Its Important to care for your Feet

Care of the feet is one of the most important aspects of your overall health care.

Foot pain may be caused by many things, Metatarsalgia is the general term that is medically used to describe a painful condition. This condition may be commonly found in the ball of the foot. The 5 bones of the mid part of the foot may become painful due to this.

The condition often results in a variety of painful complaints. Overpronantion or Flat feet are a major cause of this.

Arch pain is also another common complaint and is caused by inflammation resulting in a burning sensation in the arch of the foot.

Arch pain is best resolved by wearing comftorable shoes which give full support to the arch.
Ladies avoid high heeled shoes.

It is very important to ensure that your feet are properly cared for at all times and that you wear the appropraite foot wear to ensure that you feet stay fit and healthy.

No one is immune to foot problems and it is very important to treat any issues before they become serious.

We have come up with some simple ways to keep your feet in good shape.

Here are a some general foot care tips:

Check your feet every day for red spots, cuts, swelling, and blisters.

Wash feet daily and dry them thoroughly.

Keep your skin soft and smooth by using lotion after bathing.

Trim toenails regularly, straight across and file the edges with a nail file.

Wear shoes and socks at all times. Never walk barefoot. Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and protect your feet. Make sure the lining is smooth.

Protect your feet from hot and cold. Wear shoes at the beach or on hot pavement. Don't put your feet into hot water. Never use hot water bottles, heating pads, or electric blankets. You can burn your feet without realizing it.

Keep the blood flowing to your feet. Put your feet up when sitting. Wiggle your toes and move your ankles up and down when sitting. Do not sit crossed legged for long periods of time. Don't smoke.

Set a time every day to check your feet.

For More Information on Foot care visit Chiropodist and foot care advice.

About Author

G Roberts writes articles on general health care
Foot care Information


Source: ArticleTrader.com

Would You Like To Sleep Better?

Tempurpedic Mattresses, generically known as Memory Foam, are becoming more popular every day. However, with all the different choices and prices of foam on the market, the consumer should know about the major differences between these products before paying a major amount of money for a bed they will be sleeping on for many years. It adapts to the contours of the body much better than an innerspring mattress. Each person has different preferences due to weight and sleeping habits. The best thing to do is to visit your local bed store and try laying down on a few different models. (When the sales staff have to wake you up, you know you've found the right brand.)



The importance of a good night's sleep can't be overstated. No-one functions well on lack of sleep. The majority of people in the western world are sleep-deprived, and sleep deprivation is a significant cause of accidents. Remember the Exxon Valdez? That accident took place in the early hours of the morning, and industrial accidents peak on the midnight shift. Students who are sleep-deprived learn poorly. Chronic sleep deprivation affects the appetite centers of the brain, causing overeating and subsequent obesity. Any bed system conducive to a deeper, more restful sleep improves your quality of life.



There are several advantages to memory foam over a conventional mattress: it's hypoallergenic, molds to fit anyone's body, and provides some insulation on cold nights so you need fewer heavy, dusty blankets and comforters. All the pressure points that cause discomfort, and subsequent tossing and turning, are eliminated.



Tempurpedic is the brand name of the pioneer of memory foam, a company in Sweden. It's the top-of-the-line product, but expensive, and there are dozens of cheaper competing brands, some made in America, some in China or other countries. HOWEVER, be warned: not all memory foam products are alike, as with any merchandise, you tend to get what you pay for, both in quality and longevity.



Memory foam is visco-elastic, and it responds to temperature changes much as bubble gum does. Good quality memory foam has a wide range of temperature responsiveness, but some of the cheaper brands can become as hard as wood if you let the bedroom go below 60 degrees. Eventually, as you change position the foam warms up and responds to your body shape, but this can take a few minutes, during which time you will be uncomfortable and may wake up. And cheaper brands may become too soft on hot summer nights, offering no support. Better brands of memory foam, such as Sensus and Temperpedic, specifically state their consistent performance through a wide temperature range.



Another issue is the longevity of the memory foam before it finally breaks down and loses its springiness. Better memory foams offer longer guarantees, 20 years, whereas the cheaper brands offer 10 years.



So, in summary, you don't have to buy the most expensive product, but don't buy the cheapest either. You'll spend many nights regretting your decision. A few hundred dollars extra isn't really a lot when spread out over decades of memory foam mattress use.



As well as differences in quality, there are also differences in memory foam mattress construction. Mattresses can have either 3 or 4 inches of memory foam over a denser supportive core, and more is not always better, because if the top layer of memory foam is too thick, you'll sink in quite far before hitting the supporting layer underneath. Stomach sleepers should buy 2 inch foam, side sleepers and medium sized people should purchase mattresses with 3 inch memory foam, very large people or back sleepers should buy the 4 inch.



The base of the bed can vary as well. Some models feature loose sheets of foam of different firmness levels that can be arranged to the sleeper's personal taste, others are laminated together. Also, man-made (petrochemical foam products) are about 1/3 the cost of natural latex. People who are sensitive to out-gassing of man-made products should consider a natural product.

About Author

J Shipper
http://www.tempurpedic-now.info http://www.anxiety-now.info http://www.aarp-now.info for more information.




Source: ArticleTrader.com

Green Tea as a Preventer of Stomach Cancer

By Jon Stout

By now most of us have heard that green tea has been shown to be an effective cancer preventer. There are numerous studies that have shown green tea’s anti-oxidants to have significant power in protecting our health and preventing disease.

Much of the research on green tea has been performed on laboratory mice, mostly because human trials take years to perform, and because human trials are rife with variables that can make conclusions difficult to determine.

However, one study performed in China on stomach cancer, did look at humans and attempted to ascertain whether or not green tea could mitigate their cancer risk, particularly in those who had a higher than average risk of stomach cancer, due to family history.

This study examined 206 people who had recently been diagnosed with stomach cancer, and 415 healthy participants. The subjects were thoroughly interviewed regarding their dietary habits. The participants were also screened for their relative susceptibility to stomach cancer, based on family history and other factors that raise the risk of developing stomach cancer.

This study showed a significant reduced risk of stomach cancer in those who were regular green tea drinkers. The reduced risk was even significant in those participants who would normally have had a higher than average risk of developing the disease.

Therefore, the study concluded that green tea may have the ability to mitigate other cancer risk factors. In particular, green tea was shown to significantly mitigate the risk for heavy alcohol drinkers.

Stomach cancer is a significant risk in the US. Each year, over 22,000 people are diagnosed with the disease, and over 11,000 will die from it. Two thirds of those who get stomach cancer each year are over the age of 65.

Today, stomach cancer is far less common in the US than it once was. Doctors believe this reduction is caused primarily by two things. The first is the more regular use of anti-biotics to treat infections in children. One particular bacteria, known as H pylori, is a significant contributor to stomach cancer, and anti-biotics can often kill this bacteria in our bodies while we’re still children, before it can cause problems later on.

The second reason doctors believe we’ve seen a decrease in stomach cancer is refrigeration. In years past, the only way to keep meat safe for long periods of time was through salt curing or smoking. It’s believed that the nitrates in meats preserved in this manner contribute to the development of stomach cancer. Therefore, the reduction in the amount of salt cured and smoked meats in our diet may reduce our risk of stomach cancer.

What are the risk factors for stomach cancer?

So, just what does make us have a higher risk of developing stomach cancer? There are several risk factors, and many of them can be controlled. The leading risk factors include:

• Smoking

• Obesity

• Poor Diet – As mentioned earlier, high levels of salted and smoked meat can contribute to stomach cancer. Conversely, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been shown to lower your risk of stomach cancer.

• Previous stomach surgery - those who have had surgery for ulcers and other stomach problems are at a higher risk of stomach cancer.

• Pernicious anemia sufferers

• Menetrier Disease sufferers

• Those with Type A blood

• Stomach polyps

• Family History

• Epstein-Barr Virus

• Bacterial infections

Mitigating Your Risk

We can’t control our family history or our blood type, but many of the risk factors for stomach cancer are things that we have some control over. As an overall way to help prevent cancer, it’s important to eat a healthy diet. Lots of fruits and vegetables are critical in this part of your cancer prevention regime, because in addition to their other healthy qualities, they are loaded with anti-oxidants, just like green tea.

Anti-oxidants are known cancer preventers because they fight the free radicals created in our bodies as we convert food to energy. These free radicals damage cells and DNA, leading to disease. But, a diet rich in anti-oxidants can neutralize these free radicals, preventing their damage.

So, including fruits and vegetables in your diet can help you in several ways. First of all, you’ll be getting lots of vitamins and your daily dose of anti-oxidants. However, fruits and vegetables can also help you keep your weight in check, which is also a cancer preventer. Obesity is a risk factor for stomach, and many other forms of cancer.

You can also mitigate your stomach cancer risk by not smoking. Most people know that smoking causes lung cancer, but many people don’t realize that smoking contributes to the development of many forms of cancer, including stomach cancer. It’s also a wise idea to limit your alcohol intake. Some studies have shown an increased risk of stomach cancer among those who drank alcohol in large quantities over a period of years.

