Sacred Eden - August 2011 Magazine

August 2011

The Heat Is On!

• 10 ways to save on your summer energy bill • Your summer fitness challenge • Use sunlight to cure acne

Infection update:

Survive vacation time with kids!

No Sweat!

Cure embarrassing

stains and odor caused by too much sweat, page 15

Protect yourself from staph invasions and toxic shock syndrome

Low-fat Smoothie Delights

Sneak in veggies and fruits into meals—

Tricks and tips, page 8

Publisher’s Note

T

he hottest time of the year is here.

For many of us, it means packing our bags and getting away to celebrate the last days of summer. With or without kids, we’re set on having the most fun possible. In this issue, you’ll learn how to achieve just that. On page 6, for example, aligned with this month’s commemoration of National Children’s Safety Month, you’ll find a plethora of tips on how to keep kids safe from the dangers lurking in the shadows of each roadtrip, airport, or hotel. Consider it our gift to all harassed and harried parents out there.

Summer also means endless partying and revelry. All those late nights and unexpected encounters open you up for increased risk for

infections and lowered immunity, so we’ve come up with two stories in this issue to address both: “Don’t Find Yourself in a State of Shock,” page 11, which re-introduces the risks of toxic shock syndrome, which can occur not just with tampon use, but with infections in the skin; and “Stay Safe,” page 17, for the newbies (or shall we stay, stubborn ones?) who still find themselves impervious to sexually transmitted diseases.

While everything in this issue will indeed be useful for you, dear reader, most of you may want to check out our stories on how to lose weight by summer’s end (“The Summer Fitness Challenge”), page 5. Some of you who have problems with excessive sweat should turn to page 15 for solutions to this potentially embarrassing problem; while those who like to show off their feet and/or hit the wet floors should turn to page 13 for “Best Foot Forward”—a collection of practical tips for your tootsies, both vanity’s and health’s sake.

But before anything, turn to the page 17 and see how you can concoct your own personal heatblasting, low-fat smoothie. Whip one up, kick up your heels, and relax while reading this issue.

Enjoy.

To greater health, wealth, and happiness.

The Sacred Eden Team

Enjoying the Height of

Summer

Table of Contents 4

6 Features

1

A Note From the Publishers

9

Regulars

11

3

Healthy Solutions

Lose the Anxiety. An easy answer to this general feeling of fear and hopelessness may lie in a relatively unknown amino acid

5 Killer Ways To Treat Athlete’s Foot, 10 Steps to Save on your Summer Energy Bill, Water and Sunlight Helps to Clear Acne, Indian Food as Part of a Weight Loss Regimen

11

5

The Summer Fitness Challenge. How To Get Fit And Lose Weight In Six Weeks

6 13

9

Surviving Vacation Time with Kids. Heading out with the children this summer? Here’s how to keep everyone safe and sound, and keep the stress at minimum levels

7

Chickenpox Alert! This childhood disease can incarnate later on in adults as shingles. Read on before you even think of scratching!

Body and Nutrition

15

8

17

19

10 Ways To Sneak Some Extra Fruits And Vegetables In Your Family’s Diet

Low-Fat Smoothies. You don’t have to give up on these cool, comforting drinks while watching your weight. Just watch what you toss into them

Don’t Find Yourself in a State of Shock.

First appearing in the ‘70s and ‘80s, toxic shock syndrome still exists through pneumonia, the blood, and infections via the skin—even chickenpox blisters. Protect yourself!

13

Basic Best Foot Forward. Show some love to your feet and keep them in tip-top (no pun intended) shape the whole year round

15

No Sweat!. It’s a potentially embarrassing topic, but some of us must face it: how to control excessive perspiration and the odor that may come with it?

17

Stay Safe!. Practicing safe sex should be default behavior for many, but there still exist a number of unlucky (or unwise?) ones who don’t. Here’s yet another primer on common STDs and how to treat them

HealthySolutions 10 Steps to Save on your Summer Energy Bill

S

aving money on your summer energy bill is not only great for the family budget, but is also beneficial to the community. It takes only a few simple steps to cut your energy bill by as much as 20 to 50%.

5 Killer Ways To Treat Athlete’s Foot

I

f you’ve got an itch on your foot that won’t go away, then you might have a dreaded case of athlete’s foot. But there’s no need to worry because here are five ways that you can treat yourself--no doctor and no prescriptions needed.

Saving energy doesn’t have to be as painful as sunburn, nor does it have to cost much money or time. It has more to do with changing a few energy-wasting habits. And where costs are involved--such as having your cooling system checked annually by a professional--the expense can be offset by making your system more efficient and longer-lasting.

1. Close draperies or shades during the day to block the sun.

2. Keep cool air in by installing insulation and weather stripping.

3. Cook on the grill to keep cooking heat outside. When using the stove, vent heat outside with a range hood.

4. Use a microwave instead of an oven. Microwaves use less than half the power of a conventional oven and cook food in about onefourth the time.

Head over to the store

5. Use the air-dry feature on dishwashers.

Look for creams and ointments that contain clotrimazole or miconazole as their active ingredient. These are topical creams that can be directly applied to the feet.

6. Service air conditioners annually and change the filter regularly.

Use a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home, and turn air conditioners off when no one is home.

All you need to do is reapply the cream after you shower to clean, dry feet and then cover with a pair of cotton socks. The cream should be reapplied two to three times a day after that for about two to three weeks.

7. Use cold water rather than hot when doing laundry. You will save about 85% of the energy it takes to wash clothes.

Going the natural route

8. Use washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers after 7p.m. when energy costs are lower in most places.

Tea tree oil is known for its antifungal properties and works to destroy the fungus on the feet.

9. Save energy by using the fast rather than slow spinning cycle when drying clothes, since the fast cycle removes more water.

You’ll need to start with clean and dry feet and then apply the oil to the affected areas. You can do this several times a day for as long as it takes to cure the symptoms.

10. Switch to fluorescent lights that use one-third of the energy than incandescent lights.

And it makes your feet smell great.

Cures from the kitchen Both baking soda and vinegar have been shown to help with treating this fungal condition--though not at the same time.

For the baking soda, you can soak the feet in a mixture of the powder and warm water. And if you have apple cider vinegar around, use that instead of the baking soda.

Getting your feet clean of fungus Some will tell you that soaking your feet in bleach is also a good alternative for treating athlete’s foot. However, this has to be done carefully or you might injure your feet. You should only use two tablespoons of regular laundry bleach in a gallon of warm water.

Soak your feet for ten minutes and you can see results within a week’s time.

Scaring away the itchiness and redness While garlic is great for vampires, it’s even better for athlete’s foot. This is because the antibiotic ingredients in the garlic help to cure the infection. Just rub a clove of garlic (one that’s been cut in half) over the affected area a few times per day.

But with all of these ways of treating athlete’s foot, the best advice is to avoid getting it in the first place. Make sure that your feet are kept dry and avoid walking on your bare feet in conditions that are likely to harbor the fungus--public showers and shoe stores where you try on the shoes without a barrier.

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Remember that appliances account for about 20% of your household’s energy consumption. A new energy-efficient refrigerator could save from $35 to $70 a year compared to models of 15 years ago. This amounts to between $525 and $1,050 during the average 15-year life of the unit.

Water and Sunlight Helps to Clear Acne Drink More Water The skin stores around 12% water. It is important to maintain this amount with the correct amount of good fat to keep your skin from getting acne. You need to drink around 2 quarts of distilled water every day.

Drinking water helps you get rid of toxins in the blood and around your cells.

By drinking water, you will urinate and sweat more. and more toxins will be eliminated.

Use glass or BAP-free containers when buying distilled or reverse osmosis water.

Try to avoid using plastic containers for water since plastic containers contain chemicals left in the container walls during manufacturing, which leaches out into the water.

Drinking sodas is not drinking water. Eating fresh vegetables, though, is the same thing as getting distilled water. So the more fruits and vegetables you eat, the less water you need to drink.

Here’s a few things you do to help you drink more water or to make the water healthier. Find a 16 or 32 oz glass container and add distilled water. Then add one of the following nutrients: * A few drops of Alkalife. This solution changes the pH of the water from 7 to 8 and also activates the water with its electrolytes--sodium and potassium. * Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the water. Do not add sugar. A few drops of honey is okay. * Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the water and add up to one teaspoon of powdered MSM. MSM has anti-inflammatory qualities and is excellent for the skin disorders such as acne. It makes the skin cells more flexible, allowing more nutrients to go into and out of the cells.

