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Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Floor Wax: More Trouble than it’s Worth

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Floor Wax: More Trouble than it’s Worth

Floor wax might shine up your floors and make them look brand new but they also contain Styrene, a chemical that not only disrupts the endocrine system, but also affects your reproductive system, central nervous system and your liver. While you are making sure that your floors are clean and shiny enough to eat on, your body is fighting off the effects of this chemical and losing the battle.

Since Styrene is known to be a carcinogen, you would think that they would no longer be allowed to add this chemical into products you use in your home, but you’d be wrong; it is up to you to make the right decision regarding the products you bring into your home and those you don’t.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Air Fresheners and Indoor Pollution

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Air Fresheners and Indoor Pollution

Phthalates have been known to disrupt the endocrine system, and they are known to cause cancer. "So what’s the big deal", you might ask, "I don’t see them in any of my household cleaning products?" Well, you wouldn’t, because there is no law stating that your household cleaning (and personal) products carry a label stating whether it contains phthalates or not.

And where are Phthalates most often used? In your fragrances, including household fresheners. The more you use these fresheners, the more you’re allowing this harmful chemical to gather in your home, and this means that you are constantly breathing this substance in, allowing it to damage your body.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Why Anxiety Affects Lives

Stress is a silent killer and it slowly eats away at our mental and physical capacities until we decide to combat it or simply succumb to its tyranny. Everyone has heard about the negative effects of stress and how it is damaging our bodies, but most people do not realize that stress is much like pain; even though it is unpleasant, it is also useful in the right amounts.

Pain lets you know that something is wrong and it is your body’s way of telling you to pay attention. Stress and anxiety work in much the same way; it is your brain’s way of telling you that you are facing an important challenge, and it can help you focus on the tasks ahead. So, when does it become unhealthy? Like pain, it is unhealthy when it is overwhelming or when the “signal” is broken and there is no need for anxiety.

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Healthy Anxiety: The Evolution of the Fight or Flight Response

Healthy anxiety is an evolutionary tool that once worked along with our flight or fight response. The feeling you get when you are about to write a big exam or face a boardroom full of expectant investors is part of that response system, and it allows us to focus all our energies on the task and get it done. This is called healthy anxiety and it is part of our natural range of defenses. When this system goes haywire, we are “on edge” too often and this can quickly weigh on our energy levels, our mental capacities, and even our emotional capacities.

Why Anxiety Affects Lives

When Anxiety Begins to Take Over

Generally anxious people tend to be anxious about everything, and you can imagine how this begins to wear them down. When you are anxious, your body prepares itself for that same “fight or flight” reaction that you would get when you confronted a fierce animal or when you are about to give a speech in a large auditorium. Without realizing it, most people go days, weeks and even years in this state, and gradually their bodies begin to tire. People that are overly anxious tend to forget things more easily (a fact which causes their anxiety levels to rise), they tend to be more overly emotional, and they tend to sleep poorly. In order to rest well, your mind needs to be calm and relaxed, and those that spend their days in an anxious state find it more difficult to “switch off”.

Locating the Problem and Finding the Solution

Anxiety can truly affect every aspect of your life, and the problem is that you might not even be aware of it. When you are anxious constantly, your body begins to grow accustomed to it and so you tend to forget what it was like to let go of the anxiety until the time calls for it. Most people do not realize the strain they are putting their bodies through until they begin to get ulcers, panic attacks, or even cancer, and so it is very important for you to begin recognizing the signs early so that you can find ways to combat this problem. Anxiety does not have to control your life; once you recognize it, you can take measures to ensure that it is a helpful part of your existence and not your master.

What is Cardiovascular Disease?

What is Cardiovascular Disease?



Cardiovascular disease is a name given to a range of conditions that negatively affect the heart and its blood vessels. These disorders develop due to many different conditions, both environmental and genetic, but understanding the risk factors can assist you in lowering your chances of developing one of these disorders.

The Most Common Causes of Cardiovascular Disease

Heart disease can be caused by genetic malformations or through incorrect diet, a lack of exercise or unhealthy habits. The most common cause of heart disease is plaque buildup around the arteries of the heart and this is due to a number of problems, including: Fibrin, fat, cholesterol, calcium and cellular waste.

