Now, you may ask, “What’s the big threat about working on a fast and convenient machine, reclining on my armchair all day?” Well, the threat would be that while you’re using your machine to the optimum use for which it is made, you’re in turn switching off your body muscles that need as much work! They in turn run low on performance and finally starts wasting away. Next time you try to lift any weight, or even bend down to pick your newspaper; you can end up spraining your back or neck, no jokes.
Let’s discuss various types of injuries that you might encounter while working on a computer such as carpal tunnel syndrome as well as various eye discomforts. This also includes various symptoms of these ailments and their methods of treatment.
Some of the common ailments that computer users suffer from are Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD), Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tendinosis, Bursitis, and Tendinitis. All these ailments need proper care of an orthopedic MD for the right treatment at the right time. Every computer user should know the different signs and symptoms of these disorders so that they can seek prompt medical attention while they encounter with any kind of difficulty.
Your eyes also need proper care as the other parts of the body. It is the worst affected organ in case you have to sit in front of the computer for long hours. Eyestrain and Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) are the most common disorders that the eyes encounter with.
Everybody has a tendency to put on weight in the absence of balanced diet and exercise. Along with these factors, if you are a regular computer user, you are sure to gain those extra inches around your belly and many other parts of your body.. If you need to shed the extra inches that you already have, what you need to do is to increase the number and frequency of certain exercises that you find useful.
Continued...
Friday, September 23, 2005
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Get used to your computer, don’t get used by it - Part 1
More than what the name connotes, computers have much to do with our lives today. You get in touch with your friends, make a purchase from a department store, you access your bank account, you make an opinion poll, you listen to your favorite music, you play chess online, you reserve your flight tickets, all with this odd assembly of electronic gadgets.
You often tend to think how clever you have been in manipulating the electrons into doing what you want them to do for you. Don’t be too sure. The flip side of technology is that you get so addicted to the convenience of technology that you fail to see what hazards they bring.
Have you felt eyes burning while having to sit for a long time in front of the monitor? Have you felt that unmistakable stiffness in your neck? Does your fingers and wrist ache and sprain when trying to flex them backwards? If you are, then know that you are being used by your computer!
“A healthy mind is in a healthy body”
This saying is true even for computer users. While working on the computer, your body is at rest and gets typically no physical workouts. But for fingers, your body is in a state of inaction and lethargy. You even forget to blink your eyelids sometimes! This results in the degeneration of muscles that are toned only if they get enough exercise. Muscles sag, joints get stiff, fat deposits are added and you are susceptible to a number of small and big ailments. This is how computer users tend to go out of shape and gain weight easily.
To serve the cause
“How to stay healthy while working on your computer?” I've just found a new e-course on healthy computing, and I'm going to share it with you. It deals extensively with various things that can go wrong while someone spends their time on computers. The potential hazards that are hidden in the application of computers and their recommended preventive measures are discussed. In the event of you already suffering with any of the ailment mentioned, there are corrective actions recommended, which will reduce or eradicate them for you.
On the first day of the e-course, let’s discuss how to stay healthy, while working on your computer. This contains suggestions on different ways by which you can stay fit even though you have to work on the computer all day long, with pictorial representations. There are some exercises that can be done even at your work place during your micro breaks and short breaks. These are mostly stretching exercises. All these exercises should be performed slowly and carefully. Each position is assumed gracefully to the point where a stretch is felt intensely but with no pain.
If you use computer regularly, you must know; which is the right posture for your kind of job, how to sit on your chair, how to keep your hands, how to move your elbows and shoulders, how to take care of your back and a lot more…
Tip For The Day
Monitors that are placed too high or too low are not recommended for people who have to use computers for long hours per day. It affects the head, neck, shoulders, and the back, as they have to adjust their positions for better view of the monitor. In the long run, the muscles that support the head are fatigued due to these awkward postures.
Never thought these things could make such a big difference to your lives, did you? We’ll tell you how much more you have to know!
You often tend to think how clever you have been in manipulating the electrons into doing what you want them to do for you. Don’t be too sure. The flip side of technology is that you get so addicted to the convenience of technology that you fail to see what hazards they bring.
Have you felt eyes burning while having to sit for a long time in front of the monitor? Have you felt that unmistakable stiffness in your neck? Does your fingers and wrist ache and sprain when trying to flex them backwards? If you are, then know that you are being used by your computer!
“A healthy mind is in a healthy body”
This saying is true even for computer users. While working on the computer, your body is at rest and gets typically no physical workouts. But for fingers, your body is in a state of inaction and lethargy. You even forget to blink your eyelids sometimes! This results in the degeneration of muscles that are toned only if they get enough exercise. Muscles sag, joints get stiff, fat deposits are added and you are susceptible to a number of small and big ailments. This is how computer users tend to go out of shape and gain weight easily.
To serve the cause
“How to stay healthy while working on your computer?” I've just found a new e-course on healthy computing, and I'm going to share it with you. It deals extensively with various things that can go wrong while someone spends their time on computers. The potential hazards that are hidden in the application of computers and their recommended preventive measures are discussed. In the event of you already suffering with any of the ailment mentioned, there are corrective actions recommended, which will reduce or eradicate them for you.
On the first day of the e-course, let’s discuss how to stay healthy, while working on your computer. This contains suggestions on different ways by which you can stay fit even though you have to work on the computer all day long, with pictorial representations. There are some exercises that can be done even at your work place during your micro breaks and short breaks. These are mostly stretching exercises. All these exercises should be performed slowly and carefully. Each position is assumed gracefully to the point where a stretch is felt intensely but with no pain.
If you use computer regularly, you must know; which is the right posture for your kind of job, how to sit on your chair, how to keep your hands, how to move your elbows and shoulders, how to take care of your back and a lot more…
Tip For The Day
Monitors that are placed too high or too low are not recommended for people who have to use computers for long hours per day. It affects the head, neck, shoulders, and the back, as they have to adjust their positions for better view of the monitor. In the long run, the muscles that support the head are fatigued due to these awkward postures.
Never thought these things could make such a big difference to your lives, did you? We’ll tell you how much more you have to know!
Monday, September 12, 2005
The Psychology of Quitting Smoking
Many experts believe smoking is only about 10% physical addiction and a whopping 90% psychological addiction. Your body will recover fairly quickly from nicotine withdrawals (the worst symptoms usually abate in three days or less), but your psychological dependency on cigarettes can be much more difficult to defeat.
One way to combat this is to do a bit of self-analysis before giving up cigarettes.
Make a list with two columns. Label column one "Why I Started Smoking" and label column two "Why I Want To Quit Smoking."
In column one, list all the reasons you can remember as to why you started smoking in the first place. Was it peer pressure? Rebellion? Did you think it made you look cool? Did it make you feel like a grown-up? Really try to remember the exact reasons why you started smoking and write them all down.
Now look over that list. Do any of those reasons still apply in your life today? Probably not.
If you're like most people, you will see that your reasons for becoming a smoker are no longer valid, are often just silly, and are easily outweighed by the risks to your health and your family's well-being.
So let's move on to column two... Why do you want to quit smoking?
This one may seem obvious, but it can be a bit tricky. You really need to take some time and think hard about this. Don't just list the obvious health reasons. You've been reading the Surgeon General's warnings for years with little effect, so you need to come up with reasons that truly have meaning for you.
The things most people write down will NOT help you quit smoking...
- I don't want to get lung cancer.
- I don't want to have a heart attack or a stroke.
- I'd like to live long enough to see my grandchildren grow up.
Those are all good reasons to quit smoking, certainly... but they deal in "possibilities" rather than in specifics.
