Innumerable fun facts, both interesting and informative, are part of the otherwise serious topic of our circulatory system. Here is a fun quiz. Try to answer as many you can. Try to answer as many you can. For the real ‘tough’ ones you can always refer to The Self Care Guide To Circulation Problems.

1.There are four types of blood. A, B, O and AB. Do you know which is the most common is type? Incidentally, it is always good to know your own blood type. You never know when you might need blood from external sources!

2.How many million red blood cells does one drop of blood have – 5, 10 or 15?

3.If red and white blood cells are the two most important constituent of blood, which is the third one, whose count is 250 thousand in one drop?

4.How many times does the heart beat per minute, 72, 89, 100?

5.How many billion times will your heart beat in your lifetime, if you lived till 70, 3, 5, 10?

6. The heart stops beating, when we are asleep – true or false?

7.Which are the two body sites where you can feel your pulse – knee and ankle, neck and wrist, forehead and center of your skull?

8.What is the largest artery of the body called – capillary, aorta or vein?

9.How many liters of blood does a healthy adult have – 3.5, 5.6, 7.5?

10.How many seconds does it take for a red cell to circulate our body – 10, 20, 30?

11.How many kilometers does blood travel throughout the body in a day – 20,000, 34,000 or 19,000 km?

12.Bone is a liquid organ – true or false?

13.Where body’s blood cells are formed – kidneys, heart or bone marrow?

14.Kidneys wash our blood. True or false?

15.Our body contains how many trillion cells – 100, 200, 300?

16.How many million barrels of blood does the heart pump during an average life time – 1, 4, 3?

17.Circulatory problems during pregnancy are common. True or false?

18.Babies can be born with circulatory problems. True or false?

19.Smokers suffer from a circulatory problem known as Raymond’s syndrome, Buerger’s disease, or hypochondria.

20.A balanced diet should contain enough fat to make you healthy. True or false.

21.Fast foods keep the heart healthy. True or false.

22.Diabetes is a symptom of poor circulation. True or false.

23.56% of the human is full of fluid. True or false.

24.Fatty deposits on the arterial wall are called plaques, capillaries or sandstone?

25.Tiredness, lack of alertness, lack of mental clarity, foggy thinking happen because poor circulation has affected the: heart, brain, lungs.

26.The circulatory system is powered by: the heart, the brain or the lungs.

27.What percentage of blood pumped by the heart is received by the brain: 20, 30, 40?

28.Jaundice and tiredness are signs of malfunctioning of the liver due to poor circulatory system. True or False?

29.Which circulatory organ regulates our blood pressure: kidneys, brain or lungs?

30.An unhealthy circulatory system would give rise to waste and water retention (swelling of hands, feet and ankles) as well as feeling sluggish and tired all the time. True or false?

For answers to the above questions, see: The Self-Care Guide To Circulatory Problems. Click Here. polyphonic ringtones,mobile phone polyphonic ringtones,hindi polyphonic ringtoneshow to get free alltel ringtones,free polyphonic ringtones for alltel,alltel ringtonesreal ringtones,free real tone ringtones,2 pac real ringtonesnextel ringtones software,nextel phone software for ringtones,nextel i860 ringtones softwarealltel free phone ringtonesringtones for alltel cell phonedownload free kyocera ringtonescingular free music real ringtonespayday advance loan no faxing,quick no faxing payday loan,faxing loan no paydayloan payday until,loan until payday,loan payday say until wordpressonline payday loan instant approvalno credit payday loanno faxing needed payday loanfast online payday loanfax guaranteed loan no paydaypayday cash loanmilitary payday loancash loan payday untilpayday cash advance,payday cash advance nevada,payday cash advance south dakotano fax payday loanloan online payday,bad credit loan payday,payday loanno faxing instant payday loanpayday loan in georgiachicago in loan payday store,chicago loan payday storeloan money payday treeapproval instant loan online paydaycost loan low paydaycash advance until payday1000 loan payday,payday loan up to 1000,payday loan 1000no credit check payday loan,loan payday,easy payday loancanadian payday loan,canadian loan online paydayconsolidate payday loan debt,consolidate debt loan paydaycash loan payday tillamerica cash loan paydayfee loan low paydayaafes loan payday1 hour payday loan66 funding loan payday routeloan payday yahooapproval instant loan payday,instant approval payday loangeorgia in loan paydayonline no fax payday loanquick pay payday loan,quick payday loan without checking account,loan payday quickno fax payday cash advanceeasy fast loan paydayfax loan no payday,no fax no credit payday loan,no fax no hassle payday loan30 day payday loancheap loan payday,cheap loan long payday termpayday loan 1000aafes payday loan

Most women will experience bleeding and pain with their first sexual experience. It is unusual, however, for these symptoms to occur in later sexual encounters. If bleeding and pain happen during sex, the cause may be obvious. When the symptoms are delayed, however, the reason is often unknown. Causal factors can fall into three general categories, lifestyle, situational or biological. The amount and degree of pain should serve as a warning sign to individuals who are experiencing bleeding and pain after sex. Women who experience light spotting and “soreness” following vigorous intercourse may not be as concerned as those who experience heavy bleeding and pain. It is important to seek medical attention immediately if these symptoms are persistent, intense, or if they occur in conjunction with other symptoms.

