The Ill-effects of Passive Smoking</h1> <article> <h1>The Ill-effects of Passive Smoking</h1> <p>Shikha — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:18:00 GMT</p> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Passive smoke, also known as second hand smoke or environmental tobacco smoke, is what is involuntarily inhaled by an individual. </span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"> </span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Passive smoking is just as harmful as active smoking, putting you at the risk of ailments such as heart disease, cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, bronchitis, and asthma. Anyone who is exposed to cigarette smoke owing to a partner, who smokes, is 20% to 30% more at risk of developing lung cancer. Also, passive smoking has been found to increase the *** cancer risk by 70% in younger women, primarily pre-menopausal women. It increases the risk of ear infections, premature birth in case of pregnant women, and risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and other illnesses in children such as asthma, lung infections, bronchitis, allergies, and Crohn's Disease. An alarming number of 700 million children, almost half of all children worldwide, live in the home of a smoker. </span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Cigarette smoke is an irritant to the eye, throat, and skin, resulting in eye irritation, headache, cough, sore throat, dizziness and nausea. </span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"> </span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">There is an increased risk of death, with cigarette smoke killing 53,000 nonsmokers per year, making it the 3rd leading cause of preventable death in the US, as well as, in children. People who are already at risk of a heart attack become increasingly susceptible because tobacco smoke quickly and substantially affects the blood and blood vessels. A reduced exposure to cigarette smoking also cuts down the risk of heart attacks. </span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Passive smokers are also exposed to the same carcinogens as active smokers, such as formaldehyde, lead, arsenic, benzene, and radioactive polonium 210 and several others. Moreover environmental tobacco smoke contains more than 4,000 chemical compounds. Sidestream smoke, which comes from the burning end of a smoldering cigarette and contributes to passive smoking, has been found to be more harmful than mainstream smoke, which is the directly inhaled smoke.</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">It is owing to the many perils associated with cigarette smoking, that there is usually a ban on smoking in public places. However, it is the repeated exposure to second hand smoke that increases the risks of a heart attack and other ailments in a healthy non-smoker.</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"> </span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">The only way to fully protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of second hand smoke is through 100 per cent smoke-free environments. The single best way to create a smoke free environment is to Quit Smoking. Planning, a strong will, and effective support systems help in the process. Intensive psychotherapeutic interventions, along with pharmacotherapy reduce the withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine Replacement therapy is another way to effectively manage cravings for tobacco. </span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"> </span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">There will be more coming on this topic in the near feature. Keep reading!</span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"> </span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"> </span></div> </article> <article> <h1>The Miracle Juice of Carrots: A Health Tonic with Overall Benefits</h1> <p>Shikha — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:37:00 GMT</p> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Carrot Juice is called the “miracle juice” or the “goldmine of nutrients” for good reason. Not to be taken literally, this means that Carrot juice has several health benefits. While it helps greatly in health improvements, it also acts as an effective protective agent, for both children and adults. In addition, it has a great flavor that makes for an appetizing beverage that tastes even better when flavored with other fruits, lemon, and more!</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"> </span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Carrot juice is rich in Vitamin B complex. It also contains nutrients such as calcium, copper, magnesium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, chlorine, sulfur, and iron. The yellow color of carrots is due to Carotene, also called pro-vitamin, a substance that is converted into Vitamin A by the body.</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"> </span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">The vitamin A of fresh carrot juice is beneficial for the health of eyes. It also contributes to the healthy condition of the mucous membranes which line all the cavities of the body. Supply your body with enough Vitamin A through ample intake of carrot juice, because a deficiency of the same affects the bladder or kidneys, the alimentary tract, the mouth, tonsils, sinuses, the tongue, ear canal, eyes or tear ducts. Vitamin A is necessary for healthy bones and teeth, body tissues and glandular functions. It aids in fighting against infections. It is especially necessary in expectant mothers for the development of the child, and later for nursing as well. </span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"> </span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Carrot juice when consumed by infants along with their daily intake of milk makes for the best supply of Vitamin A. Other than Vitamin A, carrot juice is rich in minerals and valuable nutrients. </span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"> </span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">To prepare carrot juice, wash carrots and scrape but do not peel the carrots and take out the juice using a juicer. Make sure to use the good colored carrots, as the deeper the color, the more nutritious a carrot is. Carrot juice is best when consumed fresh. If that is not possible, then the juice must be directly poured into glass jars with the lid closed tightly. Keep this juice in the refrigerator to prevent loss of vitamin and mineral content through oxidation.</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Here is a summary of reasons why you should gulp down at least one glass of carrot juice daily:</span></div><br /> <div> <li class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;TEXT-ALIGN:justify;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">It is excellent for eyes</span></li></div> <div> <li class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;TEXT-ALIGN:justify;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Carrots contain Carotene, a rich source of Vitamin A.</span></li></div> <div> <li class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;TEXT-ALIGN:justify;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Nutrients are available in the juice in larger quantities, than in a whole carrot. This is because the nutrients tend to get trapped in the fiber, which is indigestible. Juicing carrots frees these nutrients from the fiber.</span></li></div> <div> <li class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;TEXT-ALIGN:justify;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Juice increases water intake.</span></li></div> <div> <li class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;TEXT-ALIGN:justify;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Carrot juice has anti-carcinogen properties. Thus, it helps prevent cancer.</span></li></div> <div> <li class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;TEXT-ALIGN:justify;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Beta Carotene in carrot juice is an anti-oxidant, preventing cell degeneration, and slowing down the ageing process.</span></li></div> <div> <li class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;TEXT-ALIGN:justify;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Carrot juice is good for skin</span></li></div> <div> <li class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;TEXT-ALIGN:justify;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">It is like a health tonic that contributes to the overall improvement of health.</span></li> <ul></ul></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"> </span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Include carrot juice in your everyday diet and make the most of this delicious nourishing beverage for you and your family. </span> <p> </p></div> </article> <article> <h1>Your Eyes are Your Windows to the World: Keep Them Healthy!