Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization, recently announced that the world is now at the start of the 2009 influenza pandemic. “I have conferred with leading influenza experts, virologists, and public health officials. In line with procedures set out in the International Health Regulations, I have sought guidance and advice from an Emergency Committee established for this purpose. On the basis of available evidence, and these expert assessments of the evidence, the scientific criteria for an influenza pandemic have been met. I have therefore decided to raise the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 5 to phase 6. The world is now at the start of the 2009 influenza pandemic.” [Dr. Margaret Chan | World now at the start of 2009 influenza pandemic] What is Influenza A (H1N1): Influenza A virus subtype H1N1, also known as A(H1N1), is a subtype of influenzavirus A and the most common cause of influenza (flu) in humans. Some strains of H1N1 are endemic in humans, including the strain(s) responsible for the 1918 flu pandemic which killed 50-100 million people worldwide. Less virulent H1N1 strains still exist in the wild today, worldwide, causing a small fraction of all influenza-like illness and a large fraction of all seasonal influenza. H1N1 strains caused roughly half of all flu infections in 2006. Other strains of H1N1 are endemic in pigs (swine influenza) and in birds (avian influenza). [Wikipedia | Influenza A virus subtype H1N1] Signs and Symptoms:

Similar to regular flu:

fever headache fatigue lack of appetite runny nose sore throat cough

Vomiting and/or nausea Diarrhea

Prevention:

Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing Always wash hands with soap and water Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers Avoid close contact with sick people Increase your body’s resistance:

Have at least 8 hours of sleep Be physically active Manage your stress Drink plenty of fluids Eat nutritious food

Personally, I also make sure to sanitize frequently used areas and objects in my home and work area. These are (but not limited to):

computer keyboards, mice, displays door knobs light switches remote controls (TV, air conditioner, stereo, etc.) landline phone units mobile gadgets (cell phones, PDAs, media players, portable computers, etc.)

To sanitize, we can use alcohol and water (or a very mild bleach and water solution) applied on the objects using a clean cloth. Technorati Tags: h1n1, influenza, swine flu, virus, pandemic, who

Going outdoors sometimes has its disadvantages, one being bitten by insects. One quick remedy to ease the pain and swelling of the bite is applying a cut onion on it. “We first heard about using a cut onion on a sting about 20 years ago. We checked with world-renowned onion chemist Dr. Eric Block of the State University of New York at Albany. He agreed that a fresh-cut onion might ease the pain of an insect sting because an ingredient in onions breaks down the chemicals responsible for inflammation and discomfort. Other readers have used fresh onion juice to soothe the pain from a minor kitchen burn.” [Los Angeles Times | Cut onion may ease pain of bee sting] It’s still best to have the insect bite seen by a medical professional, but this quick and easy solution can make the commute to the clinic more bearable. Technorati Tags: insect, bite, relief, onion

As of last Friday (EDT), January 16, 2009, there were 474 people reported to be infected by the strain of Salmonella Typhimurium in the United States.

“The investigation is ongoing, and exposures to peanut butter and other peanut butter-containing products are being examined. Preliminary analysis of an epidemiologic study conducted by CDC and public health officials in multiple states comparing foods eaten by ill and well persons has suggested peanut butter as a likely source of the bacteria causing the infections. To date, no association has been found with major national brand name jars of peanut butter sold in grocery stores.” [CDC | Investigation Update: Outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium Infections, 2008–2009] “January 17, 2009: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is conducting a very active and dynamic investigation into the source of the Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak.  At this time, the FDA has traced one likely source of Salmonella Typhimurium contamination to a plant owned by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), which manufactures both peanut butter that is institutionally served in such settings as long-term care facilities and cafeterias, and peanut paste—a concentrated product consisting of ground, roasted peanuts—that is distributed to food manufacturers to be used as an ingredient in many products including cakes, cookies, crackers, candies, cereal and ice cream.” [FDA | News Updates, Salmonella Typhimurium Outbreak] Product Recalls (as of January 18, 2009):

Various peanut butter products made by Peanut Corporation of America [PCA] (Not sold directly to consumers through retail stores) [Reference: FDA.gov | Peanut Corporation of America Expands Nationwide Recall of Peanut Butter] Walmart:

WalMart Bakery Peanut Butter Cookie, 12 Count Clear Plastic Container WalMart Bakery Harvest Peanut Butter Fudge No-Bake,9 Count Clear Plastic Container WalMart Bakery Peanut Butter Fudge No-Bake, 9 Count Clear Plastic Container WalMart Bakery Peanut Butter Fudge No-Bake, 12 Count Clear Plastic Container

Lofthouse:

Lofthouse brand Peanut Butter Cookies Lofthouse Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies Lofthouse Peanut Butter Fudge No-Bake Cookies

Parco Foods’:

Parco Foods’ Chuck’s Chunky food service brand Peanut Butter Cookies Parco Foods’ Pastries Plus Gourmet Cookies Food Lion Bake Shop brand Peanut Butter Cookies

The South Bend Chocolate Company:

The South Bend Chocolate Company brand Assorted chocolates in 5 ounce (Product 121) The South Bend Chocolate Company brand 8 ounce (Product 122) The South Bend Chocolate Company brand 12 ounce (Product 123) The South Bend Chocolate Company brand 26 ounce (Product 124) Hoosiers in 5 ounce (Product 010, UPC# 4482300011) Hoosiers in 3.5 ounce (Product o11, UPC# 4482300010) Valentine Heart, 14 ounces (Product 1020) 4.5lb Peanut Butter Fudge 4 lb. Hoosiers 5 lb. Peanut Butter Meltaway, Milk Chocolate 5 lb. Peanut Butter Meltaways-Dark Chocolate 4.5lb Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge

McKee Foods Corporation:

Little Debbie Peanut Butter Toasty sandwich crackers — all sizes Little Debbie Peanut Butter Cheese sandwich crackers — all sizes

Perry’s Ice Cream:

Perry’s Premium Peanut Butter Cup Craze Ice Cream 1/2 Pint Perry’s Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream 1.5 QT, 1.75 QT AND 3 GL Perry’s Peanut Butter Chip Frozen Yogurt 1.5 QT, 1.75 QT and 3 GL Perry’s Peanut Butter Sundae Crunch Ice Cream Bar Bulk 24 pack Perry’s Premium Peanut Butter Fudge Ice Cream 1.5 QT and 1.75 QT Perry’s Perfectly Churned Light Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream 1.5 QT and 1.75 QT Perry’s Light Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream 1.75 QT Shurfine Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream 1.75 QT Wegmans Chocolate Nutty Cone Ice Cream 1.75 QT Wegmans Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream 1.75 QT and Pint Wegmans Peanut Butter Swirl Ice Cream 1.75 QT Wegmans Peanut Butter Sundae Ice Cream 1.75 QT Wegmans Peanut Butter Pretzel Ice Cream 1.75 QT Wegmans Peanut Butter Crunch Ice Cream Bar 6 pack Wegmans Peanut Butter Candy Sundae Cup Ice Cream 4 pack Wegmans Peanut Butter Sundae Cup Ice Cream 4 pack

Hy-Vee Inc:

Hy-Vee Peanut Butter Cookies Monster Cookies Peanut Butter Reese’s Pieces Cookies Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Lunchbox Reese’s Pieces Cookies Lunchbox Peanut Butter Cookies People Chow Party Mix Assorted Truffle Fudge

Kellogg Company:

Austin Quality Foods Cheese Crackers with Peanut Butter - all sizes Austin Quality Foods Cheese & Peanut ButterSandwich Crackers – all sizes Austin Quality Foods Mega Stuffed Cheese Crackers with Peanut Butter – all sizes Austin Quality Foods PB & J Cracker Sandwiches – all sizes Austin Quality FoodsSuper Snack Pack Sandwich Crackers Austin Quality Foods Chocolate Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers – all sizes Austin Quality Foods Toasty Crackers with Peanut Butter – all sizes Austin Quality Foods Reduced Fat Cheese & Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers Austin Quality Foods Reduced Fat Toasty Crackers with Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers Austin Quality FoodsCookie/Cracker Pack Austin Quality FoodsVariety Pack Keebler Cheese & Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers – all sizes Keebler Toast & PB’n J Flavored Sandwich Crackers – all sizes Keebler Toast & Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers – all sizes Famous Amos Peanut Butter Cookies (2- and 3-ounce) Keebler Soft Batch Homestyle Peanut Butter Cookies (2.5-ounce)

King Nut:

King Nut peanut butter Parnell’s Pride peanut butter

Recommendations of the U.S. CDA and FDA to Consumers:

Do not eat products that have been recalled and throw them away in a manner that prevents others from eating them. Postpone eating other peanut butter containing products (such as cookies, crackers, cereal, candy and ice cream) until information becomes available about whether that product may be affected. Persons who think they may have become ill from eating peanut butter are advised to consult their health care providers.

