New Drugs for Gout and Ulcerative Colitis
New drugs for gout and ulcerative colitis, two diseases that plague millions of people worldwide have been found.
 
Identifying the Signs of Breast Cancer
The early stages of breast cancer may not have any symptoms. That is why you must learn how to identify the signs of breast cancer before it's too late!
 
Full Body Detox
Lose 10 - 50lbs in 3 week with detox!
 
Do I Have Healthy Prostate Gland?
Don't wait until it's too late! Make sure you have healthy prostate gland.

Tuesday, June 28, 2005

The Two Greatest Myths About Abdominal Exercises

If you have ever read a fitness magazine...

If you have ever watched TV ads about latest machines that will
magically reveal your abs...

If you have ever gone to a gym and saw tens of people lying on
the floor doing crunches....

then beware because chances are you are a victim of the two
biggest abdominal training hoaxes!

Myth No: 1

Just doing some midsection exercises can reduce your "love
handles".

Fact

You cannot reduce fat from a certain targeted area of your body
just by using exercise alone.

And the abdominal area is no exception.

So if you want to get a flat stomach and to reveal your abs,
losing the fat covering them is the way to go.

And the only way to do this is to lose fat proportionately from
your entire body by burning more calories than you consume.

How? By doing these two things:

1) Have a healthy and balanced permanent diet: dark green
vegetables, fresh fruits, whole wheat and whole grain products,
non-fat dairy products, fish, poultry breast, lean red meat, egg
white.

Yes, you should cut out all sugar, soda, non-whole grain products
and saturated fats: these aliments should only be a reward for
achieving a goal, not a habit!

2) Start exercising

Aerobic and weight training will raise your metabolic rate. In
result, your body will burn more calories.

* aerobic exercising

3 times per week, practice an exercise that keeps your heart rate
elevated for at least 30-45 minutes (ex: walking, running,
cycling, swimming, aerobics, etc)

* weight training

Alternate days of aerobics with weight training. You will build
muscles that will burn more calories, even when at rest!

Myth No: 2

You have to do tons of crunches.

Fact

Overuse of crunches will only shorten your abs, pull your head
forward and gives you a bad posture. Do you really want to looks
like Quasimodo, the Hunchback of Notre-Dame?

Any standing exercise that will contract your abs will do but you
should specifically target your lower back to strengthen the
muscles that support your spine.

The easiest exercise is sucking the gut in, also known as the
"stomach vacuum" :

1. Exhale. Suck your gut in.

2. Maintain the contraction for 10 to 20 seconds.

3. Repeat 10 to 15 times, as often as you like throughout the day
(for example while in the shower, sitting at your desk, while
driving or in the bus).

Time now for YOU to take action!

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes
only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any
disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any
health care program.

by Emily Clark
Lifestyle Health News
Medical Health News

Bikini and Sun Lovers Beware

"It is becoming more and more important that all sun lovers take precautions to avoid excessive exposure to the sun's harmful rays. Following are some tips to make your sun worshipping both enjoyable and safer."

Many family traditions include a yearly visit to the beach. Tucked away in our memories are the smell of coconut oil, the warmth of the sun and sand mixed with cool beach breezes. However, gone are the days of baby oil and metal sun reflectors, replaced with safer sun practices to preserve our natural skin color and condition. Sun protection comes in a variety of options to include sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hats, sun protective swimwear and cover-ups.

An important part of your beach planning will be your sun protection. Sun tanning and trips to your local tanning salon aren’t the best idea anymore. That’s because both emit harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation that can cause painful sunburn and may eventually lead to skin blemishes, premature aging of the skin, cataracts and other eye problems, weakened immune system and skin cancer. And if the Earth’s ozone layer continues to deplete and the approximate rate of four to six percent per decade there will be more UV radiation reaching our skin.

It is true that light skin is more susceptible to sun damage, however darker skinned people such as African Americans and Hispanic Americans can be affected. Everyone should be educated about the affects of the sun and the steps needed to safer sun exposure.

The easiest way to protect you from the sun is simply by avoiding the sun; the sun’s rays are strongest between 10am and 3pm. Cloudy days may be deceiving as the clouds only block about twenty percent of UV radiation, this is also true when swimming in the water (the UV rays can still reach you).

If you are going to be out in the sun in your bikinis or swimsuits, either sunscreen or sunblock should be used. Both sunscreen and sunblock come in creams, lotions, ointments, gels or wax sticks, and when applied to the skin will reflect, absorb or scatter either all or at least some of the sun’s harmful rays. Currently on the market are some makeup items containing sunscreen (lipstick being one example). Sunscreen products are believed to block a large percentage of harmful UV radiation. The FDA requires that any label of sunscreen products state the sun protection factor (SPF), the higher the number the longer a person is able to stay in the sun before burning. It is recommended to wear at least a sunscreen with SPF 15, the product should also be applied liberally 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors. The sunscreen should be applied to all areas of skin that will be exposed to include; lips, ears, eyelids (be careful not to get in eyes), neck, nose, scalp (for those with thinning hair), feet, and hands. Children under 6 months should not wear sunscreen (covering their skin is the best bet against sun exposure), as they might be too sensitive to the ingredients. Sunscreen should become a regular habit for children whenever going outdoors.

