Skin Cancer (Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer)

Introduction

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.

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

• basal cell carcinoma (or basal cell carcinoma epithelioma)
• squamous cell carcinoma (the first stage of which is called actinic keratosis)
• melanoma

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. Skin cancer is also known as skin neoplasia.

This article will discuss the two kinds of nonmelanoma skin cancer.

Basal cell carcinoma

What is basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer and accounts for more than 90% of all skin cancer in the U.S. These cancers almost never spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. They can, however, cause damage by growing and invading surrounding tissue.

Skin Cancer

What are risk factors for developing basal cell carcinoma?

Light-colored skin, sun exposure, and age are all important factors in the development of basal cell carcinomas. People who have fair skin and are older have higher rates of basal cell carcinoma. About 20% of these skin cancers, however, occur in areas that are not sun-exposed, such as the chest, back, arms, legs, and scalp. The face, however, remains the most common location for basal cell lesions. Weakening of the immune system, whether by disease or medication, can also promote the risk of developing basal cell carcinoma. Other risk factors include

• exposure to sun. There is evidence that, in contrast to squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma is promoted not by accumulated sun exposure but by intermittent sun exposure like that received during vacations, especially early in life. According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. The risk of developing skin cancer is also affected by where a person lives. People who live in areas that receive high levels of UV radiation from the sun are more likely to develop skin cancer. In the United States, for example, skin cancer is more common in Texas than it is in Minnesota, where the sun is not as strong. Worldwide, the highest rates of skin cancer are found in South Africa and Australia, which are areas that receive high amounts of UV radiation.
• age. Most skin cancers appear after age 50, but the sun's damaging effects begin at an early age. Therefore, protection should start in childhood in order to prevent skin cancer later in life.
• exposure to ultraviolet radiation in tanning booths. Tanning booths are very popular, especially among adolescents, and they even let people who live in cold climates radiate their skin year-round.
• therapeutic radiation, such as that given for treating other forms of cancer.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

What does basal cell carcinoma look like?

A basal cell carcinoma usually begins as a small, dome-shaped bump and is often covered by small, superficial blood vessels called telangiectases. The texture of such a spot is often shiny and translucent, sometimes referred to as "pearly." It is often hard to tell a basal cell carcinoma from a benign growth like a flesh-colored mole without performing a biopsy. Some basal cell carcinomas contain melanin pigment, making them look dark rather than shiny.

Superficial basal cell carcinomas often appear on the chest or back and look more like patches of raw, dry skin. They grow slowly over the course of months or years.

Basal cell carcinomas grow slowly, taking months or even years to become sizable. Although spread to other parts of the body (metastasis) is very rare, a basal cell carcinoma can damage and disfigure the eye, ear, or nose if it grows nearby.

How is basal cell carcinoma diagnosed?

To make a proper diagnosis, doctors usually remove all or part of the growth by performing a biopsy. This usually involves taking a sample by injecting a local anesthesia and scraping a small piece of skin. This method is referred to as a shave biopsy. The skin that is removed is then examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells.

How is basal cell carcinoma treated?

There are many ways to successfully treat a basal cell carcinoma with a good chance of success of 90% or more. 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.

Methods used to treat basal cell carcinomas include:

• Curettage and desiccation: Dermatologists often prefer this method, which consists of scooping out the basal cell carcinoma by using a spoon like instrument called a curette. Desiccation is the additional application of an electric current to control bleeding and kill the remaining cancer cells. The skin heals without stitching. This technique is best suited for small cancers in non-crucial areas such as the trunk and extremities.
• Surgical excision: The tumor is cut out and stitched up.
• Radiation therapy: Doctors often use radiation treatments for skin cancer occurring in areas that are difficult to treat with surgery. Obtaining a good cosmetic result generally involves many treatment sessions, perhaps 25 to 30.
• Cryosurgery: Some doctors trained in this technique achieve good results by freezing basal cell carcinomas. Typically, liquid nitrogen is applied to the growth to freeze and kill the abnormal cells.
• Mohs micrographic surgery: Named for its pioneer, Dr. Frederic Mohs, this technique of removing skin cancer is better termed "microscopically controlled excision." The surgeon meticulously removes a small piece of the tumor and examines it under the microscope during surgery. This sequence of cutting and microscopic examination is repeated in a painstaking fashion so that the basal cell carcinoma can be mapped and taken out without having to estimate or guess the width and depth of the lesion. This method removes as little of the healthy normal tissue as possible. Cure rate is very high, exceeding 98%. Mohs micrographic surgery is preferred for large basal cell carcinomas, those that recur after previous treatment, or lesions affecting parts of the body where experience shows that recurrence is common after treatment by other methods. Such body parts include the scalp, forehead, ears, and the corners of the nose. In cases where large amounts of tissue need to be removed, the Mohs surgeon sometimes works with a plastic (reconstructive) surgeon to achieve the best possible postsurgical appearance.
• Medical therapy using creams that attack cancer cells (5-Fluorouracil--5-FU, Efudex, Fluoroplex) or stimulate the immune system (imiquimod [Aldara]). These are applied several times a week for several weeks. They produce brisk inflammation and irritation. The advantages of this method is that it avoids surgery, lets the patient perform treatment at home, and may give a better cosmetic result. Disadvantages include discomfort, which may be severe, and a lower cure rate, which makes medical treatment unsuitable for treating most skin cancers on the face.