Lifestyle

There are certain lifestyle factors that can induce bleeding and pain after sex. Feminine hygiene and sexual promiscuity are two examples of lifestyle choices that can lead to these symptoms. Most gynecologists and obstetricians discourage the use of douching, because it not only flushes away the normal flora leaving the body susceptible to bacterial and yeast infections, it can irritate or scratch the vaginal wall. This, of course, makes a woman more vulnerable to experiencing bleeding and pain after sex.

Women who are promiscuous expose themselves to the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD). The more sexual partners a woman has, the higher the risk of contracting an STD. Although treatable, Chlamydia and Gonherrea are two types of STDs that can lead to bleeding and pain after sex. Since roughly 80% of women who have these diseases show no symptoms, it is important to be tested regularly.

Situational

A few situational factors, including sexual position, can lead to bleeding and pain after sex. It is important to follow up with a doctor to make sure that the events are isolated and a result of the situation. Vaginal dryness due to menopause, vigorous intercourse or not enough foreplay before sex, can then lead to bleeding and/or pain during or after the act. Sometimes, it is just the act itself. Sexual cystitis is the irritation of the urethra through the mechanical act of sex. Other situational factors include using an ill-fitting diaphragm or having sex too soon after surgery or childbirth. A doctor may recommend simple changes to alleviate symptoms but if changes in sexual position or lubrication do not help, then other reasons may be involved.

Biological

Bleeding and pain after sex may indicate trauma to the cervix or that an underlying health issue is present in the cervix, pelvis, or bowels. If bleeding and pain after sex is a usual occurrence, then it could be a sign of endometriosis or an ovarian cyst. With light to no bleeding and pain after sex that has a delayed onset, another possibility is an allergic reaction to sperm or spermicidal agents. An ectopic pregnancy and some medications, including some forms of birth control may also cause bleeding and pain after sex.

A more serious possibility is cervical cancer. Pap smears can detect cervical cancer in its early stages where it is highly treatable, if not curable. Without regular testing, however, the cancer can thrive undetected since precancerous cells often exhibit no signs or symptoms. It is usually during the late stages where symptoms such as bleeding and pain after sex start to develop. The causes listed here are not the only causal factors so it is important to consult a physician about these or other symptoms.

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Articles On Sexually Transmitted Diseases from Woman’s Health Network:

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The Low-Down On Chlamydia: A Common Sexually Transmitted Disease That Plagues Many Women

Trichonomis: A Potentially Hazardous Sexual Disease To A Woman’s Health

Tea Tree Oil Treatment For Trichonomis

In one country in the world, a woman dies every seven minutes doing something very natural. Can you guess what it is? Read the article below to find out.

For more information on women’s health, please visit Women’s Health Magazine.

Memory is something that seems to get rusty for many of us as we age. The synapses that are responsible for transmitting information from the brain to the rest of the body just don’t seem to fire as effectively as they did in our younger years. This makes it more challenging to remember simple things like where you left your keys or the name of a person that you met recently. While this type of memory loss is perfectly normal as you get older, there are some techniques for memory improvement that you can use to enhance your retention. The good news is that these memory improvement activities tend to be healthy for the rest of your body as well. Are you ready for memory improvement to begin?

Exercise your Body and Improve your Brain Function

It’s true that keeping your body fit will keep your brain in shape as well. One of the first steps in memory improvement is to begin a regular exercise program that will benefit your entire body as well as your mind. Why does exercise contribute to memory improvement? As you exercise, your circulation increases, including the blood flow to the brain. More blood means more oxygen, and more oxygen means that your brain can function at its peak capacity. Studies have shown that as little as three months on a regular exercise program enhanced brain function to the point where participants were able to improve their scores on memory tests. All this on top of the improved physical fitness that these test subjects enjoyed. Memory improvement - just one more reason to get moving and get healthy!

Say No to Stress and Yes to Sleep

When your body is under stress, it releases a hormone called cortisol. This hormone can actually damage your hippocampus – the part of the brain that plays a role in memory function. When you are feeling stressed, it is also much more difficult to focus on information that is coming into your mind, and to process that information properly. This can make you feel like you are forgetting things, even though you probably didn’t get the facts into your head in the first place. Besides the mental effects of stress, your body doesn’t function too well under tension either. You will give your entire being a much needed break by finding stress busters that will help you to rest and relax sufficiently. This can include regular physical exercise (you just can’t get away from it!), time for yourself to relax and rejuvenate, and perhaps a fun hobby that you can enjoy. Memory improvement is only one night of self pampering away.

