How Can I Prevent The Flu, Colds, and Minimize My Allergies This Fall and Winter? 5 Effective Tips!

This article is all about answering the question 'how can I prevent the flu, colds, minimize allergies this Fall & Winter?'. Here are 5 specific things you can do to minimize your chance of getting the flu, a cold, and significantly reduce any allergy or asthma symptoms:

Get Some Sunlight: It's a proven fact that sunlight boosts your body's immune system and overall strength. So, when sunny days come along, even if it's cold outside, get 15 minutes of sunlight, rake the leaves, etc. The fresh air will be good, too, as it will contain natural ozone which destroys bacteria, viruses, etc.

Vitamin C: Get some time-released Vitamin C and take at least 1000 units / day. If it bothers your stomach, try Ester-C, which is buffered and more gentle on your digestive system. Vitamin C essentially makes it harder for viruses to get into our cells and gives the immune system an overall boost.

Consider Essential Oils: Essential oils have been used for centuries to treat and prevent illness. Some oils such as cinnamon, clove, lemon, eucalyptus, and rosemary oils were used during the Black Plague and actually enabled people to be exposed to such a powerful illness without getting sick! A company called Young Living sells a product called 'Thieves' just for this purpose. Or, you can visit your local health food store and get the oils there.

Clean Up Your Indoor Air: As we move into Fall and Winter, we are simply spending more time indoors where more bacteria, mold spores, dust, dust mites, pet dander, etc. are all floating around, and consequently we are getting repeated and larger doses of these contaminants. Later, as people come in contact with each other, they transfer bacteria, viruses, etc, and now a cold or illness seems to be 'going around'. My point here is this: if we minimize the amount of these agents floating around in our homes, offices, schools, there would be far less chance for someone to 'catch something' in the first place, and then less transfer to other people. A great way to do that is with a high-quality, true HEPA air purifier, which will remove 99.97% or more of the airborne particles that cause a lot of allergy and asthma flare-ups. You'll probably sleep better, as well.

Do not choose 'HEPA-type' purifiers as they only remove 50-60% of contaminants. If you see a HEPA air purifier that also uses healthy negative ions (preferably Hydroxyl (OH) ions, not ozone), those purifiers are even more effective as they the negative ions destroy bacteria, viruses, mold spores, and some chemicals. Some air purifiers use UV light, which is very good for destroying the DNA of bacteria, mold spores, viruses so that they cannot replicate / multiply--which, again, helps prevent the spread of illness.

Consider a Dehumidifier: Why a dehumidifier? Well, with the increased moisture outside during the Fall /Winter, there's often increased moisture inside, as well. And when we get to around 70-80% humidity inside, that creates perfect conditions for bacteria and mold to thrive and multiply. A dehumidifier will allow to easily control humidity by removing moisture.

Note: Moisture can accumulate inside by getting through cracks around the roof, loose shingles, windows, or gutters that are full of debris or don't drain properly. All it takes for a gutter to allow water to run underneath the edge of the roof is to not have enough flashing or shingle hanging over into the gutter so the water stays in the gutter itself. I know-I had a gutter situation at my house and that is what caused a mold problem in my attic! If you have a basement that tends to get a little wet during weather from leaks in the wall or seepage in /around the foundation, etc, you have a chance for higher than normal indoor humidity, as well.

To check your humidity, simply go to Walmart and look for a cheap thermometer or an electronic unit that has temperature and humidity functions-should be around $8-17. Test several areas of your home-attic, bedrooms, basement, etc. If you have higher humidity in one area, it will affect the other areas so be prepared to get a dehumidifier for the affected area, and investigate to see why that area has more humidity (i.e. leaks, etc)

I hope this information helps you stay well this Fall and Winter season. For more information on quality HEPA air purifiers and dehumidifiers, air quality test kits, and more, check out the author box below.

About The Author: Rex Murphy is an avid health enthusiast, former martial arts instructor, and owner of The HEPA Air Purifier Store http://www.hepaairpurifierstore.com/
Twitter: @HepaAirPur

Rex is also a musician, and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Pre-Med Studies/Psychology, as well as many years of study in natural healing methods.

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How Do Drug Screens Affect Clinic Treatment?

There are several different kinds of drug screen kits available for clinic use that do not involve blood tests, and they range from a urine drug screen to the non-invasive saliva testing. The majority of people may say that the saliva test is the easiest to pass, but that is not actually true. The saliva tests are just as sensitive as the urine tests.

The clinics can use these methods to determine if the patient is on drugs. The faster the doctor can find this out, the faster the patient can be treated correctly with a higher chance of survival. The non-urine based tests can be the best tool used in emergency situations, because the patient may not be able to produce urine, but can still be tested and treated, also preventing the doctor from giving a medication that may potentially produce a fatal reaction to the drugs in the system. It is an innovative process in testing technology for clinic use that is available and newer, better tests are always coming. Although these newer tests are becoming popular in use, the urine drug screen test is not going anywhere anytime soon because it is accurate, convenient and permissible in courtrooms.

Some of the current types available are different than the ones used just a few years ago, but are proving reliable and time-saving. Following are a few types of tests that are on the market with a brief description of each.

There is a drug testing cup that tests for 5 different types of drugs and the metabolites in the urine. There is no equipment needed to use this method, and there is no urine handling that increases the chances of an inaccurate result.

The next type is also for urine and this one is a screening and urine collection area in one cup. This split cup test provides accurate results in about five minutes and is easy to use and read. This device can be stored at room temperature without compromising the test's integrity.

The next level of testing uses saliva. This particular test is fast, used to screen alcohol and can detect alcohol in other liquids as well. Using a saliva test to detect alcohol is more accurate than a breathalyzer, giving a better look at what needs to be done for the level that the test reveals.

Next, there is a cassette. It is in a plastic compartment. The particular design allows for easy result reading and screens for illicit and prescription drugs.

With all of the new developments in testing equipment it may be possible to test by pointing a device into your nose, ear, mouth or at your eyes. The question today though is spit or pee.

Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information about urine drug screen test, please visit http://www.uveradiagnostics.com/.

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5 Reasons Why Blood Borne Pathogens Training Is Essential

Workers in the healthcare sector and all other people who handle human blood and body fluids are at a major risk of getting infected with pathogens and viruses. These microorganisms called Blood Borne pathogens, are present in the body of the infected person, are extremely deadly and can infect anyone handling the fluids. These pathogens, upon exposure, can enter into the blood stream through various mediums like body cuts and mucous membranes

Healthcare workers, people working in medical institutes and other people whose work involves handling of human blood should be extremely careful and should be trained well to handle such fluids with a lot of care. They are required to undergo Blood Borne pathogens training and here are the top 5 reasons why it is so essential.

‧ Anyone handling blood and body fluids is at risk: Healthcare workers and other people handling body fluids on daily basis are at maximum risk of contracting infections and illnesses through open wounds and cuts and also through mucous membranes. Therefore, doctors, nurses and support staff in hospitals, laboratories, collection centers, paramedics and other people whose job is to handle human bodies and samples are required to be trained properly to avoid risky circumstances. Apart from them, sometimes, there may be situations when someone may have to help some accident victim on the road or has to be impromptu in providing first aid. Therefore, even in the general public should have a brief and general idea about handle such situations.

‧ Infected blood and fluids can cause grave diseases if not handled properly: Dangerous diseases like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or AIDS and Syphilis can be caused if the handler does not take the right precautions while handling infected blood. Most of these diseases are non- curable and only Hepatitis B can be prevented with vaccinations, given much before being infected. These are the most dangerous and incurable of the many the can be caused due to the lack of training.

‧ Pathogens can enter healthy bodies too: Irrespective of whether a person has had a clean bill of health, these life threatening pathogens can infect anyone if the fluids are not handled properly.

‧ Pathogens can enter through many channels: Blood Borne pathogens can enter blood stream through many different and unsuspecting ways. Body fluids like blood, vaginal secretions and semen are carriers of infected microorganisms. The transmission can happen through open cuts and wounds, abrasions, acne, dermatitis and other such modes. Sometimes, accidental transfer can take place through sharp objects like needles, knives and broken glass. Touching infected surfaces can also trigger contamination. Women may be at a greater risk as they may use restrooms with infected toilet seats and faucets which may have been infected with menstrual blood.