How is basal cell carcinoma prevented?

Avoiding sun exposure in susceptible individuals is the best way to lower the risk for all types of skin cancer. Regular surveillance of susceptible individuals, both by self-examination and regular physical examination, is also a good idea for people at higher risk. People who have already had any form of skin cancer should have regular medical checkups.

Common sense preventive techniques include

• limiting recreational sun exposure;
• avoiding unprotected exposure to the sun during peak radiation times (the hours surrounding noon);
• wearing broad-brimmed hats and tightly-woven protective clothing while outdoors in the sun;
• regularly using a waterproof or water resistant sunscreen with UVA protection and SPF 30 or higher;
• undergoing regular checkups and bringing any suspicious-looking or changing lesions to the attention of the doctor; and
• avoiding the use of tanning beds and using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 and protection against UVA (long waves of ultraviolet light.). Many people go out of their way to get an artificial tan before they leave for a sunny vacation, because they want to get a "base coat" to prevent sun damage. Even those who are capable of getting a tan, however, only get protection to the level of SPF 6, whereas the desired level is an SPF of 30. Those who only freckle get little or no protection at all from attempting to tan; they just increase sun damage. Sunscreen must be applied liberally and reapplied every two to three hours, especially after swimming or physical activity that promotes perspiration, which can weaken even sunscreens labeled as "waterproof."

Cause Of Dark Circles

Our face attracts the most amount of attention. 

Therefore, we pay most attention to the way our face looks. We take special care of our face, its skin, its appearance and we try to present our face in the most beautiful manner we can. In a person's face, it is the eyes that catch the attention of the observer. If the eyes are beautiful the beauty of the face is enhanced. 

But a problem that a number of women face is dark circles under the eyes. When a woman has dark circles under her eyes, no matter how beautiful her eyes are their impact is diminished because of these dark circles. If we understand the cause of dark circles then we may be able to deal with them and treat them if possible. There are a number reasons for dark circles under the eyes. Given below are some of the common causes for the unsightly dark circles.

• Heredity: Dark circles under the eyes can be an inherited trait. If you have dark circles, then it is likely that other members of your family have dark circles too. The skin under the eye is very thin. When blood flows through veins close to surface of the skin it can produce a bluish tint. If your skin is transparent then the darker the circles will be. Transparent skin is also a inherited trait.
• Exposure to Sun: Exposure to sun especially during the summer months can make the skin under the eyes look darker. This is true for dark skinned people as well. Suntans are caused by an increase in the natural pigmentation of the skin, as a result of exposure to the sun. This increase in pigmentation is drawn to the surface. This applies to the skin under the eyes as well.
• Allergies and Eczema: Any infection of the eye that leads to itching can contribute to dark circles as rubbing and scratching the eyes darkens the skin. People who suffer from hay fever will notice that dark circles appear when the allergy is at its height. Certain food allergies can cause dark circles too.
• Medication: Any medication that dilates your blood vessels can cause dark circles under the eyes. As the skin under the eye is delicate an increase in blood shows through the skin in the form of dark circles.
• Nutrition: An improper diet, an unbalanced diet or lack of a nutritious diet can cause dark circles under the eye.
• Tiredness and Lack of Sleep: A lack of sleep or excessive tiredness can cause the skin under the eyes to become pale, thus, making the blood flowing under it visible.
• Pregnancy and Menstruation: During pregnancy and menstruation the skin becomes pale and the veins under the skin become visible.
• Age: As you grow older there are greater chances that you will have dark circles and they may become more prominent and permanent. If there are too many folds in the skin under the eyes, it will make the dark circles more prominent.

