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Chitika

الأربعاء، 23 فبراير 2011

Start today with an apple a day! Minimizing your risk of cancer

Today 1 in 2 people develop cancer as compared to 1 in 10 in 1930. You can minimize your risk of cancer through taking personal accountability by preventing and changing unhealthy personal habits, and making more educated consumer choices.  Potential risk factors include your environment, smoking, unhealthy eating, alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, over-exposure to the sun, and genetics.  The following are some suggestions and a summary of guidelines to help educate you in making choices to help reduce your risk of cancer.
Exposure to harmful chemicals in food products can be limited by supporting organic farmers or growing your own garden using organic methods.  Try visiting the Dallas Farmer’s Market or the White Rock Lake Local Markets to find organic foods.   You could be exposed to methylmercury by consuming contaminated fish and marine products.  Thermal power stations are the most polluting source of mercury emissions.  You may be exposed to microbial contaminates by consuming contaminated drinking water or by recreational (swimming) water through the skin. Instead of drinking commercially bottled waters, drink reverse osmosis water.
Presently, of all cancers studied, the strongest connection can be made between diets high in fat and colon cancer.  Apples support a healthy colon because they contain soluble fiber called pectin. A medium-sized apple contains approximately 12 mg of vitamin C, but the antioxidant impact is the same as 1500 mg of vitamin C.  Apples also contain potassium, which helps to regulate water balance, helps neuromuscular function, and helps regulate blood pressure. Phytochemicals that are found in fruits and vegetables can reduce the formation of carcinogens, slow tumor growth, and protect your DNA.  Citrus fruits contain terpenes, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid, which aid in elimination and blocking of the effects of carcinogens.  Furthermore, the ferulic acid binds with nitrates and reduces the formation of cancer causing nitrosamines.  Indoles are one of the main cancer fighting chemicals found in cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower.  An antioxidant spice called turmeric helps dissolve bad fats, has antibacterial properties, and also protects the blood vessels. Turmeric contains an ingredient called curcumin that researchers say may help suppress and destroy the blood cancer multiple myeloma. A study done in Japan found that curcumin prevented cancer and stopped tumors from growing.  Avoid sugar (glucose) because tumor cells thrive on sugar. You can try using gymnema sylvestre, an Ayurvedic herb that helps to curb cravings for sugar.  Ayurvedic principles suggest falling asleep by 9-10 p.m. each night. Warm milk contains tryptophan and is the precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep and reduces the effects of stress. During sleep, vital hormones are produced that are important for the immune system, such as interleukin-2, which increases the production of cytokines and acts as a free radical fighter. Try drinking a glass of lemon and honey water each morning to help purify the system. Many carcinogens are fat soluble, therefore, losing weight can reduce or stop some cancers. Aerobic exercise burns fat.  Try moderately exercising every morning to nearly 50% of your capacity.
Although over-exposure to sun may contribute to skin cancer, 15-20 minutes of sunlight exposure a day is helpful for your body to make the vital vitamin D (which is actually a hormone), and can support your immune system and help prevent osteoporosis.
Cigarette smoking causes 90% of lung cancers.  Hypnosis and meditations are a couple techniques that have been shown to aid in quitting smoking.  A reduction in the consumption of alcohol can a reduce women’s risk for breast cancer. A research study found that women who consume two or more drinks per day have 40-100% higher blood levels of estrogen than women who don’t drink.
Be cautious of your work environment. Workers who make brake shoes may have exposure to asbestos, which is a naturally occurring mineral, and may have an increased risk for lung cancer. Another risk is exposure to benzene, a solvent for petrochemicals, and is believed to cause leukemia. Copper smelting workers are exposed to arsenic, which increases their risk for lung and skin cancers. Marie Curie is one of the scientists who discovered radium and she died from exposure to radiation. Avoid unnecessary use of X-rays, including dental X-rays. Exposure to radiation fallout can increase the risk of thyroid cancer in children, not only at the time of exposure but also later in life.
Finally, your attitude can also play a role in your rate of healing.  As reported in the New York Times, a study using first-term law students presented a correlation between optimism and high immune systems.
The same techniques suggested for cancer prevention apply to prevention of heart disease as well as other illnesses. Hopefully you can see that with a plan of action changes can be made in personal choices of food, lifestyle, environment, and chemical use that have an immediate and direct impact on your health to decrease your cancer risk. Furthermore, you can help influence future generations by getting involved with community action and voicing suggestions and concerns as a consumer and tax payer; becoming actively involved with the political agendas of local government programs and initiatives; and seeking alternative approaches from experts in the field of cancer and alternative medicine, which could include, among other alternative techniques: meditation or prayer, and healing herbs and essential oils.