‧ Basic knowledge can also help: While healthcare workers are at a greater risk, not all of us are safe. Minimum training should be provided to everybody to prevent infections, if at all a situation arises which may expose you to such dangers.

All of us are at the dangers of being exposed to the dangers of Blood Borne pathogens. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Minimum training should be provided to the general public and extensive to those whose job requires them to take such risks.

For more information please visit our Bloodborne Pathogen Training and First Aid Training web pages.

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Eye Twitching: What to Do

Lots of people experience nystagmus (involuntary eye movements). For many people, this is the twitching of the eyelids, for many it is an actual twitching of the eyeballs. Myokymia fasciculation can be a different way to describe eye twitching. This problem is fairly common. Whether it's eyelid twitching or eyeball twitching, there is absolutely no need to worry in case you have a problem with eye twitching. Many people have problems with this, and there are a number of options available that will help you to handle this.

What actually causes nystagmus or eye twitching? Well, you will find a wide variety of things that will in fact cause these involuntary eye movements. Lack of sleep or anxiety could possibly be the cause. It may be something a lot more complicated like allergies, a pinched nerve, or possibly a reaction to a specific medication. For starters, if you experience nystagmus, determining what the cause of your nystagmus is should be the first thing. There are a variety of internet sites where you can find out more in regards to the numerous causes, take quizzes to evaluate exactly what the main cause is for you, and gain much more information in general on nystagmus. It's a good option, though, to see a medical doctor in relation to any medical condition. A licensed expert is able to better understand precisely what is causing your eye twitching by fully examining your specific situation.

Uncontrollable facial spasms on a single side of the face or hemifacial spasm as well as rapid uncontrollable blinking or blepharospasm are merely two of the conditions that are similar to nystagmus. These conditions really involve precisely the same muscle groups. However, generally more muscle groups will be affected in these conditions as compared to nystagmus as these conditions are more severe. You will definitely need to visit a health care provider to learn what is happening if, along with eye twitching, you find yourself having symptoms such as these.

If your nystagmus is a result of something simple like lack of sleep or stress, the simplest way to correct this is to solve the problem that is causing it. Getting ample sleep or coping with your stress threshold can regularly correct nystagmus in these kinds of cases.

Some advertisers will promote a "cure all" capsule that offers to help your eyelid or eyeball twitching. Nonetheless, be wary of these. Discovering just what the underlying reason for these symptoms are and then performing towards fixing whatever problem is causing your eye twitching is the foremost way to help your eyeball or eyelid twitching.

Remember additionally that eyeball twitching or eyelid twitching is not uncommon. In many instances the causes of nystagmus are fairly simple and can be solved in a simple and clear-cut fashion, even though you should undoubtedly be safe and consult a health care provider.

Visit our web site if you need to understand more about nystagmus. It is a common difficulty and you aren't required to suffer from eye twitching when you get help.

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What You Don't Know IS Hurting You

The old adage goes "What you don't know won't hurt you". I've had to tweak that phrase slightly to fit my experiences. In the case of me and my three young children, what we didn't know was hurting us... BADLY.

This short article will share some of the horrific health challenges my children have endured in their early years and how, if I had known better, they could've avoided much, if not all, of the pain and suffering they endured.

From an early age, all three of my children were plagued with health challenges - eczema, asthma, allergies, congenital heart defects and a multi-systic dysplastic kidney. For anyone who knows personally, eczema can be a nightmare, and so it was for my daughter. Her eczema outbreaks started when she was just five weeks old. The doctor was hesitant to give her anything "too strong" because she was so young. While I appreciated the doctor's forethought on this, what she prescribes did nothing to relieve the itching or clear up the rash. My daughter's skin was so dry and scaly that it resembled alligator skin... literally. By the time she was seven months old, she had seen three different dermatologists! My son's also suffered with eczema from an early age but neither of their cases was nearly as severe as my daughter's.

The asthma and allergy (food and seasonal) diagnoses came shortly after they were toddlers. As a result, they were subjected to twice daily nebulizer treatments, a daily dose of allergy medication to prevent sneezing, runny nose and other common allergy symptoms; as well as avoid a laundry list of foods and other allergy triggers.

The "big whammy" came with my third pregnancy (my youngest son). At my 20th week sonogram, I learned that my unborn baby had a multi-systic dysplastic right kidney. In short, this meant that his right kidney had not developed properly and would never function. In fact, it would eventually dissolve and become non-existent. Thankfully, the left kidney is completely healthy. As if that's not enough, two days after he was born, we learned that he had a serious congenital heart defect; much more severe than his older brother and sister had experienced. In fact, their heart defects corrected themselves by the time each of them reached age two. My youngest son was not so fortunate; he had to have emergency heart surgery at nine days old and required another open heart surgical procedure just before he turned two years old.

All of this made me wonder, "How much "health havoc" could befall one household"? Little did I know that I was on the right track....My pediatric dermatologist and allergist began to open my eyes to the fact that "my household" had a lot to do with it. Both doctors advised me to be mindful of the common household products I exposed my children to because many of them contained harmful chemical and toxic ingredients that triggered eczema outbreaks and asthma attacks. This prompted me to do a lot of research and educate myself on product ingredients. What I learned nearly blew me away! These chemicals were linked to ALL of my children's health problems -the eczema, asthma, allergies, congenital heart defects and damaged kidney. Not only that; these chemicals and toxins are capable of so much more.

Today, that stuff is out of my home. As a result, my children no longer suffer eczema outbreaks or asthma attacks and I am protecting us all from exposure to many other sicknesses and diseases. Now, it is my mission to teach others what I had to learn the hard way.

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How Prebiotics Do Their Magic in the Large Intestine

The large intestine, or colon, is at the end of the digestive tract where the waste ends up. A poor functioning colon can cause you serious disorders and even cancer so the job that prebiotics do in the large intestine is extremely important indeed.

Most of our body bacteria, good and bad, end up settling in the large intestine. Along with all residues of undigested food, residues of any medicines you might be taking along with artificial additives and toxins discarded by the liver, even parasites. All this mess swimming around in a bunch of mushy fibrous liquid.

Prebiotics keep things moving

Depending on your nutrient intake and quality, it can either help the colon waste get organized properly or it can promote disease. More friendly bacteria and dietary fibers will work together to give waste the best chance in getting out of there at the appropriate time and speed.

Prebiotics promote good bacteria (probiotics)

One of the most important jobs prebiotics do is to feed your good bacteria, also known as probiotics, so it can grow and dominate it's population over the bad bacteria. A lack of nourishment to the good guys means more growth for the bad, who also thrive on a junk food diet that's high in refined sugars.

We humans can get pretty sickly, not to mention smelly, when our intestines get over populated by bad bacteria. Just think of a baby's diaper as opposed to a grown up that is having digestive problems; on the other hand, someone who has a very healthy digestive system won't produce such a rancid odor because they are carrying less bad bacteria.

But the most important job is done when the prebiotic fibers arrive in the large intestine. Here they begin a fermentation process which produces special molecules known as short-chained fatty acids. These acids prevent the dangerous bacteria from sticking to the intestinal wall and forming cells, which they will do when you don't have enough fiber.

Expert advice

The forming of these pathogen tissue cells can be deadly down the road because it's from these cells that cancerous polyps are formed. This is one of the main reasons why medical scientists tell us that as common and deadly as colon cancer is, it can be easily prevented.

They also tell us that there is a strong link between our poor, modern highly processed diet, and many digestive disorders and disease. Most food products we buy have many of the important nutrients we need for good health processed right out of them, so if we don't alter our diet we should at least supplement it with quality nutrition for our health's sake... life itself may depend on it.