Cholesterol and your Heart

We all know that high levels of cholesterol is bad for our hearts, and this is why experts emphasize the need for a healthy diet and exercise; but, did you know that you get good and bad types of cholesterol? The two types are characterized as low density lipoproteins and high density lipoproteins, and when you have too much of the low density lipoproteins and too little of the high density lipoproteins, you are putting yourself at risk for heart disease.

The Different Types of Cardiovascular Diseases

There are 4 main types of cardiovascular diseases and they are: heart failure, heart valve disease, Arrhythmia and heart attacks. Each of these types of heart disease has different causes and methods of treatment, and it is important to get to know each one so that you can take measures to prevent it from affecting you in the future.

Heart failure occurs when the heart attempts to pump blood throughout the body without having access to an adequate supply. When this happens, the heart works furiously to supply all of the organs with enough blood and eventually tires. The slowing down of the heart leads to failure, but you can prevent this by exercising regularly and making sure that you eat proper foods.

Heart valve diseases occur when the valves within the heart do not function as they should. When this happens, the blood that is supposed to be pumped through the body begins to leak into certain chambers of your heart and this leads to a range of problems, including clots. This type of problem can be treated by making prescribed lifestyle changes or undergoing a medical procedure.

Arrhythmias occur when the heart beats much too fast or much too slow and this can eventually lead to clotting.


Lastly, heart attacks occur when one of the muscles within the heart becomes clogged for a certain amount of time. The only way to treat this problem is to unblock the muscle as soon as possible. If the problem is not treated quickly enough, the affected muscle might die.

Taking Care of your Heart

Your heart is the engine of your body, and you need to make yourself aware of the necessary measures to prevent heart disease from occurring. By eating healthy, exercising regularly, and undergoing regular checkups, you can take measures to treat early signs of heart disease or prevent them from affecting you at all.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

The Most Effective Treatments for ArthritisSome Query

The Most Effective Treatments for Arthritis



People who are suffering from the near debilitating effects of Arthritis often wonder whether they are taking the correct medications. Arthritis can develop slowly or very suddenly, but the disease is painful, chronic and difficult to treat. Those who have been using chemical medications to treat this disease might find that the side-effects often worsen the situation, however effective they might be.

Treating the Disease

The problem with Arthritis is that it is a condition that you treat, not cure. When doctors speak of treating this disease, they often focus on attempting to slow the rate of the progression and attempt to avoid further damage from occurring within the joints. For those that are looking for long term relief, a combination of chemical and alternative treatments might be viable.

Chemical Medications for Arthritis

Chemical medications for this disease include anti-rheumatic, disease-modifying drugs, pain medications and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. While these drugs do help in relieving the pain and slowing the progression of the ailment, they are often complimented with steroid injections that target particularly problematic joints. Since many suffers are not willing to put their bodies through such experiences simply to find some relief, more and more people are looking towards alternative remedies and altering their diets in an attempt to find a more plausible solution.

Alternative Remedies for Arthritis

Alternative remedies for this ailment range from acupuncture to magnetic treatments, and these treatments seem to be having a positive effect on many Arthritis suffers. Since certain treatments work better for some than others, those that are affected by this disease should be willing to try a range of different treatments before they settle on one.

Alternative remedies for this problem include natural herbs and supplements that mimic the chemical medications prescribed by doctors. Instead of taking pain medications, for instance, many Arthritis patients are turning to pain relieving herbs, such as Capsaicin, Devil’s claw and Primrose Oil. When it comes to inflammation issues, foods such as fruits, beans and vegetables work as inflammatory medications.

Consulting with a Medical Practitioner

Before you go ahead and stop all of your prescribed Arthritis medications, it should be noted that clinical studies are in dire need when it comes to natural and alternative remedies for Arthritis. Those that opt for these types of treatments have already found the chemical treatments to be ineffective and it is a personal decision to try another treatment. It is important that you consult with your medical practitioner about trying herbal or natural remedies.

