Kids Corner

Top Five things doctors wish you'd do for your grade school child-

1. Keep TVs and computers out of the bedroom-

Placing all screens in the house in a common area helps you keep an eye on what, and how much, your child is watching. Time spent in front of the TV or computer, or playing handheld video games, should be no more than two hours a day. And stopping all movies and games at least half an hour before bedtime will help your child fall asleep and stay asleep all night.Watching TV at bedtime, especially in the bedroom, is one of the biggest disruptors of children's sleep, because it's hard for the brain to switch instantly from stimulation to relaxation.


2. Act out safety basics-


At this age kids are spending more time away from their parents. "Big kids should memorize their phone number and address, and they should know that if they get lost they should go to a police officer or someone else in uniform and ask for help," says pediatrician Alanna Levine. "They should also know not to talk to a stranger, even if the person offers them candy or asks them to help look for a lost puppy. It helps them learn these rules if you play through the different scenarios with them."


 3. Don't ditch the booster too soon-


Many parents rush their children out of a car booster seat too early. The booster's  safety advantage lasts longer than most parents think. Many people think it's based on height, weight, and age, but there's a four-point readiness test online. Most kids are ready to graduate from a booster sometime between ages 8 to 12, which may be even later than what your state's law suggests as a minimum.


4. Make sure your kid has some free time-


There's a middle ground between pushing your kids too hard and having no expectations. Pediatricians say many of their patients lean toward the former, with back-to-back sports, music lessons, and other activities. Unstructured play is important for children. If every moment of their lives is spent in a class or activity directed by an adult, they are always following guidelines set by someone else. They don't have the chance to develop self-direction and creativity.


The hyperscheduled lifestyle has another downside – it isn't conducive to sitting down to healthy meals prepared at home. "If you have your child in so many activities that he's eating fast food in the van, that's misplaced priorities," says Nancy Krebs, a pediatrician and nutrition specialist.


5. Take five minutes a day to really connect-


Sit down for five minutes a day and give your child your undivided attention – talk about what he wants to talk about. Right after school is usually not the best time – kids are too wiped out. But later, after dinner and homework are done, ask a few specific and nonjudgmental questions to generate conversation: Did you learn anything cool today? Who did you play with at recess? "Children grow up very fast." It's a habit of connection you'll be glad to have when your child hits the preteen years.

Healthy Skin during Winter

                        
Get rid off winter itch:-
Have you suffered from winter itch before? Then autumn is the right time to start taking precautions.


Many people don’t realize that winter itch is a form of eczema, one that tends to run in families. If your parents have it, chances are that you and your children will develop it,too. Even babies can suffer from winter itch.


 The skin gets dry very quickly, especially on the legs and the hands. Dry skin leads to itch, which leads to scratching, which leads to the raised red bumps of eczema and in many cases infection. The more people scratch their skin, the worse it will get.Even if you are genetically prone to eczema, you can still take steps to protect your skin which may prevent eczema or at least ensure only a mild case.


First of all, moisturize your skin. This is the crucial step, because you want to keep the skin barrier intact. Even if it has turned warm again outside, now is the time to start using the most effective moisturizers you can find. Drugstores sell inexpensive yet highly effective petrolatum-based ointments and creams that are heavy enough to protect the skin. 


It is a very good idea to use these or a moisturizing lotion right after your bath or shower, when the skin is still damp. Oils work well, too.For daytime wear, when you may want to use something a little lighter and less greasy, look 
for creams and lotions that contain hyaluronic acid, shea butter, avocado oil, or glycerin. 


Dimethicone, a silicone-based ingredient, works for many, but not for those whose skin is prone to acne, since it can increase breakouts.Hands contain comparatively few oil glands and tend to dry and crack easily. The use of 
those alcohol-based sanitizers doesn’t help, either. Not only do they dry skin more than good old soap and water, they are not as effective at killing viruses and bacteria. 


Actually, you don’t even have to use soap, which is undeniably drying, to wash your hands. Products marketed as gentle cleansers for sensitive skins work beautifully; carry a small bottle in your bag and use it instead of those scented soaps in public restrooms.


In fact, stay away from scented soaps, period, since they tend to irritate the skin. As for deodorant soaps, they are absolutely terrible for anybody prone to winter itch – ditch them immediately! Take shorter showers and baths, and try to use a moisturizing body wash or a super-fatted soap. If your skin is very sensitive, you can use the same gentle facial cleanser for hands.


