0 How AIDS Virus Works

Scientists have figured out how the AIDS virus deceives antibodies when it invades healthy cells.


Duke University Medical Centre researchers in the US said some of the earliest and most abundant antibodies available to fight HIV can't actually "see" the virus until after it has already invaded a healthy cell.


Previous research had shown that two of the most robust antibodies against HIV -- called 2F5 and 4E10 -- target a specific part of the outer coating of the virus called the MPER region of gp41, the journal Nature Structural & Molecular Biology reports.


The antibodies are able to latch on to this part of the virus, referred to as its "Achilles heel".


"What our studies revealed, however, is that the virus actually creates two versions of this 'Achilles heel'," says Duke Human Vaccine Institute (DHVI) director Barton Haynes who was the senior study author, according to a Duke release.


"One version is for these rarer, broadly-neutralising antibodies, and the other is for the more abundant, first-responding antibodies that won't be able to do much good because the Achilles heel isn't detectable to them until the virus has already gained entry."


Haynes says the findings are important because they distinguish what parts of the virus an antibody needs to recognise from those parts that are decoys.


Nathan Nicely led the study and as member of the DHVI designed and conducted most of the crystallography studies. The study was funded by a Collaboration for AIDS Vaccine Discovery Grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Read more

4 Easy Weight Loss Diets & Tips

Weight loss is a hot topic among people today, especially considering the fact that more than half of us are overweight. As we get older we often get busier, and before we know it, find ourselves in the prime of our lives and packing a few extra pounds. With so little extra time in our lives it is impractical to join the latest diet fad or commit to sweating in the gym for hours at a time. Are we all destined to grow outward with each passing year, or is there a simple way for us to reclaim our healthy figures?


If you struggle with your own battle of the bulge read on for five sure-fire ways to drop a few of those unwanted pounds, and more importantly learn how you can prevent packing them in the first place!


TIP #1: Burn it in the AM
What is the first thing you do when you wake each morning? Hit the snooze button for an extra ten minutes of sleep? What if I told you that taking those ten minutes to strap on your sneakers and walk briskly around the block would result in weight loss? It has been proven that aerobic activity done on an empty stomach forces your body to recruit energy from storage. This energy is stored in the form of fat on various parts of your body. Starting tomorrow take ten minutes out of your morning to walk briskly around the block before breakfast. Do not sprint or try to walk as quickly as possible, simply walk at a pace that you could comfortably hold a conversation. This seemly small activity, when done consistently, will produce surprising weight loss results!


TIP #2 Forget Your Late Night Snack
I know I am not the only one who enjoys eating a snack after dinner! Although comfort food seems to taste better right before bed, it is also more prone to stick with us when eaten late at night. It has been proven that not eating three hours before bed reduces fat storage throughout the night.


If you go to bed at 10pm, finish eating for the day no later than 7pm. Once you have made this a habit you will be ecstatic over the long term weight loss!


TIP #3 Kiss that Frappuccino Goodbye
What tastes better than a frothy, venti frappuccino smothered in whip cream and chocolate syrup? While blended coffee beverages have rapidly gained popularity with the masses, their caloric tallies have been all but ignored. Whether you are an avid Starbucker, or only wander in for an occasional treat, it is important to know the truth about what you are drinking.


The average Venti sized frappuccino weighs in at 530 calories. This staggering number equals 2.5 bagels, or one third of the recommended daily calories for an average woman. Not only is this an extreme amount of calories to be consumed in a beverage but the calories come purely from sugar, which is easily stored as fat. Next time you are in line at the coffee shop and find yourself eyeing a sugary beverage, redirect your attention to the tea selection, or stick with an old fashion cup of coffee.


TIP #4 Fuel Your Fire
Have you ever tended a campfire? You probably remember continuously adding sticks and branches to keep the fire from running out of fuel. Your body’s metabolism is similar in its need for constant fuel. Eating a small meal every three hours is a great way to keep your metabolism high all day long. When your metabolism is high you burn more calories throughout the day and are less likely to store fat. Rather than eating 2 or 3 large meals a day, and allowing your ‘fire’ to go out, giving way to hunger pains, try eating a small meal every three hours and be amazed at your weight loss results.


TIP #5 Curb Your Carbs
I’m sure sometime in the past year you have found yourself subjected to the testimony of a converted ‘low-carb’ enthusiast. While these people may look great it is definitely not the right diet for everyone. Extreme fatigue, crankiness and downright impracticality are what make this diet a tough cookie to swallow. Cutting one or two carb-filled items out of your daily diet can make a huge difference in meeting weight loss goals.