Choosing the Right Treatment for you

The right treatment for Arthritis is a personal decision, one that you will need to make with the help of your medical practitioner. If you are willing to try alternative remedies, you might be surprised at how effective they can be, but this is not a decision that should be taken lightly. Consulting with your medical practitioner will help you to decide whether you are able to risk trying alternative remedies to see if they will assist you better than chemical medications, but this is only the first step in a long journey to finding the more effective treatment for your Arthritis.

The Dangers of Formaldehyde in Everyday Products

The Dangers of Formaldehyde in Everyday Products



Formaldehyde is an odorless and tasteless gas that does not leave a smell and this makes it extremely difficult to locate. This gas tends to collect in homes and causes a range of medical problems, from eye irritations to respiratory problems, but most people do not even know it’s there. So, how do you find out whether this toxic gas is secretly entering your home? Simply turn to the products in your kitchen or your bathroom; chances are you are buying it and bringing it in.

Formaldehyde: the Toxic Gas Used to Manufacturer just about Anything

The gas that sends chills up most people’s spines is used in so many different manufacturing processes that it can now be located in everything from the furniture in your home to the shampoo you use. The glues that are used to put furniture together contain Formaldehyde, and so do many paints that are used on walls. When it comes to products in your home, if it does not say “biodegradable” on the product, then you are probably exposing yourself and your family to this toxic gas.

Formaldehyde in the Kitchen

If you cook on a kerosene, gas or wood stove, this gas is being released in your home without your knowledge. Unfortunately, there are not many ways in which you can prepare your food without creating some form of this gas, and so the best way to prevent a buildup of this gas in your home is to keep your house properly ventilated, especially during the winter when you tend to keep your home insulated from outdoor elements.

The Toxin with Many Names

Manufacturers have become crafty when it comes to hiding the toxic chemicals used to manufacturer their products, and so it might not always help to look to the label to find out whether the product contains Formaldehyde or not. Manufacturers who want to hide the fact that this toxin is being included in the manufacturing of their products simply rename the toxin, so when you read words like “Formalin”, “Methanal” or “Methylene Oxide”, you should be cautious about purchasing it.

The Health Implications of Formaldehyde Exposure

Constant expose to this chemical can cause a range of health problems, from eye and skin irritations to respiration problems. Lethargy, nausea and headaches are also common issues related to Formaldehyde exposure, but the severity of the reactions will range from mild to more severe, depending on the individual in question.

Limiting your Exposure to Formaldehyde

There are various ways in which you can limit your exposure to this chemical, but proper ventilation is one of the most effective ways. Being cautious about the products you purchase is also extremely important, and you can make sound decisions concerning the purchasing of everyday products by being aware of the items that contain Formaldehyde and all chemicals that are associated with it.



The department of health and safety in the U.S provides guidelines for people who want to make themselves aware of the products containing this gas, and it is worth going through the list to make sure that you are not putting yourself or your family at risk.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Shingles VS Chicken Pox




Chicken Pox and Shingles are viruses that present very similar symptoms, and both of these viruses are contagious in some way, but what is the difference between the two? Who is at risk for catching these viruses? Although both Shingles and Chicken Pox are fairly common viruses, they can lead to serious complications if they are not treated properly and understanding the difference between the two will help you to determine the best method of treatment.

Chicken Pox and Children

Chicken Pox is medically known as the “Varicella Virus”, and it is characterized by mild fevers, itchy rashes that present as blisters, and fatigue. The virus is usually only contagious about 2 days before the blisters are formed, and remains contagious until most of these blisters have begun to form a crust.

While there are some adults who have never had Chicken Pox, most parents will ensure that their children are exposed to the virus at some point or another simply to get it “over with”. The reason parents expose their children to this virus is because you only get Chicken Pox once (only in very rare cases does it occur twice, and then it is a very mild form of the virus), and this virus can be very dangerous to adults.

Parents who want to expose their children to this virus will usually take them on “playdates” with other children who have the virus, because it is spread through the blisters or through coughing or sneezing.



