Marble Caves, Patagonia, Chile

Marble Caves, Patagonia, Chile

The Lake General Carrera (Chilean side) or Lake Buenos Aires (Argentine side) is a lake located in Patagonia and shared by Argentina and Chile.

Why Your Feet Hurt? It’s probably due to one of these ailments. Here’s how to treat them. For serious pain, see a podiatrist or a podiatric surgeon

Why Your Feet Hurt?

It’s probably due to one of these ailments. Here’s how to treat them. For serious pain, see a podiatrist or a podiatric surgeon.

1. Plantar Fasciitis
Feels like: A sharp pain in your heel (or heels) that’s at its worst when you get out of bed.

What causes it: Inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot from the heel to the toes. People with all arch types―high, medium, or low―can be prone to this type of irritation, says Carly Robbins, a podiatric surgeon in Columbus, Ohio. Wearing shoes with very flat or very high heels can worsen the problem. “If a shoe doesn’t support the arch, the fascia will be stretched, and that can cause inflammation,” says Robbins. And if your Achilles tendon often feels tight, it can exacerbate the issue.

Treatment strategies
Wear structured shoes. Look for pairs that support the arches and enclose the heels. Avoid going barefoot or wearing ballet flats or flip-flops.

Stretch your Achilles tendons in the morning. “The plantar fascia is in a relaxed position when you’re sleeping,” says Jacqueline Sutera, a podiatric surgeon in New York City. “Then it gets a jolt of tension when you put weight on it.” Before hopping out of bed, wrap a towel or a T-shirt around your feet and pull the toes back to stretch the tendons.

Reduce swelling. Fill a plastic bottle with water, freeze it, and roll it under your foot for a few minutes to soothe the pain.

Consider custom orthotics. A podiatrist can make inserts that are molded specifically for your feet, which will control their motion and decrease strain on the plantar fasciae when worn inside shoes.


2. Ingrown Toenail
Feels like: A throbbing sensation, usually on the side of a big toe. It might look red and swollen.

What causes it: This often occurs when the nail edge grows sideways into the skin of the toe. The pressure on the nail jabs into the surrounding skin, causing discomfort. Wearing shoes that are too tight or too narrow can exacerbate the problem. Cutting toenails incorrectly can also be a culprit.

Treatment strategies
Wear pointy-toed shoes infrequently. And if you’ll be walking a lot, carry them and wear shoes with roomy toe boxes until you reach your destination.

Keep feet well moisturized. When the skin on your toes gets inflamed, a callus can develop, causing more pressure on the ingrown nail. Keeping skin soft helps alleviate this problem.

Cut toenails straight across. And don’t file the corners down. If you get pedicures, be sure the technician follows these rules.

See a podiatrist if you suspect infection. Signs include significant swelling and redness. “Don’t try any bathroom surgery,” says Robbins. “Digging around the nail and trying to cut out the ingrown part can lead to more irritation.”


3. Bursitis
Feels like: A bump, usually on the back of a heel.

What causes it: “This condition can occur when you have a genetically enlarged heel bone,” says Marlene Reid, a podiatric surgeon in Naperville, Illinois. “It’s often called ‘pump bump’ because the bone can become irritated from wearing a shoe like a pump with a stiff back.” When the unforgiving shoe rubs against the bone, you can inflame the bursa, the protective sac of fluid in the tissue.

Treatment strategies

Switch to shoes with open backs (or at least with more give) until the irritation subsides.

Use a donut pad. Try Dr. Scholl’s Foam Ease Callus Cushions ($4.50 at drugstores). Place one over the bursa to alleviate pressure. At the end of the day, ice the area to soothe the inflammation.

Consider seeing a doctor. If the problem causes chronic pain, a podiatric surgeon can remove the bursa and the enlarged part of the heel bone.



4. Stress fracture
Feels like: A tender area, often on the front part of the foot, at the second or third metatarsal (the metatarsals are the long bones in the midfoot).

What causes it: Repetitive stress on a bone, like walking or running on hard surfaces, especially in shoes that aren’t designed to absorb shocks. “Every summer, I see fractures in women who walk the city sidewalks all day in flip-flops,” says Sutera. High heels can also make you more susceptible to stress fractures, because the heel’s tilt distributes your weight over your foot unevenly.

Treatment strategies

See a doctor no matter what. A podiatrist will give you a surgical shoe to wear as you heal (it has a hard bottom that doesn’t allow the affected bones to bend) or advise you to wear some other kind of rigid shoes.

Slow down. Stress fractures take four to eight weeks to heal. During that time, you’ll need to stop running and limit your walking to what’s absolutely necessary.

Prevent recurrences. Maintain a healthy weight and wear supportive, well-cushioned shoes.


5. Bunions
Feel like: Sensitive, protruding bumps, typically at the heads of the big-toe joints.

What causes them: Bunions are thought to be hereditary, and you can develop them if you have low arches or if you overpronate (your feet roll inward). “As the bump gets bigger, it’s actually your bone moving,” says Robbins. Wearing certain shoes―such as those with narrow, pointy toes and high heels―won’t cause bunions to form, but they can speed their progression.

Treatment strategies


Choose the right shoes. Specifically, pick pairs with a wide toe box and a low heel.

Try gel pads. Place them over the bunions to help cushion the areas and reduce pain.

Consider surgery. If your bunions continue to get worse, become very painful, or begin to affect your feet’s mobility, a podiatric surgeon can realign the joints and shave off the protruding bones.


6. Neuroma
Feels like: A shooting pain in the ball of the foot.

What causes it: Pressure on the nerve tissue in the underside of the foot, usually between two adjacent metatarsals. This pressure irritates the nerves, and the area swells. “Narrow, pointy shoes can put added pressure on an already irritated nerve,” says Robbins.


Treatment strategies
Wear shoes with a wide toe box. And stick to those with low heels.

