On the fly
Today the world seems to get smaller with modern
communications and air travel. Yet plane travel may cause some
adverse effects to your health, such as:
· Motion sickness
· Economy class syndrome (Deep vein thrombosis)
· Jet - lag

Motion Sickness
Motion Sickness is characterized by feeling disoriented,
nauseated or even vomiting. Usually starts without prior warning.
Although it is temporary, it.s very unpleasant. Among all methods of
traveling, motion sickness occurs most frequently with sailing, and
least with train riding.
People who are prone to get motion sickness are kids age 3-12,
pregnant women, and women during their periods.
To prevent motion sickness, you may try ginger, transferal
patch pill (scopolamine), take antihistamine (e.g. Dramamine), or
acupuncture.

Economy Class Syndrome
Economy Class Syndrome is another name for deep vein
thrombosis - DVT, which may be triggered by sitting in the same position
for too long. It is a high risk in persons who have a characteristic to
easily clot blood, those who are on chemotherapy, having some kinds
of blood diseases, have a history of heart failure, are pregnant or had
recent delivery, and women on hormonal therapy.
To reduce the chance of DVT, you should occasionally move
around, drink plenty of fluid - but no alcohol, preferably not use sleeping
pills. Consult your doctor if you are having high risk, and go to see a
doctor immediately if you develop leg pains, swelling or have difficulty
breathing after the flight.

Jet - lag
Jet-lag . a symptom most plane travellers have experienced. It
includes being irritable, having short term memory loss and difficulty
with sleeping. You are more likely to get it if you fly across time zones
(west to east (e.g. from USA to Asia) is usually worse than east to
west). It is common with daytime flights, and also more frequent in
ladies.
To reduce jetlag, you should get enough rest the day before
flying, keep changing positions, drink plenty of water - better not drink
caffeine, and try not to care for those good vines, avoid sleeping pills
(you may notice that the precautions are quite similar to DVT
prevention)

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For Meat lover
While it's a good idea to limit the amount of red meat you consume, it's unnecessary to give it up completely. Let's learn to stay healthy while still enjoying eating meat.

Choosing Meat
The younger, the better. You can tell age of animal from its bone marrow. Young marrow is red and looks spongier. The cartilage appears thicker. Fresh beef looks moist and shiny red and its fat is yellow. Fresh pork is pink, with white fat. Freshness can reflect through fine texture, firmness (not too dry or too hard) plus lively color. Unfresh pieces will give a sticky feeling
when you touch it. Select proper type of meat for each cooking, for example, sirloin for steak, tougher meat for stew. Meat should be obtained from a legal slaughterhouse (so it was inspected and passed fit to eat).

Tips for cooking
When meat is grilled over high heat for a long time, a chemical compound named benzopyrene (believed to be a carcinogen) is formed. You should aware that cooking time, temperature, charred part and amount of fat affect the amount of benzopyrene formed. Thaw frozen meat to cut down cooking time and prevent scorching. Choose lean cut meat and trim visible fat. Remember that while marbling makes meat taste better, it also means fat content is higher.
To keep the meat juicy, don.t press down the patties when cooking.
Cook meat completely, but don.t overcook. With a meat thermometer, check that the meats you cook reach a minimum temperature of 71 ºC(160 ºF).

Always

Keep meat refrigerated until you are ready to cook. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling meat. Never let your eye be bigger than your stomach. Every time you eat meat, also try to fill your stomach with fresh vegetables. Think twice before heading to a BBQ buffet restaurant.
Have fun and enjoy your BBQ season!

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Circumcision
Circumcision is a procedure in which the foreskin
covering the head of the penis is partially removed. The practice
has been done since ancient times for religious, social, cultural
and medical reasons. It should be noted that in normal boys,
the foreskin should be fully retractable by the average age of
five.

Medical studies have revealed some of the benefits of
circumcision, including lower risk of urinary tract infections, lower
risk of cancer of the penis (which is very low already),
prevention of foreskin infection and easier hygienic care.

There are also reasons why parents may choose NOT
TO have their sons circumcised. These include avoiding the
risk from surgery and the choice to leave the natural foreskin
to protect the sensitive tip of penis.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) revised
their policy statement in 1999 to advise that routine
circumcision is not essential to a child.s health, and that routine
neonatal circumcision is no longer recommended.

Remaining indications for prescribing circumcision are
repeated infection of foreskin, phimosis (unable to retract
foreskin due to stricture of the opening) and religious
requirements.