Sure you MIGHT get lung cancer, you MIGHT have a heart attack or a stroke, you MIGHT die young and miss out on seeing your grandchildren grow up...
...or you MIGHT NOT! You're not likely to break a strong psychological addiction based on what MIGHT happen. Your mind will work hard to convince you that it won't happen to you! Instead, list health problems that you are already experiencing.
Your list should point out things in your life that you are actively unhappy about and are STRONGLY MOTIVATED to change. In order to break your psychological addiction, you need an arsenal of new thoughts and desires that are stronger than your desire to smoke!
Here are the types of things you want to put in column two...
Why Do I Want To Quit Smoking?
1. Health Reasons
- I get so out of breath when I exert myself even a little bit. Just vacuuming the house makes me pant and gasp.
- My feet are always cold. This could be due to high blood pressure and poor circulation associated with smoking.
- I have a nasty wet cough and I have to blow my nose way too often. Mucus build-up is the body's reaction to all the toxins and chemicals in cigarette smoke and could be a precursor to serious respiratory disease. Even if I don't get cancer, I don't want to be one of those people who has to tote oxygen bottles around everywhere.
- I'm always tired. Could it be that my body is using up all its energy trying to eliminate the toxins and chemicals from cigarettes?
2. Vanity Reasons
- Smoking causes premature aging and drying of the skin. I don't want to look like a wrinkled up old prune!
- My fingers, fingernails and teeth are all tobacco stained. Disgusting! How embarrassing.
- When I get on the elevator after a smoke break at work, everyone wrinkles their nose and tries to edge away from me because I reek of cigarette smoke. I feel like a pariah. It's embarrassing to always be the big "stinker" on the elevator. I feel like I have no self-control.
- My breath is awful. Kissing me must be like kissing an ashtray. I spend a fortune on breath mints.
3. Financial Reasons
- If I save all the money I used to spend on cigarettes, I'll have enough to take a vacation in Cancun (or some other warm tropical place) every winter!
- I could use the money to pay off my credit cards!
- I could donate money to my favorite charity or sponsor a child. My cigarette money could make the world a better place!
4. Family Reasons
- My family can stop worrying about me.
- My spouse will have to find something new to nag me about. Just kidding, honey!
- My children will be proud of me and (hopefully) they'll never start smoking themselves, having seen firsthand what a nasty destructive habit it is.
5. Cleanliness Reasons
- The walls used to be white. Now they're a nasty dirty-looking brown. I need to repaint... again!
- I stink, my car stinks, my house stinks, everything I own reeks of cigarette smoke. I can't even lend a book to a non-smoking friend because they can't stand the smell of smoke permeating the pages!
Do you see yourself in any of the items listed? You may have many more reasons of your own. Find as many compelling and emotion reasons to quit smoking as you can think of and write them all down.
If you can re-train your mind to think of smoking as a silly and self-destructive thing to do, then you're almost sure to succeed. And if you need something to do with your hands... try knitting!
One way to combat this is to do a bit of self-analysis before giving up cigarettes.
Make a list with two columns. Label column one "Why I Started Smoking" and label column two "Why I Want To Quit Smoking."
In column one, list all the reasons you can remember as to why you started smoking in the first place. Was it peer pressure? Rebellion? Did you think it made you look cool? Did it make you feel like a grown-up? Really try to remember the exact reasons why you started smoking and write them all down.
Now look over that list. Do any of those reasons still apply in your life today? Probably not.
If you're like most people, you will see that your reasons for becoming a smoker are no longer valid, are often just silly, and are easily outweighed by the risks to your health and your family's well-being.
So let's move on to column two... Why do you want to quit smoking?
This one may seem obvious, but it can be a bit tricky. You really need to take some time and think hard about this. Don't just list the obvious health reasons. You've been reading the Surgeon General's warnings for years with little effect, so you need to come up with reasons that truly have meaning for you.
The things most people write down will NOT help you quit smoking...
- I don't want to get lung cancer.
- I don't want to have a heart attack or a stroke.
- I'd like to live long enough to see my grandchildren grow up.
Those are all good reasons to quit smoking, certainly... but they deal in "possibilities" rather than in specifics.
Sure you MIGHT get lung cancer, you MIGHT have a heart attack or a stroke, you MIGHT die young and miss out on seeing your grandchildren grow up...
...or you MIGHT NOT! You're not likely to break a strong psychological addiction based on what MIGHT happen. Your mind will work hard to convince you that it won't happen to you! Instead, list health problems that you are already experiencing.
Your list should point out things in your life that you are actively unhappy about and are STRONGLY MOTIVATED to change. In order to break your psychological addiction, you need an arsenal of new thoughts and desires that are stronger than your desire to smoke!
Here are the types of things you want to put in column two...
Why Do I Want To Quit Smoking?
1. Health Reasons
- I get so out of breath when I exert myself even a little bit. Just vacuuming the house makes me pant and gasp.
- My feet are always cold. This could be due to high blood pressure and poor circulation associated with smoking.
- I have a nasty wet cough and I have to blow my nose way too often. Mucus build-up is the body's reaction to all the toxins and chemicals in cigarette smoke and could be a precursor to serious respiratory disease. Even if I don't get cancer, I don't want to be one of those people who has to tote oxygen bottles around everywhere.
- I'm always tired. Could it be that my body is using up all its energy trying to eliminate the toxins and chemicals from cigarettes?
2. Vanity Reasons
- Smoking causes premature aging and drying of the skin. I don't want to look like a wrinkled up old prune!
- My fingers, fingernails and teeth are all tobacco stained. Disgusting! How embarrassing.
- When I get on the elevator after a smoke break at work, everyone wrinkles their nose and tries to edge away from me because I reek of cigarette smoke. I feel like a pariah. It's embarrassing to always be the big "stinker" on the elevator. I feel like I have no self-control.
- My breath is awful. Kissing me must be like kissing an ashtray. I spend a fortune on breath mints.
3. Financial Reasons
- If I save all the money I used to spend on cigarettes, I'll have enough to take a vacation in Cancun (or some other warm tropical place) every winter!
- I could use the money to pay off my credit cards!
- I could donate money to my favorite charity or sponsor a child. My cigarette money could make the world a better place!
4. Family Reasons
- My family can stop worrying about me.
- My spouse will have to find something new to nag me about. Just kidding, honey!
- My children will be proud of me and (hopefully) they'll never start smoking themselves, having seen firsthand what a nasty destructive habit it is.
5. Cleanliness Reasons
- The walls used to be white. Now they're a nasty dirty-looking brown. I need to repaint... again!
- I stink, my car stinks, my house stinks, everything I own reeks of cigarette smoke. I can't even lend a book to a non-smoking friend because they can't stand the smell of smoke permeating the pages!
Do you see yourself in any of the items listed? You may have many more reasons of your own. Find as many compelling and emotion reasons to quit smoking as you can think of and write them all down.
If you can re-train your mind to think of smoking as a silly and self-destructive thing to do, then you're almost sure to succeed. And if you need something to do with your hands... try knitting!
Friday, August 19, 2005
Modern Medicine's Deceit
Modern Medicine's Deceit, and Why I Abandoned It
By Shane Ellison, M.Sc.
By education and by trade, I was a drug chemist. My passion for science motivated a successful career in drug design and synthesis - in both academia and industry. As a scientist, I witnessed firsthand the priorities of international pharmaceutical companies, which ranked wealth first and health a distant second.
