Health Information

For most people the holidays like Christmas, Chanukah and New Years are special occasions that allow families to reunite and spend quality time together. Accompanying the festivities are often parties and dinners that can result in weight gain. Many people often seek ways to reduce weight after the holidays are over.

This is not a time for panic: crash diets and extreme exercise programs almost always fail and should be avoided. Weight loss should always be part of a sensible balanced program of exercise and diet and most experts agree that moderation and consistency are better than excess.

Strategies to Prevent Weight Gain

To help prevent weight gain it is important to assess your behavior and environment and adopt healthy habits

The amount and types of foods you eat, and your physical activity habits are important factors in controlling weight. The environment in which you live may also contribute to the adoption of poor eating or exercise habits. This is especially true in today’s society, which is dominated by speed and convenience.

For example, escalators, elevators and remote-control appliances make us less physically active and walking is less frequent than in prior years. Also, greater availability of foods that are high in calories, fat and added sugars, and larger portion sizes promote unhealthy eating behaviors.

In addition, reputable organizations, government agencies and independent researchers agree on the importance of adopting healthy habits to prevent weight gain.

Effective weight management involves behavior modification which is a lifelong commitment and includes at least two components:

Healthful eating in accordance with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, emphasizing a reduction in total calories, a lowered fat consumption, and an increase in vegetables, fruits and whole grains, is an essential part of weight control.

Increased frequent and regular physical activity of at least moderate intensity is also required.

Health professionals also recommend a prescription for health and weight loss that includes:

• Moderate physical activity on most days of the week of at least 30 minutes per day for adults and 60 minutes per day for children.

• Eating at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, and reasonable portion sizes at home, in schools, at worksites, and in communities.

• Drinking at least eight glasses of pure water.

In addition to exercise and a healthy diet, the use of Wu long tea (also spelled oolong tea or wu long tea) is growing in popularity as a wholesome and flavorful way to limit weight gain.

Will drinking Wu long tea really help lose weight?

For many, Wu long tea is a helpful addition to a comprehensive weight loss program. Wu long tea tastes good, contains health benefits that lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels and a cup of Wu long tea in the morning can serve as a reminder of a healthy life style.

Wu Long tea has become a premium weight loss tea that many are discovering for the first time. If you have never enjoyed the great taste and slimming health benefits it is known for, you are truly missing an incredible opportunity. Originating in the Fujian Province of China, Wu Long tea has gradually been introduced into Western culture. Of all the tea, Wu Long represents the Chinese culture best.

Those who enjoy the flavor and rich aroma unique to slimming Wu Long tea truly understand the art of drinking it – slowly and delicately. Using a tiny teapot and small teacup, they are inheriting a rich tradition, started by the Chinese generations ago. The health benefits of Wu long tea are many:

• Rich in Theaflavin, Tea Polysaccharides and Tea Catechin, antioxidants that assist in the reduction of plaque in the arteries, in lowering cholesterol and in producing slimming effects.

• Helps regulate blood sugar levels for diabetics.

• Burns 2.5 times more calories than Green Tea, ideal for weight loss.

• Promotes clear, youthful looking skin.

Scientific studies have established that tea is high in health-promoting polyphenols that protect us against cancer and other diseases. Wu long tea is particularly high in “polymerized polyphenols” which according to recent studies helps to increase energy expenditure.

One recent study found that energy expenditure increased by 10% for a period of 2 hours after drinking wu long tea. This was significantly higher than the energy expenditure observed after drinking other types of tea.

Another study found that wu long tea can suppress lipid metabolism which has the effect of suppressing fatty accumulation and body weight increases. The study concludes that long-term consumption of wu long tea is beneficial for the suppression of diet induced obesity.

Health-promoting compounds such as polyphenols and catechins are present in all types of tea, but hand picked wu long tea is the best source because the pickers are selecting the best leaves from the tea plant. Machine harvesting is indiscriminate and should be avoided - older leaves and twigs are harvested along with the newer leaves.