Circumcision, if it has to be done, is not recommended in
3 to 5 year-old-boys, since it is the period of sexual identification.
Apart from that, it may be done safely at any age, under either
local or general anesthesia. The wound takes 7-10 days to heal.

Remember that as long as the boy is taking good hygienic
care for his special part, there is no need for circumcision.

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What you need to know about heart diseases
by: Mansi gupta
Heart is the most significant organ of the body. It controls and regulates the entire body. An individual can survive the loss of other organs of body but not of a heart. The moment heart ceases pumping blood to the body, it results in a heart stroke and there are chances that the person may die.

But people are often negligent in taking care of this undeniably crucial organ of their body. This is made evident by the studies that reveal the escalating deaths due to cardiac arrests every year. It is not just the elderly who are gripped by cardiac seizures due to their age, which implicates a declining health but also young children, and even infants who are inflicted by heart ailments.

The purpose of this article is to make its readers aware of some of the most common cardiac problems, few possible preventions and cures to them and the measures one should adopt to enjoy a healthy heart.

1. Heart diseases- human heart starts malfunctioning due to many reasons. In other words there are different diseases that affect human heart.

• Congenital Heart Disease is a very common one. It leads to malformation of heart during prenatal development and other severe complications. Chromosomal abnormalities, transfer of infected genes and environment are the main attributed causes to congenital heart disease.

• Coronary Artery Disease is one where heart simply stops pumping blood to the arteries. The blockages or difficulty in the blood flow to the main source of oxygen to the heart muscle i.e. coronary arteries is deemed to be the primary factor that results in this disease. Apart from this the thickening of the arteries called arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure and other problems like asthma, diabetes etc. are the causes of CAD. CAD produces a heart attack and so even the death of the concerned individual.


• A viral infection that attacks the pericardium pouch enveloping the heart is the ground for the Pericardial heart disorder.

2. The Roots of Heart Ailment- in most of the cases the individuals themselves are responsible for their cardiac troubles.

• Over stress is the biggest threat to a healthy life so much so that it affects even one’s heart.

• Faulty food habits i.e. eating more of junk and fattening food rich in cholesterol is the primary reason for a heart attack.


• Obesity and lack of physical labor also accentuates cardiac problems.

• Heart problems are also hereditary.


• Blood pressure patients are more prone to heart attacks.

• Alcoholics, smokers and drug addicts have acute possibilities of heart failure.


3. Some Common Cures- it is not likely to prevent every heart problem especially those malformations or diseases that are innate or since the time of birth. They can at best be treated with the aid of surgeries.

• Watch your eating and drinking habits. Avoid cholesterol abounding food like butter, cheese, creams, cakes and pastries etc.

• Aspirin is deemed to be a potential medicine to ward off cardiac snags. According to physicians aspirin thins the blood and aids in its transfer from heart to other parts of the body.


• Pregnant women are advised to keep away from hard drinks, cigarettes and narcotics. Negligence in this regard can be a source of incurable congenital heart disease to the baby.

• If you are a sedentary worker, make it a point to exercise daily in order to maintain a healthy living.


• Endeavor your best to have a nutritious and balanced diet.

• If you suffer from diabetes, blood pressure, asthma or any such disease, go for regular medical check ups to know about the functioning of the internal organs of your body.


• Last but not the least, avoid doing things that petrify you and do not favor your health. For instance if altitude or great height scares you, it is not a prudent choice to go for mountain climbing.


About the author:
Mansi gupta writes about. heart diseases Learn more at http://www.reduceheartdisease.com

Rose are red,violets are blue
Sugar is sweet, and so are you

Sugar is one of the three major types of carbohydrates: sugar, starch and fibers. Once digested, it becomes blood glucose, acting as fuel supplying muscles and organs. Excess glucose will be stored in the form called glycogen in liver and muscles. However, too much sugar certainly results as body fat.

There are many forms of sugar. (You should learn about them in order to understand those nutritional facts. on food packages.) Glucose, fructose, lactose, sucrose, dextrose, honey, molass, corn syrup, invert syrup - all are sugar.

When you consume sugar, especially refined sugar, blood glucose will rise faster than any other carbohydrates. It helps when your body is craving for energy. Unfortunately, your body will rapidly adjust the glucose level down, so you will feel fatigue. Much worse, it may trigger a habit of becoming a sweets-addict; always reaching for sweet snacks while your blood glucose is swinging up and down. To prevent such events, it is better to choose complex carbohydrates such as fruits, cereal and rice instead of sweet snacks.