</h1> <p>Shikha — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:40:00 GMT</p> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">We take our senses, including eyesight so much for granted, that we become complacent when it comes to caring for them. For instance, so many of us work on computers the entire day. The same can lead to computer vision syndrome (CVS), with symptoms of eyestrain, double vision, temporary short-sightedness and visual fatigue. </span></div><br /> <span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"> </span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Occupational hazards to eye health also include professional sports, the biggest cause of hospital admission for serious eye injury. Hence, you need to keep your eyes safe. Racket sports in particular account for thousands of eye injuries a year. Wear protective sports goggles, which not only look trendy, but make for protection from projectiles traveling at top speed. </span> <div></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"> </span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">DIY causes several eye injuries owing to tiny flying wood splinters or shards of metal that enter the eye and cause damage. For good defense against these, a good pair of safety goggles can be worn. These are inexpensive and effective.</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"> </span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Today, most people know that wearing sunglasses is important to protect eyes from harmful ultra-violet rays. Ultraviolet (UV) radiations contribute to a variety of disorders, including cataracts, cornea damage and age related macular degeneration. The result is sight loss. UV is just not present on sunny days but is actually present all the time during daylight hours. Also, over-exposure to UV can prove harmful between 10 Am to 2 PM, at high altitudes, closer to the equator, during summer months, when you're near water, sand, or snow, as these make for reflective surfaces. All you need is a pair of sunglasses that do not necessarily have to be expensive, but must conform to safety standards. Stay out of the sun as much as you can, and also wear a hat whenever possible. </span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"> </span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">It's important to consume eye health food that helps safeguard eyesight. Two substances, called lutein and zeaxanthin, have been found to have protective qualities against sun damage, and they help in preventing the onset of eye disease. They are often found together in many, usually dark-colored, fruits and vegetables such as spinach, sweet corn, broccoli, orange, peas, peppers, green beans, grapes, sprouts, papaya, mango, peaches, pumpkin, prunes, sweet potatoes, melon and others.</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"> </span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Go for regular eye tests. They not only help diagnose how long-sighted or short-sighted you are, but reveal eye conditions that you may be susceptible to, and these problems discovered at an early stage can make treatment mush easier. This is especially true in case of Glaucoma, an eye condition that is not noticed until it is actually at the advanced stage, threatening to cause sight loss. For children, eye tests are recommended after a gap of two years. Aged people must go in for a full eye examination every year.</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"> </span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">First Aid for the Eyes: If some foreign particle does get into your eye, do not rub it. Instead, pull the upper eyelid down over the lower lid and let the lower eyelashes sweep away the particle by blinking repeatedly. Tears that are produced by doing this will further wash away any particles of grit or dust. Wash the eye out with clean water or sterile fluid from a sealed container. If that does not bring relief, immediately head for a hospital. In case of cuts in and around the eye, do not rub it, wash it out, and then gently bandage it before seeing an eye specialist. If something has actually become embedded inside the eye, do not remove it yourself and visit the accident and emergency department of a hospital right away. For chemical flashes, again flush clean your eyes with water and then visit the nearest hospital. In case of physical trauma, such as an accident or fall, cold presses, applied gently, are recommended for pain and swelling relief.</span> <p> </p></div> </article> <article> <h1>Tips to Help You on Your Way to Become a Non-smoker</h1> <p>Shikha — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 16:30:00 GMT</p> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Cigarette smoke is the residue of your pleasure that harms you and those around you. Smoking is an addiction and tobacco smoke contains nicotine, which is very hard, but not impossible, to quit. It contaminates the air, pollutes hair and clothes, not to mention lungs. Tobacco is tumor causing, teeth staining, smelly, and a puking habit. The best way to stop smoking is to just stop - no ifs, ands, or buts. It isn't easy of course. As Mark Twain said, “To cease smoking is the easiest thing I ever did. I ought to know because I've done it a thousand times.”</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Cigarettes are killers that travel in packs. It's never too late to realize that it's the cigarette that does the smoking - you're just the sucker. Addiction to smoking leads to various types of cancers, strokes, and heart attacks. To benefit yourself and those around you, quit smoking. Here are a few tips to help you on you way to become a non-smoker:</span></div><br /> <div><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Don't procrastinate. Don't wait for New Years or your birthday to quit smoking. Everyday is the RIGHT TIME to quit smoking.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Know that quitting is a gift and not a sacrifice you're making.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">If you have tried several times to quit, but remain unsuccessful, join a stop smoking program, seek stop smoking aid and counseling, both aimed at helping you quit smoking for good.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Cultivate the will power to give up your habit of smoking and to avoid a smoking relapse. This can be done by telling yourself the benefits of quitting, such as a longer life, feeling better, for your family, saving money, smelling better, to find a mate more easily, etc.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Educate yourself about the harmful effects of smoking, and how it can endanger your life and that of your loved ones. Learning the hazardous effects of smoking on a pregnant woman, on passive smokers, on your facial charm and on your teeth, will stop you from reaching out for that stick of cigarette.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Prepare your body and mind before actually quitting. Determine your personal goals, discover your reasons for quitting and get rid of temptations that may become a hindrance to your stop smoking program.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">When you feel the urge to smoke, try to divert your mind. Drink water or chew gum.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">In your initial efforts to quit smoking, switch brands and buy cigarettes that you have never liked.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Throw out all cigarettes, ashtrays and lighters and anything else that might remind you of smoking. Wash your clothes and clean your car to remove the smell of smoke.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Reward yourself at the end of the day for not smoking.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Don't worry if you're short-tempered, nervy and feel unwell at the beginning. These are all withdrawal symptoms that will soon pass.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Become physically more active, by exercising, going for walks etc, and you will want to smoke less than ever before.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Eat regular meals.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">When you feel tired after a long day, get some beauty sleep, because it is then that cravings to smoke will seem stronger.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Make a note of how much cigarette money you're saving on a daily basis.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Seek support from your friends in your efforts to quit smoking.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">If you slip and smoke, don't be discouraged and mad at yourself. Quit again!</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Have your teeth cleaned. Enjoy the way your teeth look and feel and plan to keep them that way.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Find something to hold in your hand and mouth, to replace cigarettes, such as a drinking straw, toothpick or even an artificial cigarette.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Find out what triggers your desire for a cigarette, such as stress, the end of a meal, arrival at work, entering a bar, etc. Avoid these triggers or if that's impossible, plan alternative ways to deal with the triggers.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Be patient.