Swine flu (deadly strain)

The World Health Organization says the new type of swine flu that has broken out in Mexico and has killed more than 100 people till now has the potential to become a pandemic.

What it is?
Swine flu is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease of pigs, caused by one of several swine influenza A viruses.

The virus
The WHO has confirmed that some of the cases in the current outbreak are a never-before-seen strain of influenza A virus, carrying the designation H1N1. The strain is a mixture of viruses from swine, birds and humans.

Symptoms
Symptoms of swine flu in humans are similar to those of seasonal influenza, so it is difficult to detect and mild cases may escape recognition. The symptoms include sudden fever, coughing, muscle aches and extreme fatigue. The new strain also causes more diarrhoea and vomiting than normal flu.

Vaccines
Vaccines are available for pigs to prevent swine influenza. But as of now, there is no vaccine to protect humans from swine flu, although the CDC is formulating one. The seasonal influenza vaccine may help provide partial protection against swine H3N2, but not swine H1N1 viruses, like the one spreading currently.

How the flu spreads to humans?
The swine influenza A virus has many strains, the newest being the H1N1 type. The respiratory virus attacks pigs and causes influenza in them. A human may contract the flu on coming in direct contact with an infected pig. It spreads like normal flu, when viral particles expelled in coughs and sneezes are breathed in.

WHO PANDEMIC ALERT PHASES
Phase 1: No viruses circulating among animals causing infections in humans

Phase 2: Animal influenza virus causes infection in humans, and is considered potential pandemic threat

Phase 3: Influenza causes sporadic cases in people, but no significant human-to-human transmission

Phase 4: Verified human-to-human transmission able to cause community-level outbreaks. Significant increase in risk of a pandemic

Phase 5: Human-to-human transmission in at least two countries. Strong signal pandemic imminent

Phase 6: Virus spreads to another country in a different region. Global pandemic under way

Failure Makes Us Stronger

New research is pinpointing how we learn and make decisions. To the brain, a new thought or idea is like a spider. If it is industrious enough, an intricate web of knowledge spins out from it. Snapshots of the brain taken during learning actually show neurons firing, growing, and forming new connections. This is fascinating in itself, but what's even more fascinating is that failure can trigger this.

That's right; failure can enhance your brain. When those with growth mind-sets fail at a task, she detects them entering a more focused mental state as they try to figure out their mistake. And in subsequent trials, they improve. In effect, they've learned, and their brains have "grown." Those with fixed mind-sets, however, never enter this focused state of learning and show little, if any, advancement.

Antoine Bechara, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of Southern California, has taken Dweck's work a step further. He recently isolated two equally sized centers in the prefrontal cortex, one that he claims is responsible for the fear of failure and the other for the lure of success. It is between these, he says, that the debate between risk and reward occurs. Not unlike the metaphoric devil and angel on our shoulders, these areas interact during the decision-making process. Although more research is needed, these centers may turn out to be the physical locations for Dweck's twin mind-sets.

"We always knew people could learn from their mistakes, but now we're finding out exactly how and where this happens," explains Bechara. "Basically, it all comes down to survival. In a normally functioning brain, failure is welcomed as an opportunity for learning and strengthening the species."

Source:From Net

Fat-Burning Foods

What are fat-burning foods?
Fat-burning foods are rich in fiber and protein and are poor in fat. Protein foods do require more energy to digest than carbohydrates or fats. The protein content of these foods boosts your metabolism and increases the rate at which your body burns stored fat. Fiber also provides high satiety value, so you feel fuller, longer.

If you can't find these foods in your kitchen right now, simply add them to your grocery list.
Incidentally, do you know what percentage of your calories consumed are coming from fat? Use this Health and Diet Assessment Tool to help you break down your percentages. A healthy level is one where less then 30 percent of the total calories consumed daily come from fat.

The top ten fat-burning foods

Whole grain
Whole grain breads and cereals are a great source of fibre. They generally take a longer time and more energy to digest. Try having a bowl of whole grain cereal with skim milk for breakfast, and combining two fat-burning foods that will give your morning a fat-burning boost.

Beans
Beans are low in fat and high in quality protein. They also have the added bonus of soluble fibre's disease-preventing qualities. The soluble fibre traps bile and lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol without affecting HDL (good) cholesterol.
So load up on a serving of beans for lunch or dinner.

Hot chillies
Chillies are full of vitamins. The compound capsaicin present in chillies temporarily stimulates your body to release some stress hormones, which boost your metabolism and cause you to burn more calories. But limit your intake to one or two in a day, as they may cause heartburn.

Lean meat
The leanest meat pieces are excellent sources of protein with low fat content. The protein helps boost your metabolism, lose fat and build lean muscle tissue so you burn more calories.

Low-fat dairy products
Low fat yogurt or milk can boost weight loss efforts due to calcium content. They also contain a hunger suppressant protein called casein that helps reduce hunger pangs. Consuming a lot of dairy foods may help people who are trying to control their weight, by burning more fat and consuming more calories without putting on excessive kilos.

Eggs
Eggs are also a good source of high protein. So start having eggs for breakfast, as research shows that the morning meal fires up your metabolism and increases your energy levels to tackle the day ahead or your morning workout. If you are worried about your cholesterol levels, then you may avoid the egg yolk.

Green tea
Green tea has been known as a health drink for years. In addition to providing a low calorie alternative to sugary sodas, cold coffees and frappucinos (and saving on calorie intake), green tea contains caffeine, which is a decent fat burner. Green tea also has high amounts of catechin and polyphenols, which give your body a small boost in burning up calories. Catechins appear to prevent absorption of fat and to stabilise glucose levels in the body.

Green leafy vegetables
Green leafy vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals and fibre. The fibre helps to burn fat. It also increases satiety and gives a feeling of fullness.

Berries
Berries are a powerhouse of nutrition -- full of vitamins and minerals. The fibre found in berries makes them a fat burning food.

Almonds
Almonds are a fatty food, but they can help burn body fat. They are loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and heart-healthy fat. They are also a good source of fibre and protein. Nuts also help your body maintain good levels of fat burning hormones, as well as control your appetite and cravings so that you essentially eat less calories overall, even though you're consuming a high-fat food.

So put on your thinking cap and the next time you go shopping for groceries, start by buying and preparing these healthy fat-busting foods. And hey -- next time you sit down to eat some of these foods, be sure to watch your portions, or they will add up

Skin care for summer

Summer’s here.
Time to pamper your face. The skin-care shelves in stores are packed with antiaging products and claims. Here are the topical ingredients clinically shown to help diminish the fine lines and wrinkles that appear when collagen fibres break down.

Vitamin A: Often listed as retinol, it penetrates skin to increase collagen production, eventually smoothing lines, says US dermatologist Dr Flor A. Mayoral.

