Chinese officials are being told to dump their mistresses, avoid hostess bars and other extravagances as part of the Communist party's effort to clamp down on corruption that is threatening it's rule and sullying its reputation.
It's just not possible to keep a mistress on your salary because maintaining this sort of extravagant lifestyle requires a large amount of cash money. So what do you do if you don't have money? Naturally you'll use the power at your disposal to go find one." said the party discipline enforcer.
Morality drives date back long before the Communist Party seized power in 1949, but the current one seems to stem more from a recognition that rampant corruption threatens to undermine the party's authority and permanently warp the value system of this rapidly developing nation of 1.3 billion people.
BE AWARE, one satistic trotted out at a recent speech to bureacrats: 95% of officials investigated for corruption were found to be keeping mistresses.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
MOCK FUNERAL for Venice dwindling population
Hundreds of people turned out on Saturday in Venice for a symbolic funeral procession to highlight the Italian city's dwindling population. A cortege of gondolas carrying empty coffins, decorated with wreaths, crossed the city to the sound of songs and poems in the Venetian dialect.
The events organizers said they wanted to draw public attention to the problems experienced by the northeasten city where the population recently fell below 60,000. In Venice, houses cost twice as much as they do on mainland and it's too much for the middle class. "We are asking for more action from the city authorities to help residents. We do'nt want the tourist monoculture we have at the moment. We have to develop other areas" - citizens group told AFP
The events organizers said they wanted to draw public attention to the problems experienced by the northeasten city where the population recently fell below 60,000. In Venice, houses cost twice as much as they do on mainland and it's too much for the middle class. "We are asking for more action from the city authorities to help residents. We do'nt want the tourist monoculture we have at the moment. We have to develop other areas" - citizens group told AFP
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Drug
Federal health officials have approved a new drug as the first non-hormonal treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding. The Food and Drug Administration says: "Lysteda tablets" reduce bleeding by acting on a protein that helped blood clot. The drug is made by Newport, Kentucky based Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals.
The main engredient in the drug was first approved in 1986 as an injection for patients with hemophilia, an inheritable disease that prevents blood clotting. FDA warns that taking Lysteda with hormonal contraceptive drugs can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke and heart attacks.
BE AWARE, women should only use the products together if there is a strong medical need, the agency said.
The main engredient in the drug was first approved in 1986 as an injection for patients with hemophilia, an inheritable disease that prevents blood clotting. FDA warns that taking Lysteda with hormonal contraceptive drugs can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke and heart attacks.
BE AWARE, women should only use the products together if there is a strong medical need, the agency said.
Chronic Lymphatic Leukemia -CLU
CLU represents the end of the leukemia spectrum where the classification merges with that of non Hodgkin's lymphoma. CLLis a neoplastic proliferation of the same cell type as lymphcyticlym-phoma the differntiating feature being the extent of bone marrow infiltration. The symptoms are as follows:
1) maybe asymptomatic for some time
2) painless lymphadepathy
3) symptoms of anemia
4) recurrent infections may also occur
5) fever, sweats and weight loss are the common systematic manifestations.
The signs are peripheral lympadenopathy, spenomegallt and hepatomegally may also occur but is usually mild.
Because CLL has a long indolent cause, in most patients treatment is only considered when symtomatic. There is usually a good response to gentle oral chemotherapy using chlorambucil or cyclophosphamide which can often be discontinued after several months until either the white blood count rises excessively or other local symptoms from enlarged nodes or spenomegally arise. Steroids may also be used and are of value when the disease becomes refractory to alkylating agents but there is no evidence that adding them to chlorambucil or cuclophosphamide in the early management of the disease is of value.
Other combinations have also included vincristine or vinblastine but again no significant advantage over single agent therapy has emerged. Low dose radiation will result in rapid shrinkage of enlarged node masses or spenomegally.
BE AWARE, doses as low as 20 or 30 Gy over two to three weeks are usually sufficient and associated with little or no morbidity. There are no evidence that high dose intensive treatment produces better results than more gentle therapy and bone marrow transplantation has no established role in CLL
1) maybe asymptomatic for some time
2) painless lymphadepathy
3) symptoms of anemia
4) recurrent infections may also occur
5) fever, sweats and weight loss are the common systematic manifestations.
The signs are peripheral lympadenopathy, spenomegallt and hepatomegally may also occur but is usually mild.
Because CLL has a long indolent cause, in most patients treatment is only considered when symtomatic. There is usually a good response to gentle oral chemotherapy using chlorambucil or cyclophosphamide which can often be discontinued after several months until either the white blood count rises excessively or other local symptoms from enlarged nodes or spenomegally arise. Steroids may also be used and are of value when the disease becomes refractory to alkylating agents but there is no evidence that adding them to chlorambucil or cuclophosphamide in the early management of the disease is of value.
Other combinations have also included vincristine or vinblastine but again no significant advantage over single agent therapy has emerged. Low dose radiation will result in rapid shrinkage of enlarged node masses or spenomegally.
BE AWARE, doses as low as 20 or 30 Gy over two to three weeks are usually sufficient and associated with little or no morbidity. There are no evidence that high dose intensive treatment produces better results than more gentle therapy and bone marrow transplantation has no established role in CLL
RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME -RLS
New research suggest that 23% of people have restless legs syndrome or RLS. RLS cause unpleasant sensations in the legs when a person is at rest, triggering an uncomfortable urge to move the legs to get relief. The cause is unknown but researchers suspect that an imbalance in the movement-regulating brain chemical "dopamine" plays a role. Drugs that increase dopamine activity are sometimes used to treat RLS.
The new research suggests that overall, non-African-Americans experience RLS four times more often than African-Americans. 2 out of 5 Caucasian women were found to have RLS, nearly four times the incidence of RLS in African-American women and the highest incidence among all groups.