Autumn is also the time to start using a humidifier. Even slight drops in air humidity are reflected in the skin, so start using one now. Don’t wait until the snow is actually piling up outside.


Remember, when it comes to winter itch, it’s very important to be proactive. If you start taking precautions before the cold weather really sets in, you may not even get winter itch at all this year.

Top 10 Foods for Healthy Hair

                            


When it comes to healthy hair, it’s not just what you put on your tresses that count -- it’s what you put in your body, too.
"Lather, rinse, repeat" may be standard advice, but shampoo and conditioner alone won't give you the healthy hair you crave. For the most luxurious locks possible, you'll need to step out of the shower, and into the kitchen.


"Your hair grows about 1/4 to 1/2 inch every month, and the foundation of all of our new hair, skin, and nail growth is the nutrients we eat," says Dawn Jackson Blatner, RD, a Chicago-based dietitian. "If you eat a healthy diet, you will grow stronger and healthier cells throughout your entire body -- inside and out."


If you were born with fine, thin hair, you'll never have rope-thick tresses -- no matter what you eat -- but a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of growth-promoting protein and iron can make a difference, say nutrition and hair experts.And beware of dietary supplements often marketed to thicken hair or make it grow faster. They may backfire.


Even though you can find beauty supplements on the shelves of most stores, try to get the nutrients you need from foods whenever possible. In rare instances, excess supplementation of certain nutrients, such as vitamin A, has been linked to hair loss.


Read on for the 10 top foods that should be the foundation of your healthy hair diet.


Healthy Hair Food No. 1: Salmon


When it comes to foods that pack a beauty punch, it's hard to beat salmon. Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, this high-quality protein source is also filled with vitamin B-12 and iron.
Essential omega-3 fatty acids are needed to support scalp health.A deficiency can result in a dry scalp and thus hair, giving it a dull look.


Vegetarian? Include one or two tablespoons of ground flaxseed in your daily diet for some plant-based omega-3 fats.


Healthy Hair Food No. 2: Dark Green Vegetables


Popeye the Sailor Man didn't eat all that spinach for healthy hair, but he could have. Spinach, like broccoli and Swiss chard, is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which your body needs to produce sebum. The oily substance, secreted by your hair follicles, is the body's natural hair conditioner.


Dark green vegetables also provide iron and calcium.


Healthy Hair Food No. 3: Beans


Beans, beans, they're good for your ... hair?


Yes, it's true. Legumes like kidney beans and lentils should be an important part of your hair-care diet. Not only do they provide plentiful protein to promote hair growth, but ample iron, zinc, and biotin. While rare, biotin deficiencies can result in brittle hair.


Blatner, who is also a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, recommends three or more cups of lentils or beans each week.


Healthy Hair Food No. 4: Nuts


Do you go nuts for thick, shiny hair? You should.
Brazil nuts are one of nature's best sources of selenium, an important mineral for the health of your scalp.


Walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that may help condition your hair. They are also a terrific source of zinc, as are cashews, pecans, and almonds. A zinc deficiency can lead to hair shedding, so make sure nuts are a regular on your healthy hair menu.


Healthy Hair Food No. 5: Poultry


Chickens and turkeys may have feathers, but the high-quality protein they provide will help give you the healthy hair you crave.


Without adequate protein or with low-quality protein, one can experience weak brittle hair, while a profound protein deficiency can result in loss of hair color.


Poultry also provides iron with a high degree of bioavailability, meaning your body can easily reap its benefits. 


Healthy Hair Food No. 6: Eggs


When it comes to healthy hair, it doesn't matter whether you like your eggs scrambled, fried, or over easy. However they're served up, eggs are one of the best protein sources you can find.


They also contain biotin and vitamin B-12, which are important beauty nutrients.


Healthy Hair Food No. 7: Whole Grains


Sink your teeth into hearty whole grains, including whole-wheat bread and fortified whole-grain breakfast cereals, for a hair-healthy dose of zinc, iron, and B vitamins.


A whole-grain snack can also be a great go-to food when your energy is zapped halfway through the afternoon, and you've still got hours to go before dinner.


Healthy Hair Food No. 8: Oysters


Oysters may be better known for their reputation as an aphrodisiac, but they can also lead to healthy hair -- and who doesn't love that?


