Yep! Its True!

People living on the east coast prefer creamy peanut butter, while people living on the west coast prefer chunky peanut butter

Some snails live on branches in trees

Tomato ketchup is a good conditioner for the hair. It also helps get the greenish tinge that some blonde haired people get after swimming in water with chlorine in it

The youngest pope was 11 years old

Did you know you share your birthday with at least 9 other million people in the world

Soldiers disease is a term for morphine addiction. The Civil War produced over 400,000 morphine addicts

The longest chapter in the Bible is Psalm 119, which is 176 verses

During the First World War, cigarettes were handed out to soldiers along with their rations

The longest freshwater shoreline in the world is located in the state of Michigan

There are bananas called "Red banana" that are maroon to dark purple when ripe

Franklin Pierce was the first U.S. President to have a Christmas tree in the White House

The USA bought Alaska from Russia for 2 cents an acre

Walt Disney had originally suggested using the name Mortimer Mouse instead of Mickey Mouse

The length of brink of the Canadian "Horseshoe" Falls located in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada is 2600 feet

The smile is the most frequently used facial expression. A smile can use anywhere from a pair of 5 to 53 facial muscles

The right lung of a human is larger than the left one. This is because of the space and placement of the heart

Native Americans used to use pumpkin seeds for medicine

The pound key (#) on the keyboard is called an octothorpe

The chemical name for caffeine is 1,3,7-trimethylzantihine

Corals take a long time to grow. Some corals only grow one centimeter in one year

Walmart-mart sells more apparel a year than all the other competing department stores combined

Canada has more inland waters and lakes than any other country in the world

Ramses II, a pharaoh of Egypt died in 1225 B.C. At the time of his death, he had fathered 96 sons and 60 daughters

The word "lethologica" describes the state of not being able to remember the word you want

Since its introduction in February 1935, more than two hundred million Monopoly board games have been sold worldwide

Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression than men in the United States

The smallest man ever was Gul Mohammed (1957-1997) of India, who measured 1 feet, 10? inches

500,000 tons of dog excrement are dumped annually on the streets of Paris

Hydrogen gas is the least dense substance in the world, at 0.08988g/cc

In Belgium, there is a museum just for strawberries

The Simpsons is the longest running prime-time animated series on television history

The more a person struggles to get out of quicksand the faster they will sink. Staying still, and being calm will actually make the body float in the quicksand because the body is less dense than the quicksand is

On average, a Canadian girl owns seven Barbie dolls, whereas an American girl owns eight

A piece of French toast that was partially eaten by Justin Timberlake sold on eBay

Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil (also known as Melaleuca) is a natural antibacterial disinfectant that was commonly used as a general antiseptic by the aborigine tribes for thousands of years. More recently, the scientific community has confirmed that Tea Tree Oil has tremendous medicinal benefits. It is a light yellow oil that has a scent similar to nutmeg, and it is produced by steaming tea tree leaves and then squeezing the oil out.
Tea Tree Oil has wonderful properties that makes it a popular natural agent for curing all three types of infectious organisms: fungus, bacteria, and virus. More importantly, it is known to effectively fight a number of infections that are resistant to some antibiotics. Therefore, Tea Tree Oil is an excellent natural remedy for hundreds of bacterial and fungal skin ailments such as acne, abscess, oily skin, blisters, sun burns, athlete's foot, warts, herpes, insect bites, rashes, dandruff and other minor wounds and irritations.

Studies have shown that Tea Tree Oil also treats respiratory problems ranging from common sore throats, coughs and runny nose to severe conditions such as asthma, tuberculosis, and bronchitis. The anti-viral properties of the oil fight many common infectious diseases such as chicken pox, shingles and measles, flu, cold sores and verrucae. It also strengthens the body's immune system, which is often weakened by stress, illness, or by the use of antibiotics and other drugs. It can also be used as a mouth wash, since it is highly effective in healing oral candidiasis (a fungal infection of mouth and throat).

Uses of Tea Tree Oil
Skin Infections
General Disinfectant
Tea Tree Oil mixed into bath water works as a great disinfectant for skin. Simply mix 10 to 12 drops of the oil into bath water and soak in it for about 30 minutes twice a week. This same oil bath can also be used to relax muscles after a strenuous sport or workout.


Acne Treatment
A common use of Tea Tree Oil is as a natural Acne treatment.


Boils and Carbuncles
Tea Tree Oil has also been used for the treatment of Boils or Carbuncles.


Warts
Many people have also found that Tea Tree Oil can be used as a very effective treatment for Genital Warts.


Bad Breath, Inflamed Gums, and Plaque
Tea Tree Oil, when used as a mouth wash, acts as a natural cure for bad breath, oral candidiasis, gingivitis, plaque, and inflamed gums. It also kills mouth bacteria prior to dental surgery and also reduces mouth irritation that is often caused by dental procedures.
Add 3 drops of Tea Tree Oil to a cup of warm water.
Use the solution as a mouthwash two to three times daily.
Always spit out the Tea Tree Oil mouthwash. Do not swallow it.
You may also add 1 drop of Tea Tree Oil to toothpaste when brushing teeth.
Sore Throat and Congestion
Tea Tree Oil can be combined with a simple steam inhalation technique to naturally cure congestion, sore throat, chest infections, and clearing up mucus:
Fill a large cooking pot or bowl with water.
Bring the water to a boil.
Remove the pot from the stove and add 2 to 3 drops of Tea Tree Oil into it.
Cover your head with a towel and lean over the top of the bowl so that the long ends of the towel are hanging down at the two sides of the bowl.
Inhale the vapors for about 5-10 minutes.
Repeat the process each night before going to bed until symptoms are cured completely. If symptoms persist for more than 5 days it is best to consult your doctor.
Canker Sores and Laryngitis
Diluted in water, Tea Tree Oil is an effective treatment for canker sores and laryngitis:
Add 3-4 drops of Tea Tree Oil to one cup of warm water.
Gargle this solution twice daily.

Dandruff and Lice
Studies have shown that shampoos with 5% of Tea Tree Oil can cure dandruff and help get rid off head lice.


Yeast Infections
Tea Tree Oil can also be used as an effective Home Remedy for Yeast Infection Treatment. mmon infectious diseases such as chicken pox, shingles and measles, flu, cold sores and verrucae. It also strengthens the body's immune system, which is often weakened by stress, illness, or by the use of antibiotics and other drugs. It can also be used as a mouth wash, since it is highly effective in healing oral candidiasis (a fungal infection of mouth and throat).

The 3,000 Mile Oil Change Myth

According to a recent study by the California Integrated Waste Management Board, 73 percent of California drivers change their oil more frequently than required. This same scenario no doubt repeats itself across the country. Besides wasting money, this translates into unnecessary consumption of $100-a-barrel oil, much of it imported.

Using 2005 data, the Board estimates that Californians alone generate about 153.5 million gallons of waste oil annually, of which only about 60 percent is recycled. Used motor oil poses the greatest environmental risk of all automotive fluids because it is insoluble, persistent, and contains heavy metal and toxic chemicals. One gallon of used oil can foul the taste of one million gallons of water.

It’s been a misconception for years that engine oil should be changed every 3000 miles, even though most auto manufacturers now recommend oil changes at 5,000, 7,000, or even 10,000 mile intervals under normal driving conditions.


Greatly improved oils, including synthetic oils, coupled with better engines mean longer spans between oil changes without harming an engine. The 3000 mile interval is a carryover from days when engines used single-grade, non-detergent oils.


For several years, automakers like General Motors, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz have installed computerized systems that alert drivers via an instrument panel light when it’s time to change oil. As an example, the General Motor Oil Life System (GMOLS) analyzes the engine temperature, rpms, vehicle speeds, and other driving conditions to calculate the rate of engine oil degradation. Then, software calculates when the oil needs to be changed. Other systems work similarly.


Because of the many external conditions and parameters that have to be taken into account, calculating the precise maximum service interval using mathematical models alone is difficult. Now, Daimler AG has developed a more direct and precise way to monitor oil quality directly on board a vehicle.

Daimler uses a special sensor integrated into the oil circuit to monitor engine oil directly. Oil doesn’t wear out, but rather dirt and impurities cause oil to lose its ability to lubricate properly, dictating the need for a change. Daimler uses the oil’s “permittivity,” that is, the ability to polarize in response to the electric field. If the engine oil is contaminated by water or soot particles, it polarizes to a greater extent and its permittivity increases.

To evaluate the quality of the oil, permittivity is measured by applying an AC potential between the interior and exterior pipes of an oil-filled sensor to determine how well the oil transmits the applied electric field.

Because not all impurities can be measured with sufficient precision via the electric field method, Daimler also measures the oil’s viscosity to detect any fuel that may have seeped into the oil. Daimler researchers measure viscosity while the vehicle is in motion by observing the oil's side-to-side motion in the oil sump. The slower the oil moves, the higher its viscosity. This movement is registered by a sensor and the viscosity is calculated on this basis.