My suspicion of modern medicine began while I was employed by Eli Lilly to design a new generation of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) drugs. Such drugs include tamoxifen and raloxifene. Initially, these drugs were thought to block estrogen receptors (excess estrogen can initiate cancer growth) and thereby halt cancer. As time progressed, though, it was learned that they were also capable of activating estrogen receptors. The end result was a biochemical environment favorable to cancer growth among users.
The risk of cancer associated with HRT drugs had been obscured from doctors by drug companies. And it's easy to understand why the doctors themselves hadn't noticed the ability of these drugs to cause cancer - because their patients already had the disease.
At any rate, my task was made clear: Design HRT "knock-offs" that are effective without causing cancer.
My attempt to design safer alternatives was unsuccessful. And after one year, the project was ended. However, access to HRT drugs like tamoxifen was not. They remained on the market. (In fact, tamoxifen is still the gold standard used by doctors to treat breast cancer.)
The fuel driving the continued use of HRT drugs was disinformation via Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) advertising. Since 1962, monitoring DTC advertising has been the sole responsibility of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But in a ghastly conflict of interests, the FDA granted the duty of DTC advertising to the pharmaceutical companies in 1997. Officially, this was done as a means of "promoting health awareness to ensure health and safety." Unofficially, it was done to sell more drugs. DTC advertising dictated that all women over 50 should use HRT to remain healthy. Women scurried to their doctors and asked them to prescribe it. My suspicion grew into conflict.
The disinformation campaign behind HRT drugs is not an isolated case. I learned that drug advertising and science are frequently in direct opposition to each other. For example:
DTC advertising dictates that lowering cholesterol prevents heart disease. Science proves otherwise.
DTC advertising dictates that an aspirin a day will keep heart attack away. Science proves otherwise.
DTC advertising dictates that depression is a disease that must be treated with prescription drugs. Science proves otherwise.
DTC advertising dictates that ADHD is a disease and that our children must be treated with amphetamines. Science proves otherwise.
DTC advertising dictates that infants must be vaccinated to prevent childhood illness. Science proves otherwise.
DTC advertising dictates that blood pressure must be controlled via a lifetime of servitude to prescription drugs. Science proves otherwise.
DTC advertising dictates that chemotherapy is your first line of defense against deadly cancer. Science proves otherwise.
DTC advertising dictates that Type II diabetes must be treated with daily insulin use. Science proves otherwise.
By spreading the aforementioned health myths, DTC advertising forges a belief among the general public which asserts that drugs - not lifestyle habits and nutrition - confer health and longevity. And although, in reality, medicine is only necessary for sick people in times of emergency, DTC advertising has been wildly successful in convincing people that being healthy requires a lifetime of prescription drug use.
While it's true that the advertising usually mentions the potential side effects of drugs, doctors tend to discount them. They simply regurgitate the pharmaceutical-company line that "the benefits of a drug outweigh the risks." Don't believe it.
Western Medicine's plague of deception is deadlier than any virus, illicit drug, and terrorism combined. As has been well documented in scientific journals and reported by media outlets nationwide, FDA-approved drugs are killing an estimated 106,000 people every year. That equates to one individual dying every five minutes; 300 people dying every day. Which is twice as many deaths in a single year from "approved drugs" as the total number of U.S. deaths from the Vietnam War. Not to mention an estimated 2 million people who are victims of drug-induced illnesses that include obesity, cancer, kidney disease, autism, depression, and heart failure.
Hypnotized by DTC advertising, people are oblivious to the ill effects of prescription drug use. They drug their children, hop borders to smuggle inexpensive drugs back into the U.S., beg their congressmen for discounts, and pay a lifetime of insurance fees in order to snatch up these silent killers. The avalanche of DTC advertising has smothered common sense.
So step away from the drug ads, close the ghost-written medical journals, discard research studies dominated by statistical contortionists, and give yourself a reality check: Very few prescription drugs have any value outside of emergency medicine, and those that do can usually be replaced with safer and less expensive natural medicine. This was a troublesome lesson for me, as an aspiring drug chemist, to learn. I had to face the cold, hard facts: Western Medicine has become a billion-dollar empire - not out of keen science, but rather deceit. And this subjugation (see Word to the Wise, below) of science has set a standard in America that, by definition, is sick care disguised as health care.
Individuals outside the drug industry often question my conflict with Big Pharma. How can a single person denounce a philosophy adhered to by millions of medical doctors? That is simple: I ignore the majority thinking that is steeped in disinformation. I stand firm in science. Truth in science requires only one scientist to verify reproducible results in the face of pharmaceutical tyranny.
Science proves that healthy lifestyle habits, not drugs, prevent and eradicate disease. As more people obtain better health intelligence and learn the truth, drug use will recede. And I am confident that a new model of health care based on common sense, not profiteering, will emerge.
(Shane Ellison is dedicated to stopping prescription drug hype in its tracks. To this end, he has made it his mission to introduce healthy lifestyle habits as well as safe and effective nutritional supplements to the public. With his ability to sift through scientific literature and weed out fact from fiction, Shane has empowered thousands to assert their health freedom by saying "no" to prescription drugs.)
By Shane Ellison, M.Sc.
By education and by trade, I was a drug chemist. My passion for science motivated a successful career in drug design and synthesis - in both academia and industry. As a scientist, I witnessed firsthand the priorities of international pharmaceutical companies, which ranked wealth first and health a distant second.
My suspicion of modern medicine began while I was employed by Eli Lilly to design a new generation of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) drugs. Such drugs include tamoxifen and raloxifene. Initially, these drugs were thought to block estrogen receptors (excess estrogen can initiate cancer growth) and thereby halt cancer. As time progressed, though, it was learned that they were also capable of activating estrogen receptors. The end result was a biochemical environment favorable to cancer growth among users.
The risk of cancer associated with HRT drugs had been obscured from doctors by drug companies. And it's easy to understand why the doctors themselves hadn't noticed the ability of these drugs to cause cancer - because their patients already had the disease.
At any rate, my task was made clear: Design HRT "knock-offs" that are effective without causing cancer.
My attempt to design safer alternatives was unsuccessful. And after one year, the project was ended. However, access to HRT drugs like tamoxifen was not. They remained on the market. (In fact, tamoxifen is still the gold standard used by doctors to treat breast cancer.)
The fuel driving the continued use of HRT drugs was disinformation via Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) advertising. Since 1962, monitoring DTC advertising has been the sole responsibility of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But in a ghastly conflict of interests, the FDA granted the duty of DTC advertising to the pharmaceutical companies in 1997. Officially, this was done as a means of "promoting health awareness to ensure health and safety." Unofficially, it was done to sell more drugs. DTC advertising dictated that all women over 50 should use HRT to remain healthy. Women scurried to their doctors and asked them to prescribe it. My suspicion grew into conflict.
The disinformation campaign behind HRT drugs is not an isolated case. I learned that drug advertising and science are frequently in direct opposition to each other. For example:
DTC advertising dictates that lowering cholesterol prevents heart disease. Science proves otherwise.
DTC advertising dictates that an aspirin a day will keep heart attack away. Science proves otherwise.
DTC advertising dictates that depression is a disease that must be treated with prescription drugs. Science proves otherwise.
DTC advertising dictates that ADHD is a disease and that our children must be treated with amphetamines. Science proves otherwise.
DTC advertising dictates that infants must be vaccinated to prevent childhood illness. Science proves otherwise.
DTC advertising dictates that blood pressure must be controlled via a lifetime of servitude to prescription drugs. Science proves otherwise.
DTC advertising dictates that chemotherapy is your first line of defense against deadly cancer. Science proves otherwise.
DTC advertising dictates that Type II diabetes must be treated with daily insulin use. Science proves otherwise.
