Monday, December 31, 2012

Happy New Year!

May the coming year be filled with peace, happiness and great health,
With lots of luck and loads of wealth,
Wishing you and your family a very happy new year!

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

We wish you a Christmas full of love and happiness and a new year full of chances and satisfactions.
Merry Christmas!

Sunday, December 23, 2012

If you cannot not eat meat, eat grass-fed meat

Meat from grass-fed cows
Meat from grass-fed cows has a much different fat profile than ordinary supermarket meat. It is high in omega-3s, lower in potentially harmful omega-6s and loaded with CLA, a kind of fat known for its anti-cancer activity. A superb source of protein and vitamin B12, it's also missing the antibiotics, steroids and hormones found in the meat that comes from feedlot farms.

Merry Christmas!

Have a very merry Christmas everyone!

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Sandy Hook Elementary School Newtown, Connecticut

This is absolutely tragic. I can't even begin to fathom the reason of this event. My heart goes out to all the families and loved ones who lost their little ones today.

-----------------

In one of the deadliest mass shootings in the United States, at least 26 people, including 20 children, have been killed at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, about 60 miles northeast of New York on Friday.

The shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School appeared to be the US’ second-deadliest school shooting, exceeded only by the Virginia Tech massacre in 2007, in which 32 people, including two Indians, were killed and 17 others wounded.

The gunman, identified as Adam Lanza, killed his mother at their home and then opened fire inside the school. The 20-year-old killer, carrying at least two handguns, committed suicide at the school, bringing the death toll to 28, authorities said. 

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

What will happen on December 21, 2012?


December 12, 2012, end of the world, end of days

December 21, 2012 is the end of the Mayan calendar.  This will mark the end of the Piscean Age of secular materialism, and the true beginning of the Age of Aquarius, which will last for one thousand years. What will happen then? Guess we will soon find out!

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Wild salmon


Wild Salmon


If you are health conscious, one of the healthiest foods you might want to try is wild salmon. It is the ultimate anti-aging food. It is a prime source for omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce skin inflammation, preventing redness, wrinkles, and loss of firmness. It's also potent in antioxidants and vitamins B and D. Other fishes that contain omega-3 fats that protect the brain and the heart, improve mood, and lower blood pressure and triglycerides are sardines, mackerel and herring.

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Dark chocolate - really good for you!

Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and nutrients that are good for the body. Cocoa (at least 60 percent) increases blood flow to the skin, which in turn boosts hydration, smoothness, and protection against sun exposure.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Thanksgiving 2012

Happy Thanksgiving! 2012


Thanksgiving is not only about thanking God for what you have been blessed with, it's also about helping the less fortunate so that even they can have reasons to be thankful.

Have a selfless Thanksgiving Day!

Friday, November 16, 2012

Matthew McConaughey - unrecognizable




This doesn't look like Matthew McConaughey at all! The actor has recently lost 38 pounds for the movie, The Dallas Buyers Club where he plays the role of an AIDS patient. Reports say that McConaughey shed the weight by not eating. The lengths these stars go to for a role, extraordinary.







SOURCE: omg! from YAHOO!

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Drinks that can help burn unwanted fat

If you want to be healthy and burn unwanted fat, you need to exercise regularly, eat healthy foods, and watch your eating habits. You can also speed up the fat burning process by increasing your metabolism rate. Here are drinks that can help you burn up those unwanted fats.

Green Tea
Green Tea

Green tea has the capability to increase your metabolism by up to 4 percent making you burn more fat. It is also a mild appetite suppressant that can make you eat less so weight loss comes naturally.

Ice Cold Water

Ice Cold Water

Drinking ice cold water can help your body burn more calories. German scientists recently found that drinking 2 glasses of ice cold water boosts metabolism by 25 percent for 90 minutes. Also muscle cells grow faster when they're well hydrated.

Milk
Milk

A research done by University of Tennessee found that overweight people who take three servings a day of calcium-rich dairy lost more belly fat than those who followed a similar diet minus two or more of the dairy servings. Though milk is an ingredient for fattening foods like ice creams, candies, and desserts, it is rich in calcium which can help you lose weight as it increases the rate at which the body breaks up the fat cells. However, it's a big no-no to start drinking milk multiple times a day. Drink in moderation, at least one full glass a day.


Soy Drinks

Soy protein is a proven fat-burner. A study by University of Alabama in Birmingham concluded that soy protein can aid fat loss by decreasing appetite and calorie intake. The scientists also found that subjects drinking 20 grams of soy daily for three months lost a significant amount of abdominal fat.

Whey Protein Drinks
Whey Protein Drinks

Whey protein is a dietary supplement from cow's milk that is used by athletes and bodybuilders for its ability to build hard, lean and strong muscles. It's easily digested and absorbed into the body.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar helps detoxify the liver. Healthy livers helps burn fat cells stored in all parts of the body. Study shows that obese people who took in 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar daily in a study melted significantly more body fat and belly fat than a group taking a placebo despite being on the same diet and exercise plan. Vinegar also seemed to help lower bad-for-the-heart triglyceride levels and systolic blood pressure. Take at least two teaspoons of fresh apple cider vinegar with water before taking meals.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Barack Obama re-elected as president of the United States

Barack Obama re-elected as president

President Barack Obama was re-elected as president of the United States defeating Mitt Romney. Congratulations!