On the other hand, sleep has many positive benefits for your mind and body, and is unfortunately one of the most underrated methods to healthier living. A lack of sleep can make it difficult to concentrate on tasks and information just like stress can. It can also compromise your immune system, leaving your body feeling tired and run down. All of these symptoms can greatly affect memory in negative ways. If you are hoping for memory improvement, getting sufficient sleep should be high on your to-do list.

You Eat, Therefore you Think

A healthy diet has so many advantages for you, and one of the biggest pluses to a nutritious menu is the memory improvement that you will enjoy. In order to make your diet work for you in this area, fill your plate with foods that are rich in the B vitamins, like spinach, broccoli and juicy melon. Antioxidants that are found in berries, tomatoes and green tea will improve the flow of oxygen to the brain, helping those synapses fire most efficiently. Finally, the Omega-3 fatty acids that are found in fish like salmon and tuna are known to improve cognitive function. While supplements of these nutrients can be good for your brain as well, getting these substances from food is by far the preferable approach.

Memory improvement is not only a possibility; it can be a very achievable goal if you put your mind to it – so to speak. By putting some of these healthy habits into motion, you will be offering big benefits to your body as well as your brain. Think better – think happy.

For more tips and advice about how to improve your memory, please visit: Powerful Ways To Sharpen Your Memory.

Article by Wendy Travis

Did you know that bath salts have powerful healing powers and that a long soak in a bath can do more than cleanse your body? Well, it can. Bath salts also have an effect on your mind and body as well.

Whether you have sore, tired feet from standing all day, or a stiff back from working at your desk, bath salts can help improve the way you feel and ease away the tension.

In fact, not only do bath salts come in a variety of soothing fragrances, they also offer many other benefits including certain healing properties. For example, you might be surprised to learn that adding a little salt to your bath water can actually help improve your circulation.

Bath salts also reduce tenderness. They are recommended for people with back pain, arthritis, muscle tension or spasms, and minor work and sports injuries. They’re great for easing stiff, sore, muscles and aching feet and legs. Bath salts open the pores to purify the skin, cleansing away dirt, sweat, and toxins. They aid in the healing of dry skin, making skin softer and suppler.

Salts can help improve common irritations such as insect bites, minor rashes, and calluses on feet, as well as more serious skin conditions like athlete’s foot, eczema, and psoriasis.

And you want to know what the best part about bath salts is? They are easy and inexpensive to make.

You can learn all about how to make your very own right here.
http://sc-enterprise.net/links/bath-salts

There are certain foods that naturally contain substances that make us feel good by interacting with our hormones or stimulating our brain. Consider incorporating some of the following into your next candlelight dinner to help you and your spouse get in the mood.
Oysters are a good source of minerals like selenium and zinc, and are also high in protein. A perfect appetizer to a beautiful meal.

Chocolate has been a symbol of love and lust for centuries due to theobromine, a stimulant to the brain that creates a pleasurable effect. Chocolate also contains antioxidants that may lower cancer and heart disease risk. However, chocolate is also very high in fat, so self-restraint should be exercised. Dark chocolates are usually lower in sugar, but higher in antioxidants and theobromine than milk chocolate.

Kiwi and papaya are colorful fruits have an alluring and interesting aspect about them that can help flip the switch. Loaded with antioxidants, tropical fruits help fend off heart disease and cancers. Kiwi actually has more vitamin C in it than an orange, and papaya is rich in beta-carotene and high in fiber.

Asparagus can also help get you in the mood. It’s one of the few good sources of vitamin E and is a natural diuretic. Steaming is the best way to prepare them without losing nutrients, and they can easily be eaten by hand.

A good cup of coffee or tea after that romantic dinner stimulates the release of epinephrine, which contributes to stimulation in the body. It can also be found in dark chocolate. Just don’t consume too much caffeine before bed, unless you plan on being awake all night long!

If you’re experiencing Low sex drive, it could be due to poor nutrition………

The above is excerpted from my Superfoods ecourse. To continue reading, please use the sign up form below.

Have you heard the phrase “you must love yourself first?” I had heard it a million times and never understood what it was really suppose to mean. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, the still, small voice within me was not whispering anymore, it was screaming. It spoke so clearly, it is one of the reasons I wrote a book about my experience.

Do you know what it actually means to love yourself? I am not speaking of loving your physical body, although that is important too. I am speaking about a deeper connection beyond the physical shell you now reside in. Loving yourself means having a relationship with self and knowing that you are an important part of all that is!

When you first meet someone, you want to know all about them and get to know them. You want to know their likes, dislikes and values. You recognize when they are feeling good or when they are feeling bad. You come to respect, admire and appreciate them. You support and encourage them. You go out of your way to accommodate them. How awesome would it be if you could do this for yourself?

