Menozac - Natural Menopause Relief

Menozac is a botanical alternative medicine formulation which contains a blend of all natural herbal extracts. Developed to ease the transition and provide effective Menopause Symptoms Relief which helps to ease the typical menopause symptoms and supports the body's hormonal balance.

Menopause symptoms includes:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Palpitations
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Vaginal Dryness
• Urinary changes
  

Menozac ingrediants have all been recommended as alternatives to Hormonal Replacement Therapy by leading herbal experts. Contains Vitamin E, Soy ( Glycine max ) (seed), Black Cohosh ( Cimicifuga racemosa ) (root), and Damaiana ( Turnerna diffusa ) (leaf). Other ingredients are Microcrystalline Cellulose, Gelatin, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide and Water.

Taken once a day Menozac is proven to also helped prevent cancer.

Hoodia Balance - Natural Appetite Suppressant

Hoodia Balance is a natural appetite suppressant formula that could help you lose weight by preventing you from over-eating daily. It contains a massive 750MG of 100% pure certified South African Hoodia from the Kalahari Desert

Hoodia is a succelent plant which is a type of cactus, grows deep in the Kalahari dessert. For generations, the San Bushmen have eaten Hoodia in order to control hunger and thirst as they roam the Kalahari dessert. Consuming this plant allowed them to eat and drink almost nothing for hours.

Normally, when you consume foods, the glucose in your body rises and send signals to your brain motioning that you're full. Scientists believe that the reason for Hoodia's appetite suppressing effects is a molecule called "P57" which mimics the effect that glucose has on your brain. Resulting you to have no desire to eat.

After taking only a few milligrams, Hoodia will curb your appetite almost immediately. As a natural appetite suppressant ever found, Hoodia allows you to have control over your appetite. Also, it also work as a natural mood enhancer.

Other than decreasing your appetite, scientist has not been able to find any side effects that could harm consumers. So far, it is conclude that Hoodia is safe.

However, one main concern is Hoodia could be ill-treated by those who suffers from eating disorders for wanting a rapid weight lose, causing the body not getting enough necessary nutrients. Therefore as a warning, Hoodia is not to be used in childhood, pregnancy, lactating mothers, or those who are underweight.

Impotence

An erection occurs when blood fill the blood vessels in the penis. The process is triggers by sexual stimulation, which causes nerves in the brain and spine to signal arteries in the penis to expand. The inability to get or maintain an erection is called impotence.

The main cause of impotence is poor circulation and impaired blood flow through penis, which usually cause by atherosclerosis. Other possible reasons include hormonal imbalances, prostate disease, diabetes, nerve disorders or side effects from medications. Rest assure to know that only one in ten cases is purely cause by psychological.

This may sound funny but you're able to determine whether the problem is physical or psychological by using the "postage stamp test". Encircle the penis with stamps from a roll, gluing them end to end. If night-time arections occur (because erections also accur involuntary during sleep) the stamp will be torn in the morning, suggesting that the cause of impotence is probably psychological. This type of impotence is usually strees related and often temporary.

Prescription drug such as cialis and viagra could help. However supplements are great to help improve the blood flow to the penis. Vitamin C plays a role in keeping blood vessels supple, allowing them to expand and let more blood pass through. Flaxseed oil and evening primrose oil contain different types of essential fatty acids that also improve blood flow, and if taken long term they can also help by lowering cholesterol and preventing blood vessels from narrowing. Ginkgo biloba, which increases blood flow in the brain, may have similar effect on the penis.

The herb saw palmetto may be useful when impotence is a result of prostate disease. Studies on animal shown that Panax Ginseng and Siberian Ginseng boost testosterone levels and increase mating behaviour. They may have similar effects on human which could boost your wild side. *wink*

Also try tea made with Muira puama, also known as potency wood, long been used in Brazil as an aphrodisiac.

Chicken Roasted In Red and Green Peppers

INGREDIENTS

6 boneless, skinless chicken breast
1/4 cup olive oil
3-4 garlic cloves, finely minced
1/2 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
salt
pepper
3 red peppers
3 green peppers

METHOD

• Mix together the olive oil, garlic cloves, fresh basil, salt and pepper. Place chicken breasts in marinade and chill for approximately 4-6 hours.
• Try to choose peppers which can almost stand on their ends by themselves. Slice the tops off the peppers and then carefully remove seeds and veins. Brush the insides of each pepper with olive oil and a little salt and pepper.
• Roll up each chicken breast and insert into a pepper. Then stand each pepper in a baking dish.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes.
  

TIPS

• Choose pepper of similar size to ensure even cooking time.
• Sometimes red peppers cook faster than green, so be sure to test the peppers.

Chicken Breast With Celery Root Mash

INGREDIENTS

4 boneless, skinless breast of chicken
1 celery root, 4-6 inches in diameter
4 oz. of mixed wild mushrooms - chantrelle, shiitake, oyster, porcini
2 cups of chicken broth
1 tsp of fresh chopped rosemary or thyme salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tbsp finely chopped shallots or onions
1 tbsp olive oil

METHOD

• On a cutting board, peel the celery root with a sharp knife, wash of any dirt, and cut it into 1 inch pieces. Place them in a pot and cover with cold water. Add a squeeze of lemon, and a tsp of salt. Bring the celery to a boil, and cook until they're very tender. Drain off the water, and transfer the celery root to a food processor or food mill. Puree until smooth, adding salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to keep warm.
• Brush off or wipe any dirt from the mushrooms. It would better to rip them apart instead of cutting them. Keep them in large pieces.
• Finely chopped shallots and set aside.
• Heat a large non-stick pan on medium high heat. Add olive oil and chicken breast.
• Cook on each side of the chicken breast for 4 to 5 minutes, until the juice runs clear from the chicken.
• Remove the chicken from the pan, set aside to keep warm.
• add the shallots into the pan. Stir briefly. Add the mushrooms ad toss over high heat until they're softened. Add the chopped thyme/rosemary.
• Add the chicken broth into the pan with the mushrooms and let it reduce by 2/3 until it thickens slightly.
• Place the warm celery root puree in the center of a large plate, then set the chicken breast on top of it. Spoon the wild mushroom mixture on top of the chicken and pour some of the puree on top

TIPS

• Pat the chicken breast with paper towels before searing them and make sure that the pan is hot enough before you start to cook them.
• Don't forget to wash the celery root first before peeling.
• You could substitute dry mushrooms for fresh ones, but soak them in warm water first.
  

