|
Post by The Mayor on Sept 3, 2006 10:34:36 GMT -5
Preparing the Pool for Winter Labor day traditionally is the end of the swim season for many pool owners. Preparing the pool for winter will safeguard it from damage and make for a safe, enjoyable swim season next year. Start by having the water tested to make sure that the pH, total alkalinity and calcium hardness are in balance and suited for your type of pool. Many pool-supply companies will perform these tests at no charge. In cold climates the heater, filter and pump should be drained and the water level in the pool should be brought to about 4 inches below the skimmer. This typically isn't necessary in moderate climates where freezing isn't an issue. Thoroughly brush and vacuum the walls and bottom, and place a cover over the pool. A cover will not only help keep the pool clean, it can also prevent little ones and pets from drowning, as well. Make sure to use a cover approved by the Consumer Products Safety Commission.
|
|
|
Post by The Mayor on Sept 13, 2006 23:49:16 GMT -5
Don't Waist Your Breath Trouble breathing? That spare tire may be to blame. Belly fat is the ringleader in a gang of health woes whose members wreak physical havoc -- we're talking insulin resistance, high blood pressure, bad blood fats, and out-of-whack glucose metabolism. The perfect setup for cardiovascular disease. Now abdominal fat is wanted for another crime -- taking your breath away. Walking and calorie-counting can help, but your leading defense against a bulging belly is resistance training.
|
|
|
Post by The Mayor on Sept 15, 2006 10:05:40 GMT -5
Watch Your Walking What's better than climbing 150 stairs or taking 997 steps? Watching the time. The best way to measure your walking workout is with a watch. The time you take to walk -- at least 30 minutes each day -- is much more important than how many miles, steps, or blocks you've walked. That's because monitoring time is convenient and can be measured anywhere, and you're less likely to under- or overdo it.
|
|
|
Post by The Mayor on Sept 16, 2006 11:27:53 GMT -5
Stuffy nose? Before you head to the drugstore for a high-priced inhaler filled with mysterious chemicals, try chewing on a couple of curiously strong Altoids peppermints. They'll clear up your stuffed nose.
|
|
|
Post by The Mayor on Sept 18, 2006 9:10:02 GMT -5
Tasty Tomatoes Starting with the basics, tomatoes contain large amounts of vitamin C. They also contain vitamin A, potassium, and 7 percent of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of iron for women and 10 percent RDA for men.
The red pigment contained in tomatoes is called lycopene. This compound appears to act as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals that can damage cells in the body. When choosing your tomatoes, be sure to pick those with the most brilliant shades of red. These indicate the highest amounts of beta-carotene and lycopene. Though raw tomatoes are great for you, cooking them releases even more of the benefits. Lycopene is located in the cell wall of the tomato, so by cooking it, this healing compound is more fully released. In addition cooking the tomato in olive oil allows your body to absorb the lycopene better. Tomatoes don't lose any of their nutritional value in high heat processing, making canned tomatoes and tomato sauce both just as viable and beneficial as fresh tomatoes.
|
|
|
Post by The Mayor on Sept 26, 2006 11:05:24 GMT -5
Tropical Application for Ringworm Ringworm manifests in raised pink and scaly, round or oval patches on the body, with a clean space in the middle. It spreads to other areas via the fingernails,due to the itching. In children it is common on the scalp, due to a deficiency of protective fatty acids.
This may cause the hair to fall out in patches. One should not have physical contact with an infected person, or use personal articles such as towels.Slices of raw papaya should be rubbed on the affected areas. A paste from the dried seeds is also beneficial if applied.
|
|
|
Post by The Mayor on Sept 27, 2006 11:52:53 GMT -5
Achy muscles Achy muscles from a bout of the flu? Mix 1 Tablesthingy of horseradish in 1 cup of olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then apply it as a massage oil, for instant relief for aching muscles.
|
|
|
Post by The Mayor on Sept 28, 2006 15:55:49 GMT -5
Think before you Ink Diseases that can be acquired during the tattooing process are hepatitis B and HIV, though both are easily preventable. Professional tattoo shops should have in place a complete medical grade sterilization process that involves the use of an autoclave. An autoclave uses heat and pressure to sterilize surgical equipment of all kinds, and is used to clean the tubes that hold the tattooing needles. The needles are single use only, and should be discarded in a medical waste container. The ink should not be shared, and the work surface should be sterilized in between customers. With these basic practices, plus the blood work safety knowledge of a professional tattoo artist, you can be assured that getting a tattoo will be a clean and safe experience.
In cases where the tattooing is not done by a professional, the sharing of needles without sterilization in between uses can transmit HIV. The reason it’s not easy to transmit through tattooing lies in HIV’s limited survival once airborne.