Natural Hair Care Tips

In modern times, when the environment is getting more polluted and chances of a skin ailment are on the rise, more and more people are opting for natural methods to take care of their hair and skin. 

The natural remedies are not only more effective and devoid of side effects, they are also more cost effective. So bid goodbye to the chemicals and synthetic products and follow the below mentioned 15 natural hair care tips for your own shining and glowing strands of hair!




 
Begin with Cleansing – Did you think that cleansing was required only for your skin? Keeping your scalp and hair germ free will not only leave them smelling good but will also ensure good quality hair. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda in two tablespoons of herbal shampoo and apply on the scalp while massaging for at least half an hour. You may have to add more baking soda and shampoo if your hair is very long, but remember to do so in the same proportion. Wash hair with cold water.

 
Healthy Diet – It does not require much explanation as to why a diet complete with all basic nutrients is essential for good quality hair. Eat healthy everyday and especially include vitamin C and protein to get strong shiny hair. While the former has antioxidant properties, the latter acts as the building block of hair.

 
Use a Natural Hair Conditioner – Switch over from your synthetic conditioners to the traditional natural ones which will help to make your hair soft to the touch. Castor, olive and coconut oil are the best natural hair conditioners. Warm the oil before you massage on the hair. You can also opt for jojoba oil, tea tree oil or vitamin E oil and products that contain a large percentage of these ingredients.

 
Brushing Hair is Important – It is very important to comb the hair at least twice a day. This helps in proper blood circulation and also distributes the natural oil in the hair to every part of the scalp, thus ensuring health and shine of your tresses. Remember not to brush more than four times a day as this will lead to breaking of the loose strands of hair.

 
Check the Quality of Water – No product can make your hair look good if you are washing your hair with hard water! It is said that corroding minerals present in hard water settle on your scalp leading to premature graying and sometimes hair fall. The best way to nullify the harmful effects of hard water is to use a water softener.

 
Get Rid of Dandruff Naturally – Make a paste of mustard and fenugreek by blending them together. Apply on the scalp; follow with a steam towel wrap for at least 15 minutes before washing off with a mild herbal shampoo.

 
For the Extra Shine – Don’t you want your tresses to shine as you step out of home? Strain black tea (remember not to brew the tea too strong) and wash the hair after it has cooled down at room temperature. Alternately, you can choose to apply homemade fresh curd on the hair. Both tea and curd are to be washed away with cold water.

 
For Extra Strength – Shikakai and amla are two ingredients that work wonders for the hair. Mix them together and add the peel of one lemon. Blend well before rubbing on hair and scalp.

 
Natural Dyeing – Colors they say are not good for the hair. But you can go the natural way for dyeing your hair. Mix half a cup mehendi, fresh juice of one lemon, an egg and one tablespoon of coffee powder in a bowl. Add water if necessary. Apply the paste on the hair and wash off after an hour with cold water.

 
To Cover Premature Grays – Gray hair requires darker colors for coverage. Put a cup of dried gooseberry in four cups of water and bring to boil. Add sugar while the water is still boiling. As the quantity of liquid reduces substantially due to boiling, mix one egg, four teaspoons of lemon juice and one cup of mehendi to make a paste. Apply and keep on hair for minimum two hours before washing off.

 
How to Get Rid of Dull Hair – If you want the bounce back on your lifeless hair, add two teaspoons of vinegar in one mug of warm water. Wash the hair with this solution. Increase the quantity of vinegar and warm water used in the same proportion if you have long hair.

 
Natural Hair Oil – Oiling the hair occasionally is essential to keep the nutrients locked! Instead of purchasing the bottled hair oils available in the market, you can prepare natural hair oil at home. Bring to boil coconut oil and add few hibiscus flowers in the oil. Cool and use on the scalp to stop thinning of hair.

 
Cure for Damaged Hair Cuticles – Steam towel wrap should be repeated every once in a while to keep the cuticles in the hair free of damage. The pores on the cuticles should remain open all the time to absorb nutrients from oil, shampoo and other products that you apply. Similarly, toxins from the scalp also need an outlet. For this, the cuticles have to be in proper condition.