A single sensor, along with the information already monitored by on-board computers, is sufficient to determine the various parameters of the engine oil. Daimler will likely use the technology first on its commercial vehicles. Here, large oil reservoirs mean larger quantities of oil can be saved. Plus, a predicted 25 percent increase between service intervals and reduced downtime will be of interest to fleets, and thus justify the added cost of installation.

Amazing Facts

In 2002, the most popular boat name in the U.S. was Liberty

One out of 20 people have an extra rib

44% of kids watch television before they go to sleep

In 1865, the U.S. Secret Service was first established for the specific purpose to combat the counterfeiting of money

Istanbul, Turkey is the only city in the world located on two continents

In 1967, the IMAX film system was invented by Canadian Ivan Grame Ferguson to premier at Expo 67.

Approximately 40% of the U.S. paper currency in circulation was counterfeit by the end of the Civil War

Every three days a human stomach gets a new lining

In 1873, Colgate made a toothpaste that was available in a jar

The Kodiak, which is native to Alaska, is the largest bear and can measure up to eight feet and weigh as much as 1,700 pounds

The three best-known western names in China: Jesus Christ, Richard Nixon, and Elvis Presley

Mars is the home of Olympus Mons, the largest known volcano in our solar system

The Gastric Flu can cause projectile vomiting

The second best selling game of all time is Jenga. Jenga is a Swahili word, meaning "to build."

Cinderella is known as Rashin Coatie in Scotland, Zezolla in Italy, and Yeh-hsien in China

The name Wendy was made up for the book "Peter Pan."

The fur of the binturong, also known as the "Asian Bear Cat," smells like popcorn. The scent is believed to come from a gland located near the tail

In 1894 the first big Coke sign was found on the side of a building located in Cartersville, Georgia, and still exists today

The longest distance a deepwater lobster has been recorded to travel is 225 miles

Orcas (killer whales), when traveling in groups, breathe in unison

The Great Pyramids used to be as white as snow because they were encased in a bright limestone that has worn off over the years

NASCAR stands for National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing

Percentage of American men who say they would marry the same woman if they had it to do all over again: 80%

Paul Hunn holds the record for the loudest burp, which was 118.1 decibels, which is as loud as a chainsaw

A monkey was once tried and convicted for smoking a cigarette in South Bend, Indiana

There are six million parts in the Boeing 747-400.

The first TONKA truck was made in 1947

In the U.S., over one million gallons of cosmetics, drinks, and lotions are sold that contain aloe in them per year

Sugar Bear (the mascot for Golden Crisps cereal) was born in 1963

The Tonle Sap River in Cambodia flows north for almost half the year and then south for the rest of the year

Japanese research has concluded that moderate drinking can boost IQ levels

For more than 3,000 years, Carpenter ants have been used to close wounds in India, Asia and South America

Baskin Robbins plain vanilla ice cream is the number one selling flavour and accounts for a quarter of their sales

Elizabeth Taylor has appeared on the cover of Life magazine more than anyone else

The typical lead pencil can draw a line that is thirty five miles long

The word "toy" comes from an old English word that means "tool."

Smokers are twice as likely to develop lower back pain than non-smokers

Humans are born with 300 bones in their body, however when a person reaches adulthood they only have 206 bones. This occurs because many of them join together to make a single bone

The reason why hair turns gray as we age is because the pigment cells in the hair follicle start to die, which is responsible for producing "melanin" which gives the hair colour

In 1960 there were 16,067 gambling slots in Nevada. By 1999, this number rose to 205,726 slots which would be one slot for every 10 people residing there

It takes the Hubble telescope about 97 minutes to complete an orbit of the Earth. On average, the Hubble uses the equivilent amount of energy as 30 household light bulbs to complete an orbit.

The two factories of the Jelly Belly Candy Company produces approximately 100,000 pounds of jelly beans a day. this amounts to about 1,250,000 jelly beans an hour

Pucks hit by hockey sticks have reached speeds of up to 150 miles per hour

The "naked recreation and travel" industry has grown by 233% in the past decade

The Planters Peanut Company mascot, Mr. Peanut, was created during a contest for schoolchildren in 1916

Most lipstick contains fish scales

The sentence "the quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" uses every letter in the english language

The expression cooked "al dente" means "to the tooth." What this means is that the pasta should be somewhat firm, and offer some resistance to the tooth, but should also be tender

Of married couples, 70% of men and 60% of women have cheated on their spouse

No piece of paper can be folded in half more than 7 times

Ways to Green-Up Your Life

Eco-Action Tip: Sun Power
Adjust your window blinds to reduce energy used for heating and cooling. In the summer, keep sunny-side blinds closed. In the winter, open up and let the sunshine in to help heat your home.

EcoAction Tip: Get Involved-
Join a local action group that promotes environmentally friendly practices, organize carpooling or petition your municipality to increase local energy conservation measures. One person really can make a difference-and inspire others to as well!

Eco Action Tip: Plant a Tree, Seriously
A single tree can absorb one ton (2,000 pounds) of carbon dioxide over its lifetime. One acre of tree cover in Brooklyn can compensate for automobile fuel use equivalent to driving a car between 7,200 and 8,700 miles.

Eco-Action Tip: Go "Green" When You Clean
Many household cleaning products contain various chemicals and toxins detrimental to the environment and to your health. Read the labels!

Eco-Action Tip: Grow Your Own
Plant a garden or a few pots of veggies without pesticides and chemical fertilizers that can harm both human health and the environment. How delightful to step out the back door and pick a ripe, organic tomato!

Eco-Action Tip: Avoid Products with a Lot of Packaging
You can save 1,200 pounds of carbon dioxide a year if you cut down your garbage by 10%.

Eco-Action Tip: Drive Smart
Try walking, riding a bike or combining trips in your car to cut back on the miles that you drive each day. If you stopped driving just 20 extra miles per week for one year, you could save about 900 pounds of CO2 per year.

Eco-Action Tip: Office Overhaul
At home or on the job, switch to "green" office supplies, such as recycled paperclips, tree-free note pads and 100% recycled paper. Producing recycled paper requires about 60 percent of the energy used to make paper from virgin wood pulp.

Eco-Action Tip: Turn Out the Lights
Before leaving your home or office, make sure all of the lights are turned off. This simple task will save energy and save you money.

Eco-Action Tip: Buy Recycled Products
Buying new products made from recycled materials allows you to "close the loop," creating a market for the recycled material items recycled curbside or in other recycling programs.
Eco-Action Tip: Switch to Organics
Organic agriculture protects the health of all the earth's inhabitants by limiting input of toxic and persistent chemicals into the air, soil and water. Organic methods support natural ecosystems by using long-term farming solutions that help preserve the earth's resources for future generations.

Eco-Action Tip: Start a Compost Pile in Your Yard
As landfill space becomes increasingly scarce and expensive, composting is an extremely valuable idea for reducing needless garbage. Composting requires little effort and, in time, will create an earthy, crumbly substance to help your plants flourish.

Eco-Action Tip: Buy in Bulk
Purchasing food in bulk allows you to choose just how much or how little of a certain product you want. This reduces both product waste and packaging waste.

Eco-Action Tip: Quench with Respect
80% of the 25 billion single-serving plastic water bottles Americans use each year end up in landfills. Recycle your bottles, or better yet, choose to reuse with a refillable water bottle made of a refill-safe material.

Eco-Action Tip: Reduce Hot Water Use
Wash your clothes in cold or warm water to save up to 500 pounds of CO2 per year. Rinse your dishes with cold water (they don't need two hot baths), and wait to run the dishwasher until it is full.

Eco-Action Tip: Recycle More
You can save 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide per year by recycling just half of your household waste.

Eco-Action Tip: Support Eco-Smart Packaging
When shopping for packaged products, seek out companies that use minimal amounts of packaging and use recycled and/or recyclable materials.

Eco-Action Tip: Be Disposable Conscious
To decrease waste, purchase durable, long-lasting products that can be reused or refilled, such as rechargeable batteries and refillable razors. If you do use disposables, choose those made with eco-friendly materials from companies you can trust.

Eco-Action Tip: Choose Your Food Like it Matters
Choose products from companies and businesses that do something to support the health of the planet. And, eat as many whole foods as possible. Not only are they better for you, but they're better for the Earth. The more whole the food is, the fewer the resources used to get it to your plate.

Eco-Action Tip: Reuse Your Bags
More than one billion single-use plastic bags are handed to consumers each day and it takes a 15-year-old tree to produce just 700 grocery bags. Paper or plastic is no longer the question. Reusing shopping bags significantly reduces both emissions and waste. All Whole Foods Market stores offer at least a nickel-per-bag refund to encourage you!

Eco-Action Tip: Change a Light
Twenty percent of the electricity consumed in the United States is for lighting. Replacing one regular bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb will save 150 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.

Eco-Action Tip: Tread Lightly
Walk, bike, carpool or take mass-transit more often. You'll save one pound of carbon dioxide for every mile you don't drive, reducing your carbon weight, and maybe some body weight, too!

Eco-Action Tip: Turn Off Electronics
Simply turning off your TV, DVD player, stereo and computer when you're not using them will save thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide a year. Some appliances even use electricity when turned off, so unplug those used infrequently.