Employ anti-inflammatories. Take ibuprofen, or if that’s not enough, see a podiatrist and ask about a cortisone injection, which should bring down the swelling of the nerve immediately.

Consider surgery. For a stubborn neuroma that won’t go away with less invasive treatments, a doctor can use cryotreatment, a surgical technique in which a probe is inserted to eradicate the problem nerve.

SOME EASY TIPS TO GET NATURAL PINK LIPS

SOME EASY TIPS TO GET NATURAL PINK LIPS:

1. To get soft pink lips, you need to scrub your lips with a soft bristled toothbrush every night after you are done with brushing your teeth. This will help in removing the dry and chapped dry skin around your lips and make it look fresh.

2. You need to massage your lips for a few minutes every day. For massaging make a solution by mixing lemon juice with almond oil. Use this solution to massage your lips every night before going to bed. This treatment will offer nourishment and help in keeping your lips moisturized. Soon you will notice the darkness of your lips is getting reduced.

3. Always remove the lip makeup you have applied during the day before going to sleep. To remove the makeup, you can use a soft cotton ball and put some almond oil or olive oil on it and gently rub the lips with it. Sleeping with lipsticks and lip gloss on your lips can be the reason behind your dark lips.
By scrubbing your lips with sugar mixed with cold cream the color of your dark lips will fade. Instead of cold cream you can also use olive oil to make the granular paste. This is a great way to exfoliate your lips to give it a natural shine and color.

4. There is little bit of oil called sebum secreted by the skin on the lips and so there is always the need to get your lips moisturized. Use a lip balm or petroleum jelly on your lips when you are outside and use coco butter on your lips when you are in the house. You need to make sure that your lips are always well moisturized in order to get soft and pink lips.

5. Seeds of pomegranate can also be used in order to lighten the dark color of your lips and lending it a lovely pink color. Take the seeds of pomegranate in crushed form and mix it with the milk cream and apply it on your lips. Soon your lips will become redder and fuller. You can use this solution without worrying about side effects.
Cucumber juice when applied on lips also help a lot in reducing the darkness of lips. Take a slice of cucumber and scrip your lips with it whenever you have some time. Just five minutes of scrubbing daily with cucumber juice will lighten the color of your lips making it pink.
Rose petals can also be used to get back the pink colors of your lips. Take some rose petals and immerse it in milk for some time. Then make a paste of the petals and add a few drops of honey and glycerin to it. Now take this paste and dab it on your lips for fifteen minutes. Finally rub off your lips gently with milk. When you follow this treatment daily you can witness amazing results.

6. Try to pat the lips for a few minutes with cotton soaked in carrot juice or beetroot juice. This way you can easily add some color on your lips as well as nourish the lips. For better result you can add a pinch of saffron with the juice. Saffron will help in keeping your dry lips well moisturized.

Next time while eating an orange keep the orange peel as it can help a lot in the treating dark and dull lips. Use the orange peel to cleanse the skin of your lips and to lighten the dark skin tone of your lips.


IMPORTANT POINTS:
-------------------------
1. One major reason behind the dark color of your lips is too much consumption of tea, coffee and other beverages. So, you need to cut down on your drinking habit.
If you have the habit of smoking then it is time to quit smoking. Smoking can make the color of your lips black color.

2. Dehydration is not good for your lips and so you must try to consume huge amount of water. You must drink at least ten glasses of water daily to flush out all the toxic from your body and keep it hydrated.

3. When lips are exposure to the sunrays, the natural color of your lips will fade away. So, before going out in the sun apply some good sunscreen lotion on your lips.

To conclude, by following these above mentioned simple and easy tips you can make your lips soft and pink. So, put these tips in action and see how your lips start blooming like a pink rose...

Teething...!! Teething is the growth of teeth through the gums in the mouth of infants and young children.

Teething...!!

Teething is the growth of teeth through the gums in the mouth of infants and young children.

Information:

Teething usually begins when a baby is between 6 and 8 months old. All 20 baby teeth should be in place by the time a child is 30 months old. Some children do not show any teeth until much later than 8 months, but this is usually normal.

The two bottom front teeth (lower incisors) usually come in first.
Next to grow in are usually the two top front teeth (upper incisors).
Then the other incisors, lower and upper molars, canines, and finally the upper and lower lateral molars come in.
The signs of teething are:

Acting cranky or irritable
Biting or chewing on hard objects
Drooling, which may often begin before teething starts
Gum swelling and tenderness
Refusing food
Sleeping problems
Teething does NOT cause fever or diarrhea. If your child develops a fever or diarrhea and you are worried about it, talk to your health care provider.

Tips to ease your child's teething discomfort:

Wipe your baby's face with a cloth to remove the drool and prevent a rash.
Give your infant a cool object to chew on, such as a firm rubber teething ring or a cold apple. Avoid liquid-filled teething rings, or any plastic objects that might break.
Gently rub the gums with a cool, wet washcloth, or (until the teeth are right near the surface) a clean finger. You may place the wet washcloth in the freezer first, but wash it before using it again.
Feed your child cool, soft foods such as applesauce or yogurt (if your baby is eating solids).
Use a bottle, if it seems to help, but only fill it with water. Formula, milk, or juice can all cause tooth decay.

What not to do:

DO NOT tie a teething ring or any other object around your child's neck.
DO NOT place anything frozen against your child's gums.
NEVER cut the gums to help a tooth grow in, because this can lead to infection.
Avoid teething powders.
NEVER give your child aspirin or place it against the gums or teeth.
DO NOT rub alcohol on your baby's gums.

Why Are Veins Blue? by Nick Anthis of National Geographic

Why Are Veins Blue?
by Nick Anthis of National Geographic

When someone asks the question “why are veins blue?” a likely response is that they’re blue because the blood in veins is deoxygenated. While it’s true that venous blood vessels carry a lower concentration of oxygen than their arterial counterparts, this isn’t the reason for their blue appearance in your skin. Still, when someone invariably responds to the veins-are-blue-because-they’re-deoxygenated argument with the observation that “I’ve never seen blue blood before” one might then hear the slightly more sophisticated-sounding but increasingly far-fetched claim that we don’t ever observe blue blood because it is immediately oxidized upon contact with air.