</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"> </span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:'DejaVu Sans Condensed';mso-bidi-font-family:'Times New Roman';mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:#03FF;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA;">Once you quit, you will immediately feel the health benefits and will never want to touch a cigarette again. You will have shed the claims of smoking to reclaim your life. Just keep your perspective. Thank you for Not Smoking!</span></div> </article> <article> <h1>A Day at the Gym: 10 Tips for not Quitting</h1> <p>Shikha — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 19:15:00 GMT</p> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Tired of being called “fatty” by friends and you make up your mind to head to the nearest gym. Had the motivation been your own desire to loose the extra kilos, the better it would have been. Whatever the reason, you'll only be glad that you joined. </span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"> </span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Before you enter a gym, know that you are not signing up for a miracle that will give you a well-sculpted body in a matter of days. Secondly, be prepared to address your eating habits and for a change in diet. Without mincing words, it takes a lot of hard work, dedication and constant motivation to continue on the journey that goes from flab to those hugely toned biceps.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes;"> </span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"> </span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Do whatever, just don't end up quitting after a few days. Here are a few tips to keep you going:</span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"> </span></div> <div>●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Don't lose the motivation: Everyone wants to stay fit and healthy but only a few of us have the will power to work at it.</span><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman"></div> <div>●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Don't procrastinate when it comes to going to the gym and doing some exercise.</span><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman"></div> <div>●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Constantly remind yourself to do some exercise by setting up a home gym in a strategic area of the house where you can see it most of the time.</span><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman"></div> <div>●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Establish a reward system for yourself so that you will be encouraged to workout more.</span><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman"></div> <div>●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Ask a friend or a family member to check on your exercise schedule every now and then to help you stick to your exercise schedule.</span><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman"></div> <div>●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Choose a gym that is located closest to your most regularly traveled location, such as your work place.</span><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman"></div> <div>●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Do not be put off by the crowds of people. Just hang on in there!</span><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman"></div> <div>●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Enlist the services of a personal trainer to put together a program for you.</span><font face="Times New Roman"><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"></div> <div>●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;">T</span></font><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">o keep boredom at bay, and to not repeat the same exercises everyday, check the equipment and facilities the gym has to offer, look for sauna, squash courts or maybe a swimming pool.</span><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman"></div> <div>●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Do not over-train, rest adequately, and eat properly. </span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"> </span> <div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">The start is always painful, but within no time and with the right technique and a bit of mental setup you will start enjoying it. Statistics show that if you listen to good music while working out, it helps a lot. Don't give up after a few weeks of training if you aren't seeing the results you need. Reaching a stage of physical fitness takes time. Quitting simply means losing it all. Keep going to the gym. If only it were that simple, but hey, it's a good start, and trust me it works!</span></div></div></div> </article> <article> <h1>Pollen Allergy: Evading the Offending Pollen</h1> <p>Shikha — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 17:33:00 GMT</p> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Hitch hiking on soft breezes and currents of air is pollen, the coarse powder containing pollen grains that wanders from one flower to another. With their mission to fertilize, most never reach their target and land into human noses and throats, causing a great deal of discomfort. Then, what is triggered is called pollen allergy, or seasonal allergic rhinitis, hay fever or rose fever, the latter two depending on the season in which the allergy occurs.</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Pollen is the most pervasive cause of allergy. While other causes of allergy such as certain foods, drugs, animal, and even dust are somewhat escapable, there is no way to avoid pollen unless you decide to stay cooped up in your homes. And, wind borne pollen may find it's way there too!</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">In pollen allergy, an individual has sensitivity to the normally harmless pollen, which provokes a reaction, such as a skin problem or constant sneezing. This tendency to be allergic to pollen could either be inherited or may be a result of exposure to pollen at a time when the bodys defenses are weakened because of a viral infection, during puberty, or during pregnancy.</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">An allergic reaction to pollen occurs because of a false alarm of the immune system, that treats pollen as an invader. Hence to counter such an attack, the immune system releases a type of antibody called immunoglobulin E, or IgE. Different pollens generate different IgE, for instance, the antibody produced to react against oak pollen would be different from the one produced against ragweed pollen. These IgE molecules attach to body cells, and make the latter produce powerful inflammatory chemicals like histamines, prostaglandins, leukotrienes. These chemicals affect various parts of the body to cause reactions, which are the symptoms of allergy.</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Allergic pollen is usually that which is produced by trees, grasses, and weeds, as opposed to the pollen from flowers. Major culprits include ragweed, sagebrush, redroot, pigweed, lamb's quarters, Russian thistle and English plantain. Grasses and trees that produce highly allergenic pollen include timothy grass, Kentucky bluegrass, Johnson grass, Bermuda grass, redtop grass, orchard grass, sweet vernal grass, oak, ash, elm, hickory, pecan, box elder, and mountain cedar. Pollen allergy is of course seasonal in nature. </span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Symptoms of pollen allergy are:</span></div><br />●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Sneezing with a runny or clogged nose</span> <p>●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Itching eyes, nose, and throat</span></p> <p>●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">dark under eye circles</span></p> <p>●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">watering eyes</span></p>●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Conjunctivitis </span><br /><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"> </span> <br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Pollen allergy may result in asthma that returns every year with the coming of pollen. However, this may eventually become chronic, and prove fatal. Lasting summer colds or any respiratory concern that seems to last longer than two weeks, requires medical attention. Skin tests and blood tests may then reveal which pollen is the culprit.</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Pollen allergy treatments include avoidance, medication and immunotherapy. No definite cure for pollen allergy has been discovered as of yet. Even though there is no escaping pollen, there certainly are ways to ease the symptoms of hay fever, and there are more and more scientists conducting research on Allergy treatment. Advanced research on Allergic diseases shall provide a better understanding of the causes of allergy, the methods that can be employed for correct diagnosis, preventive measures and treatments.</span></div> </article> <article> <h1>Obesity and Fitness- An Inverse Proportion!