Eco-Action Tip: Think Before You Print
It takes 390 gallons of oil to produce a ton of paper. To reduce the amount of paper that gets thrown away or recycled, triple check documents before printing. When you print drafts, try printing on the other side of used paper.

Eco-Action Tip: Keep Your Appliances Clean
Cleaning your refrigerator coils and heating vents regularly allows them to operate much more efficiently. When appliances aren't forced to work as hard, you reduce your electric bill while reducing energy.

Eco-Action Tip: Cut Back on Water Use
In the United States, 27 percent of our water is used in bathing. Instead of taking a bath, take a quick shower and use a water-conserving showerhead, which can save 350 pounds of CO2 a year. Repair leaky faucets, too, as they could leak up to 100 gallons of water per day!

Eco-Action Tip: Stop the Junk Mail Overload
The public landfill is approximately 36% waste paper products. Unwanted junk mail contributes to that, while also wasting energy and trees. Sign up for a "mail preference service" that can decrease the amount of mail you receive by up to 75%.

Eco-Action Tip: Don't Trash Clothing
Use worn out t-shirts, towels and bed linens as rags for cleaning around the house. Pass along unwanted clothes to friends, family or charitable organizations.

Eco-Action Tip: Adjust Your Thermostat
Moving your thermostat down just 2 degrees in the winter and up 2 degrees in the summer could save 2,000 pounds of CO2.

Tooth loss tied to pregnancy

A new study suggests that the more babies a woman has, the more likely she is to lose teeth.

In a sample of 2,635 women ages 18 to 64 who had had at least one pregnancy, the number of teeth lost increased with the number of pregnancies. The association persisted even after controlling for age, smoking, socioeconomic status and the number of dental visits a woman reported. The study appears online in The American Journal of Public Health. Why this happens is not clear, but Stefanie L Russell, the lead author of the study and an assistant professor of epidemiology at New York University, said that one possible reason was that pregnant women simply do not go to the dentist often enough. "I'm not sure why that's the case," she said.

"Previously it was thought that women should only be treated during the second trimester," in part because of fears of the effects of dental X-rays on the foetus. "But you have to look at the individual case and see what kind of treatment a woman needs," Russell said. "Preventive care during pregnancy is really important."

The authors cite studies showing rates of gingivitis and other dental problems in pregnant women ranging from 30 percent to 100 percent. Although disease usually subsides after giving birth, existing periodontal problems may worsen during pregnancy

Ginkgo Extract May Improve Cognition and Decrease Stress for Computer Users

Reviewed: Kaschel R, Hoerr R, Kresimon J, Rychlik R. The influence of ginkgo special extract EGb 761� on the performance of healthy subjects at computer workstations�open-label clinical study in pre-post design with a control group. Translation from J Pharmako u Ther. 2007;Jan:3-9.
Clinical studies have shown that ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba, Ginkgoaceae) can improve cognitive performance and stress tolerance in healthy people and in elderly people with dementia. Studies using the special ginkgo extract EGb 761� have demonstrated improvements in brain function, emotional stability, mental capacity, attention, and coping with stress in healthy people. People who work at computer workstations for much of the day may suffer from health disorders such as fatigue, lack of concentration, irritability, and mental stress. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of EGb 761 on the performance of healthy people at computer workstations and to identify suitable tests to evaluate those effects.

The study was an open-label pilot study involving healthy people who were 45 years of age or older and who spent at least 50% of their workday in front of a computer. The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Osnabruck in Germany. Following a 2-week run-in period in which the subjects were trained on specific computer tests, the subjects completed baseline measurements of reaction capacity, sustained attention, eyesight sensitivity, stress perception, and quality of life. After the baseline measurements, subjects were allowed to choose if they wanted to be in the control group receiving no ginkgo or in the treatment group receiving 120 mg of ginkgo extract EGb 761 twice daily for 8 weeks (Tebonin�; Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co., Karlsruhe, Germany). All subjects repeated the baseline tests after the 8-week treatment period ended, and the tolerability of EGb 761 was assessed.

The study enrolled 104 subjects, 84 of which completed the study according to the protocol. In the sustained attention test (a measure of long-term concentration) the number of errors made by subjects in the ginkgo group decreased significantly after 8 weeks compared to the control group (P = 0.035). Perceived stress scores improved significantly in the ginkgo group (P = 0.007), and the �vitality� portion of the quality of life evaluation improved significantly in the ginkgo group (P = 0.004) compared to the control group. No significant differences were found between the 2 groups for reaction capacity after the 8-week treatment period. No serious adverse events were reported for either group, and the tolerability of EGb 761 was judged to be good.

The authors conclude that EGb 761 treatment produced clear objective and subjective improvements in concentration, perceived stress, and quality of life in people working at computer workstations much of the day. The authors assess the results to be particularly significant for people over 45 years of age, because that population group is more likely to perceive computer work as more stressful than a younger population. The authors recommend that a more extensive double-blind trial should be conducted using the tests identified in this study.

The results of this study are consistent with previous studies showing improvements in cognitive performance and stress tolerance. However, the authors provide results for only one of the eight �domains� of the quality of life evaluation (the SF-36 Health Survey). It is not known if ginkgo supplementation had any effect on the remaining seven domains, and this would be of interest to other researchers and readers.

The authors state that the results show that improvements relevant to everyday functioning at work may be attained with EGb 761 treatment, in conjunction with an increase in stress reduction and quality of life.

Since the participants could choose which group they wanted to be in, there is a high likelihood that those entering the ginkgo group had a strong bias towards the efficacy of ginkgo. The control group is not only a control for ginkgo but also a control for a placebo effect. There is no way to know if the improvements were due to ginkgo or placebo effect. This study was financed by the ginkgo manufacturer and supported by an insurance association.

Broccoli Protects Skin From Sun Damage

Broccoli Extract Reduces Redness, Inflammation Caused by Sun Exposure

Add sunscreen to the list of broccoli’s health benefits. A new study suggests the potent vegetable may help protect the skin from sun damage.

Researchers found the compound sulforaphane, which is derived from broccoli sprouts, reduces the skin redness and inflammation caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Repeated sunburns are linked to a higher risk of skin cancer, and researchers say controlling the redness, known in medical terms as erythema, may be another way to fight skin cancer and sun-related skin damage.

Broccoli Skin Booster
In the study, researcher Paul Talalay of The Johns Hopkins University and colleagues examined the effects of sulforaphane on UV-induced erythema in six adults.

A solution containing sulforaphane derived from three-day old broccoli sprouts was applied to their skin before exposure to UV radiation using sun lamps.

The results showed the broccoli extract reduced redness by an average of 37% compared with untreated skin following UV exposure.

Researchers say the broccoli extract did not physically absorb the UV rays, but it appeared to work at the cellular level to prevent erythema. They say sulforaphane induces the formation of protective proteins in the skin and protects the skin from sun damage for several days.

See a Huge Moon Illusion Wednesday

As the full moon rises this Wednesday evening, June 18, many people will be tricked into thinking it's unusually large

The moon illusion, as it's known, is a trick in our minds that makes the moon seem bigger when it's near the horizon. The effect is most pronounced at full moon. Many people swear it's real, suggesting that perhaps Earth's atmosphere magnifies the moon.


But it really is all in our minds. The moon is not bigger at the horizon than when overhead.


The illusion will be particularly noticeable at this "solstice moon," coming just two days before summer starts in the Northern Hemisphere. The reason, according to NASA, lies in lunar mechanics: The sun and full moon are like kids on a see-saw; when one is high, the other is low. This week's high solstice sun gives us a low, horizon-hugging moon and a strong, long-lasting version of the illusion.


If it's any consolation, space station astronauts report the same effect.


Here's how it works: Your mind believes things on the horizon are farther away than things overhead, because you are used to seeing clouds just a few miles above, but the clouds on the horizon can indeed be hundreds of miles away. So if we think something (such as the moon) is farther away, and it's not, then it seems larger.


If you remain doubtful, test the idea yourself. Go out at moonrise with a small object, perhaps a pencil eraser. Hold it at arm's length as the moon rises and compare the sizes of the moon and the eraser, then repeat the experiment an hour or two later when the moon is high in the sky. A rolled up tube of paper works well, too.


Moonrise times vary by location. On Wednesday, it will come up at these local times at these locations, according to NASA: New York City, 8:58 p.m.; Miami, 8:35 p.m.; Seattle, 9:51 p.m.


The moon rises about 50 minutes earlier Tuesday night, when the effect will also be noticeable because the moon will be nearly full. Oh, and that raises another fallacy: There's no such thing as a full moon.


Additional moonrise times for your location are available from the U.S. Naval Observatory Web site.

FDA Warns Consumers Against Using Mommy's Bliss Nipple Cream Product

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to use or purchase Mommy's Bliss Nipple Cream, marketed by MOM Enterprises, Inc., because the product contains potentially harmful ingredients that may cause respiratory distress or vomiting and diarrhea in infants. The product is promoted to nursing mothers to help soothe and heal dry or cracked nipples. Product labeling specifically states that there is no need for mothers to remove the cream prior to nursing. However, the ingredients contained in the product may be harmful to nursing infants.

