Sunday, June 26, 2011

Tattoos Effects Your Skin

A tattoo is a marking made by inserting indelible ink into the dermis layer of the skin to change the pigment. Tattoos on humans are a type of decorative body modification, while tattoos on animals are most commonly used for identification purposes. The first written reference to the word, "tattoo" (or Samoan "Tatau") appears in the journal of Joseph Banks, the naturalist aboard Captain Cook's ship the HMS Endeavour in 1769: "I shall now mention the way they mark themselves indelibly, each of them is so marked by their humor or disposition". Although more and more people these days seem to have tattoos, getting one carries some risks. courtesy:Perry Piekarski, ehow.com







Infection: One of the biggest concerns with a tattoo is the risk of disease or infection. Tattoos are applied using sharp needles and other equipment that injects the ink directly into your skin. If these supplies are unsterile, you run the risk of a serious infection. It's essential that you follow the instructions given to you by your tattoo artist or doctor when caring for the tattooed area in the weeks after getting it. According to WebMD, "The risk of infection is the reason the American Association of Blood Banks requires a one-year wait between getting a tattoo and donating blood."



Allergic Reaction: Although seldom a problem, it's possible for an individual to have an allergic reaction to the ink in their tattoo. WebMD states that "occasionally, people may develop an allergic reaction to tattoos they have had for years." Talk with your doctor if you're concerned about having an allergic reaction to tattoo ink.



Permanence: Tattoos are permanent--well, almost. While it is possible to remove the tattoo medically using laser technology, the process is both incredibly expensive and could take years. WebMD warns that "complete removal without scarring may be impossible." Make sure that your tattoo is something you're willing to live with, because otherwise you're likely stuck with it for life.



Temporary Swelling: In the weeks after getting your tattoo, you can expect the area to swell up and turn slightly red. However, according to DermNet NZ, this "is an expected side effect of the tattooing process" and "disappears within two to three weeks." As mentioned, proper care of the tattooed area is crucial to a healthy recovery.



Saturday, June 25, 2011

Go Green Can Effect Your Health

If you are considering going green, an easy way to start is by adjusting some habits that are directly related to your health. There are numerous simple changes you can make in your everyday routine that impact both your personal health and the health of the environment. These smaller changes require minimal financial investment and very little in the way of effort.courtesy:Danielle Gream, Hillary Marshall - ehow.com







Refrigerator and Pantry: Food that is organic is better for you and the environment. Though it isn't always possible to convert to entirely organic food, there are some foods that are worse than others in both their health and environmental footprint. According to the author of "Your Organic Kitchen," Jesse Ziff Cool, the following foods are the top ten foods you should eat organic; strawberries, bell peppers, spinach, cherries, peaches, Mexican cantaloupe, celery, apples, apricot and green beans.

According to Planet Green, you can also go green by purchasing food that is produced locally. This cuts out the environmental impact of transportation and supports your local economy. They also suggest looking for foods with the "fair trade" label. Not only do fair trade certified foods support green sustainable business practices, they also ensure fair working conditions for those involved in the production of the product.



Health and Beauty: Body products are often the least green things in the home. Soap, shampoo, makeup, lotion, nail polish, sun screen--you name it, most of these supposed health and beauty products are far from healthy for you or the environment. Although cosmetic companies and the FDA claim these products are safe, Planet Green, The Environmental Working Group and The Green Guide suggest that they are likely only safe in small doses. If you are using these products on a daily basis, they could be a potential threat.

To make your health and wellness routine more green, look for products that have decipherable ingredients. Soap does not need to have sulfates in it. Products do not need to use parabens as preserving agents. Synthetic dyes and fragrances are completely unnecessary. Instead, try products scented with essential oils, preserved with vitamin E, made with vegetable-based soap and dyed with natural pigments. According to National Geographic's Green Guide, the following 12 ingredients should be avoided: antibacterial agents like triclosan, coal tar and coal tar dyes like FD&C green 3 and FD&C blue 1, diethanolamine or DEA, 1,4-dioxane or ingredients with the terms "PEG," "-xynol," "ceteareth," "oleth" or "eth," formaldehyde, fragrance, lead and mercury or thimerosol, nanoparticles particularly zinc oxide, parabens, petroleum distillates or liquid paraffin, p-phenylenediamine and hydroquinone. The Environmental Working Group suggests you add the following to the list if you have children: BHA, 2-bromo, 2-nitropropane-1, 3-diol bronopol, DMDM hydantoin, oxybenzone, boric acid, sodium borate, dibutyl phthalate and toluene.