Learn more about how prebiotics work in the large intestine to get your digestive system working for optimum health - visit http://natural-digestion.com/ and take advantage of our independent research for the highest quality prebiotic supplements

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Medical Professions: Doctors And Optometrist

Medical professions are in demand and receive high compensation. Aside from that, they also save us from harm or danger. They also help us and teach us how to take care of ourselves.

DOCTORS

A medical degree can be frightfully expensive, but once they get to practice their profession, it is all worth it because of the salary. Doctors can save lives and help people during emergency cases. The only problem is that since there are only few people who are willing to have a degree in medicine, their work hours are sometimes unlimited. They are often on call especially during emergency situations. There are some doctors who have chosen to work in rural areas and serve the poor people, while others choose to serve families in the urban area because they can get higher compensation in those places.

Doctors are extremely valuable not only because they can cure sick people, but the way how they save lives is a critical factor in their profession. There are even times wherein they cannot rest due to emergency situations because they need to be with their sick patients. It is not easy for some people to achieve the status of being a doctor because they need to spend 8 years in school, 4 years in college level and the other 4 years in a medical school. After that, they still need to undergo a residency program or service to enhance their knowledge in medicine.

OPTOMETRIST

Optometrists are also doctors, but they specialize more on vision care. Their concern is to provide optimum vision care for everyone. They often diagnose and treat patients who have vision problems. Aside from that, they also cure diseases such as cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration, uveitis, stye, allergies, and many more diseases that may affect normal vision of their patients. Other optometrists specialize in providing contact lenses and glasses to their patients. Most of them have their own medical offices and have their own lists of patients. Although they also work in hospitals, it will be practical for them to maintain their own clinic because they can also sell other products to their patients.

In order to become an optometrist, one has to take a four-year course related to optometry, and they also need to take an admission test or examination. Medical practitioners such as a credible dentist, doctors, optometrist and other medical profession are extremely helpful during emergency cases. Although they spent most of their time studying, researching, and doing practical work, they still make it a point that they have time to serve their patients.

Lori Buenavista has been in the field of dentistry for a long time and maintains a website about Utah dentist where you can get answers to the rest of your questions.

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Hospital Clocks - Dependability Matters to Everyone

A hospital is a bustling environment housing all manner of individuals from the routine outpatient to the experienced surgeon. From the emergency room to the pediatric unit, staff and patients alike look to the clocks to deliver not only a precise time, but an invaluable sense of dependability and assurance. This is why any number of individuals in the health care field can benefit greatly from the use of synchronized hospital clocks in their facilities.

For the Nurse

Cathy, a recent nursing graduate, has just begun the eighth hour of her overnight shift. While she is enjoying her new career, adjusting to the extended, late hours has not been easy. With patients to admit, rounds to make, and four hours left in her shift, the last thought she wants to have is: does my watch have the wrong time, or is the clock in this unit incorrect? Dependability is key in the nursing profession, and a nurse wants to consistently be on time whether it is to report for a shift, scrub in for surgery, or administer medication. Cathy knows the life of a nurse is a difficult balancing act, and synchronized hospital clocks are a vital component in helping to maintain that balance.

For the Patient

Lisa, a first-time mother, is admitted to the obstetrics ward after experiencing frequent contractions. Not knowing what to expect from her first labor and delivery, she is both excited and nervous. Regardless of the situation, it is common for patients to experience some anxiety when they must be admitted to a hospital. Doctors and nurses can alleviate this apprehension by being prompt and attentive. Synchronized hospital clocks allow hospital staff to keep track of the time when switching patient rooms or even entire units, and when timing events in the room itself, such as the frequency of a patient's contractions. An accurate clock in a patient's room can make all the difference. Also, when Lisa's new baby boy is born at 12:02am, she is grateful for a precise clock so that she knows exactly what date to celebrate her son's birthday.

For the Administrator

Elaine has been a hospital administrator for over twenty years. She has many responsibilities, including a staff of hundreds of employees. Along with a large number of workers comes an even larger number of start times, end times, breaks, and shift changes. Because of this, she is in need of synchronized hospital clocks to keep discrepancies at bay. She also uses hospital clocks to ensure that everyone is on the same schedule, allowing all employees to perform their jobs in an accurate and timely manner. Additionally, with the recent rise in medical malpractice suits, careful management is imperative, and hospital administrators, like Elaine, need a time-keeping system that is exact and reliable. Synchronized hospital clocks provide this dependability by allowing patients under anesthesia to be properly monitored, records to be accurately kept, and other time-related errors to be greatly reduced in number, helping the hospital to avoid costly and time-consuming litigation.

In a facility where high-stress and high-activity are every day occurrences, synchronized hospital clocks serve not just one, but many purposes. A nurse may use hospital clocks to keep track of her schedule, while a patient may look to hospital clocks for reassurance. Regardless of who has their eye on the time, synchronized hospital clocks are sure to be accurate when you need them the most.

Marguerite Johnson has extensive experience working in and around the healthcare field. With a passion for using technology to enhance our personal and professional lives, Marguerite recently focused on the application of wireless clock systems for the hospital and healthcare fields.

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Information On Muscular Dystrophy And Care Giving For The Young

Many times the thought of taking care of someone usually entails either someone who has been in a severe accident or the elderly. Rarely do we think that we will have to take care of a child because they are chronically ill. However, for those who are coping with children with MD, care giving for the young can be a full time job.

Dealing with the Diagnosis

According to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Muscular Dystrophy, or MD, is a group of genetic diseases that degenerates the skeletal muscles in the body. Because of this, caring for the young is heartbreaking. These are the muscles that enable us to move. What this means is that those affected have missing or incorrect genetic information which prevents them from generating the correct proteins needed to build healthy muscles.

Most versions of MD present itself in early childhood, some as early as birth and infancy which means complete care for the young starts extremely early. However, other types will show onset in early childhood, when becoming a teenager and even into early adulthood. While females may be affected, generally males are the ones who are affected. The main signs of MD that affect toddlers and young children, according to Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, are developmental issues such as speech and motor control issues.

Although it may be slightly easier to care for them at first, advancement of the disease means that more assistive tools like wheelchairs, walkers, canes or even a breathing device will be needed. Since the muscles in the lungs and heart are critically affected, full-time attention from an in-home caregiver will be a necessity in the latter stages of the disease.

Safety First

To ensure the affected child has a healthy and safe setting once a diagnosis for MD has been given, many changes will need to take place in the home. Not only do the mental and emotional adjustments need to be taken care of, but the physical conditions need to be taken care of as well when you provide care giving for the young with MD. As an example, make sure that the wheelchair will fit in the dining room and under the table so the family can have meals together. If the child is still active, another example is to establish what obstacles that may cause them to fall like stairs or rugs. Also, when coping with the bathroom, have accommodations been made so they can stay as independent as possible for as long as possible. Take the steps to make sure the care giving process progresses because it is already a life-long process dealing with MD.

Finding caring and experienced professionals who believe in preserving their patient's rights is key when searching for Atlanta East home care givers. Patty Morris knows the value in finding the right Marietta home care for her loved one's care.

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5 Reasons Why You Need Blood Borne Pathogen Training

Infections, diseases and illnesses have many routes to enter a body. One of these channels is the entry of the blood borne pathogens into the blood stream. Blood borne pathogens are microorganisms in the blood streams of people infected with diseases like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV and various other communicable diseases. People working in the healthcare sector who handle blood and other body fluids like the semen or vaginal fluids are at a risk of contracting these diseases and many other life threatening diseases.

People who are required to work in such environment are required to undergo the Blood Borne pathogen training to help protect themselves and others of such dangers. In some cases, not just the healthcare workers but many unsuspecting people are also at risk. Find out if you need to undergo the training program yourself. If you handle any of the under mentioned jobs, you are required to undergo extensive training.

‧ You handle blood and body fluids: People in the healthcare sector like doctors, physicians, laboratory personnel, blood bank staff and nurses are at the highest risk. They are required to be very careful as they directly deal with life and death and work with human bodies and body fluids. They should have the highest level of training, for their sake as well as their patients.