</h1> <p>Shikha — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 19:07:00 GMT</p> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">It's a growing obesity crisis! Not only has it become a discernible issue in prosperous Western society,<span style="mso-spacerun:yes;"> </span>it is now a global concern. Millions of people suffer obesity-related healthcare problems, especially teenagers, 15% of whom are obese today, in comparison to just 5% in the 1960's (figures from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). The well-known health effects of obesity include heart disease, diabetes, stroke and other chronic problems that cause premature death. Severely obese people can expect to have significantly shorter lives. To tackle obesity, there are things that can be done on nutritional standards and exercise. </span></div><br /> <div><b><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Body Mass Index (BMI):</span></b><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"> Also known as Quetelet Index, BMI is a statistical measure of a persons weight scaled according to his height. To calculate the BMI, an individuals body weight is divided by the square of his height. i.e kg/m<span style="POSITION:relative;TOP:-3.5pt;mso-text-raise:3.5pt;">2 . </span>The numeric measure of BMI helps determine the weight problems faced by people, which includes being over-weight or under-weight. People with a BMI over 30 are considered obese. </span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">There is a strong inverse relationship between fitness and excess body weight, especially in adolescents. Low fitness levels are as important as a predictor of mortality as diabetes, cholesterol level, hypertension and smoking. It has been found that compared with normal-weight men, overweight and obese men were more likely to smoke, be sedentary, have higher blood pressure and raised cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Hence, the huge importance of physical activity. </span></div><br /><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">It is also important to lose weight to maintain a healthy heart. It is true that being lean does not indicate fitness; similarly, an individual may be fat yet fit. People who are fit and have an ideal or normal BMI are the least at risk to coronary heart disease (CHD), while those with low fitness levels or who are overweight or obese have the worst profiles. Moreover, low-fit normal weight people too have been found to have better risk profiles for coronary heart disease than highly fit, but overweight or obese people. Being both normal weight and fit is the best recommendation for prevention of health ailments. </span> <div></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Most of us are stigmatized by the words “too fat”. It is a perpetual war with our own bodies. Let us just remember that it is fruitless to fight biological reality. Some people are naturally meant to be thin, some naturally meant to be fat. Exercise and diet can modify our genetic destiny only so much. You cannot always mould your body into a desirable shape, and that most certainly does not mean that we cannot be fit. Besides, it is far more important to be fit than it is to be thin. </span></div> </article> <article> <h1>Body-building or Not, Nutritional Nitric Oxide is a Must.</h1> <p>Shikha — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 18:57:00 GMT</p> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Proclaimed as the “Molecule of the Year” in 1992, Nitric Oxide (NO) or Nitrogen Monoxide is an important signaling molecule in mammals, including humans. It is of great importance to regulate numerous functions in the human body. The Nitric Oxide molecule is a free radical, having achieved great significance in the fields of Neuroscience, physiology, and immunology. </span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">There is a surge in the amount of nitric oxide (NO) supplements in the market. Most of these products are derived from the Noni plant and contain Arginine in one form or another. Arginine is an amino acid that increases growth hormone (GH) levels. Additionally, it drives the synthesis of NO, more so in people suffering with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and also in those who smoke. NO, taken in supplemental form through Arginine intake, further helps to enhance NO production during wound healing and oxidative stress, and is beneficial in your muscle-building quest.</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Most NO supplements use Arginine in the form of Arginine alpha-ketoglutarate, because this form enhances the absorption of arginine, indirectly also providing glutamine, which in turn plays an important role for body builders. Most Nitric Oxide products also offer forskolin, citrulline and inulin to further enhance the effects of NO.</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Besides technical applications, NO serves quite a few biological functions. Nitric oxide is produced in greater quantities in people living at higher altitudes, where it protects them from hypoxia, a medical condition characterized by lack of adequate oxygen supply to the body as a whole, or a region of the body. A high salt intake has been found to lessen NO production.</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Nitric Oxide is also a key vertebrate biological messenger, and it is also known as Endothelium Derived Relaxing Factor (EDRF). Nitric Oxide is utilized by the inner lining of the blood vessels to signal to the surrounding muscles to relax. Effects of Nitric oxide include blood vessel dilation, modulation of the hair cycle, and penile erections. </span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Nitric Oxide plays a positive role in diseases and conditions such as heart disease, Sickle Cell Anemia, high blood pressure, impotence, fertility, pain relief, control of inflammation, diabetes, digestion, tuberculosis , memory enhancement, weight Loss, and wound healing. It also helps in the formation of blood clots and in the regulating of the brain, lungs, kidneys, liver and other vital organs, and is safely used in full-term babies with lung problems.</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Nitric oxide is toxic to bacteria and other human pathogens. Inhaled Nitric oxide has been known to help a victim of paraquat poisoning survive and recover. Nitric Oxide is also important for the regulation of most or all major classes of protein.</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Nitric Oxide is the molecule of life! Rich in B-sitosterol, ursolic, ghycosides, plant sterols, anthrquinoidenes, potassium, calcium, zinc, vitamin A, Vitamin C and iron, it is an important regulator for our immune system and overall health.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes;"> </span>Nitric Oxide products can be taken twice a day on an empty stomach. However, for clear dosing guidelines, you may consult a fitness expert or find out for yourself through tolerance mapping, which entails that you start by taking small NO dosage, gradually increasing the quantity you intake to a level where you experience maximum benefits with minimum side effects. </span></div> <div></div> </article> <article> <h1>Allergies- A Little Caution and a Lot of Relief!</h1> <p>Shikha — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:51:00 GMT</p> <div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;TEXT-ALIGN:justify;"><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Is your skin itchy, scaly and breaking out, your nose sniffling or that tummy aches for some inexplicable reason? You are most probably vulnerable to the most common food allergy triggers. If not that, you are busy escaping ragweed in the fall, pollen in the spring, or dust in the street all year long. Stop in your tracks. It’s time to get some allergy relief!</span></p><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"></span> </div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Food Allergies are fairly common, with an astounding 11 million Americans living with food allergies. Eight different food items have been discovered to be responsible for over 90% of food allergies. Check labels for ingredients every time you go shopping for food items.</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">For those suffering with food allergies, eating out at a favourite restaurant may no longer be possible, unless you call ahead and speak to the chef about the food stuffs you are allergic to. A great idea would be to carry a light snack with you in case nothing on the menu is acceptable. </span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Heading to a friends place? Call before your visit and let your friend know about your allergies so that the dinner table comprises of dishes with tolerated ingredients. You may specifically point out foods that you cannot consume. In case of an honest mistake, be prepared with some medicine that you can carry with you, so that it can be administered if the need arises.</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">You can never really escape dust at all times. Staying cooped up within your house isn’t really feasible. You may try to keep your home meticulously dust free by mopping, vacuuming, dusting, and more. But, household dust also comprises of some chemicals on your mattress or in your TV. Make a few simple changes such as: vacuum and dust at least twice a week; open your windows whenever possible to allow in fresh air; avoid stand-alone air purifiers; use an air-conditioning filter and change the filter regularly; try sticking to cotton and wool for upholstered furniture and carpets. You can do just as much to protect yourself. </span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Are you allergic to Dairy? Now you don’t have to deny yourself your favourite and the most irresistible chocolate-raspberry-truffle ice cream because you are lactose intolerant. Instead, avoid the bloating, cramping and diarrhoea that comes to 50 million Americans from lactose intolerance when they eat dairy treats, by probiotic bacteria, the kind found in yogurt. That helps the problem.