Get more updates at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website >> For now, it’s probably a good idea to stay away from goodies that contain peanut butter. It is uncertain if the recall list will still grow, so it’s better to be sure than sorry. IceRocket: peanut butter, salmonella outbreak

Based on a science experiment conducted by researchers from Oxford University, playing Tetris (a popular puzzle game) can reduce or prevent post traumatic stress disorder.

“The researchers who published their findings in the Public Library of Science One journal showed 40 healthy volunteers that included traumatic images of injury from a variety of sources, including adverts highlighting the dangers of drink driving.” “After waiting for 30 minutes, 20 of the volunteers played “Tetris” for 10 minutes while the other half did nothing. Those who had played the computer game experienced significantly fewer flashbacks over the next week.” [Telegraph | Playing the video game 'Tetris' could reduce trauma, claim Oxford University] Dr. Emily Holmes of the Department of Psychiatry at Oxford University believes that the computer game helps block the brain from storing painful memories as long as it is played immediately after the event. Okay, while we don’t encounter traumatic experiences in our daily lives (hopefully), maybe Tetris can help prevent the accumulation of work and home related stress. Don’t like Tetris? I believe having any hobby, and setting some quality time on that on a regular basis, may have similar results. IceRocket: tetris prevent trauma

Chances are, we’ve been taught that doing warm-up regimens before engaging in sports or exercise activity is vital for lessening the risk of injury. This is absolutely correct, although the warm-up exercises we were taught in the “good old days” may not be the correct ones. Two Key Factors of Proper Warm-Ups:

Must loosen muscles and tendons to increase the range of motion of various joints; And literally warm up the body.

The old “stretch you muscles” way is no longer the right manner of warming up. Static stretching, which involves holding a stretch for 20 to 30 seconds, is now considered as an improper way of priming your muscles for a workout. The new scientific way is doing dynamic stretches. So, warming up involves two steps:

Aerobic Activity - usually light jogging, for 5 to 10 minutes, with a 5-minute recovery period. Dynamic Stretches

Best Dynamic Stretches:

STRAIGHT-LEG MARCH (for the hamstrings and gluteus muscles)

Kick one leg straight out in front of you, with your toes flexed toward the sky. Reach your opposite arm to the upturned toes. Drop the leg and repeat with the opposite limbs. Continue the sequence for at least six or seven repetitions.

SCORPION (for the lower back, hip flexors and gluteus muscles)

Lie on your stomach, with your arms outstretched and your feet flexed so that only your toes are touching the ground. Kick your right foot toward your left arm, then kick your leftfoot toward your right arm. Since this is an advanced exercise, begin slowly, and repeat up to 12 times.

HANDWALKS (for the shoulders, core muscles, and hamstrings)

Stand straight, with your legs together. Bend over until both hands are flat on the ground. “Walk” with your hands forward until your back is almost extended. Keeping your legs straight, inch your feet toward your hands, then walk your hands forward again. Repeat five or six times.

[Source: NYTimes.com | Stretching: The Truth]

Chances are, we’ve been taught that doing warm-up regimens before engaging in sports or exercise activity is vital for lessening the risk of injury. This is absolutely correct, although the warm-up exercises we were taught in the “good old days” may not be the correct ones. Two Key Factors of Proper Warm-Ups:

Must loosen muscles and tendons to increase the range of motion of various joints; And literally warm up the body.

The old “stretch you muscles” way is no longer the right manner of warming up. Static stretching, which involves holding a stretch for 20 to 30 seconds, is now considered as an improper way of priming your muscles for a workout. The new scientific way is doing dynamic stretches. So, warming up involves two steps:

Aerobic Activity - usually light jogging, for 5 to 10 minutes, with a 5-minute recovery period. Dynamic Stretches

Best Dynamic Stretches:

STRAIGHT-LEG MARCH (for the hamstrings and gluteus muscles)

Kick one leg straight out in front of you, with your toes flexed toward the sky. Reach your opposite arm to the upturned toes. Drop the leg and repeat with the opposite limbs. Continue the sequence for at least six or seven repetitions.