Green Cleaning: Using green cleaning products can have a significant effect on both your health and the health of the environment. Non-green commercial cleaning products use chemicals that are harmful to the environment. These chemicals contaminate our waterways and release VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, into the air. They also tend to be packaged in non-recyclable, non-eco-friendly packing.

The trick to green cleaning is knowing what you are buying. It is difficult to trust product labels in this area because the standards for labeling are loose. The national Geographic Green Guide recommends avoiding certain chemicals, including alkylphenol ethoxylates, ammonia, triclosan and other antibacterial agents, butyl cellosolve, butyl glycol, ethylene glycol monobutyl, chlorine bleach or sodium hypochlorite, diethanolamine or DEA, artificial fragrance, phosphates, sodium hydroxide and sodium lauryl sulfate.

It is also possible to make your own homemade cleaners using common pantry items like vinegar and baking soda. For instance, baking soda can be used to scour surfaces or sprinkled on carpet and vacuumed up to deodorize. You can also make an all-purpose cleaner with 1 cup vinegar and 1 gallon of water.



Reducing Energy Usage: The consumption of fossil fuels is a leading cause of environmental strain and, thereby, adverse affects on our health. Limiting energy usage or using alternative energy reduces pollutants in the air which will help us breathe better and reduce air particles that contribute to heart disease



Changing Transportation Habits: Of course, taking public transportation or riding your bike helps reduce the amount of pollution being released into the environment, but there are other health benefits to changing your transportation styles. Taking in sunlight and nature while pedaling a bicycle improves mental and physical well-being. Being social, which can be done on buses and trains, also plays a vital role in mental health.



Buying Locally Grown Food: Buying organic food grown locally is an excellent way to avoid pesticides and preservatives used in packaged foods. Mass-produced, commercial fruits and vegetables are often harvested before they are ripe and allowed to ripen off the plant may be less nutritional than plant-ripened alternatives. Buying local also reduces the carbon footprint left by food being transported across the country or globe.



Friday, June 24, 2011

Effects of Deodorants on Our Clothes and Us

Do you use deodorants? Of course yes! How often you use? daily? Are you aware of it's side effects? I guess, not most of us are aware of it. So here's some highlight on how it effects us and our favorite cloths.



People have used different methods to control body odor and underarm perspiration for hundreds of years. The first deodorant ever created debuted in 1888 and was extremely difficult to apply neatly. A few years later, another deodorant emerged onto the market containing aluminum chloride, an ingredient still used today. Most deodorants have negative effects on clothes and skin.courtesy:ehow.com







Stains: Deodorant often takes an average of 30 seconds to absorb adequately into your skin. If your deodorant comes into contact with your clothing before it's absorbed into your skin, it can bleed onto your shirts and tops and stain them. Applying too much deodorant makes it more likely to stain clothes. White stick deodorants can create rather stubborn stains that are difficult to remove. Some deodorants can even have a lightening effect on colored fabrics or a yellowing effect on white fabrics.



Skin Discomfort: Sweat is actually odorless, but the bacteria that eat it make it stink. Deodorants make your skin acidic so it can stamp out the foul-smelling bacteria. However, making the skin of your underarms acidic can come at a cost. Very strong deodorants can irritate your skin in a variety of ways: they can make your skin itchy, cause a rash to develop or cause your skin to become excessively dry and flaky.



Decreased Perspiration: The aluminum in deodorants blocks sweat ducts, which prevents emerging sweat from reaching the surface of your skin. Because the underarm sweat is not releasing from the body, toxins build up underneath the skin. This buildup causes toxic deposits to develop in both men and women. According to the National Cancer Institute, aluminum-based substances also cause estrogen buildup, which is a leading cause of breast cancer.