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Foods with 40 calories or less


There's this article on Yahoo! about foods with less than 40 calories that got me really excited. If you're a calorie counter like me, check out the list -

Arugula
Calories: 4 per cup

Asparagus
Calories: 27 per cup

Broccoli
Calories: 31 per cup

Broth
Calories: 10 per cup

Brussel sprouts
Calories: 38 per cup

Cabbage
Calories: 22 per cup

Lettuce
Calories: 5 per cup

Beets
Calories: 37 per 1/2 cup

Cauliflower

Coffee
Calories: 0

Grapefruit
Calories: 39 per half fruit

Mushrooms
Calories: 15 per cup

Tomatoes
Calories: 22 per medium tomato

Turnips
Calories: 36 per cup

Watercress
Calories: 4 per cup

Zucchini
Calories: 20 per cup

Spinach
Calories: 7 per cup

Lemons and limes
Calories: 20 per fruit (without peel)

Kale
Calories: 5 per cup

Garlic
Calories: 4 per clove

Peppers
Calories: 30 per half cup

Onions
Calories: 32 per half cup

Pumpkin
Calories: 30 per cup

Radishes
Calories: 19 per cup

Tea
Calories: 0

Fennel
Calories: 27 per cup

Celery
Calories: 16 per cup

Berries
Calories: 32 per 1/2 cup

Carrots
Calories: 22 per 1/2 cup

These are not just healthy but yummy too! Check out Yahoo! for more information and recipes.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Snow Beer



I didn't know until now that Snow is the best-selling beer in the world. Word on the street is this lager beer from China is "a pale, Budweiser-like brew". The Chinese manufacturer brewed 16.5 billion pints of the beer last year, making it the best-selling beer in China (and about twice as popular as Bud Light). SABMiller brewed 50.8 million barrels of it in 2011, down from 52 million in 2010.

Did you know that beer has lots of health benefits?

- Beer contains high levels of silicon, which is linked to bone health.
- Beer can help raise levels of HDL, the “good” cholesterol that helps keep arteries from getting clogged.
- It helps lower the risk of developing kidney stones by 40 percent.
- A beer a day may help keep Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia at bay.
- Beer’s sugars help block HCAs from forming. Reduced cancer risk
- Beer contains vitamin B12 and folic acid.
- It helps prevent blood clots that block blood flow to the heart, neck and brain—the clots that cause ischemic stroke.
- Alcohol increases insulin sensitivity, thus helping protect against diabetes.
- It helps lower blood pressure.

You can read more about it here

Cheers!!!

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Pop rock star Pink's astonishing weight loss

Pop star Pink recently shows off her fab body on the cover of Shape Magazine's November issue. Pink gave birth to daughter Willow Sage Hart in June last year. She gained 55 pounds during the pregnancy but has since lost the weight by working out at the gym and adhering to a mostly vegetarian diet.

Monday, October 15, 2012

Love avocados!

Avocado, healthy food, guacamole

Avocado is the main ingredient of guacamole. Did you know that Americans eat about 8 million pounds of guacamole during the Super Bowl? That's a lot! It is also very popular in vegetarian cuisine as substitute for meats in sandwiches and salads because of its high fat content.

Avocado is a healthy food. It is a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamins C, K, folate, and B6. Per 100g, an avocado has 160 calories, 9.80 grams of healthy monounsaturated, and only 2.13 grams of saturated fat. Recent research shows that antioxidants such as lycopene and beta-carotene are better absorbed with the healthy monounsaturated fat avocados have in abundance. High avocado intake was shown in one preliminary study to lower blood cholesterol levels.

Healthy and yummy - who wouldn't want that?

SOURCE: Wikipedia

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Colorful Honey



These are so cool! Just by looking at the photo, I didn't know what to make of it. I could never have guessed it's honey. Apparently, in northeastern France, some bees produce multi-colored honey in shades of blue and green. Yahoo reports that beekeepers around the town of Ribeauville "believe residue from containers of M&M's candy processed at a nearby biogas plant is the cause" as they have "seen bees returning to their hives carrying unidentified colourful substances that have turned their honey unnatural shades". 

I wonder if they taste differently.

SOURCE: Yahoo! News

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Cheese Slices (cheese food)

Cheese Slices, cheese food, processed cheese


The individually packaged cheese slices that are called singles, contain less than the federally regulated amount of dairy to be labeled cheese. The rest of its components are oil, emulsifiers, extra salt, and food colorings which makes the product cheaper and melts faster with less flavor. 

The advantages of processed cheese includes extended shelf-life, cooks evenly, and is economical. The downside is the chemical used.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Kate Middleton Look-alike

Heidi Agan, Kate Middleton, Lookalike


Heidi Agan, 32, a waitress and a mom quit her waitressing job at Frankie and Bennie's in England to work full-time as a Kate Middleton look-alike. From $9.75 an hour, her pay skyrocketed to about $1,050 per appearance. Not bad!

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Stress at work

Stress at Work, Excessive stress, manage stress, stress, work


REDUCE AND MANAGE WORKPLACE STRESS

Excessive stress is not only bad for your health but also bad for your career. Excessive stress can lessen your productivity and impact your physical and emotional health. You cannot control your officemates or your environment but it doesn’t mean you’re helpless in dealing with workplace stress.

There are a steps you can take to reduce both your overall stress levels and the stress you find on the job and in the workplace. These include:

*Taking responsibility for improving your physical and emotional well-being.
*Avoiding pitfalls by identifying knee jerk habits and negative attitudes that add to the stress you experience at work.
*Learning better communication skills to ease and improve your relationships with management and coworkers.   

Signs and symptoms of excessive job and workplace stress:

*Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed
*Apathy, loss of interest in work
*Problems sleeping
*Fatigue
*Trouble concentrating
*Muscle tension or headaches
*Stomach problems
*Social withdrawal
*Loss of sex drive
*Using alcohol or drugs to cope

Here are Tips to Reduce Excessive Stress

1) Find time to exercise regularly. Regular exercise is a powerful stress reliever. If you have a sound body, you will have sound mind. Activities that raises your heart rate and makes you sweat is aneffective way to lift your mood, increase energy, sharpen focus, and relax both the mind and body.

2) Eat Healthy. Low blood sugar can make you feel anxious and irritable, while eating too much can make you lethargic. Healthy eating can help you get through stressful work days. By eating small but frequent meals, you can help your body maintain an even level of blood sugar, keep your energy up, stay focused, and avoid mood swings.

3) Drink alcohol in moderation and avoid nicotine. Alcohol can reduces anxiety and worry, but too much can cause anxiety. Nicotine may get you feeling calm but it is a powerful stimulant that may cause you higher level of anxiety.