BE AWARE, some risk factors for RLS appear to be more common among women because women are more likely to be iron deficient than men and have rheumatoid arthritis - a known risk factor for RLS.
The new research suggests that overall, non-African-Americans experience RLS four times more often than African-Americans. 2 out of 5 Caucasian women were found to have RLS, nearly four times the incidence of RLS in African-American women and the highest incidence among all groups.
BE AWARE, some risk factors for RLS appear to be more common among women because women are more likely to be iron deficient than men and have rheumatoid arthritis - a known risk factor for RLS.
ENVIRONMENTAL DERMATOLOGY
Dermatology means everything from the epidermis to the hair, nails and scalp. Environmental dermatology specializes in the evaluation and management of skin diseases related to the environment specifically diseases that maybe caused by chemicals that a patient is exposed to - contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is a localized rash or irritation of the skin due to exposure of the skin to allergens or irritants in the environment. There are 2 types of contact dermatitis : (1) irritant dermatitis and allergen dermatitis.
Irritant dermatitis is when an irritation occurs in the patient from exposure to a substance that would cause inflammation in most if not at all individuals.
Allergen dermatitis is when an allergic reaction is specific to the individual and to a substance callerd an allergen.
An allergy is oversensitivity to a particular substance. Areas of skin that are in contact with the allergen usually develop a rash, which disappears once a patient avoids contact with the substance. A "patch test" the application of amall amounts of different types of possible allergens to the skin under adhesive tape (patches) and placed on the patient's back, can help identify the allergen. After 48 hours, the patient returns to the dermatologist as the doctor can see which allergens have caused aggravation.
Case 1.
A man who had severe skin rashes all over his body that could not be explained.
After a patch test was conducted, it was discovered that he was severely allergic to different types of metal. He was then advised to slowly remove metal from his daily life. Unfortunately, the rashes did not subside. Then he remembered a former injury he had that required a metal implant in his elbow. This was removed and tested. They learned that this was the cause of his severe rashes.
Case 2.
A man had skin irritation on the left neck area.
After testing, it was discovered that he was allergic to substances found in hair dye. But he claimed he never used hair dye but the his wife regularly did. This explained why his rashes were in the neck area as this was where his wife regularly rested his head.
BE AWARE, this allows us to be more aware of our environment and more in tune with our bodies.
Irritant dermatitis is when an irritation occurs in the patient from exposure to a substance that would cause inflammation in most if not at all individuals.
Allergen dermatitis is when an allergic reaction is specific to the individual and to a substance callerd an allergen.
An allergy is oversensitivity to a particular substance. Areas of skin that are in contact with the allergen usually develop a rash, which disappears once a patient avoids contact with the substance. A "patch test" the application of amall amounts of different types of possible allergens to the skin under adhesive tape (patches) and placed on the patient's back, can help identify the allergen. After 48 hours, the patient returns to the dermatologist as the doctor can see which allergens have caused aggravation.
Case 1.
A man who had severe skin rashes all over his body that could not be explained.
After a patch test was conducted, it was discovered that he was severely allergic to different types of metal. He was then advised to slowly remove metal from his daily life. Unfortunately, the rashes did not subside. Then he remembered a former injury he had that required a metal implant in his elbow. This was removed and tested. They learned that this was the cause of his severe rashes.
Case 2.
A man had skin irritation on the left neck area.
After testing, it was discovered that he was allergic to substances found in hair dye. But he claimed he never used hair dye but the his wife regularly did. This explained why his rashes were in the neck area as this was where his wife regularly rested his head.
BE AWARE, this allows us to be more aware of our environment and more in tune with our bodies.
Monday, November 16, 2009
What CHAMPIONS have in COMMON
BIG DREAMERS and have set attainable goals.
Every champion dreams big to make their dreams into achievable yet still challenging, exciting goals in life. Goals that are clearly defined, difficult, but realistic and have target deadlines or else they might as well be fantasies. Whether rich or poor, young or old, it is free for us to dream.
DISCIPLINE and NON-STOP TRAINING
If you are a boxer, you can not just go to the gym and work out everyday and hit bags. You need to study tapes of your opponent. You need to design and develop different game plans for your opponent. You need to be prepared. Success need continuous study or training, tackling challenges beyond our comfort zones, hard work and knowledge.
PASSION
Give your all. Michael Jackson once explained his passion for his art. He said:" and my goal in life is to give to the world what I was lucky to receive - the ecstasy of divine union through my music and my dance.
EXCELLENCE
It is not enough to be good at what we do, we must always strive for the very best. Everything worth doing is worth doing exceedingly well.
FOCUS
A person who is more focused on his/her core competency or vocation will have higher chances of attaining excellence and great success.
COMPETITION helps make champs
A healthy competition brings out the best in us and alerts us to always improve ourselves. We must continuously outdo ourselves for the best conquest is conquiring our own fears, demons and our own weaknesses.
THINK like a CHAMP
Every champion, Tiger Woods, Michael Phelps, Roger Federer, Manny Pacquiao - have indomitable mental aptitude to visualize their goal of winning or shattering world records. As General Douglas MacArthur said:" in war there is no substitute for victory".
Be aware, everything starts in the mind. We should not doubt, we must be mentally strong even against any obstacles.
Every champion dreams big to make their dreams into achievable yet still challenging, exciting goals in life. Goals that are clearly defined, difficult, but realistic and have target deadlines or else they might as well be fantasies. Whether rich or poor, young or old, it is free for us to dream.
DISCIPLINE and NON-STOP TRAINING
If you are a boxer, you can not just go to the gym and work out everyday and hit bags. You need to study tapes of your opponent. You need to design and develop different game plans for your opponent. You need to be prepared. Success need continuous study or training, tackling challenges beyond our comfort zones, hard work and knowledge.