Breast Cancer Risks: Countless studies have been done to determine if the aluminum causes breast cancer in women and men. Results have determined that it is not the aluminum that causes cancer. Toxic buildup and increased estrogen are what lead to a cancer diagnosis, specifically in women and men who shave their underarms frequently. According to the National Cancer Institute, women who began shaving their underarms before the age of 16 received an earlier diagnosis of breast cancer than women who began shaving their underarms at a later age.



Neurological Damage: Aluminum in the body is also linked to the development of neurological disorders. According to Education.com, aluminum in the brain may cause Alzheimer's disease. It is also linked to Lou Gehrig's disease, osteomalacia, anemia, glucose intolerance and Parkinson's disease. Although aluminum is linked to these ailments, it is not confirmed whether or not the aluminum that reaches the brain is absorbed through the use of antiperspirants.



Aluminum Alternatives



Due to the severity of the health concerns that aluminum poses, countless individuals seek alternatives to aluminum deodorants. Natural deodorants use herbs to minimize odors, but most alternatives do not include antiperspirants, so the body's natural sweating ability is not blocked. Popular odor removing ingredients include lavender, sage, mineral salt, ammonium and arrowroot powder.



Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Best Food for the Eyes

Eating certain types of foods, in addition to getting regular eye exams, can enhance and preserve the health of your eyes. Many of the foods considered beneficial to your eyes contain specific vitamins and minerals that can help ward of eye problems and slow the progression of age-related eye diseases. The American Optometric Association recommends several types of foods that can promote eye health.courtesy:wikihow.com







Green Leafy Vegetables: Green leafy vegetables top the list of best foods for the eyes. These vegetables, along with eggs, contain lutein and zeaxanthin, nutrients shown to reduce macular degeneration and cataracts, two age-related eye problems.



Zinc As A Link To Healthy Eyes: Zinc helps in the production of melanin, a protective eye pigment. Zinc is found in dairy products, such as yogurt, as well as meats, whole grains and beans.



Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found most commonly in fish, including salmon, and fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in visual development and retinal function. Best Health Magazine reports that these acids may lower your risk of age-related macular degeneration.



Foods Rich In Vitamin E: To protect eyes from damage caused by free radicals (unstable molecules that can impact healthy tissue), your diet should include foods rich in vitamin E, such as sweet potatoes, nuts (almonds are a good source) and fortified cereals.



Carrots And Eyesight: Fact Or Fiction: Will people--and rabbits--have better eyesight if they eat carrots? It's possible, says Dr. Amy Chow, O.D. Carrots contain beta carotene, which the liver turns into vitamin A that is then absorbed by retinal cells that enable you to see.



Certain Foods:



> Carrot

> Spinach

> Almonds

> Raspberries

> Salmon

> Broccoli



Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Enjoy the Falling Rain

It's raining outside!! Wat to do now? sometimes really tiring but, No! Learn to love the falling rain, which waters our world and should keep our spirits up.







Open the window in rainy weather. Lie down and let the sound of the rain soothe you. If it is bedtime, drift asleep to the sound of the rain.



Keep warm in colder weather. Don't open the window unless it is bearable; instead, cuddle up under your favorite quilt or blankets and listen to the sound of the rain on the roof. Yes, turn the TV off!



Focus on your senses. Watch the raindrops as they create puddles, listen to the different tones, from the white noise of distant rain to the more melodic large drops that hit puddles when running off the roof. Especially breathe deep, taking in the freshness of the air that only a fresh rainfall provides.



Take children out in the rain in their rubber boots and raincoats. Let them splash around in the puddles and rain (Bring your own rubber boots and join in if you want to feel like a kid again). They can take their rubber ducks and bath toys with them, or they can try and spot where the animals have hidden from the rain (birds, squirrels, possums etc., whatever your part of the world has). If you have an ant hill nearby, let them investigate what the ants are doing. Ask them if the ants come into your house earlier to warn you the rain was coming?



Take out some time from work or play to watch the rain falling through your windows. Relax and breathe deeply. Ask others to appreciate the rain with you.