MSM is also excellent in activating peristaltic action and will prevent constipation.

Indian Food as Part of a Weight Loss Regimen

M

ost people think that you can’t possibly eat Indian food if you’re on a slimming diet. That’s a fair statement if you always eat Indian food in restaurants, because many traditional Indian recipes involve either deep frying or the use of ghee (clarified butter). However, if you cook Indian food at home, it can easily form part of a weight loss regime, just the same as any other cuisine. You just need to follow a few simple general rules. * Avoid altogether recipes which involve deep frying.

* Put 2 oz of mangosteen into the water.

Mangosteen is an overall body tonic. It works on all parts of the body.

* If you need to seal meat before braising it for a curry, use a good non-stick pan and a spray bottle with sunflower or vegetable oil in it. Lightly spray the surface of your pan with oil and that should be enough to prevent the meat from sticking while you brown it.

Get Some Sunshine

* If a recipe includes cream or coconut cream, substitute plain yoghurt and another flavoring.

One more thing you can do for your skin is to get more natural light.

Expose your face to plenty of sun and air.

This helps your skin to heal faster. But don’t purposely place your face in the sun--remaining in the shade and open outdoors gives you plenty of sun and air.

At least 20 to 40 minutes a day in the outdoors is necessary for you to get sufficient vitamin D for you daily needs.

Tandoori recipes are great as part of a low calorie or low carbohydrate diet. Just marinade some fish (cubed or whole), chicken (cubed or in pieces) or prawns (shrimp) in a mixture of low fat plain yogurt, ground turmeric, ground coriander, ground cumin, crushed garlic, grated root ginger and a little chilli powder (or to taste) for at least an hour. If you’re using cubed meat, thread onto skewers. Grill or barbeque with a medium heat until done. Serve with mixed salad and wedges of lemon to squeeze over. If your diet isn’t too severe, you can also have a pitta bread, a baked potato or some boiled rice with this.

Curry dishes are fine too (preferably fish or chicken). If you use a recipe which has just a spice and water base or a tomato base, it certainly won’t do your calorie intake any harm but be sure to keep the oil you use for frying onions, spices or whatever, to an absolute minimum.

For vegetarians or those trying to cut down on meat because of its relatively high calorie content, Indian cooking is ideal. There are so many recipes for vegetables and pulses which are really tasty that you won’t even know you’re on a diet!

Donít forget paneer (Indian cottage cheese), which can be cooked as per the tandoori idea above, or in a spicy sauce. If you can’t get paneer, try substituting tofu.

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The

Summer

Fitness

Challenge How To Get Fit And Lose Weight In Six Weeks

By Pamela Jewell, M.Ed., Ed.S.

S

ummer’s started but that’s no excuse to give up on gunning for that perfect summer bod.

It doesn’t matter if it’s ten, twenty, forty, or seventy pounds--just get started!

Weight loss should be slow and steady, while focusing on cutting calories and increasing exercise. It is important to refrain from overexerting yourself. Weight loss takes time.

I have never been one to acknowledge or accept the idea of dieting. The true meaning of dieting is counting and managing your calories for a specific amount of time in order to reach a target weight goal.

I believe in making a complete paradigm in the way we think about food. You can do this by establishing good eating habits. If you replace muffins, bagels, pancakes, sausage, grits and bacon with fruit, turkey bacon, cottage cheese, grain cereal, or yogurt, you will probably find yourself 10 pounds lighter on breakfast alone.

Do the same for lunch and dinner and lose an additional 10-20 pounds. Wait until you add exercise into the equation.

Exercise for 30 minutes per day, four to five times a week and watch additional pounds drop.

It is important to monitor the amount of cholesterol you consume. Diets high in cholesterol can lead to heart disease, heart attacks and stroke. Be sure to get a cholesterol screening on a regular basis. Eat fish at least twice a week, preferably those with darker flesh, such as, salmon, herring mackerel, and lake trout. They are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which lower blood cholesterol.

It is also important to eat foods that will not contribute to high blood pressure. Limit your alcohol intake to less than two drinks per day, limit your salt intake, and reduce the saturated fat in your diet. Saturated fat can be found in animal products like milk, cheese, and meat. Let go of the cigarettes or tobacco products! Smoking increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.

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Try nonfat yogurt, salsa, or nonfat sour cream instead of sour cream or butter on baked potatoes. Try substituting fresh vegetables and tomatoes sauce for creamy sauces, when eating pasta.

Substitute basic breads and cereal grains for bagels, muffins, and croissants.

It is always best to lightly steam your vegetables.

The closer they are to being raw, the higher their nutritional value.

People have asked me how exercise can give you energy. It seems as though it takes your energy away because you utilize so much energy when you exercise. This is the farthest thing from the truth. The more you exercise and lose weight, the more energy you get and keep because you are carrying less weight, which takes less energy.

The more you exercise, the more you are able to exercise.

Incorporate Exercise in Your Life!

How to Prepare Food for a Good Diet and Low Calories * Eat Fish at least twice a week, preferable baked, broiled, or grilled. Reduce serving size to 2-3 ounces. * To reduce fat, use lean poultry and fish, as well as, lean cuts of meat such as top and bottom round and tenderloin. Avoid second servings. Feel free to replace some meats with beans or grains. * Eat at least three to five servings of fruit and vegetables a day. Fruit like kiwi, figs, apples, raspberries, and blueberries are high in fiber and nutrition. Vegetables such as, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, beets, cauliflower, carrots, spinach, chili peppers, red bell peppers, squash, sweet potatoes and tomatoes have high nutritional value and are great anti-oxidants (contain cancer-fighting agents). * Eat whole-grain, whole-wheat bread, pasta, tortillas, and cereals daily

It is a good idea to make a list of different ways to incorporate walking into your daily life. If you live near a metro transit station, drive there, park your car and ride the train and walk to work.

If you are a new mother, get a stroller that will enable you to burn calories while you are walking your baby. Why not take the stairs, instead of the elevator?

* Eat cooked dry beans, peas, and lentils regularly

Exercise does not have to be rigorous to be valuable. You will probably do yourself a disservice by exercising too hard. Take it easy. Just gradually build up your resistance to a manageable level.

Always remember that if you can not talk and walk at the same time, then you are walking too fast.

* Steam your vegetables or sauté using wine or a half-teaspoon of oil

If you have any of the following health problems, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

Heart trouble Dizziness or faintness Chest pains Diabetes High blood pressure Arthritis

* Eat popcorn with no added oil, salt, or butter. * Drink skim milk or 1% milk * You should drink at least 24 ounces of water per day, especially since you will be exercising. * Limit the oil you use for cooking

* Use herbs and spices for seasoning, instead of sauces and butter * Salads should be eaten with fat-free dressing or a combination of red wine vinegar and oil * Drink a glass of water in the morning when you wake * Limit your consumption of lean, red meat to no more than four times per month

Surviving

Vacation S

Time with Kids

ummer fun means going to the beach or spending time with relatives overseas. Many enjoy traveling during summer because of the good weather and the time-off that they get from work. However, taking vacations can also turn out to be another form of “work.” All the preparations needed to go on a vacation can become taxing. From packing the bags to getting the kids to join, to making hotel reservations and preparing a doable itinerary--the minute details of going on a vacation can take a toll on even the most eager vacationers.

In planning for the perfect family vacation, all members of the family should be made to take part. A lot of stress and anxiety involved in going to vacations stem from the fact that not all members of the family agree on the time, destination or activities to be done during the vacation. It is also wise to check the family budget to see what possible places they can visit or what activities to enjoy.

Anxiety can also be felt during a vacation when expectations are not met or when unscheduled changes take place. A million problems can occur and turn that dream vacation into a nightmare.

A delayed flight, or lost baggage, or having a conked out air-conditioning unit in the hotel room can be a real drag.

More anxiety can ruin a vacation when the parents lose a sense of control over their children.

Just imagine a parent losing sight of a toddler in a crowded beach, or suddenly finding out that your child was left behind during the last stop of the tourist bus.