Beef and Sweet Red Pepper Strips

INGREDIENTS

2 tbsp vegetable oil
4 sweet red peppers, sliced in thin strips (1/2-inch thick)
1 tsp kosher salt
3 tbsp chicken broth/water
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 green onion, chopped
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
1/3 lb (150 gm) flank steak, sliced against the grain (about 1/4-inch thick)
1/2 tbsp dark soy sauce

Beef Marinade:

1 tsp chinese cooking wine or sherry
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp dark soy sauce
1/2 tsp white refined sugar
1 tbsp corn starch
2 tbsp water


METHOD

• Mix beef with marinade ingredients and marinate for at least 10 minutes
• Combine green onions, garlic and ginger in a small bowl
• Heat wok, add 2 tablespoons oil. When oil is hot, add sweet peppers. Stir to cover red peppers in oil. Add salt. If the wok is dry, add chicken stock or water. Mix well and cover to steam for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. When red peppers are almost cooked remove to a dish and set aside.
• Heat one tablespoon of oil in the same wok (you don't need to wash it). Add garlic, ginger and green onions. Stir-fry for 15 seconds. Add beef and stir fry until done. Swirl in half a tablespoon of dark soy sauce.
• Add red peppers to the wok and stir-fry until everything is heated through.
• Transfer to a serving dish.
  

Sore Throat

Sore throat is annoying! Especially if you need to use your voice a lot. Allergies, bacterial or viral infections and environmental triggers such as dust, low humidity or smoke are the most common cause of sore throat.

The symptoms? You'll feel pain or burning in throat and sometimes ears, redness. And you'll experience difficulty in swallowing which could be such a pain when you're trying to eat or drink. A lump-like feeling in the throat could also accurs. Your voice will turn hoarse and sometimes you could also find swollen lymph glands under the jaw.

You may think sore throat is just an annoyance but and there's no need to call the doctor for it. But in some cases, it might be wise to do so. For example:

• When your sore throat is severe and comes on suddenly, you could have strep throat.
• If you have a fever over 37.5 degrees celcius
• When you have an extreme difficulty in swallowing.
• If you develop a rash.
• If a mild sore throat persist for more than a week. Well, i have to remind you, if any sickness for that matter persist more than a week, it is always smart to go to the doctor.
  

Vitamin C helps your body to fight the upper respiratory infections that often to be the cause of sore throat. Plus, it could reduce the imflammatory compounds produced by the bodies of people with allergies. Vitamin A speeds the healingof mucous membranes, such as those in the throat. And the herbs echinacea and garlic have antiviral and antibacterial properties. You should start taking them at the very first sigh of throat irritation.

You should also try the zinc lozenges to help prevent a sore throat that have been caused by a cold. study have shown that they may shorten the duration of the illness. If you do not like the taste, you can opt for the slippery elm tea or marshmallow root. These herbs coat the throat, helping you to swallow easier and relief the pain.

Meanwhile, you should also stop smoking and stay away from smoke-filled rooms. Also, you should drink eight or more cups of liquids daily. Warm liquids, such as soup or tea could be most helpful.

Ligtning Strike

During an electrical storm, lightning strikes are an ever-present risk. When a person is struck and survives, serious burns are likely. As with electrical burns, there will be an entry burn and an exit burn. The exit burn is usually the more serious of the two.

Look for:

• A collapsed, non-breathing victim
• Confusion and/or memory loss, should the victim be conscious
• Temporary loss of hearing or vision
• Various injuries including burns
  

What you should do:

• If any clothing is on fire or smouldering, the flames should be smothered with a coat or doused with water immediately.
• Call for an ambulance as soon as possible.
• If the victim is unconscious, turn her onto her side to clear the airway. Be prepared to give cardiopulmonary resuscitation if necessary.
• If the victim is conscious, help her to lie down. Control any bleeding with a pressure pad. Look for entry and exit burns, especially on the feet, and cover any wound with a sterile dressing. If cold water is available, apply a compress to reduce the pain.

Hyperventilation

Hyperventilation occurs when breathing becomes very shallow and extremely rapid as a result of stress, anxiety or fear. This causes an imbalance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body which may require medical treatment. It is important to remember that some serious medical conditions can also cause rapid and shallow breathing any individual which displays such symptoms should always be examined by a doctor.

The victim may complain of:

• A choking feeling or inability to breathe properly
• Tightness of the chest
• Extreme fear and apprehension
• Tingling and spasm in the fingers and/or toes
• Dizziness or an inability to move
  

Look for:

• Confusion
• Rapid and shallow breathing
• Claw-like finger spasms
  

What you should do:

• Reassure the victim that his symptoms will disappear once his breathing returns to normal. Keep any bystanders away to reduce stress.
• Try to help the victim by counting out loud together to slow down his breathing rate. Deliberately set a slow rate and tell the victim to breathe on your count. DO NOT use a paper bag for rebreathing because this can cause serious complications.
• If the victim cannot be calmed or continues to have breathing difficulty or severe finger spasms, call for an ambulance.
  

Heart Attack

A heart attack is often due to a blood clot causing blockage in one of the coronary arteries which supplies blood to the heart muscle. If urgent medical treatment is obtained, the victim may achieve a full recovery.

The victim may complain of:

• Severe chest pain: this may be tight, crushing or vice-like; it may occur in the centre of the chest or around the chest; it may go up the jaw and down one or both arms
• Breathlessness
• Nausea
  

Look for:

• Shortness of breath
• Pale or greyish skin colour with a cold and clammy feel
• Shivering and anxiety
• Collapse
  

What you should do:

• Help the victim into a position of rest but try to avoid exerting him. Reassure him that the pain will be less if he stays at total rest. Usually he will prefer to sit or lie back in a chair. Do not offer stimulants such as tea, coffee, alcohol or cigarettes.
• Call for an ambulance at once.
• If collapse occurs, turn the victim onto his side and check that the airway is clear and open. Be ready to give cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if needed.
• If the victim has any prescribed medication to take for chest pain, help him to take it. Check his pulse and breathing rate at regular intervals and record any changes. Note that the victim's skin colour and any changes that occur, especially in the colour of the lips and fingertips.
  

Gas Poisoning

Carbon monoxide, the type of gas expelled by cars is the gas most likely to be inhaled accidentally, leading to serious illness, or even death. Victims may be unaware of the problem because the gas is odourless and does not cause recognizable symptoms in the early stages of poisoning.