Cook your favorite meal that you associate with rainy days. It'll bring back memories and cheer you up.



Do all those things you said you'd save until a rainy day. Get out the old puzzles and games; finish that long-forgotten sewing or woodwork project; read that novel; dance with your loved one on the living room floor.



Go on an indoor outing like the cinema or a restaurant. Apart from needing to take an umbrella or raincoat, once you're indoors again, you'll forget about the weather and you won't regret wasting sunshine.



Drink hot tea and enjoy the sip with your near and dear ones.



Friday, June 3, 2011

Enjoy a Relaxing Weekend

People always wonder what to do on an utterly boring and dull weekend with nothing to do and no money to spend. Here's a solution to your dreadful problem! courtesy:wikihow.com







Instructions



Eat a nice hot breakfast such as frozen waffles, pop tarts, pancakes, you name it! Along with that, a cup of hot tea or coffee is recommended. Also, orange juice is a great morning drink, because it will give you all the energy you need for the day of relaxation!



Take a long, hot shower or bath to get you up and awake, then either get in a clean pair of pajamas or a comfortable outfit such as sweatpants and a sweatshirt



Get on the computer, watch your favorite show, listen to music, etc.



Eat again then relax and do whatever suits your interests. Some interesting ideas are to meditate, read, do your hair, dress up for fun, whatever your heart desires!



If you're home alone, then let loose and be yourself completely. Do something silly or stupid, scream, release all the week's stress in some just plain dumb ways. You'll feel much better.



If it's raining outside and your parents or whoever agrees, go walk in the rain; or if you dare, dance in the rain! Just have fun.



Get something to look forward to. Think about that long assembly that gets you out of school/office on Monday or your favorite movie being aired on TV.



Increase Eye Power

If you suffer from eye problems, then it may please you to know that there are a variety of ways to strengthen your eyes, improve your vision and prevent age-related vision disorders. The function of our eyes can be damaged through continued strain and overwork, in addition to poor nutrition and environmental conditions. Restoring proper vision takes a long time for some people, but education and action can go a long way to restoring damaged or weak eyes.courtesy:ehow.com







Instructions



Train the ciliary muscles to become stronger and avoid short-sightedness by looking away at distant objects. When sitting down at work or studying, set a timer to go off every 10 minutes. When the timer goes off, take this opportunity to look at something at least 10 feet away from you. After a few minutes, return to work and continue practicing this visual exercise every 10 minutes.



Sit down somewhere comfortable and rest your elbows on either a table or on your knees. Place the cups of your palms over your eyes and while keeping all light out, allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for up to 2 minutes. Slowly remove your hands away from your eyes and give yourself time to adjust to the increase in light. This exercise helps strengthen the eyes and reduces eye strain.



Stop using a night light for reading in bed. Reading in poorly lit conditions causes excessive stress on the eyes. In a study published in the scientific journal "Nature" in 1999, researcher Graham E. Quinn and colleagues found children who read at night were much more at risk for vision problems than those who read in the early morning. Reading should always be performed in well-lit conditions, and children should restrict their reading to before 8 p.m.



Take a supplement to supply the eye with required nutrients. In a study published in 2010, researcher F. Schweigert and colleagues found omega-3 fatty acids and the antioxidants lutein and zeathanthin were effective in supporting eye health and possibly preventing age-related macular degeneration. F. Schweigert, the author of the study, recommends taking these nutrients as supplements to gain clinically significant dosages. Vitamin A, B12 and C also are required for proper functioning of the eyes and can be taken either as a supplement or through the diet.



Take herbal remedies for supporting eye health. According to Kerry Bone, author of "The Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs," herbs that strengthen the eyes and improve vision include gingko, bilberry and eyebright. Bilberry in particular has been shown to increase the microcirculation of the eye and to prevent age-related diseases of the eyes. In a study published in "Advances in Gerontology" in 2005, researcher Anzhela Fursova and colleagues found bilberry was effective in preventing macular degeneration and cataracts in animals.



