Pain causes Sleep problems.
Acute and chronic pain are linked to problems with sleep. When your body is in pain, your body's energy is directed toward healing whatever is causing the pain. And this shift in physical processes leads to sleep disturbance.
People in pain report having difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, sleeping fewer hours, and waking up at night.
Dr. James C. O'Brien MD, became involved in sleep medicine when he began to notice that many of his patients, with undiagnosed sleep disorders, were not responding to conventional medical treatments. When sleep disorders were diagnosed and treated, a patient's condition improved, and they reported a new sense of well-being.
Dr. O'Brien describes some of the physical changes that our bodies feel when we are in pain, and how it impacts sleep. In an interview for Medical News Today, about the affects of pain on sleep, he shares how pain can affect the body's ability to "shut down".
When you are in pain, your hormones change. Adrenalin, our body's hormonal response to pain, can be in "overdrive" mode. When we have extra adrenalin surging in our bodies, it is difficult to relax and prepare for sleep. "Pain is clearly the nemesis of getting good sleep", says Dr. O'Brien.
Distinguishing acute pain (due to a recent injury or muscle strain) from chronic pain (long-term symptoms like arthritis pain, and when pain persists after the injury has healed) can help sleep treatment. Acute and chronic pain can influence sleep differently, so they may require different treatment.
Dr. Ellen Miller tells how medications can further complicate sleep problems. The medications have ingredients that stimulate the body and the nervous system. Some include caffeine, which stimulates the nervous system and inhibits sleep.
Medications may also have discomforting side effects. So, then sleep can be disturbed due to the initial pain and due to medications' side effects.
If you have difficulty sleeping, or if you have pain which may affect your sleep, here are some of the sleep experts' most common tips for improving sleep quality:
*Avoid caffeine late in the day
*Exercise early in the day
*Avoid drinking too much liquid in the evening
(author's note: hydrate early in the day, because dehydration can increase pain symptoms and inhibit sleep)
*Minimize alcohol consumption, especially in the evening
*Avoid spending time in bed except for sleep time
*Practice meditation and relaxation methods
*Establish an "unwinding ritual" around bed-time
*Go to sleep at the same time each night
*Awake at the same time each day, even if you did not get a good night's sleep
Basically, Prevention and lifestyle habits are key to a good night's sleep. And understanding the connections between pain and sleep can help treat problems with both!
For more articles and video on this topic, visit the Higher Lifestyle blog at www.higher-lifestyle.blogspot.com.
source:http://www.articlealley.com/article_537384_23.html
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Why Green Tea Has More Antioxidants Than Black Tea
Processing green tea differs from the way black tea is processed. Antioxidants in the tea leaves are nearly exhausted after black tea is processed whereas in green tea, almost all of its antioxidants are left in the leaves after processing.
Antioxidants in an apple
Antioxidants are active when an apple is sliced. You must have noticed that after slicing an apple, its flesh slowly turns into brown. That is because the apple's flesh is reacting to oxygen when it is exposed to air. This reaction produces free radicals and could create a chain reaction.
All fruits have antioxidants. Different types of fruits have different types of antioxidants. This is nature's defense for the fruit from oxidizing.
Let's get back to the apple. When free radicals are formed in the exposed flesh, the antioxidants in the apple quenches these free radicals to prevent a chain reaction. All of the exposed area of the flesh reacts to oxygen and therefore all these areas forms free radicals which are then quenched by the apple's antioxidants. Chain reaction cannot continue to the inside flesh as antioxidants quench these free radicals.
The discoloration you see in the exposed flesh are the result of molecules which reacted to oxygen. Scrape off that layer and you will see what the antioxidants in the apple has accomplished. It stopped the oxidation from going further inside the flesh.
Black Tea Processing
The following are the basic processing of black tea.
1. Harvesting
2. Withering - the leaves are spread and left to dry.
3. Rolling - the leaves are twisted and rolled either by hand or machinery. This process breaks or cracks the surface of the leaves exposing it to oxygen.
4. Oxidation or fermentation - the leaves are left to dry for several hours until it is about 80% dry.
5. Drying - the leaves further dried by applying heat without burning the leaves. This stops the oxidation process.
Just like the apple when the membranes of the leaves cracked in the rolling process, it exposed the insides of the leaves to oxygen. The free radicals produced are quenched by the antioxidants inside the tea leaves. Therefore those antioxidants that quenched the free radicals are already spent and will not be available in the finished product.
Green Tea Processing
This process differs a little bit from the way black tea is processed.
1. Harvesting
2. Withering
3. Drying
As you can see, the steps that can oxidize the leaves, rolling and oxidation, are omitted leaving the antioxidant content of the leaves almost intact.
Which do you prefer?
Now that you have seen the difference in processing and the final outcome of antioxidant content, what do you prefer? Tea with more antioxidant content? Others prefer the stronger taste of black tea against the milder taste of green tea. Others prefer green tea because of its healthful benefits.
How to get more antioxidants from tea
Our body can absorb only a small percentage of the antioxidants in tea. By combining it with citrus juices or vitamin c, our body's absorption of the antioxidants in tea can multiply more than 5 times.
The author has more health info on herbal green tea, antioxidants in green tea and green tea for weight loss.
source:http://www.articlealley.com/article_537498_23.html
Antioxidants in an apple
Antioxidants are active when an apple is sliced. You must have noticed that after slicing an apple, its flesh slowly turns into brown. That is because the apple's flesh is reacting to oxygen when it is exposed to air. This reaction produces free radicals and could create a chain reaction.
All fruits have antioxidants. Different types of fruits have different types of antioxidants. This is nature's defense for the fruit from oxidizing.
Let's get back to the apple. When free radicals are formed in the exposed flesh, the antioxidants in the apple quenches these free radicals to prevent a chain reaction. All of the exposed area of the flesh reacts to oxygen and therefore all these areas forms free radicals which are then quenched by the apple's antioxidants. Chain reaction cannot continue to the inside flesh as antioxidants quench these free radicals.
The discoloration you see in the exposed flesh are the result of molecules which reacted to oxygen. Scrape off that layer and you will see what the antioxidants in the apple has accomplished. It stopped the oxidation from going further inside the flesh.
Black Tea Processing
The following are the basic processing of black tea.
1. Harvesting
2. Withering - the leaves are spread and left to dry.
3. Rolling - the leaves are twisted and rolled either by hand or machinery. This process breaks or cracks the surface of the leaves exposing it to oxygen.
4. Oxidation or fermentation - the leaves are left to dry for several hours until it is about 80% dry.
5. Drying - the leaves further dried by applying heat without burning the leaves. This stops the oxidation process.
Just like the apple when the membranes of the leaves cracked in the rolling process, it exposed the insides of the leaves to oxygen. The free radicals produced are quenched by the antioxidants inside the tea leaves. Therefore those antioxidants that quenched the free radicals are already spent and will not be available in the finished product.
Green Tea Processing
This process differs a little bit from the way black tea is processed.
1. Harvesting
2. Withering
3. Drying
As you can see, the steps that can oxidize the leaves, rolling and oxidation, are omitted leaving the antioxidant content of the leaves almost intact.
Which do you prefer?
Now that you have seen the difference in processing and the final outcome of antioxidant content, what do you prefer? Tea with more antioxidant content? Others prefer the stronger taste of black tea against the milder taste of green tea. Others prefer green tea because of its healthful benefits.
How to get more antioxidants from tea
Our body can absorb only a small percentage of the antioxidants in tea. By combining it with citrus juices or vitamin c, our body's absorption of the antioxidants in tea can multiply more than 5 times.
The author has more health info on herbal green tea, antioxidants in green tea and green tea for weight loss.
source:http://www.articlealley.com/article_537498_23.html
Friday, May 16, 2008
Sources of Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are found in fruits, vegetables and other food items in abundance. Below are the natural sources of vitamins and minerals that are essential for the proper growth and development of our body.
Vitamin A – The main sources of Vitamin A are milk, cheese, butter, green leafy vegetables, cabbages, carrots, red and yellow fruits and vegetables. Large amounts of Vitamin A are also found in fish liver oils (eg Cod liver oil).
Vitamin B – The main sources of Vitamin B are milk, yeast, wheat bran, fresh vegetables and fruits, germinated wheat, leafy vegetables, pulses, etc. are the usual sources. It is also present in eggs, meat (especially liver), and fish.
Vitamin C – The main sources of Vitamin C are sweet-sour fruits, myrobalan, tomatoes, watermelons, pears, cabbages, pineapples, potatoes and green leafy vegetables.
Vitamin D – Sunlight is the best source of Vitamin D. It also occurs in milk, eggs and some fish liver oils.
Vitamin E – The main source of Vitamin E are milk, germinated wheat, green leafy vegetables, vegetables oils, nuts and eggs.
Vitamin K – The main sources of Vitamin K are wheat bran, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, cauliflower, soyabean oil, vegetable oils, and livers of animals.
Calcium – The main sources of calcium are milk and milk products, fenugreek, drumsticks, and other green leafy vegetables, beetroots, figs, grapes, watermelons, millets, seasame and black grams. Some fish and oysters also contain plenty of calcium.
Phosphorous – The main sources of phosphorous are milk, cheese, yeast, dry fruits, soyabeans, dates, carrots, guava etc. It is also present in eggs, fish and meat.
Chlorine – Carrots, milk, potatoes, common salt, spinach, eggs, meat, salt-water, cabbage, tomatoes, bananas, dates etc. are the major sources of chlorine.
Potassium – Fresh fruits, milk, garlic, radishes, potatoes and meat are the main sources of potassium.
Iron – Fenugreek, mint, green leafy vegetables, seasame, millets, eggs, meat, animal livers, oysters, grams, green grams, black grams, soyabeans, dates, mangoes, etc.
Sulphur – The main sources of sulphur are beetroots, cabbage, radishes, garlic, onions, meat and milk.
Sodium – The main sources of sodium are milk, common salt, beetroots, carrots, radishes, eggs, meat and fish.
Magnesium – Milk, green vegetables, cereals, dry fruits and meat are the main sources of magnesium.
Iodine – It is present in sea foods and green vegetables.
Know more on Hair loss remedy. Visit an extensive section of Home remedies at Natural cures guide – a health guide to make you and your family live better, fit and healthy.
Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.
source:http://www.articlealley.com/article_538825_23.html
Vitamin A – The main sources of Vitamin A are milk, cheese, butter, green leafy vegetables, cabbages, carrots, red and yellow fruits and vegetables. Large amounts of Vitamin A are also found in fish liver oils (eg Cod liver oil).
Vitamin B – The main sources of Vitamin B are milk, yeast, wheat bran, fresh vegetables and fruits, germinated wheat, leafy vegetables, pulses, etc. are the usual sources. It is also present in eggs, meat (especially liver), and fish.
Vitamin C – The main sources of Vitamin C are sweet-sour fruits, myrobalan, tomatoes, watermelons, pears, cabbages, pineapples, potatoes and green leafy vegetables.
Vitamin D – Sunlight is the best source of Vitamin D. It also occurs in milk, eggs and some fish liver oils.
Vitamin E – The main source of Vitamin E are milk, germinated wheat, green leafy vegetables, vegetables oils, nuts and eggs.
Vitamin K – The main sources of Vitamin K are wheat bran, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, cauliflower, soyabean oil, vegetable oils, and livers of animals.
Calcium – The main sources of calcium are milk and milk products, fenugreek, drumsticks, and other green leafy vegetables, beetroots, figs, grapes, watermelons, millets, seasame and black grams. Some fish and oysters also contain plenty of calcium.
Phosphorous – The main sources of phosphorous are milk, cheese, yeast, dry fruits, soyabeans, dates, carrots, guava etc. It is also present in eggs, fish and meat.
Chlorine – Carrots, milk, potatoes, common salt, spinach, eggs, meat, salt-water, cabbage, tomatoes, bananas, dates etc. are the major sources of chlorine.
Potassium – Fresh fruits, milk, garlic, radishes, potatoes and meat are the main sources of potassium.
Iron – Fenugreek, mint, green leafy vegetables, seasame, millets, eggs, meat, animal livers, oysters, grams, green grams, black grams, soyabeans, dates, mangoes, etc.
Sulphur – The main sources of sulphur are beetroots, cabbage, radishes, garlic, onions, meat and milk.
Sodium – The main sources of sodium are milk, common salt, beetroots, carrots, radishes, eggs, meat and fish.
Magnesium – Milk, green vegetables, cereals, dry fruits and meat are the main sources of magnesium.
Iodine – It is present in sea foods and green vegetables.
Know more on Hair loss remedy. Visit an extensive section of Home remedies at Natural cures guide – a health guide to make you and your family live better, fit and healthy.
Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.
source:http://www.articlealley.com/article_538825_23.html
Top Ten Eating Habits
Good eating habits results in healthy digestive system that will improve your overall health. It also makes you free from a number of ailments. Below are top ten eating habits that are very beneficial for maintaining a good health.
- Always be mindful of the wholesomeness of the food combinations – Even alkali-genic and nutritious foods, when taken without regards to the rules of food combinations, can generate toxins in the body.
- If you are not hungry, don’t eat – It is advised by health experts that eating food without hunger is not good for health and may create many digestive disorders.
- Chew your food properly – Thorough chewing mixes saliva with the food. Digestion starts off in the mouth itself with the action of the enzymes present in the saliva. Moreover, well-chewed food is easily digested.
- Do not drink water with meals – Water requires only 10 minutes to be absorbed from the stomach, and in the process it carries the enzymes away. This reduces the digestive process, which may result in the loss of appetite. You can drink water 15 minutes before a meal, half an hour after taking fruits, and two hours after a full meal.
- Do not eat when you are under physical or mental tension – If the body or the mind is exhausted or under tension, the secretion of the digestive juices will not be adequate.
- Do not eat or drink anything that is too hot or too cold – Ideally the temperature of any food should be around 37 ºC (98.6 ºF), the temperature of the body. The enzymes in the mouth and the stomach act best at such temperatures.
- Do not overeat – Overeating is always harmful. The stomach is a flexible bag made up of muscles. Its rhythmic contractions and expansions are responsible for the efficient mixing of digestive juices and enzymes with food. These movements are hindered if the bag is stuffed with excessive food. The enzymes are not mixed properly with the food, which begins to decay. Most people fail to exercise discretion in the amount of food they take. Overeating makes one lethargic and dull. This is a constant feeling of thirst. With time the belly gets enlarged, and one fall victim to disorders of the digestive system. In fact, to keep healthy it is necessary at all times to remain slightly hungry.
- Rest for a while after meal – The body vessels of the stomach dilate just after meals. This stimulates the secretion of enzymes, and thus helps digestion. If work requiring any kind of physical or mental exertion is taken up just after a meal, blood will be diverted from the stomach to other parts of the body like the hand, feet or brain, slowing down digestion.
- Eat only one meal, or take only fruits, one day every week – Giving occasional rest to the stomach is as necessary as giving it its usual assignment of digestion, for maintaining its efficiency. Moreover, when the body is not occupied in the task of digestion, it is free to tackle the poison that has been accumulated in it.
- Do not take any food while suffering from fever or any other ailment – This is essential. It is a fact that we never do feel hungry when we indisposed, and actually feel averse to taking any food. During an illness, the secretion of digestive juices is greatly reduced. As a result, the digestive processes are almost at a standstill.
Know more on Triphala. Visit an extensive section of Home remedies at Natural cures guide – a health guide to make you and your family live better, fit and healthy.
Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.
source:http://www.articlealley.com/article_538824_23.html
- Always be mindful of the wholesomeness of the food combinations – Even alkali-genic and nutritious foods, when taken without regards to the rules of food combinations, can generate toxins in the body.
- If you are not hungry, don’t eat – It is advised by health experts that eating food without hunger is not good for health and may create many digestive disorders.
- Chew your food properly – Thorough chewing mixes saliva with the food. Digestion starts off in the mouth itself with the action of the enzymes present in the saliva. Moreover, well-chewed food is easily digested.
- Do not drink water with meals – Water requires only 10 minutes to be absorbed from the stomach, and in the process it carries the enzymes away. This reduces the digestive process, which may result in the loss of appetite. You can drink water 15 minutes before a meal, half an hour after taking fruits, and two hours after a full meal.
- Do not eat when you are under physical or mental tension – If the body or the mind is exhausted or under tension, the secretion of the digestive juices will not be adequate.
- Do not eat or drink anything that is too hot or too cold – Ideally the temperature of any food should be around 37 ºC (98.6 ºF), the temperature of the body. The enzymes in the mouth and the stomach act best at such temperatures.
- Do not overeat – Overeating is always harmful. The stomach is a flexible bag made up of muscles. Its rhythmic contractions and expansions are responsible for the efficient mixing of digestive juices and enzymes with food. These movements are hindered if the bag is stuffed with excessive food. The enzymes are not mixed properly with the food, which begins to decay. Most people fail to exercise discretion in the amount of food they take. Overeating makes one lethargic and dull. This is a constant feeling of thirst. With time the belly gets enlarged, and one fall victim to disorders of the digestive system. In fact, to keep healthy it is necessary at all times to remain slightly hungry.