‧ You work alongside people in the healthcare sector: Support staffs in hospitals, blood banks and laboratories are also required to undergo training as they are at a constant risk. While they may not directly come in contact with human bodies and body fluids, they may touch the infected surfaces. In some cases, due to sheer accident, if some blood gets squirted on to someone's face or body, it may threaten his life. People working in the police force and fire fighting department also need to be careful.

‧ You handle sharp objects that may cause injury: Every now and then, there are certain jobs that may require you to work with sharp objects like needles, blades, knives and other such sharp tools. Artisans, chefs and skilled persons need to be careful with their handling and need to be trained to keep everyone safe. Students in educational institutes who work in Chemistry and Biology laboratories are also at risk. Being young and inexperienced, they have to be trained with basics in order to keep them healthy and disease free.

‧ You are a janitor or handle the waste disposals: Public restrooms can be majorly contaminated, if they are not cleaned properly. The cleaners and janitors are at a high risk all the time. Especially women's restrooms are very dangerous due to the occasional presence of menstrual blood on faucets and toilet seats. People who handle the waste disposal system also need to be careful for they keep handling hospital and medical waste, and dangerous items like broken glass and sharp objects.

‧ You work in the auto industry: Mechanics, technicians, tow truck operators and other people in the service sector who are required to handle other people's belongings may be at risk for handling sharp objects.

Blood contamination is a very serious issue and Blood Borne pathogen training is more important than we can imagine. Training should be provided to all those who even remotely handle blood.

For more information please visit our Bloodborne Pathogen Training and First Aid Training web pages.

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CoQ10 - Could It Mean The End Of Dialysis?

There have been so many recent advances and discoveries in the field of medicine that people tend to forget there are still more than 20 million Americans suffering from devastating diseases such as chronic kidney disease. Also, there are more than a million others that are at risk of getting the disease. This disease often leads to kidney failure, which requires costly painful dialysis treatments.

Fortunately, experts constantly look for alternative cures for different diseases, one of which is Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). CoQ10 may reduce the need for dialysis because it has properties that can make the kidneys function properly. This may reduce the risk of getting chronic kidney disease and renal failure.

Coenzyme Q10 is ubiquinone and this alternate name comes from the work "Ubiquitous," which is used to describe something that can be found everywhere. CoQ10 is a natural compound that can be found in every cell of the body. It actually plays a part in the production of energy in the mitochondria or the cells. It often comes in the form of a supplement that needs to be taken regularly. This supplement is said to be able to help treat diabetes, heart failure, and kidney failure.

Dialysis is a treatment for chronic renal failure which entails removing toxins and wastes from the blood. It actually acts as a substitute for the kidney when it fails to function. Although dialysis assists in kidney function, it may cause some negative effects such as low blood pressure and infection. In some cases it can even aggravate heart problems. In addition, dialysis treatment is expensive and may cost more than $50,000 a year because it must be done on a regular basis. Just another reason researchers look for alternative cures and treatments for kidney failure such as CoQ10.

Research indicates that this supplement may reduce the need for dialysis. Persons with kidney disease seem to have low levels of this supplement in their bodies. Therefore, taking the supplement increases the levels of the supplement in the kidney patient's body to a more healthy level. People with renal failure tend to have very low CoQ10 levels because some of their body systems are not functioning normally.

In one particular study, the number of people who needed to undergo dialysis significantly decreased from 21 to 12 when patients took CoQ10 supplement. The idea that this supplement may reduce the need for dialysis is a concept that is currently being explored by many researchers.

It has been reported in the Journal of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, that researchers have reported the results of a very well-designed trial of this supplement. This report indicates that the supplement might have a powerful role as adjunctive therapy in patients with end-stage kidney disease. Also in some cases even reducing or averting the need for dialysis. According to another study, it was found that treatment with this supplement decreased the progress of renal dysfunction in many patients suffering with end-stage disease. Some of these patients were also able to stop dialysis over the course of the 12-week trial.

Although the research is still in the early stages there have been significant improvement among the study group. This may be a tremendous discovery for so many people suffering with kidney disease. It may be a ray of hope for people who now have no hope.

As with any supplement you intend to add to your diet, consult with your primary health care provider before you begin.

To obtain additional information on CoQ10, sign up for our monthly newsletter, and download a free eBook. Please visit us at http://Stayhealthyinfo.com/CoQSupplement.html

Virginia is a Wife, Mother, Sister, Daughter and Grandmother. Also a Native American from the Wintu Tribe of Northern California. Avid reader, swimmer, and Zumba Dancer.

Virginia has a keen interest in all matters relating to health and fitness. She has undertaken extensive research in the use of natural supplements.

Always striving for better health and happiness! When all is said and done the most important thing in life is family. Visit us for more ideas on healthy living.

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Paleo Plan - Live A Vibrant And Healthy Lifestyle By Eating Like Our Ancestors

Living in our criticism-filled society, most individuals who want to slim down and lead a healthier life turn to dieting. Due to our generation's obsession with weight loss solution and diet, a variety of weight reduction plans have been formulated. Since we have been given tons of diet options, selecting one that is suitable for you is usually difficult. If you have carried out your research you will likely observe that many weight loss plans discourage you from ingesting food products in particular meat and carbohydrates. They instead advise you to really concentrate on fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, the truth is you are not able to survive with fruits and vegetables alone because you won't be getting the right ratios of nutritional vitamins and minerals your body needs to function. The paleo plan on the other hand, is an incredible option. It is the most impressive option because it is based around the first diet, the food intake of our ancestors.

Everyone must have already known, or should be aware, paleo is the short term for paleolithic, which actually is the stone age era. There are plenty of titles for the paleo diet, including the "Caveman Diet" or the "Hunter Gatherer Diet". They are actually identified as so due to the fact that our ancestors and forefathers were hunter gatherers who hunted foodstuffs such as meat and fish and shellfish in addition to collecting greens, fruits, seeds, nuts and many others. The paleo plan is established on foods that our ancestors and forefathers consumed just before the rise of agriculture, therefore the belief is that all of us are genetically manufactured to consume these foods because it is what the first humans survived on.

What makes the paleo diet one of a kind is that you are munching on foods that possess very high food value. Meanwhile, it discourages you from having other foods like dairy products, grains, and sugar. These food types were discovered succeeding the rise of agriculture 10,000 years ago and consequently, our body system has not yet conformed to having these food types in contrast to the genuine foods eaten by our ancestors 2.5 million years ago. For that reason, consuming these kinds of foods quite often bring about health and stomach concerns. Have you ever wondered why many men and women have troubles with dairy goods?

The paleo diet is not the same as nearly all diets because you will be consuming foods that are packed with protein. Foods such as meat (lean meat especially), chicken, fish, fruits, vegetables and nuts. These foods are highly nutritious for you due to the fact that they are fully natural, created from the world of nature so they are free from additives and preservatives.

While following the paleo diet, you most likely will be getting your carbohydrate supply from fruits and greens. These fruits and veggies offer reduced calories but they assist you in trimming unwanted weight. Extra pluses of the paleo diet include lower risk of health threats. It has been proven that reduced intake of carbohydrate drops your risk of ailments which include disease of the coronary artery, cancer, leaky gut and more.

A further health benefit is the high supply of fiber in the paleo diet plan which cuts down your risk of heart diseases and diabetes in addition to helping you drop belly fat.

Be sure to visit Amy's website for more resources about creating your unique paleo plan for your everyday meals as well as delicious recipes for your family and friends.

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Stay Fit With 5 Simple Exercising Steps

On more occasions than one you might have thought of starting on some kind of exercising, but lack of time, typical excuses or sheer laziness may have kept you away from actually starting it. But it is never too late to begin, and considering the many advantages of exercising, you should find a little time each day to fit in an exercise program.

To begin with, exercising helps to keep your body more fit which in turn wards off various health problems. Also a toned and energetic body gives you a sense of wellness and boosts your confidence. However, if you are exercising after a long gap of time or have a certain health condition, you must consult your doctor before you proceed.

You can start your exercise program with these 5 systematic steps below.

‧ Warming up
Never start off on heavy exercising immediately. First you must do some light warming up exercises to prepare the body for more intense exercising that is to follow. This helps to increase the blood circulation in your body and generates heat in your joints and muscles.