Vitamin C: It can stimulate collagen to help build up your skin and smooth and fade lines. It works best when you apply it at night, says Dr Arthur W. Perry, a clinical associate professor of plastic surgery at a US medical school.Vitamin E: Look on the label for DL-alpha-tocopherol; it blocks the cancer-causing effects of UV light and slows the production of wrinkles.

And vitamin E enhances the efficacy of sunscreen, decreasing redness and swelling after sun exposure.

Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA): Used as an exfoliant, it’s also listed as glycolic acid. By peeling off the top layer of dead skin, it gives you a more youthful appearance.

Strong:Vitamin B3 (niacin): It helps shield skin from toxins and decreases brown blotches. Bonus: It helps ease the irritation that can be a side effect of vitamin A creams.

Phobia Guide

Achluophobia Fear of darkness.
Acousticophobia Fear of noise.
Acrophobia Fear of heights.
Agoraphobia Fear of open spaces or of being in crowded places.
Ailurophobia Fear of cats.
Alektorophobia Fear of chickens.
Alliumphobia Fear of garlic.
Allodoxaphobia Fear of opinions.
Altophobia Fear of heights.
Amaxophobia Fear of riding in a car.
Ambulophobia Fear of walking.
Ancraophobia or Anemophobia Fear of wind.
Androphobia Fear of men.
Anglophobia Fear of England, English culture, etc.
Anthrophobia Fear of flowers.
Antlophobia Fear of floods.
Anuptaphobia Fear of staying single.
Apeirophobia Fear of infinity.
Aphenphosmphobia Fear of being touched.
Apiphobia Fear of bees.
Apotemnophobia Fear of persons with amputations. Arachnephobia/ Arachnophobia Fear of spiders.
Arithmophobia Fear of numbers.
Arrhenphobia Fear of men. Arsonphobia Fear of fire.
Astraphobia/ Astrapophobia Fear of thunder and lightning.
Astrophobia Fear of stars/space.
Ataxophobia Fear of disorder or untidiness.
Atelophobia Fear of imperfection.
Athazagoraphobia Fear of being forgotton or ignored or forgetting.
Atychiphobia Fear of failure.
Aurophobia Fear of gold.
Automatonophobia Fear of ventriloquist's dummies, animatronic creatures, wax statues
Automysophobia Fear of being dirty.
Autophobia Fear of being alone or of oneself.
Aviophobia/Aviatoph obia Fear of flying.

Bacillophobia Fear of microbes.
Bacteriophobia Fear of bacteria.
Bathmophobia Fear of stairs or steep slopes.
Batophobia Fear of heights.
Batrachophobia Fear of amphibians (like frogs)
Belonephobia Fear of pins and needles.
Bibliophobia Fear of books.
Botanophobia Fear of plants.
Brontophobia Fear of thunder and lightning.

Cacophobia Fear of ugliness.
Cainophobia/ Cainotophobia Fear of newness, novelty.
Caligynephobia Fear of beautiful women.
Carnophobia Fear of meat.
Catagelophobia Fear of being ridiculed.
Catoptrophobia Fear of mirrors.
Cenophobia / Centophobia Fear of new things or ideas.
Ceraunophobia Fear of thunder.
Chaetophobia Fear of hair.
Chionophobia Fear of snow.
Chiraptophobia Fear of being touched.
Chirophobia Fear of hands.
Chorophobia Fear of dancing.
Chrometophobia/ Chrematophobia Fear of money.
Chromophobia/ Chromatophobia Fear of colors.
Chronomentrophobia Fear of clocks.
Cibophobia/Sitophob ia/Sitiophobia Fear of food.
Claustrophobia Fear of confined spaces.
Climacophobia Fear of stairs.
Clinophobia Fear of going to bed.
Coimetrophobia Fear of cemeteries.
Coulrophobia Fear of clowns.
Cyberphobia Fear of computers.
Cyclophobia Fear of bicycles.
Cymophobia Fear of waves.
Cynophobia Fear of dogs.

Demophobia Fear of crowds.
Dendrophobia Fear of trees.
Dentophobia Fear of dentists.
Didaskaleinophobia Fear of going to school.
Dipsophobia Fear of drinking.
Dishabiliophobia Fear of undressing in front of someone.
Dromophobia Fear of crossing streets.

Eisoptrophobia Fear of mirrors.
Elurophobia Fear of cats.
Emetophobia Fear of vomiting.
Entomophobia Fear of insects.
Ephebiphobia Fear of teenagers.
Epistaxiophobia Fear of nosebleeds.
Equinophobia Fear of horses.
Ergophobia Fear of work.

Felinophobia Fear of cats.

Gamophobia Fear of marriage.
Geliophobia Fear of laughter.
Genophobia Fear of sex.
Gephyrophobia, Gephydrophobia, or Gephysrophobia Fear of crossing bridges.
Gerascophobia Fear of growing old.
Glossophobia Fear of speaking in public or of trying to speak. Gynephobia/Gynophob ia Fear of women.

Haphephobia/ Haptephobia Fear of being touched.
Harpaxophobia Fear of being robbed.
Heliophobia Fear of the sun.
Hemophobia/Hemaphob ia/Hematophobia Fear of blood.
Hierophobia Fear of priests or sacred things.
Hominophobia Fear of men.
Hylophobia Fear of forests.

Iatrophobia Fear of doctors.
Ichthyophobia Fear of fish.

Judeophobia Fear of Jews.

Keraunophobia Fear of thunder and lightning.
Kymophobia Fear of waves.

Lachanophobia Fear of vegetables.
Ligyrophobia Fear of loud noises.
Limnophobia Fear of lakes.
Liticaphobia Fear of lawsuits.
Lockiophobia Fear of childbirth.
Logizomechanophobia Fear of computers.
Logophobia Fear of words.
Lygophobia Fear of darkness.

Macrophobia Fear of long waits.
Mageirocophobia Fear of cooking.
Maieusiophobia Fear of childbirth.
Megalophobia Fear of large things.
Melissophobia Fear of bees.
Methyphobia Fear of alcohol.
Microphobia Fear of small things.
Misophobia Fear of being contaminated with dirt/germs.
Monophobia Fear of solitude or being alone.
Motorphobia Fear of automobiles.
Musophobia/Murophob ia Fear of mice.

Necrophobia Fear of death / dead things.
Neophobia Fear of anything new.
Nosocomephobia Fear of hospitals.
Numerophobia Fear of numbers.

Ochlophobia Fear of crowds or mobs.
Ophidiophobia Fear of snakes.
Ophthalmophobia Fear of being stared at.
Ornithophobia Fear of birds.

Pedophobia Fear of children.
Peladophobia Fear of bald people.
Phasmophobia Fear of ghosts.
Placophobia Fear of tombstones.
Plutophobia Fear of wealth.
Pogonophobia Fear of beards.
Potamophobia Fear of rivers or running water.
Pteronophobia Fear of being tickled by feathers.
Pupaphobia fear of puppets.
Pyrophobia Fear of fire.

