Spinach has more than iron !

Spinach

Loaded with antioxidants and iron, spinach is one of the healthiest greens available. Its minerals have been shown to improve concentration, and regular spinach consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of brain deterioration and memory diseases like Alzheimer’s. Vitamins such as magnesium and vitamin B12 play a significant role in the creation of healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the brain. Furthermore, the folic acid in spinach aids in protecting the neurons in your brain, keeping it in top shape.

Go bananas not just for fiber, also for memory !

Bananas

In addition to being a rich source of potassium and manganese, as well as vitamin C and fiber, bananas have been shown to enhance memory. One study found that eating bananas helped students learn their school material more efficiently and get better scores on exams, probably due to their high levels of potassium. Additionally, bananas contain vitamin B6, which aids in the body’s production of serotonin and norepinephrine and dopamine, all of which support concentration.

Fish enhances brain power !

Fish

You’ve probably heard it before, but just in case, know that fish can greatly enhance your brainpower. Fish is an excellent source of protein filled with omega-3 fatty acids, which assist in brain functioning and can lower the risk for dementia and stroke. Fish also plays an essential role in slowing mental decline and enhancing memory. Try to eat three servings of fish per week to get the benefits.

Pineapple prevents cold

About thirty seven percent of the daily recommendation for vitamin c found in one cup of pineapple. Hence its daily intake prevents common cold.

The luscious, tart-sweet pineapple is full of nutrients as well as flavour. In addition to supplying Vitamin C, a cup contains your daily quota of manganese, a trace mineral that promotes bone health.

It is also a good source of bromelin, a digestive enzyme. You can enjoy this tropical fruit all year round: have it fresh or in the form of juice, jam, squash and syrup.

Go ahead and cut it into chunks and store in the fridge, pack it precut for convenience-the fruit retains its nutritional punch for up to a week.

Colorectal Cancer:

 What Is It?
Not including skin cancer, colorectal cancer is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer in men and women and the second highest cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. Yet, when found early, it is highly curable. This type of cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in the lining of the large intestine (colon) or rectum. Learn more about who gets colorectal cancer, how it is detected, and what the latest treatments can accomplish.


.How It Starts
Colorectal cancers often begin as polyps -- benign growths on the interior surface of the colon. The two most common types of intestinal polyps are adenomas and hyperplastic polyps. They develop when there are errors in the way cells grow and repair the lining of the colon. Most polyps remain benign, but some have the potential to turn cancerous. Removing them early prevents colorectal cancer.

Risk Factors You Can't Control

Your risk of colorectal cancer depends on genetics and lifestyle. Factors you can't control include:

Age -- most patients are older than 50

Polyps or inflammatory bowel disease

Family history of colorectal cancer

History of ovarian or breast cancer

Risk Factors You Can Control

Some factors that raise the risk of colorectal cancer are within your control:

Diet high in red or processed meats, or meats cooked at high temperatures

Being overweight (excess fat around the waist)

Exercising too little

Smoking or drinking alcohol

Colorectal Cancer Warning Signs

There are usually no early warning signs for colorectal cancer. For this reason it's important to get screened. Detecting cancer early means it's more curable. As the disease progresses, patients may notice blood in the stool, abdominal pain, a change in bowel habits (such as constipation or diarrhea), unexplained weight loss, or fatigue. By the time these symptoms appear, tumors tend to be larger and more difficult to treat.

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Because colorectal cancer is stealthy, screenings are the key to early detection. Beginning at age 50, most people should have a colonoscopy every 10 years. This procedure uses a tiny camera to examine the entire colon and rectum. These tests not only find tumors early, but can actually prevent colorectal cancer by removing polyps 

Virtual Colonoscopy

There is now an alternative to colonoscopy that uses CT scan images to construct a 3-D model of your colon. Called virtual colonoscopy, the procedure can reveal polyps or other abnormalities without actually inserting a camera inside your body. The main disadvantage is that if polyps are found, a real colonoscopy will still be needed to remove and evaluate them.

X-Rays of the Colon (Lower GI)

X-Rays of the colon -- using a chalky liquid known as barium as a contrast agent -- allow your doctor a glimpse at the interior of the colon and rectum, offering another way to detect polyps, tumors, and changes in the intestinal tissue. Shown here is an "apple core" tumor constricting the colon. Like the virtual colonoscopy, any abnormalities that appear on the X-rays will need to be followed up with a conventional colonoscopy.

Diagnosing Colorectal Cancer

If testing reveals a possible tumor, the next step is a biopsy. During a colonoscopy, your doctor will remove polyps and take tissue samples from any parts of the colon that look unusual. This tissue is examined under a microscope to determine whether or not it is cancerous. Shown here is a color-enhanced, magnified view of colon cancer cells.

Staging Colorectal Cancer

If cancer is detected, it will be "staged," a process of finding out how far the cancer has spread. Tumor size may not correlate with the stage of cancer. Staging also enables your doctor to determine what type of treatment you will receive.

Stage 0 -- Cancer is only in the innermost lining of the colon or rectum.

Stage I -- Cancer has not spread beyond the inner wall of the colon or rectum.

Stage II -- Cancer has spread into the muscle layer of the colon or rectum.