PASSION
Give your all. Michael Jackson once explained his passion for his art. He said:" and my goal in life is to give to the world what I was lucky to receive - the ecstasy of divine union through my music and my dance.
EXCELLENCE
It is not enough to be good at what we do, we must always strive for the very best. Everything worth doing is worth doing exceedingly well.
FOCUS
A person who is more focused on his/her core competency or vocation will have higher chances of attaining excellence and great success.
COMPETITION helps make champs
A healthy competition brings out the best in us and alerts us to always improve ourselves. We must continuously outdo ourselves for the best conquest is conquiring our own fears, demons and our own weaknesses.
THINK like a CHAMP
Every champion, Tiger Woods, Michael Phelps, Roger Federer, Manny Pacquiao - have indomitable mental aptitude to visualize their goal of winning or shattering world records. As General Douglas MacArthur said:" in war there is no substitute for victory".
Be aware, everything starts in the mind. We should not doubt, we must be mentally strong even against any obstacles.
WATER on the MOON - NASA
A "significant amount" of frozen water has been found on the moon, the US space agency said last week heralding a giant leap forward in space exploration and boosting hopes of a permanent lunar base.
The data was found after NASA sent 2 spacecraft crashing into the lunar surface last month to prove Earth's nearest neighbor for water. One rocket slammed into the Cabeus crater, near the lunar Southern pole, at around 9,000kilometers per hour. The rocket was followed 4 minutes later by a spacecraft equipped with cameras to record the initial impact which sent a huge plume of material billowing up from the bottom of the crater, untouched by sunlight for billions of years.
The initial result is that in the 20-30 meter crater, NASA found a dozen, at least 2-gallon buckets of water
Be aware, NASA said,"it's kind of like when you are drilling for oil - once you find it in one place, there is a greater chance you'll find more nearby.
The data was found after NASA sent 2 spacecraft crashing into the lunar surface last month to prove Earth's nearest neighbor for water. One rocket slammed into the Cabeus crater, near the lunar Southern pole, at around 9,000kilometers per hour. The rocket was followed 4 minutes later by a spacecraft equipped with cameras to record the initial impact which sent a huge plume of material billowing up from the bottom of the crater, untouched by sunlight for billions of years.
The initial result is that in the 20-30 meter crater, NASA found a dozen, at least 2-gallon buckets of water
Be aware, NASA said,"it's kind of like when you are drilling for oil - once you find it in one place, there is a greater chance you'll find more nearby.
VITAMIN OVERDOSE
* Vit A An overdose of Vit A (more than 25,000 IU per day for adults and 10,000 IU per day for children, for either food or supplements) can be toxic. Effects of Vitamin A over dose include fatigue, upset stomach, decreased appetite, vomiting, slow or decreased growth, joint soreness, irritability, hedache, drying and cracking of lips and skin, hair loss and yellowing of the skin. Excessive intake of Vitamin A during pregnancy can cause birth defects in the fetus.
* Vit B An overdose of B6- 250 to 1000mg can be toxic leading to nerve damage. There are no toxic effects noted for excessive intake of Vitamins B1 (thiamine) B2 (riboflavin) and B12 (cobalamine) but since B vitamins are interdependent, excess of one may produce deficiency of others.
B3 (niacin) at 3gm can cause aneroxia, abnormal glucose tolerance, gastric ulceration, excessive uric acid in blood, possibly leading to gout.
A high dose of potassium can lead to mental impairment, weariness, excessive potassium in the blood causing muscular paralysis and abnormal heart rythms.
B6 (pyridoxine) at 30mg can cause sensory and motor impairment. Dependency on high doses can lead to deficiency symptoms when one returns to normal dosage.
* Vitamin D at 10,000 IU can cause calcium deposits throughout the body, which maybe mistaken for cancer as well as deafness, kidney stones, fragile bones, high blood cholesterol and increased lead absorption.
* Vitamin E an overdose of vitamin E ( the body only needs 100 to 300mg of vitamin E per day) can lead to blood clots, fatigue, tumors in the breast and reproductive problems.
* Vitamin K while relatively safe, vitamin K, when administered to infants, may cause liver enlargement.
* Selenium at 750 micro gram can cause diabetes, garlic-breath odor, impairment of the immune system, loss of hair and nails, irritability, skin lessions, tooth decay, nausea, yellowish skin.
* Calcium at 2000mg can cause drowsiness, extreme lethargy, impaired absorption of iron, zinc and manganese, calcium deposits in tissues thoughout the body, mimicking cancer on x-ray.
* Carotene at 300mg can cause orange discoloration of the skin, low blood pressure, weight loss, low white cell count.
* Chromium at 50mg can cause dermatitis, intestinal ulcers, kidney and liver impairment.
* Copper at 15mg can cause violent vomiting and diarrhea, fatigue, poor memory, depression, insomnia, increased production of cancer- causing free radicals and supressed immune function.
Note: cooking acid foods in unlined copper pots can lead to toxic accumulation of copper.
* Iodine at 2mg can lead to thyroid impairment, iodine poisoning or sensitivity reaction.
* Iron at 25mg can interfere with zinc and copper absorption and cause loss of appetite and toxic build-up in the pancreas and heart.
8 Folic acid at 15mg can cause loss of appetite and sleep disturbances and may interfere with zinc absorption.
* Manganese at 75mg can result in neurological damage, loss of memory, hallucinations, hyper-irritability, liver damage, blurred speech, hand tremors.
Be aware, when taking supplements, read the label and follow the recommended daily dosage, and drink at least 10 glasses of water daily.
* Vit B An overdose of B6- 250 to 1000mg can be toxic leading to nerve damage. There are no toxic effects noted for excessive intake of Vitamins B1 (thiamine) B2 (riboflavin) and B12 (cobalamine) but since B vitamins are interdependent, excess of one may produce deficiency of others.