الاثنين، 21 فبراير 2011

Teen Depression: Know the facts

Depression in teens is not defined by gender, social background, finance, race or personal achievements. It is a disease that does not discriminate. The most profound statistic about teenage depression is that left untreated, it is the leading cause of suicide.
It is estimated that 20% to 50% of teens who experience depression have a family member with depression or other mental disorders; however, depressed teenagers often do not display the same signs and symptoms generally seen in adults. Additionally, if a parent is suffering from depression, they may be less in tune to what their own child is going through.
Teenagers who are experience depression may not always realize or have the ability to verbalize what they are feeling so it is important for parents, teachers and friends to stay plugged in and watch for signs of depression or changes in behavior. It can often times be hard to distinguish between what is normal developmental/hormonal changes in a child and the signs of depression, but here are some things to watch for:
1. Depressed teens are likely to have fewer friends and take less interest in opportunities for education or work.
2. They are more likely to have relationship problems, both inside and outside the home, as well as struggle in school or in the work place.
3. They are more likely to engage in high risk (unprotected) sexual behavior, leading to an increase in pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

The latest statistics indicate that less than 33% of depressed teens will get help, yet 80% of those who get professional from a physician or therapist are successfully treated. Finances should never be a factor in seeking help for your child. Regardless of your income or insurance, there are agencies available to help your child get the help they need. In the Dallas area Metrocare Services is a nonprofit organization with several clinic locations that are dedicated to providing children and families with the assistance they need.
So many parents chalk a teen’s behavior up to “a phase” or tell themselves they will “outgrow it” but it is important to recognize certain signs which indicate it is time to contact a healthcare provider immediately:
1. Giving away cherished possessions.
2. Personality changes, which could include decreased or increased sleep or appetite.
3. Risk taking behaviors: Reckless driving, drugs, sex, and alcohol.
4. Suddenly becoming involved with a different group of friends.
5. Withdrawal and isolation.

Lastly, if you have seen concerning changes in your child, don’t be afraid of offending your child: As long as they live in your home, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO GO THROUGH THEIR THINGS! Check their computer history and see what websites they have been visiting. Go through their rooms and look for drugs, cigarettes, alcohol, etc. Read your child’s diary or journal. YOU CANNOT ASSUME YOUR CHILD WILL ALWAYS TELL YOU WHAT THEY ARE REALLY FEELING. Love your child enough to protect them from themselves
Children and teens are often impulsive and base their actions on emotion more than facts or logic. They lack the maturity to realize that what may seem like the greatest crisis of their life today, probably will not be as dramatic in a month. NEVER IGNORE A SUICIDE THREAT OR ATTEMPT BY YOUR CHILD. If you feel your child is at imminent risk of self-harm, take them to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Remember, depression is nothing to be embarrassed about. Depression is a disease and ignoring will not make it go away; as with any other disease, left untreated, it can prove fatal.

الأحد، 20 فبراير 2011

Loss of Libido & Erectile Dysfunction in Men

Guys, do you enjoy protein bars or use a weight gainer shake? If so, be sure to read the label to see if the products you use contain any soy ingredients. Soy has been linked to erectile dysfunction. The two natural drugs found in soy, genistein and daidzein, mimic estrogen so well that they have been known to cause a variety of alarming side effects in men:
  • Breast enlargement (gynecomastia)
  • Decreased facial and body hair growth
  • Decreased libido
  • Mood swings and frequent crying jags
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Lowered sperm count
For example, one recent study documented a case of gynecomastia in a 60-year-old man as a result of his soy consumption. Another study showed that juvenile rats exposed to daidzein showed impaired erectile function at maturity.
Men, if you've experienced one or any of these symptoms, soy could be the culprit. Remove it from your diet, but be sure to consult a trusted physician if your symptoms do not improve or get worse as this could be a sign of another serious condition.