4) Get Enough Sleep. If you're well rested, it's much easier to keep your emotional balance, a key factor in coping with job and workplace stress. So the question is how much sleep is enough? Here is the recommended amount of sleep (mayoclinic)


Age group
Recommended amount of sleep
Infants
14 to 15 hours
Toddlers
12 to 14 hours
School-age children
10 to 11 hours
Adults
7 to 9 hours

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Palladio Rice Powder Blotting Papers

I have really oily skin so I'm always on the lookout for oil absorbing sheets and I just love these! Not only can you use these to soak up oils on the face but you can also use the other powdered side for touch-ups.

Palladio Natural Rice Oil-Absorbing Rice Paper Tissues

These very unique tissues are made from natural rice and provide the same, great oil-absorbing functions as our Rice Powder—in a more compact form. Use the matte side to blot away shine throughout the day and the powdered side for occasional touch-ups. Packaged in a handy component, these tissues will fit inside even in the smallest purse, so you’ll never have to leave home without them!

Shades

TRANSLUCENT
NATURAL
WARM BEIGE

Check out MakeupAlley.com for reviews.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Slow-Fried French Fries

Slow-Fried French Fries, French Fries


Here is how to achieve a perfect golden-brown French Fries:

1) Cut freshly peeled large russet potatoes into long sticks.
2) Rinse the potatoes and then shake off the water.
3) Transfer cut potatoes to a large deep heavy pot.
4) Spread the potatoes, no more than 2 layers deep.
5) Pour in vegetable oil to cover potatoes by 1".
6) Place pot over medium heat. Cook for 15 minutes (oil will begin bubbling gently).
7) Continue cooking, occasionally loosening potatoes from the bottom of the pot with a heatproof spatula, until potatoes are very tender.(25-30 minutes more)
8) Increase heat to medium-high and cook until golden and crisp about 15 minutes longer(oil will bubble more vigorously).
9) Transfer fries to paper towels to drain.
10) Season with coarse sea salt and enjoy!

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

The Egg Diet

The egg diet is a high-protein, low to no-carbohydrate diet. So basically, the diet includes 1-2 boiled eggs for breakfast, a piece of fruit for lunch and a small piece of chicken or fish (or more eggs) for dinner. As this is some kind of nutritional fasting where you stop consuming certain nutrients, in this case, carbohydrates, sure you'd probably lose some weight. But it's not really a healthy way to lose weight. Chances are, you'd gain it all back once you get tired of eating almost nothing but eggs. It's not easy but try to modify your lifestyle to lose weight and get healthy. Eat well and exercise - make that your diet plan.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Spam! The yummy one, not the annoying stuff you see in your inbox

spam, hormel foods
Spam got its name from the combination of the words "Spiced" and "Ham". Spam is a canned precooked meat product made by the Hormel Foods Corporation, first introduced in 1937. Made of inexpensive cuts of pork and blended with spices and nitrates, it's cooked in its own can, which pressurizes it and allows the meat mixture to reach a temperature that renders it sterile so it can sit for an eternity on a store shelf. Spam remains hugely popular in Hawaii, where it's served sushi style, as well as in China, where it's a common sandwich filling. As of 2003, Spam is sold in 41 countries worldwide, sold on six continents and trademarked in over 100 different countries.

Spam served with rice
Spam served with rice

Spam musubi (Hawaii)
Spam musubi (Hawaii)

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Canola Oil

Canola Oil


Canola oil is known for its health benefits, high in good fats and low in bad.
It's a healthy, cheaper alternative to olive oil.

Canola oil is processed from a seed-rapeseed. The name "canola" was derived from "Canadian oil, low acid" in 1978.

Canola oil is made at a processing facility by slightly heating and then crushing the seed. Almost all commercial grade canola oil is then refined using hexane.

Health Information

Canola oil is low in saturated fat (less than 7%), is high in monounsaturated fat, and has a beneficial omega-3 fatty acid profile and is recognized by many health professional organizations including the American Dietetic Association and American Heart Association. Canola oil has been given a qualified health claim from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration based on the theory that the absence of saturated fats (consumption of which may cause coronary heart disease) in the oil content makes it a healthy food.

Monday, July 16, 2012

Tofu Cream Cheese


Tofu Cream Cheese


Tofu cream cheese is a good substitute from cream cheese. It has low calorie that will contribute toward your nutritional goals.

One 2-tbsp. serving of tofu cream cheese contains 85 calories.

12.3 oz. extra firm silken tofu
3 1/2 Tbsp. cashew butter or 5 Tbsp. raw cashews, finely ground
4 1/2 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. liquid sweetener (optional)

Place the tofu in a clean tea towel, gather the end up and twist and squeeze for a couple of minutes to extract most of the water.
Place into a food processor with the remaining ingredients and process for several minutes until the mixture is very smooth. You may have to stop the machine and loosen the mixture with a spatula once or twice.
Use right away or scrape into a covered container and refrigerate. It firms up with refrigeration.

Makes 2 cups

source Peta.org

Monday, July 9, 2012

Upper And Lower Body Stretching Exercises

Stretching exercises is a must before and after your workout. Performed consistnetly, stretching exercises helps reduce your risk of injuring muscles and tendons. It also improves blood circulation and increases your flexibility and your range of motion, which promotes good balance.

Stretching help relieve the muscle tension that often accompanies stress. Relieve muscle tightness and stiffness. You can incorporate easy-to-perform stretches into your workout routine.

Here are basic stretching exercises to build flexibility in the chest, shoulders, back, arms and legs. Try these exercises after a workout or anytime throughout the day for flexibility and relaxation.

*Chest and Shoulder Stretch

Clasp your hands together behind your back, arms straight. Gently lift your hands towards the ceiling, as high as comfortably possible. You should feel a stretch in your shoulders and chest. You can perform this exercise sitting or standing.

*Shoulder Stretch

Sit or stand, interlock your fingers and reach above your head. Your lower back should be flat or slightly arched inwards.

*Triceps Stretch

Place your left hand behind your head and reach as far down your back as possible. With your right hand grasp your left elbow and gently pull it behind the back of your head. You can perform this exercise sitting or standing. Switch sides and repeat.


*Lower Back Stretch

Lie flat on your back then place the sole of your right foot on your left thigh. Grasp your right knee with your left hand and gently roll it to the left. Try to get your knee as close to the floor as possible without your right shoulder leaving the floor.

