FREE
ISSUE # 4 April, 2012
CLASSIMAG “Where Everyone Gets to Know You !”
AUTO
IN THIS ISSUE Business Cards
Are they causing you to lose money?
Keeping Your Sight The best remedies
Smokey Eye Look Steps to achieving the best
Vinegar
The Wonder Cleaner
Infertility
Understanding all there is to know
Weight Loss The Importance
Attractive Smiles Steps to Achieving
Plantain FuFu Classi Recipe
Perfect Names For your Baby
ELECTRONICS
HEALTH
MONEY
PERSONALS
PROPERTY
RENTALS
TRAVEL
Welcome
On The Cover Celebration of Life!
Hello Valued Readers,
I
’m delighted to introduce yet another issue of this awesome, quickly proliferating publication. The overwhelming response from the public has encouraged us to increase its pages, thus, providing you with more intriguing content to enhance certain aspects of your lives and well-being.
This is the first issue for 2012 and is perhaps the best so far. The team at ClassiMag strives to produce great content coupled with amazing graphics that will certainly mesmerize you!
FREE
ISSUE # 4 April, 2012
CLASSIMAG “Where Everyone Gets to Know You !”
AUTO
IN THIS ISSUE Business Cards
Are they causing you to lose money?
ELECTRONICS
HEALTH
MONEY
PERSONALS
PROPERTY
RENTALS
TRAVEL
For what we have accomplished and the hard work we’ve done, let us have a celebration, in thoughts, in words and in action. For the life that we have, the lives we are living, we should join in the celebration that IS Life!
Keeping Your Sight The best remedies
Smokey Eye Look Steps to achieving the best
Vinegar
The Wonder Cleaner
Infertility
Understanding all there is to know
Weight Loss The Importance
Attractive Smiles Steps to Achieving
Plantain FuFu Classi Recipe
Perfect Names For your Baby
For the hard work ahead, and the things we can do, should do and will do, let everyone join in the celebration for all that can be
Take the colours of the rainbow and decorate ourselves, let down our hair, move to the beat, join the celebration of Life! Copyright to Michael C. Lam http://www.themichaellamcollection.com
This publication is made possible because of the wonderful advertisers who offer fantastic products and services you should definitely capitalise on. ClassiMag has and will continue to be a free publication. In order to get a free copy, ensure you visit any company featured within hurry! copies are limited. For other advertisers, this is your chance to endorse an awesome publication adored by consumers and readers alike and more affordable than you can possibly imagine. To our loyal readers, have a marvelous year and watch out for our Bridal Issue in June! Warmest, Vanie Beepat.
Published By: ClassiMag Guyana 230 Aubrey Barker Street. South Ruimveldt Gardens, Georgetown
Marketing and Sales V. Beepat O. Hansraj R. Albert
© ClassiMag 2011 All Rights Reserved. classimag@gmail.com (592) 650-7911, 689-3597 4 / ClassiMag
5 / ClassiMag
Are Your Business Cards
B
Making You Lose Money?
usiness cards form an essential part in promoting a business. You may not realize it, but people judge the quality of products and services you offer by the quality of cards you distribute. Most persons strive to achieve that ‘WOW’ factor by combining several creative elements to produce a remarkable design. Unfortunately others have no clue how important this is to the image of the business. In this guide, you will be taught t h e
most important steps that will help you achieve that “wow” factor for your business cards. 1. The best quality paper – If you print full color business cards you will want to spend on the BEST quality paper that you can afford for business card printing. Thick materials are mandatory, and you can either use expensive standard glossed paper or some of the more exotic and expensive textured paper if you want a different kind of theme. 2. Metallic type text inks – You 6 / ClassiMag
should also earn some of those WOW reactions by using metallic type inks for your premium business cards. Other similar business cards of professional quality use these special metallic type inks for specific text elements. This makes the text look very elegant, posh and of course add that expensive highly professional look that everyone is impressed with. 3. Full color glossy logos – Of course, your image content must not be ignored when it comes to inks. To help add to the WOW factor of your business cards, it is highly recommended that you go for full color glossy logos. By using glossy type high quality
images, you should be able to add that air of professional authority in those graphics. Use a modern and fresh enough graphic for these logos, and you will have great glossy features in your business cards that should easily get that WOW reaction. 4. Impressive details – If you truly want to get WOWs from your business cards, you should also pay attention carefully to the key personal details that are printed in your business cards. Along with the typical contact information, it will be a good idea to add the best and most impressive details that you can give out to your readers.