When you hold in a lot of anger and feel unloved, not worthy, unattractive, extreme dislike for your self, you are not in the flow with well being. You are not in the flow with love, joy, peace, abundance or health. You are kinking up your hose, sort of speak.

These insecure, uncomfortable thoughts and feelings you hold in your consciousness begin to send a signal and energy throughout your body. Over a period of time, Law of Attraction begins rounding up, gathering together and summoning to you what you are thinking and feeling. You are sending out vibrations that are not in alignment with who you really are. If the dis-ease or negative emotions you’ve been feeling are not recognized, over time, they will begin forming a mass.

Amass (a mass) means to, accumulate, collect, build up, hoard, assemble, store up, gather and pile up. This is what you are doing to your body when you hold on to resistant and negative thoughts and beliefs. They are accumulating, collecting and building up inside of you. Once you are able to recognize and let go of these types of thoughts and feelings by focusing on “what feels good” instead, then you will be in alignment and a match to your own well being.

Examples of good feeling thoughts vs. not so good are:
• I know I have a lot of great qualities vs. I hate the way I look
• I am just as worthy as anyone vs. I don’t deserve good things
• I am a good person vs. I am no good
• I love myself vs. I hate myself
• I am a powerful creator vs. I am a victim of circumstances
• I can accomplish what ever I put my mind to vs. I am not smart
• I am attractive in many ways vs. I am ugly

Loving your self can be of grave importance to your health. In fact, it should be the most important priority in your life.

There is great joy to be found and it resides inside of you! When you are enjoying yourself, you have joy in yourself. When there is joy in your heart, you are full of joy; you are joyfully creating your experiences.

Destructive power comes from fear and not from love. When you fear something or someone your reaction is to attack them or get defensive. This can take form through your thoughts, your words or a physical attack on someone.

When you are defensive in your outward actions, your body’s reaction is to become defensive inwardly as well. Your words and actions, you might say, could be aggressive. Does this word sound familiar when thinking of cancer or dis-ease? How many times have people been told their cancer is the “aggressive” type?

Become aware of the thoughts and beliefs you hold about yourself and about others. Ask yourself, “What do I love about myself?” If you feel negative emotion when you ask yourself that question, then begin focusing on the parts of yourself you do like.

“With great power comes great responsibility,” was a line in the movie “Spiderman”. My interpretation of what I believe this to mean is, when you are aware of who you really are as a spiritual being, there is great love, consistency, trustworthiness, reliability and honesty in your character. It does not mean you are responsible for anyone else. It means you are in charge of yourself. You are only responsible for the love in yourself or loving yourself. When you love yourself, you become a mirror for the world and others see themselves in you.

Leslie Bishop, of Empowering Pathways, Universal Laws Life Coaching, is a Certified Empowerment Coach and Author of the book “Congratulations, You Have Cancer!” To contact Leslie or to find out more about her book email: Lbsands@aol.com

Woman’s Health Network Announces The Start of

Women’s Breast Health Awareness Month.

The Woman’s Health Network (WHN) continues to educate and inform about critical issues facing women’s health, this time with the launch of a month-long campaign addressing

Women’s Breast Health.

The month long campaign will last from August 21st – September 21st.

With over 1 million women diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide and 1/2 million dying from the disease, Woman’s Health Network challenges women from all over the world to visit the site during breast health awareness month to educate themselves, not only about natural prevention of breast cancer, but holistic ways to promote breast health.

During the month-long Breast Health Awareness campaign, Woman’s Health Network will publish articles on the site daily. Some of the topics that will be covered include breast health diet, breast cancer treatment, health tips for breast cancer patients, benefits of breast massage, herbs, vitamins and foods for breast health and many more topics.

Additionally, with the start of Women’s Breast Health Awareness Month, WHN will also be formally launching its

women’s health forum,

where special invited health researchers and writers will be on hand to discuss a myriad of issues regarding women’s breast health and reproductive health with website visitors.

Free downloadable e-books and reports will be given away throughout the month long campaign to active participants in the discussion forum.

Are you wearing contact lenses right now? Maybe not if you’ve been viewing the computer screen for a long time. The computer is only one cause of discomfort for contact lens wearers. If you are new to contacts or have developed bad habits in caring for your lenses you may find your eyes are often dry and irritated when wearing them.

Properly caring for your lenses and following the guidelines for your type is important in protecting your vision and ensuring your contacts are comfortable to wear. See if you’ve been making these mistakes that could be ruining your contacts and possibly harming your eyes.

WHY CLEANING WITH WATER IS NOT A GOOD IDEA…

Your eyes are very sensitive and can easily become infected when you do not clean your lenses properly. The lens develops a build up of deposits that can irritate the eye. Lens cleaning solutions will break down the deposits and disinfect the lens.