*Groin Stretch (Standing)

Stand with your feet about 2 meters apart, toes pointing forward. Gradually shift all your weight to your right leg by bending your right knee. Your left leg stays straight. Place both your hands on your right knee for support. You can increase the starting distance between your feet for a greater stretch.

*Groin Stretch (Sitting)

Sit down and place the soles of your feet together. Clasp your ankles with your hands so that your elbows rest on your knees. Gently push your knees down with your elbows until your fell the stretch.

*Quadriceps Stretch

Stand and hold onto a wall for balance (or chair) if needed. Grab the top of the right foot and bend your knee, bringing the foot towards the buttocks, knee pointing straight at the floor. You should feel a stretch right down the front of your leg. Squeeze your hips forward for a deeper stretch. Repeat for the other leg.


*Hamstring Stretch (Sitting)

While sitting down, stretch your legs out in front of you while keeping your back flat and upright. Bend your left leg keeping your left foot flat on the floor. Slowly reach forward and try to touch your right toe with both hands. Bend from your waist keeping your lower back flat and your head up. Repeat for the other leg.

*Hamstring Stretch (Standing)

Here is another one, while in a standing position take your left foot forward and tip from the hips, keeping the back flat. Lower down until you feel a stretch in the back of the leg. Repeat on the other side.

*Calf Stretch

Stand arms length away from a wall and with feet shoulder width apart. Place your right foot about 2 feet in front of your left. Keeping both heels flat on the ground lean towards the wall by bending your right knee. Your left leg should stay straight. Push gently against the wall for a deeper stretch. Repeat for the left leg. 

*Achilles Stretch

This is exactly the same procedure as Calf Stretch as you lean towards the wall let both knees bend. Rather than leaning forward you should feel like you are lowering yourself straight down. Remember to keep both heels flat on the floor. Repeat for the other leg.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Commercial for KFC Cheese Top Burger



I saw this on Jimmy Kimmel and it made me laugh so hard. It is about a the KFC Cheese Top Burger, that is only available in the Philippines. The advertisement spoof is really funny.

Monday, June 25, 2012

How to Prevent Hair Loss



Diet, medications, mineral deficiency, stress, genes, or pollution can cause Hair loss. Wearing hat, helmets, or caps can also cause hair loss since it prevents or minimize oxygen from your scalps. It's important to understand what is hair loss, how hair grows, and what are the causes.

The generally known reasons behind hair loss (alopecia) can range from genetics and aging to diseases and stress and poor diet. Even childbirth can trigger hair loss for some women.





Several types of hair loss:

* Androgenetic alopecia: This is the most common form of hair loss and is also referred to as male-pattern or female-pattern baldness. Hormones and genetics seem to play the main role here. Male-pattern baldness is hereditary, from either side of the family, and can even skip generations. It tends to occur on the crown and at the temples and when these patches join together, the top of the hair is left completely bald. Statistics show that this type of hair loss affects 30 percent of men aged 30, 50 percent of men aged 50, and 70 percent of men aged 70. For women, the hair thins initially on the frontal area and the crown and moves down the sides of the head, while the back of the head remains dense with hair. This is hereditary and tends to affect women mostly after menopause.

* Toxic alopecia: This type of hair loss seems to occur following physical or emotional stress. Things such as illness, scalp infections, sudden loss of weight, surgery, drugs, and pregnancy/childbirth can cause this type of hair loss. Diseases such as lupus, diabetes, and thyroid disease can bring about such hair loss, as can chemotherapy, heart disease drugs, and radiation therapy. Hair loss that occurs as a result of a mental or physical stress can occur some 2 to 3 months after the event that sparked the stress.

* Alopecia areata: This is actually a skin disorder which causes hair on the affected skin areas to fall out. It is usually the scalp or beard and is thought to have autoimmune causes. This type of hair loss seems to be most common in young people. The hair usually grows back.

* Alopecia universalis or totalis: All body hair is lost, from everywhere, including eyebrows and eyelashes.Hair follicles are not destroyed; the inability to grow hair back is psychological and getting hair to grow back again is not easy.

* Trichotillomania: This is hair loss due to hair pulling, a habit or condition that can be corrected with treatment.

* Scarring alopecia: This is hair loss that occurs at the site of scars or damaged areas such as burns or skin cancer.

Around 90 percent of your hair is following a two to six year growth phase, while the remaining 10 percent is in a two to three month resting phase. After it rests, it sheds, and we can lose anywhere from 80 to 150 hairs a day, depending on our hair type and genetic background.As for eyebrow hairs, we tend to keep them for only 10 weeks!And the growth rate for hair tends to be about 1 cm (just under 1/2 an inch) per month.


Take care of your hair.

* Don't subject your hair to frequent, constant heating and drying procedures. Heat weakens hair proteins, no matter the gimmicks promising softness and shine, and constant heating and drying can lead to brittleness and fragility that causes hair loss that would not have occurred otherwise. Minimize the usage of hair dryers, hot curlers, hot brushes, hair straighteners, hair fasteners, and chemical treatments and your hair will last longer. And watch where you put those heated tools; burned scalps can permanently damage hair follicles! Ultimately, natural drying is best for you hair, so aim to dry it naturally more often than drying it with heat.

* Slow down on the dyeing. Never color your hair more often than 6 to 8 weeks and try for semi-coverage rather than full dyeing. When it comes to going gray, it's a lot kinder to your hair to let it turn gray than to dye it. While there are a lot of well-meaning comments about not needing to look older than you are, this ageist "beauty before health" slant overlooks the value of having your hair at all!

* Be careful how you style your hair. Some styles that require tight pulling and elastics, clips, etc. can be a cause of hair loss if done on a daily basis. For example, tight ponytails, braiding tightly, corn-rows, and plaits, can lead to significant hair loss when done daily.[22] Winding hair tightly onto rollers, especially heated rollers, is also liable to cause more hair loss.[23] The medical name for loss of hair due to hairstyles that are too tight is known as "traction alopecia" and it is completely preventable as a cause in and of itself!

* Avoid layering cuts that lose a lot of your hair. If you're already experiencing hair loss, don't speed it up by having the hairdresser remove more hair!