Wrong. Blood is never blue. Ever. Period. (And, this is an excellent example of why you should never ingest information from Yahoo Answers uncritically.)

The bright red color of arterial blood stems from a complex that’s formed between hemoglobin, iron, and molecular oxygen. This complex mainly absorbs higher energy (shorter wavelength) blue and green light, leaving behind primarily just red wavelengths for our eyes to detect. However, even when blood is largely depleted of oxygen, it is never blue: it’s more of a deep maroon color. And, although I have not participated in a surgery myself, those who have (including my girlfriend, a veterinary student) assure me that in surgery, veins within the body do not appear blue either. So, not only is blood not blue, veins on their own aren’t either. “Blue veins”, then, are a phenomenon unique to the skin.

So, what’s going on here?


The most comprehensive answer that I’ve been able to find comes from a paper by Kienle et al. published over twelve years ago in the journal Applied Optics and entitled “Why do veins appear blue? A new look at an old question”. Based on the findings of the authors, three reasons emerge for the blue appearance of veins in skin. The first two are physical and stem directly from the way in which light interacts with blood (how it is absorbed) and with skin (in this case, how light is reflected). The final reason is psychological, dealing with the way in which our brain processes information relatively to generate color perception. (Greg Laden sort of hinted at some of this recently on his blog).

Since the paper in question is a study in optics, it is way outside of my area of expertise. So, just in case you wanted an in depth technical critique of its methodology, you’re not going to find it here. However, I can give you a basic summary of the paper’s major findings. And then, if you still have the desire (and the ability) to explore the subject in greater depth, you can parse through the paper yourself.

To tackle this problem, the authors measured how much light of various wavelengths was reflected from both real blood vessels in skin and imitation vessels in a skin-like environment, using a sophisticated technique that gave them spatially-resolved measurements. The synthetic vessel (which was a capillary tube filled with blood and placed in a milky substance with optical properties similar to skin) allowed the authors to experiment with a variety of parameters (particularly vessel depth and diameter), and they were then able to validate their results by taking measurements on actual vessels in skin. Using this set-up, they were able to demonstrate that the optical properties of skin and blood (combined with the influence of relative color perception) explain why veins in skin appear blue, despite not actually being blue.

Skin does not absorb much light at any wavelength, making it look white (depending on how much melanin is present, of course–making this discussion only really relevant to people with lighter skin). Blood, on the other hand, absorbs light of all wavelengths (but less in the red part of the spectrum). However, blue light does not penetrate the skin as well as red light. If a vessel is near the surface of the skin, almost all blue light is absorbed by the vessel, so even though only about 1/4 of the red light is reflected, the ratio of red light reflected to blue light reflected is about 10:1. This vessel appears red.

If the vessel is deeper (about 0.5 mm or more), not as much blue or red light will be absorbed. Importantly, this effect will be more pronounced on blue light than on red light since blue light doesn’t penetrate skin very well (the ratio of red light reflected to blue light reflected is about 3:2 or less). This is the case for the “blue veins” observed in skin. Once the vessel is deep enough, though, it won’t be seen at all, as light of all wavelengths will be reflected before it can interact with the blood.

Perplexingly, this 0.5-mm-deep vessel appears blue despite reflecting slightly more red light than blue light. This is where relative color perception comes into play. The surrounding skin reflects more red light than blue light (by a ratio of about 5:3), and it does not absorb as much of either type of light as a blood vessel does. Since vision is influenced in part by relative perception, if something purple is placed next to something red, the purple object will appear blue.

None of this, however, addresses the question of why veins specifically appear blue. To answer this one, I can fortunately once again rely on the expertise of Meredith, my vet student girlfriend. The reason why only veins appear blue is that veins are the only vessels we actually observe through the skin. This is due to the fact that veins are larger, have thinner walls, and are more superficial than arteries (and, no, I don’t meant that veins prefer People or Us Weekly over The New Yorker–”superficial” is just medical speak for closer to the surface). All of these aspects of veins have clear biological rationales. Beyond just carrying blood back to the heart, the primary function of the venous system is as a blood reservoir. In fact, about two-thirds of your blood volume is held in your veins at any given time, hence their larger size. Because the heart has to push blood directly through arteries, their walls are subject to higher pressures than the walls of veins, so they need to be thicker. Finally, veins are located closer to the surface of the skin, because they also play an important role in heat exchange with the outside environment (to help cool the body). Arteries could perform this function just as well, but it’s much more advantageous to keep those higher pressure blood conduits deeper in the body and protected from injury.

The take-home message here is that the bluish appearance of veins in the skin has everything to do with where they are located, and nothing to do with the concentration of oxygen within them. In fact, if we could see them through the skin as well, even arteries would look blue.

Benefits of grape seed oil

Benefits of grape seed oil !!
**********************

Grape seed oil has recently become more and more popular, after the scientists have found that it has many advantages over other edible oils. This oil has many uses, from cooking to cosmetic purposes and medicinal effects.

Most of the studies performed on grape seed oil focused on its effects on cardiovascular health, blood sugar levels and cancer. Most of them have found that this oil is definitely very beneficial and deserves to be examined more thoroughly.

Grape seed oil is very rich in antioxidants, which repair the damage caused by free radicals. In addition, this oil contains vitamins E and C, beta-carotene and flavonoids.

It is believed that grape seed oil has the ability to lower the cholesterol, especially LDL, the so-called “bad cholesterol”. It also increases HDL, or the “good” cholesterol, which reduces the risk of coronary diseases.

It is also believed that this oil can reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancers, especially colon, stomach and prostate cancers. Furthermore, it contains certain compounds that improve the vision, joint mobility and blood circulation.

Since it suppresses the production of histamine, grape seed oil can help with symptoms of asthma and allergies.

