by Elle Febbo
Honey isn’t just for tea and biscuits anymore, and brown sugar isn’t just for baking.
Health experts from acne.com are now referencing honey as a healing agent when it comes to our skin, and brown sugar as a safe, natural cleansing agent for dermatological use.
Honey <http://homecooking.about.com/od/foodhistory/a/honeyhistory.htm> acts as a natural cleansing and calming compound, and is said to clear up even the ugliest blemish over just an 8 hour night’s sleep. Brown sugar removes dead skin cells and cleanses pores <https://www.examiner.com/x-13785-Mineral-Makeup-Examiner~y2009m6d22-Facial-cleansers-for-matte-oilfree-skin> , making way for supple, healthy looking skin.
Could two of the best beauty picks for stellar skin been right under our nose (or, on our toast), all along?
Below are a few ways to make your natural sweeteners do a lot more for you than add to your calorie count.
1. When you feel or see a blemish starting to appear, dab on a fingertip of honey to the affected area, and cover with a band-aid before bed. By dawn, it should be gone.
2. Mix 1/8th cup honey, and 2 teaspoons of whole milk together in a dish. Cleanse face and neck with milk and honey mixture, then rinse and moisturize as usual.
3. Queen Bee Exfoliating Scrub (Available in most common kitchens):
Naturally exfoliating your skin with a gentle exfoliant, such as brown sugar, will remove dead skin cells from the skin's surface while delicately cleansing pores. Upon completion, skin will feel smooth, and tone will be more even.
Recipe:
4 TBSP brown sugar
2 tsp honey
2 TBSP milk or water
2 drops of wheat germ oil (optional)
Apply to face, leave on 15 minutes, and rinse with cool water. Gently pat face dry with a clean towel, and moisturize.
Of course, after cleansing face and neck thoroughly, always use a moisturizer with a minimum of SPF 15 .
One more quick tip: Use honey from a jar; it’s thicker than what you’ll get from a squeeze bottle, and the honey does have to stay on your face to work, after all.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
How to Prevent Mosquito Bites
Posted By TipNut On June 15, 2007 @ 6:32 am In Beauty & Health 64 Comments <http://tipnut.com/how-to-prevent-mosquito-bites/print/#comments_controls>
As promised from yesterday’s post for How To Stop Mosquito Bites Itching <http://tipnut.com/over-40-mosquito-bite-itch-relief-tips/> [1], I’ve compiled a big list of recommendations and home remedies for mosquito repellent suggestions. A few things to note first:
- You pretty much have to stop breathing to not attract the attention of a mosquito, a big attractor for them is the carbon dioxide from your breathing.
- It also seems mosquitoes are attracted by scents like perfumes, sweat, body odor as well as body heat. Unless you stop using shampoos, soaps, deodorants and detergents–it’s hard to be scent free.
- From what I understand, DEET has proven to be the most effective mosquito repellent. DEET is pretty crazy stuff though, so if you’d like to try less harsh solutions, there are plenty of tips below for you to give a shot.
Something to keep in mind: Since some people seem to be a mosquito magnet while others around them don’t get a single bite, I have the suspicion that there could be a personal body chemistry factor involved. And that could explain why a remedy that works for one person, may not work for another.
I suspect that’s why some people swear by the Bounce sheet method, or the Avon Skin So Soft solution, while others have a different experience. Bounce nor the Avon SSS did a thing for me btw, but I did include them in the list below. I know a few people who SWEAR by them.
Basics for Mosquito Bite Prevention
- Wear light colored clothing, mosquitoes are attracted to dark clothes
- Keep your body covered as much as possible (including wearing a hat), although mosquitoes can find their way through the fabric–it does cut down on bites
Mosquito Bite Prevention Home Remedies & Tips
- Vanilla Extract: A few different recommendations for this one, each contradicting the other. Some say to dab Vanilla Extract on your pulse points, others say to rub it all over your skin & dab your clothes. Some say the cheap stuff is what you have to use, others say the real, pure Vanilla is the only thing that will work. Some say to apply it full strength, others say you can dilute it with water and spray it on. Play around with Vanilla to see what gives you best results–there are plenty of believers for this one as a mosquito deterrent so I think there’s something to it. (Note if this works what a great natural cure and smell good too!)
- Garlic: This isn’t a favorite thing to do day-to-day, but if you’re going camping or hiking through heavily mosquito infested areas, try a garlic powder and water paste. Apply to pulse points, behind knees, on shoes and ankles and a dab or two on your cheeks or somewhere on your face and neck. Remember–keep out of eyes. And maybe stay out of public places too ;).
- Essential Oils: Mix choice of essential oils with rubbing alcohol, or witch hazel, or distilled water and spritz on body or directly on cloth to rub on body (shake before each use). Or add a few drops in baby oil or olive oil then rub on skin. You can also apply drops along a strip of fabric (cotton) and tie around wrist. *Make sure to avoid mouth and eye areas when using essential oils.