B3 (niacin) at 3gm can cause aneroxia, abnormal glucose tolerance, gastric ulceration, excessive uric acid in blood, possibly leading to gout.
A high dose of potassium can lead to mental impairment, weariness, excessive potassium in the blood causing muscular paralysis and abnormal heart rythms.
B6 (pyridoxine) at 30mg can cause sensory and motor impairment. Dependency on high doses can lead to deficiency symptoms when one returns to normal dosage.
* Vitamin D at 10,000 IU can cause calcium deposits throughout the body, which maybe mistaken for cancer as well as deafness, kidney stones, fragile bones, high blood cholesterol and increased lead absorption.
* Vitamin E an overdose of vitamin E ( the body only needs 100 to 300mg of vitamin E per day) can lead to blood clots, fatigue, tumors in the breast and reproductive problems.
* Vitamin K while relatively safe, vitamin K, when administered to infants, may cause liver enlargement.
* Selenium at 750 micro gram can cause diabetes, garlic-breath odor, impairment of the immune system, loss of hair and nails, irritability, skin lessions, tooth decay, nausea, yellowish skin.
* Calcium at 2000mg can cause drowsiness, extreme lethargy, impaired absorption of iron, zinc and manganese, calcium deposits in tissues thoughout the body, mimicking cancer on x-ray.
* Carotene at 300mg can cause orange discoloration of the skin, low blood pressure, weight loss, low white cell count.
* Chromium at 50mg can cause dermatitis, intestinal ulcers, kidney and liver impairment.
* Copper at 15mg can cause violent vomiting and diarrhea, fatigue, poor memory, depression, insomnia, increased production of cancer- causing free radicals and supressed immune function.
Note: cooking acid foods in unlined copper pots can lead to toxic accumulation of copper.
* Iodine at 2mg can lead to thyroid impairment, iodine poisoning or sensitivity reaction.
* Iron at 25mg can interfere with zinc and copper absorption and cause loss of appetite and toxic build-up in the pancreas and heart.
8 Folic acid at 15mg can cause loss of appetite and sleep disturbances and may interfere with zinc absorption.
* Manganese at 75mg can result in neurological damage, loss of memory, hallucinations, hyper-irritability, liver damage, blurred speech, hand tremors.
Be aware, when taking supplements, read the label and follow the recommended daily dosage, and drink at least 10 glasses of water daily.
CHOCOLATE DREAMS
For generations, cooks have linked chocolate with desert, and for good reason : Sugar tames cocoa's natural astingency and bitterness turning it rich and mellow. But that association has also lent chocolate it's reputation as a naughty indulgence.
Be aware, research pinpoints cocoa's healthy properties. It's a natural source of flavoids similar to those found in tea, and it contains substances that help prevent blood clots and coronary plaque. Chocolate also seems to increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels and contains small amounts of magnesium, potassium, protein, phosphorous, calcium and iron.
Be aware, research pinpoints cocoa's healthy properties. It's a natural source of flavoids similar to those found in tea, and it contains substances that help prevent blood clots and coronary plaque. Chocolate also seems to increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels and contains small amounts of magnesium, potassium, protein, phosphorous, calcium and iron.
CANCER CURE - tick saliva
It maybe one of nature's repulsive little sucking parasites, but the humble tick could yield a future cure for cancer of the skin, liver and pancreas, Brazilian researchers have discovered. They have identified a protein in the saliva of a common South American tick, "Amblyomma cajennense" that apparantly reduces and can even eradicate cancerous cells while leaving healthy cells alone. The component of the saliva of this tick . . . could be cure for cancer said Ana Marisa Chudzinski-Tavassi, the molecular biologist.
If I trat every day for 14 days, an animal's tumor, a small tumor, this tumor doesn't develop - it even regresses. The tumor mass shrinks. If I treat for 42 days, you totally eliminate the tumor, the scientist said.
Be aware, producing a medicine from the find through, will require years of clinical tests and a significant financial investment - neither os which Brazil is geared to provide.
If I trat every day for 14 days, an animal's tumor, a small tumor, this tumor doesn't develop - it even regresses. The tumor mass shrinks. If I treat for 42 days, you totally eliminate the tumor, the scientist said.
Be aware, producing a medicine from the find through, will require years of clinical tests and a significant financial investment - neither os which Brazil is geared to provide.
COLON CANCER stopped in it's tracks
Swiss scientist report that they may have found a way to stop colon cancer it's track by tinkering with a genetic pathway that allow cells to communicate with one another. The treatment potentially could prevent colon cancer from reaching advanced stages and moving to other organs.
The research could lead to new anti-cancer tratments that may help prevent colon cancer from metastasizing to another areas of the body even after a patient appears to have recovered. The reseachers used cyclopamine, a product derive from plants to block the pathway in mice with cancer shortly after their tumors disappeared. The mice lived up to 1 year and remained tumor-free.
Be aware, colon and rectal cancer kill an estimated 50,000 Americans each year, according to the American Cancer Society.
The research could lead to new anti-cancer tratments that may help prevent colon cancer from metastasizing to another areas of the body even after a patient appears to have recovered. The reseachers used cyclopamine, a product derive from plants to block the pathway in mice with cancer shortly after their tumors disappeared. The mice lived up to 1 year and remained tumor-free.
Be aware, colon and rectal cancer kill an estimated 50,000 Americans each year, according to the American Cancer Society.
ASPIRIN - for heart patients ONLY
"The use of aspirin to ward off heart attacks and strokes in those who do not have obvious cardiovascular disease should be abandoned, researcher said - as aspirin can cause serious internal bleeding and does not prevent cardiovascular disease deaths. Doctors should review all patients currently taking the drug for prevention of the heart.