Shingles: The Herpes Zoster Virus

Shingles are caused by a virus called the Herpes Zoster Virus, and it is present in individuals who have had Chicken Pox before, even if they were very young. This virus is usually only present in adults, especially when their immune systems are compromised by stress or sickness, and it can appear at any time. Chicken Pox and Shingles share the fact that you can only get them once, but the symptoms are slightly different in either case.

Shingles cause painful blisters to form on the body of the patient, but the virus can only be spread through the liquid in the blisters and not through the air. Those that are affected by Shingles are able to go to work and socialize normally, but they should make sure that no one comes into contact with the blisters.

Shingles and the Spread of Chicken Pox

While those with Chicken Pox end up spreading the virus to others, those with Shingles do not spread Shingles; they spread the Varicella Virus. If you have never had Chicken Pox before, you might be at risk for catching this virus if you come into contact with the blisters of a Shingles patient.

Shingles VS Chicken Pox: Understanding the Difference

The differences between Shingles and Chicken Pox needs to be understood so that those that are carrying the viruses (or being exposed to them) can understand the risks involved. Developing Chicken Pox or presenting with symptoms of Shingles is not a big deal, as long as you treat the virus with caution, and take the necessary steps to prevent the virus from spreading to unknowing individuals and treat the symptoms with the appropriate medications.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Removing Chemicals from your Home Fights Cancer



Most of us do not even realize that there are hundreds are cancer-causing chemicals in our homes. Manufacturers are adding toxic chemicals to many of the everyday products that people take into their homes, and it is about time people begin to educate themselves on safe and dangerous chemicals so that they can make sound decision regarding the products they choose to support and those they do not.

Cancer is one of the main causes of death in the Western world, but did you know that you can reduce your chances of getting cancer by simply getting rid of the toxic, cancer-causing chemicals in your home? The first step to cleaning out your home is to recognize the chemicals that are placed on the “ingredients” label of your personal products and getting to know exactly what chemicals are used on your furniture.

Personal Products and Phthalates

Phthalates are used in so many products that you probably own many items that were manufactured with this toxic chemical; from your children’s toys to your shampoo. Researchers have linked Phthalates to cancer, but it is also a hormone disruptor and it has been associated with disorders of the reproductive system; definitely not a chemical you want lying around your home.

Getting Rid of Phthalates

To clear your home of phthalates, you need to start reading what goes into the products you purchase. This chemical is more commonly found in PVC and everyday products, so start checking your bottles of shampoo, your lotions and just about everything you use. This chemical is usually listed as “fragrance”, and unless the bottle stipulates that it is phthalate-free, you have got a problem. When it comes to furniture and your children’s toys, stay away from PVC.

Formaldehyde and Ventilating your Home

Formaldehyde mainly comes from the adhesives used to put your furniture together, but it can also be found in personal products. This toxic gas fills your home, releasing itself from the products that were made along with it, and this can lead to all sorts of cancers, especially lung cancer. Ventilation is the key to dispersing this gas and ridding your family of its effects, so make sure your home is properly ventilated, whether it is during the summer or the winter.

Brominated Flame Retardents: the Silent Killer

Research has been conducted into Brominated flame retardants, and it is now believed that the cons of this chemical far outweigh its benefits as a “fire prevention method”. There are so many flame retardants that could be used in its place, but this chemical happens to be the cheapest and effective enough for manufacturers to look past its “cancer causing cons”. This type of chemical is usually transported from your carpets, furniture, bedding and clothing via dust, and so to get rid of it, you need to make sure that you dust and clean your home on a fairly regular basis. It might also be a good idea to ask about the flame retardant chemicals that were used whenever you purchase new items of furniture so that you can pass up the offer on the Brominated items.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Curb Your Appetite

http://video.foxnews.com/v/4671483/study-cayenne-pepper-could-help-curb-appetite/?playlist_id=942851223001

Your Digestive Track

New South Wales,Austrailia

Everything You Need to Know about Bed Sores and How to treat them




Bed sores are a result of pressure that is applied to the skin for prolonged periods of time. The pressure that is applied to the skin eventually begins to cut off the blood supply to the area, and when this happens, sores appear on the skin. Bedridden patients are more likely to get bed sores because they spend so much time lying in the same position, and this only adds to their discomfort, so it is important that the sores be treated immediately and constantly inspected for any signs of infection.