SCORPION (for the lower back, hip flexors and gluteus muscles)

Lie on your stomach, with your arms outstretched and your feet flexed so that only your toes are touching the ground. Kick your right foot toward your left arm, then kick your leftfoot toward your right arm. Since this is an advanced exercise, begin slowly, and repeat up to 12 times.

HANDWALKS (for the shoulders, core muscles, and hamstrings)

Stand straight, with your legs together. Bend over until both hands are flat on the ground. “Walk” with your hands forward until your back is almost extended. Keeping your legs straight, inch your feet toward your hands, then walk your hands forward again. Repeat five or six times.

[Source: NYTimes.com | Stretching: The Truth]

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My kid’s toddler formula is made by Wyeth, and I’m quite relieved that they are reassuring the public that their products are safe:

“We want to reassure parents and caregivers that Wyeth Nutrition’s infant and toddler formula products continue to be a safe and nutritious choice. Our products are not involved or affected by the infant formula recall currently taking place in China and Wyeth products continue to be available. As widely reported, this issue has been linked directly to contaminated milk from dairy farms in China. At Wyeth Nutrition, we do not source any raw milk from China to produce our nutritional products.” [Wyeth Philippines | Wyeth Comments on the current infant formula situation in China] If you currently use a milk product for your family, it would be best to look for any announcements made by the manufacturer, as well as the government agencies in-charge of testing food products for melamine (or any harmful substances).

Technorati : bonakid, formula, milk, nutrition, progress, promil, safe, wyeth

My kid’s toddler formula is made by Wyeth, and I’m quite relieved that they are reassuring the public that their products are safe:

“We want to reassure parents and caregivers that Wyeth Nutrition’s infant and toddler formula products continue to be a safe and nutritious choice. Our products are not involved or affected by the infant formula recall currently taking place in China and Wyeth products continue to be available. As widely reported, this issue has been linked directly to contaminated milk from dairy farms in China. At Wyeth Nutrition, we do not source any raw milk from China to produce our nutritional products.” [Wyeth Philippines | Wyeth Comments on the current infant formula situation in China] If you currently use a milk product for your family, it would be best to look for any announcements made by the manufacturer, as well as the government agencies in-charge of testing food products for melamine (or any harmful substances).

Technorati : bonakid, formula, milk, nutrition, progress, promil, safe, wyeth

Related posts:Food Products Allegedly Found with Melamine ContentAre Plastic Feeding Bottles Unsafe for Our Babies?

The 2007 melamine scandal involving pet food products, and the most recent 2008 melamine scandal involving dairy products are scary reminders of how some people can stoop so low just to earn more money. I mean, it’s terrible to manufacture a product that does not conform to the listed nutritional value, but it’s unforgivable to deliberately put something toxic in a food product. Definition of Melamine: “Melamine is an organic base and a trimer of cyanamide, with a 1,3,5-triazine skeleton. Like cyanamide, it contains 66% nitrogen by mass and, if mixed with resins, has fire retardant properties due to its release of nitrogen gas when burned or charred, and has several other industrial uses. Melamine combines with cyanuric acid to form melamine cyanurate, which has been implicated in the Chinese protein export contaminations.” [Wikipedia | Melamine] Toxicity of Melamine: “Melamine by itself is nontoxic in low doses, but when combined with cyanuric acid it can cause fatal kidney stones due to the formation of an insoluble melamine cyanurate. Melamine is described as being “Harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Chronic exposure may cause cancer or reproductive damage. Eye, skin and respiratory irritant.” … FDA scientists explained that when melamine and cyanuric acid are absorbed into the bloodstream, they concentrate and interact in the urine-filled renal microtubules, then crystallize and form large numbers of round, yellow crystals, which in turn block and damage the renal cells that line the tubes, causing the kidneys to malfunction.” [Wikipedia | Melamine]

The 2007 melamine scandal involving pet food products, and the most recent 2008 melamine scandal involving dairy products are scary reminders of how some people can stoop so low just to earn more money. I mean, it’s terrible to manufacture a product that does not conform to the listed nutritional value, but it’s unforgivable to deliberately put something toxic in a food product.