By spreading the aforementioned health myths, DTC advertising forges a belief among the general public which asserts that drugs - not lifestyle habits and nutrition - confer health and longevity. And although, in reality, medicine is only necessary for sick people in times of emergency, DTC advertising has been wildly successful in convincing people that being healthy requires a lifetime of prescription drug use.
While it's true that the advertising usually mentions the potential side effects of drugs, doctors tend to discount them. They simply regurgitate the pharmaceutical-company line that "the benefits of a drug outweigh the risks." Don't believe it.
Western Medicine's plague of deception is deadlier than any virus, illicit drug, and terrorism combined. As has been well documented in scientific journals and reported by media outlets nationwide, FDA-approved drugs are killing an estimated 106,000 people every year. That equates to one individual dying every five minutes; 300 people dying every day. Which is twice as many deaths in a single year from "approved drugs" as the total number of U.S. deaths from the Vietnam War. Not to mention an estimated 2 million people who are victims of drug-induced illnesses that include obesity, cancer, kidney disease, autism, depression, and heart failure.
Hypnotized by DTC advertising, people are oblivious to the ill effects of prescription drug use. They drug their children, hop borders to smuggle inexpensive drugs back into the U.S., beg their congressmen for discounts, and pay a lifetime of insurance fees in order to snatch up these silent killers. The avalanche of DTC advertising has smothered common sense.
So step away from the drug ads, close the ghost-written medical journals, discard research studies dominated by statistical contortionists, and give yourself a reality check: Very few prescription drugs have any value outside of emergency medicine, and those that do can usually be replaced with safer and less expensive natural medicine. This was a troublesome lesson for me, as an aspiring drug chemist, to learn. I had to face the cold, hard facts: Western Medicine has become a billion-dollar empire - not out of keen science, but rather deceit. And this subjugation (see Word to the Wise, below) of science has set a standard in America that, by definition, is sick care disguised as health care.
Individuals outside the drug industry often question my conflict with Big Pharma. How can a single person denounce a philosophy adhered to by millions of medical doctors? That is simple: I ignore the majority thinking that is steeped in disinformation. I stand firm in science. Truth in science requires only one scientist to verify reproducible results in the face of pharmaceutical tyranny.
Science proves that healthy lifestyle habits, not drugs, prevent and eradicate disease. As more people obtain better health intelligence and learn the truth, drug use will recede. And I am confident that a new model of health care based on common sense, not profiteering, will emerge.
(Shane Ellison is dedicated to stopping prescription drug hype in its tracks. To this end, he has made it his mission to introduce healthy lifestyle habits as well as safe and effective nutritional supplements to the public. With his ability to sift through scientific literature and weed out fact from fiction, Shane has empowered thousands to assert their health freedom by saying "no" to prescription drugs.)
Thursday, July 28, 2005
5 Symptoms That Indicate You Have An Addiction
Addictions are most commonly associated with drug and alcohol addiction, however the truth is millions of people suffer from all kinds of addictions.
Some of these addictions are related to some form of chemical dependency such as alcohol, controlled substances and even prescription medicines. Other addictions are related to compulsive types of behavior such as gambling, shopping, food disorders an even the Internet.
One of the most important things to recognize about any type of addiction, regardless of whether it is a chemical addiction or a behavioral addiction; is that it is not a matter of choice. Individuals who are addicts do not have the ability to simply decide to stop abusing their 'drug' of choice. Addictions affect not only the user, but also their family and friends as well.
So what is an addiction?
How does it begin and when does a pattern of behavior become an addiction? Some individuals seem to have the ability to use a substance or engage in a behavior periodically over a period of years without becoming 'hooked.' Others; however are not capable of stopping and become addicted.
Addictions affect all social and educational groups. There is no typical addict.
The causes of addiction have been studied for several years. In many ways, addiction is caused by the emotion the substance or behavior brings about in the user. The body and mind become dependent on that feeling and seeks to maintain it.
There are addiction risk factors that make some people more likely than others to become addicts. Studies show that sometimes addictions can be hereditary. The child of an alcoholic may not grow up to be an alcoholic, however, they may become addicted to gambling or some other type of compulsive behavior as an adult.
Besides hereditary, individuals who grow up in families with abuse, neglect and who are impoverished are more likely to become addicts.
For most addicts, it can be extremely difficult to recognize that what they have associated as simply a habit is actually an addiction. While every individual is different there are some symptoms that are prevalent among most addicts and addictions:
Symptom # 1
Unable to meet responsibilities at home, school or office.
Symptom # 2
Continues to use substances or engage in behavior even when it is dangerous.
Symptom # 3
The need increases to engage in behavior or use more of a substance to achieve the same effect or feeling.
Symptom # 4
Has tried but failed to stop using the substance or end the behavior.
Symptom # 5
Continues to engage in the behavior or use the substances even when they are aware of the dangers.
Answering yes to three or more of the above symptoms during a 12 month period may show that you or a loved one has an addiction. The first step to treating an addiction is recognizing that it exists.
There is no cure for an addiction. Treatment and counseling can help an addict to learn how to control their behavior, withstand impulses and recognize the presence of a problem, but an addict is never cured. Treating an addiction can take years and requires ongoing support from friends, families and support groups.
A 12 step program can be particularly beneficial in treating an addiction. One of the most well known 12 step programs is AA, also known as Alcoholics Anonymous; however there are similar programs for all types of addictions.
Living with an addiction requires a daily commitment and there is always the possibility of relapsing. An addict that has been "clean" for even 20 years can succumb to temptation just as they did decades before.
There are several treatment programs and centers that can help with the numerous types of addictions that are prevalent today. Many of them are anonymous. Support groups are also available to help family and friends who experience the effects of an addiction in a loved one.
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.
Some of these addictions are related to some form of chemical dependency such as alcohol, controlled substances and even prescription medicines. Other addictions are related to compulsive types of behavior such as gambling, shopping, food disorders an even the Internet.
One of the most important things to recognize about any type of addiction, regardless of whether it is a chemical addiction or a behavioral addiction; is that it is not a matter of choice. Individuals who are addicts do not have the ability to simply decide to stop abusing their 'drug' of choice. Addictions affect not only the user, but also their family and friends as well.
So what is an addiction?
How does it begin and when does a pattern of behavior become an addiction? Some individuals seem to have the ability to use a substance or engage in a behavior periodically over a period of years without becoming 'hooked.' Others; however are not capable of stopping and become addicted.
Addictions affect all social and educational groups. There is no typical addict.
The causes of addiction have been studied for several years. In many ways, addiction is caused by the emotion the substance or behavior brings about in the user. The body and mind become dependent on that feeling and seeks to maintain it.
There are addiction risk factors that make some people more likely than others to become addicts. Studies show that sometimes addictions can be hereditary. The child of an alcoholic may not grow up to be an alcoholic, however, they may become addicted to gambling or some other type of compulsive behavior as an adult.
Besides hereditary, individuals who grow up in families with abuse, neglect and who are impoverished are more likely to become addicts.
For most addicts, it can be extremely difficult to recognize that what they have associated as simply a habit is actually an addiction. While every individual is different there are some symptoms that are prevalent among most addicts and addictions:
Symptom # 1
Unable to meet responsibilities at home, school or office.
Symptom # 2
Continues to use substances or engage in behavior even when it is dangerous.
Symptom # 3
The need increases to engage in behavior or use more of a substance to achieve the same effect or feeling.
Symptom # 4
Has tried but failed to stop using the substance or end the behavior.
Symptom # 5
Continues to engage in the behavior or use the substances even when they are aware of the dangers.
