December 3, 2009

Learning to Live with Computers

The growth of computer usage has been phenomenal – we use them for work and play. It seems almost impossible now to anything without ‘chips’ being involved somewhere.

As fast as our love affair with these gadgets has grown, so has the damage to our bodies. But it doesn’t have to be this way, by making some simple changes we can have our computers and Read more on Learning to Live with Computers…

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Tags: barry danser, exercise, msd, relaxation, repetitive strain, rsi, wake up and breathe, wakeupandbreathe, wrist rest.

Filed under Lifestyle by Lorraine on Dec 3rd, 2009.

Luscious Lemons

Not just for slicing into your G&T, lemons can be used to make some fabulous beauty treats. Try some of the following:Read more on Luscious Lemons…

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Tags: barry danser, blemish, dry skin, face mask, lemon, oily skin, shampoo, wakeupandbreathe, zit zapper.

Filed under Lifestyle by Lorraine on Dec 3rd, 2009.

December 4, 2009

Herbal Supplements – worth the risk?

To Go or Not to Go Herbal, that is the QuestionÖ

Many people nowadays are turning to ìorganicsî and ìnaturalsî otherwise known as herbals. The rising popularity of herbal supplements has created a new fad if not a new health lifestyle. But before you join the bandwagon, here are some things you need to know about this mean, ìgreenî dietary supplementing machine.

What is the difference between a drug and a dietary supplement?

According to the definition set by food and drug administrations in different countries, drugs are chemicals that can prevent, prolong the life, treat other effects of a health condition, improve the quality of life, and/or cure ailments and diseases, or alter the function of any part or chemicals inside the body. These drugs have approved therapeutic claims. For example, paracetamol is a drug given to bring down the body temperature in fever. Ascorbic acid is indicated for the treatment of scurvy. Iron supplements are given to treat mild cases of anemia.

Herbal supplements are not classified as drugs but as dietary supplements. The main difference is that they do not have approved therapeutic claims unlike in the case of drugs. Moreover, dietary supplements could either contain vitamins, minerals, herbals, or amino acids, all aimed to add to or supplement the diet of an individual. They are not intended to be taken alone as a substitute to any food or medicine.

Most of the manufactured medicines we now have once came from animals and plants. Through the years, chemists isolated the life-saving or life-curing components and separated them from the harmful ones. This lead to the further drug research and drug development that lead to the production of a different variety of drugs for many ailments and conditions from synthetic sources. But still we have semi-synthetic drugs, as well as drug that more or less approximate more natural composition. Since herbal supplements are made from a mixture of crude herbs reduced into powder or gel form, and later on packaged as tablets and capsules, there is a possibility that life-threatening or at least body chemistry-altering components are still present, thus the expression of concern from the medical community.

Is there a growing concern with the use of herbal supplements?

Yes. With the rising popularity of using and consuming anything herbal or organic is the proliferation of fake herbal supplements that threaten to endanger lives. If thatís the case, then why are herbal supplements given drug administration approvals? One way of ensuring the safety of the people is to have all candidate drugs, food, drinks, and dietary supplements registered with the proper authority. Otherwise, they would pose more risk with these things being sold in the black market for a hefty sum. We could ensure the quality and safety of herbal supplements if they get proper classification with the food and drug administration. Moreover, people may be able to file the proper complaints in the event a worsening of health condition is proven to be linked to the use of a particular herbal supplement.

Is using herbal supplements worth the risk?

Yes. It cannot be discounted that many who have tried herbal supplements experienced an improvement in their healthówhether this is due to the herbals themselves or due to a placebo effect, as long as they do not worsen the condition of an individual, then using them is worth the risk. But of course, certain things must be considered before taking those herbal supplements:

Your doctor knows best.

First of all, clear your condition with your doctor. Ask him/her if taking a particular herbal supplement is safe given your health condition. People with heart, liver, or kidney trouble or malfunction, are usually not advised to take these, or at the minimum is to take these herbals in minimum amounts. All substances pass through the liver and kidney to be processed and filtered respectively. Kava, which is used to relieve people from stress, has been pulled out from the Canadian, Singaporean, and German markets because it contains substances that cause liver damage. Certain herbals such as Ephedra used for losing weight, contains chemicals with heart-inducing effects that can increase heart rate, which in turn can exhaust the heart and cause heart attacks in several documented cases by the American Medical Association.

Follow the directions for use.

Never take more herbal supplements than what is directed by the doctor or as instructed on the bottle. Each individual reacts differently to the components of herbal supplements. While it is perfectly safe for one individual to take in a supplement of primrose oil capsules, another person may be allergic to it. So, do not even think about downing one bottle of

It has no approved curative effect.

No matter how the product pamphlet or the label of the bottle sounds about how it has been found to be helpful in certain health conditions, these herbal supplements are not therapeutic. So do not substitute these for the medications prescribed by your doctor for the treatment of certain diseases, or for the maintenance of blood pressure, lowering of blood sugar and cholesterol, and fight off infections.