The most important point is that refined sugar is not harmful in itself, it is how you consume it. Next time, pay attention to the amount and also the components of your sweet snacks. Because:
1. Sugar gives high energy but hardly any fibers. It.s very easy to eat more than you really need. You may end up overweight but suffering vitamin & mineral deficiency.
2. Sugar causes acid in your mouth and can create caries, especially if you don.t brush your teeth afterwards.
3. Snacks are usually rich in both sugar and fat, including those saturated fatty acids, which
may cause arteriosclerosis in the long run.

There are artificial sweetening substances such as aspartame, acesulfame-K, and saccharin. They are quite safe if used properly. However, I believe your conscious can tell you what is good for your health.

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Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy
by: Beverley Brooke
Many women have questions about the types of food that are safe to eat during pregnancy. It is actually easier to discuss the types of foods you should avoid during pregnancy than it is do discuss the foods that are safe to eat.

There's a lot of food to avoid during pregnancy because they may be harmful to you or your developing baby.

Food To Avoid During Pregnancy

Deli and Processed Sandwich Meats – these meats might be contaminated with Listeria, a potentially deadly bacteria that can result in miscarriage or even a stillbirth. While listeria is relatively harmless to most ordinary people, it can be life threatening for your unborn baby. Pregnant women are more susceptible to listeria because of their lowered immune system. If you want to eat deli meats, be sure that you cook them until they are steaming hot, which will help kill any bacteria that might be present.

Raw meats – much lie deli meats, raw meats should be avoided because they can carry bacteria that are harmful for both mother and baby.

Certain types of fish – while most fish is healthy, there are certain kinds of fish that contain high levels of mercury, which is harmful for your unborn baby’s brain. Consuming too much mercury during pregnancy can result in developmental problems and even brain damage. The types of fish that contain the highest levels of mercury include: swordfish, shark, king mackerel, tuna, sea bass and tilefish.

Raw eggs – like raw meat, raw eggs have the potential to carry bacteria, particularly salmonella. Believe it or not raw eggs are in a number of various products including some forms of Caesar dressing, mayonnaise and even ice cream. If you are uncertain about whether or not something you are eating contains raw eggs, avoid it unless you can find out for certain whether or not it is harmful.

Unpasteurized soft cheeses – some chesses that are imported also have the potential to carry life threatening Listeria if they are not pasteurized. The most common types of cheese that carry this risk include certain forms of Brie, Camembert, feta, Gorgonzola and Mexican cheeses like queso. If these cheeses are pasteurized however they should be safe to consume.

Unpasteurized milk or juices – remember that any type of milk product or juice that has not been pasteurized has the potential to carry Listeria and other bacteria that may be harmful for you and your baby during pregnancy.

You should also avoid alcohol during your pregnancy. There is no known safe amount of alcohol that can be recommended during pregnancy. There are numerous fetal abnormalities and birth defects as well as developmental problems that have been associated with alcohol use during pregnancy. Alcohol should also be minimized or avoided during breastfeeding, because it can pass through the breast milk.

About the author:Article by Beverley Brooke, author of "Ensure a healthy safe pregnancy for you and your baby", visit http://www.pregnancy-weight-loss.com/for more on pregnancy weight loss

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Reading in Dim light
There are several eye myths our parents used to tell us. We might even tell them to our children as well. Today I will talk about some of those myths so we will be no longer be confused.
Reading in dim light can damage your eyes
O False
It may cause eye fatigue, but not hurting your eyes.
Failure to use proper glasses will hurt your eyes.
O False
While corrective lens are used to improve eyesight, using your eyes with or without glasses cannot damage them further.
Eating tomatoes will improve your vision.
O Not really
Since only small amount of vitamin A is enough to prevent night blindness
There’s nothing you can do about preventing sight loss
O False
Regular eye exam and using proper safety eyewear will do .
An eye examination is necessary only if you’re having problem
O False
A regular eye exam is as important as other regular physical check ups.
Here is an interesting data in US vision problems are as common as one in very twenty preschoolers. It is possible for your child to have a vision problem without your awareness. But an eye doctor is able to examine even a child as small as after birth. Parents always can tell the problem when it is obvious, such as squint. For other eye problems, you need to look for signs including:
· Rubs eyes very often
· Shuts or covers one eye
· Tilts head forward
· Holds objects close to eyes
· Blink more than usual when doing close-up work
· Unable to see distant things clearly
· Complaint of eye itch or burn and cannot see well
Appearance:
-Crossed or misaligned eyes
-Red rim, swollen eyelids
-Inflamed or watery eyes
-Recurring styles of eyelids
-Color photos of the child show white reflection instead of typical red or no reflection
Common eye problems in children are nearsightedness, farsightless, Astigmatism, Squint, Color blindness, Amblyopia (lazy eyes). Untreated eye problems can worsen and lead to other serious conditions, as well as affect learning ability, athletic performance and self-esteem.
Remember that knowing how to take good care of eyes is the key to protect your eyesight for a lifetime.