While I wouldn’t recommend throwing out your bread basket entirely, consciously cutting carb-filled items out of your daily food intake is a great idea. If you normally have a sandwich for lunch make it open-faced, thus cutting out half of the bread. If you enjoy eating pasta for dinner reduce your pasta portion and add extra vegetables. These minor changes to your daily diet will prove themselves priceless when you step onto the scale!
It is you against the bulge, and now that you are armed with these 5 tips for easy weight loss, I am confident that you are going to win! Keep in mind that consistency is the key. The more effort that you put into implementing these 5 tips into your daily lifestyle, the quicker the unwanted pounds will disappear!

Read more

0 A Simple Guide to Fight Stress

Everyone has suffered from stress at least once. If you remember your palms becoming sweaty before an interview, experiencing headaches when thinking of your last work problem, or having stomach disorders because your test exams are approaching, these can be categorized as instances of stress related to physical malfunctions that have caused you to loose sleep and reduced your performance levels.


Regardless of the age group one belongs, stress is considered today to have an extremely dramatic impact on the human immune system. That is because stressful situations that have and extensive duration affect the hormones of the human body, which in turn direct affect the human immune system. Cases of chronic constipation, migraines, acne breakouts, upper respiration infections, colds, ulcers, and even more serious health problems like diabetes, heart diseases, and certain types of cancers, can be linked, according to scientists, to prolonged periods of stress.


But do not get despaired. Although stress cannot be eliminated, social scientists, psychologists, and doctors, agree that stress can be controlled and people that are able to give themselves another chance can live healthier lives.

Exercise

Known for its tension relieving outcomes, a steady exercise problem can help people reduce their stress levels. A calm evening walk or a more dynamic type of exercise, like an aerobic class, can help a stressed individual get rid of the tension and the anxiety that are caused by stress.

Sleep:

Give your body and mind the opportunity to rejuvenate naturally during sleep. Although people under stress experience difficulties in sleeping the appropriate hours needed, experts support that sticking with a steady sleeping plan and going to bed every night around the same time, avoiding heavy food or caffeine drinks, can help a person fall asleep and lower his stress levels.

Breath:

Learn how to breathe properly and practice it frequently. Deep breathing exercises can help the brain and body reconsider the parameters of a stressful situation and readjust to the experience. Inhale air from the nose and exhale it from the mouth after holding it for five seconds. In the meantime clear your mind and concentrate on a pleasant thought.

Avoid:

Try to avoid consuming caffeine substances and never take it out on yourself. Caffeine can prolong the stress period and since it is a stimulator you can experience problems in sleeping or breathing. Moreover, by blaming yourself and your luck you are not concentrating on solving an issue but rather on prolonging the distress and the anxiety you feel.

Don't panic:

Although it is common to let your feelings go wild when upset, try to focus on what you feel and act as if that was your main problem so as to solve it. Listening to music, breathing properly, writing a journal, exercising, going out, or doing whatever you think is appropriate can put you in a better mood.

Talk:

People surrounding you are not indifferent to your problems. Stop treating them as if they were. Speak about what worries you and ask for their help. Even the fact that someone will listen and offer another perspective can be enough for you to see another ankle of the issue and work towards its solution.

Read more

0 Top 7 Tips To Strengthen Your Back Support Muscles

Not surprisingly, people with strong trunk muscles and well conditioned leg and hip muscles are less likely to develop back pain and injuries than people with weak or poorly conditioned muscles. Fortunately, your muscles will become stronger if you follow a regular exercise program that challenges your muscles to do slightly more than usual. If you are not already doing strengthening exercises, start with the exercises described here that you can consider to adopt, which focus on the spinal support muscles of the abdomen and back.

1.Deadbug

Lie fat on your back, bend your knees, and keep your feet flat on the floor. Find the neutral position by flattening your lower back against the floor, then arching it up toward the ceiling and finding the point halfway between. Place your fingers at your sides on the bony area of your pelvis just below your waist. Now tighten your stomach muscles as if you were about to get punched. Lift one foot a couple of inches off the ground while keeping your stomach tight and keeping your back in the neutral position. Then put your foot down and lift the other foot. Keep your hands on your pelvis to make sure that you are tilting your pelvis as you lift your feet. Alternate the feet for 20 repetitions while keeping your pelvis stable. As this gets easier, you can increase the difficulty by lifting your arms as well as legs off the floor.

2.Bridging

Lie flat on your back, bend your knees, and keep your feet flat on the floor. Find the neutral position as illustrated above. After which, lift your hips off the ground, maintaining a neutral position in the lower back and keeping the spinal straight and your weight on your upper back. Life your hips up until you begin to find it difficult to maintain the neutral position. Keep your arms at your side, palms down on the floor to provide stability so your hips do not tilt side to side. Lower to the floor and lift up 20 times. To increase the difficulty of this exercise, do alternate arm and leg lifts while bridging. You can eventually add cuff weights to your ankles.

