Peace Haven

Motor Cars

2011-05-06T11:20:00.009+08:00

Car Manufacturers try to design cars to be as safe as possible, and carry out crash-tests to see if they can improve body design.

The modern car is a highly sophisticated machine, made up of as many as 14000 different parts. Every year, new models are introduced which offer some improvement on the previous ones. They vary from simple 'people-carriers', comfortable family saloons, useful load-carriers or lively sports and even 'talking' cars and so on.

The motor car of today bears little resemblance to the bone-shaking 'horseless carriage' found on the roads at the beginning of the last century. Most cars today are sleek-looking vehicles with a smooth and streamlined, or aerodynamic shape. With good body streamlining, less engine power is wasted in overcoming air resistance, or drag. Designers achieve good streamlining as a result of testing models of their cars in a wind-tunnel, just as aircraft designers do.

Petrol engines power most cars. They are continually being improved to reduce the pollution they cause and to give them better fuel consumption. Early cars were aptly named 'bone-shakers' because they had hard cart springs and rigid axles front and rear. When the wheels hit a bump, the passengers felt the shock. Modern cars, however, have efficient suspension systems that cushion passengers from road shocks. Passengers like baby and children can really ride safely in these modern cars.

Road beside Singapore Expo MRT Station Parked With Cars

The car of today is really so much different nowadays. They are bigger and quieter now. What's more, it is so easily available -- buy new cars, buy second hand cars, or even rent a car or share a car! Motor cars have brought so much convenience to human lives. Not only can it reduce your transportation time, you can also drive the car, visit any places at your own free time. If you cannot afford new car like the new Peugeot RCZ, Top Gear’s Coupe of the Year -- A beautifully balanced car, easy to drive quickly... Never mind about this now, because you can always buy used cars(compro auto usate) at this Italian website, Garage Del Parco. Selling used car? In Italian, this is written: vendita auto usate! So you can learn a bit of Italian here in fact. The translated version of the website is available here -- http://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.garagedelparco.com&sl=it&tl=en. Sell and buy car at http://www.garagedelparco.com has been in business since 1978 with experience and professionalism -- always attentive to the needs and customer satisfaction. Efficiency, competence and thoroughness are their trump cards to continue to offer service and assistance. Click for auto usate milano and you can browse on various used cars with accompanying photographs. The staff photographs and names are all shown at the website. This is definitely a website that is absolutely safe, guaranteed and worthy of trust.

Cannabis

2011-02-12T21:24:00.007+08:00

The above photograph shows cannabis seeds or cannabis sativa. Cannabis is a genus of flowering plants that includes three putative species, Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. The plant is grown for the fibres, used to make ropes; the male plant is said to give finer fibres. The fruits yield hemp-seed oil, used in the manufacture of varnish and soft soap. The seeds make excellent bird feed. The plant is also the source of three types of narcotics. From the dried leaves and flowering shoots of the male and female plants, hashish is produced. Ganja comes from the dried unfertilized female flowers of certain cultivars grown in India and from leafless twigs. The third type of narcotic is charas, the crude resin collected by rubbing the shoots with hands or beating them with a cloth. The active property of these drugs is a resin from the glandular hairs on the various parts of the plant.

In the United States, the dried top of the plant and leaves, known as marihuana or marijuana, are rolled into cigarettes and smoked. All the different narcotics are used as a stimulant, producing a state of euphoria which can lead, at high dosages, to mental confusion with illusions and hallucinations. However, the effect of the drug varies from individual to individual.

This plant has been associated with man for at least 10000 years! According to Indian legend, it was the gift of the gods to mankind, to enable man to achieve courage and heightened sexual desires through it. A Mahayana Buddhist traditions maintains that during the six steps of asceticism leading to his enlightenment, Buddha lived on one cannabis seed a day. It has been in use in various traditional medicines since time immemorial, although its early usage must have been tied up with its euphoric and hallucinogenic properties.

Hemp is the name of the soft, durable fibre that is cultivated from plants of the Cannabis genus. Hemp is thought to have originated in Asia Minor, from where it has spread to many areas in tropical Asia and America as well as many temperate regions. In many countries it is illegal to grow cannabis.

The herb is strong-smelling. In Chinese, it is known as 大麻. Its alternative name is marijuana. In modern times, the drug has been used for recreational, religious or spiritual, and medicinal purposes. The ripen fruit and marijuana seeds can be used for constipation following fever or labour. The seeds can be used as tonic, narcotic and pain killer. It can be used to treat ulcers, wounds, skin eruptions as well as expel intestinal worms. The whole plant can treat indigestion, cancer, ulcers, migraine and rheumatism.

For more information about cannabis seeds or marijuana seeds, do visit Rhino Seeds or cannabis-seeds.co.uk. The website provides details of various seeds information and photographs such as Buddha seeds and Paradise seeds (and much more)!

Light and The Eyes

2009-07-18T20:15:00.013+08:00

Anatomy of the Human Eye

The eyes are organs of light, the more natural, full-spectrum light you give your eyes, the more healthy your eyes and you will be. According to research scientist, sunlight has many surprising health benefits to humans.

Light entering the eyes is utilized by the body in two ways:
1. Light energy travels to the visual cortex, where a picture of the world is created,
2. Light energy travels to the hypothalamus, which sends messages to the pineal and pituitary glands. Together, these organs and glands regulate many functions of our minds and body.

Natural, full-spectrum light from the sun is essential to our health. Be outdoors in natural lighting at least one hour per day. Even indirect sunlight on cloudy days is beneficial. If you are over-sensitive to bright light, do closed-eyelid sunning to rebuild your light tolerance. If you have been indoors for a long time, and then go outside into the bright light, wait a few moments to adapt to the bright light. Sunning with closed eyelids, even for a few seconds, can help you adapt quickly to bright light. If the sunlight is still too bright, wear a hat, not sunglasses. Notice that most professional tennis players, and many other athletes do not wear sunglasses, even when looking into the bright sky. If you feel you must use sunglasses, wear ones that are 'neutral-gray' and with the least tint you can comfortably get by with. If possible, use maximum UV-transmitting sunglasses. Wear sunglasses only if you consider them necessary for certain situations. Worn for short periods of time, sunglasses are not harmful. Do not become addicted to sunglasses.

People who live in a location where there is bright light have naturally adapted to that light. For example, people who live in areas where there is a lot of snow do not need sunglasses on a regular basis -- they have adapted to the brightness of the snow. Due to the speed of modern transportation, people can travel quickly to a new location with very different light. For example, if you live in San Francisco and drive to the mountains to go skiing, suddenly there is bright glare from the snow, to which you are not accustomed. You may want to wear sunglasses for a short time. When returning to San Francisco, do not continue to wear the sunglasses as a habit.

When indoors, use the best full-spectrum lighting possible. Lights that provide continuous mid and near UV light are preferred. Natural vision students who have installed full-spectrum lights have been very happy with them. They really do make a difference to your health.

Glamour is a motivation for some people to wear glasses. Sometimes children, who do not need prescription glasses, want to wear glasses to look fashionable. This fashion will be at the cost of interfering with the visual system and health!

To control night glare for drivers, special eyeglasses, where only the left part of both lenses is tinted dark as in sunglasses, were invented and patented by a number of individuals to provide a useful control of oncoming cars' lights glare. During the day, direct glare from the sun and reflections off the road or off a car's engine hood may be controlled with the aid of sunglasses.

One of the greatest dangers in wearing sunglasses as a habit is that the individual can become addicted to darkness. By not allowing the eyes to experience normal sunlight, a person can become more sensitive to the bright outdoor light. One then becomes dependent upon the dark sunglasses as a necessary crutch. This scenario is quite similar to becoming more dependent upon prescription sunglasses or glasses -- the more you use them, the more you will need to use them.

Born Again

2008-08-01T16:27:00.000+08:00

The Mystery of the Spirit Revealed To a Master in Israel
The Conversation with Nicodemus
Now there was among the Pharisees a man named Nicodemus, who was one of the rulers of the Jews. He visited Jesus at night and said to him,"Rabbi, we are certain that you have come from God as a teacher, because no man would be able to do these signs which you do if God was not with him."

To Be born again from water and The Spirit
Jesus said to him,"Truly, I say to you, unless a man is born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

Nicodemus said,"How can a grown man be born? Can he go back into his mother's womb and be born again?"

Jesus replied," I tell you most solemnly, unless a man is born through water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God: what is born of the flesh is flesh; what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be surprised when I say: You must be born from above. The wind blows wherever it pleases; you hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. That is how it is with all who are born of the Spirit."

"How can that be possible?" asked Nicodemus. "You, a teacher in Israel, and you do not know these things!" replied Jesus.

Jesus, only Son with a child's heart
"I tell you most solemnly, we speak only about what we know and witness only to what we have seen and yet you people reject our evidence. If you do not believe me when I speak about things in this world, how are you going to believe me when I speak to you about heavenly things? No one has gone up to heaven except the one who came down from heaven, the Son of Man who is in heaven; and the Son of Man who is in heaven; and the Son of Man must be lifted up as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him. Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost but may have eternal life.

For God sent his Son into the world not to condemn the world, but so that through him the world might be saved. No one who believes in him will be condemned; but whoever refuses to believe is condemned already, because he has refused to believe in the name of God's only Son. On these grounds is sentence pronounced: that though the light has come into the world, men have shown they prefer darkness to the light because their deeds were evil. And indeed, everybody who does wrong hates the light and avoids it, for fear his actions should be exposed; but the man who lives by the truth comes out into the light, so that it may be plainly seen that what he does is done in God."

My Testimonial

This was my room in Boon Lay. Over here, I had heard 'voices', I had seen 'shadows' in my mother's room, and I had 'conversed' with Jesus. I painted the swans during the moonlight, hang on the wall, just above the cross (luminous cross). On the left is a small frame written "Jesus The Friend", and beside it, my baby photo. On the right side, they were all my collections and gifts. On the bottom of Mary was a Happy Teachers' Day gift from my niece.

Over the years, I was 'discouraged' by love. Born in a family who do not 'act like Christian', and with lots of problems in the family, and heard from families about 'catholics worshiping idols', I began to have second thoughts about Catholicism. Jehovah witness came to me as well. Aunty Mary, who was once a Catholic, removed her name from the church and baptised again as 'Jehovah witness'. I did not 'listen' to her.

I am very glad that today, I have found my truth, and found my true religion and the one true God again. I was reborn, really reborn, of water and spirit. Thank You Jesus. Thank You God.

Promises To Abraham

2008-07-27T16:19:00.000+08:00

The Spirit of the Promise
Disfigured by sin and death, man remains "in the image of God" in the image of the Son, but is deprived 'of the glory of God', of his 'likeness'. The promise made to Abraham inaugurates the economy of salvation, at the culmination of which the Son himself will assume that 'image' and restore it in the Father's 'likeness' by giving it again its Glory, the Spirit who is 'the giver of life'.

Against all human hope, God promises descendants to Abraham, as the fruit of faith and of the power of the Holy Spirit. In Abraham's progeny all the nations of the earth will be blessed. This progeny will be Christ himself, in whom the outpouring of the Holy Spirit will 'gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad'. God commits himself by his own solemn oath to giving his beloved Son and 'the promised Holy Spirit... who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it.

The remote preparation for this gathering to gather together of the People of God begins when he calls Abraham and promises that he will become the father of a great people. Its immediate preparation begins with Israel’s election as the People of God. By this election, Israel is to be the sign of the future gathering of all nations. But the prophets accuse Israel of breaking the covenant and behaving like a prostitute. They announce a new and eternal covenant. “Christ instituted this New Covenant”.

Baptism in The Economy of Salvation
Baptism is prefigured in the crossing of the Jordan River by which the People of God received the gift of the land promised to Abraham's descendants, an image of eternal life. The promise of this blessed inheritance is fulfilled in the New Covenant.

Our Vocation To Beatitude
The Beatitudes are at the heart of Jesus' preaching. They take up the promises made to the chosen people since Abraham. The Beatitudes fulfill the promises by ordering them no longer merely to the possession of a territory, but to the Kingdom of heaven.

In the promise to Abraham and the oath that accompanied it, God commits himself but without disclosing his name. He begins to reveal it to Moses and makes it known clearly before the eyes of the whole people when he saves them from the Egyptians:"he has triumphed gloriously". From the covenant of Sinai onwards, this people is 'his own' and it is to be a 'holy (or consecrated: the same word is used for both in Hebrew) nation", because the name of God dwells in it.

Fulfillment of The Promises
The Good News: God Has sent his Son
"But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons." This is "the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God", God has visited his people. He has fulfilled the promise he made to Abraham and his descendants. He acted far beyond all expectation -- he has sent his own "Beloved Son".

The Beatitudes teach us the final end to which God calls us: the Kingdom, the vision of God, participation in the divine nature, eternal life, filiation, rest in God.

The Prayer of Virgin Mary
That is why the Canticle of Mary, the Magnificat(Latin) or Megalynei(Byzantine) is the song both of the Mother of God and of the Church; the song of the Daughter of Zion and of the new People of God; the song of thanksgiving for the fullness of graces poured out in the economy of salvation and the song of the 'poor' whose hope is met by the fulfillment of the promises made to our ancestors, "to Abraham and to his posterity forever."

Source: Catechism of The Catholic Church

Hope of Abraham

2008-07-26T15:44:00.000+08:00

Hope
Christian hope takes up and fulfills the hope of the chosen people which has its origin and model in the hope of Abraham, who was blessed abundantly by the promises of God fulfilled in Isaac, and who was purified by the test of the sacrifice. "Hoping against hope, he believed, and thus became the father of many nations."

The church and non-Christians
The church's relationship with the Muslims -- "The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind's judge on the last day."

Prayer of Abraham - God's promise and the prayer of Faith
When God calls him, Abraham goes forth 'as the Lord had told him'; Abraham's heart is entirely submissive to the Word and so he obeys. Such attentiveness of the heart, whose decisions are made according to God's will, is essential to prayer, while the words used count only in relation to it. Abraham's prayer is expressed first by deeds: a man of silence, he constructs an altar to the Lord at each stage of his journey. Only later does Abraham's first prayer in words appear: a veiled complaint reminding God of his promises which seem unfulfilled. Thus one aspect of the drama of prayer appears from the beginning: the test of faith in the fidelity of God.

Because Abraham believed in God and walked in his presence and in covenant with him, the patriach is ready to welcome a mysterious Guest into his tent. Abraham's remarkable hospitality at Mamre foreshadows the annunciation of the true Son of the promise. After that, once God had confided his plan, Abraham's heart is attuned to his Lord's compassion for men and he dares to intercede for them with bold confidence.

As a final stage in the purification of his faith, Abraham, "who had received the promises", is asked to sacrifice the son God had given him. Abraham's faith does not weaken ("God himself will provide the lamb for a burnt offering"), for he "considered that God was able to raise men even from the dead". And so the father of believers is conformed to the likeness of the Father who will not spare his own Son but will deliver him up for us all. Prayer restores man to God's likeness and enables him to share in the power of God's love that saves the multitude.

God renews his promise to Jacob, the ancestor of the twelve tribes of Israel. Before confronting his elder brother Esau, Jacob wrestles all night with a mysterious figure who refuses to reveal his name, but who blesses him before leaving him at dawn. From this account, the spiritual tradition of the Church has retained the symbol of prayer as a battle of faith and as the triumph of perseverance.

The prayer of Abraham and Jacob is presented as a battle of faith marked by trust in God's faithfulness and by certitude in the victory promised to perseverance.

Prayer of Intercession
Since Abraham, intercession -- asking on behalf of another -- has been characteristic of a heart attuned to God's mercy. In the age of the Church, Christian intercession participates in Christ's, as an expression of the communion of saints. In intercession, he who prays looks 'not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others," even to the point of praying for those who do him harm.

Source: Catechism of The Catholic Church

Faith of Abraham

2008-07-25T15:42:00.000+08:00

The Obedience of Faith
To obey (from Latin ob-audire, to 'hear or listen to') in faith is to submit freely to the word that has been heard, because its truth is guaranteed by God, who is Truth itself. Abraham is the model of such obedience offered us by Sacred Scripture. The Virgin Mary is its most perfect embodiment.

Abraham -- 'father of all who believe'
The Letter to the Hebrews, in its great eulogy of the faith of Israel's ancestors, lays special emphasis on Abraham's faith:"By Faith, Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place which he was to receive as an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was to go." By faith, he lived as a stranger and pilgrim in the promised land. By faith, Sarah was given to conceive the son of the promise. And by faith Abraham offered his only son in sacrifice.

Abraham thus fulfills the definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1:"Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" : "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness." Because he was "strong in his faith", Abraham became the "father of all who believe".

The Old Testament is rich in witnesses to this faith. The Letter to the Hebrews proclaims its eulogy of the exemplary faith of the ancestors who 'received divine approval'. Yet "God had foreseen something better for us": The grace of believing in his Son Jesus,"the pioneer and perfecter of our faith".

Faith -- The Beginning of eternal life
It is then we must turn to the witnesses of faith: to Abraham, who 'in hope... believed against hope'; to the Virgin Mary, who, in "her pilgrimage of faith," walked into the "night of faith" in sharing the darkness of her son's suffering and death; and to so many others: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith."

The Paschal Mystery In The age of the Church: The Liturgy - work of the Holy Trinity; The Father - Source and Goal of The Liturgy
From the very beginning God blessed all living beings, especially man and woman. The covenant with Noah and with all living things renewed this blessing of fruitfulness despite man's sin which had bought a curse on the ground. But with Abraham, the divine blessing entered into human history which was moving toward death, to redirect it toward life, toward its source. By the faith of 'the father of all believers', who embraced the blessing, the history of salvation is inaugurated.

Source: Catechism of The Catholic Church

God Chooses Abraham

2008-07-24T15:19:00.000+08:00

God Chooses Abraham
In order to gather together humanity God calls Abram from his country, his kindred, and his father's house, and makes him Abraham, that is,"the father of a multitude of nations". "In you all the nations of the earth shall be blessed".

The people descended from Abraham would be the trustees of the promise made to the patriarchs, the chosen people, called to prepare for that day when God would gather all his children into the unity of the Church. They would be the root onto which the Gentiles would be grafted, once they came to believe.

The patriarchs, prophets, and certain other Old Testament figures have been and always will be honoured as saints in all the Church's liturgical traditions.

Christ Jesus - "Mediator and Fullness of All Revelation"
God chose Abraham and made a covenant with him and his descendants. By the covenant God formed his people and revealed his law to them through Moses. Through the prophets, he prepared them to accept the salvation destined for all humanity.

The Church - Prepared for in Old Covenant
The gathering together of the People of God began at the moment when sin destroyed the communion of men with God, and that of men among themselves. The gathering together of the Church is, as it were, God's reaction to the chaos provoked by sin. This re-unification is achieved secretly in the heart of all people:"In every nation everyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable" to God.

The remote preparation for this gathering to gather together of the People of God begins when he calls Abraham and promises that he will become the father of a great people. Its immediate preparation begins with Israel's election as the People of God. By this election, Israel is to be the sign of the future gathering of all nations. But the prophets accuse Israel of breaking the covenant and behaving like a prostitute. They announce a new and eternal covenant. "Christ instituted this New Covenant".

Source: Catechism of The Catholic Church

Dream of Abraham
Noah and the Ark
Noah and the Great Flood
Noah Ark on Mount Ararat
The Tower of Babel
God’s Promise To Abram
Abram And Lot
Abram’s Vision
Abraham Is Named
The Three Angels

Abraham and Issac

God Of All Creation

2008-07-23T18:20:00.000+08:00

Abraham which means "Father of the nations" is the ancestor of the people of Israel. God wants men to know Him and discover the immensity of His love and fidelity. He chose Abram, a man already mature and without child. He promised Abram that he would make of him a great people. This people's task would be to share with all the families on earth the joy and happiness of knowing God. God later changed the names of Abram and Sarai to mark the fact that He was entrusting them with a responsibility which would alter their lives. They would found a new people for God.

Everything happened concurrently, as always, the timing is very accurate. I really cannot remember the rest of the dream, but just the last part and the 'message'. In the dream, the sky was very dark, like dawn (not too dark and not too early). A man covering the head, and wearing long robe like the picture below (the one with beard, Abraham). It was Abraham, the 'message', the person I dreamed of, and the 'message' as well in the dream... asking me to pass down the religion.

The building was a short one, perhaps two storeys. It was an open space, the building white, and the man wearing all white also, the back facing me. I did not see the face at all. The posture was very similar to the picture above, except for the head. The one below would fit more to what I had dreamed.

Dream of Abraham
Noah and the Ark Noah and the Great Flood
Noah Ark on Mount Ararat
The Tower of Babel
God's Promise To Abram
Abram And Lot
Abram's Vision
Abraham Is Named
The Three Angels
Abraham And Isaac

7.21am, Woodlands: This was before the rain started...

Father of All Nation
The weather changes so fast. When we were all awoke, the children going to school, there were strong wind. The clouds were so grey. I love this kind of weather. It was so cooling.

I read up on Abraham and I found my dream having 'resemblance' to the old testament. The spiral building I was climbing was like the Tower of Babel. In this society, everybody wants power, just like in olden days. They have no regard for the true God, but seek false god and worship idols...

Blessing From Heaven

2008-07-19T14:25:00.001+08:00

Words can be difficult to understand....
One word but different meaning.....
More words more meaning.... all so complicated....

Words form the language, and there are both English and Mother Tongue. At home, we don't even speak English or chinese. We don't learn Teochew in school. What are the meaning of certain words even though they are explained in the dictionary? You never experienced, you perhaps never know.... If you are gifted with 'tongues' then you are lucky, but I am not 'gifted with sweet tongues'...

These are only some of their flowers along their corridors.

Meaning of "Holy Communion"
As usual, as like last year, before the Holy Communion, the children needs to have group discussion. There are four session. I missed the first session. Last night, Clara and I attended the second session, which was our first time at this family's house, this model christian, Model Catholic Family.

"Olive Flower"
Even the plants know, the plants felt their love, their plants rejoice their love... They put their own 'self-supplied' orchids at their altar. The orchid is the magenta 'olive flower' (pronounced in teochew... my mother taught me....lots of memories about this orchid.)

Meaning of "Bless"
The whole corridor was placed with plants. Walking along the plants, you reach the house. Outside the house, there are a picture of Mary and a cross hang outside their house. On top of their unit number is the words "Bless this house O Lord".

Just beside this picture is the cross of Jesus on the right.
Sweet & Gentle Lady
Immaculate Mother of God, we choose thee this day as the Mistress and Lady of this house. Guard it, dear Mother, from pestilence, fire, lightning and tempest, from schisms and heresies and from the malice of enemies. Protect its inmates, sweet Mary, watch over their going out and their coming in and preserve them from sudden death. Keep from us all sin and harm and pray to God for us that we may live in His Service and depart this life In His Grace. Amen.

Model Catholic Family
The family is indeed BLESSED. This is a happy family, a model catholic family. I feel 'uncomfortable', they are such 'holy' people, really holy people. They asked for the meaning of holy in each and every one of the children. As for me, I think Holiness is devotion to God, a life committed to God, thinking of God, doing the will of God, everything for God -- raising up the children according to God's standard. Sins or no sins I don't know. I have yet to encounter someone who has no sins yet, especially the people around me, and those always heard in the news -- EVEN the Ren Ci monk, can you imagine a monk who 'acted' to raise funds, but in the end, it was all really 'for show'....

Meaning of Christian
But I believed this family is really blessed. The house is neat, clean, and they showed love and respect for each other. There are pride in their work, there are good communication in the family. The husband is not the 'uncaring' and 'not be bothered' type of people. The wife led the group and the husband was happy to entertain the guests. They are such wonderful people, even I am touched by their hospitality.

They always like to hug people. At church, at their house, they bid farewell with a hug and then said,"May God Bless you". Hm.... tell you, I am not used to this kind of hugging. I don't know how to hug also. I am always like a piece of wood, my mother also said before. And that is me, always so 'motionless', but lots of things 'happening' inside me... But they are so good, so natural at hugging people. It is just them, in them, and they spread the energy around. I cannot imagine I am like that, it is going to be so unnatural....

After leaving the house, my mind was full of thoughts. They are really really Christian, real christian, real Catholic. That was what I told Clara. Yet, I am so touched.... tears filled my eyes as I typed now..... because I want to show you how such things really changed us and really touched, merely WORDS alone -- Words can heal and words can hurt....

Mimicry: Infant Jesus

2008-07-18T18:38:00.000+08:00

Once bitten twice shy...

I was walking around Garden of Unity, looking at flowers and taking photographs of anything unusual or beautiful. I came to this 'cancer leaves' here. Standing in front of it, I sensed some leaves moved beside it....

This plant is what my mother called it 'Cancer leaves' and it is a very useful plant in treating cancer...

I shifted my eyes' view and I saw this reptile on the plant. The stem of the plant is very soft -- that explains why the plant 'swing' downwards when the reptile jumped onto it; and my eyes caught the 'movement' at the side of my eyes.

'The serpent' on the branch...

Just taken a picture of the 'serpent' and I was getting scared.... "Is it going to be bad?" That was what I thought. It looked so scary. I regretted taking the photo later.

Sacred Numbers
Anyway, I moved on. I was heading to look for the children and Richard. Passing by Blk 819, I noticed my favourite plants again. I love the rows of plants along this block of flat. The plants that captivated me always was the white flowers of this house. Never know this family before. But on this day, I discovered even more...

Gardenia jasminoides J. Ellis (also G. augusta (L.) Merr.; common names: Common Gardenia, Cape Jasmine or Cape Jessamine; Kuchinashi (Japanese) and Zhi zi (Chinese 梔子)), fragrant flower growing in Vietnam, Southern China, Taiwan and Japan.

