People's Health Series - Coenzyme Q10 and Its Active Form: Ubiquinol

The paperback edition of the book 'Coenzyme Q10 and its Active Form: Ubiquinol,' talks about a supreme nutrient supplement CoQ10 (also known as Ubiquinone) and its active antioxidant form Ubiquinol (available in supplement form). The book's introduction is given by Dr Gian Paolo Littarru, who is the world's foremost experts on Coenzyme Q10 and is the chairperson of International Coenzyme Q10 Association (ICQA).

CoQ10 is a vital nutrient naturally present in every cell of the human body. CoQ10 and Ubiquinol are highly essential for the generation of cellular energy and smooth running of the organs in our body (for e.g. heart, liver, kidneys, etc). Their supreme antioxidant properties provide protection against free radical damage. These supplements are known to support cardiovascular health, promote cognitive function, and improve the nervous system.

Coenzyme Q10 and Its Active Form: Ubiquinol - Nutritional Support for Heart Health, Peak Energy, Antioxidant Defenses and More is published by Vibrant Life Publishing. The book presents a culmination of physician's recommendations and testimonials from users who have enjoyed the many benefits of this marvelous nutrient.

For optimal health with today's nutritional value of food it has become an imperative to supplement your diet with the healthiest nutritional supplements. coenzyme Q10 has become a staple of healthy living through organic products that keep to the highest standards.

Recent research has shown that many of the common diseases and health issues that face Americans are caused by metabolic stress which is a build up of toxins in the body from daily activities. It is the powerful antioxidants our body needs on a daily basis that removes these toxins from our system. Daily intake of antioxidants can prevent the build up of toxins and prevent metabolic stress. Many of the diseases that cripple Americans can be prevented with daily intake of powerful antioxidants.

Even people who live healthy produce free radicals that need to be removed by antioxidants. Free radicals are a by product of producing energy so the more you exercise the more important antioxidants are to remove the harmful waste that has built up from all your hard work and healthy exercise. Daily intake of antioxidants may be one of the best things you can do for your health.

One way of looking at supplementation of healthy nutrients is you can either pay a little for daily supplements or pay a lot for prescription drugs later.

Copyright (c) 2010 Rod Hoss
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Rod Hoss has 7 years of online marketing driving targeted traffic for increases in website sales. Learn more at http://www.authorityseo.com/

How To Straighten Your Teeth In (Almost) Complete Secrecy

Find Out If Invisible Braces Are Right for You

When it comes to straightening teeth during adulthood, invisible braces like Invisalign® brand aligners have proven to be a very workable solution for over a million people. The reason? Unlike traditional metal braces, invisible braces are just that – invisible. This makes a tremendous difference for adults who want straighter teeth, but might not feel comfortable sporting an adolescent-style mouth full of metal brackets and wires. Invisible braces transform adult smiles discreetly, so no one but the patient needs to be aware that any kind of treatment is going on.

Unlike traditional braces that are bonded to the teeth, invisible braces use a series of removable clear, plastic aligners that are switched every two weeks or so to slowly move teeth into the desired position. Not only are these aligners almost completely invisible, the fact that they are also removable means patients can (and should) take them out to eat, drink and brush their teeth, so having food caught in braces is never an issue. They can even be removed for special occasions like a wedding or other event.

So what kind of patients can be helped by invisible braces? Amazingly, while they are incredibly easy to wear and live with, invisible braces are appropriate and effective in correcting a wide range of orthodontic problems, including:

Crowded teeth

Teeth that overlap because there’s just not enough room in your jawbone aren’t just unattractive, they’re also unhealthy. Teeth that are too close together decay easily, can suffer from gum disease, and may not function normally.

Teeth spaced too widely

The opposite problem of the above can happen when there’s too much jawbone and not enough teeth to fill the space. This isn’t just a cosmetic problem – it can also cause some periodontal disease, and teeth left untreated can continue to shift into “open areas.”

Crossbite

When the upper and lower jaws are out of alignment, some upper teeth wind up biting on the inside of the lower teeth. This can lead to excess wear and tear on teeth and even bone loss, and is definitely a condition that should be corrected.

Overbite

The “bunny teeth” look you get when your upper teeth protrude over your lower teeth is more than an appearance issue – it can also cause painful joint problems as well as gum issues.

Underbite

The opposite of the above problem, this happens when lower teeth protrude over the upper teeth. This also can cause pain in the jaw and joints and lead to excess wear and tear on front teeth.

With invisible braces now a real and workable solution to all of these orthodontic problems, adults should no longer have to suffer with less-than-straight teeth or the real health issues they can cause. Invisible braces can transform a crooked smile into a perfect smile – and do it in almost total secrecy. And the best news? The average treatment time is just about one year.

Copyright (c) 2010 Thomas Streko
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Westfield, New Jersey cosmetic dentist Dr. Thomas Streko has extensive experience with invisible braces and other solutions to help create your perfect smile. Find out more about Dr. Streko’s practice at http://www.drstreko.com or call his office at 866-512-7885.

Open Your Mind to Expand Your Horizons

Imagine yourself 10, 20, maybe even 30 years from now, reflecting on your past experiences over the course of your life. Will your photo albums showcase a wide range of adventures? Are you usually eager to explore new territory and try new experiences? Or instead, do you prefer to live more predictably with few changes to your routine? Much like the popular 2008 hit movie, Yes Man, starring Jim Carey, making a commitment to participate in new experiences can truly breathe new life into your spirit and new passion into your heart.

We all experience hesitations. During yoga classes, I am always challenged when my instructor urges me to let go of my constant evaluation of everything. I might battle thoughts like, “How is everyone else doing with this tough Reverse Warrior pose?… gosh, I don’t look as poised in this position as she does. Maybe I should scale back to the more simplified version so I don’t risk losing my balance.” Our subconscious can easily fire off criticisms – but you have the power to change that.

My challenge to you is to go ahead – give yourself permission to try the more challenging yoga pose. Why not? Go for it! Say “yes” to yourself and open your mind to the possibility of emerging from your comfort zone. The worst that could happen is that you lose your balance and topple onto your padded mat. If so, pick yourself up, let out a genuine giggle (or a bellowing belly laugh if you feel like it) and try again. Ask for help if you need it! On the other hand, the best that could happen is that you prove to yourself that you can do more than you think! You really can master that challenging Reverse Warrior pose. The point is that we embrace the opportunity to live a more fulfilling life by discarding our pre-conceived notions and becoming more open-minded to healthy activities that present themselves to us.

Okay, well, yoga class is one thing, but opening our mind to saying “yes” on bigger things might be a tad more intimidating, right? What happens if you push your envelope in the area of meeting new people and making new friends… and then you are disappointed? Maybe that new person has let you down, and your heart hurts right now. Beautiful goddess, I want you to know that all is not lost.

A trusted mentor of mine would sometimes tell me when I endured heartbreak, “I’m so glad that you’re feeling this pain… because it means you’re growing!” What!? That was the last thing I wanted to hear! But the truth is… she was right. It takes a close confidant to push us into becoming more spectacular, doesn’t it? All experiences are learning opportunities, and our unmet expectations are often the most productive seasons of refinement, as we are shaped and molded into the empowered individuals that we have become.

Trust me. Expanding your mind by opening it up to new ways, different people and unlimited possibilities may seem like placing your heart in a vulnerable position. But I promise you that the risk you take in making increasingly bold attempts to expand your life’s horizons is minor in the face of the world’s unlimited beauty awaiting your embrace. You will meet people who make you laugh more, discover strengths in yourself that you didn’t previously know about and possibly inspire others to break beyond their own boundaries to experience the joy and freedom that you have recently allowed yourself to enjoy.

