Cholesterol is a type of fat made in the liver and found in animal foods.
CHOLESTEROL IS NEEDED FOR IMPORTANT BODY FUNCTIONS. Such as...
* Building cell walls
* Protecting nerves
* Making hormones.
THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF CHOLESTEROL.
* THE GOOD. (HDL or High Density Lipid)
* THE BAD and the UGLY!! (LDL or Low Density Lipid.)
A higher level of HDL is needed to carry LDL from the BLOOD back to the
LIVER to be ELIMINATED from the body.
If there is a higher level of LDL cholesterol in the BLOOD this may:
* Cause high blood pressure!
* Raise your risk of heart attack!
* Raise your risk of stroke!
* Cause the kidneys to fail!
HOW ??
Cholesterol is broken down into LDL which is needed by the body cells. Once
the cells are satisfied the unused LDL remains to become what is known as
blood cholesterol.
The main danger of high blood cholesterol is that fatty plaques may form
which will decrease the diameter of blood vessels. This leads to a
restriction of the flow of blood and oxygen to the tissues of the body.
* If an artery supplying blood to the HEART becomes blocked you may have a
heart attack!
* If an artery supplying blood to the BRAIN becomes blocked you may have a
Stroke!
* If an artery supplying blood to the kidney becomes blocked you may suffer
kidney failure.
WHAT CAUSES HIGH BLOOD CHOLESTEROL?
The main causes are:
* Eating too much high saturated fat. i.e. fat found in butter and dairy
products, cakes biscuits and take away foods.
* Being overweight.
* Not exercising.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO LOWER YOUR CHOLESTEROL?
YOU CAN ......eat more:
* Fruits and vegetables.
* Oily fish (tuna, mackeral and herring).
* Skinless chicken.
* Fibre rich foods, e.g. oats and wholemeal bread.
YOU CAN.... eat less
* Fried take away fast foods.
* High fat dairy products and eggs.
* Saturated fats and oils.
* Biscuits, cakes and pastries.
YOU CAN... USE
* Unsaturated margarine instead of butter.
* Unsaturated oils (olive oil) instead of lard.
* Low fat cooking methods: steaming, grilling and microwaving.
YOU SHOULD...
* Make exercise a part of your day. (Walking is good).
* Not smoke
* Drink more water.
THE LINK BETWEEN BLOOD CHOLESTEROL LEVELS AND HEART DISEASE IS CLEAR.
STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT IF AN AVERAGE MAN CAN REDUCE HIS BLOOD CHOLESTEROL
BY ONLY 10% HE CAN REDUCE HIS RISK OF HEART ATTACK BY UP TO 50%!!
Start NOW to make the changes because.....
YOUR HEALTH AND WELL BEING ARE IMPORTANT
TO YOU AND TO US!!
Wishing You A Healthy Life
These five hot spices can be good for everything from easing arthritis pain to keeping your heart healthy.
Recent studies suggest that when it comes to cuisine, kicking it up a notch can be as good for your health as it is tasty for your palate.
Some spices, particularly hot ones, contain phytochemicals that may help ward off cell damage associated with chronic diseases.
Chili Powder
Potential health perk: Relieves achy joints.
Research shows that capsaicin, found in chili peppers, has an anti-inflammatory effect, which may help ease arthritic swelling and pain.
Hot way to dish it: Sprinkle a few shakes of chili powder and salt on baked French fries.
Cinnamon
Potential health perk: Protects against Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
A 2003 study found that about half a teaspoon lowered blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.
Hot way to dish it: Mix half a teaspoon of cinnamon into your coffee, or jazz up whipped cream with a couple of pinches.
Curry Powder
Potential health perk: Safeguards your brain.
The yellow curry pigment curcumin may fight Alzheimer's by thwarting development of the disease's signature amyloid brain plaques, says a study.
Hot way to dish it: Whisk 1 1/2 teaspoons mild curry powder into mayonnaise to dress up sandwiches.