 
Take Care of the Hair Roots – If the roots are strong, the hair will also be strong. Add overnight soaked curry leaves in a mixture of mustard and coconut oil. Bring this mixture to boil. Remove from oven and add three camphor balls. Allow the mixture to cool. Strain and apply on scalp in circular movements using a piece of cotton or cloth. Leave the oil on the head for at least five hours for best results. Wash off with a mild herbal shampoo.

 
Stick to Your Hair Care Regimen – If you have made a hair care routine for yourself, it is advisable to follow the routine every single day for best results. Skipping even one day of proper hair care may lead to further damage and add to woes like split ends and hair fall.

Healthy food for Digestive System

Digestion is the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food into smaller components that are more easily absorbed into a blood stream, for instance. Digestion is a form of catabolism: a breakdown of large food molecules to smaller ones.

The digestive system is very important for the maintenance of health. The digestive system processes everything we eat and drink to supply the body with the energy and material that it needs to function, build and maintain itself. It comprises the digestive tract from the mouth through the stomach, small and large intestines, to the anus.

There are many areas in the digestive process where things can go wrong. 

Below we have addressed

: * Crohn's disease,

* irritable bowel syndrome (IBS),

* hemorrhoids (piles),

* indigestion, and * diarrhea.

We can reduce the risks of developing a range of Digestive System Disorders, and add many more years of healthy, active time to their life span, by eating a healthy, high fiber diet including lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, while avoiding processed foods, fast foods, and foods that are high in salt, sugar, and fat.

you may benefit from including one or more of the following foods in your diet - all of them are rich in nutrients that are particularly important to the health of your digestive system.

Ginger

Ginger is often used to settle an upset stomach or treat severe stomach ailments such as dyspepsa or colic. It is frequently used today in developing countries to treat diarhea. Ginger contains special enzymes responsible for catalyzing the proteins in your food, thus aiding in digestion and the prevention of craps.

Foods rich in fiber

Your body needs fiber. Once the missing fiber in the diet, you are prone to constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), heart disease and some cancers. Foods rich in fiber and filter to keep food in the digestive system to extract energy and nutrients, wastes also pushed back out. Please add to your daily diet you all kinds of vegetables, fiber from whole grains, whole grain products, fruits, vegetables, beans, peas, lentils …

Water

Drinking water between your meals cleans the stomach of the small trapped food pieces and gives it a rest so it can stop producing acids. Water also helps to clean the digestive tract of small pieces of food. Enzymes, water, and good bacteria all work together to maintain optimum digestion, nutrient absorption and health.

Avocados

Avocados are one of the best foods you can eat for digestive health. Avocados work to stimulate the healthy functioning of your digestive organs, including your pancreas, gallbladder, liver and intestinal tract.

Oats

Not only do whole oats contain plenty of soluble- fibre, they also provide significant amounts of selenium, thiamin, phosphorus, and manganese, and smaller amounts of copper, folate, vitamin E, and zinc.

If you have to choose between rolled oats and quick oats, choose the rolled variety. Rolled oats are made with a steaming process that doesn't destroy many nutrients, while quick oats are made with dehydrating and pre-cooking processes, which typically leave oats extremely nutrient-depleted.

Cod liver oil

Cold liver oil provides plenty of natural vitamin A, It also provides natural vitamin D, which we know is an extremely powerful immune system modulator, with research indicating that vitamin D may be critically important in preventing the development of autoimmune conditions, including those of the GI tract.

 If you want to build and maintain a healthy digestive tract for the long term, you really have to take a holistic approach and address several areas of your life: your food choices, eating habits, exercise habits, resting habits, and emotional health.

Brain boost food for pregnant women

A healthy diet is important for you and your growing baby. You only need about 300 additional calories each day during pregnancy.

When you are planning meals, include a variety of different nutrients for a balanced diet. Fill in the gaps with healthy snacks. Avoid empty calories or unhealthy foods to give your baby a good start and avoid excessive weight gain.

Pregnant women need about 300 calories per day more than you did when you were not pregnant. These amounts to a total of about 2.100 to 2.400 calories per day .These additional calories should come from high protein, high calcium and iron rich foods. Three hundred calories is not much actually. It could be obtained from 2 tall glasses of milk or a bowl of hearty soup, a serving of meat or fish. Do not add lots of high calorie non nutritious food such as cakes or dessert.

Eggs

Eggs are the best possible source of choline. Researchers have found that choline enhances memory function in pregnant women. Preliminary studies also suggest it can have long-lasting effects on a baby’s ability to learn and remember. Two eggs provide about half the recommended daily intake of choline for pregnant women.