Look for:

• If the victim is in an enclosed space, ventilate the area by opening all doors and windows, but avoid personal risk. If the victim is conscious, help her out of the contaminated space into fresh air.
• Send someone to call for an ambulance immediately. Medical assessment is vitally important because serious complications can result from the inhalation of a toxic substance.
• Drag an unconscious victim by the feet into fresh air. Turn victim to her side and open the airway and begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if necessary.
• If the victim is conscious, allow her to rest in the fresh air until she feels better. Stay with her, keeping her under close observation, until the ambulance arrives.

Frostbite

Frostbite is the damage caused to the body as a result of exposure to extreme cold. DO NOT rub or massage the injury and DO NOT apply ointments or cream to the injured area.

The victim may complain of:

• Cold, hard skin
• Loss of feeling and function in the affected extremities
  

Look for:

• Waxy-looking skin
• White, yellow ore blue/grey skin
• Skin that feels hard and cold to the touch
  

What you should do:

• Help the victim into the nearest shelter. Gently and carefully remove any tight clothing or nearby constrictive item such as a watchstrap.
• The frostbitten are should be rewarmed using body heat in the first instance. The hand and fingers can be rewarmed in the victim's opposite armpit; the foot and toe injury can be warmed in a helper's armpit; victim can cover her own nose and ears with her hands.
• If a bowl of warm (not hot) water is available, place the frostbitten part in it, taking care not to let the injured part touch the container. After rewarming, separate fingers and toes with a soft dressing. Cover lightly with a soft, dry dressing. Raise the affected area to reduce swelling and help relieve pain.
  

Fainting

Fainting is rather common and can occur when there is temporary loss of normal blood supply to the brain. Once the victim is lying down, the blood will return to the brain and full consciousness returns.

The victim may complain of feeling dizzy, faint or light-headed and nausea.

Look for:

• Pale, moist skin
• Restlessness and anxiety; slow, sighing breaths
• A very slow pulse
  

What you should do:

• Try to anticipate the faint and catch the victim, easing her to the ground and protecting her head. Raise her legs to restore blood circulation. Loosen any tight clothing at the neck and waist, and ensure there is plenty of fresh air.
• Stay with the victim until she recovers, then give small sips of cool water. When she feels ready to get up, allow her a few minutes to adjust to the change of position. If the victim fails to respond to the spoken voice or touch at any time, turn her promptly onto her side to ensure a clear airway.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a brain condition in which the victim may have seizures (fits). Very loud noises, flashing lights and even certain video games can trigger a seizure. Some seizures are brief and do not include a total loss of consciousness. Others have an active phase lasting up to two minutes.

Look for:

• Meaningless sounds being made by the victim
• Restlessness and confusion
• Loss of coordination with staggering and poor balance
• Clenching of the teeth with foaming saliva visible
• Loss of consciousness with a fall to the floor
• Twitching and jerking of some or all limbs with the head tossing from side to side
• Loss of bladder and bowel control
  

What you should do:

• Make the area safe to avoid injury while the victim is moving violently on the floor. Move furniture away; place clothing or blankets against heavy items. DO NOT try to restrain or move the victim during the seizure.
• When the jerking movements stop, quickly roll the victim onto his side and check that the airway is clear. The victim is likely to fall asleep at this stage, so allow him to lie quietly in this position until fully recovered.
• An ambulance is not required for a person who has an identification bracelet indicating epilepsy unless there are any wounds or injury requiring treatment. However, if the victim takes more than ten minutes to recover or if a further seizure occurs, an ambulance must be called.
  

Electric Shock

Low-Voltage Electric Shock

Electrical accidents can occur when a household appliance is used in an unsafe way. Most appliances have a built-in safety features but young children and the elderly, who may not realize the dangers of tampering with the appliances, can be at added risk.

What you should do:

• It is not safe to touch the victim until the power supply has been switched off. Do so, then quickly disconnect the appliance from the power point. Otherwise, switch off the main power supply.
• Check whether the victim is conscious or unconscious and give cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if necessary. If the victim is breathing and has a pulse, look for any burns on the skin. This will occur where the electricity has entered the body and where it went to earth. Treat any burns with cold water, but if the victim is unconscious or semi-conscious, use cold compresses to cool the injury with the victim lying on his side.
• Call for an ambulance as soon as possible.
  

High-Voltage Electric Shock

The most likely cause of this injury is when a vehicle has collided with a power pole and brought down overhead cables. If a high-voltage cable is in contact with the vehicle, the victim will be safe if he remains inside. Rescuers should not move any closer than six meters to a high-voltage, because arcing - when a 'released' electric current is discharged over a far distance - can occur and injure bystanders.

What you should do:

• Call the local electricity supply authority and keep bystanders clear of the accident site until the power has been turned off.
• Shout reassurances to a victim trapped in a vehicle and stress the need to stay in place until the area is declared safe. Do not try to give first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation until the area is safe because an ill-judged rescue attempt can turn fatal for both victim and rescuer.
• If the victim appears to be injured, call for an ambulance immediately.

Sunburn

The fact is, it's better to avoid sunburn altogether by applying the sunscreen or covering up. Not only because it hurt, but also it could speeds up the ageing of skin and increases risk of cancers later in life. But then, sometimes it couldn't be help and your skin may burn due to overexposure to the sun. It may be mild, with some redness, moderate with small blisters or in a more severe case, skin turns purple, and you'll be experiencing chills and fever. Symptoms appear gradually and may not show until 24 hours after exposure.

Supplement cannot prevent sunburn but if applied to the skin and taken orally, they can make the discomfort and damage that it causes a bit bearable.

For example, to soothe a mild sunburn, add 10 drops each of chamomile oil and lavender oil to a cool bath and soak for 30 minutes or more to relieve discomfort and moisturise the skin. Soaking in a lukewarm bath containing a cup of dissolved baking soda could also do the trick. For a more serious burn, prepare a topical remedy using a few drops of chamomile oil or lavender oil, or both, and 10 ml of a neutral oil such as almond oil, then apply it gently to the affected areas twice a day. Aloe vera gel and chamomile or calendula cream which usually available in health-food stores also soothe the skin and help speed the healing.

Alcoholism

Alcoholism as we all know is a cause of many broken families. It could also lead to extreme diseases and worst, death. An intense physical and psychological dependence on alcohol is an abvious sign of alcoholism. How do you know whether one is an alcoholic? The person will constantly seeks opportunities to drink, unable to cut down intake of alcohol, and drinking comes first than family, friends and work. And the person will need more and more alcohol to achieve the same effect. Denial is common for an alcoholic. And you will notice some withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, seizures and hallucination if drinking is stopped.