- Rest for a while after meal – The body vessels of the stomach dilate just after meals. This stimulates the secretion of enzymes, and thus helps digestion. If work requiring any kind of physical or mental exertion is taken up just after a meal, blood will be diverted from the stomach to other parts of the body like the hand, feet or brain, slowing down digestion.
- Eat only one meal, or take only fruits, one day every week – Giving occasional rest to the stomach is as necessary as giving it its usual assignment of digestion, for maintaining its efficiency. Moreover, when the body is not occupied in the task of digestion, it is free to tackle the poison that has been accumulated in it.
- Do not take any food while suffering from fever or any other ailment – This is essential. It is a fact that we never do feel hungry when we indisposed, and actually feel averse to taking any food. During an illness, the secretion of digestive juices is greatly reduced. As a result, the digestive processes are almost at a standstill.
Know more on Triphala. Visit an extensive section of Home remedies at Natural cures guide – a health guide to make you and your family live better, fit and healthy.
Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.
source:http://www.articlealley.com/article_538824_23.html
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Homemade Honey Beauty Recipes
This sweet, sticky substance is made by Honeybees from various types of flower nectar. Honey has the natural ability to attract and retain moisture Honey can be a great beauty product, especially when used for a facial mask. It is used in cosmetics for its emollient properties as well as for coloring and flavoring. Honey's natural antioxidant properties help to protect the skin from the damage of the sun's rays and also help support the skin's ability to rejuvenate should damage occur. Cleopatra was famous for her milk and honey baths, and Poppea, wife of Roman Emperor Nero, used a honey and milk lotion on her face to keep her looking youthful.
Honey Mask Recipe - The best facial mask is honey. Place a cloth in warm water and apply to your face to open the pores. Smear on honey, and leave on for 15 to 30 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, then use cold water to close the pores. Use once a week.
Yogurt-Honey Mask - 1 T Yogurt, 1 T Honey. Add the two ingredients together and apply to a clean, moist face. Pat this mask onto the skin for a moisturizing, penetrating, hydrating, soothing application that will also help to clear up skin problems.
Mix 1 teaspoon honey with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil and ¼ teaspoon lemon. Rub into hands, elbows, heels and anywhere that feels dry. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with water.
Smoothing Skin Lotion-Mix 1 teaspoon honey with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil and 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice. Rub into hands, elbows, heels and anywhere that feels dry. Leave on 10 minutes. Rinse off with water.
Make a homemade beauty facial mask with honey and bananas. Make sure the bananas are not overripe. Mash 2 teaspoons of mashed banana, 2 teaspoons of rolled oats, 1 teaspoon of milk and 1 teaspoon honey. After 10 minutes, massage it into your face. Allow it to sit for 5 more minutes and then rinse with warm water.
Honey Cleansing Scrub - Mix 1 Tablespoon of honey with 2 Tablespoons finely ground almonds and 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice. Rub gently onto face. Rinse off with warm water.
Lavender- Honey Milk Bath - 3 T dried Lavender flowers, 1 1/2 cups whole mild, cream, or combination, 1/3 cup Honey Process lavender flowers in a blender until they become a powder, turning off the blender and scraping down the sides as necessary. Whisk together lavender powder, milk and honey in a glass bowl, then pour into a jar. Before each use, shake the jar and pour half of the mixture into the bath. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Makes enough for 2 baths.
Honey Soap - Mix 2-3 tbs honey with lemon essential oil and a little oil together. At tracing, add and mix thoroughly before pouring.
source:http://www.articlealley.com/article_536514_23.html
Honey Mask Recipe - The best facial mask is honey. Place a cloth in warm water and apply to your face to open the pores. Smear on honey, and leave on for 15 to 30 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, then use cold water to close the pores. Use once a week.
Yogurt-Honey Mask - 1 T Yogurt, 1 T Honey. Add the two ingredients together and apply to a clean, moist face. Pat this mask onto the skin for a moisturizing, penetrating, hydrating, soothing application that will also help to clear up skin problems.
Mix 1 teaspoon honey with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil and ¼ teaspoon lemon. Rub into hands, elbows, heels and anywhere that feels dry. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with water.
Smoothing Skin Lotion-Mix 1 teaspoon honey with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil and 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice. Rub into hands, elbows, heels and anywhere that feels dry. Leave on 10 minutes. Rinse off with water.
Make a homemade beauty facial mask with honey and bananas. Make sure the bananas are not overripe. Mash 2 teaspoons of mashed banana, 2 teaspoons of rolled oats, 1 teaspoon of milk and 1 teaspoon honey. After 10 minutes, massage it into your face. Allow it to sit for 5 more minutes and then rinse with warm water.
Honey Cleansing Scrub - Mix 1 Tablespoon of honey with 2 Tablespoons finely ground almonds and 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice. Rub gently onto face. Rinse off with warm water.
Lavender- Honey Milk Bath - 3 T dried Lavender flowers, 1 1/2 cups whole mild, cream, or combination, 1/3 cup Honey Process lavender flowers in a blender until they become a powder, turning off the blender and scraping down the sides as necessary. Whisk together lavender powder, milk and honey in a glass bowl, then pour into a jar. Before each use, shake the jar and pour half of the mixture into the bath. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Makes enough for 2 baths.
Honey Soap - Mix 2-3 tbs honey with lemon essential oil and a little oil together. At tracing, add and mix thoroughly before pouring.
source:http://www.articlealley.com/article_536514_23.html
Teen Insomnia How Big of a Problem is It?
Teens need 8½ to more than 9 hours of sleep a night. One complete sleep cycle lasts about 90 to 100 minutes. So during an average night's sleep, a person will experience about four or five cycles of sleep. The sleep problems and sleep disorders are becoming commonplace among teenagers. This change in the circadian rhythm seems to be due to the fact that the brain hormone document.write melatoninmelatonin is produced later at night in teens. In fact, as many as 30 percent of all teens suffer from a sleep disorder. The Associated Professional Sleep Societies 17 percent of teens ages 13 to 17 suffer from insomnia.
Mothers rated their sons' early childhood (aged 3 to 5) sleep problems, problems such as overtiredness and having trouble sleeping. Good sleep (approximately eight hours) restores brain function and helps our ability to analyze, so it's easier to remember more from class and do better in school. Most teens with problems sleeping actually have something called Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome. But a teen’s bout with insomnia may have more serious consequences in the long term as they continue to mature and grow. Teenagers have many things to worry about: school, friends, social activities, etc.
Causes of Teen Insomnia
Mental-health problems
Study tension
Excessive tiredness
Depression
Symptoms of Teen Insomnia
Difficulty waking in the morning
Psychiatric disorders
Start feeling drowsy
Lower concentration
Lowers the quality of work
Prevention for Teen Insomnia
Do exercise regularly.
Don't allow children to watch television or video tapes that are too stimulating, especially before bedtime.
Make your room as dark, comfortable, and quiet as possible.
Maintain a reasonable bedtime and wake time, make this consistent throughout the week
Don't go to bed hungry but don't overstuff yourself either.
Avoid the caffeine consumption.
Limit extracurricular activities. Sometimes teens are overextended and participate in too many after-school activities. This might leave them too stimulated to fall asleep.
Downshift your brain. Put down your homework or get off the phone an hour or two before you fall asleep.
Make an appointment with a pediatrician. Write down your teen's sleep patterns. Include when he is awake, sleeping and when he seems most tired during the day. Your doctor may use this to determine if he has insomnia.
Treatment for Teen Insomnia
Different sleep problems are treated differently. Some can be treated with medications.
Doctors also encourage teens to make lifestyle changes that promote good sleeping habits.
Serenite Jr. is a 100% natural, safe, effective specially formulated herbal remedy for child and baby Insomnia and Sleeping Disorders.
From helping a teen prioritize sleep and maintain good sleep hygiene to seeking help from a qualified physician.
Native Remedies Serenite Jr. Drops for Child and Teen Insomnia this may be useful for the treatment of the teen insomnia.
source:http://www.articlealley.com/article_536621_23.html
Mothers rated their sons' early childhood (aged 3 to 5) sleep problems, problems such as overtiredness and having trouble sleeping. Good sleep (approximately eight hours) restores brain function and helps our ability to analyze, so it's easier to remember more from class and do better in school. Most teens with problems sleeping actually have something called Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome. But a teen’s bout with insomnia may have more serious consequences in the long term as they continue to mature and grow. Teenagers have many things to worry about: school, friends, social activities, etc.
Causes of Teen Insomnia
Mental-health problems
Study tension
Excessive tiredness
Depression
Symptoms of Teen Insomnia
Difficulty waking in the morning
Psychiatric disorders
Start feeling drowsy
Lower concentration
Lowers the quality of work
Prevention for Teen Insomnia
Do exercise regularly.
Don't allow children to watch television or video tapes that are too stimulating, especially before bedtime.
Make your room as dark, comfortable, and quiet as possible.
Maintain a reasonable bedtime and wake time, make this consistent throughout the week
Don't go to bed hungry but don't overstuff yourself either.
Avoid the caffeine consumption.
Limit extracurricular activities. Sometimes teens are overextended and participate in too many after-school activities. This might leave them too stimulated to fall asleep.
Downshift your brain. Put down your homework or get off the phone an hour or two before you fall asleep.
Make an appointment with a pediatrician. Write down your teen's sleep patterns. Include when he is awake, sleeping and when he seems most tired during the day. Your doctor may use this to determine if he has insomnia.
Treatment for Teen Insomnia
Different sleep problems are treated differently. Some can be treated with medications.
Doctors also encourage teens to make lifestyle changes that promote good sleeping habits.
Serenite Jr. is a 100% natural, safe, effective specially formulated herbal remedy for child and baby Insomnia and Sleeping Disorders.
From helping a teen prioritize sleep and maintain good sleep hygiene to seeking help from a qualified physician.
Native Remedies Serenite Jr. Drops for Child and Teen Insomnia this may be useful for the treatment of the teen insomnia.
source:http://www.articlealley.com/article_536621_23.html
Why Muscles Get Sore
As people age, they begin to complain more of pains in their muscles and joints. They seem to stiffen up with age, and such commonplace activities as bending over for the morning paper can make them wince.
Such pain can grip so fiercely that they are sure it begins deep in their bones. But the real cause of stiffness and soreness lies not in the joints or bones, according to research at the Johns Hopkins Medical School, but in the muscles and connective tissues that move the joints.
The frictional resistance generated by the two rubbing surfaces of bones in the joints is negligible, even in joints damaged by arthritis.
Flexibility is the medical term used to describe the range of a joint's motion from full movement in one direction to full movement in the other. The greater the range of movement, the more flexible the joint.
If you bend forward at the hips and touch your toes with your fingertips, you have good flexibility, or range of motion of the hip joints. But can you bend over easily with a minimal expenditure of energy and force? The exertion required to flex a joint is just as important as its range of possible motion.
Different factors limit the flexibility and ease of movement in different joints and muscles. In the elbow and knee, the bony structure itself sets a definite limit. In other joints, such as the ankle, hip, and back, the soft tissue-muscle and connective tissue-limit the motion range.
The problem of inflexible joints and muscles is similar to the difficulty of opening and closing a gate because of a rarely used and rusty hinge that has become balky.
Hence, if people do not regularly move their muscles and joints through their full ranges of motion, they lose some of their potential. That is why when these people will try to move a joint after a long period of inactivity, they feel pain, and that discourages further use
What happens next is that the muscles become shortened with prolonged disuse and produces spasms and cramps that can be irritating and extremely painful. The immobilization of muscles, as researchers have demonstrated with laboratory animals, brings about biochemical changes in the tissue.
However, other factors trigger sore muscles. Here are some of them:
1. Too much exercise
Have you always believed on the saying, "No pain, no gain?" If you do, then, it is not so surprising if you have already experienced sore muscles.
The problem with most people is that they exercise too much thinking that it is the fastest and the surest way to lose weight. Until they ache, they tend to ignore their muscles and connective tissue, even though they are what quite literally holds the body together.
2. Aging and inactivity
Connective tissue binds muscle to bone by tendons, binds bone to bone by ligaments, and covers and unites muscles with sheaths called fasciae. With age, the tendons, ligaments, and fasciae become less extensible. The tendons, with their densely packed fibers, are the most difficult to stretch. The easiest are the fasciae. But if they are not stretched to improve joint mobility, the fasciae shorten, placing undue pressure on the nerve pathways in the muscle fasciae. Many aches and pains are the result of nerve impulses traveling along these pressured pathways.
3. Immobility
Sore muscles or muscle pain can be excruciating, owing to the body's reaction to a cramp or ache. In this reaction, called the splinting reflex, the body automatically immobilizes a sore muscle by making it contract. Thus, a sore muscle can set off a vicious cycle pain.
First, an unused muscle becomes sore from exercise or being held in an unusual position. The body then responds with the splinting reflex, shortening the connective tissue around the muscle. This cause more pain, and eventually the whole area is aching. One of the most common sites for this problem is the lower back.
4. Spasm theory
In the physiology laboratory at the University of Southern California, some people have set out to learn more about this cycle of pain.
Using some device, they measured electrical activity in the muscles. The researchers knew that normal, well-relaxed muscles produce no electrical activity, whereas, muscles that are not fully relaxed show considerable activity.
In one experiment, the researchers measured these electrical signals in the muscles of persons with athletic injuries, first with the muscle immobilized, and then, after the muscle had been stretched.
In almost every case, exercises that stretched or lengthened the muscle diminished electrical activity and relieved pain, either totally or partially.
These experiments led to the "spasm theory," an explanation of the development and persistence of muscle pain in the absence of any obvious cause, such as traumatic injury.
According to this theory, a muscle that is overworked or used in a strange position becomes fatigued and as a result, sore muscles.
Hence, it is extremely important to know the limitations and capacity of the muscles in order to avoid sore muscles. This goes to show that there is no truth in the saying, "No pain, no gain." What matters most is on how people stay fit by exercising regularly at a normal range than once rarely but on a rigid routine.
source:http://www.articlealley.com/article_536809_23.html
Such pain can grip so fiercely that they are sure it begins deep in their bones. But the real cause of stiffness and soreness lies not in the joints or bones, according to research at the Johns Hopkins Medical School, but in the muscles and connective tissues that move the joints.
The frictional resistance generated by the two rubbing surfaces of bones in the joints is negligible, even in joints damaged by arthritis.
Flexibility is the medical term used to describe the range of a joint's motion from full movement in one direction to full movement in the other. The greater the range of movement, the more flexible the joint.
If you bend forward at the hips and touch your toes with your fingertips, you have good flexibility, or range of motion of the hip joints. But can you bend over easily with a minimal expenditure of energy and force? The exertion required to flex a joint is just as important as its range of possible motion.
Different factors limit the flexibility and ease of movement in different joints and muscles. In the elbow and knee, the bony structure itself sets a definite limit. In other joints, such as the ankle, hip, and back, the soft tissue-muscle and connective tissue-limit the motion range.
The problem of inflexible joints and muscles is similar to the difficulty of opening and closing a gate because of a rarely used and rusty hinge that has become balky.
Hence, if people do not regularly move their muscles and joints through their full ranges of motion, they lose some of their potential. That is why when these people will try to move a joint after a long period of inactivity, they feel pain, and that discourages further use
What happens next is that the muscles become shortened with prolonged disuse and produces spasms and cramps that can be irritating and extremely painful. The immobilization of muscles, as researchers have demonstrated with laboratory animals, brings about biochemical changes in the tissue.
However, other factors trigger sore muscles. Here are some of them:
1. Too much exercise
Have you always believed on the saying, "No pain, no gain?" If you do, then, it is not so surprising if you have already experienced sore muscles.
The problem with most people is that they exercise too much thinking that it is the fastest and the surest way to lose weight. Until they ache, they tend to ignore their muscles and connective tissue, even though they are what quite literally holds the body together.
2. Aging and inactivity
Connective tissue binds muscle to bone by tendons, binds bone to bone by ligaments, and covers and unites muscles with sheaths called fasciae. With age, the tendons, ligaments, and fasciae become less extensible. The tendons, with their densely packed fibers, are the most difficult to stretch. The easiest are the fasciae. But if they are not stretched to improve joint mobility, the fasciae shorten, placing undue pressure on the nerve pathways in the muscle fasciae. Many aches and pains are the result of nerve impulses traveling along these pressured pathways.
3. Immobility
Sore muscles or muscle pain can be excruciating, owing to the body's reaction to a cramp or ache. In this reaction, called the splinting reflex, the body automatically immobilizes a sore muscle by making it contract. Thus, a sore muscle can set off a vicious cycle pain.
First, an unused muscle becomes sore from exercise or being held in an unusual position. The body then responds with the splinting reflex, shortening the connective tissue around the muscle. This cause more pain, and eventually the whole area is aching. One of the most common sites for this problem is the lower back.