Divine Mercy -- Image, Icon, Idols...
This had been the plant I had always been looking for. It was in between the other two plants, very similar species. I was so captivated by it. I walked round this plant. While walking round, I saw for the FIRST TIME, and to my very very very SURPRISE and shocked, the picture of Divine Mercy hanging on the wall of this family. This Indian family (an old lady happened to walk to the window and saw me, and that is how I know it is an Indian family).

Holy Mary, Mother of God
Their altar was placed near the window. This is such a 'holy' family. On their main door was placed the picture of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, and on their altar, various statues, including Infant Jesus and Sister Faustina, and some others.

Reflections, reflections
An old man (the neighbour of this family) chatted with me. On my right was some people discussing about sale of the house/rental. When I was about to leave, the grandchild of the old man asked about me. The old man answered her, but later, she came to me and asked,"Whose mother are you?" She asked in Chinese. I don't know how to answer her. She don't even know me and I don't even know her. She don't even know my children, and how am I suppose to answer her question.

At The Playground
Some Hard to Crack Decision..... (discuss later) ... this was perhaps and really the sighting of the 'serpent' and was called "Temptation".

Mimicry: The 'Infant Jesus' "nailed on the cross", shedding blood...... the spirit returned....

"Bad karma" as what Richard said or was it coincidence or what? But I tell you, it is all seemed planned, and happened step by step.... I feel scared, scared to make mistakes. Conscience.... I don't know how to put it, still deciphering.... Had I done the right thing......

Wrinkles

2007-10-17T11:33:00.000+08:00

Wrinkles occur because as women age, their skin tends to become drier and less elastic. Wrinkles may be a natural part of this aging process, but that does not mean that most women are happy about them. Face lifts, dermabrasion, and chemical peels are options available to some women for eliminating sagging skin, deep frown lines, and pitted scars. In addition, a series of collagen injections can sometimes "plump up" the surface skin, thus erasing superficial wrinkles for several months or so. Beyond these rather drastic measures, however, not much could be done about wrinkles until recently, despite millions of dollars spent in pursuit of ageless skin.

A few years ago researchers reported a drug's seemingly too-good-to-be-true ability to accomplish what phony wrinkle creams had been promising to do for years: genuinely eliminate wrinkles! This miracle drug was Retin A and had been prescribed for years as a treatment for acne.

How does Retin-A work?
Retin-A appears to plump up and smooth out fine lines by actually rebuilding the damaged outer layer of skin. It reverses sun damage by speeding up skin cell renewal, stimulating blood vessel growth, and restoring the skin's ability to produce collagen, a fibrous protein that gives support and elasticity to normal skin.

To prevent skin irritation, Retin-A needs to be started at low doses, which can be increased gradually. Treated areas should be covered with a sunscreen.

Risks and Complications
Retin-A is not a miracle cure for wrinkles. It takes 6 weeks of regular use before wrinkles start to disappear, and once that drug is stopped, the lines tend to return.

Body image is a person's inner perception of her own physical being. This image may or may not correspond to objective reality. It is perfectly possible -- and quite common, for women within normal weight ranges to perceive themselves as grossly obese; this is a particularly severe problem in women who have anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. It is quite possible for women who have unexceptional features to believe that their noses are too big or their lips too thin. Study after study indicates that women tend to be dissatisfied with their looks, rating themselves as too ugly, too plain, too old, too pimply, too fat, too hairy, too tall and so on. By contrast, men in general tend to be much more satisfied with their bodies, even when objective measurements indicate they might not meet certain standards of perfection.

It is often said that women are much more sensitive than men to certain aspects of their physical selves, perhaps because their daily lives are touched by bodily functions such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy and childbirth, not to mention the natural functions of children and other people in their care. Whatever the explanation, it is undeniable that in women, a poor body image can become an obsession so strong that it takes precedence over all other aspects of life. A poor body image is not merely a problem of women who are concerned about their sexual attractiveness but seems to be closely tied to women's overall sense of self-esteem and well-being.

A chronic dissatisfaction with physical appearance can be related to all sorts of health problems in women. Women with a negative body image are prone to develop anorexia, bulimia or obesity, for example. In addition, many women who are unhappy with their physical selves often experience sexual dysfunction, since sexual arousal depends to a large extent on feeling attractive and desirable. Finally, a number of the products and services women purchase to improve or alter their appearance -- from shoes to cosmetics to liposuction -- can lead to physical problems in their own right.

Finger Nails And Your Health

2007-10-16T13:00:00.000+08:00

Nails that are discolored, ridged, split, thickened, or misshapen may reflect improper hygiene and diet -- or may simply be variants of normal nails. Occasionally, however, they can also serve as important clues to serious disease elsewhere in your body.

Pale nails, for example, may be an early sign of anemia. If the anemia is severe enough, the nails eventually become brittle, and their surfaces may become flat or concave like a spoon. They often also develop longitudinal ridges. Bluish nails(cyanosis), by contrast, can signal exposure to a toix chemical such as excess copper or silver. If accompanied by shortness of breath and coughing, they can also indicate some degree of heart failure or a chronic lung disorder. Opaque, whitish nails may be a sigh of liver disease, particularly chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis, while a whitish colour at the base of the nail may signal chronic kidney disease. If the whitish half-moon that is normally present at the base of the nail becomes faded, there may be a problem with the pituitary gland.

Nails that develop horizontal lines and ridges may reflect exposure to some toxic chemical or poison, or a recent serious illness or surgery. Nails may split or become deformed when arthritis inflames the finger joints. Brittle nails that separate easily from the nail bed sometimes suggest an underactive thyroid gland. But if the nails are concave in addition to being brittle and loose, the problem may turn out to be an overactive thyroid gland.

If the only problem is a separation of the trimmed end of the nail from the underlying skin, the problem may be psoriasis, a condition in which silvery white scales cover parts of the skin, or a fungal infection. If bacteria enter this space, the nail may appear black or greenish. In any case, a dermathologist or other physician should usually be consulted, since the trimmed end of the nail may separate from the underlying skin in a variety of other conditions as well, including vitamin deficiency or clogging of the arteries with plague.

Clubbed fingernails, which are extremely rounded like the back of a spoon and, when viewed from the side, run into the skin in a straight line, may occur in many different diseases. These include congenital heart disease, lung cancer, long-standing infections, abscesses, chronic heart and lung disorders, and tuberculosis.

A woman who notices a painless "splinter" under her nail should consult a clinician right away, since this may actually be a small hemorrhage characteristic of bacterial endocarditis. This infection of the membrane that covers the interior of the heart is particularly likely in women with mitral valve prolapse, heart murmurs, or other defects of the heart valves. Splinter-like hemorrhages under the nails can also be due to trichinosis, an infection that can result form eating raw or undercooked pork, as well as from lupus and dermatoyositis.

Finally, chewed and bitten nails can be a sign of excessive emotional stress -- particularly when nails are gnawed to the point of bleeding -- though nail biting is sometimes nothing more than a disfiguring habit!

Minerals

2007-10-05T08:50:00.000+08:00

At least 20 different minerals are known to play a role in controlling the metabolism or maintaining the function of specific body tissues. Some minerals, like magnesium, potassium, calcium, and sodium, are needed in fairly large amounts. Others, like iron, zinc, copper, selenium, fluoride, and iodine are only needed in tiny quantities, but are still required for numerous chemical processes in the body. A balanced diet usually supplies all the necessary minerals, but deficiencies of iron, calcium, and iodine are not uncommon and supplements are often included in staple food like bread and flour.

Some examples of Minerals are:

1. Sodium
Sodium is needed by the body to control the body's water balance, maintains normal heart rhythm and to help in the generation of nerve impulses and muscle contraction. Almost all food contain sodium. Apart from table salt, which is added for flavour, the main dietary sources are processed food, smoked or cured meats and fish, snack food, pickles, bread, cereals, cheese, and water treated with a water-softener.

2. Calcium
Calcium forms and maintains teeth and bones. It controls transmission of nerve impulses and help efficiency of muscle contraction. It also helps in blood clotting. Sources of calcium in the diet include milk, both whole and skimmed, dairy products, green leafy vegetables, dried peas, beans, nuts, citrus fruit, fish with edible bones such as sardines and tinned salmon and hard water.

3. Potassium
Potassium controls body's water balance, maintains normal heart rhythm and helps in the generation of nerve impulses and muscle contraction. The main sources of potassium in the diet are bread and whole grain cereals, green leafy vegetables, pulses and beans, meat, milk and fruit, particularly bananas and oranges.

4. Iron
Iron is found in meat, fish, liver, egg yolks, bread, some green leafy vegetables, cereals, nuts and beans. Iron helps form haemoglobin and myoglobin that, respectively, carry oxygen in the red blood cells and inside muscle cells. Iron aids production of enzymes which stimulate metabolism. Deficiency may occur in children on a poor diet and some women.

5. Fluoride
Fish provides a rich source of fluoride. This mineral is also found in tea, coffee, and soya beans. Drinking water also may contain a naturally high level of fluoride. The function of fluoride is to help strengthen bones. Fluoride hardens tooth enamel which helps prevent dental decay.

6. Zinc
Tiny amounts of zinc are found in many different food. The main dietary sources are lean meats, fish, and other sea food such as oysters. It is also found in beans, whole grain cereals, eggs, nuts and wholemeal bread. Zinc assists wound healing. It maintains skin and hair and enables growth and sexual development to occur naturally. Lastly, it helps to control the activities of many different enzymes.

7. Selenium
Selenium protects cells against damage from oxidizing substances found in the blood. It may reduce the risk of developing some cancers and also help to preserve the elasticity of the body tissue. The main sources of this mineral are meat, fish, shellfish, whole grain cereals, and dairy products. The amount of selenium provided by any particular vegetable varies according to the selenium content of the soil it was grown in.

8. Copper
Copper controls enzyme activity that stimulates the formation of connective tissues and pigments which protect the skin. Copper also assists in the production of haemoglobin from iron. The minute quantities of copper required by the body are found in liver, shellfish, peas, nuts, dried beans, mushrooms, grapes, whole grain cereals, and bread.

9. Iodine
Iodine assists in the formation of thyroid hormones that control development and growth, and also the production of energy inside the body's cells. The best sources of iodine are salt-water fish and shellfish. Levels in other food depend entirely on the iodine in the soil or in animal feeds. Iodine may be added to salt and bread in areas where the soil is deficient.

10. Magnesium
Magnesium-rich food include nuts, soya beans, milk, fish, green vegetables, whole green cereals, bread and hard water. The function of magnesium is to form and maintains healthy teeth and bones. Magnesium controls transmission of nerve impulses and contraction of muscles. It activates energy-producing chemical reactions inside cells. Magnesium supplement can be purchased at Magonate.com.

Relationship Matters

2007-08-23T21:43:00.000+08:00

What is most important to a woman? I am a woman. My mother, my sister and my niece are all women. What is the thing which make them happy? The answer is a loving husband, a partner whom is truthful to them and hides no secret. It is a happy relationship between themselves and their love ones. Woman wants their boyfriend and husband to be devoted to them and to be faithful to them.

Relationships are important to women. Women are willing to sacrifice anything for their boyfriends or husbands. However, many men cannot understand their women. Men and women have different ways of thinking and different ways of viewing things. Every relationship is bound to be rocky and full of obstacles. However, many men are cannot succumb to temptations in life. Many men have extramarital affairs and many boyfriends cheated their girlfriends. This also happen to women. Some women are unfaithful to their husbands and there are unfaithful women who betrayed their boyfriends as well.

Where there are problems in relationship, no one can have peace. When there are problems in relationships, there are always signs and women have sixth sense or intuition that 'warn' them that their men are cheating. This applies for the men who have cheating women as well. To these men and women, they can only suspect and guess and continue to 'monitor' their spouse. Everyday, when their spouse reach home late, or they behaved suspiciously, they have lots of questions on their mind. They cannot concentrate on their normal routines. They are lost in thoughts and they lost their appetite to eat and lost interest in anything. They just need answer to questions that at times are just too difficult to ask their spouse or partner.

Why the men stray or why the women cheat? You never know. But you want to be sure that they are actually 'doing it' and cheating you behind your back. All you want is an answer from your partner, whether they are hiding any secret from you. If you are too tongue-tight to ask, and yet feel no peace if you did not ask, then I suggest you to visit Coke zero which is a new website that you can use to design a video and send it to your partner. All you have to do is to choose a video, then type in your partner's name and then what you want to ask your partner. After that view your video and send it to your partner.

Coke zeros campaign “Life as it should be” is real fun on the Internet. You can direct your own small movie and at the end of it send it to all your friends. Coke has found some old black and white old film clips that you, as the director, can manipulate by using an easy voice recorder. You can write “the conversation” to your own clip and say what ever you want. Afterwards your movie competes with other movies to be the highest rated. This is living “life as it should be”! Find more peace and fun at Coke Zero -- Life as it should be: Real taste, zero sugar!

&amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;

Life Insurance

2007-08-21T17:17:00.000+08:00

Today, let me share with you my experience when life insurance is concerned. The first time I heard of the word 'insurance' is during my Primary School. My parents never fail to insure the whole family. I never know the importance of it. All I know is when someone die, the insurance company will pay. My father often looked at Family Insurance Plans and he had a 'personal' insurance agent serving him. He trusted him very much and he let him planned everything for the family.

Before I had any children, my insurance agent(that is what insurance agents were called years back, however, now insurance agents are called Financial Advisers) attempted to sell me Whole Life Policies as well as Endowment or Saving Plans. I do not understand what she said most of the time. Nevertheless, I 'bought' insurance from her. Since then, I was insured for my life.

It was until I had studied Life Insurance Courses and I had worked as a Financial Adviser that I began to love insurance, and I was able to appreciate the beauty of it.

Just two days ago, when I was walking on the street, I was telling my husband, I have peace of mind, though not totally (because I have not made a will and I am under-insured). I told him that when I walk on the road or street like now, I can afford to die. I can afford to be knocked down by cars. I can afford to be met with any unseen circumstances. But I must die in order to have real peace. Any disabilities or critical illness, I am not going to get sufficient paycheck from insurance companies to sustain my living at all.

If I die, I know that my family, especially my children who are still very young, can have a sum of money. This is the best gift for them when I die. I would die in peace if their welfare is taken care of. However, I have yet to get myself sufficient coverage for my insurance, that is for sure. But getting more coverage means more family expenses. As a matter of fact, the living expenses is so high now. In addition, the family household income is so unstable and we have basically negative assets, full of debts to be settled. After life insurance company deduct all the loans, what is left for the family would not be much either.

From my own experiences and from what I have learned from people around me, financial planning starts as soon as you know what is money and especially so when you started working. Before you start working, you need to know the importance of saving. You need to be taught the values of money, how to earn money and other importance of money. Given the right principles and values towards money, as soon as a person starts working, he should learn to save his money. He should learn to diversify his assets and know the proper steps towards wealth accumulation and wealth building. There is no shortcut to anything. The Financial Planning Pyramid must be remembered and to be followed if you want financial security and to achieve financial independence or financial freedom in your life to come.

As life insurance must be taken care of as soon as we started working and also it plays a major part of our life, we should take more time to study various Insurance Plans Pros and Cons and one should start insuring for their life as early as possible. The greatest asset in your life is your ability to work and to earn money. During your 'good' time, you should do your homework -- Get yourself prepared for unforeseen circumstances and get yourself adequately insured for what you think you are worth. The day when you are not able to work anymore is the day where you have lost your greatest assets in life, the ability to work. This is the time where insurance companies will come into the picture. They will assist you and you will see their real values only when that day come. For now, you may feel 'a waste of money' that you are paying for something which you cannot see, for something which is worth only a piece of paper. However, the value of life insurance is what more than just peace of mind. Life insurance protects and allow your life to continue when you eventually lost your greatest potential to work one day. For the breadwinner, life insurance makes sure that your family, your loved ones at home are taken care of and their life can continue when you breathe the last one day.

Advantage term life is an insurance company that sells all types of life insurance including universal, term, employer group policies, whole life policies and all types of life insurance policies. If you have not had your life insured, it is important that you protect your asset now. Nobody can predict what can happen tomorrow. Get a quote today for all of your insurance needs. There are many online insurance websites. You can have comfort of searching for the best insurance companies and the companies which can provide you with the cheapest insurance premiums all from the comfort of your home. Take charge of your life. Be responsible for yourself and your family.

Machines And Technology

2007-08-01T16:09:00.000+08:00

About two million years ago, our primitive ape-like ancestors in Africa began to make tools by chipping flakes from pieces of flint. In so doing, they took a gigantic leap forward along the path to civilization. They had begun to invent things, a trait that set them apart from the other animals. They had begun to alter their environment for their own benefit. And ever since human beings have been improving their lives by making practical use of their discoveries and inventions, that is by technology.

The progress of technology was generally very slow until about two centuries ago. Then, in the 1700s, the pace began to quicken, and a series of inventions, first in textile-making, led to what is known as the Industrial Revolution. The Revolution was brought about by mechanization -- the widespread use of machines; and the availability of a reliable power source to run them. This was the steam engine. The application of steam engine to railways and ships began a revolution in transport. Instant, long-distance communications became possible following the invention of the telegraph and telephone. As invention bred invention civilization began advancing quickly along a broad front.

Machines are devices, such as pulleys and levers, that help us to use our energy more effectively. Alternatively, they may harness non-human energy in the way that steam engines or motor cars do. The development of machines has added a lot of convenience and uses to mankind. The development of agricultural machines (eg. seed drills and combine harvesters) and industrial machines includes production equipment such as that used in the production lines for motor cars. These machines have enormously increased what one person can produce, and they have greatly benefited more people today. As a result of advanced technology, people are nowadays better fed, better housed and travel more freely and easily than any but the few did hundred years back.

Our main form of land transport, the motor car, has been with us for less than a century. During this time, it has evolved from a slow, inefficient and bone-shaking horseless carriage into a swift, efficient and comfortable vehicle. What does a bicycle have in common with a calculator? Both are machines. Each of them have their own function. A car for example is made of a large number of parts, such as the wheels, the suspension, steel sprockets, the engines and so on.

A machine dismantled into its smallest components, that is into a collection of screws, sprockets, springs, gear, belts, roller chain and cogs, resembles a lifeless organism. Yet even these simple components are very important. By examining them, one finds out that the proper working of a machine, sometimes so complex as to seem almost incomprehensible, is the result of the concerted action of a number of pieces, large and small, each of which performs an elementary task.

Grizzly Manufacturing is an all American company that has maintained a reputation for producing the best engineered class sprockets for over 20 years. They make all types of engineering chain you name it they can probably make it. They also do roller chain as well. Without sprockets, many bicycles and motor bikes would not be functionable. For a quote of sprockets or a list of various types of sprockets, simply visit Grizzly Manufacturing Inc for more information.

Help And You

2007-06-04T14:17:00.000+08:00

This world is all about helping one another. Every successful businesses and relationships are made possible because of the power of help.

Everybody need help at some time in their life. There are time where you fall down, you need a helping hand. There are time where you need guidance, advice, and you need a helping hand. There are times in our life where we face crisis, unforeseen circumstances such as divorce, breakups, death of love ones, business failure, bankruptcy and so on. Our spirit will be low and we need helping hand, to pull us up, to hold on to our hands.

Having a hand when we needed one, is comforting and soothing to the heart. The wonder of a helping hand is more than words can describe. It is far beyond that of gratitude and the power of a helping hand can be great. Once you fall down, and you are 'saved' by the helping hands, you have the potential to excel even further.

If your company need a helping hand, Venture Alliance Partners A/S (Venpar) is here to assist you. Dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and investors, today Venture Alliance Partners A/S (Venpar) is one of the leading providers of private equity, dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and investors build world-class companies. They have already managed to show excellent results for their clients, which is not surprisingly the core reason behind their list of partners and strong portfolio. Their continued focus on the venture capital marketplace, strong and trustworthy determination for being an external financial strategist, headhunter, investment banker and corporate therapist for a wide range of different companies in continuous growth, remains key to their success. You are just one click away from the simplicity behind their success. Visit their user-friendly website at www.venpar.com - They are looking forward to make the most out of your interests.

Search For Peace

2007-05-21T00:13:00.000+08:00

The internet allows you to search for information that you want. You can search for interest groups, dating sites, games and many more on the internet. Getting information you want is peace of mind. With the correct information, you can seek more friends, more wisdom, more fun, more money and ultimately more peace!

Do you feel uncomfortable and not yourself when you have doubts and many questions on your head? There are times where we need information and answers to our life.

How do we find answers to all the questions on our mind? There are many places where you can search for information. Besides the libraries and newspaper, there are many articles online, where you can find out more information. But there are so many sites on the internet, how to know which websites to go?

To get information and addresses of many websites, we have to use search engines. Examples of popular search engines are Yahoo and Google. What you have to do is to type the words which you want to find and all the results will be listed out for you. As mentioned in the earlier post, Peace Is Money, if you want to look for more money opportunities, search for it.

At masterseek, a new business search engine, you have more choice when you want to search for information. Masterseek’s global search engine provides quick and free access to company profiles, contact information, and descriptions of products and services from more than 45 million companies in 75 countries. You can also search in your own country or worldwide and find business partners, sales opportunities and new avenues to expand your business and increase your company’s profitability. Enter your company profile and showcase your products and services to the global community.

Peace Is Money

2007-05-20T23:35:00.000+08:00

This is definitely no peace. This lady is feeling cold and hungry. There is no proper shelter for her. There is no comfortable clothes to wear either. With money, this situation would be different. It is said that money cannot buy happiness. But without money, there would no peace.

Have you ever experience what is poverty? Do you know what it is like to live everyday with tight budget? If you do not know, then go shopping now with ten dollars with you. What can you buy with ten dollars? Can you buy what you want? Or can you buy what you need? When you go shopping knowing that you only have that much of money left in your pocket, you need to plan and think what are the things that are most necessary to buy. There is no need for you to compare any brands of products you are going to buy. Naturally you will be looking for any products of the lowest price. You will look out for more quantity than quality, which you can feed more and last more. That is the life of poor people. Of course there are worst cases than these.

Money is essential for life. You need money to buy basic necessities of life. You need money to buy your dream house, your dream car and your latest fashion. Without money, you do not need to think of your dreams. Money is needed for enjoyment and fulfillment of needs in your life. Without money, you would have worries -- worries about the children's education, the family expenses, medical expenses, electrical expenses and so on. On the other hand, if you have a surplus of money with you, you can have peace. You can be assured that you can spend on anything that is within your means and budget.

Do you know that at Bloggerwave now you have a chance to earn extra money? Bloggerwave.com is now live and is looking for bloggers. First of all you need to sign up with Bloggerwave. In addition, you need to have a blog. Submit your blog for approval. Once your blog is approved, you can start earning money!

How To Manage Risks

2007-05-20T20:22:00.000+08:00

It is only through proper risk management that we can find peace in life.

Risks are an inevitable part of human life. Knowing that risks are all around us can bring anxieties and worries to some people. Some people have fear of death, while others fear illness, disabilities and accidents. Other fear includes not knowing what will happen to their families if premature death happens to them.

There are four major methods of handling risks. They are:

1. Avoidance
This means that an individual or a firm may decide to avoid a certain course of action because of the potential risks involved. For example, a firm can choose to avoid a flood loss by not building a plant in a flood prone area. In avoiding risks, the chance of loss is reduced to zero. However, it may not be possible to avoid all losses. This is because there is always existence of natural catastrophes such as earthquake, volcanoes etc.

Sometimes it is not possible for an individual to avoid risks altogether. Consider a regional sales manager of a company who needs to travel by air to negotiate business deals in another country. It is not practical for him to avoid the exposure to air accidents by choosing not to travel by air!

2. Retention
Retention means the individual or the firm may retain all or part of a given risk. A lot of time, we know that certain risk is present when we want to do certain things. But we always have a choice to decide whether what we want to do with it. For example, a retail shop may deliberately retain the risks of petty thefts and shoplifting by not insuring these risks.

3. Transfer
Individuals, commercial enterprises and the public may choose to transfer risks to insurance or non-insurance sources. Insurance is the most practical method for risk management. Non-insurance transfer refers to methods other than insurance by which a risk and its potential financial consequences can be transferred to another party.

4. Control
This is another important method of risk management. Loss control activities seek to reduce both the frequency and severity of losses, usually by either loss prevention or loss reduction. Loss prevention reduces the probability of loss so that the frequency of losses is reduced. An example would be the strict reinforcement of safety rules in construction sites -- forbidding workers from smoking in flammable areas.

Although stringent loss-prevention efforts can reduce the frequency of losses, some losses will inevitably occur. The main aim of loss reduction measures is to reduce the severity of a loss after it occurs. For instance, an office can install a fire sprinkler system so that when there is a fire, it can be put out immediately.

Different individuals and firms have different risks management. The decision on which method they adopt all depends on their attitude towards risks and how well they understand risks. It also depends on their commitment and responsibility towards others.

Since 1967, A.E. Feldman Associates, Inc. has maintained a high standard of service and commitment in the recruiting field. Their reputation, discretion and consistent record of successful placements have helped them build strong and trusted relationships with industry-leading clients and top-quality candidates… to the benefit of both sides of the employment equation.

Their recruiters have all had successful careers in the industries they represent at AEF (A.E Feldman), and bring an invaluable depth of experience, skill and insight to their work with them. Their knowledge, contacts and feel for their respective fields enable them to make the best matches and find the tightest fits for each job.

Their practice areas include financial and risk management services, legal and legal support services, communications and technology, human resources consulting, and luxury products. Within those fields, they fill positions — nationally — from middle to executive to top “C level” management… from associates to partners… and from analysts to managing directors.

Disney World

2007-01-08T10:41:00.000+08:00

Walter Elias Disney was born 5 December 1901 in Chicago, Illinois. He was a film director, engineer, animator and entrepreneur. Walt Disney is famous for his many films, innovative theme parks and the animated character Mickey Mouse. The Disney brother's studio, called Walt Disney Productions, was located on Hyperion Avenue in Hollywood. Today, the firm is known as the Walt Disney Company.