</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Seasonal allergies can be a real pain. Instead of popping antihistamines throughout the April showers, turn to acupuncture and a specific diet, as both have been found to be helpful. Try a saline nasal rinse two or three times a day, or use a nasal cream to relieve inflammation and to keep allergens at bay. </span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Allergic people too can live normal lives, without endangering their health to permanent damage. With a growing portion of society affected, the need is for an extensive allergy treatment that is holistic, anti-histamine, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory. If you've been diagnosed with allergies, you most certainly are not alone! Doctors and scientists are at their research, ceaselessly endeavouring to better understand, treat, and altogether prevent allergies. </span></div> </article> <article> <h1>Nutrition Bars- Only Second to a Wholesome Meal!</h1> <p>Shikha — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:14:00 GMT</p> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">All of us want to live a healthy lifestyle! We think and we plan, but it is only some who work towards an active, healthy and long life that incorporates regular physical exercise, and balanced nutrition. </span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Circumstances, such as medical conditions or busy schedules may not permit regular exercise. Similar reasons, accompanied with lots of traveling, continuous involvement with work, family, and more, may not allow you to eat as healthy as you'd like to. Hence, you end up not exercising, and eating unhealthy!</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">With no further preaching, let me present a solution: Nutrition bars! Why? Because, bars are dietary supplements, most being low in saturated and hydrogenated fat, containing as much as five grams of fiber and a handful of vitamins and minerals, just like a bowl of breakfast cereal. Contents of a nutrition bar may vary from high-fructose corn syrup and grape and pear juice concentrate, with added fiber, vitamins and minerals to adding real food—like oats, nuts, and fruit.</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;COLOR:black;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Bigger in size than snack bars or candy bars, nutrition supplement bars have a high protein content. </span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">From athletes competing in sports events to the average slogging worker and the stay-at-home mom, Nutrition bars are for everyone! </span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">There is no dearth of variety either. From nutrition bars targeted especially at women to high-protein bars that help build muscles; nutrition bars that stake a claim on soy to going the natural route, and bars rich in herbs and vitamins, the options are endless! You can take your pick from <span style="COLOR:black;">"high protein bars," "low carb/diet bars," "energy bars," and "meal-replacement bars." </span></span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">However, you have to be careful while purchasing snack bars as not all of them contain what is stated on their labels.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes;"> </span>Don't fall for claims that say "Natural." "Nutritious." "Wholesome ingredients." "Packed with protein." Check how substantial are their health claims<span style="mso-spacerun:yes;"> </span>and go with nutrition bars that have been proven to be a good, occasional source of nutrition. One bar may differ from the rest, and it is the consumers' responsibility to identify which is best for them. Find the bars that fit your needs by</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Reading labels to check for herbal supplements or carbohydrate blockers, and sources of caffeine or other stimulants. </span></div> <p><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Selecting bars that are low in saturated fat and do not contain palm oil or other hydrogenated fats.</span></p><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Looking for bars that are fortified with vitamins and minerals </span> <p><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Please note that nutrition bars are not a replacement for wholesome food. They make for an occasional alternative when you are too busy to stop for lunch, are traveling or even out shopping. In such scenarios, instead of reaching out for a candy bar or a box of cookies, it’s better to have an energy bar.</span></p> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Choose from a scrumptious range of nutrition bars that are not only tasty and fulfilling, but supply the human body with all the necessary nutrients. Drink a lot of water along with your energy bar, and eat the bars in moderation, as they are a supplement to a well-balanced meal plan, not their own food group. All said, there would be nothing better than reworking your eating plan, and sitting down to actual meals, as often as you can.</span></div> </article> <article> <h1>Taming an Upset Stomach, Naturally and at Home!</h1> <p>Shikha — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 19:55:00 GMT</p> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Celebrations seem to be almost always associated with good food, and for most it's a time to binge. Aristotle said, “Extremes are bad”. Yet, you cannot help at times to give into an eating frenzy. This excessive indulgence in food and drink can only leave you groaning and muttering, and swearing at that friend who forced a second helping onto your plate. You think to yourself: only if the painful night of bloating, gas, and heartburn could somehow be averted and you would never eat that way again! </span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"></span> </div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Does all this sound familiar? It must! We are all humans and love our food, even though it lands us in trouble once in a while. Don't be too harsh on yourself, for an occasional incidence of an upset stomach due to over-eating is all too normal, and can easily be taken care of. However, what if you didn't as much as touch the food on your plate, yet your stomach has been acting up, and the queasy feeling just won't go away?</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">The first thing is to recognize, what really is your tummy trouble? Stomach woes comprise of the long-term and chronic upset stomach, and the temporary stomachaches. While the latter is just a repercussion of something you ate, the former may turn out to be fairly serious and warrants a trip to the doctor. </span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Eat too much or eat something wrong, and you're likely to feel the symptoms of indigestion, such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, bloating, or gas. Run to your doctor every time you suffer bellyache after having eaten more than your fill, and you shall only be severely reprimanded! Alleviate discomfort by some simple home remedies and tips. It's all about making some safe choices</span></div><br /> <div><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Milk is not the solution. It is not easily digestible, and cannot soothe an aching tummy. It may only further aggravate the situation, leading to bloating, gas and cramping.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Lessen your intake of coffee and alcohol, as it irritates the stomach lining</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Smoking too aggravates an upset stomach.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">If your regular antacid does not seem to be effective, switch brands. </span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">A stressful life is known to cause indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and diarrhea. Relax by meditating, exercising, taking<span style="mso-spacerun:yes;"> </span>a vacation, or indulging in a hobby.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Red and black pepper are gastrointestinal irritants, so limit them, as well as other spices.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Fried food can only further aggravate an upset stomach. Eat whole grains and lean protein instead.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Allow your body to adjust to fiber intake by gradually making it a part of your diet, rather than going high too fast.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Avoid certain gassy vegetables, namely broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and brussels sprouts.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Apples and melons have both been known to cause stomach discomfort to certain people. If you are amongst them, it would do you good to limit the intake of these problematic fruits.