Definition of Melamine: “Melamine is an organic base and a trimer of cyanamide, with a 1,3,5-triazine skeleton. Like cyanamide, it contains 66% nitrogen by mass and, if mixed with resins, has fire retardant properties due to its release of nitrogen gas when burned or charred, and has several other industrial uses. Melamine combines with cyanuric acid to form melamine cyanurate, which has been implicated in the Chinese protein export contaminations.” [Wikipedia | Melamine] Toxicity of Melamine: “Melamine by itself is nontoxic in low doses, but when combined with cyanuric acid it can cause fatal kidney stones due to the formation of an insoluble melamine cyanurate. Melamine is described as being “Harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Chronic exposure may cause cancer or reproductive damage. Eye, skin and respiratory irritant.” … FDA scientists explained that when melamine and cyanuric acid are absorbed into the bloodstream, they concentrate and interact in the urine-filled renal microtubules, then crystallize and form large numbers of round, yellow crystals, which in turn block and damage the renal cells that line the tubes, causing the kidneys to malfunction.” [Wikipedia | Melamine] Some Products Allegedly Found to Have Melamine Content: [Reference: Wikipedia | 2008 baby milk scandal/AQSIQ]

Banana Flavoured Milk, manufactured by Dutch Lady Breakfast Milk, , manufactured by Mengniu Choice Dairy Fruit Bar Yogurt Flavoured Ice, manufactured by Yili Foods Cream Cheese Cake (exp 17.7.2009), manufactured by Lotte DHA+AA Vegetable Formula Cereal (exp 26/4/2010), manufactured by Heinz (China) Honeydew Flavoured Milk, manufactured by Dutch Lady Koala Biscuit, manufactured by Lotte Koala Biscuit (chestnut), manufactured by Lotte Koala Biscuit (chocolate), manufactured by Lotte Koala Strawberry Biscuit (Family Pack) (exp 26.9.2009), manufactured by Lotte M&M’s Milk Chocolate, manufactured by Effem Foods (Beijing) Co. Ltd M&M’s Milk Chocolate, manufactured by Mars Food Co. M&M’s Minis Milk Chocolate, manufactured by Mars Food Co. Ltd Beijing M&M’s Peanuts Chocolate Candies, manufactured by Effem Foods (Beijing) Co. Ltd Milk Slice (Original) (exp: 10.03.2009, 13.03.2009), manufactured by Licheng Nestle Dairy Farm UHT Pure Milk (Catering), manufactured by Nestlé Qingdao Limited NESLAC Gold Growing Up 1+ Tin, manufactured by Nestlé Oreo Wafer Sticks, manufactured by Nabisco Food (Suzhou) Co. Ltd. Snickers (brown pkg), manufactured by Mars Food Co. Strawberry Flavoured Milk, manufactured by Dutch Lady White Rabbit Creamy Candies (exp 20/11/2009) (exp 20/12/2009), manufactured by Shanghai GuanShengYuan Food General Factory

I omitted some unfamiliar (to me) products listed at the reference site, and also omitted the ones that are already expired (expiry date is earlier than October 5, 2008). Other Products being tested or being on hold: [Reference: Wikipedia | International Reaction to the 2008 Dairy Scandal]

Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Pillows Kirin milk tea Kit Kat Lipton-brand milk tea powder Mi Sarang Custard snacks Mr. Brown Coffee Nissin Cha Cha Dessert mix Ritz Crackers Tatua baby milk

It is quite alarming that some popular food stuffs is on the red list. Personally, I (used to) eat Cadbury Dairy Milk, Kit Kat, M&M’s Plain and/or Peanuts, Oreo Wafer Sticks, Ritz Crackers, and Snickers. Surely, the manufacturers will dispute the test results, but for everybody’s sake, I hope that their products do not really contain melamine. For the moment, I do my best to stay away from these products, or anything similar to them. Nowadays, I believe it’s better to be on the cautious side, than to be sorry.

Technorati : china, dairy, food, melamine, poison, scandal, scare

Related posts:Wyeth Reassures That its Products are Safe and Nutritious

Being deprived of a good night’s sleep would almost always result in lack of productivity. And lack of productivity means not being able to get things done. One way to refresh your mind (a.k.a. mental reboot) is to take a midday nap.