In 1964, Walt Disney was on a secret mission of buying land in Florida for his next dream of building a larger version of Disneyland he wanted to call The Magic Kingdom. Roy Disney took over the project after Walt Disney, a cigarette chain-smoker, died of lung cancer 15 December 1966. The Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, opened in 1971 and Roy Disney died three months later.

Disney's most famous character, Mickey Mouse, actually started out with the name Mortimer, but Lillian, Walt's wife, thought Mickey was a better name. Walt Disney won an Academy Award in 1932 for the creation of Mickey Mouse. Disney became quite famous after that. Walt Disney holds the record for the most Oscar nominations as he was nominated for 40 of them, as well as seven Emmys.

Disney World is said to be the "happiest place on earth". Located just southwest of Orlando, Florida, Disney World is one of many Disney theme parks dotting the globe. It all began with the smaller Disneyland in Anaheim, California in 1955, when Walt Disney decided to incorporate his cartoons and animation studio into a theme park. Disney's dream was to create a live adventure where people could forget their cares and spend a day feeling like they were inside a cartoon.

When building Disneyland, and then Disney World, Walt made it clear that the outside world should be kept outside. From within the Magic Kingdom, no signs of the real world were to be seen. He even took pains to make sure that the workings of the park and its attractions were hidden from view. Disney World employees wear costumes or Disney garb and they are called "cast members" instead of employees.

The streets are clean, the colours are bright, the sights, sounds, and smells are pleasant ones, and everyone wears a big smile, just as Walt Disney wanted it. Unfortunately, before Disney World opened to the public in 1971, Walt passed away. His brother Roy changed the name to "Walt Disney World" to honor the name of its creator.

Disney World contains different "lands" such as Advertureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Tomorrowland, and Mickey's Toontown Fair. There are nearly 50 major attractions to choose from, making it difficult to do the Kingdom justice in just one day. Fortunately, there are vacation packages available that allow visitors to relax at the Walt Disney World Resort and come back refreshed the next day.

If you are looking for a great place to spend Christmas, Spring Break, or even your summer break might we suggest an Orlando vacation. How many places in the World have 52 theme parks? Beaches within a short 40 minute drive? And outstanding resorts and vacation homes to stay in for less than most other popular destination places? Disney World Packages have it all here in Orlando. Yes, Disney World is their biggest draw, but that is not all they have to offer.

They have more top rated golf courses within a 40 minute drive than anywhere else in Florida. They also have the second largest convention center in the world, and since Disney World is their biggest draw almost every recreation in Orlando is family friendly. Orlando is ever changing, and if you have not been to Orlando in the past 3 to 5 years you can consider coming back to visit. With the ever competitive theme park business almost all the area theme parks are continuously adding new rides and new attractions as there is stiff competition among all the theme parks. These constant upgrades to the area attractions will continue to make Orlando a great destination for the entire family.

Metals

2007-01-08T10:07:00.000+08:00

In chemistry, a metal (Greek: Metallon) is an element that readily forms positive ions (cations) and has metallic bonds. Metals are sometimes described as a lattice of positive ions surrounded by a cloud of delocalized electrons. The metals are one of the three groups of elements as distinguished by their ionization and bonding properties, along with the metalloids and nonmetals. On the periodic table, a diagonal line drawn from boron (B) to polonium (Po) separates the metals from the nonmetals. Most elements on this line are metalloids, sometimes called semi-metals; elements to the lower left are metals; elements to the upper right are nonmetals.

A modern definition of metals is that they have overlapping conduction bands and valence bands in their electronic structure. This definition opens up the category for metallic polymers and other organic metals, which have been made by researchers and employed in high-tech devices. These synthetic materials often have the characteristic silvery-grey reflectiveness of elemental metals.

The traditional definition focuses on the bulk properties of metals. They tend to be lustrous, ductile, malleable, and good conductors of electricity, while nonmetals are generally brittle (for solid nonmetals), lack lustre, and are insulators.

Most metals are chemically reactive, reacting with oxygen in the air to form oxides over varying timescales (for example iron rusts over years and potassium burns in seconds). The alkali metals react quickest followed by the alkaline earth metals, found in the leftmost two groups of the periodic table. The transition metals take much longer to oxidize (such as iron, copper, zinc, nickel). Others, like palladium, platinum and gold, do not react with the atmosphere at all. Some metals form a barrier layer of oxide on their surface which cannot be penetrated by further oxygen molecules and thus retain their shiny appearance and good conductivity for many decades (like aluminium, some steels, and titanium). The oxides of metals are basic (as opposed to those of nonmetals, which are acidic), although this may be considered a rule of thumb, rather than an absolute condition.

Traditionally, metals have certain characteristic physical properties: they are usually shiny (they have "lustre"), have a high density, are ductile and malleable, usually have a high melting point, are usually hard, and conduct electricity and heat well. However this is mainly because the low density, soft, low melting point metals happen to be reactive, and we rarely encounter them in their elemental, metallic form. Metals conduct sound well, that is, they are sonorous.

Practically all the gold in the world is mined. To produce one troy ounce (31.1035gms) of gold from a rich mine, about three tonnes of ore are blasted from the reefs, conveyed to the shaft, hoisted to the surface, crushed to the consistency of powder and then passed through the processes of agitation. It then passes through filtration, and treatment with potassium cyanide ( KCN a white poisonous granular soluble solid substance, much used in the jewellery trade) to separate the metal. The production of a small amount of gold requires more than 5000 litres (5 tonnes in weight) of water, 750 KWh (approx £50 in the UK at 6.5p per unit but industrially the figure is significantly less) of electricity, explosives, chemicals, compressed air and 39 man hours.

A precious metal is a rare metallic chemical element of high economic value. Chemically, the precious metals are less reactive than most elements, have high lustre and high electrical conductivity. Historically, precious metals were important as currency, but are now regarded mainly as investment and industrial commodities. Gold, silver, platinum and palladium each have an ISO 4217 currency code.

The best-known precious metals are gold and silver. While both have industrial uses, they are better known for their uses in art, jewelry, and coinage. Other precious metals include the Platinum group metals: ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, and platinum, of which platinum is the most widely traded. Plutonium and uranium could also be considered precious metals.

The demand for precious metals is driven not only by their practical use, but also by their role as investments and a store of value. Palladium was, as of summer 2006, valued at a little under half the price of gold, and platinum at around twice that of gold. Silver is substantially less expensive than these metals, but is often traditionally considered a precious metal for its role in coinage and jewelry.

Silver Price: Through Monex Deposit Company (MDC) you can purchase silver or other precious metals for immediate personal delivery or arrange for convenient and safe storage at an independent bank or depository.

For over 30 years, the Monex companies have been America's silver and precious metals investment leader. As an investment product, silver is available in coin or ingot form. Ingots are generally silver ingots of pure bullion cast in a convenient size and shape. Coins have a currency value or they are actually defined as ingots. There may never be a better time for buying silver bullion than right now. World demand for silver now exceeds annual production, and has every year since 1990. Above ground stockpiles of silver bullion are low, shrinking rapidly and approaching zero.

Monex Precious Metals is home to a large and dedicated staff of hard asset professionals committed to serving your precious metals investment needs and being America's best dealer with a convenient market and competitive precious metals prices.

Tooth Decay

2007-01-07T11:33:00.000+08:00

Dental caries, also described by its consequences namely tooth decay or dental cavities, is an infectious disease which damages the structures of teeth. Tooth decay or dental caries, is the destruction of the tooth enamel. The tooth enamel is the outer surface of a tooth. It occurs when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches) such as milk, pop, raisins, cakes or candy are frequently left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods, producing acids as a result. Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay. Decay results from the action of bacteria that live in plaque, which is a sticky, whitish film formed by a protein in saliva (mucin) and sugary substances in the mouth. The plaque bacteria sticking to tooth enamel use the sugar and starch from food particles in the mouth to produce acid.

Although tooth decay has declined among young children as a group, it can still be a problem for individual children, and even teens and adults. That’s because plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, constantly forms on your teeth. When you eat or drink foods containing sugars or starches, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel. The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with your teeth and after many such attacks, the enamel can break down and a cavity forms.

The occurrence of tooth decay is globally widespread, and the disease can lead to pain, tooth loss, infection, and, in severe cases, death. An estimated 90% of schoolchildren worldwide and most adults have had cavities, with the disease being more severe in Asian and Latin American countries and least in African countries. In the United States, dental caries is the most common chronic childhood disease; at least five times more common than asthma. It is the most significant cause of tooth loss in children.

Causes and symptoms Of Tooth Decay
Tooth decay requires the simultaneous presence of three factors: plaque bacteria, sugar, and a tooth surface. Although several microorganisms found in the mouth can cause tooth decay, the primary disease agent appears to be Streptococcus mutans. The sugars used by the bacteria are simple sugars such as glucose, sucrose, and lactose. They are converted primarily into lactic acid. When this acid builds up on an unprotected tooth surface, it dissolves the minerals in the enamel, creating holes and weak spots (cavities). As the decay spreads inward into the middle layer (the dentin), the tooth becomes more sensitive to temperature and touch. When the decay reaches the center of the tooth (the pulp), the resulting inflammation (pulpitis) produces a toothache.

Baby bottle tooth decay
Baby bottle tooth decay is a dental problem that frequently develops in infants that are put to bed with a bottle containing a sweet liquid. Baby bottle tooth decay is also called nursing-bottle caries and bottle-mouth syndrome. Bottles containing such liquids as milk, formula, fruit juices, sweetened drink mixes, and sugar water continuously bathe an infant's mouth with sugar during naps or at night. The bacteria in the mouth use this sugar to produce acid that destroys the child's teeth. The upper front teeth are typically the ones most severely damaged; the lower front teeth receive some protection from the tongue. Pacifiers dipped in sugar, honey, corn syrup, or other sweetened liquid also contribute to bottle-mouth syndrome. The first signs of damage are chalky white spots or lines across the teeth. As decay progresses, the damage to the child's teeth becomes obvious.

Aging And Tooth Decay
Changes that occur with aging make cavities an adult problem, too. Recession of the gums away from the teeth, combined with an increased incidence of periodontal (gum) disease, can expose tooth roots to plaque. Tooth roots are covered with cementum, a softer tissue than enamel. They are susceptible to decay and are more sensitive to touch and to hot and cold. The majority of people over age 50 have tooth-root decay.

Decay around the edges, or margins, of fillings is also common to older adults. Because many older adults lacked benefits of fluoride and modern preventive dental care when they were growing up, they often have a number of dental fillings. Over the years, these fillings may weaken and tend to fracture and leak around the edges. Bacteria accumulate in these tiny crevices causing acid to build up which leads to decay.

Treatment Of Tooth Decay
Depending on the extent of tooth destruction, various treatments can be used to restore teeth to proper form, function, and esthetics, but to date there is no known method to regenerate large amounts of tooth structure. Instead, dental health organizations advocate preventative measures, such as regular oral hygiene and dietary modifications, to avoid forming dental caries.

To treat most cases of tooth decay in adults, the dentist removes all decayed tooth structure, shapes the sides of the cavity, and fills the cavity with an appropriate material, such as silver amalgam or composite resin. The filling is put in to restore and protect the tooth. If decay has attacked the pulp, the dentist or a specialist called an endodontist may perform root canal treatment and cover the tooth with a crown.

In cases of baby bottle tooth decay, the dentist must assess the extent of the damage before deciding on the treatment method. If the problem is caught early, the teeth involved can be treated with fluoride, followed by changes in the infant's feeding habits and better oral hygiene. Primary teeth with obvious decay in the enamel that has not yet progressed to the pulp need to be protected with stainless steel crowns. Fillings are not usually an option in small children because of the small size of their teeth and the concern of recurrent decay. When the decay has advanced to the pulp, pulling the tooth is often the treatment of choice. Unfortunately, loss of primary teeth at this age may hinder the young child's ability to eat and speak. It may also have bad effects on the alignment and spacing of the permanent teeth when they come in.

Hayfield Dental Care has been serving the residents of Alexandria and the surrounding areas since 1987. All of their dentists have received advanced or specialty training which means they can perform almost any procedure without the need for a referral to another office. Experience is not in short supply.

Charles Brown DDS has been employed by Hayfield Dental Care for over ten years. During that time Charles Brown DDS has performed literally thousands of crown, root canal and surgical procedures. Charles Brown DDS has a perfect record at the Virginia Board of Dentistry with a history of zero complaints. He graduated from the Medical College of Virginia and has received numerous awards.

Charles Brown DDS was the recipient of the Academic Achievement Award for being ranked first in his class for the 1996 academic year. In 1997 Charles Brown DDS received the Quality Care Award and Resident of the Year award from UMMC. Charles Brown DDS is listed as one of the regions top dentists by the Washington Area Consumer Council and is a member of the ADA.

Hayfield Dental Care’s doors are always open to new patients and emergencies. Give us a call at 703-971-2220 or visit charles brown dds pc.

Prevention Of Tooth Decay
It is easier and less expensive to prevent tooth decay than to treat it. The four major prevention strategies include: proper oral hygiene; fluoride; sealants; and attention to diet.

Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner.

Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.

Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.

Ask your dentist about dental sealants, a protective plastic coating that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay often starts.

Tooth Replacement

2007-01-07T09:34:00.000+08:00

Picture of a normal tooth

A missing single tooth surrounded by healthy teeth has unique demands. The challenge is to replace your missing tooth for both function and appearance, without harming your remaining teeth or gum tissue. There are several options available today to restore a tooth, and this would depend on the extent of breakdown, patient requirements and expectations, cost and time.

A tooth restoration is any artificial substance or structure that replaces missing teeth or part of a tooth in order to protect the mouth's ability to eat, chew, and speak. Restorations include fillings, inlays, crowns, bridges, partial and complete dentures, and dental implants.

Restorations have somewhat different purposes depending on their extensiveness. Fillings, inlays, and crowns are intended to repair damage to individual teeth. They replace tooth structure lost by decay or injury, protect the part of the tooth that remains, and restore the tooth's shape and function. Bridges, dentures, and implants are intended to protect the shape and function of the mouth as a whole.

There are different materials available to restore a tooth to normal form and function A filling serves to limit the damage caused by cavities, preserve and protect the remaining tooth structure, allow the tooth to function properly again, maintain pulp and nerve vitality if possible, and preserve the function, appearance, and life of the tooth.

Fillings
Fillings are restorations that are done to repair damage caused by tooth decay (dental caries). Tooth decay occurs when microorganisms in the mouth convert sugar from food to acid, which attacks the tooth. The acid forms cavities that start in the hard outer surface of the tooth (the enamel) and may extend inward to the pulp, which contains the tooth's nerves and blood vessels. Left untreated, tooth decay may lead to inflammation and infection that may cause toothache and perhaps more serious complications.

To stop the decay process, the dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth using a high-speed drill or an air abrasion system, shapes the cavity walls, and replaces the tooth structure with a filling of silver amalgam, composite resin, or gold. The filling is placed in the cavity as a liquid or soft solid. It sets within a few minutes and continues to harden over the next several hours.

Silver amalgam is commonly used to fill cavities on the biting surfaces of the back teeth, because it is strong enough to withstand the tremendous pressures exerted by grinding and chewing. Composite resin is typically used to fill cavities in front teeth and any other teeth that are visible when the patient smiles, because its color can be matched to the tooth surface. Gold as a filling material is far less common, but is being increasingly used. Although it is more expensive and less easily applied, it does not trigger the sensitivity reactions that some patients have to silver amalgam.

Inlays
An inlay resembles a filling in that it fills the space remaining after the decayed portion of a tooth has been removed. The difference is that an inlay is shaped outside the patient's mouth and then cemented into place. After the decay is removed and the cavity walls are shaped, the dentist makes a wax pattern of the space. A mold is cast from the wax pattern. An inlay, usually of gold, is made from this mold and sealed into the tooth with dental cement.

Crowns
The crown of a tooth is the portion that is covered by enamel. A restorative crown replaces this outer part to protect the tooth. This protection becomes necessary when a tooth cracks or has its entire structure weakened by decay. As with a filling or inlay, the dentist first removes the decayed portion of the tooth. The tooth is then prepared for a crown. It may be tapered on the outside edges to a peg, reinforced with a cast metal core, or rebuilt with both a cast metal core and a post. A wax impression of the prepared tooth and the teeth next to it is made. The new crown is made to fit this mold. The crown may be made of gold or stainless steel alone, metal with a veneer of tooth-colored porcelain or resin, or of porcelain or resin alone. The finished crown is then placed over the prepared tooth, adjusted, and cemented into place.

Bridges
Bridges are a type of restoration that is done when one or more permanent teeth are lost or pulled. The resulting gap must be filled in to prevent the remaining teeth from shifting. If the other teeth shift, they will affect the patient's bite (occlusion), which sometimes produces pain in the jaw joint. As the teeth move and become crooked, they also become more difficult to keep clean. The risk of tooth decay and gum disease increases, increasing the likelihood that additional teeth will be lost. A bridge is inserted to prevent this risk. Bridges are nonremovable appliances of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) anchored by crowns on the adjacent teeth (abutment teeth). The abutment teeth carry the pressure when the patient chews food.

Partial dentures
A partial denture is similar to a bridge in that it fills a gap left by missing teeth with artificial teeth on a metal frame. A partial denture is removable, however. It attaches to a crown on the abutment tooth with a metal clasp or precision attachment. A partial denture is primarily used at the end of a row of natural teeth, where there is only one abutment tooth. The pressure exerted by chewing is shared by this abutment and the soft tissues of the gum ridge beneath the appliance.

Complete dentures
Complete dentures may be worn when all of the top or bottom teeth have been lost. A complete denture consists of artificial teeth mounted in a plastic base molded to fit the remaining oral anatomy. It may or may not be held in place with a denture adhesive.

Implants
Dental implants are a means of securing crowns, bridges, and dentures in the mouth. A hard plastic or metal fixture is implanted through the soft tissue into the bone. Over time, the bone grows around this fixture, firmly anchoring it. The exposed end of this fixture is covered with a crown and may serve as a stable abutment for a bridge or denture.

A well-made restoration should feel comfortable and last a relatively long time with proper care. Artificial dental restorations only approximate the original tooth, however. A complete denture will never feel as comfortable or work as well as natural teeth. It is better, therefore, to prevent the need for restorative dental work than to replace teeth. Restorations are expensive, may require many appointments, and still need careful cleaning and attention. The longevity of a restoration is generally inversely proportional to its size - i.e. the bigger the restoration the less the amount of remaining tooth material and the sooner it is likely to fail.

Coping With Stress

2007-01-06T17:28:00.000+08:00

Too much stress increases your risk of suffering from an illness or accidental injury. Although you cannot avoid stress altogether, you can improve your ability to deal with it. Relaxation reduces muscular tension caused by stress and improves your health.

Life is stressful. Are you feeling stressed? Everyone experiences stress at certain times in their lives, often due to events beyond their control. It is simply not possible to avoid all stressful situations and events. If stress is kept under control, it is a positive force that can improve our performance and efficiency. It also helps to keep you alert and out of danger.

A prolonged period of severe stress, or several sources of minor stress, however, are not good for your health. Excessive stress puts your body into a state of emotional turmoil. This agitation may affect a variety of organs and systems within the body and eventually produce many different types of disease. Whatever the sources of stress in your life, however, you can learn to control its effects on you.

A number of simple measures, such as meditation or confronting the source of your problems, can be used to ease tension. Learning and carrying out these antistress techniques can improve your ability to cope with stressful situations.

Stress At Home
The stresses of family life are far greater than many people realize. Stress can come just from the strain of juggling the demands of chidlren and other family members or from a single event, such as coping with a death in the family.

Many parents do not appreciate how much stress they are under. For example, a child who demands attention at night can cause his or her parents to become exhausted, lose patience, and then feel guilty. The individuals in any family have to adapt their behaviour, attitudes, and emotions in response to changing roles and life events -- both pleasing and distressing. A father may lose his job, a daughter may leave home, a grandparent may die, or a son may have a particularly turbulent adolescence.

If a family member has a serious problem, such as drug addiction, this can produce an intolerable amount of stress in the home. His or her relatives will be more likely to develop a stress-related illness.

Stress At Work
Stress at work is thought to be one of the main reasons for taking sick leave. The people who are most at risk are those who have a demanding job but no control over their workload, those who do not have enough work to do, and those who are frustrated because they have not been promoted. Unless these difficulties can be solved, finding a new job may be the only solution. Making life outside work more fulfilling may also help.

Ways To Control Stress
Stressful situations may be inevitable and beyond our control, but the anxieties that they arouse can be relieved by using the following antistress techniques. These techniques work by helping you to avoid or reduce the stresses of daily life, to release accumulated stress, and to spot stress warning signs:

1. Take regular breaks
A short rest period during the day will help to relieve pressure and refresh your mind after a session of concenterated mental or physcial effort, or if you have become frustrated with a project.

2. Plan each day
Listing what you need to accomplish in order of priority, setting realistic goals, saying no to unacceptable or impractical deadlines, and finishing one task before you move on to the next can help you feel in control

3. Be realistic
Try not to take on too much. Sometimes, to relieve a tight schedule, you may need to change ideas or arrangements; do not feel guilty about doing so

4. Take care of your social life
It is important to develop interests outside your career or family. Do not always neglect friends in favour of work or family commitments

5. See your doctor
If the stress in your life has become intolerable or is causing physical symptoms or depression, counselling may help make your lifestyle less stressful

6. Exercise regularly
Physical activity reduces tension, helps you sleep better, releases pen-up emotions, and takes your mind off your worries. Choose an activity just for the enjoyment, not to satisfy a competitive desire to win

7. Relax
This will relieve warning signs of stress such as headaches, muscle pains, or difficulty sleeping. Progressivev muscle relaxation, meditation and yoga are all good ways to help you keep these symptoms of stress at bay

8. Talk about your problems
Your partner, a friend, or a family member may be able to help you find a solution, but even if not, just discussing your feelings can often help

9. Avoid making too many changes at once
Major events that require you to change the way you live are easier to deal with if they do not happen close together

10. Take holidays or short breaks to unwind
It is better to get away from home if you would otherwise begin stressful home activities, like spring-cleaning or redecorating

Drugs Or Medicines

2007-01-06T12:38:00.000+08:00

Any medicine, tablet, injection or suppository, whether it be an antibiotic, painkiller or any other, is referred to loosely by both doctors and chemists as a drug. Drugs are chemicals that change the way a person's body works. The term drug used in this way has nothing to do with addictive drugs such as heroin or opium.

In the last 150 years, a great many chemical compounds have been developed to combat disease by helping the normal bodily functions. Such drugs often have powerful effects and although they may help one function, they may interfere with another. Therefore a careful balance usually has to be reached and exactly the right dose taken to ensure that helpful effects outweigh possible harmful side-effects. Instructions must be carefully followed and a medicine prescribed for one person should never be given to another without first asking the doctor.

Medicines Are Legal Drugs
If you've ever been sick and had to take medicine, you already know about one kind of drugs. Medicines are legal drugs, meaning doctors are allowed to prescribe them for patients, stores can sell them, and people are allowed to buy them. But it's not legal, or safe, for people to use these medicines any way they want or to buy them from people who are selling them illegally. Cigarettes and alcohol are two other kinds of legal drugs. (In the United States, adults 18 and over can buy cigarettes and those 21 and over can buy alcohol.) But smoking and excessive drinking are not healthy for adults and off limits for kids.

Illegal Drugs
When people talk about the "drug problem", they usually mean abusing legal drugs or using illegal drugs, such as marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, LSD, and heroin. (Marijuana is generally an illegal drug, but some states allow doctors to prescribe it to adults for certain illnesses.)

Illegal drugs are dangerous. They are not good for anyone, but they are particularly bad for a kid or teen whose body is still growing. Illegal drugs can damage the brain, heart, and other important organs. Cocaine, for instance, can cause a heart attack - even in a kid or teen.

While using drugs, a person is also less able to do well in school, sports, and other activities. It's often harder to think clearly and make good decisions. People can do dumb or dangerous things that could hurt themselves - or other people - when they use drugs.

People use illegal drugs, thinking that drugs will help to solve their problems. Sometimes kids and teens try drugs to fit in with a group of friends. Or they might be curious or just bored. A person may use illegal drugs for many reasons, but often because they help the person escape from reality for a while. If a person is sad or upset, a drug can - temporarily - make the person feel better or forget about problems. But this escape lasts only until the drug wears off.

Drugs don't solve problems, of course. And using drugs often causes other problems on top of the problems the person had in the first place. A person who uses drugs can become dependent on them, or addicted. This means that the person's body becomes so accustomed to having this drug that he or she can't function well without it.

Once a person is addicted, it's very hard to stop taking drugs. Stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as vomiting (throwing up), sweating, and tremors (shaking). These sick feelings continue until the person's body gets adjusted to being drug free again.

Drugs Guide
Epocrates is enhancing its free web-based drug and formulary reference guide with patient education materials and additional clinical tools. Clinicians currently have immediate access to the information needed to make prescribing decisions – such as drug dosing, drug interactions and health plan coverage. Now, they can also access valuable resources including: With one-third of U.S. adults taking at least five medications or supplements every day , patients often struggle when asked to list their medications.

Now, clinicians can reference Epocrates Online and view pill pictures to help patients correctly identify their prescribed medications eliminating the guesswork and reducing drug errors. Clinicians may also provide their patients with a printed picture of the newly prescribed drug to avoid confusion with other pills.