- Citronella oil
- Lavender oil
- Catnip oil
- Eucalyptus oil
- Pennyroyal oil *Seems to be strongly recommended
- Tansy oil *Seems to be strongly recommended
- Basil oil
- Thyme oil
- Cedar oil
- Tea Tree oil
- Peppermint oil
- Lemongrass oil
Plants That Repel Mosquitoes
Break off leaves and crush them roughly, rub them all over your clothes and skin. Toss the bruised leaves around the perimeter of your deck or patio. Also plant these in pots and arrange them around the patio. You could also infuse these in water and then use that as a spray.
- Citronella
- Lavender
- Basil
- Catnip
- Pennyroyal
- Tansy
- Marigolds
Commercial Products That Repel Mosquitoes
*(other than DEET items)
- Avon’s Skin So Soft (straight or mix 50/50 with rubbing alcohol)
- Bounce Sheets (hanging out of a pocket or waistband)
- Listerine (mixed 50/50 with household vinegar then sprayed all over body)
- Vicks VapoRub
- You can purchase citronella torches to stand in the ground or set on table tops
Household Hack
- Spray garlic powder and water all over the yard and bushes. Use a fertilizer hose attachment. Will need to be done bi-weekly (approx) or after a heavy rain.
Items to Eat
*Daily
Apparently the smell that comes out of your pores from a steady diet of the below deters mosquitoes. The items aren’t meant to be combined, they’re just different suggestions.
- Garlic
- B1 Vitamins
- Brewers Yeast
- Lemons
Proven False
- Lemon Fresh Joy & Dish of Water <http://www.snopes.com/oldwives/dishsoap.asp> [2]
Also See These Tips:
- How To Heal With Aloe Vera Plants: Tips Guide <http://tipnut.com/how-to-heal-with-aloe-vera-plants-tips-guide/> [3]
- Rosemary Herbal Hand Scrub: Recipe <http://tipnut.com/herbal-hand-scrub/> [4]
- Floral Infused Olive Oil: Rich Beauty Aid <http://tipnut.com/floral-olive-oil/> [5]
Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com
URL to article: http://tipnut.com/how-to-prevent-mosquito-bites/
URLs in this post:
[1] How To Stop Mosquito Bites Itching: http://tipnut.com/over-40-mosquito-bite-itch-relief-tips/
[2] Lemon Fresh Joy & Dish of Water: http://www.snopes.com/oldwives/dishsoap.asp
[3] How To Heal With Aloe Vera Plants: Tips Guide: http://tipnut.com/how-to-heal-with-aloe-vera-plants-tips-guide/
[4] Rosemary Herbal Hand Scrub: Recipe: http://tipnut.com/herbal-hand-scrub/
[5] Floral Infused Olive Oil: Rich Beauty Aid: http://tipnut.com/floral-olive-oil/
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Swine Flu Is it Fact or Fiction?
This is great information about why NOT to panic... read this before you rush out to get a vaccine.. make informed decisions Peace, Lynne
Hi, This is an article by Dr. Mercola on the Swine Flu and will give you a lot of information. Take the time to read it. It will increase your understanding. Blessings and health, Marlene
Critical Alert: The Swine Flu Pandemic – Fact or Fiction? American health officials declared a public health emergency as cases of swine flu were confirmed in the U.S. Health officials across the world fear this could be the leading edge of a global pandemic emerging from Mexico, where seven people are confirmed dead as a result of the new virus. On Wednesday April 29th, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised its pandemic alert level to five on its six-level threat scale,1 which means they've determined that the virus is capable of human-to-human transmission. The initial outbreaks across North America reveal an infection already traveling at higher velocity than did the last official pandemic strain, the 1968 Hong Kong flu. Phase 5 had never been declared since the warning system was introduced in 2005 in response to the avian influenza crisis. Phase 6 means a pandemic is under way. Several nations have imposed travel bans, or made plans to quarantine air travelers2 that present symptoms of the swine flu despite the fact that WHO now openly states it is not possible to contain the spread of this infection and recommends mitigation measures, not restricting travel or closing borders. Just What is a Pandemic Anyway? A pandemic does not necessarily mean what you think it does, it is NOT black-plague carts being hauled through the streets piled high with dead bodies. Nor does it mean flesh eating zombies wandering the streets feeding on the living. All a pandemic means is that a new infectious disease is spreading throughout the world. By definition, a "pandemic" is an epidemic that is geographically widespread. Fear-mongers are always careful to add the innuendo that millions of people could and probably will die, as in the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918 that killed about 20 million people worldwide. How does the death of even a few hundred equate to 20 million? Much Fear Mongering Being Promoted I suspect you have likely been alarmed by the media's coverage of the swine flu scare. It has a noticeable subplot - preparing you for draconian measures to combat a future pandemic as well as forcing you to accept the idea of mandatory vaccinations. On April 27, Time magazine published an article which discusses how dozens died and hundreds were injured from vaccines as a result of the 1976 swine flu fiasco, when the Ford administration attempted to use the infection of soldiers at Fort Dix as a pretext for a mass vaccination of the entire country. Despite acknowledging that the 1976 farce was an example of “how not to handle a flu outbreak”, the article still introduces the notion that officials “may soon have to consider whether to institute draconian measures to combat the disease”. Fear has become so widespread that Egypt has ordered the slaughter of the country's 300,000 pigs, even though no cases have been reported there. Fortunately some respectable journalists recognize this and are seeking to spread a voice of reason to the fear that is being promoted in the majority of the media This is NOT the First Swine Flu Panic My guess is that you can expect to see a lot of panic over this issue in the near future. But the key is to remain calm -- this isn't the first time the