4. Spasm theory
In the physiology laboratory at the University of Southern California, some people have set out to learn more about this cycle of pain.
Using some device, they measured electrical activity in the muscles. The researchers knew that normal, well-relaxed muscles produce no electrical activity, whereas, muscles that are not fully relaxed show considerable activity.
In one experiment, the researchers measured these electrical signals in the muscles of persons with athletic injuries, first with the muscle immobilized, and then, after the muscle had been stretched.
In almost every case, exercises that stretched or lengthened the muscle diminished electrical activity and relieved pain, either totally or partially.
These experiments led to the "spasm theory," an explanation of the development and persistence of muscle pain in the absence of any obvious cause, such as traumatic injury.
According to this theory, a muscle that is overworked or used in a strange position becomes fatigued and as a result, sore muscles.
Hence, it is extremely important to know the limitations and capacity of the muscles in order to avoid sore muscles. This goes to show that there is no truth in the saying, "No pain, no gain." What matters most is on how people stay fit by exercising regularly at a normal range than once rarely but on a rigid routine.
source:http://www.articlealley.com/article_536809_23.html
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Can Fresh Juice Prevent Varicose Veins?
Can Fresh Juice Prevent Varicose Veins?
What’s Varicose Veins
Swollen, elongated veins usually visible on your limbs are called varicose veins. These veins may cause aches, fatigue, or a burning sensation in the affected limbs. Generally more women than men are afflicted by this condition. Varicose veins are often unsightly and they can be more visible when an impacted person is standing because of increased blood pressure in the affected limbs. One of the first signs of varicose veins is when swelling occurs along a course of veins. If the impacted vein is in the leg, muscular cramps may occur with a feeling of general tiredness of the legs. In some cases, the normal flow of blood towards your heart may be reversed when you are in an upright position. This could lead to blood collecting in the lower part of your legs with the skin becoming purplish, and this may lead to other complications such as ulcers on the leg.
Juice in Diet Treats Varicose Veins
Regular fruit juice intake helps you to maintain proper weight. And along with a balanced diet of raw food and vegetables will give you nutrients that may help prevent varicose veins. Vitamin C and protein are components of collagen, part of the tissue in the veins and valves. If your collagen is in good shape, the tissues are likely to be more resistant a varicose condition. Organic raw vegetable juice like carrot juice in combination with spinach juice, have proven to be beneficial in treating varicose ailments. The juice formula proportions considered helpful is a mix of 1 ¼ cup of carrot juice and 1 cup of spinach juice. Also dark-colored berries like cherries, blueberries and blackberries have anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins: these are the pigments that tone & strengthen the walls of your veins. And pineapples are rich in bromelain enzyme that helps prevent blood clots. Clots are an uncommon but serious complication of many varicose veins patients.
Regular juicing provides required nutrients in much higher concentrations than people can get by just eating fruit. For better benefits have eight ounces of fresh berry or pineapple juice, alone or diluted with another fruit juice. Having one or two glasses daily of fresh fruit or vegetable juice a day (especially any combination of apple, beet, carrot, celery, citrus, parsley, or pineapple) and dietary supplements may be helpful in preventing and treating varicose veins.
Champion Juicer – Your Health Buddy
Fresh juice provides a healthy option, and the best juice is fresh homemade juice! In fact juice from a masticating juicer is a great choice. This juice provides maximum nutrients and is tastier too! For your best nutrition don’t get lazy and have packaged or chemically enhanced fast food. Other juicers, such as centrifugal juicers may make less effective juice since they can discard some fiber and micronutrients.
The Champion juicer, built since 1955, is one of the best masticating juicers available. This popular masticating juicer is powerful and famous for its durability, reliability and real integrity. Manufactured by Plastaket Manufacturing Co. in California, this juicer is backed-up with a 10 year limited warranty.
You can use lots of different juice recipes with a Champion Juicer to make your juice blend. Or just make up your own juice recipe. Champion juicers chew the fibers and break up the cells of vegetables and fruits. What you get is a great health drink that gives you more fiber, enzymes, vitamins and trace minerals. Your health benefits from this sweet dark, rich colored juice with a full-bodied flavor. To obtain more information about Champion Juicers go to http://www.AChampionJuicer.com.
Source : http://www.articlecity.com/articles/food_and_drink/article_1864.shtml
What’s Varicose Veins
Swollen, elongated veins usually visible on your limbs are called varicose veins. These veins may cause aches, fatigue, or a burning sensation in the affected limbs. Generally more women than men are afflicted by this condition. Varicose veins are often unsightly and they can be more visible when an impacted person is standing because of increased blood pressure in the affected limbs. One of the first signs of varicose veins is when swelling occurs along a course of veins. If the impacted vein is in the leg, muscular cramps may occur with a feeling of general tiredness of the legs. In some cases, the normal flow of blood towards your heart may be reversed when you are in an upright position. This could lead to blood collecting in the lower part of your legs with the skin becoming purplish, and this may lead to other complications such as ulcers on the leg.
Juice in Diet Treats Varicose Veins
Regular fruit juice intake helps you to maintain proper weight. And along with a balanced diet of raw food and vegetables will give you nutrients that may help prevent varicose veins. Vitamin C and protein are components of collagen, part of the tissue in the veins and valves. If your collagen is in good shape, the tissues are likely to be more resistant a varicose condition. Organic raw vegetable juice like carrot juice in combination with spinach juice, have proven to be beneficial in treating varicose ailments. The juice formula proportions considered helpful is a mix of 1 ¼ cup of carrot juice and 1 cup of spinach juice. Also dark-colored berries like cherries, blueberries and blackberries have anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins: these are the pigments that tone & strengthen the walls of your veins. And pineapples are rich in bromelain enzyme that helps prevent blood clots. Clots are an uncommon but serious complication of many varicose veins patients.
Regular juicing provides required nutrients in much higher concentrations than people can get by just eating fruit. For better benefits have eight ounces of fresh berry or pineapple juice, alone or diluted with another fruit juice. Having one or two glasses daily of fresh fruit or vegetable juice a day (especially any combination of apple, beet, carrot, celery, citrus, parsley, or pineapple) and dietary supplements may be helpful in preventing and treating varicose veins.
Champion Juicer – Your Health Buddy
Fresh juice provides a healthy option, and the best juice is fresh homemade juice! In fact juice from a masticating juicer is a great choice. This juice provides maximum nutrients and is tastier too! For your best nutrition don’t get lazy and have packaged or chemically enhanced fast food. Other juicers, such as centrifugal juicers may make less effective juice since they can discard some fiber and micronutrients.
The Champion juicer, built since 1955, is one of the best masticating juicers available. This popular masticating juicer is powerful and famous for its durability, reliability and real integrity. Manufactured by Plastaket Manufacturing Co. in California, this juicer is backed-up with a 10 year limited warranty.
You can use lots of different juice recipes with a Champion Juicer to make your juice blend. Or just make up your own juice recipe. Champion juicers chew the fibers and break up the cells of vegetables and fruits. What you get is a great health drink that gives you more fiber, enzymes, vitamins and trace minerals. Your health benefits from this sweet dark, rich colored juice with a full-bodied flavor. To obtain more information about Champion Juicers go to http://www.AChampionJuicer.com.
Source : http://www.articlecity.com/articles/food_and_drink/article_1864.shtml
4 Easy Steps to Wine Tasting
Legend has it that Cleopatra once promised Marc Anthony she would "drink the value of a province" in one cup of wine, after which she drank an expensive pearl with a cup of wine. Marilyn Monroe is rumored to have bathed in a bathtub of champagne. The lure of wine is cross-cultural and going strong. Enjoying wine, once surrounded by pomp and circumstance, is now something that many of us do on a daily basis to enjoy food, friends, and family. There is no reason each experience shouldn't be as exceptional as taking a bath in Champagne. Knowing a few simple tips about tasting wine can enhance your wine experience by leaps and bounds and easily transition you from a wine lover to a wine expert.
STEP 1 - LOOKING
Fill the glass about one-third full, never more than half-full. Pick it up by the stem. This may feel awkward at first, but there are good reasons: Holding the glass by its bowl hides the liquid from view; fingerprints blur its color; the heat of your hand alters the wine's temperature. Wine experts can usually tell right away how much a person knows about wine by looking at the way they hold their glass.
Focus on the hue, intensity and clarity of the wine color. The true color, or hue, of the wine is best judged by tilting the glass and looking at the wine through the rim, to see the variation from the deepest part of the liquid to its edges. Intensity can best be gauged looking straight down through the wine from above. Clarity-whether the wine is brilliant, or cloudy with particles-is most evident when light is shining sideways through the glass.
STEP 2 - SWIRLING
Next comes the swirling. This too can feel unnatural, even dangerous if your glass it too full and your carpet or clothing is new. But besides stirring up the full range of colors, it lets the wine breathe a little and releases some of the aroma for examination. The easiest way to swirl is to rest the base of the glass on a table, hold the stem between thumb and forefinger, and gently rotate the wrist. Right-handers will find a counter-clockwise motion easiest, left-handers the reverse.
Move the glass until the wine is dancing, climbing nearly to the rim. Then stop. As the liquid settles back into the bottom of the glass, a transparent film will appear on the inside of the bowl, known as the wine's "tears" or "legs." You will often hear people pondering about the legs or showing them off, "Hey look at the legs on this wine!", but in truth they're simply an indication of the amount of alcohol in the wine: the more alcohol, the more tears or legs.
STEP 3 - SMELLING
When you stop swirling, and the legs are falling, it's time to take the next step: smelling. Swirling the wine vaporizes it, and the thin sheet of liquid on the sides of the glass evaporates rapidly; the result is an intensification of the aromas. I'm sure you've seen wine snobs do this and you have laughed at them, but stick your nose right into the bowl and inhale.
There's no consensus about the proper sniffing technique. Some advocate two or three quick inhalations; others prefer one deep, sharp sniff. I've seen tasters close one nostril, sniff, then close the other and sniff again. It really doesn't matter how you do it as long as you get a good sniff in. With practice, and keen attention, you'll learn how to maximize your perception of aromas, and then how to decipher them.
The world of smell is vast and bewildering. First of all, our olfactory equipment is incredibly sensitive; we can distinguish aromas in quantities so small that laboratory equipment can scarcely measure them. Second, our analytic capacity is extraordinary; estimates of the number of different smells humans can identify range up to 10,000!
As with color, wine's aromas offer insights into character, origin and history. Because our actual sense of taste is limited to four simple categories (the well-known sweet, sour, bitter and salt), aroma is the most revealing aspect of our examination. But don't simply sniff for clues. Revel in the sensation. Scientists say smells have direct access to the brain, connecting immediately to memory and emotion. Like a lover's perfume, or the scent of cookies from childhood, wine's aromas can evoke a specific place and time with uncanny power.
STEP 4 - TASTING
With the aromas still reverberating through your senses, put the glass to your lips and take some liquid in. How much? You need to have enough volume to work it all around your tasting apparatus, but not so much that you're forced to swallow right away.
Because you don't want to swallow, not just yet. It takes time and effort to force the wine to divulge its secrets. I keep a pleasant wine in my mouth for 10 to 15 seconds, sometimes more.
Roll the wine all around your mouth, bringing it into contact with every part, because each decodes a different aspect of the liquid. Wine provokes sensations, too: The astringency of tannins is most perceptible on the inner cheeks; the heat of the alcohol burns in the back of the throat.
First, as you hold the wine in your mouth, purse your lips and inhale gently through them. This creates a bubbling noise children find immensely amusing. It also accelerates vaporization, intensifying the aromas. Second, chew the wine vigorously, sloshing it around in your mouth, to draw every last nuance of flavor from the wine.
Don't forget the finish. After you swallow, exhale gently and slowly through both your nose and mouth. The retro-nasal passage, which connects the throat and the nose, is another avenue for aromas, which can linger long after the wine is finally swallowed. You'll find that the better the wine, the more complex, profound and long-lasting these residual aromas can be. With great wines, sensitive tasters and minimal distractions, the finish can last a minute or more. It's a moment of meditation and communion that no other beverage can create.
STEP 1 - LOOKING
Fill the glass about one-third full, never more than half-full. Pick it up by the stem. This may feel awkward at first, but there are good reasons: Holding the glass by its bowl hides the liquid from view; fingerprints blur its color; the heat of your hand alters the wine's temperature. Wine experts can usually tell right away how much a person knows about wine by looking at the way they hold their glass.
Focus on the hue, intensity and clarity of the wine color. The true color, or hue, of the wine is best judged by tilting the glass and looking at the wine through the rim, to see the variation from the deepest part of the liquid to its edges. Intensity can best be gauged looking straight down through the wine from above. Clarity-whether the wine is brilliant, or cloudy with particles-is most evident when light is shining sideways through the glass.
STEP 2 - SWIRLING
Next comes the swirling. This too can feel unnatural, even dangerous if your glass it too full and your carpet or clothing is new. But besides stirring up the full range of colors, it lets the wine breathe a little and releases some of the aroma for examination. The easiest way to swirl is to rest the base of the glass on a table, hold the stem between thumb and forefinger, and gently rotate the wrist. Right-handers will find a counter-clockwise motion easiest, left-handers the reverse.
Move the glass until the wine is dancing, climbing nearly to the rim. Then stop. As the liquid settles back into the bottom of the glass, a transparent film will appear on the inside of the bowl, known as the wine's "tears" or "legs." You will often hear people pondering about the legs or showing them off, "Hey look at the legs on this wine!", but in truth they're simply an indication of the amount of alcohol in the wine: the more alcohol, the more tears or legs.
STEP 3 - SMELLING
When you stop swirling, and the legs are falling, it's time to take the next step: smelling. Swirling the wine vaporizes it, and the thin sheet of liquid on the sides of the glass evaporates rapidly; the result is an intensification of the aromas. I'm sure you've seen wine snobs do this and you have laughed at them, but stick your nose right into the bowl and inhale.
There's no consensus about the proper sniffing technique. Some advocate two or three quick inhalations; others prefer one deep, sharp sniff. I've seen tasters close one nostril, sniff, then close the other and sniff again. It really doesn't matter how you do it as long as you get a good sniff in. With practice, and keen attention, you'll learn how to maximize your perception of aromas, and then how to decipher them.
The world of smell is vast and bewildering. First of all, our olfactory equipment is incredibly sensitive; we can distinguish aromas in quantities so small that laboratory equipment can scarcely measure them. Second, our analytic capacity is extraordinary; estimates of the number of different smells humans can identify range up to 10,000!
As with color, wine's aromas offer insights into character, origin and history. Because our actual sense of taste is limited to four simple categories (the well-known sweet, sour, bitter and salt), aroma is the most revealing aspect of our examination. But don't simply sniff for clues. Revel in the sensation. Scientists say smells have direct access to the brain, connecting immediately to memory and emotion. Like a lover's perfume, or the scent of cookies from childhood, wine's aromas can evoke a specific place and time with uncanny power.
STEP 4 - TASTING
With the aromas still reverberating through your senses, put the glass to your lips and take some liquid in. How much? You need to have enough volume to work it all around your tasting apparatus, but not so much that you're forced to swallow right away.
Because you don't want to swallow, not just yet. It takes time and effort to force the wine to divulge its secrets. I keep a pleasant wine in my mouth for 10 to 15 seconds, sometimes more.
Roll the wine all around your mouth, bringing it into contact with every part, because each decodes a different aspect of the liquid. Wine provokes sensations, too: The astringency of tannins is most perceptible on the inner cheeks; the heat of the alcohol burns in the back of the throat.
First, as you hold the wine in your mouth, purse your lips and inhale gently through them. This creates a bubbling noise children find immensely amusing. It also accelerates vaporization, intensifying the aromas. Second, chew the wine vigorously, sloshing it around in your mouth, to draw every last nuance of flavor from the wine.
Don't forget the finish. After you swallow, exhale gently and slowly through both your nose and mouth. The retro-nasal passage, which connects the throat and the nose, is another avenue for aromas, which can linger long after the wine is finally swallowed. You'll find that the better the wine, the more complex, profound and long-lasting these residual aromas can be. With great wines, sensitive tasters and minimal distractions, the finish can last a minute or more. It's a moment of meditation and communion that no other beverage can create.
A Little Wine Goes A Long Way
Changing to a healthier diet needn’t mean you miss out on the good things in life …
A question of balance:
You’ve embarked on a diet – and have even discovered some exciting new recipes – but what about wine? According to doctors, a little bit of what you fancy does you good, so much so that heart attack patients in one Wiltshire hospital were given two glasses a day during their stay. It’s also a great stress reliever, helping you unwind at the end of a busy day. The secret is moderation – but by drinking less you can afford a few special bottles and expand your wine horizons.