‧ Cardiovascular Activity
Once warmed up, you can start with an aerobic kind of activity like running, cycling or just walking. The treadmill is the best equipment for this kind of activity. You must begin with a slower walk and gradually increase your speed, or adjust the incline if using a treadmill. Cardiovascular exercise should be ideally done for 20 to 30 minutes. Any easy way to know if you are overdoing it is to see if you can talk normally after this exercise, if you feel too tired then slow down.

‧ Strength Training
This helps to reduce body fat and tone up your muscles. Different kinds of exercises are done to target separate muscles groups. You must start very slowly by doing only one set (number of times you can repeat a particular exercise) of exercise for the main muscle groups. You can go on increasing the sets when you think you can do more without too much strain. Free weights like dumbbells and barbells, and weight machines are used for this activity.

‧ Stretching
This helps to increase the range of movement of your joints, improves your flexibility, boosts circulation, and also relieves stress. Stretching after the above exercises also balances your entire program. Stretching for 10 to 30 seconds each is recommended, and you should breathe freely while doing so. While it is alright to do light stretching during warm ups, you must save the bulk for later, because too much stretching initially can injure your joints and muscles due to insufficient heat.

‧ Cooling Down
Like warming up, cooling down is also important. After exercising heavily, you must continue the exercise at a reduced intensity till your heart rate and breathing normalizes. An abrupt stop is not desirable.

So now that you are all set to start on your exercising regime, remember to start very slowly, and to increase the intensity and duration of the exercise as your body gets more and more used to the regime.

For more information please visit our Life Safety Training and Latex Allergy Training web pages.

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The Meningitis Vaccination - Its Importance and Ease Protecting Our Children

What is meningitis and when is a meningitis vaccination needed? These questions literally wake full-grown adult parents up from a dead sleep. In towns and counties-even cities-and all over the United States, meningitis is rearing its ugly head. How do we defeat the threat of our children becoming infected with this most devastating and potentially fatal disease that can attack anyone yet seems to find our children most vulnerable?

Many parents know the horror story of having someone in their son or daughter's class who comes down with what seems an instantaneous attack of meningitis. Many times the children are sent home and the next thing that happens is you are sitting with your child and clumsily explaining life and death and mortality to them as you drive over to the funeral home so the fellow students of the deceased can share in their grief.

The statists are frightening. Worldwide there are over 330,000 new cases reported each year. In the United States the number of new cases reported annually is approximately 2,600. Out of both these infection rates up to twenty percent of those infected will die from the disease.

What is Meningitis?

There are different types of meningitis- Spinal, viral, and bacterial are just three-and vaccination guards against all of them. Generally speaking, meningitis is an inflammation of the membrane that covers and protects the brain inside the skull cavity and that also protects and covers the spinal cord.

‧ Viral Meningitis can cause a relatively less severe infection. It's no walk through the park and it may clear up without applying a heavy duty treatment plan, but it is still an infection that is concentrated around the brain and spine and should never be taken lightly.

‧ Bacterial Meningitis on the other hand, can cause a much more severe infection. This strain of meningitis may cause brain damage, hearing loss, learning disabilities and easily...death.

‧ Knowing the difference between which strain the patient (or loved one) has been infected with is very important because the treatment options are so-very different for each type.

Signs & Symptoms

The symptoms of both types of meningitis overlap. They may take one or two days to develop and they include:

‧ High fever
‧ Headache
‧ Stiff neck
‧ Nausea
‧ Vomiting
‧ Difficulty looking into bright lights
‧ Confusion
‧ And sleepiness

Now, obviously this list looks like it could fit any teenager at one point or more in his/her life. Do not jump to conclusions. Keep your ears to the ground regarding what is happening in your part of town health-wise. And remember that if a schoolmate or your child comes down with any form of meningitis you will be notified through the school system.

Protection

The best protection available today is the meningitis vaccination. Some types of meningitis is passed from person to person, student to student. So unless you are planning on home schooling for their entire lives (and then still not allowing them outside around other kids to have any fun whatsoever) vaccination is the way to go.

Who should receive the meningitis vaccination?

According to the preeminent authority on such matters, The Centers For Disease Control & Prevention, the following individuals should receive the meningitis vaccination:

‧ Preteens and teens 11 to 18 years old
‧ College freshman who reside in dormitories
‧ Children ages 2 to 10 years old who are at an increased risk and those suggested by their medical care providers or parents

So there it is, the meningitis vaccination should be administered to all those who fit in the above-mentioned categories, for then and only then, can they rest assure they will be safe from infection even throughout an unfortunate breakout at their school or at after-school events.

If you live in NYC and would like more information on this potentially fatal, but always serious disease, please log onto Travel clinic NYC. This certified meningitis vaccination NYC clinic is staffed by a board-certified doctor and not a nurse practitioner like some other clinics are. They are located just two blocks from Grand Central Station and therefore very easy to reach by both subway and bus. Call 1-212-696-5900 to make an appointment today. Stay safe.

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Hypnotherapy Proven Effective for Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS

Ask anyone who has to deal with Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), it is not only painful and draining but it's a condition that the medical establishment seems to have a low success rate at treating or even soothing. In some cases, the people affected have been told by some physicians that they should follow a high-fibre diet, when it has been known to make symptoms worse.

More than 10 years of scientific research has shown hypnotherapy to be an effective choice for alleviating the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. 75 to 80% of people who have used hypnotherapy routinely have had positive results.

Adriane Fugh-Berman, MD, chair of the National Women's Health Network in Washington, DC, says "Hypnosis should be the treatment of choice for IBS cases which have not responded to conventional therapy." In this matter, I would suggest that it could benefit everyone with IBS as it has not been showed to interfere with conventional treatments one way or the other

So why can hypnotherapy help IBS suffers?

The reason hypnotherapy works so well with IBS is that the simple fact that the client relaxes and let's go of excess tensions increases the blood circulation to the gun and in fact the entire body. Stress tends to inhibit this normal flow of blood to the area and cause extra stress, tension and pain. Along with some pain management techniques and teaching the client to replicate the work done clinically by teaching them to use the Renaissance self-hypnosis method I have developed the client can maintain his new found comfort. This more relaxed client can then start noticing an improved digestion and an easier movement of food through the bowel. It is still advisable for the client to keep consulting his physician even after all symptoms have subsided of course as you would any condition when the symptoms disappear but it would be as important to maintain a low stress level and a healthy diet to avoid the symptoms from returning or for other stress related conditions to develop.

On top of maintaining a healthy stress level and diet, regular exercise as well as a multitude of relaxation techniques can help. From Yoga and Tai-chi to a simple hobby, keeping stress low will always benefit your overall health.

I was amazed when I got my first client come to see me for IBS, I thought I could help with the symptoms and that although I would be helpful dealing with the pain that I would not be able to help with the actual condition. I was then compelled to research the matter and was amazed to see that some called it "Nervous Colon" I reminded myself of the popular hypnosis concept that says that "Anything that stress will make cause, hypnosis will help make better." And understanding this made me excited to see what I could do to help my client! After a few sessions my client came back to me with a thank you card and a doctor's note as to her improved condition. This is what a hypnotherapist should crave hearing, that he is no longer needed.

Dany Leblanc Ch, Nlp is a Clinical Hypnotherapist working out of Cardiff, Wales. He works with clients with various issues from Chronic pain to Eating Disorders as well as Smoking cessation, Weight management, Stress, Phobias, Lack of Motivation, Confidence and getting rid of unwanted habits and behaviors.

He also does public speaking on Hypnotherapy and offers Self Hypnosis courses for the public and corporate sector.

Contact Dany for a free 20 minute telephone consultation to see how he can help you!
http://renaissancehypnosis.co.uk/

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6 Common Topics for Medical Videos

With the growth of the internet and streaming services medical videos have become a valuable resource for many people. They are used by a variety of internet surfers, from the patient that wants to know more about a particularly treatment to the medical student who needs to learn more for their studies, from a person worried about a loved one to a doctor looking at new methods of practice.