Wash hair regularly with mild shampoo and be gentle with your hair

Hair washing can form a part of preventing hair loss as it can keep your hair and scalp clean (preventing the chances of infections, etc. that might cause hair loss), and provided you use a mild shampoo, clean hair will give the impression of more volume than dirty hair, which tends to sit flatter and more parted than clean hair.

* Avoid brushing wet hair. This snaps off a lot of hair that could still be growing! If you must comb wet hair, use a very wide-toothed comb. Also avoid brushing hair too frequently as doing so can injure hair and increase loss. Use your fingers to undo tangles, not a comb or brush.

* Avoid rubbing hair vigorously with a towel after washing it. This can also lead to hair breakage. Pat it dry gently instead.

* Protein-enhanced shampoos and conditioners are an eye-trick, not a hair solution. They make hair smoother and thicker temporarily because they fill in gaps on the hair shaft. However, they do not repair damaged hair, so hair that is going to fall out from poor care or other reasons, will still fall out. Shampoo does not increase hair amount either. Use mild shampoos.

* When your hair is dried, use a soft-bristled brush to brush it.

Control your Stress

* Get adequate sleep.
* Exercise regularly.

Eat Nutritious Foods

A healthy body is more likely to have healthy hair than an unhealthy one. It is possible that hair loss can be slowed by a healthy diet filled with vegetables and fruits.

The following nutritional requirements that can be sourced adequately from a healthy diet in most cases can be of help with preventing or minimizing hair loss:

*Iron: This is an essential mineral, known as heme iron in animal food sources and non-heme iron in plant sources. Good sources of iron in your diet include: liver, beef, pork, fish, leafy greens, fortified cereal, beans, and pumpkin seeds. Vegetarian women may experience a lack of enough iron more than other people.

*Protein: Protein is essential for strong hair, but it's protein from the diet, not from a shampoo, that matters! A deficiency in protein can lead to hair loss and adequate protein can help to provide the amino acids that strengthen hair. Good sources of protein include: Seafood, white-meat poultry, milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, beans, pork tenderloin, soy, lean beef, and protein bars. Vegans, dairy-free consumers, and others can get good non-animal protein from tempeh, tofu, wholewheat bread, peanut butter, brown rice, lentils, quinoa, nuts, seitan, beans, broccoli, potatoes, etc.

*Vitamin C: Vitamin C foods help in the good absorption of iron. Try to combine the iron source with a vitamin C source at the same time. Good sources of vitamin C include: Citrus fruit, green leafy vegetables, salad, baked potatoes, tomatoes, etc.

*Omega-3 fatty acids: These fats keep hair healthy and have a role in preventing hair from becoming dry and brittle. Good sources include: tuna, salmon, mackerel, flaxseeds, and walnuts.

*Biotin: This is a B vitamin of importance for healthy hair. Good sources of biotin include: brewer's yeast, bulgur wheat, lentils, sunflower seeds, soybeans, and walnuts.

*Zinc: Zinc is important for hair nourishment too. Good sources include: oysters, lean beef, peanut butter, turkey, and pumpkin seeds.

Avoid food or eating habits that can inhibit hair growth or encourage hair loss


*Avoid very low-calorie liquid diets. As well as depleting your energy in a major way, such diets can cause hair loss.

*Avoid eating raw egg whites. Not only can these harbor bacteria that can harm you, raw egg whites contain a substance that binds biotin. This prevents its absorption.

Consider supplements.

Talk with your medical practitioner first but you might like to consider using supplements to prevent hair loss. The types of supplements to inquire about include biotin, inositol, iron, vitamin C, and saw palmetto. The latter, saw palmetto, is a herbal remedy used for prostate enlargement and some experts think it might help stimulate hair growth in men

Test your hair for thinning if you're concerned. Testing whether or not you're suffering from hair loss can be done using what is known as the "tug test". Take a small bunch of hair, about 20-30 hairs, and hold it between your thumb and index finger. Pull slowly but firmly; if more than six hairs come out at the same time, you may have a hair loss problem. However, this is not the last word and you shouldn't panic; instead, you should see a doctor or a trichologist immediately if you think you're losing more hair than normal, remembering that we lose a lot of hairs each day naturally.

Your doctor has the ability to take relevant hair tests, such as to test thyroid or iron deficiencies, and to take skin biopsies where relevant. Your doctor will also ask you about any medications you've been taking.

Consider treatments if you have hair loss confirmed.


While this article is concerned with prevention of hair loss, treatments can be used to arrest hair loss dependent on your background and personal needs and may play a part in hair loss minimization for a time. Your first line of defense is accurate diagnosis, because temporary hair loss usually remedies itself, or can be helped with specific therapy or treatments. For ongoing hair loss, treatments you might like to consider include:

*Medications. Some medications can slow or even prevent hair loss. For both men and women, Minoxidil (Rogaine) can be used, or for men-only, Finasteride (Propecia) can be obtained through your doctor. Minoxidil is sprayed onto the scalp twice daily and arrests hair loss and may even cause regrowth in a few men. Finasteride is taken as an oral drug. In both cases, it takes about a year to see whether they're effective for you as an individual. Finasteride works in about 60 percent of men who take it. It is strongly recommended you research possible side effects before taking Finasteride. Recent studies have linked Finasteride to potentially irreversible sexual dysfunction. It is not recommended for those trying to conceive a child, as it may impact the fetus negatively.

*HRT. This may work for some women. However, you need to discuss the ins and outs of taking HRT with your doctor.

*Ask your doctor about steroid creams, corticosteroids, or PUVA (a light/drug combination therapy) in the case of alopecia areata. Irritation can sometimes stimulate hair growth too, such as applying irritating chemicals prescribed by the doctor.

*Get a hair transplant. Micro-transplants are commonly performed for male-pattern baldness. This consists of small transplants of one or two hairs at a time and it appears very natural.