A world of choice:
Start by taking a grape variety you know, then work your way through different examples from around the world. Lovers of Aussie Chardonnay, for instance, might ring the changes with rich, barrel-matured white Burgundy. If you’ve already discovered fruit-filled Chilean Cabernet, then you really need to try the aristocratic reds of Bordeaux. Find out for yourself why the wines of New Zealand have become so popular, or experience the everlasting appeal of Burgundy. Just a few rungs up the price ladder, flavours become more intense – making it far easier to stick to a single glass!
When exploring, don’t be afraid to ask questions of waiters or shop staff – if properly trained they will be full of useful advice. The very cheapest wine is rarely the best value for money. Excise duty, VAT, transport and packaging are virtually the same whether it’s a basic vin de table or from a prestigious estate. By paying a little extra – say £5 to £7 – you get a big increase in wine quality.
The easy option:
More people are ordering their wine online thanks to the convenience and range of wines on offer. Online wine merchants invariably provide more information about their wines than you will find on the label when perusing the supermarket shelves. Laithwaites were voted UK Independent Wine Merchant of the Year 2007 and have seen their online orders increase rapidly in recent years. It isn’t hard to see why – a quick look at their website reveals a wide range of wines with helpful descriptions about each bottle. Ordering is simple, each selection is delivered direct to your door and every bottle is covered by a full money-back guarantee.
With expert wine merchants available at your fingertips it has become a whole lot easier to enjoy better wines at very competitive prices. Avoid cheap supermarket wine and you’ll discover a little good wine really does go a long way. You may find that you shed those unwanted pounds and your health, not to mention your palate, improves too! More information can be found at our site.
Source : http://www.articlecity.com/articles/food_and_drink/article_1875.shtml
A question of balance:
You’ve embarked on a diet – and have even discovered some exciting new recipes – but what about wine? According to doctors, a little bit of what you fancy does you good, so much so that heart attack patients in one Wiltshire hospital were given two glasses a day during their stay. It’s also a great stress reliever, helping you unwind at the end of a busy day. The secret is moderation – but by drinking less you can afford a few special bottles and expand your wine horizons.
A world of choice:
Start by taking a grape variety you know, then work your way through different examples from around the world. Lovers of Aussie Chardonnay, for instance, might ring the changes with rich, barrel-matured white Burgundy. If you’ve already discovered fruit-filled Chilean Cabernet, then you really need to try the aristocratic reds of Bordeaux. Find out for yourself why the wines of New Zealand have become so popular, or experience the everlasting appeal of Burgundy. Just a few rungs up the price ladder, flavours become more intense – making it far easier to stick to a single glass!
When exploring, don’t be afraid to ask questions of waiters or shop staff – if properly trained they will be full of useful advice. The very cheapest wine is rarely the best value for money. Excise duty, VAT, transport and packaging are virtually the same whether it’s a basic vin de table or from a prestigious estate. By paying a little extra – say £5 to £7 – you get a big increase in wine quality.
The easy option:
More people are ordering their wine online thanks to the convenience and range of wines on offer. Online wine merchants invariably provide more information about their wines than you will find on the label when perusing the supermarket shelves. Laithwaites were voted UK Independent Wine Merchant of the Year 2007 and have seen their online orders increase rapidly in recent years. It isn’t hard to see why – a quick look at their website reveals a wide range of wines with helpful descriptions about each bottle. Ordering is simple, each selection is delivered direct to your door and every bottle is covered by a full money-back guarantee.
With expert wine merchants available at your fingertips it has become a whole lot easier to enjoy better wines at very competitive prices. Avoid cheap supermarket wine and you’ll discover a little good wine really does go a long way. You may find that you shed those unwanted pounds and your health, not to mention your palate, improves too! More information can be found at our site.
Source : http://www.articlecity.com/articles/food_and_drink/article_1875.shtml
6 Things You Should Not Do When You Have A New Puppy In The Home
Everyone agrees that training a puppy is imperative for him to learn how to behave and to teach him his boundaries, but there are some basic tips you need to know before starting your dog training. Magazines, books and online articles addressing the basics of acquiring a new puppy abound. They may all sound repetitive, and a lot of the tips and advice are actually simple and requires common sense, but they are vital nonetheless.
When you bring home a new puppy, keep in mind these 6 things you should avoid doing:
1. Never hit your puppy, whether with your hand or with a rolled up newspaper or any other object, regardless of what he does. Keep in mind that your puppy is like a baby -- it is very delicate and is easily injured. Hitting your puppy will only frighten him and be a traumatic experience for him that can possibly lead to behavioral issues when he is fully grown. Remember that being taken away from his mother and litter mates is a traumatic and scary enough experience for him so be a little patient with this new addition to your family. Your puppy will probably whine for a few days, but he will soon get used to his new family, and will give you all his love and loyalty.
2. If you have objects in your house that you cherish or have sentimental value, keep them out of your puppy's reach. Your puppy, and all puppies for that matter, will eat everything it can get its mouth on. If you want to keep your socks free from holes, don't leave them laying on the floor or in places where your puppy can easily reach them. If you smoke, don't throw the cigarette butts on the floor; your puppy won't think twice about chewing on those. The same goes for any gadgets you have that can be easily scratched and damaged.
3. Don't let other people, family members included, handle your new puppy -- at least for the first couple of weeks or so. It is better that you and another family member handle the new puppy first. If too many people are handling the puppy, he may become nervous and have problems socializing.
4. Avoid picking up the new puppy by his forelegs. Children tend to pick puppies up this way so if you have kids in your house, tell them they should not pick up the new puppy this way. Your puppy's legs are not strong yet and if he can get injured if he is picked up by the forelegs.
5. Don't leave holes inside your house uncovered. Puppies are incredibly curious and they will literally try to get into everything. It can be fatal if your puppy gets stuck in a hole.
6. Don't leave electrical wires uncovered or accessible to your puppy. Cover any exposed wires in your house because your puppy won't spare those. Many puppies have died from electrocution because the house they were living in were not puppy-proof.
Source : http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1542.shtml
When you bring home a new puppy, keep in mind these 6 things you should avoid doing:
1. Never hit your puppy, whether with your hand or with a rolled up newspaper or any other object, regardless of what he does. Keep in mind that your puppy is like a baby -- it is very delicate and is easily injured. Hitting your puppy will only frighten him and be a traumatic experience for him that can possibly lead to behavioral issues when he is fully grown. Remember that being taken away from his mother and litter mates is a traumatic and scary enough experience for him so be a little patient with this new addition to your family. Your puppy will probably whine for a few days, but he will soon get used to his new family, and will give you all his love and loyalty.
2. If you have objects in your house that you cherish or have sentimental value, keep them out of your puppy's reach. Your puppy, and all puppies for that matter, will eat everything it can get its mouth on. If you want to keep your socks free from holes, don't leave them laying on the floor or in places where your puppy can easily reach them. If you smoke, don't throw the cigarette butts on the floor; your puppy won't think twice about chewing on those. The same goes for any gadgets you have that can be easily scratched and damaged.
3. Don't let other people, family members included, handle your new puppy -- at least for the first couple of weeks or so. It is better that you and another family member handle the new puppy first. If too many people are handling the puppy, he may become nervous and have problems socializing.
4. Avoid picking up the new puppy by his forelegs. Children tend to pick puppies up this way so if you have kids in your house, tell them they should not pick up the new puppy this way. Your puppy's legs are not strong yet and if he can get injured if he is picked up by the forelegs.
5. Don't leave holes inside your house uncovered. Puppies are incredibly curious and they will literally try to get into everything. It can be fatal if your puppy gets stuck in a hole.
6. Don't leave electrical wires uncovered or accessible to your puppy. Cover any exposed wires in your house because your puppy won't spare those. Many puppies have died from electrocution because the house they were living in were not puppy-proof.
Source : http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1542.shtml
6 Things You Should Do When You Have A New Puppy In The Home
Adopting a new puppy can be one of the most exciting things that can happen to a person or a family, but that cute little fur ball can also cause a lot of stress, especially in the first few days of coming to his new home. If you have just adopted a puppy, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to make sure that this new addition to your family grows up healthy and happy. Below are 6 things you should do for your newly-arrived puppy:
1. Give your new puppy plenty of love and attention, particularly when he does something "right." Start communicating with your puppy the moment you bring him home. Don't wait for your puppy to make a mistake or do something wrong before starting communicating with him. If you start communicating with your puppy this way, you are essentially training your puppy that you are nice some times and not nice at other times.
2. Puppies love to chew so give your puppy lots of chew toys. You can make chew toys for your puppy or you can buy a few from your local pet shop. This way your puppy learns early one to chew on his toys instead of your shoes!
3. Have comfortable, warm bed for your puppy. If you intend for your puppy to live outside the house, make sure to provide him with weatherproof doghouse. The doghouse should be spacious too. If you decide to let your puppy sleep inside the house, you can use a rectangular wooden box for his bed. You can also check out crates and kennels sold at local pet stores..
4. Keep an eye on your puppy when small children are present. Puppies are practically no match for rambunctious small kids. Puppies can easily get injured and even killed when they are left alone with small children. Small kids generally don't realize that puppies are very fragile animals and that they should be handle with extra care and gentleness.
5. Start your puppy on a regular feeding schedule the first day it arrives in your home. If your puppy is six months old or less, provide him 3 to 4 solid meals each day. During each feeding, give your new puppy all the food he can consume within 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, take away any leftovers. It is very important that you provide your puppy plenty of fresh drinking water in between meals.
6. Start training your puppy to go on regular bathroom breaks. Take your puppy to the same bathroom spot at the same times every day, if at all possible. It is recommended that you take your puppy on bathroom breaks after every meal and two to three hours in between his meals, and after he has taken a nap. At night, take your new puppy on late-night bathroom trips. This will train your puppy early on to go to his bathroom spot if he needs to urinate in the middle of night instead of doing it right in his crate.
Source : http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1543.shtml
1. Give your new puppy plenty of love and attention, particularly when he does something "right." Start communicating with your puppy the moment you bring him home. Don't wait for your puppy to make a mistake or do something wrong before starting communicating with him. If you start communicating with your puppy this way, you are essentially training your puppy that you are nice some times and not nice at other times.
2. Puppies love to chew so give your puppy lots of chew toys. You can make chew toys for your puppy or you can buy a few from your local pet shop. This way your puppy learns early one to chew on his toys instead of your shoes!
3. Have comfortable, warm bed for your puppy. If you intend for your puppy to live outside the house, make sure to provide him with weatherproof doghouse. The doghouse should be spacious too. If you decide to let your puppy sleep inside the house, you can use a rectangular wooden box for his bed. You can also check out crates and kennels sold at local pet stores..
4. Keep an eye on your puppy when small children are present. Puppies are practically no match for rambunctious small kids. Puppies can easily get injured and even killed when they are left alone with small children. Small kids generally don't realize that puppies are very fragile animals and that they should be handle with extra care and gentleness.
5. Start your puppy on a regular feeding schedule the first day it arrives in your home. If your puppy is six months old or less, provide him 3 to 4 solid meals each day. During each feeding, give your new puppy all the food he can consume within 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, take away any leftovers. It is very important that you provide your puppy plenty of fresh drinking water in between meals.
6. Start training your puppy to go on regular bathroom breaks. Take your puppy to the same bathroom spot at the same times every day, if at all possible. It is recommended that you take your puppy on bathroom breaks after every meal and two to three hours in between his meals, and after he has taken a nap. At night, take your new puppy on late-night bathroom trips. This will train your puppy early on to go to his bathroom spot if he needs to urinate in the middle of night instead of doing it right in his crate.
Source : http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1543.shtml
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Dogs Have Separation Anxiety Too
Dogs, like humans, suffer from separation anxiety. Your dog may have experienced it. How do you know if your dog suffers from separation anxiety? There may have been a time (or perhaps right now) when your dog showed destructive behavior and you have actually come home to find the house in disarray -- papers were scattered all over the place, the trash can was knocked over with garbage spilling out, your shoes and clothes were chewed into pieces and shred.
You were bewildered because the destruction couldn't have been done by your sweet dog. After all, he's been with you since he was a small pup and he always had a sweet disposition, always eager to please, and always wanting to be around you.
Another way to find out if your dog has separation anxiety is by asking your neighbor is he or she heard the dog barking excessively. If any of these are true, read on.
Believe it or not, your dog had (or is suffering from) separation anxiety. It is a condition that is actually very common among puppies and dogs. Dogs exhibit this panic disorder when their owners are not around. Dogs with separation anxiety become very afraid of being left alone and this fear manifests itself in destructive behaviors.
You probably already know that dogs are social animals. Starting from birth, dogs become dependent and attached to their mother and other litter. If you acquired your dog when he was still a puppy then he would have transferred this dependence and attachment to you. Thus, when you often leave your dog alone in the house, he would experience separation anxiety.
Your dog may have separation anxiety if you observe the following in your dog:
- destructive behaviors
- excessive barking, crying, whining and howling
- house soiling
- self-mutilation
- constant pacing
- excessive salivation
- scratching or chewing at furniture, doors, walls, windows and other objects
- hyperactivity
- depression
Separation anxiety in dogs can be caused by a number of things. In some dogs, separation anxiety was caused by previous experiences such as loss or abandonment of their previous owners. Separation anxiety may not show right away in many dogs, and the best way to treat it is by training your dog to understand that when you are only gone for a temporary time, sometimes medications might be necessary. If the separation anxiety is too severe and dog training did not help, you will need to consult with your veterinarian.
Here are a few more things that may cause separation anxiety in dogs:
1. A traumatic experience like an injury, alarm going off or a thunderstorm while the dog is alone.
2. A new family member or the loss of one.
3. Premature separation from the mother and other litter.
4. Introduction of a new pet, and spending more time with the new pet.
5. A sudden change in lifestyle, schedule or even environment (e.g., moving to a new place).
6. Physiological and mental changes that happen as dogs get older.
Source : http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1544.shtml
You were bewildered because the destruction couldn't have been done by your sweet dog. After all, he's been with you since he was a small pup and he always had a sweet disposition, always eager to please, and always wanting to be around you.
Another way to find out if your dog has separation anxiety is by asking your neighbor is he or she heard the dog barking excessively. If any of these are true, read on.
Believe it or not, your dog had (or is suffering from) separation anxiety. It is a condition that is actually very common among puppies and dogs. Dogs exhibit this panic disorder when their owners are not around. Dogs with separation anxiety become very afraid of being left alone and this fear manifests itself in destructive behaviors.
You probably already know that dogs are social animals. Starting from birth, dogs become dependent and attached to their mother and other litter. If you acquired your dog when he was still a puppy then he would have transferred this dependence and attachment to you. Thus, when you often leave your dog alone in the house, he would experience separation anxiety.
Your dog may have separation anxiety if you observe the following in your dog:
- destructive behaviors
- excessive barking, crying, whining and howling
- house soiling
- self-mutilation
- constant pacing
- excessive salivation
- scratching or chewing at furniture, doors, walls, windows and other objects
- hyperactivity
- depression
Separation anxiety in dogs can be caused by a number of things. In some dogs, separation anxiety was caused by previous experiences such as loss or abandonment of their previous owners. Separation anxiety may not show right away in many dogs, and the best way to treat it is by training your dog to understand that when you are only gone for a temporary time, sometimes medications might be necessary. If the separation anxiety is too severe and dog training did not help, you will need to consult with your veterinarian.
Here are a few more things that may cause separation anxiety in dogs:
1. A traumatic experience like an injury, alarm going off or a thunderstorm while the dog is alone.
2. A new family member or the loss of one.
3. Premature separation from the mother and other litter.
4. Introduction of a new pet, and spending more time with the new pet.
5. A sudden change in lifestyle, schedule or even environment (e.g., moving to a new place).
6. Physiological and mental changes that happen as dogs get older.
Source : http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1544.shtml
9 Hidden Keys to Happiness and Success
We all love to feel motivated. I know I do. It’s absolute nirvana to be on purpose and on task at the same time. But life often intervenes in my plans and that can mean stress, frustration and setbacks and I find that I have to live my life on Inner Motivation – particularly when the proverbial chips are down. Most of us wait for someone else to give us a reason to move ahead or we wait for circumstance or opportunity to line up in just the right way so we can move ahead with the inner commitment we’ve been holding back. We wait for our partner to say ‘I love you’ first, we wait for a sign of acceptance before we commit to revealing some part of ourselves and we wait for the evidence of the result before we commit our belief.
To many of us this seems like a smart or even shrewd way of going about business and life. We think we’re protecting and insulating ourselves by not putting too much ‘out there’ and therefore avoiding disappointment or (God forbid) rejection. In reality, though, this is actually a very dangerous way to live life because it puts your life and your happiness in someone else’s hands - a sure fire equation for misery. From the inside this may seem like a very controlled way to live life, but it’s actually a very out of control way to live life. That’s why it makes us so unhappy and leaves us so unfulfilled. There’s nothing dependable or controlled about it.