Many patients have questions about new prescriptions after leaving the doctor’s office. As an enhancement to the free version of Epocrates Online, clinicians can now provide their patients with answers to frequently asked questions for the prescribed medication. The patient-friendly educational handouts are available in English or Spanish and can be printed or emailed. Common concerns addressed in the handouts include; What if I miss a dose? Should this be taken with food? Swallowed whole? What are the possible side effects? Physicians often don’t have discussions with their patients about drug costs because the information is not readily available. However, the high costs of drugs are often linked to patient non-compliance. For uninsured patients, clinicians can now look-up the average retail price for medications in Epocrates drug database. For insured patients, clinicians can check for health plan coverage and copay tiers. Clinicians then have the option to prescribe a lower-cost alternative if available in either situation.

In addition to these features, Epocrates Online application includes information on more than 3,300 drugs, MultiCheck - a drug interaction checker that can identify possible interactions, and formulary coverage information for more than 130 health plans and all Medicare Part D plans. For example, you can read about what is albuterol, important information about albuterol and other information such as side effects, common reaction, doses and contraindications etc.

Healthcare editors and publishers are encouraged to try Epocrates Online and contact Erica Sniad at 650-227-6907 or pr@epocrates.com for more information.

Dentistry Glossary

2007-01-05T15:07:00.000+08:00

Anaesthetics
A local anaesthetic, most commonly lignacaine, is injected into the tissues around the teeth to cause complete loss of sensation in one or more teeth and the surrounding tissues. A general anaesthetic is used ot produce either unconsciousness or complete or partial loss of sensation throughout the body. The most commonly used is nitrous oxide gas, given by mask. Intravenous anaesthetic agents -- often valium or sodium brietal, are injected into a vein.

Bridges
A bridge consists of one or more false teeth set on to a small metal plate. The natural tooth on either side of the gap where the bridge is to go is prepared for a covering crown. The crowns are fixed on to the plate on either side of the false tooth or teeth, and then cemented over the adjoining natural teeth. Once fitted, a bridge can only be removed by a dentist.

Crowns
A crown is a covering made to fit over a tooth that is broken down through decay, misshapen or badly discoloured. Porcelain is generally used for front teeth. Gold or gold covered with porcelain is used for back teeth. A post crown is a crown which is built on to a metal post fitted into the root of the tooth.

Extractions
Teeth are extracted for various reasons: among them are bad decay, faulty development, loosening due to gum disease, and an abscess on the root of the tooth. Most extractions, needing a general anaesthetic, may be executed in hospital.

Fillings
A filling is a replacement for an area of tooth that has decayed and been drilled away. Amalgam (a dark, silvery alloy of various metals) is generally used to fill back teeth because of its strength. Amalgam is the lowest cost, requires the least “technique” on the dentist's part, and is covered by most insurance plans. However it is relatively visible (as it is silver), it weakens the tooth, and can require removal of some of the healthy tooth to make room for the material. Composite (a white substance with a ceramic or glass basis) is used for front teeth.

Gold Inlays / onlays are fillings that are fabricated out of yellow gold in a laboratory, and are then cemented into the prepared tooth. They have a long lifespan and are still considered to be the ultimate treatment. Their disadvantages are their initial costs are higher than a regular filling, and their colour is unacceptable to some people.

Impacted Teeth
An impacted tooth is one which is unable to properly emerge as it is wedged against another below the gum. The teeth most vulnerable to impaction are the third molars, or wisdom teeth, which usually emerge when the person is about 18 years old. An impacted wisdom tooth will probably be removed in hospital under a general anaesthetic. The hospital stay will be about 24 hours.

Implant
The relatively new technique of 'implantation' permanently attaches false teeth to the jaw-bone by means of a metal framework. Usually implants are inserted as a last resort when no other satisfactory way of replacing missing teeth can be found.

Root-Canal Fillings
In many cases when an abscess has severely infected the pulp of a tooth (the living tissue at its centre), the tooth need not be extracted. Instead, the pulp and nerve can be removed, the roots and abscess drained and the root canals and interior of the tooth filled.

X-Rays
Dentists often need an x-ray of the teeth and jawas to diagnose a dental problem. Most dental surgeries use a bite-wing, in whihc the film is held inside the mouth and exposed by radium released from outside. A pregnant woman should tell the dentist of her condition before having an x-ray.

Did You Know?

Free Car Insurance Quotes: GEICO added "Teens and Trucks" to its online library of safe driving materials for teen drivers. The brochure, developed with the American Moving and Storage Association, includes valuable information for teens on how to safely share the highway with large trucks. The GEICO teen safe driving Web site is located at http://www.geico.com/auto/safety. While the information is helpful to drivers of all ages, GEICO is particularly interested in providing teens with this information when they first learn to drive. As discussed in "Teens and Trucks", here are some very valuable tips for safe highway driving around large trucks:

Stay out of a truck's blind spots or "No Zones"

Be careful when attempting to pass a truck

Do not swerve in front of a truck or cause the driver to come to asudden stop.

Avoid "Squeeze Play" when a large truck needs to make a wide turn.

Do not cut off a large truck or passenger bus.

Parents and teens are invited to visit GEICO's teen safe driving library of materials at http://www.geico.com/auto/safety. GEICO provides the materials at no cost to families, driving classes, law enforcement officials and state agencies. This information is brought to you by CarInsurance.com.

CarInsurance.com's online insurance marketplace gives an opportunity to consumers and to insurance companies. We offer the ability to shop for car insurance online. CarInsurance.com will meet the consumers’ requests and solve insurance companies' needs. Consumers can receive quotes from many insurance companies, in some states you are able to purchase your insurance instantly, online. You don't have to drive your car to buy car insurance. Buy online...anytime!

Fashion

2007-01-05T09:43:00.000+08:00

Baskins Fashions VII By Anonymous

The term fashion usually applies to a prevailing mode of expression, but quite often applies to a personal mode of expression that may or may not adhere to prevailing ideals. Inherent in the term is the idea that the mode will change more quickly than the culture as a whole. The terms "fashionable" and "unfashionable" are employed to describe whether someone or something fits in with the current popular mode of expression. The term "fashion" is frequently used in a positive sense, as a synonym for glamour and style. In this sense, fashions are a sort of communal art, through which a culture examines its notions of beauty and goodness. The term "fashion" is also sometimes used in a negative sense, as a synonym for fads, trends, and materialism.

Baskins Fashions IV By Anonymous

Musicians and other cultural icons have always influenced what we're wearing, but so have political figures and royalty. Clothes separate people into groups. Fashion is an endless popularity contest. Fashion is revealing. Clothes reveal what groups people are in. Styles show who you are, but they also create stereotypes and distance between groups.

Baskins Fashions I By Anonymous

Fashion is a language which tells a story about the person who wears it. "Clothes create a wordless means of communication that we all understand," according to Katherine Hamnett, a top British fashion designer. Hamnett became popular when her T-shirts with large messages like "Choose Life" were worn by several rock bands.

There are many reasons we wear what we wear.

Protection from cold, rain and snow: mountain climbers wear high-tech outerwear to avoid frostbite and over-exposure.

Physical attraction: many styles are worn to inspire "chemistry."

Emotions: we dress "up" when we're happy and "down" when we're upset.

Religious expression: Orthodox Jewish men wear long black suits and Islamic women cover every part of their body except their eyes.

Identification and tradition: judges wear robes, people in the military wear uniforms, brides wear long white dresses.

Fashion is big business. More people are involved in the buying, selling and production of clothing than any other business in the world. Everyday, millions of workers design, sew, glue, dye, and transport clothing to stores. Ads on buses, billboards and magazines give us ideas about what to wear, consciously, or subconsciously.

A place containing men's fashion and more, Belisi.com is a place for men. Looking good and dressing smart is important for a man. From Bartender to Bigshot – fashion forward designer learns from the Palm Beach elite Bartending in Palm Beach, Peter Belisi served the trendsetters who embodied the luxury lifestyle he craved. Struggling to support his family with no savings, he needed a novel concept to start his own company. Emulating his high-end clientele, Belisi invested any extra money in a tie collection. Before long, co-workers and clients looked to him for inspiration.

Belisi took pride in never wearing the same tie twice, and through his appreciation of fine ties, an idea took shape. Accessories are the finishing pieces to any well-heeled look—done the right way, you present a polished picture to the world. The image conscious not only want to fit in among their peers by wearing high-end accessories, they want to give back to society.

The Belisi Brand was founded to enhance luxury wardrobes, while making the world a little brighter for everyone. Belisi—a name already synonymous with beauty—has earned a loyal following for its high-end, quality ties, and most recently scarves and handbags.

Belisi’s guiding principle is to create Luxury with Meaning. Every time you purchase a Belisi product, you put the finishing touch on a put-together look, while fighting poverty, protecting the environment, seeking justice and funding medical research. Put simply, Belisi stands for good living: great style, quality accessories and giving back to the community.

About the brand: “Belisi unites the luxury and prestige of Palm Beach with Italian beauty and sophistication. Inside Belisi we cultivate a passion for exquisite materials and skilled craftsmanship. Each dramatic detail, represents our unwavering quest to fashion products of truly enduring value.” – Peter Belisi

Dental Health

2007-01-04T15:37:00.000+08:00

The appearance of normal teeth varies, especially the molars. Abnormally shaped teeth can result from many different conditions. Specific diseases can have a profound effect on tooth shape, tooth color, time of appearance, or absence of teeth.

The two most prevalent diseases in Western man are dental decay and a gum disease called gingivitis. It is only within the last ten years that research has shown not only what causes these disease, but how we can prevent them and keep our natural teeth for life.

From birth, the mouth contains many kinds of bacteria. Only a few are harmful -- those that constantly form a sticky film called plaque on the teeth and gums. Plaque harms the teeth most when it is combined with sugar, but it is also harmful by itself if allowed to remain on the teeth for more than 24 hours. When sugar is taken into the mouth in either food or drink, it is immediately absorbed by saliva, which then attaches itself to the sticky film of plaque.

Within 12 minutes of any sugar entering the mouth the dissolved sugar and plaque combine to increase dramatically the level of acid, always present in small quantities. The acid eats into the tooth enamel and so starts the process of dental decay. The acid level does not return to normal until at least 25 minutes later.

The vital factor in acid formation is how often sugar is consumed rather than how much. IF sugar is consumed throughout the day, the acid in the mouth is continually rising to a high level and exposing teeth to attack.

Dental decay can start when a child is only one year old and can continue throughout life. But decay and gingivitis can be prevented by cleaning the teeth regularly and thoroughly, cutting down on sweet stuffs and visiting the dentist regularly.

Gingivitis
If dental plaque is not removed effectively every 24 hours, it accumulates around and underneath the gum margin (where the tooth meets the gum) and gradually forms a hard, rough substance called calculus, or tartar, which collects plaque more easily and leads to inflammation of the gums. The many fibres that attach the tooth to the jawbone and act as a 'cushion' against shocks are also destroyed. Eventually, the teeth become loose and have to be removed, or else fall out of their own accord.

The main symptom of gingivitis is bright pink gums which bleed on brushing. The disease can start at a very young age -- often under five years. If it is not corrected with careful oral hygiene, the damage eventually becomes irreversible to the extent that teeth may be lost.

Care of Dentures
Dentures are false teeth. Dentures may be partial, with just one or several teeth, or they may be complete, replacing all the teeth in both upper and lower jaws. Unfortunately , preventive dentistry is often too late to stop people losing their teeth. Many people wear dentures. In Britain alone, more than 2 million sets are supplied each year.

When natural teeth have been extracted, the gums shrink -- quite rapidly for the first six months, then more slowly. Anyone wearing new dentures, therefore, may find that they become loose and may need to return to the dentist to have minor adjustments made to them. Full and partial dentures should be checked for fit by a dentist if they become uncomfortable, and a full set should be examined once every five years.

Unclean dentures are unattractive to look at and uncomfortable to wear. Once a day they should be removed and thoroughly cleaned. The best way to clean dentures is to brush them with a medium-texture brush and a proprietary brand of denture paste. Rinse the paste off in lukewarm water and continue brushing until the dentures are meticulously clean. Soaking dentures in a cleanser may only bleach them.

Dentures should be removed before the wearer goes to sleep and put in water to help keep them fresh.

Visiting The Dentist
Everyone, especially children, should visit the dentist every six months. Apart from examining the teeth for any decay, the dentist will check whether developing permanent teeth are growing correctly or will need straightening by an orthodontist.

All patients visiting the dentist should tell him if they are taking any course of medicine, or suffering from a weak heart.

Did You Know?
Dental Implants
Dental Implants are a substitute or, replacement tooth roots. They provide the same function as natural tooth roots, including stimulating the bone, thereby preserving it and preventing the bone loss that would normally occur with tooth loss. The jawbone actually forms a bond with dental implants, creating a stable foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth.

The impact of deteriorating bone from complete tooth loss includes collapsed facial profiles, lost lip support, increased wrinkles around the mouth and appearance of pointed nose and chin that are too close together.

Tooth replacement with dental implants prevents further deterioration of facial structures and the related health problems that would normally occur with complete tooth loss.

Benefits of having Dental Implants

Preserved facial structure by stopping the bone loss

Improved heath with the ability to chew comfortably

A mouth restored as closely as possible to its natural state

Increased comfort by eliminating loose-fitting dentures and partials

More natural smile

Improved apperance and self-confidence

Search Engine Optimization

2007-01-04T08:18:00.000+08:00

Search Engine Optimization is like you are in the forest. You are the trees. When visitor is walking in the forest, they need to search for their particular interest of trees. If your tree is unique and easily stand out from the crowd, it is easy to get identified. Keywords are the words, terms and phrases that web users enter on search engines to find websites of interest. It is essential for your website to be optimized for the keywords that your potential customers are likely to use and perceive relevant to your website content.

As the title already reveals, search engine optimization (SEO) means making full use of whatever resources which you might have and try as much as possible to get your website being searched easily by the search engine.

You may ask why do you want to do that? The purpose of SEO is to increase traffic to your website. This is a competitive world. Many websites which are running their businesses want to have more visitors to know about their website. In this market, many people are always using their search engines like yahoo or google to look for information. That is why it is so important to be among the top list of websites. You want to get 'appeared' to these people.

SEO as a subset of search engine marketing seeks to improve the number and quality of visitors to a web site from "natural" ("organic" or "algorithmic") search results. The quality of visitor traffic can be measured by how often a visitor using a specific keyword leads to a desired conversion action, such as making a purchase or requesting further information. In effect, SEO is marketing by appealing first to machine algorithms to increase search engine relevance and secondly to human visitors. The term SEO can also refer to "search engine optimizers", an industry of consultants who carry out optimization projects on behalf of clients.

Search engine optimization is available as a stand-alone service or as a part of a larger marketing campaign. Because SEO often requires making changes to the source code of a site, it is often most effective when incorporated into the initial development and design of a site, leading to the use of the term "Search Engine Friendly" to describe designs, menus, Content management systems and shopping carts that can be optimized easily and effectively.

A range of strategies and techniques are employed in SEO, including changes to a site's code (referred to as "on page factors") and getting links from other sites (referred to as "off page factors"). These techniques include two broad categories: techniques that search engines recommend as part of good design, and those techniques that search engines do not approve of and attempt to minimize the effect of, referred to as spamdexing. Some industry commentators classify these methods, and the practitioners who utilize them, as either "white hat SEO", or "black hat SEO". Other SEOs reject the black and white hat dichotomy as an over-simplification.

USWeb is a leading strategic Internet services firm helping clients achieve revenue, profit, market share, and customer loyalty objectives through Internet strategies and systems. USWeb partners with a diverse and prominent portfolio of clients, from medium-size organizations to Fortune 100 corporations. Originally founded in 1995, USWeb has offices across the United States and is known for being the most experienced, qualified and professional Internet consultants in the world.

In today's market, there is a broad range of online marketing opportunities. Successful online marketing depends largely on your ability to identify those that provide the best opportunity to reach your target audience in a scalable and cost effective manner. USWeb designs, develops, and implements custom web systems and integrated online marketing solutions that focus on brand awareness, audience development, and customer retention. With research confirming that 70-80% of prospective web customers use search engines or search directories to find relevant content, search engine marketing is the most widely used method of attracting visitors to a website.

As a result, competition is fierce at the top of the search engines. USWeb's search engine marketing services are designed to get your site noticed when potential buyers are looking for the products and services you have to offer. This Search Engine Optimization, PPC Bid Management, and Trusted Feed services target the Internet's major search properties to drive self-qualified prospects to your site - the specific audiences that are looking for your products, content, and/or services.

Effects Of Hoodia

2007-01-03T08:17:00.000+08:00

Everyday we receive some mails from dietary supplement companies, marketing their products. One of the products being popularly marketed is Hoodia.

What is Hoodia?
Hoodia is a genus of 13 species in the flowering plant family Apocynaceae, under the subfamily Asclepiadoideae. They are stem succulents, described as "cactiform" because of their remarkable similarity to the unrelated cactus family. They can reach up to 1m high and have large flowers, often with flesh colour and strong smell.

Many Hoodia species are protected plants, typical of the Namib Desert, ranging from Central Namibia to southern Angola, especially in plains and rocky areas. Common names include "Bushman's Hat" and "Queen of the Namib". The indigenous Bushmen call this plant Xhoba.

Several species of Hoodia are grown as garden plants, and one species, Hoodia gordonii, is commonly marketed by dietary supplement companies for use as an appetite suppressant.

Uses Of Hoodia
In an email message which I received from one of the dietary supplement companies, Hoodia gordonii extracts can lower blood pressure and reduce the appetite. It is claimed that Hoodia extracts are effective for weight control purposes from these dietary supplement companies. It was found that people who take Hoodia consume lesser calories than those who had not.

We can read Hoodia Information and Hoodia Reviews from websites. Some of the Benefits of Hoodia are:

Benefits Of Hoodia
Attacks Your Obesity
Kills Your Appetite
Increases Your Physical Shape
Makes You Feel Better
Ups Your Mood
Increases Your Energy
Increases Your Metabolism
Burns Your Calories
Has No Side Effects
Doesn’t Require Prescription
Contains 100% Natural Ingredients

Hoodia Reviews & Products
Well-known as a natural appetite suppressant, Hoordia gordonii is available in the form of shakes, diet bars, pills and lollipops. Besides emails, there are many such companies which sell Hoodia online, and Hoodia reviews too.

Have you found that when you are feeling blue or sad, you tend to eat lesser? When you are sad, especially at times when you cried, do you feel like eating? You do not have appetite to eat when you are sad. Appetite is a great determining factor in weight control. For people who are overweight and obese, Hoodia Gordonii could be your solution. Everyday, people are worried about their appearance and weight problems. For slim people, they want to maintain their weight. They are scared to get fat. For fat people, the obese and overweight, they want to reduce weight. They want to eat less and exercise more. However, it takes a lot of will power and tolerance to achieve weight loss and to have a change in your lifestyle. It's just too difficult for some people to control their appetite. It's hard to say no to nice food. With Hoodia as an appetite suppressant, these people would definitely eat lesser.

Weight Answers
People go for liposuction, slimming centres, eat various kinds of slimming pills to reduce weight. Huge sum of money are being spent to help combat their weight problems. Sometimes after you have lost a few kilograms of weight in a few months time, the same weight is gained again after a few months when you lost control of your appetite -- you overeat more than you expend your energy.

For people who have an ideal weight now, it is important that you eat healthily, exercise appropriately and have a balanced in your life. Do not overeat. We know that it is very hard to shed off the fats after we have gained them.

For people who are overweight and obese, it takes time to reduce your weight. Rome is not built in a day. It takes time and will-power and great determination to achieve your goals. Eating Weight-loss pills, visiting slimming centres may be your short term solution. Long term solution is your real solution. It is your lifestyle and eating habits which can solve your real problem. Drink lots of water. It helps.

Flowers

2007-01-03T08:03:00.000+08:00

There are all sorts of flowers in this world. Some plants, such as the tulip, each have just a single flower. Others, like the dog rose, have a lot of flowers, but each one develops and blooms separately. Many other plants produce flowers grouped together in clusters known as flower heads. Flower heads have many different shapes, and they vary widely in size and in the number of flowers they contain. The world's biggest individual flower, produced by the giant rafflesia, is completely dwarfed by the world's biggest flower head. This is grown by the rare South American puya, which reaches a height of nearly 10m.

Parts of A flower
Although flowers may look different from one another, they have basically the same parts.

The lilies and their relatives make up one of the largest families of flowering plants. The male and female parts of a flower often mature at different times. This makes sure that the flower does not pollinate itself.

Flowers have become extraordinarily varied during the course of evolution. Nature has produced them in a tremendous wealth of shapes and colours, and to add to this profusion people have bred flowers that are even more brilliant or bizarre than the ones found in the wild. But behind this baffling array of shapes and sizes, there is a common pattern.

Surrounding the male and female parts of the lily flower is an outer ring, or whorl, of three white sepals, and an inner whorl of three white petals. Because both sepals and petals are identical, they are known as tepals. In the lily flower these tepals work like advertising signs to attract insects in search of nectar. However, not all flowers are like this. In many flowers, only the inner whorl of petals is conspicuous. The sepals that make up the outer whorl may be tough and green, and protect the flower bud. In some plants, the sepals are much bigger and more colourful than the petals and carry out the task of attracting insects.

Reproductive Parts: The lily flower contains both male and female parts. The female parts, or carpels, are at the centre of the flower. They consist of the ovary, where the seeds are produced, and the stigma, which is attached to the ovary by the style. The stigma is the part of the flower which receives pollen during pollination. The male parts of the flower consist of six identical stamens. Each stamen is made up of an anther, supported by a filament. As soon as the pollen is ripe, the anthers split open. When an insect visits the flower, some of the pollen brushes off on its body and will be carried off to the stigma of another flower.

For seed production, all flowers use the same underlying structures. For example, a lily flower can be divided into three parts. The male parts (the stamens) produce the pollen, the female parts ( the carpel) produce the ovules, which will eventually become the seeds. Around both the male and the female parts are sepals and petals which attract insects. When, as in the lily flower, the sepals and petals look the same, they are known as perianth segments, or tepals.

How a flower bud opens? In the lily's flower bud, the male and female parts are packed tightly together inside the protective casing formed by the sepals and petals (tepals). The flower bud opens because certain parts of it start to grow more quickly than others. The inside of the base of each tepal, for example, grows faster than the outside. This forces the tepal to bend outwards at the point where it is connected to the flower stalk. At the same time, unequal growth along the edges of each tepal makes the folds in it open out.

Uses Of Flowers
Flowers serve many purposes. Flowers are grown by plant lovers as a hobby, they beautify our environments. At home, in office, in schools, almost everywhere you go, flowers help to brighten up the place. Flowers put in a room not only adds beauty to it, it also gives off a nice fragrance. In addition, flowers can bring a smile to people's face. Sending flowers as condolences, as means of congratulations to a newborn babies, or expressing love etc are great gifts.

When sending flowers gift, a flowers website like this is your answer : Beyond Blossoms mission is simple - to provide the freshest flowers, with the best designs, at the lowest prices. Because their flowers are imported directly from flower farms around the world, they can save you money while providing your recipient with extremely fresh flowers. Whether you want a dozen roses for less than $30 or a more unusual flower like lisianthus, they have the freshest flowers at the best prices. And, they automatically give you rewards points with each online purchase – so you can get free flowers just by shopping with us.

Flowers convey emotions that words can’t express. You want to buy your recipient a design that inspires. Beyond Blossoms’ arrangements feature European styles, meaning they showcase a complementary mix of flowers and greens in matching colors. This creates a more sophisticated look than a typical “garden” style bouquet filled with a wild mix of mismatched flowers. In a European style bouquet, one can truly appreciate each flower’s splendor. They like to think of themselves as the Ben & Jerry's of flowers. While most flower websites are boring and lifeless, they take pride in creating a website that shows you how much they love flowers. From the easy-to-use layout to the looks and descriptions of their bouquets, from their flower picture contest to their favorite flower quotes page, their goal is to make your flower buying experience enjoyable!

Beyond Blossoms was founded in 2003 by Josh Grossman and Gina Maschek. The idea for the company flowered when they needed to write a business plan for an entrepreneurship class in grad school. “We were looking for a business that would allow us to be creative and sell something that people love. Flowers are the perfect item,” Josh states. After graduating, the two budding (get it budding?) entrepreneurs began operations.

Health Optimization

2007-01-02T19:43:00.000+08:00

The meaning of optimize means "to make full use of" or "make the best of". To optimize our health is to make our health as perfect as possible. By optimizing our health, we want to ensure that it is working in a as efficient as possible. As health is our greatest assets in our life, we want to treasure our life. We want to do as much as possible to optimize our health.

Many different factors determine how healthy you will be. Some, such as the genes you inherit from your parents, are a matter of chances. But htere are many choices you can make that will help determine whether you enjoy good health or bad.

The two main choices you can make are to adopt a healthy lifestyle and to learn how to recognize the possible early warning symptoms of illness. If you do, you will reduce your chances of dying at an early age from heart disease and improve the quality of your life in later years by staying healthier longer.

The decisions you make about how much exercise you take, what food you eat, which habits such as smoking and drinking you acquire, what risks you take in your sex life, and how much effort you put into avoiding accidents at work, at home, on the road, or during your leisure time, can all directly benefit or harm your health and well being.

So here is a list of tips to help you optimize your health.

Health Optimization Tips
1. Good Nutrition
You are what you eat. What you eat can greatly affect your health. Good nutrition is important for good health. Eating the right food can help protect you from heart disease and some cancers. Eat a varied diet of fresh food, including plenty of fruit and vegetables; Reduce consumption of fats and refined carbohydrates. Consume enough fibres.

2. Exercise
Whether you are young or old, male or female, in good health or suffering from a chronic medical problem, your health would benefit from some form of regular exercise. Taking any form of vigorous exercise for at least 20 minutes, three times a week, improve your overall fitness. It also decreases stress and reduces your risk of becoming ill.