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Image source: www.piperreport.com

Cancer patients warned off soy-rich foods

CANCER patients are being warned to avoid foods rich in soy because they can accelerate the growth of tumours.

The Cancer Council NSW will issue guidelines today, warning about the dangers of high-soy diets and soy supplements for cancer patients and those people in remission from cancer.

At particular risk are people suffering from hormone-dependent cancers, including breast and prostate cancer - the two most common types of cancer in Australia.

Cancer survivors are also being urged to avoid high doses of soy, as they may be more vulnerable to a relapse.

Research has found high consumption of soy products can also limit the effectiveness of conventional medicines used to treat the disease.

"There is evidence to suggest that women with existing breast cancer or past breast cancer should be cautious in consuming large quantities of soy foods or phyto-oestrogen supplements," a position statement from the Cancer Council says.

"Women with current or past breast cancer should be aware of the risks of potential tumour growth when taking soy products.

"The Cancer Council does not support the use of health claims on food labels that suggest soy foods or phyto-oestrogens protect against the development of cancer."
Health experts are particularly concerned that breast-cancer sufferers who take soy or phyto-oestrogen supplements could feed the disease and reduce the effectiveness of their treatment.
Soy, which is present in soy beans, soy milk, tofu, tempeh and some breads, contains phyto-oestrogens that mimic the actions of hormones in the body.

This means it may interfere with cancer drugs such as Tamoxifen, which works by suppressing the female hormone oestrogen.

Men with prostate cancer are also being warned against high soy consumption, as phyto-oestrogens may imitate the male hormone androgen.

Although the Cancer Council has warned against soy supplements, it believes an occasional intake of soy food is still safe for cancer patients.

Cancer Council nutritionist Kathy Chapman said soy supplements could contain dangerously high doses of phyto-oestrogens.

"If you were a woman with breast cancer and thought, 'I'm going to radically change my diet and have very large portions of soy at every meal', it could be a problem," Ms Chapman said.

"For someone who has tofu once or twice a week and drinks a bit of soya milk, it's not so much of a problem."

Soy has earned a reputation as a natural "superfood" that cuts the risk of breast or prostate cancer, and is commonly included in women's health supplements.
This claim was based on findings that cancer rates were lower in Asia, where soy consumption is high.

But soy would lower the risk of contracting cancer "only a little", according to the Cancer Council.

"While they may have a protective effect, there is also some evidence that phyto-oestrogens may stimulate the growth of existing hormone-dependent cancers," the council's statement said.
The risk of contracting other non-hormone-dependent cancers, including bowel cancer, would be unaffected by soy intake.
The Cancer Council was prompted to investigate the issue after being inundated with questions about the role of soy in cancer patients' diets.

"We felt we were getting a lot of calls on our hotline about this topic," Ms Chapman said.
Breast-cancer survivor Susie Musarra was surprised by the new evidence about soy.
The Sydney mother of two was diagnosed five years ago. She followed a healthy diet, containing plenty of fruit and vegetable juices, during chemotherapy treatment.

"It's really confusing, because you get a lot of conflicting information about what to eat," she said.

"It's good to have this advice, because it helps you make an informed decision - and the Cancer Council is a reputable source."