One of my favorite movie scenes is from the Indiana Jones movie where he (played by Harrison Ford) and his father (played by Sean Connery) are searching for the Holy Grail. Indiana’s father lies dying at the hands of the Nazis and to save his life Indiana must find the Holy Grail. To get to the Grail, Indiana has to accurately decode his father’s Grail diary which will enable him to make his way through certain life-threatening challenges. After successfully making his way through several of the tests, he comes to a huge chasm that lies between where he is and where he wants to be. He reads the Bible passage from his father’s diary which has to do with “faith being the evidence of things not seen”. He picks up a handful of sand and throws it out to the chasm only to see the sand fall on an invisible bridge.
I personally believe there lies a bridge across every chasm we face, no matter the depth or the breadth of the canyon. The path to whatever we want in life always exists and we can find it if we have the unwavering commitment and willingness to learn and grow in the ways required of us.
“Courage is the price that life extracts for peace of mind.”
Amelia Earhardt
When the relationship or the job or the project doesn’t go the way you wanted it to, you need to have Authentic Inner Motivation to get you to where you want to be. You can’t force yourself to be motivated. You have to develop it from the inside out. Having Authentic Inner Motivation at your disposal whenever you want it requires focus, commitment and discipline.
How do you do develop Authentic Inner Motivation? Let’s take a look at the formula:
1. Set Goals - First, decide what you want. Take your sales, income and personal goals, and be crystal clear about them. Write them down and look at them several times throughout the day. A vague goal of doing the best you can or giving your best every day won’t get you there. You have to clearly see what you want – and often.
I have a Vision Folder. Inside it I have photographs, pages from magazines and mock-ups that reflect my goals. It’s an easy and portable way to keep my goals in front me, and I look at them every morning and evening.
2. Commitment – Nothing happens without complete and total personal commitment. If you’re leaving out even 1% of your total dedication to accomplishing your goal, you won’t get there. Think about this…what would happen if your doctor had a 99% commitment to healing you or your loved one? Would that be enough for you? Would you have respect for them?
If you want to sleep well at night, if you want to be respected by those you’re in relationship with and if you want to have overwhelming self-respect – commit 155% of yourself to your goals and watch your life change for the better.
3. Self-Honesty – This is a tough one for some folks. Not everyone is comfortable taking a hard look within. But if you’re serious about being successful you need to look within to see what you’re doing to create your own experience. You also need to be honest about what skills you need to learn to get you to where you want to be. Also, take an honest internal inventory of your emotional health. If you’re carrying resentment from your last employment experience, your last relationship or any other experience, it’s limiting the success you create today.
Think about the people you’ve known that use resentment as insulation in their life – now notice how betrayal is a common theme in their life. There’s a reason for that. Call it the Law of Attraction, Karma, a self-fulfilling prophecy or the “as ye sow, so shall ye reap” principle, it means you are creating your own experiences. When you hold on to resentment, you are (subconsciously) believing that you don’t have a choice or any power in your current situation, that the other person is against you in some way and so this situation will turn negatively and there’s nothing you can do about it. Resentment always breeds betrayal in your life. Take an emotional inventory and heal and release the reasons for the negative emotions – particularly the resentment and watch the prosperity roll in!
4. Accountability – It doesn’t matter whether you listen to a minister, your favorite self-improvement author, your Mom or Dr. Phil, they will all tell you the same thing…your life is created from the inside out, so you might as well own it. Blame of any kind is a jail cell for your spirit.
5. Commit to Faith & Belief – Hebrews 11:1 says “Now faith is the evidence of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” - the faith and the belief has to come first – the evidence comes after. There was a book written several years ago under the title You’ll See It When You Believe It. Great title. In the tarot deck, the first card is the card of the Fool which shows a picture of a young man ostensibly walking off of the edge of the cliff – it’s said to be the bravest, most powerful card in the entire deck.
6. Have an Attitude of Gratitude – The most powerful words you can ever use, think or write is THANK YOU. Just as resentment can shut down your prosperity and relationships, an attitude of gratitude will open the floodgates of prosperity and love in your life. (Remember to use these powerful words with yourself as well!) Every life experience is a gift and a perspective of appreciation makes the inherent wisdom of our experiences all that more evident to us.
7. Practice Tolerance – Judgment is another self-limiting behavior that limits your success and hampers your motivation and creativity. Judgment is a terrible burden to carry around and creates a paranoiac state of mind. Practice tolerance and lighten your load!
8. Get Inspired – Inspiration comes from different sources for different people, and it’s essential that we know what works for us and that we prime these sources often. I have a writer friend who has her most motivating songs on a separate section on her iPod. When she feels blocked or frustrated or discouraged, one of the things she does is listen to those songs one by one. Long before the end of the songs she’s belting out the words right along with her favorite artist and she’s ready to take another stab at her project at hand. I like to go for a walk or a run outside. With two small children in my life I may only get ½ hour to squeeze in a run or a walk but that time is so inspirational to me. It really stirs my creativity. Meditating is inspirational as is a good movie, a good book or talking with someone else whose success you admire.
9. Take Care of Your Health – If you don’t feel well, it’s hard to stay motivated. So take good care of your health! Eat well, take vitamins, exercise every day, play, rest and enjoy your work! There’s a saying…anyone would give their money to have health, but no one would give their health to have money. Right now I’m really into juicing. It’s an idea that came to me while I was sitting outside (of course) next to the koi pond at Children’s Hospital when my son was ill last summer. As often as my husband could he would join us and come turn cartwheels to distract and make our son laugh so I could get some food into him. When –pop- there was the idea – juicing. It’s worked beautifully. Our son began drinking his veggies and since they’re masked under pineapple or apple or strawberries, he loves every drop. The rest of our family has started juicing as a result and I’m amazed at how good it makes you feel and how much energy it gives you! A friend of ours picked up the Jack Lalanne juicer for us while we were still in the hospital and he has a neat video on his site at www.powerjuicer.com .
Authentic Inner Motivation isn’t just a skill that will help you earn the kind of money that you want or that will make you happier while you’re doing it, it’s a way of living that will help you to live a happier and more successful life.
Use the AIM Formula in your work and let yourself shine! You’ll be happier, more successful and more prosperous for doing it.
Source :http://www.articlecity.com/articles/self_improvement_and_motivation/article_6235.shtml
To many of us this seems like a smart or even shrewd way of going about business and life. We think we’re protecting and insulating ourselves by not putting too much ‘out there’ and therefore avoiding disappointment or (God forbid) rejection. In reality, though, this is actually a very dangerous way to live life because it puts your life and your happiness in someone else’s hands - a sure fire equation for misery. From the inside this may seem like a very controlled way to live life, but it’s actually a very out of control way to live life. That’s why it makes us so unhappy and leaves us so unfulfilled. There’s nothing dependable or controlled about it.
One of my favorite movie scenes is from the Indiana Jones movie where he (played by Harrison Ford) and his father (played by Sean Connery) are searching for the Holy Grail. Indiana’s father lies dying at the hands of the Nazis and to save his life Indiana must find the Holy Grail. To get to the Grail, Indiana has to accurately decode his father’s Grail diary which will enable him to make his way through certain life-threatening challenges. After successfully making his way through several of the tests, he comes to a huge chasm that lies between where he is and where he wants to be. He reads the Bible passage from his father’s diary which has to do with “faith being the evidence of things not seen”. He picks up a handful of sand and throws it out to the chasm only to see the sand fall on an invisible bridge.
I personally believe there lies a bridge across every chasm we face, no matter the depth or the breadth of the canyon. The path to whatever we want in life always exists and we can find it if we have the unwavering commitment and willingness to learn and grow in the ways required of us.
“Courage is the price that life extracts for peace of mind.”
Amelia Earhardt
When the relationship or the job or the project doesn’t go the way you wanted it to, you need to have Authentic Inner Motivation to get you to where you want to be. You can’t force yourself to be motivated. You have to develop it from the inside out. Having Authentic Inner Motivation at your disposal whenever you want it requires focus, commitment and discipline.
How do you do develop Authentic Inner Motivation? Let’s take a look at the formula:
1. Set Goals - First, decide what you want. Take your sales, income and personal goals, and be crystal clear about them. Write them down and look at them several times throughout the day. A vague goal of doing the best you can or giving your best every day won’t get you there. You have to clearly see what you want – and often.
I have a Vision Folder. Inside it I have photographs, pages from magazines and mock-ups that reflect my goals. It’s an easy and portable way to keep my goals in front me, and I look at them every morning and evening.
2. Commitment – Nothing happens without complete and total personal commitment. If you’re leaving out even 1% of your total dedication to accomplishing your goal, you won’t get there. Think about this…what would happen if your doctor had a 99% commitment to healing you or your loved one? Would that be enough for you? Would you have respect for them?
If you want to sleep well at night, if you want to be respected by those you’re in relationship with and if you want to have overwhelming self-respect – commit 155% of yourself to your goals and watch your life change for the better.
3. Self-Honesty – This is a tough one for some folks. Not everyone is comfortable taking a hard look within. But if you’re serious about being successful you need to look within to see what you’re doing to create your own experience. You also need to be honest about what skills you need to learn to get you to where you want to be. Also, take an honest internal inventory of your emotional health. If you’re carrying resentment from your last employment experience, your last relationship or any other experience, it’s limiting the success you create today.
Think about the people you’ve known that use resentment as insulation in their life – now notice how betrayal is a common theme in their life. There’s a reason for that. Call it the Law of Attraction, Karma, a self-fulfilling prophecy or the “as ye sow, so shall ye reap” principle, it means you are creating your own experiences. When you hold on to resentment, you are (subconsciously) believing that you don’t have a choice or any power in your current situation, that the other person is against you in some way and so this situation will turn negatively and there’s nothing you can do about it. Resentment always breeds betrayal in your life. Take an emotional inventory and heal and release the reasons for the negative emotions – particularly the resentment and watch the prosperity roll in!
4. Accountability – It doesn’t matter whether you listen to a minister, your favorite self-improvement author, your Mom or Dr. Phil, they will all tell you the same thing…your life is created from the inside out, so you might as well own it. Blame of any kind is a jail cell for your spirit.
5. Commit to Faith & Belief – Hebrews 11:1 says “Now faith is the evidence of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” - the faith and the belief has to come first – the evidence comes after. There was a book written several years ago under the title You’ll See It When You Believe It. Great title. In the tarot deck, the first card is the card of the Fool which shows a picture of a young man ostensibly walking off of the edge of the cliff – it’s said to be the bravest, most powerful card in the entire deck.
6. Have an Attitude of Gratitude – The most powerful words you can ever use, think or write is THANK YOU. Just as resentment can shut down your prosperity and relationships, an attitude of gratitude will open the floodgates of prosperity and love in your life. (Remember to use these powerful words with yourself as well!) Every life experience is a gift and a perspective of appreciation makes the inherent wisdom of our experiences all that more evident to us.
7. Practice Tolerance – Judgment is another self-limiting behavior that limits your success and hampers your motivation and creativity. Judgment is a terrible burden to carry around and creates a paranoiac state of mind. Practice tolerance and lighten your load!
8. Get Inspired – Inspiration comes from different sources for different people, and it’s essential that we know what works for us and that we prime these sources often. I have a writer friend who has her most motivating songs on a separate section on her iPod. When she feels blocked or frustrated or discouraged, one of the things she does is listen to those songs one by one. Long before the end of the songs she’s belting out the words right along with her favorite artist and she’s ready to take another stab at her project at hand. I like to go for a walk or a run outside. With two small children in my life I may only get ½ hour to squeeze in a run or a walk but that time is so inspirational to me. It really stirs my creativity. Meditating is inspirational as is a good movie, a good book or talking with someone else whose success you admire.
9. Take Care of Your Health – If you don’t feel well, it’s hard to stay motivated. So take good care of your health! Eat well, take vitamins, exercise every day, play, rest and enjoy your work! There’s a saying…anyone would give their money to have health, but no one would give their health to have money. Right now I’m really into juicing. It’s an idea that came to me while I was sitting outside (of course) next to the koi pond at Children’s Hospital when my son was ill last summer. As often as my husband could he would join us and come turn cartwheels to distract and make our son laugh so I could get some food into him. When –pop- there was the idea – juicing. It’s worked beautifully. Our son began drinking his veggies and since they’re masked under pineapple or apple or strawberries, he loves every drop. The rest of our family has started juicing as a result and I’m amazed at how good it makes you feel and how much energy it gives you! A friend of ours picked up the Jack Lalanne juicer for us while we were still in the hospital and he has a neat video on his site at www.powerjuicer.com .
Authentic Inner Motivation isn’t just a skill that will help you earn the kind of money that you want or that will make you happier while you’re doing it, it’s a way of living that will help you to live a happier and more successful life.
Use the AIM Formula in your work and let yourself shine! You’ll be happier, more successful and more prosperous for doing it.
Source :http://www.articlecity.com/articles/self_improvement_and_motivation/article_6235.shtml
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
6 Great Concentration Exercises
It is not easy to concentrate especially when we are surrounded by distractions, such as the people around us, the hum of the computer, or other background noises. In order to achieve greater concentration, we need to have a strong will in order to block out all other distractions except for the task at hand. Your thoughts have more power than you give them credit for, and if we apply our will to improving our concentration and reaching our goals, we can take better control of the direction in life that we are headed towards.
Here is a list of great concentration exercises that you should practice if you want to improve your concentration. Keep in mind that you should be calm and relaxed, physically and mentally. You can achieve this state by taking deep breathes and focusing on your breathing.
These exercises should be attempted for 5 minutes, and lengthened to 10 and then 15 minutes when you are satisfied with your own results and achievements. Do not be discouraged, and keep working at them as they seem simple on paper, but actually require a great deal of mental willpower and concentration to achieve. If you find your mind wandering away from the task before the time limit is reached, bring yourself back and start over.
Exercise #1:
Count backwards slowly in your mind, starting from 100 back to 1. Do not allow your mind to wander to other thoughts, such as the time, or why the neighbour’s dog is barking. Focus solely on the numbers, and if you find yourself daydreaming or confused as to which number you are at and which direction you are counting in, start over.
Exercise #2:
You can move on to this exercise when you can complete exercise #1 successfully. This time, count backwards slowly from 100 to 1 in your mind, skipping in multiples of 3. For example, 100, 97, 94 and so on. Like the previous exercise, this should be completely mental. Do not hold a piece of paper with the numbers written on it, and do not use your fingers or any other means of keeping track of your position.
Exercise #3:
Take a simple thought, scenario, or word and keep it focused in your mind for the entire time limit. If it is a word, repeat it to yourself without getting distracted by your favourite way of using the word, or why you picked the word. Focus solely on the word and how it sounds. This should be the same if it is a thought or a scenario. Do not let your mind wander and contemplate why you have picked that particular scenario, or what it means and how it came to be. Focus simply on what it is.
Exercise #4:
Pick a simple object that you are familiar with, such as a pencil, or a fruit. Concentrate and look at the fruit taking in its texture, colour and any other physical attributes that are evident. Spend the entire time limit simply looking and absorbing the object from all angels. Your mind should only be seeing the object, and you should not let it wander to other thoughts.
Exercise #5:
When you are able to complete exercise #4, you can move on to this exercise. Picture the same object in your mind, and try to recall every single detail. The colour, the weight, the feel of the object and how it looks. If you are unable to recall, you may open your eyes to look at the object, and then close your eyes and concentrate again.
Exercise #6:
When you have completed the rest of the exercises, take the entire time limit to sit down and breathe deeply. Focus on your breathing, in and out. Let your mind be cleared of all thoughts, so that your focus is solely on your breathing. Do not entertain any stray thoughts and keep your mind completely clear.
Source :http://www.articlecity.com/articles/self_improvement_and_motivation/article_6240.shtml
Here is a list of great concentration exercises that you should practice if you want to improve your concentration. Keep in mind that you should be calm and relaxed, physically and mentally. You can achieve this state by taking deep breathes and focusing on your breathing.
These exercises should be attempted for 5 minutes, and lengthened to 10 and then 15 minutes when you are satisfied with your own results and achievements. Do not be discouraged, and keep working at them as they seem simple on paper, but actually require a great deal of mental willpower and concentration to achieve. If you find your mind wandering away from the task before the time limit is reached, bring yourself back and start over.
Exercise #1:
Count backwards slowly in your mind, starting from 100 back to 1. Do not allow your mind to wander to other thoughts, such as the time, or why the neighbour’s dog is barking. Focus solely on the numbers, and if you find yourself daydreaming or confused as to which number you are at and which direction you are counting in, start over.
Exercise #2:
You can move on to this exercise when you can complete exercise #1 successfully. This time, count backwards slowly from 100 to 1 in your mind, skipping in multiples of 3. For example, 100, 97, 94 and so on. Like the previous exercise, this should be completely mental. Do not hold a piece of paper with the numbers written on it, and do not use your fingers or any other means of keeping track of your position.
Exercise #3:
Take a simple thought, scenario, or word and keep it focused in your mind for the entire time limit. If it is a word, repeat it to yourself without getting distracted by your favourite way of using the word, or why you picked the word. Focus solely on the word and how it sounds. This should be the same if it is a thought or a scenario. Do not let your mind wander and contemplate why you have picked that particular scenario, or what it means and how it came to be. Focus simply on what it is.