Low-dose aspirin is widely used to prevent further episodes of cardiovascular disease in people who have already had problems such as a heart attack or stroke. This approach-known as secondary prevention - is well-established and has confirmed benefits.
But many thousands of people in the UK are believed to be taking aspirin as a protective measure before they have any heart symptoms.
Researchers said, it is well established that aspirin can help prevent heart attacks and strokes among people with heart and circulatory disease - so this group of people should continue to take aspirin as prescribed by their doctor. However, for those who do not have heart and circulatory disease, the risk of serious bleeding out weighs the potential preventive benefits of taking aspirin. It is advisable not to take aspirin daily, unless we check first with your doctor.
Be aware, the best way to reduce your risk of developing this disease is to avoid smoking, eat a diet low in saturated fat and rich in fruit and vegetables and take regular physical activity.
Low-dose aspirin is widely used to prevent further episodes of cardiovascular disease in people who have already had problems such as a heart attack or stroke. This approach-known as secondary prevention - is well-established and has confirmed benefits.
But many thousands of people in the UK are believed to be taking aspirin as a protective measure before they have any heart symptoms.
Researchers said, it is well established that aspirin can help prevent heart attacks and strokes among people with heart and circulatory disease - so this group of people should continue to take aspirin as prescribed by their doctor. However, for those who do not have heart and circulatory disease, the risk of serious bleeding out weighs the potential preventive benefits of taking aspirin. It is advisable not to take aspirin daily, unless we check first with your doctor.
Be aware, the best way to reduce your risk of developing this disease is to avoid smoking, eat a diet low in saturated fat and rich in fruit and vegetables and take regular physical activity.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
HUNGER Stunts 200M Children - UN Reports
Nearly 200m children in poor countries have stunted growth because of insufficient nutrition. The head of UN food agency called on the world to join him in a day of fasting ahead of the summit to highlight the plight of 1billion hungry people.
More than 90% of those children live in Africa and Asia, and more than a third of all deaths in that age group are linked to under nutrition - UNICEF said.
While progress has been made in Asia - ratio of stunted growth dropped from 44% in 1990 to 30% last year- there has been little success in Africa. There, the rate of stunted growth was about 38% in 1990 and last year, the rate was about 34%.
South Asia is a particular hot spot for the problem, with just Afghanistan, Nepal, India, Bangladesh and Pakistan accounting for 83M hungry children under five. The UN children's agency called for more strategies like Vit A supplementation and breast-feeding to be rolled out more widely. That could cut the death rate in kids by up to 15%. But not everyone agreed considering the progress UNICEF's report points to in improving nutrition is almost certainly a result of economic growth and not UN strategies.
Be aware, the Rome-based FAO announced earlier this year that hunger now affects a record 1.02Billion globally or 1 in 6 people with the financial meltdown, high food prices, drought and war blamed. Please read EATING WITH A CONSCIENCE to mitigate global warming and stop global hunger.
More than 90% of those children live in Africa and Asia, and more than a third of all deaths in that age group are linked to under nutrition - UNICEF said.
While progress has been made in Asia - ratio of stunted growth dropped from 44% in 1990 to 30% last year- there has been little success in Africa. There, the rate of stunted growth was about 38% in 1990 and last year, the rate was about 34%.
South Asia is a particular hot spot for the problem, with just Afghanistan, Nepal, India, Bangladesh and Pakistan accounting for 83M hungry children under five. The UN children's agency called for more strategies like Vit A supplementation and breast-feeding to be rolled out more widely. That could cut the death rate in kids by up to 15%. But not everyone agreed considering the progress UNICEF's report points to in improving nutrition is almost certainly a result of economic growth and not UN strategies.
Be aware, the Rome-based FAO announced earlier this year that hunger now affects a record 1.02Billion globally or 1 in 6 people with the financial meltdown, high food prices, drought and war blamed. Please read EATING WITH A CONSCIENCE to mitigate global warming and stop global hunger.
GIANT ANTARCTIC ICEBERG heads towards N. Zealand
A giant iceberg measuring some 700 meters(2,300 feet) long with an estimated depth of 350 meters has been spotted floating off Australia and could be headed for New Zealand, scientist said.
The ice chunk caused a stir, when it was sighted by experts based on Australia's remote Macquarie Island. Experts said, the flat-topped slab could break into dozens of smaller iceberg as it moves in the direction of New Zealand, causing a possible-shipping hazard.
Be aware, the iceberg had probably split from a major Antarctic ice shelf nine years ago, and more could be expected in the area if global warming continues.
The ice chunk caused a stir, when it was sighted by experts based on Australia's remote Macquarie Island. Experts said, the flat-topped slab could break into dozens of smaller iceberg as it moves in the direction of New Zealand, causing a possible-shipping hazard.
Be aware, the iceberg had probably split from a major Antarctic ice shelf nine years ago, and more could be expected in the area if global warming continues.
MACAU could RUN OUT OF WATER
Macau could run out of drinking water in a matter of weeks as the gambling haven's supply drying up due to severe drought in Southern China officials said this week.
Macau's emergency reservoir has supplies to last just 2 weeks and the city could soon be forced to ration water and launch a bottled water program. The drought has lowered water levels in the Pearl River Delta, inundating the river mouth close to Macau with sea water and raising the salinity of the remaining drinking water.
The government spokeswoman said: If the salinity levels go high then we will start the bottled water program. Also we will try to convince citizens to use a smaller amount of water.
Be aware, Macau is the only Chinese city where Casino gambling is legal has leap-frogged Las Vegas in terms of gaming revenue after openning up it's market overseas operators in 2002.
Macau's emergency reservoir has supplies to last just 2 weeks and the city could soon be forced to ration water and launch a bottled water program. The drought has lowered water levels in the Pearl River Delta, inundating the river mouth close to Macau with sea water and raising the salinity of the remaining drinking water.