So go ahead – make a decision to burst through a hesitation that you know is holding you back! Unlock your full potential as a delightfully daring diva and put yourself out there at the next social event. Say “yes” to taking a dance class with a friend or even experiment with that outrageous recipe in a new cookbook. You’ll be amazed at the empowered woman that emerges as you open your mind and heart and allow God’s beauty to pour in. Don’t be surprised when your closest friends tell you that they can see something new that’s attractive about you!

Copyright (c) 2010 Dawn McIntyre
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Dawn McIntyre, Professional Spiritual Intuitive, is an expert in leading men and women into higher states of expansion and beauty consciousness. Join her on the Boldly Beautiful exclusive member's community at http://www.boldlybeautiful.com for daily interaction and guidance in manifesting your beautiful life, from the inside out.

Want To Cure Sinusitis Herbally?

Hundreds of thousands of people are continuously seeking ways to cure their individual cases of sinusitis. It is a condition that affects many across the world. Lots of pain, dizziness and pressure can be caused by this and can interrupt daily routines. Treating the symptoms and relieving the sufferer can be done in various ways. Herbal Remedies are one option. These remedies are ones that people have used for thousands of years and are known to be effective in bringing relief. People use these remedies due to the fact that they don't have any side-effects like the treatments these days. Herbal teas, as an inhalant, are used to treat sinusitis. Various different herbs can be used because lots of them work effectively in treating sinusitis. A really good herb to use is eucalyptus as it treats colds. It can be used to treat sore throats because it has antiseptic properties which treat inflammations. It can be a very effective tea or inhalant. Another herb is peppermint because it is good at minimizing irritation and sinus cavities. Using it as a tea is the best option.

Most parts of Asia use Eucalyptus for treating sore throats and sinus issues and have been doing so for ages. Antiseptic properties are found in Eucalyptus that reduces swollen nasal passages. Preparing this is quite quick. Here is what you do; boil some water and mix in some leaves for inhalation and daily indigestion will hopefully be sufficient enough to take care of the problem. And another one is ginger, a commonly used herb which can be used for the treatment of respiratory problems. Ginger also has antiseptic and anti- inflammatory properties. All this makes it an awesome alternative. Depending on the situation ginger can be found in different forms. It can be bought fresh, powdered, dry and in capsules.

Echinacea is another great herb that is well known for its virus killing qualities/ it can be bought as a pill, however, you should not take this herb if you are allergic to ragweed plants. Ginger can also be of great help. Although it does not heal sinusitis directly, it is perfect for dealing with headaches and inflammations. This can be taken as a pill or through tea. Goldenseal is also popularly used to heal sinusitis. It strengthens the immune system and cuts down congestion. It shares some medicinal similarities with steroids and works great to tackle infections. People have also used lemon-balm for centuries to stave off viruses and bacteria. This can also be taken as a tea. Herbal tea can be made by steeping the herb in hot water for about 10 minutes, straining it and then drinking.

Using herbal remedies is only one way of treating sinusitis naturally. It is widely believed that your diet can have a big impact on sinus infections and how often they come back. Reducing foods that trigger mucus production can help much. These are foods such as oranges, sugar, wheat and dairy products. Another option is using saline solutions to clean out nasal cavities using a neti pot. This is a great option as it keeps the mucus membranes hydrated and prevents irritation.

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Adam Maher is a university graduate in a range of scientific subjects. He is also a sinusitis expert. Want to know how you can use herbs to heal your sinuses? Sign up for his FREE 10 part eCourse at http://www.gettingsinusrelief.com

Diet Plans And Menus - The Apfeldorfer Diet

The Apfeldorfer Diet was created by Gerard Apfeldorfer, a psychiatrist specializing in eating disorders. This diet is directed at overeaters, especially people suffering from bulimia. Unlike many other diets, this one is life long. The first step in this diet is asking yourself fundamental questions such as: why am I dieting? This diet requires you to keep a log of what you eat. Among the information to be noted are what and how much you eat, and also with whom you consumed the meal or snack. And perhaps most importantly, you have to note the emotions associated with each meal.

Instead of totally avoiding those special foods that you're just dying to eat enjoy them, perhaps in very small quantities, especially if they are calorie rich. The trick is to take those proscribed foods, cut them into unequal portions, throw out the larger portion and eat the rest. Another major principle of the Apfeldorfer Diet is listening to your body's hunger signals. Only eat when you are hungry. Spend twenty to thirty minutes a day pampering yourself, maybe a massage. Other principles include not letting others get you down and practicing a sport that pleases you.

A major advantage of this diet is your ability to eat what you want. A disadvantage is the need to change your behavior and Apfeldorfer is not just talking about food. No wonder that this diet takes a fair bit of time to be effective.

Here are two sample menus: Menu 1 Breakfast: Corn flakes, milk, a slice of bread with honey and a cup of coffee. Lunch: Tomato and garlic salad, cod, a slice of camembert cheese and a slice of bread. The mid-afternoon snack is cafe au lait. Supper: Spaghetti in meat sauce and a bowl of strawberries.

Menu 2 Breakfast: Two slices of bread with jam and a cup of tea. Lunch: Vegetarian lasagna and one fruit yogurt. The mid-afternoon snack is an apple and a tangerine. Supper: Sliced raw vegetables, roast chicken, broccoli and for dessert a scoop of lemon sherbert.

Some of the information in this article comes from a fascinating new book, La Bible des Regimes, written by Jenny de Jonquieres and published by Amerik Media. Her book describes more than 80 diets and weight reduction programs. Each diet is presented with 5 menu plans, a detailed discussion of its advantages and disadvantages, and a whole lot more. La Bible des Regimes is presently available only in French. For more information consult the publisher's website.

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Levi Reiss wrote or co-authored ten computer and Internet books, but to tell the truth, he would rather just drink fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Check out his wine website http://www.theworldwidewine.com with a weekly column reviewing $10 wines and new sections writing about (theory) and tasting (practice) organic and kosher wines.

Skin Care for Oily Skin

The main advantage of oily skin is that it ages at slower rate than any other skin type. People with oily skin need to give special care and attention to maintain a flawless skin. Oily skin needs regular and special cleansing with plenty of hot water and soap to avoid the pores of the skin from clogging. However harsh products must be avoided as harsh chemicals strip the skin oil and encourage flakiness. This will again cause reaction which is known as reactive seborrhea. This is a condition where the oil glands work overtime to compensate the natural oil loss.

People having oily skin must avoid using skincare products that leaves the skin feeling taut and dehydrated. This will causes the top most layer of the skin to shrink and restricts the flow of oil through the pores which leads to blockages or breakouts. It is better to use oil-based products to cleanse the skin as the oil based products help dissolve the sebum effectively. One can opt for oil-free moisturizers to maintain shine free complexion.

Individuals having oily skin must limit washing the face to two or three times every day as too much of washing can stimulate oil secretion. People with oily skin have to choose their cleansers with care and must avoid going in for cleansing creams. Usage of harsh soaps or chemicals must be avoided; instead medicated or antibacterial cleansers can be used along with water rich minerals. Cleansers or lotions that contain alcohol must be highly avoided and after each phase of cleansing one has to apply natural oil-free moisturizers to keep the skin supple.

As hot water dissolves oil from the skin individuals having oily skin can use hot water instead of lukewarm or cold water. The people who are having oily skin need not to apply moisturizers on their skin until late 30's as after this age aging process in oily skin is slower than any other skin types. If an individual has scaly oily skin this could be corrected by using deep-cleansing exfoliation on alternate nights along with light moisturizers. While cleansing the face massaging must be given well by using the finger tips using upward and downward motion.

Face masks can be applied then and there, the excellent face mask is the clay or the mud mask and if the individual has sensitive skin white or rose colored clays can be used. Light antiseptic creams and face mast can be used once or twice every week. Before applying make-up one has to always use antiseptic day cream with active ingredients to diminish sebaceous secretions.