3.Partial Sit-ups

Lie flat on your back, bend your knees, and keep your feet flat on the floor. Find the neutral position by following the above technique. You can roll up a towel and put it under the small of your back to help you maintain the neutral position. Stretch out your arms and place the palms of your hands on the top of your thighs. Curl up your torso until your fingers touch the top of your knees. Hold this position for a moment, then curl back down. Keep the lower back on the floor the entire time the upper back moves. Now follow the same procedure by stretching both arms straight toward the left knee, then both arms toward the right knee. Repeat 10 times in each direction.

4.Alternate Arm And Leg Lifts

Lie on your stomach and find the neutral position. You can put a folded towel under your stomach to help maintain your alignment. Tighten your abdominal muscles and lift a straight left arm and right leg a few inches off the floor. Make sure that your back does not arch. Raise your arms and legs only as high as you are able to while maintaining the neutral position. Repeat with the opposite arm and leg. Do 20 repetitions.

5.Quadruped Arm And Leg Lifts

Get on your hands and knees. Arch your back up toward the ceiling. Let it sag down so that it dips toward the floor, and then come back up halfway. This is your neutral position. Tighten your abdominal muscles. Raise your straight left arm and right leg while maintaining your spine in the neutral position. Hold this position for a moment and then put your arm and leg down. Repeat with the opposite arm and leg. Do 10 to 20 repetitions.

6.Functional Squats

Stand upright and place your feet shoulder width apart. Find your neutral position and squat down while maintaining it. Your buttocks will move backward, your chest will move forward, and your center of gravity will drop straight down. Your weight should be balanced in the middle of your feet, not on the balls or heels. To avoid knee pain, do not bend your knees more than 90 degrees. Do 10 to 20 repetitions.

7.Leg Lowering

Lie on your back and bend your knees while keeping your feet flat on the floor. Use your abdominal muscles to keep your back in the neutral position, and slowly extend one leg at a time. Then slowly lower that led to the floor while keeping your abdominal muscles tight. Keep the other leg bent, and make sure that your back does not arch. Do 10 to 20 repetitions.

Read more

0 How To Fit Exercise Into Your Busy Schedule

Did I hear you say fitting exercise into your busy schedule? That's as absurd as saying that there are eight days in a week right?!


First, you've never exercised before or engaged regularly in a sport; second, you've never been into the fitness crowd and have had meager time for such pursuits, and third, you're far too busy to even think of exercise.


In other words, YOU'RE JUST NOT INTO IT.


Of course your friends talk about it and rave about the latest fitness craze, but you've seen it too often: some of them are on the "on-again-off-again" treadmill / stair master mania, and you wonder why they haven't shred the fat that they're desperately still trying to hide.


Seeing what your friends go through and not seeing any results, you cling to the notion that your total lack of interest is justified.


You're not the least bit inclined to engage in these circus-like contortions or do those mindless freestyle strokes in the water. That would only encroach into your already busy schedule of juggling family, home and career. These three combined - husband/children/work are your exercise.


Yup, we've got a problem.


That mindset is like a seething volcano that's about to erupt. If you stubbornly cling to the notion that the "fat to trim" concept is merely a myth and a figment of the imagination of a handful of oddballs, your health could be going into "eruption mode" soon, like a restless volcano.


Have you looked at your body lately? Have you taken stock of your overall physical well-being?


Before tackling the idea of fitting exercise into your busy schedule, it might be better if we start with the concepts of self-assessment and then familiarize ourselves with the disease-prevention aspect of exercise.


Once you've accepted the fact that your body needs overhauling, and that exercise is good for your health and business - then we can talk about some of the ways that you can include exercise into your roller-coaster existence.


This article is part of several articles that I will be posting and submitting over the next several days is your KEY to fitting exercise into your life. And rest assured, this article along with the rest that I will be submitting, already assumes that you're a busy person with a life to lead; and that's why the tips that I present to you are specifically designed to fit in with your busy lifestyle!


To keep things organized and simple, the articles will be broken down into five easy sections:


Section 1: Assessing Physical Damage And Accepting the Importance of Exercise


Section 2: No Matter How Busy you Are, there are Ways you can Exercise


Section 3: Busy Traveler? You can Fit Exercise into your Trips


Section 4: Exercise Aids To Go


Section 5: Information / Resources for the Hurried and Harried


Read them in order, or if you wish, focus on the section that is most relevant to you right now. Regardless of how you choose to read these articles, you can be confident of one thing: once you apply the advice within these pages, your busy life will include something new and important: exercise!