The government spokeswoman said: If the salinity levels go high then we will start the bottled water program. Also we will try to convince citizens to use a smaller amount of water.
Be aware, Macau is the only Chinese city where Casino gambling is legal has leap-frogged Las Vegas in terms of gaming revenue after openning up it's market overseas operators in 2002.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
HEALTHY PERSPECTIVE
Writer Jeff Keeller noted that it is necessary for us to develop a healthy perspective in life so as to experience less tension, improve our attitude and develop keener insight into the meaning of our life. He recommended the following suggestions:
> LOOK at the problem in the context of your entire life. The key is to see the problem for what it is, and not let it dominate your thinking for an entire day, week or month,
> BE OPEN to the idea that - everything happens for a reason. If you doubt this principle, speak to people who, in your view, are positive and successful and who seem to have peace of mind.
> EXTEND yourself to others. Finding ways to serve and help others will make you feel better and broaden your understanding about interconnected of all human beings.
> REDIRECT your focus to the many blessings in your life. In other words be grateful by counting your blessings.
>SURROUND yourself with people who have a healthy outlook. These individuals rarely complain and a joy to be around.
> LOOK at the problem in the context of your entire life. The key is to see the problem for what it is, and not let it dominate your thinking for an entire day, week or month,
> BE OPEN to the idea that - everything happens for a reason. If you doubt this principle, speak to people who, in your view, are positive and successful and who seem to have peace of mind.
> EXTEND yourself to others. Finding ways to serve and help others will make you feel better and broaden your understanding about interconnected of all human beings.
> REDIRECT your focus to the many blessings in your life. In other words be grateful by counting your blessings.
>SURROUND yourself with people who have a healthy outlook. These individuals rarely complain and a joy to be around.
LOW-FAT DIET enhance mood
Both a high-fat, low carbohydrates diet such as the popular Atkin's program and low-fat, high- carbohydrate diet appear to help people lose pounds over the course of a year.
However, only the low-fat diet will result in long term improvement in mood according to a study of Archives of Internal Medicine.
Be aware, both an energy-reduced, very low-carbohydrates high-fat diet and a conventional high carbohydrates low-fat diet are equally effective for achieving weight loss in overweight and obese individuals - research scientists said.
However, only the low-fat diet will result in long term improvement in mood according to a study of Archives of Internal Medicine.
Be aware, both an energy-reduced, very low-carbohydrates high-fat diet and a conventional high carbohydrates low-fat diet are equally effective for achieving weight loss in overweight and obese individuals - research scientists said.
THYROID CANCER more common near volcanoes
Italian researchers found that people who live in volcanic areas may have an elevated risk of developing thyroid cancer.
Among people living in Sicily's Catania province, home to the active Mt. Etna volcano, there were 32 cases of thyroid cancer per 100,000 women per year and six cases per 100,000 men. Across the rest of Sicily, those rates were 14 and 3 per 100,000 respectively.
The large majority of cancers were papillary thyroid tumors, a slow growing form of the disease that accounts for most cases of thyroid cancer.
Located at the base of the neck, thyroid gland produces hormones that help regulate heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and weight. Thyroid cancer is relatively uncommon in the US. Risk factors include iodine deficiency and exposure to high levels of radiation such as radiation treatment to the head and neck - but beyond that, little is known about the types of environmental exposures that might contribute to cancer.
Researchers said, it's possible that thyroid cancer rates were higher in Catania because of the chemicals that are present in drinking water from the volcanic aquifer. In many specimens of drinking water, from the volcanic area was found 4 metals and the natural radioactive compound radon 222 increased over the maximm admissible concentration.
Be aware, initial symptoms of thyroid cancer can include a lump in the front of the neck, voice changes or hoarseness, swollen glands in the neck and difficulty breathing or swallowing - though such symptoms more often have a cause other than cancer.
Among people living in Sicily's Catania province, home to the active Mt. Etna volcano, there were 32 cases of thyroid cancer per 100,000 women per year and six cases per 100,000 men. Across the rest of Sicily, those rates were 14 and 3 per 100,000 respectively.
The large majority of cancers were papillary thyroid tumors, a slow growing form of the disease that accounts for most cases of thyroid cancer.
Located at the base of the neck, thyroid gland produces hormones that help regulate heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and weight. Thyroid cancer is relatively uncommon in the US. Risk factors include iodine deficiency and exposure to high levels of radiation such as radiation treatment to the head and neck - but beyond that, little is known about the types of environmental exposures that might contribute to cancer.
Researchers said, it's possible that thyroid cancer rates were higher in Catania because of the chemicals that are present in drinking water from the volcanic aquifer. In many specimens of drinking water, from the volcanic area was found 4 metals and the natural radioactive compound radon 222 increased over the maximm admissible concentration.
Be aware, initial symptoms of thyroid cancer can include a lump in the front of the neck, voice changes or hoarseness, swollen glands in the neck and difficulty breathing or swallowing - though such symptoms more often have a cause other than cancer.
IMPOTENSE Remedy
The ability to achieve and maintain an erection is a complex physiological process. Yet even though a mere 5% of men under 40 can not produce "wood" on demand, a man obviously fears what lies-flops-ahead. This is a common malady among men in the US and in Europe who have Caucasian blood.
Be aware, to ensure you are up for whatever she's offering, -"turn off the tube". Men who watch more than 20 hours of TV a week are 30% more likely to experience erectile dysfunction according to a study at the Harvard School of Public Health.
In this regard, we are learning that the most common causes of erectile dysfunction are high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and faulty diet.
For natural remedy of impotence, please read : ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION and YOGA
Be aware, to ensure you are up for whatever she's offering, -"turn off the tube". Men who watch more than 20 hours of TV a week are 30% more likely to experience erectile dysfunction according to a study at the Harvard School of Public Health.