Exercise #4:
Pick a simple object that you are familiar with, such as a pencil, or a fruit. Concentrate and look at the fruit taking in its texture, colour and any other physical attributes that are evident. Spend the entire time limit simply looking and absorbing the object from all angels. Your mind should only be seeing the object, and you should not let it wander to other thoughts.
Exercise #5:
When you are able to complete exercise #4, you can move on to this exercise. Picture the same object in your mind, and try to recall every single detail. The colour, the weight, the feel of the object and how it looks. If you are unable to recall, you may open your eyes to look at the object, and then close your eyes and concentrate again.
Exercise #6:
When you have completed the rest of the exercises, take the entire time limit to sit down and breathe deeply. Focus on your breathing, in and out. Let your mind be cleared of all thoughts, so that your focus is solely on your breathing. Do not entertain any stray thoughts and keep your mind completely clear.
Source :http://www.articlecity.com/articles/self_improvement_and_motivation/article_6240.shtml
Avoiding Short Term Memory Loss
Various names for memory loss are amnesia and dementia. One of our biggest fears as we age is losing our mental facilities, and how to deal with family members who are experiencing such memory loss. Short term memory loss can be triggered by stroke, circulation, Alzheimer’s as well as poor conductivity in the brain. However, take heart that memory loss is temporary and can be improved or avoided.
What is Short Term Memory?
Short-term memory refers to memories which last for a few minutes, and have gone through some amount of processing by the brain as compared to our long-term memory where information can be kept for a long time due to it being able to be related with other things that helps us remember. It is usually of limited capacity, and absorbing new information causes the older information to be “forgotten”. Trying to communicate with those who have short term memory loss is frustrating but it is not inevitable that we will have to lose our memory.
Avoiding Short Term Memory Loss
1. Items can be maintained indefinitely in short-term memory by rehearsal: e.g. by repeating the information over and over again.
2. Repetition may also increase the probability that items in short-term memory will enter permanent storage in long-term memory.
3. Mental and physical exercises, your diet and nutritional supplements can help in avoiding short term memory loss.
4. Your body needs to have sufficient sleep in order to create links and connections in your memory. Hence, a minimum of 8 hours of sleep a day is recommended.
5. Your vision is an incredible resource for boosting your memory, with approximately 40% of the brain devoted to it. This is more than any other function of the brain!
6. Visit your doctor for regular blood tests, as they are indicators as to possible ailments and allows for your doctor to provide a cure through medications.
7. When your brain is deprived of the blood it needs, your memory health will be adversely affected. Cut down on the number of triglycerides and cholesterol in your blood, as these act as blockers.
8. In order to maintain the health of your mind, your brain needs nutrients such as folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12. These support the neurotransmitters in your brain that allows you to pass on signals and information to where they should be.
These are 8 simply tips to avoiding short term memory loss. Do keep in mind that although aging affects memory loss, other factors such as health issues, alcohol and drug usage, smoking, and environmental toxins play an important part as well. While we may not be able to completely stop the process of aging which would then affect our memory capacity, we sure have the ability to prevent ourselves from damaging it even further. Keeping a healthy lifestyle of a good and balanced diet coupled with a good exercise regime to keep ourselves fit, we can slow down the process of our memory loss and be able to keep the memories we have for a long long time.
Source :http://www.articlecity.com/articles/self_improvement_and_motivation/article_6251.shtml
What is Short Term Memory?
Short-term memory refers to memories which last for a few minutes, and have gone through some amount of processing by the brain as compared to our long-term memory where information can be kept for a long time due to it being able to be related with other things that helps us remember. It is usually of limited capacity, and absorbing new information causes the older information to be “forgotten”. Trying to communicate with those who have short term memory loss is frustrating but it is not inevitable that we will have to lose our memory.
Avoiding Short Term Memory Loss
1. Items can be maintained indefinitely in short-term memory by rehearsal: e.g. by repeating the information over and over again.
2. Repetition may also increase the probability that items in short-term memory will enter permanent storage in long-term memory.
3. Mental and physical exercises, your diet and nutritional supplements can help in avoiding short term memory loss.
4. Your body needs to have sufficient sleep in order to create links and connections in your memory. Hence, a minimum of 8 hours of sleep a day is recommended.
5. Your vision is an incredible resource for boosting your memory, with approximately 40% of the brain devoted to it. This is more than any other function of the brain!
6. Visit your doctor for regular blood tests, as they are indicators as to possible ailments and allows for your doctor to provide a cure through medications.
7. When your brain is deprived of the blood it needs, your memory health will be adversely affected. Cut down on the number of triglycerides and cholesterol in your blood, as these act as blockers.
8. In order to maintain the health of your mind, your brain needs nutrients such as folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12. These support the neurotransmitters in your brain that allows you to pass on signals and information to where they should be.
These are 8 simply tips to avoiding short term memory loss. Do keep in mind that although aging affects memory loss, other factors such as health issues, alcohol and drug usage, smoking, and environmental toxins play an important part as well. While we may not be able to completely stop the process of aging which would then affect our memory capacity, we sure have the ability to prevent ourselves from damaging it even further. Keeping a healthy lifestyle of a good and balanced diet coupled with a good exercise regime to keep ourselves fit, we can slow down the process of our memory loss and be able to keep the memories we have for a long long time.
Source :http://www.articlecity.com/articles/self_improvement_and_motivation/article_6251.shtml
10 Steps to Happily Ever After
Do you know what all happy and healthy marriages have in common? In every one of them you will find two people committed to making each other happy. You will find a man who cherishes his wife and puts her needs above his own, and you will find a wife who respects and trusts her man. We live in very selfish times. Pop-psychology messages are everywhere in the media encouraging us to love ourselves, do right by ourselves, and generally please ourselves first. If you really want a happy marriage, don't buy into that type of self-centered thinking. Instead, try these 10 time-tested techniques and experience the happiness, peace, and tranquility of a healthy marriage.
1. Make time for each other. It's so easy in our hyper-busy modern lifestyles to forget to set aside a little time to enjoy each other's company. Start a weekly tradition of setting a date for the two of you to be together doing something you both enjoy. Keep it simple. Take a nice walk together. Sip coffee together in a cozy coffeehouse. Talk to each other, reminisce, and get to know each other again.
2. Take time off from each other. Give each other space and time to work on hobbies and personal interests. When you have an interesting project to work on, you will feel more fulfilled and you will be a more interesting person.
3. Make little romantic gestures. Remember to compliment your spouse. Leave a little love note for them to find once in awhile. Celebrate the day you first met. Send flowers for no particular reason. You should continuously make little deposits in your spouse's emotional bank account. The return on your investment will be incredible.
4. Fight fair. Don't argue in front of other people. Don't insult each other or each other's families. Never threaten divorce, and never go to bed angry. Let the little things go, and don't make a big deal out of every disagreement. Before arguing, think; is this really going to matter in the long run?
5. Take interest in what interests your spouse. Watch their favorite shows with them. Read their favorite book, so you can talk about it with them. Encourage them to develop their talents.
6. Listen to your spouse. Husbands, remember that women need to express their feelings. Be a good sport and just listen. Don't interrupt, or get distracted. Empathize with her. Let her know that you can relate to what she's feeling. Ladies, please remember that the kind of talk you might like to have with your husband does not come naturally to most men. Just be patient. It's not a good idea to "unload" on him right when he comes home from work.
7. Accept your spouse for who they are. Practice total acceptance. Don't hold your spouse to your expectations; you will only succeed at building resentment.
8. Express your commitment. In little ways, you can, and should, renew your vows to each other over and over. Your spouse will feel comfortable and secure knowing that you are truly committed to the marriage. True closeness will only happen when all doubt and insecurity is replaced by confidence in the relationship. Let your spouse know that you really are in it "till death do us part."
9. Trust in each other. Don't be suspicious. Don't snoop through each other's belongings. To help ensure the trust, be honest with your spouse in all things. Never keep secrets from each other, not even little ones.
10. Make it your aim to be your spouse's best friend. Appreciate your spouse for who they are. Loosen up and have fun with each other. If you are practicing the steps above, you are on your way to being your spouse's best friend ? the ultimate relationship in marriage.
Author : Slade Hartwell
Keeping You Confident!
We can all be confident when we are sure of ourselves and knowledgeable about the situation in which we find ourselves. But what happens when we are not so sure and when we are forced to step outside our comfort zone? What happens to our thinking?
First we need to control our thinking then we need to develop techniques for remaining confident in a wide variety of scenarios and to catch ourselves when confidence begins to wane.
11 Techniques to Boost Self-Confidence
First of all let's demolish a myth that some people believe about confidence ?? You don't have to be an expert in something to have confidence.
You can have 2 people learning a new task, and one person is learning to do the task with confidence, while the other is making lots of mistakes and getting flustered. It's not about how well you do a particular task, but how you feel inside as you are doing it that makes you confident. If I had to choose to be confident in one area only, I would make that area 'learning whilst making mistakes'.
First identify a situation where you would like to be more confident, for example:
o In meetings with an important person
o Giving presentations
o Giving honest feedback
o Visiting a client
o In a sales context
o Networking with friends and prospective business associates
o Meeting new friends
o At parties
o Beginning a new hobby/evening class
Write your situation here:
TECHNIQUE 1 - Context Switch
List 5 situations, in a similar context to the one you have identified above, where you are usually confident.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Next, imagine you are re-enacting one of the contexts above, feeling very confident, and answer the following questions:
1. How do you feel when you have this confidence?
2. How do you hold yourself?
3. What is going through your mind?
4. Do you have any inner dialogue? What is it saying?
5. On what are you focusing your attention?
Now adopt the thinking, inner dialogue, posture and emotions you have when confident, at times where you are lacking confidence.
The above extract is taken from our e-book Keeping You Confident
This 33 page e-book shows how confidence is dependent upon the way we think, and focuses on 11 techniques for boosting self-confidence in any situation, among strangers as well as contemporaries. Some of the other techniques in the e-book are:
o Sphere of Confidence
o Smile at your thoughts
o Compete with Yourself
o The Breath of Confidence
o Adopt Confident Gestures
More details at: http://quadrant1.co.uk/cat.php?cat=24
Life Walking: Dont Walk Just For Exercise - Change Your Life
"Life walking" is more than walking for exercise and fitness objectives. It's the larger ideal of using walking to change your life.
The objective for this New Year is simple: Get moving. Don't wait. Time is running out on your sedentary lifestyle. What can you do to make this year count for your weight loss goals - and your life walking? Two simple things at least:
One: If you're the type who is doing absolutely nothing right now, please start to do some walking regularly. Any walking at all contributes to physical activity ? and well-being. If you're already modestly active, then do a little more every day and you'll feel great. You will lose weight but gain something else - a life walking!
Two: Walking is the numero uno activity you should focus on. Sure, there are millions of other choices for exercise, but we all know of people who are waiting till they find the "best exercise". How many of them are in fact wasting more time looking, rather than finding? That kind of ultra-perfectionism in choices leads nowhere.
If you're like the rest of us, the so-called "formal exercise" may not be part of your inclination or even your "must-do" agenda. But life walking can be. Remember, even if it's just to and from the front door, you are already a walker. You have been a walker since you took your first steps as a baby. All you have to do is more of it.
It's a strange fact that in 2005 we have to tell people to walk more. But humans have spent so many centuries reducing their need to walk, that it's now become necessary to tell people they have to "return to life walking".
The industrial age, the automobiles we have, the tele-commuting we now do, the dial-a-life we now ring for everything - and the zillion other similar "conveniences" we have added to our lives ... these have all now become the collective cause for the greatest "inconvenience" we can have hoped to have - disease!
Every passing year, technology encourages us in the life of a "Sit Where You Are And Be Served, Oh Master!" kind of existence we have built for ourselves.
Fine. Let's look at the bright side. We no longer have to walk for the conduct of our lives. We have to now walk for life!
I would like to stress that you should make walking a part of how you live every day, not make it an exercise project. It's not a chore. It's not an obligation either. It's not even something to consciously think about. It's become an imperative!
One year from now how actively would you be able to say you have lived life?
Say, you're downstairs ? and need something from upstairs: Would you yell for someone to get it for you, or would you be sure to bound upstairs and get it yourself without a second thought? Not because you have to, but because it feels good to move again - a long-forgotten skill and thrill revived.
When you actually start looking for chances to move, not ways to avoid it, you'll know you have come full circle. By then, your body will surely reflect this weight loss and dynamism too. Importantly, your life will also feel lighter.
"Movement is in your nature. Just put it in your routine." is what Mark Fenton says in his book "The Complete Guide to Walking".
I'd add: Instead of pursuing mere weight loss, remember there's a bigger revival crying for your attention - today, decide instead to regenerate the life walking!
Laxmi Krishna is a bestselling author on weight loss. She succeeded in losing weight superfast -- 30 kgs. in just 32 weeks, with no dieting -- through a unique walking program she has designed. She reveals her success secrets in her path-breaking guide.Visit Laxmi's site at http://www.walking-calories.com
Monday, April 21, 2008
Exercise Is a Key to Good Health for All of Us
There's plenty of evidence that an essential component of a healthy life is physical activity. It has been shown that exercise has a positive effect on both your body and mind.
A very important thing to remember: People forget that regular exercise can be used as a drug. Physical activity is one of the best therapy for insomnia, weight control, and reducing insulin resistance. Exercise may also be as effective as medication for battling depression. It has been demonstrated for a long that people who exercise regularly live longer and are healthier than sedentary people. Valerian D is a freelance writer specialized in health issues affecting men. He thinks men's healthS is a major social concern |
The Benefit of Back Exercises
Back exercises are often prescribed effectively as an alternative to surgery. Doing daily back exercises can significantly reduce back pain related to a variety of common ailments. However, not every exercise is appropriate for some conditions and certain back exercises may even make the problem worse. This is why it's important to check with your doctor about which exercises will help or hinder you.
One of the simpler back exercises that you can do is a pelvic tilt. Lie on your back with your feet flat and knees bent. Keep your legs together and cross your arms over your chest and then you are going to tilt your pelvis and push your low back to the floor. Slowly lift your buttocks off the floor as far as you can without straining your muscles. After maintaining the position for about 5 seconds, slowly lower your buttocks back to the floor.
Of course there are many other back exercises that can help strengthen your back and alleviate pain, you will just need to experiment to see what your back can handle. If an exercise doesn't make you feel better, or worse yet, causes further back strain, then you should move on to another exercise that is better suited for your particular back problems. If you can avoid surgery by alleviating your pain through exercise then you will not have wasted a moment with back exercises. Working with your doctor or physical therapist to reach that goal is certainly going to be in your back's best interest.
Source:http://online-articles.org/exercise/29887.php
Emergency Supplies Everyone Needs Inside Their Vehicle
This winter I went to a neighboring city for the day. When I left home it was partly sunny and I thought a light sweater would be enough to wear for the day. At the last minute I did take my jacket. In two hours time the weather changed to blizzard conditions. It was snowing, blowing, and the electricity went out. Because of the storm I was a bit concerned and wondered if I would even be able to make it home because of the blizzard. I thought I had every thing in the trunk of my car I would need incase I couldn't make it home through the storm so I felt secure in being prepared, (or so I thought).
I checked the trunk when I got home and found I didn't have any emergency supplies. What a rude awakening for me. I had taken out my organizer with my first aid kit, blanket, emergency kit, everything else I had for emergencies and had never put them back.
This past week I was out of town and my daughter noticed one tire on my car had gone completely flat. I confidently told her to use the' fix a flat can' in the trunk to get my car to the shop to have it repaired. It is an inflator and sealer for tires. It is a foam, very easy to use and will allow you to drive on the tire for several miles until you can get the tire fixed. I had to use this product several years ago and I know it works. What peace of mind such a simple thing gives to me when I am driving in my car. I don't have to have a jack or tools and it seals and inflates in minutes.
No matter that the weather or circumstances it is a good idea to have some basic supplies in our vehicles. That means in very vehicle we or someone else in our family drives.
Here is a list of suggested supplies to keep in our vehicles in case of an emergency:
Booster cables and/or…A 3-in-1 12Volt power station. It includes, 1) an emergency jump start system; 2) a 12 volt DC power supply which is a portable power source for lights, radio, cell phones; 3) long-lasting illumination for roadside emergencies, work areas and camp sites.
Car Jack You may have to use it someday so it is important to know how to use it. (Actually practice changing a tire before an emergency arises).
Spare tire Check it monthly to make sure it is pumped up and in useable condition.
Fix A Flat in a can
A first aid kit.
Road Flares
There are roadside emergency kits you can buy that are ready to go.
A sleeping bag, blanket. I carried an old quilt in my trunk for years thinking it was warm. We had to put it to the test and found it was not warm at all. Select a blanket to keep you warm. It can also come in handy if you are changing a tire and have to lay down on the ground.
A flashlight that works, check to see if it the batteries are good every three months.
