HealthPracticals FAQs and Benefits From Bee Honey

December 29, 2008

Q: What is Bee Pollen?

A: Pollen is the golden brown or brownish powder from the male part (stamen) of flowers needed for the fertilization of a plant. It is dispersed by wind or with he help of bees. Wind- dispersed pollen has little or no nutrients and may tend to cause allergies but bee pollen is different. It is the flower pollen collected by worker bees for food, which contains many essential nutrients! This highly nutritious food (along with honey to form bee bread) is required by worker bees to obtain the energy to work continuously during their lifespan, which explains why they only select the most nutritious varieties of pollen for their food.

Q: What’s so special about Royal Jelly?

A: At birth, the Queen Bee is no different from the average bee. The Queen Bee is fed only on Royal Jelly all her life. It will become one and a half times larger and live 60 times longer than a regular bee. Highly fertile, it lays twice its own body weight in eggs, close to 2,000 eggs/day. Just imagine the effects on humans!

Royal Jelly helps keep skin youthful because it increases the production of collagen in the skin. It helps prevent osteoporosis because it increases the absorption of calcium in the bones. Royal jelly and honey are very useful elements for skin care. The ancient Egyptians were the first to discover that. They both maintain the stability of cell metabolism, skin structure, moisture and nourish skin cells to preserve cell function.

Q: What are the benefits of honey?

A: Honey is beneficial in maintaining good health and improves stamina for men and women. It is an energy source which is readily assimilated and lasts for hours. Honey helps in overcoming a wide range of respiratory tract diseases. Honey is great for your digestive system because of the enzymes and vitamins found in it. Honey is a safe alternative to sugar because it has been found to give lower blood sugar readings compared to sugar. A natural sweetener, safe for diabetics.

Q: What is Propolis?

A: Propolis is a resinous substance collected from the buds of trees and flowers. The substance is mixed with bee’s saliva and is used to protect and create a bacteria- free environment in the hive. Propolis has an antibiotic effect which stops the bacteria from growing on the infected area. Propolis is able to kill flu viruses, effectively shortening the duration of colds and flu symptoms! Other studies show that it has anti-bacteria, anti-fungal, anti- inflammatory and even anti-cancer properties.

Healthpratical Tips:10 Healthy Habits for a Longer Life

December 22, 2008

Here are some practical habits we can acquire to be healthy. Try this list and share it with a friend.

1.) Eat six small meals a day. Most nutritionists recommend that we eat six small meals a day. For example, you can have a light breakfast at 7 a.m., light snack (a banana or an apple) at 10 a.m., lunch at 12 noon, snack at 4 p.m., dinner at 7p.m., and bedtime snack (tea and cookies) at 9 p.m. This schedule will help reduce sudden surges in your blood sugar. It will also prevent you from overeating because of hunger. It’s easier for the digestion, too, and can prevent stomach ulcers from missed meals. Eat several times a day, but just a little. A banana or an apple can be considered a snack already.

2.) Drink 10 glasses of water. Doctors have to tell patients again and again the importance of drinking enough water a day. But it seems many patients, especially women, don’t listen. Drinking water can prevent kidney infections, kidney stones, migraine headaches, and constipation. My wife, who only drinks three to four glasses of water a day, learned a painful lesson. She developed severe back pains from kidney stones. Now, she drinks a whole lot more. And did you know that water can prevent wrinkles and make your skin soft and glowing? Drink water for beauty, health, and long life. It’s the best advice, so take it.

3.) Rest at least eight hours a day. Sleeping and resting is the best way to boost your energies. If you feel tired, take a 15-minute rest to replenish your strength. At night, try to go for eight hours of sleep. If you can’t sleep, just lying in bed and thinking happy thoughts can relax your mind and body, too. It’s not as good as sleep, but it’s the next best thing.

4.) Climb one to two flights of stairs. Exercise for your health. Moderate exercise has been proven to prevent diabetes and obesity, and reduce arthritis. If your office is just on the second or third floor, use the stairs. It’s good for your heart and your joints. It also helps you get some exercise in between your work. As you grow older, try to avoid high-impact exercises like basketball and badminton. Swimming, taichi, walking, and climbing stairs are gentler for the body.