Taking time off with the family should be absolutely free of stress and anxiety. Vacations should be fun and full of laughter. At the same time, it is important to accept is impossible to avoid stress and anxiety during a vacation because of the simple reason that we cannot control every single facet of our lives.

Heading out with the children this summer? Here’s how to keep everyone safe and sound, and keep the stress at minimum levels So, what can we do to make our vacations truly worry-free?

1. Talk to a travel agent. While it may entail spending a little more money, a professional travel agent can help you think through your plans, budgets, and timeline for taking a vacation.

2. Buy a travel guidebook. Travel guidebooks contain lots of information about the place that you want to visit. From the book, you may be able to read about the culture, beliefs, interesting places to visit, and the usual “Do's and Dont's.”

If reading a book is not your thing, surfing the Net may be the next best thing. Websites of resorts and other destinations can provide information and pictures--all useful in planning that trip.

3. Prepare the right items. If you have small children, get them from a child safety store. If you’re taking a road trip, include emergency items such as a tire jack or cell phone; and items for accidents, such as a pack of baby wipes. Also, be certain to carry the proper documents related to car or travel insurance.

4. Before you leave, label the inside of your child’s clothing. This information should include his or her name, home address and contact number.

5. Again, if taking a roadtrip, get the car serviced beforehand. Have safety features such as child safety seats checked, as well as mechanical components. Then before you take off in your vehicle, make sure that you and your child have buckled your seatbelts.

6. If flying, know what is permitted on airplanes, as these guidelines are subject to change. If you are traveling internationally, learn what requirements, aside from your passport, are required. Also, be aware of any child safety signs that are displayed in the aircraft’s cabin.

7. Whether in a car, planes, or hotels, always prioritize your

child’s safety. Never permit your child to play alone--anywhere! Also, make it possible to always recognize your children if they wander off. Bright clothing is advisable, and remember what clothing your kids are currently wearing. Also, store recent photos of them in your wallet.

8. Prepare a plan in the case that you become separated from your children. Beforehand, identify and agree on meeting places to head to in case you lose sight of each other 9. Additionally, do your homework about hotel childcare programs, and verify whether such programs are licensed.

10. Make your trip a healthy one. A first-class firstaid kit is a requisite. Also, use car-window shades, sunglasses and sunblock to protect you and your children when sitting by windows.

11. Absolutely never leave a sleeping child unattended in a car, as the interior can become scorching in just minutes!

12. Have your children wash their hands constantly, particularly in germ-infested airplanes and airports. Hand sanitizer is good to have, although washing your hands regularly is always the best option.

13. It is also advisable to drink an ample amount of water during trips, and particularly when on airplanes.

When traveling with your child, his or her safety should be the number one priority. Taking certain precautions and securing items from child safety store can put you on the road to happy traveling.

Chickenpox

Alternative Treatments for Shingles

By Wayne McDonald

In the past 10 years, recent studies and research with alternative treatments for shingles has shown it is possible to recover in less than one week and to reduce outbreaks of lesions and pain in three days.

Alert!

This childhood disease can incarnate later on in adults as shingles. Read on before you even think of scratching!

C

hickenpox is one of the 'classic' childhood diseases. Most children will catch it sooner or later.

Chickenpox is an airborne disease and is very contagious. The symptoms are general mild flu like symptoms (headache, fever, tummy ache, and loss of appetite), followed a day or two later by hundreds of itchy, fluid filled blisters.

Once you have had chickenpox the virus is with you for life but kept in check by your immune system.

However, the virus can flare up later in life in the form of shingles, especially if you undergo a period of stress.

Most cases occur in children younger than 10 and the disease is usually mild. Older children and adults often develop a more severe case of chickenpox.

Treatment As it is a virus, chickenpox cannot be treated by antibiotics. In most cases a chickenpox infection can be left to run its course, however, it is advisable to treat the blisters to reduce the likelihood of them being scratched. To this end, it is advisable to trim the nails of young children and place scratch-mitts on babies to minimize scratching and reduce the chance of scarring.

Calamine lotion will help to ease the itching as will baking soda (bicarbonate of soda). Add a little water to baking powder to make a paste and apply that to the blisters. It is more effective than calamine lotion at reducing the itching.

* A secondary infection of the blisters may occur if these are scratched and this can cause scarring.

Antiviral medicines have been developed and can help the fight against chickenpox if the medicine is started within the first 24 hours of the rash developing.

For most healthy children, antiviral medicine is not required, but teenagers and adults who are likely to experience a more severe dose may benefit.

* Newborns are at risk of severe infection if the mother is not immune (i.e. she has not previously had the disease).

Others who could benefit from antiviral medicine are kids with eczema, lung conditions such as asthma, and those who have been prescribed steroids.

Chickenpox can cause serious complications:

* Other rare, complications include encephalitis, Reye's syndrome, and cerebellar ataxia.

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The virus herpes zoster causes shingles and is the same virus that causes chicken pox. Shingles is an infection of the central nervous system and may affect the elderly, those with a compromised immune system, anyone under severe stress or those who have been exposed to the chickenpox virus again. Symptoms may include burning, itching, or pain in one part of the body. A few days later, blisters and a rash appear. The infection may run along a nerve path and look like a branch of a tree. Shingles usually appear on the trunk area and the chest but can also be found on the face. Shingles can cause blindness if it affects the eyes. If an outbreak occurs on the face the patient should get immediate medical care.

A good starting point for treating shingles is a diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables. A good diet and reducing daily stress will help boost your immune system A simple remedy for lesions is to apply a cool or cold wet washcloth or towel to the affected area. A wet towel can be put into the freezer for a while after wetting it to make it colder.

Eliminate sugar from your diet and add these important nutrients to your daily diet--vitamin E, vitamin B12 and vitamin C. * Vitamin C is suggested with an initial diagnosis of shingles. You may start with 1,000 mg. * Vitamin E taken daily before meals may reduce the pain of shingles, according dermatologists. * Vitamin B12 injections may reduce the pain of shingles, according to Journal Geriatrics. * E capsules can be squeezed directly onto lesions. (It is recommended, though, that you consult with your doctor before starting any vitamin program.) * Avoid heat as well as tight clothes and itchy fabrics like wool. * Calamine lotion may relieve the pain and help dry the lesions.

If you have shingles you should use caution being around pregnant women who have not had chicken pox--you could infect both the woman and her unborn baby.

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Nutrition

Ways To Sneak Some Extra Fruits And Vegetables In Your Family’s Diet

W

e all know by now that we should be eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. But knowing and doing are two different things, aren’t they? Sometimes it is just not easy to get them all in there. We are constantly tempted to fill up on convenience and junk food. We all have to get creative to avoid the temptation of a healthy bowl of broccoli over a heaping plate of pasta. Here are a few ideas to get subversive and sneak some quality food in your family’s everyday meals: 1. Start the day with a breakfast smoothie. All you have to do is throw some fruits, low-fat yogurt and ice in a blender. You may also want to add a scoop of protein powder in there for good measure. Just blend for a few seconds and you have the perfect breakfast ready to go. To make it even more appealing for your kids, use some frozen yogurt in the smoothie. They won’t believe that you are letting them have “ice cream” for breakfast.

2. Dried fruit makes an excellent snack any time of the day. Add some small cartons of raisins to your child’s lunch box, pack some yogurt-covered raisins in your husband’s briefcase and keep some trail mix sitting around for snacking. You can also add dried fruit to oatmeal and cereal in the morning. How about banana chips in their breakfast cereal?

3. Add some fruits and vegetables to your family’s sandwiches. You can add some banana, sliced apples or strawberry slices to a peanut butter sandwich. Top a turkey sandwich with lettuce, tomato, cucumber and anything else they will eat. You can even make a sub shop style vegetable sandwich by combining several different vegetables with some mayonnaise and cheese on bread.

4. Have a salad bar at dinner. Set out a variety of chopped vegetables, some cheese and croutons as well as several choices of salad dressing along

with the lettuce and let everybody create their own perfect salad.

5. Let them drink their fruits and vegetables. Keep an assortment of fruit and vegetable juices in the fridge and encourage everyone to drink them as a snack. Get creative. You could start “family cocktail hour” by pouring everybody a glass of his or her favorite juice over ice. Add some straws, cocktail umbrellas and sit together to talk about how everybody’s day went.