Water to drink
Sit down and think what you might need in case of a break down or an emergency when you are in your car and make up your own kit for your specific needs.
Keep everything organized in a container that fits your vehicle whether it is in a car trunk, jeep, truck, SUV or mini van. The peace of mind you will have from being prepared is worth its weight in gold.
Author:Marilyn Bohn
www.gentledang.flixya.com
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/auto_and_trucks/article_2362.shtml
I checked the trunk when I got home and found I didn't have any emergency supplies. What a rude awakening for me. I had taken out my organizer with my first aid kit, blanket, emergency kit, everything else I had for emergencies and had never put them back.
This past week I was out of town and my daughter noticed one tire on my car had gone completely flat. I confidently told her to use the' fix a flat can' in the trunk to get my car to the shop to have it repaired. It is an inflator and sealer for tires. It is a foam, very easy to use and will allow you to drive on the tire for several miles until you can get the tire fixed. I had to use this product several years ago and I know it works. What peace of mind such a simple thing gives to me when I am driving in my car. I don't have to have a jack or tools and it seals and inflates in minutes.
No matter that the weather or circumstances it is a good idea to have some basic supplies in our vehicles. That means in very vehicle we or someone else in our family drives.
Here is a list of suggested supplies to keep in our vehicles in case of an emergency:
Booster cables and/or…A 3-in-1 12Volt power station. It includes, 1) an emergency jump start system; 2) a 12 volt DC power supply which is a portable power source for lights, radio, cell phones; 3) long-lasting illumination for roadside emergencies, work areas and camp sites.
Car Jack You may have to use it someday so it is important to know how to use it. (Actually practice changing a tire before an emergency arises).
Spare tire Check it monthly to make sure it is pumped up and in useable condition.
Fix A Flat in a can
A first aid kit.
Road Flares
There are roadside emergency kits you can buy that are ready to go.
A sleeping bag, blanket. I carried an old quilt in my trunk for years thinking it was warm. We had to put it to the test and found it was not warm at all. Select a blanket to keep you warm. It can also come in handy if you are changing a tire and have to lay down on the ground.
A flashlight that works, check to see if it the batteries are good every three months.
Water to drink
Sit down and think what you might need in case of a break down or an emergency when you are in your car and make up your own kit for your specific needs.
Keep everything organized in a container that fits your vehicle whether it is in a car trunk, jeep, truck, SUV or mini van. The peace of mind you will have from being prepared is worth its weight in gold.
Author:Marilyn Bohn
www.gentledang.flixya.com
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/auto_and_trucks/article_2362.shtml
Diesel-Powered Daily Drivers are on the Rise
Diesel power is popular all over the world, but not for the same reasons. In America, diesel power is traditionally used to power commercial and industrial vehicles and equipment. In Europe, it is used for the same purposes, and it is popular for use in regular vehicles as well. Why is that? Europe has much higher fuel prices than America does, and diesel is much more economical than gasoline overall. While gasoline may cost less per gallon – depending on the season, due to heating costs – diesel can deliver more miles per gallon, effectively reducing the operating costs of a vehicle. For this reason, more diesel cars were sold in Europe than gasoline cars, according to a eurocarprice.com survey.
During the '70s gas shortage, diesel tried to make a place for itself in the American car market, but that failed, due to the poor engineering of the American car manufacturers’ attempt to rapidly develop and produce these cars. The cars produced were loud, expensive to maintain, produced a foul smelling exhaust, and were less reliable than traditional gasoline-powered automobiles. This created a stigma that has affected the reputation of diesel-powered automobiles, until now. J.D. Power and Associates has predicted that the number of cars powered by diesel will triple on America’s roads in the next ten years.
Diesel is much cleaner now than it was 30 years ago as well, not only in terms of exhaust, but in other aspects, too. Federal requirements dictate that diesel engines must meet standards that limit the odor, noise, and emissions significantly. They also get up to 40 percent better fuel economy than gasoline engines and produce enough power to satisfy most needs of the American speed demon.
One way diesel has become a much cleaner fuel is through the development of ULSD (Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel.) ULSD eliminates 97 percent of sulfur, which is a major cause of pollution. There are still a few states that do not allow the sale of diesel-powered passenger vehicles. Manufacturers are developing ways to use ULSD to meet requirements in all 50 states.
Along with the new ULSD, there are other technologies that can help reduce the emissions of diesel. Daimler Chrysler and GM both are developing engines that inject a substance into the combustion chamber during ignition that help the diesel burn more clean. A new catalytic converter is being introduced by Honda that greatly reduces the levels of nitrogen oxide that leaves the exhaust system.
More Advantages of Diesel-Powered Engines
Because larger pickups, agricultural equipment, commercial transportation vehicles, and industrial equipment do not have the same emission requirements as passenger vehicles, the people and industries that use these types of vehicles or equipment rely on diesel power. This is because the engines produce more power and last longer, due to less wear and tear and a lower frequency of maintenance intervals.
Diesels have a longer maintenance interval because they don’t have to work as hard as gasoline-powered engines. Diesels operate at less than 50 percent of the rpm's that a gasoline engine operates at. This is because a diesel engine produces most of its power; whereas a gasoline engine idles. A gasoline engine’s peak performance averages at about 4,200 rpm's; whereas a diesel engine’s peak is between 1,500 and 2,000 rpm's. This result is less wear and tear per hour or mile. Diesels also produce much greater torque than a gasoline engine does, enabling the use of lower gear ratios, resulting in much better fuel economy. This is all because of the difference in how the engines utilize their fuel.
Gasoline engines inject both air and fuel into the combustion chamber at the same time. The cylinder then compresses this mixture to 8:1 – 11:1 ratio, where the mixture is then ignited by a spark generated by a spark plug. That means that it is taking the amount of air and fuel in the cylinder and compressing it, so that it is compressed up to 1/11th of the original volume. Diesel, on the other hand, compresses pure air up to 25:1 ratio or higher. It then injects the fuel into the chamber, which is super heated, due to the high compressions, and immediately ignited. Diesel fuel also contains a higher energy density, about 147,000 BTU, than gasoline’s 125,000 BTU. BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. Because of the higher compression ratios and higher energy density, when the diesel ignites, it generates more than double the cranking power than the gasoline engine does.
Energy supplies are getting more and more expensive every day. Since this concern is growing, so are the technology advancements for diesel-powered passenger cars. As a matter of fact, in 2006, the Audi R10 took first place in the Le Mans 24-hour endurance race. Not only did it win, but it was the quietest, cleanest, most efficient, and obviously fastest car on the track. This is just a preview of what is to come in the future of diesel-powered vehicles.
Disadvantages of Diesel
All of the great news you have read about diesel so far does come with a few disadvantages as well. Diesel fuel has to be very clean for it to burn properly. Contaminants like dirt and especially water will significantly reduce performance and cause your exhaust emissions to increase.
Extremely cold temperatures also cause the diesel to “gel up,” reducing the fuel system’s efficiency, and as a result, the amount of fuel injected into the combustion chamber. Also, since diesel is ignited by the heat of compressed gases, cold temperatures may also inhibit the ignition of the fuel during startups.
Also, as mentioned above, diesel-powered vehicles cost more to maintain. Finding a certified technician is also more difficult, due to the lack of demand. So even though a diesel engine is built to last longer under more extreme conditions, when they do need maintenance, it is not as easy of a fix as a gasoline-powered vehicle.
Looking at Diesel From a Lube Point of View.
A lube shop needs to realize the opportunity created by the growing popularity of diesel power. As mentioned earlier, finding qualified diesel technicians is no easy feat; and by targeting diesel customers, they can greatly increase profit margins, because of the larger oil capacities and filters.
Using synthetic oils in a diesel engine will also improve the performance and life of the engine. These oils usually contain detergents that help combat excess soot and dirty emissions created by the engine. These oils also help the engine operate more efficiently at higher temperatures, while reducing wear and tear at the same time. Synthetics also improve the engine's cold temperature operation as well, because of the lower pour points that synthetics possess.
Diesel-powered vehicles also have a wide array of fuel additives that can help improve their performance, especially under extreme conditions. Besides additives that combat dirt, water, and cold temperatures, there are also additives that boost the cetane rating of the fuel. Researching the different manufacturers’ products can help you decide which one is best for the environment a particular vehicle operates in.
Conclusion
With the growth of popularity of diesel engines, the one-time dirty, sluggish, loud, foul-smelling black sheep of passenger vehicles, there are going to be more environmental regulations applied to these types of vehicles. Oil companies need to be prepared to produce high-quality products to meet these demands.
Visit http://www.synthetic-motor-oils.com
Author:Vincent P Platania
During the '70s gas shortage, diesel tried to make a place for itself in the American car market, but that failed, due to the poor engineering of the American car manufacturers’ attempt to rapidly develop and produce these cars. The cars produced were loud, expensive to maintain, produced a foul smelling exhaust, and were less reliable than traditional gasoline-powered automobiles. This created a stigma that has affected the reputation of diesel-powered automobiles, until now. J.D. Power and Associates has predicted that the number of cars powered by diesel will triple on America’s roads in the next ten years.
Diesel is much cleaner now than it was 30 years ago as well, not only in terms of exhaust, but in other aspects, too. Federal requirements dictate that diesel engines must meet standards that limit the odor, noise, and emissions significantly. They also get up to 40 percent better fuel economy than gasoline engines and produce enough power to satisfy most needs of the American speed demon.
One way diesel has become a much cleaner fuel is through the development of ULSD (Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel.) ULSD eliminates 97 percent of sulfur, which is a major cause of pollution. There are still a few states that do not allow the sale of diesel-powered passenger vehicles. Manufacturers are developing ways to use ULSD to meet requirements in all 50 states.
Along with the new ULSD, there are other technologies that can help reduce the emissions of diesel. Daimler Chrysler and GM both are developing engines that inject a substance into the combustion chamber during ignition that help the diesel burn more clean. A new catalytic converter is being introduced by Honda that greatly reduces the levels of nitrogen oxide that leaves the exhaust system.
More Advantages of Diesel-Powered Engines
Because larger pickups, agricultural equipment, commercial transportation vehicles, and industrial equipment do not have the same emission requirements as passenger vehicles, the people and industries that use these types of vehicles or equipment rely on diesel power. This is because the engines produce more power and last longer, due to less wear and tear and a lower frequency of maintenance intervals.
Diesels have a longer maintenance interval because they don’t have to work as hard as gasoline-powered engines. Diesels operate at less than 50 percent of the rpm's that a gasoline engine operates at. This is because a diesel engine produces most of its power; whereas a gasoline engine idles. A gasoline engine’s peak performance averages at about 4,200 rpm's; whereas a diesel engine’s peak is between 1,500 and 2,000 rpm's. This result is less wear and tear per hour or mile. Diesels also produce much greater torque than a gasoline engine does, enabling the use of lower gear ratios, resulting in much better fuel economy. This is all because of the difference in how the engines utilize their fuel.
Gasoline engines inject both air and fuel into the combustion chamber at the same time. The cylinder then compresses this mixture to 8:1 – 11:1 ratio, where the mixture is then ignited by a spark generated by a spark plug. That means that it is taking the amount of air and fuel in the cylinder and compressing it, so that it is compressed up to 1/11th of the original volume. Diesel, on the other hand, compresses pure air up to 25:1 ratio or higher. It then injects the fuel into the chamber, which is super heated, due to the high compressions, and immediately ignited. Diesel fuel also contains a higher energy density, about 147,000 BTU, than gasoline’s 125,000 BTU. BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. Because of the higher compression ratios and higher energy density, when the diesel ignites, it generates more than double the cranking power than the gasoline engine does.
Energy supplies are getting more and more expensive every day. Since this concern is growing, so are the technology advancements for diesel-powered passenger cars. As a matter of fact, in 2006, the Audi R10 took first place in the Le Mans 24-hour endurance race. Not only did it win, but it was the quietest, cleanest, most efficient, and obviously fastest car on the track. This is just a preview of what is to come in the future of diesel-powered vehicles.
Disadvantages of Diesel
All of the great news you have read about diesel so far does come with a few disadvantages as well. Diesel fuel has to be very clean for it to burn properly. Contaminants like dirt and especially water will significantly reduce performance and cause your exhaust emissions to increase.
Extremely cold temperatures also cause the diesel to “gel up,” reducing the fuel system’s efficiency, and as a result, the amount of fuel injected into the combustion chamber. Also, since diesel is ignited by the heat of compressed gases, cold temperatures may also inhibit the ignition of the fuel during startups.
Also, as mentioned above, diesel-powered vehicles cost more to maintain. Finding a certified technician is also more difficult, due to the lack of demand. So even though a diesel engine is built to last longer under more extreme conditions, when they do need maintenance, it is not as easy of a fix as a gasoline-powered vehicle.
Looking at Diesel From a Lube Point of View.
A lube shop needs to realize the opportunity created by the growing popularity of diesel power. As mentioned earlier, finding qualified diesel technicians is no easy feat; and by targeting diesel customers, they can greatly increase profit margins, because of the larger oil capacities and filters.
Using synthetic oils in a diesel engine will also improve the performance and life of the engine. These oils usually contain detergents that help combat excess soot and dirty emissions created by the engine. These oils also help the engine operate more efficiently at higher temperatures, while reducing wear and tear at the same time. Synthetics also improve the engine's cold temperature operation as well, because of the lower pour points that synthetics possess.
Diesel-powered vehicles also have a wide array of fuel additives that can help improve their performance, especially under extreme conditions. Besides additives that combat dirt, water, and cold temperatures, there are also additives that boost the cetane rating of the fuel. Researching the different manufacturers’ products can help you decide which one is best for the environment a particular vehicle operates in.
Conclusion
With the growth of popularity of diesel engines, the one-time dirty, sluggish, loud, foul-smelling black sheep of passenger vehicles, there are going to be more environmental regulations applied to these types of vehicles. Oil companies need to be prepared to produce high-quality products to meet these demands.
Visit http://www.synthetic-motor-oils.com
Author:Vincent P Platania
Chocolate's Versatility
t would be so nice to be able to begin this article with the words, “Who doesn’t love chocolate?” Unfortunately, there are some poor souls out there who are either allergic to this yummy delight or who, for some unknown reason, think that they do not like the taste of it. Oh, well, that just leaves more for the rest of us.
Chocolate in any form really is an appropriate gift for any occasion. You can give it to someone for nearly any holiday and in the case of some holidays like St. Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Easter; they would almost seem empty without some chocolate.
The other fact about giving a gift basket of chocolate goodies is that even though expensive foreign chocolate may be far superior in quality to the selection that is readily available at your local store, it is still a gift that is just as appreciated no matter where the chocolate comes from. So, while the chocolate that is defined as “imported” or “handmade” sounds nice and probably is very nice, don’t let that stop you from creating your own gift basket of local chocolate treats.
If you have your heart set on it and you really want to give chocolates that are imported and unusual, there are many companies that specialize in putting together gift baskets and they can create a chocolate assortment using chocolates from anywhere around the world. It just so happens that chocolate gift baskets are one of the most popular styles of gift baskets because they get such a welcome reception whenever they are given.
The great benefit about giving a gift basket of chocolates as a gift is in its versatility. Whether you are giving a chocolate gift basket to your mother, your sweetie, or to your business associates, chocolate is always an appropriate and appreciated gift. It always seems to express just the right sentiment.
A good chocolate gift basket is one that includes a large variety of chocolate products. Not only a diversity of chocolate candies, but chocolate cookies, cakes, fudge, chocolate covered peanuts or pretzels and even hot cocoa or chocolate flavored coffee. Now, that’s a chocolate gift basket!
You can choose to put these baskets together yourself or you can order one from a local gift basket company or a company online. The average price of a chocolate gift basket that you can have delivered runs from about $50 to $200, depending on its size and the variety of items in the basket. Of course, you can always make the gift yourself and you may be able to purchase a lovely basket and different chocolate items for less that having one specially made and delivered, but you probably won’t be able to include all of the variety that a gift basket company can.
Once you decide on whether you will use a company that specializes in gift baskets and put in an order or if you decide to make one yourself, a chocolate gift basket can be given for absolutely any occasion. For instance, a basket of mugs, hot cocoa mix, cookies and chocolate treats would be perfect as a gift for a family on Christmas Eve. Place all of the items in a Christmas themed decorative basket or dish or even a Santa’s sleigh and add a bow. What a lovely way to say, “Merry Christmas.”
How about the Superbowl? If you are invited to a Superbowl party, don’t come empty-handed. Throw some homemade or store bought chocolate snacks in a football shaped bowl or a football helmet and watch everyone move you out of the way in order to gather around it.
Baskets, chocolate, and Easter naturally go together. Put them together and create a beautiful centerpiece for the holiday table or make one for your office to share as the holiday approaches. There are so many chocolate choices available at this time of year that it will be hard knowing when to stop.
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are two more occasions when a delectable chocolate gift basket would be appreciated. In order to add some originality, place the chocolate selection in a beautiful crystal bowl or vase for Mom and in a cigar humidor or a toolbox or tacklebox for Dad.