To Go or Not to Go Herbal, that is the Question.

Many people nowadays are turning to ‘organics’ and ‘naturals’ otherwise known as herbals. The rising popularity of herbal supplements has created a new fad if not a new health lifestyle. But before you join the bandwagon, here are some things you need to know about this mean, ‘green’ dietary supplementing machine.Read more on Herbal Supplements – worth the risk?…

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Tags: barry danser, cure ailments, dietary, ephedra, herbal, iron, kava, kidney, liver function, paracetamol, relaxation, supplements, wake up and breathe, wakeupandbreathe.

Filed under Health & Healing by Lorraine on Dec 4th, 2009.

7 Days to Stress Management

They say there’s more than one way to skin a cat. The same goes when you start tearing your hair out with all the frustration, grief, anxiety, and yes, stress. It’s a state of mental conditioning that is like taking that bitter pill down your throat, causing you to lose your sense of self, and worse your sanity. Just thinking about it can drive anyone off the edge.

And they say that the proactive ones are already living off the edge.

As one stressed-out person to another, I know how it feels, and believe me there are many variants when it comes to stress. Coping with life, and carrying the problems that may or may not belong to you can scratch away the little joy and happiness that you can carry once you head out that door. You can’t blame them for being like that; they have their own reasons, so much like we have our reasons to allow stress to weigh us down. They say that stress is all in the mind, well, what’s bugging you anyway?

There are several ways to manage stress, and eventually remove it out of your life one of these days. So I’ll try to divide it into a seven-day course for you and I promise it’s not going to be too taxing on the body, as well as on the mind.

1. Acknowledge stress is good

Make stress your friend! Based on the body’s natural “fight or flight” response, that burst of energy will enhance your performance at the right moment. I’ve yet to see a top sportsman totally relaxed before a big competition. Use stress wisely to push yourself that little bit harder when it counts most.

2. Avoid stress sneezers

Stressed people sneeze stress germs indiscriminately and before you know it, you are infected too!

Protect yourself by recognizing stress in others and limiting your contact with them. Or if you’ve got the inclination, play stress doctor and teach them how to better manage themselves.

3. Learn from the best

When people around are losing their head, who keeps calm? What are they doing differently? What is their attitude? What language do they use? Are they trained and experienced?

Figure it out from afar or sit them down for a chat. Learn from the best stress managers and copy what they do.

4. Practice socially acceptable heavy breathing

This is something I’ve learned from a gym instructor: You can trick your body into relaxing by using heavy breathing. Breathe in slowly for a count of 7 then breathe out for a count of 11. Repeat the 7-11 breathing until your heart rate slows down, your sweaty palms dry off and things start to feel more normal.

5. Give stressy thoughts the red light

It is possible to tangle yourself up in a stress knot all by yourself. “If this happens, then that might happen and then we’re all up the creek!” Most of these things never happen, so why waste all that energy worrying needlessly?

Give stress thought-trains the red light and stop them in their tracks. Okay so it might go wrong – how likely is that, and what can you do to prevent it?

6. Know your trigger points and hot spots

Presentations, interviews, meetings, giving difficult feedback, tight deadlinesÖ. My heart rate is cranking up just writing these down!

Make your own list of stress trigger points or hot spots. Be specific. Is it only presentations to a certain audience that get you worked up? Does one project cause more stress than another? Did you drink too much coffee?

Knowing what causes you stress is powerful information, as you can take action to make it less stressful. Do you need to learn some new skills? Do you need extra resources? Do you need to switch to decaf?

7. Burn the candle at one end

Lack of sleep, poor diet and no exercise wreaks havoc on our body and mind. Kind of obvious, but worth mentioning as it’s often ignored as a stress management technique. Listen to your mother and don’t burn the candle at both ends!

So having stress can be a total drag, but that should not hinder us to find the inner peace of mind that we have wanted for a long time. In any case, one could always go to the Bahamas and bask under the summer sun.

They say there’s more than one way to skin a cat. The same goes when you start tearing your hair out with all the frustration, grief, anxiety, and yes, stress. It’s a state of mental conditioning that is like taking that bitter pill down your throat, causing you to lose your sense of self, and worse your sanity. Just thinking about it Read more on 7 Days to Stress Management…

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Tags: destress, manage stress, stress, stress management, stress relief.

Filed under Lifestyle by Lorraine on Dec 4th, 2009.

Bad Breath – and how to avoid it!

Chronic bad breath can consistently interfere in your social activities. It can even prevent you from getting more friends and affiliates. But how do you really know that you have a worse case of halitosis? There are more ways than you can imagine, which will not suggest you get into shameful situations. There are even some physical indications for you to watch out. Here are few tips on how to know you have it:

1.) The tongue has two parts: the posterior and the anterior. The posterior is the back part of your tongue while the anterior is the front most part. If you consistently have a white or yellow film in your tongue, especially on the posterior part, it is already an indication that you may be having bacteria of halitosis underway. Get a spoon, a good metal or silver one, and scrape that part of your tongue.