The key to their love and hair-boosting abilities is zinc -- a powerful antioxidant.


If oysters don't make a regular appearance on your dinner plate, don't despair. In addition to getting it from whole grains and nuts, you can also get zinc from beef and lamb. 


Healthy Hair Food No. 9: Low-Fat Dairy Products


Low-fat dairy products like skim milk and yogurt are great sources of calcium, an important mineral for hair growth. They also contain whey and casein, two high-quality protein sources.


For some healthy hair foods "to-go," try throwing a yogurt or cottage cheese cup in your bag when you head out in the morning to snack on later in the day. You can even boost their hair benefits by stirring in a couple of tablespoons of ground flaxseeds or walnuts for omega-3 fatty acids and zinc.



Healthy Hair Food No. 10: Carrots


Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which promotes a healthy scalp along with good vision.


Since a healthy scalp is essential for a shiny, well-conditioned head of hair, you'd be wise to include carrots in your diet as snacks or toppings on your salad.



The Big Picture: A Balanced Diet for Healthy Hair


When it comes to foods for healthy hair and beauty, variety is the best way to go.An overall balanced diet of lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fatty fish like salmon and low-fat dairy will help keep hair healthy.


If you're tempted to drop pounds fast with the latest fad diet, it could leave you with less-than-healthy hair -- along with a growling stomach. Low-calorie diets are often low in some of the most important nutrients for healthy hair, including omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamin A. In addition to stunting hair growth and leading to dullness, super-low calorie plans may even cause hair loss.


Crash diets can affect the hair cycle.Losing a significant amount of weight in a short amount of time can affect that normal hair rhythm. Two to three months later, you might notice a significant increase in shedding. This is a temporary problem that you recover from with a well-rounded diet.


Source-Webmd

Health Alert-Bacteria on your Cell Phone

 Nasty Bugs Lurking on Your Cell Phone
Study: E. coli Found on Cell Phones the Result of Poor Hand Washing


Oct. 14, 2011 -- The next time you reach for your cell phone, consider this: A new study found that 92% of cell phones in the U.K. have bacteria on them - including E. coli -- because people aren't washing their hands after going to the bathroom.


The E. coli came from fecal bacteria, which can survive on hands and surfaces for hours.
Researchers from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and Queen Mary, University of London looked at cell phones in 12 cities in the U.K.
They took 390 samples from cell phones and hands, which were then analyzed for germs. People were also asked about their hand hygiene.


Phone Filth and Other Facts
The study found:
92% of phones had bacteria on them.
82% of hands had bacteria on them.
16% of hands and 16% of phones had E. coli bacteria, which is found in feces.
However, 95% of people said they washed their hands with soap where possible, which suggests we have a tendency to lie about our hygiene habits.


"We're pretty shocked to find the vast majority of mobile phones -- 92% -- had bacteria all over them. Often large numbers of bacteria,” said hygiene expert Val Curtis, PhD, of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.


"That isn't necessarily something that we should worry about, but what is worrying is that 16% of mobile phones had E. coli on them. E. coli comes from human [and animal] feces,” she says. "That means that people with dirty hands are not washing their hands after using the toilet, for example. Then they're handling their mobile phones.”


It’s not just cell phones that the dirty hands are touching, Curtis says.
"They're also touching other surfaces as well,” she says. “They're spreading fecal bugs on everything they touch really."


Toilet Texting?
Is there a more worrying way the phones are getting contaminated -- by people using them while they're in the bathroom?


"We didn't ask people whether they'd used their phones in the toilet. That might be something that would be interesting to study," Curtis says. "People do tend to use their mobile phones everywhere they go. Perhaps we should discourage their use in the toilet."


So is having unclean hands a modern-day problem linked to our new technology?
"Humans have had infections since before they were human. It's a really ancient problem," she says. "Bugs are evolutionary masters at getting from person to person.”
Anything that you touch can become a source of infection, Curtis says. So hand washing after using the toilet is crucial.


Excuses, Excuses
Curtis says people can be quick to excuse their nasty habits.
"They say that they're in a hurry, they say that the water's too cold. People don't actually feel that their hands have got contaminated.


"Everyone knows they should do it, so it's not education that's the answer. We need to find other ways to remind people that it's disgusting that their hands are dirty and their hands get smelly and foul after the toilet,” she says. "Disgusting people with the state of their hands is probably the most effective way of getting people to wash their hands."