Read more

0 Top 10 Things To avoid Snoring

The British Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Association has provided tips to cure snoring problems.


It recommends working out whether snoring comes from the nose or throat, reports the Daily Express.


If you can make a snoring noise with your mouth open and closed, try this: 


stick your tongue out as far as it will go and grip it between your teeth.
Try to make a snoring noise. If it is reduced, you are probably a "tongue-base snorer", meaning your tongue is vibrating and causing the problem. 
If you are a "nose snorer" you snore with a closed mouth, it says.
The Association lists their solutions as follows:

1. Sleep on your side

The theory is that when we lie on our backs the tongue and muscles in the throat collapse, constricting the airway and causing snoring.

2. Higher pillows

This aims to keep the airways open by supporting the neck so the throat is less constricted. It works fairly well until you fall asleep and slump down in the bed.

3. Breathe Right Nasal Strips

These are supposed to open your nostrils from the outside and they certainly do seem to do this. They can also provide temporary relief from nasal congestion and stuffiness caused by colds and allergies.

4. Snoreeze Oral Strips

These dissolving mint-flavoured strips target the main cause of snoring and are ideal if you tend to snore more when lying on your back. They contain a time-release formula, which coats the back of the throat throughout the night and reduces the vibrations of the soft tissues, helping to stop snoring.

5. Snoreeze Throat Spray

This lubricates and tones the soft tissues at the back of the throat that vibrate and make you snore.

7. Nozovent

This is a piece of flexible plastic which you push into your nostrils to make them wider and allow easier breathing. It looks like something from the Spanish Inquisition but users report good results.

8. SomnoGuard

This is a bit like the gumshield worn by a rugby player, but it is reported to produce good results. The idea is to bring your lower jaw and tongue forward, making more space for breathing. The drawback is that it takes sometime to get used to and is costly.

9. Rhynil Herbal Spray

The British Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Association says its herbal nasal spray shrinks the lining of the nostril, creating more space to breathe. It also tightens the tissue of the roof of the mouth, making it less likely to vibrate. It smells pleasant and a friend who tried it said it reduced snoring significantly.

10. Abstinence

You should cut down on cigarettes or, better still, give up completely. Also, try to have your last alcoholic drink at least four hours before you go to bed.

Read more

0 Diagnosis and Treatment Of Wrinkles

Wrinkles are creases in the skin. Wrinkles are the thin, creased, and sagging skin that is especially noticeable on the face, neck, and hands. Wrinkles develop as we get older because natural substances such as collagen , elastin and hyaluronic acid (which gives skin volume), which provide the skin with structure and volume decrease with age. Skin wrinkles typically appear as a result of aging processes such as glycation or, temporarily, as the result of prolonged (more than a few minutes) immersion in water. Wrinkles are a by-product of the aging process. With age, skin cells divide more slowly, and the inner layer, called the dermis, begins to thin. Sun damage is one of the most important causes of skin ageing and skin disorders such as skin cancers.

Overall, exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight accounts for about 90% of the symptoms of premature skin ageing, and most of these effects occur by age 20. Smoke causes a marked reduction in the production of new collagen. A lack of new collagen results in the development of wrinkles. Rapid weight loss can also cause wrinkles by reducing the volume of fat cells that cushion the face. This can cause the skin to sag. There are numerous over-the-counter treatment options for wrinkles, including various creams and lotions. Retinol is a vitamin A compound and is the first antioxidant to be widely used in nonprescription wrinkle creams. Antioxidants are substances that neutralize free radicals - unstable oxygen molecules that break down skin cells and cause wrinkles.

Lasers may also be used to minimize wrinkles. Avoid spending too much time in the direct sun. Botulinum toxin (Botox) may be used to correct some of the wrinkles associated with overactive facial muscles. Alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids and poly hydroxy acids are all synthetic versions of acids derived from sugar-containing fruits. These acids are exfoliants - substances that remove the upper layer of old, dead skin and provoke the growth of smooth, evenly pigmented new skin. Never use a sunlamp or tanning bed or lie in the sun to get a tan. Wear a sunscreen on your face and hands every day. Some patients may choose plastic surgery for age-related wrinkles. Don't go to the tanning salon.

Wrinkles Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Don't smoke.

2. Avoid alcohol and pollution areas.

3. Protect your skin from the sun.

4. Choose products with built-in sunscreen.

5. Wear a sunscreen on your face and hands every day.

6. Never use a sunlamp or tanning bed or lie in the sun to get a tan.

7. Moisturizers can't prevent wrinkles, they can temporarily mask tiny lines and creases.

8. Retinol is a vitamin A compound antioxidant to be widely used in nonprescription wrinkle creams.

Read more

0 Makeup Tips For Magical Eye

Eyes
the windows of the soul. Eyes give your face energy and individuality and do not have to be a certain size or shape to be considered pretty
all eyes have their own unique beauty.
When makeup is applied to look natural it will bring out the eye’s true color and enhance the eye’s beauty.
When you feel good about your makeup you will be more confident and will have one less thing to worry about.
A subtle application of eyeliner, shadows and mascara work together to create magic and make your eyes look their best.