Grape seed oil can be used on the hair too, to make it shinier and more subtle and to repair it.

grape seed oil is widely used in cosmetics.

It tightens and tones the skin.

Blood Lake, West Texas, USA.

Blood Lake, West Texas, USA.
"The bloody look is the result of Chromatiaceae bacteria, which turn red in oxygen-deprived water."

Health Benefits of Apple Juice

Health Benefits of Apple Juice~

1. Reduced Risk of Heart Diseases

Apple juice prevents cholesterol to form in your blood vessels and arteries. High cholesterol level and plaques in the arteries are one of the major causes of heart diseases. By drinking apple juice you reduce the risk of heart diseases.

2. Cleaner Organism and Improved Digestion

Apple juice (especially raw apple juice) helps to clean the liver and kidneys from harmful toxins. As a result, you have a cleaner organism and you are better protected against liver and kidney diseases.

3. Apple Juice is Great for Weight Loss

This health benefit of apple juice is loved by weight conscious persons. Cholesterol and calories are two major causes of extra weight. Apple juice is basically free of calories and fat + it protects you from cholesterol.

4. Excellent Source of Energy

Apple juice is packed with different vitamins – A, C, E, K, B1, B2, B6 and Folate, so it is an excellent source of energy. As a result, it is a great drink to restore your energy after a physical exercise.

5. Lower Risk of Dementia

Some studies have shown that apple juice lowers the risk of dementia in older people. Apple juice slows brain aging and helps to keep it sharp for longer time.

6. Improved Vision and Eye Health

Apple juice contains vitamin A, which is good for your eyes. Vitamin A helps you to protect your eyes from eye diseases and keeps your sight sharp.

Those were the most important health benefits of apple juice.
As a conclusion there is one advice we can give you – drink apple juice and enjoy good health.

rope skipping benefits

Rope Skipping, this activity is easy to learn.

Here are some good Advantages of skipping rope:

* It helps lose weight if done regularly.

* It helps or enhances coordination and rhythm between hands and feet movement.

* It strengthens the bones and increase stamina and endurance.

* It helps develop a sense of teamwork and social skills when doing it with friends.

* It helps you to become vigilant and alert because it increases attention skills.

* This can be done by people from any age groups and gender.

* It also enhances flexibility and athletic abilities by improving reflexes, balance and posture.

* It helps tone muscles in the arms, legs and abs amazingly.

* It also speeds up the heart rate so a lot of energy is required in order to maintain good fitness point.

* It is inexpensive.

* It turns out to be fun when doing this activity.

On the other side, the disadvantages doing this could be frustrating or boring when missing a few jumps. It also stresses the calves and Achilles tendons when skipping the same pattern.

PLEASE SHARE THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION...... TAKE CARE OF YOUR EYES WHILE USING PC

PLEASE SHARE THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION......

TAKE CARE OF YOUR EYES WHILE USING PC

During a recent visit to an optician, one of my friend was told of an exercise for the eyes by a specialist doctor that he termed as 20-20-20. It is apt for all of us, who spend long hours at our desks, looking at the computer screen.

I Thought I'd share it with you.

20-20-20

Step I :-

After every 20 minutes of looking into the computer screen, turn your head and try to look at any object placed at least 20 feet away. This changes the focal length of your eyes, a must-do for the tired eyes.

Step II :-

Try and blink your eyes for 20 times in succession, to moisten them.

Step III :-

Time permitting of course, one should walk 20 paces after every 20 minutes of sitting in one particular posture. Helps blood circulation for the entire 

Fire glass produces more heat than real wood

Fire glass produces more heat than real
wood, and is also environmentally friendly.
There is no smoke, it’s odorless and
doesn’t produce ash. You are able to stay
toasty warm without cutting down trees
and the specially formulated glass crystals
give off no toxic deposit.

Danger Triangle of the Face

Danger Triangle of the Face:

The danger area of the face, some veins of the face, particularly in theupper lip and the nose area, are directly joined to the cavernous sinus.Excessive irritation or aggravation of infected tissues, whose venous drainage is connected to the cavernous sinus, may result in a spread of infection to the cavernoussinus and then to the brain. For this reason, particular caution should be used to avoidneedless aggravation of infected tissue in these areas.

The cavernous sinus lies within the cranial cavity, between layers of the meninges and is a major conduit of venous drainage from the brain.This venous drainage pattern is of particular importance since the veins of the face contain no valves as do veins in other parts of the body.

22 Things Happy People Do Differently

There are two types of people in the world: those who choose to be happy, and those who choose to be unhappy. Contrary to popular belief, happiness doesn’t come from fame, fortune, other people, or material possessions. Rather, it comes from within. The richest person in the world could be miserable while a homeless person could be right outside, smiling and content with their life. Happy people are happy because they make themselves happy. They maintain a positive outlook on life and remain at peace with themselves.

The question is: how do they do that?

It’s quite simple. Happy people have good habits that enhance their lives. They do things differently. Ask any happy person, and they will tell you that they …

1. Don’t hold grudges.

Happy people understand that it’s better to forgive and forget than to let their negative feelings crowd out their positive feelings. Holding a grudge has a lot of detrimental effects on your wellbeing, including increased depression, anxiety, and stress. Why let anyone who has wronged you have power over you? If you let go of all your grudges, you’ll gain a clear conscience and enough energy to enjoy the good things in life.

2. Treat everyone with kindness.

Did you know that it has been scientifically proven that being kind makes you happier? Every time you perform a selfless act, your brain produces serotonin, a hormone that eases tension and lifts your spirits. Not only that, but treating people with love, dignity, and respect also allows you to build stronger relationships.

3. See problems as challenges.

The word “problem” is never part of a happy person’s vocabulary. A problem is viewed as a drawback, a struggle, or an unstable situation while a challenge is viewed as something positive like an opportunity, a task, or a dare. Whenever you face an obstacle, try looking at it as a challenge.