public has been warned about swine flu. The last time was in 1976, right before I entered medical school and I remember it very clearly. It resulted in the massive swine flu vaccine campaign. Do you happen to recall the result of this massive campaign? Within a few months, claims totaling $1.3 billion had been filed by victims who had suffered paralysis from the vaccine. The vaccine was also blamed for 25 deaths. However, several hundred people developed crippling Guillain-Barré Syndrome after they were injected with the swine flu vaccine. Even healthy 20-year-olds ended up as paraplegics. And the swine flu pandemic itself? It never materialized. More People Died From the Swine Flu Vaccine than Swine Flu! It is very difficult to forecast a pandemic, and a rash response can be extremely damaging. To put things into perspective, malaria kills 3,000 people EVERY DAY, and it's considered "a health problem"... But of course, there are no fancy vaccines for malaria that can rake in billions of dollars in a short amount of time. One Australian news source,3 for example, states that even a mild swine flu epidemic could lead to the deaths of 1.4 million people and would reduce economic growth by nearly $5 trillion dollars. Give me a break, if this doesn't sound like the outlandish cries of the pandemic bird-flu I don't know what does. Do you remember when President Bush said two million Americans would die as a result of the bird flu? In 2005, in 2006, 2007, and again in 2008, those fears were exposed as little more than a cruel hoax, designed to instill fear, and line the pocketbooks of various individuals and industry. I became so convinced by the evidence AGAINST the possibility of a bird flu pandemic that I wrote a New York Times bestselling book, The Bird Flu Hoax, all about the massive fraud involved with the epidemic that never happened.. What is the Swine Flu? Regular swine flu is a contagious respiratory disease, caused by a type-A influenza virus that affects pigs. The current strain, A(H1N1), is a new variation of an H1N1 virus -- which causes seasonal flu outbreaks in humans -- that also contains genetic material of bird and pig versions of the flu. Symptoms include: Fever of more than 100 Coughing Runny nose and/or sore throat Joint aches Severe headache Vomiting and/or diarrhea Lethargy Lack of appetite Interestingly enough, this version has never before been seen in neither human nor animal, which I will discuss a bit later. This does sound bad. But not so fast. There are a few reasons to not rush to conclusions that this is the deadly pandemic we've been told would occur in the near future (as if anyone could predict it without having some sort of inside knowledge). Current State of Swine Flu SpreadAs of May 1, 2009, 11 countries have officially reported 363 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection and only ten deaths in the ENTIRE world from this illness. At this time ALL of the deaths are from people born in Mexico Why Mexico? Well overcrowding, poor nutrition and overall poor immunity, all of which are indigenous to Mexico will radically increase your risk of death from almost any infection.Interestingly there are no official reports of just who these people are that died. Are they elderly or infirm people, are they already chronically ill? Are they under 5 years old? Or perhaps someone who could just as easily be killed by the common cold or a slip and fall? These are important questions that have not been answered.The number of fatalities, and suspected and confirmed cases across the world change depending on the source, so your best bet -- if you want the latest numbers -- is to use Google Maps' Swine Flu Tracker. There is also an experimental version for Mexico.But "officially' the most recent numbers according to the World Health Organization's Epidemic and Pandemic Alert and Response site are: Country Cases Deaths Mexico 156 9 United States 141 1* Canada 34 0 Spain 13 0 United Kingdom 8 0 Germany 3 0 New Zealand 3 0 Israel 2 0 Switzerland 1 0 Austria 1 0 Netherlands 1 0 *The United States has had 141 confirmed cases, and one death BUT no deaths from US Citizens. On April 29th CNN reported the first swine fatality in the US, however this was actually a child from Mexico that died in Texas. It is important to note that nearly all suspected new cases have been reported as mild. Personally, I am highly skeptical. It simply doesn't add up to a real pandemic. But it does raise serious questions about where this brand new, never before seen virus came from, especially since it cannot be contracted from eating pork products, and has never before been seen in pigs, and contains traits from the bird flu -- and which, so far, only seems to respond to Tamiflu. Are we just that lucky, or... what? Your Fear Will Make Some People VERY Rich in Today's Crumbling Economy Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) is approved for treatment of uncomplicated influenza A and B in children 1 year of age or older. It is also approved for prevention of influenza in people 13 years or older. It’s part of a group of anti-influenza drugs called neuraminidase inhibitors, which work by blocking a viral enzyme that helps the influenza virus to invade cells in your respiratory tract. According to the Associated Press at least one financial analyst estimates up to $388 million worth of Tamiflu sales in the near future10 -- and that's without a pandemic outbreak. More than half a dozen pharmaceutical companies, including Gilead Sciences Inc., Roche, GlaxoSmithKline and other companies with a stake in flu treatments and detection, have seen a rise in their shares in a matter of days, and will likely see revenue boosts if the swine flu outbreak continues to spread. Swine flue is extremely convenient for governments that would have very soon have to dispose of billions of dollars of Tamiflu stock, which they bought to counter avian flu, or H5N1. The US government ordered 20 million doses, costing $2 billion, in October, 2005, and around that time the UK government