Eye Shadow

Eye shadow is meant to highlight and define the eyes. Eye shadow is used to create depth to bring out the beauty of the eyes. A dark color used on the lid will make the eye appear smaller, while a lighter color will make it appear larger. That is what eye shadow is about - creating illusions. These are the basic techniques for the following eye shapes:

Small eyes: Don’t use too much shadow or liner – it will make you eyes look smaller. Apply a light color on eyelid, use a darker color in the crease and use a highlighter under the brow.

Large eyes: Wear darker shadow on the lid and extend it to the crease. Use a flat color under the brow to highlight.

Deep-set eyes: Use light colors on the eyelid and under the brow. Use a medium color in the crease. Emphasize the outer corners with shadow.

Wide-set eyes: Use darker colors on the inner corners of the eye.

Hooded eyes: Apply light colors on the lid. Use darker colors from the center of the eyelid to the outer corners and blend.

Round eyes: Make round eyes longer by using color all around and extending toward the outer corners.

Oriental eyes: Apply highlighter under the brow. Use light shadow on the inner half of the lid and a darker color on the outer half.

Light colors cause the eyes to open, dark colors will cause the eyes to recede
If you have very light skin avoid dark shades
Be careful with shimmer – they will bring attention to imperfections and wrinkles.
The eye area is the first to show age don’t tug on the skin.

Eyeliners

Eyeliners are meant to define the eyes so they should do just that; not be the focal point of your makeup. Eyeliners come in various colors and forms liquid, pencil etc. Keep the eyeliner natural. Pencils are available in many colors (for the best look stick to black or brown ) and can be sharpened for a fine line. For a smudged effect use a sponge tip shadow applicator or an eye shadow brush. When your pencils are too soft refrigerate them. When they are too hard soften them by holding them between your fingers.

To line the eye, start on the lower lid, just beneath the lashes. When you are finished always smudge the line with your sponge. Stay as close to the lash line as possible. On the upper lid, draw a line form the inner corner to the outer corner, thickening the line toward the outer corner. After the age of 40 keep the line in between the lashes.

Mascara and the creation of beautiful lashes

Mascara frames your eyes and can make your face come alive. Mascara softly accentuates the eye while thickening and darkening the lashes; it is the finishing touch for eyes. There are several different types to choose from, thickening, and waterproof to smudge proof. Waterproof will need a special remover and smudge proof will wash off easily. It is not a good idea to wear waterproof mascara for extended periods of time since it has a tendency to dry the lashes.

Select a shade of mascara that complements your coloring. Dark shades on pale eyes with brown lashes will darken them and will look harsh. Stay away from blues and other colors since they will ruin your look.

Lashes that are hard to curl may need the help of an eyelash curler. Curl your lashes before you apply mascara – hold for ten to twenty seconds.

To apply mascara look straight into your mirror with your chin slightly lifted so you can see your lashes. Insert the wand only once and twist, don’t pump. Pumping can break the brush bristles and distribute the mascara unevenly and will dry out the mascara faster. Start by rolling the wand from root to tip in an upward motion. Reinsert the brush and apply again. If your eyelashes are thick and long they may clunk together. If this happens let them dry and then separate them with the corner of an eyebrow brush.

Read more

0 Walk Your Way To Health

Which one will give you the best, most immediate results in terms of aerobic fitness, muscular fitness and flexibility?

We are all searching for answers. We all hope to find the quickest way to improve or maybe regain our health. 

But what about walking? Most of us think of walking as something you do maybe to get yourself started again on the road to fitness, but as our primary method of fitness?

Why not?

Here’s some thoughts to consider;

A brisk walk for 30-60 minutes can produce a deficit of as much as 300 to 400 calories depending on your current level of fitness.

Making that same walk just 3 or 4 times a week over the course of a year could result in a weight loss of 16 pounds. That assumes you don’t change your current diet.

Combine that walking with a reasonable diet and the numbers multiply quickly.

Not bad for one of the most underrated exercises of all.

On top of that, research shows that 10 minutes 3 times a day offers the same benefit as 30 minutes 1 time a day. Sorry, no more excuses for not having enough time!

But let’s consider some of the other benefits:

Walking impacts the three major areas of health and fitness; aerobic fitness, muscular strength and flexibility. Not many other activities hit all three at such a consistent level as walking.