The Areas Most at Risk for Bed Sores

The areas of the body that are more at risk for bed sores are those where the skin covers bony areas, such as the, buttocks, heels and hips. In order to take prevention measures to stop these sores from appearing, caregivers need to be aware of the areas where bed sores are most common so that they can inspect them on a regular basis. Searching for the first signs of bed sores can assist the caregiver in taking steps to treat the problem because the sores become more severe.

Preventing Bed Sores

Inspecting there areas where bed sores are most commonly found is one of the most important steps in preventing them from occurring or treating the first signs of bed sores before they get worse. The first signs of this problem usually include swollen, torn or discolored skin. Areas that are already beginning to form sores should be inspected regularly for any sign of infection.

A healthy diet is necessary in the prevention of these bed sores, but there are also products that can be purchased to ensure that pressure is taken off the area most likely to be affected. The products that you can purchase to prevent this problem include padded protectors, pillows, specialized mattresses and air cushions. By supporting vulnerable areas with these products, the area most likely to be affected by the problem will not be placed under undo pressure for long periods of time.

Measures for Cleaning and Treating the Bed Sores

If bed sores have begun to appear, it is essential that you clean and dress them properly to prevent infections from occurring. Firstly, you will need to clean the area with a prescribed solution or a saline solution. Once the area is clean, scabs and torn skin must be removed before it is patted dry and dressed. When dressing the wound, you must remember to keep the wound moist, but make sure that the surrounding areas are kept dry.

Inspecting and Cleaning Bed Sores Regularly

Bed sores are painful and they can make patients very uncomfortable. Cleaning and treating bed sores is a constant process, and the patient should be inspected and treated on a regular basis. These sores can be very difficult to treat, and so it is always better to take preventative measures to lower the chances that patients will develop bed sores in the first place.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Ear Aches VS Ear Infections

Ear Aches VS Ear Infections

Ear aches and ear infections present themselves with many of the same symptoms, and this can make it difficult to figure out whether you have one or the other. In order to determine whether you or your child is suffering from an ache or an infection, you will need to be aware of the symptoms of each problem. It is important to remember, however, that a doctor will need to be consulted in either case so that a proper diagnosis can be made.



Ear Ache as a Result of a Cold

The cold virus can often cause ear ache, and when this happens, the pain can range from a mild throbbing, burning or stinging pain, to a more severe one. In these cases, you will often find mucus of a yellow or green color in the nose and possibly mild fevers.


Fluid in the Ear

Ear ache is usually caused by excess fluid that presses against the ear drum and puts pressure on it. Over time, the ear drum begins to stretch, and this is when the pain begins to subside. Although the individual will experience pain, the ear drum itself will remain a healthy color; a pinkish grey.

When the patient is only dealing with an ear ache and not an ear infection, he or she will usually find that the pain subsides within a few hours. Excess fluid in the ear will naturally drain away, and it is quite common for the patient not to experience further problems once this liquid has been drained.

Diagnosing an Ear Infection

Ear infections are result of the virus called Otitis Media. Infections can also be a result of a cold, as there is a chance that the fluid in the ear becomes infected. When a patient suffers from an ear infection, they will usually experience severe amounts of pain, high fevers and a range of other symptoms, including sleeplessness, loss of appetite, vertigo and drainage from the ear that takes on a white, yellow or brown color. Irritability is also another sign of an ear infection, and this is especially common in children, since the pain and the lack of sleep begin to take a toll on them after some time.

To properly diagnose an ear infection, a doctor will need to look into the ear using an Otoscope. When an infection is present, the ear drum will lose its pinkish gray color and take on a swollen, red and inflamed appearance.

Obtaining the Appropriate Treatment

When an ear infection occurs, treatment needs to be administered quickly and efficiently. Treatments will range from antibiotics to treat infection, and ear drops that will need to be administered according to the doctors orders. Ear infections can be severe enough to damage the ear drum and the hearing capabilities of the patient, and so they should be treated with caution. In the event that an ear ache is present for more than 24 hours, the patient should visit their doctor to obtain the appropriate treatment.