Water and homemade saline solutions can contain micro-organisms, chlorine and other minerals that can damage the lens and harm your eyes.

Unless you are wearing disposable lenses you must clean your contacts after every wear. Use an appropriate lens case for storage and clean the case and allow to air dry between uses.

ONLY WEAR CONTACTS FOR THE RECOMMENDED AMOUNT OF TIME

Some contacts are meant to be thrown out after one day of wear. Others can be worn for a week or a month without removing them in between. Most require removal and cleaning every day. It is important to know the schedule your contacts are intended for to prevent problems with your eyes.

HANDLE WITH CARE

When you remove or insert your contacts be sure to handle them with clean, dry hands. Avoid washing your hands with soaps containing perfumes or oils and don’t allow sunscreen, hand cream or nail polish remover to come in contact with them.

If your eyes are dry and irritated you can also use eye drops to remoisten your contacts while wearing them rather than trying to take them out. In fact, if your eyes do feel dry and the contact is sticking try to remoisten your contacts before attempting to remove them.

If you wear makeup you should insert the contacts before applying cosmetics and remove them before washing cosmetics off. Powders and sprays can irritate contact lens wearers so be careful when applying powdery shadows or hair spray when wearing contact lens. If irritation occurs DO NOT rub your eyes; remove lenses first and clean them in the cleaning solution before wearing again.

Your vision is invaluable - take care to protect it from harm. If you do think you’ve injured or infected your eye do not wear your contacts until you have been seen by an eye care specialist.

In a study by Kimberly-Clark Professional, 39% of survey respondents feared picking up germs in a public restroom more than any other place. Is there good reason for the fear or are people overly concerned? Can you reduce the risks?

WHAT’S IN THERE - CAN IT HURT YOU?

Without getting too specific, there are many germs that can thrive in restrooms. Bacteria live off of moisture and organic food (or waste) which can be plentiful in public restrooms.

Fears of contacting STD’s (sexually transmitted diseases) from a public washroom have more to do with the fear of the disease than the likelihood of picking it up in a washroom. Many of these bacteria and viruses do not live long enough outside the body to be easily transmitted. However, some experts admit there is a theoretical risk of herpes or crabs being contracted under certain - but unlikely - conditions. Some public facilities provide flushable toilet seat covers, antibacterial cleansers or you can line the seat with toilet paper.

Of greater concern are salmonella and shigella bacteria which can be transferred by contact with feces. The infected person can transmit the bacteria on their hands which can then be transferred to flushing handles, door handles and faucets.

RESTROOM HYGIENE - BATTLING BACTERIA

Foul odors, lack of supplies and puddles on the floors can all be signs of improper maintenance.

Odor that comes from public washrooms can be caused by urine in tile grouting. If the floors aren’t properly cleaned daily (or more) then the uric acid salts will not be removed with regular cleansers. These salts provide a food source for bacteria whose digestive processes give off the foul odor.

Products like MicroGuard ™ from AllDura and even stainless steel can reduce the maintenance required to keep bacteria growth to a minimum.

A lack of supplies (toilet paper, hand drying towels or soap) can also increase the unhygienic conditions of a restroom. Overly crowded restrooms can suffer from a lack of supplies or a lack of available sinks, soap dispensers or dryers.

PERSONAL HYGIENE - THE MAGIC WEAPON

It is the simple truth that hand washing will drastically cut the chance for germ transference. A study done by Scott Papers found that more than nine out of ten respondents claimed to wash their hands when using public restrooms. However, only 67% were actually observed doing so.

As manufacturers of paper products, including towels, the company also states that drying hands thoroughly is imperative in practicing proper hygiene. The moisture left on hands can still carry bacteria. Because of this, air drying machines may not be enough protection since many individuals do not use them long enough to thoroughly dry their hands.

The knowledge that proper washing and drying can protect you from even unsavory public restrooms is comforting. The fact that public washrooms still need to provide the basics for good hygiene, as well as good maintenance is something that needs work. Carrying an antibacterial gel for emergency use is recommended when visiting a public area.

Are you dragging yourself through another day, frustrated with your lack of energy and distracted by your need for rest? Do you wake up after a nights sleep and still feel it’s not enough to get you through? Is fatigue affecting your work, your relationships and your enjoyment in life?

Fatigue is a common problem and the reason behind it can be simple to treat or require more intense scrutiny. Review the following common causes of fatigue which may shed light on why YOU are suffering.

LACK OF SLEEP

Most adults need eight full hours of sleep every night in order for their bodies to get the rest they need to repair and re-energize. If you are not getting the full amount of sleep required your body will start demanding it of you.

If you cannot waken without an alarm or find yourself drifting into sleep during the day you should take immediate steps to provide your body with the sleep it requires.

Other problems such as snoring or sleep apnea (brief episode of stopped breathing) can also affect the quality of sleep. Any disturbance, including feeding infants or other sleep disruptions, can cause fatigue.