Finally, it’s important to keep close tabs on your health in general. Visit your doctor regularly for checkups and have routine tests done when recommended.

And, don’t forget to drink some green tea each and every day to give yourself and extra boost of cancer prevention!

Jon M. Stout is the Chairman of the Golden Moon Tea Company. Golden Moon Tea carefully selects the finest rare and orthodox teas, which are processed slowly and handcrafted with extreme care. At their website, you can learn more about their current tea offerings, including their exceptional green tea, white tea, black tea, oolong tea (also known as wu-long and wu long tea) and chai. Visit goldenmoontea.com for all details concerning the Golden Moon Tea Company's fine line of teas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Stout

Still Looking For A Reason To Raise Your Body's Immune System

By Jonathan G. Michel

Still need another reason to raise your body's natural defense system? The drug that governments have stock piled as the first line of defense against the Avian flu has been linked to "abnormal behavior" like suicide.

Tamiflu has recently been linked to abnormal behavior. The flu drug's maker warns of such potential problems as suicide. Just as recent as Monday, November 13, 2006, the maker of the antiviral medication Tamiflu issued a new warning for the flu drug saying patients must be closely monitored for potential psychiatric problems, including delirium and suicide. Isn't that frieken scary?

And our governments are stockpiling this stuff. For what, a massive suicide pandemic? Hoffman-La Roche Inc. had been discussing the matter with the Food and Drug Administration, which has been reviewing 103 cases in which patients reported bizarre behavior, usually within a day of taking Tamiflu. What's terrifying is that most cases involved children under 17 and occurred in Japan. The cases include three people who fell to their deaths after taking the drug, including a 14-year-old boy who climbed atop the railing of his family's condominium, an FDA memo says.

The memo also cites the case of an 8-year-old in Japan who took one dose of Tamiflu and, about an hour and a half later, tried to run out the front door of his home. The child would not answer to his name and was growling, according to the memo, which was prepared in advance of an FDA pediatric advisory committee meeting Thursday.

Dr. Debra Birnkrant, director of the FDA's division of antiviral products, said it was not yet known if the abnormal behavior was caused by the drug or the flu, which can cause fever and delirium. But she added, "Since there were a number of cases over the last year that we looked at, we thought it would be the prudent thing to make the public aware." No kidding!

Another drug for seasonal flu, amantadine, has been associated with similar neurological side effects, mostly in the elderly, Birnkrant said. Hoffman-La Roche said in a statement that reports of psychiatric side effects from Tamiflu were rare. "While any relative contribution of Tamiflu to these events is unknown, Roche is committed to working closely with the FDA to ensure that the product label accurately reflects the reports," it said.

The FDA's memo says 24.5 million Tamiflu prescriptions were filled in Japan from 2001 to 2005. In the U.S., 6.5 million prescriptions were filled in the same period. Tamiflu is one of four treatments for seasonal flu in the U.S. It is usually taken to prevent or lessen the severity of the virus. Many governments, including that of the U.S., have stockpiled the drug to combat a possible outbreak of the H5N1 avian influenza virus. Although that mainly infects birds, there have been 153 human deaths worldwide since 2003, according to the World Health Organization.

But of course, you already know this. So why is it, that after writting a previous article where is was admitted that Tamiflu would probably not even work, and now these unbelievable side effects, would you even think twice about keeping your immune system at an all time high?

Jon G. Michel is a successful webmaster and publisher of http://www.cancer-help-treatment.com Strong believer in taking responsibility for your health, there is only one complementary natural immune system booster approved by the FDA…and not available in drug stores or any shelf, anywhere. Find out why! Learn more on alternative cancer treatments and much more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonathan_G._Michel

Health Benefits of Drinking Tea

By Gail Leino

Most people don’t think of tea as a health food, but the facts shows us differently. Throughout history, tea has been recommended for many types of ailments, but it has only been in recent years that the general medical population has recognized the true benefits of tea. Although most of these benefits relate to Chinese Green Tea, many medical doctors feel that any type of tea affords the same health and antioxidant benefits as those found in green tea.

For decades, our ancestors have schooled us on the benefits of drinking tea. One of the most common home remedies for colds in yesteryear was that of the “hot totti,” which consisted of hot tea, lemon, honey, and a “swig” of spirits (whiskey, brandy, scotch). The patient then went to bed and huddled under the covers to sweat the cold out of their body. Sadly, today it is illegal to use this remedy on children because of its alcohol content though many cold medicines indeed contain alcohol. Another useful home remedy for tea is drinking hot tea with honey and lemon for a sore throat – the lemon is optional; it is the honey that is important. The combination of the tea with the honey has a soothing effect on the sore throat, allowing it to heal without prescription or over the counter medications.

Green tea has been praised for its antioxidant qualities, and many people resort to drinking these Chinese herbal teas as soon as cold weather begins to show its ugly face in order to build up their immune system, and thus prevent many of winter’s viral and bacterial infections. Though some medical professionals believe that all of the teas have these same qualities, only the green teas have a history that connects their consumption to a decrease in illness as the result of a boost to the immune system.

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino is the internet's leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies (http://partysupplieshut.com), using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Hut has a huge selection of free party games, coloring pages, word find, word scramble, printable baby and bridal shower activities. Tons of Free Party Games (Party-Games-etc.com) for every occasion, birthday, holiday and party theme including free printable games and activities. Plus, over 1,000 free baby shower games, bridal shower games, birthday party games and printable party games for kids parties. All the games have easy instructions. Also, printable activities for kids parties, baby showers, holiday celebrations and bridal showers.

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Aromatherapy: Health Protection for Your Heart with Rosemary Pure Essential Oil

By KG Stiles

ROSEMARY ( Rosmarinus Officinalis ct. verbenone ) - A powerful and pungent aroma that's woody and herbal. Rosemary verbenone is penetrating to the senses though much less sharp than the cineol variety. Its soft fragrance is refreshing, lasting and pleasant. Smells like the fresh cut herb!

Rosemary is a good first aid oil to have on hand as it is very versatile with a multitude of uses. Use it alone or in a synergistic blend with other essential oils to enhance its effects.

Rosemary has the highest hydrogen content of all the essential oils which makes it a powerfully stimulating and warming oil!

With its long history of use Rosemary is one of the most highly valued of all the essential oils!

Remnants of Rosemary plant have been discovered in Egyptian tombs. Its incense was traditionally used by the Egyptians for purification and healing.

Both Greeks and Romans are known to have made wreaths of Rosemary to pay homage and give thanks to the gods.

Rosemary has been used traditionally as a universal healing herb and it was a chief ingredient in medicines made by the alchemists and early scientists like Paracelsus.

Philosopher-healers of the Renaissance period regarded Rosemary highly and praised its curative benefits in treating liver, heart, brain and eye disorders.

Through the ages Rosemary has been used to celebrate life and to attract benevolent outcomes. No feast was ever without Rosemary. It was considered a holy oil and many folk songs attribute a deep mystery to its healing properties.

Rosemary is a regulating oil with both stimulant and relaxant properties depending upon the circumstances for which it is used!

Rosemary verbenone relieves blockage and stagnation and is known to fortify and protect the liver and heart and to enhance their function!

Its pronounced stimulating effect on the circulatory systems (lymph, nerve and blood) makes Rosemary especially helpful for lowering blood pressure, as well as for promoting cellular respiration and detoxification.

Rosemary is said to make the heart merry and take away foolish imaginations.

CAUTION: Due to its stimulating properties please do not use Rosemary during pregnancy, if you have high blood pressure, or have a diagnosed seizure disorder.

PLEASE NOTE: There are many cheap, synthetic copies of aromatic oils, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results purchase the highest quality oils you can possibly find. Use certified organic essential oils, or oils that have been tested and are pesticide free.

Aromatherapy is a gentle and noninvasive complementary health care system used for balancing and synchronizing your body, mind, spirit and emotions to enhance your health. Properly administered essential oils are a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being and can produce satisfying results where other methods have failed. Please consult with your physician regarding serious health concerns and do not attempt to self diagnose.

KG Stiles is a certified aromatherapist practicing in Ashland, OR USA. PurePlant Essentials is her line of pure organic essential oils. Click to order: ROSEMARY CERTIFIED ORGANIC PURE ESSENTIAL OIL KG recommends the following aromatic remedies made with Rosemary Verbenone. Click to learn about RID (Rapid Immune Defense) - PREVENTION & RELIEF OF COLDS & FLU Click to learn about FOCUS SUPPORT More Info? Contact: KG Stiles at Springhill Wellness Center, 2520 Springhill Drive Ashland, OR USA (541) 941-7315 Mahalo!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=KG_Stiles

Delicious, Tasty, Healthy Tea and Infusions for Everyone

By Lisa Fan

Everyone drinks tea once in a while. Tea can be grouped into six categories which are Green Tea, White Tea, Yellow Tea, Red Tea, Black Tea, Oolong Tea, and Pu Erh which all made from the Camellia Sinensis plant. Each category is based on individual quality, taste, tea color, and production as well as processing techniques.