5. A great marketing offer – Finally, if you are distributing these special business cards for sales or sales contacts, never forget to put in a great marketing offer to earn that wow from your readers. By telling those readers that they might be able to gain great deals, discounts and many other benefits by working with you, you should be able to impress them immediately and gain a good business contact and of course a great opportunity as well. So go right ahead! Apply all these to your designs for business card printing. You should be able to get those great positive WOW reactions from your readers easily.
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so knowing your family’s history of eye disease and discussing it with your ophthalmologist can reduce your risk of vision loss and other eye conditions. 7. Early intervention Age-related eye diseases, including cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and AMD are expected to dramatically increase from 28 million today to 43 million by the year 2020. Most serious eye conditions, such as glaucoma and AMD, are more easily and successfully treated if diagnosed and treated early. Left untreated, these diseases can cause serious vision loss and blindness. Regardless of your age, early intervention now will prevent vision loss later.
The Best Ways
To Keep Your Sight W
hile not all eye diseases can be prevented, you can take measures to reduce your risk of vision loss and improve your eye health. Like any other part of your body, your eyes need adequate care and attention. Good vision is something you should never compromise. 1. Wear sunglasses Wearing sunglasses that block 100 percent of ultraviolet (UV) rays can delay the development of cataracts by protecting your eyes from direct sunlight that can damage the retina. Sunglasses also protect the delicate eyelid skin and reduce your risk of wrinkles and skin cancer around the eyes. 2. Don’t smoke Tobacco smoking is directly linked to many adverse health effects, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Studies show that current smokers and exsmokers are more likely to develop AMD than people who have never smoked. Smokers are also at increased risk for developing cataracts
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3. Eat right A vitamin or mineral deficiency can impair retinal function. The belief that eating carrots improves vision has some truth, but a variety of vegetables, especially leafy green ones, should be an important part of your diet. Researchers have found people on diets with higher levels of vitamins C and E, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are less likely to develop early and advanced AMD.
8. Know your eye care provider When you go to get your eyes checked, there are a variety of eye care providers you might see. Ophthalmologists, optometrists and opticians all play an important role in providing eye care services to consumers. However, each has a different level of training and expertise. Make sure you
are seeing the right provider for your condition or treatment. Ophthalmologists are specially trained to provide the full spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to complex and delicate eye surgery. 9. Follow your eye doctor’s contact lens instructions Follow your eye care provider’s instructions regarding the care and use of your contact lenses. Abuse, such as sleeping in contacts that are not approved for overnight wear, using saliva or water as a wetting solution, using expired solutions, and using disposable contact lenses beyond their recommended wear can result in corneal ulcers, severe pain and even vision loss. 10. Be aware of eye fatigue If your eyes are tired from working at a computer or doing close work, you can follow the 20-20-20 rule: Look up from your work every 20 minutes at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. If eye fatigue persists, it
can be a sign of several different conditions, such as dry eye syndrome, presbyopia, or spectacles with lenses that are not properly centered. See an eye doctor to determine why you are having eye fatigue and to receive proper treatment.