Whatever the reason behind it however there are a multitude of resources out there which can help with all manner of different subjects, ailments, issues and conditions. Some of the more common issues discussed in medical videos are highlighted below.

1. Allergies
Videos about allergies range from introducing the subject to more in-depth scientific information on their causes. As a patient such information can help you to understand why you may have an allergy or even to spot the signs and prevent future outbreaks.

2. Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's is an emotive issue and videos on this subject can be extremely helpful for both patients and loved ones to understand how the condition affects people whilst providing information on the ways to spot early symptoms so that proactive measures can be taken.

3. Cancer
There are fewer more worrying words in the English language than cancer and understandably the desire for video content around the issue is immense. Content around the subject of cancer can mean anything from symptoms and treatments to real life stories from people that have survived, offering hope to those living with cancer.

4. Dental
When we are at the dentists we rarely understand precisely what is going on while the dentist works on our teeth and this is where animations and videos from experts can be extremely helpful in telling us precisely what is involved in various treatments and procedures.

5. Diabetes
Diabetes is becoming an increasingly large problem within the UK, particularly Type II diabetes which can manifest itself later in life. For people living with diabetes a great deal of emphasis is placed upon diet and health and as such further information and video content can be extremely helpful in providing advice and guidance.

6. Obesity
Another growing problem amongst the population is obesity. Obesity receives a great deal of media coverage and as such there is a remarkable amount of content providing people with advice on how they can lose weight, monitor their weight and also explanations of the various medical treatments which have been developed to combat obesity.

Above is only a small selection of the topics covered in medical videos, but it does give some idea of the help which is available out there should you need to find advice, guidance or simply further information on any given medical subject.

When looking for medical videos ensure that the information contained is presented by experts, who understand the intricacies of the field and subject matter intrinsically. Ultimately you should only watch videos from a trustworthy source.

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5 Things to Expect in Blood Borne Pathogen Training

Healthcare workers and other people who work with blood and human body fluids are always at a great risk of contracting deadly diseases like Hepatitis B and C and HIV through exposure from infected blood. It is, therefore, important for such staff to be trained to handle blood samples and fluids with great care to keep their lives out of danger.

Blood Borne pathogen training helps educate healthcare staff in hospitals, medical centers, paramedics, laboratories etc to do their job carefully. Listed below is a framework of the training program.

‧ The Prevention System: Workers associated with the healthcare sector and related fields are required to be vaccinated. The most important vaccines would be three shots of Hepatitis B given over specified intervals to maximize the body's immunity. Unfortunately, Hepatitis C and HIV still don't have vaccines. Therefore, utmost care has to be taken because such diseases are deadly with no precautionary medicines and are also not curable.

‧ The Engineering System: Medical waste disposal can be a major health problem if not done in an effective and proper manner. Special care has to be taken when the waste to be disposed off is caked with blood, dried blood or other body fluid. Medical waste is required to be segregated and packed in respective containers, labeled with warnings and then disposed off.

‧ The Workplace System: Healthcare workers should be trained to take care of themselves during work and to handle special situations. Sometimes, there are situations which demand the services of healthcare workers in very unhygienic environments like accidents, first aid services, spillage of body fluids and laboratory mishaps. The services of workers who have been fully trained under Blood Borne pathogen training should be employed in such cases. Wearing protective gear is mandatory. Exposed body parts should be washed immediately and the area should be disinfected. While working in such situations, minimum mess must be created. When in doubt of exposure, the healthcare worker should not drink, eat or perform any activity that may require touching his own sensitive body parts.

‧ Protective Gear: Proper protective gear has to worn every time healthcare workers are in an exposed environment. Latex gloves, shields for the face, protective goggles and aprons should be worn before handling blood and body fluid related situations. Before wearing the gloves, hands should be properly bandaged in case of any cuts. Proper protocol should be followed while handling the gear.

‧ Steps upon exposure: Upon contact with body fluids of an infected person, immediate action must be taken. The affected areas must be washed immediately, with running water, and scrubbed with antibacterial solutions. The contaminated area is required to be cleaned with Clorox and the used scrubs, cloves and other disposables used must be packed, labeled and disposed off.

It is very essential for rescue staff and support staff to be completely trained on the prevention of Blood Borne pathogens. Healthy bodies can also be infected if proper precautions are not taken. Therefore, minimum required training should be provided to all to help save lives and reduce the risk of infections.

For more information please visit our Bloodborne Pathogen Training and First Aid Training web pages.

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How Can Women Stay Fit And Healthy In This Day And Age?

Both men and women find it hard to stay in shape as they get older, but in this article I discuss how women, in particular, can successfully stay in shape. It is all too easy to pile on the pounds and lose your discipline, particularly after you have had children and move into your forties and fifties, but it is possible to stay fit and healthy, with a body you can be proud of.

The truth is that there are lots of things you can do to help you achieve this goal. For a start you can give up some of the things that are notoriously bad for you. So if you are a heavy smoker or drinker, you should seriously consider giving up cigarettes and alcohol, although just restricting yourself to the occasional alcoholic beverage will make a big difference to your health.

You should also try and eliminate stress from your life. This is easier said than done of course, particularly as stress levels seem to go up as you get older, but practicing breathing exercises and things like yoga and meditation will certainly help.

Exercise will also help reduce stress from your life. It will also keep you fit and healthy, and enable you to maintain a beautiful body if you are getting sufficient amounts. The key is to do lots of cardiovascular work such as running, cycling or swimming in order to stay slim. If this is too much for you, then consider doing plenty of walking because this will help burn off some extra calories, albeit to a lesser degree.

As you get older, it becomes harder to hold on to your looks. So skin care is absolutely essential. The best way to look after your skin is to apply lots of sun cream when you are outside, and apply moisturiser on a regular basis. You should also be drinking plenty of water because this will be help keep your skin clear.

Talking of water, it is important that you sit back and take a look at your diet because this is one of the main ways you can stay fit and healthy. If you are eating a lot of junk food, then you will almost certainly look and feel well below your best. So try and eat plenty of nutritious food, including plenty of fruit and vegetables, and stay below or close to your recommended daily calorie intake, which is around 2000 calories for women (according to the FDA).

If you are not getting sufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals, then you can always take some multivitamins to give you all the nutrients you need. However this shouldn't be necessary if you are following a healthy diet.

Anyway the point is that there are lots of ways for women to stay fit and healthy as they older. The key factors are undoubtedly exercise and diet. If you eat all the right foods, take plenty of exercise, and maybe take a diet supplement to help suppress your appetite and burn extra calories when you do exercise, then you can still look great well into your later years.

If you would like to find out more about some of the best diet supplements on the market, you can do so by checking out this Capsiplex review and by reading all about the Meratol diet pills.

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What You Should Know About Total Joint Replacement Surgery

Because our joints don't bother us often now, we take for granted that we have the ability to walk, jog, run, bend over or reach out for things. But as we age, some may need total joint replacement surgery because of conditions that affect them like injuries that involve our joints or rheumatoid or osteoarthritis. While these have been challenging operations to recover from in the past, advances in technology and techniques have reduced recovery time dramatically.

To understand why joint replacement is necessary it's important to understand how the joints work. What makes the joints work smoothly is the cartilage where the bones come together at a joint, no matter if it is the hip, knee, elbow, ankle or the shoulder. Cartilage allows for pain free and frictionless movement and typically has a smooth texture. But movement can become rather painful when the cartilage is severely worn or damaged. When the joint is worn enough to cause bone on bone rubbing, even minor daily activities like walking, traversing stairs and even bending over becomes painful and difficult. As it becomes worse, it can become totally debilitating.

Replacing the damaged cartilage with plastic or metal joints and relieving as much pain as possible is the ultimate goal by surgery becoming an option. By replacing the cartilage, complete joint movement and functionality can be restored which in turn restores mobility. For those patients who choose total joint replacement surgery, many can have their quality of life returned and gain back their independence.