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Don't stuff yourself with food, and neither should you skip meals. Eat moderately.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">If the stomach aches are getting more common than ever before, it's time to track your diet and identify the foods that seem to cause trouble.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Exercising helps in digestion.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Drinking cola works well for some people, too.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Increase your water intake to consume at least six to eight glasses a day.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Pregnancy may be the culprit! Morning sickness is a common cause of stomach upset, so before you reach out for your medicine cabinet, make sure you aren't pregnant.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">In case of constipation, avoid laxatives and take bran.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Aspirin will only irritate the stomach further, and has been known to cause ulcers. Avoid it!</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Check with your pharmacist in case you have started taking some new medication and find out if that could be the cause behind your upset tummy.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:9pt;FONT-FAMILY:StarSymbol;mso-fareast-font-family:StarSymbol;mso-bidi-font-family:StarSymbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore;"><font face="Times New Roman">●<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></font></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Spices, readily available at home, help get rid of unpleasant indigestion feelings:Caraway seeds are known to help with indigestion and gas; Cinnamon stimulates the digestive system, helping in keeping it clean; Fennel seeds are commonly prescribed for gas and stomach cramps; Ginger gets the stomach back on track by particularly helping with nausea and gas; Mint, taken on an empty stomach, eases stomach cramps; Thyme too alleviates stomach cramps and gas pressure.</span><br /></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Having rendered this list of home remedies for stomach problems that afflict all of us some time or the other, here is a word of caution! If treating with self-care does not show any improvement, your stomach ailment may be more serious, demanding a doctors prescription. Before you treat it, you also need to find out what caused it. Remedies shall vary depending on what caused the stomach to get upset. However, the common cures delineated above are sure to get you started on feeling better!</span></div> </article> <article> <h1>Unhealthy Exercise: A Potentially Harmful Activity!</h1> <p>Shikha — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 19:41:00 GMT</p> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">The more you exercise the better! True, but not quite. We live under a perpetual illusion that exercise is unconditionally great for the body. Too much of anything is bad, and the same universal truth applies to fitness exercising routines as well. Exercising, though considered the most beneficial activity in one's lifestyle, can wreak havoc when it turns into an “addiction”.</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">You may think that running several miles a day- everyday, or doing more than a thousand crunches a day, accompanied by a low fat, low calories diet will keep you healthy. You're in for a rude shock! Being committed to a healthy lifestyle is great. However, when this pledge turns into servility and obsession, the negative side to exercising surfaces and overtakes the positive, and you unknowingly become vulnerable to physical, social, and psychological damage.</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Even if you have developed a fixation for exercise, it could be an efficacious addiction, where you take out time for your healthy pursuits from your work commitments and family responsibilities. This inclination must not become enslavement. Do not confuse exercise addiction for over-training syndrome, the latter being, more often than not, a case of training for peak performance and competition in athletes. The former, on the contrary, is a chronic condition, the difference established by an attitude of pursuing high levels of physical training volume, even though it is against the practitioners best interest.</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Does this ring a bell? You may recognize an exercise addict by his lack of involvement in work, friends, family,<span style="mso-spacerun:yes;"> </span>and community at large, with all attention diverted towards exercise. Other symptoms that lead to the diagnosis of exercise addiction are: passing up emotional connections for additional hours of sweating it out in the gym, when neither injury nor illness preempt a workout, when all free time is consumed by training, a feeling of guilt if exercise is missed even a single day, and a display of anxiety, irritability, and depression if anything interferes with exercising.</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Such individuals are also known to be very particular about maintaining a “healthy diet” Vegetables, high- fiber food, and lots of water are incorporated. However, when calculated, t<span style="COLOR:#000033;">he total caloric fat, and protein intake is very low. A physical exam reveals low body temperature, low or weak pulse, low blood pressure, dehydration and more.</span></span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Healthy exercising is all about hard work and discipline, whereas, compulsive exercise pertains to repeatedly exercising more than what is considered safe. Reasons vary from a sense of power and self-respect, to a desire to forget problems and stresses of life, and as a chore or self-imposed punishment. With physical safety placed in jeopardy, such addictive behavior can lead to dangers of <a class="" title="body" name="body"></a>dehydration, stress fracture and osteoporosis, degenerative arthritis, amenorrhea (loss of menstrual cycle), reproductive problems, and heart problems. </span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Unhealthy exercise takes away from the total sum of human happiness. A truly healthy body contains a healthy mind, and it is towards the same, that all health conscious people should aim. Exercise moderately and be safe!</span></div> </article> <article> <h1>Flax Seeds: Good Things Come in Small Packages!</h1> <p>Shikha — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 20:01:00 GMT</p> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Call it the wonder seed, Lin seed or Flax seed, the tiny brown or golden grains that look like an apple pip, are surprisingly a powerhouse of nutrition! The oil that is extracted from these glossy seeds is known as linseed oil. It is nature’s richest source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are necessary for the over all well-being of the human body. However, eating the whole seed provides superior benefits than the extracted oil.</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Flax seeds are no miracle food, and have been known to Man since the Roman Empire. It was then used extensively for its healing properties. </span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Flax seeds are rich in protein and soluble fibre. The combination of oil and fibre makes linseed a perfect laxative. Other than that, the seed contains vitamins B1, B2, C, E, and carotene, Iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, and calcium. Flax seeds also contain a phytonutrient called Lignin, which in turn has anti-cancer, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"></span> </div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Flax seeds have several other benefits. They lower the risk of a heat attack, LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, blood triglyceride and blood pressure. They help ease skin conditions such as dryness, eczema and sun-sensitiveness. Flax seeds help lessen the severity of diabetes by stabilizing blood-sugar levels. Flax seed oil increases the body's metabolic rate, helping to burn the excess, unhealthy fats in the body. It is used in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis, and to improve the mental functions of aged people. Flax has been scientifically proven beneficial in the treatment of depression cases and Schizophrenics. In women, Flax seeds are known to relieve Premenstrual Syndrome</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">A research conducted to reveal the benefits of Lin seed discovered that children supplemented with less than half a tea spoon of flax oil on a daily basis, have much fewer instances of respiratory infections. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are recommended to supplement their diets with a daily tablespoon of flax oil.</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Incorporate Flax seeds in your diet. Grind and sprinkle on your salads, juice and cereal, and make them a part of your sandwich or muffins. Do not buy split linseeds, as their exposure to the sun, rips them of their nutrition. Also, avoid large intakes of the seeds, as they can contribute to the back up in your colon; and it contains Prussic acid, which is toxic when present in large amounts.