Green Tea is non fermented tea. Well known green teas include Long Jing from the West Lake, Bi Luo Chun from Suzhuo, Jiangsu Province and Sencha from Japan.

White Tea is quite rare teas made from the very young leaf buds of the tea bush. Typically such teas are covered with fine hairs of the tea bud, and have a whitish appearance in the dry leaf, which produces a sweet and delicately flavored pale infusion. Examples of White Tea are White Peony and Shou Mei Wang.

Yellow Tea is mildly fermented type and processing is quite similar to Green Tea, apart from the additional steps taken to turn the tea leaves yellow. One famous known Yellow Tea is Yin Zhen or known as Silver Needle.

Red Tea is the late fermented type. The raw green tea leaves turn black after being piled up for fermentation. Red Tea leaves are usually used as raw ingredient for many types of compressed tea.

Black Tea is 100% fermented tea. It is described based on the color of the liquor the tea produce. Black Tea is often taken with the addition of milk and or sugar. Lapsang Souchong, Earl Grey and Darjeeling are famous Black Tea.

Oolong Tea is somewhere between green and black teas in their production methods, and are consumed without milk or sugar. Oolong Tea is a partially fermented tea. These teas are extremely flavor some and highly aromatic, yet contain no additives. Tie Guan Yin and Da hong Pao are famous Oolong Tea.

Pu-Erh is the general name given to a class of non-fermented green tea and red 100% fermented tea. There are two types of Pu-Erh raw and cooked. Many Pu-Erh teas are compressed into disc, bowl or other shapes and then dried.

All teas have their own health benefits; you can read more at Teacuppa's Library link at their website. How about infusions? They are not considered true teas because they are made from dried herbs and do not contain tea leaves for examples, Herbal infusion, Fruit mélange infusions, Rooibos and Maté.

Herbal teas are caffeine-free and low in calories; they are popular for their medicinal and calming qualities. Lavender is said to relieve stress and reduce fatigue. As for Rosebuds, they add sparks to women beauty, relieve menstrual pain and ease stomach bloatedness.

Characteristic – Varies widely in appearance and tasted

Taste – Mild and refreshing

Body – Light to medium

Serving Method – Honey or sugar can be added to enhance the flavour

Caffeine - Caffeine-free

Examples – Lavender, Jasmine, Rosebuds, Kuding

Fruit mélange infusions contain no caffeine, artificial preservatives, flavouring, and colouring. It is soothing, relaxing and calming making it a great drink to be taken at anytime of the day. Definately, a hit among children. Rich in Vitamin C and iron, Fruit Mélange Infusion is an ideal dietary supplement for promoting health and preventing diseases. All Fruit Mélange Infusions contain rosehips and/or hibiscus.

Characteristic – Generally, fruit mélange infusion produces a red or deep red liquid

Taste – Refreshing, aromatic, sweet and sour

Body – Medium to full

Serving Method – Honey or sugar can be added to enhance the flavour

Caffeine - Caffeine-free

Examples – Red Orange, Woodberries, Biedermeier, Fruit Garden, Peach-Apricot, Happy Day, Fruit Punch

Rooibos or red bush, or also known as red tea only grows in South Africa. It relieves depression, stress, constipation, and other problems such as colic. It is also good for people with insomia problem as it helps to relax during bedtime.

Characteristic – Rooibos resembles strong black tea in appearance

Taste – Strong and aromatic

Body – Medium to full

Serving Method – Rooibos can be served plain or with milk

Caffeine - Caffeine-free

Examples – Rooibos, Rooibos Green, Rooibos Lemon

Maté is a popular beverage in South America. In several countries in South America, maté is considered a national drink. It is commonly used as a tonic, diuretic, stimulant to reduce fatigue, and as an appetite suppressant. Sugar, lemon juice or milk is ussually added to Maté to enhance the flavor. Maté is gaining is popularity from time to time.

Characteristic – Maté produces a brown liquid

Taste – Strong aromatic drink

Body – Medium

Serving Method – To be served plain or with milk and sugar

Caffeine - Caffeinated tea

Examples – Maté green, maté lemon

Take a sip today.

Lisa Fan - Owner of a teahouse and online tea store. Lisa has been in the family tea business for more than 5 years. Their brick and mortal teahouse has been running since the 1980s and they started an online tea store this year to share their fine teas with the rest of the world. Love writing about teas and discovering new tea cuisine recipes. Lisa is currently working on her book about teas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Fan

Just Breathe - Deep Breathing to Assist Good Health

By Kathryn Lively

It is often described as a natural high, to just take in a deep breath and slowly exhale. Perhaps you feel a dizzying sensation as a result, a mild feeling of euphoria accompanied by a desire to relax. Careful breathing exercises can be beneficial to the body if done properly, and may even assist in expediting weight loss.

What is it about breathing that can help you take off the pounds? It would be a dream on earth is just a few minutes a day of deep breathing could melt away the fat, but we all know it take more than that. What a few minutes of deep breathing can do, however, is stimulate the body enough to want to lose the weight.

When you have some free time, take a moment to lie flat on your back, legs uncrossed, hands gently folded over your abdomen. Slowly inhale through your nose and let your diaphragm expand, that's the muscle wall between your chest and abdomen. Let it fill with good, clean air, don't suck in your gut as that will prevent your lungs from being filled. Normally when we go through the day, we do not fill our lungs as much as we should, therefore our body misses out on the benefits of clean air to purify us from the inside out.

Take in the air and hold it for twenty seconds or more, then slowly exhale through your mouth. Do you feel lightheaded, more energetic? The oxygen you intake enters your bloodstream, helping to clear away buildup in the arteries and other waste. As a result, the blood gets a bit more purified, and pumps throughout the body more quickly. You become more energized and willing to exercise. This is what helps burn calories, and eventually takes off pounds when you combine this practice with a good diet.

The more you breathe deeply, the better for your body. For a natural energy boost and stress reliever, just close your eyes, inhale, count slowly and exhale. In just a few minutes you will feel better and want to do better by your body and mind.

Kathryn Lively is The Write SEO and a freelance health and travel writer for Compuslim, custom fit weight loss for busy lifestyles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathryn_Lively

Parkinson's Disease And Sexual Function

By Jeremy Parker

Sexual functions are a very important aspect of our physical and mental health. With the onset of Parkinson’s disease, many aspects of a person’s physical and mental well being are affected by the disease and this includes his sexual abilities.

Parkinson’s disease affects the body, but it does not have to affect the heart or soul. Patents can still show love to their partners. Whether you are the patient or a care giver, love is not contingent of physical abilities. Couples should never forget the joy of romance. Both partners should make every effort to make the relationship as warm and tender as possible.

It is common that the onset of Parkinson’s disease in a relationship can change the quality of the relationship. Couples should be mindful that these changes may occur gradually as the disease progresses and may be hard to be seen.

Making love is a natural expression of love and sometimes a physical disability such as Parkinson’s disease can impinge on that activity. It may even cause it to stop altogether.

Sexual Relationship

But it is important to remember that Parkinson’s disease can affect the sexual relationship on several different levels. Many times, experiencing the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease or helping the patient who has the disease through the symptoms may mean that the patient or the care giver is simply too tired to perform. One way to deal with this is consider making love in the morning before either is too tired by the day’s work.

Also, it should be remembered that Parkinson’s disease can also affect the autonomic nervous system which controls a man’s ability to achieve and maintain an erection. Obviously, this can have an effect on the sexual performance. Occasionally, adjusting medication dosages may be helpful in limiting these effects. Women suffering from Parkinson’s disease may also be experiencing menopause, and sexual intercourse may become difficult due to vaginal dryness or pain during intercourse. This is a common occurrence in menopause and there are treatments available for this.

The usual tremors and shaking that accompanies Parkinson’s disease can make the sufferer embarrassed about his body. The same is true with drooling and the other involuntary movements that the body makes. These can often affect the partner as well. Sucking on a mint will encourage swallowing and can help prevent drooling.

A common problem with couples is that some spouses are afraid of hurting their partner; this is especially true immediately after the diagnosis has been made. Some people notice that the tremors can be worse following lovemaking, and they believe that this is making the disease worse. None of this is true. The tremors are temporary in this case.

Sexual Problems

Couples should understand as well that their partner may not be interested in pursuing a sexual relationship during the months following the diagnosis. This can be due to stress, fear, sleeplessness, or many other things. Care givers and patients alike should read as much as possible on the disease and educate each other as best they can so each fear and each worry can be dealt with rationally.

Lastly, this is a progressive disease. The symptoms will get worse over time and couples need to fully understand this and come to terms with it. There will come a time when sexual activity will not be an option.

Sexual problems, for both partners, may be frustrating with the onset of Parkinson’s disease, but there are ways and means to improve or even restore sexuality in the relationship. For some couples, a visit to the doctor can be helpful for getting suggestions on the best course of action to solve any problems that a couple might be experiencing. If nothing else, it is a good support vehicle for most couples.