Even Independence Day can be an excellent occasion for giving chocolates. Add little American flags to the candies and present the whole gift in a star shaped container. You can even add streamers or string-pulled confetti poppers to the container in order to help celebrate the fireworks later in the evening. Or, if you know someone who will be camping out this summer, a great gift basket is to make a “S’more themed basket”. Fill a bucket with chocolate bars, graham crackers and marshmallows and let the fun ensue.
Halloween is an easy holiday to celebrate with a chocolate gift basket. There are different varieties of available candy everywhere and you can readily find a basket or a container in the shape of a jack-o-lantern or witch’s cauldron. This is another wonderful creation to make and then set out at work for your co-workers and visiting clients to partake in.
Besides holidays, there are birthdays, anniversaries, housewarming parties, graduations, baby and wedding showers, and “just because I love you” occasions. Add some chocolate covered popcorn with a favorite movie and create a great any occasion gift. Another way to use chocolate in a gift basket is to fill it with chocolate treats all from one area of the country or the world. This is a welcome gift for someone who is from that area to remind them of home.
In addition, a chocolate gift basket is great as a way to help cheer a friend who is down. A small chocolate gift basket is also a perfect gift for all of your children’s teachers and it makes a lovely thank you gift for anyone else, as well.
Next time you are facing an occasion and you need to bring a gift, don’t forget the sweetest gift of all, a gift of chocolate. It may be one of the simplest gift baskets to put together, but it is one of the most appreciated. Just tell everyone that they can begin their diets next week.
Author:Jon Sherwood
Chocolate in any form really is an appropriate gift for any occasion. You can give it to someone for nearly any holiday and in the case of some holidays like St. Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Easter; they would almost seem empty without some chocolate.
The other fact about giving a gift basket of chocolate goodies is that even though expensive foreign chocolate may be far superior in quality to the selection that is readily available at your local store, it is still a gift that is just as appreciated no matter where the chocolate comes from. So, while the chocolate that is defined as “imported” or “handmade” sounds nice and probably is very nice, don’t let that stop you from creating your own gift basket of local chocolate treats.
If you have your heart set on it and you really want to give chocolates that are imported and unusual, there are many companies that specialize in putting together gift baskets and they can create a chocolate assortment using chocolates from anywhere around the world. It just so happens that chocolate gift baskets are one of the most popular styles of gift baskets because they get such a welcome reception whenever they are given.
The great benefit about giving a gift basket of chocolates as a gift is in its versatility. Whether you are giving a chocolate gift basket to your mother, your sweetie, or to your business associates, chocolate is always an appropriate and appreciated gift. It always seems to express just the right sentiment.
A good chocolate gift basket is one that includes a large variety of chocolate products. Not only a diversity of chocolate candies, but chocolate cookies, cakes, fudge, chocolate covered peanuts or pretzels and even hot cocoa or chocolate flavored coffee. Now, that’s a chocolate gift basket!
You can choose to put these baskets together yourself or you can order one from a local gift basket company or a company online. The average price of a chocolate gift basket that you can have delivered runs from about $50 to $200, depending on its size and the variety of items in the basket. Of course, you can always make the gift yourself and you may be able to purchase a lovely basket and different chocolate items for less that having one specially made and delivered, but you probably won’t be able to include all of the variety that a gift basket company can.
Once you decide on whether you will use a company that specializes in gift baskets and put in an order or if you decide to make one yourself, a chocolate gift basket can be given for absolutely any occasion. For instance, a basket of mugs, hot cocoa mix, cookies and chocolate treats would be perfect as a gift for a family on Christmas Eve. Place all of the items in a Christmas themed decorative basket or dish or even a Santa’s sleigh and add a bow. What a lovely way to say, “Merry Christmas.”
How about the Superbowl? If you are invited to a Superbowl party, don’t come empty-handed. Throw some homemade or store bought chocolate snacks in a football shaped bowl or a football helmet and watch everyone move you out of the way in order to gather around it.
Baskets, chocolate, and Easter naturally go together. Put them together and create a beautiful centerpiece for the holiday table or make one for your office to share as the holiday approaches. There are so many chocolate choices available at this time of year that it will be hard knowing when to stop.
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are two more occasions when a delectable chocolate gift basket would be appreciated. In order to add some originality, place the chocolate selection in a beautiful crystal bowl or vase for Mom and in a cigar humidor or a toolbox or tacklebox for Dad.
Even Independence Day can be an excellent occasion for giving chocolates. Add little American flags to the candies and present the whole gift in a star shaped container. You can even add streamers or string-pulled confetti poppers to the container in order to help celebrate the fireworks later in the evening. Or, if you know someone who will be camping out this summer, a great gift basket is to make a “S’more themed basket”. Fill a bucket with chocolate bars, graham crackers and marshmallows and let the fun ensue.
Halloween is an easy holiday to celebrate with a chocolate gift basket. There are different varieties of available candy everywhere and you can readily find a basket or a container in the shape of a jack-o-lantern or witch’s cauldron. This is another wonderful creation to make and then set out at work for your co-workers and visiting clients to partake in.
Besides holidays, there are birthdays, anniversaries, housewarming parties, graduations, baby and wedding showers, and “just because I love you” occasions. Add some chocolate covered popcorn with a favorite movie and create a great any occasion gift. Another way to use chocolate in a gift basket is to fill it with chocolate treats all from one area of the country or the world. This is a welcome gift for someone who is from that area to remind them of home.
In addition, a chocolate gift basket is great as a way to help cheer a friend who is down. A small chocolate gift basket is also a perfect gift for all of your children’s teachers and it makes a lovely thank you gift for anyone else, as well.
Next time you are facing an occasion and you need to bring a gift, don’t forget the sweetest gift of all, a gift of chocolate. It may be one of the simplest gift baskets to put together, but it is one of the most appreciated. Just tell everyone that they can begin their diets next week.
Author:Jon Sherwood
How To Buy And Store Your Vegetables
Short of curing cancer and promising never-ending longevity, vegetables are accredited with so many health benefits it's a wonder that their daily consumption is not a common obsession. Rich in vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre, vegetables are THE cornerstone of a healthy diet. Once the exclusive domain of vegetarians, vegetable-only meals are being incorporated into a growing number of weekly menu plans. And why not? They're good for health, they help with weight loss and they're easy on the budget.
With increased demand comes increased availability and today's supermarkets and grocers offer an exciting diversity of vegetables. If you're shopping for lettuce, what type? Good shops will have at least 5 varieties of hand. Check out the cos, iceberg, mignonette, green coral, red coral, butter endive, rocket and radicchio. And potatoes? Look for the pink eye, desiree, pontiac, king edward, new and sebago. Capsicums are available in a multitude colours. Asian vegetables such as bok choy, chinese cabbage and ginger are plentiful and fresh.
There are lots of books that shows versatility of vegetables. It is used almost in every dishes. Don't you ever think why people don't like spinach when it has lot to offer?
BUYING AND STORING
When shopping for vegetables, it's worth remembering that freshness is important. Buy only what you need - shopping for small amounts of vegetables a few times a week is much better than once weekly shop for everything. Plan meals with vegetables in seasons. These will be the freshest and most reasonably priced vegetables available. Watch the weather - long periods of rain can reduce the supply and the price will rise. If you establish a good relationship with your fruit and vegetable provider, they will be able to assist you in the best buys from week to week.
Also keep in mind that frozen vegetables can be added to soups and simmering dishes. Despite being frozen, they still contain nutrients and can be extremely handy if you don't have the time to shop every couple of days.
Lettuce and leafy greens
Looks for lettuces and leafy greens with crisp shiny leaves. The base of the lettuce should be dry and not slimy. Wash the lettuce, remove the core and, if possible, spin dry in a salad spinner or pat dry in a tea towel. Store the lettuce in a plastic bag or wrap in wetted absorbent paper in the crisper section of your refrigerator. Lettuce should keep for up to 7 days for the crisper varieties, softer leaf types will only last for 3-4 days. Salad leaves deteriorate after a few days, so it's best to only buy what you need; some supermarkets are now selling prepackaged salad mixes that last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Root vegetables
Avoid root vegetables with blemished skin, green or purple marks, a musty smell or that have started to sprout. Carrots, potatoes, parsnips, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, beetroot, celeriac, sewedes, jerusalem artichokes and turnips are all quick to show signs of spoilage, When purchased, carrots should be firm with no signs of wrinkles. Store most root vegetables in the vegetable crisper of your refrigerator for 6-8 days. There are many different varieties of potatoes available for cooking; the two main groups being floury and waxy. Floury potatoes are suited to baking, mashing and frying while waxy potatoes are good for boiling. Potatoes should be bought with the dirt still on to protect them from bruising and exposure to light. If stored in a cool dark placecc in a hessian bag, potatoes can last for up to 1 month.
Whole pumpkins will keep for months in a cool dark place. Wedges wrapped in a plastic can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Unless you have a good, sharp and large knife, it is probably best to buy pumpkin bu the wedge. Check that the seed area is moist, but not slimy, and that there is no mould.
Tomatoes
Store tomatoes at room temperature as refrigerating will soften the flesh. To ripen tomatoes leave them on a window sill in a sunny spot in the kitchen. Unfortunately, the colour of a tomato is no longer indicative if the flavour. Vine ripened tomatoes that have been, as the name implies, left to ripen on the vine usually have a stronger sweeter flavour. Roma or egg tomatoes can also be sweet.
Brassicas
Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and brussels sprouts are quick to show signs of spoilage. With broccoli and cauliflower, look for tightly packed florets that show no evidence of yellowing or tiny flower. Cabbages and brussels sprouts should be dense with crisp out leaves.
Onions
Purchase onions with skins intact and no soft spots, green sprouts or any signs of moisture. Spring onions (also known as green onions) should have crisp green stems with moist roots.
Peas and Beans
The best way to test the freshness of a beans is to bend it - if it snaps it is fresh, it it bends it is on its way out. Try to purchase beans loose as this allows you to pick your own. Store them in a plastic bag in your refrigerator for 2-3 days. Sugar snap and snow peas (also known as mangetout) should be crisp and bright green with no sign of blemishes; they should be eaten on the day of purchase. Buy peas in the pod and shell them just before cooking - 1 kg peas will yield 500 grams shelled peas. About the only way to tell the sweetness of a pea is to put it to the taste test.
Capsicums
Look for capsicums (also known as peppers) with shiny waxy skins; they should also be heavy for their size with no signs of softening. They can be stored at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the vegetable crisper of the refrigerator for 4-5 days
Celery, Fennel and Asparagus
Stalky vegetables should be crisp with upright stalks. Celery should have bright green leaves. Look for asparagus with firmly closed buds. Store stalky vegetables in the vegetable crisper for 2-3 days.
Avocado
To select a ripe avocado, gently press your thumb into the top near the stem and if it gives slightly it's ready to eat. Ripe ones should be eaten with 2-3 days of purchasing. Store unripe avocados at the room temperature.
Sweet Corn
Corn is best purchased in its husk. Peel back the husk and silk and check the kernels for signs of drying. Also, the silk should no be starting to moisten - the whiter the silk the fresher the corn. Corn is best eaten soon after purchased.
Mushrooms
Look for clean white mushrooms with a fresh earthy aroma and tight caps. Exotic mushrooms are usually sold in trays covered in plastic so check carefully for any signs of decay. Mushrooms last longer when stored in paper bags in the vegetable crisper in the refrigerator. Do not wash or peel mushrooms; brush clean with a piece of absorbent paper towel.
Author :Parimal Patel
Source:http://www.articlecity.com/articles/food_and_drink/article_1791.shtml
With increased demand comes increased availability and today's supermarkets and grocers offer an exciting diversity of vegetables. If you're shopping for lettuce, what type? Good shops will have at least 5 varieties of hand. Check out the cos, iceberg, mignonette, green coral, red coral, butter endive, rocket and radicchio. And potatoes? Look for the pink eye, desiree, pontiac, king edward, new and sebago. Capsicums are available in a multitude colours. Asian vegetables such as bok choy, chinese cabbage and ginger are plentiful and fresh.
There are lots of books that shows versatility of vegetables. It is used almost in every dishes. Don't you ever think why people don't like spinach when it has lot to offer?
BUYING AND STORING
When shopping for vegetables, it's worth remembering that freshness is important. Buy only what you need - shopping for small amounts of vegetables a few times a week is much better than once weekly shop for everything. Plan meals with vegetables in seasons. These will be the freshest and most reasonably priced vegetables available. Watch the weather - long periods of rain can reduce the supply and the price will rise. If you establish a good relationship with your fruit and vegetable provider, they will be able to assist you in the best buys from week to week.
Also keep in mind that frozen vegetables can be added to soups and simmering dishes. Despite being frozen, they still contain nutrients and can be extremely handy if you don't have the time to shop every couple of days.
Lettuce and leafy greens
Looks for lettuces and leafy greens with crisp shiny leaves. The base of the lettuce should be dry and not slimy. Wash the lettuce, remove the core and, if possible, spin dry in a salad spinner or pat dry in a tea towel. Store the lettuce in a plastic bag or wrap in wetted absorbent paper in the crisper section of your refrigerator. Lettuce should keep for up to 7 days for the crisper varieties, softer leaf types will only last for 3-4 days. Salad leaves deteriorate after a few days, so it's best to only buy what you need; some supermarkets are now selling prepackaged salad mixes that last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Root vegetables
Avoid root vegetables with blemished skin, green or purple marks, a musty smell or that have started to sprout. Carrots, potatoes, parsnips, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, beetroot, celeriac, sewedes, jerusalem artichokes and turnips are all quick to show signs of spoilage, When purchased, carrots should be firm with no signs of wrinkles. Store most root vegetables in the vegetable crisper of your refrigerator for 6-8 days. There are many different varieties of potatoes available for cooking; the two main groups being floury and waxy. Floury potatoes are suited to baking, mashing and frying while waxy potatoes are good for boiling. Potatoes should be bought with the dirt still on to protect them from bruising and exposure to light. If stored in a cool dark placecc in a hessian bag, potatoes can last for up to 1 month.
Whole pumpkins will keep for months in a cool dark place. Wedges wrapped in a plastic can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Unless you have a good, sharp and large knife, it is probably best to buy pumpkin bu the wedge. Check that the seed area is moist, but not slimy, and that there is no mould.
Tomatoes
Store tomatoes at room temperature as refrigerating will soften the flesh. To ripen tomatoes leave them on a window sill in a sunny spot in the kitchen. Unfortunately, the colour of a tomato is no longer indicative if the flavour. Vine ripened tomatoes that have been, as the name implies, left to ripen on the vine usually have a stronger sweeter flavour. Roma or egg tomatoes can also be sweet.
Brassicas
Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and brussels sprouts are quick to show signs of spoilage. With broccoli and cauliflower, look for tightly packed florets that show no evidence of yellowing or tiny flower. Cabbages and brussels sprouts should be dense with crisp out leaves.
Onions
Purchase onions with skins intact and no soft spots, green sprouts or any signs of moisture. Spring onions (also known as green onions) should have crisp green stems with moist roots.
Peas and Beans
The best way to test the freshness of a beans is to bend it - if it snaps it is fresh, it it bends it is on its way out. Try to purchase beans loose as this allows you to pick your own. Store them in a plastic bag in your refrigerator for 2-3 days. Sugar snap and snow peas (also known as mangetout) should be crisp and bright green with no sign of blemishes; they should be eaten on the day of purchase. Buy peas in the pod and shell them just before cooking - 1 kg peas will yield 500 grams shelled peas. About the only way to tell the sweetness of a pea is to put it to the taste test.
Capsicums
Look for capsicums (also known as peppers) with shiny waxy skins; they should also be heavy for their size with no signs of softening. They can be stored at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the vegetable crisper of the refrigerator for 4-5 days
Celery, Fennel and Asparagus
Stalky vegetables should be crisp with upright stalks. Celery should have bright green leaves. Look for asparagus with firmly closed buds. Store stalky vegetables in the vegetable crisper for 2-3 days.
Avocado
To select a ripe avocado, gently press your thumb into the top near the stem and if it gives slightly it's ready to eat. Ripe ones should be eaten with 2-3 days of purchasing. Store unripe avocados at the room temperature.
Sweet Corn
Corn is best purchased in its husk. Peel back the husk and silk and check the kernels for signs of drying. Also, the silk should no be starting to moisten - the whiter the silk the fresher the corn. Corn is best eaten soon after purchased.
Mushrooms
Look for clean white mushrooms with a fresh earthy aroma and tight caps. Exotic mushrooms are usually sold in trays covered in plastic so check carefully for any signs of decay. Mushrooms last longer when stored in paper bags in the vegetable crisper in the refrigerator. Do not wash or peel mushrooms; brush clean with a piece of absorbent paper towel.
Author :Parimal Patel
Source:http://www.articlecity.com/articles/food_and_drink/article_1791.shtml
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