*Try hair restoration surgery. This is the transplantation or redistribution of hair. Hair is removed from the dense area of hair and placed into the areas where hair has been lost. Since the follicle goes with it, the grows into old age, goes gray and is permanent. Micro-transplant surgery takes a strip from the back of the head which is then stitched; it heals so that it is virtually unseen and then transplanted. It is also possible to take a scalp section, remove a piece of scalp and tuck it in so that the bald area is removed and the hair-bearing areas are stitched together to do away with the bald patch. This can only work on a small area where there has been a scar though. Hair restoration surgery is usually done on men, not women.

*Consider laser treatment. Try laser therapy, which may stimulate hair growth by increasing blood flow to hair follicles. Some dermatologists and many hair-loss centers offer in-house sessions, or you can purchase a laser comb or brush that you use at home.

*Wake Up Dormant Hair follicles. When hair follicles go dormant, you begin to lose your hair. The dormant follicles no longer create hair, so when enough of the follicles in a specific area shut down, your hair will appear thinner. What is a dormant hair follicle? Is it: small tiny hair visible on the scalp but not growing, no visible hair on the skin but existing beneath the skin, hair that is only visible with a microscope. Some technique can activate dormant hair follicles.

wikihow com

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

OHEA Smart Bed Makes Itself



If you are lazy or don't have time to make your bed after sleeping OHEA Smart Bed is for you! Spanish furniture maker OHEA has introduced the world's first automated bed that makes itself. Now, you won't have to lift a finger to get your bed ship-shape.

Monday, June 11, 2012

Exercise Good for Arthritis and Joint Pain Relief




If you have an achy joints or arthritis and don't know how to exercise with it bothering you please read on. Having an achy joints or arthritis is a pain in the a** you'll be tempted to stay in bed or just to sit it out pop a pill and let it pass, but that is not a good idea. The best thing to do to manage it is exercise. Physical activity actually is the best medicine for arthritis pain relief, doctors say. Exercise can decrease pain, particularly osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis. It  will also lose you weight which is beneficial to relieve joint pains and arthritis.

Please consult your doctor first before doing any exercise.

The exercise that you need to do should move your joints but doesn’t aggravate your symptoms.

Here are some Arthritis and Joint Pain exercises that will ease your pain:

1. Walking - it will strengthen your muscles, which helps shift pressure from the joints, and reduces pain. It also compresses and releases cartilage in your knees, bringing nourishing oxygen to your joints. The Arthritis Foundation recommends walking 10 minutes at least 3-5 days a week.
As you get stronger, take longer walks and incorporate short bursts of speed into a moderate pace until you build up to walking 3-4 miles an hour.

 
2. Warm Water Exercise - Warm water – between 83˚ F and 90˚ F – helps relax your muscles and decrease pain, according to the University of Washington Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

So exercises like swimming and aerobics, walking and jogging in water are good for stiff, sore joints. Water also supports your body as you move, which reduces stress on the hips, knees and spine, and offers resistance without weights.

They’re ideal for people who need to relieve severe arthritis pain in hips and knees.

3. Indoor Cycling - Indoor cycling is an excellent way to get a cardiovascular workout without stressing weight-bearing joints.

You can start a 5-minute session at a comfortable pace three times a day. When the pain eases you can increase to 7 minutes, 10, 15 and 20 minutes at a time.

4. Yoga - gentle movements gradually build strength, balance and flexibility and will be very beneficial to people suffering from arthritis and joint pain. It also reduces inflammation.

Yoga should never hurt. If you feel pain in a pose, you’re probably overdoing it.





5. Tai Chi - A traditional style of Chinese martial arts that goes back centuries, tai chi features slow, rhythmic movements to induce mental relaxation and enhance balance, strength and flexibility.

Several studies have shown that tai chi improves mental well-being, life satisfaction and perceptions of health, which address the negative effects of chronic pain associated with arthritis.

If your joints tend to be stiff, it also helps to take a warm shower before exercise.



source lifescript

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Chagas Disease: “The New HIV/AIDS of the Americas”

Chagas is a tropical parasitic disease caused by the flagellate protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. T. cruzi is commonly transmitted to humans and other mammals by an insect vector, the blood-sucking "kissing bugs" of the subfamily Triatominae (family Reduviidae) most commonly species belonging to the Triatoma, Rhodnius, and Panstrongylus genera. Endemic Chagas disease has emerged as an important health disparity in the Americas. As a result, we face a situation in both Latin America and the US that bears a resemblance to the early years of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Most affected are people living in poverty. Chagas and HIV/AIDS requires prolonged and expensive treatment. More than 8 million people have been infected by Chagas, most of them in Latin and Central America. But more than 300,000 live in the United States.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Man Admitted to Hospital for Kidney Stone, Discovers He's a Woman

Denver, Colorado photographer Steve Crecelius was admitted to the hospital for a kidney stone. After testing, he received a surprising results that he is actually a woman. "When I was about 6 years old, I started having these feminine feelings, but that was in the '60s. Wearing my mom's makeup, I thought I looked pretty," Crecelius told ABC News. He was intersex, meaning he had both male genitalia and internal female sex organs. Intersex is a term used to describe people who bear both external genitals and internal organs, such as testes and ovaries. "The nurse is reading the ultrasound and says, 'Huh, this says you're a female,' Crecelius said. "It was very liberating. I had spent so much energy after the age of 13 constantly evaluating how people looked at me and acted towards me." Steve, who now goes by "Stevie," said his wife and their six children accepted his new identity right away. "We told them individually. Some were in person and some weren't," Crecelius said. "Every one of them said, 'We don't care one way or the other. We love you for who you are and you're still my dad.'" Crecelius and his wife, Debbie, have been together for 25 years and she's supported him every step of the way, including taking him to buy his first bra. "The condition used to be called hermaphroditism, meaning that person can't be identified as male or female," Crecelius said. According to the Intersex Society of North America, more than 1,500 children a year are born intersex. Source ABC News

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

I may have Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome



I think I may have Carpal tunnel syndrome. Maybe due to typing too much and spending too much time online. I feel pain on both hands and some numbness. I know I should consult a doctor but since I don’t have time, I consulted mayo clinic and all the symptoms seems to be present:

Tingling or numbness in your fingers or hand, especially your thumb and index, middle or ring fingers, but not your little finger.

Pain radiating or extending from your wrist up your arm to your shoulder or down into your palm or fingers, especially after forceful or repetitive use.