When done with proper form walking represents a much lower risk of joint injury than many other forms of exercise.

It can be done almost anywhere. Want to swim? You need a pool or a lake or ocean.

Want to cycle? First you need the equipment and then you need a reasonably safe place to ride.

Still not convinced?

Let’s get personal. In November and December of 2003, while on an extended visit to Michigan, I decided to walk each day. It gave me the opportunity to get out and see the town and meet the people.

When I arrived in Michigan I weighed in at 235 pounds and had a 40 inch waist. I jumped right in the first morning with a good brisk walk. I probably walked 4 miles that first day, but that was enough.

Now mind you I walked every single day for the 60 days I was there, but when I arrived home in California I was a slim 190 pounds with a 31 inch waist.

Yes, that’s 60 days! I walked a lot more than 30 minutes, in fact usually it was more like 2 to 3 hours, but still we’re talking about 60 days not 365 days to lose that kind of weight.

And I felt fantastic to boot!

I’m not saying that everyone will get the same results that I did, but if you got even a quarter of the results in 60 days, you’d be pretty happy wouldn’t you?

Walking is definitely not a myth and I’m not sure it’s a miracle either, but it sure does rank right up there as one of the best all around exercises of all time!

Always consult a physician before beginning any exercise program.

If you would like to learn more about walking and it’s benefits, just drop us a line we’ll hook you up with some other great resources.

Read more

0 A Walk a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Should you work out when you have a cold? How about if you have a fever? For many avid exercisers, especially beginners who have just managed to make walking a habit, stopping to give your body a rest can feel very threatening. You are afraid that if you stop, you may never start again. But there are certain circumstances when exercise can do more harm than good, especially when you are recovering from an illness like the common cold or the flu.

If you decide to exercise when you are stuffed up, make sure you really check with your body first. Do you feel excessive fatigue? How is your breathing? Does it feel difficult to fill your lungs as you normally would? Make sure you keep track of your pulse, both at rest and while you are working. If it seems unusually high, you might want to consider taking another day off. 

If you do decide to take up the challenge, take it slower than usual. For example, even though it may be your day for hills, modify your schedule and keep it flat. If it is a fast pace day, walk at a normal speed instead. Don’t try to beat the clock this time. Finally, make sure you drink plenty of water. Hydration is crucial, especially when fighting off a cold. The following is a summary of guidelines you should follow if you decide to walk despite the sniffles:

•Wait until you are in the latter phase of your cold.
•Take your morning pulse; if it is 10 beats higher than normal, take another day off.
•Do a modified version of what you normally would do until you feel better.
•Start out slowly; if you feel okay, pick up the pace gradually.
•Drink plenty of water and make sure you get adequate rest.
•Listen to your body. If it doesn’t feel right, then it probably is not.

A simple stuffy nose is one thing, but exercising when you have a fever or other flu symptoms can be more damaging than good. Because a fever indicates that your body is fighting an infection, your immune system is on overdrive in an attempt to suppress the attacking virus. If you go out and exercise at such a time, you are putting even more strain on an immune system already under extreme stress as it attempts to fight off the intruder. Exercising will steal some of the energy away from the task at hand (healing) and could set your body up for a prolonged and more severe attack.

If it is the flu or fever you suffer from, take time off! Wait until the illness has subsided. Be honest with yourself about how your body feels. Pushing yourself when you are not ready will only drag the healing process out longer, setting your goal further and further back. 

raymondlee12

Read more

0 Natural Way To Cure Acidity

Here are some home remedies to cure acidity

- Skip the aerated drinks as well as the caffeine. Opt for herbal tea instead.
- Have a glass of lukewarm water everyday.
- Include banana, watermelon and cucumber in your daily diet. Watermelon juice is great for curing acidity.
- Coconut water is known to soothe the system if you suffer from acidity.
- Drink a glass of milk - everyday.
- Have your last meal at least two to three hours before you hit the sack.
- Keeping long intervals between meals is another cause for acidity. Have small but regular meals.
- Try to avoid pickles, spicy chutneys, vinegar, etc.
- Boil some mint leaves in water and have a glass of this after meals.
- Sucking on a piece of clove is another effective remedy.
- Jaggery, lemon, banana, almonds and yogurt are all known to give you instant relief from acidity.
- Excessive smoking and drinking will increase acidity, so cut down.
- Try chewing gum. The saliva generated helps move food through the esophagus, easing symptoms of heartburn.
- Ginger aids in digestion. Either buy powdered ginger in capsule forms or add the herb to your recipes.
- A simple preparation of lemon water with sugar can be sipped on an hour before lunch to reduce uneasiness.
- Have vegetables like drumsticks, beans, pumpkin, cabbage, carrot and spring onions.