simply wearing proper eye protection. Sports eye protection should meet the specific requirements of that sport; these requirements are usually established and certified by the sport’s governing body .For most repair projects and activities around the home, standard approved protective eyewear is sufficient. 6. Know your family history Many eye diseases cluster in families,
4. Get a baseline eye exam Adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease should get a baseline eye disease screening at age 40 (the age when early signs of disease and changes in vision may start to occur). Based on the results of the initial screening, an ophthalmologist will prescribe the necessary intervals for follow-up exams. If you have symptoms or a family history of eye disease, diabetes or high blood pressure, you should see an ophthalmologist to determine how frequently your eyes should be examined. 5. Wear eye protection Many eye injuries can be avoided by 9 / ClassiMag
Vinegar
Try These Steps to Get
The Perfect Smokey Eye Look
V
The Wonder Cleaner
inegar is such a wonderful, economical and environmentally friendly cleaning product. It’s available by the gallon and is cheaper than smelly, harsh chemical-based, cleaning products. White vinegar has, literally, hundreds of uses, many of which involve cleaning. Vinegar deodorizes, cuts grease and soap scum, and dissolves mineral buildup. Plus it acts as a disinfectant because its acetic acid content kills odors and most mold, bacteria and germs. Here are a few ideas of what this wonder cleaner can do: Tile and soap scum
S
mokey eyes have been popular for quite a while and there’s no sign this particular trend is dying. The key to the perfect smokey eyes is proper blending. You want to make sure colours are blended together flawlessly. Also, it’s important to pair light base colours with rich dark colors. Here, we show you stepby-step instructions on how to get the perfect smokey eyes. 1. Prep the lid - The key to keeping eye shadow from melting into your eyelid crease as the day goes on is to keep eyelids oil-free. To do this, apply a small portion of foundation on the lids and then apply some powder. 2. Apply eyeliner - If you’re going for a typical black, brown or gray smoky eye, apply liner in one of those colours above the upper lash line, drawing line thicker in the middle of eye. If you’re opting for a jewel-toned eye, line eyes with a purple, blue or deep green liner. 3. Blend in color on bottom lashes - For
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color on the bottom you’ll want to use an eyeliner pencil because they’re easiest to smudge. Once the line is drawn, run your finger over it to smudge the line. You can also apply a bit of shadow to get full smudge effect. 4. Apply light base colour - Again the key to a smokey eye is pairing a lighter base with the darker hue. Sweep a light, shimmery shadow over the lids to your brow bone. 5. Blend in a darker colour, but keep dark color below the crease - Now that you have the base and eyeliner on, it’s time to get the smokey effect - you need a darker eye shadow shade. Using an eye shadow brush, blend in colour starting at your lash line and blend upwards. Make sure to blend colour into the lash line so the eye liner disappears. Stop the deep color at the crease. 6. Finish with several coats of mascara -You’ll want to apply a few coats of mascara so lashes are thick and dark. If you don’t have naturally long, curled lashes, curl them with a lash curler first.
We all want a bathroom that sparkles Battling soap scum and grime is always a problem. Get rid of stubborn bathtub grime, mildew, and scum from the tub, tile, shower curtain or door by wiping it down with undiluted white distilled vinegar. Scour more stubborn areas with an inexpensive tile cleaner solution of 1/2 cup baking soda, 1 cup white distilled vinegar and 1 cup ammonia to a gallon of warm water. (Be cautious of possible harmful fumes from the ammonia.) Rinse with clear water. Glass shower doors can be sprayed with full-strength white distilled vinegar after squeeging the glass or before stepping in and turning on the water. This helps release the hard water deposits so they don’t remain on the glass.
Smoother, cleaner steam ironing Does your steam iron leave ugly brown stains on your clothes? Does the scorched bottom of the iron plate stick to fabric when you’re ironing? To unclog your steam iron, pour equal amounts of white distilled vinegar and water into the iron’s water chamber. Turn to the “steam” setting and iron a soft rag to clean out the steam ports. Leave the iron on for 5 minutes in an upright position. Then unplug and allow it to cool. Empty the water to remove any loose particles. Repeat the process with clear water, then thoroughly rinse out the inside of your iron. To clean a scorched iron plate, heat equal parts white distilled vinegar and salt in a small pan. Rubbing this solution onto the cooled iron surface should remove dark or burned areas. Clean enough for baby The last thing you want to see is a dirty toy in your little one’s mouth - Wiping down toys with chemical c l e a n e rs means your baby might be sucking off chemical residue. That’s a good reason to try cleaning with vinegar! Clean and disinfect baby toys by adding a good-sized amount of white distilled vinegar to warm, soapy water. Clean toys thoroughly, using an old toothbrush for those hard-to-reach places. Rinse with clear water and dry. Toys are always in the mouths of babies and toddlers, so clean them frequently.