4. Express gratitude for what they already have.

There’s a popular saying that goes something like this: “The happiest people don’t have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.” You will have a deeper sense of contentment if you count your blessings instead of yearning for what you don’t have.

5. Dream big.

People who get into the habit of dreaming big are more likely to accomplish their goals than those who don’t. If you dare to dream big, your mind will put itself in a focused and positive state.

6. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Happy people ask themselves, “Will this problem matter a year from now?” They understand that life’s too short to get worked up over trivial situations. Letting things roll off your back will definitely put you at ease to enjoy the more important things in life.

7. Speak well of others.

Being nice feels better than being mean. As fun as gossiping is, it usually leaves you feeling guilty and resentful. Saying nice things about other people encourages you to think positive, non-judgmental thoughts.

8. Never make excuses.

Benjamin Franklin once said, “He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.” Happy people don’t make excuses or blame others for their own failures in life. Instead, they own up to their mistakes and, by doing so, they proactively try to change for the better.

9. Get absorbed into the present.

Happy people don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future. They savor the present. They let themselves get immersed in whatever they’re doing at the moment. Stop and smell the roses.

10. Wake up at the same time every morning.

Have you noticed that a lot of successful people tend to be early risers? Waking up at the same time every morning stabilizes your circadian rhythm, increases productivity, and puts you in a calm and centered state.

11. Avoid social comparison.

Everyone works at his own pace, so why compare yourself to others? If you think you’re better than someone else, you gain an unhealthy sense of superiority. If you think someone else is better than you, you end up feeling bad about yourself. You’ll be happier if you focus on your own progress and praise others on theirs.

12. Choose friends wisely.

Misery loves company. That’s why it’s important to surround yourself with optimistic people who will encourage you to achieve your goals. The more positive energy you have around you, the better you will feel about yourself.

13. Never seek approval from others.

Happy people don’t care what others think of them. They follow their own hearts without letting naysayers discourage them. They understand that it’s impossible to please everyone. Listen to what people have to say, but never seek anyone’s approval but your own.

14. Take the time to listen.

Talk less; listen more. Listening keeps your mind open to others’ wisdoms and outlooks on the world. The more intensely you listen, the quieter your mind gets, and the more content you feel.

15. Nurture social relationships.

A lonely person is a miserable person. Happy people understand how important it is to have strong, healthy relationships. Always take the time to see and talk to your family, friends, or significant other.

16. Meditate.

Meditating silences your mind and helps you find inner peace. You don’t have to be a zen master to pull it off. Happy people know how to silence their minds anywhere and anytime they need to calm their nerves.

17. Eat well.

Junk food makes you sluggish, and it’s difficult to be happy when you’re in that kind of state. Everything you eat directly affects your body’s ability to produce hormones, which will dictate your moods, energy, and mental focus. Be sure to eat foods that will keep your mind and body in good shape.

18. Exercise.

Studies have shown that exercise raises happiness levels just as much as Zoloft does. Exercising also boosts your self-esteem and gives you a higher sense of self-accomplishment.

19. Live minimally.

Happy people rarely keep clutter around the house because they know that extra belongings weigh them down and make them feel overwhelmed and stressed out. Some studies have concluded that Europeans are a lot happier than Americans are, which is interesting because they live in smaller homes, drive simpler cars, and own fewer items.

20. Tell the truth.

Lying stresses you out, corrodes your self-esteem, and makes you unlikeable. The truth will set you free. Being honest improves your mental health and builds others’ trust in you. Always be truthful, and never apologize for it.

21. Establish personal control.

Happy people have the ability to choose their own destinies. They don’t let others tell them how they should live their lives. Being in complete control of one’s own life brings positive feelings and a great sense of self-worth.

22. Accept what cannot be changed.

Once you accept the fact that life is not fair, you’ll be more at peace with yourself. Instead of obsessing over how unfair life is, just focus on what you can control and change it for the better.

Strawberries are not berries actually, but yes bananas are

By technical definition, a berry is a fleshy fruit produced from a single seed. The strawberry, however has its dry, yellow “seeds” on the outside (each of which is actually considered a separate fruit). True berries, like blueberries and cranberries have seeds inside. However, the banana fruit is a berry for the same reason strawberries are not.

There is a theory that strawberries were named by 19th century children who picked the fruit, strung them on grass straws, and sold them as “Straws of berries”.

http://factsram.blogspot.in/2012/12/tips-to-weight-gain-naturally.html

Enchanted Well

"Enchanted Well" - Chapada Diamantina National Park (Brazil).

#Enchantingly Beautiful! :)

Poço Encantado, or Enchanted Well, is located in the Chapada Diamantina National Park in Bahia state, approximately 400 kilometres inland from Salvador, the capital city of Bahia. This giant sunken pool is 120 feet deep and the water is so transparent the rocks and ancient tree trunks are visible on the bottom. When the sun is just right, light comes through a crevice and creates a blue reflection on the water. Access to this pond is highly controlled for environmental protection of its rare and delicate ecosystem

Dogs do have feelings and they know how to show gratitude. Read the story

Dogs do have feelings and they know how to show gratitude. Read the story........

This photograph shows a red Doberman kissing an exhausted fireman. He had just saved her from a fire in her house, rescuing her by carrying her out of the house into her front yard, while he continued to fight the fire. She is pregnant. The firefighter was afraid of her at first, because he had never been around a Doberman before. When he finally got done putting the fire out, he sat down to catch his breath and rest. A photographer from the Charlotte, North Carolina newspaper, "The Observer," noticed this red Doberman in the distance looking at the fireman. He saw her walking straight toward the fireman and wondered what she was going to do. As he raised his camera, she came up to the tired man who had saved her life and the lives of her babies, and kissed him, when the photographer snapped this shot.