5.) Live a clean life. By “clean” living, we mean not just physically clean. We should also try to avoid unhealthy behavior like smoking, drinking alcohol, using illicit drugs, engaging in risky sex, and gorging on fatty foods. Smoking kills. Alcohol destroys brain cells. You may have tried them, but it doesn’t get you anywhere. So why continue the habit? Avoid risky habits and prolong your life.

6.) Be a veggie and fruit lover. You are what you eat. And the healthiest foods out there are vegetables and fruits. Green leafy vegetables, such as cabbage, pechay, kangkong, camote tops (talbos), and spinach, contain so many vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant chemicals. Vegetables can prevent heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, bowel problems, irritable bowel syndrome, various bowel cancers, and kidney stones. Eat veggies every day.

For the healthiest fruits, we have bananas, apples, carrots, tomatoes, and citrus fruits. Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamin B6. and folic acid. Likewise, tomatoes have high amounts of antioxidants, including lycopene. Citrus fruits like suha (pomelo) and dalandan are teeming with healthy vitamin C.

7.) Laugh 15 minutes a day. Laughter is, indeed, the best medicine. A study from the University of California Irvine College of Medicine reports that after watching a funny video, the viewers’ mood improved dramatically. Depression and anger dropped by 98 percent, fatigue fell by 87 percent, and tension was reduced by 61 percent.

What happens inside our body when we laugh? The level of stress hormones, called cortisol, decreases, and the good hormones, called endorphins, increase. Endorphins are natural substances in the body that make you happy and boost your immune system.

8.) Be enthusiastic about your work. Choose a job you love, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life. Try to find ways to enjoy your line of work. A nurse’s job can be messy and tiring, but at least you are caring for someone. A secretary’s job may be just about setting appointments, but without her diligence, the boss would never be as successful. Be creative. Think long-term. What does your job really mean to you? An enthusiastic attitude can make a difference.

9.) Have a lifetime partner. Statistics show that married persons live longer than single persons. If you have someone to share your burdens with, it will lessen your stress. Single persons living alone may have no one to attend to them in case of an emergency. To compensate for the lack of social support, single persons can acquire a circle of close relatives and friends.

10.) Share your blessings. In President Bill Clinton’s book Giving, he explains the whys and the hows of giving. Give big or give small, and the benefits will come back to you. Similarly, Prof. Peggy Thoits’ study at the Vanderbilt University showed that people who volunteered and helped others had higher levels of happiness, self-esteem, and better physical health. If you want to receive P2,000 worth of health and happiness, try donating P2,000 to your favorite charity. Helping the poor and the sick will surely give you a different high. It may not make you live longer, but it can surely make life worth living.

Source: http://philstar.com

Why Does Our Body Needs Exercise?

December 20, 2008

The importance of exercise is nothing new. Thomas Jefferson once wrote that to be successful in academic studies, a person should “give about two of them [that's hours, people!], every day, to exercise; for health must not be sacrificed to learning. A strong body makes the mind strong.”

It turns out Jefferson was on to something. A multi-year study by researchers at Tufts University found that students who said they exercised at least 3 days a week were more likely to report a better state of physical health and greater happiness than those who didn’t exercise. This (and other evidence) suggests that the real benefits of exercise may not come right after a workout but from a longer commitment to regular activity.

Most experts today do not demand 2 hours of daily exercise. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that people get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity most days of the week.

Brisk walking, jogging, and swimming are easy ways to boost your heart rate and promote cardiovascular health. Exercise can also help lower blood pressure and counter stress. For women, exercise that makes the body and bones bear weight - like walking or running - may reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life.

You’ll likely discover a subtler benefit of exercise as well: greater self-confidence. This may make it easier for you to participate in class and help you perform well in academic and social situations.

How Can I Get Moving?

Colleges offer lots of exercise options. Why not take advantage of the facilities and try something new? You may even be able to take physical education classes for credit - check with your advisor. Here are some suggestions to get you going:

• Work out at the gym. The gym can be a great place to work off stress from the pressures of school. And if time on the stationary bike or treadmill makes you feel like a hamster, you’ll probably find lots of other options at your college gym, such a pool or yoga classes. Exercise should be fun, because the more you enjoy it the more likely you are to do it regularly. So find activities you like and make them a part of your routine.

• Hit the road. All you really need for a workout are comfortable athletic shoes. Then head to the track or check out local trails for jogging - or biking and in-line skating. If your school has jogging or fitness trails around campus, you can probably pick up a map in the student activities office or the gym. (Avoid running alone in isolated areas or at night, even in places that feel safe, so take a friend on your road trip.)