Fortunately, surgery for total joint replacement is not as traumatic as it has been in the past for patients because of the technology available today. Patients can even begin to move the new joint the same day as having the surgery with many of the surgeries for shoulder and knee replacement. Instead of being forced to spend weeks in a hospital, many patients can go home within a short time, usually a few days, after surgery and will be able to do most of their rehabilitation in a home setting.

Having a proactive health routine at home including physical rehabilitative therapy is necessary to ensure the new joint functions as well as possible. Every patient will have a different amount of time with how quickly they recover and become active after surgery to replace the joint. You can better prepare by knowing what to expect if your doctor says your best option is surgery.

When the professionals are experienced and caring to your loved ones means it is important to find the right Denver home care givers. Patty Morris researched Littleton home care to make sure her loved ones got the best care available.

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The Use of Blood Alcohol Level Measurement

The measurement of a person's blood alcohol level is used by law enforcement departments all over the world to test if a person is fit to drive or not. Almost all countries have strict laws on drinking and driving. Some countries in fact have a zero tolerance to drinking and driving so any level of alcohol in the blood while driving is illegal. In countries where a limit is applied, blood alcohol content is used to classify how intoxicated a person is and gives an idea of how drunk a person is. The degree of impairment based on alcohol content in the blood varies from person to person, so it can only ever be a rough guide, but is considered good enough to show that someone is intoxicated and unfit to drive.

The alcohol level allowed in the blood when driving varies from country to country. Some, as said, have a zero tolerance, this reflects the fact that the only safe blood alcohol level for driving is zero. Even one drink can have a hugely detrimental effect on your ability to drive. In the United States the legal blood alcohol level is 0.08%. But this doesn't mean you are actually safe to drive if you are below this level. Some people choose not to drink at all if they are planning to drive. Some people make this decision because they are more aware of the impairment than other people. It may be that they are actually more impaired, because everyone reacts differently to alcohol.

The blood alcohol level is derived from the amount of alcohol that has been drunk by a person and the rate at which the particular drinker's body metabolizes the alcohol. Because the body takes the alcohol in at quit a constant rate drinking quickly will raise the blood alcohol concentration at a faster rate. Coordination is one of the first things to go although the person may not be fully aware of the loss it can still be quite significant. A small amount of alcohol in the blood can also make people seem and fell more relaxed quite quickly. These combine to reduce the person's level of caution. This happens quite quickly in the process of intoxication and will have an effect on a person's decision making and reactions.

The above effects of a low blood alcohol level come into play before the 0.08% level is reached. Also before this level a person will experience some balance and vision impairment. They may also have problems with their speech. All these things combine to cause potential problems when driving. Once the 0.08% level is passed these problems become significant in most. Unfortunately it is still a level where many people will not have recognised the effects themselves. This is why the level is set here in the States and other countries. But, as said, the level is arbitrary and it is thought by some that any amount of alcohol in the blood is too much to be able to say that a person is save to drive.

blood alcohol level helps you know about it so that you can learn clearly about blood alcohol level.

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The Hidden Truth About Chewing Gum

Everyday when walking a long the streets you will notice everyone chewing gum. People do this for different reasons and purposes, but did you know chewing has many unknown advantages to human beings?

For those always struggling to lose weight then try chewing gum. It helps in controlling your appetite and reducing cravings for snacks with high calories. Research by scientists indicates that it can help burn at least 11 calories per hour. Another research conducted from the University of Rhode Island indicated that people with a habit of gum chewing would consume 68 fewer calories at lunch and would not want to eat more food later that day.

It also helps greatly in improving your memory. Chewing alone helps in good circulation of blood in your brain by producing more oxygen and glucose and disposal of CO2. Recent research indicates that chewing gum, as matter of fact should be allowed in schools because a part from good memory, it makes one become more alert. It indicates that the gum-chewing students have better academic performance compared to those who do not chew. The research done at the Baylor College of Medicine conducted an experiment with 108 math students and realized that those students who while doing their math tests had a 3 percent increase in their academic results.

It is also amazing that dentists today prescribe some packets of gums to their patients. This is because chewing is very important in oral heath and for your teeth. Research shows that chewing sugar-free gum increases saliva that helps to get rid of sugar, food debris and acids that cause tooth decay. It leaves your mouth fresh all the time and whitens your teeth by reducing accumulating stains.

It also reduces symptoms of stress. The rhythmic motion keeps you from thinking a lot hence having a stress reducing effect on you. Psychiatrists and psychologists believe that chewing gum plays a great role in reducing tension and releasing nervous energy. It can easily help reduce frustration, anxiety and irritation. Some students are always advised to chew gum prior to sitting for their exams. It makes them stay calm and concentrate on their tests.

Other amazing benefits are that it takes away sleepiness and prevents you from crying when peeling onions. How amazing!

Here are some interesting facts about chewing. A person can chew 300 sticks of gum every year and that humans are the only animals on the planet that chew gum.

Did you also know that gum chewing in Singapore is highly regulated and you only have to purchase therapeutic dental gums from the dentist or doctor? Majority of population who enjoy it go to the neighboring countries to where it is legal and tourists are only allowed to bring a maximum of two packs per person any more than that, you are charged with gum smuggling.

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Kosher Supplements Before You're Old

Kosher supplements are an important part of any person over the age of forty's life. It is absolutely mind boggling to me that a person in or nearing their middle age would go even a day without omega 3 fish oil and kosher supplements. These things can help you live healthier and happier. I don't really get why anyone would avoid such a thing. That said, increasingly it seems younger folks should also be considering kosher supplements. There is a wide array of reasons. The body absolutely needs these kinds of nutrients and supplements to stay at it's performing peak for as long as possible.

Many people below their trouble ages are a little too dismissive of healthier habits like taking kosher supplements and eating better, but these people often live to regret these early in life missed opportunities to get their health up. Miss these chances at your own risk. As time goes on damage you might do to your body in your youth becomes more entrenched and harder to counter act even with all the kosher supplements in the world. You do not want to hit the age of 33 and find yourself with an iron deficiency or some sort of other unhealthy lacking in your diet.

If you are a pregnant woman, even a very young one, it is even more important to jump on the vitamin train early and often. Prenatal vitamins and DHA are a great place to start making sure that your body and your child's are in tip top shape for delivery and for the subsequent lifestyle rattle of parenthood. Men who are about to have kids too should be prepared for an immune system shaking lack of sleep and heightened stress level that could have them getting sicker easier and more often. It is these sort of problems that can be easily helped with a healthy vitamin habit. They will keep your immune system in fighting shape through out all the stresses and strife of adulthood, of which there are many.

Being a grown up can not be all ice cream for dinner and Pop Tarts for lunch, at some point you have to start taking care of yourself. That includes regular exercise, eating right and kosher supplements. It is so important that you are getting all of the nutrients and vitamins your development requires. Anything less is a terrible disservice to your physical well being and seeing as people rely on you, a disservice to your adult responsibilities. So take a kosher supplement do not wait until it is too late!

Kosher Vitamins has all of the vitamins you need to kosher supplements your diet. Whether you have kids or you're looking for your own kosher vitamin, you can find it here.

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Avoiding Food Poisoning - Some Tips

Food poisoning is a food-borne illness, and is a very common problem faced by many people around the world, and can sometimes be, even a threat to life. People who are infected with organisms that are borne by food, may not be facing any symptoms. However, some may face symptoms ranging from mild discomfort in the intestine to extreme dehydration and bloody diarrhoea.

Sometimes, depending on the kind and degree of food poisoning, it might even turn out to be fatal for the patient. Hence it is of great importance that you take steps in order to avoid food poisoning.

Here are some of the ways in which you can prevent it:

1. Avoid eating raw or undercooked eggs and meat. Always check the expiry dates of meats before the purchase and again make sure that the product has not expired before you prepare for cooking it.

2. If you have been served any under-cooked egg product or meat in an eatery; that is, if the food is not tender enough or it doesn't look like it has been well-cooked, always send the food back for proper cooking. You must also make sure that when you are being served the cooked product, it is served in a fresh new plate.