By Clair Weaver http://www.news.com.au/

Miracle to be a woman
From male to female. The Eight wonder of the world.
At present. Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS) is no longer an exceedingly complicated surgery if it is done by experienced and skillful physicians. However, the surgery is still considered as a life-altering and irreversible procedure. As a result, all physical and psychological aspects need to be taken into consideration.
Before the surgery the surgeon has to have all the necessary information. So as to be able to evaluate the patient’s state of mind and physical condition.
Criteria for eligibility
1. Patients must pass the psychological examinations and valuations by a psychiatrist.
2. Patients must live happily in the social role of female gender for at least 1 year.
3. Patients must be diagnosed with Gender Identity Disorder.
4. Patients have been taking hormonal sex reassignment medication.
5. Patients have been changing one of his physical appearances such as breast augmentation surgery.
Preparation
After patients have passed the psychological examinations and evaluations, they must complete a pre-operative physical check up by our physicians and hormonal specialists.
Pre-operative preparation
1. Refrain from all fluid and food consumption at least 6-8 hours before the surgery.
2. Complete your personal hygiene such as wash your hair, take a shower etc.
3. Take out all the removable denture works.
4. Remove all your jewelry.
5. Sign and complete the consent form.
6. Inform your doctor, if you have illness on the day of the surgery.
7. Consult your doctor, if you have any questions or concerns, regarding the surgery.
Sex Reassignment Surgery Procedure
1. The anesthesiologist will administer an anaesthetic to the patient.
2. The surgeon will create an adequate vaginal pouch/cavity by using the skin of the penis.
3. The penile skin will be invert to line the vaginal wall.
4. The surgeon will surgically cut open the penis. The Urethra is shorted and re-routed to emerge lower down.
5. The surgeon will use this technique to create a neo-vagina, similar to a biological female genital in both appearance and sensation.
Post operation care
1. Keep the surgical area clean as instructed by your surgeon.
8. Avoid fibers and milky beverage that can induce defection for the first 2-3 days.
9. Patient recommended to use dilator to maintain the depth and the width of neo-vagina for at least 6-12 months.
10. Refrain from sexual activity for at least 2 months after the surgery.
11. Patient is recommended to do light exercise on the fifth day after the surgery for example walking.
12. Restart taking prescribed hormones 1 week after the surgery.
13. Return for follow up appointments.
14. Follow doctor’s advice strictly.
In order to achieve self-satisfaction and a sense of being, patients should discuss all the possible aspects with your surgeon and seek consultations from the psychiatrist before making a final decision.