• Head to the court - or the green. Most schools have tennis, racquetball, or squash facilities, and some colleges have golf courses. Many offer classes and lessons. And one of the great things about college is that if your friends don’t share your interests, you can usually meet other players easily.

• Join the club. Even if you’re not at the level of NCAA competition, there are opportunities to play team sports. Check out intramural and club sports like soccer, basketball, lacrosse, ultimate Frisbee, and tons of others.

• Take a hike. Many schools have an outdoor recreation club that loans or rents equipment - everything from tents and backpacks to kayaks and snowshoes - to students for solo or group outings. They may also offer organized trips and lessons. If you’re experienced in the outdoors, consider volunteering to lead groups of other students on hikes or other outdoor trips.

Look at the Bright Side at Zenni’s Optical

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Stay Healthy with Fruit Nutrition

December 14, 2008

Lots of research has been done on fruit nutrition and all of it indicates that eating high quantities of fruits and vegetables as part of your daily diet is beneficial in reducing the risk of many types of diseases. The nutrients in fruits and vegetables have been shown to decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke, to prevent many types of cancer, and to help stop such eye health problems as macular degeneration and cataracts.

Among the many nutrients in fruit are potassium, vitamin C, dietary fiber, and folate. Potassium can help lower blood pressure, aid normal heart function, and stop fat from building up to clog arteries. Potassium is also linked to maintaining bone density and may even reduce the risk of acquiring kidney stones. Potassium-rich fruits include bananas, dried peaches and apricots, prunes and prune juice, orange juice, cantaloupe and honeydew melon.

The dietary fiber in fruit helps to maintain good bowel movement, reducing constipation and diverticulosis. It also plays an important role in reducing blood cholesterol levels and helping lower our risk of heart disease. These advantages are from whole and cut-up fruits–the same fiber content is not present in fruit juices. The most fiber content found in juice is in those containing a large amount of pulp.

Vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins for human health. It is essential for the health of body tissues, strengthening the immune system, having healthy gums and teeth, and it aids in the body’s healing of itself should we have wounds or cuts. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, and as such it can protect us at the cellular level from free radicals that can cause all types of cell damage. Research has even shown that vitamin C may help reduce the risk of heart disease and some forms of cancer. Vitamin C is present in such fruits as strawberries, blackberries, bananas, apples, kiwi, oranges, cantaloupe, watermelon, lemon, grapes, tomatoes, peaches, and lime.

Folate, or folic acid is another component of fruit–nutrition essentials gained from folate are the production of red blood cells. These are especially important to pregnant women as the fetus needs lots of folic acid during the first trimester as it reduces the chances of certain birth defects. These include tube defects–spina bifida, a spinal cord defect, and anencephaly, a defect where the fetus doesn‘t develop a brain and usually dies in the womb or shortly after birth. Folate is the word used when this vitamin is found in fruits, and folic acid is what it’s called in supplements. Fruits having folate include kiwi, cantaloupe, blackberries, oranges, tomatoes, bananas and strawberries.

Vitamin A is present in blackberries, tomatoes, oranges, cantaloupes, kiwi, watermelon, and peaches. We need vitamin A for several different purposes, including strengthening the immune system, cell reproduction, and aiding in the growth of some hormones. It also helps us have healthy skin, hair, and mucous membranes. Research shows vitamin A can help prevent acquiring measles.

Eating adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables is the number one thing you can do stay healthy. Everyone should eat a minimum of 2 cups of fruit and 2-½ cups of vegetables every day. The most fruit nutrition benefits are obtained from having at least 5 servings every day–5 to 9 servings is ideal. Fruits are low fat, contain fiber, essential vitamins and minerals, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. They also have fruitose, a natural sugar, which is better for the body than the processed white sugars found in so many popular foods. So, add as many fruits as you can to your diet and you will live longer and be healthier.

Look Good with Zenni!

December 12, 2008

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Victor Preedy:Beer in Health and Disease Prevention

December 6, 2008

Presenting both the concerns and problems of beer consumption as well as the emerging evidence of benefit, Handbook of Beer Health and Disease Prevention offers a balanced view of today’s findings and the potential of tomorrow’s research.From a beverage of warriors to a cheap and affordable commodity, beer has been a part of our consumption for nearly 8000 years. Like most alcoholic drinks it has been prone to abuse and in some counties the per capita consumption of beer has led to considerable health risks.

