy or learning disabilities. Women who actively smoke during pregnancy expose their developing baby to passive smoke — the chemicals may pass through the placenta — and put them at risk of lower birth weight. Scientists are studying the link between secondhand smoke and growth delays and congenital malformations.
A developing fetus exposed to secondhand smoke may also be at an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). But evidence that post-birth exposure to secondhand smoke increases the risk of SIDS is inconclusive.
Asthma and other respiratory problems
Secondhand smoke may cause asthma in children. In children who already have asthma, secondhand smoke can make episodes more frequent and more severe.
Secondhand smoke is also tied to lower respiratory infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, especially in those younger than 6. It's also associated with irritation of the upper respiratory tract and a small reduction in lung function.
Middle ear conditions
Children living in households with smokers are more likely to have a buildup of fluid in their middle ear, which is an indication of chronic middle ear disease (otitis media).
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Adult health threats from secondhand smoke
Health experts have recognized the relationship between secondhand smoke and health risks for decades. Research exploring these connections is ongoing.
Some of the known or suspected health risks include:
Cancer:
In 1993, the Environmental Protection Agency placed environmental tobacco smoke in the most dangerous category of cancer-causing agents, and subsequent research has upheld that status.
Secondhand smoke is a known risk factor for lung cancer. Experts believe that secondhand smoke is to blame for roughly 3,000 deaths from lung cancer in adult nonsmokers each year in the United States. Secondhand smoke is also linked to cancer of the nasal sinuses. It's also been linked to cancers of the cervix, breast and bladder, but the evidence hasn't been as compelling as the link to lung cancer.
Heart disease:
Secondhand smoke harms the cardiovascular system of nonsmokers in many ways. For one thing, it causes coronary heart disease, such as a heart attack. It also damages blood vessels, interferes with circulation and increases the risk of blood clots. It's estimated that some 35,000 nonsmokers die of smoking-related heart disease in the United States every year.
Lung disease:
Chronic lung ailments, such as bronchitis and asthma, have been associated with secondhand smoke. Exposure to secondhand smoke is also associated with chest tightness at night and feelings of breathlessness after physical activity.
Some of the known or suspected health risks include:
Cancer:
In 1993, the Environmental Protection Agency placed environmental tobacco smoke in the most dangerous category of cancer-causing agents, and subsequent research has upheld that status.
Secondhand smoke is a known risk factor for lung cancer. Experts believe that secondhand smoke is to blame for roughly 3,000 deaths from lung cancer in adult nonsmokers each year in the United States. Secondhand smoke is also linked to cancer of the nasal sinuses. It's also been linked to cancers of the cervix, breast and bladder, but the evidence hasn't been as compelling as the link to lung cancer.
Heart disease:
Secondhand smoke harms the cardiovascular system of nonsmokers in many ways. For one thing, it causes coronary heart disease, such as a heart attack. It also damages blood vessels, interferes with circulation and increases the risk of blood clots. It's estimated that some 35,000 nonsmokers die of smoking-related heart disease in the United States every year.
Lung disease:
Chronic lung ailments, such as bronchitis and asthma, have been associated with secondhand smoke. Exposure to secondhand smoke is also associated with chest tightness at night and feelings of breathlessness after physical activity.
Avoid dangers in the air you breathe
Secondhand smoke:
Breathing in the toxins in secondhand smoke can cause a variety of health problems, including lung cancer and asthma. Understand more and see how to avoid the dangers.
You don't smoke because you understand the dangers. But what about that thick cloud hanging in the air at your favorite restaurant? What about the haze left behind after your guests have departed after a night of partying? And what about the cigarette your spouse has left burning in an ashtray just a few feet away from your infant?
Are they all a danger, too?
Yes, they are. Compelling evidence indicates that secondhand smoke is a health hazard. And it's nearly as bad as smoking itself. Rich in toxic chemicals, secondhand smoke may play a role in causing or contributing to a number of health problems, from cardiovascular disease to cancer.
But secondhand smoke is often avoidable. Take steps to safeguard yourself and your loved ones from secondhand smoke.
Toxins in secondhand smokeWhat exactly is secondhand smoke? It's two different forms of smoke from cigarettes, pipes or cigars:
Sidestream smoke. This is smoke that wafts from the burning tobacco product. Mainstream smoke. This is smoke that the smoker exhales. Secondhand smoke is also known as environmental tobacco smoke, passive smoking, involuntary smoking and a newer, more descriptive term, tobacco smoke pollution.
Regardless of what you call it, both types of secondhand smoke contain harmful chemicals — and a lot of them. Specifically which chemicals are present depend on the type of tobacco product, how it's smoked and the paper in which the tobacco is wrapped. More than 4,000 chemicals make up the haze of secondhand smoke. And more than 60 of the chemicals in cigarette smoke are known to be carcinogenic, which means they may cause cancer.
Some of the substances found in secondhand smoke that are known or suspected to cause cancer include:
Formaldehyde
Arsenic
Cadmium
Benzene
Ethylene oxide
Here are a few other chemicals in secondhand smoke that might sound familiar, along with their effects on health:
Ammonia — irritates your lungs
Carbon monoxide — hampers breathing by reducing oxygen in your blood
Methanol — toxic when inhaled or swallowed
Hydrogen cyanide — interferes with proper respiratory function
The dangerous particles given off in secondhand smoke can linger in the air for hours. Even breathing them in for a short time — as little as 20 or 30 minutes — can harm your health in a variety ways. And breathing in secondhand smoke over years can be all the more dangerous.
In my next post, i will tell u all the health threats for Adults and Infants
Breathing in the toxins in secondhand smoke can cause a variety of health problems, including lung cancer and asthma. Understand more and see how to avoid the dangers.
You don't smoke because you understand the dangers. But what about that thick cloud hanging in the air at your favorite restaurant? What about the haze left behind after your guests have departed after a night of partying? And what about the cigarette your spouse has left burning in an ashtray just a few feet away from your infant?
Are they all a danger, too?
Yes, they are. Compelling evidence indicates that secondhand smoke is a health hazard. And it's nearly as bad as smoking itself. Rich in toxic chemicals, secondhand smoke may play a role in causing or contributing to a number of health problems, from cardiovascular disease to cancer.
But secondhand smoke is often avoidable. Take steps to safeguard yourself and your loved ones from secondhand smoke.
Toxins in secondhand smokeWhat exactly is secondhand smoke? It's two different forms of smoke from cigarettes, pipes or cigars:
Sidestream smoke. This is smoke that wafts from the burning tobacco product. Mainstream smoke. This is smoke that the smoker exhales. Secondhand smoke is also known as environmental tobacco smoke, passive smoking, involuntary smoking and a newer, more descriptive term, tobacco smoke pollution.
Regardless of what you call it, both types of secondhand smoke contain harmful chemicals — and a lot of them. Specifically which chemicals are present depend on the type of tobacco product, how it's smoked and the paper in which the tobacco is wrapped. More than 4,000 chemicals make up the haze of secondhand smoke. And more than 60 of the chemicals in cigarette smoke are known to be carcinogenic, which means they may cause cancer.
Some of the substances found in secondhand smoke that are known or suspected to cause cancer include:
Formaldehyde
Arsenic
Cadmium
Benzene
Ethylene oxide
Here are a few other chemicals in secondhand smoke that might sound familiar, along with their effects on health:
Ammonia — irritates your lungs
Carbon monoxide — hampers breathing by reducing oxygen in your blood
Methanol — toxic when inhaled or swallowed
Hydrogen cyanide — interferes with proper respiratory function
The dangerous particles given off in secondhand smoke can linger in the air for hours. Even breathing them in for a short time — as little as 20 or 30 minutes — can harm your health in a variety ways. And breathing in secondhand smoke over years can be all the more dangerous.
In my next post, i will tell u all the health threats for Adults and Infants
Monday, August 13, 2007
Laughter is the best medicine
Laugh your way to stress relief:
When it comes to relieving stress, more giggles and guffaws are just what the doctor ordered. Here's why.
Whether you peal with giggles while re-enacting the most hysterical moments of a Monty Python movie or twitter away at the highbrow humor of a New Yorker cartoon, studies have shown that your laugh will do you good. Laughter helps you deal with a variety of maladies, including the stresses of daily life.
The benefits of a belly laugh:
Laughter's benefits on your health are no joke. A sense of humor can't cure all ailments, but data are mounting about the things that laughter can do.
Short-term benefits:
A good laugh has great short-term effects. When you start to laugh, it doesn't just lighten your load mentally, it actually induces physical changes in your body, beginning with your face. Laughter can:
*Stimulate your organs. Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.
*Activate your stress response. A rollicking laugh fires up and then cools down your stress response and increases your heart rate and blood pressure. The result? A good, relaxed feeling. *Soothe tension and tummy aches. Laughter can also ease digestion and stimulate circulation, which helps reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress.
Long-term effects:
Laughter isn't only good for a quick pick-me-up, though. It's also good for you over the long haul. Laughter may:
*Improve your immune system. Negative thoughts manifest into chemical reactions that can impact your body by bringing more stress into your system and decreasing your immunity. In contrast, positive thoughts actually release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more serious illnesses. In fact, in one study, people with cancer who watched a humorous video showed less stress and an increase in a particular cell activity that's beneficial in fighting diseases such as HIV and cancer.