In this regard, we are learning that the most common causes of erectile dysfunction are high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and faulty diet.
For natural remedy of impotence, please read : ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION and YOGA
LUNG CANCER other 2 types found
The most common type of lung cancer is bronchogenic carcinoma, which is highly malignant, and has a very poor prognosis. Besides being the second most cancer in men, it is also the leading cause of cancer death. It is most commonly seen between the ages of 45 and 70. The principal cause of cancer of the lungs is the smoking of cigarettes. 'Second hand' cigarette smoke or remittent environmental pollution play a role in it's cause.
Patients typically present with cough, with or without blood in the sputum, chest pains, fever, weight loss, fatigue and hoarseness. The cancer is easily diagnosed based on the history of cigarette smoking, chest x-rays and sputum analysis.
> One type of lung cancer has been found among people who have had close exposure to birds. The bird's emissions lodged in the person's lungs and eventually caused cancer.
> Another type mostly afflicted the Chinese. Researchers suggested it had something to do with the hot liquid they drink - water, tea, and soup. The Chinese drink these very hot, slurp some air in everytime to make the heat bearable thus causing cancer.
Patients typically present with cough, with or without blood in the sputum, chest pains, fever, weight loss, fatigue and hoarseness. The cancer is easily diagnosed based on the history of cigarette smoking, chest x-rays and sputum analysis.
> One type of lung cancer has been found among people who have had close exposure to birds. The bird's emissions lodged in the person's lungs and eventually caused cancer.
> Another type mostly afflicted the Chinese. Researchers suggested it had something to do with the hot liquid they drink - water, tea, and soup. The Chinese drink these very hot, slurp some air in everytime to make the heat bearable thus causing cancer.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
COFFEE to keep liver disease away
Sufferers of chronic hepatitis C and advanced liver disease who drank 3 or more cups of coffee per day slashed their risk of the disease progressing by 53% compared to patients who drank no coffee, the study led by Neal Freedman of the US National Cancer Institute (NCI) showed.
For the study,766 participants enrolled in the Hepatitis C Antiviral Long-Term Treatment against Cirrhosis trial - all of whom had hepatitis C which had not responded to treatment with anti-viral drugs- were asked to report how many cups of coffee they drank every day.
The patients who drank 3 or more cups of java were less likely to see their liver disease worsen than non-drinkers, wrote the authors of the study. The researchers put forward several ways in which coffee intake might protect against liver disease, including by reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes, which has been associated with liver illness; or by reducing inflammation , which is thought to cause fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver.
For the study,766 participants enrolled in the Hepatitis C Antiviral Long-Term Treatment against Cirrhosis trial - all of whom had hepatitis C which had not responded to treatment with anti-viral drugs- were asked to report how many cups of coffee they drank every day.
The patients who drank 3 or more cups of java were less likely to see their liver disease worsen than non-drinkers, wrote the authors of the study. The researchers put forward several ways in which coffee intake might protect against liver disease, including by reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes, which has been associated with liver illness; or by reducing inflammation , which is thought to cause fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
JUVENILE ARTHRITIS
Oligo-articular - the most common kind of juvenile arthritis. affects large joints such as the knees, ankles and wrists. Poly-articular affects more than 5-joints and usually spreads quite quickly. Systemic onset begins with symptoms such as fewer rashes and enlarged glands which are often mistaken for an infection, Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis causes chronic joint pain and inflamation and has become common among teenagers.
The exact causes of juvenile arthritis are unknown but a child's natural penchant for intense physical activity - running, jumping, and climbing which apply contact pressure on developing joints, is a major contributory factor. Obesity causes excess weight to wear out young joints prematurely. Wounds that a child often sustains at play can get infected and trigger an auto-immune response while the body's immune system attacks tissues lining the joints. While factors such as heredity can not be avoided, others can be controlled to keep juvenile arthritis away:
1. Mind that pain.
Parents and children should pay attention to symptoms and have them checked at once.
2. Maintain a normal weight. It prevents extra strain on joints.
3. Eat healty foods. A balanced diet in fiber and fresh, unprocessed foods helps you stay healthy and cope with the extra-stress of arthritis.
4. Exercise. A vital part of managing arthritis in children, regular gentle exercise such as swimming (hydrotherapy) increases mobility and flexibility as well as builds up muscle strength which slows down the effects of arthritis.
5. Relax. When muscles are not tense, it's easier and less painful to move the joints.
6. Take a herbal supplement together with prescribed medication. The herb "Boswellia serrata" which has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousand of years has been shown in clinical studies to relieve problems associated with all forms of arthritis.
PROSTATE CANCER Treatment May Spark HEART PROBLEM
Researchers said that a common treatment for prostate cancer may slightly increase patient's risk of heart problems. Experts said the findings could make doctors think twice before prescribing the standard hormone treatment to men with prostate cancer, particularly if they are at risk of heart disease
More than 670,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer globally every year, making it the second-most common cancer in men after lung cancer.
In the U.S. about 600,000 men are being treated with endoc rine therapy for prostate cancer. Prostate cancer patients had a 28% higher relative chance of having a final heart attack and a 21% increased chance of dying from heart disease. Still these risks were low in absolute terms; researchers estimated the hormone therapy would cause an extra 10 heart problems - like chest pain or a heart attack a year for every 1,000 prostate cancer patients.
Be aware, previous studies have found hormone therapy given to prostate cancer patient with a history of heart disease increased their chances of dying.
PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS
Reducing "fat" intake not only reduces the incidence of prostate cancer but also slows down and reverses the growth of the disease.
Studies showed that saturated fat, particularly from red meat is the culprit in the prevalence of prostate cancer. Soybean contains high levels of isoflavonoids (phyto estrogens) which provides specific protection against cancer.