ordered 14.6 million doses. Tamiflu’s manufacturer, Roche, has confirmed that the shelf life of its anti-viral is three years. As soon as Homeland Security declared a health emergency, 25 percent -- about 12 million doses -- of Tamiflu and Relenza treatment courses were released from the nation's stockpile. However, beware that the declaration also allows unapproved tests and drugs to be administered to children. Many health- and government officials are more than willing to take that chance with your life, and the life of your child. But are you? Tamiflu Loaded With Side Effects, Including Death and Can Only Reduce Symptoms by 36 Hours at BEST Please realize that Tamiflu is NOT a safe drug Serious side effects include convulsions, delirium or delusions, and 14 deaths in children and teens as a result of neuropsychiatric problems and brain infections Japan actually banned Tamiflu for children in 2007. Remember, Tamiflu went through some rough times not too long ago, as the dangers of this drug came to light when, in 2007, the FDA finally began investigating some 1,800 adverse event reports related to the drug. Additionally common side effects of Tamiflu include: Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Headache Dizziness Fatigue Cough All in all, the very symptoms you're trying to avoid. Additionally, Tamiflu has been reported to be ineffective against seasonal flu outbreaks, and may not be sufficient to combat an epidemic or pandemic. But making matters worse, some patients with influenza are at HIGHER risk for secondary bacterial infections when on Tamiflu. And secondary bacterial infections, as I mentioned earlier, was likely the REAL cause of the mass fatalities during the 1918 pandemic! But here’s the real kicker. When Tamiflu is used as directed (twice daily for 5 days) it can ONLY reduce the duration of your influenza symptoms by 1 to 1 ½ days, according to the official data. Why on earth would anyone want to take a drug that has a chance of killing you, was banned in Japan, is loaded with side effects that mimic the flu itself, costs over $100, and AT BEST can only provide 36 hours of SYMPTOM relief. Just doesn't make any sense. If you are intrested in a healthy life style visit Dr. Marcola
Hi, This is an article by Dr. Mercola on the Swine Flu and will give you a lot of information. Take the time to read it. It will increase your understanding. Blessings and health, Marlene
Critical Alert: The Swine Flu Pandemic – Fact or Fiction? American health officials declared a public health emergency as cases of swine flu were confirmed in the U.S. Health officials across the world fear this could be the leading edge of a global pandemic emerging from Mexico, where seven people are confirmed dead as a result of the new virus. On Wednesday April 29th, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised its pandemic alert level to five on its six-level threat scale,1 which means they've determined that the virus is capable of human-to-human transmission. The initial outbreaks across North America reveal an infection already traveling at higher velocity than did the last official pandemic strain, the 1968 Hong Kong flu. Phase 5 had never been declared since the warning system was introduced in 2005 in response to the avian influenza crisis. Phase 6 means a pandemic is under way. Several nations have imposed travel bans, or made plans to quarantine air travelers2 that present symptoms of the swine flu despite the fact that WHO now openly states it is not possible to contain the spread of this infection and recommends mitigation measures, not restricting travel or closing borders. Just What is a Pandemic Anyway? A pandemic does not necessarily mean what you think it does, it is NOT black-plague carts being hauled through the streets piled high with dead bodies. Nor does it mean flesh eating zombies wandering the streets feeding on the living. All a pandemic means is that a new infectious disease is spreading throughout the world. By definition, a "pandemic" is an epidemic that is geographically widespread. Fear-mongers are always careful to add the innuendo that millions of people could and probably will die, as in the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918 that killed about 20 million people worldwide. How does the death of even a few hundred equate to 20 million? Much Fear Mongering Being Promoted I suspect you have likely been alarmed by the media's coverage of the swine flu scare. It has a noticeable subplot - preparing you for draconian measures to combat a future pandemic as well as forcing you to accept the idea of mandatory vaccinations. On April 27, Time magazine published an article which discusses how dozens died and hundreds were injured from vaccines as a result of the 1976 swine flu fiasco, when the Ford administration attempted to use the infection of soldiers at Fort Dix as a pretext for a mass vaccination of the entire country. Despite acknowledging that the 1976 farce was an example of “how not to handle a flu outbreak”, the article still introduces the notion that officials “may soon have to consider whether to institute draconian measures to combat the disease”. Fear has become so widespread that Egypt has ordered the slaughter of the country's 300,000 pigs, even though no cases have been reported there. Fortunately some respectable journalists recognize this and are seeking to spread a voice of reason to the fear that is being promoted in the majority of the media This is NOT the First Swine Flu Panic My guess is that you can expect to see a lot of panic over this issue in the near future. But the key is to remain calm -- this isn't the first time the public has been warned about swine flu. The last time was in 1976, right before I entered medical school and I remember it very clearly. It resulted in the massive swine flu vaccine campaign. Do you happen to recall the result of this massive campaign? Within a few months, claims totaling $1.3 billion had been filed by victims who had suffered paralysis from the vaccine. The vaccine