Rhytiphobia Fear of getting wrinkles.
Rupophobia Fear of dirt.

Scolionophobia Fear of school.
Selachophobia Fear of sharks.
Sesquipedalophobia Fear of long words.

Tachophobia Fear of speed.
Technophobia Fear of technology.
Telephonophobia Fear of telephones.
Testophobia Fear of taking tests.
Theophobia Fear of gods or religion.
Trypanophobia Fear of injections.

Venustraphobia Fear of beautiful women.
Verbophobia Fear of words.
Verminophobia Fear of germs.
Vestiphobia Fear of clothing.

Xenoglossophobia Fear of foreign languages.

Zoophobia Fear of animals

Depression

Depression Warning Signs You Should Know About
You ever experience feeling sad and lonely most of the time even without a reason? Chances are you are having a depression attack. You may not realize it, but it does occur. At times, it even mixes with situations, aggravating your feelings of depression. Stressing situations such as driving a car through traffic, failing to meet a deadline, missing an important opportunity at work can all be depression
warning signs.
Feeling Sad and Lonely?
You may not be aware but lingering feelings of sadness may actually be a sign that you are afflicted with depression. For worse conditions of depression, stressful conditions may not be required to trigger a depressive mood. In this case, feeling depressed may be as regular as brushing your teeth throughout the day. The major problem is that it will surely have a negative effect on your day, in your work and even relationships with your family and friends.

Usual Causes Of Depression
To be able to identify the signs if you are indeed having depression attacks, you must first understand the causes behind such attacks and learn to relate them with the symptoms of depression. No one really knows the specific cause of a depression attack at any given time. But experts were able to pinpoint depression warning signs due to years of studies and observation.

Genetics
The genetic make-up of a person is said to be one of the depression warning signs and is the cause of about 80% of all depression cases. If depression lies deep in the roots of the family tree, chances are, one or more of the descendants will experience and be diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives.
In this case, the physiological relation of depression seems to have gained a foothold as the cause of depression. Other physical causes identified to be depression warning signs are hormonal changes in the body, especially in women during pregnancy and every menstrual cycle.
Aside from this, there is the so-called mental state of the person involved. There are many factors that can be identified that molds the mental state of an individual as he grows up to maturity.

Environmental Factors
Other factors that were found to have influence on the mental development of an individual are the environment, his life experiences especially the traumatic events, his relationships with his family and peers, and a low self-worth or self-esteem because of poor education and low income status.
Another depression warning sign is the family income and the level of education reached. Some experts claim that the poorer a family is, the more prone they are to experience depression. The same goes to a person with poor education. Generally, all the factors outlined that have an impact on the mental development of an individual are understood to happen simultaneously and together leaving impressions on one another like intertwined vines.

For example, a child from a low income family may be picked on at school, damaging his concept of peer relationships, which in turn, can lead to more serious bullying, and making the experience as a traumatic event and the list of events goes on and on.
Any one of these factors, which includes genetics, holds a key for the development of an individual. Both the physiological and mental development of a person seem to have a bearing as to the chances of him developing a depression attack in his lifetime.

Warning Signs
The causes presented above are actually depression warning signs. Every situation can only be defined as a trigger but they are not the root cause of a depression attack. Depression, when it is clinically diagnosed is a condition deeply rooted in the personal history of a person, his views and development are all part of the signs to watch out for in experiencing depression.
Of course, these are all based on statistics and they do not mean that an individual will necessarily develop depression just because he belongs to one or more of the groupings described above.

Bananas!

This is interesting. After Reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.

Bananas. Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression : According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS : Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia : High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure : This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke

Brain Power : 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped
through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation : High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers : One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn : Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness : Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood
sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites : Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the
affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves : Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria
found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and
crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady

Ulcers : The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders
because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal = Affective Disorder (SAD) : Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress : Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat,
sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we
are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be balanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes : According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine,
"eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"

Still wonder why monkeys are so happy most of the time?

Standard Height and Weight for Indian Men & Women

Standard Height and Weight for Indian Men & Women:

Height in Metre &(Feet/inches) Men (In Kgs) Women (In Kgs)
1.52 (5’ 0”) --- 50.8 to 54.4.
1.54 (5’ 1”) --- 51.7 to 55.3
1.57 (5’ 2”) 56.3 to 60.3 53.1 to 56.7.
1.60 (5’ 3”) 57.6 to 61.7 54.4 to 58.1.
1.63 (5’ 4”) 58.9 to 63.5 56.3 to 59.9.
1.65 (5’ 5”) 60.8 to 65.3 57.6 to 61.2.
1.68 (5’ 6”) 62.2 to 66.7 58.9 to 63.5.
1.70 (5’ 7”) 64.0 to 68.5 60.8 to 65.3.
1.73 (5’ 8”) 65.8 to 70.8 62.2 to 66.7.
1.75 (5’ 9”) 67.6 to 72.6 64.0 to 68.5.
1.78 (5’10”) 69.4 to 74.4. 65.8 to 70.3.
1.80 (5’11”) 71.2 to 76.2 67.1 to 71.7.
1.83 (6’ 0”) 73.0 to 78.5 68.5 to 73.9.
1.85 (6’ 1”) 75.3 to 80.7 ---
1.88 ( 6’2”) 77.6 to 83.5 ---
1.90 (6’ 3”) 79.8 to 85.7 ---

But, please be informed that it is not necessary to strictly adhere to the figures given above. Carrying a little extra or a little less weight which one feels comfortable with and which gives a “healthy” look is perfectly acceptable.

Weight control measures should be long term goals. Sudden crash weight loss regimes are not only harmful but also not sustainable over a long period of time. Watching one’s weight should start relatively early in life. Body weight can be kept in balance by a healthy mixture of diet, physical exercise and activity and in fact adopting a suitable life style. The best way is to permanently adopt a healthy and regular life style.

You have to put in some effort for maintaining your body weight and your own health!
Other aspects of “ageing gracefully & healthy” will be elaborated in our forthcoming newsletters.

Things to do :
•Check your height and weight once in 6 months & keep a record.
•If you are grossly overweight or underweight consult your family physician or suitable medical professional and slowly and in determined fashion adopt long term life style changes.
•An annual or biannual “Comprehensive Health Check Up” after the age of 35 is a worthwhile measure to be followed by all.
•Keep all your health records filed carefully and datewise.

Walking

In today's fast paced life, people are leading a very unhealthy lifestyle. The increasing rate of health diseases, stress levels, lack or inadequate sleep are caused due to the fast paced life style. People get so engrossed in coming up in life that the forget their health. There is a popular saying 'If wealth is lost, something is lost, but if health is lost, everything is lost". It is the apt time that people start concentrating on their health and well being.