Cleaning gold jewelry Pour vinegar into a small jar, drop in your gold jewelry and twist the lid tightly shut. Let the items soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Shake the jar gently for a few seconds. Remove each piece of jewelry and scrub carefully with a soft toothbrush. Rinse under hot water. Repeat if there’s sludge under the stone. Dry with a clean, soft cloth. The final results should be sparkling! (Don’t use this process on opals and pearls.) Washing clothes Most of us never think of tossing vinegar in the wash! - For fresher smelling, clean clothes plus a happy washing machine, try using vinegar in your wash! Adding 1/2 to 1 cup distilled vinegar to the liquid fabric softener dispenser in your washer (top off with tap water if necessary) will not only make your clothes smell fresher, but also act as a fabric softener and reduce static cling. To freshen up your washing machine, clean the hoses and unclog soap scum, make it a monthly habit of pouring one cup of vinegar into the machine and running a normal cycle without clothes. 11 / ClassiMag
Understanding Infertility By: Sandra Khan, Rph. Proprietor of Medicine Express Pharmacy. 223 Camp Street. G/Town
I
nfertility is simply defined as the inability of a couple to conceive or get pregnant after unprotected intercourse for a minimum period of twelve (12) months if the female partner is younger than 35 years or six (6) months if she is older than 35 years. About 60% of young couples (both male and female between the ages 29 – 33 years) get pregnant within the first six (6) months and this percentage goes up to about 90% after trying for 12 months depending on the overall health of the individuals.
Key Terms explained • Ovulation – the process when the egg is released from the ovary in the female • Fertilization – the process where the sperm from the male fertilizes the egg from the female • Sperm count – the number of sperms produced by the male • Sperm Motility – the ability of the sperm to move to fertilize the eggs
International studies have been done indicating that one out of eight (1 out of 8) couples experience problems with infertility. Stats from the United States reveal that at least 10 -15% of couples experience challenges to get pregnant which equates to about 7.3M people. It is important to note that the cause for this undesired outcome is shared equally between the partners where one-third or 33% can be due to the male partner, the next third or 33% due to the female partner and final third spot is shared by reasons due to both partners and some unknown reason. One in five or 20% of infertility cases cannot be explained. However the reason(s) for the infertility must be ascertained before you can target what method of treatment is applicable. The female body is so designed to facilitate fertilization at the right time. With the help of ovulation kits, you can narrow down the “most fertile time” for the woman to have unprotected intercourse to facilitate pregnancy. The basal body temperature is an “afterthe-fact” indicator to confirm that ovulation has occurred. It is important ClassiMag / 12
sperm count are advised about the appropriate hormonal medications or surgical procedures can be employed to increase their sperm health, which is the sperm count and motility. In cases when there are other disorders in males such as premature ejaculation, underlying diseases or structural dysfunction, spot on diagnosis is the key to success.
• • • • • •
When sperm counts are elevated (which you will only decipher from doing a laboratory test), you are advised not to misuse the sperms, for example having sex during the woman’s unfertile period. The sperm can live for 3 – 5 days inside a female reproductive organ.