Wu long tea is not a miracle cure for weight problems. Weight loss involves following a sensible, healthy diet, and a change in lifestyle to include an adequate amount of exercise. Wu long tea however, can give you the extra boost to help in your weight loss plans, but it must be used as part of an overall strategy to improve your living habits.

Enjoy the holidays and the festivities involved, don’t undertake crash weight loss programs and adopt a healthy lifestyle including Wu long tea!

Jon M. Stout is the Chairman of the Golden Moon Tea Company. Golden Moon Tea carefully selects the finest rare and orthodox teas, which are processed slowly and handcrafted with extreme care. At their website, you can learn more about their current

Hernia occurs when the abdominal wall structure ruptures or an opening takes place there. As a consequence thereof, the wall of the abdomen is destroyed and there is an outcropping via that membrane which is rather thin. The outcropped parts are mainly sections of the fatty tissue that make up the abdomen or certain parts of the intestine (small and large). Mention may be made of Hiatal hernia which happens when the tummy comes out through the diaphragm and rises till the chest. However, hernia can happen anywhere in the human body.

Hernias can lead to pain in the chest besides heartburn. Moreover, hernias can stop blood flow to that affected part, and during such abnormal situations surgeries are the only ways out.

Hernia can be of the following types: Indirect, Direct, Inguinal, Obturator, Spigelian, Umbilical, Incisional and Femoral. Hernia can be caused by many factors. The main ones are obesity, coughing, weight lifting exercises, lung ailments, exertion of pressure on the abdomen during pregnancy and the presence of hernia in the umbilical cord which may then pass on to the baby.

Hernia can occur if anyone keeps on putting too much of strain on the bowel or the kidneys during bowel movement or urination during Straining during a bowel movement or urination. Moreover, hernia may take place if there is too much of fluid in the cavity that makes up the abdomen.

Different types of hernia have different sets of symptoms. The commonly reported symptoms of hernia are belching, heartburn – especially when one lies down or while bending — chest pain, groin pain during bending, groin soreness, appearance of lump which may be painless, esophagus blockage, swallowing problems, and/or protrusion(s) that may be just tender or swollen for that matter.

If hernia is diagnosed, strictly follow your physician’s schedule. Some of the commonly prescribed methods to check hernia is to say ‘NO’ to depression, cut down on the regularly taken diet, avoid non-digestible food items, quit smoking or/and alcoholic substances, never to lie down or even bend after meals, and avoid tight-fitting clothes. Moreover, ensure that you do not exert pressure on the abdomen while coughing and stop lifting heavy articles.

The best way to control hernia is to consume fibery items like grains (including millet and barley), vegetables (sweet potatoes, cabbage, artichoke, and dandelion), herbs (aloe vera, arrowroot, parsley, mint, asafetida, cumin, fennel, among others) and lots of fruits. To prevent constipation and thus obviate the possibility of putting undue pressure on the intra-abdominal area is to increase the amount of liquids especially water. Take to regular exercise. Sweating can also help excrete toxic items from the body. Go for six meals in lesser amounts instead of three large meals. But, remember to not consume such items you may be allergic to. Moreover laugh away your blues by enrolling yourself in the local laughter club.

One of the popular remedies for hernia is to consume Cayenne pepper, sweating out a lot by either exercising, brisk walking, or by drinking tea (warm) in a room that is hot. One can also get relief from hernia by placing a rupturewort tea-soaked cloth on the portion that is affected.

Nilutpal Gogoi is a writer and a freelance journalist having more than 18 years of service in several audio-visual and print media reputed organizations in North East India. He has published one popular adventure book for children and has published more than 1000 articles for various sites, as such
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We all know cod liver oil is great for the heart but did you know that it has properties that can combat depression also.

I am a great believer in cod liver oil and take supplements of it daily along with the rest of the family. The benefits of taking omega -3 fatty acids, which are a major constituent of cod liver oil, are tremendous and greatly enhance good health.

Now researchers have another claim that it staves off depression and helps to alleviate the symptoms of depression, these new tests carried out have suggested.

The good old Scientists say that by taking a spoonful of cod liver oil or its equivalent a day, cuts the risk by 30 per cent. This is just the latest evidence of the good health benefits of the omega-3 fatty acids.