Answering yes to three or more of the above symptoms during a 12 month period may show that you or a loved one has an addiction. The first step to treating an addiction is recognizing that it exists.
There is no cure for an addiction. Treatment and counseling can help an addict to learn how to control their behavior, withstand impulses and recognize the presence of a problem, but an addict is never cured. Treating an addiction can take years and requires ongoing support from friends, families and support groups.
A 12 step program can be particularly beneficial in treating an addiction. One of the most well known 12 step programs is AA, also known as Alcoholics Anonymous; however there are similar programs for all types of addictions.
Living with an addiction requires a daily commitment and there is always the possibility of relapsing. An addict that has been "clean" for even 20 years can succumb to temptation just as they did decades before.
There are several treatment programs and centers that can help with the numerous types of addictions that are prevalent today. Many of them are anonymous. Support groups are also available to help family and friends who experience the effects of an addiction in a loved one.
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.
Friday, July 22, 2005
Do You Know What Is Lurking in Your Bathroom?
No matter how clean you think you are, the quantity and variety of germs that you would find on your hands at any given time would shock you.
Germs are spread every time we touch an object or a person. Not all of them are dangerous, and some bacteria are even helpful. However, your risk of getting sick is increased every time you use a public restroom, as evidenced by a 1996 study conducted by the American Society for Microbiology. They discovered that while 95% of the people surveyed said they washed their hands every time they used a public facility, only about 67% actually did.
A recent nationwide poll showed that 39% of respondents are worried about the germs lurking in public restrooms.
Is there a reason for concern?
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, infectious disease is the number three killer of Americans. They report that 40 million Americans get sick from hand-carried bacteria every year, and 80,000 people die from those germs.
Germs thrive in moist areas, and live off organic waste, which can be found in nearly every public restroom.
What can you “catch” in a public restroom?
Many illnesses that are transmitted in public restrooms include the common cold and flu bugs, intestinal illnesses, and skin infections. There is also a potential danger of picking up the bacteria that can be fatal, from streptococcus, staphylococcus, salmonella, E. coli and even hepatitis A.
People also worry about picking up STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) from toilet seats. Out of all the concerns about germs in public restrooms, STD's are actually the least likely to be a problem. This fear may be due more to urban legend than to anything else. Most of the bacteria and viruses that cause sexually transmitted diseases cannot live long enough outside the body for transfer to occur.
There is a far greater risk of coming into contact with the salmonella and shigella bacteria, which can be transferred by contact with feces. The infected person can transfer the bacteria onto any surface he touches – such as toilet handles, sink faucets and door handles.
What should you look out for?
Over-crowded restrooms, wet floors or puddles, lack of available supplies (toilet paper, soap and paper towels) and foul-smelling odors are all signs of improper maintenance and should be a cause for concern.
Often the odor in public restrooms comes from dried urine in tile grout. Once dry, regular cleaners cannot remove the uric acid salts, and bacteria feed off them. (The odor comes from the bacteria’s digestive process.)
Germs – particularly fecal bacteria, can be shot into the air every time a toilet flushes. This bacterium settles on surfaces throughout the bathroom and is often enough to spread disease.
How can you protect yourself?
First of all, your mother was right. Wash your hands frequently throughout the day, using proven methods of hand washing (see below).
Do not touch your eyes, nose, face or mouth until you’ve washed your hands.
Carry waterless antibiotic hand washing gel with you.
If you’re going to be out and using public facilities, carry your own toilet paper with you.
Try not to use toilet paper that is sitting on the top of the holder, on the back of a toilet or on a shelf.
Never use toilet paper that is wet or damp, or looks as if it might have been wet at one time.
Because the inside surfaces of sinks harbor a large concentration of germs, don’t touch them.
Do not use your hands when you flush the toilet, turn on or off a tap or open the restroom door when leaving.
What about your bathroom at home?
If your home is like millions of others all across America, germs and bacteria are thriving everywhere in your bathroom, blissfully soaking up the nutrients they need on moist surfaces – everything from countertops to cups to toothbrushes to towels.
Bacteria can grow and divide every 20 minutes. A single bacteria cell can become more than 8 million cells in less than 24 hours!
These virus-causing microorganisms can be behind as many as ten colds per year for the average school-aged child. In fact, some cold and flu viruses can linger on surfaces like non-disposable rinsing cups and the inside of sink basins for up to 72 hours – giving them plenty of time to be shared among family members.
Examples of microorganisms that live in our bathrooms are:
- Bacteria: Salmonella causes food poisoning.
- Viruses: Rhinoviruses can cause colds. Herpes Simplex causes cold sores. Influenza brings the flu.
- Fungi: Trichophyton can cause Athlete’s Foot.
- Parasites: Giardia can cause diarrhea.
So how do you fight back?
Here are some simple tips:
Use disinfectants to wipe off all hard surfaces (except for mirrors).
You can use EITHER bleach or vinegar as a safe and effective disinfectant, but do not mix them together.
Use disposable cups.
Store toothbrushes in an upright position.
Pour vinegar down your drains once a week. (Drains are usually the prime breeding ground for germs in a bathroom)
Close the toilet lid before flushing.
Use a squeegee to wipe off shower and tub walls after use to prevent mildew.
Proven hand washing techniques:
1. Wet your hands and work up a good lather, using warm water. Spend at least 20 seconds, making sure that you clean your palms, between your fingers, the back of your hands, your wrists and under your nails. (Sing a chorus of “Row, row, row your boat” to make sure you’ve spent enough time.)
2. Rinse your hands thoroughly, again using warm water.
3. When drying your hands, use a paper towel when possible; because most people do not use a hand dryer long enough to completely dry their hands. Use the air dryer only if there is no alternative, and try not to touch the surface.
4. After drying your hands, use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door, so that you don’t re-contaminate yourself.
Germs are spread every time we touch an object or a person. Not all of them are dangerous, and some bacteria are even helpful. However, your risk of getting sick is increased every time you use a public restroom, as evidenced by a 1996 study conducted by the American Society for Microbiology. They discovered that while 95% of the people surveyed said they washed their hands every time they used a public facility, only about 67% actually did.
A recent nationwide poll showed that 39% of respondents are worried about the germs lurking in public restrooms.
Is there a reason for concern?
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, infectious disease is the number three killer of Americans. They report that 40 million Americans get sick from hand-carried bacteria every year, and 80,000 people die from those germs.
Germs thrive in moist areas, and live off organic waste, which can be found in nearly every public restroom.
What can you “catch” in a public restroom?
Many illnesses that are transmitted in public restrooms include the common cold and flu bugs, intestinal illnesses, and skin infections. There is also a potential danger of picking up the bacteria that can be fatal, from streptococcus, staphylococcus, salmonella, E. coli and even hepatitis A.
People also worry about picking up STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) from toilet seats. Out of all the concerns about germs in public restrooms, STD's are actually the least likely to be a problem. This fear may be due more to urban legend than to anything else. Most of the bacteria and viruses that cause sexually transmitted diseases cannot live long enough outside the body for transfer to occur.
There is a far greater risk of coming into contact with the salmonella and shigella bacteria, which can be transferred by contact with feces. The infected person can transfer the bacteria onto any surface he touches – such as toilet handles, sink faucets and door handles.
What should you look out for?
Over-crowded restrooms, wet floors or puddles, lack of available supplies (toilet paper, soap and paper towels) and foul-smelling odors are all signs of improper maintenance and should be a cause for concern.