However, just as wine in moderation has been proposed to promote health, research is showing that beer — and the ingredients in beer — can have similar impact on improving health, and in some instances preventing disease. For example, some cancers like bladder cancers and the incidence of cardiovascular disease are reported to be lower in moderate beer drinkers. Furthermore there is a considerable body of emerging evidence to show that the anti-oxidant capacity of beers is high. It has been argued by some that the total antioxidants ingested in some beer drinkers equates that consumed by red wine drinkers. The key to this, of course, is understanding and this volume presents a collection of the most current writings on the subject of beer and it’s potential in health.

Delores C.S. James:Nutrition and Well-Being A-Z

A no-nonsense, comprehensive encyclopedia that will be of use to students researching health and food-science topics. The set examines a variety of subjects such as “Antioxidants,” “Appetite,” “Fats,” “Malnutrition,” “Soy,” and “Organic Foods.” The food pyramid is clearly explained and food labels are deciphered line by line. Related topics include diseases that are associated with nutrition, such as osteoporosis and rickets, and health organizations. A global perspective is maintained throughout the work, with articles provided on the diets of geographic and ethnic groups spamide. The authoritative entries are concise, if a little dry. Nutrition terminology is defined in the margins and included in the glossary.

Average-quality, black-and-white photographs lend only slight visual appeal, but generally add information. Frequent graphs, tables, and sidebars supplement the text with more specific or esoteric material. The index has occasional lapses. The more appealing Encyclopedia of Foods (Academic, 2001) takes a less-clinical approach to its topic; it has color photos and contains practical advice on meal planning and preparation. Nutrition’s straightforward coverage offers more information on disease and government oversight.

Thing to Know About Lack of Sleep

With an ever-increasing number of studies finding a direct connection between sleep deprivation and weight gain, it’s difficult to deny the cause-and-effect relationship. People who get at least seven hours of sleep per night tend to have less body fat than people who don’t. There are, of course, other factors involved in determining who becomes overweight and who doesn’t, like food intake, exercise and genes. But sleep is a more integral of the process than most people realize. In a study involving 9,000 people between 1982 and 1984 (NHANES I), researchers found that people who averaged six hours of sleep per night were 27 percent more likely to be overweight than their seven-to-nine hour counterparts; and those averaging five hours of sleep per night were 73 percent more likely to be overweight.

Many people who are sleep deprived don’t even know it. Lots of us think there’s quite a bit of give in how much sleep a person needs to be healthy and well functioning, but most researchers disagree, putting seven hours as the minimum for all except the very young and the very old. Besides straight numbers, there are a couple of ways to tell if you’re sleep deprived, including:

• Are you typically drowsy during a good portion of the day, especially the morning?
• Are you falling asleep at night in a couple of minutes?

Most non-sleep-deprived people take about 15 minutes to fall asleep at night. Chronic sleepiness and a nearly-instant state of sleep when you get into bed are good indicators that you’re not getting enough

If you are sleep deprived, there are some obvious tie-ins to obesity, like chronic sleepiness making physical activity unlikely. But there are also a number of things going on in your body that could contribute to weight gain. In scientific studies, the most commonly cited effects of sleep deprivation are hormonal disturbances, specifically involving the hormones leptin and ghrelin.

When you don’t get enough sleep, your body has too little leptin and too much ghrelin.

St. Augustine: The Best Medical Assistant School for You

Being a medical assistant gives one a very rare opportunity to render service to a greater number of people while at the same time earning a decent salary for one’s self. More and more students enter a medical assistance program because the field is not only a potential field for earning a good income but also because of the fact that it is far easier to obtain a medical assistance diploma. It entails lesser time and money.

Most medical assistant schools offer great terms to those who are interested to enroll in the program. But none of these medical assistant schools could match the quality of instructional system, curricular flexibility, and the good name of St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants. Existing for how many years, the St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants is the premier institution which offers a very responsive and student-friendly program for medical assistants. It offers a flexible online medical assistant program that caters for the specific need of the student. For just 6-8 weeks, you already have a medical assistant diploma nationally accredited and certified. If your tight schedule does not allow you to finish the program in the shortest possible time, you can progress through the program within your pace. With the school’s affordable terms, you would find St. Augustine your best partner in pursuing your medical assistant career.

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