Researchers carried out tests and examined the health and dietary habits of 22,000 people, aged 40 and over, and guess what they found? The results showed that those who never or rarely consumed cod liver oil had much higher rates of stress, depression and anxiety.

And yes the nine per cent of people who took a spoonful of cod liver oil daily were 30 per cent less likely to be struck down by the blues. The scientists from Haukeland University Hospital in Bergen wrote in the Journal of Affective Disorders that ‘Daily users were less likely to suffer high levels of depression’, relating this to the probable protective effect of omega-3, reassuring this is a good food for your good health.

Did you know that around one fifth of the population at some point of their lives will suffer from depression. In England alone last year, 31 million anti-depressant pills were prescribed, a new record level!

Depression can strike at any age, rendering the sufferer incapable of carrying out many normal daily activities and very difficult to hold down a steady job.

Omega-3s are said to reduce the risk of heart attack and protect against cancer. Recently in the media, it was announced that hospitals were going to give all patients with heart attack and other cardiac problems cod liver oil supplements.

Schools over the last few years have also shown great interest in omega-3, as it is said that it boosts a child’s brain, so much so that some were said to be giving it to pupils daily. Tests were carried out showing that after a child had taken cod liver oil daily over a period of six to eight weeks, their concentration increased and there were less behavioural problems in the class.

As a family we love fish and eat it regularly, but even so, to get the full benefit of the protective effect, you need to eat oily fish for four main meals a week, and so for this reason we take capsules. Today there is no excuse for not taking cod liver oil, as generally the capsules are odourless and do not repeat, very different to my first introduction to it.

Mum used to give it me on a spoon daily and I dreaded it. I was always sure my friends at school could smell it, and this caused more arguments at home than any thing else. But now I really appreciate mum for her perseverance, especially as experts are still finding more and more benefits of regular consumption of cod liver oil.

Oily fish such as mackerel, trout and salmon are not the only source of omega-3, Walnuts, flaxseed and canola oil are naturally good sources too.

Of course you can also get your daily requirements from foods that are produced now that are enriched with the nutrient, this includes some types of milk, eggs and margarine spreads. Many yoghurts and yoghurt type drinks are manufactured with omega-3.

For optimum health the daily amount experts recommend we consume is 0.5mg of omega-3.

The oil is extracted from the liver by steaming and then pressing, and is rich in vitamins A and D.

Over the years cod liver oil was given to wartime children because of the lack of good food, the high vitamin content improved their physical good health, it was also distributed free to pregnant women and nursing mothers.

So do not forget good food is good health

Sandra and Ted

This article was composed by Sandra & Ted Wosko. We have always been interested in health issues especially having children, and as with most people, we all suffer with some type of ailment. We are always researching on more and more topics in the endless task of gaining more knowledge to increase our expertise, benefiting ourselves and other people alike.
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thetalkingbooksite.com thetalkingbooksite.com

Had any yummy pesticides lately? Don’t you imagine future generations might someday look back on our civilization and wonder why we sprayed poison on our food and then ate it?

Demand for organic, pesticide-free food is increasing rapidly – and for good reason! Pesticides are designed to kill living organisms and are therefore a threat to human health. The National Cancer Institute states that 30% of insecticides, 60% of herbicides and 90% of fungicides are known to cause cancer. And that’s just one negative side effect. These chemicals can also lead to damage of both the nervous and hormonal systems.

Children are even more vulnerable than adults to the dangers of agricultural toxins. After all, kids consume a higher percentage in relation to their size. According to a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives, children fed conventional supermarket produce had six to nine times higher levels of pesticides in their blood than those fed organic foods.

Organic fruits and vegetables are grown without the use of artificial fertilizers, chemical toxins and genetically modified organisms. They’re not only safer, but they’re also more nutritious because of higher vitamin and mineral concentrations. That means you get more for your money. And, (this is the part you and your family will especially appreciate), organic fruits and vegetables usually taste better than commercially grown varieties.

Some commercially raised fruits and vegetables have been found by the Environmental Working Group to contain particularly high levels of chemical residues. So, at the very least, do your best to buy pesticide-free apples, apricots, cherries, grapes, peaches and strawberries, as well as bell peppers, celery, cucumbers, green beans and spinach.