Often the odor in public restrooms comes from dried urine in tile grout. Once dry, regular cleaners cannot remove the uric acid salts, and bacteria feed off them. (The odor comes from the bacteria’s digestive process.)
Germs – particularly fecal bacteria, can be shot into the air every time a toilet flushes. This bacterium settles on surfaces throughout the bathroom and is often enough to spread disease.
How can you protect yourself?
First of all, your mother was right. Wash your hands frequently throughout the day, using proven methods of hand washing (see below).
Do not touch your eyes, nose, face or mouth until you’ve washed your hands.
Carry waterless antibiotic hand washing gel with you.
If you’re going to be out and using public facilities, carry your own toilet paper with you.
Try not to use toilet paper that is sitting on the top of the holder, on the back of a toilet or on a shelf.
Never use toilet paper that is wet or damp, or looks as if it might have been wet at one time.
Because the inside surfaces of sinks harbor a large concentration of germs, don’t touch them.
Do not use your hands when you flush the toilet, turn on or off a tap or open the restroom door when leaving.
What about your bathroom at home?
If your home is like millions of others all across America, germs and bacteria are thriving everywhere in your bathroom, blissfully soaking up the nutrients they need on moist surfaces – everything from countertops to cups to toothbrushes to towels.
Bacteria can grow and divide every 20 minutes. A single bacteria cell can become more than 8 million cells in less than 24 hours!
These virus-causing microorganisms can be behind as many as ten colds per year for the average school-aged child. In fact, some cold and flu viruses can linger on surfaces like non-disposable rinsing cups and the inside of sink basins for up to 72 hours – giving them plenty of time to be shared among family members.
Examples of microorganisms that live in our bathrooms are:
- Bacteria: Salmonella causes food poisoning.
- Viruses: Rhinoviruses can cause colds. Herpes Simplex causes cold sores. Influenza brings the flu.
- Fungi: Trichophyton can cause Athlete’s Foot.
- Parasites: Giardia can cause diarrhea.
So how do you fight back?
Here are some simple tips:
Use disinfectants to wipe off all hard surfaces (except for mirrors).
You can use EITHER bleach or vinegar as a safe and effective disinfectant, but do not mix them together.
Use disposable cups.
Store toothbrushes in an upright position.
Pour vinegar down your drains once a week. (Drains are usually the prime breeding ground for germs in a bathroom)
Close the toilet lid before flushing.
Use a squeegee to wipe off shower and tub walls after use to prevent mildew.
Proven hand washing techniques:
1. Wet your hands and work up a good lather, using warm water. Spend at least 20 seconds, making sure that you clean your palms, between your fingers, the back of your hands, your wrists and under your nails. (Sing a chorus of “Row, row, row your boat” to make sure you’ve spent enough time.)
2. Rinse your hands thoroughly, again using warm water.
3. When drying your hands, use a paper towel when possible; because most people do not use a hand dryer long enough to completely dry their hands. Use the air dryer only if there is no alternative, and try not to touch the surface.
4. After drying your hands, use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door, so that you don’t re-contaminate yourself.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Putting a Stop to Food Cravings!
Most of us are "regular" people. We don't eat the perfect diet all the time and have our struggles with food, same as everyone else. But having an awareness of this fact and knowing a little bit about our health and food nutrition can help when it comes to making wise decisions.
Many people struggle with food "cravings." Studies tell us that it's fairly common for food cravings to happen at certain times, quite often at around bedtime. Your guard may be down, you may have had an unusually hard day, and off you go on your not-so-merry way to find that tasty treat. Fatigue and stress often combine to take their toll on the best of intentions.
When food cravings are unconstrained, what starts out as a bedtime snack quickly turns into a full blown feeding frenzy...not something most of us fully understand or appreciate. We head to kitchen and every other place where food can hide, clearing a path as we go.
Most food cravings are not about satisfying a nutritional need or imbalance. They seem to be more emotionally related, or God forbid, are caused by plain old gluttony. Exactly why we over-indulge is not completely understood, however our knowledge about this subject continues to grow.
Listed below are some thoughts and ideas about food cravings:
- If the food isn't available, you can't eat it! Empty the cookie jar and keep it that way! Keep healthy food choices on-hand.
- Recognize the feelings and emotions that lead-up to a food craving. Do you have food cravings when you’re bored, lonely, or stressed? If you can identify a trigger, you can deal with the emotion that’s making you desire a certain food. Try to deal with the triggers in the best way you can.
- Sometimes, even recognizing that a craving is about to happen doesn't seem to help. Don't beat yourself-up. There is always tomorrow. Call a friend, make good use of your support network and share your feelings with someone.
- Get enough sleep. When you’re tired, you’re more likely to crave things.
- Never give-up. When you "slip", press-in, bear-down, get a grip, do whatever is necessary to re-gain control. Try to practice restraint most of the time, but don't get legalistic and un-balanced in your weight loss approach. Think moderation and not abstinence at all times!
- Understand that self-control and discipline by themselves, won't cut it! If you depend totally on yourself for control, you will fail. Forming caring and supportive relationships is required. If you do not currently have a support network, start building one TODAY.
- Exercise. It increases feel-good endorphins that cut down on your cravings. Try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day.
- Use moderation. Instead of stuffing yourself with every kind of food hoping that your craving will go away, eat 100 to 200 calories of your "craved" food.
- Substitute with low-fat foods and complex carbs. If you’re hungry for chocolate, eat non-fat chocolate yogurt. Try fig bars or raisins for a sweet craving.
- Never skip a meal. Eat every three to five hours. Try six smaller meals or regular meals with nutritious snacks.
- Understand that hunger craving are oftentimes stress related. Practice other ways to treat chronic stress – a walk in the park, spiritual connections, a cozy fireplace, baths...all these stimulate neurochemicals that activate regions of the brain that stimulate pleasure. Relaxation techniques may work by reducing the psychological drives on stress output, which can be the root causes of stress. Bottom line, substitute pleasurable experiences for comfort foods.
- Beware of certain medications. They can stimulate appetite. Drugs used for the treatment of depression and bipolar disorder can be appetite stimulants. Other drugs, both prescription and over the counter, may influence appetite as well. If you are on a medication, and troubled by food cravings, discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist. You may be able to find an alternative that doesn't send your cravings out of control.
- Distract Yourself. What's that old expression...idle hands are the devils workshop? Get busy. Do anything other than cave-in to your desire for food, and keep doing it until the cravings subside.
- One final thought, take a look inside your refrigerator and kitchen cabinets and do some general "house cleaning." Throw-out all that unhealthy stuff that is waiting to sabotage your diet, and start shopping more wisely. A little forethought and careful planning will go a long way for improving your chances of success.
Eat wisely, be happy, and live long!
Many people struggle with food "cravings." Studies tell us that it's fairly common for food cravings to happen at certain times, quite often at around bedtime. Your guard may be down, you may have had an unusually hard day, and off you go on your not-so-merry way to find that tasty treat. Fatigue and stress often combine to take their toll on the best of intentions.
When food cravings are unconstrained, what starts out as a bedtime snack quickly turns into a full blown feeding frenzy...not something most of us fully understand or appreciate. We head to kitchen and every other place where food can hide, clearing a path as we go.
Most food cravings are not about satisfying a nutritional need or imbalance. They seem to be more emotionally related, or God forbid, are caused by plain old gluttony. Exactly why we over-indulge is not completely understood, however our knowledge about this subject continues to grow.
Listed below are some thoughts and ideas about food cravings:
- If the food isn't available, you can't eat it! Empty the cookie jar and keep it that way! Keep healthy food choices on-hand.