6. Try this for dessert. Put a small scoop of frozen yogurt in a bowl and top it with lots of fresh or frozen fruit.

7. Offer fruits and vegetables as snacks. You can cut apples into slices and top them with peanut butter or cheese. Cube cheese and serve with grapes. Cut up some fresh veggies and serve them with ranch dip. And of course there’s ants on a log. Spread some cream cheese or peanut butter on the inside of a stick of celery and sprinkle raisins on it (wow, fruit and vegetable in one snack).

8. Try some new fruits and vegetables. Pick something exotic to get your family’s curiosity.

With a little luck their curiosity will outweigh their initial apprehension to trying something new. You could try artichokes, plantains, papaya, mango, star fruit, or anything else you can find in the produce department of your local store.

9. Make a pot of vegetable soup or a stew that’s heavy on veggies and easy on the meat. Both of these make some great comfort food when the weather gets cold.

10. Start “My Veggie Day”. Each family member gets to pick a vegetable one day of the week. They qualify to pick a vegetable as long as they tried each vegetable the week before, otherwise they lose a turn and Mom gets to pick.

Incorporate a few of these ideas and you will have everyone in your family eating more fruits and vegetables in no time.

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sacrededen 8

Lose the

Anxiety An easy answer to this general feeling of fear and hopelessness may lie in a relatively unknown amino acid

A

nxiety is a state of intense fear, uncertainty, uneasiness, or apprehension due to anticipation of an imagined or real threatening future event. Anxiety can be both physically and psychologically devastating to the sufferer's life.

There are different kinds of anxiety--social anxiety, separation anxiety, dating anxiety, performance anxiety, math anxiety, etc. Stress and anxiety often go hand in hand and can result in depression, as the individual feels powerless to receive any help.

There are a variety of anti-anxiety treatments to consider, aside from the usual anti-anxiety drugs prescribed by psychiatrists. Others opt for more natural cures for anxiety management, such as herbs, acupuncture, vitamins, even hypnosis!

Additionally, a little known amino acid called L-Theanine is proving itself as natural remedy for anxiety relief.

What is it?

L-Theanine is a unique free form amino acid found only in the tea plant and in the mushroom Xerocomus badius, and certain species of genus Camellia, C. japonica and C. sasanqua. Often, drinkers of green tea report a feeling of calmness after ingesting a cup or two even though green tea has roughly half the caffeine content of coffee.

This is due to the high L-Theanine content.

In addition to reducing anxiety symptoms, studies have shown L-Theanine may be effective in promoting concentration, supporting the immune system, improving learning performance, lowering blood pressure, increasing formation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter Gamma Amino Butyric Acid or GABA, and increasing brain dopamine levels among other positive benefits with no known downside.

Studies in cooperation with Taiyo Kagaku Co., The University of Shizuoka, and The Family Planning

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Institute of Japan have shown that women taking 200 mg L-Theanine daily have lower incidence of PMS symptoms. These symptoms include physical, mental, and social symptoms. Overall, a significant alleviation of PMS symptoms by L-Theanine was observed.

The role of GABA GABA is essential for optimizing how brain cells transmit messages to each other. It acts to put a damper on unwanted brain signaling activity.

Although GABA's age-related decline has not been documented in humans, a host of studies in mammals, including other primates, suggests that a similar process is at work in people.

Everyone knows the effects stress and anxiety can have on an individual's physical state of wellbeing. Fascinating neurochemistry research has revealed that given a shot of GABA essentially turned back the clocks in the brains of older monkeys, whose brain function briefly operated at levels normally seen in monkeys less than half their age.

Monkeys ages 26 and 32--considered old age for monkeys--that got GABA directly delivered to their neurons responded to visual patterns, such as flashing vertical and horizontal lines, in much the same way as monkeys aged 7 to 9 years old did.

Without GABA delivery, the monkeys' aged brains had more difficulty firing neurons that specifically gauge various aspects of depth perception, motion and color. Instead, older monkeys have more random firings that make it difficult to observe visual nuances. In younger monkeys, GABA had no effect since their brains already had optimal GABA functioning.

Drink Your Tea! L-Theanine is considered to be safe based on its historical use as a component of tea and on

favorable toxicology studies. Tea is the most consumed beverage worldwide after water, and has been consumed for thousands of years by billions of people. It is estimated that a heavy tea drinker (6-8 cups daily) will consume between 200 to 400 mg of L-Theanine daily.

While dosage for depression and anxiety disorder remain individual, it is recommended to take 100 to 200 mg 1 to 3 times daily for anxiety relief. Based on the results of clinical studies, it has been established that L-Theanine is effective in single dosages in the range of 50-200 mg.

It is suggested that subjects with higher levels of anxiety take a dose at the higher end of the effective range (100 - 200 mg) for overcoming anxiety.

Insomnia: A Result of Anxiety Why is it sometimes just so hard to get a good, restful night’s sleep?

For many of us, every evening can frequently be one of “tossing and turning,” where we are just unable to settle and get off to sleep.

Some of this grueling sleep deprivation is voluntary. But with “too much to do” “too much to see”, “too many responsibilities”, all this can lead to insufficient sleep.

Others get to sleep, only to awaken later in the middle of the night.

The following morning, millions of people head off to work blearyeyed, trying to be productive. It’s a vicious cycle.

In due course, exhaustion can get bad enough that a person seeks help from their doctor, who obligingly writes a prescription for some pills. At first, they work well and the insomniac person gets some much-needed relief.

However, the real nightmare is all to often about to start. After a while, the sleeping pills just stop working. Unfortunately, by then, the person is addicted. The doctor has been told the drugs are not addictive by the drug manufacturer. Anecdotal proof, often hidden from us however, suggests drug manufacturers aren’t telling doctors the whole story. There’s big money in having a ‘non-addictive’ sleeping pill. As the saying goes, money talks.

Are You Getting a Good Nights Sleep?

According to recent poles 40 million Americans may have chronic insomnia, with problems related to falling asleep and staying asleep or waking up to early in the mornings. In fact, more than 100 million Americans do not get a full 7 to 8 hours sleep every night. Yearly, over 26 million prescriptions are written to help Americans sleep. But prescription drugs can have side effects--in most cases the dosages need to be upped if one has already gotten used to his or her current dosage.

There may be an answer to America’s sleeping problem at your local health food store.

Nutrition prominently figures in helping you get a good night’s sleep. A combination of herbs and vitamins can help naturally relax the body and mind to help one get better sleep all night long. Green tea is loaded with the amino acid L-Theanine.

Studies have shown l-Theanine to can help calm the brain; given today’s high pressure lifestyles, most of us are still thinking about work or what needs to go on your grocery list while lying in bed--L-Theanine helps calm your thoughts for a better nights sleep.

Other beneficial vitamins and herbs are as follows: * 5-HTP: helps promote healthy sleep, a precursor to serotonin vital for mood regulation and sleep. * Ashwagandha: an adaptogenic herb, it helps combat stress and calms the mind. * B Complex: good to combat stress, helps to maintain a healthy nervous system function. * Calcium: helps relax muscles. * Chamomile: an anti-anxiety herb, good for ADD, insomnia and stress. * Catnip: a calming herb, used to help you sleep without side effect. * Hops: primarily used for treatment of anxiety and insomnia for thousands of years. * Lemon balm: primarily used for ADD, insomnia, stress, and irritable bowel syndrome. * Magnesium: helps relax muscles. It is also a good brain-relaxing mineral. * Skullcap: used in the past primarily as a calmative and a digestive aid, it’s also known for its calming effects. * Valerian: is a tranquilizer and calming herb useful for disorders such as restlessness, nervousness, insomnia, hysteria, and headaches.

Finally, there is melatonin, which is a hormone naturally produced by the body.

Melatonin is secreted from the pineal gland and is only released in darkness during sleep in healthy people. Unfortunately, melatonin declines as we age and supplementation might be needed to help bring back normal sleep at night.

It turns out that there is alternative way, but not one health insurance or the National Health Service will pay for. Because there are no large drug companies established behind this alternative, health insurance companies or even your own health care provider just don’t recognize it as a health-giving alternative choice.

Contrary to what doctors are almost always taught, both in medical schools and from drug companies, nutrition plays a large part in getting a good night’s sleep.

There are a number of vitamins and minerals that strengthen sleep.