Source: Phyathai Sriracha hospital
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
You were so exhausted. You felt drained, and not ready at all to start a new day. You may be just too tired. But have you ever heard about the illness called Chronic Fatigue (CFS). Would you believe there is such an illness?
Even the world famous U.S. women’s soccer player, Michelle who was known as a worrier, was diagnosed with CFS. She has to retire from the team in 1999.
What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
It was first recognized as a physical illness in the 1980s as the one that’s not fully understood. The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that half a million people in the States have a CFS.
The symptoms of CFS are overwhelming fatigue and weakness that make it extremely difficult to perform routine and daily tasks, like getting out of bed, dressing, and eating. The fatigue does not get better with bed rest. The illness severely impact school ,work and pleasurable activities, causing physical and emotional symptoms that can last for months or even years.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is more common in females than usually in ages between 20 and 40, but the disorder also occurs in adolescents.
What Cause Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
The cause is not yet known. However, a viral cause for CFS is still suspected because the symptoms of CFS often mimic a viral infection Other theories suggest iron-poor blood, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), environmental allergies, a body-wide yeast infection, or psychiatric or neurological problems.
Symptoms
The CDC developed a definition in 1993 to help doctors diagnose the condition. A patient must have both of the following in order to be diagnose with CFS. One: a person must have severe, chronic fatigue for at least 6 months, without any medical conditions, of which continuous fatigue has to be the major symptom of illness. Two: having at least four of the following symptoms for at least six months
· Forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating
· Sore throat
· Tender lymph nodes in the neck or armpit
· Muscle pain or multi-joint pain with swelling or redness
· Headaches of a new type, pattern, or severity
· Unrefreshing sleep and vague feelings of illness or depression lasting more than 24 hours after exerting oneself
However, Other symptoms of CFS can include mild fever, blurry vision, chills, night sweats, diarrhea, and fluctuation in appetite and weight.
Difficulty Diagnosing CFS –CFS is a diagnosis of exclusion, which means that doctor has to make sure that the symptoms are not caused by another illness, a sleep disorder, or hormone problems such as hypothyroidism.
Treatment
Although there is no hard and fast treatment for CFS, experts say that some changes in lifestyle can help. People who remain as active as possible will have some control over the course their illness.
Recommended actions are:
· Regular, carefully planned exercise –which helps by providing healing movement increased energy, and feelings of well-being.
· Stress management and reduction techniques.
· A health diet – avoid heavy meal, alcohol, caffeine, and large quantities of junk food.
· Acupuncture, message, stretching, yoga and tai chi have been helpful for many people with CFS.
· Antidepressant medications can help ease the symptoms. Pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs are also beneficial to some individuals.
· Seek support from family and friends, because emotional health is important when coping with a chronic health problem.
For most people, the symptoms of CFS are most severe in the beginning, and afterwards they may come and go. Almost 50% of CFS patients experience partial- or full recovery within 5 years after the CFS symptoms began.
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Food that's good for a healthy heart
by: Alicia Caldelas
Here's a conundrum: While experts agree that high cholesterol and blood pressure are crucial heart disease risk factors, many people who suffer chest pain or even heart attacks have levels that are perfectly normal. This puzzle has prompted researchers to scour the body for other cardiovascular villains. Several have emerged in recent years, but the one that stands out the most is inflammation. The latest studies suggest that chronic inflammation of the lining of arteries is an important factor in the development of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. What causes this inflammation is not clear, but the good news is that (1) the advice that is given for lowering cholesterol, blood pressure and triglycerides also works fine for fighting inflammation; and (2) you can tackle all 4 culprits with the help of dietary weapons. In fact, you can plan your war against heart disease in your kitchen. Here is how:
1. Think like an artist when you choose fruits and vegetables: Eat those with the brightest colors. They have the most heart protective antioxidant pigments. A diet high in fruits and veggies also provides another important heart benefit, salicylic acid, which is the same anti-inflammatory compound created when aspirin is broken down in the body.
2. Increase food sources of omega-3 fatty acids which target high triglycerides in the blood. Good sources of omega-3s include fish such as sardines, mackerel; nuts and seeds; green leafy vegetables; grains like wheat, bajra; legumes like rajma, cowpea, and black gram.
3. Reduce the amount of meats you eat, especially red meats, and always select lean cuts. Use meat as a seasoning for vegetable dishes rather than the focal point of a meal.
4. Cut down on salt and instead use herbs and spices like ginger, garlic, turmeric and fenugreek liberally in your cooking; the first three are naturally anti-inflammatory and the last has soluble fibre which helps sweep away cholesterol from the arteries.
5. Shift to groundnut, mustard, rice bran and olive oils which contain monosaturated fatty acids that help lower (bad) LDL and maintain levels of (good) HDL cholesterol. Drastically limit margarine, vegetable shortening, butter and all products made with partially hydrogenated oils.
6. Fruits and vegetables, whole grains (wheat, brown rice, oats), beans and pulses, are also great sources of soluble and insoluble fibre, which trap LDLs and usher them out of the body. For more information on healthy heart diet, visit this: http://www.vitaminsdiary.com/cardiac-diet.htm About the author:Alicia Caldelas for http://www.vitaminsdiary.com/Your guide to buy vitamins - http://www.vitaminsdiary.com/buy-vitamins.htmIf you wish to reproduce the above article you are welcome to do so, provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this resource box and LIVE link to our website. Circulated by Bandoni Media