Copyright (c) 2010 Nick Clipton
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You can have the best tips for oily skin under skin care secrets section with this information: http://www.bestkeptskincaresecrets.com/

Skin Care For Dry Skin

Dry skin is generally considered to be one of the sensitive skin types which require thorough care throughout the year. Here are few simple tips to keep a healthy glowing skin all round the year. Hot water absorbs skin moisture. It is always better to bath in Luke warm water and avoid hot tubs. If bathing in Luke warm water is impossible then one has to keep the showers shorter or bath only once per day. The hot water combine with harsh chemicals actually tortures the skin from outside and causes red colored rashes all over the skin.

Moisturizing the skin regularly is the secret of having young glowing skin in individuals having dry skin type. One has to apply the moisturizing products while the skin is still damp. One must not rub the skin after shower instead he/ she can pat it dry and then apply a moisturizing lotion or a cream. If an individual does not want to moisturize the skin using harsh chemicals he/she can use extra virgin coconut oil. This is easily available and does not cause any rashes in the skin and is also easily available in the market. Massaging the coconut oil all over the body after every shower gives best results.

It is always better to avoid antibacterial soaps for people who have dry skin even for washing hands and massaging olive oil will help avoid cuticles. Moisturizers only work effectively in a properly exfoliated skin. Thus using scrub in shower and exfoliate facial skin using mild scrub is very important. Scrubs can be used on dry skin before wetting the skin. One can also use dry brush to brush away all the dead skin from the surface of the body.

Soaps can cause the skin to dry up much faster. It is therefore necessary to use creamy moisturizing cleansers which contain glycerin or petroleum. Also one can skip the bubbles which can contain harsh chemical ingredients that might again cause dryness in the skin. Instead one can opt for bath oils, oatmeal scrubs which soothe the itchy and flaky skin. One has to keep moisturizing the hands and the feet before heading outside on a cold day. Covering the feet and the hands after applying moisturizers can prove beneficial.

After all said and done the lips must not be forgotten to be moisturized. As lips also contains little moisture than other parts of the body. A simple lip balm when applied at regular intervals can retain the moisture in the lips. A recent study has revealed that omega-3 fish oil pills soothe super dry skin.

Copyright (c) 2010 Nick Clipton
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Get the best skin care tips for skin care in this summer and get to know more of caring dry skin with this piece of information: http://www.bestkeptskincaresecrets.com/

Summer Allergy Success Plan - 5 Ways to Avoid Summer Allergy Flare Ups

Summer time can be a dreadful time if you are sensitive to allergens that go airborne in the summer. Here are 5 things you can do that will help you successfully manage your allergies and navigate the summer season.

Clean Your Space Often

Dust alone is often a trigger for allergies, but add the dust mite which is usually found in dust and your allergies can receive a double whammy. Dusting with a damp cloth or mop is more likely to capture the dust rather than sending it into the air for you to inhale or ingest.

Capture dust permanently by vacuuming rather than sweeping and spreading it around. Opt for a vacuum with a HEPA filter that can eliminate the particulates for good.

Be sure to launder bed linens once a week with water that is at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a temperature that the dust mite cannot survive, and will kill many of them before they can reproduce.

Keep Humidity Low

Leaks in the bathroom, kitchen and basement areas can increase humidity and cause a spike in the mold count. Keeping these areas dry will drastically decrease the airborne mold spores that are likely to be in your air. Let the bathroom fan help you get rid of moisture after baths and showers.

Put as many indoor plants outside on the porch or patio. Having moist soil indoor because of numerous house plants can also encourage mold growth.

Be Selective About Outdoor Time

Choose to be outside when the air quality is best--early morning or late evening. Dry, windy days are likely to have a higher pollen count and are good times to choose activities indoors.

Limit Outdoor Air Exchange

Keeping windows and doors closed helps you control what comes into your home or office from the outside. And even though some pollen, dust, and mold spores will always enter as you come and go, using the air conditioner rather than fans greatly reduces the number of allergens introduced into your indoor air.

Use the air conditioner in the car when traveling, and if possible park in a garage to minimize the amount of particulates that settle on your car when it is not in use.

Continually Filter Indoor Air

Using an air cleaner with a HEPA (or high efficiency particle arresting) filter is probably one of the most important actions that you can take to keep indoor air quality high.

By definition a HEPA filter removes 99.97% of airborne particles that are greater than.3 microns in size. This means that for every 10,000 airborne particles that are floating in the air, this type of filtration will remove 99,997 of them.

This kind of purifier can eliminate a large number of the airborne particles that cause allergy flare-ups-dust, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and even bacteria and viruses.

By routinely following these 5 easy steps, you can make a huge difference in your quality of life during the summer and throughout the year.


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Make summer a fun time despite your allergies with the HEPA air purifier at http://purerair.com/allergy_machine.html

Can Dental Implants Save Your Life?

The surprising facts about tooth replacement and lifespan

With their natural look and feel, dental implants truly have the power to change and improve the lives of patients with missing teeth. The ability to smile, talk and eat with confidence again really can be transformative. Now, it has been revealed that implants not only have the power to make life better, but to make it longer.

The data comes from the National Institutes of Health, following a long-term study comparing the life spans of various groups of seniors. The study found that the patients who either kept most of their natural teeth or had any teeth that were missing replaced with dental implants or fixed bridges enjoyed longer lives than patients who replaced missing teeth with partials or removable dentures.

The results were startling. The patients with natural teeth and implants lived an average of 9.8 years longer than the patients with dentures. Meaning the simple act of wearing dentures – something seniors have been doing for generations – can cut a life short by almost 10 years.

What’s responsible for this disparity in lifespan?

It all comes down to food.

Countless medical studies have shown that eating the right kind of foods – foods like whole grains, lean meats and plenty of fruits and vegetables – is essential to staying healthy. A proper diet can do everything from staving off cancer, diabetes and heart disease to simply providing the calories and nutrition necessary to live.

The trouble for denture wearers is that the healthiest foods are foods that are closest to their natural, unprocessed state. And those foods – especially fruits and vegetables — are likely to require more chewing. For some seniors, the basic act of eating is so difficult that they don’t eat enough food of any kind, regardless of quality.

The reason is bite force. Natural teeth typically have a bite force of between 150 and 250 psi. And while the term psi might not mean anything to the average reader, the fact that a denture wearer’s top bite force is only 50 psi should illustrate to anyone just how large the difference is. The strength to chew just isn’t there.

That means those denture wearers who have trouble skip the raw fruits and vegetables their bodies need to stay healthy. Some may eat less in general. And for some, the food they do chew sometimes isn’t broken down enough, causing gastro-intestinal issues and even trouble swallowing.

The result is a lower quality – and even quantity – of life.

The good news is that deterioration in bite strength can be reversed. Dental implants have the power to restore bite force and bring back the ability to eat those healthy foods. So that seniors (and others) who have suffered tooth loss can eat the foods they need to enjoy long and healthy lives.

Copyright (c) 2010 Thomas Streko

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Westfield, New Jersey cosmetic dentist Dr. Thomas Streko has extensive experience with dental implants and other solutions to help create your perfect smile. Find out more about Dr. Streko’s practice at http://www.drstreko.com or call his office at 866-512-7885.

How to Live A Happier Life - Part 3, Follow Your Bliss

Welcome to the final part of our 3 part series, How to Live a Happier Life. Part 1 offered some useful tips on how to keep our physical body in great shape by detoxifying the body, eating properly, breathing deeply, getting off the couch and drinking more water. Part 2 focused on our thought processes with tips on how to become more positive and magnetic with information on personality types. In Part 3, we will be discussing how to follow your bliss!