*Relieve pain. Research increasingly shows that laughter may ease pain by causing the body to produce its own natural painkillers.
*Increase personal satisfaction. Laughter can also make difficult situations a little bit easier. One study of nurses who work in emergency rooms found that nurses who use humor in dealing with their patients and co-workers experience greater job satisfaction and feelings of personal accomplishment than do those who remain dour during their shifts.
How to have — or gain — a sense of humor:
Are you afraid you have an underdeveloped — or nonexistent — funny bone? Developing or refining your own particular sense of humor may be easier than you think.
*Put humor on your horizon. Find a few simple items, such as photos or comic strips, that elicit a chuckle from you or others. Then hang them at home, in your office or even on the visor of your car.
*Laugh and the world laughs with you. Develop a sense of humor about your own situation and watch your stress begin to fade away.
*Think positive. Look for the positive or the humorous in every situation and surround yourself with others who do the same.
*Knock-knock. Browse through your local bookstore or library's selection of joke books and get a few rib-ticklers in your repertoire that you can share with friends.
Know what isn't funny. Don't laugh at the expense of others. Some forms of humor are not appropriate. Use your best judgment to discern a good joke from a bad, or hurtful, one.
Laughter is the best medicine:
Go ahead and give it a try. Turn the corners of your mouth up into a smile and then give a laugh, even if it feels a little forced. Once you've had your hearty chuckle, take stock of how you're feeling. Are your muscles a little less tense? Do you feel more relaxed or buoyant? That's the natural wonder of laughing at work.
When it comes to relieving stress, more giggles and guffaws are just what the doctor ordered. Here's why.
Whether you peal with giggles while re-enacting the most hysterical moments of a Monty Python movie or twitter away at the highbrow humor of a New Yorker cartoon, studies have shown that your laugh will do you good. Laughter helps you deal with a variety of maladies, including the stresses of daily life.
The benefits of a belly laugh:
Laughter's benefits on your health are no joke. A sense of humor can't cure all ailments, but data are mounting about the things that laughter can do.
Short-term benefits:
A good laugh has great short-term effects. When you start to laugh, it doesn't just lighten your load mentally, it actually induces physical changes in your body, beginning with your face. Laughter can:
*Stimulate your organs. Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.
*Activate your stress response. A rollicking laugh fires up and then cools down your stress response and increases your heart rate and blood pressure. The result? A good, relaxed feeling. *Soothe tension and tummy aches. Laughter can also ease digestion and stimulate circulation, which helps reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress.
Long-term effects:
Laughter isn't only good for a quick pick-me-up, though. It's also good for you over the long haul. Laughter may:
*Improve your immune system. Negative thoughts manifest into chemical reactions that can impact your body by bringing more stress into your system and decreasing your immunity. In contrast, positive thoughts actually release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more serious illnesses. In fact, in one study, people with cancer who watched a humorous video showed less stress and an increase in a particular cell activity that's beneficial in fighting diseases such as HIV and cancer.
*Relieve pain. Research increasingly shows that laughter may ease pain by causing the body to produce its own natural painkillers.
*Increase personal satisfaction. Laughter can also make difficult situations a little bit easier. One study of nurses who work in emergency rooms found that nurses who use humor in dealing with their patients and co-workers experience greater job satisfaction and feelings of personal accomplishment than do those who remain dour during their shifts.
How to have — or gain — a sense of humor:
Are you afraid you have an underdeveloped — or nonexistent — funny bone? Developing or refining your own particular sense of humor may be easier than you think.
*Put humor on your horizon. Find a few simple items, such as photos or comic strips, that elicit a chuckle from you or others. Then hang them at home, in your office or even on the visor of your car.
*Laugh and the world laughs with you. Develop a sense of humor about your own situation and watch your stress begin to fade away.
*Think positive. Look for the positive or the humorous in every situation and surround yourself with others who do the same.
*Knock-knock. Browse through your local bookstore or library's selection of joke books and get a few rib-ticklers in your repertoire that you can share with friends.
Know what isn't funny. Don't laugh at the expense of others. Some forms of humor are not appropriate. Use your best judgment to discern a good joke from a bad, or hurtful, one.
Laughter is the best medicine:
Go ahead and give it a try. Turn the corners of your mouth up into a smile and then give a laugh, even if it feels a little forced. Once you've had your hearty chuckle, take stock of how you're feeling. Are your muscles a little less tense? Do you feel more relaxed or buoyant? That's the natural wonder of laughing at work.
Nutrition for kids
You want your child to eat healthy foods, but what makes up a healthy diet? Which nutrients are necessary and in what amounts?
Nutrition for kids is in some ways similar to nutrition for adults. Everyone, regardless of age, needs the same types of nutrients — such as carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals — just in different amounts. Children differ from adults in that they have periods of rapid growth and development. And children generally have fewer nutrient stores to draw from, making proper nutritional intake essential for healthy growth and development.
So what's the best formula to fuel your child's growth and development? If you have concerns specific to your child's diet, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian.
Girls and boys ages 2 to 3
Calories : 1,000 to 1,400; could be greater depending on age, growth and activity level Protein : 5% to 20% of daily calories Carbohydrates 45% to 65% of daily calories (at least 130 grams)
Total fat : 30% to 40% of daily calories Sodium 1,000 milligrams a day
Fiber :19grams a day
Calcium : 500 milligrams a day
Girls ages 4 to 8
Calories : 1,200 to 1,800; could be greater depending on age, growth and activity level Protein : 10% to 30% of daily calories Carbohydrates 45% to 65% of daily calories (at least 130 grams)
Total fat : 25% to 35% of daily calories Sodium 1,200 milligrams a day
Fiber :25grams a day
Calcium :800 milligrams a day
Boys ages 4 to 8
Calories : 1,400 to 2,000; could be greater depending on age, growth and activity level Protein : 10% to 30% of daily calories Carbohydrates 45% to 65% of daily calories (at least 130 grams)
Total fat : 25% to 35% of daily calories Sodium 1,200 milligrams a day
Fiber :25 grams a day
Calcium :800 milligrams a day
Girls ages 9 to 13
Calories : 1,600 to 2,200; could be greater depending on age, growth and activity level Protein : 10% to 30% of daily calories Carbohydrates 45% to 65% of daily calories (at least 130 grams)
Total fat : 25% to 35% of daily calories Sodium 1,500 milligrams a day
Fiber :26grams a day
Calcium :1,300 milligrams a day
Boys ages 9 to 13
Calories : 1,800 to 2,600; could be greater depending on age, growth and activity level
Protein : 10% to 30% of daily calories Carbohydrates 45% to 65% of daily calories (at least 130 grams)
Total fat : 25% to 35% of daily calories Sodium 1,500 milligrams a day
Fiber :31 grams a day
Calcium : 1,300 milligrams a day
Girls ages 14 to 18
Calories : 1,800 to 2,400; could be greater depending on age, growth and activity level Protein : 10% to 30% of daily calories Carbohydrates 45% to 65% of daily calories (at least 130 grams)
Total fat : 25% to 35% of daily calories Sodium 1,500 milligrams a day
Fiber : 38gams a day
Calcium : 1,300 milligrams a day
Boys ages 14 to 18
Calories : 2,200 to 3,200; could be greater depending on age, growth and activity level Protein : 10% to 30% of daily calories Carbohydrates 45% to 65% of daily calories (at least 130 grams)
Total fat : 25% to 35% of daily calories Sodium 1,500 milligrams a day
Fiber : 38 grams a day
Calcium : 1,300 milligrams a day
Nutrition for kids is in some ways similar to nutrition for adults. Everyone, regardless of age, needs the same types of nutrients — such as carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals — just in different amounts. Children differ from adults in that they have periods of rapid growth and development. And children generally have fewer nutrient stores to draw from, making proper nutritional intake essential for healthy growth and development.
So what's the best formula to fuel your child's growth and development? If you have concerns specific to your child's diet, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian.