Staying off nicotine, caffeine and alcohol helps in obtaining a good night’s sleep, as does having a good diet and obtaining regular exercise.

Amino acids are lesser known for their worth in being able to get sufficient sleep, but they are just as vital. L-Tryptophan, for example, is called “essential” for a reason. Individuals can’t survive without it.

Without adequate L-Tryptophan, or its more accessible cousin, Solgar 5-HTP (5-Hydroxy Tryptophan), human beings are not able to calm down. Generally, about 100 mg of Solgar 5-HTP provides enough relaxation that sleep becomes an option for an average adult.

Sleep becomes an opportunity with enough L-Tryptophan in the brain. This is where L-Theanine, another commonly available amino acid, comes in. It’s a sleep time amplifier, providing more rest in less time. A dose of 100 mg at bedtime is a good starting place.

Finally, GABA (yet another amino acid) works for some people.

Most sleeping pills work on the same part of the brain that uses GABA. Try 200 mg at bedtime is a good starting place. See if it works.

Don’t Find Yourself

in a State of

Shock First appearing in the ‘70s and ‘80s, toxic shock syndrome still exists through pneumonia, the blood, and infections via the skin—even chickenpox blisters. Protect yourself!

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any people incorrectly believe that TSS only affects women, when in fact it can affect anyone--men, women and children. TSS occurs in all races, although most cases have been reported from North America and Europe.

There are actually two different types of this condition. Toxic shock syndrome, which is caused by Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria, has been associated with the use of tampons. (TSS was initially linked to a particular brand of tampons, which have since been taken off the market.) Although the exact connection is still not clear, researchers suspect that certain types of high-absorbency tampons provided a moist, warm home where the bacteria could thrive.

Although TSS usually occurs in menstruating women, it

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can affect anyone who has any type of staph infection, including pneumonia, abscess, skin or wound infection, a blood infection called septicemia, or a bone infection called Osteomyelitis.

A related infection, Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome, or STSS, is caused by Streptococcus Bacteria. Most often STSS appears after streptococcus bacteria have invaded areas of injured skin, such as cuts and scrapes, surgical wounds, and even chickenpox blisters. It almost never follows a simple streptococcus throat infection.

Symptoms Toxic shock syndrome Toxic shock syndrome from staphylococcus starts suddenly with vomiting, high fever (temperature at

Can Toxic Shock Syndrome Affect Anyone?

The risk of TSS is greater in younger people. This is because older people are more likely to have the necessary antibodies to protect them from the toxin that causes TSS. Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a type of blood poisoning that will make you feel severely ill very quickly. TSS is a rare but potentially serious illness that can develop quickly in anyone ñ men, women and children.

In rare cases certain strains of Staphylococcus Aureus and Streptococcus Pyogenes bacteria can produce toxins (poisons) that cause TSS. With early diagnosis TSS can be treated with antibiotics to kill the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, and other medicines which help counteract the symptoms.

You can reduce your chances of getting toxic shock syndrome by changing your tampon frequently, at least every four to eight hours.

Use the lowest absorbency tampon you can and try to alternate using tampons and sanitary napkins whenever possible.

Toxic shock syndrome can recur.

People who’ve had it once can get it again. If you’ve had toxic shock syndrome or a prior staph infection, don’t use tampons at all.

least 102 degrees Fahrenheit [38.8 degrees Celsius]), a rapid drop in blood pressure (with lightheadedness or fainting), watery diarrhea, headache, sore throat, and muscle aches. Within 24 hours, a sunburn-like rash appears. There also may be bloodshot eyes and an unusual redness under the eyelids or inside the mouth (and vagina in females). After that, broken blood vessels may appear on the skin. Other symptoms may include: confusion or other mental changes; decreased urination; fatigue and weakness; thirst; weak and rapid pulse; pale, cool, moist skin; and rapid breathing.

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome can happen following a streptococcus infection in the body, most often a skin infection or an infected wound.

Within 48 hours of infection, the person's blood pressure drops dangerously low, and he or she may have fever, dizziness, confusion, difficulty breathing, and a weak and rapid pulse. The skin may be pale, cool, and moist, and there may be a blotchy rash that sometimes peels. The area around an infected wound can become swollen, red, and have areas of severely damaged or dying flesh. The liver and kidneys may begin to fail, and bleeding problems may develop.

Abnormal or Excessive Vaginal Bleeding: What May be Happening Abnormal bleeding of the vagina can be caused by different factors, such as contraceptive pills, causing bleeding during normal periods; and hormonal problems produced by malfunctions of the thyroid, pituitary glands, and ovaries.

Other sexually transmitted diseases are caused by infections of the vagina, uterus, cervix, ovaries and fallopian tubes. A heavy period can also be caused by a miscarriage.

If you face heavy bleeding in between your normal periods, you may not necessary have some critical disease. This might be caused by scars, tumors, fibroids or growth of abnormal tissue on the cervix. Regular, prolonged heavy vaginal bleeding, though, needs attention. You should get a proper check up to cancel out growths in the uterine lining.

Sometimes such bleeding is caused by injury to the vagina or reproductive tract, or when a tampon is stuck in the vagina.

Bleeding disorders that affect the whole body, such as leukemia can also cause abnormal vaginal bleeding. If fever, abdominal pain, and mucus discharge occur along with vaginal bleeding, then it could be an infection.

Vaginal discharge that is caused by an infection usually occurs with itching, burning and painful urination. It is not necessary that all infections are because of sexually transmitted diseases, but they might be due to pelvic inflammatory diseases, genital herpes, uterus infection and lack of estrogen.

If you develop toxic shock syndrome, you'll likely be hospitalized and need antibiotics. Doctors will try to determine the source of the infection. Along with antibiotics, you'll receive supportive care to treat the signs and symptoms of toxic shock syndrome. If your blood pressure begins to drop (hypotension), you'll need medication to stabilize it and fluids to prevent dehydration. The toxins produced by the staph bacteria may result in kidney failure. If your kidneys fail, you may need dialysis.

The bacteria that cause toxic shock syndrome can be carried on unwashed hands and prompt an infection anywhere on the body.

So hand washing is extremely important.

How is toxic shock syndrome transmitted?

Staphylococcus infections, and through Staphylococcus aureus, which may normally exist in a person’s nose or vagina and does not cause infection.

Because it is part of the body’s normal bacteria, 90 percent of individuals develop antibodies to prevent infection. S. aureus can be transmitted by direct contact with infected persons. Individuals who develop TSS usually have not developed antibodies against S. aureus. Therefore, it is not usually considered a contagious infection. S. aureus infections may also occur from another infection such as pneumonia, sinusitis, osteomyelitis (infection in the bone), or skin wounds such as a burn or surgical site. If any of these areas are infected, the bacteria can penetrate the bloodstream.

The bacteria that cause toxic shock syndrome can be carried on unwashed hands and prompt an infection anywhere on the body. So hand washing is extremely important.

Methods Of Preventing Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) describes a cluster of symptoms that involve many systems of the body. The following bacteria commonly cause TSS: 1. Staphylococcus aureus 2. Streptococcus pyogenes TSS from Staphylococcus infections was identified in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s when highly absorbent tampons were widely used in menstruating women. Due to manufacturing changes in tampons, the incidence of tampon-induced TSS has diminished by more than 40 percent.

The problems is that symptoms of TSS involve many systems and may resemble other infections.

The symptoms of TSS include sudden high fever, a faint feeling, watery diarrhea, headache, and muscle aches. If your child has these symptoms, it’s important to call your child’s doctor right away.

TSS can occur whenever a non-immune person is exposed to a TSS toxin. Illness is said to be “menstrual” if it occurs during the menstrual period and “non-menstrual” if at other times. Each category accounts for about half of cases.

Basic Best

T

Foot Forward Show some love to your feet and keep them in tip-top (no pun intended) shape the whole year round

here's nothing worse than having to take your shoes off and exposing rough cracked heels, corns, bunions and blisters. Our feet carry us many miles on a daily basis and they deserve special treatment after a long day. The following are a few basic tips to get your feet ready for year-round exposure--and not just for spring or summer sandals.