</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">With numerous benefits, preventative and restorative abilities, big nutrient payload, low cost, and easy availability, there is no reason for you to not give Flax seeds a try! The Flax seed epitomizes the blessings of nature, where “all good things come in small packages”. What else than this tiny but mighty seed could prove the old saying true? Enjoy Flax seed and profit from the positive impact on your overall health.</span></div> </article> <article> <h1>Family Meal Time: All About Making it Healthy, Nutritious and Fun!</h1> <p>Shikha — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 19:46:00 GMT</p> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:'DejaVu Sans Condensed';mso-bidi-language:#03FF;">Family meal time is not just about sitting and eating together, it is a positive experience for families. However, if planning an elaborate family meal stresses you out, simply serve your family favorites. While every family member enjoys their favorite food, conversations and sharing easily follow. </span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:'DejaVu Sans Condensed';mso-bidi-language:#03FF;">A family meal could be a Sunday brunch or any other meal that the entire family plans and enjoys together. It could be sitting down to chit-chat over take out Chinese food, or together preparing a multiple course home-cooked meal, with all the trimmings. Keep the time such that it is convenient for all the family members to gather at meal time.</span></div> <div> </div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:'DejaVu Sans Condensed';mso-bidi-language:#03FF;">Good nutrition and a balanced diet are important of course, and regular family meals are perhaps the best strategy to improve nutrition and encourage smart eating habits. This can be done by serving a variety of healthy foods, and more importantly, eating healthy yourself to set an example for the kids, who generally tend to emulate their parents at an early age</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:'DejaVu Sans Condensed';mso-bidi-language:#03FF;"></span> </div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:'DejaVu Sans Condensed';mso-bidi-language:#03FF;"></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:'DejaVu Sans Condensed';mso-bidi-language:#03FF;">Stock up on healthy foods and work fruits and vegetables into the family meal. <strong><span style="FONT-WEIGHT:normal;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:'DejaVu Sans Condensed';">Serve lean meats and other good sources of protein</span></strong>, such as fish, eggs, beans, and nuts. For more fiber, choose whole-grain breads and cereals. Avoid serving deep-fired foods; instead broil, grill, roast, or steam food. Limit fast foods to “once-in-a-while” foods at your family meal. Serve water or low-fat milk instead of soda and fruit-flavored drinks.</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:'DejaVu Sans Condensed';mso-bidi-language:#03FF;">So, while you're incorporating all these healthy foods into your family meal, you're also preparing for a chance for catching up with your kids. Get kids involved in decided the menu for your family meal. Teach them about chalking out a balanced meal by making healthy choices. Allow them to help shop for ingredients, and perform age-appropriate tasks in the kitchen, so they feel involved in the process from start to finish. And, don't forget to praise them for all their help!</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:'DejaVu Sans Condensed';mso-bidi-language:#03FF;">There is no better way than a family meal to introduce your children to new foods, to reconnect with teens, and render the much needed advice and counsel. Teens are most likely to sneer at the idea of a family meal, but consider allowing them to have a friend over for dinner, encourage them to participate in the family meal planning and execution, and strictly avoid scolding or arguing, thereby creating an agreeable family atmosphere.</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:'DejaVu Sans Condensed';mso-bidi-language:#03FF;">Once the family meal is planned and prepared, it's time to enjoy being together as a family. Share your day's experiences, encouraging every member to participate in the conversation flow, all the time keeping the interactions positive. With all this, your family is sure to appreciate the opportunity of a family meal!</span></div> </article> <article> <h1>Efficacy of Amino Acids: Why Are They So Important?</h1> <p>Shikha — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 18:56:00 GMT</p> <div><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Amino Acids are a group of organic molecules that are the basic element or component of proteins. Commonly referred to as the building blocks of proteins, these amino acids join together to form proteins and it is the order of these amino acids in proteins that defines the working of the genetic code or DNA. The proteins further act as the functional components of cells.</span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"> </span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Amino Acids exist in twenty different natural forms, all necessary for human growth and function. They act as intermediates in metabolism. Of the twenty two Amino acids, humans can produce only ten as they do not have all the enzymes required for the biosynthesis of all of the amino acids. The rest must come from food. If the body does not receive the necessary amount of all ten important amino acids, it suffers severe muscle degradation. Also, amino acids do not get stored in the body like fat and starch do. A daily supply of the same is necessary!</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">The human body is capable of producing these ten Amino acids: alanine, asparagines, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, proline, serine and tyrosine. The amino acids essentially required include arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">The power of Amino Acids is reflected in the following crucial roles they play in the healthy functioning of the human body. Amino Acids </span></div><br /> <ul style="MARGIN-TOP:0cm;"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;TEXT-ALIGN:justify;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Build cells and repair tissues;</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;TEXT-ALIGN:justify;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Form antibodies to combat invading bacteria & viruses;</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;TEXT-ALIGN:justify;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Form an integral part of the enzyme and hormonal system;</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;TEXT-ALIGN:justify;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Build nucleoproteins (RNA & DNA);</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;TEXT-ALIGN:justify;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Are oxygen carriers for the entire body;</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;TEXT-ALIGN:justify;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Are parts of all muscular activity,</span></li></ul> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Amino Acid deficiency symptoms are weak immune system, loss of antibody production, fatigue, stomach acid/alkaline imbalance, dizziness/nausea, water retention, and infertility.</span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"> </span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Amino Acids are found in a variety of foods, such as meat, milk, cheese, egg, whole grains, rice, corn, beans, legumes, oatmeal, peas, and peanut butter. Vegetarians must eat a variety of foods available to them in order to get enough protein. All the amino acids can be obtained from dried beans (black, kidney, northern, red, and white beans, peas, soy, nuts, and seeds.</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Hence, the amazing efficacy of Amino Acids lies in the fact that their adequate intake is vital for healthy muscles, ligaments, tendons, organs, glands, nails, hair and most body fluids. Moreover, the central nervous system cannot function optimally in the absence of amino acids. The power of Amino Acids needs no further exposition!</span></font></div> <div></div> </article> <article> <h1>They Don’t Call it “Beauty Sleep” for no Reason!</h1> <p>Admin — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 18:54:00 GMT</p> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">“No day is so bad it can't be fixed with a nap”, said Carrie Snow, and it was for some reason! Such a simple statement encompasses a world of meaning. You may fuss over your diet, and exercise regularly, but are you getting your beauty sleep? You think you’re doing everything right to maintain a healthy lifestyle, then why the puffy, bloodshot eyes, dark under-eye circles and a pale washed-out complexion, and all that stress and constant feeling of tiredness? No pun intended, but let this be your wake-up call to realize the value of eight hours of sleep a night!