LACK OF PROPER NUTRIENTS

Fast foods and skipped meals will deplete the body of needed nutrients. A lack of nutrients can cause fatigue. Taking a multi-vitamin supplement can ensure that you are getting the needed nutrients for your body to function properly. A balanced diet will further assist you in combating fatigue.

HORMONES

If continued fatigue is not corrected with enough sleep or taking proper nutrients it may be connected to a hormone imbalance.

Detecting a hormonal imbalance will be more difficult to diagnose than a lack of sleep or proper nutrients. The assistance of a knowledgeable health care professional familiar with the symptoms of hormone imbalance may be necessary in tracking down the hormone responsible.

LOWERED IMMUNITY

Fighting illness takes energy. If a person has a lowered immunity the constant battle against infection can easily lead to an increased level of fatigue.

LOW IRON/ HIGH IRON

Iron deficiency can lead to anemia which causes fatigue. Even a mild iron deficiency, which can be missed in typical bloodwork results, can still cause a person to experience fatigue.

Iron overload is a condition that is caused when a persons organs absorb and accumulate iron which can reach toxic levels - a symptom of which can be fatigue. Special tests can be made to diagnose low or high iron levels which must be followed up with proper treatment.

OVERWORK and UNDER-PLAY

Working too much or other emotionally draining activities can result in physical fatigue. Taking the time to participate in activities which stimulate and strengthen the body and mind are an essential step to conquering fatigue.

One form of alternative treatment for pain relief that is becoming more and more popular is reflexology. This natural method uses your feet to treat your whole body and is gentle and painless.

Reflexology can be used to achieve good health and balance or to alleviate symptoms from stress, migraines, infertility, back pain, arthritis and injury. It is not a means to cure ailments but rather a method to soothe and ease pain without the side effects of medications. Reflexology can speed the healing process and may be used alongside traditional medicine and medications.

The benefits of reflexology extend past simply relieving pain. This alternative method of healing can also be used to achieve balance and health as well as to maintain good health.

If you are thinking of adding reflexology to your regime, then you must take care when selecting your practitioner. Since reflexology is becoming more and more popular, you should have plenty to pick from in your area. Make sure the practitioner you choose has the appropriate qualifications and is someone that you feel comfortable with. If you do not like your practitioner or they do not have a demeanor that is soothing to you, your sessions could be adversely affected.

Your first session will be mostly a learning session for the practitioner. This is a time for them to get to know about you and your problems so that they can map out the best course of treatment. This is actually the most important part of the therapy as learning about the patient is critical to choosing the treatment that will best suit your needs. You will also receive your first reflexology session using your feet. Plan an hour for each treatment. Once the practitioner zeros in on where your pain is, they will be able to use your feet to treat your inner organs.

After the session, pay particular attention to how you react as this information is important feedback for your practitioner. It is important that you report back your reactions so be sure to write them down and bring the paper to your next session. Everyone responds differently to treatment, but most people report a feeling of total relaxation and well being. Remember, the healing process is different for everyone and can take time so don’t expect miracles on your first visit.

Reflexology is a great alternative method to relieving pain or just maintaining your general well being. It is totally natural, non invasive and has no adverse side effects. Why suffer needlessly from back pain, migraines or any other ailment when you could give reflexology a try?

Women don’t want all that hair in places other than on their head! With either heredity or age, the ladies are bound to get a moustache on their upper lip and it’s never ever welcomed. First there was shaving, and then came the plethora of creams, lotions and potions to remove hair, then there was waxing, and even electrolysis. Now gals, there’s yet another method you may choose to rid that unwanted stache on your upper lip. It’s called Threading.

Threading is done at salons or can also be done at home. The process removes the fine and fuzzy hair right from the root. If it sounds painful, consider the options. If you shave your lip, it’ll come back stubbly, eventually like a man. What wants that? If you use a cream, you’re subjecting yourself to chemical reactions and it doesn’t rid the hair at the root, so it’ll likely just grow back faster and thicker. If you’ve ever had your lip waxed, ripping that sucker off hurts too. Not to mention the bright red upper lip for hours and the small beady blisters for a week. Ick. Ever try plucking your hairs out? Ouch is right! You could bleach that hair, but then you’ll just have a lighter colored moustache. Every method has its drawbacks.

Many women say the best method of hair removal from the upper lip is threading. One of the benefits is that you don’t have to wait for hair to grow a certain length. The concept is that you’re going to get the hair twisted and spun into the thread and thusly yanking, gently yanking it off your face. It might be difficult for you to visualize the procedure, so you may want to have it done in a salon first if you’re not getting the full gist of what needs to happen.