3. Reduce Health Risks

Smoking is a major risk factor for bronchitis and lung cancer as well as other diseases including coronary heart disease, peptic ulcers and premature aging of the skin. If you smoke, you should stop for the sake of your health.
Keep alcohol intake within recommended limits. In the long term, drinking too much can harm your health and your emotional wellbeing. Because alcohol effects your judgment, it is a major cause of accidents.
Prevent accidents risk. Accident rates are highest among people between age 15 and 24.
Are you overweight? Being obese greatly increases your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, arthritis, diabetes, and other diseases.
Practise safe sex by using condoms during sexual intercourse if you are not involved in a mutually monogamous relationship.
Without immunizations you are at risk of a variety of serious, and potentially fatal, infectious disease. Ask your doctor if you need to be vaccinated.
Persistent or recurrent symptoms, such as headaches or breathlessness, could signify a disease for which prompt treatment may be more effective. See your doctor now.
Have you had all the health checks and screening tests you should have? Early detection of disease improves your chances of achieving a successful cure.
Do you live in a polluted environment? Although you can improve your local environment by recycling or switching to lead-free petrol, global pollution of the air, water, or food supply represent potential causes of ill-health beyond your control.
Observe kitchen hygiene. Food poisoning is due to eating food or drinking water that is contaminated with bacteria, viruses, moulds, chemicals or toxins.

4. Physical Health
Physical wellbeing is not just a matter of leading a healthy lifestyle by eating well and exercising enough. You must also be sure to get the right medical care. For example, you should know how to care for your teeth, examine your skin for early signs of skin cancer, vision test, or even some information about medications.

5. Mental or Emotional Health
However physically fit and healthy you are, you will not feel your best unless you take good care of yourself emotionally too. A positive self-image and a healthy attitude to life will increase your resistance to stress-related illness. You should also learn to cope with the anxiety and stress of life.

Life expectancy is largely determined by genetic inheritance but an unhealthy lifestyle can work against this genetic advantage by introducing behaviour-related diseases. Maintaining health is not only about eating well and staying fit. It also means getting the right medical care. You need to knwo when to visit your doctor, what symptoms to report, and what questions to ask. You should also be well-informed about self-examination and how it can help you recognize the early warning signs of disease.

By taking a sensible precautions now, you may be able to avodi many future illnesses. Immuniztion, accident prevention, safe sex, drinking alcohol only in moderation, and not smoking are all part of maintaining good health.

Our Five Senses

2007-01-01T20:00:00.000+08:00

How does man survive in this world? Man has been around for almost 2 million years. Man has to face many things daily. He is exposed to sights, sounds, smells, forces and tastes. How does man process all this information? Man needs special organs to help him process all this information. The sense organs enables man to survive.

What are sense organs? A sense organ is a part of the body which can sense the surrounding. It specially receives information from the outside environment. It also sends out information to the brain. Man has five senses. Each of our senses is given by a separate sense organ. Thus, man has five sense organs. Our five sense organs are our eyes, ears, nose, skin and tongue.

Our Five Senses
1. Our Eyes And Sight
The eyes sees things. It helps us to move about without endangering ourselves. The eyes allow us to see what we do. We can also learn a lot about the world around us. It would be unfortunate if we lost our sense of sight. Not only would it be difficult to move around, we will miss out on many sights.

2. Our Ears And Hearing
The world is filled with sounds. How do we pick up these sounds? The ear is the organ of hearing. When a person is unable to hear any sounds, we say he is deaf. A deaf person is one who loses his sense of hearing. The ear is responsible for hearing. This means that there is some damage or fault in the ear when a person is deaf.

The outer ear is shaped for collecting sounds. It then directs the sound along the ear canal to the eardrum. The sound causes the eardrum to vibrate. The vibrations stimulate the tiny hairs on the nerve. These nerves send electrical impulses to the brain. It enables us to tell one sound from another.

3. Our Nose And Smell
The organ for smell is the nose. Special nerve endings known as smell receptors are found at the back of the nose. Man has between 7 and 15 different kinds of smell receptors. These smell receptors are sensitive to chemicals in the air breathed in through the nostrils.

By smelling, we know if something is pleasant or unpleasant. This often helps us to judge whether we will like or dislike an object, especially food. Taste and smell are closely related. Thus, it is difficult to tell different food apart if your nose is blocked.

In addition, smell can help us to detect any poisonous gas leaks. We can escape from this to prevent ourselves from being poisoned.

4. Our Tongue And Taste
The tongue is the organ for taste. It contains as many as 10 000 taste buds. The tongue can taste four main types of tastes: sweet, salty, sour and bitter. When we taste something these four basic tastes are combined together with the use of the sense of smell.

The tongue is used for tasting food. It enables food to be differentiated from one another. In this way, we can enjoy our food. Our sense of taste also helps us to detect any poisonous substances in food.

5. Our Skin And Touch
Man's skin is filled with touch-sensitive hairs. The sense of touch enables one to detect a variety of things. For example, the skin can detect pain, heat, cold and pressure.

The skin can sense the changes in the environment. The nerve endings found beneath the skin send signals to the brain. The brain will then send out messages to the related parts of the body to act accordingly. For example, when an ant bites you on the leg, you will feel pain. The pain is carried to the brain. The brain then sends a message down to the hand. The message enables the hand to flick the ant away.

In the same way, many messages are sent to the brain. The brain will sort out the signals and messages are sent to the respective parts of the body. Our skin can sense things. This helps us to be aware of the environment and to protect ourselves from harm or danger.

Each of our senses provides us with information about one aspect of the world around us. Specially developed systems within the eye, ear, nose, tongue and skin translate sensory information into electrical signals which are passed along the nervous system to the brain. The brain can then understand and process this information, enabling you to see, hear, smell, taste and feel.

Although the senses work independently of one another, they can also work together, compensating for each other or adding to the information the brain receives. The senses of smell and taste, for instance, are closely linked. By itself, the tongue can only distinguish four tastes -- sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. The nose, however, can distinguish tens of thousands of scents. Food odours pass through the back of the throat and enter the nose. These odours determine how food taste. Because smell influences taste so much, people are unable to taste food properly when their noses are blocked.

Sensing Flowers
Our five senses helps us to appreciate the beauties of flowers in our life. With our eyes, we are able to see flowers around us. We can see different types of flowers, of different range of colours. We can smell the fragrance of flowers with our nose. With our hands, our skin allows us to feel the flowers. We can feel the leathery petals of flowers and we can feel the sharp thorns of roses. Our tongue helps us to taste food. Our sense of taste allow us to savour the taste of chrysanthemum tea.

Our five senses make our life so much fun and interesting. Sending and receiving gifts of flowers are made possible through senses. Receiving flowers bring pleasure and smile to our life.

Men's Health

2006-12-29T16:21:00.000+08:00

Clothing is important to men. Clothings for different occasion ensure that you look good and appropriate at the occasion. During cold weather, you need to put on thicker clothes or more clothes. At time when you are sick, clothings are important too. You need comfortable clothes. Business wear for men are important during work. Clothings help to boosts the men's morale and confidence when they are amazingly attractive in their outfits.

Men are catching up to women in life expectancy, according to a 2006 National Center for Health Statistics report. If current trends continue, in 50 years, men and women will live the same length of time. Although overall life expectancy for men is looking good, the male population still has some unique concerns.

Research shows:

Despite recent declines in heart disease in the general population, the mortality rate for African American men, aged 35 to 44 years, is more than twice that for White men.

An estimated one-third of men with type 2 diabetes (most common form of diabetes) don't know they have it. Many are unaware of the disease until they develop problems such as impotence (erectile dysfunction), vision loss, or kidney disease.

Men commit suicide four times as often as women do, partly because they're more likely to use deadlier means — such as firearms — when they set out to take their own lives.

Leading Causes of Death for Males
Statistics showing the percentage of the causes of death in all races of males
1) Heart disease - 28.4%
2) Cancer - 24.1%
3) Unintentional injuries - 5.8%
4) Stroke - 5.2%
5) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - 5.1%
6) Diabetes - 2.9%
7) Influenza and pneumonia - 2.4%
8) Suicide - 2.1%
9) Kidney disease - 1.6%
10) Chronic liver disease - 1.5%

Recommended Health Screenings for Men
1. Blood Cholesterol Screenings
Have your cholesterol checked at least every 5 years, starting at age 35. If you smoke, have diabetes, or if heart disease runs in your family, start having your cholesterol checked at age 20.

2. Blood Pressure
Have your blood pressure checked at least every 2 years.

3. Colorectal Cancer Tests
Begin regular screening for colorectal cancer starting at age 50. Your doctor can help you decide which test is right for you. How often you need to be tested will depend on which test you have.

4. Diabetes Tests
Have a test to screen for diabetes if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

5. Depression
If you've felt "down," sad, or hopeless, and have felt little interest or pleasure in doing things for two weeks straight, talk to your doctor about whether he or she can screen you for depression.

6. Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Talk to your doctor to see whether you should be screened for sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV.

7. Prostate Cancer Screening
Talk to your doctor about the possible benefits and harms of prostate cancer screening if you are considering having a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test or digital rectal examination (DRE).

8. Routine Care
There are several simple measures that you can take to help ensure that your genital area remains healthy and problem-free.

Regularly retract your foreskin and clean underneath it as infections often occur under the foreskin.
A penile discharge, pain during intercourse, or sores, blisters, spots or lumps on your genitals may be symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease. Consult your doctor immediately.

Cancer Facts

2006-12-24T15:12:00.000+08:00

Cancer is a disease that starts in our cells. Our bodies are made up of millions of cells, grouped together to form tissues or organs such as muscles and bones, the lungs, or the liver. Genes inside each cell order it to grow, work, reproduce and die.

Normally, our cells obey these orders and we remain healthy. Sometimes a cell’s instructions get mixed up and it behaves abnormally. After a while, groups of abnormal cells can form lumps or tumours, or can spread to through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body.

Tumours can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign tumour cells stay in one place in the body and are not usually life-threatening.

Malignant tumour cells are able to invade the tissues around them and spread to other parts of the body. Cancerous cells that spread to other parts of the body are called metastases. The first sign that a malignant tumour has spread is often swelling of nearby lymph nodes, but cancer can metastasize to almost any part of the body. It is important to find malignant tumours early and treat them.

Cancers are named after the part of the body where they start. For example, cancer that starts in the colon but spreads to the liver is called colon cancer with liver metastases.

The survival rate for many types of cancer has improved in recent years; however, cancer is still the second leading cause of death in the United States.

Cancer occurs when cells continue to grow and divide and do not die when they should. Cancer cells can damage or destroy nearby tissues and can metastasize (spread) to distant parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

Cancer is the result of changes in the genes that control normal cell growth and death. These changes may be inherited, or may result from environmental or lifestyle factors.

People can reduce their risk of cancer by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Also, screening exams can detect some precancerous conditions and early-stage cancer.

Cancer can cause a variety of symptoms.

Cancer can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormones, and/or biological therapy.

Clinical trials (research studies with people) are an option for people interested in prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.

About 1.4 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2005, and more than 550,000 people will die of the disease.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. However, improvements in cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment have increased the survival rate for many types of cancer. About 64 percent of all people diagnosed with cancer will be alive 5 years after diagnosis.

A prognosis gives an idea of the likely course and outcome of a disease.

Many factors affect a person’s prognosis, including the type, location, and stage of the disease, as well as the person’s age, general health, and response to treatment.

Survival rates indicate the percentage of people with a certain type and stage of cancer who survive the disease for a specific period of time after their diagnosis. Survival rates are based on large groups of people.

Doctors cannot be absolutely certain about the outcome for a particular patient. In fact, a person’s prognosis may change over time.

Colorectal Cancers

2006-12-23T14:57:00.000+08:00

Cancer that originates in the colon or rectum may be called colon cancer, rectal cancer, or colorectal cancer. Colon cancer is the term most commonly used to refer to this type of cancer.

Almost all of the colorectal cancers begin with the growth of adenomas, a precancerous type of polyp that grows on the inside wall of the colon or rectum. In the early stage of growth, these polyps may not cause any symptoms. As they continue to grow into the intestine and beyond, symptoms such as rectal bleeding, a change in stools, blood in the stool, gas, bloating, abdominal fullness, or weight loss may be noticed. If these polyps are detected early through appropriate screening tests before they become cancerous, they can be removed and the development of colorectal cancer can be prevented.

Early detection and treatment have helped cut the death rate from colorectal cancer over the past 20 years. In fact, the 5-year survival rate for people with early-stage colorectal cancer is 90%; survival drops to 65% when the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body. Unfortunately, only about 37% of colorectal cancers are found before they have spread. Patients whose parents, siblings or children have colorectal cancer face an increased risk, as do women with a history of cancer of the ovaries or uterus. Colorectal cancer is also more common in patients who suffer from inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.

Although noncancerous polyps of the colon and rectum are relatively common in people over age 50, the presence of adenomas (precancerous polyps) increases the risk of colorectal cancer.

The majority of colorectal cancers are found in people over age 50. Polyps in the colon or rectum are slow-growing, and many are not cancerous; the polyp that can become cancerous is a special type known as an adenoma. In their early stages, polyps do not usually cause any symptoms, making it difficult to detect them. When symptoms do appear, they are typically changes in bowel movements. These symptoms may also be signs of other conditions, and may be ignored or not reported to the doctor.

Risk of Colorectal Cancer
There is no single cause of colorectal cancer, but some factors appear to increase the risk of developing it:

age – particularly after 50

polyps – small growths on the inner wall of the colon and rectum

family history

diet

obesity

physical inactivity

heavy alcohol consumption

living with inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)

smoking

A family history of colorectal cancer in close relatives (parents, siblings or children) increases risk, especially if the relatives developed cancer before the age of 45. A condition that runs in families called Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) also increases risk. People in families with FAP or with a large number of colorectal cancer cases are often monitored closely so that cancer will be diagnosed early if it develops.

Researchers are also looking at how diet affects the risk of developing colorectal cancer. A diet high in vegetables and fruit is known to lower risk. A diet high in fibre and low in animal fats also seems to decrease risk, but more research is necessary to be sure.

Some people develop colorectal cancer without any of these risk factors.

Symptoms Of Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer can be asymptomatic (i.e., it may not cause symptoms). Blood in the stool is a common sign of the disease. Blood may be bright red or dark in color, and may not be noticeable. Chronic bleeding may result in iron deficiency anemia, which may cause fatigue and pale skin.

Other symptoms include the following:

Abdominal discomfort (e.g., pain, bloating, cramping, fullness)

Change in bowel habits

Constipation or diarrhea

Narrow stools

Nausea and vomiting

Unexplained weight loss

anemia (constant tiredness, shortness of breath)

vague, dull pain or pressure that may spread to the back

Colon Health

2006-12-22T14:56:00.000+08:00

The colon, also known as the large intestine, is a tubular organ approximately 4 to 5 feet long and about 2 1/2 inches in diameter. The colon is found in the lower abdomen. It extends from the small intestine to the rectum.

The colon is part of the digestive or gastro-intestinal system. The main functions of the colon are absorption of water and minerals, and the formation and elimination of stool (feces).

The colon contains trillions of friendly bacteria called probiotics. There are about 60 varieties of probiotics in the colon. These helpful probiotics lower the pH of the colon, killing disease causing microbes. Probiotics also produce vitamins B and K and protect us from illness. A few of the more common friendly bacteria in the colon are Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and Bifidobacteria bifidus.

Signs of a Healthy Colon

1. Regular bowel movements with a frequency of 1-3 times per day.

2. Easy, relaxed bowel movements. Straining and working up a sweat should not be necessary.

3. Stool color of walnut brown. Temporary discoloration may occur from foods like carrots, beets, and dark green vegetables.

4. Stool consistency similar to tooth paste and about the length of a banana. Stool should never be hard and pellet shaped.

5. Minimal gas and intestinal discomfort. Gas is a natural by product of digestion, but an abundance of gas is not normal.

Steps to a Healthy Colon
1. Pure Water - Pure clean water is essential for colon health. Drink distilled or reverse osmosis water. Divide your body weight by 2 to determine the ounces of water that you should drink daily. Don't drink tap water. Soft drinks, coffee, processed fruit juices, and alcohol don't count towards your daily water requirement.

2. Proper Diet - Eat a low fat/high fiber diet of whole foods. Eat God's foods, avoid man's processed foods.

3. Fiber - Eat plenty of raw whole fruits and vegetables. Also include fresh nuts and whole grains. If additional fiber is needed, try a fiber supplement such as psyllium.

4. Reduce Stress - Relax, don't take life too seriously. Don't try to do too much in one day. Reduce the stressful situations and conflicts in your life. Don't let little things bug you. Most of all put your faith and trust in God and let Him help you with your burdens and troubles.

5. Exercise - Get moderate exercise 5 days per week by participating in activities such as walking, jogging, bicycling, swimming and resistance training.

6. Friendly Bacteria - Avoid antibiotics and other drugs. Drugs often kill the friendly bacteria in your colon, especially antibiotics. Dairy products like yogurt, cottage cheese, and buttermilk and fermented vegetables such as sauerkraut and soybeans (miso, tempeh, tamari) are natural probiotics. Probiotic supplementation is another way to restore your colon with friendly bacteria.

7. Detoxification - At least twice a year and ideally four times a year cleanse and detoxify your colon. Over time food particles and toxins accumulate in the colon and must be removed for optimal colon health. There are many herbal cleansing products available.

Consequences of Improper Colon Maintenance
1. Constipation is caused primarily by insufficient dietary fiber and water.

2. Diarrhea may be caused by a temporary problem, like an infection, or a chronic problem, like an intestinal disease. A few of the more common causes of diarrhea include viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections; food intolerance; reactions to medicine; intestinal diseases; and functional bowel disorders.

3. Hemorrhoids, also known as Piles, are dilated veins in the anus and rectum. They are caused by insufficient dietary fiber and by straining during bowel elimination.

4. Appendicitis refers to inflammation and infection of the appendix. It is caused by low fiber intake and a lack of good bacteria.

5. Colitis, also known as Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Spastic Colon, is when the inner lining of the colon becomes inflamed. It is the most frequently seen gastrointestinal disease and is highly related to stress. Ulcerative colitis is a more severe form of this disease in which ulcers, or open sores, appear in the inner lining of the colon. Even though it is caused largely by stress, a healthy bowel including all of the factors mentioned above can help protect us from colitis.

6. Diverticulosis is an outward ballooning (diverticula) in the bowel wall caused by increased internal pressure and weakening of the bowel wall. It is caused by chronic constipation which in turn is caused by a lifetime of insufficient dietary fiber and poor bowel hygiene. If a diverticula becomes inflamed it is call Diverticulitis.

7. Prolapsed Colon is a common condition that occurs when the colon "falls" from its normal position to a lower position. It is caused by a general deterioration of colon health as a result of poor colon hygiene. The real problem occurs when the abdominal organs, including the colon, exert pressure on the prostate in men and the uterus and ovaries in women.

8. Dilated Blood Vessels such as varicose veins are often caused, like hemorrhoids, by increased internal pressure resulting from straining during bowel elimination because of insufficient dietary fiber.

9. Skin Problems are often the result of poor colon hygiene. Some toxins are eliminated through the sweat pores. When excess toxins are being absorbed by the colon, the other elimination systems such as the kidneys, lungs, and skin are overloaded. Unsightly blemishes on the skin can be the result.

10. Halitosis, or "bad breath," can result from colon problems in the same way. In this case the lungs are eliminating toxins that are being absorbed by an unhealthy colon.

11. Cancer can be the result of long term colon problems and toxicity caused by our typical high fat/low fiber diet.

Diagnosis & Treatment Of Bladder Stones

2006-12-21T00:12:00.000+08:00

Most bladder stones can be, and are, passed out of the body in the urine without any permanent damage to the bladder or the rest of the urinary tract. However, most bladder stones arise from an underlying medical condition. Therefore, if this medical condition is not corrected approximately half of all patients will experience a recurrence of bladder stones within five years.

Bladder stones are usually the result of another urologic problem such as urinary tract infection , bladder diverticulum, neurogenic bladder , or an enlarged prostate . Approximately 95% of all bladder stones occur in men. Stones originating in the bladder are much less common than kidney stones .

Bladder stones may occur when urine in the bladder is concentrated and materials crystallize. The patient feels symptoms when the lining of the bladder is irritated by the stone or when the stone obstructs the flow of urine from the bladder.

Diagnosis Of Bladder Stones

Many tests can be used to identify what's causing someone's symptoms and whether a stone is present within the bladder. These include urine tests, blood tests, x-rays and ultrasound scans. A special type of test called intravenous urography is often used and provides a picture of the kidneys, ureters and bladder. This allows any stones and their location to be identified.

The diagnosis of bladder stones is usually made after a physical examination, which may include a rectal examination to check for enlargement of the prostate gland. If bladder stones are suspected, bladder or pelvic x-rays may be ordered. Stones that are large enough to cause problems with urinary function are almost always detectable by x- ray.

An examination for bladder stones includes x-rays and analysis of urine. The healthcare provider may ask for numerous urine samples to watch changes over the course of the day. A doctor might extract large stones with surgery. He or she might also break up large stones with shock waves or ultrasound. Urine tests and analysis of stone fragments help providers decide on the right therapy and dietary changes. If there is no medical treatment after surgery, stones recur in about half of patients within 5 years.

Treatment Of Bladder Stones
Many bladder stones can be passed out of the body in the urine. People with small bladder stones will be asked to increase their fluid intakes to at least six to eight eight-ounce glasses of water per day to increase urinary output. If the stones do not pass after two weeks, or if the patient's symptoms become worse, further medical treatment may be required.

A large bladder stone, or small stone that the patient cannot pass in the urine, may be broken up into smaller stones using ultrasound (shock waves). These smaller stones may then pass in the urine. Stones that cannot be broken into pieces by these methods, or that the patient cannot pass, may have to be surgically removed.

Sometimes cystoscopy is performed to examine the inside of the bladder. During this process a fibre-optic camera, called a cystoscope, is inserted into the bladder via the urethra. Any bladder stones can usually be broken up during this procedure, and then washed out.

Stones can also be broken up into pieces small enough to allow them to pass out in the urine using a special type of ultrasound called lithotripsy. If the stones are too large to be removed by these methods, surgical removal becomes necessary.

Since bladder stones can often recur, it's important to reduce the chances of this happening to a minimum. This means drinking plenty of fluid every day, and ensuring that any underlying medical conditions, such as gout, are treated appropriately

Traditional herbal remedies for bladder stones include celery seed and horsetail. Also, because incomplete bladder emptying may cause bladder stones, many patients may benefit from methods and remedies aimed at improving overall bladder function. These include Kegel exercises, which are used to strengthen the muscles involved in urination; herbal supplements (cornsilk, hydrangea, juniper berries, parsley, and uva ursi) used to increase urine flow and flush out sediment from the bladder; and, the consumption of cranberry juice and/or fresh, unsweetened, lemon juice. Cranberry juice helps to control urinary tract infection and contains a chemical that coats the walls of the bladder, making them more resistant to infection. Lemon juice helps to flush out the urinary system.

Prevention Of Bladder Stones
Bladder stones may, in some cases, be prevented by the patient receiving prompt medical treatment for an enlarged prostate gland or urinary tract infection. The consumption of at least six to eight eight-ounce glasses of water per day and/or the regular consumption of cranberry juice may help to prevent recurrences of bladder stones.

It is important to drink plenty of water to flush out the urinary system. Reducing calcium in the diet only benefits patients with one specific type of stone. Dietary changes that may help include eating more bran and less calcium and protein. Physical activity may help prevent stones. Certain genetic factors may contribute to having bladder stones. Gout, hormone imbalance, urinary infections, or urinary obstruction are other possible factors.

Bladder Stones

2006-12-20T00:05:00.000+08:00

Picture of The male urinary system

Picture of The female urinary system

The female and male urinary tracts are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra. Bladder stones are crystalline masses of minerals and proteins that form in the urinary bladder. These types of stones are much less common than kidney stones.

Bladder stones can form anywhere in the urinary system before depositing in the bladder. The most common types contain calcium salts. Stones are usually between 0.2cm and 2cm, but may be smaller or much larger. They begin as tiny grains(about the size of a grain of sand). These stones can block the flow of urine and cause severe pain above the groin and difficulty in urination. If they scratch the bladder wall, they may lead to bleeding or infection. Blood may be visible or in trace amounts that a test may detect.

Causes Of Bladder Stones
While the exact causes of the formation of bladder stones are not completely understood, bladder stones usually occur because of urinary tract infection (UTI), obstruction of the urinary tract, enlargement of the prostate gland in men, or the presence of foreign bodies in the urinary tract. Diet and the amount of fluid intake also appear to be important factors in the development of bladder stones. Stones seem to be more common in hot climates and during summer months. They are more common in the southeastern U.S. This may be because hot weather leads to body fluid loss. It may also be due to regional diet. Stones are more common in men, but rare in children and African Americans. People with gout can have stones made from uric acid. Bladder stones are rarely seen in children or in African Americans. People with gout may develop bladder stones composed almost entirely of uric acid.

Risk factors for bladder stones
Men are three times more likely to develop bladder stones than women. The chances of stones forming increases with age. Most people are over 45 when the stones are discovered.

being male

increasing age

poor fluid intake

incomplete emptying of the bladder

recurrent urine infections

medical conditions, for example, gout.

Anything that causes urine to stagnate in the bladder creates the potential for stones to form because the waste products won't be removed as they normally would. This may arise because the bladder isn't emptying completely, for example, because of prostate gland enlargement. People who develop recurrent urine infections are also more likely to develop bladder stones. In any medical condition where the levels of waste products are higher, for example, when someone has gout, the likelihood of stones forming is also increased.

Symptoms Of Bladder Stones
Bladder stones may not cause any symptoms at all. This is often the case when stones are small and manage to pass unhindered in the urine out of the body. However, if the stone is too large and has difficulty being passed it may cause a variety of symptoms.