It makes both good health and good financial sense to buy organic, pesticide-free whenever possible. This not only includes produce, but also meat, fish, poultry and dairy products. All animal foods are best raised free-ranging, organically fed and free from hormones.

Because of consumer demand, many supermarkets now carry a few organic foods. You can also often find pesticide-free fruits and vegetables, and sometimes even organically raised meat, poultry or dairy, at good prices from local farmers or through community food co-ops. Ask around. And, if you can’t find a co-op, consider starting one.

Who knows, in years to come, future generations may look back at those who choose poison-free food and say, “Well, there were at least SOME smart people back then!”

Moss Greene is the Nutrition Editor for nutrition.bellaonline.com BellaOnline.com and an authority on essential fatty acids, such as bellaonline.com/subjects/8237.asp fish oil. Over the past 30 years, she’s helped thousands of people to look better, think smarter and feel great – naturally. Visit Moss at nutrition.bellaonline.com nutrition.bellaonline.com to learn more and subscribe to her free health and fitness newsletter.

Diets DO work! I am proof.

Years ago, I weighed a mere 245 lbs. Yeah, really. I was in a very safe place. I had moved to California with a man I loved and he made me feel safe and taken care of. With that, I formulated in my mind that I wanted to lose the weight now. Finally! I had been fat since I was 5 and felt that it was time. Every night before I went to bed, I would imagine myself thinner. I did not really know what a size 10 would be yet I imagined it. I also imagined myself exercising. Yes, the “E” word. I found a diet that worked for me and went for it. I stayed on the diet (which was monitored each week by a nurse taking your blood) for a full year. I did not deviate until the nurse asked me what else I ate. When I said “nothing”, she told me to have some popcorn to get my metabolism going again, which I did and it did. After about a month of being on the diet, I began to exercise for 4 minutes a day (not even 5!). I used my mini-trampoline and just jumped up and down while watching TV. After about another month, I increased it to 10 minutes. Then 15 and I added in a few minutes of arm exercises while I was doing that. I gradually increased the time until I was exercising about an hour and a half a day with 20 minutes of arm exercises thrown in for good measure (and to rid myself of the “wings” I had developed. In a year I reached my goal. I made reservations for a vacation with my girlfriend, bought all new clothes and off I went.

The feeling I go from losing the weight was as if a “weight” had been lifted off my shoulders as it did. I think my unending will and determination made it happen. It also helped that I believed in what I was doing and that I would one day reach my goal.

Then, as we all have had, stuff happens and I went up again. So three weeks ago, at my highest weight ever – 375, I went on a diet again. This time I am on NutriSystems, which, in my opinion, has the best tasting diet food ever. (And if you join them, please mention my name! Thanks.) My intention is to get down to my 135 lbs. again so I can fit into all those great clothes and look good too. I will continue to formulate my goal in my mind every night before I sleep and continue to believe that I can do it. Before I stated the diet, I consulted with my doctor and he was all for it. (You should consult with yours. At least that way we know we have more than one person pulling for us – our doctor and ourselves!)

It will be a long road, yet I think each and every one of us can do it. It takes a good will, a stick-to-it attitude and the belief that it CAN be done! Good luck.

——–

Mary-Ann Donnolo is the owner of an e-store called Royal Treasures ( royaltreasures.com” target=”_blank ww.royaltreasures.com). She sells homemade chocolate truffles, brownies, pecan pies and baskets. And she does not eat ANY of the profits!

What do you really know about your skin? Do you know how it ages, what affects its appearance? Do you know how to take care of it properly? Your skin is really a complex organ, just like any other organ in your body.

Being educated about how your skin functions is becoming extremely important for those who want to help combat the signs of aging. Our skin reacts to everything in our environment, both positive and negative, and is the largest functioning organ that our body has. Your skin covers approximately 18 square feet and weighs between 5 and 8 pounds. It is responsible for protection from the elements, temperature regulation, sensation, and secretion.
To give you an idea, each square inch of skin contains, 65 hairs, 95-100 glands, 78 yards of nerves, 20 yards of blood vessels, 650 sweat glands, 9,500,000 cells, 1,300 nerve endings, 19,500 sensory cells, 78 sensory apparatuses to record heat and 13 sensory apparatuses to record cold. It is an extremely complex organ.