Potentially harmful ingredients in Mommy's Bliss Nipple Cream are chlorphenesin and phenoxyethanol. Chlorphenesin relaxes skeletal muscle and can depress the central nervous system and cause respiratory depression (slow or shallow breathing) in infants. Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that is primarily used in cosmetics and medications. It also can depress the central nervous system and may cause vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration in infants.

Mothers and caregivers should watch for a decrease in an infant's appetite. More serious signs would be difficulty in awakening the child, limpness of extremities or a decrease in an infant's strength of grip and a change in skin color. Please seek immediate medical attention if your child is showing these signs and symptoms.

"The FDA is particularly concerned that nursing infants are being unwittingly exposed by their mothers to this product with dangerous side effects," said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director, FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "Additionally, these two ingredients may interact with one another to further compound and increase the risk of respiratory depression in nursing infants."

Though the FDA has not received any reports of injury to infants, the agency is alerting the public because of the potential harm this product can have on a child.

Chlorphenesin can also harm the mother by causing dermatitis, a skin condition that can worsen the drying and cracking of nipple skin.

MOM Enterprises, Inc. is based in San Rafael, Calif. The company has stated that it has discontinued marketing the nipple cream with the potentially harmful ingredients. The FDA is advising consumers to discontinue use of Mommy's Bliss Nipple Cream and to consult a health care professional if they experience problems or believe that their infant may have experienced problems due to this product. Nursing mothers with cracked, painful nipples, which is often a side effect of nursing, should speak with their health care professional or a certified lactation consultant if the problem is severe or for other treatment options.

Consumers are strongly encouraged to report adverse events related to this product or any FDA approved product to MedWatch, the agency's voluntary reporting program, by e-mail at www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm, or by phone at 800-332-1088, or by fax to 800-332-0178. Consumers may also mail reports of adverse events to MedWatch, Food and Drug Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD, 20852-9787

Origin Of Father's Day

Father's Day is a celebration inaugurated in the early twentieth century to complement Mother's Day in celebrating fatherhood and male parenting, and to honor and commemorate fathers and forefathers. Father's Day is celebrated on a variety of dates worldwide and typically involves gift-giving, and special dinners to fathers and family-oriented activities. In 2008, it is celebrated on June 15 in most countries. It originated in Spokane, Washington. In 2009, it will be celebrated on June 21 in most countries.

In the United States, the first modern Father's Day celebration was held on July 5, 1908, in Fairmont, West Virginia[8][9] or on June 19th of the same year, in the state of Washington[10]. Today, Father's Day is celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of June.

In West Virginia, it was first celebrated as a church service at Williams Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church South, now known as Central United Methodist Church. Grace Golden Clayton, who is believed to have suggested the service to the pastor, is believed to have been inspired to celebrate fathers after the deadly mine explosion in nearby Monongah the prior December. This explosion killed 361 men, many of them fathers and recent immigrants to the United States from Italy. Another possible inspiration for the service was Mothers' Day, which had been celebrated for the first time two months prior in Grafton, West Virginia, a town about 15 miles (24 km) away.

Another driving force behind the establishment of the integration of Father's Day was Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd, born in Creston, Washington. Her father, the Civil War veteran William Jackson Smart, as a single parent reared his six children in Spokane, Washington. She was inspired by Anna Jarvis's efforts to establish Mother's Day. Although she initially suggested June 5, her father's birthday, she did not provide the organizers with enough time to make arrangements, and the celebration was deferred to the third Sunday of June. The first June Father's Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, WA, at the Spokane YMCA.

Unofficial support from such figures as William Jennings Bryan was immediate and widespread. President Woodrow Wilson was personally feted by his family in 1916. President Calvin Coolidge recommended it as a national holiday in 1924. In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson made Father's Day a holiday to be celebrated on the third Sunday of June. The holiday was not officially recognized until 1972, during the presidency of Richard Nixon.

In recent years, retailers have adapted to the holiday by promoting male-oriented gifts such as electronics, tools and greeting cards. Schools and other children's programs commonly have activities to make Father's Day gifts.

According to IBISWorld, a publisher of business research, Americans are expected to spend at least $11 billion on gifts for Father's Day in 2008. This is about $7 billion less than the amount spent on Moms for Mother's Day, which is more steeped in traditional gifts, some of which tend to be more expensive than Father's Day gifts. In economic terms, the average per capita spending on Father's Day is expected to be in the range of $27.60 in 2008. [11].

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Science and Art of Smell

Since the beginning of civilization, humans have used fragrances to enhance their daily lives and enhance special occasions. Up until the mid-nineteenth century, all fragrances were naturally derived. But in the early 1830's scientists learned how to isolate and identify the chemicals responsible for aromas. The first of these were cinnamic aldehyde from cinnamon oil and benzaldehyde from bitter almond oil. In the 1920's, the first completely synthetic perfume, Chanel No.5, was marketed and from there the synthetic perfume industry skyrocketed.

At present, natural fragrances and essential oils are making a strong comeback in the fragrance industry. This is due in part to the emerging science and art of aromatherapy and the rising incidence rates of chemical sensitivities, allergies, and asthma. Consumers and scientists now believe there is a connection between the proliferation of fragrance chemicals of all kinds and these maladies. The cosmetics industry has responded with a dizzying array of products — unscented, fragrance-free, made with essential oils or naturally scented — to meet the needs of a variety of consumers. What do we know about the science of smelling and what do terms such as "fragrance free," "made with essential oils," and "naturally scented" mean?

Olfactory Science
Our sense of smell and our emotions appear to be inextricably linked. The olfactory bulb that controls our sense of smell is juxtaposed with the limbic system (a.k.a. "emotion central") making our nasal passages one of the most direct connections to our brains. However, studying exactly how this direct link affects our health has proven challenging. Compared to our vision and our hearing, our sense of smell is not well understood. Furthermore, the human perception of smells is subjective and people suffering from symptoms associated with a fragrance may have great difficulty in distinguishing between psychological irritation from an unpleasant odor and physical sensory irritation from volatile chemicals. Some skeptical researchers believe that people fear negative consequences when the offensive odor may actually be benign. Finding the extent to which fragrance chemicals irritate or otherwise harm us is a difficult task. According to Betty Bridges of the Fragranced Products Information Network, the fragrance industry does not have a centralized program for collecting data on fragrances. In addition, the regulation of fragrances is split among at least three different government agencies: FDA, Consumer Products Safety Commission and EPA.

Current research is underway to explain the link between our sense of smell and sensory irritation and allergies. Researchers from the University of California at San Diego are trying to establish the levels at which chemicals first become odorants and then progress to irritants. So far they have succeeded in finding threshold levels for several chemical mixtures. They have also found some evidence to support the notion that chemicals in combination are more irritating at lower levels than single compounds. The problem with sorting out the effects of fragrances is that they can stimulate both the olfactory nerve and the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve is responsible for mediating physiological irritation (causing sensations of stinging, burning, and tingling). These symptoms are often mistaken for allergic reactions, but are really irritation reactions. A true allergy causes a generalized immune response in the body and includes the production of antibodies. An irritation is typically localized and is not accompanied by a system response in the body. This distinction is important because the allergies and irritation reactions may require different treatments. Additional data from a study following 112 people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS) found evidence that MCS involves two distinct phases: a high level chemical exposure that is exacerbated by later exposure to everyday chemicals. This suggests that for people with MCS, fragrances can be very problematic.

The following definitions can help clarify the labeling of household and body care products so that consumers can select the most beneficial, as well as least problematic, products for their individual needs.

Relax With Chamomile

WHAT IS CHAMOMILE?
Chamomile is a soothing, gentle relaxant that may benefit a variety of complaints from stress to menstrual cramps, as some websites claim. The word chamomile is derived from the Greek chamos melos, meaning ground apple, referring to the plant's low growing habit and the fact that the herb has a satisfying, apple-like aroma and flavor. It's most often taken as a mild ?healthful beverage tea?. Chamomile extracts are also added to healing creams and lotions or packaged as pills and tinctures.

There are two species of chamomile- German chamomile and Roman chamomile. German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is common in North America and central Europe, while the Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile or Anthemis nobilis) is more commonly sold in England. German chamomile is a sweet-scented, smooth, branched annual growing to 2 1/2 ft. in height, while, Roman chamomile is an aromatic, creeping perennial, growing to one foot in height. Though German chamomile and Roman chamomile are different, they have been used interchangeably. They may have benefits on various similar health conditions.

SIDE EFFECTS, TOXIC EFFECTS AND WARNINGS
Chamomile is generally considered safe and nontoxic. Side effects are extremely rare for health users. However, if you are on medical treatment or if you are taking high doses of chamomile, you should consult with your doctor before use this extract or related products. A study has shown that chamomile preparations contain constituents inhibiting the activities of major human drug metabolizing enzymes, especially the drugs with elimination route of cytochromes (especially CYP1A2). [1] Another study using rat as a model has shown that high doses of chamomile essential oil may cause a depressive effect [i.e. toxicity]. [4]

If you suffer from allergies to plants of the Compositae family (a large group including such flowers as daisies, ragweed, asters and chrysanthemums), you have to be cautious about using chamomile. The allergic reactions may include skin rashes and bronchial constriction. However, most people can use this herb with no problem.