Walnuts

Naturopathic physician Heather Manley points out that walnuts resemble little brains, so it just makes sense that they’re good for your mind. And the science backs it up; walnuts boost memory because they’re rich in antioxidants as well as Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. An added benefit is that walnuts boost the body’s melatonin levels, which can help cure the restless nights that pregnant women often endure.

Cranberries

Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, cranberries have been shown to improve memory and cut down on free-radical damage in brain cells. Pregnant women often crave easy, portable snacks between meals, and cranberries can be paired with brain-boosting nuts for a great snack mix. You can also enjoy a glass of cranberry juice with your lunch or spread a little cranberry sauce onto a sandwich.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil as a good source to boost a mommy-to-be’s brain power due to its high percentage of medium-chain triglycerides, which are a unique form of dietary fat that impart a variety of benefits. Coconut oil is also a great energy boost for exhausted pregnant women — one tablespoon can provide 4 to 5 hours of energy with no accompanying crash.

Whole grain

Whole grain carbohydrates are essential for pregnant women because they boost energy levels. They are also rich in vitamin B6, iron and folate, all of which are important nutrients for both mother and child’s mental functioning. Start your day with a bowl of nutritious cereal, eat your sandwich on whole-grain bread, or snack on baked goods chock full of grains.

Cheese

Cheese is a great source for vitamin B12, which is necessary for brain function because it helps nerve cells communicate more rapidly. B12 is important for pregnant women because folic acid supplements can mask some of the signs of a B12 deficiency. Liver is the best source of B12, but is off-limits during pregnancy. A safe alternative is a low-fat version of a hard cheese, like cheddar, Swiss, or Colby.

Legumes

Lentils and beans are rich in thiamin, which is critical for cognitive function. As is the case with other B vitamins, thiamin intake needs to be higher during pregnancy; thiamin deficiency can result in depression, nervous exhaustion and insomnia. Legumes also contain high levels of iron and folate, which is important for preventing birth defects and enhances memory recall in women.

Spinach

Pregnant women need loads of vitamins, so it’s important to eat as many colorful fruits and vegetables as possible. Spinach is particularly beneficial because it’s rich in folate. Cheese can boost the pregnant women Brain.

Natural Home Remedies Tips to Cure Asthma

Asthma naturally with the help of simple home remedies, which you can make yourself or readily available at your home.

* Calcium is also essential for Asthma patents, take milk, Spinach ( Palak), Amaranth (Cholayi). Carrot Gooseberry (Amla), Paneer, Arrow root (Paniphal or Singhada) etc.

* One cup of hot water mix one spoon of lemon juice, two spoons of Honey and a spoon of Ginger juice. Drinking this daily helps to cure Asthma.

* Garlic juice mixed with Honey or Garlic juice with hot water can be taken everyday is very good for Asthma patients.

* Eating Turmeric powder With hot water is a good remedy for curing Asthma.

* Ginger, Long pepper (Pipple), Black pepper (Kali Mirchi) in equal quantities powdered and one spoon of this powder taken with Honey everyday cures Asthma.

* One cup of cow milk or goat Milk mixed with a spoon of Turmeric Powder, Black pepper powder and Sugar taken everyday helps to cure Asthma.

* Boiled milk with turmeric powder (haldi) (1 tsp) added could be taken instead of coffee or tea in the morning and night.

* Drinking sweet lime (Mosambi) juice with hot water, Cumin (Jeera) powder and dry Ginger powder (Sonth) helps in curing Asthma.

Heart Attack and The Facts

A heart attack is a frightening event, and you probably don't want to think about it. But, if you learn the signs of a heart attack and what steps to take, you can save a life–maybe your own.

We all think that heart attack is sudden intense, where a person clutches his or her chest and falls over. But the truth is heart attack starts slowly, as a mild pain or discomfort. If you feel such a symptom, you may not be sure what's wrong. Your symptoms may even come and go. Even those who have had a heart attack may not recognize their symptoms, because the next attack can have entirely different ones.

Medical experts say the body likely will send one or more of these warning signals of a heart attack it could be like..

Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest lasting more than a few minutes.

Pain spreading to the shoulders, neck or arms. The pain may be mild to intense. It may feel like pressure, tightness, burning, or heavy weight. It may be located in the chest, upper abdomen, neck, jaw, or inside the arms or shoulders.