The symptoms of bladder stones may become evident when the wall of the bladder is scratched or when the urinary tract becomes obstructed by the stone. These symptoms include:

abnormally dark colored urine

blood in the urine

difficulty urinating

frequent urge to urinate

lower abdominal pain

pain or discomfort in the penis

When irritating the bladder, a stone may also cause urge incontinence, also known as irritable bladder. And if it blocks the exit of urine from the bladder, like a bath plug, it causes the painful condition of urine retention. Some people with bladder stones also may experience an inability to control urination (urinary incontinence).

Symptoms & Treatment Of Skin Cancer

2006-12-12T22:02:00.000+08:00

Skin cancer is an increasingly common condition, in part attributed to increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The increased exposure is mainly due to the recent popularity of sun tanning (sun bathing). Lighter-skinned individuals are more vulnerable. In the United States, about one out of every three new cancers arises from skin. Skin cancers are often curable. Barriers which reduce UV exposure are effective in preventing skin cancers (clothes, hats, creams, lotions).

Most basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers can be cured if found and treated early.

A change on the skin is the most common sign of skin cancer. This may be a new growth, a sore that doesn't heal, or a change in an old growth. Not all skin cancers look the same.

Skin Cancer Symptoms
Most people are alerted to the possibility that they have skin cancer because they notice a difference in the appearance of their skin. Such an occurrence may take the form of a spot, sore, or mole with a changeable size, shape, color, or 'feel'.

These are the potential skin cancer symptoms :

There are a variety of different skin cancer symptoms that you should be aware of. Those skin cancer symptoms include sores or changes in the skin that do not heal, ulcers in the skin, discoloring in parts of the skin, and changes in existing moles.

The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change on the skin, especially a new growth or a sore that doesn't heal. Skin cancers don't all look the same. The cancer may start as a small, smooth, shiny, pale, or waxy lump. Or it can appear as a firm red lump. Sometimes, the lump bleeds or develops a crust. Skin cancer can also start as a sore or rough red spot that becomes scaly or crusty. Actinic keratosis, which appears as rough, red or brown scaly patches on the skin, is known as a precancerous condition because it sometimes develops into squamous cell cancer. Like skin cancer, it usually appears on sun-exposed areas but can be found elsewhere.

The majority of melanomas occur on the head, neck, arms and back – ie the skin exposed most to sunlight. Most of them are very dark or black, but they can sometimes be lighter brown or even speckled. The surface is usually raised and sometimes rough. They are not normally circular in shape, but some can be quite close to a circle. In their early stages, they often look like a mole, but with a ragged outline or different shades of colour in it. Sometimes, they appear to be a mole that is bleeding, oozing or crusty. However, the most important thing is that melanomas usually change shape or colour as they grow. Any spot that changes colour or shape should be reported to your doctor.

Ordinary moles typically appear as evenly colored (brown, black, tan), round spots on the skin. They can be present at birth, or they may appear at any time during a person's life, often after periods of sun exposure. Most are small (less than 6 millimeters in diameter), and they do not change in size or shape, although they may fade somewhat in older individuals. By contrast, melanoma - a much more serious form of skin cancer -usually begins as an abnormal mole.

Changes in the skin are not sure signs of cancer; however, it is important to see a doctor if any symptom lasts longer than 2 weeks. Don't wait for the area to hurt. Skin cancers seldom cause pain.

Treatment Of Skin Cancer
Most skin cancers are curable. Minor surface skin cancers are readily treatable by simple surgery, but if the cancer is allowed to grow then it will penetrate through the layers of skin and affect the lymphatic system. It may also metastasize and spread to other parts of the body.

Skin cancers which are aggressive, recurrent, or located upon 'high risk sites' of the body (central face, scalp, ears, genitalia) may require more advanced surgical approaches such as Mohs' micrographic surgery to achieve high cure rates.

Specific treatment for skin cancer will be determined by your physician based on:

* your age, overall health, and medical history
* extent of the disease
* your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
* expectations for the course of the disease
* your opinion or preference

There are several kinds of treatments for skin cancer, including the following:

1. surgery
Surgery is a common treatment for skin cancer - used about 90 percent of the time, and often includes the following procedures:

cryosurgery - freezing the tumor, which kills cancer cells.

electrodesiccation and curettage - burning the lesion and removing it with a sharp instrument.

grafting - uses a skin graft to replace skin that is damaged when cancer is removed.

laser therapy - using a narrow beam of light to remove cancer cells.

Mohs micrographic surgery - removing the cancer and as little normal tissue as possible. During this surgery, the physician removes the cancer and then uses a microscope to look at the cancerous area to make sure no cancer cells remain.

simple excision - cutting the cancer from the skin along with some of the healthy tissue around it.

2. radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses a radiation machine that emits x-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.

electrochemotherapy

Electrochemotherapy uses a combination of chemotherapy and electrical pulses to treat cancer.

Other types of treatment include:

* chemotherapy - treatment with drugs to destroy cancer cells.

- topical chemotherapy - chemotherapy given as a cream or lotion placed on the skin to kill cancer cells.

- systemic chemotherapy - chemotherapy taken by pill, or needle injection into a vein or muscle.

* biological therapy (sometimes called biological response modifier (BRM) therapy, or immunotherapy)
Biological therapy tries to get your own body to fight cancer by using materials made by your own body, or made in a laboratory, to boost, direct, or restore your body''s natural defenses against disease.

* photodynamic therapy
Photodynamic therapy uses a certain type of light and a special chemical to kill cancer cells.

* immunotherapy
Immunotherapy of melanoma involves injecting a medication (called interferon) to boost the body''s own immune system, helping it to slow the growth of the cancer.

In treating skin cancer, the doctor’s main goal is to remove or destroy cancer completely, leaving as small scar as possible. To plan the best treatment for each person, the doctor considers the type of skin cancer, its location and size, and the person’s general health and medical history. Treatment for skin cancer usually involves some type of surgery. In some cases, radiation therapy or chemotherapy (anticancer drugs) or a combination of these treatments may be necessary.

In treating skin cancer, the doctor's main goal is to remove or destroy the cancer completely with as small a scar as possible. To plan the best treatment for each patient, the doctor considers the location and size of the cancer, the risk of scarring, and the person's age, general health, and medical history.

Treatment for skin cancer usually involves some type of surgery. In some cases, doctors suggest radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Sometimes a combination of these methods is used.

Skin Cancer

2006-12-10T22:02:00.000+08:00

The skin is the largest organ of the body. Your skin protects your body against heat, light, infection, and injury. It also stores water, fat, and vitamin D. Skin cancer is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the outer layers of your skin.

Skin cancer is a malignant growth on the skin, which can have many causes, including repeated severe sunburn or long-term exposure to the sun. Skin cancer generally develops in the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, so a tumor is usually clearly visible. This makes most skin cancers detectable in the early stages. There are three common types of skin cancer each of which are named after the type of skin cell.

Skin cancer is the most common form of human cancer. It is estimated that over 1 million new cases occur annually. The annual rates of all forms of skin cancer are increasing each year, representing a growing public concern. It has also been estimated that nearly half of all Americans who live to age 65 will develop skin cancer at least once.

Skin cancer begins in cells, the building blocks that make up the skin. Normally, skin cells grow and divide to form new cells. Every day skin cells grow old and die, and new cells take their place.

Sometimes, this orderly process goes wrong. New cells form when the skin does not need them, and old cells do not die when they should. These extra cells can form a mass of tissue called a growth or tumor.

Growths or tumors can be benign or malignant:

Benign growths are not cancer:

- Benign growths are rarely life-threatening.
- Generally, benign growths can be removed. They usually do not grow back.
- Cells from benign growths do not invade the tissues around them.
- Cells from benign growths do not spread to other parts of the body.

Malignant growths are cancer:

- Malignant growths are generally more serious than benign growths. They may be life-threatening. However, the two most common types of skin cancer cause only about one out of every thousand deaths from cancer.
- Malignant growths often can be removed. But sometimes they grow back.
- Cells from malignant growths can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs.
- Cells from some malignant growths can spread to other parts of the body. The spread of cancer is called metastasis.

Types of Skin Cancer
Skin cancers are named for the type of cells that become cancerous.

The term "skin cancer" refers to three different conditions. From the least to the most dangerous, they are:

Basal cell skin cancer grows slowly. It usually occurs on areas of the skin that have been in the sun. It is most common on the face. Basal cell cancer rarely spreads to other parts of the body.

Squamous cell skin cancer also occurs on parts of the skin that have been in the sun. But it also may be in places that are not in the sun. Squamous cell cancer sometimes spreads to lymph nodes and organs inside the body.

Melanoma

These cancers usually form on the head, face, neck, hands, and arms. These areas are exposed to the sun. But skin cancer can occur anywhere. If skin cancer spreads from its original place to another part of the body, the new growth has the same kind of abnormal cells and the same name as the primary growth. It is still called skin cancer.

The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change in the appearance of the skin, such as a new growth or a sore that will not heal.

The two most common forms of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Together, these two are also referred to as nonmelanoma skin cancer. Melanoma is generally the most serious form of skin cancer because it tends to spread (metastasize) throughout the body quickly.

Keratosis Pilaris

2006-12-04T00:58:00.000+08:00

Keratosis Pilaris (KP) is a very common and completely harmless skin condition. In the population as a whole, keratosis pilaris may affect as many as one person in three. Its name gives some idea of what it is. 'Keratosis' means that there is too much keratin – which makes up the tough horny outer layer of the skin: 'pilaris' comes from the Latin word for hair (pilus). In keratosis pilaris, many small (1 to 2 mm. across) horny plugs can be seen blocking the hair follicles on the upper and outer parts of the arms and thighs.

Keratosis Pilaris (KP) is a very common skin condition often referred to as "chicken skin". If you have keratosis pilaris, you are not alone. Worldwide, keratosis pilaris affects an estimated 40 to 50% of the adult population and approximately 50 to 80% of all adolescents. Varying in degree, cases of KP can range from minimal to severe.

Most people with keratosis pilaris don't know they have it. While KP resembles goosebumps, it is characterized by the appearance of small, rough bumps on the skin. Primarily, it appears on the back and outer sides of the upper arms, but can also occur on thighs and buttocks or any body part except palms or soles. (Often confused with acne.)

Keratosis pilaris is unsightly but completely harmless. KP tends to be worse during the winter months or other times of low humidity when the skin dries out. It may also occur and/or worsen among pregnant women or show up after childbirth.

There are several different types of keratosis pilaris, including keratosis pilaris rubra (red, inflamed bumps), alba (rough, bumpy skin with no irritation), rubra faceii (reddish rash on the cheeks) and related disorders.

Causes Of Keratosis Pilaris
This is generally thought to be genetic disorder, although the symptoms of keratosis pilaris are often seen with ichthyosis and allergic dermatitis. It can also be observed in people of all ages who have either inherited it or have a vitamin A deficiency or have dry skin. Keratosis pilaris is a self-limiting disorder that disappears as the person ages. It can become more severe when conditions are dry such as during the winter months or in dry climates.

Keratosis pilaris is an inherited skin condition, running strongly in many families, sometimes with a generally dry skin (ichthyosis). The way it is inherited varies from family to family, but often fits into an 'autosomal dominant' pattern – which means that there will be a 1 in 2 chance that each child of an affected parent will inherit the condition. Keratosis pilaris appears when extra keratin accumulates in the hair follicles. This is usually in childhood, and most obvious during adolescence, often it clears in adulthood. It tends to be better in the summer than in the winter. Keratosis pilaris is harmless, and is not infectious.

Symptoms of keratosis pilaris
Some people find their keratosis pilaris ugly. The skin feels rough or spiky as though it has permanent goosebumps. Occasionally keratosis pilaris is itchy.

Diagnosis & Treatment
There are no specific tests for keratosis pilaris, however your doctor will recognize it easily and a biopsy is seldom needed.

No treatment clears keratosis pilaris satisfactorily, and ordinary emollients (moisturizers) are of limited benefit. Creams containing salicylic acid, lactic acid and/or urea are sometimes felt to be more effective. Several simple types can be bought or obtained by prescription, or over the counter, and there is no advantage to be gained from using expensive cosmetic or vitamin creams.

Keratosis pilaris often improves with age, and can even disappear completely by middle-age. Some, however, will have keratosis pilaris for life.

Scratching and picking at KP bumps causes them to redden, swell, and even multiply. In some cases, they will bleed and/or scar.

Actinic Keratosis

2006-12-03T00:40:00.000+08:00

An actinic keratosis (AK), also known as a solar keratosis, is a precancerous skin growth usually caused by sun exposure. It is a small, rough spot occurring on skin that has been chronically exposed to the sun. Actinic keratoses generally measure in size between 2 to 6 millimeters in diameter (between the size of a pencil point to that of an eraser). They are usually reddish in color and often have a white scale on top.

In addition to feeling rough, actinic keratoses may feel sore or painful when fingers or clothing rub against them.

Those who develop actinic keratoses tend to be fair-skinned people who have spent a lot of time outdoors at work or at play over the course of many years. Their skin often becomes wrinkled, mottled, and discolored from sun exposure.

Common locations for actinic keratoses are the face, scalp, back of the neck, upper chest, as well as the tops of the hands and forearms. Men are more likely to develop AKs on top of the ears, whereas women's hairstyles often protect this area.

Actinic keratoses are precancerous (premalignant), which means they can develop into skin cancer. However, relatively few of them actually become cancers, a process that typically takes years. When a malignant change does occur, the cancer is called a squamous cell carcinoma.

When patients are diagnosed with this condition, they often say: " But I never go out in the sun!" The explanation is that it takes many years or even decades for these keratoses to develop. Typically, the predisposing sun exposure may have occurred many years ago. Short periods of sun exposure do not generally either produce AKs or transform them into skin cancers.

Symptoms

Rough and dry textured skin lesion

A macule, patch, or growth on the skin

- Limited to a discrete area (localized)
- Located on the face, scalp, back of the hands, chest or other sun-exposed areas
- Gray, pink, red (erythematous), or the same color as the skin
- Initially flat and scaly on the surface, becoming slightly raised
- Becoming hard and wart-like or gritty, rough, and "sandpapery" -- may develop a horn-like texture from overgrowth of skin keratin layer (hyperkeratosis)

Diagnosis
Most of the time, doctors can diagnose an actinic keratosis just by examining it. If the AK is especially large or thick, a biopsy may be advisable to make sure that the spot in question is just a keratosis and has not become a skin cancer.

There are other spots, called seborrheic keratoses, that are not caused by sun exposure and have no relationship to skin cancers. These are raised brown lesions that do not appear only on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun. They also often run in families.

Treatment
The best treatment for an AK is prevention. For light-skinned individuals, this means minimizing their sun exposure. By the time actinic keratoses develop, however, the relevant radiation is often so far in the past that prudent preventive measures play a relatively small role. Fortunately, treatment methods are usually simple and straightforward:
* Cryosurgery: Freezing AKs with liquid nitrogen often causes them to slough off and go away.
* Other forms of surgery: Doctors sometimes cut away or burn off AKs.
* 5-fluorouracil: Creams containing this medication cause AKs to become red and inflamed before they fall off. Although effective, this method often produces unsightly and uncomfortable skin for a period of weeks, thus making it impractical for many patients.
* Photodynamic therapy: This relatively new therapy involves injecting a chemical into the bloodstream that gathers in AKs and makes them more sensitive to exposure to a specialized form of light.

Prevention
Minimize sun exposure and protect skin from the sun. Wear protective clothing such as hats, long-sleeved shirts, long skirts, or pants. Ultraviolet light is most intense midday, so try to avoid exposure during these hours.

Use high-quality sunscreens, preferably with SPF (sun protection factor) ratings of at least 15. Pick a sunscreen that blocks both UBA and UVB light. Apply sunscreen at least half an hour before exposure, and reapply frequently.

Skin Disorders

2006-12-02T23:47:00.000+08:00

It is a special feature of the skin that while serving many vitally important functions it also plays a major role in appearance. Like the internal systems of the body, it may be subject to serious disease, but unlike the inernal systems, relatively minor disorders, such as acne, dandruff or psoriasis, cause distress to the sufferer out of all proportion to their effect on his or her physical well-being.

The tendency to certain skin disorders seems to be inherited; psoriasis, ichthyosis and some forms of eczema are examples.

Contact with certain substances may produce a reaction in the skin(contact eczema) and the skin may also show other symptoms, including itching, blistering or rash -- which are signs of diseases such as measles or of allergies.

The skin is a site of infection. Two of the most common virus infections are cold sores and warts. Impetigo is a common bacterial infection and common fungal infections include thrush and athlete's foot.

Growths on the skin are usually benign, but in rare cases they may be cancerous. Any new growth or change in a mole or its surrounding skin should always be reported to the doctor since virtually all skin cancers are curable if treated early.

The most common form of balding(alopecia) is male pattern balding which seems to run in families. Unfortunately, there is very little that can be done to remedy it. Occasionally women may also lose hair,m but in most cases this is only temporary. Increased growth of hair (hirsutism), which can distress women, is sometimes due to a hormonal abnormality but ususally no cause can be found.

High-Risk Groups

Blood relatives of people suffering from allergies are more likely than average to have similar troubles
People with fair skin and fair hair. These people, particularly red-heads, are very sensitive to sunlight
People exposed to chemicals. Housewives using detergents or workers with mineral oils, dyes and chemicals

Main Symptoms of Skin Disorders

Lumps
Rash
Skin abnormalities
Itching

Emergencies

Acute urticaria. If there is swelling of the tongue or throat a doctor should be seen as soon as possible
Burns and scalds. If the skin is badly broken or the burn extensive, do not attempt to remove clothing or apply home remedies. Cover with a clean, dry, loose dressing and seek medical advice.

How to Prevent Skin Problems

Wear gloves when handling detergents
Wash thoroughly after handling chemicals even if gloves have been worn
Do not use towels or face-cloths which have been used by others
Cover fair skin in sunlight -- with a broad-brimmed hat and cotton sleeves
Do not sunbathe for hours at a time on the first day of a holiday

Acne Treatment

2006-12-01T23:21:00.000+08:00

There are some very effective treatments for acne. The treatment used varies between individuals and depends on the type of acne. Treatment for acne usually needs to be used for at least one to two years. However, some people with minimal acne may not require any treatment at all.

For primary school students, most of the acne when it first occurs can be treated by applying topical preparations such as creams, lotions or gels to the skin. These are available from the chemist/pharmacist without a prescription. Topical preparations need to be used on all areas of the skin where acne tends to occur, not just on the inflamed spots present today. The aim is to prevent future spots appearing.

Acne that does not respond to treatment with preparations from the chemist/pharmacist may require treatment prescribed by a doctor in addition to the topical products.

Severe acne including nodules, cysts and scarring may require treatment by a skin specialist to prevent both the pimples and long term scarring.

What can you do about acne on your own?
Lifestyle: Moderation and regularity are good things, but not everyone can sleep eight hours, eat three good meals, and drink eight glasses of water a day. You can, however, still control your acne even if your routine is frantic and unpredictable. Probably the most useful lifestyle change you can make is to apply hot compresses to pustules and cysts, to get facials and never to pick or squeeze pimples. Playing with pimples, no matter how careful and clean you are, nearly always makes bumps stay redder and bumpier longer. People often refer to redness as “scarring” but fortunately it usually isn’t, in the permanent sense. It's just a mark that takes months to fade if left entirely alone.

Open the pores
Cleansing and skin care: Despite what you read in popular style and fashion magazines, there is no magic product or regimen that is right for every person and situation.

* Mild cleansers: Washing once or twice a day with a mild cleansing bar or liquid will keep the skin clean and minimize sensitivity and irritation.
* Exfoliating cleansers and masques: A variety of mild scrubs, exfoliants, and masques can be used. These products contain either fine granules or salicylic acid in a concentration that makes it a very mild peeling agent. These products remove the outer layer of the skin, and thus open pores.

Kill the bacteria
* Antibacterial cleansers: The most popular ingredient in over-the-counter antibacterial cleansers is benzoyl peroxide.
* Topical (external) applications: These products come in the form of gels, creams, and lotions, which are applied to the affected area. The active ingredients that kill surface bacteria include benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, and resorcinol.

Benzoyl peroxide causes red and scaly allergic skin in a small number of people, which goes away as soon as you stop using the product. Keep in mind that benzoyl peroxide is a bleach, so do not let products containing benzoyl peroxide get on your good colored clothes, shirts, or towels.

Reduce the oil
You cannot stop your oil glands from producing oil (unless you mess with your hormones or metabolism in ways you shouldn't.). What you can do is to get rid of oil on the surface of the skin, and reduce the embarrassing shine.
* Use a gentle astringent/toner to wipe away oil.
* Products containing glycolic acid or one of the other alpha-hydroxy acids are also mildly helpful in clearing the skin by causing the superficial layer of the skin to peel (exfoliate).
* Masques containing sulfur and other ingredients draw out facial oil.
* Antibacterial pads containing benzoyl peroxide have the additional benefit of helping you wipe away oil.

What are other things you can do for acne?
* Cosmetics: Don't be afraid to hide blemishes with flesh-tinted cover-ups or even foundation, as long at it is water-based or oil-free. There are many quality products available.
* Facials: While not absolutely essential, steaming and "deep-cleaning" pores is useful, both alone and in addition to medical treatment, especially for people with "whiteheads" or "blackheads." Having these pores unclogged by a professional also reduces the temptation to do it yourself.
* Pore Strips: Pharmacies now carry, under a variety of brand names, strips which you put on your nose, forehead, chin, etc. to "pull out" oil from your pores. These are, in effect, a do-it-yourself facial. They are inexpensive and safe, and work reasonably well if used properly.

When To See The Doctor
If in spite of the above efforts, acne still persists it is time to see a doctor. Medications can be prescribed that are even more effective at unplugging the pores.

The medications prescribed generally include antibiotics, which help in decreasing the bacteria. Recently a new class of drugs known as retinoic acid has come up, these are generally prescribed in more severe cases of acne.

These class of drugs have serious side effects and should be prescribed and closely monitored by a doctor trained in its use.

Acne

2006-11-30T23:05:00.000+08:00

Acne is inflammation of the sebaceous glands in the skin. When the pores of the skin become clogged, the oil the sebaceous gland secretes becomes trapped. The plug causes the follicle to bulge (causing whiteheads), and the top of the plug may darken (causing blackheads).

Acne is not just a problem for teenagers, it can affect people from ages 10 through 40. It is not unusual for women, in particular, to develop acne in their mid-to-late 20’s, even if they have not had breakouts in years (or ever). Acne can appear as any of the following;

* congested pores,
* whiteheads,
* blackheads,
* pimples,
* pustules, or
* cysts (deep pimples).

These blemishes occur wherever there are many oil (sebaceous) glands, mainly on the face, chest, and back.

Causes Of Acne
Acne first occurs during puberty when male hormones called androgens increase in both males and females and stimulate the sebaceous (oil) glands. These glands are found in the face, upper back and chest. The glands produce an oily substance called "sebum" that sometimes combines with dead skin cells to form a plug in the follicles, those tiny canals that contain a fine hair. Bacteria starts to grow, the plugged follicle breaks down, and the result is a comedone, or the acne lesion known as a "pimple". Comedones that stay beneath the skin are called whiteheads, while comedones that reach the surface of the skin and erupt are called blackheads. Both can stick around for a long time, and they can sometimes leave deep pits or scars behind.

While changes during adolescence appear to be one cause of acne, hormonal changes related to pregnancy, birth control pills (either starting or stopping them), and genetics may also cause acne.

Some factors that don’t usually cause acne, at least by themselves are:

Heredity: With the exception of very severe acne, most people do not have the problem exactly as their parents did. Almost everyone has some acne at some point in their life.

Food: All over the world, parents tell teens to avoid pizza, chocolate, greasy and fried foods, and junk food. While these foods may not be good for overall health, they don't cause acne or make it worse.

Dirt: Some individuals have more "oily" skin than others (as mentioned above, "Blackheads" are oxidized oil, not dirt). Sweat does not cause acne, therefore, it is not necessary to shower instantly after exercise for fear that sweat will clog pores. On the other hand, excessive washing can dry and irritate the skin.

Stress: Some people get so upset by their pimples that they pick at them and make them last longer. Stress, however, does not play much of a direct role in causing acne.

Hormones: Some women break out cyclically, but most women (and men) don't. Some oral contraceptive pills may help relieve acne, but unless a woman has abnormal menstrual periods and excessive hair growth, it’s unlikely that hormones play much of a role in causing acne.

Cosmetics: Most cosmetic and skin care products are not pore-clogging (“comedogenic.”) Of the many available brands, those which are listed as “water-based” or “oil-free” are generally a better choice.

In occasional patients, contributing factors may be:

Pressure: In some patients, pressure from helmets, chinstraps, collars, and the like can aggravate acne.

Drugs: Some medications may cause or worsen acne, such as those containing iodides, bromides, or oral or injected steroids (either the medically prescribed prednisone or the steroids bodybuilders or athletes take.) Most cases of acne, however, are not drug-related.

Occupations: In some jobs, exposure to industrial products like cutting oils may produce acne.

ACNE MYTHS

Eating chocolate and greasy foods—like French fries—causes breakouts: Dermatologists say there’s no evidence that sugary or fried snacks affects your skin. If, however, you find that you tend to break out more after eating a certain food (for example, some people find that the iodine in foods like shellfish and sushi causes breakouts), eliminate that food from your diet and see if your skin clears up. Also keep in mind that while junk food can’t be directly blamed for breakouts, healthy skin (not to mention a healthy body) requires nutrition from a well-balanced diet.

Getting a tan helps clear up acne: While catching rays may temporarily help dry up oiliness and give skin a more even appearance, it’s not worth the short-term benefit. Unprotected tanning leads to premature aging and puts you at a majorly-increased risk for skin cancer.