For more information and resources on Parkinson's Disease, symptoms, causes, treatment solutions, surgery and living with Parkinson's disease, visit Jeremy Parker's comprehensive reference guide on Parkinson's Disease.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_Parker

KEEPING OUR ENERGY HIGH AND HARMONIOUS

Robert Elias Najemy

The following techniques and ways of life will aid us in building a freer and more positive energy flow.


1. PROPER DIET: Few of us realize the powerful effect of a proper diet not only on our physical health, but also on our emotional, mental and spiritual states. A pure diet can create greater health, more positive emotional states, clearer mental functioning, and increased spiritual attunement.

2. VITAMINS: If we suspect our emotional state may also be the result of a worn down nervous system, we might benefit from a strong multivitamin and mineral supplement for one month.

3. FASTING: We can dramatically improve how we feel with short one-day fasts, or a "mono-diet" in which we eat only one type of food, such as only apples, watermelon or grapes. When fasting, some may experience an increase of symptoms if a "healing crisis" is provoked. A beginner in this process should be assisted by an experienced guide.

4. HERBS or FLOWER ESSENCES: Some herbs can be very calming and / or invigorating, offering an extra boost which may give us the needed optimism we need to make internal changes.

5. DAILY PHYSICAL EXERCISE: The body is a live machine, and like all machines, it needs to move or it will begin to develop problems. Exercise is essential not only for a healthy muscular, skeletal and circulatory system, but also for a relaxed nervous system and balanced endocrine system. This systemic harmony is necessary for emotional and mental peace.

6. BREATHING TECHNIQUES are essential for the abundant flow of vital energy throughout the body and mind. Bio-energy is the basis of all physical and mental functions.
Breathing exercises are one of the most effective ways to increase our energy level and keep it steady and harmonious so we will be less susceptible to low emotional states or illness. We should, however, have the guidance of a person experienced in breathing techniques before we begin.

7. DAILY DEEP RELAXATION will calm the muscles, nerves and all other bodily systems, and thus rejuvenate the body and the mind. Deep relaxation, in conjunction with the above-mentioned techniques, contributes to the development of strong and healthy immune system as well as a form of self-therapy from psychosomatic illnesses.

8. CREATIVE SELF-EXPRESSION is much more important to our physical, emotional and spiritual health and harmony than most people imagine. Man is a creative being. Our purpose on Earth is to create in some way. We might create a family, a business, a farm, a painting, a piece of music, a dance, etc. Creative self-expression is essential for our health, harmony and happiness.

9. MEANINGFUL ACTIVITY is necessary for us to feel that our life is worth living. If we do not see what we are doing as meaningful, useful or helpful in some way, we lose our reason to exist, and our health and happiness gradually deteriorate

10. MASSAGE: Shiatsu massage, polarity massage, spiritual healing, Reiki and other such energy-oriented types of massage can be especially effective in relaxing the nervous system and reducing negativity.

11. CLEANSING TECHNIQUES: One simple method is to increase the number of showers or baths. Contact with water can be healing and calming. We can also benefit by cleaning the internal body systems with enemas and other internal cleansing techniques.

12. EMOTIONAL RELEASE: We might need to partake in a program of emotional release under the guidance of an experienced professional, who can help us release pent up emotions which undermine our health and energy level.

13. SOCIAL HARMONIZATION: We need to discover and overcome any fears or beliefs that prevent us from feeling comfortable with others.

14. SPIRITUAL ORIENTATION: Each of us has his or her own personal relationship with the universe. Whether or not we adhere to any particular religion, it is important for our inner balance that we feel and cultivate our relationship with the whole as humanity, as nature, or as God.

15. SELF-KNOWLEDGE: We need to understand our own inner mechanisms, needs, desires, fears, expectations, beliefs and subconscious workings in order to free ourselves from the negative emotions, mechanisms, which undermine our health, happiness and relationships.

16. ENLIGHTENING THE SUBCONSCIOUS: This aspect of self-improvement usually requires an experienced professional who can help us reprogram the subconscious with positive, more objective beliefs and perceptions of ourselves, others and the world.

17. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE towards ourselves and others is the ultimate key to a high and harmonious energy flow.

****************************************** Robert Elias Najemy is the author of over 600 articles, 400 lecture cassettes on Human Harmony and 20 books; sold over 100,000 copies. His book The Psychology of Happiness is available at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0971011605/holisticharmo-20 and http://www.HolisticHarmony.com/psychofhappiness.html. You can download FREE articles and e-books and get guidance at http://www.HolisticHarmony.com ******************************************

To find other free health content see e-healtharticles.com

What Causes Mesothelioma? Can It Be Prevented?

A risk factor is anything that increases a person's chance of getting a disease such as cancer. Different cancers have different risk factors. Some risk factors, such as smoking, can be controlled. Others, like a person's age or family history, can't be changed. But having a risk factor, or even several, doesn’t mean that a person will get the disease.

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is contact with asbestos. In the past, asbestos was used in insulation as well as in other products such as floor tiles, door gaskets, roofing, patching compounds, and more. Since asbestos is a natural mineral, it can also be found in dust and rocks in certain parts of the United States. Most use stopped after 1989, but it is still used in some products.

When asbestos fibers are breathed in, some can travel to the ends of the small air passages and reach the lining of the lungs. There they can damage the cells lining the lungs, which can lead to pleural mesothelioma. If swallowed, these fibers can also reach the lining of the abdominal cavity where they play a part in causing peritoneal mesothelioma.

People who may be at risk for asbestos exposure include some miners, factory workers, makers of insulation, railroad workers, ship builders, gas mask makers, and construction workers. Several studies have shown that family members of people exposed to asbestos at work have an increased risk of mesothelioma because asbestos fibers are carried home on the clothes of the workers.

The risk of getting mesothelioma depends on how much asbestos a person was exposed to and for how long. Mesotheliomas take a long time to develop. The time between the first exposure and finding the disease is often between 20 and 50 years.

As the link between asbestos and cancer has become well known, use of this material has decreased.

There is some evidence linking Thorotrast, a material once used in certain x-rays, to mesothelioma. But Thorotrast has not been used for many years.

While tobacco smoke has not been shown to cause mesothelioma, smokers exposed to asbestos have a much higher risk of lung cancer. More asbestos workers die of lung cancer than of mesothelioma.

Can Mesothelioma Be Prevented?

The best way to prevent this disease is to avoid contact with asbestos in homes, public buildings, and at work. People who could be exposed to asbestos at work include miners, factory workers, insulation workers, railroad workers, ship builders, makers of gas masks, and construction workers.

If there is a chance of exposure, say, in fixing up old buildings, then workers should take special measures to protect themselves. If you live in an older home, there may be asbestos in the insulation or in other materials. An expert can check your home to see if there is any danger. If so, you might decide to have the asbestos removed. You should hire a qualified person to do this job. You should not attempt to do it yourself.

Your Body; How Stress Affects Health

By Michelle Bery

In today’s chaotic times there are few among us who are strangers to stress. Be it the chaotic work schedule that leaves us overwhelmed and exhausted at the end of the day, financial difficulties that are never far from our minds, or family conflicts that threaten to leave us emotionally depleted, we have all suffered from stress at one time or another.

And while a certain amount of stress can be a positive and motivating tool – encouraging us to complete tasks and meet deadlines – long term and consistently high levels of stress can enormously impact our lives.

We’ve always known that stress affects health. But now, more than ever, experts are examining the correlation between stress and the physical welfare of the body.

Stress affects health in a number of ways. The physical manifestations of stress can include increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and sleep disorders. Stress can also often be reflected in poor eating habits – leading to obesity, elevated cholesterol, and decreased functionality of the body’s overall system.

Emotionally, stress affects health just as significantly. Depression - often a by-product of stress - carries its own set of physical and emotional dangers.

Those who suffer from stress often also suffer from increased anxiety and panic attacks. Some victims may also experience a reduction of intimacy with their partner and sometimes even sexual dysfunction.

Stress can literally stunt all emotional and physical health, hurling victims into a spiral of discomfort.

Luckily there are many ways to combat stress and decrease the amount that stress affects health. Improved eating habits, the practice of meditation, and a consistent regime of exercise can all greatly impact how much stress affects health.

Often just having someone to talk to can change how stress affects health in your case. If you feel as though stress has become an overwhelming and constant presence in your life, you may look to seek out support in the way of psychological counseling or support groups. Staying connected in relationships will assist you in handling how stress affects health.

Sometimes just taking some time out to enjoy things that make us feel relaxed and happy can do wonders to lower our levels of stress. There’s no extricating ourselves from the daily stresses of life. But how stress affects health is within our control. A common sense approach to dealing with stress can mean a lifetime of health.

For easy to understand, in depth information about stress management visit our ezGuide 2 Stress.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Bery

Worst Foods You Can Eat

By: Dave Elger

I recently came across an article entitled, The Five Absolute Worst Foods You Can Eat. It was written by Dr. Joseph Mercola, an osteopath who also wrote The No Grain Diet Book, a New York Times best seller.