• Chest discomfort with light head redness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath.
• Anxiety, nervousness and/or cold, sweaty skin.
• Paleness or pallor.
• Increased or irregular heart rate.
• Feeling of impending doom.
• There is no rule that those all symptoms should occur in every attack. But If you notice one or more of these signs in yourself or others consult your immediately.

Causes of Heart Attack

Age

this is considered to be the largest risk factor. When a man is over 45 years, and the woman is over 55 years of age, their risk of having a heart attack starts to rise significantly.

Angina

Angina is an illness where not enough oxygen is reaching the patient's heart. This raises the risk of a heart attack. In some cases a diagnosis of angina was wrong - it could have been a mild heart attack instead. The main difference between a heart attack and angina is that the patient with angina will feel better about 15 to 30 minutes after taking medication, while the heart attack patient won't.

Blood cholesterol levels 

Iif a person's blood cholesterol levels are high, he/she runs a higher risk of developing blood clots in the arteries. Blood clots can block the supply of blood to the heart muscle, causing a heart attack.

Diabetes

People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing several diseases and conditions, many of them contribute to a higher risk of heart attack.

Diet 

A person who consumes large quantities of, for example, animal fats, or saturated fats, will eventually have a higher risk of having a heart attack.

Genes 

You can inherit a higher risk of heart attack from your parents, and/or their parents.

Heart Surgery

Patients who have had heart surgery have a higher risk of having a heart attack.

Hypertension (High blood Pressure) 

Tthis could be due to lack of physical activity, overweight/obesity, diabetes, genes, and some other factors.

Obesity, Overweight

As more and more people are overweight, especially children, experts believe heart attacks will become more common in future (if the overweight children become overweight adults).

Physical Inactivity 

People who do not exercise have a much higher risk of having a heart attack, compared to people who exercise regularly.

Previous Heart Attack 

Anybody who has already had a heart attack is more likely to have another one, compared to other people.

Smoking

People who smoke heavily or regularly run a much higher risk of heart attack, compared to people who never smoked and those who gave up. Smoking regularly means smoking every day.

Check your Family History

If a close relative is at risk of developing coronary heart disease from smoking, high BP, high cholesterol, lack of physical activity, obesity and diabetes, then you could be at risk too.

How to prevent Heart Attack

1. You are what you eat! Eat nutritious, healthy food.

2. Choose foods low in saturated fat. Make sure you include servings of fruit, vegetables and whole grains which are rich in starch and fiber, but low in fat.

3. Cutting down on dietary cholesterol consumption can help bring down blood cholesterol. Egg white, and foods from plant sources do not have cholesterol.

4. Read food labels. Look for the amount of saturated fat, total fat, cholesterol and total calories per serving on the nutrition label.

5. Stress can be harmful by raising blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and making your heart beat faster. Relax, smile, don't get angry often.

6. Bring down high blood pressure. You can do this by minimizing risk factors, making lifestyle changes, or by taking medication if necessary.

7. Stop smoking. Stub out that cigarette butt - Now!

8. If you drink, do so in moderation. A limit of two drinks per day is good for your heart.

9. Fight the battle of the bulge! Obesity is bad. Stay slim and lean.

10. If you are overweight, try and lose the excess.

11. Don't try crash diets - instead opt for a slow, steady and sustained program to lose weight.

12. An active lifestyle is healthy. Exercise regularly.

13. Try and incorporate a higher activity level into daily activities like taking a walk, riding a bike to the supermarket, climbing stairs instead of using the elevator and playing sports like badminton and basketball.

Risk factors for heart attacks have often been talked about. Let us now focus more on the positive side of cardiac well being.

Healthy Breakfast

Family Pack to Six pack

Fish, the Environment and Health

When you consider what the report says, it may make you decide that you prefer to focus on fish as your source of animal protein.

But there are ramifications for this also: both for the environment and for your health.

In fact, there are so many ramifications to eating fish that I will devote an entire series to this subject at another time.

I’m not saying that you shouldn’t eat fish, or any animal food at all. That’s your personal choice, but it’s best if you make your choice an informed and educated one.

If you’re not willing to consider becoming a vegetarian, you want to at least cut down on the amount of animal food you do eat, or at least do what Paul McCartney is advocating, of going meat-free on Mondays, or whichever day you want to designate as a meat-free day.

If you watch the above video, which is a trailer to a film called The End of the Line, you will understand what one of the environmental reasons is for considering your fish intake.