Stage III -- Cancer has spread to one or more lymph nodes in the area.

Stage IV -- Cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver, lung, or bones. This stage does NOT depend on how deep the tumor has penetrated or if the disease has spread to the lymph nodes near the tumor.

Colorectal Cancer Survival Rates

The outlook for your recovery depends on the stage of your cancer, with higher stages meaning more serious cancer. The five-year survival rate refers to the percentage of patients who live at least five years after being diagnosed. Stage I has a 74% five-year survival rate while stage IV has a five-year survival rate of only 6%.

Colorectal Cancer Surgery

In all but the last stage of colorectal cancer, the usual treatment is surgery to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue. In the case of larger tumors, it may be necessary to take out an entire section of the colon and/or rectum. The good news is that surgery has a very high cure rate in the early stages. If the cancer has spread to the liver, lungs, or other organs, surgery is not likely to offer a cure -- but removing the additional tumors, when possible, may reduce symptoms.

Treating Advanced Colorectal Cancer

When colorectal cancer has spread to one or more lymph nodes (stage III), it can still sometimes be cured. Treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation (being administered here), and chemotherapy. If the cancer comes back after initial treatment or spreads to other organs, it becomes much more difficult to cure. But radiation and chemotherapy may still relieve symptoms and help patients live longer.

Coping With Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy has come a long way from the days of turning people's stomachs. Newer drugs are less likely to cause this problem, and there are also medications to control nausea if it does occur. Clinical trials continue to search for chemotherapy drugs that are more effective and tolerable.

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses intense heat to burn away tumors. Guided by a CT scan, a doctor inserts a needle-like device that delivers heat directly to a tumor and the surrounding area. This offers an alternative for destroying tumors that cannot be surgically removed. In patients with a limited number of liver metastases that cannot be removed by surgery, chemotherapy is sometimes combined with RFA for tumor destruction.

Preventing Colorectal Cancer: Diet

There are steps you can take to dramatically reduce your odds of developing colorectal cancer. Researchers estimate that eating a nutritious diet, getting enough exercise, and controlling body fat could prevent 45% of colorectal cancers. The National Cancer Institute recommends a low-fat diet that includes plenty of fiber and at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

Preventing Cancer With Exercise

Physical activity appears to be a powerful weapon in the defense against colorectal cancer. In one study, the most active participants were 24% less likely to have the cancer than the least active people. It didn't matter whether the activity was linked to work or play. The American Cancer Society recommends exercising five or more days a week for at least 30 minutes a day.

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Crochet Scarf

This is new design worked to the full length desired, cut at the end of each row, I've made changes from a pattern I read somewhere, to give a ridged look. It is really thick.

Tips for Traveling With Diabetes

With Diabetes, travelling can be a bit of a hassle. However you stick to your diet, things can become haywire, as your medication time can change, also your food habits, your exercise schedule etc. So, with some basic hints, you can manage your trip to become memorable.

1. Create a supply checklist.Write down everything you’ll need to stay healthy to ensure that you don’t forget important items, especially when you’re in a rush to get out the door.


2. Keep a small travel bag with you at all times.

• Insulin and as many syringes as you’ll need for the trip (and a disposal container for storing used syringes and test strips)
  
• Blood and urine testing supplies (with extra batteries and strips for your glucose meter)
  
• Oral medications with the prescription labels attached (extras are a good idea)
  
• Other medications, such as antibiotic ointment, anti-nausea drugs, etc.
  
• Your ID and diabetes identity card, as well as your doctor’s emergency number
  
• A well-wrapped snack pack containing crackers, cheese, peanut butter, fruit, raisins, a juice box, and some form of sugar (such as candy or glucose tablets) to treat low blood sugar levels
  
• A portable meal (that doesn’t require refrigeration) in case of unexpected delays.

3. Pack workout clothing. 
That way you’ll be ready to exercise, wherever you are. Most hotels have facilities for guests but require proper clothing. Ask the hotel staff or locals about safe places to walk and other active pursuits in the area. 

4. Wear comfortable shoes. They’ll help you walk briskly – and ache-free – through airports, train stations or cruise ships. Plus, once you reach your destination, use them for sightseeing on foot. 

5. Don’t neglect your blood-sugar monitoring.No matter how long you’ll be traveling, test your blood glucose as frequently as your doctor recommends. Regular monitoring can help you catch potential problems early, thus preventing highs and avoiding lows.

At the AirportTraveling by air can be stressful, especially if you have diabetes-related items to keep in tow.

Fortunately, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows people with diabetes to carry testing supplies and medications in their hand luggage.

 

6. Keep anything vital in your carry-on.
More than two million bags were reported lost or mishandled by the airlines last year. If your checked luggage ends up lost, you don’t want to be without important medications, syringes and blood-testing supplies.