Girls and boys ages 2 to 3
Calories : 1,000 to 1,400; could be greater depending on age, growth and activity level Protein : 5% to 20% of daily calories Carbohydrates 45% to 65% of daily calories (at least 130 grams)
Total fat : 30% to 40% of daily calories Sodium 1,000 milligrams a day
Fiber :19grams a day
Calcium : 500 milligrams a day
Girls ages 4 to 8
Calories : 1,200 to 1,800; could be greater depending on age, growth and activity level Protein : 10% to 30% of daily calories Carbohydrates 45% to 65% of daily calories (at least 130 grams)
Total fat : 25% to 35% of daily calories Sodium 1,200 milligrams a day
Fiber :25grams a day
Calcium :800 milligrams a day
Boys ages 4 to 8
Calories : 1,400 to 2,000; could be greater depending on age, growth and activity level Protein : 10% to 30% of daily calories Carbohydrates 45% to 65% of daily calories (at least 130 grams)
Total fat : 25% to 35% of daily calories Sodium 1,200 milligrams a day
Fiber :25 grams a day
Calcium :800 milligrams a day
Girls ages 9 to 13
Calories : 1,600 to 2,200; could be greater depending on age, growth and activity level Protein : 10% to 30% of daily calories Carbohydrates 45% to 65% of daily calories (at least 130 grams)
Total fat : 25% to 35% of daily calories Sodium 1,500 milligrams a day
Fiber :26grams a day
Calcium :1,300 milligrams a day
Boys ages 9 to 13
Calories : 1,800 to 2,600; could be greater depending on age, growth and activity level
Protein : 10% to 30% of daily calories Carbohydrates 45% to 65% of daily calories (at least 130 grams)
Total fat : 25% to 35% of daily calories Sodium 1,500 milligrams a day
Fiber :31 grams a day
Calcium : 1,300 milligrams a day
Girls ages 14 to 18
Calories : 1,800 to 2,400; could be greater depending on age, growth and activity level Protein : 10% to 30% of daily calories Carbohydrates 45% to 65% of daily calories (at least 130 grams)
Total fat : 25% to 35% of daily calories Sodium 1,500 milligrams a day
Fiber : 38gams a day
Calcium : 1,300 milligrams a day
Boys ages 14 to 18
Calories : 2,200 to 3,200; could be greater depending on age, growth and activity level Protein : 10% to 30% of daily calories Carbohydrates 45% to 65% of daily calories (at least 130 grams)
Total fat : 25% to 35% of daily calories Sodium 1,500 milligrams a day
Fiber : 38 grams a day
Calcium : 1,300 milligrams a day
Is your child a picky eater? Use these practical tips to avoid mealtime battles.
Your preschooler has refused to eat anything other than peanut butter sandwiches for the past two days, and your toddler would rather play than eat anything at all. Sound familiar?
If children's nutrition is a sore topic in your household, you're not alone. Many parents are distressed by what their children eat — or don't eat. However, most kids get plenty of variety and nutrition in their diets over the course of a week. Until your child's food preferences mature, prevent mealtime battles one bite at a time.
1.Respect your child's hunger — or lack thereof. Young children tend to eat only when they're hungry. If your child isn't hungry, don't force a meal or snack.
2.Stay calm. If your child senses that you're unhappy with his or her eating habits, it may become a battle of wills. Threats and punishments only reinforce the power struggle.
3.Keep an eye on the clock. Nix juice and snacks for at least one hour before meals. If your child comes to the table hungry, he or she may be more motivated to eat.
4.Don't expect too much. After age 2, slower growth often reduces a child's appetite. A few bites may be all it takes for your child to feel full.
5.Limit liquid calories. Low-fat or fat-free dairy products and 100 percent fruit juice can be important parts of a healthy diet — but if your child fills up on milk or juice, he or she may have no room for meals or snacks.
6.Start small. Offer several foods in small portions. Let your child choose what he or she eats.
7.Boycott the clean plate club. Don't force your child to clean his or her plate. This may only ignite — or reinforce — a power struggle over food. Instead, allow your child to stop eating when he or she is full.
8.Leave taste out of it. Talk about a food's color, shape, aroma and texture — not whether it tastes good.
9.Be patient with new foods. Young children often touch or smell new foods, and may even put tiny bits in their mouths and then take them back out again. Your child may need repeated exposure to a new food before he or she takes the first bite.
10.Eat breakfast for dinner. Who says cereal or pancakes are only for breakfast? The distinction between breakfast, lunch and dinner foods may be lost on your child.
11.Make it fun. Serve broccoli and other veggies with a favorite dip or sauce. Cut foods into various shapes with cookie cutters.
12.Recruit your child's help. At the grocery store, ask your child to help you select fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods. Don't buy anything that you don't want your child to eat. At home, encourage your child to help you rinse veggies, stir batter or set the table.
13.Set a good example. If you eat a variety of healthy foods, your child is more likely to follow suit.
14.Be sneaky. Add chopped broccoli or green peppers to spaghetti sauce, top cereal with fruit slices, or mix grated zucchini and carrots into casseroles and soups.
15.Keep it separate. If your child isn't a fan of various ingredients thrown together, you might "unmix" the food. Place sandwich fixings outside the bread, or serve the ingredients of a salad, casserole or stir-fry separately.
16.Stick to the routine. Serve meals and snacks at about the same times every day. If the kitchen is closed at other times, your child may be more likely to eat what's served for meals and snacks.
17.Minimize distractions. Turn off the television during meals, and don't allow books or toys at the table.
18.Don't offer dessert as a reward. Withholding dessert sends the message that dessert is the best food, which may only increase your child's desire for sweets. You might select one or two nights a week as dessert nights, and skip dessert the rest of the week. Or redefine dessert as fruit, yogurt or other healthy choices.
19.Expect some food preferences to stick. As kids mature, they tend to become less picky about food. Still, everyone has food preferences. Don't expect your child to like everything.
20.Know when to seek help. If your child is energetic and growing, he or she is probably doing fine. Consult your child's doctor if you're concerned that picky eating is compromising your child's growth and development or if certain foods seem to make your child ill.
Your child's eating habits won't likely change overnight. But the small steps you take each day can help promote a lifetime of healthy eating.
If children's nutrition is a sore topic in your household, you're not alone. Many parents are distressed by what their children eat — or don't eat. However, most kids get plenty of variety and nutrition in their diets over the course of a week. Until your child's food preferences mature, prevent mealtime battles one bite at a time.
1.Respect your child's hunger — or lack thereof. Young children tend to eat only when they're hungry. If your child isn't hungry, don't force a meal or snack.
2.Stay calm. If your child senses that you're unhappy with his or her eating habits, it may become a battle of wills. Threats and punishments only reinforce the power struggle.
3.Keep an eye on the clock. Nix juice and snacks for at least one hour before meals. If your child comes to the table hungry, he or she may be more motivated to eat.
4.Don't expect too much. After age 2, slower growth often reduces a child's appetite. A few bites may be all it takes for your child to feel full.
5.Limit liquid calories. Low-fat or fat-free dairy products and 100 percent fruit juice can be important parts of a healthy diet — but if your child fills up on milk or juice, he or she may have no room for meals or snacks.
6.Start small. Offer several foods in small portions. Let your child choose what he or she eats.
7.Boycott the clean plate club. Don't force your child to clean his or her plate. This may only ignite — or reinforce — a power struggle over food. Instead, allow your child to stop eating when he or she is full.
8.Leave taste out of it. Talk about a food's color, shape, aroma and texture — not whether it tastes good.
9.Be patient with new foods. Young children often touch or smell new foods, and may even put tiny bits in their mouths and then take them back out again. Your child may need repeated exposure to a new food before he or she takes the first bite.
10.Eat breakfast for dinner. Who says cereal or pancakes are only for breakfast? The distinction between breakfast, lunch and dinner foods may be lost on your child.
11.Make it fun. Serve broccoli and other veggies with a favorite dip or sauce. Cut foods into various shapes with cookie cutters.
12.Recruit your child's help. At the grocery store, ask your child to help you select fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods. Don't buy anything that you don't want your child to eat. At home, encourage your child to help you rinse veggies, stir batter or set the table.
13.Set a good example. If you eat a variety of healthy foods, your child is more likely to follow suit.
14.Be sneaky. Add chopped broccoli or green peppers to spaghetti sauce, top cereal with fruit slices, or mix grated zucchini and carrots into casseroles and soups.
15.Keep it separate. If your child isn't a fan of various ingredients thrown together, you might "unmix" the food. Place sandwich fixings outside the bread, or serve the ingredients of a salad, casserole or stir-fry separately.
16.Stick to the routine. Serve meals and snacks at about the same times every day. If the kitchen is closed at other times, your child may be more likely to eat what's served for meals and snacks.
17.Minimize distractions. Turn off the television during meals, and don't allow books or toys at the table.
18.Don't offer dessert as a reward. Withholding dessert sends the message that dessert is the best food, which may only increase your child's desire for sweets. You might select one or two nights a week as dessert nights, and skip dessert the rest of the week. Or redefine dessert as fruit, yogurt or other healthy choices.
19.Expect some food preferences to stick. As kids mature, they tend to become less picky about food. Still, everyone has food preferences. Don't expect your child to like everything.
20.Know when to seek help. If your child is energetic and growing, he or she is probably doing fine. Consult your child's doctor if you're concerned that picky eating is compromising your child's growth and development or if certain foods seem to make your child ill.
Your child's eating habits won't likely change overnight. But the small steps you take each day can help promote a lifetime of healthy eating.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
It Is Said That Smoking Causes Wrinkles....
Smoking can accelerate the normal aging process of your skin, contributing to wrinkles. These skin changes may occur after only 10 years of smoking and are irreversible.
How does smoking lead to wrinkles? Smoking causes narrowing of the blood vessels in the outermost layers of your skin. This impairs blood flow to your skin, depleting it of oxygen and important nutrients, such as vitamin A. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin — fibers that give your skin its strength and elasticity. As a result, skin begins to sag and wrinkle prematurely.
In addition, repeated exposure to the heat from burning cigarettes and the facial expressions you make when smoking — such as pursing your lips when inhaling and squinting your eyes to keep out smoke — may contribute to wrinkles.