A 2008 United Nations reports that 80 percent of the world’s ocean fishing areas are now either fully fished (i.e. incapable of providing more) or overexploited.

This is also what The End of the Line is stating. But besides the overfishing and possible catastrophic results from it that The End of the Line discusses, there are also environmental and health issues.

There are many fish in the ocean that contain dangerous levels of mercury, PCB’s and pesticides, and the trend towards fish farms isn’t necessarily a panacea, as there are troubling environmental and health issues surrounding fish raised that way – from the corn feed, chemical feed and hormones that some farmed fish are given, to the pollutants that are in the waters at these factory fish farms.

And then there are questions as to whether the health claims of fish are overhyped, as a study that came out in March 2009 in the Canadian Medical Association Journal stated.

So what to do about eating fish? You can make your decision by choosing sources that are fished or farmed responsibly, and low in environmental contaminants.

According to the Environmental Defense Fund, you want to choose either wild fish from healthy, well-managed populations, or caught using fishing gear that does little harm to sea life and marine habitats; or choose farmed fish raised in systems that control pollution, the spread of disease, chemical use and escaped fish.

Most fish that the Environmental Defense Fund considers safe to eat are also low in environmental contaminants and can be safely eaten at least once per week.

The list of fish that make this list include: Arctic char, farmed oysters, sablefish (aka black cod), wild Alaskan salmon, sardines, farmed trout and West Coast albacore tuna, anchovies, catfish, soft shell clams, Pacific cod, Pacific halibut, farmed striped bass, tilapia, farmed white sturgeon, and squid.

A Look at Some Herbs Used for Healing

Herbal medicine is one of the oldest forms of medicine on the planet.

They can be formulated in many ways. Whatever way they are used, they can be very helpful in cultivating health and a better sense of wellness, which can then allow you to experience healthy living, along with living a Low Density Lifestyle.

I’m going to mention a number of herbs and briefly say what their benefits are. Some of the benefits are based on lab testing.

Aloe vera has traditionally been used for the healing of burns and wounds.

Aloe vera

Agaricus blazei mushrooms may prevent some types of cancer.

Artichoke may reduce cholesterol levels.

Blackberry leaf has drawn the attention of the cosmetology community because it interferes with the metalloproteinases that contribute to skin wrinkling.

Black raspberry may have a role in preventing oral cancer.

Butterbur has been used traditionally for abdominal cramps and constipation.

Cranberry is effective in treating urinary tract infections in women with recurrent symptoms.

Echinacea extracts can limit the length and severity of colds; however, the appropriate dosage levels may be higher than is available in over-the-counter remedies.

Elderberry may speed the recovery from type A and B influenza.

Feverfew

Feverfew is sometimes used to treat migraine headaches.

Garlic may lower total cholesterol levels.

German Chamomile has demonstrated antispasmodic, antiinflammatory and cholesterol-lowering effects in animal research. In vitro, chamomile has demonstrated moderate antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and significant antiplatelet activity, as well as preliminary results against cancer. Essential oil of chamomile has been shown to be a promising antiviral agent against herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), also in vitro.

Ginger can decrease nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

Purified extracts of Hibiscus seeds have some antihypertensive, antifungal and antibacterial effects.

Lemon grass can lower total cholesterol and fasting plasma glucose levels.

Milk thistle

Milk thistle has been recognized for many centuries as a liver tonics. Research suggests that milk thistle extracts both prevent and repair damage to the liver from toxic chemicals and medications.

Black cumin has demonstrated analgesic properties in mice. In vitro studies support antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and immune modulating effects.

Oregano may be effective against multi-drug resistant bacteria.

Pawpaw can be used as insecticide.

Peppermint oil has benefits for individuals with irritable bowel syndrome.

Pokeweed is used as a homeopathic remedy to treat many ailments. It can be applied topically or taken internally. Topical treatments have been used for acne and other ailments. It is used to treat swollen glands and weight loss.

Pomegranate has been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth in mice.

Rooibos

Rooibos has traditionally been used for skin ailments, allergies, asthma and colic in infants. In an animal study with diabetic mice, aspalathin, a rooibos constituent, improved glucose homeostasis by stimulating insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells and glucose uptake in muscle tissue.

Rose hips – Small scale studies indicate that rose hips may provide benefits in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Sage may improve memory.