Sunglasses are a very important part of sun protection. Not only do sunglasses help us see in the glaring sun, but also protect our eyes from sun damage. Price doesn’t matter as long as the glasses are blocking ninety-nine to one hundred percent of UVA and UVB radiation (it should say on the label). Try and select sunglasses that protect your eyes from all angles, a large framed wraparound style is suggested. Don’t forget to put sunglasses on your children as well; they can start wearing sunglasses as early as one year old. It is important to purchase real protective sunglasses for children, not toy sunglasses. Even if you’re wearing sunglasses you might want to put some sunscreen on your eyelids (be careful not to get the sunscreen in you’re eyes), as the sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays not the skin around the eyes.

Hats are an easy and fashionable ways to protect you’re eyes, ears, nose, neck and scalp from the sun. Try and purchase a hat with a three- inch brim all the way around the hat if possible. There are such a wide variety of hats available in styles ranging from lovely straw hats with wide brims, to cotton hats with brims and baseball caps (some with material draping down the sides and back if desired).

Another popular form of sun protection is available in the sun protective swimwear and cover-ups. This swimwear covers the areas of the body most sensitive to sunburn, giving effective sun protection. The swimwear comes in styles similar to a t-shirt with adjoining shorts, and is a great idea especially for children. The swimwear and cover-ups boast a SPF 50 (highest rating for fabric) and most often offers approximately ninety-eight percent sunblock, the nylon-lycra mix is lightweight and fast- drying. There are also sunsuits combined with buoyancy aids (another great idea for children). The sun protective swimwear, t-shirts, cover-ups and hats are available in babies, children and adult sizes. Although the protective swimwear is quite popular it has yet to be approved by the FDA.

Cover-ups should be worn whenever possible if out in the sun. A cover-up can include any lightweight, loose-fitting, long sleeved shirts, skirts, pants or robes that provide protection from the sun. There are toweling robes manufactured that serve both as a towel and a cover-up after swimming. Almost all materials and colors absorb or reflect the sun’s harmful UV rays. However it must be noted that it is suggested to avoid wearing wet clothing in the sun, as the sun’s rays can much more easily pass through wet clothing.

It is important to avoid artificial tanning as much as possible. It has long been a belief that the ultraviolet (UV) rays from tanning beds are harmless as they emit mostly UVA rays and barely any UVB the rays considered to be most hazardous. However it has been found that UVA rays may be the cause of the most serious forms of skin cancer (melanoma). This is scary considering some people use the tanning beds all year long, thus increasing their exposure to the harmful rays at an alarming rate.

An alternative to a real tan may come in one of the self-tanning products available on the market. Self-tanning products are sold in tanning pills, sunless tanning lotions and sprays, cosmetic bronzers and extenders and tanning pills. Through a bit of trial and error you can usually find a product that will produce a desired look from a subtle glow to a deep dark tan. Caution should also be exercised with these self-tanning products. In particular the tanning pills that use carotenoid color additives which are approved as additives for coloring food but not for use in tanning pills, if consumed in high levels they may be harmful. The tanning accelerators using tyrosine have not been FDA approved and should also be used minimally. The bronzers and extenders use color additives that are approved by the FDA and because they wash or wear off quite quickly are quite safe.

Although it’s important to practice caution while being out and about in the sun, your day at the beach or lake can still be a wonderful experience. We just have to take a more careful approach to our sun seeking ways to ensure our future health. So pack away your coconut oil and reflectors, replacing them with sunscreen and great sun protective hats and cover-ups.

by Valerie Giles

Sunday, June 26, 2005

Body Types

The human body has three different body types that are known as the Endomorph, Mesomorph & the Ectomorph. So listed below are 3 quick synopsis of these body types so that you will you have a better understanding of body type you might be.

Endomorph

The Endomorph body type is the most prone to body fat when compared to Mesomorph and Ectomorph while at the same time can gain muscle easily.
So keeping this body type in good shape would be the result of moderate exercising and aerobics.

But the health risk of this body type is that it's more prone to heart disease.

Mesomorph

The Mesomorph body type has a increased rate of building muscle on the body.

Including little to no body fat and a high percentage of muscle mass.


Ectomorph

The Ectomorph body type has a high metabolic rate that leads to the existence of very little muscle mass but the benefits are that this body type can maintain a lean figure.

And since the high metabolic rate works against building muscle mass you can counteract this by doing strength training and taking in more protein.

by Boea Fitness

Friday, June 24, 2005

Mineral Cosmetics

Skin that is flawless and youthful looking is what most women desire. Unfortunately, these desires are often thwarted by the lure of advertisements for traditional cosmetics that are widespread. Mineral cosmetics offer benefits, but their acceptance is not overwhelming. Reason being, people associate mineral cosmetics with something that is substandard. In the case of cosmetics, it is the general thought that an individual doesn’t obtain the coverage and “look” that they want. In this article we will take a look at mineral cosmetics and what they have to offer.

Mineral and natural cosmetics are often considered synonymous. Although there are similarities between the two, they actually refer to two different types of products for the skin. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a product that is "natural" contains ingredients that are derived from plants or animals. It also has determined that any products that contain stabilizers (additives) of color that are derivatives of earth are considered mineral cosmetics. An example of an ingredient that is added to mineral cosmetics is titanium oxide. This additive is generally added to face powders to create the various shades of color.

One of the great benefits of mineral cosmetics is that they are resistant to water. Unlike traditional cosmetics that “cake” and “run” in water, mineral cosmetics cling to your skin, maintaining the flawless skin tone you want to display. Another benefit of using mineral cosmetics is that you protect your body from harmful chemicals. When you use mineral cosmetics you use those elements that are natural to your body and that create a natural look. Traditional cosmetics contain chemicals that are not natural to your body and that may clog your pores and cause blemishes, or worse, result in you developing cancer. The fewer chemicals that you introduce to your body, the more you reduce your risk of cancer.