Source :-Webmd

5 reasons to eat Yogurt.

Five Reasons to Eat Yogurt.
Science now affirms our ancestors' ancient belief: Yogurt is a health food.
Here are good reasons to eat yogurt, say experts:


Lose weight:- Michael Zemel, a researcher at the University of Tennessee, found that obese people who added three servings of low-fat yogurt daily to their diets lost 22% more weight and 61% more body fat than did non-yogurt eaters. Zemel mainly credits yogurt's high calcium with melting fat while preserving lean tissue mass.


Ease arthritis:- Yogurt may be an anti-inflammatory and a treatment for arthritis, Israeli research finds. Rats fed yogurt before injections with arthritis-causing chemicals developed no arthritis or only mild symptoms. In arthritic rats, yogurt lessened symptoms, producing a "remarkable ... curative effect," researchers concluded.


Cut risk of colon cancer:- In a French study, people who ate the most yogurt had half as many pre-cancerous colon polyps as those who ate no yogurt. In animals, yogurt blocked the progression of colon cancer, and DNA damage from meat chemicals that can initiate colon cancer.


Fight bacteria:-Yogurt may suppress H. pylori infections, a cause of peptic ulcers, chronic gastritis and possibly stomach cancer, according to new research from Taiwan. After 59 infected people ate a cup of yogurt twice a day for six weeks, bacteria concentrations dropped more than 35% and the severity of infections significantly lessened.


Help your gut:- Anyone with lactose intolerance, constipation, diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease or even food allergies probably could benefit from eating yogurt, concludes a new review of dozens of previous studies. Example: Giving children yogurt may reduce the duration of diarrhea.


Tips for buying yogurt:
Check labels for "live and active cultures."
Buy plain low-fat yogurt and add your own fruit. This saves money and calories.
Try kefir, a fermented "milkshake" with the same expected benefits as yogurt.

THE BENEFITS OF FISH OIL

Fish oil can be obtained from eating fish or by taking supplements. Fish that are especially rich in the beneficial oils known as omega-3 fatty acids include mackerel, tuna, salmon, sturgeon, mullet, bluefish, anchovy, sardines, herring, trout, and menhaden. They provide about 1 gram of omega-3 fatty acids in about 3.5 ounces of fish.


Fish oil supplements are usually made from mackerel, herring, tuna, halibut, salmon, cod liver, whale blubber, or seal blubber. Fish oil supplements often contain small amounts of vitamin E to prevent spoilage. They might also be combined with calcium, iron, or vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, or D.


Fish oil is used for a wide range of conditions. It is most often used for conditions related to the heart and blood system. Some people use fish oil to lower blood pressure or triglyceride levels (fats related to cholesterol). Fish oil has also been tried for preventing heart disease or stroke. The scientific evidence suggests that fish oil really does lower high triglycerides, and it also seems to help prevent heart disease and stroke when taken in the recommended amounts. Ironically, taking too much fish oil can actually increase the risk of stroke.


Fish may have earned its reputation as “brain food” because some people eat fish to help with depression, psychosis, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Alzheimer’s disease, and other thinking disorders.


Some people use fish oil for dry eyes, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a very common condition in older people that can lead to serious sight problems.


Women sometimes take fish oil to prevent painful periods; breast pain; and complications associated with pregnancy such as miscarriage, high blood pressure late in pregnancy, and early delivery.


Fish oil is also used for diabetes, asthma, developmental coordination disorders, movement disorders, dyslexia, obesity, kidney disease, weak bones (osteoporosis), certain diseases related to pain and swelling such as psoriasis, and preventing weight loss caused by some cancerdrugs.


Fish oil is sometimes used after heart transplant surgery to prevent high blood pressure and kidney damage that can be caused by the surgery itself or by drugs used to reduce the chances that the body will reject the new heart. Fish oil is sometimes used after coronary artery bypass surgery. It seems to help keep the blood vessel that has been rerouted from closing up.


When fish oil is obtained by eating fish, the way the fish is prepared seems to make a difference. Eating broiled or baked fish appears to reduce the risk of heart disease, but eating fried fish or fish sandwiches not only cancels out the benefits of fish oil, but may actually increase heart disease risk.


Two of the most important omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish oil are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). See separate listings for EPA and DHA.