How does smoking lead to wrinkles? Smoking causes narrowing of the blood vessels in the outermost layers of your skin. This impairs blood flow to your skin, depleting it of oxygen and important nutrients, such as vitamin A. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin — fibers that give your skin its strength and elasticity. As a result, skin begins to sag and wrinkle prematurely.
In addition, repeated exposure to the heat from burning cigarettes and the facial expressions you make when smoking — such as pursing your lips when inhaling and squinting your eyes to keep out smoke — may contribute to wrinkles.
When Do You Think You've Become OLD
Looked in the mirror lately only to find a few more wrinkles and gray hairs? Those are just a few of the changes you're likely to notice as you get older. But what exactly is going on with your body?
Here's what you can expect as you age.
Natural changes with ageRegardless of how long you live, time takes a toll on the organs and systems in your body. How and when this occurs is unique to you. Some typical changes to expect as you age include:
Cardiovascular system----Over time, your heart muscle becomes a less efficient pump, working harder to pump the same amount of blood through your body. Also, your blood vessels become less elastic. Hardened fatty deposits may form on the walls of your arteries (atherosclerosis), narrowing the passageway through the vessels. The natural loss of elasticity, in combination with atherosclerosis, makes your arteries stiffer, causing your heart to work even harder to pump blood through them. This can lead to high blood pressure (hypertension).
Bones, muscles and joints----Your bones reach their maximum mass between ages 25 and 35. As you age, your bones shrink in size and density. One consequence is that you might become shorter. Gradual loss of density weakens your bones and makes them more susceptible to fracture. Muscles, tendons and joints generally lose some strength and flexibility as you age.
Digestive system----Swallowing and the motions that automatically move digested food through your intestines slow down as you get older. The amount of surface area within your intestines diminishes slightly. The flow of secretions from your stomach, liver, pancreas and small intestine may decrease. These changes generally don't disrupt your digestive process, so you may never notice them. But you might notice more constipation.
Kidneys, bladder and urinary tract----With age, your kidneys become less efficient in removing waste from your bloodstream. Chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, and some medications can damage your kidneys further.
About 30 percent of people age 65 and older experience a loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence). Incontinence can be caused by a number of health problems, such as obesity, frequent constipation and chronic cough.
Women are more likely than men to have incontinence. Women who've been through menopause might experience stress incontinence as the muscles around the opening of the bladder (the sphincter muscles) lose strength and bladder reflexes change. As estrogen levels decline, the tissue lining the tube through which urine passes (urethra) becomes thinner. Pelvic muscles become weaker, reducing bladder support.
Eyes-----With age, your eyes are less able to produce tears, your retinas thin, and your lenses gradually turn yellow and become less clear. In your 40s, focusing on objects that are close up may become more difficult. Later, the colored portions of your eyes (irises) stiffen, making your pupils less responsive. This can make it more difficult to adapt to different levels of light. Other changes to your lenses can make you sensitive to glare, which presents a problem when driving at night. Cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration are the most common problems of aging eyes.
Ears----Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting adults who are middle-aged and older. One in three people older than 60 and half of all people older than 85 have significant hearing loss. Over the years, sounds and noise can damage the hair cells of your inner ears.
Also, the walls of your auditory canals thin, and your eardrums thicken. You may have difficulty hearing high frequencies. Some people find it difficult to follow a conversation in a crowded room. Changes in the inner ear or in the nerves attached to it, earwax buildup and various diseases can all affect your hearing.
Teeth----How your teeth and gums respond to age depends on how well you've cared for them over the years. But even if you're meticulous about brushing and flossing, you may notice that your mouth feels drier and your gums have pulled back (receded). Your teeth may darken slightly and become more brittle and easier to break.
Most adults can keep their natural teeth all of their lives. But with less saliva to wash away bacteria, your teeth and gums become slightly more vulnerable to decay and infection. If you've lost most or all of your natural teeth, you might use dentures or dental implants as a replacement.
Some older adults experience dry mouth (xerostomia), which can lead to tooth decay and infection. Dry mouth can also make speaking, swallowing and tasting difficult. Oral cancer is more common among older adults. Your dentist checks for oral cancer when you go for regular cleanings and checkups.
Skin, nails and hair----With age, your skin thins and becomes less elastic and more fragile. You'll likely notice that you bruise more easily. Decreased production of natural oils may make your skin drier and more wrinkled. Age spots can occur, and skin tags are more common. Your nails grow at about half the pace they once did. Your hair may gray and thin. In addition, you likely perspire less — making it harder to stay cool in high temperatures and putting you at increased risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
How fast your skin ages depends on many factors. The most significant factor is sun exposure over the years. The more sun your skin has been exposed to, the more damage you may attain.
Smoking adds to skin damage, such as wrinkles. Skin cancer also is a concern as you age. You have a 40 percent to 50 percent chance of getting skin cancer at least once by the time you reach 65.
Sleep----Sleep needs change little throughout adulthood. If you need six hours of sleep nightly, chances are you'll always need six hours — give or take 30 minutes. However, as you age, you'll likely find that you sleep less soundly, meaning you'll need to spend more time in bed to get the same amount of sleep. By age 75, some people find that they're waking up several times each night.
Weight----As you age, maintaining a healthy weight — or losing weight if you're overweight — may be more difficult. Your metabolism generally slows, meaning that your body burns fewer calories. Calories that were once used to meet your daily energy needs instead are stored as fat.
Your level of activity may decrease, resulting in unwanted weight gain.
Sexuality----With age, sexual needs, patterns and performance may change. Women's vaginas tend to shrink and narrow, and the walls become less elastic. Vaginal dryness is a problem. All of this can make sex painful.
Impotence becomes more common in men as they age. By the time they're 65, up to one in four men have difficulty getting or keeping an erection about one in every four times they have sex. In others, it may take longer to get an erection, and it may not be as firm as it used to be.
How long can you live?
The longest documented human life span is 122 years. Though a life span that long is rare, improvements in medicine, science and technology during the last century have helped more people live longer, healthier lives. If you were born in the early 1900s in the United States, your life expectancy was only about 50 years. Today it's around 77.
And if you're sure you've already done too much damage to yourself to hope for a long life, think again. Researchers say it's never too late to adopt a healthy lifestyle. For example, if you quit smoking now, your risk of heart disease begins to fall almost immediately. Living a healthy lifestyle can improve how you age.
Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables and getting out for a daily walk are ways you can begin preparing now for your later years.
Here's what you can expect as you age.
Natural changes with ageRegardless of how long you live, time takes a toll on the organs and systems in your body. How and when this occurs is unique to you. Some typical changes to expect as you age include:
Cardiovascular system----Over time, your heart muscle becomes a less efficient pump, working harder to pump the same amount of blood through your body. Also, your blood vessels become less elastic. Hardened fatty deposits may form on the walls of your arteries (atherosclerosis), narrowing the passageway through the vessels. The natural loss of elasticity, in combination with atherosclerosis, makes your arteries stiffer, causing your heart to work even harder to pump blood through them. This can lead to high blood pressure (hypertension).
Bones, muscles and joints----Your bones reach their maximum mass between ages 25 and 35. As you age, your bones shrink in size and density. One consequence is that you might become shorter. Gradual loss of density weakens your bones and makes them more susceptible to fracture. Muscles, tendons and joints generally lose some strength and flexibility as you age.
Digestive system----Swallowing and the motions that automatically move digested food through your intestines slow down as you get older. The amount of surface area within your intestines diminishes slightly. The flow of secretions from your stomach, liver, pancreas and small intestine may decrease. These changes generally don't disrupt your digestive process, so you may never notice them. But you might notice more constipation.
Kidneys, bladder and urinary tract----With age, your kidneys become less efficient in removing waste from your bloodstream. Chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, and some medications can damage your kidneys further.
About 30 percent of people age 65 and older experience a loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence). Incontinence can be caused by a number of health problems, such as obesity, frequent constipation and chronic cough.
Women are more likely than men to have incontinence. Women who've been through menopause might experience stress incontinence as the muscles around the opening of the bladder (the sphincter muscles) lose strength and bladder reflexes change. As estrogen levels decline, the tissue lining the tube through which urine passes (urethra) becomes thinner. Pelvic muscles become weaker, reducing bladder support.
Eyes-----With age, your eyes are less able to produce tears, your retinas thin, and your lenses gradually turn yellow and become less clear. In your 40s, focusing on objects that are close up may become more difficult. Later, the colored portions of your eyes (irises) stiffen, making your pupils less responsive. This can make it more difficult to adapt to different levels of light. Other changes to your lenses can make you sensitive to glare, which presents a problem when driving at night. Cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration are the most common problems of aging eyes.
Ears----Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting adults who are middle-aged and older. One in three people older than 60 and half of all people older than 85 have significant hearing loss. Over the years, sounds and noise can damage the hair cells of your inner ears.
Also, the walls of your auditory canals thin, and your eardrums thicken. You may have difficulty hearing high frequencies. Some people find it difficult to follow a conversation in a crowded room. Changes in the inner ear or in the nerves attached to it, earwax buildup and various diseases can all affect your hearing.