Donít mind the soft, white or yellow matter you get by doing so. Itís not the main thing or important thing, and if it smells so bad then you definitely have a bad breath. Another way is by licking your wrist and having it dry in about five seconds. Smell it and whatever it turns out to, thatís the way you smell to others.

2.) The mouth is not supposed to smell as well as tasting that bad. When you usually have that bad taste inside your mouth, you should know that it is the main indication of you having a very bad breath.

3.) Another way of knowing you have a bad breath is when people back away from you when you are talking. You should be aware of this simple situation as it only indicates that you are an undesirable talker because you foul the air.

4.) There are people that are more vocal or honest to the extent of telling you at front that you have a chronic bad breath. Some people, on the other hand, are less blunt and may just offer you candy or mint or chewing gum.

5.) Another very good indication that you are suffering in a chronic bad breath is when you donít get friends or people donít like talking or simply being with you.

Growing socially is very important for everyone. This is why you have to treat your chronic bad breath immediately. But how do you do it? There are also very many ways on how you can have it prevented as well as treated. Some are listed below for your preferences.

1.) Improve your oral hygiene. The keyword is to do it properly and regularly. Donít just simply brush it. Floss and use mouthwash for even better results.

2.) Drink plenty of fluids but this does not include coffee or alcohol as these drinks leave residues that may even cultivate your halitosis into severe condition.

3.) Eat fibrous foods as they are very good for your oral and overall health.

4.) Whenever you eat dairy foods, fish and meat, make sure you brush your teeth, tongue, and gums as these foods are very heavy on smell.

5.) Never finish your brushing habit without brushing your tongue with more attention on the back part as it is there where bacteria are thriving.

Use these tips and you will surely make a life changing treatment to your chronic bad breath.

Chronic bad breath can consistently interfere in your social activities. It can even prevent you from getting more friends and affiliates. But how do you really know that you have a worse case of halitosis? There are more ways than you can imagine, which will not suggest you get into shameful situations. There are even some physical indications for you to watch out. Here are few tips on how to know you have it:

1.) The tongue has two parts: the posterior and the anterior. The posterior is the back part of your tongue while the anterior is the front most part. If you consistently have a white or yellow film in your tongue, especially on the posterior part, it is already an indication that you may be having bacteria of halitosis underway. Get a spoon, a good metal or silver one, and scrape that part of your tongue.

Donít mind the soft, white or yellow matter you get by doing so. Itís not the main thing or important thing, and if it smells so bad then you definitely have a bad breath. Another way is by licking your wrist and having it dry in about five seconds. Smell it and whatever it turns out to, thatís the way you smell to others.

2.) The mouth is not supposed to smell as well as tasting that bad. When you usually have that bad taste inside your mouth, you should know that it is the main indication of you having a very bad breath.

3.) Another way of knowing you have a bad breath is when people back away from you when you are talking. You should be aware of this simple situation as it only indicates that you are an undesirable talker because you foul the air.

4.) There are people that are more vocal or honest to the extent of telling you at front that you have a chronic bad breath. Some people, on the other hand, are less blunt and may just offer you candy or mint or chewing gum.

5.) Another very good indication that you are suffering in a chronic bad breath is when you don’t get friends or people don’t like talking or simply being with you.

Growing socially is very important for everyone. This is why you have to treat your chronic bad breath immediately. But how do you do it? There are also very many ways on how you can have it prevented as well as treated. Some are listed below for your preferences.

1.) Improve your oral hygiene. The keyword is to do it properly and regularly. Donít just simply brush it. Floss and use mouthwash for even better results.

2.) Drink plenty of fluids but this does not include coffee or alcohol as these drinks leave residues that may even cultivate your halitosis into severe condition.

3.) Eat fibrous foods as they are very good for your oral and overall health.

4.) Whenever you eat dairy foods, fish and meat, make sure you brush your teeth, tongue, and gums as these foods are very heavy on smell.

5.) Never finish your brushing habit without brushing your tongue with more attention on the back part as it is there where bacteria are thriving.

Use these tips and you will surely make a life changing treatment to your chronic bad breath.

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Tags: bacteria, bad breath, bad taste in mouth, bad taste in your mouth, floss, halitosis, mouthwash, smelly breath, tongue.

Filed under Health & Healing by Lorraine on Dec 4th, 2009.

December 7, 2009

Natural Remedies for High Cholesterol

Our ancestors knew it as “hardening of the arteries.” Today, it’s called atherosclerosis, a direct result of high levels of LDL cholesterol, sometimes called “bad cholesterol.” By any name, it’s a risk factor for heart disease and strokeRead more on Natural Remedies for High Cholesterol…

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Filed under Health & Healing by Lorraine on Dec 7th, 2009.

December 8, 2009

Massage Techniques for the Neck

Most of us have neck stress from time to time, and sometimes we suspect that we have some kind of disease. That may be true, but it rarely is a disease of its own. It’s a symptom that is caused by something else, and it can very often be successfully relieved.