السبت، 19 فبراير 2011

COLLOIDAL SILVER A NATURAL ANTIBIOTIC

COLLOIDAL SILVER is an amazing natural alternative to antibiotics. There is no disease causing bacteria that can live in the presence of even minute traces of metallic silver. The best COLLOIDAL SILVER contains only natural ingredients that help the body fight infections just like synthetic antibiotics, but without their damaging side effects. Its natural deep golden color is characteristic of its high quality. The concentration of twenty parts of silver per million contained is a highly effective, safe formulation. Higher concentrations can actually be less effective as they may interfere with beneficial bacteria and cause skin discoloration, even when used internally. Every family desiring optimum natural health should have a bottle of Colloidal Silver in the medicine chest.
"Let me tell you that when our little kids had the chicken pox a few years ago, we sprayed them with Colloidal Silver from head to toe and the amazing thing was, that the kids did not itch any longer. The chicken pox ran their course, but when it was all over, there were no pock marks left. You bet we were very happy with those results." - C.M.
"My daughter had a sore throat and fever of 102º. I sprayed her throat with colloidal silver. Within 48 hours the sore throat and fever were completely gone. This was the first time she ever bounced back so quickly without taking antibiotics." - K.B.

QUALITY
Silver, in its colloidal form, has been proven to be useful against many different infections and is nontoxic in reasonable concentrations against all species of fungi, bacteria, protozoa, parasites and certain viruses.
Top grade COLLOIDAL SILVER is produced by a highly technical electrocolloidal method employing an electrical current. It has a pH of approximately 6.5 and is a natural deep golden color. At the time of manufacturing, it contains 20 ppm of superfine particles of 99.999% pure silver, 0.0001 microns in diameter, electro-magnetically charged and suspended in deionized water. It does not need to be refrigerated. The silver particles in top grade Colloidal Silver stay in suspension without the need of any chemical, protein, stabilizer, or artificial additive. Usually, an antibiotic kills a half dozen or so bacteria, but silver kills some 650. Resistant strains do not develop to silver like they do with antibiotics.

HISTORY
Silver was used as a proven germ fighter in the early 1900's. It was the mainstay of antibiotic treatment, and today's technology is even more superior. The medical journal Lancet reported phenomenal results from colloidal silver in 1914. Dr. Henry Crooks showed colloidal silver to be highly germicidal yet absolutely harmless and non-toxic to humans. Colloidal silver has been proven useful against all species of fungi, bacteria, protozoa, parasites and certain viruses, which are often killed within minutes. L. C. Ford, M.D. at the UCLA School of Medicine reported in 1988 that silver solutions were effective against Streptococcus, Pyogenes, Staphylococcus Aures, Neisseria Gonorrhea, Garnerella, Vaginalis, Salmonella Typhi and other enteric pathogens. He also found that it was fungicidal for Candida Albicans, Candida Globata and M. Furfur.
Science Digest reported in an article in 1978, entitled "Our Mightiest Germ Fighter" that "silver is emerging as a wonder of modern medicine." Usually, an antibiotic kills a half
dozen or so bacteria, but silver kills some 650. Resistant strains do not develop to silver like they do with antibiotics. Dr. Robert O. Becker, M.D. stated, "we have rediscovered the fact that silver kills bacteria, which had been known for centuries...when antibiotics were discovered, uses for silver as an antibiotic were discarded."

COLLOID
The term "colloid" refers to a substance that consists of ultra-fine particles. In a true colloid, these particles cannot be seen by the naked eye and are electrically charged. The particles are somewhat larger than molecules and are measured in microns. This activates the germicidal quality of the silver.
PRODUCTION
The "grind" method can be used, but the particles are too large and a protein, or other, stabilizer has to be included. However, stabilizers can interfere with effectiveness. Also, a chemical process can be used but the end product is usually too acid and not as effective.
The best COLLOIDAL SILVER is produced by the electrocolloidal process, which allows extremely fine silver particles to be suspended in solution by the tiny charge placed on them. This process replaces the need for any chemicals or stabilizers and the product can be called a true colloid. Then, the particles can remain in suspension almost indefinitely.