Teeth----How your teeth and gums respond to age depends on how well you've cared for them over the years. But even if you're meticulous about brushing and flossing, you may notice that your mouth feels drier and your gums have pulled back (receded). Your teeth may darken slightly and become more brittle and easier to break.
Most adults can keep their natural teeth all of their lives. But with less saliva to wash away bacteria, your teeth and gums become slightly more vulnerable to decay and infection. If you've lost most or all of your natural teeth, you might use dentures or dental implants as a replacement.
Some older adults experience dry mouth (xerostomia), which can lead to tooth decay and infection. Dry mouth can also make speaking, swallowing and tasting difficult. Oral cancer is more common among older adults. Your dentist checks for oral cancer when you go for regular cleanings and checkups.
Skin, nails and hair----With age, your skin thins and becomes less elastic and more fragile. You'll likely notice that you bruise more easily. Decreased production of natural oils may make your skin drier and more wrinkled. Age spots can occur, and skin tags are more common. Your nails grow at about half the pace they once did. Your hair may gray and thin. In addition, you likely perspire less — making it harder to stay cool in high temperatures and putting you at increased risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
How fast your skin ages depends on many factors. The most significant factor is sun exposure over the years. The more sun your skin has been exposed to, the more damage you may attain.
Smoking adds to skin damage, such as wrinkles. Skin cancer also is a concern as you age. You have a 40 percent to 50 percent chance of getting skin cancer at least once by the time you reach 65.
Sleep----Sleep needs change little throughout adulthood. If you need six hours of sleep nightly, chances are you'll always need six hours — give or take 30 minutes. However, as you age, you'll likely find that you sleep less soundly, meaning you'll need to spend more time in bed to get the same amount of sleep. By age 75, some people find that they're waking up several times each night.
Weight----As you age, maintaining a healthy weight — or losing weight if you're overweight — may be more difficult. Your metabolism generally slows, meaning that your body burns fewer calories. Calories that were once used to meet your daily energy needs instead are stored as fat.
Your level of activity may decrease, resulting in unwanted weight gain.
Sexuality----With age, sexual needs, patterns and performance may change. Women's vaginas tend to shrink and narrow, and the walls become less elastic. Vaginal dryness is a problem. All of this can make sex painful.
Impotence becomes more common in men as they age. By the time they're 65, up to one in four men have difficulty getting or keeping an erection about one in every four times they have sex. In others, it may take longer to get an erection, and it may not be as firm as it used to be.
How long can you live?
The longest documented human life span is 122 years. Though a life span that long is rare, improvements in medicine, science and technology during the last century have helped more people live longer, healthier lives. If you were born in the early 1900s in the United States, your life expectancy was only about 50 years. Today it's around 77.
And if you're sure you've already done too much damage to yourself to hope for a long life, think again. Researchers say it's never too late to adopt a healthy lifestyle. For example, if you quit smoking now, your risk of heart disease begins to fall almost immediately. Living a healthy lifestyle can improve how you age.
Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables and getting out for a daily walk are ways you can begin preparing now for your later years.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Is Hookah Better Than Cigarettes??
There is a myth that hookah smoking is safer than smoking cigarettes because the hookah smoke is filtered through water before it is inhaled. But recent studies have found that hookah smokers actually inhale more nicotine than do cigarette smokers because of the massive volume of smoke they inhale.
Hookah — also called narghile, shisha and goza — is a water pipe. The device has been used for centuries in the Middle East and Asia to smoke tobacco. Now, hookah bars and cafes are popping up across the United States — fueled by the growing popularity of hookah smoking among teens and young adults.
The hookah device consists of four parts:
A base, or smoke chamber, which is partially filled with water.
A bowl, which contains tobacco and the heating source.
A pipe that connects the bowl to the base and dips into the water in the base
A hose, a second tube in the pipe that does not dip into the water but opens into air in the base and allows users to inhale the hookah smoke When a smoker inhales through the tube, a pressure difference forces air past the heating source and heats the tobacco, which gives off smoke. The smoke is pulled away from the tobacco and passes through the water and into the smoke chamber — where it is inhaled by the smoker.
Although many believe that the water in the hookah filters out all the "bad stuff" in the tobacco smoke, this isn't true. According to a recent World Health Organization (WHO) advisory, a typical one-hour session of hookah smoking exposes the user to 100 to 200 times the volume of smoke inhaled from a single cigarette. Even after passing through the water, the tobacco smoke produced still contains high levels of toxic compounds, including carbon monoxide, heavy metals and cancer-causing chemicals (carcinogens). Hookah smoking also delivers significant levels of nicotine — the very addictive substance in tobacco.
The trend of hookah smoking has doctors and public health experts concerned because — despite the claim of many users — smoking from a hookah is just as dangerous as smoking a cigarette.
Hookah — also called narghile, shisha and goza — is a water pipe. The device has been used for centuries in the Middle East and Asia to smoke tobacco. Now, hookah bars and cafes are popping up across the United States — fueled by the growing popularity of hookah smoking among teens and young adults.
The hookah device consists of four parts:
A base, or smoke chamber, which is partially filled with water.
A bowl, which contains tobacco and the heating source.
A pipe that connects the bowl to the base and dips into the water in the base
A hose, a second tube in the pipe that does not dip into the water but opens into air in the base and allows users to inhale the hookah smoke When a smoker inhales through the tube, a pressure difference forces air past the heating source and heats the tobacco, which gives off smoke. The smoke is pulled away from the tobacco and passes through the water and into the smoke chamber — where it is inhaled by the smoker.
Although many believe that the water in the hookah filters out all the "bad stuff" in the tobacco smoke, this isn't true. According to a recent World Health Organization (WHO) advisory, a typical one-hour session of hookah smoking exposes the user to 100 to 200 times the volume of smoke inhaled from a single cigarette. Even after passing through the water, the tobacco smoke produced still contains high levels of toxic compounds, including carbon monoxide, heavy metals and cancer-causing chemicals (carcinogens). Hookah smoking also delivers significant levels of nicotine — the very addictive substance in tobacco.
The trend of hookah smoking has doctors and public health experts concerned because — despite the claim of many users — smoking from a hookah is just as dangerous as smoking a cigarette.
Monday, August 6, 2007
10 Tips for Better Sleep
If you're having trouble sleeping, change your sleep habits for a better night's rest.
There are many reasons for not getting sleep... may be work, household responsibilites, unexpected challenges like financial worries, layoffs, relationships issues or any
illness. Obviously we cant completely avoid or control the situations that interfere our sleep, but yes, there are tips and habbits that encourage a more restful nights...
*Go to bed and get up at about the same time every day. No excuse on saturday and sunday too....Sticking to a schedule helps reinforce your body's sleep-wake cycle and can help you fall asleep better at night.
*Don't eat or drink large amounts before bedtime--Eat a light dinner about two hours before sleeping. Too much liquid can cause you to wake up repeatedly for trips to the
bathroom.
*Avoid nicotine, caffeine and alcohol in the evening-- These are stimulants that can keep you awake. Smokers often experience withdrawal symptoms at night, and smoking
in bed is dangerous.
*Exercise regularly-- Regular physical activity, especially aerobic exercise, can help you fall asleep faster and make your sleep more restful. Don't exercise within three hours
of your bedtime, however. Exercising right before bed may make getting to sleep more difficult.
*Make your bedroom cool, dark, quiet and comfortable-- Create a room that's ideal for sleeping. Adjust the lighting, temperature, humidity and noise level to your
preferences. Use blackout curtains, eye covers, earplugs, extra blankets, a fan, a humidifier or other devices to create an environment that suits your needs.
* Sleep primarily at night-- Daytime naps may steal hours from nighttime slumber. Limit daytime sleep to about a half-hour and make it during midafternoon. If you work nights, keep your window coverings closed so that sunlight, which adjusts the body's internal clock, doesn't interrupt your sleep. If you have a day job and sleep at night, but still have trouble waking up, leave the window coverings open and let the sunlight help wake you up.
*Choose a comfortable mattress and pillow-- Features of a good bed are subjective and differ for each person. But make sure you have a bed that's comfortable. If you share
your bed, make sure there's enough room for two. Children and pets are often disruptive, so you may need to set limits on how often they sleep in bed with you. Start a relaxing bedtime routine. Do the same things each night to tell your body it's time to wind down. This may include taking a warm bath or shower, reading a book, or listening to soothing music. Relaxing activities done with lowered lights can help ease the transition between wakefulness and sleepiness.
*Go to bed when you're tired and turn out the lights-- If you don't fall asleep within 15 to 20 minutes, get up and do something else. Go back to bed when you're tired. Don't
agonize over falling asleep. The stress will only prevent sleep.
*Use sleeping pills only as a last resort--Check with your doctor before taking any sleep medications. He or she can make sure the pills won't interact with your other
medications or with an existing medical condition. Your doctor can also help you determine the best dosage. If you do take a sleep medication, reduce the dosage gradually
when you want to quit, and never mix alcohol and sleeping pills. If you feel sleepy or dizzy during the day, talk to your doctor about changing the dosage or discontinuing the
pills.