CHAMOMILE BENEFITS
Chamomile extracts and tea are widely used herbal preparations for the treatment of minor illnesses (e.g. indigestion, inflammation). [1] For example, researchers reported that wild chamomile mouthwashes relieved methotrexate-induced oral mucositis in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. Oral mucositis is a known complication of methotrexate (MTX) therapy. [5]

GERM GROWTH INHIBITION
Helicobacter pylori infections have been associated with the pathogenesis of a number of stomach and gastroduodenal diseases. A studies has shown that chamomile oil inhibits the bacterial growth in extraordinarily low concentrations of 0.0075% (v/v) and about 65 microg/ml, respectively. The bactericidal concentrations were generally one to two dilution steps higher. Therefore, the herb may benefit those suffered from related stomach and gastroduodenal diseases. [2]

HYPNOTIC EFFECTS
A study of sleep-disturbed model rats has shown that chamomile extract has benzodiazepine-like hypnotic activity. A significant decrease in sleep latency was observed with chamomile extract at a dose of 300 mg/kg. Flumazenil, a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist, at a dose of 3 mg/kg showed a significant antagonistic effect on the shortening in sleep latency induced by chamomile extract. [3]

WOUND HEALING
A double-blind trial of 14 patients has demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of chamomile extract on weeping wound area after dermabrasion of tattoos. [8]

REFERENCE [1] Ganzera M et al, Inhibitory effects of the essential oil of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) and its major constituents on human cytochrome P450 enzymes. Life Sci. 2005 Aug 30 2005. [2] Weseler A et al, A novel colorimetric broth microdilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of antibiotics and essential oils against Helicobacter pylori. Pharmazie. 2005 Jul;60(7):498-502. [3] Shinomiya K et al, Hypnotic activities of chamomile and passiflora extracts in sleep-disturbed rats. Biol Pharm Bull. 2005 May;28(5):808-10. [4] Fundaro A et al, Action of essential oils of chamomile, cinnamon, absinthium, mace and origanum on operant conditioning behavior of the rat Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper. 1980 Nov 30;56(22):2375-80. [5] Mazokopakis EE et al, Wild chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) mouthwashes in methotrexate-induced oral mucositis. Phytomedicine. 2005 Jan;12(1-2):25-7. [8] Glowania HJ et al Effect of chamomile on wound healing--a clinical double-blind study Z Hautkr. 1987 Sep 1;62(17):1262, 1267-71.

The girl who silenced the world for 5 minutes

13 year old Severm Suzuki addressed a UN Earth Summit 1992 on the issue of environment.......watch video here

http://videos.nighi.com/video/video/show?id=549954%3AVideo%3A40256

7 easy ways to save energy this summer

If your idea of conserving energy during the summer months is lying very, very still on a hammock for long periods of time, I hear you. But as the prices of pretty much everything in our lives keep going up (and our salaries don't), it pays to think about conserving energy in the home, too. Here are 7 easy ways to use, and thus pay for, less energy, courtesy of Brian Keane, President of Smartpower.org, a non-profit dedicated to promoting the use of clean energy.


1. Air-dry beach towels. Using a towel for 2 minutes to pat swimming pool water off your 8-year-old's body does not necessarily make it dirty. Think about whether a beach towel needs to be washed before you automatically dump it in the laundry, and if you do wash it, air dry the towel whenever possible. Beach towels are much thicker than regular towels and require a lot more energy to dry. Why not toss them over the porch railing to air out in the sun instead?

2. Take shorter showers. Studies show that the average teenager spends a whopping 45 minutes in the shower. 45 minutes! Encourage your kids to cut down on their American Idol practice time, and remind your husband that men who shave in the shower are wasting water, too, to the tune of several gallons. Bottom line: If you're not actively sudsing or rinsing, turn the water off.

3. Unplug your TV. It's probably not news to any of you at this point that all plugged-in electronics constantly suck energy even when they're "turned off," but recently, the triple threat of flat screen TVs, cable boxes, and DVR devices have officially overtaken refrigerators as the biggest energy drain in American homes. And while the fridge at least has an excuse for being plugged in all the time, the TV really does not. Plug all those devices into a power strip and turn the whole thing off when you're not watching. If you can't commit to a regular unplugging regimen, at the very least make sure the set is unplugged when you go on vacation for a week. (While you're at it, unplug computer printers, coffee makers and extra phone chargers when you're going to be gone for a few days. Don't forget to do the same at the office—just because you're not paying the bill doesn't mean you should waste the power.)

4. Remember what I said about the refrigerator and the energy suck? The good news is, every year refrigerators are getting more energy efficient, and it's almost hard NOT to buy one with an Energy Star rating these days. The downside is that many people, upon upgrading to a better refrigerator, just move the old one to the garage and keep using it. But consider this: "There's a reason you replaced the old one—it was too small, it didn't work well, it was inefficient—so why would you keep it around?" Keane says. Think long and hard about what exactly you so desperately need to keep in deep-freeze storage. Extra ice for parties? Buy an ice chest. That 40 pounds of moose meat you ordered online from your meat-of-the-month club? I have no advice for you, other than reevaluate what's in your main freezer and check out Energy Star's Recycle My Old Fridge Campaign web site for information on responsible old-fridge disposal.

5. Really turn off your home computer. 75% of the energy used by home computers is used when the owner thinks the computer is turned off. "Sleep" does not equal off: Learn it, love it, live it.

6. Weather-strip your doors. "It's just as important in the summer as in the winter," Keane says. If you want to keep your air conditioning inside the house, make sure that your home's doors have the proper seals. (Bonus: weather stripping is incredibly cheap—we're talking $1.50 a roll—and as easy to apply as a piece of tape.) And of course, make sure all your windows are closed when the air conditioner's running. What are you trying to do, cool the whole neighborhood?

7. Get your water heater checked. Schedule an appointment with your plumber (or ask him to stick around the next time he comes to fix something else) and have him check the settings on your water heater. Although many water heaters are set at 140 degrees Fahrenheit, most homes only need 120 degrees for appliances to function properly. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that lowering your water temperature by ten degrees will save you 3 to 5% in energy costs (not to mention lower your risk of scalding).

Endangered sea dragon at Ga. aquarium pregnant

A weedy sea dragon at the Georgia Aquarium has something to celebrate this Father's Day. One of the rare creatures is pregnant for only the third time ever at a U.S. aquarium, aquarium officials said. But don't look for the expectant mom — dads carry the eggs in this family.
The aquarium's sea dragon has about 70 fertilized eggs — which look like small red grapes — attached to his tail. He is expected to give birth in early to mid-July, said Kerry Gladish, a biologist at the aquarium.

Sea dragons, sea horses and pipe fish are the only species where the male carries the eggs, Gladish said. Sea dragon pregnancies are rare because researchers don't know what gets them in the mood to mate.

"We know there's something biologically or environmentally that triggers them to want to reproduce, but in the aquarium world, we're not sure what that is," Gladish said.

The aquarium recently changed the lighting and thinned out the plants in the sea dragons' tank to give them room to court each other.

The aquarium has seven of the 18-inch sea dragons, which resemble Dr. Seuss characters with long aardvark-like snouts, colorful sea horse bodies and multiple paddle-like fins.

During mating, the female lays dozens of eggs and then transfers them to the male's tail.

In the wild, the survival rate for sea dragon babies is low, but in captivity it's about 60 percent, Gladish said. The fish is on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's list of threatened species, mostly because of pollution and population growth in its native Australia.

Only about 50 aquariums worldwide have sea dragons.

Trans Fat: Time to kick it off

Trans fats are a cholesterol double whammy. Also known as trans fatty acids, trans fats raise low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad”) cholesterol and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good”) cholesterol.

Experts consider trans fat the worst type of dietary fat. Trans fat contributes to heart disease by promoting low-grade inflammation in the blood vessels. And, trans fats are associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The April issue of Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource provides information to better understand the health risks posed by trans fats as well as tips to avoid consuming them.

Trans fats are formed when liquid oils are made into solid fats such as shortening and hard margarine. Because of their long shelf life and appealing texture, synthetic trans fats have been favored ingredients in commercially baked goods such as cakes, cookies, crackers and crusts. Commercially fried foods, such as doughnuts and french fries, also often contain trans fats.

The use of trans fats is starting to change. New York City made headlines when it banned trans fats in restaurants. Other cities are considering going trans-fat free. Some food manufacturers are reducing or eliminating trans fats in their products.

But avoiding trans fats still takes diligence. The American Heart Association recommends limiting trans fats to less than 1 percent of daily calories. That’s just 20 calories (2 grams) in a 2,000-calorie per day diet. That amount can easily come from naturally occurring trans-fatty acids in dairy products and meat from cows, goats and sheep.