7. Tell the security screener you have diabetes and are carrying supplies.The TSA allows people with diabetes to carry these items on the plane:

• Insulin and insulin-loaded dispensing products (vials or a box of individual vials, jet injectors, biojectors, epipens, infusers, and preloaded syringes)
  
• Unlimited number of unused syringes when accompanied by insulin or other injectable medication.
• Lancets, blood glucose meters, blood glucose meter test strips, alcohol swabs, meter-testing solutions
  
• Insulin pump and insulin pump supplies (cleaning agents, batteries, plastic tubing, infusion kit, catheter, and needle); insulin pumps and supplies must be accompanied by insulin
  
• Glucagon emergency kit
  
• Urine ketone test strips
  
• Unlimited number of used syringes when transported in Sharps disposal container or other similar hard-surface container.

Each airline may enforce security measures differently, so check with yours before you leave.

8. Identify your insulin and syringes with the proper manufacturer’s label. You may need to prove that what you’re carrying is insulin. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says you should bring the box that your insulin came in (or the plastic bag your boxes came in, if your insulin is from a mail-order pharmacy).

These packages should have a “professional, pharmaceutical preprinted label which clearly identifies the medication.”

9. Make special arrangements before your flight.Ask for an aisle seat if you plan to use the restroom for insulin injections. If the flight has meal service and you’re on a special diet, notify the airline at least 24 hours ahead.

If no food is offered on the flight, bring your own healthy meal on board. 

10. Tell the flight attendant that you have diabetes, especially if you’re traveling alone.You may need help if your blood glucose levels go too low.

11. Drink plenty of water.
Dehydration is common because cabin air has a much lower humidity level than a typical indoor environment. It can cause mild discomfort, scratchy eyes, fatigue and breathing problems for people with respiratory conditions, such as asthma. Drink water to stay hydrated, but avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages throughout the flight.

When Traveling AbroadBecause prescriptions can differ from country to country, take precautions if you’re traveling internationally and bringing diabetes medication.

12. Consult your doctor before you leave on your trip.Ask your doctor for prescriptions and a letter that explains your diabetes medications, supplies and allergies, the ADA advises. This way, pharmacists or physicians in other countries can provide them for you in an emergency.

Some drugs may not be available in the country you're traveling to. And even if they are, they may have different names or come in other strengths.

13. Get extra supplies from your pharmacist.Keep a two-week supply of medications with you at all times, along with supplies you can store in a separate bag in case your luggage is lost or stolen.

14. Store all medications in an air-tight, insulated case.This will protect them from exposure to extreme temperatures or humidity. 

15. Wear an ID bracelet. Also, stash an ID card in your wallet that identifies you as someone with diabetes. The identification should be written in the languages of the places you are visiting.

16. Plan for time-zone changes.Make sure you’ll always know when to take your diabetes medicine, no matter where you are. If you wear a watch with two time displays, keep one set to your home time.

Eastward travel means a shorter day, so you may need less insulin, according to the National Diabetes Education Program. Heading westward, you could need more.

When Dining OutWhen you’re on a strict diabetes diet, navigating an unfamiliar restaurant menu can be difficult. The key is to be prepared and feel comfortable asking for what you need.

17. Be vocal.Ask about the ingredients of menu items to avoid post-meal highs or lows that can ruin your day. Also, find out how food has been prepared, and request sauces and salad dressing on the side so you can control the amount on your food. make sure the server understands the requests are for medical reasons.

18. Choose the right restaurant.

Read the menu – it’s often posted outside by the entrance – and decide if you have enough healthy, lower-fat choices before you sit down.

You also can call the restaurant, have a menu faxed to you, look it up on the Internet or ask your concierge if the hotel has a menu collection.

Many chain restaurants post calories and other nutritional information, either at the restaurant or online. 

Unlimited Uses Of TEA

1. Clean carpets: Clean up musty, dirty carpets by sprinkling dry, used green tea leaves on the carpet. Let them work their magic for about 10 minutes, then vacuum them up.

2. Clean antique rugs: Delicate Persian and Oriental rugs can also benefit from a sprinkling of tea leaves. In this case, sprinkle nearly dry, used whole tea leaves on the rugs, and gently sweep them away.

3. Shine wood floors: The tannins in black tea can help shine and color hardwood flooring. Follow your regular floor cleaning routine by carefully rubbing some brewed tea into the floor (don’t use too much water on hardwood flooring) and letting it air dry.

4. Polish furniture: Brewed tea also can help clean and shine wood furniture. Dip a soft cloth in a small amount of tea, and use it to wipe down the tables, chairs and more.

5. Clean mirrors and windows: Tea can remove stubborn, greasy fingerprints from glass, and make it sparkle. Simply rub a damp teabag on the glass or fill a spray bottle with brewed tea.

6. Clean toilet stains: Rumor has it that used tea bags can magically remove stubborn stains in the bottom of the toilet bowl. Just leave them in the toilet for several hours, then flush the toilet and brush the bowl.

7. Get rid of fishy smells: Rinse your hands with tea after eating or preparing fish (or other stinky foods) to eliminate odors.

8. De-stink fridges: Instead of baking soda (or maybe in addition), try used tea bags in the fridge to absorb odors.

9. De-stink cat litter: Likewise, used tea leaves can help deodorize litter boxes when mixed into the litter. Dry, green tealeaves are recommended.

10. Prevent fleas: Tea is also rumored to help prevent fleas, so sprinkle some dry used tealeaves around pet bedding.

11. Kill dust mites: Carefully spray diluted black tea on the carpet to kill dust mites. Color-test the tea first in an inconspicuous spot.