If you still have problems for more than three times a week for a month's time, see your doctor. You could have a sleep disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea or
restless legs syndrome. Identifying and treating the cause of your sleep disturbance can help get you back on the road to a good night's sleep.
There are many reasons for not getting sleep... may be work, household responsibilites, unexpected challenges like financial worries, layoffs, relationships issues or any
illness. Obviously we cant completely avoid or control the situations that interfere our sleep, but yes, there are tips and habbits that encourage a more restful nights...
*Go to bed and get up at about the same time every day. No excuse on saturday and sunday too....Sticking to a schedule helps reinforce your body's sleep-wake cycle and can help you fall asleep better at night.
*Don't eat or drink large amounts before bedtime--Eat a light dinner about two hours before sleeping. Too much liquid can cause you to wake up repeatedly for trips to the
bathroom.
*Avoid nicotine, caffeine and alcohol in the evening-- These are stimulants that can keep you awake. Smokers often experience withdrawal symptoms at night, and smoking
in bed is dangerous.
*Exercise regularly-- Regular physical activity, especially aerobic exercise, can help you fall asleep faster and make your sleep more restful. Don't exercise within three hours
of your bedtime, however. Exercising right before bed may make getting to sleep more difficult.
*Make your bedroom cool, dark, quiet and comfortable-- Create a room that's ideal for sleeping. Adjust the lighting, temperature, humidity and noise level to your
preferences. Use blackout curtains, eye covers, earplugs, extra blankets, a fan, a humidifier or other devices to create an environment that suits your needs.
* Sleep primarily at night-- Daytime naps may steal hours from nighttime slumber. Limit daytime sleep to about a half-hour and make it during midafternoon. If you work nights, keep your window coverings closed so that sunlight, which adjusts the body's internal clock, doesn't interrupt your sleep. If you have a day job and sleep at night, but still have trouble waking up, leave the window coverings open and let the sunlight help wake you up.
*Choose a comfortable mattress and pillow-- Features of a good bed are subjective and differ for each person. But make sure you have a bed that's comfortable. If you share
your bed, make sure there's enough room for two. Children and pets are often disruptive, so you may need to set limits on how often they sleep in bed with you. Start a relaxing bedtime routine. Do the same things each night to tell your body it's time to wind down. This may include taking a warm bath or shower, reading a book, or listening to soothing music. Relaxing activities done with lowered lights can help ease the transition between wakefulness and sleepiness.
*Go to bed when you're tired and turn out the lights-- If you don't fall asleep within 15 to 20 minutes, get up and do something else. Go back to bed when you're tired. Don't
agonize over falling asleep. The stress will only prevent sleep.
*Use sleeping pills only as a last resort--Check with your doctor before taking any sleep medications. He or she can make sure the pills won't interact with your other
medications or with an existing medical condition. Your doctor can also help you determine the best dosage. If you do take a sleep medication, reduce the dosage gradually
when you want to quit, and never mix alcohol and sleeping pills. If you feel sleepy or dizzy during the day, talk to your doctor about changing the dosage or discontinuing the
pills.
If you still have problems for more than three times a week for a month's time, see your doctor. You could have a sleep disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea or
restless legs syndrome. Identifying and treating the cause of your sleep disturbance can help get you back on the road to a good night's sleep.
Eye Safety and Prevention
Eye exams
Eye exams are an important part of preventive health. If you know what tests to expect and what each test checks, you'll get more out of your eye exam.An eye exam is one of the best ways to protect your vision because it can detect eye problems at their earliest stage — when they're most treatable. Regular eye exams give your eye care professional a chance to help you correct or adapt to vision changes. And eye care specialists can give you expert tips on reducing eyestrain and caring for your eyes.
Who can exam your eyes?
Ophthalmologists. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who provide full eye care, such as giving you a complete eye exam, prescribing corrective lenses, diagnosing and treating complex eye diseases, and performing surgery.
Optometrists. Optometrists provide many of the same services as ophthalmologists, such as evaluating your vision, prescribing corrective lenses, diagnosing common eye disorders and treating selected eye diseases with drugs. But you'll likely be referred to an ophthalmologist for more complex eye problems and for conditions requiring surgery.
Opticians. Opticians fill prescriptions for eyeglasses, including assembling, fitting and selling them. Some opticians also sell and fit contact lenses. Which specialist you choose may be a matter of personal preference, or one specialist may be best for treating your particular eye concern.
What's actually involved in an eye exam?
A complete eye exam involves a series of tests designed to evaluate your vision and check for eye diseases. It doesn't hurt. Your doctor may use odd-looking instruments, aim bright lights directly at your eyes and request that you look through a seemingly endless array of lenses. Each test evaluates a different aspect of your vision.
The eye exam usually begins with your doctor asking about your medical history and any vision problems you might be experiencing. Next, your eye doctor makes a quick check of your eyes using a light to ensure the exterior parts of your eyes are functioning correctly. Finally, your doctor measures your visual acuity, assesses your need for glasses and examines your eyes for signs of disease. Part of the examination, such as taking your medical history and the initial eye test, may be performed by a technician who assists your doctor.
Use of sun glasses to protect from UV
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can damage your eyes as well as your skin. Strong sunlight can burn the corneas and conjunctivas of your eyes. In addition, long-term exposure to UV radiation can contribute to eye disease, especially cataracts. So, choosing sunglasses that provide UV protection is very important.
In the United States, the government has recommended that all sunglasses — prescription and over-the-counter — block ultraviolet radiation. Ideally, sunglasses should block the two components of UV radiation — UVB and UVA — by 99 percent and 95 percent, respectively.
When choosing sunglasses, you have a wide array of options. Here are some tips on what to look for:
Blue-blocking plastic lenses. Often promoted for sun protection, blue-blocking lenses also block red, amber and blue light — which makes it difficult to discriminate traffic light colors.
Polarized lenses. Although polarized lenses protect against glare, they don't meet the criteria for UV protection unless they have additional UV-blocking material in the lenses.
Photochromic lenses. This type of lens protects the eyes from glare, sun and UV radiation while also maintaining visual acuity. Also, photochromic lenses do not distort color.
Polycarbonate lenses. A wise choice for children and athletes, polycarbonate lenses shield the eyes from UV radiation as well as protect the eyes against impact injuries that may be sustained during play and sports. Standard glasses can also be treated with a material that absorbs UV radiation sufficiently to protect the eye while retaining a clear, nontinted appearance. In addition, UV protection can be obtained for most rigid contact lenses and many soft contact lenses.
Additional tips for protecting your eyes in the sun include:
Choose sunglasses that fit close to your face or have wraparound frames.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat or cap, which keeps out sunlight from directly overhead.
Never look directly at the sun — even through sunglasses — because doing so can cause permanent eye damage.
Eye exams are an important part of preventive health. If you know what tests to expect and what each test checks, you'll get more out of your eye exam.An eye exam is one of the best ways to protect your vision because it can detect eye problems at their earliest stage — when they're most treatable. Regular eye exams give your eye care professional a chance to help you correct or adapt to vision changes. And eye care specialists can give you expert tips on reducing eyestrain and caring for your eyes.
Who can exam your eyes?
Ophthalmologists. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who provide full eye care, such as giving you a complete eye exam, prescribing corrective lenses, diagnosing and treating complex eye diseases, and performing surgery.
Optometrists. Optometrists provide many of the same services as ophthalmologists, such as evaluating your vision, prescribing corrective lenses, diagnosing common eye disorders and treating selected eye diseases with drugs. But you'll likely be referred to an ophthalmologist for more complex eye problems and for conditions requiring surgery.
Opticians. Opticians fill prescriptions for eyeglasses, including assembling, fitting and selling them. Some opticians also sell and fit contact lenses. Which specialist you choose may be a matter of personal preference, or one specialist may be best for treating your particular eye concern.
What's actually involved in an eye exam?
A complete eye exam involves a series of tests designed to evaluate your vision and check for eye diseases. It doesn't hurt. Your doctor may use odd-looking instruments, aim bright lights directly at your eyes and request that you look through a seemingly endless array of lenses. Each test evaluates a different aspect of your vision.
The eye exam usually begins with your doctor asking about your medical history and any vision problems you might be experiencing. Next, your eye doctor makes a quick check of your eyes using a light to ensure the exterior parts of your eyes are functioning correctly. Finally, your doctor measures your visual acuity, assesses your need for glasses and examines your eyes for signs of disease. Part of the examination, such as taking your medical history and the initial eye test, may be performed by a technician who assists your doctor.
Use of sun glasses to protect from UV
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can damage your eyes as well as your skin. Strong sunlight can burn the corneas and conjunctivas of your eyes. In addition, long-term exposure to UV radiation can contribute to eye disease, especially cataracts. So, choosing sunglasses that provide UV protection is very important.
In the United States, the government has recommended that all sunglasses — prescription and over-the-counter — block ultraviolet radiation. Ideally, sunglasses should block the two components of UV radiation — UVB and UVA — by 99 percent and 95 percent, respectively.
When choosing sunglasses, you have a wide array of options. Here are some tips on what to look for:
Blue-blocking plastic lenses. Often promoted for sun protection, blue-blocking lenses also block red, amber and blue light — which makes it difficult to discriminate traffic light colors.