The keys to aging are prevention and protection. There are two types of aging, intrinsic or inside, and actinic or outside. Essentially from the day we are born our skin begins to break down. Think of how smooth the skin of a baby is.

The aging process is a combination of a decrease of collagen and elastin production. This collagen and elastin is what helps to give our skin strength. We want to protect our skin from this decrease. Unfortunately this starts to happen usually around the age of 20.
Our skin thickness also begins to decrease; usually about 6% every ten years. It is this thin skin that decreases the skins ability to retain moisture. The real key to aging is that the sun causes approximately 90% of all the visual signs of aging.

Intrinsic aging is really something that is unavoidable. This is hereditary, its in our gene pool. Fortunately for those of you concerned about aging, this only accounts for about 10% of the aging process. Actinic aging is avoidable. As I have already said, about 90% of the visible signs of aging are from the sun. These signs can include wrinkling, sagging, discoloration, pigmented spots and thin skin. These are things that we can prevent with proper care.

Now to give you an aging timeline. Our first signs appear in our early twenties. Wrinkles start to appear around the eyes and the lips. They are caused by repetitive movements such as laughing. In our thirties, the skin is less resilient. Our elastin production decreases, and gravity starts to take hold. In our forties the elasticity of our skin decreases even more. Our skin loses the ability to bounce back. How many of you have woken up with lines from your pillow etched into your face? You’ve probably noticed that they don’t disappear very quickly anymore. Permanent wrinkles also show up. These are caused by frowning, squinting, and cigarette smoking.
Collagen and elastin continues to decrease into our fifties. The skin and muscles start to sag. Strangely, the tip of the nose also starts to droop.

When it comes to intrinsic aging, the things we can’t do anything about, loss of bone mass is crucial. When our bone mass decreases, our skin mass does not. Essentially the bones shrink away from the skin, making it appear stretched. Hence the sagging. But remember, intrinsic aging is only about 10% of the aging process.

What can you do? Research your skin care. Make sure that you are choosing a skin care line that will give you great visible results. Make sure that the skin care you are using is good quality. You want skin care that will help your skin stay moisturized and hydrated.

There are a few key things to look for when purchasing skin care.
Make sure that it is PH correct. Our skin naturally has an acidity of 5.5. When we use a product that is not correct, we are actually damaging the first layer on our skin. Make sure that it is dermatologist tested. This is not the same as “approved” or “recommended”. This would simply mean that a company has dropped samples off at a dermatologists office. If someone there is handing them out to clients, a company can say approved.

Finally, perhaps the most important thing to look for is an absence of mineral oil. Mineral oil is refined from crude oil. You might know it as baby oil. Mineral oil definitely has it’s place if you need to create a barrier between your skin and something else. Unfortunately, when used on the skin it is like wrapping your skin in plastic wrap. It is not letting your skin breathe, release toxins, or letting it sweat. It also means that your skin cannot absorb anything from the environment that it might need to. The truly tricky thing about mineral oil is that it’s not always called mineral oil.

Remember our skin is the largest functioning organ that we possess. We need to take care of it.

If you have any questions feel free to drop me a line. mailto:”kamillefinnen1@hotmail.com kamillefinnen1@hotmail.com

Studies prove that regular daily exercise decreases heart disease and may help to ward off some cancers. By combining exercise and a healthy diet not only will you feel better but you will also live longer. Treadmills are a favorite piece of exercise equipment. This is because the average person whether beginning an exercise regimen or experienced in exercising can use it effectively. Most people can at least walk for exercise. It is a great way to start a weight loss plan and keep the weight off longer.

Walking doesn’t have to be boring or vigorous to make a difference. Many people start walking in the spring and summer outdoors only to quit once the weather turns cold. That is when it is useful to have a treadmill. Why spend all spring and summer getting in shape to let your body down in the winter.