</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Sleeping is indeed no mean art! It repairs and heals the human body, say sleep researchers. A full, deep, healthy and restful sleep helps resist major diseases, lose weight, think more clearly, look younger, and improve relationships and sex life. </span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Insomnia or sleeping disorder is caused by some obvious reasons such as anxiety, caffeine and not-so-obvious causes including medications, hormones, and confused body clocks. A restful nights’ sleep helps gain all the energy, focus, and productivity you need to live a balanced and successful life.</span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Can’t sleep? Here are a few tips that’ll make you doze off when it’s time for bed:</span></div> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"> </span> </div> <ul style="MARGIN-TOP:0cm;"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;TEXT-ALIGN:justify;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Daily exercise keeps stress hormones at bay, thereby making for peaceful sleep.</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;TEXT-ALIGN:justify;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">An active digestive system disrupts sleep, so avoid heavy meals before bedtime.</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;TEXT-ALIGN:justify;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">The more comfortable you are, the sooner you’ll fall into deep slumber. So, dim those lights set the appropriate room temperature and ban all noise!</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;TEXT-ALIGN:justify;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Say no to caffeine, nicotine or any other stimulant within a couple of hours of bedtime.</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;TEXT-ALIGN:justify;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Create a bed time routine.</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;TEXT-ALIGN:justify;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Simple meditation techniques, light music, deep breathing, and thinking pleasant thoughts, all induce sleep.</span></li></ul> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">So, if you’re one of the millions who have racked up a heavy sleep debt through years of high-stress, stimulant-filled living, it’s time for a recoup! Simply put, you must tackle and eliminate the stubborn habits you have developed over the years that interfere with your good nights sleep. </span></div><br /> <div><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;">Sleep is perhaps the most cherished of Nature’s blessings. They don’t call it “beauty sleep” for no reason!</span></div> </article> <article> <h1>Right Diet for Muscles that are Tight!</h1> <p>Admin — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 22:36:00 GMT</p> <p><strong>Diet for your tight muscles... </strong></p> <p>Amongst the vast majority of individuals, people possessing bodies that exude tone and muscularity, look good and feel good. A body that displays the ultimate in fitness and defined muscles not only instills confidence and pride in the one who owns it, but also portrays a healthy lifestyle and personal commitment of the owner. A body with defined muscularity and conditioning is not by chance. Acquiring muscles that are defined and tight (with toned mass) entails a consistent regimen of appropriate exercise and nutritional eating habits. Anyone who has general good health can achieve fitness, in the form of developed and defined muscles, upon being committed to consistent workout and good diet. </p> <p>Towards the efforts involved in building a muscular body of tightness and overall tone, the physicality aspects of cardiovascular and strength training are fairly comprehended. However, such a regimen needs the essential balance in an appropriate and adequate diet. Apposite nutrition is really imperative for achieving success in building tight muscles and a proportionately toned body. </p> <p>Upon engaging and following a routine of regular and consistent workouts, nutritionally derived supplements can certainly enhance the development of building muscles that are tight and toned. However, the supplements require support from a biological angle. Such an angle, in conjunction with working out, is in actual food consumption. And food consumption should not be construed as making pig of yourself. No, this is not the way to go! You must know that developing tight and toned muscles calls for nutrition that enables you to achieve optimal success. Certain independent sources within the field of fitness, express that appropriate eating can contribute to as much as eighty percent towards achieving optimum muscularity. </p> <p>Protein contributes significantly towards building muscle. It is absolutely important to be aware of the food groups that possess protein. Such foods are not only supportive in developing muscles, but also maintain balance in muscle mass and defined muscularity. </p> <p>While dairy products such as cheese, cream, whole milk, ice cream, and certain vegetables (like potatoes) are relatively elevated in their respective levels of protein value, and possess a considerable degree of fat as well. Though nutritious, such foods can lead to the formation of fat accumulations beneath the skin. Such bodily-acquired fat, through consuming either a significant or excessive amount of these foods, can affect the muscles as they are being developed. These effects are realized by a lack of definition, or, in simpler terms, the tightness within the muscles, for muscle mass develops through appropriate workouts and right diet. </p> <p>So, keep close tabs on the kind of diet you are taking. Pick the right foods within particular food groups that are the best contributors towards building muscle mass as well as defining the muscularity. Think eggs, fish, lean meats, poultry, beans, grain products, nuts, and seeds! </p> <p>Keep a tight rein on your diet, and you will have your muscles tight!</p> </article> <article> <h1>Pre workout Nutrition Tips - Fuel it up to go all out !!!</h1> <p>Admin — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 22:20:00 GMT</p> <p><strong>A Body's Need to Succeed</strong></p> <p>The human body is an amazing creation of biology and spiritual infusion. Biology can be defined as the body's all encompassing system, with anatomy serving as the framework for the body. The spark of what brings life to bodies could be regarded as the infused spirit. For functionality, the body needs to be fueled to function optimally in correlation to its intended performance. Proper fuel, as in nutrition, is the key to providing energy to the body. The types and quantities of nutrition, in the form of foods, are essential for the body to be as fit as a fiddle. To possess awareness in knowing which foods contain the highest values in nutrition can definitely impact the level of performance that is to be achieved. </p> <p>Whether it’s a workout regimen to maintain good health and fitness, or workout sessions to optimize results towards sports, or preparing for an actual sporting event; nutritional foods are essential and significant to strength and endurance. And in meeting a body's nutritional requirements for the tasks in the workout that lies ahead, it is imperative to infuse the diet with the adequate sources derived through a variety of foods. And the consumption of these foods has to be in ratio to the demands necessary for optimal performance and overall maintenance. </p> <p>Narrowing the focus towards preliminary and adequate nutrition (prior to the applicable workout) calls for concentration on what could be considered as the prequel period to the activity (in which physical demands will be placed upon the body), as well as the subsequent requirements in clarity and focus of the mind. Good, nutritional dietary habits on a daily basis are of ultimate benefit in overall fitness. The target should be to consume the requisite nutrition within the twenty four hour period prior to the workout, event, or competition. </p> <p>As a preface, and in conjunction to nutritionally enhanced foods, is sufficient hydration. Upon an individual working out, engaging in sports or competing competitively, adequate hydration is as crucial to a body as is nutrition. The significance of hydration can best be described in the analysis of the actual weight of a respective individual's body perspiring during activity. Perspiration exudes fluid from the body, in the form of bodily-contained water. </p> <p>During the rigors a workout, sport activity, or competition; if an individual's body is not adequately hydrated, and as a result, derives the required hydration from the bodily mass (the body's fluid weight); the overall consistency of weight can be lost. Such loss can affect the performance. Certain reports by fitness experts reveal that for every single percent of body weight lost, up to a ten percent decrease in performance abilities can be realized. Therefore, prior to any physical activity (such as workouts, sports, events, or competitions), you must ensure adequate hydration by equipping your body with adequate fluid reserves. This will help your body achieve sufficient hydration to correlate with appropriate nutrition for optimal balance and performance. </p> </article> </main></body></html>