Walking is the most safest start towards exercise routine. Particularly for obese people walking is the most recommended start. To start with always stick to a comfortable speed in which you do not gasp for breath. One should never start to jog immediately take time and seek appropriate medical advice before jogging.


Walking on hills is good. The uphill provides cardiovascular benefits and the downhill is known for reducing the blood sugar levels. Walking on hills may not be possible for all of us due to the location constraints. This can be achieved by using some specifically made Treadmills which allow to simulate the required inclination.

Walking helps burn fat, boosts the energy levels and decreases health risks. Many people whose life style is sedentary or who are obese have very low fitness levels due to lack of exercise. Walking is the ideal exercise start for these kind of people. Walking enables to workout at a steady, which is required to burn fat effectively. To burn fat we need the body to be permanently in fat-burning mode during the whole exercise, walking is a constant and gradual activity so it achieves fat-burning mode very effectively even if the person lacks some fitness.
Walking has many health benefits, It can reduce the risk of many diseases like heart attack, stroke, depression, colon cancer, constipation, osteoporosis, and impotence etc. It helps cure sleeplessness.

Listed are some of the benefits of Walking:

Helps overcome depression.
Helps fight against stress and aids in relaxation.
Helps over come sleepless nights.
Helps to increase the body activity and provides flexibility.
Helps toning the body.
Helps to burn fat.

Steps For Healthier Life

In the late 20th century, along came aerobics, isometrics, Richard Simmons, Dr. Atkins, and a nonstop barrage of exercise gadgets, all of which have left the average person dazed, confused, and in worse shape then ever! So what really works? Here are some helpful tips for getting in shape.

1. Follow a balanced exercise program.
A brisk 30-minute walk while enjoying the sunset will burn 1,500 calories per week that's 78,000 calories a year! Cardio is great for your heart and lungs, but add a couple sessions of weight training to tone or build muscle.

2. Schedule family fitness time.
Play basketball, chase a Frisbee, or hike the hills together. You'll be getting closer to each other as you shape up.

3. Invest in a jump rope.
It's a great workout anytime. Set a goal of skipping rope for ten minutes per day and watch those love handles melt away.

4. Get a training partner. Knowing that someone is waiting is great motivation to get on with it. You'll also have a ready-made spotter.

5. Exercise in water to relieve stress on the joints and back.
Check out the aerobics programs at your local pool and go aqua -- the wave of the future.

6. Get active at work.
Walk around outside on your breaks. When in front of a computer, sit up and pull in your abs.

7. Eat more frequent, smaller meals.
It is better to eat six small meals a day than three large meals. The smaller the meal, the less your stomach will stretch.

8. Hydrate with water.
Drink at least eight glasses of water every day. This does not include coffee, soda, or fruit-flavored drinks, which have extra calories.

9. Don't pollute your body.
Avoid tobacco, excess alcohol, and illegal drugs. These are bad for health and can also inhibit weight loss.

10. Always eat a good breakfast.
Skipping breakfast is a method of dieting for many people. But studies have found that people who eat breakfast are actually less likely to be obese.

11. Start cooking healthy.
Stop frying your food and opt for roasting or grilling instead. Frying only adds unnecessary calories to food.

12. Enjoy every morsel of food.
When eating, chew food slowly. Relish it and pay attention to flavors and taste. The longer you chew, the fuller you'll feel!

13. Be an early riser.
Start your day early. Rising with the sun helps reset your body's clock. This builds better sleep patterns so you're energized all day.

14. Be sun smart.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. Sun exposure increases your risk, so when you're in the heat of it, either cover up or slip, slap, slop on a high SPF sunscreen!

15. Stay emotionally in shape.
Poor emotional health can weaken your body's immune system. Don't ignore what's going on in your heart and mind. It is healthy to acknowledge your emotions.

16. Keep your teeth healthy.
A common cause of tooth loss after age 35 is gum disease. Keep your teeth and gums healthy and free of plaque by brushing and flossing every day.

17. Eat five or more servings of fruits and veggies per day.
Keep fruits and vegetables on the front shelves of your refrigerator so they are easy to get to when you reach for a snack!

18. De-stress your life.
Stress can cause or aggravate many health conditions. So, don't sweat the small stuff!


19. Know thyself.
Knowing your family's health history can help you stay healthy. Many diseases are hereditary and preventable with early screening.
20. Look after your mental health. Depression is a serious illness that needs to be treated. It's not your fault, so you shouldn't be afraid to talk to a doctor for help.

21. Get a good night's sleep.
Lack of sleep causes stress on the body. It increases cortical and insulin, promoting fat storage and making weight loss difficult.

22. Ladies, perform regular breast examinations.
The best time to perform breast self-examination is the week after your menstrual period, when breast tissue is less tender and swollen.

23. Take a nap.
Many have commended the benefits of a good 30- to 45-minute nap a day to keep refreshed and lower stress. Try it -- it doesn't mean you've passed your use-by date!

24. Open your lungs.
Sing your heart out! It doesn't matter what you sound like! In the shower, in the car, or wherever you are, sing out loud. It's a great stress reliever.

25. Take time to enjoy your life.
While it's important to do a good job and take care of responsibilities, life is also meant to be enjoyed. Loosen up! Laugh at yourself, and play as hard as you work!

Source: From NET

Importance of Breakfast

Breakfast can help prevent strokes, heart attack and sudden death. Advice on not to skip breakfast!

Healthy living. For those who always skip breakfast, you should stop that habit now! You've heard many times that 'Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.' Now, recent research confirms that one of the worst practices you can develop may be avoiding breakfast. Why?

Because the frequency of heart attack, sudden death, and stroke peaks between 6: 00a.m. and noon, with the highest incidence being between 8: 00a.m. and 10:00a.m.What mechanism within the body could account for this significant jump in sudden death in the early morning hours? We may have an Answer. Platelet, tiny elements in the blood that keep us from bleeding to Death if we get a cut, can clump together inside our arteries due to Cholesterol or plaque buildup in the artery lining. It is in the morning hours that platelets become the most activated and tend to form these internal blood clots at the greatest frequency.

However, eating even a very light breakfast prevents the morning platelet activation that is associated with heart attacks and strokes. Studies performed at Memorial University in St.Johns, Newfoundland found that eating a light, very low-fat breakfast was critical in modifying the morning platelet activation. Subjects in the study consumed either low-fat or fat-free yogurt, orange juice, fruit, and a source of protein coming from yogurt or fat-free milk. So if you skip breakfast, it's important that you change this practice immediately in light of this research. Develop a simple plan to eat cereal, such as oatmeal or Bran Flakes, along with six ounces of grape juice or orange juice, and perhaps a piece of fruit. This simple plan will keep your platelets from sticking together, keep blood clots from forming, and perhaps head off a potential Heart Attack or stroke.