1. Blisters, corns and bunions. Those pointy-toe stilettos may be cute and stylish but they make your feet suffer greatly. A lot of foot ailments are due to neglect and abuse. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), all three foot ailments can be helped or prevented by wearing the proper foot wear. Uses over the counter creams (avoid acid preparations) and exfoliating products on corns. Blister shouldn't be broken, but if broken, wash with soap and water; then apply an antiseptic ointment and cover to prevent infection. Bunions can be helped by wearing shoes that have a wide toe box and consulting your podiatrist. If you suffer from diabetes, consult your medical doctor or podiatrist to determine the best way to care for your feet.

2. Make sure your feet stay clean by washing and drying between your toes to prevent bacteria and fungi from forming. Always give your shoes time to air out and dry between wearings. Use a little foot powder can help to keep your feet dry.

3. If you have athlete's foot or any other fungal conditions, do not re-use your towel during

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treatment as bacteria can lay dormant for up to four weeks. Athlete’s foots can be contracted in swimming pool areas, gyms and anywhere a person’s bare foot will come in contact with moist areas, such as a dressing room.

4. If you give yourself a home pedicure, try soaking your feet for about 10 minutes in 1 cup of Epsom Salt or sea salt (in two gallons of water) in a foot tub. Great method for softening skin, eliminating odor and soothing tired sore feet. You can also soak your whole body in epsom salt and take care of your feet at the same time.

5. Use exfoliating products to prevent or remove hard skin from your feet. There are various types of foot exfoliating treatments, pumice stones and files on the market to choose from. While you're in the bathtub, scrub your feet and heels with your favorite body scrub to keep them soft and smooth.

6. Take your own personal pedicure tools as some lower scale salons use the same tools on everyone. For your in-home pedicure, make sure you wash your tools with an antibacterial soap to get rid of any bacteria that may form before using again.

7. If you have very dry skin use an ultra moisturizing lotion or cream on your feet. Apply after a bath or shower and then place socks on your feet, which will make them extra smooth and moisturized in the morning and ready for open toe

sandals.

8. When wearing open sandals, flip-flops or going barefoot at the beach, use sunscreen on the top of your feet. Don't forget to reapply after coming out of the water.

9. Treat your feet to a massage, in-home or at a professional salon. Our feet carry us many miles on a daily basis and deserve special treatment.

10. After soaking, slough away calluses around the heels, balls and sides of your feet with a pumice stone or foot file. Avoid using a foot razor because it removes too much skin and can easily cause infection and permanent damage if used incorrectly.

11. Eliminate dry skin and calluses by using an exfoliant scrub on the soles, sides and tops of your feet. Rub in circular motions and be sure to thoroughly rinse off the scrub. Pat feet dry, paying special attention to the area between your toes.

Moisture can promote the development of athlete's foot or other fungal infections.

12. Clip toenails with a straight-edge toenail clipper to ensure they do not become curved or rounded in the corners. Toenails should be trimmed to just above the top of each toe.

13. Remove buildup under your toenails with a

Athletes At Greater Risk For Foot Problems

How Can You Prevent Smelly Feet?

Approximately one-quarter of all the bones in the human body are located in the feet. When these bones are out of alignment, so is the rest of the body. While 75 percent of the population may experience serious foot problems, it’s usually not a genetic matter. Most foot problems are brought on by neglect and a lack of awareness of proper care-including ill-fitting shoes.

Smelly feet can cannot only be an embarrassment, but can seriously damage the self esteem. There are many people, especially guys, who have to deal with this problem every day, and also are the victims of numerous medicines that don’t help.

Smelly feet, also known as “bromohydrosis”, are the result of the interaction between perspiration and the bacteria that lurk in you shoes and socks. The foot and hands contain the most sweat glands than any other part of the body (about 3000 glands per square inch).

Inside the shoe the temperature reaches sometimes 102 F. So this temperature combined with the moisture generated by the sweat glands constitute the perfect environment and a fertile breeding ground for the bacteria responsible for your smelly feet.

Your feet mirror your general health. Conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, nerve and circulatory disorders can show their initial symptoms in the feet-so foot ailments can be the first sign of more serious medical problems.

The best exercise for your feet? Walking. It also contributes to your general health by improving circulation, contributing to weight control and promoting all-around well-being.

The bacteria that are often found in foot odor are usually the corynebacterium and micrococcus species.

They produce the isovaleric acid, which is main substance responsible for the smelly feet. So, successful treatment of smelly feet depends on eliminating the organisms.

A number of general foot problems can be caused by strenuous physical activity, including: Arch strain/pain-Frequently the result of a common condition called plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue located along the bottom surface of the foot that runs from the heel to the forefoot. Excessive stretching of the plantar fascia away from the heel-usually the result of flat feet-can lead to pain in the heel and arch areas. Recommended treatments include shock-absorbing soles in your workout shoes and removable foot insoles.

Athlete’s foot-A fungal infection that causes red, dry, flaking skin, sometimes accompanied by pain or itching. Athlete’s foot is often contracted in showers, gyms, dressing rooms, swimming pool locker rooms or other warm, damp areas where fungus can thrive. Preventive measures include daily washing of the feet followed by thorough drying, and wearing dry, airy shoes and socks.

Treatments include prescription medications, either topical or oral.

Toenail fungus-Known as onychomycosis, it can be picked up in damp areas such as public gyms, shower stalls or swimming pools. Athletes and people who wear tight-fitting shoes or hosiery that cause trauma to the toes or keep the feet from drying out are at higher risk. It is difficult to treat, so the best course is to prevent it by wearing protective shoes or sandals in public showers or pool areas, and by not borrowing other people’s shoes, socks or towels.

Foot Health Is Important When it comes to painful feet, what appears to be minor may grow into a serious issue if left untreated. Seek out a podiatrist if you notice: * Blisters, calluses or thickening skin on the foot * Bumps on the toes * Peeling skin on heels, sides of feet or between the toes * Any wound or sore that resists healing *Thick, brittle, discolored or flaking toenails * Warts Feet are susceptible to fungal infections that can result in itching and burning. Fungal infections under toenails can make walking, standing and wearing shoes miserably painful. Contact a podiatrist if you suffer from brittle nails or dry skin and want your feet to look and feel better.

Smelly feet can also be caused by an inherited condition called hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, which primarily affects males. Stress, fluid intake and hormonal changes also can increase the amount of perspiration your body produces.

wooden or rubber manicure stick.

Do not use a sharp tool to clean under your nail because you may puncture the skin and leave it vulnerable to infection.

The bacteria that are often found in foot odor are usually corynebacterium and micrococcus species Successful treatment of smelly feet depends on eliminating these organisms.

The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society recommends that you: - Change your socks and shoes at least once per day.

14. Smooth nail edges by filing toenails with an emery board. File lightly in one direction without drastically rounding the corners of the nail. The file should only be used to smooth the edge of the nail and not to scrape the nail's surface.

- Bathe your feet daily in warm water the dry them well.

15. Apply a healthy amount of emollient-enriched lotion over your feet. Be sure to remove any excess moisturizer from your toenails and from between your toes.

- Wear thick, soft socks made from cotton to absorb the moisture away from the feet and under—and don’t wear, under any circumstances, nylon socks.

16. After cuticles have been sufficiently moisturized, gently push them back with a rubber cuticle pusher or manicure stick. Cuticles serve as a protective barrier against bacteria entering the body and should never be cut.

17. If you like to pamper your feet with pedicures, schedule appointments for first thing in the morning. Foot baths are typically cleanest earlier in the day.

18. Apply nail polish only if your toenails are healthy. Nail polish locks out moisture and does not allow the nail or the nail bed to "breathe." Remove the polish regularly.

- Dust your feet frequently with a non-medicated baby powder or foot powder.

- Look for fungal infections between you toes and on the bottom of your feet and if you spot redness and dry skin get treatment.

- Let your feet breath by wearing leather shoes and don’t wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row.

(Let your shoes to dryout at least 24 hours)

to

It’s a potentially embarrassing topic, but some of us must face it: how to control excessive perspiration and the odor that may come with it?

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Natural ways to cure excessive sweating are by far the easiest and cheapest way to control the problem. It's definitely safer to try diet control and natural remedies first.

Common Herb Proven To Reduce Excessive Sweat

obody wants to talk about excessive sweating or sweaty underarms, although it's a common problem for a lot of people. It's a visual embarrassment and also a smelly concern! Sweating is one of the ways we regulate our body temperature, and sweating also keeps our skin moist. If you suffer from excessive sweating, it's not because you have too many sweat glands, it's because of the nerve cell activity of those glands. There are two types of sweat glands--apoccrine and eccrine glands.