Picture this! You are sitting on your porch in your favourite chair in your senior years, reflecting on the tapestry of your life. Are you sitting in the sun with a huge smile on your face because you have lived your life to the full and allowed yourself to take the road less travelled, or are you slumped and miserable because your dreams always seemed to elude you and you feel like you have missed out or not fulfilled your dream? Did you have a dream to start with?

Many Australians will remember our 22nd Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser, advising us that life was not meant to be easy, however, he was only telling half the story. The original quote from George Bernard Shaw was "Life was not meant to be easy, my child, but take courage: it can be delightful".

Following the road that takes us out of our comfort zone is usually the road that leads to greater fulfillment. For example, Bill Gates dropped out of college to start Microsoft, Mother Teresa, an Indian Catholic nun, founded the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata and ministered to the sick, poor, destitute and dying, while expanding her mission throughout India and the world and Nelson Mandela, who served 27 years in prison for sabotage, went on to facilitate negotiations that led to multi-racial democracy in South Africa in 1994. We might not be that famous but having the courage to say yes to the opportunities that arise in our lives takes tremendous trust and self confidence.

When it comes to taking the plunge, many of us are crippled by a fear of the unknown. A motivational speaker once said, FEAR is only 'Fanciful Events Appearing Real'. Those of us who have taken the plunge have had to very quickly change our FEAR into a more positive light -'Fabulous Energy And Respect' - Part 2 of this series gives some great tips on how to overcome fear). Or it may be, that like me, you are forced to take the next step.

For as many years as I can remember, I have had the words "go to India and work with children" passing through my mind. At times, it would be a faint murmur but at other times, I would be in tears at the thought of never fulfilling that dream. Even though it was agony at times, at the core of my being, I was fairly certain that I would never trust myself enough to actually let myself go to India and work with children. However, events conspired and my long term and permanent position at a prominent West Australian university was made redundant. At age 54, I had run out of excuses not to go.

As the plane started its decent into Indira Gandhi Airport in New Delhi, I had a minor panic attack. What did "go to India and work with children" actually mean? What on earth was I doing? I seriously needed my mother at that moment!

Three years later, I now support a wonderful School and Children's Home called Balmaitri Shishu Sansthan in the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India at a place called Diuli, about 30 kilometers north of Rishikesh in the state Uttarakhand. I have found sponsors for 19 of the 40 children who live there. Another 80 children walk to school from the surrounding villages 6 days a week, some walking as far as 10 kilometers a day. To date, I have raised about A$15,000 to support the school and have a wonderful relationship with the founder, Mr Rishi Kumar, the staff and the children.

Balmaitri is now my home away from home and in hindsight, the experience turned out to be far less fearful than I originally thought. In fact, just yesterday, I received an envelope filled with drawings, letters and gifts from the children for their sponsors. It gives me so much joy to know them and to be a part of their family.

If you have a dream lurking in your conscious or sub conscious mind, take courage. Why not take a responsible plunge and see if you can find a way to jump into the void of an amazing new experience. Some of the tips in Part 2 of this series may help you to identify your bliss and give you the courage to follow it, whatever it may be. Leave your comfort zone behind and turn your FEAR into a 'Favourable Exciting Adventurous Route'.

Be the person sitting on the porch in the sun with a smile on your face because you had the courage and skills to explore new avenues, to say yes to exciting opportunities and to follow your bliss.

Part 1  Part 2

Jannette has researched health and well being issues for the past 20 years and holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Promotion. Healthy eating, regular meditation, moderation in everything and taking the correct supplements can make an enormous improvement to the quality of our lives. Claim your free Aussie eBook "The Truth Revealed - Activated Liquid Zeolite" at http://www.CleansingZeolite.com or email Jannette at janobarr@gmail.com

How To Live A Happier Life - Part 2, Thought Processes

Welcome to Part 2 of the 'How To Live A Happier Life' series where we will look at thought processes. In Part 1, we discussed some suggestions on how we can live a happier life in terms of our physical well being including detoxifying the body, getting off the couch, breathing deeply, drinking more water and less alcohol and eating well with occasional fasting. While these suggestions might not sound like much fun, they will certainly help you live a happier life if you adopt them with an attitude of moderation. Part 2 is all about the way our thoughts impact our happiness. Part 3 will look at following your bliss.

You are responsible for your own happiness and it is really up to the individual to develop the physical and mental habits that will lead to sustainable health and happiness. No one else can do it for you! Here are a few tips for developing a healthy mental attitude to life.

The Importance of a Positive Mental Attitude

Have you ever been asked if you are a 'glass half full' or a 'glass half empty' person? What this question means is do you see the world optimistically (half full) or pessimistically (half empty)? If you are a 'glass half full' person, you will be able to identify the possibilities in any given situation. You will see the good that has already happened and be able to identify solutions for the difficulties you may be facing. You will also gladly take responsibility for what happens in your life. To the contrary, the 'glass half empty' person will move through the world as a victim, blaming everyone and everything else for the situations in their lives. They will not be able to clearly problem solve as they feel they have little control or influence over anything. They generally look for and find the worst in any given situation.

Which attitude do you think would lead to living a happier life, the 'glass half full' or the 'glass half empty'? If you feel you see the 'glass half empty', it is possible to change the way you view the world. The following 4 points contain tools that might help you to see the world in a more positive light. Our mental attitude is critical to living a happier life.

Self Talk

Do you ever stop to listen to how you talk to yourself? Most of us would never speak to anyone else in the same way we speak to ourselves. We are all guilty of telling ourselves negative statements. We are our worst critic. Transactional Analysis tells us that everyone has internal models of behaviour that manifest as parent, child or adult, and that we play these roles with one another in our relationships and with ourselves, in our internal conversations. In this model, the ideal line of communication is that of adult to adult, where the talk is reasonable and assertive. However, a large proportion of our self talk is generally a critical parent to child exchange.

You can train your self talk to become more adult, firstly, by just noticing what you say to yourself and then deciding to change it. Take time to listen, as dispassionately as possible, to how you are speaking to yourself and endeavour to make your self talk more encouraging and far less critical. Secondly, speak in the positive and try to avoid words such as 'cannot', 'impossible', 'would not' and all forms of name calling. Replace them with 'I can try', 'it might be possible' or 'maybe it will' ... This will change your focus from the negative, where solutions may not be available, to the positive where you might just succeed.

Affirmations are also a good way to change self talk. Positive affirmations and positive thinking techniques can help develop a powerful and positive attitude to life which is an essential element in making your life happier. Leave yourself positive and supportive notes around the house and practice writing positive statements. A person who values and respects themselves will live a happier life than a person who devalues themselves.

Become a Listener More Than a Talker

Myers-Briggs is a personality test where, by answering a series of questions, you can get some understanding on how you move through the world. The dichotomies of the model include Extraversion (E), Intraversion (I), Sensing (S), Intuition (N), Thinking (T), Feeling (F), Judgement (J) and Perception (P). My result was INFJ. The point is, that regardless of your personality type, there is so much value in becoming a listener more than a talker. Some personality types tend to need to have their opinion heard. They may often dominate a conversation and show a lack of interest in anything that anyone else says. You may have experienced waiting for a pause in a conversation so you could offer your opinion, but in reality, there was no point because no-one heard what you said. You feel frustrated, undervalued and exhausted and will most likely want to run at the first opportunity.

I'm not suggesting you become a doormat, but if you want to live a happier life, say less and try to become an active listener. Why? There are many reasons why listening, rather than forcing your opinion, is important. Your conversations will be less stressful as you show respect to others by listening to their opinion. Others will want to speak with you because they feel heard. Your confidence will grow because you have developed the skills to effectively listen. You will learn more from others. You will feel your contribution is valued because people will ask for it.