was also blamed for 25 deaths. However, several hundred people developed crippling Guillain-Barré Syndrome after they were injected with the swine flu vaccine. Even healthy 20-year-olds ended up as paraplegics. And the swine flu pandemic itself? It never materialized. More People Died From the Swine Flu Vaccine than Swine Flu! It is very difficult to forecast a pandemic, and a rash response can be extremely damaging. To put things into perspective, malaria kills 3,000 people EVERY DAY, and it's considered "a health problem"... But of course, there are no fancy vaccines for malaria that can rake in billions of dollars in a short amount of time. One Australian news source,3 for example, states that even a mild swine flu epidemic could lead to the deaths of 1.4 million people and would reduce economic growth by nearly $5 trillion dollars. Give me a break, if this doesn't sound like the outlandish cries of the pandemic bird-flu I don't know what does. Do you remember when President Bush said two million Americans would die as a result of the bird flu? In 2005, in 2006, 2007, and again in 2008, those fears were exposed as little more than a cruel hoax, designed to instill fear, and line the pocketbooks of various individuals and industry. I became so convinced by the evidence AGAINST the possibility of a bird flu pandemic that I wrote a New York Times bestselling book, The Bird Flu Hoax, all about the massive fraud involved with the epidemic that never happened.. What is the Swine Flu? Regular swine flu is a contagious respiratory disease, caused by a type-A influenza virus that affects pigs. The current strain, A(H1N1), is a new variation of an H1N1 virus -- which causes seasonal flu outbreaks in humans -- that also contains genetic material of bird and pig versions of the flu. Symptoms include: Fever of more than 100 Coughing Runny nose and/or sore throat Joint aches Severe headache Vomiting and/or diarrhea Lethargy Lack of appetite Interestingly enough, this version has never before been seen in neither human nor animal, which I will discuss a bit later. This does sound bad. But not so fast. There are a few reasons to not rush to conclusions that this is the deadly pandemic we've been told would occur in the near future (as if anyone could predict it without having some sort of inside knowledge). Current State of Swine Flu SpreadAs of May 1, 2009, 11 countries have officially reported 363 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection and only ten deaths in the ENTIRE world from this illness. At this time ALL of the deaths are from people born in Mexico Why Mexico? Well overcrowding, poor nutrition and overall poor immunity, all of which are indigenous to Mexico will radically increase your risk of death from almost any infection.Interestingly there are no official reports of just who these people are that died. Are they elderly or infirm people, are they already chronically ill? Are they under 5 years old? Or perhaps someone who could just as easily be killed by the common cold or a slip and fall? These are important questions that have not been answered.The number of fatalities, and suspected and confirmed cases across the world change depending on the source, so your best bet -- if you want the latest numbers -- is to use Google Maps' Swine Flu Tracker. There is also an experimental version for Mexico.But "officially' the most recent numbers according to the World Health Organization's Epidemic and Pandemic Alert and Response site are: Country Cases Deaths Mexico 156 9 United States 141 1* Canada 34 0 Spain 13 0 United Kingdom 8 0 Germany 3 0 New Zealand 3 0 Israel 2 0 Switzerland 1 0 Austria 1 0 Netherlands 1 0 *The United States has had 141 confirmed cases, and one death BUT no deaths from US Citizens. On April 29th CNN reported the first swine fatality in the US, however this was actually a child from Mexico that died in Texas. It is important to note that nearly all suspected new cases have been reported as mild. Personally, I am highly skeptical. It simply doesn't add up to a real pandemic. But it does raise serious questions about where this brand new, never before seen virus came from, especially since it cannot be contracted from eating pork products, and has never before been seen in pigs, and contains traits from the bird flu -- and which, so far, only seems to respond to Tamiflu. Are we just that lucky, or... what? Your Fear Will Make Some People VERY Rich in Today's Crumbling Economy Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) is approved for treatment of uncomplicated influenza A and B in children 1 year of age or older. It is also approved for prevention of influenza in people 13 years or older. It’s part of a group of anti-influenza drugs called neuraminidase inhibitors, which work by blocking a viral enzyme that helps the influenza virus to invade cells in your respiratory tract. According to the Associated Press at least one financial analyst estimates up to $388 million worth of Tamiflu sales in the near future10 -- and that's without a pandemic outbreak. More than half a dozen pharmaceutical companies, including Gilead Sciences Inc., Roche, GlaxoSmithKline and other companies with a stake in flu treatments and detection, have seen a rise in their shares in a matter of days, and will likely see revenue boosts if the swine flu outbreak continues to spread. Swine flue is extremely convenient for governments that would have very soon have to dispose of billions of dollars of Tamiflu stock, which they bought to counter avian flu, or H5N1. The US government ordered 20 million doses, costing $2 billion, in October, 2005, and around that time the UK government ordered 14.6 million doses. Tamiflu’s manufacturer, Roche, has confirmed that the shelf life of its anti-viral is three years. As soon as Homeland Security declared a health emergency, 25 percent -- about 12 million doses -- of Tamiflu and Relenza treatment courses were released from the nation's stockpile. However, beware that the declaration also allows unapproved tests and