12. Clean the fireplace: Sprinkling wet tealeaves on fireplace ashes while scooping them out may help reduce blowing dust.

13. Make potpourri: The herbs and flowers in used herbal tea bags may have run out of flavor, but they often still have a good scent. Dry out herbal tea bags and add to potpourri or scented sachets.


14. Make a car air freshener: Likewise, you can freshen up the car without a chemical-laden commercial air freshener. Put lavender tea or other soothing herbal tea in a bag under the seat to fight odors. 

Personal:


15. Soothe a sunburn: Wet teabags can soothe sunburns and other minor burns. For a full-body sunburn, soak in a tea bath.

16. Soothe tired eyes: Warm, wet teabags can reduce puffiness and soothe pain around tired eyes — and teabags on your eyes look a little less ridiculous than cucumber slices.

17. Soothe pinkeye: You can also use warm, wet teabags as a compress to soothe the pain of pinkeye.

18. Soothe razor burn: A wet tea bag can also reduce and soothe razor burn.

19. Drain boils: Cover a boil with wet tea bag overnight, and it should drain painlessly.

20. Soothe blisters: Hot teabags are also rumored to draw out infections when left on fever blisters and canker sores.


21. Dry poison ivy rash Dry a weepy poison ivy rash with strongly brewed tea. Simply dip a cotton ball into the tea, dab it on the affected area, and let it air-dry. Repeat as needed.

22. Save a broken fingernail: To salvage a partially broken fingernail, use a piece of mesh tea bag to create a splint of sorts between the nail and the broken piece. Coat in nail polish.

23. Make soap: Tea is a useful addition when making glycerin soap. The texture and scent can help make the soap smell and cleanse better.

24. Help recover from injections: A wet teabag on an injection site can be soothing, for babies or adults.  

25. Soothe bleeding gums: For an older child who loses a tooth, try putting a cold, wet teabag in the mouth where the tooth was lost. It can reduce bleeding and soothe pain.

26. Make mouthwash: Similarly, toothaches and other mouth pain can be soothed with a rinse of antiseptic peppermint tea mixed with a little salt.

27. Shine dry hair: Brewed tea makes a good conditioner for dry hair. Rinse with (unsweetened) tea and leave to dry for a while, then rinse again with water.


28. Dye hair: Brewed tea also is a good natural hair dye. Mix rosemary and sage into dark black tea and let the mixture stand overnight. Strain the mix and thoroughly work it into your hair. Repeat as needed for the desired color.

29. Improve skin: To protect and beautify skin, try bathing in green tea. Another widely recommended skin booster is chamomile tea in a facial steamer.

30. Cure acne: Some acne sufferers swear by washing their faces with green tea to cure or reduce their acne.

31. De-stink feet: Soaking your feet in strong tea for 20 minutes per day may be a relaxing and effective way to reduce foot odor.

32. Heal warts: To help plantar warts on the feet heal faster, press a warm, wet teabag onto the wart for 20 minutes per day.

33. Improve breath: Gargling with strong tea can help reduce halitosis.

34. Get smarter: Caffeinated teas have proven effects on mental alertness, but some traditional Chinese medicine practitioners swear that tea leaves in pillows can also help improve mental alertness. They say after sleeping on tea leaf pillows, people can wake up more clear-headed and quick-thinking.

35. Cure the common cold: The same Chinese traditionalists also swear by tea as a time-tested remedy for many cold symptoms. Of course, others maintain that a cold will last seven days with tea treatment, or one week without.


36. Prevent dizziness: People drink tea for a variety of health reasons, but many older adults do not realize that black tea could reduce their dizziness when standing up. The tea boosts blood pressure, reducing the threat of dizziness. WebMD also lists a litany of other health benefits of black tea, including reduced risk of heart attacks, kidney stones, Parkinson's disease and ovarian cancer.  
 Kitchen:


 37. Tenderize meat: Marinate tough meat in black tea to make it more tender.

38. Smoke it: Add tea to a smoker to make tea-infused cheeses and meats.

39. Boil eggs: The Chinese also like to add tea leaves to the water after boiled eggs are cooked. This adds some flavor and color to the boiled eggs.

Garden:

40. Add to compost: Pouring strong tea into a compost bin will help speed up the process and encourage more friendly bacteria to grow, improving the compost.

41. Fertilize roses: Spread used tea leaves around rosebushes, then add mulch and water. The tannic acid and other nutrients will benefit the plants.

42. Help houseplants: Occasionally use brewed tea instead of water to feed ferns and other houseplants that like rich, acidic soil.

43. Add to potted plants: A few used teabags in the bottom of a planter can help the soil retain water, and adds valuable nutrients.

 44. Dye fabrics: Green and black teas have long been used in dyes for fabric and paper, particularly for generating a beige faux- antique look.

45. Paint with tea: Some artists use strong black tea to paint backgrounds or accents on black-and-white sketches.

46. Strengthen puppy pads: A footbath with strong black tea is rumored to help strengthen the pads of dog feet.

47. Repel mosquitoes: Burning tea leaves is said to repel mosquitoes with none of the side effects of chemical bug sprays.