The black stuff inside blackheads is deep-down dirt: Contrary to popular belief, the black inside a blackhead is not dirt, so it can’t be scrubbed away. Dermatologists say the dark stuff is probably a combo of dead skin cells and sebum (oil). Unlike a whitehead, a blackhead is a clogged pore that is open at skin’s surface, so the material inside oxidizes and turns darker when it’s exposed to the air.

Acne medicine should only be dotted right on top of the spot: Dotting on a spot-treatment may work for reducing the appearance of an existing blemish, but it won’t prevent new spots from cropping up unless it’s applied daily all over the areas where you tend to break out.

Toothpaste or hemorrhoid cream works just as well on a pimple as acne medicine: While alternative treatments may help dry out a pimple or make it less visible, certain ingredients in these products can irritate broken-out skin. Save face by sticking to the stuff designed for blemishes.

If you scrub your face more often, your skin will be clearer: Treating breakouts is a case when more isn’t always more. Too-vigorous or too-frequent cleansing—say, more than twice a day (or three times if you exercise)—can actually irritate acne-prone skin and make the situation worse.

Skin Problems

2006-11-29T22:43:00.000+08:00

The skin is the largest organ of the body and is subject to a variety of problems in advanced disease of any kind. Among the more common skin problems of patients with advanced cancer are decubitus ulcers (bed sores), malignant ulcers (necrotic area caused directly by cancer), fistulas (abnormal opening between body parts or cavities, e.g., between rectum and vagina), fungating tumors (rapidly growing external tumors), itching or pruritus, infections, skin problems resulting from cancer treatment, and paraneoplastic syndromes. There is also a general deterioration of skin condition in patients with advanced cancer and other illnesses, including thinning, loss of elasticity, dehydration, deepening of sores and wrinkles, and pigmentation disorders. Skin problems, especially infections, are common in persons with AIDS.

Because a general deterioration of skin condition is very common, it is important to pay careful attention to preventing problems and identifying problems early in their development.

In the modern world, complaints such as acne, premature wrinkles, age spots, and skin markings are common. So common, in fact, that they are often thought to be part of the normal process of adolescence or of aging.

Understanding the Problem
Many people experience changes in their skin during cancer treatments. Sometimes chemotherapy causes this. Symptoms may include dry skin, itch, rashes, sores, sweating darkening of skin, veins, or fingernails. Chemotherapy also may make the person with cancer more prone to sunburn.

Radiation therapy causes skin problems that can last several weeks after treatments end. Symptoms include dryness, itching, and redness around areas where the radiation beam enters or exits the body. Most of these reactions will go away a few weeks after treatment is finished.

When to Get Professional Help
Call the doctor or nurse if:
* Skin gets very rough, red, or painful. This may be a reaction (possibly allergic) to a new chemotherapy drug. A doctor may be able to substitute another drug.
* A cut becomes red, sore or swollen, or doesn't heal. Act early to prevent skin infection.
* A rash or hives start; this may signal a reaction to food, liquid, or a new drug.
* Severe itching lasts more than three days. This may be a reaction to a drug, or the body may be processing materials by pushing excess substances through the pores of the skin.
* Skin is scratched open and looks red. Red and open skin can become infected.
* Pus comes out of an opening or cut, usually indicating a skin infection.
* Skin turns yellow. This means that a major organ, such as the liver, is not working well.
* Urine becomes the color of tea. This is another signal that a major organ is not working well or that bleeding is occurring higher up in the urinary system.
* Bowel movements are clay-colored (more white than orange).
* A bruise does not improve in a week. Slow bleeding may be occurring.

What You Can Do To Help
If the skin problem is not an emergency, below are some things to help you deal with the problem.
1. Relieve itching
2. Prevent dryness and itching
3. Conceal dark skin, veins, or discolored fingernails
4. Treat acne
5. Limit sweating
6. Decrease sun sensitivity
7. Take care of skin during and after radiation therapy
8. Take care of the diaper area

Relieve itching
* Suggest bathing with cool water and using gentle soap. Try an oatmeal or oil soap. Alpha Keri; may be added to bath water; it eliminates the need for soap while it softens skin.
* Add baking soda to bath water. It soothes sensitive skin and reduces itching.
* Remind the person to rinse skin thoroughly and pat dry.
* Apply cool, moist compresses to itchy areas.
* Suggest keeping nails short and clean. They are less likely to scratch open the skin.
* Encourage the person to wear clean white gloves if he or she is scratching.
* Change bed sheets daily. This removes flaked dry skin and bacteria, which cause itchiness.
* Avoid harsh laundry detergents, such as those that contain chemicals to attack oil and dirt.
* Keep room cool at 65-75 degrees F. When the body sweats more, itchiness increases.
* Encourage rest. Too much activity makes the skin sweaty and prone to itch and irritation.
* Avoid extreme cold or heat.
* Suggest covering up in the sun. Use a lotion with at least a SPF #15 sunblock.

Prevent dryness and itching
* Add mineral oil or baby oil to bath waterr. Oil will soak in and prevent skin dryness.
* Take sponge baths, which are cooler.
* Avoid full baths or showers, which expose skin to heat for a longer time.
* Use warm water, not hot water.
* Do not scrub skin. Scrubbing pulls on delicate tissues and removes important moisture.
* Pat skin dry. This is more gentle than rubbing and helps lock in needed moisture.
* Apply a mild water-based moisturizing cream to skin just after a bath.
* Limit bathing to once a day.
* Encourage drinking two quarts of fluids every day unless instructed otherwise.
* Avoid extreme heat, cold, or wind, which chafe the skin.
* Avoid colognes, after-shaves, or lotions that contain alcohol, which dries out skin.
* Remind the person to use an electric razor rather than a straight or blade razor.
* Avoid opening or popping blisters.
* Put dry clean gauze on any open areas.

Caring For Your Skin

2006-11-28T22:42:00.000+08:00

Taking care of your skin is one of those situations where basic is better. That’s because the epidermis, your outer layer of skin, is made up mainly of lifeless cells whose purpose is to protect the layers beneath from injury and to preserve moisture. So all the various creams, ointments and emollients can only do so much. Your main goal should be to help remove these cells as new ones rise to the surface in the grand tradition of exfoliation.

A Simple Cleansing Regimen
* Wash your face morning and night to remove dirt, dead cells, excess oil (if any) and makeup
* Wash your face with your bare hands using warm water and a pH-balanced antibacterial soap no more than twice a day. Rinse with cold water to close pores
* Pat your skin dry gently to prevent irritation
* Keep your hands away from your face so you don’t spread the bacteria and cause more eruptions
* Never, ever squeeze or pop pimples. It’s hard to resist, but you should because it causes inflammation and could result in infection or scarring

Eradicate Free Radicals
These pesky little particles, subatomic in size, attack your skin’s cells and hasten the onset of wrinkles. Most come from the sun. However; smoking, caffeine, alcohol and stress can also take their toll. In addition to sunscreen, you can help your body get rid of free radicals by making sure certain vitamins, minerals and amino acids (antioxidants) are part of your diet.
They include:
* Vitamins A, Beta-Carotene, B-Complex, C and E
* Minerals Zinc and Selenium
* Amino Acids L-Cysteine and Glutathione

Sunscreen
* When used properly, sunscreens protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays
* Sunscreens are rated for their protection ability. Look for high SPF (sun protection factor) numbers. The higher the number, the greater the protection
* Choose the SPF number based on your skin type and the length of time you expect to be in the sun
* Apply sunscreen liberally and frequently. Re-apply after swimming or vigorous exercise
* Remember that UV rays can penetrate some types of fabric, so wear sunscreen under your clothes, too

Normal skin has a good oil/water balance. It can fluctuate and sometimes will be a little more dry or oily. The follicles are a normal size and the skin is usually free of blemishes. If you can see the follicle size change from medium to smaller just on the edge of the T-zone by the nose, measuring outward from the center of the face, this is a normal skin type. Maintenance and preventative care is the goal for this type of skin.

Combination skin can be both oily and dry at the same time. The T-zone through the middle of the face on the forehead, nose, and chin is oilier. This area has more sabaceous glands and larger pores. The outer areas of the face can be dry and even appear flaky. From the center of the face, if you can see the pore size change from larger to medium just outside the T-zone on the cheeks next to the nose, this is a combination skin type. Combination skin needs to be balanced and requires more care than normal skin. To care for combination skin, the oil/water balance can be achieved by treating both the oily and dry areas of the face. Deep cleansing and regular exfoliation help to keep skin clear and blemishes minimal. Water-based products for combination skin work best.

Dry Skin
Dry skin is defined as flaking or scaling -- which may or may not be itchy -- when there is no evidence of dermatitis, or inflammation, of the skin. Flaking, however, may be a sign of underlying dermatitis, which also is called eczema. There are different types of dermatitis that may cause dry, itchy, flaking skin.
Dry skin most often occurs on the shins, hands and sides of the abdomen. It is more common during the winter months, when humidity is low. Some people also have a genetic, or hereditary, tendency to develop dry skin. In addition, elderly people tend to have more trouble with dry skin due to the natural changes in skin that occur with age.

Treatment is important because extensively dry skin can lead to eczema or other forms of dermatitis.

Dry skin may be prevented or treated by:
* Taking lukewarm baths or showers
* Limiting baths/showers to 5 to 10 minutes
* Applying a moisturizer right after drying off from a shower or washing your hands
* Using a moisturizing body soap and hand soap
* Using heavier creams or ointments during the winter months and lighter lotions in the summer

Skin Health

2006-11-27T22:17:00.000+08:00

The skin reflects your general health and social behaviour. Situations which effect your health can have an important effect on your skin, for example cigarette smoking causes ageing and wrinkling of the skin with time.

If your skin changes suddenly and with no apparent reason it may be a sign of ill health, e.g. the sudden onset of dry skin with coarse hair and weight gain may mean your thyroid gland is underactive.

Keeping the skin clean is important to prevent infections and odours but excess washing can particularly in people with a tendency to dry skin already, cause loss of oil in the outer layers of the skin and provoke dermatitis. Similarly, chemicals such as petrol, white spirit and detergents can cause dry and damaged skin leading to hand dermatitis. This is a large cause of illness related to occupation; people particularly at risk are those who have their hands in and out of water a lot, such as hairdressers, nurses, mechanics etc. The young and the elderly have more sensitive skin because their barrier is less well formed. People who have had eczema, asthma or hay fever as children are more prone to these problems in adult life.

The major cause of ageing of our skin is ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet causes pigmentation changes e.g. liver spots or sunspots, broken blood vessels, thinning of the dermis and wrinkling of the skin. In order to prevent this, protection of the skin against ultraviolet light is required. Certain skin types are more susceptible to these effects. Most at risk are those with fair skin that burns easily.

Skin Colour
The colour of skin depends primarily on a pigment called melanin. It is also influenced by the blood flow through the skin. Melanin is a pigment produced by special cells called melanocytes that manufacture packets of melanin called melanosomes and transfer them to the skin cells of the epidermis the keratinocytes.

Melanin pigmentation in humans is of two types. The constitutive colour is that which is genetically determined without the effect of sunshine. The other is inducible skin colour or tan as a consequence of sun exposure. Other factors can darken skin, some hormones e.g. in pregnancy can make the skin darken and some parts of the body are darker than others. In white people the darkest area is the upper thigh and the lower back is the lightest. In black people the abdomen is the darkest.

Melanocytes are found throughout the skin. There are roughly 2x109 melanocytes in the skin of an average person. The number of melanocytes in the skin is the same in all races. The difference in colour between Caucasoid, Mangoloid and Negroid skin is due to the number and arrangement of the melanosomes in the keratinocyte.

Melanin helps protect the skin against the effects of ultraviolet light, and tanning of the skin on sun exposure acts to increase that protection.

The superior sun protection of the black skin is therefore not due to more melanocytes but more melanosomes within the epidermis. Each individual should know how well their skin tans and how easily it burns because this is related to your risk of skin cancer from sunshine.

Human Nail

2006-11-26T21:59:00.000+08:00

The nail plate is the actual nail, and it is composed of translucent keratin. Keratin is made up of compressed hard layers of a protein substance that is produced by the cells of the nail matrix. The pink appearance of the nail comes from the blood vessels located in the nail bed. The nail plate acts as a protective shield, shielding the delicate tissues of the underlying Nail Bed.

The nail matrix (nail root) is found beneath the skin under the proximal nail fold. The cells within the nail root produce the nail plate and most of the nail bed. The leading edge of the nail matrix is seen as a white, crescent shaped structure called the lunula.

The matrix is in fact the root of the nail. This area is not visible, it is hidden and protected by the Proximinal Nail Fold. The matrix produces keratin cells that make up the nail plate. As more and more cells are produced the older ones are pushed outwards and flattened, all this pushing and flattening results in the cells loosing their original white plumpish appearance. They eventually become transparent and become part of the nail plate.

Apart from producing the keratin cells that make up the nail plate, the matrix also determines the shape and thickness of the nail. The overall length of the matrix will determine the thickness of the nail; so the longer the matrix the thicker the nail. A short matrix produces fewer cells, as a result a thinner nail. Matrix shapes and sizes vary per person, a flat matrix will produce a flat nail and a curved matrix will produce of course a curved nail.

The matrix is the most important feature of the nail unit. Damage to the matrix can cause permanent damage to the appearance of the nail.

The nail folds protect the matrix. The Proximinal Nail Fold and the Lateral Nail Folds are part of our skin. The skin does not just end there, it in fact folds at the edges and continues beneath. This continuing skin acts as a protective barrier, it in fact protects and seals the matrix against bacteria and dirt that is common within our environment.

The cuticle (eponychium) is situated between the skin of the toe and the nail plate, fusing these structures together and providing a waterproof barrier. The cuticle helps to prevent micro-organisms and moisture from harming the nail matrix. The Eponychium is in fact not the true cuticle. The eponychium attaches closely to the nail plate and moves with it as the nail plate grows. This extra growth of eponychium is generally freed and pushed back during a manicure. The eponychium’s function is to act as a barrier seal to stop bacteria, infection from getting to the matrix.

We are constantly shedding dead skin cells throughout our daily life, the nail folds are no exception. The skin on the underside of the nail folds sheds constantly as the nail plate grows and rubs (sloughs) against it. These dead skin cells attach to the nail plate and become visible as the nail grows. This attached skin is referred to as the Ptygerium, dead skin cell or the true cuticle. This needs to be removed regularly in order to prevent a build up.

The Lunula is often referred to as “moons”. The lunula is in fact the front end of the matrix. The whitish half moons are keratin cells that have not yet been completely flattened and still have some of their content. Not everyone has visible lunula’s The lunula is normally more prominent on the thumbs. The shape of the lunula determines the shape of the free edge/distal edge.

The hyponychium is the area between the nail plate and the tip of the toe. It is the junction between the free edge of the nail and the skin at the tip of the toe. The hyponychium is a waterproof barrier at the end of the nail plate, which protects the nail bed from germs and moisture.

How fast does the nail grow?
The overall growth of the nail within one month is approximately 3mm. However this does vary from person to person. To completely out grow a nail can take up to 6 months. As mentioned, growth rate does vary from person to person, there are many contributing factors such as; weather, health, age and a well balanced diet. The nail tends to grow faster in our early years, reaching its peak around the age of 10-14 and then the nail growth gradually slows down, as we get older. Growth is accelerated in the summer, during pregnancy and during sleep. Poor blood circulation, malnutrition, certain illnesses and some medications can slow down the growth rate. Each nail grows at a different rate. The smallest nail that we often refer to as our “pinkie” is the in fact the slowest, then the thumbs. The index finger generally grows at an accelerated rate in comparison to the others.

Brittle nails tend to have a low water content. The water content will effect the flexibility of the nails. Water content can vary from 10% to 30%. Nail varnishes and oils will prevent loss of water and encourage flexibility.

Human Skin

2006-11-25T20:51:00.000+08:00

The skin is one of the largest organs of the body and has many different functions. The skin functions in thermoregulation, protection, metabolic functions and sensation. The skin is divided into two main regions, the epidermis, and the dermis, each providing a distinct role in the overall function of the skin. The dermis is attached to an underlying hypodermis, also called subcutaneous connective tissue, which stores adipose tissue and is recognized as the superficial fascia of gross anatomy.

The skin forms the outer covering of the body. It is a strong elastic covering that encloses the body and protects it from damage by injury or infection. An average man is covered by approxiamtely 18 square feet of skin which weighs about 4.1kg.

The skin varies in thickness from 0.05mm to 5mm. As in other mammals, human skin is composed of an outer layer, the epidermis, and an underlying layer of fibrous tissue called the dermis. Beneath the dermis is the subcutaneous fat. The thickest skin is found on the sole of the foot and palm of the hand, some of the thinnest skin is found on the eyelid.

The epidermis is constantly growing from the bottom upwards and the dead skin cells (stratum corneum) are shed (usually invisibly) from the surface. This whole process normally takes about 52-75 days but can be much quicker in some skin diseases such as psoriasis.

In the deeper parts of the dermis are hair follicles, from which hair grows. It varies in thickness from about 0.005mm in the fine 'lanugo' hair covering a fetus to 0.2mm in beard hair. It varies in length from 1mm or less to 1.5m in extreme instances.

Oil glands (sebaceous glands) are found attached to hair follicles, Sweat glands are found in the dermis with ducts passing to the surface through the epidermis. In certain areas such as the axilla and groin there are specialised sweat glands called apocrine glands which develop after puberty. In addition there are specialised sense organs and nerves, blood vessels and other tissues such as muscle, which make the skin one of the most complex organs in the body.

Sweat glands occur in varying numbers over most of the body. For example, there are approximately 3000 square inches in the palm of the hand and sole of the foot, compared with 500 square inches in the badck. Specialised sweat glands are found in the armpit and genital area.

Sensations of pain, touch and temperature are conveyed to the brain from nerve endings in the skin. Some sensory nerve endings are highly specialised in shape and form, and their distribution varies gratly in the body. Finger tips and lips have a great many nerve endings. In other areas, like the forearm and abdomen, nerve endings are more sparse.

There are two main kinds of human skin; Glaborous skin (non-hairy skin) and hair-bearing skin. Glaborous skin is found on the palms and soles and is characterised by a thick epidermis with dermatoglyphics (fingerprints). Hairy skin differs from site to site, for example, the scalp versus the arm. It also contains a wide range of other structures depending on the part of the skin examined. Hair grows in different densities, patterns and colour over the skin. It is not found on the palm or the sole. Alongside some of the roots of the hair are sebaceous glands which produce a hair-bearing areas, and on the face, especially beside the nose.

Nails are a highly specialised and much changed form of the epidermis. They are semi-transparent and the underlying tissue, rich in blood vessels, shines through.

Dizziness and Motion Sickness

2006-11-21T18:43:00.000+08:00

Dizziness or vertigo can be caused by a disturbance in a particular part of the inner ear - the vestibular system. This is the part of your balance system that provides your brain with information about changes in head movement with respect to the pull of gravity. When your vestibular system is not working properly, the result may be dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, disorientation and possibly nausea and vomiting.

Each year more than two million people visit a doctor for dizziness, and an untold number suffer with motion sickness, which is the most common medical problem associated with travel.

What Is Dizziness?
Some people describe a balance problem by saying they feel dizzy, lightheaded, unsteady, or giddy. This feeling of imbalance or dysequilibrium, without a sensation of turning or spinning, is sometimes due to an inner ear problem.

What Is Vertigo?
A few people describe their balance problem by using the word vertigo, which comes from the Latin verb "to turn". They often say that they or their surroundings are turning or spinning. Vertigo is frequently due to an inner ear problem.

What Is Motion Sickness And Sea Sickness?
Some people experience nausea and even vomiting when riding in an airplane, automobile, or amusement park ride, and this is called motion sickness. Many people experience motion sickness when riding on a boat or ship, and this is called seasickness even though it is the same disorder.

Motion sickness or seasickness is usually just a minor annoyance and does not signify any serious medical illness, but some travellers are incapacitated by it, and a few even suffer symptoms for a few days after the trip.

The Anatomy Of Balance
Dizziness, vertigo, and motion sickness all relate to the sense of balance and equilibrium. Researchers in space and aeronautical medicine call this sense spatial orientation, because it tells the brain where the body is "in space:" what direction it is pointing, what direction it is moving, and if it is turning or standing still.

Your sense of balance is maintained by a complex interaction of the following parts of the nervous system:

The inner ears (also called the labyrinth), which monitor the directions of motion, such as turning, or forward-backward, side-to-side, and up-and-down motions.

The eyes, which monitor where the body is in space (i.e. upside down, rightside up, etc.) and also directions of motion.

The skin pressure receptors such as in the joints and spine, which tell what part of the body is down and touching the ground.

The muscle and joint sensory receptors, which tell what parts of the body are moving.

The central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord), which processes all the bits of information from the four other systems to make some coordinated sense out of it all.

The symptoms of motion sickness and dizziness appear when the central nervous system receives conflicting messages from the other four systems.

For example, suppose you are riding through a storm, and your airplane is being tossed about by air turbulence. But your eyes do not detect all this motion because all you see is the inside of the airplane. Then your brain receives messages that do not match with each other. You might become "air sick."

Or suppose you are sitting in the back seat of a moving car reading a book. Your inner ears and skin receptors will detect the motion of your travel, but your eyes see only the pages of your book. You could become "car sick."

Or, to use a true medical condition as an example, suppose you suffer inner ear damage on only one side from a head injury or an infection. The damaged inner ear does not send the same signals as the healthy ear. This gives conflicting signals to the brain about the sensation of rotation, and you could suffer a sense of spinning, vertigo, and nausea.

What Medical Conditions Cause Dizziness?
Circulation: If your brain does not get enough blood flow, you feel light headed. Almost everyone has experienced this on occasion when standing up quickly from a lying down position. But some people have light headedness from poor circulation on a frequent or chronic basis. This could be caused by arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries, and it is commonly seen in patients who have high blood pressure, diabetes, or high levels of blood fats (cholesterol). It is sometimes seen in patients with inadequate cardiac (heart) function or with anemia.

Certain drugs also decrease the blood flow to the brain, especially stimulants such as nicotine and caffeine. Excess salt in the diet also leads to poor circulation. Sometimes circulation is impaired by spasms in the arteries caused by emotional stress, anxiety, and tension.

If the inner ear fails to receive enough blood flow, the more specific type of dizziness occurs-that is-vertigo. The inner ear is very sensitive to minor alterations of blood flow and all of the causes mentioned for poor circulation to the brain also apply specifically to the inner ear.

Injury: A skull fracture that damages the inner ear produces a profound and incapacitating vertigo with nausea and hearing loss. The dizziness will last for several weeks, then slowly improve as the normal (other) side takes over

Infection: Viruses, such as those causing the common "cold" or "flu," can attack the inner ear and its nerve connections to the brain. This can result in severe vertigo, but hearing is usually spared. However, a bacterial infection such as mastoiditis that extends into the inner ear will completely destroy both the hearing and the equilibrium function of that ear. The severity of dizziness and recovery time will be similar to that of skull fracture.

Allergy: Some people experience dizziness and/or vertigo attacks when they are exposed to foods or airborne particles (such as dust, molds, pollens, danders, etc.) to which they are allergic.

Neurological diseases: A number of diseases of the nerves can affect balance, such as multiple sclerosis, syphilis, tumors, etc. These are uncommon causes, but your physician will think about them during the examination.

What Will the Physician Do For My Dizziness?
The doctor will ask you to describe your dizziness, whether it is light headedness or a sensation of motion, how long and how often the dizziness has troubled you, how long a dizzy episode lasts, and whether it is associated with hearing loss or nausea and vomiting. You might be asked for circumstances that might bring on a dizzy spell. You will need to answer questions about your general health, any medicines, you are taking, head injuries, recent infections, and other questions about your ear and neurological system.

Your physician will examine your ears, nose, and throat and do tests of nerve and balance function. Because the inner ear controls both balance and hearing, disorders of balance often affect hearing and vice versa. Therefore, your physician will probably recommend hearing tests (audiograms). The physician might order skull X rays, a CT or MRI scan of your head, or special tests of eye motion after warm or cold water is used to stimulate the inner ear (ENG - electronystagmography). In some cases, blood tests or a cardiology (heart) evaluation might be recommended.

Not every patient will require every test. The physician's judgement will be based on each particular patient. Similarly, the treatments recommended by your physician will depend on the diagnosis.

What Can I Do To Reduce Dizziness?

Avoid rapid changes in position, especially from lying down to standing up or turning around from one side to the other.

Avoid extremes of head motion (especially looking up) or rapid head motion (especially turning or twisting).

Eliminate or decrease use of products that impair circulation, e.g. nicotine, caffeine, and salt.

Minimize your exposure to circumstances that precipitate your dizziness, such as stress and anxiety or substances to which you are allergic.

Avoid hazardous activities when you are dizzy, such as driving an automobile or operating dangerous equipment, or climbing a step ladder, etc.

What Can I Do For Motion Sickness?
Always ride where your eyes will see the same motion that your body and inner ears feel, e.g. sit in the front seat of the car and look at the distant scenery; go up on the deck of the ship and watch the horizon; sit by the window of the airplane and look outside. In an airplane choose a seat over the wings where the motion is the least.

Do not read while traveling if you are subject to motion sickness, and do not sit in a seat facing backward.

Do not watch or talk to another traveler who is having motion sickness.

Avoid strong odors and spicy or greasy foods immediately before and during your travel.

Take one of the varieties of motion sickness medicines before your travel begins, as recommended by your physician.

Most cases of dizziness and motion sickness are mild and self-treatable disorders. But, severe cases and those that become progressively worse, deserve the attention of a physician with specialized skills in diseases of the ear, nose, throat, equilibrium, and neurological systems.