drugs to be administered to children. Many health- and government officials are more than willing to take that chance with your life, and the life of your child. But are you? Tamiflu Loaded With Side Effects, Including Death and Can Only Reduce Symptoms by 36 Hours at BEST Please realize that Tamiflu is NOT a safe drug Serious side effects include convulsions, delirium or delusions, and 14 deaths in children and teens as a result of neuropsychiatric problems and brain infections Japan actually banned Tamiflu for children in 2007. Remember, Tamiflu went through some rough times not too long ago, as the dangers of this drug came to light when, in 2007, the FDA finally began investigating some 1,800 adverse event reports related to the drug. Additionally common side effects of Tamiflu include: Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Headache Dizziness Fatigue Cough All in all, the very symptoms you're trying to avoid. Additionally, Tamiflu has been reported to be ineffective against seasonal flu outbreaks, and may not be sufficient to combat an epidemic or pandemic. But making matters worse, some patients with influenza are at HIGHER risk for secondary bacterial infections when on Tamiflu. And secondary bacterial infections, as I mentioned earlier, was likely the REAL cause of the mass fatalities during the 1918 pandemic! But here’s the real kicker. When Tamiflu is used as directed (twice daily for 5 days) it can ONLY reduce the duration of your influenza symptoms by 1 to 1 ½ days, according to the official data. Why on earth would anyone want to take a drug that has a chance of killing you, was banned in Japan, is loaded with side effects that mimic the flu itself, costs over $100, and AT BEST can only provide 36 hours of SYMPTOM relief. Just doesn't make any sense. If you are intrested in a healthy life style visit Dr. Marcola
Friday, April 17, 2009
Let There Be Light!
It's interesting to note that this phrase "let there be light" also translates to the Latin phrase fiat lux, which has often been used metaphorically as a means of dispelling ignorance.
Now, my mission at Mercola.com has always been to help dispel ignorance when it comes to taking control of your health.
And recommending simple and natural wellness solutions and strategies when you can avoid unhealthy and unnatural ones -- even when it means bucking the party line of conventional medicine and the big pharmaceutical companies.
However, when it comes to light, I must share that I also believe in the literal, physical nature of the phrase... read more
Now, my mission at Mercola.com has always been to help dispel ignorance when it comes to taking control of your health.
And recommending simple and natural wellness solutions and strategies when you can avoid unhealthy and unnatural ones -- even when it means bucking the party line of conventional medicine and the big pharmaceutical companies.
However, when it comes to light, I must share that I also believe in the literal, physical nature of the phrase... read more
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Lloyd Van Strong Man of the Year!
As an employee of Ion Exchange, Inc. where my wages were doubled every week, I was still depressed. My employers were going to give me one last chance to come around. In desperation, they sent me to the jungle of Costa Rica where I became a real man and now I'm pumped and ready to go with both feet on the ground. I’m Lloyd Vann, nominated as Costa Rica’s Strong Man of the Year 2009. Take a look! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1B1eJprNUew
Monday, February 16, 2009
Take A Quiz and See What You Know About Your Immune System
By Elizabeth Smoots
Your immune system plays a vital role in protecting your body against infectious organisms and cancerous cells. Though you cannot see it, your defensive team stands ready to confront germs and foreign invaders whenever they attack.
Most of the time, this works out well. Just think of a fever that went away or, perhaps, a recent cold that resolved seemingly on its own.
But a number of factors can gradually break down your barrier against illness. This quiz covers top threats to a healthy immunity and ways to defend against them. See how you do.
1. Which is not part of a healthy immune system?
a. Tonsils
b. Lymph nodes
c. Adam's apple
d. Spleen
2. Your immune system gets stronger with age. True or false?
3. Poor nutrition can weaken immunity. True or False?
4. Which substance poses the largest threat to your immunity?
a. Tobacco smoke
b. Air pollutants
c. Moderate amounts of alcohol
d. Appropriately prescribed antibiotics
5. What relaxation techniques strengthen the immune system?
a. Yoga
b. Deep breathing
c. Meditation
d. All of the above
6. People who exercise have healthier immune systems. True or False?
7. Immunity is better when you're overweight. True or False?
Answers
1. c. Your immune system consists of white blood cells and your bone marrow, spleen, thymus, tonsils, adenoids and lymph nodes. Special assignments go to your white blood cells as they circulate through your body to scout out and destroy foreign invaders. The Adam's apple, the bony protuberance in your neck that forms the front part of the voice box, is not a component of your immune system.
2. False. The function of the immune system typically declines with age. After about 50 or so, your immune system gradually grows slower and less ready to react. Inflammation, which tends to accumulate with age -- often manifesting as heart disease, diabetes or other chronic ailments -- may also weaken your immune system.
3. True. Plant foods contain vitamins, minerals and other substances that help maintain a healthy immune system. I recommend eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains. The beneficial bacteria found in yogurt may also help boost immunity.
4. a. Quitting smoking is essential for better immunity. It's also important to minimize your exposure to fumes and other pollutants, drink alcohol only in moderation, and take antibiotics and drugs only when truly necessary.