Sunlight-powered 'bulbs' made from plastic bottles light up homes

//Sunlight-powered 'bulbs' made from plastic bottles light up homes !//

Around 25,000 low-income homes in the Philippines have been lit up after the launch of a scheme to fit sunlight-powered "bulbs" made from old plastic bottles.

In a country where 40% of the population lives off less than $2 a day, the rising cost of power leaves many unable to afford electricity. Some use candles as a light source, but when generations of family members share a small, dark space in shanty towns, accidental and destructive fires are often the result.

The Liter of Light project was launched six months ago by the My Shelter Foundation, a Philippines-based NGO which aims to provide light to 1 million of the roughly 12 million homes who are either still without light or live on the threshold of having their electricity shut down.

The scheme uses plastic bottles filled with a solution of bleached water, installed into holes made in shanty towns' corrugated iron roofs, which then refracts the equivalent of 55W of sunlight into the room – during the day, at least. It takes five minutes to make, and using a hammer, rivet, metal sheets, sandpaper and epoxy, it costs $1 to produce.

Simply Mind-boggling

Simply Mind-boggling!

#Where Two Waters Meet... But do not Mix!

These two bodies of water were merging in the middle of The Gulf of Alaska and there was a foam developing only at their junction. It is a result of the melting glaciers being composed of fresh water and the ocean has a higher percentage of salt causing the two bodies of water to have different densities and therefore makes it more difficult to mix. 

Spinach - A High Nutrient Food

Popeye popularized Spinach belongs to the same family (Chenopodiaceae) as chard and beets. It shares a similar taste profile with these two other vegetables - it has the bitterness of beet greens and the slightly salty flavor of chard. Spinach is thought to have originated in ancient Persia (Iran). Spinach is a leafy green vegetable with delicate texture and jade green color provide more nutrients than any other food. Although spinach is available throughout the year their season runs from March through May and from September through October when it is the freshest, has the best flavor and is most readily available. Spinach grows well in temperate climates.

Spinach can have either flat or slightly crinkled leaves. It is often available as baby spinach, which is especially useful for salads. Spinach can be purchased fresh, frozen, or canned. Fresh spinach is sold in bunches or already washed and sealed in plastic bags. Spinach is usually very sandy and needs thorough washing. Trim the roots and then swish the leaves in a large bowl of water. A number of other greens that are similar to spinach are often sold in specialty stores. These include New Zealand spinach, which comes from a different plant family. Spinach can be consumed cooked or raw. Baby spinach leaves are especially good in salads with bleu cheese, walnuts, red onions, and a vinaigrette dressing.

Spinach cooks very quickly, and doesn’t need added water. Just place it in a pan, cover, and simmer for two to four minutes. Spinach is a good addition to stews and to soups that contain beans, pasta, or potatoes, or to any kind of curry dish. Spinach can also be creamed. Cook the spinach, then purée in a food processor, adding your choice of ricotta cheese, cream sauce, or soft tofu. Add herbs, salt, and pepper, and use as a stuffing for lasagna or pasta shells, or toss with pasta or rice. Creamed spinach can also be thinned with broth or milk to make soup. Good seasonings for spinach include fresh lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, dill, parsley, basil, nutmeg, and mushrooms.

Cooked spinach is an excellent source of iron. It's more important for menstruating women, who are more at risk for iron deficiency. And, for pregnant or lactating women, the needs for iron increase. Spinach can also help prevent colon cancer. In addition, spinach is a very good source of magnesium, a mineral that can help to lower high blood pressure and protect against heart disease as well.

BLACK GRAPES HEALTH BENEFITS

BLACK GRAPES HEALTH BENEFITS !!
*****************************
* Healthy food for kidneys will also help reduce uric acid. So black grapes are also beneficial to the health of people with kidney disease, gout, and arthritis.

* Black grapes are also beneficial to the health of diabetics.

* The grapes are very good, for people with heart disease, because the level of nitric oxide in the blood will increase when you eat the grapes, which are useful to prevent clots and reduce the risk of heart disease.

* Benefits of grapes may help get rid of excess acid in your kidney function. Thus can reduce the disruption of the renal-pressure system.

* You do a lot of activity, fatigue is the end of an activity, fatigue can be overcome with adequate rest, the grape juice will help you in driving fatigue.

* Migraine is a disease that occurs and is often attacked on the head of the next (the headaches). Immediately drink grape juice without additional water, aka pure juice every morning will help cure migraines naturally.

* In a study showed that purple grapes can prevent breast cancer significantly, and could reduce the breast tumor.

* The red wine fruit turns out to contain antibacterial, antiviral and strong enough, so if you frequently eat this fruit can protect the body from harmful infections.

VERY NICE STORY MUST SHARE

There was a farmer who had a horse and a goat…..
One day, the horse became ill. So he called the veterinarian, who said: 

"Well, your horse has a virus. He must take this medicine for three days. 
I'll come back on the 3rd day and if he's not better, we're going to have to put him down. 

Nearby, the goat listened closely to their conversation.

The next day, they gave the horse the medicine and left.

The goat approached the horse and said: “Be strong, my friend.
Get up or else they're going to put you to sleep!”

On the second day, they again gave the horse the medicine and left.

The goat came back and said: "Come on buddy, get up or else you're going to die!
Come on, I'll help you get up. Let's go! One, two, three..."

On the third day, they came to give the horse the medicine and the vet said:
"Unfortunately, we're going to have to put him down tomorrow. Otherwise,
the virus might spread and infect the other horses".

After they left, the goat approached the horse and said: "Listen pal, it's now or never!
Get up, come on! Have courage! Come on! Get up! Get up! That's it, slowly! Great!
Come on, one, two, three... Good, good. Now faster, come on...... Fantastic! Run, run more!
Yes! Yay! Yes! You did it, you're a champion...!!!"

All of a sudden, the owner came back, saw the horse running in the field and began shouting:
It's a miracle! My horse is cured. We must have a grand party. Let's kill the goat!!!!

The Lesson:
Nobody truly knows which employee actually deserves the merit of success, or who's actually contributing the necessary support to make things happen.