Read more

0 Bad Breath Remedies And Prevention

Bad breath is something that most of us are afraid of. In many cases, majority of the population do not know they suffer from bad breath. To get rid of bad breath, we have to take initial steps in preventing bad breath to occur every time you open your mouth.

1.The best bad breath remedies is that you have to make it a habit to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth after every meal. Make it a routine to brush your teeth or rinse every night before you go to sleep.

2.Mouth wash is readily available in any medical store. But keep in mind not to purchase a mouth wash that contains dyes and alcohol.

3.Sunflower seeds can be helpful to get rid of bad breath. All you have to so is chew on some sunflower seeds and drink a glass of water ,mainly after you eat a non vegetarian meal.

4.An apple a day keeps the doctor away. It is very much true. Eating an apple daily will help to remove bacteria in the mouth, the main cause of bad breath.

5.Lemon does wonders. The lemon juice mixed with warm water can be used to gargle your mouth to help get rid of bad breath. It a one of the best home remedies for bad breath.

6.To get an aromatic breath, cardamon is the best. Although is it pungent, it will give you good results for bad breath. It is also a mouth refreshner.

These home remedies for bad breath will be of good use . But, in order to prevent this, we can take certain precautions to prevent bad breath.

1.It is good if you drink plenty of water. Drinking plenty of water will help to get rid of the bacteria in the mouth.

2.Bad breath remedies is good as it helps to kill the unwanted germs in the mouth. Although, you may brush reguarly and maintain a good oral routine, it is important that when you brush your teeth, make sure to use a tongue scrapper to clean the tongue. The bacteria usually stays on the tongue causing bad breath.

3.If these home remedies for bad breath do not work, it is advisble to see a dentist. You may be having an oral disease that needs doctor's consultancy.

4.When you use mouthwashes, make sure that you go in for those that have ingredients of aloe vera and parsley. It is good to help get rid of bad breath.

5.It is said, tea is one of the best bad breath remedies. Those who are addicts to coffee, it is advisble to switch to tea as coffee frames a thin coat on the tongue which blocks the oxygen supply on the tongue.

6.Now and again, chew on sugarless gum. This will help you clean your mouth as chewing increases the saliva flow.

Bad breath is one problem that many of us face. Follow these home remedies for bad breath and help to prevent them by taking appropriate steps.

Read more

0 Tips for being healthy

52 tips for being healthy

1. Drink eight glasses of water a day.

2. Include two vegetables and one fruit in every meal.
3. Begin each meal with a raw vegetable salad.
4. Make a light snack of assorted sprouts.
5. Start the day with a glass of warm water and a dash of lime..
6. Use only fresh vegetables.
7. Once a week have only fresh fruits until noon, make lunch the first meal of the day.
8. Eat only freshly cooked meals, not refrigerated leftovers.
9. Include one green vegetable and one yellow vegetable in every meal.
10. Go on a juice fast for a day. Start with vegetable juice, and sip fruit for 
lunch and dinner..
11. Kick the old coffee habit. Have a glass of fresh fruit juice instead.
12. Cut out all deep-fried foods from your diet.
13. Cut down on high sugar products like soft drinks, ice-cream, candy and cookies in 
your diet.
14. Never skip a meal, even if you're on a diet. Eat a fresh fruit or have vegetable juice 
instead.
15. Avoid beverages like soda, coffee, colas and so on.
16. Include high fiber foods and plenty of fruits, vegetables and grains in planning your diet.
17. Use salt in moderation.
18. Wash vegetables thoroughly in clean water before chopping.
19. Stream or boil vegetables (rather than fry or saute).
20. Retain peels of potato, cucumber, carrot and tomato while cooking.
21. Do take a moment off to mentally list out the nutritional value of the food you're 
about to eat.
22. Don't rush through your meals. Set aside enough time to appreciate, 
enjoy and digest your food.
23. Make every meal an enjoyable experience. Set dishes out attractively and chew slowly to appreciate the full flavor of the foods you eat.
24. Choose to be radiantly healthy. Keep yourself informed about the nutritive 
value of every food you buy.
25. Shop for groceries yourself. Notice the look, feel and smell of fresh fruit and vegetables and enjoy their intrinsic goodness.
26. Watch out for eating habits paired with emotional states, like reaching for a chocolate when youre depressed. Resist the urge and eat fruit instead.
27. Eat popcorn (rather than chips) while watching a movie.
28. Sit at the table at meal times. Don't read the paper or review bills while eating.
29. Make it a point to have dinner with the entire family at the table, and not in front of
 the TV.
30. Eat just to the point of the fullness. Don't stuff yourself!
31. Stop smoking.
32. Restrict alcohol consumption.
33. Get a good night's sleep, every night.
34. Enroll today in an exercise programme.
35. Take a brisk, 20 minute invigorating walk each morning.
36. Spend 10 minutes every morning and evening doing basic stretches.
37. Do not use elevators when you can climb the stairs.
38. Enroll in a TM programme today.
39. Focus on your breathing. Take a deep breath, then exhale slowly. Repeat a couple of times a day.
40. Learn to relax. Spend 20 minutes consciously relaxing each muscle of your body. . 
Spend 20 minutes a day in silent meditation, prayer or contemplation.
42. Learn the healing power of laughter. Watch a crazy movie, recall a joke or read a funny book and laugh out loud.
43. Tap the powers of your sub-conscious. Relax your body for 20 minutes and project the Perfect You're on your mind screen.
44. Balance your lifestyle. Devote equal time each week to work and fun.
45. Join kids in a sports activity and rediscover the joys of childhood.
46.. Do keep in touch with friends. Call up or visit them and be at peace with the world.
47. Enroll in an activity (like dancing, swimming or roller skating...) you never indulged 
in because you were afraid of what people might say.
48. Forgive someone who you think has done you wrong and cleanse your spirit of rancor.
49. Do a nice turn to someone you don't know too well, but who could do with a friend.
50. Spend a quiet half-hour chatting with your family.
51. Listen to soothing music for 15 minutes at least each day.
52. Read a great book once a week.