To start take about 24 inches of thread length. Yes, the sewing thread, any kind, nothing special so long as you use a good quality, strong thread. Take both ends and tie them, together in a knot. You’ll have a circle of thread when you’re done tying the ends together. Next hold the thread with both hands and wind them around (loop around) your hands about ten times. Then place the thread around the fingers of both hands. Push the part that is wound up towards one hand by widening the fingers of one hand and at the same time closing the fingers of the other hand. Use an alternating “open/close” motion with opposite hands.

By opening the fingers of the closed hand and closing the fingers of the other hand, you’re pushing the wound portion in the other direction. It will take some practice. Keep pushing the wound up portion back and forth until you are able to push it back and forth easily. Once you have the hang of it, you might be ready to start practicing on a body part. Don’t use the upper lip as a practice point. Try the leg or some other body part that is easily accessible.

Begin by placing the thread on the portion of your leg or elsewhere that you are going to first try. Place the wound part on one end of the hair, and the thread from the other side should be on both sides of the hair you want to remove. Next, move the wound portion to the other side, making sure that it catches the hair while moving. It will then lift the hair from the root as it moves back and forth.

After you’ve practiced this method and are fairly comfortable with it, move onto your upper lip. It’ll be quick and easy, taking only a couple of minutes every other day. How wonderful will it be to always have a hairless lip!

If all else fails, you may not be an expert threader, but you will at least know what someone is talking about next time they mention threading and they’re not referring to cross-stitching!

Have you ever examined the ingredients listed on the labels of your cosmetics or other skin care products? Do you know what those ingredients are?

What you may not realize is that many of the skin care products and cosmetics you are buying contain ingredients that are not only harmful to your skin, but also to your long term health. Many of these ingredients are known carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) and are used by the cosmetic industry simply because they are cheap!

Harmful Ingredients Commonly Found in Skin Care Products and Cosmetics
The following are just some of the synthetic chemicals that have been identified by scientific studies to be harmful to our health.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)
Often described as being “derived from coconut” to disguise their toxic nature, these chemicals are commonly used in shampoos, toothpaste, foaming facial and body cleansers and bubble bath. SLS and ALS can cause severe skin irritation, and are easily absorbed into the body, building up in the brain, heart, lungs and liver, leading to potential long term health problems. SLS and ALS may also cause cataracts, and prevent children’s eyes from developing properly.

Paraben Preservatives
Parabens are widely used in cosmetics, deodorants, skin care and baby products to prolong their shelf life. They are known to be highly toxic and have caused rashes and allergic reactions. Recent scientific studies in the UK found a strong link between the use of parabens and the increasing rate of breast cancer in women. Researchers found a high concentration of parabens in 90% of breast tumors tested.

Propylene Glycol
Found in many beauty creams, cosmetics and cleansers, Propylene Glycol can cause skin rashes and contact dermatitis, and has been shown to cause damage to the kidneys and liver.

Isopropyl Alcohol
Alcohol is used as a solvent in many skin care products. It causes skin irritation and strips the skin of its natural acid mantle, promoting the growth of bacteria, moulds and viruses. It may also cause premature ageing of skin.

DEA (Diethanolamine), TEA (Triethanolamine) and MEA (Monoethanolamine)
These substances are harsh solvents and detergents that are used in cosmetics and face and body creams as an emollient. They can cause allergic reactions, and long term use of DEA-based products (such as Cocamide DEA) have been linked to an increase in the incidence of liver and kidney cancer.

Aluminum
A common ingredient in antiperspirants, aluminum has been linked to Alzheimer’s Disease.

Mineral Oil
Derived from petroleum (crude oil), mineral oil is commonly found as a main ingredient of face and body creams and cosmetics. Baby oil is 100% mineral oil! It coats the skin like a plastic film, clogging pores and stopping the skin from eliminating toxins, which can lead to acne and other skin disorders. Other petroleum based ingredients include paraffin wax, paraffin oil and petrolatum.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
Used as a thickener in skin care products and cosmetics, PEGs interfere with the skin’s natural moisture balance, causing an increase in ageing and leaving the skin vulnerable to bacteria.

Talc
Talc is a soft mineral used in talcum powders and cosmetic powders. Scientific studies have shown that routine application of talcum powder to the genital area is linked with a three-to-fourfold increase in the development of ovarian cancer. Inhaling cosmetic powders containing talc may also be harmful to long term health.

How To Avoid These Toxins
Examine the labels of your cosmetics and skin care products carefully, and learn to recognize ingredients that are harmful to your skin and to your health. Many web sites have lists of potentially harmful ingredients in addition to those shown above (e.g. Environmental Working Group).

Don’t be fooled by the words ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ on the front of the label. Many products contain at least one or two natural or organic ingredients, but they may also contain harmful synthetic chemicals as well.

Whenever possible, choose products with 100% natural ingredients such as essential oils and herbs. Your skin will love you for it!

Do You Know What Is Lurking in Your Bathroom?