Garlic
Potential health perk: Improves your heart's health.
Brigham Young University researchers found that garlic consumption can lower total cholesterol and triglyceride levels by an average of 10 percent.
Hot way to dish it: Add minced garlic and chopped cucumber to plain yogurt for a light dip or salad dressing.
Wasabi
Potential health perk: Prevents ulcers.
A 2004 South Korean study suggests Japanese horseradish can kill ulcer-causing Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Plant chemicals may also prevent tooth decay.
Hot way to dish it: Mix a smidgen of wasabi paste with mashed avocado for a snappier guacamole.
I came across an article talking about hazardous effects of mercury in the CFLs bulbs on unborn babies and children. We simply throw them away when they stop working without realizing the effects. Unfortunately we don’t have proper infrastructure to dispose and recycle them. Guess the best option is to stop using them completely or may be ban them too!!
Whenever you are fixing a salad, there are always a few ingredients that instantly come to mind. There is really no helping it, you will either think of lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers. You are possibly thinking of cheese and your favorite dressing too, but in any case, all of those ingredients are already too cliché. You can be very creative when it comes to salads too, and we get to explore other salad fixing ideas through this article.
When you go visit your favorite salad bar, I bet the first thing you will see is the lettuce section. As a matter of fact, creativity starts with this basic ingredient among salads. Chances are that the salad bar you frequent will contain other types of lettuce. Instead of choosing the one you like, try mixing them all up. The taste difference can be subtle, but this is where it all starts.
Next, try adding more of those vibrant colored vegetables into your salad. If you think about it, vegetables with different colors not only act as a decoration to your meal but can be very appetizing as well. Carrots and peppers look nice in a salad, or opt in for some “bloom” by adding in broccolis, cauliflowers or mushrooms too.
Most vegetables used in stir fry are also perfect as salad fixings. Zucchinis and baby ears of corn are perfect examples. Most people don’t even think about adding these ingredients for a salad, but actually they contribute a great deal of flavor if added into the mix.
All in all, a salad can be fixed with just about any vegetable you can think of. There is a reason why salads are considered to be very healthy meals, and are used frequently by those who are in diet or watching their weights. Just think about the nutritional value of each salad serving, especially when you add all the fixings just mentioned above.
It is not only vegetables that add nutritional value to a salad. For a really well rounded meal, you can also add fruit into the mix. Most salad bars contain apples, pineapples and bananas. Other than these, there are also a couple of berry types you can use. Dried fruits like raisins or prunes add a lot of flavor to the mix. Generally, fruits are sweet and can really satisfy your palate. They add a lot of vitamins and minerals too, which means you’re adding more nutrition to your meal besides those from the vegetables.
Lastly, it’s worth considering also those toppings you see at the end of the salad bar line. Seeds, nuts and meat bits populate this area and instead of just going with the conventional cheese, why not add these ingredients too? You’ll be surprised at how much flavor they can contribute to your salad. The trick is just to experiment, and you’ll soon have your new favorites at the end of the meal.
In summary, when it comes to salad fixings, the sky is really the limit to how much experiment you can do. It’s hard to break a tried and tested recipe, but as you try new things you might have never imagined eating in a salad, you’ll soon find the new ingredients worth the taste too. Give those neglected fixings a chance, it’s really much better and more fun that way.
How to Properly Clean Your Nose to Fight Sinusitis and Allergies
Sinusitis and Allergies negatively impact tens of millions of Americans in the workplace, at home and at leisure. Each year they suffer the same symptoms because they continue to treat their conditions by blindly following commercials designed to market medications targeting symptom relief for sinus headaches, sinus congestion, post nasal drip and a runny nose. Eventually the body develops resistance to the pharmacologic effects of these medications and newer generations of antihistamines, decongestants, expectorants, nasal steroids and antibiotics have to be utilized to obtain some form of relief as the body battles to fight off symptoms and/or infection.