Remember:
LEARNING TO LIVE WITHOUT RECOGNITION IS A
SKILL!!!!

If anyone ever tells you that your work is unprofessional, remember:

AMATEURS BUILT THE ARK [which saved all the species]

and

PROFESSIONALS BUILT THE TITANIC [all died tragically]

KICK START WITH OATS

Oats help in slowing the process of cell damage. It has some unique fatty acids and antioxidants together with Vitamin E which slows down the cell damage process and increase the life span.

A bowl of Oats porridge has always been considered a satisfying breakfast. It is the best source of soluble fibre. Oats are a very versatile cooking ingredient. A half cup cooked serving of oats has close to 4 grams of viscous souble fibre. This helps lower blood LDL cholesterol, which is the so-called “Bad” cholesterol.

A diet which is rich in oats may also help stabilize blood glucose levels, which could help people with non-insulin dependent diabetes.

It aids to cope with ovarian & uterine problems associated largely associated with the onset of menopause in women.

Oats are low in fat & salt; they are a good source of natural iron. Being a good source of calcium, they are ideal for heair, bones & nails.
Several types of baby foods contain oats, mainly in the form of whole oat flour. Dry pabulum type infant food often use just oat flour with a little barley malt & some vitamins & minerals.

How to prevent Bad Breath?

Many people suffer from bad breath or chronic halitosis. In most cases it orginates from the gums and the tongue. The odour is caused by the bacteria from the decayed food particles from the mouth.

The primary reason for the unpleasant odour is poor oral hygiene. Proper brushing methods like brushing of gums , tongue and the roof of the mouth will eliminate the bacteria in the mouth and prevent the foul odour.

Bad breath can occur in the people who have kidney failure, liver malfunction and regular tobacco users also contribute to the foul odour. The saliva plays a vital role in keeping the odour under control. During sleep the salivary glands slow down production of saliva and this promotes the growth of bacteria. Hence it is always advicable to brush the teeth after sleep.

Ways to prevent Bad Breath
Regular visit to the dentist.
Proper brushing of the teeth, gums and tongue.
Regular use of recommended mouth wash.
Consumption of water in frequent intervals and chewing of sugarless gum.
Avoid foods that have a strong odour like onion and garlic.
Fix up regular appointments with the dentist to get rid of the plaque and the bacteria that builds up. Check with the dentist for the actual cause of bad breath and get treated.

Benefits of Meditation and Relaxation

The origin of meditation is traced back to the Vedic times. Its is basically the withdrawal of attention from external, physical and all mental processes. The basic benefits of meditation are stress reduction, improving concentration, improving on inner peace and harmony. Meditation is usually learnt in groups or individually from a trained instructor.

Meditation is usually done in a very calm and comfortable atmosphere. If one is spiritually inclined switch on to some Vedic mantra chants. One has to sit in a comfortable position with the head upright , eyes closed. Breath deeply until you settle down. Start reciting the mantras mentally and start feeling each word of the mantra in your mind. At one point of time you will start achieving more and more calmness and the mantra starts fading away and complete rest prevails. While meditation thoughts might wander. Do not force to concentrate let your thoughts wander at one point of time it will settle down and calmness would overtake. Practice for 25-30 minutes initially. The time can be increased gradually depending on the time one can spend regularly.

There are many relaxation techniques too. In this fast paced world everyone needs to relax to rejuvenate. Sleep is the most effective relaxation technique. Every individual requires a minimum of 6-8 hours of sleep. Sleep is very essential as it conserves and stores energy. Go to sleep at regular hours. Avoid any kind of stressful mental activates before sleep. As a practice one can have a cup warm milk before going to sleep. Definitely avoid coffee or tea before sleep. Avoid over sleeping as this my result in insomnia. A walk after dinner also promotes good sleep.

Listening to good music is also a best way to relax. Listen to your favorite music for sometime everyday. This practice helps to relax mentally. Attending to religious discourses, bhajans etc also promotes at most peace to the mind.

Have it a practice to break off from daily routine activities for a quite peaceful vacation. This totally relaxes the mind and body. Especially in today’s fast moving world to cope up with the pace one needs to have a clear thought process. The meditation and relaxation techniques should be practiced to achieve success in life.

What is Thyroid?

Thyroid gland is one of the endocrine glands. The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormone, which regulates the rate at which your body carries on its necessary functions. Other endocrine glands are the pancreas, the pituitary, the adrenal glands,the testes, and the ovaries.

The thyroid gland is located in the middle of the lower neck. It lies in front of the wind-pipe , above the level of the collar-bones. A normal gland cannot be felt. The thyroid gland produces hormones like thyroxine nd triiodothyronine which are released into the blood stream.

Certain diseases of the Thyroid gland are common and are caused due to the over or under reactive gland. These conditions are called hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. This tends to slow down the body's functions. Symptoms include tiredness, constipation and sensitivity to the cold.

The thyroid gland controls the entire body's metabolism. That means that your weight, you're hair, your skin and all sorts of things that go on in your body depend on your thyroid to work right. If there is a unexpected weight gain or weight loss is the sign that the thyroid gland is functioning as it is expected to function.

Hypothyroidism is caused due to iodine insufficiency. Some common symptoms of Hypothyroidism are Swelling in the Thyroid gland, Dry and thickened skin, Thinning hair, Weight gain, Constipation etc.,

Hyperthyroidism is the result of an overactive thyroid gland. Treatments for hyperthyroidism involves a surgery or treatment with radioactive iodine or other antithyroid drugs which may result in hypothyroidism.

The functioning of the thyroid gland can change during pregnancy. Women with hypothyroidism need more frequent checks during pregnancy.Five percent of women have a mild problem with the thyroid three to six months after delivery. This has an autoimmune cause and can cause hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Although it rarely needs treatment it does mean that thyroid problems are more likely in later life.

What is anemia?