Not surprisingly, at least 1 percent of the population suffers from excessive sweating, especially excessive underarm sweating. Everybody sweats more when they are hot or nervous, but excessive sweating may be partly due to our genes. It's important to control excessive sweating, and there are many different opinions and views on how to achieve this. If you suffer from excessive sweating, you've probably already tried the commercial antiperspirants and deodorants, and you're still looking for a cure for your problem.

Diet control alone will not cure excessive sweating, but can help reduce it somewhat. Certain foods,

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requires each lung be collapsed in turn in order to reach the nerves in the chest cavity).

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such as onions, fish, garlic, and spicy foods like curry, can be smelled in the sweat. Try to reduce your intake of these types of foods.

Underarm hair holds sweat and can make the problem worse. If possible, shave your armpits to reduce the bacteria build-up.

There are other expensive and more painful cures available, such as Botox injections given in very small doses into the skin which can stop excessive sweating for two to eight months. However, Botox is a poison, and it's natural to have concerns about the long-term effects of such treatment.

As a last resort, surgery is often considered, where the sympathetic nerves that control sweating are cut. This type of operation requires general anesthesia, and is not guaranteed to work.

The success rate is approximately 30 percent.

Underarm skin can be removed and can be quite effective, but this is not a common operation due to the scarring and is not encouraged or performed very often. None of these treatments are without risks and all are very expensive. Their effectiveness also seems to vary from patient to patient and and horror stories are common-particularly relating to the surgical option (which

Could an ordinary common kitchen herb really reduce excessive sweat?

Hyperhidrosis-- the medical term for excessive sweating far beyond what the body needs to do to control body temperature--sufferers reading this will certainly hope so.

Hyperhidrosis results in moisture laying on the surface of the skin instead of evaporating like it normally would. Some sufferers have problems with grip because of near-permanent wet hands and others need to have several changes of clothing each day. It usually affects the hands and feet but can extend to other parts of the body including the head, trunk and under arms.

Clearly then, the prospect of a totally natural, riskfree treatment involving an inexpensive kitchen herb will be greeted heartily by anyone with an excessive sweat problem--particularly when the herb in question has actually been medicallyproven to be effective.

The treatment, tested by a group of researchers at the School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in Iran, is a simple black tea solution made from the dried leaves of a common herb, and water.

In the medical study, thirty-five patients (18

Body Odor can be Eliminated Through a Change in Diet

By Truth Publishing

The first lesson in Body Odor 101: What comes out of your body reflects what you put in. Body odor is something that’s strongly affected by what’s being emitted by your sweat glands. And remember, armpits are designed to sweat. I know that may sound insanely simple, because everybody knows that armpits sweat, but I’m saying that armpits are supposed to perspire.

Yet people go to great lengths to prevent their armpits from sweating by using deodorant products containing toxic chemicals and derivatives of heavy metals like aluminum.

For excessive sweating, you can also try sea kelp and magnesium tablets! men and 17 women, aged 8 to 49 years) who had been diagnosed with either palmar or plantar (hand or foot) hyperhidrosis were given the treatments three times a day for six weeks.

The solution was simply applied to the skin (they didn't drink it) where excessive sweating was a problem.

After six weeks of this treatment the people in the study who received the tea experienced significantly more relief from their sweating than the people who were given a placebo.

In fact, the solution was shown to reduce sweating in the hands, feet and under arms by as much as 37 percent as a result of the herb's astringent properties.

These are the directions if you want to make the solution at home.

Use three spoonfuls of dried leaves mixed with 250 ml (8.5 ounces) of room temperature water and leave to steep for 24 to 48 hours.

After straining, the resulting solution can be applied to underarms, hands or feet. The researchers also suggest a further treatment for plantar hyperhidrosis which affects the soles of the feet. They recommend a dry powder of the herb, placed in the shoes. The powder can be made by grinding dried leaves with an electronic or hand mill.

The solution or powder should be applied to the problem area three times a day and the area should be completely dried before application.

But there’s more to it than just cooling your body temperature through perspiration. Another function of the sweat glands in your armpits is to excrete toxins from your body. That’s why sweating is an important part of maintaining optimum physical health: you have to give your body a chance to get rid of various toxins through a variety of metabolic processes. Those include urination, passing fecal matter, exhaling carbon dioxide and other toxins through the lungs, and, of course, eliminating toxins through the skin.

The skin, remember, is your body’s largest organ.

Your armpits, then, actually have an important health function in getting rid of toxins. That’s why you need to keep them open and unclogged by deodorant products. Sweating is good for you.

But what about the odor? Where does that really come from? Conventional doctors like to say it’s due to bacteria living in your armpits. But that’s ridiculous: our entire bodies are covered with bacteria, not just our armpits. And if the bacteria alone were the cause of the odor, you could eliminate body odor by sterilizing your armpits with rubbing alcohol or iodine tincture. (Try it, if you like: it still won’t eliminate the odor.) The real cause of armpit odor is the intentional excretion of horrible toxins that your body is trying to get rid of. And by using deodorant products, you block the exit door and force those toxins to stay in your system!

The way to eliminate body odor, then, is not to mask it with unhealthful deodorant products, but rather to clean up your body from the inside out. In other words, if your armpits have a horrible raunchy smell, that’s an indication that your diet needs some adjusting. I’m embarrassed to say that I know this from personal experience. My own body odor used to be rather disgusting when I followed the standard American diet like most people do. I had to use massive doses of brand name deodorant products just to try to cover up the odor. Only later did I learn that those products are made with cancer-causing chemical fragrances that are absorbed directly into your bloodstream, through your armpits, where they enter your liver and promote liver disease, cancer, and a variety of other disorders.

Many deodorants and antiperspirants are made with aluminum in order to halt the perspiration of your sweat glands, and this aluminum is suspected of accumulating in the nervous system and ultimately contributing to nervous system disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. That’s why I no longer use any brand name deodorants or antiperspirants. After giving up red meat, junk foods, fast foods and other dietary atrocities, I no longer needed deodorants anyway.

Let’s take a closer look at the causes of body odor.

What foods really cause body odor in the first place?

Red meat is the number one cause of body odor. Red meat causes stagnation in the body; it putrefies in the digestive tract and releases all sorts of toxins into the bloodstream through the large intestine. I’ve noticed that people who consume a large quantity of red meat on a regular basis tend to have much stronger body odor than those who avoid it. Some people tell me just the opposite-they say it’s vegetarians who stink because they run around wearing no deodorant whatsoever.

But my experience is that if a vegetarian stinks, they aren’t following a healthy diet even though they are avoiding meat. (You can be vegetarian and extremely unhealthy if you consume a lot of processed foods.) Overall, though, if you find a healthful vegetarian and put them side by side with a heavy meat eater in a sniff test, I’m confident your nose will lead you to the conclusion that the meat eater is the most offensive of the two.

As far as other foods that cause body odor, manufactured foods--those lacking fiber and made with refined white flour, added sugars, hydrogenated oils and other processed ingredients--are the big culprits. When you eliminate these from your diet and shift to a 100 percent healthful diet made of whole grains, massive quantities of leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, soy products, supergreens, lots of sprouts, raw nuts and seeds, healthy oils and other similar healthful ingredients, your body odor will all but disappear in a matter of weeks.

That’s because a plant-based diet is an internal deodorizer. It’s true: the chlorophyll and other phytonutrients will cleanse you from the inside out.

Some of the best foods for that include parsley, cilantro, celery and all mint species. The aromatic herbs are also excellent: sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and so on.

It’s very easy to smell your own armpits and get a sense of what’s going on inside your body. Try going 24 hours with no deodorant. If you can’t stand the smell from the outside, just imagine what your body smells like on the inside! Maybe it’s time for some plants in your diet, don’t you think?

Stay

Safe!

Practicing safe sex should be default behavior for many, but there still exist a number of unlucky (or unwise?) ones who don’t. Here’s yet another primer on common STDs and how to treat them

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igh risk behaviors and lack of disease information and resources have had a profound effect on the spread of such diseases as chlamydia, herpes, and hepatitis.

Some of these diseases have little to no symptoms, and yet can be extremely harmful if not treated. An easy search on the Internet or a visit to your local health center or your primary physician can get you armed. Do it now.