Friends never ever skip breakfast!

Blood Pressure:An Introduction

Garlic: Garlic is very effective in lowering blood pressure. Take 2-3 raw garlic cloves a day. It slows down the pulse rate and relieves the symptoms of dizziness, numbness and shortness of breath and formation of gas within the digestive system.

Indian Gooseberry: Indian gooseberry is also very effective in controlling high blood pressure.

Lemon: Lemon is also very effective food in controlling high blood pressure. It helps in maintaining capillary fragility.

Grapefruit: Grapefruit is useful in preventing high blood pressure.

Watermelon: Watermelon also safeguards against high blood pressure. The seeds of watermelon also can be dried and roasted and taken in liberal amounts.

Rice: Rice is low-fat, low-cholesterol and low-salt content is very good for people suffering from high B.P. who have been advised salt-restricted diet. Particularly brown rice having calcium soothes and relaxes the nervous system and helps relieve High B.P symptoms.

Potato: Boiled potatoes are very valuable in lowering high B.P. Boiled potatoes absorb very little salt and thus are very useful. Potatoes are rich in Potassium and not sodium salts and magnesium present in potato is also beneficial.

Parsley: Parsley is very useful in high blood pressure. It helps maintain the blood vessels .Parsley can be taken as a beverage by simmering 20gms of fresh parsley leaves gently in 250 ml of water for a few minutes. Drink this several times a day.

Vegetable Juice: Raw vegetable juices, especially carrot and spinach juices, taken separately or in combination, are also beneficial in the treatment of high B.P If taken in combination; 300 ml of carrot juice and 200 ml of spinach juice should be mixed to make 500 ml and taken daily. If taken separately, one glass should be taken twice daily, morning and evening.

Cut down on these: Cut down on salt, cholesterol, fat, tea, coffee and alcohol intake to keep a tab on high blood pressure.

Don't repress your feelings: Don't repress your feelings, talk about them to friends and exercise regularly.

Headache

Headaches are one of the most common pain-related health problems in both children and adults. You may have a headache along with another minor health problem such as a sore throat, cold, or sinus problem.
Types of headaches
The most common types of headaches usually are not serious but may occur again and again.
• Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and are often caused by stress and emotional strain. Most adults have tension headaches from time to time. See an illustration of possible areas of pain from a tension headache.
• Cluster headaches
• Migraine headaches. Approximately one-third of people who have migraine headaches first began having them as teenagers.
Common causes of headaches
Common causes of headaches include:
• Alcohol, caffeine, or other drug use or withdrawal.
• Changes in the levels of chemicals in the body (neurotransmitters).
• Coughing or sneezing.
• Dehydration.
• Dental problems or procedures, such as pain from grinding the teeth or from a root canal.
• Eating or drinking cold foods and fluids.
• Emotional stress.
• Exposure to smoke or fumes from chemicals, including carbon monoxide.
• Eyestrain.
• Fever.
• High altitude. Lower oxygen levels at high altitudes can cause headaches.
• High blood pressure (hypertension).
• Infection in the sinuses, such as sinusitis or an abscess.
• Medical procedures, such as the aftereffects of a lumbar puncture (spinal tap).
• Medicines. Many medicines can cause headaches.
• Muscle strain in the neck, upper back, or shoulder muscles.
• Upper respiratory infections.
Headaches with other serious symptoms
Although rare, a headache may be a sign of a serious illness. Other symptoms, such as vomiting, dizziness, or changes in vision, may also be present. The following serious illnesses or injuries can cause headaches.
• A head injury:
o Injury to the brain
o Fracture of the skull
o Bleeding in or around the brain
• Brain tumor, which causes swelling within the brain.
• Infection in the brain (encephalitis) or of the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).
• Stroke, a problem that occurs when a blood vessel (artery) that supplies blood to the brain bursts or is blocked by a blood clot.
• A rupture of a blood vessel with bleeding in or around the brain (aneurysm)
Headaches and other health conditions
Other health conditions that can cause or contribute to headaches include:
• Fibromyalgia, a condition that causes widespread muscle and soft tissue pain and tenderness.
• Glaucoma, an eye disease that damages the nerves at the back of the eye.
• High blood pressure (hypertension).
• High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
• Inflammatory problems, such as arthritis, lupus, or giant cell arthritis.
• Kidney disease, which causes wastes to build up in the blood.
• Low calcium levels in the blood (hypocalcaemia) or over activity of the gland that helps control the release of calcium into the blood (hyperparathyroidism).
• Lyme disease, a bacterial infection spread by certain types of ticks.
• Mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression.
• Problems with pregnancy, such as severe high blood pressure (preeclampsia).
• Sleep problems, such as insomnia or sleep apnea.
• Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
Review the Emergencies and Check Your Symptoms sections to determine if and when you need to see a doctor.

CANCER PREVENTION UPDATE

AFTER YEARS OF TELLING PEOPLE CHEMOTHERAPY IS THE ONLY WAY TO TRY (TRY THE KEY WORD) AND ELIMINATE CANCER, JOHNHOPKINS HOSPITAL (IN USA ) IS FINALLY STARTING TO TELL YOU THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE WAY .

1. Every person has cancer cells in the body.These cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a few billion. When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable size.

2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person's lifetime.

3. When the person's immune system is strong the cancer cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumors.

4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has multiple nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic, environmental, food and lifestyle factors.

5. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing diet and including supplements will strengthen the immune system.

6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly growing cancer cells and also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells in the bone marrow, gastro-intestinal tract etc, and can cause organ damage, like liver, kidneys, heart, lungs etc.

7. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars and damages healthy cells, tissues and organs..

8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often reduce tumor size. However prolonged use of chemotherapy and radiation do not result in more tumor destruction.


9. When the body has too much toxic burden from chemotherapy and radiation the immune system is either compromised or destroyed, hence the person can succumb to various kinds of infections and complications.


10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can also cause cancer cells to spread to other sites.


11. An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells by not feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply.


CANCER CELLS FEED ON:

a. Sugar , is a cancer-feeder.


By cutting off sugar it cuts off one important food supply to the cancer cells. Sugar substitutes like Nutrasweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc are made with Aspartame and it is harmful. A better natural substitute would be Manuka honey or molasses but only in very small amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in colour. Better alternative is Bragg's aminos or sea salt. ( THE WEST MADE US 2 CHANGE FROM SEA 2 WHITE IODISED SALT )


b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus ..

By cutting off milk and substituting with unsweetened soya milk cancer cells are being starved.

c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment .

A meat-based diet is acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little chicken rather than beef or pork. Meat also contains
livestock antibiotics, growth hormones and parasites, which are all harmful,especially to people with cancer.


d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruits help put the body into an alkaline environment .
About 20% can be from cooked food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed
and reach down to cellular levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance growth of healthy cells. To obtain live enzymes for
building healthy cells try and drink fresh vegetable juice (most vegetables including bean sprouts) and eat some raw vegetables 2 or 3 times a day.. Enzymes are destroyed at temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C).

e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high caffeine .

Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer-fighting properties . Water- best to drink purified water, or filtered, to avoid known toxins and heavy metals in tap water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it.


12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines become putrified and leads to more toxic buildup.

13. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By refraining from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the body's killer cells to destroy the cancer cells.


14. Some supplements build up the immune system (IP6, Flor ssence,Essiac, anti-oxidants, vitamins,minerals, EFAs etc.) to enable the body's own killer cells to destroy cancer cells.
Other supplements like vitamin E are known to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the body's normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or unneeded cells.

15. Cancer is a disease of the mind,body, and spirit. A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor.

Anger, un forgiveness and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy life.

16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment. . Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to get more oxygen down to the cellular level. Oxygen therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer cells.

PLEASE READ ON

1. No plastic containers in micro.

2. No water bottles in freezer.

3. No plastic wrap in microwave.

Tips For Summer

A – Aloe vera is the perfect cooling remedy for a sun-burnt skin. All you have to do is pluck a fresh aloe vera leaf and extract its gel. Apply it to the sun-burnt area and rinse it off after it dries. Repeat the procedure for some days.

B – Besan is the hindi equivalent for chickpea flour. If the fallout of a sunny day at the beach is an unwanted tan, fret not! All you have to do is mix besan, a few drops of lemon juice and curds. Apply it to your face and other tanned parts of your body. Leave it on till it dries and rinse of with cool water. Repeat this procedure for 10 days.

C – Here’s a quick glow tip, especially if you want your make-up to remain fresh. Extract the juice of a small piece of cucumber, add few drops of lemon juice to this. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. Apply on your face in a gentle circular motion and leave it for 15 minutes. Rinse and pat dry. Now you can apply your make-up.

D - You need to take extra care of your tresses during summer as it’s a time when you sweat a lot and your hair’s likely to get dry and rough. Powder dried amla and mix it with warm coconut oil and a few drops of lime juice. Apply this to your hair. Leave it for an hour. Rinse off with a mild shampoo. Regular use will give you shiny and healthy tresses.

E – Is summer making your skin ooze oil? Mix together egg white, honey and a few drop of lime juice. Apply it to your face and leave it for 20 minutes. Rinse well with cold water.

F - All fresh fruits can be mashed well and applied directly on the skin. It will give your skin a fresh glow.

G – Get into the green tea drinking habit. In addition to its numerous health benefits, it is said to do loads of good for your skin as well. It is especially said to be beneficial during summer as it provides sun protection and also prevent ageing. Prepare a green tea brew, remember green tea is never had with milk or sugar. Freeze the brew to form ice cubes. Rub the cubes gently all over your skin.

H - Apply 1 tsp of honey and a tsp of lemon juice to your face every day after coming in from the hot sun. It will considerably reduce the darkening of skin due to sun exposure.

I- Ice cubes in any form are welcome during the fiery summer days. Here’s how you could use it as a beauty remedy. Freeze 1 part of milk mixed with 3 parts of water. Cover these ice cubes with a cloth and rub it over your face. It will help in providing relief in case of sunburned skin. Follow this procedure every two to four hours for about a week. It will also tighten your pores and stimulate blood circulation.

J – If you have sun damaged hair, turn to jojoba oil for relief. Try out this recipe for healthy and soft hair. To one cup of pure rose water add a tbsp of jojoba oil, and eight drops of vitamin E oil. Warm the rose water on a low flame in a double boiler. Switch off the gas, add jojoba and the vitamin E oils. Leave it on your scalp for an hour. Then, rinse it thoroughly plain warm water. Wash it off with a mild shampoo and cool water.

K – Pure Kohl or kajal which is chemical free works wonderfully to protect your eyes from the sun. There are a lot of ayurvedic kohls available in the market, one with almond oil as the base is especially good. Be sure you pick up a trusted and reliable brand.

L – Fill a spraying bottle with 1 part lemon juice, 1 part rose water and 4 parts of chilled water. Spray it on your face regularly during the hot summer days. It will keep your skin dew fresh and cool.

M – Multani Mitti or Fuller’s earth is the mainstay of beauty packs, especially summer beauty packs. Its an excellent skin cleanser and is rich in minerals to nourish your skin. If your skin is oily, try this soothing and cooling pack. Mix 2 tbsp of multani mitti with half a tablespoon of sandalwood powder and 2 tbsp of chilled rose water.Apply even on your face and neck. Leave it on till the mask dries. Rinse off with cool water and find your skin refreshed and clean. Regular use of this mask will bring out the natural beauty of your skin.

N - Neem has numerous beauty benefits. Boil a handful of fresh neem leaves in water. Rinse your face with this water upon cooling. Regularly following this routine will give you problem free skin. To get rid of dandruff, another common summer woe, mix the extract of neem leaves with lime juice and leave it on your scalp for 30 minutes.

O – Powder sun dried orange peel and mix it with milk. Apply this to your face regularly and watch your skin glow.

P – Raw potato juice is an excellent remedy for treating marks and scars on your skin.


R – Rose water is one of the best natural skin toners.

S – Sugar crystals mixed with lemon juice makes an excellent face scrub.

T – During summer apply fresh turmeric powder mixed with milk, to reduce facial hair and get rid of a stubborn tan.

U – Application of mashed unripe papayas as a face mask is an excellent way to prevent premature ageing that comes with constant exposure to the sun and it also helps eliminate dead skin cells.

V – Apply one tbsp of vinegar mixed with 1 tbsp of lemon juice on the scalp for 30 minutes after rinsing with shampoo. It will give you silky and shiny tresses.

W – Make your body soft and smooth with this weekly scrub. Make a not-so-fine paste of 10 tbsp of walnut powder, 2 tbsp of lemon juice and five tbsp of honey. Mix well. Apply this paste in gentle circular motions all over your body. Leave it for 20 minutes and rinse with cold water. Keep up this practise throughout the summer.

Y – Yoghurt has many beauty benefits. A soon as you step in home from spending a day out in the hot sun, apply chilled yoghurt all over your face and neck. After it completely dries up, rinse off with cold water. It will make your skin soft and prevent tanning to a great extent.

Z – Zzzzzzzzz….yes, sleep well. This remedy’s a personal favourite and never fails to give your skin a fresh look!