Common Myths About Dizziness
Dizziness is one of the leading patient complaints reported to doctors, second only to lower back pain. Historically, it has been very difficult to determine the cause of dizziness symptoms, but medical advances in the last twenty years have significantly improved the diagnosis and treatment of dizziness disorders. Because dizziness and/or vertigo can be so difficult to diagnose, however, a number of erroneous "causes" are often incorrectly assigned to symptoms of dizziness.

1. Myth: "Your dizziness is caused by anxiety; you just need to relax."
Fact: While someone with dizziness may be feeling anxious about their dizziness, which can magnify the unpleasant sensations, anxiety is not the underlying cause for the dizziness. If you are suffering from persistent symptoms of dizziness and/or vertigo that do not go away within a reasonable amount of time, it is a sign that there is something wrong and you should consult with a qualified clinician.

2. Myth: "Your dizziness is caused by your imagination and it's only in your head."
Fact: While you may find it difficult to describe your symptoms to your friends, family or doctor, your symptoms should not be discounted as imaginary. Your feelings of dizziness or unsteadiness are quite real and are a symptom of an underlying problem.

3. Myth: "Your dizziness is just part of getting older."
Fact: This is not true. Dizziness can be the result of a number of factors including injuries, degenerative diseases and other physical ailments, as explained under "How You Control Your Balance." Elderly patients who suffer from dizziness, are not the same as their healthy, age-matched counter parts. In fact, symptoms of dizziness are not normal at any age and are a sign that there is something wrong.

4. Myth: "Your dizziness is simply a hormone imbalance."
Fact: Someone may have a hormone imbalance due to a variety of physical factors, which can cause nausea, fatigue, or "hot flashes", but a hormone imbalance per se does not usually result in symptoms of dizziness.

Hearing Problems

2006-11-20T18:07:00.000+08:00

Ears not only let us hear, but they also play a role in maintaining our balance, which is vital to our ability to function in daily life. Yet, we ignore them. We can't even see our ears, except in a mirror. We take for granted what they do for us day in and day out -- until we notice something's wrong, such as when an earache strikes or when we start having to ask people to repeat what they say.

1. Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma)
This is a slow-growing, benign tumor on the 8th cranial nerve, which consists of the auditory and vestibular nerves twined together. The tumor develops as a result of overproduction of Schwann cells that cover and insulate the nerves. What stimulates these cells to overproduce is not known. The tumor usually develops at the point where the nerves exit the bony canal and enter the brain cavity.

Because an acoustic neuroma affects both the auditory and vestibular nerves, hearing loss in one ear, tinnitus and dizziness are common signs and symptoms. As the tumor grows, it can affect other nerves, especially the facial nerve, causing facial numbness and weakness or paralysis. It may also eventually press against nearby brain structures and become life-threatening.

Usually removed surgically, the tumor may also be treated with radiation therapy. To remove an acoustic neuroma surgically, the surgeon will make an incision behind or above the ear and remove a segment of the skull about the size of a silver dollar to get at the tumor. Once the tumor is removed, the bony segment or a permanent acrylic patch is used to cover the opening in the skull to prevent infection and protect the brain. If the tumor is small, it can be removed without injuring the auditory nerve and hearing will be preserved. The larger the tumor, however, the greater are the risk that facial nerves and hearing will be affected.

Radiation treatment, called gamma-knife radiation, involves shrinking or stabalizing small or medium-sized tumors. This is a closed-skull procedure that requires the use of a machine that treats the tumors with highly focused radiation beams. The main benefit is that the skull is not opened, thus reducing the chances of infection. As a result, recovery time is shorter. A serious drawback is that it offers less certainty of long-term tumor control.

2. Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease (AIED)
This occurs when the body’s immune system mistakes normal cells in the inner ear for a virus, bacteria, or other pathogen and begins attacking it, producing an inflammatory reaction in the inner ear which can lead to problems with both hearing and balance. AIED is rare, accounting for less than 1% of all cases of hearing loss.

Signs and symptoms include:

* hearing loss that usually begins in one ear and moves to the other;
* tinnitus;
* a feeling that the ear is plugged;
* dizziness.

Because these signs and symptoms are similar to those of other ear disorders, diagnosis is difficult since it is often associated with other autoimmune disorders of the body including:

* ankylosing spondylitis (a disease that affects the spine);
* Sjögren’s syndrome (a dry eye syndrome);
* Cogan’s syndrome (affects both eyes and ears);
* ulcerative colitis (affects the intestinal tract);
* Wegener’s granulomatosis (inflames blood vessels);
* rheumatoid arthritis (inflames the joints);
* scleroderma (hardens and scars the skin and other connective tissue);
* systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Behcet’s syndrome (both affecting multiple systems of the body).

3. Cholesteatoma
This is a growth of normal skin tissue in the wrong place. It often occurs when skin from the ear canal grows through a hole in the eardrum and extends into the cavity of the middle ear. It may also happen when a blocked eustachian tube creates a vacuum in the middle ear, drawing the membrane of the eardrum inward to form a pocket. Old skin cells caught in the eardrum pocket contribute to the formation of a cholesteatoma. Occasionally, during fetal development, skin cells become trapped behind the eardrum so that a baby may be born with congenital cholesteatoma. This type may grow quickly.

Signs and symptoms include pus draining from the ear, hearing loss, ear pain or numbness, headaches, dizziness, and weakness of the facial muscles. The degree of hearing loss depends on where the tissue grows. Frequently, it encroaches on the ossicles, impeding the sound vibrations and causing significant conductive hearing loss.

The development of a cholesteatoma can erode bone, which makes this a potentially serious condition. It may invade the mastoid bone behind the ear and if left untreated, a cholesteatoma will continue to grow. This will eventually destroy the bony structures of the middle and inner ear, damaging the cochlea and the vestibular labyrinth and resulting in sensorineural hearing loss along with balance problems. Uncontrolled growths can also damage the facial nerve and in severe cases, may penetrate the brain causing an infection.

A cholesteatoma is removed surgically, generally in one operation if the growth is small. However, larger or more advanced cholesteatoma may require a series of operations to correct any damage to the bones of the middle ear, including the possibility of rebuilding them. If all of the growth is not removed, it will grow back. In severe cases, a radical mastoidectomy may be necessary. This leaves a cavity that can be cleaned out periodically, but does not restore damaged bones or lost hearing. Attempts to reconstruct the ossicular bones with an artificial replacement (prosthesis) or cartilage is done during a modified radical mastoidectomy.

4. Congenital Hearing Problems
These exist from birth. They can be hereditary in nature or may have developed in the womb or during the birthing process. It is estimated that genetic factors are responsible for more than 50% of all incidents of congenital hearing loss. A child whose hearing loss may be inherited usually has parents who each carry a recessive gene for hearing loss (autosomal recessive hearing loss). This gene is not expressed in the parents, who may have normal hearing, but is expressed in a child who inherits both recessive genes. To date, more than 15 genes have been identified that cause recessive hearing loss not related to any other illness.

Often, congenital hearing loss is part of a collection of symptoms (syndrome) caused by such genetic defect, as Down syndrome, Usher’s syndrome, Treacher Collins syndrome, Crouzon’s disease, and Alport’s syndrome.

Congenital hearing problems are typically sensorineural and such factors that may cause hearing loss in an infant include:

* such infection present in the mother as rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes, or syphilis;
* premature birth;
* a lack of oxygen during or shortly after birth;
* blood incompatibilities between the mother and child;
* diabetes in the mother;
* fetal alcohol syndrome;
* abnormal development of ear, face, or neck structures.

Most newborns are screened for hearing loss before they leave the hospital. It is important to continue monitoring the child’s hearing since a hearing impairment that goes unnoticed will significantly interfere with speech and language development, socialization, and learning.

5. Cysts and Tumors
These may develop in the middle ear or surrounding tissues, as the temporal bone of the skull, although these types of growth are less common. Most middle ear tumors are benign but some, as squamous cell carcinoma, are malignant and capable of spreading to other parts of the body (metastasize). Benign tumors usually grow slowly, whereas malignant ones tend to grow at a faster rate.

A sensation of the affected ear being plugged may indicate a tumor. But, so can hearing loss or tinnitus (noise in the ears), drainage from the ear, facial paralysis, dizziness, and loss of balance. In which case, a doctor must be consulted. A CT scan or MRI can help determine if a tumor is present.

Tumors of the ear are usually surgically removed; a delicate and complex procedure that may involve removing some, or all parts of the ear, depending on the nature and size of the tumor. Needless to say, this can result in permanent hearing loss as well as the function in the nerves leading to the face and shoulder. Radiation may be used as a primary treatment or in combination with surgery.

The more common tumors include:

Glomus tympanicum and Glomus jugulare consist of masses of cells that can grow in the middle ear, interfering with vibration of the ossicles and leading to significant hearing loss. Often a glomus tumor will cause a pulsing sound in the ear that accompanies each heartbeat. Most are benign, but in rare instances, they can spread to the lymph nodes in the neck and become a more serious problem.

Squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant tumor. While malignant tumors of the ear are rare, of those that do occur, squamous cell carcinoma is the most common. This type of tumor usually develops in skin cells of the pinna and ear canal or in the middle ear and mastoid. Their cause is not known, but it has been associated with chronic inflammations of the ear. Ear pain, periodic draining of fluid from the ear, and extended periods of bleeding from the ear are signs and symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma. This type of cancer is fatal if left untreated.

6. Medications
They can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance problems. Medications, and other chemicals, can also aggravate an existing inner ear or hearing problem. Such medications are considered ototoxic and their effects can range from mild to severe, depending on the dose, length of time on the medication, as well as such factors as heredity.

Hearing problems caused by some ototoxic drugs usually go away when the medication is discontinued. Those drugs known to cause permanent hearing loss are given only when there is no other alternative for treating a life-threatening disease.
Some signs and symptoms of ototoxic reactions to medications include:

* onset of tinnitus or worsening of existing tinnitus;
* a feeling of plugged ear(s);
* loss of hearing or worsening of existing hearing loss;
* dizziness that is sometimes accompanied by nausea.

7. Ossicular Chain Disruption
This can be the result of a traumatic head injury that displaces or breaks the small bones of the middle ear. These bones (the hammer, anvil, and stirrup) are referred to as the ossicular chain. The most common site of displacement from a trauma is at the joint where the anvil connects to the stirrup and frequently, the anvil itself is partially broken.

The disruption of the ossicular chain causes a breakdown in the passage of sound waves from the eardrum to the inner ear, resulting in significant hearing loss. Surgery involves a procedure called ossiculoplasty, which attempts to rebuild the displaced ossicles or to replace them either with a prosthesis or with small pieces of bone or cartilage. Because ossicles are so small, the operation is very delicate and not all of the hearing may be restored. If head trauma has caused damage to the cochlea, resulting in sensorineural hearing loss, a hearing aid may be the best option as surgery will not resolve cochlear damage.

Although complications are rare, some of the risks involved may be:

* total deafness in the affected ear;
* tinnitus;
* dizziness and loss of balance;
* damage to the facial nerves, resulting in changes to the sense of taste or facial paralysis on the affected side.

8. Otosclerosis
This develops when an abnormal growth of spongy bone forms at the entrance to the inner ear (oval window). Because of this growth, the stirrup (stapes) gradually becomes fixed to the oval window and loses its ability to vibrate. In some cases, the cochlea of the inner ear becomes involved, causing greater hearing loss.

Otosclerosis is the most frequent cause of the middle ear hearing loss in young adults. It is twice as common in women as men and affects whites more often than people of other races. Signs and symptoms usually appear between the ages of 15 and 35. The development of the disease is slow and can affect one or both ears. In women with otosclerosis, the rate of hearing loss may increase during pregnancy.

An increasing amount of evidence suggests that genetic defects may predispose a person to the disease, since about half have a family history of the disease. Other recent studies indicate that the measles virus may also be a contributing factor.

Treatment generally consists of hearing aids if the hearing loss remains mild to moderate. Surgery is another option used to remove the fixed stirrup from the ear and insert a tiny wire or prosthesis made of platinum, titanium, teflon, or stainless steel – a procedure known as a stapedotomy. The prosthesis can help most people with otosclerosis, but in a few cases it may cause total loss of hearing. The prosthesis may also become displaced, a growth of spongy bone may recur over the oval window, or the incus (to which the prothesis is attached) may erode. If the disease continues to progress after surgery, the ability of the prosthesis to function may be greatly reduced.

9. Perilymph Fistula
This is the medical term for a tear in the membrane covering either the oval window or round window, which are situated between the middle ear and the inner ear. It most commonly results from trauma to the head, but may also be caused by rapid changes in atmospheric pressure (scuba diving or airplane maneuvers) and extreme exertion (weightlifting or childbirth).

Signs and symptoms of a perilymph fistula include vertigo, imbalance, nausea, and vomiting. A fistula may also lead to tinnitus and hearing loss. Bed rest and avoiding sudden movements often allow the rupture to heal on its own otherwise, surgery is required.

10. Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence (SSCD)
This is similar to perilymph fistula in that both involve an abnormal opening in the inner ear. With SSCD the abnormal opening is at the top of one of the semicircular canals of the vestibular labyrinth, where there is a lack of bone covering the canal. The primary symptom associated with SSCD is dizziness when straining. Treatment may involve surgery.

11. Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL)
This is a medical emergency and may be caused by a viral inner ear infection, an abrupt loss of blood flow to the cochlea, a tear in the membrane within the cochlea, or from an acoustic neuroma. Most times, the cause is unknown. Sudden deafness may not always come as a result of a loud noise. It may come all at once or within only a few days, a condition known as sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). When this happens, a popping sound is noticed, or it may be detected upon awakening or try to use the impaired ear. SSNHL is almost always confined to one ear and dizziness or tinnitus may also accompany the hearing loss. More common in young or middle-aged adults, about 4,000 new cases occur each year in the US.

Inner Ear Problems

2006-11-19T19:42:00.000+08:00

Sensorineural hearing loss involves damage to the inner ear, the auditory nerve, or the brain. For example, when some of the hair cells of the organ of Corti are damaged or other changes take place in the cochlea or to the auditory nerve, the electrical impulses are not transmitted as efficiently, resulting in hearing loss. Sensorineural damage is often permanent and the hearing loss irreversible. However, with the use of hearing aids and other assistive hearing devices and techniques, it is still possible to communicate effectively, even with a hearing impairment.

1. Presbycusis
The most common form of sensorineural hearing loss is that associated with aging. This is known as presbycusis. As a person ages, the hair cells within the cochlea gradually wear out, causing a sensitivity loss to sound. Some adults may lose very little hearing as they age while others lose considerably more because of hair cell loss.

2. Viral Infections
Such infections as measles and mumps are the major causes of hearing loss in children. The measles virus usually attacks cells lining the lungs and back of the throat. The mumps virus typically affects the parotid glands – one of three types of salivary glands – between the ear and the jaw. From these areas in the head, either infection can easily spread to the inner ear and destroy hair cells and nerve endings in the cochlea. Viruses may also travel through the bloodstream to the cochlea. Such other viral infections, as influenza, chickenpox, and mononucleosis, may also lead to hearing loss.

3. Labyrinthitis
This is an inflammation of the inner ear that affects the cochlea and the vestibular labyrinth. The cochlea is vital to hearing and the vestibular labyrinth plays a role in balance and eye movement. If an inflammation affects only the vestibular labyrinth, it is known as vestibular neuronitis. The exact cause is unknown but often follows a bacterial ear infection or an upper respiratory viral illness. It may also occur after a blow to the head or it may occur with no associated illness or trauma.

Signs and symptoms of labyrinthitis include dizziness, hearing loss, tinnitus, nausea, vomiting, and involuntary movements of the eyes. All of the hearing in the affected ear may be lost. To keep the condition from becoming worse, it is sometimes helpful to sit as still as possible and avoid sudden changes in position. Most of the time, the inflammation goes away on its own in a few weeks. If the underlying problem is bacterial, antibiotics may be prescribed.

4. Presbycusis
This refers to age-related hearing loss. According to a survey conducted for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Center for Health Statistics, about 30% of Americans 65 or older have hearing loss, whereas only about 3% under the age of 45 have hearing loss.

Because there is much variation in how people age, its effects on the human body cannot be precise. Typically, some of the hair cells in the cochlea may be lost during the aging process. In addition, nerves may become a little slower at transmitting messages to and from the brain and the brain may not be as quick to interpret sounds.

Initially, there is a loss of sensitivity to sounds with a higher frequency or pitch. This is because damage to the hair cells often occurs first at a location where high-frequency sounds are generally processed. At the same time, the ability to hear sounds with a low frequency may remain intact. Some sounds may even seem too loud.

Presbycusis is sometimes accompanied by a ringing or buzzing in the ears, a condition known as tinnitus. The condition also makes it hard to hold a conversation in an area with background noise, as a busy store. Presbycusis tends to run in families, which means genetics may be involved and the onset of hearing loss can be earlier in some families than in others.

5. Noise
This is another cause of sensorineural hearing loss because it can damage the inner ear. For many older adults, hearing loss is the result of a combination of aging and noise exposure over a period of years. The cumulative effect of a lifetime of noise can gradually affect the ability to hear.

Noise-induced hearing loss may come as a result of a sudden explosion of sound or through gradual, prolonged exposure. If a sudden explosion of noise happens, hearing loss is noticed right away and may last a short or long time. However, with prolonged exposure, hearing loss may be so gradual and painless that it is hardly noticed until too late. Although noise-induced hearing loss cannot be restored, it can be prevented through the use of hearing protection devices.

6. Other Factors
Some drugs known to be harmful to the hearing mechanism are said to be ototoxic. Other causes include disease, trauma, and genetic disorders.

Middle Ear Problems

2006-11-18T19:01:00.000+08:00

A variety of problems can affect the middle ear, including infections, cysts, tumors, and abnormal bone growths. These problems are frequently associated with hearing loss caused by a disturbance of either the eardrum or the tiny bones in the middle ear (malleus, incus, and stapes). Often, hearing can be restored with medical or surgical treatment; but if the problem extends to the inner ear, permanent hearing loss may occur.

Anyone with small children is probably well versed in middle ear infections. Ear infections are the most common illness in infants and small children. While adults do get ear infections, they are much more serious for children. This is partly because they are much more apt to get them, and partly because the symptoms can be more severe for children.

1. Middle Ear Infections
An inflammation or infection of the middle ear is known as otitis media. This condition is often associated with a cold, sore throat, or other respiratory infection that blocks the eustachian tube. A blocked tube prevents the middle ear from being properly ventilated, causing the inflammation and an accumulation of fluids such as pus and mucus. Bacteria from the nose and throat may travel through the lining of the Eustachian tube and infect the middle ear.

Otitis media can occur at any age but is more common in children, partly because of the shape of the Eustachian tube, which is shorter and more horizontal than that of an adult. A more horizontal orientation means fluid is less likely to drain and more likely to accumulate. While fluid accumulation is not necessarily a problem, it is an ideal breeding ground for microorganisms that cause infections. Although the accepted course of treatment has been repeated doses of antibiotics, this is now proving not to be the best course of action.

Sometimes fluid accumulation in the middle ear can reach a point where it obstructs the movement of the eardrum and the ossicles, causing conductive hearing loss. Too much fluid can also cause the eardrum to rupture. Pain results as the infection worsens, and is just one of several symptoms. Others include dizziness, loss of balance, nausea, vomiting, ear drainage, and fever. At times, pus and mucus may persist even after the infection has passed, causing recurring episodes of infection and persistent hearing loss.

Food allergies, especially to wheat and dairy products, can be the cause of recurring middle ear infections.

2. Chronic Ear Infection
Persistent middle ear infection is known as chronic otitis media and may occur as a complication of an acute case of otitis media. Sometimes a low-level infection will continue long after an acute episode, leaving the ear more vulnerable to future infections. The signs and symptoms of a chronic ear infection are often milder than those of an acute episode, but they can be more dangerous than an acute episode.

If the Eustachian tube is consistently blocked, the tissues of the middle ear gradually thicken and become inflamed. The mucus that is normally secreted also thickens. A vacuum created in the middle ear by the blocked tube can deform or rupture the eardrum. As these changes occur, the structures of the middle and inner ear slowly deteriorate, causing permanent damage and hearing impairment. Infection can also spread to the bone behind the ear (mastoid process) and even to the brain.

Usually medication is given which will clear up the problem. However, when this fails to work, an incision may be made in the eardrum to relieve pressure and help drain the fluid. Healing should occur in about a week and sometimes before all the fluid has drained out. To prevent this, the doctor may temporarily place a tiny ventilation tube into the incision.

If significant damage has been done to the eardrum and ossicles, more extensive surgery may be required to remove infection tissue and repair these structures. This procedure is known as tympanomastoidectomy.

3. Eardrum Problems
The tympanic membrane is a resilient, yet fragile structure subject to constant use and abuse. Two common problems are a ruptured eardrum and barotrauma. Both can result in hearing loss mostly caused by a disruption or distortion of the eardrum and prevents it from vibrating properly. Usually the loss is temporary.

Ruptured Eardrum: This means that a tear or a perforation has occurred in the membrane as a result of an infection or a trauma. Chronic infections can also wear down the eardrum, creating a perforation on the surface. A blow to the head can also cause a perforation. Symptoms include an earache, partial hearing loss, tinnitus, and slight bleeding or discharge from the ear. In some cases, the ossicles in the middle ear may be damaged, resulting in more severe hearing loss. Usually, a ruptured eardrum heals by itself but larger ruptures may cause recurring infections.

Barotrauma: It is also known as “airplane ear” because it results from a disparity between air pressure in the atmosphere and the air pressure in the middle ear. As the name suggests, this disparity of atmospheric pressure can occur during air flights or deep-sea dives. It can also happen when the Eustachian tube becomes blocked or fails to deliver air properly to the middle ear. An example of this would be when there is nasal congestion from an allergy or infection.

Normally, the Eustachian tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and upper throat allows air to flow in and out of the middle ear during swallowing or yawning. This type of movement helps maintain equal air pressure on both sides of the eardrum. A more serious problem may occur if the air pressure change is extreme or blocked, causing the small blood vessels in the middle ear to rupture and bleed.

Generally, barotrauma is not a serious condition and requires no treatment. There are little techniques to help avoid the problem or relieve it as soon as it happens. Taking a decongestant before flying or scuba diving is sometimes helpful (but be aware of the side effects of such medications, especially drowsiness if scuba diving). Sucking on a lozenge or chewing gum during a flight is a well-known remedy.

Pilots have a method that works well for them: pinch the nostrils shut, inhale, and swallow. The pop in the ears is a sign that the air has gone through the eustachian tube to the middle ear. On occasion, if the condition persists, a physician may have to make a tiny incision in the eardrum to equalize air pressure and remove fluid from the middle ear. This procedure is known as myringotomy.

External Ear Problems

2006-11-17T18:19:00.000+08:00

A number of problems can obstruct the sound waves on their way to the inner ear. Problems of the outer and middle ear generally do not cause permanent damage and often can be overcome with self-treatments. The most common problems are earwax buildup, foreign objects lodged in the canal, a ruptured eardrum, or an infection that can cause a buildup of fluid in the middle ear.

1. Earwax Blockage
Skin lining the outer portion of the ear canal contains glands that produce a waxy substance called cerumen which is more commonly known as earwax. Cerumen is a normal protectant of the ear. Its job is to defend against harm, trapping dust and other foreign objects before they can reach the more delicate tympanic membrane (eardrum). Wax also helps inhibits the growth of bacteria.

Normally, earwax migrates to the external edge of the ear canal and falls away or is wiped off. However, sometimes more wax is produced than the ear can expel, causing it to accumulate in the ear canal. Generally, excessive earwax does not lead to hearing loss because it does not completely block the passageway. But many people insist on inserting a variety of objects into the ear canal on the assumption that they are cleaning the ear when in fact, they are introducing more potentially harmful microorganisms as well as risking damage to the delicate tissues and membrane. This action also pushes the wax farther into the passageway and impacting it. Impacted wax can reduce hearing by blocking airborne sound vibrations in the ear canal. Blockage can also induce earaches and tinnitus (noise like ringing, buzzing, or roaring in the ear).

2. Foreign Objects
Occasionally, an object or an insect can become stuck in the ear. It may tickle, hurt, or give a feeling that the ear is plugged. Most can be removed without medical intervention; but if something is pushed too far into the ear, it may rupture the eardrum. If the object is clearly visible to an observer, it may be grasped with a pair of sterilized tweezers; but, if not, medical help should be contacted. If an insect is involved, it will instinctively crawl up rather than down. Therefore, if it is still alive, tilt the ear upward and place a few drops of oil into the ear. The oil will suffocate the critter so it can be washed out. Sometimes shining a flashlight into the ear will cause the insect to instinctively crawl towards the light, where it can be removed.

3. Swimmer’s Ear
Otitis externa (swimmer’s ear) is an infection of the ear canal and the result of persistent moisture in the ear, usually caused by common bacteria, sometimes by a fungus. The condition can crop up when bacteria nestle into an outer ear canal that is warm and moist -- conditions bacteria love. Being in the water a lot not only creates those conditions, but it tends to wash away the natural oily, waxy substance that normally lines and protects the ear canal. Bacteria can then get the upper hand, and you get an infection.

As its name suggests, it most commonly occurs after frequent swimming, but it can result in combination with a mild injury to the skin in the ear canal. Such an injury can also occur from scraping the ear canal when trying to remove ear wax. Hair spray and dyes may also cause similar ear infections.

Pain or itching in the ear, a swollen ear canal, and pus draining from the ear are all symptoms of an outer ear infection. Temporary hearing loss may occur if swelling or pus blocks the canal.

In a few people, particularly those with diabetes or a weakened immune system, swimmer’s ear may lead to infections of the bones and cartilage at the base of the skull (malignant otitis externa). Such a complication is life-threatening and usually requires prolonged care under a team of specialists including an otologist, endocrinologist, and an infectious disease specialist.