Chlamydia. Chlamydia is one of the most common STDs today. At least three million individuals are infected with chlamydia each year.

Common symptoms of chlamydia include: discharge, swelling, and bleeding from lower regions; painful urination; painful intercourse; abdominal pain; and nausea. Symptoms usually occur with in 21 days of infection. If not treated, chlamydia can cause sterility in both men and women. Treatment of chlamydia is usually taken care of with an antibiotic, usually doxycycline, taken for two weeks.

Herpes. Herpes is also an extremely common sexually transmitted disease. Most adults have some version of the disease. Many do not know they even have the herpes virus. Herpes is often associated with sores on the mouth (cold sores) and genitals (genital herpes). There is no cure for herpes, however, symptoms and breakouts can be treated with medication prescribed by your doctor. Generally, herpes is usually most problematic during the first breakout and lessens with age.

Hepatitis. There are many versions of hepatitis. Hepatitis B, for example, can be prevented with a vaccination--other versions of hepatitis cannot. Hepatitis can be spread via sexual activity or by eating food handled improperly. Hepatitis is a serious illness that affects the liver and may cause jaundice. All symptoms associated with hepatitis should be directed to a medical professional for immediate treatment.

Other symptoms of hepatitis can include: extreme fatigue, headache, fever and hives. The most dangerous aspect about hepatitis is that its symptoms are virtually undetectable during its most contagious stages.

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Are Genital Warts Something to Worry About?

There are a lot of people who have had to deal with genital warts. For most of those people, the warts are only a bother. They are usually treated with some medicine and then forgotten about.

Women should have a pelvic exam at least every six months to a year. If women have genital warts on the cervix, they can be a problem, as they can cause women to have an abnormal pap smear. If this is left unattended, it may cause even more problems down the road, like cancer. Men and women who have warts on or inside the anus should have an exam every year.

Treating genital warts is not difficult. A chemical is used on the warts to remove them. You may need to come back more than once to finish the treatment. If someone has a problem with their immune system, they may find that the treatment may take longer. An example of this may be HIV. The warts may increase in size and their number may increase faster. It is very important to tell your doctor if you are HIV positive.

Even after you have the genital warts removed, they may return. This is because the virus stays in your skin once you are infected. You can pass the virus to your sexual partners while having sex. This is possible even if you have warts and do not see them.

How Not To Get Chlamydia Chlamydia is a silent disease because the symptoms appear very late in some people. They may not be aware that they have chlamydia. A bacterium causes this infection. A partner sexually passes this bacterium to another partner. The question is: how to enjoy relationships without contacting chlamydia which is dangerous if allowed to progress? Let me tell you how.

Chlamydia: how it is passed?

Look inside your mouth and observe the skin inside. It looks different from your body skin, correct? This skin inside the mouth is called mucous membrane. The same kind of membrane covers your inner genitals and anal cavity. When this mucous membrane comes in contact with any secretion of a chlamydia patient, he/she will get infected. The clue lies in preventing the mucous membrane coming in contact with any secretions of the affected person.

What will you do to prevent it?

Health Complications With Genital Herpes Genital herpes in some people may never show symptoms, but for others, the symptoms become so severe that complications develop, especially if sores or herpes blisters appear on other areas of the body.

Cold sores on the lips, called “herpes labialis”, are normally mild and may be considered a mere nuisance. But if these become prolonged, frequent, or severe, the use of antiviral treatments is recommended.

Blisters on the hands and fingers can also occur and it is called “herpetic whitlow”. Since the hands can practically reach all parts of the body, it has the greatest capacity to spread the virus. To prevent such a disaster, the hands must be covered with plastic or rubber gloves.

There can be blisters on the anus, too. The infection is called “herpes proctitis.” This infection is usually more painful and more distressing than genital herpes.

The eyes, especially that of the newborn, is also susceptible to the herpes virus. The infection is called “herpes keratitis” or “ocular herpes”.

When this happens, or even when you only feel a painful irritation in your eyes, consult the doctor immediately. If ignored, herpes keratitis could lead to blindness.

Women who experience genital herpes outbreaks may also have vaginal yeast infections, called “vulvovaginal dandidiasis”.

There will be swelling, itching, and pain when the woman urinates or engages in a sexual

activity. This is due to the presence of too many yeast organisms in the vagina. If you have vaginal yeast infections, it doesn’t mean that you also have genital herpes. The excess growth of yeast occurs for many reasons, such as when the woman is taking antibiotics or birth control pills, or when she is pregnant, or when she is wearing tight body-hugging clothes. Fortunately, with good hygiene, this type of infection disappears on its own.

More Serious Problems Sometimes, the genital herpes virus can infect the cerebrospinal fluid and the tissues that surround the brain. This will result to meningitis and encephalitis. Meningitis is life-threatening especially when these occur: changes in vision, photophobia, drowsiness, bulging on the baby’s head, and seizures. Encephalitis happens when the brain becomes swollen. It is also a life-threatening complication and have similar symptoms to that of meningitis. It can also lead to coma.

Other internal organs, such as the joints, lungs, and liver, may suffer complications when a person has genital herpes. These complications occur in people with ineffective immune systems, such as those with HIV, diabetes or cancer and those who are undergoing chemotherapy.

To avoid complications, you must again recall that herpes simplex virus (HSV) survives in mucus and may affect any part of the body where mucus is found.

Let us take a real life example. Suppose you have a new partner and are not sure about the health.

What would you do to prevent getting chlamydia if your partner is a carrier? Don't allow any contact between the mucous membranes. Therefore avoid all kinds of oral sex. Kissing will also spread Chlamydia. Avoid it in the beginning. Involve only in sex protected by condom. Nothing else. After sometime, you may ask your partner if he/she has been tested for Chlamydia and know about the status. If you have not got yourself screened, it is time to meet a doctor and get the test done. It is a very simple test and will also tell you about other STDs. Chlamydia can cause many complications if it is not treated in the early stages. Please look for these symptoms if you have had unprotected sex or sex with a partner whose status you do not know. The common symptoms of Chlamydia are: difficult and painful urination, discharge from penis or vagina, pain in the lower abdomen, pain in intercourse in women, pain or swelling in men. If you notice any of these signs, please contact your doctor without any delay. A course of antibiotics normally clears the infection in two weeks. Ask your partner to get treated as well.

Otherwise you will get infected once more. Use condoms. Avoid having multiple sexual partners.

Women should not douche. Douching increases the possibility of getting chlamydia.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

Low-Fat

Smoothies You don’t have to give up on these cool, comforting drinks while watching your weight. Just watch what you toss into them

“Chocolate” Milk

What you’ll need: 10-15 medium dates 3 ripe bananas 1 young coconut 16 oz cold water Blend everything starting with the fruits, ending with the coconut.

Papaya Passion

What you’ll need: 1 medium papaya 1 red delicious apple 5 dates (pitted) Blend everything and prepare for something out of this world!

I

t’s summer time and the heat is on. One favorite choice of most people for beating the heat is to get a smoothie. But for people trying to lose weight and not miss out, are there any healthy options? Yes. You can make your own smoothies.

From a health point of view, blended smoothies are great for a concentrated meal that’s ready in a minute. You can combine a variety of fruit with some water, possibly add some dates or genuine maple syrup and make a delicious smoothie that can be enjoyed anytime as a healthy meal while on your weight loss program.

Strawberry Delight What you’ll need: 4-8 strawberries 1-2 bananas 8-10 dates (pitted)

My Milk Shake Tastes Much Better than Yours...!

What you’ll need: 2 cups of durian 8 dates (pitted) 2 bananas 1 tsp of Carob powder Who said fruits and veggies were boring?

Actually, this may be a better choice than juicing as you will also get the fibre, which is an essential nutrient present in our fruits and vegetables for several reasons. With regards to losing weight, the fiber will serve as intestinal brooms to push all unwanted debris out.

Mango Magic

Now, the recipes listed below are creative ways to enjoy a proper diet and not entirely miss out on pleasuring ourselves occasionally. You can always experiment to find tasty recipes as well, but here are some to get you started.

Durian Deck

What you’ll need: 1-2 ripe mangos 8 dates (pitted) Juice of one orange What you’ll need: 24 oz of durian 1/2 orange