Grape seed extract helps to prevent diabetic retinopathy

The grape seed extract can help protect blood vessels and capillaries from free-radical damage and reduce your risk of diabetic complications.


A powerful antioxidant, grape seed extract has been shown to help prevent diabetic retinopathy. The initial dose is 1 mg per pound of body weight for the first week, in divided doses with meals. 

After the first week, adjust your dosage to the maintenance level, which is one-half the initial amount. Round your weight up or down to the nearest 50 pounds. For example, if you weigh 210 pounds, take 200 mg a day for the first week, and then continue on 100 mg a day. 

Crochet Doily

This crochet doily is my own creation.

Kiwi better to control blood pressure

An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but three kiwis could lower your blood pressure. A study  has found that eating the fuzzy-skinned fruit with the tart green flesh three times a day was associated with a drop in blood pressure. High blood pressure is considered a risk factor for heart disease, which is still the world’s No. 1 killer.

The eight-week study, led by Mette Svendsen of Oslo University Hospital in Norway, involved 118 subjects with an average age of 55 and mildly high blood pressure.

One group added three kiwis to their daily diet, while the other half added the proverbial apple a day. Kiwis contain lutein, which has antioxidant properties.

After eight weeks, researchers found the kiwi group’s 24-hour systolic blood pressure was an average of 3.6 millimeters of mercury lower than that of the apple eaters. Systolic is the top number of the blood pressure reading.

Diastolic blood pressure was also lower in the kiwi group, but that association to the fruit was not as clear, researchers said. They recommended that the findings be confirmed with a larger study.

Perhaps the most surprising thing about the kiwi fruit study was that it was conducted in Norway and not in New Zealand.

A watch-and-wait prostate treatment

With controversy raging over whether men should be screened for prostate cancer with the PSA ,            (Prostate-Specific  Antigen)blood test, the experience of one man in his 80s suggests an alternative to a simple yes-or-no response, as well as options for prevention and treatment that men of all ages might consider.

Dr Katz’s approach to this disease might be described as “more is less” for most men with early-stage cancers that are not particularly aggressive, take the least invasive approach.

That could be what Dr Katz calls “active surveillance with possible delayed intervention” should the cancer start to grow, or for someone like the elderly New Yorker who wanted the cancer out, a relatively new procedure called cryosurgery.

What is active surveillance?

The development of the PSA test and its widespread use greatly increased diagnosis of this disease, often of cases that would never have become a clinical problem.

In such cases, doctors may suggest “watchful waiting” — repeated monitoring of the prostate with no treatment unless the cancer begins to progress.

Active surveillance, according to Dr Katz, can be applied to men with a PSA under 10 and Gleason score under 7 who have early-stage disease and no evidence of cancer beyond the prostate. He describes the somewhat unconventional approach as follows:

* Making dietary changes that include reducing or eliminating red meat and dairy and eating lots of vegetables.

* Taking supplements of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D and herbal anti-inflammatory agents.

* Adopting an exercise programme that has includes an aerobic exercise thrice times a week.

* Practicing a method of stress reduction like yoga or meditation.

* Getting a PSA test every three to four months, and digital rectal exam every six months.

 Repeating a biopsy of the prostate every 12 to 24 months.

While definitive proof is lacking, the dietary and behavioural changes he suggests are based on both observational and clinical studies that have linked them to a reduced risk of developing an aggressive cancer and dying of the disease. For example, in 1993, Dr Edward Giovannucci and colleagues at the Harvard School of Public Health documented a relationship between high intake of red meat and a greater risk of developing advanced prostate cancer among 51,529 men who had initially been cancer-free.

Foods recommended by the Dr.

To patients who choose active surveillance, Dr Katz recommends fish, particularly oily ocean fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines, as the best source of omega-3 fatty acids. Among other protective foods that he said can stabilize or reduce PSA levels and cancer progression are deeply coloured fruits like pomegranates, red grapes, green tea, flaxseed and walnuts.

He also urges men to greatly increase their consumption of vegetables, especially the cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower, and other dark green leafy vegetables like spinach. This dietary approach can foster weight loss, important because obese men are more likely to develop aggressive prostate cancers.

For supplements, Dr Katz said with more than 75 per cent of men deficient in vitamin D, he starts with a daily intake of 2,000 to 3,000 international units a day to normalise blood levels. Other supplements he has found to be clinically helpful include AHCC, a combination of medicinal mushrooms that enhance the immune response, and Zyflamend, a combination of 10 herbal extracts with anti-inflammatory properties that, based on laboratory and early clinical trials, he and others believe can counter precancerous prostate lesions and reduce cancer spread to bones.

Cryosurgery, a therapy option

Many men found through PSA testing to have prostate cancer are reluctant to delay definitive treatment. Yet, the most common procedures — surgical removal of the prostate and radiation — can be overkill for men with early-stage disease and often result in incontinence and impotence.

Cryosurgery, says Dr Katz, is a procedure in which just the diseased part of the prostate is frozen, sparing healthy tissue and avoiding serious side-effects. Should the disease recur, the procedure can be repeated.