At the grocery store, product nutrition labels contain trans fat information. However, a product that has less than ? gram of trans fat can be labeled as zero. Eating modest amounts of these products easily can add up to more than 2 grams of trans fats. Keys words such as “shortening,” “partially hydrogenated” or “hydrogenated” indicate the food contains trans fats even when the chart on the label indicates none. Many restaurants continue to use trans fats for deep-fried foods. Grilled or baked foods are more likely to be trans-fat free.

Mayo Clinic
200 First St. SW
Rochester, MN 55902
United States
http://www.mayoclinic.com

Facts About International Health Insurance

One of the things someone who is soon to become an expatriate or someone who is already an expatriate should give focus to is health insurance. Because of the increasing number of expats every single day, health insurance providers have also increased in number. This is why it might be difficult to choose which is right for you and your family, especially since health insurance providers usually only give an overview of their services. In order to find the right one, in-depth scrutiny is required and natural investigating instincts come in handy.

To help you find the right insurance provider, here are some tips to remember:


Analyze Your Healthcare Situation
Before you start scouting for a health insurance provider, it is best if you know what your situation is so you could have a set of requirements to look for. The element which has the most impact on your search for a proper health insurance is the span of time you will be spending abroad. You would not avail of an insurance which would cover a year's amount if you are only planning to spend a couple of weeks outside your country. For example, a 1.6 million USD annual plan is the perfect amount of insurance if you would be spending years outside your country. However, for someone who is only going on a short 2 week trip, something near the 25,000 USD mark would be more appropriate.


Your Target Location
Remote and high-risk locations like countries with high cases of terrorism should impel you to find an insurance which covers special packages such as evacuation. Your set of requirements should differ depending on the location you are heading. If you know you are going to a relatively peaceful and safe location, you should find an insurance that puts emphasis on hospitalization and basic medical attention rather than evacuation.


Customer Service
You will never know when you will need medical attention. Check if your preferred insurance provider offers customer care in the location you are heading. It might be hard to find one, but it is not impossible especially with call centers present around the entire globe.


Basic Features
Before you decide on one health insurance, you first have to know the features you need. Do not hesitate to ask potential insurance providers all the questions you need about their insurance services. Ask them about their payment options, plan renewals, and assistance offered while in other countries.


Special Features
Different people have different needs. Aside from the fact that expats moving to high-risk locations need evacuation packages, there are those who need special medical attention. Therefore, it would be best if you can find an insurance provider which allows your insurance some flexibility. You could opt to get the basic medical package but you could also get an insurance which also covers other aspects of health-related needs such as dental or maternity costs. It all depends on your situation including who you are bringing with you and if any of you were in need of special medical care.


International Health Insurance Packages
Listed below are the ideal packages depending on the length of one's trip:

1. Short trip Health Insurance package
A short trip health insurance package should amount between 25,000-30,000 USD. It would usually cover only the most basic medical attention and 24/7 customer support together with perhaps an evacuation package if you are in a high-risk location. Short-trip types of insurance schemes could also include trip cancellation or lost luggage protection.


2. 2 weeks to 6 months Trip
Longer trips should put more emphasis on special medical packages. Plans for such a trip should range from 100,000 to1,000,000 USD. It is advisable to find an insurance that covers costs for a family member to come to your care in case you should get hospitalized in your current location. Medical insurance for high-risk activities such as sky diving, skiing, bungee jumping, and scuba diving should also be included.


3. Long Trip
Long trips are usually defined as trips longer than six months. Insurance for long trips should approximately be worth more than one million USD (preferably $1.6 million) that covers all the basic and special features plus bigger medical benefits.


4. Trips for years at a time
If you are going to be abroad for more than a year at a time, perhaps it would be ideal if you get an insurance that covers an annual plan. Annual plans cover more than just the basic and special feature packages. This type of plan may include coverage for mental and maternal health, and at times, transplant coverage. Paying a premium every year is all it takes to maintain an annual health insurance plan. You will be covered by the plan wherever in the world you fancy visiting. This type, however, may be unobtainable by those who have prior health problems.

Avocado, its nutritional benefits.

Avocados were first cultivated in South America with later migration to Mexico. It was believed that a Mayan princess ate the very first avocado and that it held mystical and magical powers. European sailors traveling to the New World used avocados as their form of butter. Avocados were first seen in the United States in the early 1800's. California is currently the largest producer of avocados stateside. There are more than 80 varieties, with the "Hass" variety dominating the crop share. A single mature avocado tree can produce more than 400 pieces of fruit in a year.

NUTRITIONAL VALUES
Avocados are loaded with nutrients such as dietary fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, and folate. They're also cholesterol and sodium free. Avocados contain 60% more potassium per ounce than bananas. This fruit is an excellent source of monounsaturated fat. In addition, researchers have shown that avocados extracts improved calcium absorption in rats and addition of avocado to salsa significantly improved lycopene, lutein and carotenes absorption in healthy human subjects.

POTENTIAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF AVOCADO
Researchers from South Africa proposed to use Avocado (Persea americana) leaf aqueous extract for the management of childhood convulsion. The data from their study in rats suggested that 'avocado' leaf aqueous extract produced its anticonvulsant effect by enhancing GABAergic neurotransmission and/or action in the brain.

Some studies show the potential benefits of soybean combined with avocado on the symptoms of osteoarthritis. [12-15, 18] The combo is believed to exert anti-inflammatory and stimulatory effects on aggrecan or proteoglycan synthesis in chondrocytes.The common dose of the Avocado-soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) in some of the studies is from 300 to 600 mg/day.

AVOCADO MAY HAVE BENEFITS OF CUTTING CANCER RISKS
The California Hass avocado (Persea americana Mill.) avocados were found to contain the highest content of lutein among commonly eaten fruits as well as measurable amounts of related carotenoids (zeaxanthin, alpha-carotene, and beta-carotene). Lutein accounted for 70% of the measured carotenoids, and the avocado also contained significant quantities of vitamin E. An acetone extract of avocado containing these carotenoids and tocopherols was shown to inhibit the growth of both androgen-dependent (LNCaP) and androgen-independent (PC-3) prostate cancer cell lines in vitro.On the other hand, Kim OK from Kyoto University, Japan, proposed that persenone A, an active ingredient of avocado, is a possible agent to prevent inflammation-associated diseases including cancer. They found that persenone A at concentration of 20 microM almost completely suppressed both iNOS and COX-2 protein expression in a vitro study.

AVOCADO HELPS CHOLESTEROL-LOWERING DIETS
Researchers found that intake of avocado could enhance the effect of low-fat diets on lipid reduction. [22, 26] Mexican researchers consider avocado as an excellent source of monounsaturated fatty acid in diets designed to avoid hyperlipidemia without the undesirable effects of low-saturated fat diets on HDL-cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations.

In a study of healthy adult normolipidemic volunteers and 37 adult patients with mild hypercholesterolemia, Mexican researchers found that intake of avocado was linked to a significant decrease of serum total cholesterol (17%), LDL-cholesterol (22%) and triglycerides (22%), and increase of HDL-cholesterol (11%) levels in hypercholesterolemic subjects.

EFFECTS OF AVOCADO ON WEIGHT LOSS AND BLOOD PRESSURE
The consumption of 200 g/d of avocado within an energy-restricted diet does not compromise weight loss when substituted for 30 g of mixed dietary fat. Serum lipid concentrations, plasma fibrinogen, arterial compliance, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures were not affected by weight loss or avocado intake.

BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS / SIDE EFFECTS OF AVOCADO ETRACTS AND OILS

One common side effect of avocado intake is allergy or hypersensitivity. The symptoms include skin reactions, vomiting, bronchial asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, urticaria and angioedema.In a study, eight of the 21 avocado skin test positive patients reported that symptoms repeatedly followed the ingestion of avocado; two reported systemic reactions, but six noted oral symptoms only. Serum IgE antibodies to avocado were elevated in seven of the eight patients reporting symptoms after eating avocado. Avocado-induced symptoms occurred in 8% of 100 consecutive atopic allergic rhinitis patients unselected for avocado reactivity. Oral, and less frequently systemic, allergy symptoms appear to be more common among the atopic population than previously appreciated.

In later 1980s, researchers from Israel fed rats with avocado or avocado seed oils for four weeks and they noticed an increase in the amount of hepatic lipids, a decrease in blood levels of triglycerides in the animals and changes in levels of some liver enzymes.

Rats fed with unrefined avocado oils showed significant increases in soluble collagen content in skin. The increased soluble collagen content appears to be a consequence of the inhibition of lysyl oxidase activity. The total collagen content did not change.However, researchers also found a significant decrease in total collagen solubility in the liver after supplementation of unrefined avocado or soybean oil to rats for one week. They confirmed the results by repeating the experiment with chicken. They also found collagen accumulation in the liver of the rats, suggesting early stages of fibrosis.

Though there are indications (above) that avocado may damage the liver by collagen formation, Japanese researchers have shown the protective effects of avocado on liver injury caused by D-galactosamine.