Banana Chocolate Chip Bread

Number of Servings: 16
Serving Size: 1 slice
1 cooking spray
1 1/2 cup very ripe bananas, mashed (about 4 bananas)
2 Tbsp canola oil
1/4 cup low-fat buttermilk
4 egg whites
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (reserve 1 Tbsp)
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray an 8 x 4-inch loaf
pan with cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, combine bananas, oil, buttermilk, and egg whites;
mix well. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, baking
soda, and salt.
4. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add banana
mixture to dry ingredients all at once and mix well.
5. Stir in 1/3 cup chocolate chips to batter. Pour batter into loaf
pan. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon chocolate chips on top of batter.
6. Bake 50-60 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out
clean.
Variation Instructions:
You'll love this low-fat chocolate version of banana bread.
Nutrition Information per Serving:
133 Calories, 29 Calories From Fat, 3g Total Fat, 1g Saturated Fat,
0mg Cholesterol, 215mg Sodium, 24g Total Carbs, 1g Dietary Fiber,
12g Sugars, 3g Protein
From: Healthy Calendar Diabetic Cooking

HEALTHY TIPS FOR YOUR HAIR

HEALTHY TIPS FOR ur HAIR ....!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !!!

Your hair enhances your overall personality and also reflects your health. But, healthy hair and scalp needs proper care right from the beginning. If you neglect your hair for long, it might turn brittle with split-ends and also cause dandruff. You may even experience untimely hair loss if you don’t take timely precautions.

Studies indicate that in 95 percent cases, hair loss is genetic, but many other factors such as diet, general health, vitamin and hormonal deficiencies, overuse of hair dye, physical and emotional stress also lead to uncontrolled hair loss. However, it is possible to control most of these factors that lead to untimely hair fall among individuals.
Though hair loss is not a life-threatening situation, but it may imply internal health
problems. Besides, it may also spoil the level of self-confidence in the long run. As there is no permanent cure for hair loss, but it is possible to take some preventive measures to ensure healthy and shining hair. Some of these tips are listed below:

1.Role of Diet

A nutritious diet, which contains all essential vitamins and minerals, helps in minimizing the hair loss. Therefore, you must include green, leafy vegetables, raw oats, and whole grain cereals, eggs, dates, and raisins in your daily food regime. As the hair is made of protein, you are advised to stick to protein-rich diet, such as calves liver, brewer’s yeast, and wheat germ. These foods also contain Vitamin B, which is an important nutrient for hair. Outer coverings of
potatoes, cucumbers, and green and red peppers are high in silica, which is essential to
maintain the beauty and strength of your hair. Vitamin E also promotes hair growth and reduces hair fall. A person may experience hair fall due to thyroid dysfunction also. Therefore, you must include foods, which are good sources of vitamin A and iodine.

2.Washing routine

Your hair cleansing routine largely depends on your hair-type. People having oily hair may need to wash their hair regularly, while people having dry hair can wash it twice a week. Never use too hot or too cold water to wash your hair. While cleaning or massaging your hair, you should always use your fingertips and not your nails to gently clean your scalp.

3.Proper combing

You should use a wide-tooth comb to untangle your hair and comb in downward direction. Using a wooden or tortoise shell comb is a better idea than using a rubber comb. Avoid combing wet hair, as wet hair can easily break.

4.Drying your hair

If possible, allow your hair to dry naturally. Avoid using blow dryer as its heat can damage your hair, and also make it look coarse and lifeless.

5.Using proper conditioner

Protect your hair from sudden environmental changes, while going out to a beach or a pool.
You must use an effective conditioner as it protects your hair from the sun, chlorine, and sea water. You should also wear a protective hat or a cap to avoid overexposing your hair to the sun, salt or chlorinated water and pollution.

6.Use of shampoo and conditioner

Always choose a simple formula shampoo, which costs you less money. Remember, the basic
purpose of a shampoo is to wash away the dirt and the oil. Therefore, use a milder shampoo,
which is less expensive and more beneficial for your hair. Apply a good quality conditioner once you clean your hair with the shampoo, but do not over-condition your hair.

7.Choose a comfortable hair style

Choose a hair style that truly reflects your style and taste while significantly enhances your personality. Often traditional hair styling products are rich of alcohol and other arsh chemicals, which may again harm your hair.

8.Knowing your sleeping pattern helps control

Hair loss Comb your hair gently while going to bed. You should also gently remove all bands or clips used during the day. Do you know that your sleeping pattern also affects the life and
health of your hair? People who are restless even while they are sleeping may actually end
up breaking their hair. So, if you belong to the restless community of sleepers, you should
use s satin pillowcase, which allows your hair to move smoothly and thus cause less breakage.

9.Limit the use of alcohol and smoking

products Reduce alcohol consumption and also avoid using it on your hair. Avoid using hair care products that contain alcohol. This is because alcohol can make your hair look dry, brittle
and prone to breakage.

10.Avoid using harsh chemicals

Certain harsh chemicals such as permanent hair color and perms can also affect the health and growth of your hair. Therefore, you must avoid coloring your hair more than once every 2-4 months

Reduce Weight

The chief cause of obesity or overweight is often overeating, irregular eating habits and not following the rules of eating such as improper mixing of food items in one meal.

In ayurveda, Charak Samhita describes eight different types of bodies that are disease prone. Out of these, the obese body is described as the one afflicted with the most diseases and troubles. Obesity is the condition or physical state of the body when excessive deposition of fat takes place in the adipose tissue.

Extra fat puts a strain on the heart, kidneys, liver and the joints such as the hips, knees and ankles and thus, overweight people are susceptible to several diseases like coronary thrombosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, gout, liver and gall bladder disorders. Chief cause of obesity is overeating, irregular eating habits and not following the rules of eating or mixing non-compatible food items in one meal.

To decrease weight and get rid of obesity three things must be kept in mind:
Controlling eating habits.

Regular exercise.

Avoiding the causes of weight gain

Diet recommended to lose weight

Early morning
Juice of half a lemon mixed in a glass of warm water and a teaspoon of honey.

Breakfast
Wheat or Mung bean sprouts and a cup of skimmed milk.

Midmorning
A glass of orange, pineapple or carrot juice.

Lunch
Salad of raw vegetables such as carrot, beet, cucumber, cabbage, tomatoes. Steamed or boiled vegetables
Whole grain bread or whole wheat chapatis (Indian bread) and a glass of buttermilk.
Roasted cumin seeds, green coriander leaves, a little salt and some grated ginger mixed in the buttermilk.

Mid-afternoon
Coconut water
Dry fruits
Lemon tea
Fresh vegetable soup

Dinner
Whole grain bread or chapatis
Steamed vegetables
Seasonal fruits except banana and apple.
Home Remedies for Losing Weight
Increase the quantity of fruits and vegetables and low calorie foods.
Avoid intake of too much salt as it may be a factor for increasing body weight.
Milk products like cheese, butter etc. and non-vegetarian foods should be avoided as they are rich in fat.
Mint is very beneficial in losing weight. A chutney of green mint with some simple spices can be taken with meals. Mint tea also helps.
Spices like dry ginger, cinnamon, black pepper etc. are good for loosing weight and can be used in a number of ways.
Regular intake of carrot juice.
Avoid rice and potato, which contain a lot of carbohydrates. Among cereals wheat is good.