Homeopathy doctor who makes your other cells fight against cancer

Dr. Prasanta Banerji
PBH Research Foundation
10/3/1 Elgin Road
Kolkata - 700020
India
Tel: +91 33 30582818/19
Fax: +91 33 22877275
Email: info@pbhrfindia.org
Web Site: www.pbhrfindia.org

Hi All,

I just want to make those who aren't already aware of this homeopathy doctor, who unlike others doesn't promise cure for cancer but says his medicine will make the other cells strong enough to fight against cancer. He visits a cancer hospital in US every year. I know 2 patients who are able to lead a better life after starting his treatment. for one  aged lady, whose cancer had spread from abdomen to liver, within one month of this treatment, the doctors in US were surprised as to how her liver condition had improved greatly. Unlike most other doctors, he doesn't ask you to give up chemo/ radiation therapy, but add his medication to your regular therapies.

Best wishes to all for a good health. MAY YOUR SMILES NEVER FADE.

ps- those interested in vegetarian recipes with health tips, may look up my recipe blog

http://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/ 

9 serious conditions that mimic heartburn

HEARTBURN :

Heartburn-like pain is a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). But several other conditions can cause a burning feeling in your chest.

Most of the time, your doctor will be able to identify whether you have heartburn or GERD by doing tests.

Here are nine other conditions that can cause heartburn-like pain.

1. Heart Disease - 

Angina, or chest pain caused by lack of blood flow to the heart, can feel a lot like heartburn.

"The major key is if you're getting heartburn when you're doing strenuous or moderate activity,"  according to a doctor.

If you're 50 or older and getting heartburn—especially if you haven't had this kind of pain before—it can raise suspicion of angina. Suspicions can also be raised if you're younger but have heart risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease.

2. Gallstones - 

Although gallstones don't always cause symptoms, a stone blocking your bile duct can hurt, usually in the middle or upper-right side of the abdomen.
Pain may be cramping, dull, or sharp, and often strikes minutes after you eat.

If you're experiencing stomach pain after meals that doesn't improve after you take an over-the-counter acid-suppressing medication, gallstones should be suspected, says a doctor.

3. Stomach ulcer -

Ulcers can cause a gnawing, burning sensation, usually felt in the upper abdomen. The pain can find its way up to the chest.

Acid-suppressing medications may relieve ulcer pain. But ulcers are usually caused by Helicobacter pylori, a type of bacteria that inflames the stomach lining, so you will need to take antibiotics to clear the infection.


Certain anti-inflammatory drugs (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen), and osteoporosis drugs called bisphosphonates, can also cause stomach ulcers.

4. Hiatal hernia - 


A hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of the upper stomach pokes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, rather than staying in the abdominal cavity where it belongs.

This can push food and stomach acid up into the esophagus, causing heartburn. Other signs of hiatal hernia include chest pain, belching, and nausea. If you have heartburn due to hiatal hernia, your doctor will typically prescribe acid-suppressing drugs, and recommend lifestyle changes like eating smaller meals, avoiding alcohol, and not eating right before bed. In rare cases, surgical repair may be needed.

5. Esophageal cancer - 

Esophageal cancer is rare, but its incidence is rising rapidly in the United States .

"If you have heartburn, it might be a sign of esophageal cancer, but it's highly unlikely,. Your doctor may decide to order an upper endoscopy to examine your esophagus if you've got long-standing heartburn, especially if you smoke or drink heavily, both of which are risk factors for esophageal cancer.

This test involves passing a tube with a light and a camera at one end down your throat into your esophagus. During the test, your doctor can look for abnormal areas as well as collect tissue samples to test for cancer.

6. Gastroparesis - 

Poor control of diabetes can lead to nerve damage, which can affect the workings of your digestive tract. This is called gastroparesis, and it dramatically slows the movement of food through the stomach and can cause heartburn.
Treatment can include dietary changes such as eating smaller meals, avoiding fat and fiber, medications, and, for people with very severe symptoms, inserting a feeding tube or an implanted device that emits electrical pulses mimicking stomach contractions.


7. Esophagitis -

Esophagitis, or inflammation of the esophagus, can result from frequent acid reflux. This condition can in turn lead to more heartburn, as well as difficulty swallowing.

The esophagus can also become inflamed from taking certain painkillers and osteoporosis medications, particularly if the pills are taken without water, allowing them to remain in the esophagus.

A third type of esophagitis, called eosinophilic esophagitis, occurs when white blood cells known as eosinophils invade the esophagus. The condition is often allergy-related, so treatment requires identifying and avoiding the offending foods. Doctors may also prescribe steroid medications to ease inflammation.

8. Pleuritis or costochondritis - 

Inflammation of the lining of the lungs and chest cavity, known as pleuritis or pleurisy, can cause heartburn-like chest pain. Pleuritis should be suspected , if the pain or burning gets worse when you take deep breaths or move around.

Pleuritis is most commonly caused by a viral or bacterial infection, and resolves when the infection does.
Costochondritis—an inflammation of the cartilage anchoring ribs to the breastbone—can cause sharp pain along the breastbone or sternum. It can be related to injury or infection, and typically is treated with anti-inflammatory medicines, pain relievers, and rest.

9. Anxiety - 

Although anxiety won't cause GERD, it can cause heartburn and make GERD symptoms worse.