To show that you are listening, ask open ended questions which require more than a yes or no answer, paraphrase what the person has just said, ask about feelings, ask what happened next. In general, have an attitude that the conversation is about their experience rather than not yours. You will live a happier life when you listen more!

The Power of Meditation

Meditation is one of the most powerful tools to bring happiness into your life. Find a quiet place and make the commitment to yourself to sit in meditation for one hour a day for at least a week. Be sure the spine is straight, the eyes closed and the body relaxed. If you persist using 100% devoted concentration, benefits will come in time. Why not experiment and have some fun with it!

The first benefit of regular meditation is that you increase your powers of concentration which will filter through to every aspect of your life. Concentration means to focus the mind with interest and determination on any one thought or action. Meditators new to the practice usually focus on watching the breath. When your mind wonders (and it will), bring it gently back to the thought or action you are focused on. In time, you will be able to sustain your concentration for longer periods and will begin to slow your heart rate. As a consequence, the breath will slow and bodily restlessness will decrease. Feeling that inner calmness results in a closer and more confident relationship with yourself thus bringing more happiness into your life.

Be at Home With Yourself

If you struggle to get along with yourself, it makes sense that you will struggle to get along with others. Those who find fault in others, usually find fault in themselves as well. There is little evidence of inner harmony in people who do not have a gentle and nurturing relationship with themselves. Those who cannot find peace in their own hearts will struggle to find it anywhere else. The trick is to finish the internal war and bring harmony into your relationship with yourself. Your breath will flow and your body will be healthy if your bodily organs are working in harmony. Mental harmony will come when the mind sorts the good and useful thoughts from the less useful thoughts. When wrong thinking is banished forever, you can expect to find an inner and outer harmony in all aspects of your life.

Finally ...

There are a number of tips here for your consideration. Perhaps you might like to experiment with some of the suggestions. I also refer back to the need to detoxify the body. A healthy, toxin free body is an essential part of living a happier life. In Part 3, we will discuss how to follow your bliss. After all, the choice to live a happier life is in our hands.

Part 1   Part 3

Jannette has researched health and well being issues for the past 20 years and holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Promotion. Healthy eating, regular meditation, moderation in everything and taking the correct supplements can make an enormous improvement to the quality of our lives. Claim your free Aussie eBook "The Truth Revealed - Activated Liquid Zeolite" at http://www.CleansingZeolite.com or email Jannette at janobarr@gmail.com

How To Live A Happier Life - Part 1, The Physical

Everyone without exception, dreams of living a happier life. Is that too much to ask? There are so many things we can do to improve the quality of our lives that are easily within our control if we have a little self discipline. Part 1 of this series will look at some suggestions on how we can live a happier life in terms of our physical well being. Part 2 will explore thought processes and Part 3 is about following your bliss.

The first thing to remember is that you are responsible for your own happiness. Most people would agree that while having a loving partner and supportive family, interesting job and exciting friends are critical aspects of life, it is really up to the individual to develop physical and mental habits that lead to sustainable health and happiness. No one else can do it for you! Here are a few physical tips for your consideration.

Detoxify the Body

Being happy when you are sick seems almost impossible as illness can be all consuming. We have all experienced those episodes when we were so ill, we didn't know what to do with ourselves. Detoxifying the body of heavy metals and toxins, in my view, should be number one on our "how to live a happier life" list because, simply put, heavy metals and toxins cause disease. If you want to be well, you need to detox on a regular basis. Published research proves that Activated Liquid Zeolite removes heavy metals and toxins from the body in a safe, quick and efficient way.

Get Off The Couch

We all work so hard these days and a large percentage of us get home and flop on the couch, staying there watching television for hours on end. With an estimated 10,150,000 televisions in our homes, statistics show that the average Australian spends 22 hours in front of the television per week living their lives vicariously through soapies. Australians are 7th in the world in terms of time spent in front of the TV with the United Kingdom and the Unites States at equal first - 28 hours per person per week. In fact, two sisters in Sydney, New South Wales, Joanne and Alanah Argyrou, 22 and 24, set a new world record on Thursday 17 June after watching 87 hours of uninterrupted television during the world cup. I am not sure if that is something to be proud of as there is a beautiful world out there just waiting to be explored. Rest and relaxation are a critical part of life and there are so many enjoyable things you can do. Buy a kayak, go fishing, join a team, play golf, go dancing, join a choir or find an interest that gets you "off the couch".

Breathe Deeply

Our breath is an incredibly powerful healing mechanism. Science tells us that a large number of toxins are expelled by breathing. Most of us have automatically taken shallow breaths during most of our life. The importance of deep breathing is one of the first things you will learn in a yoga or health improvement class. Expand your breathing and allow more oxygen into your lungs to live a happier life. Further to this, there is no need for me to labour the call to exercise as we all know how important exercise is to our lung capacity and to our well being. How many people do you know who say they feel happier and healthier now that they have joined a gym or bought a dog that they regularly take for walks, or started cycling to work a few times a week? As much as we might not want to hear it, exercise really makes you feel happier. It helps with stiff and sore joints, it gets you interacting with others, it lets the sunshine and fresh air into your lungs and you feel better about yourself because you are finally making an effort for your own sake. Deep breathing and exercise are critical keys to living a happier life.

Drink More Water and Less Alcohol

Water is the most important nutrient, next to oxygen, to the human body! Yet research has shown that a large percentage of Australians are chronically dehydrated and fail to consume enough water. Approximately 60% of the human body is made up of water including the cells, tissues and organs. This affects our body temperature, skin condition, effective elimination, joint health and muscle strength. If you are thirsty, you are probably dehydrated. It is important to drink 6-8 glasses of water a day as an adult or 4-6 glasses or water a day as a child to minimize the risk of dehydration.

So what role does alcohol play in dehydration? Alcohol is a known diuretic which encourages the body to lose more water than it takes on. Alcohol may also attack our stores of vitamins and minerals, causing an imbalance in the normal functioning of the body. There may be a reduction in potassium which may lead to thirst, muscle cramps, dizziness and faintness. Enjoy your alcoholic beverage with a glass or two of water in between and keep your long term goal of sustained happiness in mind.

Eat Well and Fast Occasionally

Most of us know at least some of the dangers of consuming too much fast food including an increased body mass index (BMI) and obesity, diabetes, heart disease, low fiber intake and food poisoning just to name a few. According to the Massachusetts Medical Society Committee on Nutrition, obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States and results in 400,000 deaths each year. They report that the American health care bill may increase by $93 billion a year because of obesity.

Excessive calories are another issue with fast food. For example, a standard hamburger with large fries and a large Coca-Cola is about 1,430 calories. 2,000 calories is the recommended daily intake for a healthy body, depending of course on factors such as age, weight, height, physical activity and gender. The Trivia Library reported that Ireland has the greatest calorie intake of any country in the world at 3,410 per day per person, with Australia in 7th place with 3,280. Th US is 3rd with an average of 3,330 calories per day per person.

To live a happier life, it is recommended that fast food be kept to a minimum. Try to achieve the recommended 2 fruit and 5 veg a day. Steam your veggies instead of boiling them and eat as much raw and non processed food as possible. Cut down, sugars and starches. In addition, why not consider fasting one day a week on water and fruit juices. This will give all the organs of your body a chance to rest and rejuvenate. You may even feel better for it.

Finally... There are several tips here for your consideration. In Part 2, we will discuss the importance of a positive mental attitude, the power of meditation, becoming a listener more than a talker, self talk and being at home with yourself. The power to live a happier life is in our hands.

If you feel, however, that your happiness is not in your hands for whatever reason, please seek help. Contact Life Line, Beyond Blue, the Kids Help Line, the Salvation Army or any relevant agency. Someone is there right now waiting to speak with you.