Hepatitis B is much harder to kill, making it much easier to transmit from one person to another. A basic accidental stick from a contaminated needle can transmit Hepatitis B, so the tattoo artist needs to be careful not to stick themselves with any used needles. Any clean needles that accidentally stick someone should be disposed of properly, the equipment cleaned, and re-set up. Hepatitis B can be also transmitted through cross contamination of ink, dirty equipment, a dirty work area, etc.
There are about twenty other possible diseases that can be passed through a contaminated needle, including syphilis and tuberculosis, though these are more difficult to transmit than Hepatitis B. With proper cleaning and precautions against cross contamination, any disease being spread to the customer is almost impossible. If you have any doubts about the cleanliness and professionalism of your tattoo artist, or if their answers to your questions do not seem adequate, it is better to be safe and take your business elsewhere.
|
|
|
Post by The Mayor on Sept 29, 2006 11:38:26 GMT -5
Cure urinary tract infections with Alka-Seltzer. Just dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. Alka-Seltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly-- even though the product was never been advertised for this use.
|
|
|
Post by The Mayor on Oct 2, 2006 9:59:41 GMT -5
Cayenne Pepper Many herbalists believe that Cayenne is the most useful and valuable herb in the herb kingdom, not only for the entire digestive system, but also for the heart and circulatory system. It acts as a catalyst and increases the effectiveness of other herbs when used with them.
Cayenne is a medicinal and nutritional herb. It is a very high source of Vitamins A and C, has the complete B complexes, and is very rich in organic calcium and potassium, which is one of the reasons it is good for the heart.
Cayenne can rebuild the tissue in the stomach and the peristaltic action in the intestines. It aids elimination and assimilation, and helps the body to create hydrochloric acid, which is so necessary for good digestion and assimilation, especially of proteins. All this becomes very significant when we realize that the digestive system plays the most important role in mental, emotional and physical health, as it is through the digestive system that the brain, glands, muscles and every other part of the body are fed.
Cayenne has been known to stop heart attacks within 30 seconds. If a heart attack should occur, it is suggested that a teasthingy of extract be given every 15 minutes or a teasthingy of Cayenne in a glass of hot water be taken until the crisis has passed.
If a hemorrhage occurs in the lungs, stomach, uterus or nose, it is suggested that a teasthingy of extract (or a teasthingy of cayenne powder in a cup of hot water) be given every 15 minutes until the crisis has passed. The bleeding should stop in 10-30 seconds. The reason for this is that rather than the blood pressure being centralized, it is equalized by the Cayenne, and the clotting action of the blood becomes more rapid. For external bleeding, take cayenne internally and pour cayenne directly on the wound.
Cayenne has the ability to clear the blood of matter and gasses that cause digestive problems and to help people who suffer from cold hands or feet. It alleviates inflammation and can break up the deposits that contribute to the pain of arthritis. It clears sinus congestion, conjunctivitis, and spongy, bleeding gums. Because it also has astringent qualities, it can stop bleeding and prevent swelling. It rejuvenates the entire body when energy is depleted and is such a powerful stimulant that just a few sips of cayenne water or a few grains of cayenne on the lips may help prevent shock or depression in times of physical or emotional trauma.
|
|
|
Post by The Mayor on Oct 4, 2006 9:31:18 GMT -5
Running on Empty The best antidote for an afternoon slump is a cold energy drink, right? Not so fast.
You may be so tired that you could fall asleep right here, right now, on your keyboard. But before you pop open another energy drink, read the list of ingredients on the label. Some so-called "energy" drinks are high in sugar and low in caffeine, a combination that, according to research, could actually have you crashing even harder about 70 to 80 minutes later. A better remedy: a cup of coffee (not decaf) or a 20-minute nap. You'll feel like a new person.
|
|
|
Post by The Mayor on Oct 6, 2006 11:21:44 GMT -5
Smart splinter remover ... Just pour a drop of Elmer's Glue-All over the splinter, let dry, and peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter sticks to the dried glue.
|
|
|
Post by The Mayor on Oct 7, 2006 10:33:28 GMT -5
Hunt's tomato paste boil cure ... Cover the boil with Hunt's tomato paste as a compress. The acids from the tomatoes soothe the pain and bring the boil to a head.
|
|
|
Post by The Mayor on Oct 9, 2006 9:33:30 GMT -5
Personality Trait or Disorder? Is your personality trait idiosyncratic and somewhat endearing? Or is it so destructive that it changes the way you and others around you live?