“Scientists say that a successful midday nap depends on two things: timing and (no kidding) caffeine consumption. Experiments performed at Loughborough University in the UK showed that the sleep-deprived need only a cup of coffee and 15 minutes of shut-eye to feel amazingly refreshed. ” [Wired How-To Wiki | Core Sleep]

      The successful midday nap:        

        Have a cup of coffee before taking your nap. I believe an alternative beverage could also be one of your favorite energy drinks (usually caffeine-enriched).
        Doze off for 15 minutes. I recommend using the free energizer MP3 soundtrack from Pzizz on your media player, to help you take that short nap.

By the time you finish your energizer nap, the caffeine would already be kicking in.

Taking a midday energizer nap can really work wonders, giving us that extra boost during the day.

Technorati : coffee, drink, energizer, energy, midday, nap, power

Being deprived of a good night’s sleep would almost always result in lack of productivity. And lack of productivity means not being able to get things done. One way to refresh your mind (a.k.a. mental reboot) is to take a midday nap.

“Scientists say that a successful midday nap depends on two things: timing and (no kidding) caffeine consumption. Experiments performed at Loughborough University in the UK showed that the sleep-deprived need only a cup of coffee and 15 minutes of shut-eye to feel amazingly refreshed. ” [Wired How-To Wiki | Core Sleep]

      The successful midday nap:        

        Have a cup of coffee before taking your nap. I believe an alternative beverage could also be one of your favorite energy drinks (usually caffeine-enriched).
        Doze off for 15 minutes. I recommend using the free energizer MP3 soundtrack from Pzizz on your media player, to help you take that short nap.

By the time you finish your energizer nap, the caffeine would already be kicking in.

Taking a midday energizer nap can really work wonders, giving us that extra boost during the day.

Technorati : coffee, drink, energizer, energy, midday, nap, power 

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Most of us already know that a daily glass of red wine can give us cardiovascular benefits. Unfortunately, not all of us likes wine, and the buzz that usually goes with it. This is where grape juice comes in.

“Commercial grape juice and grape juice drinks contain preservatives and coloring and sometimes vitamins. Like wine, grape juice also contains antioxidants such as flavonoids, providing some health benefits. These anti-oxidants have been implicated in many epidemiological studies with a reduction in coronary heart disease and cancer.” [Wikipedia.org | Grape juice] “Independent studies have found that like alcohol, grape juice can reduce the risk of blood clots and prevent LDL (”bad” cholesterol) from sticking to coronary arteries, among other cardiac benefits.” [NYTimes.com Health | The Claim: Grape Juice Has the Same Benefits as Red Wine]

Another great thing about grape juice: it’s good for all ages! (For your kids, please consult your pediatrician first, to be sure.) Let’s all drink, and be (not too) merry.

Technorati : benefit, cardiovascular, grape, heart, juice, wine

Most of us already know that a daily glass of red wine can give us cardiovascular benefits. Unfortunately, not all of us likes wine, and the buzz that usually goes with it. This is where grape juice comes in.

“Commercial grape juice and grape juice drinks contain preservatives and coloring and sometimes vitamins. Like wine, grape juice also contains antioxidants such as flavonoids, providing some health benefits. These anti-oxidants have been implicated in many epidemiological studies with a reduction in coronary heart disease and cancer.” [Wikipedia.org | Grape juice] “Independent studies have found that like alcohol, grape juice can reduce the risk of blood clots and prevent LDL (”bad” cholesterol) from sticking to coronary arteries, among other cardiac benefits.” [NYTimes.com Health | The Claim: Grape Juice Has the Same Benefits as Red Wine]

Another great thing about grape juice: it’s good for all ages! (For your kids, please consult your pediatrician first, to be sure.) Let’s all drink, and be (not too) merry.

Technorati : benefit, cardiovascular, grape, heart, juice, wine 

Related posts:Red Wine: Fountain of Youth in a Bottle?Medication and Fruit Juice Don’t Mix WellTea May be Healthier Than Water