Managing Stress without the Use of Drugs
by: James Brann, MD
In today's fast paced environment, many people are under a lot of stress. Women are even more susceptible to the strains of everyday life. Some are single mothers that work full time jobs and then come home and care for their baby. They are over worked, underpaid and under extreme stress. Many women go to their family doctors complaining about headaches, lack of sleep and mood swings. The doctor will calmly explain to them that they have stress problems, and to take a few days off, and then prescribe them a drug to alleviate the symptoms. While the drugs may work in the short term, it doesn't treat the root problems. When you stop taking the drug, the stress will still be present. And who has the time to put their feet up and relax, especially if you have a toddler causing mayhem at home? So what are the alternatives? Well there are many and we will explore a few of them in this article, but the first thing you have to do is figure out the cause of your stress. Stress can be caused by many things. What is stressful to one person can be joyful for the next. For instance, speaking in public can cause some people a lot of anxiety, but to some it is a joy. Once you have located the reasons for your stress try to think of ways to alleviate it. Here are some more helpful tricks and tips for managing stress levels without the use of drugs. Take a Deep Breath: The reason why stress causes headaches in a lot of cases is because when a person is under significant stress they will tend to breath shallowly, or hold their breath without even realizing it. Your muscles then get a lack of oxygen and you cramp up in such places like your neck and abdomen and you get a headache. Sometimes it just makes you feel uptight. If you feel a headache coming on, or you feel uptight, stop and check your breathing. Take a few minutes to rest and take deep breaths through your nose and out through your mouth. Talk to People: Being lonely is a terrible thing, and this can cause stress all by itself. Try joining a club or something you enjoy that will connect you to other people. Sometimes just talking and having fun can do wonders for your stress problems. Regular Exercise: It has been scientifically proven that exercise helps relieve stress. Try joining a gym, or just going for a walk each night. You will boost your energy level making it easier to cope with the stress of daily life. Managing Time: Nothing causes stress like being late for an appointment. Avoid this unnecessary stress by planning your day. Insure that you have enough time to get to all of your appointments. Maybe invest in a day planner. Body Break: Your mind and body are one. Make sure that you eat proper nutritious meals, and sleep well at night. Avoid excess sugar and caffeine. These foods will give you a temporary high, but will cause you to crash later. A body that is properly maintained will be better able to cope with stress. Avoid The Use of Illegal Drugs: Many people turn to alcohol and drugs to relieve their stress. While it may seem that these things are helping with your stress they are really harming you. Not only are they wrecking your body, but they are only a temporary fix. When you wake up in the morning, the problem that you were trying to escape will still be there. Change Your Surroundings: Make sure that you are as comfortable as possible. If your chair at work is causing your back to hurt, change it. If your bed is causing backache and lack of sleep, change it. Why put your mind and body under stress that can be easily avoided. Go to Your Happy Place: Try daydreaming for a minute if you feel stressed out. Imagine a sunny beach, or a quiet cottage. Imagine the tastes and sounds. A few minutes of imagined vacation can do wonders for your mental outlook, and relieve stress. These are just a few techniques that will help you cope with your stress levels. Try concentrating on the positive aspects of your life, and not the negative. Without some stress life would be boring, but too much of anything can kill you.

About the author:Dr. James Brann is a board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He is also Editor of Women's Healthcare Topics. http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com

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Early Breast Cancer Detection
by: Brenda Witt
Most women are familiar with mammography as our "gold standard" for breast cancer screening. However, there are additional tools available that women can add to their arsenal.
One of the most effective tools in breast cancer screening is breast self-exam (BSE). However, BSE works best when women are appropriately trained in the procedure, and then followed-up with annual clinical breast exams (CBE) from their physicians. In a 2000 University of Toronto study, approximately 20,000 women were screened for breast cancer with BSE and annual CBE, and 20,000 were screened with BSE and mammograms. After more than 10 years, the BSE and annual CBE reported 610 cases of invasive breast cancer, and 105 deaths. In the BSE and mammogram group, there were 622 cases of invasive breast cancer and 107 deaths. Without question, the first line of defense against breast cancer begins with diligent BSE.

Other tools that are available to women include the AMAS (anti-malignan antibody screen) test and the NMP Nuclear matrix protein) test. Both these are blood tests that measure a certain protein in the blood that may indicate cancer. The AMAS test has been around for several years while the NMP test has not been available until only recently. Clinical trials continue in this area.
One additional tool that may detect an issue early is digital infrared thermal imaging or DITI. In 1982, the FDA approved thermography as an adjunctive tool for breast cancer screening. DITI measures heat emitted from the body and is accurate to 1/100th of a degree. DITI examines physiology, NOT structure. It is in this capacity that DITI can monitor breast HEALTH over time and alert a patient or physician to a developing problem; possibly before a lump can be seen on X-ray or palpated clinically. There are no test limitations such as breast density. DITI is a non-invasive test that does not emit radiation.

The unique characteristics of cancer allow DITI to detect breast cancer at an earlier stage of growth. As cancer is developing, it builds its own blood supply which is then reflected as increased heat in that particular region of the breast. DITI has a specificity of 83%; which reflects a problem in its early stages of development not late-stage cancer as in mammography. An abnormal thermogram carries a 10-times greater risk for cancer and a persistently abnormal thermogram carries a 22-times greater risk for cancer.
Clinical research studies continue to support thermography's role as an adjunctive tool in breast cancer screening and the ONLY tool that measures breast health over time. There are now more than 800 publications on over 300,000 women in clinical trials. A recent finding published in the American Journal of Radiology in 2003 showed that thermography has 99% sensitivity in identifying breast cancer with single examinations and limited views. Scientists concluded that a negative thermogram is powerful evidence that cancer is not present.
Thermographic screening is not covered by most insurance companies but is surprisingly affordable for most people. For more information or to find a certified clinic in your area, go to http://www.proactivehealthonline.com/.
About The Author
Brenda Witt is co-owner of Proactive Health Solutions in Southern California. She has worked in the medical field for 9 years and is now an American College of Clinical Thermology (ACCT) certified thermographer in the Orange County area.