Anemia is a common health problem. This is most prevalent in adolecent children and pregnant women. There are many types of anemia out of which the iron deficiency is most common. Approximately 67% of the iron is hemoglobin. The iron deficiency is rated by taking the hemoglobin level in the blood. Hemoglobin helps transport oxygen to the tissues. The body requires oxygen for proper functioning. The bone marrow produces oxygen using hemoglobin. The normal level of hemoglobin is 11-13 per deciliter.

Anemia is caused due to slow but chronic loss of blood and iron deficient diet.This also occurs after and during pregnancy due to the excess demand from the foetus. Frequent pregnancy leads to loos of iron stores in the body. Most common symptoms of anemia are exhaustion, weakness etc., Palpitation occurs when its severe.

Usually iron deficient anemia can be treated using iron supplements. It is always adviced to take medical advice before consuming the supplements. Oral iron supplements are preferable than injections. The oral dose of elemental iron for treatment of iron deficiency anameia
is 100 or 200 daily with meals. Sustained release iron preparations are expensive but have fewer symptoms of gastric trouble.

Use iron preparations only if diagnosed as iron deficiency anemia. Ferrous supplements like Ferrous sulphate are preferable. Iron supplements should be taken after food to reduce gastric trouble. The liquid iron supplements should be diluted with water. Iron supplements will cause black stools. If you experience constipation, use a stool softner. Do not indulge in self medication.

Dental Care

Brush your teeth at least twice a day and ideally after every meal, using fluoride-containing toothpaste.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush preferably one with rounded, synthetic bristles — it's gentler on your gums.

Tooth brush should be changed every two or three months, Old brushes may cause damage to the gums.

The tooth brush should be repalce after one has a cold attack.

Hold the brush in a slight angle while brushing.

Brush throughly the inside of the gums and the surface of the teeth.

Do not brush vigorously.

Never cover the used brush immediately, dry it after every use.

Each time you brush, bursh atleast for two minutes.

Clean your tongue bacteria would collect on the tongue surface too.

Limit the intake of sweets.

An half yearly appointment with the dentist is a must.

Keep the intake of soft drinks to a minimum as the acids in the soft drinks cause damage to the teeth.

What is Eczema?

What is Eczema?
'Dermatitis' an inflammed itchy skin condition which is commomly known as 'Eczema'. Eczema is a condition that occurs due to extremely dry skin. This appears most often in infants but gets cured as they grow. The affected skin is mostly dry, red and itchy and tends to get infected very easily.

Health Benefits of Cherries

The word cherry refers to both the tree and the fleshy fruit (drupe) that contains a single stony seed. Cherry belongs to the family Rosaceae, genus Prunus, along with almonds, peaches, plums, apricots and bird cherries. The cherries selected for eating are derived primarily from two species – the wild cherry, which has given rise to the Sweet Cherry to which most cherry cultivars belong, and the Sour Cherry, used mainly for cooking.Besides fruit, cherries have attractive flowers, and are commonly planted for their flower display in spring. Several Asian cherries are particularly noted for their attractive flowers. The Japanese sakura, in particular, is a national symbol and is celebrated in the yearly Hanami Festival.

Radish for health

Radish is an important ingredient in salads. They are known for their antioxidant properties. Radish are also known to have cancer protective properties. Radish can protect against kidney ailments, skin disorders and insect bites. They have varied falvours. Usually they taste quiet pungent. White radish variety is commonly consumed.

Crispy in texture they are an excellent snack to be eaten raw. Raw radish with a dash of lime is an excellent starter.

Juices and their Health Benefits

Fresh juices from fruits and vegetables offer many health benefits. Drinking juice on a daily basis can strengthen the body and keep the skin, glands and organs well hydrated. Furthermore, juices are easy to digest and make great dietary supplements.

POMEGRANATE JUICE

Pomegranate juice is a good source of antioxidants and also lowers LDL cholesterol. Studies show that it may also slow down the growth of prostate cancer and increase blood flow to the heart in people with certain coronary heart diseases.

ORANGE JUICE

Oranges are your answer to painful kidney stones. Research says that a daily glass of orange juice can reduce the incidence of kidney stones.

CRANBERRY JUICE

Often used as a home remedy for urinary tract infections, cranberry juice is also helpful for bladder and kidney problems. Rich in Vitamin C, cranberry juice offers a healthy dose of dietary fibre, antioxidants and phytochemical nutrients.

ALOE VERA JUICE

Aloe vera is known for its benefits to the skin. It acts as an anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal agent, preventing illness.

APPLE JUICE

Apple juice contains a host of essential nutrients and vitamins which may help protect the body from certain illnesses such as the common cold.

Party Hangover - How do I manage?

New Year Eve! Festival Season! Party Party Party! Unavoidable.
Excitement and happiness on 31st night party leads to spicy food, drinks, smoke all of them lead to disaster on 1st Jan. I dont think it feels good to have a bad New year. Here are some good tips on how you can manage your 31st night and 1st Jan to feel normal and enjoy the new year.

Acidity and gastritis are normal effects of parties. All you need to do is just realize what you are consuming. Just think twice before over eating and drinking.
Consume lot of water and juices, take more vegetables like cucumber, tomato and fruits like guava, apple, etc. These can control your hangover to some extent.

Make your drinks diluted and take time to drink. Do not gulp in haste and reduce your excitement time. Make it slow and with lot of salads and juices, which can reduce the impact of drinks and junk food.

Have a good sleep. Have a bottle of water on your bedside and whenever you wake up take a few gulps of water (preferably room temperature). Atleast consume a litre of water in the night, so that whatever you have consumed gets diluted.

1st Jan, a hot black tea to start with will help you clean your stomach. Over the day, drink good amount of juices. Avoid citric fruits like orange and lemon. Guava, Banana and apples can help a lot.

Take a hot water bath and allow lot of warm water flow through your face, which will make you feel better. Avoid non-vegetarian food and spicy food during the day and have light food and be kind to your digestive system.