How does it work?
A lot of the benefit of fish oil seems to come from the omega-3 fatty acids that it contains. Interestingly, the body does not produce its own omega-3 fatty acids. Nor can the body make omega-3 fatty acids from omega-6 fatty acids, which are common in the Western diet. A lot of research has been done on EPA and DHA, two types of omega-3 acids that are often included in fish oil supplements.


Omega-3 fatty acids reduce pain and swelling. This may explain why fish oil is likely effective for psoriasis and dry eyes. These fatty acids also prevent the blood from clotting easily. this might make fish oil helpful for some heart conditions.

Latest Health News-Cell phone and Cancer Risk

Expert Panel: Cell Phones Might Cause Brain Cancer
'Limited Evidence' Suggests Cell Phones 'Possibly Carcinogenic'
By Daniel J. DeNoon
WebMD Health News


May 31, 2011 -- The expert panel that evaluates cancer risks today said that cell phones might possibly cause brain cancer.


The announcement comes from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Like the World Health Organization, the American Cancer Society relies on IARC for evaluation of cancer risks.


"After reviewing all the evidence available, the IARC working group classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans," panel chairman Jonathan Samet, MD, chair of preventive medicine at the USC Keck School of Medicine, said at a news teleconference. "We reached this conclusion based on a review of human evidence showing increased risk of glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer, in association with wireless phone use."


In finding cell phones to be "possibly carcinogenic," the IARC means that heavy cell phone use might -- or might not -- cause a specific form of brain cancer called glioma. The finding means that research is urgently needed to find out whether cell phones actually cause cancer, and how they might do it.


The IARC estimates that some 5 billion people worldwide have mobile phones. Lifetime exposure to the magnetic fields created by the phones -- particularly when they are held tightly against the head -- rapidly is increasing.


Children are at particular risk, not only because their skulls are thinner but also because their lifetime exposure to cell phones likely will be greater than the exposure of current adults.


Putting Possible Cancer Risk in Perspective


It's important to put the possible risk into context. Kurt Straif, MD, PhD, MPH, head of the IARC Monographs Program, notes that the IARC currently lists some 240 agents as "possibly carcinogenic," including dry cleaning fluid and some commonly used pesticides.


While the IARC doesn't make recommendations to consumers, Straif noted that there are precautions people can take.


"Some of the highest exposures come from using mobile phones for voice calls. If you text, or use hands-free devices, you lower exposure by at least [10-fold]," Straif said at the news conference. "So this is left to consumers to consider whether this level of evidence is enough for them to take such precautions."


Otis W. Brawley, MD, chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society, notes that the IARC is a highly credible group. But Brawley echoes Straif's advice: People who are worried can reduce their risk.


"On the other hand, if someone is of the opinion that the absence of strong scientific evidence on the harms of cell phone use is reassuring, they may take different actions, and it would be hard to criticize that," Brawley says in a news release.


John Walls, vice president for public affairs at CTIA, the trade group representing the wireless communications industry, notes that the IARC findings do not mean cell phones cause cancer -- and that the limited evidence on which the findings are based are far from conclusive.


"Based on previous assessments of the scientific evidence, the Federal Communications Commission has concluded that '[t]here’s no scientific evidence that proves that wireless phone usage can lead to cancer.' The Food and Drug Administration has also stated that '[t]he weight of scientific evidence has not linked cell phones with any health problems,'" Walls notes in a news release.

Healthy Recipe- Steel cut Oats break fast

Ingredients:- 1 cup steel cut Oats, 4 cups of water,Sliced almonds,Honey and cut fruits like strawberries,blueberries,bananas..


  Bring water to a boil.Slowly stir in the steel cut oats.When oatmeal begins to thicken (about 5 minutes) reduce heat.Simmer uncovered,stirring occasionally to desired consistency (about 15-20 minutes).
Serve with Honey,sliced almonds and the fruit of your choice.


You could add dried fruits,raisins, other nuts.
If you want it sweet and more tasty add some brown sugar and milk along with water while you cook the oats.


Steel cut oats are best prepared on stove top,not recommended for Microwave.Steel cut oat are whole oat kernel simply cut into small pieces ,creating an oatmeal with a distinctive chewy texture.It's a hearty healthy way to start your day.