Another benefit associated with using mineral cosmetics is that you actually help your skin to remain healthy. The natural ingredients in mineral cosmetics have a healing effect that can help to improve skin conditions such as skin damage and acne. Dermatologists generally forbid an individual suffering from these skin conditions to wear traditional cosmetics because they can make the conditions worse. Mineral cosmetics also provide the skin with natural moisture. If you have very dry skin you still may want to use a moisturizer.
The two downsides of mineral cosmetics are cost and availability. The process to obtain and add the necessary ingredients to mineral cosmetics is costly. The Internet does provide some release in the sense that the companies that advertise there don’t have to worry about overhead so that they can charge better prices. Your best bet of locating these products is to find a health food store. These stores generally carry a variety of mineral cosmetics and have knowledgeable staff available to assist you if you should have any questions. If you don’t live near a health food store, you can perform a search online for companies that sell mineral cosmetics and request a catalog.

by Laura Smith

Fat Burning Tips

These fat burning tips can help you discover a fat burning secret that works well. The fat burning process is a matter of proper dieting and the correct exercise and training techniques.

Remember, everyone's body is different and not all techniques work for everyone. Consistency is the key, so give your body a chance to adjust with time to the changes. It may take a while to see results but the end result is worth it.

A good fat burning tip is adjust your current diet by reducing your calories and limit your salt intake to reduce your fat. Excessive sodium combined with fat can cause your body to retain water which in turn causes weight gain and body fat. Be sure and watch the sodium levels in the seasonings you cook with, they can be well hidden and sneak up on you.

Some of these fat burning tips may sound too simple to be true. But they go back to the basics of what works. Burning fat is all about using up more calories than you take in. Learn to substitute lower calorie foods for the high calorie ones you are use to eating.

Another good fat burning tip is learn not to eat, at least, 2 hours before you go to bed, You'll be amazed at what this simple tip alone can do for keeping your weight down. Eating anything before you go to bed means you'll be wearing that as fat. Think about that next time you want a late night snack.

To prevent body fat from building up you also need to exercise. You must be active to change your bodies metabolism to burn fat instead of storing it. Fat burning exercises will speed up your metabolism. With a reduction in calories, and this type of exercise, you will reduce body fat.

Some of these fat burning exercises include walking, jogging, running, elliptical trainer workouts, cycling and swimming. The key thing to remember here is the more muscle groups you use, the more fat you'll burn.

These aerobic fat burning exercises increase your metabolism, which means, you'll burn calories long after you exercise. People who exercise on a regular basis develop more fat burning enzymes than someone who doesn't exercise at all.

If you want to discover a fat burning secret that works, it's eat properly to reduce body fat, while combining it with fat burning exercises. Remember not exceed your daily calories allotted each day and increase your physical activity. Try these fat burning tips and get results that will work.

Copyright © 2005 Treadmill Info.com All Rights Reserved.
by Gary Gresham

Tae Kwon Do is Great For All Ages

Tae Kwon Do is Korean Karate. It means The Way of the Hand and Foot (punching and kicking). There are basically four sections to the art: Toning, Sparring, Forms and Self Defense.

It is a well rounded exercise program that encompasses muscle toning, stretching and flexibility, increasing strength and stamina through aerobic sparring and mental challenges through becoming proficient at the patterns or forms.

Most classes start out with warm-ups. These exercises are the calisthenics such as push ups, sit ups, jumping jacks, trunk rotations, squat kicks and various leg stretches. For certain you will tighten your abs and strengthen your arms just from performing the warm-up exercises. Before you know it, you'll be doing fifty knuckle or triangle push-ups at rapid-fire pace and will be able to lean up against a wall and have someone lift your leg up so that your toes touch the wall behind your ear. Tae Kwon Do will definitely help you to become or to stay limber.

Sparring is fighting in a controlled environment. It's not street fighting and all participants wear protective gear: helmet, gloves, shin guards and feet guards, called kicks. Usually you will spar in three minute rounds. It's basically kick boxing. Then a minute rest; switch partners, then spar again and repeat. You will get extremely hot and sweaty. Jab, punch, upper cut, side kick, reverse punch, round house, hammer fist, bob and weave and repeat. It's an excellent aerobic exercise.

Learning the forms or patterns can really tax your brain. Many of the forms have 26+ different movements. It's your job to remember them, in order, and learn them proficiently. In theory, by learning the forms, it'll help you to become a better fighter. For example, one form might start out: high block, front kick punch left; high block front kick punch right. Turn 90 degrees, down the center, knife hand left, knife hand right, knife hand left, spear hand. And so it goes. If you master these, when it comes time to spar, you can implement some of these patterns into your match.

Many people enjoy Tae Kwon Do, or any of the martial arts for that matter, because it is an all inclusive exercise program. It's fun, it's challenging, and it's an excellent way to get in or to stay in shape. As with any exercise program, start slowly and consult your physician. If you haven't participated in much physical exercise in a while, your muscles will be very sore for the first few weeks. Don't be intimidated by the other students may appear to be in better shape that you are. Everyone started out as a white belt. Just have fun; and get moving!

by Joe Serpico

Thursday, June 23, 2005

Who Said Bananas Are Not Good For You?

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 fibre, 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.
A few people have a slight problem with the digestion of bananas, the simple answer, even though it sounds strange, is to sprinkle a little Pepper on the banana before eating, it works wonders.

Anaemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of haemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anaemia

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

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.

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.

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

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 rebalanced 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%!

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.

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.

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!

A banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare bananas 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. Maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"

P.S. Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time!

by Alfred Jones
http://www.SugarsR4u.com
http://www.RUSweetEnuf.com
http://gojijuice.atspace.com

Using Asian Herbal combinations for hemorrhoid Symptoms

Asian Herbs

I have found Chinese herb formulations quite effective in treating hemorrhoid symptoms. It is now easy to find these herbs, since there are Chinese herb store in most cities. If not, it is easy to go to the Internet
and find what you need.

These herbs usually come in pill form; but you can also get
storeowners to mix you a formulation of dried herbs by simply telling them what ailment you are trying to treat. Most herbal stores usually have an acupuncturist that can diagnose your problem and prescribe a precise herbal
combination.

These Chinese hemorrhoid herbs contain chemicals that
are anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, increase blood circulation,
and lift Chi. Chi is the life force that powers all body and
mind functions.

When checking these Chinese formulations just make sure
the manufacturers note that they are low in heavy metals.

FARGELIN

FARGELIN - HUA ZHI LING WAN (hemorrhoid pills) contains the following herbs: San-Qi Ginseng Root, Baikal Skullcap Root, Sophora Flower, Callicarpa Leaf, Amber, Burnet-Bloodwort Root, Pig Gallbladder, Corydalis Root and Stem.

Fargelin promotes anal health and should not be used if you are pregnant.

HUAI JIAO WAN

Another herbal combination is HUAI JIAO WAN. It helps shrinks, reduces pain, and stops hemorrhoid bleeding. It contains the following herbs: Sophora japonica fruit, Sanguisorba officinalis root, Scutellaria baicalensis root, Citrus aurantium fruit-ripe, Ledebouriella divaricata root, Angelica sinensis root.

JING WAN HUNG

A third Chinese herbal hemorrhoid remedy is JING WAN HUNG or Ching Wan Huang (ointment.) It relieves hemorrhoid pain, burning, and itching. It contains the following herbs: Lobelia 27.5%, Myrrh 17.5%, Tang-kuei 12%, Borneol 12%, Sanguisorba 8.5%, Chaenomeles 8.5%, Frankincense 8.5%, Carthamus 8.5%, Pistacia.

You can buy any one of these combination at: www.seaofchi.com

Use these herbal combinations for only a week. If you don't see any improvement, stop using them and see your medical practitioner.

Because there are many manufacturers of these herbal combination there will be variations in the ingredients and quality. Buy only from those companies that guarantee the quality of their product.

by Rudy Silva

Monday, June 20, 2005

Bacteria for Your Health

Have you ever heard that some bacteria can bring benefit to your health? Yes, you may find these 'good bacteria' in yogurt or supplement. As quoted from CBC Marketplace, specific types of live bacteria, which called probiotics can fight disease when we take it in right amount. This 'right amount' according to scientists should be between one million and one billion live bacteria fighters.

Specific types of live bacteria - called probiotics - live in the human gut. If you take them in the right amount for and for the right illness, they can fight disease. Probiotics can relieve lactose intolerance, prevent allergies and bladder and vaginal infections. That’s why Dr. Gregor Reid, a professor of microbiology at the University of Western Ontario, is fighting hard to promote them.

But please be careful if you indeed need these live bacteria to fight disease, because most of manufacturers are just claiming the wrong quantity of live bacteria on product label than the real quantity in the product itself.

Come and learn the proof from CBC Marketplace: Testing Bacteria Levels

Friday, June 17, 2005

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Few years ago the Federal News interviewed Stephanie Marriot , 52-year-old woman suffering from HIV, who supplements her medical program with traditional Chinese medicine including acupuncture, herbs and qi gong, breathing and meditation exercises. Fifteen months later, Marriot answered the phone with the question, "You called to see if I was still alive, didn't you?" Marriot, who had just finished recovering from about with AIDS-related pneumonia, sounded far from perky, however. "I almost died from the pneumonia, but the traditional Chinese medicine helps me live with AIDS."

There is no cure for AIDS, yet Marriot believes that traditional Chinese medicine can help people with HIV and AIDS live long and normal lives. "Traditional Chinese medicine does not focus on hunting down the virus. Instead, the body is made stronger so it can fight the disease on its own," said Mark Denzin, a licensed practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine and medical columnist for the San Francisco Sentinel, a gay newspaper.

Marriot discovered he was HIV positive in 1988 and was prescribed modern, western drugs, which may have helped block the replication of the virus inside his body, but they also produced side effects.

"AZT made me anemic," said Marriot. "It depleted my white and red blood cells and weakened my muscles. Traditional Chinese medicine has helped me relieve the side effects and boost my red blood cell count."

Marriot also suffered from HIV-related neuropathy, a painful numbing of the arms, legs and feet. One day, Marriot told a Western-trained physician friend about his horrible pain. The friend advised him to try traditional Chinese medicine as a supplement to his AZT program.

Marriot says at first he thought his friend recommended he "see a witch-doctor." But in 1991, Marriot contacted Misha Cohen, a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine. Cohen treated Marriot's swollen left arm with heat acupuncture, in which dozens of acupuncture needles, attached to wires and electrodes, were inserted lightly into the flesh on his arm. Cohen flipped an electric switch and tiny pulses of heat flowed through Marriot's body.

"The [arm] pain has vanished, but it still lingers in my feet," says Marriot.