Pic: Milk Thistle Plant. Extract from this plant can help repair alcohol -induced liver damage

Although supplements are not a cure, it may help heavy drinkers to overcome their craving for alcohol and support thrm during the taxing withdrawal period. Actually, supplements are generally safer than prescription drugs when it comes to reducing the alcohol crave.

Vitamin C can help to strengthen the body during the difficult period, which clears alcohol from the tissues and ameliorating mild withdrawal symptoms. It is most useful when taken with Vitamin E. Meanwhile, the B-complex vitamin, the amino acid glutamine and kudzu vine extracts (from chinese herbalist) appear to have effect in reducing craving. Take extra thiamine as well to ease withdrwal symptoms. Take the herb milk thistle and phosphatidylcholine, 500 mg three times a day strengthen the liver, helping it to rid the body of toxins. The mineral chromium should be taken in order to prevent cravings causes by low blood sugar, which is a common problem in alcoholic. Evening primrose oil provides the fatty acid GLA, which stimulates production of a brain chemical called prostaglandin E, that works in preventing the withdrawal symptoms such as seizures and depression. It also protects the liver and and nervous system. Herb, called kava and valerian work as a natural sedative.

Gout

My dad has gout. So does his brother and my granddad. Statistic has shown that at least one man in a hundred over the age of 40 has gout. Mind you, women also develop it too, mainly after menopause. Gout is a metabolic disorder caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. As a by-product of various body processes, our body get rid of uric acid through urine. However, some people produce too much uric acid, or unable to dispose it fast enough causing it to build up. The excess of uric acid is converted into needle-shaped crystal that will find it way to settle around joints and other tissue, causing imflammation and excruciating pain associated with gout.

Gout symptoms are as listed below:

• Sudden and severe joint pain, usually involving the big toe, ankle, heel, wrist, elbow, and fingers.
• Redness and swelling at the effected joints.
• Developing kidney stones, which could cause fever, extreme low back pain, nausea, vomiting or a swollen abdomen.
  

Gout attack is often treated with conventional drugs such as allopurinol and probenecid. If you don't want to take any drug for it, there is another alternatives. Such as bromelain, which seems to help during an acute attack. Bromelain is a popular natural anti-imflammatory that may relieve gout pain. When not using it for acute pain, you can decrease the dosage and add quercetin, which helps reduces uric acid levels. Take vitamin C as it helps to free uric acid from tissues. Take it 500 mg a day, and remember not too take a high dose of it because it might release so much uric acid at one time that may cause kidney stone to develop. Nettle can be helpful internally and externally. Nettle capsules clear out axcess uric acid and nettle tea compresses may offer relief to imflamed joints.

What else can you do in order to prevent a gout attack? Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to dilute the urine and help lower uric acid levels. People with gout are advised to stay away from alcohol. Keep yur weight down, as men who gain a lot of weight around the ages of 20 and 40 are particularly vulnerable. Certain food are best to avoid such as offal, anchovies, legumes, oatmeal, spinach, asparagus, cauliflower, and mushrooms. Also stay away from fats, refined carbohydrates and excess protein.

Diabetes

A person with diabetes doesn't produce enough of the hormone insulin or unable to use it effectively, which causes the blood sugar levels goes high. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas stops producing insulin. This type of diabetes patients need to take insulin for life.

Meanwhile type 2 diabetes develops from insulin resistance, when the pancreas produces plenty of insulin but the body cells don't respond to it. Obesity is among the biggest culprit when it comes to this type of diabetes. However, genetic factors can contribute to the onset of both types.

Now, if you're experiencing any of the symptoms on the list below, it's crucial to get yourself check!

• Excessive thirst.
• Frequent and excessive urination.
• Extreme fatigue and weakness.
• Unintentional weight loss.
• Slow healing of cuts and wounds.
• Recurring infections, such as urinary tract infections or vaginal yeast infections.
• Blurred vision.
• Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.

Pic: Bilbery

While modern medication has improved to help people with diabetes, supplements has improved to be useful too. Vitamin B help to produce enzymes that convert glucose to energy, at the same time could also prevent diabetic nerve damage. While Chromium decreases the blood glucose level and reduces cholesterol levels in the body of diabetic people. A herb from India, Gymnema Sylvestre, controls the blood sugar, sometimes lessen the need for insulin or hypoglycaemic medication. Essential fatty acids protect nerve damage and keep arteries supple. Vitamin E may block the buildup plaque. The herb bilberry helps to protect the diabetic eye from damage, and the amino acid taurine helps the release of the insulin and can prevent abnormal blood clotting which a factor in heart disease.

What else can you do? Exercise regularly. Do you know that those who burn more than 15,000 kilojoules a week through exercise are half as likely to develop type 2 diabetes as those burning fewer than 2000 kilojoules. Next, try and lose weight as being overweight is a major factor for type 2 diabetes. Eating whole grains, fruits and vegetables could help keeping the blood sugar level in check.

Dislocation

A dislocation is a very painful injury which occurs when a severe twist or wrench displaces a bone from its normal position at a joint. There may also be damage to nearby nerves and blood vessels which can cause serious complications. A dislocation may be associated with a fracture and should be treated as a possible fracture until a diagnosis is made.

The victim may complain of:

• Severe pain in and around the joint

• Inability to move the injured part

• Some loss of sensation

Look for:

• Obvious deformity and swelling around the joint

• Bruising

What you should do:

• Help the victim find a position in which the injured area can be supported to ease the pain. A dislocated shoulder, hip or elbow joint can be supported by pillows or blankets. DO NOT try to replace the dislocated bones because further damage and complications can occur.

• For a dislocated finger, use soft padding to support the injury. Wrap a bandage lightly in place unless this is more painful. Do not apply firm pressure because of the risk of further damage to nerves and blood vessels. Seek medical advice immediately because of the risk of complications. If the victim is in severe pain, call for an ambulance as soon as possible.

Diabetes

When the body’s sugar level cannot be controlled, the condition is called diabetes. The most common emergency for a diabetic is low blood sugar. Unconsciousness can rapidly occur unless emergency treatment is administered without delay. If the victim is suffering from too much sugar in the body, deterioration will be slow and there will be enough time to call for an ambulance. When in doubt, always give sugar because it may save the life of a person with a low blood sugar level.

The victim may complain of feeling faint, giddy, and week trembling limbs.