Be aware, it is beneficial to include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain and fiber-rich food, poultry, lean meats, low fat dairy products and food prepared with little or no fat in the diet. This diet helps reduce the risk of heart disease, obesity, constipation and would increase the chance of a healthier, longer life.
PENILE CANCER TREATMENT
A sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical cancer is also to blame for half of all causes of cancer of the penile, Spanish researchers said. The finding suggests already available human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines for cervical cancer are also likely to be effective in the fight against penile cancer.
Merck & Co's Gardasil and Glaxo Smith Kline's Cervarix are both used widely to immunize girls against HPV infection, which can lead to cancer of the cervix.
Penile cancer is much rarer, accounting for less than 1% of adult male cancers in Europe and North America, although the incidence can be as high as 10% in parts of Africa and Asia. Worldwide there are more than 26,000 new cases every year. Researchers reviewed cases of penile cancer reported in clinical studies between 1986 and 2008 and found 46.9% of tumors were associated with HPV.
Be aware, nearly all of these were linked to HPV 16 and 18, the two types that most commonly cause cervical cancer and which are targeted by Gardasil and Cervarix - Journal of Clinical Pathology.
Merck & Co's Gardasil and Glaxo Smith Kline's Cervarix are both used widely to immunize girls against HPV infection, which can lead to cancer of the cervix.
Penile cancer is much rarer, accounting for less than 1% of adult male cancers in Europe and North America, although the incidence can be as high as 10% in parts of Africa and Asia. Worldwide there are more than 26,000 new cases every year. Researchers reviewed cases of penile cancer reported in clinical studies between 1986 and 2008 and found 46.9% of tumors were associated with HPV.
Be aware, nearly all of these were linked to HPV 16 and 18, the two types that most commonly cause cervical cancer and which are targeted by Gardasil and Cervarix - Journal of Clinical Pathology.
CANCER - A NUTRITIONAL DISEASE
Sir Arbuthnot Lane said: " cancer is a disease of civilization." The more sophisticated a civilization is in food preparation, the more cancer become prevalent. There is no such thing as cancer among those leading primitive lives - meaning those whose food preparation have least to do with heating and processing. Among those who feed themselves with on "the white man's diet" like fast food, canned food, junk food or heavy-meat filled food were the most likely candidates to be afflicted with cancer.
The cure for cancer is found on the plate. The food we eat is a lifetime and lifestyle decision if you don't want to get entangled in dreades diseases. Dr. Johanna Budwig said: "the harm done by eating the wrong kind of food fats has serious repercussions in all realms of life including healthy mental and spiritual functioning. Eat the wrong kind of food and everything else goes haywire in your life.
Food by itself has no healing or nourishing power. It is the innate and intelligent functions of your body that does the healing and nourishing. Raw food and the proper environment gives the body the raw materials it needs to detoxify, create energy and rebuild. The body knows how to heal, nourish and rebuild itself. But if you feed it with the wrong food, it reacts and you get sick. Over time, the healing, cleaning and nourishing functions of the body break down and cancer cells wreak havoc.
Raw food like fruits and vegetables is the ideal. The problem with eating canned food or artificially processed food is that the living cells of the body do not take nourishment from dead and artificial ingredients in cooked food. So after taking a typical meal of cooked food, a person thinks his stomach is full or that he has satisfied his nutritional needs or that his hunger is mitigated. But in reality, cooked food starves the body cells. While the hunger maybe mitigated, it compromises the nutritional component for the body to rebuild, nourish and heal itself.
Instead of eating meat, whether pork, beef, chicken or fish, substitute these with nuts - peanuts, almonds, cashew nuts, etc. . . You can have citrus fruit juices for the morning meals, raw vegetables for noon meals and then fruits and slightly cooked vegetables for evening meals. Sugars should be taken from fruits and vegetablells.
Be aware, a man does not get sick or die in abstaining from meat. Rather a human being gets sick because he eats meat or too much of meat. Get real and be natural. There is wisdom in the saying that "an apple a day takes the disease away" so does mango, orange, peanuts and veggies.
Friday, November 6, 2009
FORGIVENESS and HAPPINESS
Lewis B. Simedes says: "to forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you". The bible says: "you are a murderer when you hate your brother -john 3:15 and therefore you can never be happy/ can enter heaven.
Actually, it takes more energy to hate a person than it does to forgive and let go so you can move on with your life. The fastest way to untangle yourself from an enemy and all associated negativity is to forgive. The aramaic word fo "forgive" means literally to "untie". Untie the bindings and loosen yourself from that persons ugliness. Your hatred has tied you to the person responsible for your pain. Your forgiveness enables you to start walking away from him/her and the pain. Forgiveness is for you and not for the other party. Freeing yourself through forgiveness is like freeing yourself from chain of bondage or from prison.
Do you want to live long happy life? If yes there is only one solution - FORGIVE THE UNFORGIVABLE - it is the kindest thing you can do for yourself.
Your enemy may not deserve to be forgiven for all the pain and sadness and suffering purposely inflicted on your life; but you deserve to be free of this evil. To move on in life and enjoy your journey in life consider the following tips:
1. REALIZE that the hate you feel toward your enemy does not harm him/her. Chances are, your enemy has move on with life and have not given you another thought.
2. Be COMPASSIONATE with yourself. By forgiving yourself, you are patient and kind to yourself. Extreme emotional pain has a profound effect on your body. Give yourself a time to heal- physically and emotionally. Eat well and rest. Focus on the natural beauty of the world. Never bottle up the pain.
3. STOP talking the "story" over and over again. It is like a stake driven into the ground that keeps you from moving away from the hurt. Rather forgive your enemy because it is the kindest thing you can do for your friends and family.
Be aware, negativity is depressing physically, mentally and spiritually.
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