- Recognize the feelings and emotions that lead-up to a food craving. Do you have food cravings when you’re bored, lonely, or stressed? If you can identify a trigger, you can deal with the emotion that’s making you desire a certain food. Try to deal with the triggers in the best way you can.
- Sometimes, even recognizing that a craving is about to happen doesn't seem to help. Don't beat yourself-up. There is always tomorrow. Call a friend, make good use of your support network and share your feelings with someone.
- Get enough sleep. When you’re tired, you’re more likely to crave things.
- Never give-up. When you "slip", press-in, bear-down, get a grip, do whatever is necessary to re-gain control. Try to practice restraint most of the time, but don't get legalistic and un-balanced in your weight loss approach. Think moderation and not abstinence at all times!
- Understand that self-control and discipline by themselves, won't cut it! If you depend totally on yourself for control, you will fail. Forming caring and supportive relationships is required. If you do not currently have a support network, start building one TODAY.
- Exercise. It increases feel-good endorphins that cut down on your cravings. Try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day.
- Use moderation. Instead of stuffing yourself with every kind of food hoping that your craving will go away, eat 100 to 200 calories of your "craved" food.
- Substitute with low-fat foods and complex carbs. If you’re hungry for chocolate, eat non-fat chocolate yogurt. Try fig bars or raisins for a sweet craving.
- Never skip a meal. Eat every three to five hours. Try six smaller meals or regular meals with nutritious snacks.
- Understand that hunger craving are oftentimes stress related. Practice other ways to treat chronic stress – a walk in the park, spiritual connections, a cozy fireplace, baths...all these stimulate neurochemicals that activate regions of the brain that stimulate pleasure. Relaxation techniques may work by reducing the psychological drives on stress output, which can be the root causes of stress. Bottom line, substitute pleasurable experiences for comfort foods.
- Beware of certain medications. They can stimulate appetite. Drugs used for the treatment of depression and bipolar disorder can be appetite stimulants. Other drugs, both prescription and over the counter, may influence appetite as well. If you are on a medication, and troubled by food cravings, discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist. You may be able to find an alternative that doesn't send your cravings out of control.
- Distract Yourself. What's that old expression...idle hands are the devils workshop? Get busy. Do anything other than cave-in to your desire for food, and keep doing it until the cravings subside.
- One final thought, take a look inside your refrigerator and kitchen cabinets and do some general "house cleaning." Throw-out all that unhealthy stuff that is waiting to sabotage your diet, and start shopping more wisely. A little forethought and careful planning will go a long way for improving your chances of success.
Eat wisely, be happy, and live long!
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Tea Tree Oil - The Medicine Kit in a Bottle
Tea Tree Oil has been known to the Bundjalung Tribe of New South Wales Australia for hundreds of years for its medicinal properties.
This wonder oil was only tested scientifically in the early 1920's by Arthur Penfold and found to be around 12 times more powerful than carbolic acid and yet caused no harm to the skin. It was used extensively by the Australian Defence Force during World War Two but due to the discovery of synthetic drugs did not become popular again until the 1960's.
Over the years it has proved itself as a natural antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory oil. One great development was that it was found to deep penetrate the skin cleaning it and encouraging the formation of scar tissue.
Some of the medical uses include healing blisters, reducing swelling from insect bites and stings, cleaning and healing abrasions and cuts, cures athletes foot and is very helpful in the healing of acne. It will cure a sore throat, cold sores, coughs and dental abscesses. It will solve most day to day first aid and medical problems.
It also lends to daily beauty care as putting drops in shampoo, body lotion, hand cream and in the bath will keep hair and skin clean and healthy. A couple of drops on toothpaste will prevent gum infections and bad breathe. It helps take the sting out of sunburn and softens corns and calluses.
Tea Tree Oil's anti-bacterial properties also extend use in the household chores, making the house clean and healthy. Putting drops in the humidifier will clean, disinfect and refresh the air and putting drops in the dishwasher and washing machine will kill all the germs.
Tea Trees only grow in Australia. There are many brands that are from inferior trees and not from the genuine Tea Tree whose Botanical name is Melaleuca alternifolia. The name Tea Tree was given by Joseph Banks the botanist who traveled with Captain Cook and collected the leaves to make herbal teas.
Your first purchase should be made from a Health Shop until you know how to define whether it is the genuine oil or an inferior oil as the results will obviously not be the same with an inferior product.
There are many excellent websites on the internet and many excellent books which will give you all uses of this wonderful oil. You will be amazed at the excellent results you obtain and will find it is truly a medicine kit in a bottle.
This wonder oil was only tested scientifically in the early 1920's by Arthur Penfold and found to be around 12 times more powerful than carbolic acid and yet caused no harm to the skin. It was used extensively by the Australian Defence Force during World War Two but due to the discovery of synthetic drugs did not become popular again until the 1960's.
Over the years it has proved itself as a natural antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory oil. One great development was that it was found to deep penetrate the skin cleaning it and encouraging the formation of scar tissue.
Some of the medical uses include healing blisters, reducing swelling from insect bites and stings, cleaning and healing abrasions and cuts, cures athletes foot and is very helpful in the healing of acne. It will cure a sore throat, cold sores, coughs and dental abscesses. It will solve most day to day first aid and medical problems.
It also lends to daily beauty care as putting drops in shampoo, body lotion, hand cream and in the bath will keep hair and skin clean and healthy. A couple of drops on toothpaste will prevent gum infections and bad breathe. It helps take the sting out of sunburn and softens corns and calluses.
Tea Tree Oil's anti-bacterial properties also extend use in the household chores, making the house clean and healthy. Putting drops in the humidifier will clean, disinfect and refresh the air and putting drops in the dishwasher and washing machine will kill all the germs.
Tea Trees only grow in Australia. There are many brands that are from inferior trees and not from the genuine Tea Tree whose Botanical name is Melaleuca alternifolia. The name Tea Tree was given by Joseph Banks the botanist who traveled with Captain Cook and collected the leaves to make herbal teas.
Your first purchase should be made from a Health Shop until you know how to define whether it is the genuine oil or an inferior oil as the results will obviously not be the same with an inferior product.
There are many excellent websites on the internet and many excellent books which will give you all uses of this wonderful oil. You will be amazed at the excellent results you obtain and will find it is truly a medicine kit in a bottle.
Friday, July 08, 2005
Popular shampoos contain toxic chemicals
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have found a correlation between an ingredient found in shampoos and nervous system damage. The experiments were conducted with the brain cells of rats and they show that contact with this ingredient called methylisothiazoline, or MIT, causes neurological damage.
Which products contain this chemical compound MIT? Head and Shoulders, Suave, Clairol and Pantene Hair Conditioner all contain this ingredient. Researchers are concerned that exposure to this chemical by pregnant women could put their fetus at risk for abnormal brain development. In other people, exposure could also be a factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease and other nervous system disorders.
The chemical causes these effects by preventing communication between neurons. Essentially, it slows the networking of neurons, and since the nervous system and brain function on a system of neural networks, the slowing of this network will suppress and impair the normal function of the brain and nervous system.
These finding were presented December 5th at the American Society for Cell Biology annual meeting.
I have frequently warned readers about the dangers of using brand-name personal care products. The vast majority of these products contain toxic chemical compounds like MIT that contribute to cancer, liver disorders and neurological diseases. In fact, this chemical, MIT, is just one of dozens of such chemicals that are found in personal care products.
Why are these dangerous personal care products allowed to remain on the market? Because the FDA, which is responsible for regulating these products, spends almost no time, money or effort actually investigating the safety of such products. Instead, the FDA spends the vast majority of its time approving new prescription drugs rather than protecting the public against the dangers from such drugs or personal care products like shampoos, soaps, deodorants and fragrance products.