The article sparked my interest. What foods made his list? Hot dogs? Brats? How about a chocolate sundae? When compiling a worst food list, several criteria could be considered. Calorie density, the number of fat grams, the level of saturated fat or trans fats, grams of sugar, lack of fiber, or overall lack of nutritional value.

I wondered if there were other lists out there with similar bad food lists. If I could find the same items on 3 or 4 different lists, I figure they must be really bad! Without peeking, can you guess Dr. Mercolas Top 5 Worst Foods, or is it Bottom 5?

1. Doughnuts: Fried, loaded with trans fats, lots of sugar, white flour, no fiber, vitamins or minerals. What more could you ask from a worst food?

2. Soda: Plenty of sugar, caffeine, artificial colors, and sulfites. All stuff that you do not need. Dr. Mercola thinks the artificial sweeteners in diet varieties arent much better.

3. French Fries: Fried potatoes are loaded with trans fats.

4. Chips: Just like their cousin French-fries, chips are made from potatoes, both with plenty of fat added during processing. Chips and fries contain ample levels of something called acrylamide, a compound suspected to be a possible cause of some cancers.

5. Fried, Non-fish seafood like shrimp, lobster, clams, oysters contain trans fats, acrylamide, mercury, and according to Dr. Mercola, perhaps parasites or viruses.

There are other worst food lists. Charles Booras, M.D. has one with soda listed #1, which he eloquently describes as the epitome of nutritional bankruptcy. Other foods that made his list include French fries, bacon, granola bars, and doughnuts.

Doughnuts, deep-fried foods, fast food hamburgers, high-fat ice cream, latte with real whipped cream, and soda are at the top of a 101 Worst Foods List put out by ediets. The usual suspects like sausage, most pizzas, most candy bars, onion rings, gravies, macaroni and cheese, egg rolls, and frosted breakfast cereals also made the ediets list.

Its hardly practical to stop eating these foods completely. When you think about it, most Americans eat something off of the worst food list just about every day, if not every meal.

What you can do is always keep fruit or cut vegetables handy for snacks, then increase portions of vegetables at every meal. Substitute rice or baked potatoes for french fries, and never go shopping when you are hungry and tempted. If you dont buy the stuff, its going to be much more difficult to eat it.

I suspect that there are other worst foods out there, and you know what your favorites are. If you want to lose weight or improve your health, you also know what needs to be done. Fortunately, I didnt find beer on any of the lists.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com

Dave Elger is a well respected authority within the running community having written hundreds of articles on the topics of running and wellness. You can contact him at www.daveelger.com. He also supports the Okinawa Running Club.

The Health Benefits of Black Tea

By Jon Stout

Tea is the second most popular beverage in the world, after water. And, in all parts of the world except Asia, the vast majority of the tea consumed is black tea. Scientists have uncovered many healthful benefits of drinking tea, making drinking this very popular beverage a very healthy habit to get into.

All tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. Black tea differs from green tea and white tea in the way it is processed. Black tea is fermented during processing; green and white tea are not. This is what produces the differences in the color and flavor of the types of tea.

There are also some other differences between green tea and black tea. The fermentation process that black tea undergoes changes some of the plant’s compounds. For this reason, scientists have recently concluded that green tea is more healthful than black. Very little research has been performed on white tea, though it is likely that its compounds are very similar to those in green tea.

The reason that tea is so healthy is that it is a powerful source of anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants are important because they have the power to neutralize free radicals in the body. Free radicals are created during the digestive process. They are oxygen containing molecules that can destroy cells and DNA if not kept in check. Anti-oxidants prevent free radicals from doing their damage; in the long run preventing aging and disease.

Much research has been shown that suggests that some of the most important anti-oxidants in the tea plant are compromised during the fermentation process; leading to the belief that green tea is far healthier. EGCG is the anti-oxidant most revered in green tea. This anti-oxidant is almost completely destroyed during the fermentation process.

However, there is also research that shows that the one of the most important anti-oxidants in the tea plant – a substance known as theaflavins, are not compromised during the fermentation process. These theaflavins are also very healthy and may also have the power to prevent many diseases.

One study, reported by the UK Tea Council, showed that black tea has an abundance of anti-oxidative activity, much like green tea. The theaflavins in black tea have been shown to scavenge abnormal cells, helping to rid them from the body before they can damage the body or mutate into cancer cells.

Theaflavins have also been shown to have the power to inhibit oxidation. There are many situations in the body where oxidation occurs and causes damage. The most significant example is the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.

The reason that a high LDL cholesterol level is bad is that the LDL cholesterol that is floating around in the blood oxidizes and hardens. This causes it to stick to the arterial walls, restricting blood flow. Tea’s anti-oxidants have been shown to prevent this oxidation process, reducing the damage that LDL cholesterol can do.

In other studies, black tea has also been shown to be just as effective as green tea in preventing certain diseases. For example, one study on oral cancer showed that consuming either green or black tea can significantly reduce the risk of oral cancer, particularly in those who smoke cigarettes and use other tobacco products.

In addition, some studies on breast cancer have shown that tea, whether black or green, helped to ensure that women had an appropriate level of the sex hormone binding globulin on critical days of their cycle. The level of binding globulin is important because low levels of this hormone in pre-menopausal women have been associated with a higher risk of developing breast cancer.

So, as you can see, green tea isn’t the only tea that’s good for you. Drinking black tea is also a very healthy addition to your diet. And, that’s good news since 80% of the tea consumed in the world is black tea.

Black tea is available nearly any way you want it. There are hundreds of blends and flavors available, ensuring that every palate can be satisfied with some form of green tea. Nearly every restaurant you’ll visit offers tea as a beverage, and you can get bottled tea for when you’re on the go. No other beverage besides water is so easy to come by!

Tea, whether green or black, should be part of your everyday anti-oxidant intake, along with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Ensuring that your diet is rich in anti-oxidants is one of the simplest things you can do to slow down the aging process and prevent a wide variety of diseases.

So, go make yourself a big cup of tea. And, don’t feel guilty if it’s not a cup of green tea. Black tea is good for you too, and may go a long way to helping you stay healthy and young for many years to come.

Jon M. Stout is the Chairman of the Golden Moon Tea Company. Golden Moon Tea carefully selects the finest rare and orthodox teas, which are processed slowly and handcrafted with extreme care. At their website, you can learn more about their current tea offerings, including their exceptional green tea, white tea, black tea, oolong tea (also known as wu-long and wu long tea) and chai. Visit goldenmoontea.com for all details concerning the Golden Moon Tea Company's fine line of teas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Stout

Improve Your Sleeping Posture To Keep Tension Headaches Away - And How To Do It

By Paul Bacho

Why You Need to Improve Your Sleeping Position - and How to Do It

Let’s talk about something you probably haven’t given much thought to: the posture you sleep in. I’ve helped many patients cure themselves of tension headaches by getting them to modify their sleeping positions.

The average person sleeps between 6-8 hours a night. Now, we just talked about the hazards of sitting at a desk in a slumped-over posture all day. We know that puts a great strain on the musculature.

When you turn in for the night, you probably don’t fall asleep in a sitting position. Yet when most people sleep, they adopt a posture that is almost the same as when they’re sitting in a chair. Their heads are down and shoulders are forward; they kind of tuck themselves up and in.

THE DANGERS OF SLEEPING IN POOR POSTURE

When you sleep like this, you’re stretching your back out and bringing your chest, arms and neck in. As a result, you’re causing these muscles to tighten up overnight.

Granted, you’re not putting that much of a strain on these muscles, as they don’t have to hold up your body and support it when you’re asleep. However, your body adapts to the position you assume at night. So, if you sleep all curled up, the front of your body will begin to tighten up and the back of your body will begin to stretch.

That’s just the opposite of what you’re trying to accomplish during the day. You want to stretch the front of your body and tighten up your back. By lying on your side and curling up, you’re tightening up the front of your body.

If you lie on your stomach - which is no good for your lower back - you’re head’s usually twisted to one side. While that will increase the flexibility of one side, it’ll tighten up the other.

If you put your arm over your head while you’re sleeping on your stomach, you’ll stretch the front of your body. Unfortunately, you’ll also cut off circulation there because you’ll be pressing on the collection of nerves of the brachial plexus and the brachial artery, which supplies blood to the lower extremities.

So, sleeping on your side may be good for your back, but it’s no good for neck, upper back, shoulders and chest.

WHY YOU SHOULD SLEEP ON YOUR BACK

What you need to do is sleep in a position that duplicates the kind of posture that you want to have during the day: shoulders back, head straight. Your ears should be in alignment with your shoulders, which should be in alignment with your elbows, which should be in alignment with your hip, knee and down through your ankle.

Obviously, the only way to maintain this positioning is on your back. Sleeping on your back represents a neutral posture; it represents a very straight posture that ensures that your body stays in alignment. If you can keep your body in alignment, it won’t stretch or tighten up while you sleep.

A lot of people wake up with stiff necks, with their chests kind of tight and sore. Maybe their backs ache a little bit. The reason: They sleep all curled up, which causes their neck, back and shoulder muscles to stretch and tighten up.