Shiitake mushrooms are edible mushrooms that have been reported to have health benefits, including cancer-preventing properties. In laboratory research a shiitake extract has inhibited the growth of tumor cells. In addition, both a water extract and fresh juice of shiitake have demonstrated activity against pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

Soy and other plants that contain phytoestrogens (plant molecules with estrogen activity), such as black cohosh, have benefits for treatment of symptoms resulting from menopause.

Stinging nettle is effective for benign prostatic hyperplasia and the pain associated with osteoarthritis.

Stinging nettle

In vitro tests show antiinflammatory action. Stinging nettle has also been shown to reduce total cholesterol.

Valerian root can be used to treat insomnia.

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Ginseng – King of the Herbs

The main point of this series is that incorporating herbal medicine into your medical needs can help you to reduce the need for drugs. And by doing so, you can become healthier and more in synch. 

Ginseng, which is known as the King of the Herbs.

Ginseng is part of the materia medica of Chinese Herbal Medicine, and is the most famous herb in the pharmacopeia. It has been valued for its remarkable therapeutic benefits for at least 7,000 years and was so revered that wars were fought for control of the forests in which it thrived.

An Arabian physician brought ginseng back to Europe in the 9th century, yet its ability to improve

This 300 year old ginseng root sold for $400,000

stamina and resistance became common knowledge in the West only in the 18th century.

Ginseng is native to northeastern China, eastern Russia, and North Korea, but is now extremely rare in the wild and increasingly becoming endangered, due in large part to high demand for the product in recent years, which has led to the wild plants being sought out and harvested faster than new ones can grow (it requires years for a ginseng root to reach maturity).

There are two main types of ginseng: American ginseng, known as P. quinquefolius, and Asian ginseng, known as Panax ginseng. Asian ginseng can be either white or red ginseng.

In the U.S., there are woods grown ginseng programs in Maine, Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina and West Virginia, and United Plant Savers has been encouraging the woods planting of ginseng both to restore natural habitats and to remove pressure from any remaining wild ginseng.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, American ginseng strengthens the Yin energy and calms the spirit, while Asian ginseng strengthens the yang.

The leaves and berries of ginseng plant

The reason it has been claimed that American ginseng promotes Yin while Asian ginseng promotes Yang is that, according to traditional Chinese medicine, things living in cold places or northern side of mountains or southern side of rivers are strong in Yang and vice versa, so that the two are balanced.

Chinese/Korean ginseng grows in northeast China and Korea, the coldest area known to many Koreans in traditional times. Thus, ginseng from there is supposed to be very Yang. Originally, American ginseng was imported into China via subtropical Guangzhou, the seaport next to Hong Kong, so Chinese doctors believed that American ginseng must be good for Yin, because it came from a hot area. However they did not know that American ginseng can only grow in temperate regions. Nonetheless the root is legitimately classified as more Yin because it generates fluids.

Most North American ginseng is produced in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and British Columbia and the American state of Wisconsin.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Panax/Asian ginseng strengthens the Qi and Yang energy, improves circulation, increases blood supply, revitalizes and aids recovery from weakness after illness, and stimulates the body. Panax Ginseng is available in two forms:

The form called white ginseng is grown for four to six years, and then peeled and dried to reduce the water

White ginseng

content to 12% or less. White ginseng is air dried in the sun and may contain less of the therapeutic constituents. It is thought by some that enzymes contained in the root break down these constituents in the process of drying. Drying in the sun bleaches the root to a yellowish-white color.

The form called red ginseng is harvested after six years, is not peeled and is steam-cured, thereby giving them a glossy reddish-brown coloring. Steaming the root is thought to change its biochemical composition and also to prevent the breakdown of the active ingredients. The roots are then dried.

Red ginseng

Red ginseng is frequently marinated in an herbal brew which results in the root becoming extremely brittle. This version of ginseng is traditionally associated with stimulating sexual function and increasing energy. Red ginseng is always produced from cultivated roots, usually from either China or South Korea.

There are other plants that are called ginseng, but they are actually from a different family or genus. These include:

* Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Southern ginseng, aka Jiaogulan)
* Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng)
* Pseudostellaria heterophylla (Prince ginseng)
* Withania somnifera (Indian ginseng, aka Ashwagandha)
* Pfaffia paniculata (Brazilian ginseng, aka Suma)
* Lepidium meyenii (Peruvian ginseng, aka Maca)
* Oplopanax horridus (Alaskan ginseng)