Polarized lenses. Although polarized lenses protect against glare, they don't meet the criteria for UV protection unless they have additional UV-blocking material in the lenses.
Photochromic lenses. This type of lens protects the eyes from glare, sun and UV radiation while also maintaining visual acuity. Also, photochromic lenses do not distort color.
Polycarbonate lenses. A wise choice for children and athletes, polycarbonate lenses shield the eyes from UV radiation as well as protect the eyes against impact injuries that may be sustained during play and sports. Standard glasses can also be treated with a material that absorbs UV radiation sufficiently to protect the eye while retaining a clear, nontinted appearance. In addition, UV protection can be obtained for most rigid contact lenses and many soft contact lenses.
Additional tips for protecting your eyes in the sun include:
Choose sunglasses that fit close to your face or have wraparound frames.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat or cap, which keeps out sunlight from directly overhead.
Never look directly at the sun — even through sunglasses — because doing so can cause permanent eye damage.
Friday, August 3, 2007
DYSMENORRHEA (Menstural Cramps) - Home Treatment to reduce pain
Many women (up to 90%) have menstrual cramps. Most are simply due to menstruation itself and don't indicate any underlying gynecological problems.
Menstrual cramps start a day or so before actual menses. They are felt in the lower or middle abdomen. They can radiate (spread) to the hips, thighs, and back.The severity of cramps varies widely from woman to woman and even between the same woman's periods. Some have cramps that are barely noticable. Some have crampes that are excruitating. They may also have weakness, chills, and dizziness.
HOW MENSTRUAL CRAMPS HAPPEN
A substance called prostagladins are the cause of most symptoms with dysmenorrhea. These are produced by the body and found in the uterine lining. When the lining starts to shed with menstruation, they are released. They cause the uterus to contract forcefully, which is the reason for much of the cramping itself.
To reduce the intensity of menstrual symptoms,
you can changeyour diet:
.Less sugar, and slightly more protein.
· Diuretic foods such as eggplant, cucumbers and parsley can helpdiminish water retention.
· Calcium supplements (1 gram per day) and magnesium (500milligrams) can help reduce anxiety (always take both).
· Vitamin B-6 (not more than 50 milligrams per day) can alleviatesymptoms of anxiety and tension.
· Vitamins E and C also help reduce the intensity of cramps.
· Aspirin has a mildly soothing effect.
· And once again you can turn to plants to relieve your pains:
* ANGELICA in infusion: 3 1/2 tablespoons of root per quart ofwater.
* MATRIX (derived from the Latin for womb): 2 teaspoons offlowers per quart of water.
Also try the following home treatment to help relieve your menstrual cramps.
-Use heat, such as hot water bottles, heating pads, or hot baths, to relax tense muscles and relieve cramping. Be careful not to burn yourself.
- Herbal teas, such as chamomile, mint, raspberry, and blackberry, may help soothe tense muscles and anxious moods.
- Exercise. Regular workouts decrease the severity of cramps.
- Empty your bladder as soon as you have the urge to urinate.
Menstrual cramps start a day or so before actual menses. They are felt in the lower or middle abdomen. They can radiate (spread) to the hips, thighs, and back.The severity of cramps varies widely from woman to woman and even between the same woman's periods. Some have cramps that are barely noticable. Some have crampes that are excruitating. They may also have weakness, chills, and dizziness.
HOW MENSTRUAL CRAMPS HAPPEN
A substance called prostagladins are the cause of most symptoms with dysmenorrhea. These are produced by the body and found in the uterine lining. When the lining starts to shed with menstruation, they are released. They cause the uterus to contract forcefully, which is the reason for much of the cramping itself.
To reduce the intensity of menstrual symptoms,
you can changeyour diet:
.Less sugar, and slightly more protein.
· Diuretic foods such as eggplant, cucumbers and parsley can helpdiminish water retention.
· Calcium supplements (1 gram per day) and magnesium (500milligrams) can help reduce anxiety (always take both).
· Vitamin B-6 (not more than 50 milligrams per day) can alleviatesymptoms of anxiety and tension.
· Vitamins E and C also help reduce the intensity of cramps.
· Aspirin has a mildly soothing effect.
· And once again you can turn to plants to relieve your pains:
* ANGELICA in infusion: 3 1/2 tablespoons of root per quart ofwater.
* MATRIX (derived from the Latin for womb): 2 teaspoons offlowers per quart of water.
Also try the following home treatment to help relieve your menstrual cramps.
-Use heat, such as hot water bottles, heating pads, or hot baths, to relax tense muscles and relieve cramping. Be careful not to burn yourself.
- Herbal teas, such as chamomile, mint, raspberry, and blackberry, may help soothe tense muscles and anxious moods.
- Exercise. Regular workouts decrease the severity of cramps.
- Empty your bladder as soon as you have the urge to urinate.
Pillars Of Self Mastery(Part-2)
Hey guys, it is the continuation of my previous post... just follow and see the difference in your personality both physically and mentally.....
The kind of world we are living in, the kind of mental and physical stress that we are undergoing.... needs some heal for betterment......
Read the biographies of the world’s leaders and learn from their habits, inspirations and philosophies. Cultivate the important practice of active role modelling.Remember and use people’s names when you talk to them. A person’s name is a uniquely sweet sound to them.
Laugh at work and be known as a positive achiever.
The most efficient and effective alarm clock ever developed lies within our own minds. Try the following:Sit in an easy chair ten minutes before you go to bed.Shut your eyes and gently rest your hands on your knees.Breathe deeply for a few minutes.Repeat this for 20 times: “I will awake at 5 am feeling fresh, alert and enthusiastic”. Then visualise yourself waking up at the desired time and imagine how great you will feel.You will soon wake up at the desired moment after little or no practice.
Develop the essential habit of punctuality for it is most important for high success. Punctuality reflects discipline and proper regard for others. Without it, even the most sophisticated person appears slightly offensive.
Winners do the things that less developed people don’t like doing even though they also might not enjoy doing them. This is what strength of character and courage is all about.
All individuals who have attained the highest of levels generally have cultivated the essential mental habit of optimism. Without optimism, life loses its lustre and hardships appear at every step.
As we can take nothing with us when we leave, when you wake up early in the morning, repeat the mantra:I will serve others todayI will care for others todayI will be kind todayThis kind of living will bring you huge returns if you stay on the purpose of aiding others rather than on the outcome of personal gain.
Each day, do two things that you do not like doing.This may be the preparation of a report you have been putting off or shining your shoes. It does not matter how small the task, just do it! Your personal power will increase and your productivity will soar.
Pick five relationships that you desire to improve over the next six months. Write out the names of these people and under each name detail why you want to improve the relationship, how you plan to do so and in what time frame.This is simply another facet of goal setting.
Browse second-hand bookstores every few months searching for lost treasures of character-building books.You will find gems on public speaking, improving your habits, time management, personal health and other important subjects for low prices.
Be known as someone with a cool head, warm heart and great character. Your presence on this earth will long be remembered.Fill your home with bright, fresh flowers. This is one of the best investments you can make. Let the sounds of great music, loud laughter and good fun fill the oasis of your home
Recognize the power of mantras and the repetition of positive, powerful words. Indian yogis have employed this technique for over 4000 years to live tranquil, productive and focused lives.
Build a mystique around yourself..
The kind of world we are living in, the kind of mental and physical stress that we are undergoing.... needs some heal for betterment......
Read the biographies of the world’s leaders and learn from their habits, inspirations and philosophies. Cultivate the important practice of active role modelling.Remember and use people’s names when you talk to them. A person’s name is a uniquely sweet sound to them.
Laugh at work and be known as a positive achiever.
The most efficient and effective alarm clock ever developed lies within our own minds. Try the following:Sit in an easy chair ten minutes before you go to bed.Shut your eyes and gently rest your hands on your knees.Breathe deeply for a few minutes.Repeat this for 20 times: “I will awake at 5 am feeling fresh, alert and enthusiastic”. Then visualise yourself waking up at the desired time and imagine how great you will feel.You will soon wake up at the desired moment after little or no practice.
Develop the essential habit of punctuality for it is most important for high success. Punctuality reflects discipline and proper regard for others. Without it, even the most sophisticated person appears slightly offensive.
Winners do the things that less developed people don’t like doing even though they also might not enjoy doing them. This is what strength of character and courage is all about.
All individuals who have attained the highest of levels generally have cultivated the essential mental habit of optimism. Without optimism, life loses its lustre and hardships appear at every step.
As we can take nothing with us when we leave, when you wake up early in the morning, repeat the mantra:I will serve others todayI will care for others todayI will be kind todayThis kind of living will bring you huge returns if you stay on the purpose of aiding others rather than on the outcome of personal gain.
Each day, do two things that you do not like doing.This may be the preparation of a report you have been putting off or shining your shoes. It does not matter how small the task, just do it! Your personal power will increase and your productivity will soar.
Pick five relationships that you desire to improve over the next six months. Write out the names of these people and under each name detail why you want to improve the relationship, how you plan to do so and in what time frame.This is simply another facet of goal setting.
Browse second-hand bookstores every few months searching for lost treasures of character-building books.You will find gems on public speaking, improving your habits, time management, personal health and other important subjects for low prices.