Jannette has researched health and well being issues for the past 20 years and holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Promotion. Healthy eating, regular meditation, moderation in everything and taking the correct supplements can make an enormous improvement to the quality of our lives. Claim your free Aussie eBook "The Truth Revealed - Activated Liquid Zeolite" at http://www.CleansingZeolite.com or email Jannette at janobarr@gmail.com

Part 2

Types Of Menopause Herbs and What Symptoms They Help Reduce?

Menopause herbs are used by many women to help them reduce the symptoms of menopause that they experience. These herbs have show to be effective for reducing and sometimes treating symptoms that are related to the dreaded menopause that every woman experiences.

There are many different types of herbs that can be used to help reduce symptoms. Understanding what some of these herbs are and what symptoms they are useful for will give you some idea of which ones you need to try to help you relieve the particular symptoms you are dealing with.

Some of the different herbs that are used for menopause symptom relief include:

1. Black cohosh - This herb is used to help relieve congestion and cramps that many women experience during menopause. It has also been known to relieve hot flashes and to help relieve pain that you may be experiencing in your muscles.

2. Chaste tree - This is used to effectively balance hormones and is used for relieving or preventing depression during menopause. The part of this tree that is used is the fruit and when it is dried it works for effectively for many women.

3. Dandelion - The leaves, tops and roots are used for treating different symptoms for menopause. This herb has been shown to treat the liver and help with hormonal imbalances.

4. Damiana - This herb is what is known as a pituitary regulator and is also used as an antidepressant. This is used for women that are having difficulties in sex.

5. St. John's Wort - This will help with mild forms of anxiety or depression.

6. Vitamins - Your body needs vitamins to stay healthy and this is especially true during menopause. You can get vitamins through different foods such as fruits and vegetables or you can take them in pill form.

The key is to take the right vitamins for the symptoms that you are dealing with. You can talk to your doctor about which vitamins you need and you can do some research to help you determine which vitamins will help reduce the particular symptoms you experience.

7. Soy - This herb can be found in a lot of foods these days and is very healthy for anyone to eat. It is used to help women reduce hot flashes.

These are just some of the menopause herbs that are used by women everywhere to help them relieve their symptoms. You need to take time to figure out all the symptoms that you deal with and then find the herbs that will be beneficial to you. Every woman is different so be sure you choose the herbs you need carefully so you can find the most relief possible.

Please visit our menopause symptoms website today if you enjoyed this article by Jeff Schuman. You will find helpful menopause information and tips so you will have an easier time dealing with it. http://www.everythingmenopause.com

How to Exercise to Lose Weight Rapidly

It is no secret that exercise and good nutritional habits are the keys to weight loss for most people. Some exercises are preferred when trying to lose weight rapidly. While working out with weights will burn fat, lean muscle gains are to be expected which result in less dramatic changes on the scale. Most exercise programs seeking rapid weight loss are based on cardiovascular activity instead of resistance training, to avoid gaining too much muscle mass.

Aerobic Exercise

Aerobic exercise is an effective way to lose weight rapidly according to Vanderbilt University. Aerobics get the body to convert the body’s fat into fuel and increases the metabolism to burn calories even after the workout is done. Fat burning can continue for up to several hours—the more intense the workout, the greater the extended calorie-burn period. Vanderbilt cautions that aerobics can cause some muscle gains, so the best gauge of the effectiveness of this exercise regimen is physical appearance rather than the weight shown on a scale. (See Vanderbilt University: Aerobic Exercise and Weight Loss )

Running

Running can burn a lot of calories in a short period of time and thus cause rapid weight loss. Muscle & Fitness Hers magazine states that an hour of running will burn from around 500 to 900 calories depending on the intensity and speed of the running, the runner’s body weight and other factors. The magazine suggests new runners start with a short walk/run program until your endurance builds up. This will prevent you from putting too much strain on your joints while giving you the confidence to go on longer runs. (See Muscle & Fitness Hers: High Calorie Burn )

Interval Training

University of New Mexico’s Chantal A. Vella, Ph.D. and Len Kravitz, Ph.D. state that regimens that incorporate short periods of high-intensity activity into moderate exercise routines are highly effective in burning calories. This is called interval training. To incorporate interval training into a running program, one trick is to pick a target in the distance, run to it at a fast pace and then slow down to a jog or brisk walk. Run at this slower pace for several minutes, then sprint again for 30 seconds or so before returning to the normal speed. Intervals can be included into aerobics, weightlifting and other fitness activities, and have been shown to burn more calories than regular exercise. (See University of New Mexico: Exercise Afterburn)

Written by Willie Pena. Willie is a freelance writer, artist, music producer and videographer. He has is also a martial artist and philosopher, and runs a website devoted to homeschooling and education called Homeschool Building Blocks.

Body Modification Tools

Body modification procedures can involve tattooing, scarring or inserting objects through or under the skin. These procedures require specialized training and equipment in order to produce good results and prevent infection. Body modification involving piercing the skin carries some of the same risk of complications as a surgical procedure, such as bacterial infection or bleeding. Ensure you check the credentials and sanitation practices of any body modification specialist before securing his services.

Autoclaves for Body Modification

Knink, a website devoted to body modification, states that autoclaves are an important component to maintain sanitation in body modification shops. An autoclave uses heat and pressure to sterilize tattoo equipment and cutting tools. It raises the temperature of water to a much higher level than is possible using a normal open pot or pressure cooker. This makes it more effective at killing microorganisms. The website advises that each autoclave should be tested periodically to ensure proper operation. One of these tests is a spore test conducted every two months, which they should be willing to share the results with you.

Scarring Tools

Various implements are used in the practice of scarification, which involves slicing or burning the skin to raise permanent welts upon it. According to the Knink website, this body modification practice is used for decorative purposes as well as religious or cultural reasons. One tool used in scarification is a branding iron, which is a piece of heated metal which burns the flesh when contacted. A branding iron may also be super-cooled using liquid nitrogen in a method called cold-branding. An electrocautery tool uses sparks of electricity to vaporize the surface of the skin, causing scarring in a more precise way as depth and damage can be better controlled, according to Knink. Other tools involved in scarification include blades, ink to rub into wounds and sandpaper.

Tattoo Ink

Tattoos are a popular body modification practice. Tattooing involves piercing the skin with a special device which deposits ink under the skin using needles. The ink used in tattooing is usually permanent; the removal of a tattoo can involve painful surgery or repeated laser treatments. A new ink developed by Brown University researcher Edith Mathiowitz uses microcapsules to create a tattoo which is completely removable with a single laser treatment. Microencapsulated beads are filled with dyes and used to create the tattoo. When the user wishes to remove it, a laser breaks the beads and the body eliminates the ink naturally. The ink is safer, as it is free of heavy metals and other toxins, according to Brown’s website.

References:

Knink: Autoclaves
Knink:Scarification
Brown University: What’s in Your Microcapsule? Tattoo Ink - and More.

Written by Willie Pena. Willie is a freelance writer, artist, music producer and videographer. He has is also a martial artist and philosopher, and runs a website devoted to homeschooling and education called Homeschool Building Blocks.

A Summer Visitor

A Summer Visitor
Copyright (c) 2010 Karin Marcus

August is the month when many people take vacations. It is a time to leave our familiar surroundings and immerse ourselves in a different landscape. It is an opportunity to become unplugged from computers, cell phone, televisions, newspapers, and all the outer noises that prevent us from experiencing life in the moment. It is surprising what we can learn when we take the time to stop, look, and listen.