With all the eccentric personalities in the world, how do you know which behaviors are healthy, and which ones call for professional help? The key is to consider whether the behavior interferes with daily activities. For example, keeping your house clean is good. Scrubbing your sink so often that your kids have to make a reservation to use the bathroom isn't. Knowing about these disorders lets you get in control, so such a disorder will be an annoyance that you can manage (like peeling paint) and not a major life disruption (like a fire that destroys most of your house).
|
|
|
Post by The Mayor on Oct 10, 2006 9:17:25 GMT -5
Guilt Trip When your guilty conscience tells you to do a couple hundred jumping jacks after downing nachos drowned in high-fat cheese and sour cream, maybe you should listen.
Although it won't negate the harm done, that bout of physical activity can act as a form of damage control, according to research. Eating high-fat meals inhibits artery function and reduces blood flow, both of which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. A brisk 45-minute walk or other cardiovascular exercise can help offset the potential artery damage of the meal -- but not all of it. So don't make this guilt trip a habit.
|
|
|
Post by The Mayor on Oct 13, 2006 9:29:01 GMT -5
Size Matters Does plate size really matter when it comes to watching your weight? Or is it a silly trick your stomach probably won't fall for?
As it turns out, in this case, size does matter. Researchers found that when you dish up your meal, you're likely to clean your plate, regardless of serving size. And when you use a large serving sthingy and a large plate or bowl, you're more likely to help yourself to over 50% more food than if you use smaller utensils and dishes. To avoid doubling the self-sabotage, think petite. Petite plates means petite you.
|
|
|
Post by The Mayor on Oct 14, 2006 9:29:24 GMT -5
5 Dont's after a Meal 1.Don't eat fruits immediately - Immediately eating fruits after meals will cause stomach to be bloated with air. Therefore, take fruit 1-2 hr after a meal or 1hr before a meal.
2. Don't drink tea - Because tea leaves contain a high content of acid, this substance will cause the protein content in the food we consume to be hardened thus difficult to digest.
3. Don't loosen your belt - Loosening your belt after a meal will easily cause the intestine to be twisted and blocked.
4. Don't bathe - Bathing will cause the increase of blood flow to the hands, legs & body thus the amount of blood around the stomach will therefore decrease. This will weaken the digestive system in our stomach.
5. Don't sleep immediately - The food we intake will not be able to digest properly. Thus will lead to gastric & infection in our intestine.
|
|
|
Post by The Mayor on Dec 9, 2006 7:44:01 GMT -5
Stressful lifestyle - need to chill out? The herbs kava kava and valerian used in combination can be as effective as tranquillisers, without the possibility of addiction.
Other alternatives you can try are: blue light, lavender scent, relaxing music, yoga, t'ai chi, meditation, and exercise in general.
|
|
|
Post by The Mayor on Dec 11, 2006 13:21:18 GMT -5
Christmas Tree Safety Test Lots of folks wait till late in the season to buy a Christmas tree. For some, it's a matter of finding the time to make the purchase; for others, it's "the longer you wait the better the deal" syndrome; and for still others, it's just a matter of tradition (putting up the tree just before Christmas Day). Whatever your reason for waiting, there are things you should know and do to get the freshest tree possible -- one that'll stay green and safe for many days to come. Stand the tree upright and give it the "scratch, thump and bend" test. First, reach in and scrape the trunk hard. The bark should be moist and green underneath. Then, lift the tree and thump it down hard. If there's a shower of needles, it's too dry. Finally, bend a branch way over. If it snaps, the tree's too dry, and won't last very long. Many trees are cut four to eight weeks before they go on sale and, thus, become a fire hazard. So remember before you buy to "scratch, thump and bend."
|
|
|
Post by The Mayor on Dec 14, 2006 7:40:32 GMT -5
Therapeutic Touch and Related Practices Numerous practices have evolved over the years to promote or maintain the balance of vital energy fields in the body. Examples of these modalities include Therapeutic Touch, healing touch, Reiki, Johrei, vortex healing, and polarity therapy. All these modalities involve movement of the practitioner's hands over the patient's body to become attuned to the condition of the patient, with the idea that by so doing, the practitioner is able to strengthen and reorient the patient's energies.