Be known as someone with a cool head, warm heart and great character. Your presence on this earth will long be remembered.Fill your home with bright, fresh flowers. This is one of the best investments you can make. Let the sounds of great music, loud laughter and good fun fill the oasis of your home
Recognize the power of mantras and the repetition of positive, powerful words. Indian yogis have employed this technique for over 4000 years to live tranquil, productive and focused lives.
Build a mystique around yourself..
Aloe vera (Secret of Cleopatra)
Aloes have been used worldwide for more than 3,500 years. They are desert lilies and there are more than 200 varieties. Aloe vera is an aloe plant. Aloe vera, which means “true aloe” in Latin, is generally the most widely used and most effective species of aloe.
The aloe vera plant has long, spiked leaves, which are thick-skinned and contain a clear gel-like substance. It is used today in many products, including cosmetics, skin lotions and moisturizers, burn gels and even sun screen creams.
The aloe vera plant has long, spiked leaves, which are thick-skinned and contain a clear gel-like substance. It is used today in many products, including cosmetics, skin lotions and moisturizers, burn gels and even sun screen creams.
How Aloe works!
Aloe vera plant produces at least 6 antiseptic agents: Lupeol, Salicylic acid, Urea Nitrogen, Cinnamonic acid, Phenols, and Sulphur .Aloe vera drink provides relief to the people suffering from some impair digestion and stomach problems occurred due to smoking cigarettes, drinking coffee, poor eating habits and due to stress. The aloe plant contains various substances which are beneficial and includes amino acids, minerals, vitamins and enzymes.
The main uses of aloe vera are, it provides energy and helps in supporting immune function, skin regeneration and digestion.
All of these substances are recognized as antiseptics because they kill or control mold, bacteria, fungus, and viruses. The plant has the ability to eliminate many internal and external infections.
The Lupeol and salicylic acid in the juice explains why it is a very effective pain-killer.
Aloe vera contains at least three anti-inflammatory fatty acids: cholesterol, Campesterol and B-sitosterol (plant sterols).This is highly effective treatment for burns, cuts, scrapes, abrasions, allergic reactions, rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic fever, acid indigestion, ulcers, plus many inflammatory conditions of the digestive system and other internal organs, including the stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, kidney, and pancreas.
B-sitosterol is another powerful anti-cholestromatic which helps to lower harmful cholesterol levels,and has many advantages and benefits for heart patients. If we add that aloe contains at least 23 polypeptids (immune stimulators), then we can understand why aloe juice helps control a broad spectrum of immune system diseases and disorders, includingHIV and AIDS.
The possible benefits from the use of aloe vera gel and juice include:
1. Helps sooth skin injured by burns, irritations, cuts and insect bites.
2. Helps to moisturize and soften the skin.
3. Helps to speed the healing of skin wounds, burns and other injuries.
4. Help (when taken internally)with constipation, diarrhea and other intestinal problems.
5. Speeds and improves the general healing when taken internally.
6.Relieves from itching and swelling of irritated skin.
7.Helps in killing fungus and bacteria.
8. Improve the effectiveness of sun screen products.
The polypeptids, plus the anti-tumor agents aloe emodin and aloe lectins, explains its ability to control cancer. If the SYNERGISTIC RELATIONSHIP between the elements found in the sap, gel, and throughout the entire plant does not explain why whole leaf aloe works, then NOTHING DOES!
All of which explains why "Across Time" lay persons and physicians a like, have proclaimed that aloe has the ability to heal, alleviate, eliminate, or even cure a monumental list of human diseases and disorders.
Therefore, it truly deserves the name, "MEDICINAL PLANT".
The aloe vera plant has long, spiked leaves, which are thick-skinned and contain a clear gel-like substance. It is used today in many products, including cosmetics, skin lotions and moisturizers, burn gels and even sun screen creams.
The aloe vera plant has long, spiked leaves, which are thick-skinned and contain a clear gel-like substance. It is used today in many products, including cosmetics, skin lotions and moisturizers, burn gels and even sun screen creams.
How Aloe works!
Aloe vera plant produces at least 6 antiseptic agents: Lupeol, Salicylic acid, Urea Nitrogen, Cinnamonic acid, Phenols, and Sulphur .Aloe vera drink provides relief to the people suffering from some impair digestion and stomach problems occurred due to smoking cigarettes, drinking coffee, poor eating habits and due to stress. The aloe plant contains various substances which are beneficial and includes amino acids, minerals, vitamins and enzymes.
The main uses of aloe vera are, it provides energy and helps in supporting immune function, skin regeneration and digestion.
All of these substances are recognized as antiseptics because they kill or control mold, bacteria, fungus, and viruses. The plant has the ability to eliminate many internal and external infections.
The Lupeol and salicylic acid in the juice explains why it is a very effective pain-killer.
Aloe vera contains at least three anti-inflammatory fatty acids: cholesterol, Campesterol and B-sitosterol (plant sterols).This is highly effective treatment for burns, cuts, scrapes, abrasions, allergic reactions, rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic fever, acid indigestion, ulcers, plus many inflammatory conditions of the digestive system and other internal organs, including the stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, kidney, and pancreas.
B-sitosterol is another powerful anti-cholestromatic which helps to lower harmful cholesterol levels,and has many advantages and benefits for heart patients. If we add that aloe contains at least 23 polypeptids (immune stimulators), then we can understand why aloe juice helps control a broad spectrum of immune system diseases and disorders, includingHIV and AIDS.
The possible benefits from the use of aloe vera gel and juice include:
1. Helps sooth skin injured by burns, irritations, cuts and insect bites.
2. Helps to moisturize and soften the skin.
3. Helps to speed the healing of skin wounds, burns and other injuries.
4. Help (when taken internally)with constipation, diarrhea and other intestinal problems.
5. Speeds and improves the general healing when taken internally.
6.Relieves from itching and swelling of irritated skin.
7.Helps in killing fungus and bacteria.
8. Improve the effectiveness of sun screen products.
The polypeptids, plus the anti-tumor agents aloe emodin and aloe lectins, explains its ability to control cancer. If the SYNERGISTIC RELATIONSHIP between the elements found in the sap, gel, and throughout the entire plant does not explain why whole leaf aloe works, then NOTHING DOES!
All of which explains why "Across Time" lay persons and physicians a like, have proclaimed that aloe has the ability to heal, alleviate, eliminate, or even cure a monumental list of human diseases and disorders.
Therefore, it truly deserves the name, "MEDICINAL PLANT".
Thursday, August 2, 2007
To Achieve Your Dreams, Remember Your A to Z
A
Avoid negative sources, people, places, things and habits.
B
Believe in yourselfCConsider things from every angle.
D
Don’t give up and don’t give in.
E
Enjoy life today—yesterday is gone, tomorrow may never come
F
Family and friends are hidden treasures, seek them and enjoy their riches.
G
Give more than you planned to.
H
Hang on to your dreams.
II
gnore those who try to discourage you.
J
Just do it!
K
Keep trying no matter how hard it seems—it will get easier.
L
Love yourself first and most.
M
Make it happen.
N
Never lie, cheat or steal; always strike a fair deal.
O
Open your eyes and see things as they really are.
P
Practice makes perfect.
Q
Quitters never win, and winners never quit.
R
Read, study and learn about everything important in your life.
S
Stop procrastinating.
T
Take control of your own destiny.
U
Understand yourself to better understand others.
V
Visualize it!
W
Want it more than anything.
X
Xcellerate your efforts.
Y
You are unique of all God’s creations, nothing can replace you.
Z
Zero in on your target and go for it!
Is it the end, NO it is a new BEGINING
Avoid negative sources, people, places, things and habits.
B
Believe in yourselfCConsider things from every angle.
D
Don’t give up and don’t give in.
E
Enjoy life today—yesterday is gone, tomorrow may never come
F
Family and friends are hidden treasures, seek them and enjoy their riches.
G
Give more than you planned to.
H
Hang on to your dreams.
II
gnore those who try to discourage you.
J
Just do it!
K
Keep trying no matter how hard it seems—it will get easier.
L
Love yourself first and most.
M
Make it happen.
N
Never lie, cheat or steal; always strike a fair deal.
O
Open your eyes and see things as they really are.
P
Practice makes perfect.
Q
Quitters never win, and winners never quit.
R
Read, study and learn about everything important in your life.
S
Stop procrastinating.
T
Take control of your own destiny.
U
Understand yourself to better understand others.
V
Visualize it!
W
Want it more than anything.
X
Xcellerate your efforts.
Y
You are unique of all God’s creations, nothing can replace you.
Z
Zero in on your target and go for it!
Is it the end, NO it is a new BEGINING
Link For CURRENCY CONVERTER
Hey i have something different for u guys....
Just check out the following link....
U have a link for currency converter, i.e u can convert from any country currency to other and compare the money value..
hoping this to be helpful...
http://www.worldfactsandfigures.com/currency_converter.php
Just check out the following link....
U have a link for currency converter, i.e u can convert from any country currency to other and compare the money value..
hoping this to be helpful...
http://www.worldfactsandfigures.com/currency_converter.php
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