You should look for:

• Pale and sweating skin
• Shallow breathing with a rapid pulse rate
• Confusion and aggressive behaviour

What you should do:

• Give the victim a sweet drink or sugar lumps to suck if he still conscious and able to swallow. If he is cooperative and able to chew. give him some high-energy food suach as cake, biscuits or a sandwich to raise the blood sugar level.
• If there is rapid recovery to a fully alert state, seek medical advice about any further care needed.
• If the victim is losing consciousness, help him onto the floor at once and turn him onto his side, ensuring his airway is kept clear. Call for an ambulance as soon as possible.
  

Choking (Adult)

In a choking emergency it is vital to determine whether the victim is moving any air in and out of the lungs: in a total airway obstruction the victim will quickly collapse and die from lack of oxygen and air unless emergency measures are taken; in a partial airway obstruction some air movement continues through the narrowed windpipe and there is time to get medical attention before collapse is likely.

The victim may complain of:

• Breathing difficulties (shortness of breath)

• Difficulty in speaking

Look for:

• Noisy breathing, wheezing or high-pitched ‘crowing’ noise

• Distress

• Inability to speak

• Congested face skin with blueness of the lips

• Throat-clutching or pointing to the throat

• Later, collapse and unconsciousness

What you should do:

*If the victim is still able to breathe, speak, cry or cough (partial airway obstruction).

• The victim will be conscious but distress with the struggle to breathe. Be reassuring and encourage her to cough or breathe through her nose. She may stand up to breathe, using a chair or table for support. DO NOT thump her on the back – this may make the foreign object go further down the airway.

• If the victim recovers quickly, allow time for the throat to relax before offering a soothing drink. Often the victim will not want to eat or drink for a while.

• If the breathing becomes noisy, call for an ambulance to take the victim to hospital for emergency treatment.

*If the victim is unable to breathe, speak, cry or cough (total airway obstruction).

• The victim will rapidly lose consciousness. He should be eased to the ground and laid on one side, to keep the airway clear and open.

• Give victim up to four sharp blows between the shoulder blades, using the heel of your hand, in an attempt to loosen or shift the foreign object blocking the airway.

• If the victim still cannot breathe, give up to four chest thrusts. Kneeling beside him, put one hand on one side of the chest, close to the armpit. Put your second hand beside the first. With straight arms, give up to four quick downward thrusts in an attempt to move air from the lungs and up the airway to move the foreign object.

• If there is still no improvement, check the airway to make sure that it is clear. If any foreign object is seen or felt at the back of the throat, remove it immediately. Open the airway as far as possible by tilting the victim’s head back and supporting the lower jaw in a forward position.

• Check again for any signs of breathing: look and feel with your hand for movement of the lower chest or upper abdomen, and listen for air escaping from the mouth or nose. If the victim is still not breathing, turn him on his back and begin expired air resuscitation, attempting to blow air past the obstruction and clear the airway.

Important Note:

• Shout for help, or if no help is around, call for an ambulance. Keep giving expired air resuscitation at once and continue until trained help arrives.

Choking (Child)

What you should do:

*If the victim is still able to breathe, speak, cry or cough (partial airway obstruction).

• Allow child to find the easiest breathing position. DO NOT thump the victim on the back as the obstruction might go further down the airway.

• If the breathing becomes noisy, call for an ambulance to take the child to hospital for emergency treatment.

*If the victim is unable to breathe, speak, cry or cough (total airway obstruction).

• The child will become unconscious and should be placed faced-down across your lap or lying on one side on the floor. Give up to four back slaps between the shoulder blades, using the heel of your hand.

• If the child still cannot breathe, give up to four chest thrusts. Put one hand on either side of the chest wall, close to the armpits. Give four quick inward thrusts to move some air from the lungs up the airway to shift the foreign object.

• If the child is still not breathing, check the airway to make sure it is clear. If any foreign object is seen or felt at the back of the throat, remove it, using one finger only.

Important Note:

• If the airway is clear and breathing is still absent, begin expired air resuscitation in an attempt to blow air past the obstruction.

Burns and Scalds

Burns are caused by contact with heat sources such as hot metal, chemicals or electricity. Scalds are caused by contact with steam or hot liquid. Burns are classified as: superficial (only the top layer of the skin is affected); partial thickness (injury involves the deep layer of skin); full thickness (damage involves the skin and deep tissues). The amount of pain felt is not a true guide to the severity of the injury because superficial and partial thickness burn in which the nerve endings would be destroyed.

The victim may complain of:

• Severe pain / no pain (refer above)

• Cold, clammy skin

• Nausea and / or vomiting

Look for:

• Black or red skin, which may be blistered

• Swelling

• Clear fluid oozing from the skin

What you should do:

• Cool the burn or scald at once with cold running water from the nearest tap. If clothing has stuck to the skin, do not try to remove it but cut around the parts which are sticking. Remove all jewelry from the burned area including watches, rings or other items which may have been trapped by swelling.

• Continue cooling for up to 20 minutes. Try to keep the stream of water close to the injury site to avoid causing the victim further pain.

• Cover the burned area with a sterile non-stick dressing. Apply a light cotton bandage to hold the dressing in place.

• If a sterile dressing is unavailable, use a clean sheet or pillow case or other non-fluffy, clean fabric. Covering the burn will reduce the risk of infection. If the burn is on arm, support the injured area with the other arm or rest the arm on a pillow.

• While waiting for transport keep the victim lying down, with the legs raised on a blanket or a pillow to reduce shock. Avoid giving her any food or drink, unless the burn is very small, in case an anesthetic is required.

Important Note:

• Seek medical advice, or if the burned or scalded skin covers an area greater than the victim’s own palm, call for an ambulance.

Bruises

Bruises can be caused by a blow, a heavy fall or when a blood vessel close to the surface of the body is damaged in a collision. Blood loss into the tissues can be seen through the skin, with colours changing from red to purple as the blood is slowly reabsorbed into the body.

The victim may complain of:

• Pain at the injury area

• Pressure beneath the skin

Look for:

• Bluish discoloration around the injury area

• Swelling of the injured area

What you should do:

• If the injury is only a few minutes old, first stop any further bleeding to the tissues by raising the affected body part on pillows or some rolled-up clothing and applying a pressure pad and bandage.

• After ten minutes of firm pressure to stop any more bleeding into the tissue, prepare an ice pack. This will reduce pain and swelling. If you are applying a wrapped ice pack, first remove the bandage; an unwrapped ice pack may be applied over the bandage.