Many doctors are skeptical, and believe acupuncture does not work in most cases. Dr. Robert Kimmich, a San Francisco-based psychiatrist, says, "I have had patients who have tried it. Traditional Chinese medicine has helped a few: many others had no luck with it."

"These things aren't medicine," agrees Richard Lui, a male nurse.

"Eastern medicine is a little too closed-minded. You should treat the problem, not only the symptom," says Scott Kelly, sports therapist for the San Jose Sharks.

Mark Denzin, from the San Francisco Sentinel, argues the opposite. "Western medicine pumps up the body with chemicals," he says. "If you kill the problem [the virus] - you kill the patient."

"Today, traditional Chinese medicine is used by about 20 percent of the global population, making it the second largest medical system in the world," said Thomas Sinclair, executive director of the Immune Enhancement Project of San Francisco. Sinclair said that The San Francisco Department of Public Health AIDS office funds five San Francisco clinics that treat hundreds of HIV and AIDS patients with traditional Chinese medicine. These clinics are Health Center Nos. 1 & 2, Saint Anthony's clinic, the Mission Neighborhood Health Center and the South of the Market Health Center. All five clinics have long waiting lists for HIV/AIDS treatment.

Other cities, including New York, Boston, Austin and Chicago, sponsor similar programs.

Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine undergo strict testing and licensing requirements administered by the Board of Quality Medical Assurance and the Department of Consumer Affairs. Future acupuncturists must undergo three years of post undergraduate study at recognized schools like the Quan Yin Healing Arts Center in San Francisco, named for the Eastern goddess of mercy.

There is more to traditional Chinese medicine than acupuncture. Licensed practitioners also prescribe herbal formulas containing such ingredients as licorice, ginseng and lotus seed for "internal strength."

"If your internal strength is low, you won't get better," says Marriot. "It's like bad morale at the office. If people have low morale they may still get the job done, but it's not done well or as quickly."

Cohen is working on a formula to terminate cryptosporidosis, a parasite that lives inside our bodies but is resisted by healthy immune systems. But the parasite can run amok in people with the weakened immune systems caused by HIV and AIDS. Cohen treats Marriot's cryptosporidosis infection with a salt "moxabustion" treatment.

Cohen places acupuncture needles on designated body points, then fills Marriot's navel with salt and puts a piece of burning piece of the herb mugwort on his belly. Cohen explains the salt prevents the skin from burning.

"I don't know if it kills the parasite, but I feel better," says Marriot.

Marriot also suffered from a case of yeast infection, commonly called thrush. Cohen used the acupuncture and acidophilous, a "friendly bacteria" that lives in the human colon and is added to some yogurts for its health benefits and tangy flavor. Typically for acupuncture, needles were not placed on the tongue; they were placed on the ears, legs, belly, hands and forehead.

"The infection is gone," Marriot says of his case of thrush. There is some evidence that traditional Chinese medicine may help. Francoise Barre'-Sinousi, an HIV researcher, studied the effects of Xia-chai-hu-tang, a formula that contains herbs such as ginseng. She has published the results of her experiments, concluding that high doses of Xia-chai-hu-tang inhibit the activity of an essential retrovial enzyme of HIV by 70 to 90 percent in test tubes.

An experiment at M.D. Anderson Hospital appears to demonstrate that certain polysacchrides from Chinese herbs (such as radix-astragulus) can restore immune system functions damaged by chemical drugs and radiation.

"Radix [root]-astragulus is an oriental herb used by many people for immune enhancing properties. It has been popular in Chinese medicine for thousands of years and supposedly boosts the white blood cell count," said Dennis Wagner, who buys herbs for the Rainbow Grocery in San Francisco.

Today, Marriot continues supplementing his treatment program with traditional Chinese medicine. He also sees Stuart Yee, a martial-arts expert and former California bodybuilding champion, three days each week for personal fitness training.

Yee said that traditional Chinese medicine is helping Marriot succeed in his muscle training program, and has taken him from 110 pounds to 145.

"Acupuncture gives you better response in your fingers nerve endings [so you can lift heavy weights] and increases the circulatory system. Chinese herbs enhance the immune and central nervous system. Chinese herbs enhance the immune and central nervous system," said Yee.

"Everything I have done [medicine, acupuncture, herbs and exercise] has helped maintain my health. I can't tell you how they all integrate, but it's important for those with AIDS and HIV," Marriot says.

by Jimmy Henderson
Article Source: Ezine Articles

Yoga For a Beginner

Yoga for a beginner is an exciting time when you start to discover all of the wonderful benefits that yoga has to offer. When you first begin yoga, there are several things you can do to make your experience positive.

The following are ideas you might want to consider as you begin your yoga journey.

Types of Yoga
It is a good idea when you are doing yoga as a beginner, that you choose a style that matches your fitness level, personality, and health condition. Review what each type of yoga has to offer so you can choose a class that is best suited to you.

Yoga Instruction
Yoga for a beginner is best practiced under the supervision of an experienced teacher. It is important to maintain proper body alignment. A good teacher will make corrections so you don’t injure yourself and can also offer modifications if you have any physical restrictions. A teacher can also help you go a little deeper into a pose so you get the most from your practice.

You can find beginner yoga classes at many studios and gyms. Often the first class is free, so you can try different classes to see which ones you like best.