In fact, it may surprise you to learn that manufacturers can put practically any chemical they want into shampoos, even if it is a hazardous chemical listed in the RTECS database of toxicity and even if it is considered a toxic waste chemical by the EPA. The FDA allows all sorts of chemicals to be used in these products, including chemicals that are known carcinogens and that contribute to liver failure and nervous system disorders. How's that for protecting public health?
Read the whole article at:
Popular shampoos contain toxic chemicals linked to nerve damage
Which products contain this chemical compound MIT? Head and Shoulders, Suave, Clairol and Pantene Hair Conditioner all contain this ingredient. Researchers are concerned that exposure to this chemical by pregnant women could put their fetus at risk for abnormal brain development. In other people, exposure could also be a factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease and other nervous system disorders.
The chemical causes these effects by preventing communication between neurons. Essentially, it slows the networking of neurons, and since the nervous system and brain function on a system of neural networks, the slowing of this network will suppress and impair the normal function of the brain and nervous system.
These finding were presented December 5th at the American Society for Cell Biology annual meeting.
I have frequently warned readers about the dangers of using brand-name personal care products. The vast majority of these products contain toxic chemical compounds like MIT that contribute to cancer, liver disorders and neurological diseases. In fact, this chemical, MIT, is just one of dozens of such chemicals that are found in personal care products.
Why are these dangerous personal care products allowed to remain on the market? Because the FDA, which is responsible for regulating these products, spends almost no time, money or effort actually investigating the safety of such products. Instead, the FDA spends the vast majority of its time approving new prescription drugs rather than protecting the public against the dangers from such drugs or personal care products like shampoos, soaps, deodorants and fragrance products.
In fact, it may surprise you to learn that manufacturers can put practically any chemical they want into shampoos, even if it is a hazardous chemical listed in the RTECS database of toxicity and even if it is considered a toxic waste chemical by the EPA. The FDA allows all sorts of chemicals to be used in these products, including chemicals that are known carcinogens and that contribute to liver failure and nervous system disorders. How's that for protecting public health?
Read the whole article at:
Popular shampoos contain toxic chemicals linked to nerve damage
Saturday, July 02, 2005
Exercise helps contol your diabetes
There are two main types of diabetes, type I and type II. Type I
diabetes is characterized by the pancreas making too little or no
insulin. An individual with diabetes type I will have to inject
insulin throughout the day in order to control glucose levels.
Type II diabetes, also known as adult onset diabetes, is
characterized by the pancreas not producing enough insulin to
control glucose levels or the cells not responding to insulin.
When a cell does not respond to insulin, it is known as insulin
resistance. When a subject is diagnosed with type II diabetes,
exercise and weight control are prescribed as measures to help
with insulin resistance. If this does not control glucose levels,
then medication is prescribed. The risk factors for type II
diabetes include: inactivity, high cholesterol, obesity, and
hypertension. Inactivity alone is a very strong risk factor that
has been proven to lead to diabetes type II. Exercise will have a
positive effect on diabetes type II while improving insulin
sensitivity while type I cannot be controlled be an exercise
program. Over 90% of individuals with diabetes have type II.
Exercise causes the body to process glucose faster, which lowers
blood sugar. The more intense the exercise, the faster the body
will utilize glucose. Therefore it is important to understand the
differences in training with type I and type II diabetes. It is
important for an individual who has diabetes to check with a
physician before beginning an exercise program. When training
with a diabetic, it is important to understand the dangers of
injecting insulin immediately prior to exercise. An individual
with type I diabetes injecting their normal amount of insulin for
a sedentary situation can pose the risk of hypoglycemia or
insulin shock during exercise. General exercise guidelines for
type I are as follows: allow adequate rest during exercise
sessions to prevent high blood pressure, use low impact exercises
and avoid heavy weight lifting, and always have a supply of
carbohydrates nearby. If blood sugar levels get too low, the
individual may feel shaky, disoriented, hungry, anxious, become
irritable or experience trembling. Consuming a carbohydrate snack
or beverage will alleviate these symptoms in a matter of
minutes.
Before engaging in exercise, it is important for blood sugar
levels to be tested to make sure that they are not below 80 to
100 mg/dl range and not above 250 mg/dl. Glucose levels should
also be tested before, during, after and three to five hours
after exercise. During this recovery period (3-5 hours after
exercise), it is important for diabetics to consume ample
carbohydrates in order to prevent hypoglycemia.
Exercise will greatly benefit an individual with type II diabetes
because of its positive effects on insulin sensitivity. Proper
exercise and nutrition are the best forms of prevention for type
II diabetics. It is important for training protocols to be
repeated almost daily to help with sustaining insulin
sensitivity. To prevent hypoglycemia, progressively work up to
strenuous activity.
As with individuals with type I diabetes, carbohydrates should
also be present during training to assist in raising blood sugar
levels if the individual becomes low.
diabetes is characterized by the pancreas making too little or no
insulin. An individual with diabetes type I will have to inject
insulin throughout the day in order to control glucose levels.
Type II diabetes, also known as adult onset diabetes, is
characterized by the pancreas not producing enough insulin to
control glucose levels or the cells not responding to insulin.
When a cell does not respond to insulin, it is known as insulin
resistance. When a subject is diagnosed with type II diabetes,
exercise and weight control are prescribed as measures to help
with insulin resistance. If this does not control glucose levels,
then medication is prescribed. The risk factors for type II
diabetes include: inactivity, high cholesterol, obesity, and
hypertension. Inactivity alone is a very strong risk factor that
has been proven to lead to diabetes type II. Exercise will have a
positive effect on diabetes type II while improving insulin
sensitivity while type I cannot be controlled be an exercise
program. Over 90% of individuals with diabetes have type II.
Exercise causes the body to process glucose faster, which lowers
blood sugar. The more intense the exercise, the faster the body
will utilize glucose. Therefore it is important to understand the
differences in training with type I and type II diabetes. It is
important for an individual who has diabetes to check with a
physician before beginning an exercise program. When training
with a diabetic, it is important to understand the dangers of
injecting insulin immediately prior to exercise. An individual
with type I diabetes injecting their normal amount of insulin for
a sedentary situation can pose the risk of hypoglycemia or
insulin shock during exercise. General exercise guidelines for
type I are as follows: allow adequate rest during exercise
sessions to prevent high blood pressure, use low impact exercises
and avoid heavy weight lifting, and always have a supply of
carbohydrates nearby. If blood sugar levels get too low, the
individual may feel shaky, disoriented, hungry, anxious, become
irritable or experience trembling. Consuming a carbohydrate snack
or beverage will alleviate these symptoms in a matter of
minutes.
Before engaging in exercise, it is important for blood sugar
levels to be tested to make sure that they are not below 80 to
100 mg/dl range and not above 250 mg/dl. Glucose levels should
also be tested before, during, after and three to five hours
after exercise. During this recovery period (3-5 hours after
exercise), it is important for diabetics to consume ample
carbohydrates in order to prevent hypoglycemia.
Exercise will greatly benefit an individual with type II diabetes
because of its positive effects on insulin sensitivity. Proper
exercise and nutrition are the best forms of prevention for type
II diabetics. It is important for training protocols to be
repeated almost daily to help with sustaining insulin
sensitivity. To prevent hypoglycemia, progressively work up to
strenuous activity.
As with individuals with type I diabetes, carbohydrates should
also be present during training to assist in raising blood sugar
levels if the individual becomes low.
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