 A person can have both anxiety-related heartburn and GERD-related heartburn. One of the signs that it's not just reflux is that treating the reflux problem doesn't make it any better.

Reducing anxiety and stress through, for example, exercise, relaxation, and therapy, can also ease heartburn.

Ready to use non-toxic cleansers from the kitchen

VINEGAR: Great natural cleaning product, disinfectant and deodorizer

* Use pure vinegar in the toilet bowl to get rid of rings.
* Mop the floor in the bathroom with a vinegar/water solution for that extra gleam.
* Vinegar also eats away the soap scum and hard water stains on your fixtures and tiles.
* Vinegar works wonders for sweat smell from clothes, especially your workout clothes. Just soak smelly clothes in a detergent solution and add a dash of vinegar to it.
* Make a solution with 1 part of vinegar and 2 parts of water and use it to clean your stovetop, appliances, countertops in the kitchen.
* Leave vinegar overnight on your chopping board and find it stain and odor free in the morning.
* Vinegar can be used as a natural fabric softener, just add ½ cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle in the washing machine
* Add 3 tablespoons of vinegar to 2 cups of water and viola, your window cleaning solution is ready.

LEMON JUICE: For an invigorating fragrance and a shiny home

* Lemon and salt work wonders to bring back the sparkle in your copper and brass utensils and fixtures.
* Countertop stains can be removed by leaving lemon juice on the stain for a few minutes. * Scrub the area with baking soda and watch the stains disappear.
* Add juice of a lemon in some water and leave in your refrigerator for a fresh smell.
* Lemon peals can be ground in the garbage disposal to freshen the drain. Hot water with a little lemon poured down a drain will also freshen it.
* Lemon juice is also a natural bleaching agent. Put lemon juice onto white linens and clothing and allow them to dry in the sun.
* Rub lemon onto the stains on your chopping board and let it sit. It will bleach the board, disinfects and remove any weird smells too.
* Lemon juice also works wonders in removing rust stains from clothes. Put lemon juice on the rust stain and then sprinkle cream of tartar on top of the juice. Let it sit on the stain until the rust is gone.

BAKING SODA: A natural deodorizer and cleanser

* Add baking soda to liquid detergent and scrub clean your tiles.
* Baking soda can help remove pungent odors from laundry even when they linger after repeated washing like smoke and sweat smell.
* Rubbing dry baking soda directly on clothing will remove the smell of vomit or baby spit-up.
* Deodorize your fridge and freezer by putting in an open container of baking soda to absorb odors.
* Wash marble-topped furniture with a solution of 3-tablespoons of baking soda in 2 cups of warm water. Let stand awhile, then rinse
* Mix a quarter cup of baking soda with a cup of warm water and wash down the outside of white appliances. It will help remove yellowing and restore the whiteness
* Make a solution of 1/4 cup of baking soda, 1/2 cup of vinegar, and 1 gallon of hot water. * This mixture will clean of grease and grime as well as deodorize. Works wonders for the kitchen exhaust fans.
* Leave a water and baking soda solution in thermos bottles and cooling containers overnight to get rid of stale smells.
* Polish silverware with dry baking soda on a damp cloth. Rub, rinse and dry.
* To remove burned-on food from a pan: let the pan soak in baking soda and water for 10 minutes before washing. Or scrub the pot with dry soda and a moist scouring pad.
* Remove that bad smell from ashtrays with baking soda and water.
* Sprinkle baking soda in your garbage bins to neutralize any smells.

TEA TREE OIL: A natural antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal solution

* Adding 2 teaspoons tea tree oil to 2 cups water in a spray bottle and spraying on mold will help get rid of the problem.
* Tea tree oil is also a very effective first aid remedy and against countless skin ailments, infections, cuts, scrapes, burns, insect bites and skin spots.
* One tbsp. of organic tea tree oil can be added with 3 cups water to make a multipurpose cleaning solution. This can be sprayed on toilet seats, countertops and washbasins to cleanse and deodorize.
* Use a facial steam, using ten drops of tea tree oil with five drops of eucalyptus in boiling water. Inhale the steam to get relief if you have a cold.
* Cool sunburn and soothe bruises with a tea tree oil compress made from adding ten drops of tea tree oil to some cold water.
* Treat blisters with tea tree oil by cleaning the affected area and directly applying the oil.
* Wash your face and apply tea tree oil directly to pimples and blemishes twice daily to help them clear.
* Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your everyday shampoo and get rid of dandruff.

Chewing Gum & heartburn

Besides eliminating garlic breath, chewing gum after a meal might have other advantages, research suggests.

People with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms experienced heartburn relief when they chewed a piece of sugar-free gum for 30 minutes after a meal.

Chewing gum stimulates the salivary flow rate. Any acid that accumulates in the gut is washed away and cleared more quickly. The clearance of acid improves GERD symptoms.

Menopause and Overactive Bladder:are Connected

Do you plan your day to make sure bathroom stops will be available at short notice and scope out buildings so you always know where the nearest bathroom is? Do you tell yourself to wait an hour for that glass of iced tea so you won't have to dash for the ladies'? If so, it's likely you have a condition called overactive bladder, or OAB. And if you're between 40 and 55, you may be one of the many women for whom OAB is a menopause- and age-related problem.