5. d. When you're under stress, your body produces the stress-hormone cortisol. It promotes wound healing but inhibits the ability of your immune system to keep diseases in check. Luckily, stress-reduction techniques such as yoga, deep breathing, meditation and relaxation exercises may help reduce cortisol levels. Keeping levels low with regular relaxation can improve your immunity.
6. True. Physical activity builds your body's defenses in several ways. It increases circulation of your body fluids and blood cells. Exercise also reduces immunity-destroying inflammation.
7. False. Hormones made by fat cells promote inflammation. The greater the inflammation, the greater your susceptibility to infection and disease. To reverse the inflammatory process, try losing a little weight. A loss of as little as 5 to 10 pounds can make a difference.
For more information: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov.
E-mail comments to doctor@practicalprevention.com. Dr. Smoots' columns are not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Before adhering to any recommendations in this column consult your health care provider.
© 2009 Elizabeth S. Smoots
Your immune system plays a vital role in protecting your body against infectious organisms and cancerous cells. Though you cannot see it, your defensive team stands ready to confront germs and foreign invaders whenever they attack.
Most of the time, this works out well. Just think of a fever that went away or, perhaps, a recent cold that resolved seemingly on its own.
But a number of factors can gradually break down your barrier against illness. This quiz covers top threats to a healthy immunity and ways to defend against them. See how you do.
1. Which is not part of a healthy immune system?
a. Tonsils
b. Lymph nodes
c. Adam's apple
d. Spleen
2. Your immune system gets stronger with age. True or false?
3. Poor nutrition can weaken immunity. True or False?
4. Which substance poses the largest threat to your immunity?
a. Tobacco smoke
b. Air pollutants
c. Moderate amounts of alcohol
d. Appropriately prescribed antibiotics
5. What relaxation techniques strengthen the immune system?
a. Yoga
b. Deep breathing
c. Meditation
d. All of the above
6. People who exercise have healthier immune systems. True or False?
7. Immunity is better when you're overweight. True or False?
Answers
1. c. Your immune system consists of white blood cells and your bone marrow, spleen, thymus, tonsils, adenoids and lymph nodes. Special assignments go to your white blood cells as they circulate through your body to scout out and destroy foreign invaders. The Adam's apple, the bony protuberance in your neck that forms the front part of the voice box, is not a component of your immune system.
2. False. The function of the immune system typically declines with age. After about 50 or so, your immune system gradually grows slower and less ready to react. Inflammation, which tends to accumulate with age -- often manifesting as heart disease, diabetes or other chronic ailments -- may also weaken your immune system.
3. True. Plant foods contain vitamins, minerals and other substances that help maintain a healthy immune system. I recommend eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains. The beneficial bacteria found in yogurt may also help boost immunity.
4. a. Quitting smoking is essential for better immunity. It's also important to minimize your exposure to fumes and other pollutants, drink alcohol only in moderation, and take antibiotics and drugs only when truly necessary.
5. d. When you're under stress, your body produces the stress-hormone cortisol. It promotes wound healing but inhibits the ability of your immune system to keep diseases in check. Luckily, stress-reduction techniques such as yoga, deep breathing, meditation and relaxation exercises may help reduce cortisol levels. Keeping levels low with regular relaxation can improve your immunity.
6. True. Physical activity builds your body's defenses in several ways. It increases circulation of your body fluids and blood cells. Exercise also reduces immunity-destroying inflammation.
7. False. Hormones made by fat cells promote inflammation. The greater the inflammation, the greater your susceptibility to infection and disease. To reverse the inflammatory process, try losing a little weight. A loss of as little as 5 to 10 pounds can make a difference.
For more information: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov.
E-mail comments to doctor@practicalprevention.com. Dr. Smoots' columns are not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Before adhering to any recommendations in this column consult your health care provider.
© 2009 Elizabeth S. Smoots
Monday, January 26, 2009
Eye Strain - The Causes and Cures
What Causes Eye Strain?
There are several factors that contribute to the causes of eyestrain. Focusing the eyes on a fixed object for prolonged periods causes the eyes to strain with close viewing being worse than distant viewing. Working in poor lighting also causes the eyes to become more strained.
The direct glare of bright ceiling lights or a sunny window shining into your eyes makes it difficult to see. Eye strain caused by computers is common. Reflected glares of computer screens may also bring about eye strain because the contrast between the image you are viewing and its background are reduced by the reflected light.
This glare makes it harder for your brain to interpret the image which causes you to strain your eyes and your facial and eyes muscles tighten. Too much contrast (the difference in brightness between what is being viewed and its immediate environment) can also lead to eye strain caused by computers.
Eye strain symptoms will not be present when you wake up in the morning nor be accompanied by ultra-sensitivity to light. Eye strain symptoms also tend to worsen when visual tasks like reading are performed. Eye strain caused by computers has become exceedingly common and today eye strain affects mostly computer users.
More than 50% of computer users complain of eye strain symptoms. They stare at a screen for hours a day, usually in one position. People who read a lot, watch television for long periods, spend time outdoors in the glaring sun or drive long distances are also at risk of developing eye strain symptoms.