Beauty Tips-Choosing the right Moisturizer

Choosing the Right Moisturizer for Your Skin


It seems easy enough when you jot it down on your to-do list: Buy Moisturizer. But wander the skin care aisles and you quickly learn that the choices can be confounding. There are face creams, body and facial moisturizers, and lotions or ointments for dry, sensitive, light, or dark skin. Add in antiaging ingredients and sunscreens, and it’s even more confusing.


How can you choose the right moisturizer for your skin?
Choosing a moisturizer is easier than you may think,here are some fast,no-nonsense tips.


Skin Moisturizers: Cream, Lotion, or Ointment?


No matter what your skin type, you should use a moisturizer. The thickness of the moisturizer you choose depends on your skin type.


If you've got itchy or dry skin, you'll probably want to lock in moisture with a thick ointment. Creams are thinner, help hydrate, and are good for normal skin. Lotions are the lightest (water is their main ingredient) and are a good match for oily skin.


You should also base the thickness of the moisturizer on when and where you use it on your body. "Choose a light moisturizer for day and a heavier one for nighttime," says Florida dermatologist Andrea Cambio, MD. Or choose a thicker cream for your body and a lightweight moisturizing lotion for your face. You'll also want to stick with lighter, hydrating moisturizers in the summer months.


Choosing a Moisturizer: What to Look For


Use these guidelines to pick the right type of moisturizer for your skin.


1.Sun protection: No matter what skin type you have, just about every dermatologist recommends getting a moisturizer with a sunscreen of at least SPF 15. If you’re getting it for your face, Cambio suggests looking for one that is oil- and fragrance-free and has an SPF of 30.


2.Antioxidants. Moisturizers with antioxidants such as green tea, chamomile, pomegranate, or licorice root extract may help keep any skin type looking fresh and healthy. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals -- molecules that break down skin cells.


3.For oily or acne-prone skin. "I like alpha-hydroxy acids, which are also antiaging," says Chicago dermatologist Carolyn Jacob, MD. If you're prone to acne, you'll also want to look for a non-comedogenic facial moisturizer, which won't clog pours.


4.For dry skin. Aim for a heavier moisturizer and look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and dimethicone, which help keep skin hydrated. Glycerin, propylene glycol, proteins, and urea also help attract water to your skin, while lanolin, mineral oil, and petrolatum lock in moisture.


5.For sensitive skin. Use a hypoallergenic and fragrance-free moisturizer. “In general, choose one that contains less than 10 ingredients," suggests California dermatologist Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD. Fewer ingredients mean fewer potential interactions with fragile skin.


6.For itchy skin. If a hypoallergenic moisturizing cream doesn’t relieve itching, try a 1% hydrocortisone steroid skin cream for one week, but no longer. If this doesn’t resolve the itch, talk to your doctor. You may have a more serious skin problem. 

7.If you have eczema. Use a thick moisturizing ointment containing petrolatum, or simply use petroleum jelly. Either of these will help sooth cracks and keep skin supple.


Choosing a Moisturizer: What to Avoid


More ingredients does not make a better moisturizer. Here are some to avoid.


Colorings and perfumes. Whether you want to moisturize dry skin, sensitive skin, or something in between, most experts suggest avoiding unnecessary and potentially irritating ingredients, like added colors and perfumes. Antibacterial agents can also be unnecessarily harsh, stripping skin of essential oils.


To prevent facial acne. Cambio suggests avoiding facial moisturizers with lanolin, mineral oil, waxes, or shea butter. These “can clog pores and cause acne on the face, and are more appropriate for the body,” she tells WebMD.


For dry or sensitive skin. Avoid alpha-hydroxy acids, glycolic acid, retinoic acid, and salicylic acid. These ingredients may penetrate the skin too deeply and trouble delicate skin. Stay away from products with alcohols as well.


For itchy skin. Limit your use of steroid creams or ointment to one or two weeks only, unless recommended by your doctor. Overusing steroid creams can make skin very thin and lead to other skin problems.


If you have eczema or cracked skin. Stay away from moisturizers that contain urea or lactic acids. Though these ingredients are good for very dry skin, they can aggravate skin irritation.


3 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Skin Moisturizer


To get the best results from whichever body or facial moisturizer you choose, try these tips:


Use more than one moisturizer if you need to. Nobody needs a cabinet full of moisturizing products, but a thin lotion for your face and a thick cream for your body may be just right for your all-over skin care.


Apply your moisturizer while your skin is damp. Smooth on your favorite moisturizer a few minutes after a bath or shower.  Pat your skin dry.