But when I rest my hands and drink vitamin B and Tylenol the pain subsides. Maybe it’s just fatigue.

US warns 2 drugs may cause orgasm disorders

Saw this on the news way back....read those labels guys before taking anything....

Two Merck drugs for treating male baldness and enlarged prostate will now carry extended labels to add more possible sexual side effects, US regulators said.

The changes involve Propecia and Proscar, both of which contain the active ingredient finasteride, after patients reported additional adverse effects that were not apparent at the time of the drugs' approval, the US Food and Drug Administration said Friday.

The new Propecia label will include "libido disorders, ejaculation disorders, and orgasm disorders that continued after discontinuation of the drug," the FDA said. Propecia is a drug to treat male baldness.

Proscar, which treats symptoms of enlarged prostate, will now have a label that adds "decreased libido that continued after discontinuation of the drug."

In addition, both labels are being revised to "include a description of reports of male infertility and/or poor semen quality that normalized or improved after drug discontinuation," the FDA said.

FDA spokeswoman Stephanie Yao said the drugs were previously known to cause adverse sexual events in a small number of patients, and that information was included on labels at the time of approval.

The latest labeling change "expands the list of sexual adverse events reported to the FDA postmarketing," she told AFP, adding that "no new clinical studies were reviewed to evaluate these adverse events."

Proscar was approved for the US market in 1992 and Propecia in 1997. In 2011, both drugs' labels were "revised to include erectile dysfunction that continued after drug discontinuation," the FDA said.

Last year, labels for Proscar and Propecia were also changed to advise of the possibility of an increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer.

The agency noted that even though "clear causal links between finasteride (Propecia and Proscar) and sexual adverse events have NOT been established, the cases suggest a broader range of adverse effects than previously reported in patients taking these drugs."

Since these side effects may be important to some patients, doctors were urged to discuss them with patients when deciding on treatment options.

In the case of Propecia, clinical trials showed 3.8 percent of men had reported one or more adverse sexual experiences, compared to 2.1 percent who were taking a placebo.

"Propecia and Proscar are generally well tolerated and effective for their respective intended uses in accordance with their approved product labeling," Merck said in a statement.

The company added that "a causal relationship between the use of Propecia or Proscar and continued sexual dysfunction after discontinuation of treatment has not been established," and expressed support for ongoing monitoring of adverse event reports. Agence France-Presse

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Pregnancy weight control



The common belief that pregnant women can eat for two has been scotched by research suggesting controlling weight during pregnancy can be beneficial.

Experts found that weight management was not only safe but could also reduce complications for pregnant women and be advantageous to the baby.

The risk of pre-eclampsia - which causes high blood pressure - diabetes and premature birth can all be reduced if the mother-to-be sticks to a healthy, calorie-controlled diet, the study published on bmj.com found.

In contrast, excessive weight gain during pregnancy was linked to a number of serious health problems.

But Child Growth Foundation chairman Tam Fry stressed that pregnant women should be carefully controlling their weight but not trying to lose weight.

"We have such a huge problem of women going into pregnancy overweight and obese and if they start to take the message they can go on diets and everything will be ok, that's not good news," he said.

In the UK, more than half of women of reproductive age are said to be overweight or obese, and across Europe and the US up to 40 per cent of women gain more than the recommended weight in pregnancy.

But the team of researchers from Queen Mary, University of London, who carried out the study found weight management interventions in pregnancy were effective in reducing weight gain in the mother.

Dietary intervention resulted in the largest average reduction in weight gain (almost 4kg) compared with 0.7kg for exercise and 1kg for a combination of the two.

Diet also offered the most benefit in preventing pregnancy complications, the study found.

Researchers concluded: "Dietary intervention is effective, safe and potentially cost effective and dominates physical activity-based intervention."

Experts at St Thomas' Hospital in London, meanwhile, suggested there was not yet sufficient evidence to support any particular intervention.

Lucilla Poston, director of the maternal and fetal research unit, and Lucy Chappell, clinical senior lecturer in maternal and fetal medicine, said it would be "premature" for the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence to reassess its guidelines, which do not advise regular weighing of pregnant women.
The researchers analysed the results of 44 randomised controlled trials involving more than 7000 women.

Yahoo news

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Healthy Tofu

Thought I'd make something easy and healthy this weekend.
Tofu and spinach, drizzled with light soy sauce and sesame oil. Yum!

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Pretty Challenging Exercise



I've tried it a few times and it's really hard though. I need to lose some belly fat and I think this is the quickest way to do it plus diet.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

3 Easy Stretches to Prevent Back Pain

easy stretches,back pain stretches,safe stretch,stretch



Safe Stretching Tips

Talk with your doctor before starting a new program of back exercise, especially if you have a history of spinal problems or back injury. Then follow these general guidelines:

* Warm up with 5 to 10 minutes of light activity. For example, walk or pedal a stationary bike at a comfortable pace. Stretching cold muscles can lead to injury.
* Stretch slowly, avoiding bouncy or jerky movements.
* Go only to the point where you feel mild tension. It shouldn’t hurt.
* Relax into the stretch, and hold for at least 5 seconds.

Below are three easy stretches that help keep your back limber and healthy.

Knee-to-Chest Stretch

1. Lie on your back on the floor with your legs extended.
2. Lift and bend your right leg, bringing the knee toward your chest. Grasp your knee or shin with your right hand, and pull your leg as far as it will comfortably go.
3. Remain in the knee-to-chest position while tightening your abdominal muscles and pressing your spine into the floor. Hold for 5 seconds.
4. Return slowly to your starting position.
5. Do the same thing lifting your left leg.
6. Do the same thing lifting both legs at once.
7. Repeat the sequence 10 times.

Kneeling Back Extension

1. Begin on your hands and knees on the floor. Your hands should be directly under your shoulders with your arms straight.
2. Rock forward, putting your weight onto your arms. Round your shoulders, and let your seat drop a little. Hold for 5 seconds.
3. Rock backward, sitting your buttocks as close to your heels as possible. Keep your arms extended straight ahead. Hold for 5 seconds.
4. Return slowly to your starting position.
5. Repeat 10 times.