Back Injury

The back muscles can be injured by heavy lifting, a severe fall or by a sudden turn of the trunk, which can result in a slipped disc. The lower back is most commonly injured and the victim may also suffer painful muscle spasm. In more rare cases, the spine itself may be injured after a heavy fall. If pain is severe or follows a fall, seek urgent medical advice.

The victim may complain of:

• Back pain, sometimes radiating down the outer leg

• Restricted movement in the lower limbs

• Loss of sensation in the legs

• Stiff neck; blurred or double vision

• Headache

• Blood-stained urine

Look for:

• Any signs of recent injury

• Drowsiness or loss of consciousness

What you should do:

• Where the injury is unlikely to be serious, help the victim to rest in the most comfortable position, generally lying plat with one pillow under her head.

• If there is soreness of the lower back after carrying a heavy load, or after a sudden twisting movement, the victim should rest for up to an hour to help ease the muscle spasm.

Important Note:

• If the injury is caused by a severe fall, and the victim is conscious, avoid moving her in case the spine has been injured. Call for an ambulance to asses and move the victim.

• If rest does not relieve the pain, seek medical advice as soon as possible. If the victim loses consciousness, turn her onto her side at once. Check that the airway is clear. Call for an ambulance immediately and watch for any change in condition while you wait.

Ankle Injury

The most common ankle injury is caused by twisting the joint or falling from a height; the injury may be a sprain or a fracture. It can be difficult to determine the extent of the injury until an X-ray has been performed, so treat all ankle injuries as possible fractures to avoid risk of further damage.

The victim may complain of:

• Pain in and around the injured area

• Nausea

• Feeling cold and shivery

• Feeling faint and giddy

• Numbness in the extremities

• Loss of power and function in the joint

Look for:

• Swelling around the joint

What you should do:

• Help the victim into the most comfortable position possible. Avoid moving or touching the injured joint. Help the victim to raise the injured leg slightly on a blanket or rolled-up clothing. If the shoe fits comfortable, leave it in place for support.

• Carefully pad around the ankle joint using a soft pillow or light blanket held in place with two or three bandages.

Important Note:

• Arrange for medical advice as soon as possible. While the diagnosis is unknown, do not give the victim any food or drink in case an anesthetic is needed to treat the injury.

Angina

Angina is the term used to describe the cramp-like pain in the chest resulting from coronary arteries that have been narrowed and hardened by disease. During stressful situations or physical activity when an increase in oxygenated blood flow is required, the hardened arteries go into spasm, this causes pain.

The victim may complain of:

• Pain in or around the centre of the chest, sometimes spreading down to the upper part of the abdomen, or up into the neck or jaw.

• Pain down the arm, possibly accompanied by nausea, sweating and shortness of breath.

What you should do:

• Immediately help the victim into the most comfortable, restful position possible and loosen any tight clothing at the neck and waist. Give him frequent reassurance.
• If he is fully conscious and is carrying his medication, help him to take the tablet, which is usually dissolved under the tongue. The medication will open up the arteries and as the blood flow increases, the victim’s pain will gradually subside.

Important Note:

• If the pain lasts longer than ten minutes, or if there is any deterioration in the victim’s condition, call for an ambulance right away.
  

• If the victim collapses, it is likely that he’s suffering from a heart attack and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may be needed as an emergency measure until the ambulance arrives.

Vietnamese Grilled Steak (Serves 4)

Preparation

Ingredients:
1 lb thin Chinese noodles
1/3 cup rice vinegar
3 tbsp soy sauce
¼ cup garlic puree
3 tbsp sugar
¼ tsp sambal ulek or crushed red chilies
¼ tsp kosher salt
2 tbsp fish salt
2 tbsp chopped mint or cilantro
4 boneless 8oz. extra-lean beef steaks
¾ cup bean sprouts, lightly blanched
1 cup seeded slivered red bell peppers

Method:

• Simmer the pasta in boiling salted water until tender. Drain, rinse in cold water, and drain well.
  
• Combine the vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, sugar, red pepper flakes, salt and fish sauce with 1 tablespoon of water. Pour over the noodles, add the mint, and toss to mix well.
  
• Pat steaks dry with kitchen towel, season with salt and pepper. Sear on a very hot grill for 3-4 minutes per side and remove to a cutting board to rest for 5-6 minutes. Bias-sliced, across the grain, into thin strips.
  
• Lay a bed of noodles onto the center of a serving platter. Arrange the bean sprouts around the noodles. Place the red bell pepper atop the bean sprouts. Fan the steak on top of noodles and garnish with fresh mint or cilantro as desired. Serve warm.

Watercress and Spicy Tofu

Preparation

Ingredients:
2 watercress bunches
150g extra firm tofu, cut 2” x ½” x ¼” strips
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1 tsp kosher salt

Marinade:
1 tsp refined sugar
1 tbsp dark soy sauce
1 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tsp Chinese cooking wine or sherry
2 tsp chili bean paste

Method:

• Slice tofu. Mix marinade ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Add sliced tofu and mix very gently, careful not to break the tofu. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  
• Wash watercress thoroughly.
  
• Heat wok and add oil. Add garlic and stir-fry 30 seconds until light brown.
  
• Add watercress and stir-fry until slightly wilted.
  
• Add salt and marinated tofu. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes or until the tofu is heated through.
  
• Transfer to plate and serve.

Wild Mushroom Ragout Pasta (Serves 6)

I always love pasta. So here is a healthy pasta recipe i would love to share.

Ingredients:
2 tsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ lbs fresh wild mushrooms, trimmed and sliced (cremini, Portobello, chanterelle, oyster or shiitake)
¼ cup chicken stock
¾ cup dry red wine
2 tbsp tomato paste
3 tbsp Italian parsley, chopped
2 tsp fresh sage, chopped
1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tsp fresh marjoram, chopped
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 lb fresh pasta (fettuccine or linguini)
6 tbsp parmesan cheese, grated

Method:

• Heat oil in large non-stick frying pan over medium low heat. Add onion and cook until tender (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook another minute. Add mushrooms, stock, wine, tomato paste, parsley, sage, rosemary, marjoram, salt and pepper. Bring to simmer, cover and cook until mushrooms are tender (about 20 minutes). Remove cover and reduce sauce if necessary.
  
• Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and return to pot. Add sauce and toss well. Serve immediately topped with cheese.