You may be thinking right about now; “what else can I possibly do?”
Below is a simple phrase, direct and comical, that should help you to remember how to begin treating the underlying condition instead of just seeking symptomatic relief:
Hose Your Nose!
I do not mean spraying a garden hose into each nostril and flushing your nose like a car radiator. One of the most effective ways to remove pollens, animal dander, insect waste, molds and chemical irritants is by practicing some form of sinus irrigation. There are several forms of sinus irrigation that are adopted by individuals fortunate enough to have been made aware that this solution even exists. I only recently became aware of nasal irrigation a few years ago and I am into my mid forties. However, not all forms of sinus irrigation provide the same level of effectiveness to relieve sinus sufferers of their symptoms and to restore their noses to top working condition.
For your consideration:
The neti pot is a plastic, ceramic or metal container that looks very similar to Aladdin’s lamp or a distorted tea kettle. The neti pot is filled with a salt water solution and the spout is directed into one nostril and poured into the nose. People often report the awkwardness and messiness resulting from using a neti pot. It does provide some benefit to rinse the nose of allergens that are in contact with the inner lining of the nose. However, it is limited in scope to efficiently cleanse the cilia in the nose of gummy, infectious mucous; the bulk of the solution poured into the nose flows directly over the top of the bio film covering the cilia. If the hair-like cilia in your nose are unable to oscillate freely, the mucous in your nose becomes stagnant and breeding grounds for bacterial and viral infections.
Lavage bottles or sinus rinse bottles hold a salt water solution. When squeezed a large volume of water is channeled through a spout and forced into a nostril. Once again, they may be effective at rinsing out allergens; however, the solution typically will flow over the top of the bio film covering the cilia. Sinus irrigation is most effective when you restore the mucociliary system to transport mucous to the back of the throat.
The good news is that neti pots and lavage bottles have been dramatically improved upon. Pulsatile Irrigation Systems delivers a soothing stream of a saline solution into your nostrils that provides immediate natural relief. Pulsatile Irrigation accomplishes two different objectives. First, it flushes out the reactive allergens adhering to the inside of your nose. Second, the pulsating action of the saline solution gently erodes way the thick, infectious bio film preventing the mucociliary system from performing the function of ridding the nose of debris. Respiraid is a company with the mission to help people breathe more freely and distributes a cost effective and convenient to use Pulsatile Irrigation System.
Here is the bottom line; washing out a cut or laceration is common protocol to prevent infection. Does it not make sense to clean your nose?
The purpose of this article is to inspire people to think more practically about how to treat their underlying sinus conditions. Medication does play an important role in alleviating symptoms and promoting healing when appropriate. Consult your medical provider to discern how you may be able to reduce your dependence upon or increase the effectiveness of medications designed to help sufferers of sinusitis and allergies.
When you have acne breakouts, the best thing that you should do is to practice proper hygiene and skin care. You should also improve on your diet. If simple lifestyle changes won’t work, then perhaps the use of acne treatment products should be considered.
Most acne treatment products get rid of acne by reducing the amount of oil produced in the body. The components of the products speed up skin cell turnover and unclog the pores of the skin. They also fight the acne producing bacteria and get rid of the infection and the skin inflammation. In most cases however, the ingredients may cause an acne breakout before the actual acne treatment procedure. Regardless of the severity of the skin condition, it is advised that patients should first consult with their dermatologist or physician before using any kind of acne treatment product.
Acne Treatments That You Can Choose From
Topical Treatments
For those who have mild cases of acne breakout, acne lotions and creams are often recommended. These topical medications work by reducing the oil in the skin and killing the bacteria that causes the acne. They also get rid of the dead skin cells. Most of the over the counter lotions and creams contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, and/ or salicylic acid. As for the prescription topical medications that are provided for those who have moderate cases of acne, they contain vitamin A components that prevent the plugging of the pores.