The leaves of avocado in doses exceeding 20 g fresh leaf per kg bodyweight, produced damage to the mammary gland with decreased milk production in an animal study. Six of 21 goats feeding on fresh avocado leaves from pruned trees, showed clinical signs of cardiac distress.Ingestion of avocado leaves also caused lung oedema, hydrothorax, severe myocardial degeneration, necrosis and fibrosis in 15 Cameroon goats. In a study, nine out of 120 ostriches died from congestive heart failure within 96 h of ingesting avocado leaves and immature fruit in an avocado orchard containing Hass and Fuerte cultivars.Finally, researchers from Kenya observed dyspnoea, pulmonary oedema, abdominal enlargement and signs of elevated liver enzymes from two dogs which had a fondness for avocado fruits.

Mother and Daughter Bonding

Ten little fingers, ten little toes -
Rosy little lips, and a button nose.
So soft and cuddly with a baby sweet smell.
Eyes so full of trust that I just can't fail.
I know a gift of God you had to be -
How else could something so perfect come to me?
You wiggle and snuggle, gurgle and coo -
Do you know of all the love in my heart for you?
Motherhood is another name of devotion,the selfless love and affection towards the infant or child
that grows from the seeds of innocence.

Mothers and daughters share a special bond that will last through their lifetimes. Make the most of the time you have together. Although the ties between mothers and daughters are already very strong, here are some tips on how you can make them even stronger.




Oil her hair

Every Sunday, make it a ritual to apply oil on your daughter's hair and massage it. Not only will doing this nourish your daughter's hair, but it will also provide you with time to bond with her. Heat a little oil, depending on the length of your daughter's hair, and apply it to her scalp with the help of a cotton ball. Don't dip your fingers in it, and don't squeeze drops directly onto your daughter's hair, as the oil will be too hot initially. Dab her scalp gently, using the cotton. After you have dabbed the oil all over her scalp, give her a good 10-20 minute head massage. Leave the television off while doing this, and let some music play, or just talk to each other, discuss her day, or tell her stories of your childhood.


Go shopping together

Go shopping together, and take her opinion into consideration. This builds her confidence. If you just ignore her opinion every time, she may not develop faith in her ability to make the right choice, and so she will not be able to make decisions confidently. If you are completely out of sync with her choice, then you could take her help to select from a few shortlisted things - for example, if you are shopping for a salwar kameez, first shortlist your selection and then ask her for her opinion. If you still are not comfortable with her judgement, then it is best that you don't solicit her opinion, or, don't take her along. You could then ask for her opinion on what you should wear before leaving for a party.


Let her help you get ready

Let your daughter help you get ready when you need to go out, in whatever small way she can contribute. Your little daughter, in all likelihood, would love to see you dressing up and getting ready. So, remove two saris and let your daughter select the one that you should wear. Similarly, solicit her opinion on jewellery etc.


Be friendly with her friends

Get to know your daughter's friends. The more comfortable you are with her friends, the more comfortable her friends will feel coming over and spending time with her. Similarly, the more likely it is that she will make you more and more a part of her world. When parents are very intimidating, friends tend to stay away and would rather have you over than come over to your place. But if you are very warm towards her friends, then they will feel welcome to come over at all times of the day - and, as your daughter enters her teens, you will be glad that all your daughter's friends would rather hang out at your place, as this means that you see more of her. Also, involvement in her friend's circle means that there are more chances of you knowing what's going on. However, this doesn't mean that you don't give your daughter privacy. When her friends come over, speak to them for a short while, and then leave them alone, or they will feel that they cannot do their own thing at your place, and your good intentions will backfire!

Marriage- A Psychological Approach

Contd...

REASON FOR MARRIAGE
Pregnancy-Probably many of this marriage would not have occurred had the woman not being pregnant.
Rebellion-is a motivation for marriage and occur in many homes. This is a demonstration of one's control over one's own life, and possibly an attempt to demonstrate independence.
Escape-from an unhappy home environment.
Loneliness-the main reason people marry is to find companionship, which provide marriage partners with an emotional home base to see them through the ups and downs of life.
Physical appearance-is a factor that probably influences everyone to some degree or another. Our society is highly influenced by the cult of youth and beauty.
Social pressure-may be direct or indirect and can come from friends, parents, relatives etc; Engagement and marriage maybe a means of getting status.
Guilt and pity-marrying a person because one feels sorry for him/her because of physical deffect,illiness or having a poor lot in life doesn’t make a stable relationship.
Fulfillment of psychological needs-many individuals putting higher priority on the fulfillment of psychological needs, rather than on traditional needs of financial security or having children.

When you are happy in the marriage relationship, you are happy despite day to day disappointments in your surroundings.
But when you are not happy in your marriage relationship, then you tend to look for happiness more in your children job or material things. The greater investment of women in their marriage relationship leads married women to report higher happiness than single women, but they also complain of more marital unhappiness than their husbands.

MARRIAGABILITY TRAITS
Since most people eventually get married, it is important to be aware of the traits that make an individual a better partner and give him/her more potential to make a marriage work. If these elements are present, there is a greater likelihood of marital satisfaction and stability.

Adaptability and flexibility. are necessary ingredients. This means the person must be able to adjust to change with a minimum rigidity, he must be able to accept the differences in his partner.
Empathy. is the ability to be sensitive to the needs, hurts and desires of others, feeling with them and experience their world from their prespective.If they hurt, we hurt. Empathy is a positive characteristic that necessary for all interpersonal relationship.
Ability to work through problems. Problems, conflicts and differences are part and parcel of marriage. couple who accept and properly dispel and control their emotional reactions, clarify and define their problems and work together towards solutions will in all likelihood remain married.
Ability to give and receive love. The giving of love involves more than just verbalizing it. It must also be evident in tangible ways that are identifiable and recognizable to both partners.
Emotional stability. Accepting one's emotions and controlling them -lend balance to a relationship. Extreme flair ups and decisions based upon emotional responses do not lend themselves to stable relationships.
The more similar the family backgrounds the more contributions each can make to the marriage relationship. Naturally the more mature the couple the more easily the adjustment can be made. The greater the differences - economic, cultural, religious etc; more adjustment must be made.
Similarity between the couples If a couple has similar interests, likes and dislikes, friends, educational level and religion, the marriage relationship is greatly enhanced.
Communication is the ability to share in such a way that the other person can understand and accept what is being said.
There are differences in ability, styles and beliefs about communication. Free interchange of ideas is essential.

One of the most important area in marital adjustment is learning to communicate effectively with the partner.

If a person has experienced warm and satisfying relationship with both his father and mother, his marriage will be influenced positively
If the parents were affectionate ,firm, consistent and fairly well adjusted in their own marriage, this contributes to the new marriage relationship. if each person has friends, and these become and remain mutual friends after marriage, the marriage will be enhanced.
Commitment. One final element that must be present for any possibility of success is commitment. Commitment should be not simply to each other as we are but to the highest potentialities we can achieve together.

THE ROLE OF SEX IN MARRIAGE

Sex is the high premium fuel that brings power and propulsion to a marriage. When sexual side of the marriage is satisfying to both parties, other problems can be worked out. When it is not satisfying to one or both, it is difficult and in many times impossible to workout other problems.

· To say "I love you"
· To relive tension
· To fulfill the desire for sexual ecstasy
· To conceive children

1. To say I love “you"
It is often said that women proceed through love to sex where as men proceed from sex to love. Large number of husbands find both honeymoons and the early months of marriage sexually fustrating,while for many women this time is horrifying. They never really say "I love you” during this period.
The union of one body with another in sexual intercourse that is tender and considerate is the greatest expression of affection that two people can experience.
Sexual intercourse is women's greatest offering. It is both an act of giving, the giving of herself, an act of accepting, the accepting of loved one, literally into herself.
Sexual intercourse, properly practiced is an act of tenderness. The considerate husband will predetermine what the wife desires the act, that she is neither tired, upset nor angry that both are free from interruption by the children, in-laws, neighbors hat she feels secure and content, and that she desires more than anything in the world to be in her husbands arm with her body close to his.

2.To relive tension
The proper role of sex is to achieve both for husband and wife the deep sense of physical and psychological relaxation.
The release of tension following the act of love is one of deep relaxation, a sinking in to unconsciousness of the world that support us in confidence and contentment. Without satisfying sexual relations marriage fails.

2.To fulfill the desire for sexual ecstasy.
Woman has greater capacity for sexual ecstasy than man does. She can have multiple orgasm during one intercourse, where as man can have only one. She can have intercourse more frequently and the degree of her ecstasy is greater than man's.
Love reaches its fulfillment in the sexual orgasm, the climax. It is the peak of giving and receiving’ the completion of victory and surrender. Marriage without sexual ecstasy for woman is unreal and unconvincing. Marriage for such woman is a life without living, despair without hope.
Woman goes through love to sexual ectasy,men through sexual ecstasy to greater love. Within his body and glands there is pressure which can only be relived through orgasm.
Woman often get angry at men because of man's attitude towards sex.Such anger is justified when men act irresponsibly often pressing their desire for sex when they have little or no affection for a woman.