WHY YOU TOSS AND TURN AT NIGHT

Do you toss and turn all night? If you do, it’s because your muscles are tightening up as you sleep. What’s happening is you’re cutting off blood flow to them because you sleep all curled up. As a result, they get stretched out and tight. This causes them to become fatigued and spasm. These spasms cause the muscles to squeeze down on blood vessels, which deprives them of blood. Your tossing and turning is your body’s way of repositioning itself so blood flow to these spasmed muscles can be restored. This is a never-endng battle for your body if you simply roll over and curl up into a different position (which you probably do!).

If you’re sleeping on your back, however, you end this cycle. When you sleep on your back, it’s important that you properly support your neck. However, by that I don’t mean using a bunch of fluffy pillows. When you’re sleeping on your back, using too many pillows - or pillows that are too thick - pushes your head down and forward. As you now know, this is a position you want to avoid. You want your head in the opposite position - up and back.

So use a small pillow. Sometimes a cervical pillow is good. Other times you can get away with using a small towel and kind of sticking it in the space behind the neck. Remember, all you want to do is support your neck - you don’t want to push it forward.

LEARNING TO SLEEP ON YOUR BACK CAN TAKE TIME

You’re probably thinking that getting used to sleeping on your back will be a difficult habit to incorporate. I won’t lie to you, you’re right. However, you need to give it a try because sleeping on your back goes a long way toward eliminating the cause of your tension headaches - stretched out neck and shoulder muscles and constricted chest muscles.

For a lot of people, sleeping on their backs isn’t comfortable because they have such round shoulders and tight chests. So, when they lie on their backs, there’s too much pressure on their upper bodies, which forces their shoulders back.

Yes, this could well be the situation for you. Sleeping on your back can be uncomfortable, even painful at first. However, as you begin to stretch out and assume a better posture, your shoulders and chest will loosen up. Before long you’ll have no trouble sleeping on your back. And when you do, you’ll find that you’ll sleep much better and awake far more refreshed because your muscles won’t be stiff.

CONSIDER GETTING A CERVICAL PILLOW

As I’ve said, you need to support your neck while you sleep on your back. You’re probably wondering if I recommend a particular kind of cervical pillow.

There is no particular kind that will serve everybody equally well. The reason: Everybody’s physically different. Some people have big necks; others have small necks. There is no “once size fits all” cervical pillow.

Therefore, I suggest that you check out different pillows at department stores, discount stores, medical supply stores, and pharmacies. A lot of times you’re not allowed to return pillows you later decide you don’t like. This may well happen to you, which, of course, will cost you a few extra dollars.

However, you need to experiment with a few to find the right one that will allow you to sleep properly and wake up pain-free. Consider it an investment to your health - it is!

I’ve got one last word about the subject of sleeping on your back.

When you do, try to keep your arms straight by your side and slightly away from your body. This will keep your chest muscles from tightening up. If you have shoulder problems, like a bad rotator cuff, it’s even more important to sleep with your shoulders straight by your side and slightly away from your body because if you don’t, you’ll aggravate your problem by cutting off circulation.

Paul Bacho is a certified athletic trainer in Cleveland, Ohio with over 28 years treating patients with chronic pain.

He's also co-author of "How to Get Permanent Relief From Chronic Tension Headaches," a holistic program that he's used to help hundreds of people get rid of tension headaches.

To get three free chapters of his program, go to http://www.tensionheadaches.org

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Bacho

Avoid the Flu and Bronchitis at Work

Authored By: Abigail Franks

Bronchitis is identified as being either chronic or acute. Acute bronchitis usually is limited into ration to anywhere from a few days to a week or two. It's often accompanied by flu like symptoms. Once ill, you can expect to have several days, with limited or no productivity, and even more time not performing at your best. While chronic bronchitis tends to last months or even years, the symptoms are much less pronounced and debilitating.

Of these two basic bronchitis categories, acute bronchitis is typically associated with colds and flu like symptoms. The symptoms of acute bronchitis include:

1. A Feeling of Tightness or Constriction in Your Chest

2. Usually a Sore Throat

3. Congestion

4. Wheezing and Difficulty Breathing

5. A Low to Mid Grade Fever

In a business situation, you often see many people coming to work ill claiming it's all for the good of the company. While I'm certain they have the best of intentions, viral influenza (flu) can be spread through direct person-to-person contact or indirectly in the air and on hard surfaces. This means that if someone who's sick coughs and doesn't cover their mouth, they can put everyone at the workplace at risk for contracting the illness.

So consider someone who dutifully covers her mouth when she coughs. While in the break room, she been pours yourself a cup of coffee and sits at the table, transferring ultramicroscopic infectious material to both the coffee pot, coffee cup and table. Anyone coming into contact with any of these physical items could then theoretically be at risk of contracting the flu bug and becoming ill.

Although most flu is viral in nature and therefore contagious, some acute bronchitis is bacterial and not contagious. Unfortunately, you need a medical degree and some tests to determine if someone who is ill is also contagious. The tips below should be considered as a strategy to limit your potential exposure to viruses that could make you sick.

1. Wash your hands. You can dramatically cut the risk of catching many common illnesses through careful handwashing and the use of hand sanitizers.

2. Clean your equipment. If you share an office cubicle, keyboard or telephone, use sanitizing hand wipes before starting your shift

3. Do virtual meetings. When possible, attend meetings virtually using a conference call system. The last time you are in contact with groups of people, the less risk of contracting an illness.

4. Use a paper towel to open doors. Remember the coffee cup example above in the break room? Same is true for doorknobs. If you can use a throwaway paper towel to open doors without looking like a germ obsessive crazy person, this is really a good idea.

5. Use care in the restroom. No guys, I'm not talking about your aim. Consider all surfaces suspect. That toilet or urinal handle has been used by many people before they wash their hands. Heck, it's no secret that many people use public restrooms and not wash their hands of all. I suggest that when finished, thoroughly wash your hands than using the paper towel you dried them with, open the restroom door when you leave. You can then discreetly dispose of the towel anywhere, but have effectively limited your exposure to potential viral infections.

6. Get a flu shot.
Acute bronchitis can begin with an illness caused by a common influenza virus. Getting an annual vaccination can help protect you from influenza (the flu) and bronchitis.

7. Limit exposure to sick people
During influenza season consider limiting your use of public areas like a break room, kitchen or cafeteria.

8. Cover your mouth.
Be aware of people around you who don't cover their mouths when they cough. Tried either avoid them or keep your distance when possible.

9. Avoid smoking and smoke whenever possible.
There are many chemicals, fumes and particle dust that can irritate and compromise bronchial passages. None more so however than smoking.

None of these tips should be considered absolute and should be used with a good dose of common sense. While walking around with a scuba tank and rubber gloves may be excessive, many of these tips can go a long way in limiting your exposure to viruses that can result in the flu or even bronchitis.

Abigail Franks writes on a variety of subjects which include family, health, and home. For more information on the flu and bronchitis visit the site at www.asthma-treatment-resources.com/bronchitis/bronchitis-index.html and www.asthma-treatment-resources.com

Article Source: Article Directory at http://www.ArticleSphere.com

Tea - Not Only Perks You Up, But Benefits Your Health Too

by Kevin Pederson Author's Home Page Expert Author For many who are not aware about the importance of tea, can get to know it a little better. Tea has been around for more than 5,000 years and hopefully would be around for another 5,000 years. There are four basic types of tea black, green, oolong and the most uncommon and rare breed is the white. All teas come from the same plant called as "Camellia sinensis" a shrub which happens to grow up to 60 feet if found in wild. The processing pattern is different for each tea which makes the difference. You can also have iced tea which is equally beneficial like any other hot cup of tea. Tea carries anti-cancer properties of polyphenols which helps to fight cancer. There is very less risk of heart disease as it prevents blood from clotting and helps to reduce cholesterol levels. With the charm of refreshment and adding sparkle to your life, it also helps in shielding you from some of the most deadly diseases mankind has ever known. After a thorough research it has been said that drinking 2 cups of tea everyday can reduce your risk of developing ovarian cancer by 50%. It has been very useful to maximize your body defenses to fight diseases like cancer and heart disease. Black tea protects you against cancers. It also helps in reducing your bad cholesterol. Having tea in comparison to coffee is better because coffee contains more caffeine which is not good for our health. One who adds milk to their tea helps in developing strong bones as milk has calcium which is good for the bones. Tea contains fluoride and tannins which drive the plaque away. It helps in keeping your dental records white and shiny, of course including your usual dental regime which would involve brushing and flossing. Even though there has been research that caffeinated fluids dehydrates your body which includes tea. But it has now been seen that caffeine doesn’t dehydrate you entirely, unless you happen to drink five to six cups at one time. So having little tea can help you remain hydrated. Having ginger tea may help you get relief from sore throat. Having herbal tea can be very good to get rid of the early cold attack. Teas like enchinacea, peppermint and chamomile would do wonders against the cold if you combine all these together to make a brewing hot cup of tea. If taken 2 to 4 times a day, it may just do the trick. Article Source: http://www.article-host.com/

About the Author

Kevin Pederson manages home remedies sites such as http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com to help you in your daily life with simple and easy home care remedies. Tea has been known to be very therapeutic for our system. It helps us fight many diseases without many of us not being aware of the same.