Some of the symptoms of eye strain are:
Headaches or migraines
Pain in the eye
Red, watery eyes
Blurred or double vision
Dry eyes that feel scratchy
Burning sensation when you close your eyes
Neck aches
Back aches
Aching heaviness of the eyelids or forehead, especially around the eyebrows
Muscle spasm in the muscles surrounding the eyes. Twitch in the eyelid.
Natural treatments such as herbal and homeopathic remedies can also promote healthy vision, strengthen blood capillaries in the eye and prevent eye sensitivity without doing further harm. These remedies are gentle and can help to lubricate the eye, and provide relief when it is needed most. Herbs such as Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry), Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos) and Sutherlandia frutescens benefit peripheral circulation and capillary strength. Other remedies you might try are closing your eyes for a few minutes to ease the strain, this is a commonly overlooked home remedy for eye strain.
Practice eye exercises such as blinking or rolling your eyes - blinking moistens the eyes and relieves tight eye muscles.
Take regular breaks to relax eye muscle - occasionally look away from the monitor and focus on a distant object for a few seconds to give your eyes a rest.
Turn up the contrast on your computer screen to minimize eye strain.
Another home remedy for eye strain is to position your computer screen out of the direct glare of the sunlight and use a glare filter on the screen.
Computer monitors and television screens should be positioned at eye level so that you can look down towards it.
When reading, hold your book at least 30 to 40 cm away from your eyes.
Wear sunglasses when driving or outdoors because the ultraviolet rays of the sun can cause you to squint.
Wear a sunhat or baseball cap when outside in the sun to reduce glaring and squinting
While watching television, the lighting of the room should be about 50% dimmer than the screen.
Avoid watching television at an angle or in darkness.
Another home remedy for eye strain consists of sufficient intake of nutritional supplements such as Vitamin A and beta carotene which are good for your eyes and reduce the risk of eye strain.
Ion Exchange - Native Wildflowers, Grasses and Sedges
Natural Cures For Eye Strain
There are several factors that contribute to the causes of eyestrain. Focusing the eyes on a fixed object for prolonged periods causes the eyes to strain with close viewing being worse than distant viewing. Working in poor lighting also causes the eyes to become more strained.
The direct glare of bright ceiling lights or a sunny window shining into your eyes makes it difficult to see. Eye strain caused by computers is common. Reflected glares of computer screens may also bring about eye strain because the contrast between the image you are viewing and its background are reduced by the reflected light.
This glare makes it harder for your brain to interpret the image which causes you to strain your eyes and your facial and eyes muscles tighten. Too much contrast (the difference in brightness between what is being viewed and its immediate environment) can also lead to eye strain caused by computers.
Eye strain symptoms will not be present when you wake up in the morning nor be accompanied by ultra-sensitivity to light. Eye strain symptoms also tend to worsen when visual tasks like reading are performed. Eye strain caused by computers has become exceedingly common and today eye strain affects mostly computer users.
More than 50% of computer users complain of eye strain symptoms. They stare at a screen for hours a day, usually in one position. People who read a lot, watch television for long periods, spend time outdoors in the glaring sun or drive long distances are also at risk of developing eye strain symptoms.
Some of the symptoms of eye strain are:
Headaches or migraines
Pain in the eye
Red, watery eyes
Blurred or double vision
Dry eyes that feel scratchy
Burning sensation when you close your eyes
Neck aches
Back aches
Aching heaviness of the eyelids or forehead, especially around the eyebrows
Muscle spasm in the muscles surrounding the eyes. Twitch in the eyelid.
Natural treatments such as herbal and homeopathic remedies can also promote healthy vision, strengthen blood capillaries in the eye and prevent eye sensitivity without doing further harm. These remedies are gentle and can help to lubricate the eye, and provide relief when it is needed most. Herbs such as Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry), Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos) and Sutherlandia frutescens benefit peripheral circulation and capillary strength. Other remedies you might try are closing your eyes for a few minutes to ease the strain, this is a commonly overlooked home remedy for eye strain.
Practice eye exercises such as blinking or rolling your eyes - blinking moistens the eyes and relieves tight eye muscles.
Take regular breaks to relax eye muscle - occasionally look away from the monitor and focus on a distant object for a few seconds to give your eyes a rest.
Turn up the contrast on your computer screen to minimize eye strain.
Another home remedy for eye strain is to position your computer screen out of the direct glare of the sunlight and use a glare filter on the screen.
Computer monitors and television screens should be positioned at eye level so that you can look down towards it.
When reading, hold your book at least 30 to 40 cm away from your eyes.
Wear sunglasses when driving or outdoors because the ultraviolet rays of the sun can cause you to squint.
Wear a sunhat or baseball cap when outside in the sun to reduce glaring and squinting
While watching television, the lighting of the room should be about 50% dimmer than the screen.
Avoid watching television at an angle or in darkness.
Another home remedy for eye strain consists of sufficient intake of nutritional supplements such as Vitamin A and beta carotene which are good for your eyes and reduce the risk of eye strain.
Ion Exchange - Native Wildflowers, Grasses and Sedges
Natural Cures For Eye Strain
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