Treadmills can vary greatly from manufacturer to store to size. The first thing you need to think about when purchasing a new treadmill is price. You need to set a budget. There are treadmills as low as $175 but these tend to be cheaply made and not nearly as easy to use as one that costs around $900. The better quality treadmill is going to cost a lot more, some treadmills cost as much as $5000. It is important to set a budget and stick to it. If you are unsure if you will stick with using it, you may want to spend less money so you don’t waste money.

Another important part of buying a treadmill is you need to pay attention to the amount of horsepower or HP. HP determines how fast and hard the motor will work. The lower the number of the HP, the less the motor will be able to handle. For a standard treadmill look for HP around 2.5HP, this will ensure easy and smooth action from the motor.

The most important part of shopping for a treadmill is testing it for stability and smooth running action. Feel free to get on the treadmill and try it out at various speeds. If you are not comfortable on it in the store than don’t buy it, it will not perform any different in your home than it does in stores on display.

Bringing home a treadmill to use in your own home may be the life saving tool you needed in your life. Treadmills do save lives, everyday more and more people are choosing to get healthier and the majority of beginning exercisers start out by walking or jogging. In bad weather many prefer to use their treadmill at home rather than risk going out in cold weather. No matter what your reasons are for buying a treadmill you are sure to find one that fits your needs.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as treadmillsandhomegyms.com home gyms at treadmillsandhomegyms.com treadmillsandhomegyms.com

The world wide epidemic of HIV/AIDS, genital herpes, and other incurable viral STDs is largely a result of there being an insufficient incentive for individuals to be tested. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) have found increased testing to be the most effective means of prevention. However, currently, an individual’s fear of receiving positive test results is not adequately counterbalanced by an incentive to receive negative results. The receipt of positive test results adversely impact everything from one’s dating and sex life to one’s credit rating and insurability. This fear makes not knowing and not being tested the preference of the majority. Left unchecked, and absent mandates for global testing, people will continue to avoid testing and continue to insidiously both, knowingly and unknowingly infect their partners. Without a cure or improved treatments for viral STDs, an individual’s fear of receiving positive results will be difficult to overcome. Therefore, the focus of the new prevention strategy should be to develop incentives for individuals to be tested that also appeal to selfish motivations, rather than global calls for social responsibility, which have proven insufficient. The most economical and powerful solution is to leverage the tools of social networking, which CDC have found to be effective. This requires an efficient means by which prospective sexual partners can mutually communicate their negative HIV/STD test results, prior to sexual activity.

Problem - No Incentive for Testing

The principal problem of HIV and other viral STDs is that both the carriers and their partners are not aware of their infection. CDC estimates that in the United States 25% of those infected with HIV are unaware that they are infected. They have also found that the best means of preventing new transmissions is to ensure that those infected are aware of their condition, because when people know they are positive they tend to reduce their level of sexually risky behavior. CDC and World Health Organization (“WHO”) now call for annual HIV for all between the ages of 18 to 64. However, these recommendations are still incomplete models to effectively isolate the disease. They do not provide a self-interested motivation for individuals to be tested and they remain biased toward a philosophy of treatment over prevention.

Current Partner Notification Systems

There are examples of online partner notification systems that have proved successful; however they are also retroactive measures of disease isolation, rather than proactive prevention. Inspot.org is a non-profit website that allows people who have been infected with HIV to anonymously notify past sexual partners that they are at risk and should seek testing. Statistical data on the effectiveness of this system is not available, but one may surmise that it would at least help to encourage high risk people to seek testing. This is a beneficial system for those already infected, but does little to help individuals prevent contraction. Its anonymous system, although practical, does little to encourage open discussion about HIV/STDs before sexual activity takes place.