Be Adventurous

Tired of doing the same old thing? Want to spice things up? There's more to being adventurous than traveling and climbing mountains. The formula for adventure is really quite simple: Novelty + courage = adventure. So what are you waiting for? Read this and embark on your own very memorable adventure! courtesy:wikihow.com







Put a new twist on the same old thing. Come into your house through your window instead of your front door. Take the long road home. Study the kama sutra. Cook an exotic meal. Wear something totally out of character. Go to a movie in your high school prom dress. Learn a new language and whisper sweet nothings into the ear of your loved one, or the hottie at the bar. Whatever it is that you're doing, ask yourself: "How can I do this differently?" Even something as mundane as brushing your teeth can take on a whole new level of fun when you practice a tap dancing routine or belly dance at the same time!



Conquer your fears. You know what they are, and once you overcome them, that'll open the door to a whole new set of adventures. Whether it's heights, public speaking, karaoke, your mother-in-law...face it. Remember that fear is a biological response to worrying about death. If the situation that scares you isn't life-threatening, there isn't any reason to be scared!



Talk to strangers. The best way to find new adventures is through new people. Everybody has different experiences and a different background; every person can teach you something new. Maybe that guy sitting across from you at the coffee shop can show you how to climb a mountain. Maybe the old lady in the library can teach you how to preserve fifty pounds of tomatoes. Maybe the quiet girl at the bar can offer you a place to stay with her cousin in Buenos Aires, or Budapest, or Bolivia. Get over your approach anxiety and start talking to people! Who cares if they brush you off? What's the big deal? It isn't going to kill you, right? (Well....see the Warnings below.)



Try new things. Always be on the lookout for new things to do. Read the local papers, and ask people (now that you're chatting up a storm with strangers) what they're doing in their spare time. Go to a local farm and ask if you can milk a cow. Film a documentary. Take a ballet or salsa dance class. Meditate with Buddhist monks. Whatever it is, approach it with an open mind and a good attitude, and thank people for giving you the opportunity for trying something new.



Get lost! Explore new territory. Once in a while, spend a day off just driving around randomly and seeing what you come across. (If you have a map and aren't too isolated, you should be able to find your way home.) If you have the means to do so, visit another country. Even if you can't travel, you can climb the tree in your backyard--that's new territory, and you'll probably enjoy the view!



Make a bucket list. A bucket list is a list of things you want to do before you "kick the bucket". Surely, you don't want to die having followed the same old routine, day in, day out, do you? So write up that list - complete with goals big and small, like skydiving in Peru, and whistling with a blade of grass - and get to it!



Live in the moment. Adventurers are experts in focusing on the journey rather than the destination. Yes, they usually have a goal in mind, but when you're trying new things, plans always change and your route will, too! You'll need to be resourceful and, more importantly, be a good sport. When things go wrong (which they will, or else you're not pushing far enough outside your comfort zone) don't get moody and distraught; outline your options, pick one, and charge forward with your life. And have fun!



Thursday, June 2, 2011

Grow Taller naturally

Different people of different ages want to be somehow taller in life boys,girls,even adults. Some people are short and want to be taller sometimes to attract the opposite sex. Some kids want to be taller because it gives them and advantage over shorter players in different sports. While there are people that actually said that growing taller will not happen at a certain age, It is said that you can actually grow taller at any age.



With the right exercises, proper nutrition, proper sleep, you can do it. courtesy:ehow.com







Instructions



Get the proper sleep 8 hours at least at night. Sleep without a pillow.



Proper nutrition eat diet rich in fruits, vegetables, proteins.

> Take a multivitamin.

> Drink lots of water.

> Drink milk, eat dairy products.



Run 5 miles a day. Run with 5 pound ankle weights, increase to 10 pounds over time.



Jump rope 400 times a day, the goal is to do 1000-2000 jump rope a day but that will be done throughout time.



Do sit ups with 10 pound medicine ball start out with 50, do 1000 sit ups over time.



Do pull ups start with 15 pull ups a day. Try to make it to 100 pull ups a day over time.

Hang from the bar for 2-4 minutes a day. Make it to 10 minutes over time.



Play more outdoor sports. Swim, Cycle ....