Read more

0 Tips for reducing blood pressure

Tips for reducing blood pressure

Walk it out — Walking at a brisk pace can help lower your pressure. A good workout will ensure the heart uses oxygen more efficiently. Getting a rigorous cardio workout 4 to 5 times a week can make a huge difference. Start by incorporating about 15 minutes of exercise in your daily routine and slowly increase the time and difficulty level.

• Deep Breathing — Learning some slow breathing and meditation techniques can do you wonders. It will help reduce stress drastically and keep your blood pressure in check. Try taking out 10 minutes every morning and at night. Inhale and exhale deeply. If you can, join a yoga class for some time so that you can learn the proper method.

• Go for potassium-rich foods — You have probably heard of the negative effects of sodium on the body and potassium is an essential mineral to counter the effects of sodium on blood pressure. Fruits and vegetables are rich in potassium. Try adding sweet potatoes, tomatoes, orange juice, potatoes, bananas, peas, and prunes and raisins to your regular diet.

• Go slow on the salt — Whether you have a family history of high blood pressure or not, reducing your intake of salt can make a huge difference to your health. Before adding that extra pinch of salt to your food, think if you really need it. Try substituting salt with lime, garlic, pepper or other herbs and spices. Go slow on processed and packaged foods. Potato chips, frozen chicken nuggets, bacon etc are high in sodium. Try calculating your daily sodium consumption. Keep a food diary and you may be surprised at how much you're taking in.

• Dark chocolate benefits — The darker variety of chocolate has flavonols that make blood vessels more elastic. Choose one that has at least 70 per cent cocoa to really reap the benefits.

• Alcohol alert — While it does provide some health benefits, alcohol can also be bad for your health. If consumed in small amounts, it can help prevent heart attacks and coronary artery disease. But, more than one or two drinks and the benefits are gone. Keep a check on your drinking patterns and if you're a heavy drinker, start reducing slowly. Never indulge in binge drinking. Consuming four or five drinks in a row can cause a sudden increase in blood pressure.

• Tea benefits — Herbal teas are the way to go. In a study conducted, those who sipped on hibiscus tea daily lowered their blood pressure. Many herbal teas contain hibiscus or you can always opt for green tea. The effects of caffeine are still debatable. Drinking caffeinated beverages can temporarily increase pressure. The solution is to check your pressure within 30 minutes of drinking a cup of coffee to determine if it works for your body.

• Reduce work and relax — Reducing the number of hours you spend in office can help lower hypertension. Working overtime makes it hard to exercise and eat healthy. Ensure that you get out of office at a decent hour. Learning to relax by listening to soothing music (Classical, Oriental or Indian instrumental) can help.

Read more

0 benefits of banana

benefits of banana 



Bananas
Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.


Depression
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.


PMS



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


Anemia
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.


Blood Pressure
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect to beat blood pressure.
So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke




Brain Power
200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.




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


Hangovers
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.


Heartburn
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.


Morning Sickness
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.


Mosquito bites
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.


Nerves
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system. Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady


Ulcers
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal
disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.






Temperature control
Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.






Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.


Smoking
Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6,B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.






Stress
Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the
heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be balanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.






Strokes
According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine, "eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!






Warts
Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!








So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say,
"A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"


Now what are you waiting for? GO GET SOME BANANAS!

Read more