Yaki Soba

Preparation

Ingredients:
2 cups cooked udon noodles
4 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp grated ginger root
1 clove garlic minced
1 medium carrot, julienned
½ green pepper, julienned
½ red pepper, julienned
½ cup finely sliced Chinese cabbage
1 tbsp soy sauce

Method:

• Heat oil in a wok or heave saucepan. Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Mix well and cook for about 30 seconds. Add vegetables, mixing well. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
  
• Add udon noodles and mix well. Add soy sauce. Adjust taste to suit. Other vegetables may be added such as sliced celery, string beans, sliced snow peas and julienned green onions.

Zucchini Coquettes

Preparation

Ingredients:

2 ½ lb small zucchini
1 cup powdered rye crisp bread
1 cup grated hard cheese
3 eggs
1 medium sized onion, very finely chopped
½ cup parsley, finely chopped
Pinch seas salt
Pinch finely ground black pepper
1 1/3 tbsp polyunsaturated margarine

For Frying:
Whole wheat pastry flour
Olive oil
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method:

• Wash and boil zucchini in salted water. When soft, remove place in a colander and drain well.
  
• Place zucchini in a mixing bowl and mash with a fork before adding all the other ingredients. Mix well. The resulting mixture should have a thick consistency. If not, add more crisp bread crumbs or whole wheat flour.
  
• Form the mixture into coquettes by hand. Roll these into the seasoned flour and fry until golden. Serve hot or cold.

Bacon and Rice Stuffed Tomatoes

Is tomatoe fruit or vegetable? This has been a debate for quite a while, even discussed by the United States Supreme Court in 1887! However, what we all know for sure is tomatoes are good for you. Tasty too. So, instead of debating about it, why don't we just eat it. Here's a simple recipe for you to try.

4 large tomatoes
8 slices of bacon
1 small onion
1 clove garlic
Sprinkle of chopped spring onions for taste
2 cups cooked white rice

You need to finely dice onion and garlic. Cut toff the top of the tomatoes and scoop out the insides. Save the pulps. Fry the bacon slices. Using the bacon-flavoured oil, fry rice with onion, garlic and the tomato pulps. Add some soy sauce and chopped spring onion. Then, fill tomatoes with rice and two slices of bacon each. Bake at 425 degrees celcius for 15 to 20 minutes or until tomatoes are tender.

Get Practical, Get the Real Diet Plan.

Reality check; crash diets don't work! As any good health expert would have sworn, balance and moderation are the golden keys. You might say, "what the heck then, i'm fine with being overweight. Why should i bother?" Here's the thing, even losing 5 - 10% of your weight can begin to lower your risk of serious chronic diseases such as cancer, heart diseases and high blood preassure. Good enough reason, don't you think?

Here's the deal:

• Drink lots of water. PLace 1.5 litre bottle of water at your work desk and make a point to finish it all by the time you want to go home.
• Eat five portions of fruits and vegetables every day.
• Never skip breakfast.
• Keep a supply of healthy snacks at hand such as fresh or dried fruits, rice cakes, low-fat fruit yoghurts.. etc.
• Remove all visible fat from food before you cook it. Take skin off chicken and trim away the white fat off any meat.
• Limit stimulants intake such as caffeine, alcohol, and refine sugar.
• Packed your own lunch or choose lighter meals during lunch, for example; soups or salads.
• Take your time. Don't avoid food groups altogether, such as carbs, in order to lose weight quickly. Your body needs balance.
• Don't be too hard on yourself. Eat things that you find tasty. Don't force yourself to eat things that you don't like only because it's good for you.

Hollywood Body Beautiful Tips

We turn on the TV and watch our hollywood stars flaunting their gorgeous body and we think out loud, how on earth do they manage to maintain their weight? Don't they ever gain a single pound? Well, here are some tips that they're willing to share. Atleast i think they shared it willingly..

Mischa Barton's secret to fabulous bod is swapping carbonated, sugary drinks for dairy-and gluten-free smoothies.

When Courtney Cox wants to lose weight, she eats low-fat 'super food' such as blueberries and fish. But her ultimate secret is: Omega-3-oils.

Paris Hilton's tips would be not denying yourself anything instead allowing yourself to eat little bits of what you like. Then burn the calories off with the good old fashion way... exercise.

J Lo is the 'mini' Atkins follower. She puts on a temporary ban on carbs. And she also works out four or five times a week.

And Jennifer Aniston has the best method of all. Laugh! Researchers say 10 to 15 minutes of laughter burns about 210 kJ.

Which one would you opt for?

Another Yummy Smoothie!

Have you tried the recipes that i've posted before? Well, thought i'd share another one.

You need to combine 1/4 cup of low-fat vanilla soy milk, 1 cup diced kiwi fruit and 1/2 of banana in a blender. Add 1/2 cup frozen green grapes, 6 ice cubes, 1 teaspoon lime juice, 2 teaspoons of honey (optional) and 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh mint. Blend until smooth. Makes 2 -3 cups.

Per one cup serving contains 595kJ, 0 fats, 0 cholesterol, 21mg sodium, 30g carbohydrates, 5g of dietary fibre, and 3g of protein.

Cheers!

Ways to Wipe Out Eye Redness.

Do the whites of your eyes have more lines than the state road map? If so, here’s some tips that can help you.

Water your eyes. It may be obvious, but if your red eyes is because you’re lacking sleep, find a way to catch up on your rest. Closing your eyes for 7 to 8 hours helps to rehydrate them. Without sleep, your eyes dry out.

Treat your eyelids. If your eyes are red when you wake up, the problem could be on your eyelids. That condition is called blepharitis, a low-grade infection on your eyelids. You can avoid this by washing your eyelids with warm water before you go to bed at night. Make sure you cleanse the lids from debris, makeup, oils, bacteria, dandruff and lashes.

Use eyedrops sparingly. Drops designed to reduce eye redness have an agent in them that works to constrict blood vessels. It removes the redness by shrinking the blood vessels in your eye, making it look whiter for the time being. The problem is, most of those drops have a rebound effect so that when they wear off in a couple of hours, the redness comes back worse than it was in the first place. So its better to use eyedrops sparingly.

Artificial tears can do the trick. Do you arrive at work bright-eyed, but leave with red eyes? Redness that occurs during the day is caused by dryness. In that case, you can use over-the-counter artificial tears to moisten your eyes. Unlike other eyedrops, artificial tears don’t shrink blood vessels.

Cool down. It helps to use a cool, wet washcloth and lay it over your closed eyes. The cold will constrict the blood vessels without the rebound effect, and the water will add moisture to your eyes.