One common (but inaccurate) belief about tea is that it dehydrates. This is false, according to the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The truth is that tea not only rehydrates as well as water, but it can also protect against heart disease and some cancers. Tea has fluid and antioxidants: “Drinking tea is actually better for you than drinking water. Water is essentially replacing fluid. Tea replaces fluids and contains antioxidants so it’s got two things going for it.” [Public health nutritionist Dr. Carrie Ruxton - (see Reference below)] Potential health effects of tea: “Tea leaves contain more than 700 chemicals, among which the compounds closely related to human health are flavanoides, amino acids, vitamins (C, E and K), caffeine and polysaccharides. Moreover, tea drinking has recently proven to be associated with cell-mediated immune function of the human body.” [wikipedia.org] “Studies in the laboratory have shown potential health benefits. … The evidence in humans is not as strong and more studies need to be done. But there are definite potential health benefits from the polyphenols in terms of reducing the risk of diseases such as heart disease and cancers.” [Claire Williamson of the British Nutrition Foundation - (see Reference below)] Personally, I have always been a soda drinker, and cared less for tea. In fact, I did not like the taste of tea, hot or cold. That all changed when my wife and I noticed that our kiddo is slowly being attracted to soda pops. I now drown myself with tea (usually cold), keeping those soda cans and bottles out of sight from our little one. While water is excellent for replacing fluids, tea goes a step further for good health. Whatever your fancy is (white, yellow, green, oolong, black, post-fermented), or however you take it (hot or cold), tea is a refreshing and healthy drink. Cheers! [Reference: BBC News | Tea 'healthier' drink than water]

Technorati : benefit, health, hydrate, tea

Related posts:Medication and Fruit Juice Don’t Mix WellGrape Juice as Alternative to WineSnack Foods You Should Have Handy

Being prepared for emergencies will require us to have some sort of first aid kit at home. We can buy one of those official kits at the store, but we can also roll our own. Here’s the list:

Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin Cough syrup Antihistamine such as Benadryl Decongestants An oral medicine syringe for giving medicine to children Diarrhea medication Heartburn medication Medicine for motion sickness Bandages

2×2 gauze pads 4×4 gauze pads 2-inch elastic wrap rolled gauze adhesive bandages, various sizes cotton swabs bandage closures or safety pins

Scissors with rounded tips Tweezers Antiseptic wipes Antibiotic ointment Hydrogen peroxide Instant-activating cold packs Instant heat packs

You could store these in the medicine cabinet, or a small plastic box. I suggest putting the oral medicines in a zip bag, to prevent them from being contaminated. And yes, check out the expiry dates once a month, and re-stock accordingly.

Technorati : aid, first, home, kit, make

Related posts:Work-at-Home People are Different, But Also the Same

It is always accepted that drinking fruit juice is good for our health. When we are sick, it usually follows that drinking more fruit juice is the way to go. According to recent studies, drinking fruit juice may hamper the effectiveness of medication. Research shows that orange, apple, and grapefruit juice dramatically reduce the effectiveness of drugs used to treat cancer, heart conditions, high blood pressure. It can also wipe out the benefits of some antibiotics and hay-fever pills. “It is thought the drinks stop drugs from entering the bloodstream and getting to work in the body - possibly rendering them useless. … The potential effects are so serious, researchers warned, that if in doubt, patients should swap fruit juices for water when on medication.” [thisislondon.co.uk | Drinking Fruit Juice May Stop Medication Working] So when on medication, stop drinking fruit juices, and drink water instead.

Tags: fruit, juice, medication, orange, apple, grapefruit

Related posts:Grape Juice as Alternative to WineTea May be Healthier Than Water

Everyone wants to live longer. Not forever, but a little bit longer. It seems that women live longer than men. So what’s the secret, Eve? 1. Cardiovascular Disease - Women develop these problems (such as heart attack, stroke) much later than men. The theory is that women are more-or-less iron deficient. - Possible Solution: Eat less red meat. 2. Chromosomes - Women have two (2) X chromosomes, while men have only one (1). (Males have X and Y chromosomes.) The theory is that in women, cells can perhaps be protected by a slightly better variation of a gene on the second X chromosome. - Possible Solution: none. (Females, it seems, were designed better.) More from Time.com: But, in general, there are maybe three things men do worse than women. They smoke a lot more. (That gender gap is fortunately shrinking, since men are smoking less and less.) They eat more food that leads to high cholesterol. And, perhaps related to that, men tend not to deal with their stress as well as women. They may be more prone to internalizing that stress rather than letting go — though that’s a fairly controversial point. Nonetheless, stress plays a very important role in cardiovascular disease. [Why Do Women Live Longer Than Men? - TIME] So the gist would be that men should not smoke (or smoke less, if the former is not probable), eat healthy food, and be stress-free.

Tags: live, long, men, women, heart, disease

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