Many small studies of Therapeutic Touch have suggested its effectiveness in a wide variety of conditions, including wound healing, osteoarthritis, migraine headaches, and anxiety in burn patients. Similarly, Reiki and Johrei practitioners claim that the therapies boost the body's immune system, enhance the body's ability to heal itself, and are beneficial for a wide range of problems, such as stress-related conditions, allergies, heart conditions, high blood pressure, and chronic pain. Overall, these therapies have impressive anecdotal evidence, but none has been proven scientifically to be effective
|
|
|
Post by The Mayor on Dec 15, 2006 11:55:04 GMT -5
Christmas Tree Wrap This week lots of folks will be bringing home Christmas trees, and in a few weeks, many will be taking them down again (right after that nice fresh, green tree has dried out and become brittle). When you move it, needles will start falling off, leaving a trail behind. To remedy this mess, get a disposable plastic drop cloth and cut a small hole in the center. Push the trunk through the hole before putting the tree in the stand. Then set the tree up, as usual. Cut a small slit to add water, when needed, and fold the excess plastic up under the tree skirt. When it’s time to remove the tree, unfold the plastic and bring all four corners up to the treetop. It’s our gift to you -- and that’s a wrap.
|
|
|
Post by The Mayor on Dec 16, 2006 7:37:31 GMT -5
Body Weight Bonus! Whether you're a gym newbie or simply free-weight phobic, get this: Your own body is all you need to build muscle and strengthen bones.
Squats and lunges shape up your legs and butt as you lift your torso, arms, and head with every move. Push-ups, sit-ups, arm lifts, and arm circles strengthen and stabilize the rest of you. Here's a thought to keep you motivated: If you don't do strength-building exercises, you'll lose 5 percent of your muscle every 10 years. And with a no-gym workout, there are no excuses.
|
|
|
Post by The Mayor on Dec 17, 2006 9:04:30 GMT -5
Mighty Good Bacteria What would happen if you regularly ate yogurt and cheese -- and then suddenly stopped? Your immune system could slack off. That's exactly what happened when regular eaters went cold turkey for just 2 weeks, avoiding these and other fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, soy sauce, and kefir. The reason? Foods that are fermented provide your gut with good bacteria, which help buttress immune system function. So have some yogurt or a chunk of cheddar.
|
|
|
Post by The Mayor on Dec 19, 2006 7:28:37 GMT -5
Gift Shopping Dollars and Sense Is your holiday gift shopping in high gear? Are you racking up charges that will linger all year? Here's how to put on the ?brakes? and to avoid some common mistakes. First make a list of who you want to buy for, and what you can afford or want to spend on each. Then, before you quick-draw your credit card, try asking people what they?d like or need. It saves shopping time and guesswork. Often you'll find it's far less expensive than what you would have bought. Also ?creative?gifts are budget-friendly, and usually much appreciated -- like a coupon for three nights of babysitting, a few movie rentals with popcorn or guide books for a trip you know the recipient has booked.
|
|
|
Post by The Mayor on Dec 24, 2006 11:46:44 GMT -5
Did You Know that drinking two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately-- without the unpleasant side effects caused by traditional "pain relievers."
|
|
|
Post by The Mayor on Dec 28, 2006 8:59:41 GMT -5
Where the fat is shows the risk Abdominal fat is a better indicator of the risk to develop heart disease than cholesterol readings, according to recent reports. Until now, the cholesterol reading and BMI (body mass index) have been used to determine a person's risk of cardiovascular disease, but abdominal fat - and the spread thereof, is deemed to be a reliable indicator of possible future problems.
Men with a waist circumference of more than 90cm and women with a waist larger than 80cm should look into their future health with care. Obesity, being a rapidly growing epidemic, must be countered with changes in lifestyle, and even medication, monitored by a doctor where the risk has already been confirmed.
|
|
|
Post by The Mayor on Jan 3, 2007 13:21:46 GMT -5
Giving Is Good for You It's official -- giving is better than receiving. Acts of kindness such as serving meals at a homeless shelter, running to the pharmacy for a sick friend, or lending emotional support to a significant other may help people live longer, a recent study concluded. Do something kind and compassionate for someone else each day and you'll reap health benefits as well.
Taking care of your emotional health and well-being can make your real age up to 16 years younger.
|
|
|
Post by The Mayor on Jan 5, 2007 12:51:59 GMT -5
Honey remedy for skin blemishes ... Cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a Band-Aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile, and speeds healing. Works overnight.
|
|
|
Post by The Mayor on Jan 7, 2007 12:05:50 GMT -5
Listerine therapy for toenail fungus. Get rid of unsightly toenail fungus by soaking your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toenails looking healthy again.
|
|
|
Post by The Mayor on Jan 8, 2007 9:11:38 GMT -5
In Touch Too Much? No question about it: Your cell phone is a convenient way to stay connected. But could you be addicted to it? [size=3Answer the following questions to find out. Are you preoccupied with your cell? Do you continue to use it despite soaring bills? Do you get irritable when you try to cut down on calls? Researchers associate affirmative answers to these questions with addiction-like behavior. A break from your cell may be just what the doctor ordered.[/size][/color][/i]
|
|