Make your moisturizer do double-duty. Be sure your moisturizer contains a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Want an antiaging boost? The pros recommend vitamin A or alpha-hydroxy acid. Want to even out your skin tone, too? Look for a tinted moisturizer suitable for your complexion.

Health Quote

"I am convinced digestion is the greatest secret to life"
by Sydney Smith

Tips to boost your Digestive Health.

1.Fiber Helps With Constipation.
Fill up your plate with foods like cherries, grapes, crunchy bell peppers, beans, whole grains, and nuts. Fiber-rich foods like these help digestion and keep you regular. Your body needs a recommended 20-35 grams of fiber daily. Fiber can also help keep weight gain, heart disease, blood sugar fluctuations, and hemorrhoids at bay.


2.Chew Gum to Fight Heartburn.
Chewing gum may help relieve reflux and heartburn by stimulating the production of acid-neutralizing saliva. (Since peppermint can irritate heartburn, opt for other flavors.) Skip gum if it causes you to swallow air, which may lead to belching and bloating.


3.Lose Weight to Cut Gas and Heartburn.
Lose just 2 pounds and you could improve gastrointestinal symptoms. Extra pounds, especially around the midsection, can worsen digestive issues like heartburn, gas, and belching. Check with your doctor before starting a weight loss program.


4.Stop Bloat, Heartburn With Small Meals.
A great way to help prevent indigestion, bloating, heartburn, and other digestive health issues is to eat smaller, more frequent meals. And eat them more slowly. This avoids overloading your digestive system and helps shrink your stomach capacity, making you less likely to overeat.


5.Drink to Stop Constipation.
Drinking fluids helps your body get rid of waste and prevent constipation. Fluids can be found in drinks like water and juices, but can also be found in foods. The advice of eight glasses of water a day is no longer considered a goal. Talk to your doctor about how much water is right for you.


6.Get Moving to Beat Bloating.
Exercise may help with most minor digestive problems, from bloating to constipation, say experts. Physical activity helps your body's digestive system move things along and eliminate waste. It also helps reduces stress, a prime irritant of many digestive problems.


7.Try Probiotics for Diarrhea.
Probiotics are living microorganisms often added to yogurts, juices, snacks, and supplements. Research shows they may work -- possibly helping diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). But scientists are still sorting out which probiotics help which conditions and how much you need. Talk to your doctor to learn more.


8.Stress, Ulcers, and Constipation.
Ever have an upset stomach due to nerves? That's because your brain and digestive system are connected. Stress can aggravate digestive problems like IBS and ulcers. Help control digestive health by controlling stress. Try physical activity, getting enough sleep, meditation, or relaxation.


9.Watch Your Diet for a Healthy Gut.
Stay away from foods or limit ones that irritate your digestive problems. Some people have problems with gassy foods like beans and soda or fatty items like fried foods and cheese. For others, acidic foods like citrus, coffee, tea, and tomatoes can spell trouble.



10.Don’t Gulp to Stop Burping and Gas.
Keep air out of your stomach by not swallowing it in the first place. Take your time and eat slowly, being careful not to gulp your food or drinks. Chew each bite thoroughly. Avoid gum and hard candy if they cause you to swallow air.


11.Avoid Salt to Stop Bloating.
Even a little bit of extra sodium in your diet can cause bloating. It can come from your salt shaker or from processed foods like packaged snacks and cereal. Cut back on your salt intake and avoid prepackaged foods when possible.


12.Maybe Dairy Is a Problem.
Some people find that their bodies can't digest lactose, the natural sugar in milk. The result is serious bouts of gas after eating dairy products. Try eliminating milk, cheese, ice cream, and other dairy foods if you have dairy-related gas problems. There are dairy substitutes, such as soy, on the market for people who are lactose intolerant.


13.When Should You See Your Doctor?
Talk to your doctor if digestive problems interfere with your daily life. Seek immediate medical help if you have problems swallowing, have episodes of choking, bloody or black vomit or stool, abdominal pain, or have lost a lot of weight. Digestive distress can point to conditions like food poisoning, gallstones, Crohn's disease, ulcers, Irritable Bowl Syndrome.