Some of the above factors overlap also for the females such as age, obesity, smoking, and alcohol and drug abuse. Additionally, there are a number of disorders which can cause infertility namely hormonal imbalance, endometriosis - the process where the uterine tissue grows outside the uterus, damage or blockage to the fallopian tube mainly from an STD (sexually transmitted disease), uterine fibroids and pelvic adhesions. There are also some other associated diseases such
It is interesting to note that there are a number of other factors which attribute to poor reproductive health in men such as:
to know that the woman’s fertile time is personalised and can be calculated using your menstrual cycle or period. So charting your cycle is a critical success factor. However some persons find it very stressful and get anxious especially if you have a history of anxiety disorder. This is why a comprehensive approach to infertility is absolutely crucial where both partners go through support
Poor Nutrition Obesity Smoking Alcohol Abuse Narcotic Drug use Overexposure to pesticides and chemicals • Overexposure to sun • Cancer Treatment • Age
as sickle cell disease, diabetes, kidney disease and Cushing’s disease. Treatment options for women vary from different types of hormonal options depending on the problem. For example clomiphene is prescribed for ovulatory problems, human menopausal hormones to directly stimulate the ovaries, bromocriptine for those with breast milk secretion problems and sometimes the diabetic drug metformin is also used. With respect to surgical correctional procedures it varies depending on the causative problem. However laparoscopic surgical interventions are the safer options if the surgeon is skilled. IVF or in vitro fertilization involves retrieving mature eggs from a woman, fertilizing them with a man’s sperm in a dish in a laboratory, and implanting the embryos in the uterus three to five days after fertilization. These procedures are costly and not affordable by a majority since insurance does not compensate for such. In conclusion, the infertile couple must be counselled and supported in order to understand the condition. Wisdom and maturity are the basic requirements so as not to cast blame or deteriorate their relationship because of this problem. The corrective measures could be expensive and time consuming. After all they would have committed to each other for better or for worse!!!
and counselling even accommodating the option of failed outcomes. Also because “life happens” stress, illness or disruption of normal routine can delay your ovulation time even if you may have an idea of your ovulation period. Knowing the female’s fertile period is important especially if the male partner had been diagnosed with a low sperm count. Men with low ClassiMag / 13
Losing weight has never
Been so Important!
I
f you are overweight or have ever struggled with weight loss, you know that losing weight unfortunately isn’t a one size fits all proposition. Because we are all so different, from our food preferences body chemistry to our daily physical activities. The only successful way to r e a c h and maintain a healthy weight is to find what works for you. There are numerous health risks associated with being overweight - many of which are serious and potentially lethal. The list includes hypertension, diabetes, stroke, heart and liver disease. There are also gender specific health risk among overweight women and men. According to the National Women’s Health Resource Center, (U.S.A), if a woman’s waist circumference is more than 35inches, she is considered to have a high amount of visceral fat, which is the type of fat that surrounds the internal organs. This type of fat has been associated with higher risk of
certain chronic conditions such as liver and heart disease. Several of the most prevalent life threatening illnesses among the male population are also correlated to being overweight. Overweight men are more likely than non-overweight men to die from colon rectum or prostate cancer. Overweight men are also more likely than women to suffer from sleep apnea – a possibly life threatening condition related to stroke and heart disease. Weigh your benefits. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight improves the quality of life as it improves your health and vitality. Loosing just 10% of body fat can lower cholesterol and blood pressure level, increases energy level, decreases the risk of death by heart disease and improves mobility. With these health risks in mind, the question is not “why lose weight?” it’s “what better reason for weight loss?” if the cosmetic benefits of a healthy weight is not a priority for you or the idea of fitting into a certain size has no appeal. Congratulations! You are the self-confident person you should be, but certainly no one will substitute a long and healthy life, just to eat whatever they want every day.