COLOR
Superior COLLOIDAL SILVER is the ideal deep golden yellow color. Other products that are not true colloids will be another color, unless coloring is added. Color is a critical

indicator of colloidal silver quality.
AS NATURE INTENDED
Silver may be linked to the proper functioning of our immune system and that people with inadequate intakes may be more prone to infection. Top grade Colloidal Silver contains

99.999% pure colloidal silver particles 0.0001 microns in diameter with a concentration of 20 parts per million that have little effect on the friendly bacteria in our digestive tract. However, be aware of products with higher concentrations as they can attack friendly bacteria just like some antibiotics. This could upset your natural balance and lead to other complications. With colloidal silver, higher concentrations are not necessarily better. As a matter of fact, the opposite is usually true.
 NOT ALL COLLOIDAL SILVER IS EQUAL
Not all Colloidal Silver is of equal quality. Some that I have purchased has actually had a sour smell and tasted terrible. It is important to be careful that you purchase from a reliable source when buying any nutritional products. The best rule is: DON'T TRUST LABELS! - KNOW THE MANUFACTURER

الخميس، 17 فبراير 2011

The Psychology of Horror Games

Horror video games are a bit of a problem. No doubt they're popular, but this is kind of the problem. "Fear is a noxious emotion," says Dr. Andrew Weaver, an assistant professor at Indiana University whose research focuses on media consumption and the effects of media violence.
"We generally don't want to experience it," he adds, "and the aftereffects of viewing particularly frightening media are not something that anyone wants." So why do people line up to cringe at horror movies and operate game controllers with hands tensed into claws by what they see (or don't see) onscreen? Psychologists have extensively studied the attraction of horror, though most of the research has focused on films and only recently included video games. But a lot of what researchers are finding can apply to games, allowing players to understand what scares them and letting game designers understand how to do it more effectively.

Scare Tactics

"What scares you?" is a personal question because we all have our own, private fears-bugs, heights, inappropriate anime cosplay, and so forth. But beyond the obvious fear of injury or death, other proven sources of fear exist.
Fear of extreme abnormality and disfigurement is at the source of both our fear of monsters and "body horror" that relies on the graphic disfigurement or destruction of familiar forms. We grow even more uneasy when we can recognize a distorted or supernatural form for what it used to be. The Dead Space games epitomize this idea: Fellow humans are horribly mutilated to begin with, and you actually need to disfigure them further by lopping off their limbs. This category also encompasses things that act or move abnormally, like the jerky, scuttling movements of the little girl Alma in the F.E.A.R. franchise.
Fear of darkness and the unknown has its roots in biology-we're visual creatures, and our fear of darkness may be the result of natural selection. What's that rumbling in the dark? It could be a tiger with a chain saw, so you'd better run. Alan Wake, for example, focuses on darkness to the point of making the flashlight an actual weapon.
Research on "excitation transfer" shows that vague feelings of excitement or anticipation can transfer their emotional wallop when monsters or killers eventually barge on to the scene. This is why ambient noises and spooky soundtracks are so effective, though custom soundtracks do present challenges to game designers. According to John Williamson, the producer and lead designer on Konami's Saw II: Flesh and Blood video game, "We are required by Microsoft and Sony to allow the player to turn the music tracks off or replace it with the Backstreet Boys or other music of their choice. [Steven] Spielberg doesn't have to contend with that. Would Jaws be as scary if you were listening to 'I Want It That Way' instead of John Williams's haunting shark theme?"
Finally, it matters how much events onscreen are similar to things in real life. We're not going to tense up watching one pixel menace another pixel, but as visuals and sound improve, the potential for evoking fear increases. This concept also addresses how video games with realistic, identifiable settings and threats can be more frightening. "Older children and adults are much more likely to be frightened by things that could actually happen in the real world," says Glenn G. Sparks, a professor at Purdue University's Department of Communications.

Qualifications to look for in a cosmetic surgeon

A cosmetic surgeon should have the appropriate training and qualifications to carry out your procedure.
"Preferably, you need to find someone with a surgical qualification, who's registered in the UK, and ideally has a specialist qualification in plastic surgery," says Professor Simon Kay.
"But it's also OK if your surgeon has a specialist qualification in an area relevant to the procedure you're having, rather than in plastic surgery. For example, in ear, nose and throat surgery if you're having something done to your nose."
Whatever qualifications your surgeon has, you should always ask about their experience in doing the procedure you want.
Ask how many times they've performed it in the last year, how many times they've had to do revision surgery (additional surgery to repair or change something they've already done), and how many patients have made complaints.