Coffee, The Best Way to Start Your Day!

By Barney Garcia

A steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee is certainly the best way to start your day. Sipping coffee with your friends is considered the best way to start a conversation. Add to it the fact that drinking coffee has many positive effects on our health and well being. With its rich taste, appetizing smell and benefits, coffee has become a part of our modern day life.

Coffee is a beverage that is prepared from roasted coffee beans. Coffee beans from different places have their distinctive characteristics like flavor, caffeine content, body or mouth feel, and acidity. To turn the coffee berries and its seeds into roasted coffee, a lot of processing and human labor is required. The processing of coffee involves Picking, Defruiting, Drying, Sorting, Aging and Roasting.

Benefits of Consuming Coffee

The caffeine in the coffee acts as a stimulant. "Coffee Breaks" are taken during office hours to revitalize oneself. Coffee is consumed by students while preparing for exams because it makes them more alert and even boost the learning abilities and powers of reasoning. Coffee helps to improve alertness and attention and removes tiredness.

The effectiveness of painkillers, especially those taken for migraine, is increased by drinking coffee. It can rid some people of asthma.

In men, it can reduce the occurrence of gallstones and gallbladder disease. Coffee may help to reduce the risk of a number of diseases and ailments that includes Type II diabetes, Parkinson's, colon cancer, cirrhosis, depression and much more.

Coffee reduces the incidence of heart disease. Coffee represents by far the largest source of valuable antioxidants in the diet.

Coffee Recipes

A steaming cup of coffee is the best way to energize oneself. For superior taste, cold coffee with different flavors is consumed. Expresso, Doppio and Macchiato, Long Black, Caffe Freddo, Latte and Cappuccino are some of the varieties that will be a treat to your taste buds.

Healthy Coffee Recipe:
Mocha (hot) 4 servings
Ingredients: -
· 2 Cups Coffee
· 1/3 Cup Cocoa
· 2 Cups Milk
· ½ Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
· ½ Cup Whipping Cream
· Dash Cinnamon

Procedure: -
· Mix milk, cocoa, sugar, and coffee in a saucepan.
· Constantly stir while medium heating until it simmers.
· Mix the vanilla after removing from heat.
· Pour it into cups and add the whipped cream and cinnamon on top.


Coffee is the early morning energizer that helps you to begin your day in high spirits. Next time when you take a "coffee break", think of its benefits, you will perhaps relish the taste even more!

Author Barney Garcia is a proud contributing author and enjoys writing about many different topics. Please visit my web sites @ http://www.coffee-aroma.info and http://www.zip-zap.info

Article Source: http://free-article-submission.com

Seven Steps Towards an Allergy Free Home

By Debbie Mumm

1. Take your shoes off when you enter your home. Pesticides, pollen

and more can get on your shoes and then be transferred to carpets.

2. Idle your car in the driveway or street if you must. Never idle a car in an attached garage! Fumes can seep into the home. Install a carbon monoxide detector in the closest room to the garage for extra safety precautions.

3. Smokers can smoke outside. Smoke travels through a home, so smoking in one particular room is not a healthy alternative. Chemicals from cigarette smoke can remain in an environment for up to 10 years. Smoking in one room of a house is like asking to swim in the un-chlorinated side of the pool. It just doesn't work that way.

4. Use non-toxic cleaning products instead of chemical brands. Toxic ingredients to avoid are chlorine, ammonia, methylene, chloride, phenol, formaldehyde, cresol, and xylene. The fumes from these products can stay on surfaces for days until you absorb them into your skin or breathe them into your lungs. Toxic cleaning products is the #1 reason children end up in emergency rooms.

5. Never mix household cleaning products. The combination of chlorine bleach with an ammonia cleanser. It will give off a toxic gas that is a severe respiratory irritant.

6. Do not let pets in the bedrooms. All pets have dander…and it can be an allergen. We usually spend 6-8 breathing in the bedroom. Keep the bedroom as allergy-free as possible! An air purifier would be a bonus here. Your body needs a chance to rest without having to fight to breathe at the same time!

7. Cover pillows and mattresses with 100% cotton pillow and bedcovers. They are more breathable and product less allergens than plastic and polyester.

We can't choose when we want to breathe. We have to breathe every minute of the day. Shouldn't we be able to breathe clean air indoors?

If you’d like more Healthy Home Tips, then contact Debbie Mumm at www.healthy-environments.com. Her booklet, 6 Dozen Healthy Home Tips, is now available. It makes a terrific New Parent, or New Home gift! Debbie Mumm lives in Grayslake, IL and has been an Indoor Air Specialist since 1996.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debbie_Mumm

How sleep affects our skin

by: Lori Stryker

Sleep is a "natural, temporary loss of consciousness" (Robinson, 1941) necessary for our bodies to build up energy reserves and regenerate body cells and tissues. During sleep, the heart beats more slowly, breathing becomes slower, growth hormones peak, muscles relax and body temperature lowers. Newborn infants sleep almost continuously, gradually decreasing their need for sleep. In early childhood, 12 to 13 hours of sleep are generally required and this amount decreases to approximately 8 hours in adulthood. After the age of 50, sleep is often characterized by frequent night time wakenings, shorter dream lengths and less overall sleep (Bricklen, 1990).

Many consider sleep to be of low priority among the many daily activities engaged in. It is estimated that the world's population is depriving itself of one less hour of sleep per night than is needed (Awake!, 2004). Despite this view of night-time rest, sleep is a necessary, sophisticated process regulated by the brain. Operating as a 24- hour clock, chemical substances, such as melanin, are released in the body to trigger sleepiness. There are two main stages of sleep classified according to eye movement. The first is REM or rapid eye movement which is a shallow, dream-filled sleep. There are four sub-stages within REM sleep. The first sub-stage lasts 30 seconds to 7 minutes, and during this time the muscles relax while the brain produces irregular wave activity. The second sub-stage lasts 20 percent of the night and brain waves become larger as the body is asleep. The next sub-stage is called delta sleep, where growth hormones peak, and cell and tissue repair take place. Without delta sleep, which accounts for half of a night's sleep, one will feel tired the next day. Every 90 minutes the brain enters the dream sub-stage, where brain wave activity is similar in pattern to being awake, but muscles are not able to move as when awake. This stage lengthens each repeated cycle during the night, and is crucial to preserving mental health and long term memory, since the brain sorts through short term memory and 'deletes' unimportant data. The second major stage of sleep is non-REM, or non rapid eye movement, where blood pressure drops and heart rate slows as the person enters a deep sleep.

Short term sleep deprivation causes little physical harm, since the body compensates for the lack of sleep by increasing its adrenaline levels during the day. The body also attempts to get more sleep at a later time. A temporary shift in attitude may occur, such as feelings of pessimism or negativity (Bricklin, 1990). Sleep deprivation, even short term, can be dangerous if driving a car, or operating machinery. Sleep deprivation is thought to be the cause of half of all traffic fatalities on U.S. highways, and being awake 17 to 19 hours can cause the same limited reaction and ability as having a 0.05 percent blood alcohol limit (Awake! 2004). It is also implicated in many workplace accidents.

Chronic sleep deprivation, which is caused by prolonged shortages of sleep, can lead to paranoia or hallucinations. This is also termed 'sleep debt', and is characterized by irregular sleep patterns that do not allow the body to enter delta sleep. This can bring on a short attention span, memory and vocabulary loss as well as other symptoms. Among women aged 25-50 who tend to be "perfectionists", many tend to suffer from shallow sleep as the wake centre of the brain remains active when it should be relatively inactive. Other complications from sleep deprivation include obesity, premature aging, fatigue, chronic memory loss and increased risk for diabetes, infection, cardiovascular disease and gastrointestinal disease. It is important, therefore, to obtain an adequate amount of sleep each night, since sleep also helps the body metabolize free radicals, which are thought to accelerate aging and cancerous growths.

Obtaining a good night's rest can be achieved. The following are suggestions to help towards the goal of night-time rest:

• Avoid stimulants like caffeinated drinks before bed.
• Avoid eating a heavy meal at night. A light snack might help if hunger causes you to wake up at night.
• Create a pleasant, warm (body temperature drops when sleepy), noise-free bedroom with a comfortable mattress and pillow.
• Avoid exercise before bed, however, regular exercise during the day aids sleep.
• Avoid activities that increase anxiety, such as considering financial matters or discussing serious problems before bed.
• If possible, a quick daytime nap lasting 20 to 30 minutes can impart positive physiological benefits. Prolonged naps impair sleep at night and may cause insomnia.
• If experiencing insomnia, try getting up and engaging in another activity for a brief time and then attempt sleep again.
• A warm glass of milk contains tryptophan, a natural substance thought to aid sleep.
• Keep the bedroom dark, since the area of the brain which controls the sleep cycle is close to the optic nerves and thus sensitive to light (feeling awake) and dark (feeling sleepy).
• Quit smoking, which increases blood pressure, heart rate and brain wave activity.