Sites for Positive Carriers

Interestingly, there are a number of successes systems that “sero-sort” positive carriers from the larger population. For example, in Africa, there is a popular Internet dating site called HIVSingles.com, which encourages HIV positive people to date other HIV carriers. It is successful because it allows people to mutually identify themselves as carriers, thereby removing the moral and ethical dilemmas, awkwardness, guilt and legal liability associated with dating someone who may not be infected. There are other such sites like HerpesSingles.com, which have become popular in the United States and similarly encourage people infected with genital herpes to date others also infected with the disease. These sites do however instill a false sense of security because there are many strains of these viruses, which may cause more or less severe symptoms depending on the individual. Also, there is a risk that new, more dangerous and more easily communicable viruses may be born out of increased cross-contamination in individuals who are exposed to multiple strains. However, at least these sites isolate those infected with certain sexually transmitted infections, from those who may not be infected. The popularity of these sites begs the question of why similar systems are not available for people who have tested negative for sexually transmitted diseases and who wish to remain healthy.

New Approach

An online health service could provide a practical means for couples to identify each other as having received negative test results. If popularized, this will make routine testing and disclosure a social imperative. The site leverages social networking to foster a socially driven incentive for individuals to be tested for HIV, herpes and others STDs. By making it easy to identify one-self to others as having been recently tested, with negative results, it will make one more attractive to a prospective partner. This creates a self-interested incentive for people to engage in testing and to disclose it openly to their partners. It also provides the tools for members to require that their partner be tested and to disclose negative results in kind. The networking effect will become increasingly powerful as the membership grows, for failure to produce such information will make one less attractive and result in fewer occasions to engage in sexual activity with other members.

The risk of contracting HIV and others STDs is now the single greatest fear for daters with new partners, which has created interference to the normal course of sexual relations. This signal of a CheckTonight membership will reduce the fear in others and demonstrate one’s social responsibility. Membership will reduce the interference and add an additional layer of protection in addition to the use of condoms.

Condom Use Insufficient

The rising rates of new STD infections shows that the condom alone is an insufficient measure of prevention. The condom has been clinically demonstrated to be a highly effective tool in preventing HIV and some other STDs, however, the increasing rates of new STD infections show that the condom in practice is insufficient. The porosity of condoms, the slippage and breakage rates and the limited area of coverage all compromise its strength of prevention; however its primary failure is its practical requirement. The condom is required immediately prior to sexual activity taking place, when clear reasoning and normal risk aversion are often clouded by passion and or alcohol. The reality is that most who claim to “use condoms” do not use them properly in every single instance of sexual activity. In fact, 70% of Americans with multiple sex partners do not use condoms for every act of sexual intercourse. For example, condoms are often applied after several minutes of sexual activity, rather than from start to finish. It is time to reevaluate the effectiveness of the condom, based not on its ability to prevent the transmission of viruses in a laboratory, but based on its effectiveness in reducing the number of new sexually transmitted viral infections.

Cultural Shift
A new web service should will provide a trusted and reliable means of communicating health information between partners, at their choosing and will provide an incentive for people to be tested more frequently. Over time, routine testing and partner disclosure will become a social imperative and greatly slow the spread of disease. By introducing a means of easily communicating fundamental indicators of personal health and social responsibility, it allows critical information to be used to assist in partner selection. This process may occur long before sexual activity takes place. Such a service will also improve safer sex practices among members and help to promote and educate people on the risks of STDs and the importance of proactive measures for prevention. Additionally, rather than creating a false sense of security or encouraging greater promiscuity, it will assist in fostering risk aversion. Members will be more likely to engage in safer sex practices and to select their partners more carefully in order to sustain their status as members, who must test negative every 6 months. We need incentives for people to be tested often and to discuss matters of sexual health on an informed basis. This system is required to advance public health and for people to be accountable and proactive about disease prevention.

Andrew Unsworth
President
AIDS Prevention Advocate

You may often hear the phrase “you are what you eat” and clearly there is some truth in that; we are constantly reminded by the media and government to eat healthily. However, what we think is more important and in particular, that inner critical voice which we hear all day long. Our inner voice either supports us and makes us feel good or undermines our self-esteem and self-worth causing us to feel down. With that in mind I have included in this article a common thinking error called labeling, which can make anyone feel lousy. The simple truth is “You are what you think!”