ClassiMag / 15
Plantain Fufu
How to get the most
Attractive Smile W
W
hen you smile or speak the first thing people notice are your teeth and sometimes they may not be as white or sparkling as you would want. White, beautiful teeth have become a popular beauty trend and it is without a doubt people will find you more attractive once you have appealing teeth. Follow these simply steps that will make you smile with confidence: 1. Avoid food and drinks that stain your teeth. Red wine, coffee, tea, and tomato sauce are all teeth staining foods. Most people eat or drink these types of foods on a daily basis and overtime you will end up with discolored teeth. Although it may be a challenge to give up on these food and drinks, you should at least try to minimize consumption to save your smile. 2. Appropriate oral hygiene is one of the best ways to maintain healthy teeth and gums and a bright, white smile. Brushing and flossing your teeth at least two times a day can ClassiMag / 16
eliminate plaque build – up and harmful germs that can cause discoloration and tooth decay. It is also recommended to brush your teeth immediately after eating or drinking highly acidic foods and foods that can stain your teeth. Also, using a tooth whitening toothpaste can help to keep your teeth white.
4. Stop bad habits such as biting your nails, using your teeth to open things and clenching your teeth. These bad habits can cause unseen damage to your teeth. Teeth are protected by a thin layer of enamel that can be worn away over time
hen I was a little girl I loved plantain fufu. We always had an abundance of plantains and I remember making it for myself and I was perhaps merely ten back then. I still enjoy it even until now.
Ingredients
Plantain fufu is originally an African dish but is enjoyed by most Guyanese. It is very simple to make and would definitely leave your taste buds craving for more.
¼ tsp salt
The ingredients are few and the method is quick and easy.
A pinch of black pepper (optional)
Follow these few steps to make this delectable dish. Prep Time: 10 Cook Time: 15
3. Stop smoking. Regardless of all the other harmful effects that smoking can have on your health, it is just bad for your teeth. Smoking can discolour your teeth from the nicotine, as well as, give you bad breath, oral cancer and gum disease.
Total Time: 25
2 large green plantains 1 medium onion (diced) 1 tsp butter (melted)
2 Stems eschallot finely chopped 4 wiri wiri peppers (finely chopped)
Method 1. Peel plantains and make tiny incisions all over to ensure that they are cooked thoroughly. 2. Place plantains on stove burner or barbeque grill until they are roasted thoroughly.
They will achieve a deep brown colour outside and dark yellow inside. 3. Scrape plantains to remove the dark brown colour. (optional) 4. Put plantains in food processor and chop and until you have tiny pieces. Alternatively you can use a heavy object and pound them manually. 5. Add butter, salt, onions, echallot, peppers and black pepper and mix thoroughly.
Servings: Two (2) It can be eaten alone or served hot with fried fish garnished with lemon slices.
especially when you bite your nails or use your teeth to open a bottle. This causes the enamel to be chipped away exposing your dentine. Over time, the exposure to acidic foods and acids produced by bacteria in your mouth can cause the dentine to develop cavities and consequently you may lose that tooth. 17 / ClassiMag
The Perfect Name
W
For Your Baby
e have all had that moment in our lives when someone poked fun at, pronounced or spelled our name incorrectly and we felt a hint of indignation at our parents for not giving us a better name then we swore we will never let that happen to our kids. For this reason simple, elegant and easy, one-syllable baby names are a great choice. If you are searching for the perfect onesyllable name for your baby, then keep this in mind:
• They fit Short names can usually be embroidered on
• Versatile Short names are like black: they go with
• Confusion-free Short names are easy to spell. Wouldn’t
everything. Long last name or short last name, it doesn’t matter. These one-syllable baby names just work.
• Easy Short names are easy to remember. Face it. People can be absent-minded. But a nice, short and to-thepoint name - they have no excuse for forgetting it!
• Simple Short names mean less to memorize, so your kids can save their brain space for learning other stuff.
• Definitive Short names are definitive. It’s like a great big statement wrapped up in an adorable package.
• No nicknames Short names don’t get twisted into nicknames. Sure, some people like nicknames. But when you choose your baby’s name, it’s nice to choose the actual name that people will call them. ClassiMag / 18
just about anything. Initials are nice, but how awesome would it be to have Jake or Ann embroidered in full on their backpack?
• Classic Short one-syllable names are classic. They are also elegant, strong and beautiful. What more could you ask for in a name?
it be awesome if your child wouldn’t have to deal with answering to the omnipresent question of, “Could you spell that?”