Yoga Attitude
An important point to realize about yoga for a beginner is that it is non-competitive. You are not trying to stretch farther than other people in the class or even keep up with them. You are paying attention to your body, and while you want to challenge it, you also want to listen to it. If, at any point during your practice, you begin to feel pain, either ease up a little, or come out of the pose. It is more important to honor your body than to try to do a pose perfectly.

Breathing
The most important point in yoga for a beginner is to breathe correctly during the postures. In yoga you breathe in and out through your nose in order to allow yourself to breathe more deeply. Breathing helps you get relaxed and it also helps you move more deeply into the poses. If you feel an area of tension in your body, you can direct your breathe to that spot to help it release. If, at any time during a pose, you find that you cannot breathe deeply, either ease up or come out of the pose. Breathing correctly is one of the most important goals in any yoga practice.

Yoga for a Beginner Kit
You might want to get a beginner yoga kit, which usually includes a sticky mat, a strap, and one or two yoga blocks. Some also include a yoga video so you can supplement your classes with practice at home.

Preparing for Class
Do not eat a heavy meal fore several hours before your class. Yoga is best practiced on an empty stomach. Do drink water, both before and after your practice in order to keep your body well hydrated.

Yoga for a beginner is the first step on a journey of ever increasing self-awareness, a greater level of strength, endurance, and flexibility, and a deeper sense of peace. Have fun and enjoy everything along the way!

by Delle Menechella
Article Source: Ezine Articles

Wednesday, June 15, 2005

Ten Tips to Protect Children from Pesticide and Lead Poisonings

These are simple steps to help you save children from environmental hazards around the home:

1. Always store pesticidesand other household chemicals, including chlorine bleach, out of children's reach -- preferably in a locked cabinet.

2. Read each product lebel before using. Pesticide products, household cleaning products, and pet products can be dangerous or ineffective if too much or too little is used. So, make sure you follow the direction right.

3. Before applying pesticides or other household chemicals, remove children and their toys, as well as pets, from the area. Keep children and pets away until the pesticide has dried or as long as is recommended on the label.

4. If your use of a pesticide or other household chemical is interrupted (perhaps by a phone call), properly reclose and remove it from children’s reach. Always use household products in child-resistant packaging.

5. Never transfer pesticides to other containers that children may associate with food or drink (like soda bottles), and never place rodent or insect baits where small children can get to them.

6. When applying insect repellents to children, read all directions first; do not apply over cuts, wounds, or irritated skin; do not apply to eyes, mouth, hands, or directly on the face; and use just enough to cover exposed skin or clothing, but do not use under clothing.

7. Many homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint. If you plan to remodel or renovate, get your home tested. Don’t try to remove lead paint yourself.

8. Ask about lead when buying or renting a home. Sellers and landlords must disclose known lead hazards in houses or apartments built before 1978.

9. Get your child tested for lead. There are no visible symptoms of lead poisoning, and children may suffer behavior or learning problems as a result of exposure to lead hazards.

10. Wash children's hands, toys, and bottles often. Regularly clean floors, window sills, and other surfaces to reduce possible exposure to lead and pesticide residues.

For more information about pesticides, call the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) at 1-800-858-7378. To order publications, call the National Service Center for Environmental Publications at 1-(800) 490-9198 or fax at 1-513-489-8695. Please be sure to note the document title when ordering through NSCEP.

For more information about lead, and testing your child or home call the National Lead Information Center at 1-(800) 424-LEAD, or visit http://www.epa.gov/lead

Monday, June 13, 2005

Using Essential Fatty Acids for Reducing Arthritis Joint Pain

Essential fatty acids provide protection for the whole body. In particular it is effective in reducing inflammation as experienced in joint pain or arthritis.

Most people will have to deal with arthritis especially as they get older. One way to eliminate or minimize this pain is to supplement with the essential fatty acids.

Osteoarthritis, the most common arthritis, is not the only arthritis that affects so many people:

* rheumatoid arthritis

* arthritis from lupus

* gout

* psoriatic arthritis

* reiter’s disease

* infective arthritis

As you age, the constant movement of the joints creates wear and tear. Toxic wastes that circulate in the blood, dead cells, and liquid can accumulate in the various joints and cause inflammation and pain. Continual inflammation can cause damage to the joints. In some cases the cartilage that coats the bone ends, wears down and joints then rub bone to bone causing extreme pain.

Using the essential fatty acids provides lubrication for the joints as the move against each other. This reduces the wear that can occur at these joints and this results in less inflammation.

There are several conditions and lifestyles that contribute to arthritis,

* Obesity

* Diabetes

* Heredity

* Poor nutrition

* Poor digestion

* Lack of water

* Allergies

* Repetitive use of fingers, hands, legs or arms

* Body injuries – sports or accidents

Arthritis is a difficult disease to treat because there is usually more than one cause. Just working on one cause may not help enough to give pain relief. But it always helps to know the many things that contribute to arthritis so that different nutritional and lifestyles changes can be made.

The use of flax seed oil, omega-3, is known to provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Omega-3 breaks down into prostaglandins. It is the prostaglandins that provide the anti-inflammatory results.

So by using the omega-3, GLA, and EPA/DHA supplements, you can get some relief from arthritis. These oils reduce inflammation and pain and provide lubrication, thereby preventing some damage from occurring in your joints.

It is recommended that you use a good dose of,

* Borage oil

* Primrose oil

* NKO oil

Using these oil spread across the day, provides the benefit of feeling reduce joint stiffness and pain in the morning. Use the different oils one bottle at a time. This gives you the health benefits that these different oil provide.

One additional benefit to using these oils is the coating protection that GLA has in the stomach lining.