Mind your pupils. When you see blood in the white of your eye, it is usually harmless, but if you see blood covering your pupil, that is serious. Go see a doctor and get medical attention immediately. Most times you won’t actually see the bleeding, but your eye will hurt, you vision will be blurred, or you’re seeing a pinkish haze. If those symptoms are present, something is definitely wrong and you should get medical treatment right away.

Watch What You Eat, Some Mushrooms Can Kill.

While many mushrooms are very tasty, as well as healthy, and make good additives for food, some can be deadly. So before you go out picking mushrooms in your back yard and eating them, read this first, it can save your life. Here are a list of very poisonous mushrooms and their descriptions. Avoid it at all costs.

• Death Cap: It isn’t named such for nothing. Of all poisonous mushrooms, the death cap is known to be most deadly. It is greenish or pale yellow tinged with green in colour. The stalk is white, with white gills. Cut it up and it has a sweet, slightly sickly smell. Within 6-24 hours, the poison takes effect, and there’s no known antidote for it.
• Destroying Angel: With its pure white cap, stem and gills, you may be fooled by thinking this mushroom is harmless. But if consumed, it can prove deathly.
• Yellow Stainer: This mushroom has yellow staining at the base of its white stalk. Also a white cap, yellowing with age. The mushroom can easily pass as a field or horse mushroom. However, it can be recognized by cutting the swollen base of the stalk, which goes a deep yellow. Effects of consuming this mushroom includes vomiting and even coma.
• Red-staining Inocybe: Light brown conical cap with a pinkish flush or, occasionally, red veins. Distinguished by its gills which turn red when bruised. Consuming this mushroom can lead to death.
• Panther Cap: This mushroom has a white stalk with a smoky brown cap with flaky white scales on it. The stalk has a series of rings around the base. Eating this mushroom can prove to be lethal.
• Fly Agaric: Bright red cap with white scales; white gills and white scaly stem. Be careful of this one, as it is especially tempting to children. Rarely fatal, but it can cause violent stomach upsets and hallucination.

Yummy Berry Smoothie Recipe

Here's another immune booster smoothie recipe that is easy for you to try. Its a hunger satisfier, loaded with flavour and nutrients. A tips, for maximum enjoyment, serve smoothies in chilled glasses. Dip your glass in cool water then place it in the freezer to chill for five minutes. Use immediately.

Anyway, for the smoothie, first you need to combine 1 cup low fat raspberry yoghurt and 1/4 cup cranberry juice in a blender. Add 1 cup frozen unsweetened blueberries. Blend until smooth. Makes 2 - 3 cups.

Each serving contains 650kJ, 0.5 g of fats, 4 mg cholesterol, 90 mg sodium, 28 g of carbohydrates, 3 g of dietary fibre and 8 g of protein.

Immune-Booster-Smoothie

You may think it's outrageous, but your body may require seven or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily in order to maintain a tough immune system. Seems impossible, right? Here's an easy solution, try drinking your fruit and vegetables instead of chewing them. Now, that doesn't sound so bad, does it? You might even enjoy it. I have a few healthy smoothie recipes i could share with you.

All you need is a blender. Start with this basic recipe:

1 cup plain low-fat yoghurt
3/4 cup carrot, orange, or red grape juice
30 g silken tofu
1 medium apple, peeled, cored and diced
1 cup frozen berries
1/4 cup chopped ice

Combine yoghurt, juice and tofu in a blender. Add the fruit and ice and blend until smooth. You can decorate it with a sprig of mint. Makes 2-3 cups.

Now, per cup serving of this recipe contains 470kJ, 1 g of fats, 4 mg of cholestrol, 71 mg of sodium, 17 g of carbohydrates, 2 g of dietary fibre and 8 g of protein.

I'll post more of healthy smoothie recipe later! Enjoy!

Save Your Life… With Intimacy

Those who suffer a heart attack and have no spouse or close personal friends are three times more likely to have a fatal heart attack within five years of the original event than those whose hearts are equally injured but are married or have intimate relationships. That is what a study at Duke University Medical School found out. The study is based on a nine year follow-up study of 1,368 patients who were initially admitted to Duke for cardiac catheterization to diagnose heart disease.

The results were consistent for people with both minor and severe heart muscle damage following a heart attack. Such people generally face about a 40 percent chance of dying within five years. The study also found that those who were married or had a close intimate relationship reduced their risk of suffering a fatal heart attack to 20 percent, whereas those who lacked intimacy raised their chance of dying to 60 percent.

It is found consistently in research that both men and women with poor social support are more likely to die that those with more social support. The relative degree of social support an unhealthy person experiences is one of the factors that can predict the outcome of the illness. This is true of all serious illness, including heart disease, cancer and stroke.

The research is particularly interesting in regard to women with breast cancer. Researches wanted to know whether the longevity of survival depended not so much on social support, but on the stage at which the person was diagnosed. It was found that women who live alone tend to be diagnosed at an earlier stage of the cancer than those living with someone else. Yet those who live alone most often die sooner. In other words, early diagnosis was not a factor in determining longevity.

At this time, no one knows exactly why those who live with someone actually live longer, except the finding supports the general conclusion that those who have strong relationships and intimacy tend to have stronger immune responses.

Minerals and Your Immune System

Tiny, in fact, imperceptible rocks in your food, that’s what minerals are. In fact, it’s the same thing that is gouged out of mines and used to construct buildings, conduct electricity, and even make batteries! They are metals, from the earth’s crust, absorbed by plants, which are then eaten by animals, as well as us, humans. With the help of minerals, your body can build the proteins that combine to form the underlying structure for your bones, muscles, organs, and nerve tissue. Minerals are also required to maintain the function of these tissues.

The human body uses more than sixty minerals, and together, they compose about four percent of our total bodies. However, of those sixty types of minerals, seven are present in our tissues in relatively large quantities. They are calcium, magnesium, chlorine, sodium, sulfur, phosphorus and potassium. Minerals work synergistically with enzymes and other vitamins, making it possible for the body to utilize all essential nutrients and carry out normal cellular activity.

Minerals are important for a vast array of metabolic and immune system functions and because of that, fundamental to good health. All of the minerals your body needs are available from vegetable sources like beans, leafy greens, whole grains and fruits. They can also be found in red meat, poultry and fish. Though all minerals used by the body are essential, only a few has been proven to have clear immunity-related functions or specific roles in the protection against diseases. These minerals are magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. So remember to watch your mineral intake for the general well-being of your body.