Kids Corner-Medicines and Dosing Guidelines

New Dosing Guidelines for Kids’ Liquid Medicines

FDA Takes Steps to Prevent Accidental Overdoses of Liquid Medicine

WebMD Health News

Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD

May 5, 2011 -- In an effort to make sure children take medications in proper doses, the FDA has issued final guidance to companies that make, distribute, and sell liquid over-the-counter drugs that are packaged with droppers, syringes, spoons, and cups.

The FDA says it issued the guidance because of continuing concerns about the potential for accidental overdoses resulting from the use of cups, spoons, or other devices with markings that are confusing, unclear, or inconsistent with directions on labels.

“Accidental medication overdose in young children is an increasingly common but preventable public health problem,” Karen Weiss, MD, program director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research’s Safe Use Initiative, says in a news release.

Tips for Parents

The guidelines offer these tips to parents and caregivers of infants or young children

1.Always read and follow the Drug Facts label on over-the-counter medication.

2.Know the active ingredient in the child’s medication.

3.Give the right medicine in the right amount to the child.

4.Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse to find out which drugs can be given with other drugs -- and which drugs can’t.

5.Know the difference between a teaspoon and a tablespoon.

6.Use the dosing tool that comes with the medication, such as a dropper or dosing cup.

7.Know the weight of the child using the medications.

8.Always use medications with child-resistant caps.

9.Store all medicines in a safe place, out of reach of kids.

10.Check the medicine three times before giving it to a child.

The guidelines describe how clearly marked and easy-to-use dosage delivery devices can minimize the risk of unintentional overdose when children are treated with over-the-counter liquid medication for conditions such as cough, cold, pain, and digestion problems.

Improvements in Dosage Delivery Devices

The FDA says in a news release that the recommendations to companies include:

1.Dosage delivery devices for orally ingested liquid over-the-counter products should be included in all products.

2.Devices should be marked with calibrated units of liquid measurement, such as teaspoon, tablespoon, or milliliter, that are the same as specified in the product directions. The devices should have no unnecessary markings.

3.Manufacturers should make sure that dosage delivery devices are used only with products they are intended to be packaged with.

4.The liquid measure markings on the devices should be clearly visible and not obscured when the liquid product is added to the device.

People who have questions about dosage delivery devices or how to measure medicines should contact a doctor, pharmacist, or other health care professional. The FDA says health professionals and patients should report adverse events, side effects, or product quality problems to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

Food Facts-Healthiest Foods

4.DATES:- 
         Dates are such an amazing source of nutrients,you can't get anywhere else.Well,most of us love sweets,and if we are going to eat sweets,they might as well come in a package that does minimal harm and actually might do some good.Dates are full of sugar,but also full of NUTRIENTS.


 Dates are not a low calorie food ,nor are they a low sugar good.A single large pitted date has a whopping 66 calories,not bad if you eat just one,which unfortunately,almost nobody does.But the same single date has CALCIUM and MAGNESIUM in an almost perfect ratio 1:1 ratio (15mg to 14 mg, 1 1/2 g of FIBER,and more than  160 mg of heart healthy POTASSIUM.There is even a smidgen of VITAMIN A ,plus a trace amounts of a half dozen other vitamins and minerals.You can't say that about a lot of commercial candy bars!!


Dates come in various states of "dryness".The most common of the "semi dry" dates is the Deglet Noor: Six Deglet Noor dates provide a reasonable 140 calories plus a very respectable 4 g of  fiber,a bit of calcium,magnesium and a really nice 327 mg of potassium.The royalty of dates is the Medjool,which most people regard a the best tasting one.


In a comprehensive study published in the Journal of American college of Nutrition,Dr. Harold Miller and his colleagues analyzed the ANTI OXIDANT content of various foods using a method that scores the foods in units called TEs (Trolox Equivalents),and of the dried fruits ,the winner was... DATES! on the TE score dates beat the nearest competitor RAISINS with a score of 6600 ! (Of the fruits red plums had the highest TE score of 2200.Of the berries, black berries won handily with 5500).


WHO SHOULD AVOID EATING DATES?
                     If you have got blood sugar issues,including metabolic syndrome or diabetes,or if you are trying to loose weight and control sugar,you might want to pass on this one.But if you are an athlete looking for natural healthy food to provide sugar and calories or to help replace glycogen after a work out,dates might have a place in your kitchen.Chopped up and mixed with some higher fat ,low sugar food like organic almonds and other nuts,dates make the perfect trail mix for a long hike.


Source:-Healthiest foods on Earth.