10 Ways to Live Normally With a Leaky Bladder

One comfort: You're in good company. Studies show overactive bladder affects at least -- and probably more than -- 17 percent of women in the U.S. Why more? Because this problem is vastly underreported, due to the embarrassment factor. (It's not the easiest thing to talk to your doctor about.) But help is available. In the meantime, here's what you should know about the connection between OAB and menopause -- along with available treatments.

What's the connection between menopause and OAB?

During perimenopause, the period leading up to menopause, and menopause itself, the level of estrogen -- which helps to keep the tissues of your bladder and urethra healthy -- begins to drop significantly. If you've begun to notice dryness and sensitivity during sex, it's likely you're at risk for bladder problems as well. The reason: Just as the tissues of the vaginal wall begin to thin and dry out, so does the tissue that lines the bladder. When that happens, your bladder becomes more sensitive to irritants and more susceptible to "hair-trigger" releases.

What's more, lack of estrogen can cause the pelvic muscles, which are responsible for maintaining bladder control, to weaken, eventually resulting in incontinence.

What kinds of bladder control problems can happen with menopause?

Overactive bladder problems take several forms:

• Urgency: When you have to go, you have to go now.
• Frequency: You have to go all the time, defined as a problem if you need to go more than eight times in a 24-hour period. And yes, this problem is a doozy for sleep disruption.
• Urge incontinence: The need to go now comes on suddenly, and if life conspires to keep you from a bathroom, you're likely to have an accident.

How is overactive bladder diagnosed?

o diagnose a bladder control problem, your doctor will perform a physical exam, including a pelvic exam, and order lab tests to look for signs of a urinary tract infection or other problems. The doctor will likely ask you to keep a "voiding diary" in which you write down when you go, note any associated symptoms, and describe accidents or other problems. Keeping a diary can also help you reconstruct the circumstances prior to an accident (what you ate and drank beforehand, for example) or any overwhelming urges you can recall.

What treatments are available for menopause-related overactive bladder?

There are treatments for overactive bladder that help you control urges, treatments that strengthen muscles or improve muscle control, and treatments aimed to reduce irritation. Your primary care physician or a specialist can work with you to analyze the type of bladder problems you're having and devise the best treatment plan. Doctors are likely to suggest lifestyle changes, muscle-strengthening exercises, and bladder retraining before they start considering medications -- which might have side effects -- or surgery. What follows are the most common treatment strategies for bladder problems associated with menopause, in the approximate order a doctor might suggest them.

Treatments for menopause-related OAB

Dietary changes

Many women are surprised to learn how dramatically what they eat and drink can affect bladder function. With that in mind, try eliminating these foods and beverages -- all known to irritate the bladder, triggering urges -- one at a time:

• coffee and black tea
• citrus fruits and juices
• chocolate
• regular and diet sodas
• alcohol
• spicy foods
• tomatoes and tomato-based foods and sauces
• artificial sweeteners
• vinegar and vinegar-based salad dressings
  o protect your bladder from irritation and urges:
  • Drink eight glasses of water, spaced throughout the day.
  • Drink milk, almond milk, or soy milk to see if this soothes the bladder.
  • Take a probiotic supplement, which helps control yeast growth and promotes a healthy bladder.
  Strengthening bladder muscles with Kegel exercises
  With menopause and age, the pelvic floor muscles known as Kegels that control the bladder's ability to hold in urine can weaken. Strengthening these muscles is one of the best ways to control leakage. To do Kegel exercises, squeeze and hold the pelvic muscles and then relax them. You can locate these muscles by stopping the flow of urine midstream. Although it's possible to strengthen Kegels on your own, it's most effective to work with a nurse or physical therapist (PT) who specializes in pelvic floor strengthening.
  Bladder retraining for OAB
  Your bladder muscles have been conditioned over time to influence the sudden need to urinate -- probably in ways you're not even aware of. Bladder retraining is a therapeutic approach to relearning the ability to resist or inhibit the feeling of urgency. Working with a physical therapy nurse, you retrain your bladder by timing visits to the bathroom according to a strict schedule, gradually extending the intervals between bathroom visits. In addition, the therapist will teach you ways to distract yourself between bathroom visits. A bladder retraining program usually takes at least six to eight weeks to produce results.
  Estrogen therapy
  If your bladder symptoms first appeared during perimenopause or if you're experiencing other menopause-related symptoms, working with your ob/gyn to control these symptoms with hormone therapy may be the best solution. Many women find that vaginal estrogen, applied as a ring or cream, is extremely effective in treating overactive bladder. This is different from systemic hormone therapy, which uses oral hormones distributed throughout the body, and has fewer risks.
  Weight loss
  Weight gain -- often associated with menopause -- puts pressure on the bladder, urethra, and pelvic floor muscles. Many women have found that when they lose weight, their overactive bladder problems are gone along with the extra pounds. If you're overweight, try using your frustration with overactive bladder problems as a motivator to embark on a diet and exercise regime.
  ref- ealth.yahoo.net/caring/menopause-and-overactive-bladder-yes-they-re-connected