How can you know if you are a healthy sleeper?

• Sleep comes easily at night.
• You rarely wake up during the night and can fall back asleep with ease.
• You wake at the same time each morning without an alarm.
• You feel alert during the day and do not feel the need to nap.

Getting a good night's rest refreshes the body, mind and attitude. It is as vital to our health as good food and exercise. The phrase "beauty rest" is more than a quaint idea, it is a fundamental task in the quest for external and internal beauty.

References:

• Bricklin, Mark, (1990). The Natural Healing and Nutritional Annual, Ed., Rodale Press, Pennsylvania.
• Robinson, Victor M.D., (1941). The Modern Home Physician, Ed., Musson Books, Toronto.
• Tleac, Deborah, (2000). Everyday Health Tips, Ed., Rodale Press, Pennsylvania.
• Awake! Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Canada, March 22 2003.
• Awake! Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Canada, February 8 2004.

By Lori Stryker, B.Sc., B.H.Ec., B.Ed. http://www.organicmakeup.ca

About The Author

Lori Stryker has been researching and developing all natural skin care and make-up for the purpose of offering men and women safe, natural cosmetics for everyday use. She brings to her research a specialist in human biology from the University of Toronto, coupled with a professional home economics degree and an education degree from the University of British Columbia, fusing chemical and biological knowledge with food, family and textile sciences.

You may use this article but any modification or publication of this article for fiancial gain must be approved of by the author. The author's name, Lori Stryker and her company's name, The Organic Make-up Company, needs to by noted when used.

info@organicmakeup.ca

Food Addiction Can Lead to Death

Author: Paul Wilson Food has been described as ambrosia and the elixir if life. For some, eating is a biological necessity for others it is a passion that can turn into an obsession. Food has been described as ambrosia and the elixir if life. For some, eating is a biological necessity for others it is a passion that can turn into an obsession. Experts define food addiction to be a disorder where the addict is preoccupied with food, the availability of food, and the pleasure of eating. There are three recognized addictions: • Overeating, where the addict has no control over the amount or the number of times he eats. The person has no concept of being overweight or the servings a person must eat normally. Being an overeater, the addict will indulge in uncontrolled eating binges. Being obese, the addict will be prone to hypertension, diabetes, heart diseases, arthritis, and cancer. • Bulimisa Nervosa, where the addict binges and then tries to maintain weight by vomiting, using laxatives, excessive exercise, or even fasting. Such addicts will develop dental problems like thinning of enamel, excessive number of cavities, swollen salivary glands, fluid and electrolyte disturbances, as well as calluses and scars. • Anorexia Nervosa, where the addict fears weight gain and so starves himself. Obsessed with weight gain and body shape anorexics will exhibit obsessive behaviors in maintaining themselves. In the process, they develop problems like disruption of menstrual cycle, emancipation, hair loss, unhealthy skin pallor, and a lack or fluids. The most common health problems are obesity, alcoholism, diabetes, bulimia, food allergies, and food intolerance. The signs that you are addicted to food are: • Uncontrolled cravings for particular foods. Some are addicted to sweets, others to soft drinks, yet others to coffee. • Continuous or frequent eating. No fixed meal times an addict will eat throughout the day. • Sharpened hunger on consumption of specific foods. • Anxiety attacks, feelings of nervousness, low sugar, a headache, stomach gripes and grumbles. • Withdrawal symptoms. • Fatigue. • Extreme irritations. • Intolerance to foods. • Feelings of guilt at having eaten. The very cornerstones to curing the addiction are to: • Identify and avoid what are known to be trigger foods or drinks. • Put into practice a diet that is nutrient rich, healthy, and helps maintain or loose weight. • Make lifestyle changes. Adopt a healthier lifestyle and include plenty of fresh air as well as exercise. • Focus on personal and spiritual development. Seek inner peace, calm, and joy. Practice meditation and deep breathing. • Plan to have activity filled days to distract the mind from food. Even if you have a niggling doubt that you may be a food addict you must seek help. Nip the problem in the bud before it grows into something unmanageable and serious. You must consult a nutritionist, doctor, psychologist, or an eating addiction center or specialist. There are programs run by groups like Overeaters Anonymous that run 12-step programs which are extremely beneficial.

About Author

Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for http://www.1888discuss.com/food/, the premier REVENUE SHARING discussion forum for Food Forum, including topics on all about food, food network, food recipe, health food, food gift, different food and more. His article profile can be found at the premier Food Article Submission Directory http://www.1888articles.com/food-and-drink-articles-13.html. Article Source: http://www.1888articles.com/author-paul-wilson-7.html

Using Green Tea to Increase Weight Loss and Control Diabetes

By Jon Stout

Many of us battle our weight and are looking for ways to help control our weight easily and more naturally, helping us to avoid weight related health problems. One of the most serious weight related health complications is diabetes. And, while it’s likely that we’ll never find a magic pill, it is becoming more evident that there are ways to help improve our chances of both losing weight and controlling Type II diabetes.

Type II diabetes is a disease in which the body does not properly use insulin, the hormone that converts sugar and other food into energy. This results in a higher than normal level of blood glucose in the body.

Doctors are not entirely sure what causes diabetes, but being overweight and sedentary is definitely a contributor, as is family history. Today, about 20.8 million people in the US have diabetes. Nearly one third of these people don’t realize they have the disease. In addition, about 54 million people are pre-diabetic, meaning their blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes.

To help control diabetes or a pre-diabetic condition naturally, it’s important to help keep blood glucose levels stable. Losing weight can help regulate blood glucose levels, but, losing weight the right way may help us lower our glucose levels even before we’ve lost a lot of weight.

One of the most important principles to helping lose weight and lowering blood sugar at the same time is exercise. Exercise burns off the excess glucose in our blood, having an immediate effect on our glucose levels. But, it also helps burn calories, which helps shed weight. In addition, the right kind of exercise can help build muscle, which helps you to burn more calories all the time.

Another important aspect to helping control weight and blood sugar is your diet. Going on a low calorie diet to lose weight is not enough if you want to stabilize your blood sugar. The kinds of foods you eat are just as important as the number of calories you consume. For example, eating 1500 calories a day made up of lean protein, whole grains, vegetables and fruits is far better for your blood sugar than eating 1500 calories made up from white bread, soda with sugar and white flour pasta.

It’s critical to minimize sugar and simple carbohydrates when controlling blood sugar. And, this will automatically help you lose weight, too. Foods that contain white flour and sugar are harder for your body to process and make your blood sugar levels sky rocket. In addition, they don’t keep you feeling full for very long, so you’ll likely consume more calories in a day.

On the other hand, eating lots of lean protein along with fresh fruits and vegetables, along with limiting bread and bread products to those made only from whole grains can help you feel more satisfied on fewer calories and keep your blood sugar stable as well as protecting your health while you lose weight.

Another Little Known Secret

Another way to help keep your blood sugar levels stable and help control your weight is to drink tea. In study after study, tea has been shown to help regulate blood sugar and speed up the metabolism. So, adding a few cups a day of tea to your diet may be a simple and effective way to promote weight loss and healthy blood sugar levels.

One article reported in the UK Tea Council talked about the various studies that have linked tea with weight and diabetes control. The important ingredient seems to be EGCG, a powerful anti-oxidant. Study after study has shown that EGCG has many healthy benefits.

Anti-oxidants are important because they fight the free radicals that our bodies create as we process our food. These free radicals can cause cell damage and lead to disease if we don’t keep them in check. A diet rich in anti-oxidants, such as those found in fruits and vegetables, helps keep the free radicals from taking over.

But EGCG, the most potent anti-oxidant in green tea, may be one of the most powerful of all. Green tea has a higher level of EGCG and contains this anti-oxidant in its most natural state because it has not been fermented during processing. Black tea, which is fermented, is still healthy, but doesn’t prove to have quite the disease fighting properties that you get from green tea.

This same EGCG that fights disease also seems to regulate blood sugar, and this may help control diabetes and help promote weight loss. In addition, green tea is thought to speed up the metabolism, making it even more beneficial for weight loss.

So, as you can see, there are really two major steps to controlling weight and blood sugar – diet and exercise. Proper eating habits and physical activity are the most important things you can do to protect your body from weight related health concerns. And, don’t forget your cup of green tea to go along with that healthy diet. It may be the easiest healthy thing you do all day!

Jon M. Stout is the Chairman of the Golden Moon Tea Company. Golden Moon Tea carefully selects the finest rare and orthodox teas, which are processed slowly and handcrafted with extreme care. At their website, you can learn more about their current tea offerings, including their exceptional green tea, white tea, black tea, oolong tea (also known as wu-long and wu long tea) and chai. Visit goldenmoontea.com for all details concerning the Golden Moon Tea Company's fine line of teas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Stout