4.To conceive children
When a man and women deeply love each other, they desire to realize the sharing of this love in the birth of a child to their union. Children properly conceived are the blessings of a shared love.

ROLE OF HUSBAND AND WIFE

The role of husband and wife in a marriage can be symmetrical or complimentary. This part is based on sound psychological principles of behavior for husbands and wives in Indian traditional marriage

The Husbands Responsibilities

The husband has certain responsibilities in a traditional marriage

The husband should know and understand his role.
The husband is to realize that he and his wife are equal in the sight of God but they have different roles.
A husband traditionally has been expected to provided for the physical, psychological and spiritual needs of his wife. Husband is regarded has the final human authority in the home, even though he consults his wife before making decisions. Such an arrangement can provide a sense of security to the wife, especially if the husband is wise, strong loving and sensitive to her needs.

The husband is to love his wife.
Love is more than a romantic feeling, it is also a commitment. A husband's commitment gives stability to the marriage and security to his wife.

Small expressions of affections.
A husband should also remember small expressions of affection such as flowers, phone calls or compliments.

The husband is to be an example.
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Often a wife is a reflection of her husband's attitudes. One person can sharpen and build the character of another person, particularly a mate.

A husband should be polite and considerate.
A man should be considerate of his wife and treat her with respect

He should tell his wife that he loves her.
Many wives complain that their husbands seldom or never do so. It is important for a husband to show his wife that he loves her, but he should also tell her so verbally, his facial expression should convey the same message. He also need to tell her why he loves her the most important reason being because she is who she is.

Husband need to give his wife” strokes".
Wives need to hear genuine compliments for things thy do well and for the love they demonstrate.

He should observe 4 cautions
1. A husband should not publicly criticize his wife, nor should be privately criticize her about inferior qualities that are unchangeable. Nothing is more detrimental to a relationship than criticizing another person in public.
2. He should avoid comparing his wife to another woman.
3. He should avoid going to bed angry. Anger should be dealt with immediately by sharing it with ones spouse. Both should forgive each other, whether they agree on an issue or not, by bed time.
4.A husband should not expect more from his wife than other people.

The Wife's Responsibilities

A wife who recognises,accepts and fulfills her basic responsibilities will be rewarded with a much more stable marriage.

1. A wife should know her role.
Husband and wife are equal but they have different roles and different functions. However wives needs to submit to their husbands.
To be subjective or submissive does not mean being a slave or a brainless speechless dormat.It is basically an attitude of respect for him and recognition of his leadership in the home.

2. She should show respect.
A wife can help her husband by giving him appropriate recognition and praise. She should avoid exposing her husband's faults in public.

3. She should be a good manager.
A good wife should be a woman with keen business sense, perhaps even more important in the economic circumstances of our country today.

3. A wife should know the difference between the sexual needs of the male and female.
Husband is more physical in his needs and response, where as wife more emotional in his needs and response. Man can become sexually aroused quickly and tend to be more sexually assertive, sometimes desiring sexual intercourse more frequently than his wife.Many women become unresponsive because their husbands inconsiderately run through the sexual act. Many husbands need to develop the capacity of lengthening sexual engagement to their wives to derive more enjoyment.

5. She should avoid 3 negatives_vanity, gossip and laziness.
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, inner beauty that supplements outward attractiveness is the best preventative of vanity. As for gossiping, it is listed as one of the most deadly violation of moral principles.

6.She should display certain +ve attitudes and qualities.
She should recognize the importance of quietness, being sensible and exercising self control wife who know the importance of being kind and using wise words has an appealing dignity.

7.A wife should know how to love her husband.
She must understand the importance of romantic gestures, what please him ,what encourages and admires her husband.

8.She should observe 4 don’ts
Don't nag_ A quarrelsome wife will create irresolvable problems.
Don't become overly involved in outside activities so that house responsibilities are shrunken.
Don't continually question your husband's decisions.
Don't be un-attractive in bed. Wives and husbands should look their best at night for each other.

DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE

The divorce rate has risen dramatically in the past few years. The divorce rate tend to be higher among people who marry in their teens, after only a courtship and who come from an unhappy or broken home. Divorce rates are also higher among those from lower educational and socioeconomic backgrounds and those don't have religious affiliation.
Many separations come only after along, anguished process of mental alienation, sometimes after the children have grown up and left home.
Divorce has helped the women to develop the feeling of independence in them and make them feel equal partner, yet it must be advocated that divorce should not be easily granted by the courts.
In view of its serious repercussion of family life ,divorce should not be within easy reach of partners. Divorce should be granted only when it has become unavoidable and is in the interests of both the husband and wife and the society at a large.

CAUSES OF DIVORCE
Couples today expect more from their marriage than couples in the past. This is especially true for highly educated and professional couples, who are more inclined to expect psychological fulfillment in their marriage and to seek a divorce when it is missing. Those with less education and blue collar jobs are more likely to remain in an unhappy marriage.
Wives are more likely to mention physical and mental cruelty and problems of money or drinking, while husbands more frequently mentioned cruelty, neglect of the home and children, infidelity and sexual incompatibility.
Many emotional problems such as uncontrolled anger, depression, worry,lack of empathy or low self image are the heart of numerous marital problems.

The divorce experience.

Getting a divorce is usually a complex process because several things are happening at once.
The Emotional divorce is most likely to occur first. The partners tend to withdraw emotionally from each other or to co_ exist with a great deal of mutual antagonism. This cold war atmosphere does more damage to the children’s.
The Legal divorce is necessary if the individuals ever want to remarry. The law allows for divorce a specified period of physical separation. The legal aspect of divorce are not only expensive but emotionally exhausting as well.
The economic divorce deals with the settlement of property and money. Fathers are generally responsible for child support payment until their children become of legal age.
The co-parantel divorce deals with the custody of the children and visitation rights. The partner who is not granted physical and legal custody of the children is usually granted certain visitation rights.
The community divorce means disapproval and rejection by friends and acquaintances.
The psychic divorce is the last and most difficult part of divorce. It consist of separating one's self from the influence of one's partner and becoming an autonomous social being again. It is one of the most constructive aspects of divorce in which the individual may experience much personal growth.

RE-MARRIAGE
More men than women remarry and usually with in a short period of time. In most instances a divorced person marry another divorced person, probably because they shared similar experiences and motivations.
Second marriage is usually satisfactory, because they had a greater experience of living with another person. However greater personal maturity also plays a significant part with successfully re married persons often saying "I had learned a lot about myself too ".

MARITAL ADJUSTMENTS.
It is usually easier to adjust to some one who comes from a similar background. Individual who marry from mixed backgrounds whether in social class, religion or even intact or broken homes face greater risk in their marriage, many of which they may become aware of only after they have began living together.
A couple who have everything going for them may fail disastrously in their marriage, while another couple with everything against them may achieve a highly satisfactory relationship.

To achieve satisfaction in marriage, both partners re adjusting their understanding of what they can reasonably expect of each other in their respective roles. Decision making has also become democratic.

One of the most important areas of marital adjustment is learning to communicate effectively with the partner. The most common conflict involves a breakdown in communication, loss of shared goals or sexual incompatibility.
Over the course of time the average marriage in our society tends to become devitalized, partners usually speak to each other less often, exchange less information, provide less self disclosure, engage in more fault finding and having less accurate understanding of each other. In short the partners tend to grow apart.
Couples sharing power more or less equally experience fewer conflicts and greater satisfaction in marriage. The least satisfying to both partners is the female dominated relationship.
Some degree of conflict is inevitable in such an intimate relationship but how they handle them that make the difference in marriage. Most satisfied women readily admitted having disagreements and conflicts but felt they had learned how to handle these in an agreeable manner.

WISHING YOU A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS MARRIAGE LIFE

How to Beat the Heat

When scorching summer days arrive, it seems like you'll never be cool again. However, there are mays ways to beat the heat. You might even find yourself having some fun as you stay cool.

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Drink liquids before you get thirsty. Thirst is a sign that you are already at least slightly dehydrated. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which dehydrate your body. Drink sports drinks if you feel depleted. They will help re-hydrate and replenish your system.

Limit physical activity, especially outdoors. Participating in strenuous activities can deplete your body of resources.

Stay in air conditioning. Visit a library or mall. Movie theaters usually are frosty on summer days. Visit one of these places to ensure that you stay entertained as well as cool.

Load up on sunscreen, grab your towel and head to a pool. Even though you're out in the sun, submerging yourself in a pool to cool off. Get out of the pool periodically to sit in the shade.

Set up a sprinkler, play with squirt guns or purchase a sprinkler at and set it up in the yard. Take a cool bath. Add some peppermint oil to the water to further cool you.

Enjoy a frosty beverage. Slushies, shakes, smoothies and iced blended coffee drinks that decrease internal body temperature. Just watch out for brain freeze.
Take a hot shower. That's right, hot. You'll find that when you step out from under the water, the air feels cooler.

Stick your head in the freezer. It's not an energy efficient option for beating the heat, but a few seconds with your head in the icebox feels great and refreshes at the same time.