Our two daughters are in their twenties, and for the first time in over four years we recently managed to get away as a family. We went to Cape Cod, an area where I grew up vacationing every summer and after my parents retired there, passed the tradition down to my family. So while in many ways this was a trip down memory lane, it had a different twist this time. In recent years, I have learned the importance of personal retreating, and for the first time on a family trip I managed to include some quality, solitary time as well.

During the stolen moments of quiet walks, journaling, and reflection, I noticed that in addition to my husband and daughters, I had another companion on this journey. The first time I saw it, we were just leaving for our long drive, and I looked up to see a red-tailed hawk circling high above our home. A happy feeling washed over me and I saw this as a good omen for what was to come. The second time it appeared, I had just returned from an early morning walk on the beach my first morning on the Cape. I was sitting on the deck overlooking the bay, contently writing in my journal. Again I looked up to see a red-tail circling, this time very low right above me. "Hmmm," I thought, "It's welcoming me here. That's very auspicious. When I get home I'll have to look up the hawk totem."

Then around the fifth day, I went for a walk at the Wellfleet Audubon Conservancy. No sooner had I entered the trail than I nearly had a head on collision with another red-tailed hawk. It came darting out of the woods chased by an angry little bird. About three feet from my face, it banked hard to the right and landed on a dead branch six feet away. We had a serious eye to eye exchange, until the smaller birds again chased it away.

Okay I get it; this bird is trying to tell me something. It's been making its presence known to me, coming closer and closer until it's practically in my face commanding my attention. I have a notebook of animal totems that I have compiled from various websites. So when I got home I read that the hawk is a messenger which appears in our life when we need to pay attention. I read, "When the hawk flies into our life, we will be asked to evaluate who we have become and rip out the threads of our self-created illusions." That did hit me right in the face. It prompted some serious journaling on two very big questions: Who have I really become? And how does that differ from the illusions I have about myself?

This deep reflection inspired by the hawk was both humbling and empowering. It reminded me of another question I had recently read in Angeles Arrien's book, The Second Half of Life: "Can I be aware of my faults while remaining high in self esteem?" Authenticity after all begins with being honest with ourselves; only then can we truly embrace our unfolding.

On this vacation, I returned to my roots, surrounded by my family, and felt deep gratitude for where I have come from and for those who love me. This splendid messenger from above made me stop in my tracks, acknowledge where I am, and consciously choose my future path of becoming. What a gift!
----------------------------------------------------
Karin Marcus, Professional Certified Life Coach / Retreat Leader
"Let the beauty of what you love, be what you do" Rumi
Karin@Steppingoutcoaching.com 610-667-5247
http://www.SteppingOutCoaching.com

Facts about Peppers

How much fact do you know about peppers? Peppers, both sweet and hot, originated in Central and South America. According to U.S. Department of Agriculture records, commercial bell peppers were first produced in the southern United States in 1925.

You can flexibly use peppers in almost any food combinations, be it barbecue, baking, steaming, stir-frying with any vegetables, nuts, seeds or legumes. You can even eat them raw as snacks or in salads. It's no wonder they become the favorites of the vegetarians and vegans.

Peppers come from the colorful Capsicum family which splits into two main categories - sweet bell peppers and the spicy chilies, such as jalapenos. The difference arises from the presence of capsaicin in chilies but not in sweet bell peppers.

Sweet bell peppers are also known as capsicums, sweet peppers or green / red peppers. You can't differentiate the sweet bell peppers varieties when they're still young because they all look green. As they ripen, they'll change color. Depending on the stage of ripeness and their variety, their colors range from orange, yellow, red, purple, brown, black, ivory or green, and so do their sweetness.

But green bell peppers remain green throughout the ripening process. Thus, you may find it challenging to differentiate the other bell peppers from the green variety before they ripen.

Facts about Peppers - Health Benefits of Chili Peppers

All peppers provide rich amount of vitamin C. But chili peppers contain an additional substance, called capsaicin which provides several health benefits such as:

1. Effective treatment and natural pain relief for inflammation such as arthritis, psoriasis, diabetic neuropathy.

2. Reduce risk of heart attack and stroke as it helps to reduce cholesterol levels and formation of blood clots.

3. Clear blocked nose and congested lungs.

4. Prevent stomach ulcers by killing bacteria in the stomach and stimulate more protective stomach juices, etc.

This red chili comes in different sizes, shapes and degrees of hotness or spiciness. The more mature the pepper, the hotter it will be. A sweet bell pepper measures 0 SHU while a habaneros or scotch bonnet, one of the hottest known chili peppers, records at around 300,000 SHU. Not hot enough? Then try naga jolokia, the hottest chili in the world which holds 1.04 million SHU.

More Facts about Peppers - Choosing Peppers

Peppers are not seasonal fruits, meaning you can find them in supermarkets any day during the year. Choose well-shaped, firm and glossy peppers which feel heavy for their size. Look out for unhealthy peppers with soft or wrinkled areas, cracks, slashes or black spots. Except for jalapeno which you'll see some tiny cracks at the end of their stems, fresh chili peppers should not have any cracks at all.

It's best to wrap the peppers in paper bags or paper towels and store in the refrigerator to keep their freshness - up to 5 days for bell peppers and up to 3 weeks for chili peppers. Remember to wash the peppers before cooking so as to remove the wax on their surfaces.

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Laura Ng invites you to discover more bell peppers health benefits at http://www.ionehealth.com/nutrition-health/bell-peppers-health-benefits.htm and chili peppers health benefits at http://www.ionehealth.com/nutrition-health/chili-peppers-health-benefits.htm now. You'll learn how to burn fat to shape your body and improve your health dramatically with these sweet and spicy foods. Visit iOneHealth.com now!

Cancer And Heavy Metals - Unfortunate Bedfellows

Cancer accounted for 7.9 million deaths (13% of all deaths) in 2007, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). It is estimated that this number will rise to 12 million deaths by 2030. WHO reports that cancer may arise from changes to a single cell which may be genetically based or caused by external agents. Scientists and medical professionals have, for many years, been researching the relationship between serious health challenges such as cancer and heavy metals.  We will explore this unfortunate relationship and learn how to remove heavy metals and toxins from the body.

What are Heavy Metals?

It is difficult to define the term 'heavy metal' as definitions can vary based on density, weight, chemical properties or toxicity (which is the measure of how harmful a substance can be to an organism). However, Life Extension defines heavy metals as "chemical elements with a specific gravity that is at least 5 times the specific gravity of water ... including arsenic, 5.7; cadmium, 8.65; lead, 11.34; and mercury, 13.546".[1]

What we do know is that heavy metals of different kinds are found in our ecosystem and that some contribute to devastating health challenges. Research has shown that the average person has at least 125 heavy metals in their bodies at any given time and that heavy metals can be transferred from mother to baby. Some of the heavy metals that are known to cause serious health challenges such as cancer as described below.

Lead is a highly toxic metal found in some products that we purchase and also in our environment. While its use has been dramatically reduced, it can still be found in lead based acid batteries or paints, lead contaminated dust and residential soils and possibly in our drinking water through corrosive plumbing materials. Lead, even in small quantities, can be very dangerous to our health resulting in damage to red blood cells, the brain, kidneys and the central nervous system.

Arsenic is released into the atmosphere from manufacturing processes, rat poisons and fungicides. Like Lead, Arsenic may also be found in water supplies and seafood. Deposits of Arsenic in the body can affect the blood, kidneys and the central nervous and digestive systems.

Mercury is produced by mining and other industries and is also released into the atmosphere from volcanic emissions. While the use of Mercury has been under scrutiny for many years, it is still used in thermometers and dental amalgam.  Inhalation of Mercury is the most frequent cause of exposure. Mercury poisoning can lead to nausea, vomitting, diarrhea and severe kidney damage.