Vegetables like bitter gourd (Karela), and bitter variety of drumstick are useful in loosing weight.

Honey is an excellent home remedy for obesity. It mobilizes the extra deposited fat in the body allowing it to be utilized as energy for normal functions.

Dosage: One should start with small quantity of about 10 grams or a tablespoon, taken with hot water early in the morning. A teaspoonful of fresh lemon juice may also be added.

Fasting on honey and lime- juice is highly beneficial in the treatment of obesity without the loss of energy and appetite. For this, mix one teaspoon of fresh honey with the juice of half a lime in a glass of lukewarm water.

Dosage: Take several times a day at regular intervals.
Raw or cooked cabbage inhibits the conversion of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat. Hence, it is of great value in weight reduction.
Exercise is an important part of any weight reduction plan. It helps to use up calories stored in body as fat.
Walking is the best exercise to begin with and may be followed by running, swimming or rowing.
The gum of Commiphora Mukul called 'guggulu' is the drug of choice for the treatment of obesity.

Preparation of Home Remedies

According to ayurveda home remedies are prepared in the same way and with the same purpose as other ayurvedic medicines. The main aim is to obtain the maximum therapeutic benefit while making it palatable.

Some common methods of preparing home remedies are:
Juice
The juice may be taken from the fresh leaves, flowers or stems of the herb. The part of the herb used should be crushed or ground in a mortar and pestle, to make a paste. This paste should be put in a piece of cloth and squeezed to take out the juice.
Dosage: One to two tablespoons twice a day.

Powder
Dried herbs are used for powders. The herbs are usually dried in a cool, shady and well-ventilated place, although some herbs are dried in direct sunlight. The herbs are then ground into a fine powder and stored in a dry, airtight bottle. The powder may be taken with water, or if specified, with milk or honey.
Dosage: Half to one teaspoon twice a day

Decoction
A decoction is prepared by boiling the herb in water (ratio: 1 part herb to 16 parts water). The herbs are broken into pieces and soaked in water overnight. This mixture is then boiled until it reduces to one quarter of the original volume. It is then filtered and stored in a glass bottle.
Dosage: One to two tablespoons twice a day.

Infusion
Herbs are soaked in water to make an infusion (ratio: 1 part herb to 8 parts water). Hot infusions result from adding herbs to hot water, or gently heating but not boiling the mixture. This is strained and taken internally. Herbal teas are forms of hot infusions. Cold infusions are made from soaking the herb overnight. Honey can be added.
Dosage: half to one cup once or twice day.

Paste
A paste can be made from either fresh or dried herbs. The flowers, roots, stems, leaves or bark are ground and mixed with water. Pastes are mainly used for external application, in cases of cuts, burns and swellings. The paste should be thick enough to be applied in a layer to the skin.

Tablets
The herbs should be first dried separately and then mixed together in a powder form, in fixed proportions. Water or herbal juice can be added to this powder to make a paste, from which tablets of a specific size or weight are made. Tablets remain potent longer than juices, powders, pastes or decoctions.
Dosage: 1 or 2 tablets twice a day.

Medicated ghee and oil
Ghee is cooked with herbal juices, decoctions or pastes. The ghee should be heated with the herbal mixture at a moderate, controlled temperature. High temperatures can easily burn the ghee or oil, destroying its effectiveness. Medicated ghee and oils are either used internally or massaged externally.
Dosage: Half to one tablespoon.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
Never use any home remedy or other self treatment without being advised to do so by a physician.

NATURE'S Medicine

A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye.
The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye...and YES science now shows that carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.


A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart is red and has four chambers. All of the research shows tomatoes are indeed pure heart and blood food.



Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows that grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.



A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds are on the nut just like the neo-cortex. We now kn ow that walnuts help develop over 3 dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.



Kidney beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.



Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet the body pulls it from the bones, making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.



Eggplant , Avocadoes and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats 1 avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? .... It takes exactly 9 months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).



Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow.
Figs incre ase the motility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm well to overcome male sterility.



Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.



Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries



Grapefruits, Oranges , and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assi st the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.



Onions look like body cells. Today's research shows that onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes.

Source: From Net(Not Recommended)

Eat Fresh Fruits

We all think eating fruits means simply buying fruit, cutting it and
just popping it into our mouths.
You will benefit much more
if you know how and when to eat.
____________ ________
Correct Way of Eating Fruits
Fruits should be taken
in an empty stomach?
not as dessert after the meal
as is often done.
If you eat fruit like that, it will also serve
a major role to detoxify your system, supplying you with a great deal of energy
for weight loss and other life activities.
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Fruit is the Most Important Food
Let's say you eat two slices of bread
and then a slice of fruit.

As fruit digests faster than bread,
the slice of fruit digests quickly
and is ready to go straight through
the stomach into the intestines,
but its passage is blocked by the bread which takes longer to digest?
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?In the meantime the whole meal ferments and turns to acid.
Consequently, when the fruit comes
into contact with the food
in the stomach and digestive juices,
the entire mass of food begins
to spoil.

So it is better to eat your fruits in an empty stomach or
before your meals !
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You have heard people complaining ?
every time I eat water-melon I burp,
when I eat durian my stomach bloats up,
when I eat banana
I feel like running to the toilet etc ?

actually all this will not arise if you eat
the fruit in an empty stomach.
The fruit mixes with the putrefying other food and produces gas and hence you will bloat !
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Graying hair, balding, nervous outburst,
dark circles under the eyes
all these will not happen if
you take fruits in an empty stomach.

It is incorrectly presumed that some fruits
like orange and lemon are acidic and will enhance acidity in the stomach.
Research however shows
that all fruits become alkaline
in our body.
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When you need to drink fruit juice ?
drink only fresh fruit juice,
NOT from the cans.
Don't drink juice that has been heated up.
Don't eat cooked fruits because
you don't get the nutrients at all.
You only get to taste.
So stop making 'durian porridge'
if you want nutrients.
Cooking fruit destroys all the vitamins.
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Eating the pulp or whole fruit
is far better than drinking the juice
as the fibre is good for you.
If you should drink the juice,
drink it mouthful by mouthful slowly,
because you must let it mix
with your saliva before swallowing it.
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A 3-day "fruit fast" is
a very simple and effective way
to cleanse and de-toxify your body.
Just eat fruits and drink fruit juice throughout the 3 days and
you will be surprised when your friends
tell you how radiant you look !
During the "fruit fast" you can eat different fruits at different times, although occasionally mixed fruit salad would
also be permissible and more interesting.
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If you have mastered
the correct way of eating fruits,
you have the secret of beauty,
longevity, health, energy,
happiness and normal weight.
So eat fresh fruits and always keep smilingggggggggg