Specialist surgeons

A surgeon who has the letters 'FRCS (Plast)' after their name is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons and has passed specialist exams in plastic surgery. They're trained to carry out all kinds of cosmetic surgery.
Other narrower specialist surgical areas that would be appropriate to specific areas of cosmetic surgery are:
  • FRCS (GenSurg): specialist fellowship in general surgery.
  • FRCS (OMFS): specialist fellowship in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
  • FRCS (Otol): specialist fellowship in otolaryngology (for ear, nose and throat surgery).
  • FRCS (ORL): specialist fellowship in otorhinolaryngology (head and neck/facial plastic surgery).

Eye and skin specialists

Ophthalmologists (eye specialists) and dermatologists (skin specialists) might also be involved in some cosmetic procedures. The qualifications to look for are:
  • FRCOphth: specialist fellowship in ophthalmology (for eye specialists).
  • MRCOphth: member of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (for eye specialists).
  • FRCP/MRCP: fellow/member of the Royal College of Physicians (for specialists in skin).

Questions to ask

The royal college of surgeons advises that if you are thinking about having cosmetic surgery, ask a surgeon the following questions:
  • How many years' experience do you have in the procedure I'm interested in? How many similar operations do you perform each week?
  • Do you think that what I want to achieve from surgery is realistic?
  • Could there be anything in my medical history that would affect the surgery?
  • What will happen during the operation and what anaesthetic will be used?
  • How long will I stay in hospital?
  • Will there be any pain or any stitches and how long is the recovery time?
  • How long will the results last?
  • How much will it cost?
  • Who will be doing the operation?
  • What are the risks?

Preventing colds and flu


Many people believe vitamin C can cure the flu and echinacea can prevent colds. But is there scientific evidence to back this up?

Vitamin C

"Research has found no evidence that vitamin C prevents colds," says Dr Hasmukh Joshi, vice-chair of the royal college of GPs.
In 2007, the authors of a review of 30 trials involving 11,000 people concluded that, “regular ingestion of vitamin C has no effect on common cold incidence in the ordinary population”. A daily dose of vitamin C did slightly reduce the length and severity of colds.
When it comes to flu, one person in three believes that taking vitamin C can cure the flu virus. It can’t.
"Studies found that vitamin C offers a very, very limited benefit," says Dr Joshi. "I wouldn't recommend it."

Echinacea

The root, seeds and other parts of echinacea plants are used in herbal remedies that many people believe protect them against colds. There have been a number of studies into echinacea’s effect, but no firm conclusions.
A review of trials involving echinacea showed that, compared with people who didn’t take echinacea, those who did were about 30% less likely to get a cold. However, the studies had varying results and used different preparations of echinacea. It’s not known how these compare with the echinacea in shops.
This review also showed that echinacea did not reduce the length of a cold when taken on its own.
"There is a belief that echinacea aids the immune system, but a survey of studies in 2005 showed that it did not," says Dr Joshi. "I wouldn't recommend that it helps, but if people believe it, they can take it. There's no harm in it."

Zinc

There is some evidence that taking zinc lozenges as soon as cold symptoms appear may reduce how long a cold lasts. However, some trials have found no difference in the duration of colds in people who took zinc compared with those who did not.
There has also been research into nasal sprays containing zinc. "Some people believe that the zinc lines the mucosa [the lining of the nose] and stops a cold virus attaching itself to the nose lining," says Dr Joshi. "Unfortunately, this has been found to be no more effective than a placebo."

Getting cold or wet

The only thing that can cause a cold or flu is a cold or flu virus. Getting cold and/or wet won’t give you a cold. However, if you are already carrying the virus in your nose, it might allow symptoms to develop.
A study at the common cold center in Cardiff found that people who chilled their feet in cold water for 20 minutes were twice as likely to develop a cold as those who didn't chill their feet.
The authors suggest that this is because some people carry cold viruses without having symptoms. Getting chilled causes blood vessels in the nose to constrict, affecting the defences in the nose and making it easier for the virus to replicate.
"Getting a cold from going out in the cold or after washing your hair is a myth," says Dr Joshi. "Colds are common. If the virus is already there and then you go out with wet hair and develop symptoms, it's common to think that is what caused it."

So what does work?

The flu vaccine can prevent you from catching flu. Apart from that, the best way to protect yourself from colds and flu is to have a healthy lifestyle.
"Eat a healthy diet, take regular exercise and drink plenty of warm drinks in the winter months," says Dr Joshi. "The important thing to remember is that most people are going to catch a cold in winter anyway, because there is no effective cure for cold viruses."