Antibiotics
For those who have severely inflamed acne cases, most dermatologists will suggest the use of antibiotics. These medications are often obtained only when prescribed by a physician. Antibiotics get rid of acne by reducing the bacteria that clogs the pores and then diminishing the skin inflammation. In severe cases, the patient is required to take the antibiotics for a couple of weeks or even for months. Most of the time, these medications are paired with prescription topical creams.
Isotretinoin
When acne creams, lotions, and antibiotics do not work, isotretinoin is sometimes used. This medication is sometimes recommended for deep cysts and for scarring cystic acne. Even in the most severe cases of acne, this medicine works effectively. Despite the efficiency of the treatment however, it should be noted that such may cause severe side effects as well. That is why close monitoring and guidance of dermatologists are needed.
According to the results of some clinical studies, isotretinoin may cause severe birth defects. As a result, it should not be taken by pregnant women or women who belong to the reproductive age. Aside from birth defects, the use of this drug can also cause an increase in the triglyceride levels of a person, as well as an increase in the cholesterol level in the bloodstream. Some also report that the drug may also cause an increase in the enzyme levels of the liver. When taken continuously, the product user may also develop inflammatory bowel diseases.
Oral contraceptives
Some contraceptives – particularly birth control pills – can be used to control the occurrence of acne. The most common oral contraceptives used as acne treatment solutions are the combination of norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol (Ortho Cyclen, Ortho Tri Cyclen). Based on some clinical studies, these chemical components may regulate hormonal levels and decrease a person’s susceptibility to acne breakouts. However, some oral contraceptives may cause some side effects.
HAIR MAINTENANCE
There are a few things you can do on a regular basis that will improve the overall health and appearance of your hair, as well as a few things you can avoid. In general, here’s a few standards:
· Brush your hair: Yep, the good old fashioned hundred strokes. This stimulates blood supply to the scalp, removes dead skin cells from the scalp before they can get infected, and distributes sebum over the hair shaft for moisturizing and protection. Bend over from the waist and hang limply while doing some of the brushing. Use a natural bristle brush or other gentle brush. Be careful and don’t hurry. Better to go slow and only get 30 strokes in, than go fast and risk breaking or pulling out your hair. Get into the habit of brushing your hair thoroughly before washing it.
· Massage your scalp: Before you stop to groom and brush your hair during the day, make a point of doing a quick scalp massage first. Slip your fingers into your hair, and using just the pads of your fingers, massage in small circular motions over your scalp. Using your finger pads will keep you from breaking your hair, scratching your scalp and messing up your style too much. Then restyle, re-spray (if you use it) and go...
· Break Day: Get into the habit of giving your hair a break once a week. It is not necessary to wash your hair every day (unless you are a teenager, have a dirty job or work up a real sweat every day). If you are over the age of 20, and do not have any rashes or infections (like dandruff), give your hair a break for a whole day. Pick a day where you normally do not go out, or just do housework and run errands. Do not wash with shampoo and do not heat style. If you just feel too grubby and must do something, after brushing your hair thoroughly to distribute the sebum, simply wet your hair, apply a little daily conditioner to the ends, rinse well, and then pull back into a “wet look” ponytail or bun. Give your hair a break from shampooing once a week, and whenever possible, from blow-drying and heat styling.
· Conditioning Treatment: Unless you have very fine, limp hair, get into the habit of applying a deep conditioning treatment to your hair once a week. Deep conditioners are not the same as daily conditioners, and homemade preparations work really well. Coconut oil is especially good for hair conditioning. Brush your hair, wash it lightly, and then towel dry. Apply your deep conditioner and then wrap your head in a heated towel to open the hair cuticle and allow the conditioner to soak in. Leave for 10 minutes to half and hour. Then rinse thoroughly in warm water to remove the conditioner residue that remains, then cool water to close the hair cuticle. Rinsing your hair in cool water can be a little uncomfortable, but it can do amazing things for the appearance of your hair. It closes the hair cuticle close to the shaft, which increases shine and manageability, and helps to keep hair strong. A mixture of cool water and lemon juice is even better for shine and strength (a half of a teaspoon of lemon juice in two quarts of cool water is sufficient).