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Are You Fit?
by: Andrew Mills
Fitness refers to ability of the body to function with vigor and alertness. Nutrition refers to the nurturing of our body, in our ability to keep it healthy and functioning as it is supposed to do. Our ability to provide the body with all the necessary food, vitamins, and minerals so that we continue to thrive in our daily life processes. But do we know if we are really fit? How do we tell? First, you might want to look at your exercise habits, if there are any. If there aren’t any exercise routines to examine, no fitness. Everyone, no matter what their age, benefits from exercise. It keeps our bodies conditioned, our mental sharpness working at top speed, and thanks to the physical aspect, we get a boost to our cardio health, extra calorie burn, and more oxygen to those cells! Do you take in more calories than your body needs? Are you supplementing your vitamins and minerals to make sure you are getting your recommended daily allowances? If you’re not making the most basic of efforts to take care of your nutritional needs, you aren’t a fit individual. You may not look sick, you may not have any noticeable symptoms of ill-health, but you’re not the fit and toned individual you could be. What about the stress levels in your life? Do work in an environment with high levels of stress? Is your personal life a source of comfort or does it add to your stress levels? Do you engage in some form of stress-relieving activity? Stress is the number on contributor to heart attacks and strokes, since they manage to speed up the affect of the real culprits. Stress is basically an out of control situation for most adults today. We manage to schedule every moment of our free time, and leave ourselves with no time for quiet reflection, or time to deal with life’s unexpected emergencies. Fitness requires us to examine more than just our exercise routine. The mere definition of fitness refers to the body’s ability to meet physical stresses. That includes coping with our day to day life, getting from the beginning of the day to the end, without being worn completely out. In order to be truly fit, we find ways to rid ourselves of built up stress, the kind that begins to affect our muscles, muscle tone, and composition. Massages are the best cure for ridding our bodies of the stress buildup that can occur, even with exercise regimens and detract from our overall fitness. Exercises that demand total body involvement are the best for maintaining and improving your level of fitness most effectively. Running, swimming, jogging, dancing, cycling, and very brisk walking are some of the more popular total body involvement exercises. There are so many occasions to stop and question our efforts at maintaining optimal health, that we usually don’t even take the time to begin the examination. But it is beneficial to our overall health, the quality and quantity of our life, to make every effort to be fit, healthy, individuals. Read more health and fitness articles at http://www.dietpost.info http://www.fitnesspost.info http://www.takingsteroids.com http://anabolic.ca About the author:webmaster of http://www.anabolic.ca and
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Soy Foods for better health
by: Dr. Donald A. Miller
Soyfoods aid longevity. Although a few authors dispute this, most literature found on the reputable internet sources show that traditional soyfoods, especially those with live cultures, correlate with reduced risks of various diseases without negative side effects. But the maximum benefit comes from using soy foods to replace a large fraction of the diet normally occupied by high sources of saturated fats. In other words, don't just add soymilk and soy shakes, soy based artificial cream toppings to your diet. Instead, replace 30 to 60 percent of your red meats with tofu, miso, tempeh, edamame, and so forth. Also use baked, broiled, or grilled chicken, fish, and other foods that are not fried. Soy Beans are unique in the plant world, in that they provide all of the "essential" amino acids (proteins) and fatty acids that the human body can not make, plus numerous "plant hormones" that protect against various ailments, such as cancers, diabetes, heart disease, memory loss, menopause, osteoporosis, PMS, stroke. ** Diet with FACTS, not MYTHS. ** About the author:Dr. Miller is author of ""Easy Health Diet"" http://easyhealthdiet.com/diet.htm""Exercise for Juniors to Seniors"" http://easyhealthdiet.com/JrSr.htmand numerous free articles on health http://articles.easyhealthdiet.com/Seven of ten deaths are caused by preventable diseases. Circulated by Bandoni Media