Cadmium is, like Mercury,  produced by mining and other industries. It can be found in nickel-cadmium batteries, PVC plastics, and paint pigments as well as in agriculture. It may also be found in cigarettes and reservoirs containing shellfish. Exposure to Cadmium can lead to damage of the liver, kidneys, lungs, brain and bones.

How do Heavy Metals Contribute to Serious Illness?

The presence of heavy metals in the body may lead to genotoxicity which means that the genetic material of a cell is compromised. Cells affected in this way may become mutated or carcinogenic which may contribute to the development of tumours. When a cell is affected in this way, it is unable to accurately replicate itself and spreads mutations of the original cell throughout the body. The presence of mutated cells in the body may increase the risk of cancer.

The fundamental metabolic functioning of the body is also challenged through genotoxicity.  In particular, by accumulation of heavy metals in the cells and tissues, vital organs are affected including the heart, bone and liver etc. It is also thought that the presence of heavy metals displaces vital nutritional minerals and disturbs enzyme activity which results in metabolic disturbances. Many heavy metal toxins are also fat soluble and settle in fatty parts of the body such as the brain and hormonal glands. This toxic overload can continue for many years and may result in hormonal imbalances, infertility, adrenal gland exhaustion and many serious health conditions.

What Can You Do To Protect Yourself?

By virtue of living on the planet, it is impossible to avoid ingesting heavy metals into our bodies, when you consider the myriad sources of toxins in our environment.  However, there is one vital, daily habit we can adopot to help fight the ongoing battle of heavy metal toxicity and reduce our risk of contracting a serious illness. That habit is to daily detoxify the body of toxins and heavy metals. It is critical in the world today to keep our bodies as toxin free as possible and now that we have a safe,  scientifically proven product that is easy to use, we can be proactive in regaining and maintaining our health, thus reducing the risk of becoming seriously ill.

Take a daily shower on the inside - Your body will love you!

Sources and More Information:

Life Extension: Heavy Metal Toxicity
----------------------------------------------------
Jannette has researched health and well being issues for the past 20 years and holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Promotion. Healthy eating, regular meditation, moderation in everything and taking the correct supplements can make an enormous improvement to the quality of our lives. Claim your free Aussie eBook "The Truth Revealed - Activated Liquid Zeolite" at http://www.CleansingZeolite.com

 or email Jannette at janobarr@gmail.com

Growing Nursing Positions: Never a Better Time to Become a Nurse

The number of nursing positions is expected to almost double by the year 2015, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor. Added to this, nurses are, and have been, in great demand and in short supply for years. That equates to spectacularly bountiful opportunities for aspiring students and health care workers that are officially among the highest paid in America.

The fact is that being in the nursing industry you will have years -to-come of excellent job security outlooks and ample opportunities to grow in your field.

A quick look at some of your options:

"Some" is stressed here because the number of specific fields, titles and combinations of, therein, are in the dozens.

Nurses who specialize in rehabilitating patients with serious illnesses and disabilities are one of the most popular types. They generally deal with severe drug addicts, severe alcoholics, people with chronic, terminal illnesses and so forth.

Neonatal nurses are a relatively new breed of nurse in America. They tend to most health care aspects of newborns for the first month after birth. This is also an enormously growing sub-sector of the nursing field.

LPN's, or LVN's in a few states, are Licensed Practical nurses and only one step preceding the fully-fledged RN title. They are more likely to work alongside doctors with their own clinics, but also have a prominent place in most hospitals and other facilities that employ nurses. Quite often as an LPN, you will be supervising nursing aides or medical assistants.

Gastroenterology nurses work with patients that who have gastrointestinal ailments or symptoms of therein. They are commonly found in endoscopy centers, doctors' offices and endoscopy departments of large hospitals.

Nurse Practitioners (RN-NP) are nurses that are near or top or at the very top of their field. They usually have a Master of Science of Nursing degree (MSN) and hold a national board certification from either the AANP (American Academy of Nurse Practitioners ) or from the ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center).

This is only the tip of the iceberg. There are websites after websites of very informative information on countless varieties of nurses and all aspects of them individually and as a whole.

Simply Unrivaled Advantages

Modern-day nurses have a trio of very distinct advantages. First and foremost, you treat patients with the highest level of care possible and you enrich their lives more than you might ever know. Second, you belong to a very special set of highly-skilled professionals-professionals who enjoy a virtually unlimited growth potential as well as one of the highest paying jobs in the country.

Finally, you strengthen the bonds of communities through caring for patients and their families-and you help to unite different communities across the country and across the world with your abilities. If this is not incentive enough, you have a career that will never disappear and that which will be evolving for decades to come.

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If you're looking for information about CNA Certification & training, we have more great tools and resources on our website http://www.yourcnatrainingguide.com

Safe, Durable and Removable Tattoos Using Microcapsule Tattoo Ink

Brown University researcher Edith Mathiowitz has developed a tattoo ink which, while durable, can be easily removed with a single laser treatment.

Microcapsule Tattoo Ink - Safer Alternative

According the the Brown University website, this ink is a safer alternative to traditional inks, as it does not contain heavy metals or other toxins like traditional tattoo ink. Instead, inks which are easily easily eliminated by the body are encapsulated in tiny beads and placed in a solution. This ink is introduced to the skin using a traditional tattoo needle.

To remove the ink, a person undergoes a simple procedure where the beads are broken by a laser. The broken capsules and released ink are then absorbed by the body without leaving any scars.

Other Uses for Microcapsules

Microcapsules, which are made from special polymers, can also be used for medicinal purposes. The Brown website states that they can be used to carry vaccines or human growth factors to help rebuild bone, nerves or cartilage. Another application is controlled-release drugs.

Sources and More Information:

Brown University: What’s in Your Microcapsule? Tattoo Ink - and More

Marijuana Proven by Medical Research as an Appetite Stimulant - Marinol

Appetite stimulants like Dexamethasone and Megace are recommended by doctors to ensure their patients get enough nutritious food to maintain bodily functions. Loss of appetite is frequent among cancer and AIDS patients due to drug and chemotherapy treatments affecting the desire to eat. Anorexics may also be prescribed appetite stimulants to help with their condition and spur weight gain

Marijuana as an Appetite Stimulant

Medical research has confirmed that the active constituents of marijuana also stimulate the appetite. According to the Oregon State University College of Pharmacy, the drug Marinol, generically known as dronabinol, contains delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as its main active ingredient. THC is the compound in marijuana that produces its mental effects, such as sensory enhancement and mood alteration. Dronabinol is also being explored for other conditions including Multiple Sclerosis, pain relief and glaucoma, according to the University.

The natural plant form of marijuana has the same potent stimulating effect on the appetite, but currently this herbal remedy is illegal in most states. Only the synthetic version is currently legal and available only by prescription.

Sources and More Information:

Oregon State University College of Pharmacy: Dronabinol

Migun Bed Massage Therapy Boosts Immune System, Reduces Hypertension and Helps Diabetes Sufferers

The Migun is a massage bed that has several heated knobs that move up and down the body. It was developed in 1988, and arrived to the U.S. approximately 10 years later. The therapy is available at many centers across the country.

Migun's Health Benefits

Two studies by the University of California, Irvine show that the Migun has positive health effects, although more studies are needed due to the small size of the test groups. One study shows that Migun therapy boosts T and NK Cells, providing an immune system boost. Another study demonstrates that Migun reduces blood pressure and also lowers blood glucose levels in diabetics.

While more tests are required, these early results are encouraging. Before using Migun to treat any illness, ensure you consult with a licensed health care practitioner.

Sources and More Information:

The Internet Journal of Alternative Medicine: The Effect of Thermal Massage On Human T-Lymphocyte And Natural Killer Cell Function


Massage Energy: Physiological Changes Following Thermomechanical Massage in a Population of Hypertensive Patents and/or Type II Diabetics