No matter how clean you think you are, the quantity and variety of germs that you would find on your hands at any given time would shock you.

Germs are spread every time we touch an object or a person. Not all of them are dangerous, and some bacteria are even helpful. However, your risk of getting sick is increased every time you use a public restroom, as evidenced by a 1996 study conducted by the American Society for Microbiology. They discovered that while 95% of the people surveyed said they washed their hands every time they used a public facility, only about 67% actually did.

A recent nationwide poll showed that 39% of respondents are worried about the germs lurking in public restrooms.

Is there a reason for concern?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, infectious disease is the number three killer of Americans. They report that 40 million Americans get sick from hand-carried bacteria every year, and 80,000 people die from those germs.

Germs thrive in moist areas, and live off organic waste, which can be found in nearly every public restroom.

What can you “catch” in a public restroom?

Many illnesses that are transmitted in public restrooms include the common cold and flu bugs, intestinal illnesses, and skin infections. There is also a potential danger of picking up the bacteria that can be fatal, from streptococcus, staphylococcus, salmonella, E. coli and even hepatitis A.

People also worry about picking up STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) from toilet seats. Out of all the concerns about germs in public restrooms, STD’s are actually the least likely to be a problem. This fear may be due more to urban legend than to anything else. Most of the bacteria and viruses that cause sexually transmitted diseases cannot live long enough outside the body for transfer to occur.

There is a far greater risk of coming into contact with the salmonella and shigella bacteria, which can be transferred by contact with feces. The infected person can transfer the bacteria onto any surface he touches – such as toilet handles, sink faucets and door handles.

What should you look out for?

Over-crowded restrooms, wet floors or puddles, lack of available supplies (toilet paper, soap and paper towels) and foul-smelling odors are all signs of improper maintenance and should be a cause for concern.

Often the odor in public restrooms comes from dried urine in tile grout. Once dry, regular cleaners cannot remove the uric acid salts, and bacteria feed off them. (The odor comes from the bacteria’s digestive process.)

Germs – particularly fecal bacteria, can be shot into the air every time a toilet flushes. This bacterium settles on surfaces throughout the bathroom and is often enough to spread disease.

How can you protect yourself?

First of all, your mother was right. Wash your hands frequently throughout the day, using proven methods of hand washing (see below).

Do not touch your eyes, nose, face or mouth until you’ve washed your hands.

Carry waterless antibiotic hand washing gel with you.

If you’re going to be out and using public facilities, carry your own toilet paper with you.

Try not to use toilet paper that is sitting on the top of the holder, on the back of a toilet or on a shelf.

Never use toilet paper that is wet or damp, or looks as if it might have been wet at one time.

Because the inside surfaces of sinks harbor a large concentration of germs, don’t touch them.

Do not use your hands when you flush the toilet, turn on or off a tap or open the restroom door when leaving.

What about your bathroom at home?

If your home is like millions of others all across America, germs and bacteria are thriving everywhere in your bathroom, blissfully soaking up the nutrients they need on moist surfaces – everything from countertops to cups to toothbrushes to towels.

Bacteria can grow and divide every 20 minutes. A single bacteria cell can become more than 8 million cells in less than 24 hours!

These virus-causing microorganisms can be behind as many as ten colds per year for the average school-aged child. In fact, some cold and flu viruses can linger on surfaces like non-disposable rinsing cups and the inside of sink basins for up to 72 hours – giving them plenty of time to be shared among family members.

Examples of microorganisms that live in our bathrooms are:

- Bacteria: Salmonella causes food poisoning.

- Viruses: Rhinoviruses can cause colds. Herpes Simplex causes cold sores. Influenza brings the flu.

- Fungi: Trichophyton can cause Athlete’s Foot.

- Parasites: Giardia can cause diarrhea.

So how do you fight back?

Here are some simple tips:

Use disinfectants to wipe off all hard surfaces (except for mirrors).

You can use EITHER bleach or vinegar as a safe and effective disinfectant, but do not mix them together.

Use disposable cups.

Store toothbrushes in an upright position.

Pour vinegar down your drains once a week. (Drains are usually the prime breeding ground for germs in a bathroom)

Close the toilet lid before flushing.

Use a squeegee to wipe off shower and tub walls after use to prevent mildew.

Proven hand washing techniques:

1. Wet your hands and work up a good lather, using warm water. Spend at least 20 seconds, making sure that you clean your palms, between your fingers, the back of your hands, your wrists and under your nails. (Sing a chorus of “Row, row, row your boat” to make sure you’ve spent enough time.)

2. Rinse your hands thoroughly, again using warm water.

3. When drying your hands, use a paper towel when possible; because most people do not use a hand dryer long enough to completely dry their hands. Use the air dryer only if there is no alternative, and try not to touch the surface.

4. After drying your hands, use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door, so that you don’t re-contaminate yourself.