The standard treatment for arthritis is the use of NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors. These, however, have undesirable side effects such as attacking the stomach lining. Thousands of deaths and visits to the emergency are associated with the use of NSAIDs.

You can benefit greatly if you use NSAIDs by adding GLA oils to your diet and help to prevent the serious side effects of the NSAIDs.

There you have it. Eat the essential fatty acids and provide your body with what it needs to build strong and healthy joints.

by Rudy Silva

Sinus infection: Beware!

Do you feel pain over your cheeks and upper teeth, pain in the forehead, above the eyebrow, pain behind the eyes or on top of the head? Well don’t just relax and disregard these symptoms because you might have a sinus problem that may result form a serious sinus infection!

According to medical study, Sinusitis is an infection or inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the inside of the nose and sinuses. Sinuses are hollow spaces, or cavities, located around your eyes, cheeks, and nose. Studies shows that when a mucous membrane becomes inflamed, it enlarge, blocking the passage way of fluid from the sinuses into the nose and throat, which causes pressure and pain in the sinuses. Due to the pain it gives to the patient, commonly difficulties in draining the sinuses transpire. Thus, bacteria and fungus are more likely to grow in sinuses that are unable to drain properly causing a more serious sinus infection.

What are the common symptoms of a sinusitis and how can we avoid it?

Typically symptoms of bacterial sinusitis include sinus congestion, sinus discharge, sinus pressure, and facial pain or headaches from sinus pressure. However, a common fault of many sufferers was they do not recognize that they are experiencing bacterial sinusitis and confuse their symptoms with cold symptoms. Thus, they ignore to seek proper diagnosis or treatment believing it was only a typical cold.

Avoiding sinusitis is always easy. There are many treatment choices which are currently available for sinusitis. Prescription medication like Antibiotics, Antihistamines, Decongestants, Leukotrinenes and Mucolytics are the common way to cure the infection. However, if in case a severe sinus infection was detected a complex treatment is needed such as Nasal Saline Irrigation & Steam Inhalation, Reflux Medications, Steroids and Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medication is conducted to treat the infection.

Once you have decided which type of treatment you wish to avail to avoid your problem, always approach your treatment with confidence, a positive mental attitude, and a thorough understanding of the anticipated outcome is a great help to your condition. It is important to set realistic goals for your recovery — and to be willing to work steadily toward achieving those goals.

Bear in mind that a healthy lifestyle is the answer to any health problems. Taking care of oneself and not abusing its capacity will always be recommended.

Doctor’s advice prevention is better than cure. So, if you feel to have these symptoms, visit immediate your doctor for diagnostic. Beware of SINUS infection for sure you do not want to be a victim of it!


For additional information and comments about the article you may log on to http://www.sinusinfectionproblems.com

by Marlon D. Ludovice

Wednesday, June 08, 2005

Natural Way to Treat Stretch Marks

Pregnancy is a wonderful time in a woman’s life. One aspect of child-bearing, however, may not be so welcomed. For 75-90% of pregnant women, stretch marks, or striae gravidum, can appear in the later half of pregnancy. Stretch marks do not pose any health risk to either the mother or child, but can cause anxiety over their appearance for those who develop them. Stretch marks first appear as raised striations which vary in colour from pink, purple or brown, depending on the mother’s normal skin colour. Striations develop where fat is stored in the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, breasts and arms.

Stretch marks develop during pregnancy because of rapid and excessive weight gain in areas such as the lower abdomen or thighs. As weight increases, the collagen and elastin in the dermal layer of the skin, responsible for retaining shape and firmness, is stretched to the point of breaking. The dermis is the layer beneath the epidermis, or visible layer of the skin. The elastic fibres in the dermis weaken with stretching and increased cortisone levels normally produced in the last trimester. As these fibres separate and the skin stretches, collagen is overproduced to form scar tissue which result in striations.

There is no cure for stretch marks. The scarring process that has occurred in the dermis cannot be reversed, but stretch marks will flatten, fade and lighten over time. Creams which contain steroids such as hydrocortisone, or active agents like tretinoin (retin-A) should not be used during pregnancy, and especially not during the first trimester when the fetus is highly vulnerable. Plastic surgery methods are available to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, such as dermabrasion or laser, but treatments are expensive and results vary.

Genetics play a role in whether a pregnant woman will develop stretch marks, but equally influential factors are the condition of the skin and nutrition in determining the onset and severity of stretch mark development. Well-hydrated and healthy skin stretches more easily, so drinking plenty of fluids and eating foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and silica, a component in collagen formation, are beneficial.

Lotions, creams and other topical treatments will not reach the dermis, but they can help relieve the itchiness or dryness associated with stretch marks. Keeping the skin moisturized decreases any discomfort that may be felt and if stretch marks are treated when they first appear, their appearance may be reduced significantly. Massaging nutrient-rich natural oils such as wheatgerm, jojoba or vitamin E can help heal the epidermis and also increase blood circulation to the affected area, assisting the healing process. Pregnant women should avoid products containing clary sage, basil, cinnamon or thyme, as these might adversely affect the fetus.

Stretch marks eventually fade and become less obvious over time. Maintaining a balanced perspective about stretch marks can keep pregnancy a most precious time for mother and baby.


by Lori Stryker

Tuesday, June 07, 2005

Prom Updo Hairstyles

How can I get that classy updo prom or formal hairstyle? First you need medium to long length hair. You will also need some ponytail holders, gel, and long pins. The trick to getting your updo to look its best is to use several of these pins in different directions to hold your hair in place. Don’t rely on too much hair gel as this just makes your hair stiff. You want your hair to be able to withstand the humidity, but also to be touchable by your date.