Standing Back Arch

1. Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Put the palms of your hands on your lower back. Take a few slow, deep breaths to relax.
3. Bend your upper body backwards, keeping your knees straight. Support your back with your hands. Hold for 5 seconds.
4. Return slowly to your starting position.
5. Repeat 5 times.

source: yahoo health

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Household products linked to asthma and hormone disruption

Researchers tested 200 common household products and found that the products contain chemicals thatmay be linked to asthma and hormone disruption.

Products tested included a wide range of household products, such as soaps, lotions, detergents, cleaners, sunscreens, air fresheners, kitty litter, shaving cream, vinyl shower curtains, pillow protectors, cosmetics and perfumes.

Among the chemicals detected were various types of phthalates, which have been linked to reproductive abnormalities and asthma; bisphenol A (BPA), which is being phased out of many baby bottles and children's toys because of concerns about the effect on fetuses and young children; and parabens, which some research suggests may mimic estrogen in the body and have been associated with breast cancer.

The chemicals, however, were not listed on the product labels, which included major brand-name products as well as those marketed as "alternative" products that are often described as fragrance-free, more natural and safer than conventional products.

To see the list of products tested, visit the Silent Spring Institute.

http://nail-artbyanna.blogspot/

Sunday, February 26, 2012

20 Ways to Speed Up Your Metabolism


1. Keep Hydrated I'm sure the general population thinks dieticians sound like a broken record when it comes to the whole water thing, but it really is important. Drinking the recommended eight cups of water a day will help your body function at peak performance levels.

2. Keep Calcium Levels Up Current obesity research shows that a dip in calcium levels can trigger the same hormone that causes the body to hold onto fat to be released. Choose low-fat dairy, cheese, yogurt, salmon, tofu, and oatmeal.

3. Ditch the Drinks Happy hours and late night cocktails can do a number on your metabolism the next day. Research shows that the day after a night of drinking, there is a significant dip in your metabolic rate. Combine this with hangover cravings, and you've got a double disaster.

4. Eat Constantly Snacking does not have to be a bad thing. If your stomach is growling, it means that you need more fuel. Not providing your body with food is a surefire way to slow down its basic functions. Choose high-fiber, high-protein snacks like low-fat cheese, fiber crackers, fruits, veggies, or Greek yogurt. Starving your body will sabotage all of your dieting efforts.


5. Destress Yourself Stress raises the amount of cortisol in your body. Cortisol is a hormone that tells the body to hold onto fat in case of a stressful situation (think more natural disaster-level stress, not a bad day at work-level). Experiment with yoga or meditation as ways to lower stress levels and clear your mind.

6. Decrease Diet Soda Although it's low in calories and seems like an easy swap for high calorie beverages, diet soda may actually have adverse effects on your metabolism. Water and seltzer are better options, but if you must drink diet soda, limit your consumption to two cans (not Big Gulps!) per week.

7. Don't Forget Your ZZZ's Getting a least seven to eight hours of sleep every night is crucial to a healthy metabolism. Anything less can adversely affect your body's ability to burn calories. Surprisingly, excess sleep may do the same thing. It's best to keep a consistent bedtime and wake up close to the same time every morning

8. Soak Up the Sun Research shows that when a person spends long periods of time in a darkened, dull environment, it stimulates the same physiological functions in the body as gaining weight and sleep. The best daylight hours are between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., so make it a point to get up from your desk and take a brisk walk outside. Aside from soaking up rays, you'll rev up your heart rate and benefit from the fresh air.

9. Work Out in the Cold Doing any type of cardio exercise in the cold can increase the ability of brown fat in the body to work at maximum capacity. Newly published research indicates that brown fat helps efficiently burn the white fat in your body, which is the considered that "bad fat."

10. Drink Kombucha Tea This tea, which is made from the Kombucha black mushroom, has racked up accolades in almost every health area-claims range from easing arthritis to detoxifying the liver. The detoxifying nature of this beverage may help your body function at an optimal level, which means a healthy metabolism.

11. Increase Weight-Bearing Exercises One pound of muscle burns 35 to 50 calories, while one pound of fat burns a measly 5 to 10 calories. Increasing your muscle mass can increase your body's basal metabolic rate (BMR) by up to 40%. There's no need to hit the weights hard, either, simply using light weights at high repetition has been proven to tone muscle and burn fat.

12. Up Your Vitamin C Vitamin C and calcium are partners in crime when it comes to your metabolic rate. Calcium speeds up metabolism, while vitamin C helps the body absorb this mineral, creating an overall win-win situation.

13. Vitamin B is Key Getting in all over your vitamin B, which you can do by incorporating small amounts of nuts, seeds, lean chicken, beef, and fish into your diet, helps maintain a healthy metabolism. Legumes are also a great source of B vitamins; plus they're chock-full of fiber.

14. Drink Green Tea The polyphenols, specifically EGCG, in green tea have properties that rev up your metabolic rate. However, green tea takes dedication. You have to drink about 4 to 5 cups a day to see results.

15. Avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup It's one of the most controversial issues in nutrition: Studies show that HFCS can make the body insulin-resistant. Also, when given the choice, the body stores fructose as fat before it does glucose.

16. Try Interval Training Aside from curing workout boredom, interval training allows you to burn more calories in less time. This is a great way for busy people with less time to get in a maximum workout.

17. Drink Oolong Tea Swap your second latte of the day with a fresh cup of oolong tea. Chinese medicine and celebrities alike tout the calorie boosting properties of this electrifying elixir.

18. Spicy Peppers Take your pick: Jalapenos, chili, cayenne, habanero, etc.. These fiery little guys contain capsaicin, which is why you get a burning sensation in your mouth when you eat them. This same effect is created internally, causing a calorie burn for about 30 minutes afterward.

19. Go Ginger The latest craze is to add ginger shots to juice, but if you're not into juicing, it also pairs nicely with veggies in a stir-fry. In addition to aiding digestion, it can speed up the body's digestion process by as much as twenty percent.

20. Eat Oily Fish Fish such as tuna and salmon contain oil that increases leptin, which is a hormone responsible for controlling appetite.

source: Yahoo