· Daily Conditioner: Get into the habit of applying a daily conditioner to hair ends every time you shampoo. This will reduce slit ends, discoloration when coloring, damage when heat styling and reduce the need for frequent trims. Use a product designed for thermal styling if you frequently blow-dry, use a curling iron or hot rollers.
· Haircuts: Get into the habit of getting your hair trimmed when it needs to be. Again, this reduces split ends and keeps excess weight off your hair (which can cause breakage). About once every 8 weeks is right for shoulder length or longer hair, once every 6 weeks for shorter styles.
· Up-Dos: Yep, that’s right – if you have long hair and want to keep it that way - put your hair up when possible. I’m not suggesting you look like an librarian every day, but one of the reasons that women grew such long beautiful hair back in the “old days” is because they wore it up all the time. The weight of your hair can stimulate the start of the telogen phase. When hair is weighed down and very long, it stops growing and falls out, or simply breaks off. Putting your hair up frequently will keep that weight off the root of the hair. You can pin it up gently with bobby pins or a banana clip when running errands, doing housework, cooking dinner, doing yard work, messing around on your computer, watching TV, etc. Now, this depends on your hair style and hair length. If you have a short hairstyle, this step is not only unnecessary – it’s impossible. However, if you have shoulder length or longer hair, and want it to be as thick and healthy looking as possible, make it a point to put it up and keep the weight off your scalp. The other upside is that it will help keep the hair out of dinner.
How to Wash Your Hair
Believe it or not, there is a right way to wash your hair. Treat it like the finest silk! If you’ve ever made the mistake of running a pair of expensive silk hose through your washing machine, you’ll know what I mean.
Here a few tips for avoid causing any excess damage to your hair while washing it:
1. Let your hair hang naturally when you wash it; either standing in the shower or with your head leaning over the bath, or in a shampoo sink. NEVER – NEVER – NEVER – pile it up on your head to wash.
2. Wet your hair with warm water (not hot) to prepare it for shampooing. Keep the pressure on the showerhead gentle enough to avoid excess water pressure on your hair.
3. Pour shampoo into the palm of your hand.
4. Work the shampoo into a lather in your hand, and apply to your scalp. Work the shampoo into your scalp all over your head by massaging with your fingertips (not your fingernails). Move fingers from one area of your head to the other by lifting the fingers and then placing them elsewhere on your head. Do NOT drag them through your hair. Remember, hair is the most vulnerable to damage and breakage when it is wet. If your hair is particularly dirty or oily, you can work the shampoo through to the ends. If your hair is very dry or processed, you may just want to wash your scalp, and let the shampoo pick up any dirt or oil on the ends as it’s rinsed out.
5. Rinse hair thoroughly with lukewarm water. Ensure that you allow it to hang naturally. You may spread it out gently with your fingertips if it’s long and needs extra help getting out the shampoo.
6. If you chose to use a rinse-out conditioner, this is the time. Unlike shampooing, apply conditioners to the ends of your hair, and if your hair is generally dry, apply the remainder on your hands gently to the roots. Repeat the rinse.
7. Towel dry gently. The new hair towel wraps are excellent, keep hair in place and aren’t heavy like a towel wrap so there’s less risk of breakage to your hair.
8. Once hair is towel-dried you can apply a leave-in conditioner.
9. ALWAYS comb wet hair with a wide-tooth comb– NEVER brush wet hair.
10. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER sleep on wet hair – it is vulnerable when wet, and can break easily as you turn on your pillow. Even if it doesn’t break, it roughs up the cuticle and makes it look dull.
11. Air dry hair whenever possible
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