You want your curls to be loose. The looser and bigger the curls, the cuter you will look. First, pull your hair up, use some baby powder to add fullness and then tease your hair. Other looks are more classic, like the French Twist. You have to slick back your hair with gel. Part it on the side and pull the hair down. You may need the help of a hair rat. No, not a real rat. You can get this at a beauty supply store. It will help you pull your hair down if you have real smooth hair. You will still need lots of long pins.

Starting with just straight hair, you can use large curlers to get those nice big curls. Once you have them, you can position them in place on top of your head, towards the back. You don’t want your hairstyle to make your face look too long, unless you have a round face, and then it will help balance your geometry. You can use shine serum to give you that sleek sophisticated look. Be sure to use plenty of pins, flexible hairspray, not the max hold kind, and gel if you need it.

Experimentation before prom will be the key. Use what works best for your hair. Find some pictures on the web; try it out with these ides using the pins, gel, and hairspray.


by Stuart Simpson

FDA Approves New Product for Facial Wrinkles

Studies conducted by the manufacturer showed that the device, Restylane, is safe and effective for filling moderate to severe wrinkles around the nose and mouth. Most patients needed one injection to get optimal correction; about one-third of patients needed more than one injection to get a satisfactory result. The effect lasted about six months.

Restylane is made with hyaluronic acid. Two other injectable products are approved by FDA for treating wrinkles. Collagen injections are approved for correcting soft tissue deficiencies such as wrinkles and acne scars, and botulinum toxin is approved for treating frown lines between the eyebrows. Other treatments for wrinkles include topical creams, chemical peels and laser and electro-surgical resurfacing.

FDA’s approval is based on a review of the clinical studies conducted by the manufacturer and on the recommendation of the General and Plastic Surgery Devices Panel of FDA’s Medical Devices Advisory Committee.

In the pivotal study, conducted at six medical centers in the United States, 138 patients with naso-labial folds were injected with Restylane on one side of the face and Zyplast, a bovine collagen product, on the other side of the face. Most of the patients were caucasian women who did not smoke and had minimal previous sun exposure.

The results showed that, six months after treatment, the effects of Restylane and Zyplast as wrinkle fillers were comparable.

As reported by patients within 14 days following the first treatment, the Restylane treated side had a lower incidence of severe redness (5.1% vs. 5.8) and an increased incidence of severe bruising (3.6% vs. 0.7%), severe swelling (3.6% vs. 1.4%), severe pain (3.6% vs. 1.4%), and severe tenderness (2.9% vs. 1.4%) compared with the Zyplast treated side. These incidents were lower with follow up injections for both products.

There was limited data in the study on the safety of Restylane in non-caucasians. The firm, Q-Med AB of Sweden, has agreed to conduct a post approval study in people of color to determine the product’s safety for this population. The firm will also provide training to physicians on the correct use of the device.

by Dean Brown

Childhood Obesity - 6 Steps to Raising Healthy Kids

Childhood obesity is on the rise and has become an important topic amongst parents, politicians and many others.

Our lifestyles have drastically changed. We don’t walk as much as we used to. We eat pre-packaged or fast foods instead of home cooked meals. And what exercise can compete with video games?

These days kids would rather spend time on the computer than go outside and kick a ball around or ride their bikes. And with all the junk food advertisements aimed at children by the media, us parents definitely have our jobs cut out for us.

Times have definitely changed but that doesn’t mean we have to completely give up. It’s just a matter of putting some simple measures into place.

Here are some easy tips to ensure your kids develop a life-long healthy lifestyle.

1. Limit your kids television, computer and video games time. This may not be easy at first, but be persistent. Suggest an activity they can do, or better yet go outside with them and join in. Children learn through example, so if you’re all set to go for a bike ride they may just want to join you.

2. Get your kids involved in the family food shopping. Make a list of healthy foods everyone agrees on and point out the health benefits to your kids. You’ll be surprised at how open to eating healthy your kids can be. You don’t have to drastically cut out the cakes and cookies altogether, but instead let each child choose one item they can enjoy as a special treat. This teaches kids to learn about moderation and that , yes, they can have cookies or chocolates as treats not as regular food staples.

3. Don’t super size your kids. Be careful to serve kid appropriate food portions. Remember, if they’re not fully satisfied they can simply go back for seconds. Also, teach them to eat slowly and take breaks between mouthfuls to allow the brain to register when it’s full.

4. Try to avoid branding any foods as “bad for you”. Instead focus on teaching your kids everything can be enjoyed in moderation. This takes the pressure off them and gets rid of the diet mentality which can set them up for a life of yo-yo dieting.

5. Be more active! Simply stated, kids need more activity in their lives. The same goes for all of us, if we eat more calories than we’re using up we will gain weight. It’s as simple as that. So get out there and make it fun. Try not to use the word “exercise”. You want this to be a lifestyle habit not something that has to be done.

6. Be a positive role model. Rather than focusing on changes for your child only, change as a family. Have a family meeting and talk about healthy eating and good nutrition. Explain all the benefits of an active lifestyle and let your kids suggest some simple activities you can do together. Start slowly and build up. If you set a good example your kids will eventually follow. It may not be easy at first, but persist. The benefits will far outweigh the tantrums and tears you may need to put up when you first change your lifestyle…. Your kids will thank you for it in the long run.

by Mila Sidman