These days we are more brand aware than ever before. We may not all wear designer clothes or drive expensive cars or even eat designer food, but we are all aware of brands and labels. We make conscious and unconscious judgments about people, their identity and status based on the items they use. Consequently, we will then make judgments and evaluations about our own identity and self-worth.

We may also label others and ourselves by traits, behaviours and actions. Rather than look at the whole person and all their good and bad points, a specific evaluation is accorded to their whole being. For example, “He did a stupid thing, therefore he is stupid”. “She broke a plate, therefore she is clumsy”. It is more helpful to acknowledge when we and others have done something wrong or made a specific error. For example “that was a silly mistake” “that did not go down too well”, then we can distinguish between the actions and the person as a whole.

Labeling people makes it more difficult to get on with others and causes hostility if we see them as one-dimensional. For example “that guy is a jerk”, “She’s an idiot”. I once worked in a company where one of the IT staff made an error that caused the network to temporarily crash, he soon became known as “TITI” (Titty - The IT Idiot). Needless to say this was very upsetting for the individual concerned - he left a short time afterwards. Labeling is more than name-calling; it is mud that sticks.

When directed at ourselves labeling can cause diminished self-esteem, guilt, self-loathing and depression. We will often acquire negative labels in childhood and early relationships; it is important that we challenge and dispel them rather than continue to wear them on the inside.

A useful exercise is to monitor your inner critic; that voice that you hear through the day that says things such as ” I am not smart enough”, “I am boring and uninteresting” “I am too old” “I am unattractive”. Write these comments down and then dispute, challenge and replace them with more helpful and rational statements such as “I have learned a lot and continue to learn”, “I am as interesting as anyone; I have my unique style”, “Age is an irrelevance”, “I am as attractive as anyone”. This takes a bit of effort, but ” you are worth it”. You will feel better about yourself, increase your self-esteem and discard unwanted mental baggage.

Choose your labels with care!

Regards Phil Pearl DCH, DHP, MCH, GHR Reg

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© Phil Pearl 2007

© Phil Pearl 2007

Phil Pearl DCH DHP MCH GHR Reg

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If you ever notice any of the following signs for a stroke you will not want to hesitate to call 9-1-1. You will want to get them to the hospital right away. Make sure that you pay close attention so that you can get your loved one immediate attention.

You will notice that there will be a sudden numbness in the face, arms, and legs. Most of the time it will be on one side of the body. The reason is because it will be on one side of the body is usually either the right or left side of the brain will be affected by a sudden blood rush to the brain or the lack of oxygen. You will also notice that they will become suddenly confused, however, it may just be trouble speaking or understanding who they are and what they are doing. This can be trouble, because many people will begin to panic and get out of hand. You will also notice that the person will have trouble seeking in one or both of the eyes. In fact, all of the senses will become affected by the stroke. If you notice that someone close to you is losing their balance or has a lack of coordination all of a sudden, it might be because they are having a stroke. There are some people who will feel a sudden migraine for no reason, but their head will sudden begin to hurt. You will want to be prepared for an emergency if you notice any of the signs that was stated. It is important for their health, because they may not be taking a stroke, but it might be something out that is just as serious.

You should always have a list of numbers next to the phone for your own personal safety. Make sure that when leaving someone at risk for a stroke (because they had one before or a mini stroke) that you keep all your doctor names and phone numbers so that you can ask questions without wasting time. You will find that the hospital will be the primary number, but you will also find that the medical facility that your doctor prescribes to you will also be a number that you will want to know quickly. You will want to put these numbers by the phone and possibly in your purse or wallet for your safekeeping and for the numbers quickly.

Keep in mind that not all of the warning signs could be because your having a stroke or someone that you love is having a stroke. It could be something less serious, or it could be something just as serious as a stroke. You will still want to treat the situation as if you are having a stroke. It is important that you keep in mind that something serious is happening and get the medical treatment

Susanne Garris is a stay at home mom. But that doesn’t mean she isn’t at work. Susanne works as a research assistant and freelance writer on a variety of subjects. Her private research is devoted to finding the latest information on quickly diagnosing the symptoms and squidoo.com/signsofastroke signs of a stroke. Click here to receive her free report squidoo.com/signsofastroke Stroke FAQ.