3. Always make sure that the food from an animal source (meat, dairy, eggs) is cooked well, or is pasteurized.

4. Always select fish and shellfish carefully, to ensure their freshness and quality.

5. Do not ever leave meats, eggs, poultry, milk or seafood for long time periods, at room temperature. Always refrigerate the leftovers and the food that has already been prepared in advance.

6. Don't thaw food at normal room temperature. Instead, thaw them inside the refrigerator and then use them immediately. Also, don't refreeze food once it has been totally thawed.

7. Wash your cutting boards, hands, and knives with an antibacterial soap or gel and wash with warm or hot water if you have handled raw poultry, meat, eggs or seafood. Try not using wooden cutting boards, as they can be difficult to clean completely.

8. Wash any raw fruits and vegetables thoroughly before you eat them, especially the ones that won't be cooked. Also try to avoid eating any alfalfa sprouts until their safety has been assessed.

9. Always wash your hands after handling birds, reptiles, or other animals as well as after touching human face.

10. If you are suffering from any illness, do not prepare food for anybody else, especially those with a weak or weakened immune system, such as infants and the elderly.

11. Keep frozen and cold foods in as much cold temperature as possible. You can wrap them in thick paper or may be purchase a small cooler in order to transport the frozen and cold foods back home from the shop. Whenever possible, buy the cold products at the end of your shopping and store all the food immediately after you get back home.

12. Always heat leftovers to high temperatures before serving them as they could still be containing some active pathogens.

Food poisoning is an illness that makes you uneasy at best but can get fatal sometimes. So always try to follow some basic rules to keep yourself from getting sick, and you are good to go. Remember, that hygiene is the key to good health.

To register for a free consultation with expert personal trainer, visit Sydney Personal Training.

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Care and Handling of Surgical Instruments

I. RINSING

Immediately after use, rinse instruments under warm or cool running water to remove all blood, body fluids and tissue. Dried soils may damage the instrument surface and make cleaning very difficult. Do not use hot water as this will coagulate proteinous substances.

II. CLEANING TECHNIQUES

Time, temperature, and agitation play important roles in the cleaning process. Time - the efficiency of cleaning chemicals is often time dependant Temperature - higher temperature cleaning solutions result in better cleaning Agitation - whether manual or ultrasonic, it is helpful in loosening the soil on the surface of the instrument

A. Ultrasonic Cleaning

This is the most effective cleaning method. Ultrasonic cleaning is the result of cavitation. The vibrating sound waves create micron-size bubbles in the solution that grow with the alternating pressure. When they reach a resonant size, the bubbles implode creating a force that dislodges dirt and particles, even in the smallest of crevices. The use of an ultrasonic detergent greatly improves the rate of cavitation as opposed to plain water.

1. Mix enzymatic (Enzol - WPI part number 7363), or other neutral pH or mild alkaline detergent (Alconox - WPI part number 13740) per manufacturer recommendations.

2. Use deionized water, if available.

3. Run ultrasonic cleaner for several minutes to degas the solution and obtain correct temperature.

4. Place instruments in open position into the ultrasonic cleaner. Do not allow instruments with sharp blades to touch other instruments. All instruments must be fully submerged.

5. Do not place dissimilar metals (stainless, copper, chrome plated, etc.) in the same cleaning cycle.

6. Instruments should be processed in the cleaner for 5 to 10 minutes.

7. Rinse instruments with water to remove ultrasonic cleaning solution and any remaining soils.

8. Dry instruments thoroughly with a clean towel. This minimizes the risk of corrosion and formation of water spots.

9. Use spray lubricant (WPI part number 500126) in the hinges to improve function of instrument.

B. Automatic Washer Sterilizers

Follow manufacturer's recommendations. Lubricate instruments after last rinse cycle and before sterilization cycle.

C. Manual Cleaning

1. Use stiff plastic cleaning brushes. Do not use steel wool or wire brushes.

2. Use only neutral pH detergents. If not rinsed properly, low pH detergents may breakdown the stainless protective surface and cause black staining. High pH detergents may cause surface deposits of brown stains, which can interfere with the smooth operation of the instrument.

3. Brush delicate instruments carefully and, if possible, handle them separately from general instruments.

4. Inspect all instrument surfaces to ensure they are visibly clean and free of stains and tissue. Inspect each instrument for proper function and condition. Scissor blades should glide smoothly and the blades must not be loose when in closed position. Check that forceps tips are properly aligned. Hemostats and needle holders should not show light between the jaws, they should lock and unlock easily, and the joints should not be too loose. Check needle holder jaws for wear. Examine cutting instruments and knives to be sure their blades are sharp and undamaged.

5. Rinse instruments thoroughly under running water. While rinsing, open and close scissors, hemostats, needle holders and other hinged instruments to ensure that hinge areas are also rinsed.

6. Dry instruments thoroughly with a clean towel. This minimizes the risk of corrosion and formation of water spots. Use spray lubricant (WPI part number 500126) in the hinges to improve function of instrument.

D. Soaking

Large, non-delicate instruments can be soaked in a corrosion inhibiting detergent (Alconox - WPI part number 13740) when other cleaning methods are not practical. Rinsing and drying after soaking is recommended.

III. STERILIZING

A. Autoclaving

1. Lubricate all instruments that have any metal-to-metal action such as scissors, hemostats, needle holders, self retaining retractors, etc. Surgical instrument lubricants (WPI part number 500126) should be used. Do not use WD-40 oil or other industrial lubricants.

2. Instruments may be autoclaved individually or in sets.

a. Individual instruments-Disposable paper or plastic pouches are ideal. Use a wide enough pouch (4" or wider) for instruments with ratchet locks (such as needle holders and hemostats) so the instrument can be sterilized in an open (unlocked) position.

b. Instrument Sets-Unlock all instruments and sterilize them in an open position. Place heavy instruments on bottom of set (when two layers are required).

3. Never lock an instrument during autoclaving. This will prevent the steam from reaching and sterilizing the metal-to-metal surfaces. Furthermore, heat expansion during autoclaving can cause cracks in hinge areas.

4. Do not overload the autoclave chamber, as this may also hinder steam penetration.

5. Place a towel on bottom of pan to absorb excess moisture during autoclaving.

6. At the end of the autoclave cycle (before the drying cycle) unlock autoclave door and open it no more than a crack (about 3/4"). Run dry cycle for the period recommended by the autoclave manufacturer. If the autoclave door is opened fully before the drying cycle, cold room air will rush into the chamber, causing condensation on the instruments. This will result in water stains on instruments and also cause wet packs.

B. Cold Sterilization

Most cold sterilization solutions require a 10-hour immersion to render instruments sterile, but this prolonged chemical action may be more detrimental to surgical instruments than the 20-minute autoclave cycle. If the instruments need only to be disinfected (basically clean), cold sterilization is acceptable since disinfection will take place in only 10 minutes. But to render the instruments sterile (with absolutely no living organism surviving), autoclaving is recommended. For instruments with tungsten carbide inserts (needle holders, scissors, tissue forceps), do not use solutions containing benzyl ammonium chloride which will destroy the tungsten carbide inserts.

IV. STORAGE

Instruments should be stored in a clean and dry environment until use.

V. STAIN GUIDE FOR STAINLESS STEEL

Although stainless steel is corrosive resistant, it can still rust and/or stain if handled improperly. To determine if a discoloration is rust or just a stain, erase the discoloration with a pencil eraser. If there is pitting in the metal under the discoloration, it is corrosion.If the discoloration is removed, it was just a stain.

Stain color Cause:
Brown/Orange- High pH
Dark Brown -Low pH
Bluish/Black -Reverse plating due to mixed metals during cleaning process
Multicolor -Excessive heat
Light/dark colored spots- Water droplets drying on the surface
Black -Contact with ammonia
Gray -Excessive use of rust remover solution
Rust -Dried on blood or biodebris

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How You Can Deal With 5 Common Health Ailments

There are a number of varied reasons that cause health ailments. Stressful lifestyles, unhealthy food habits, reduced body resistance, age, hereditary, can all cause ailments, some which can be cured and others that have to be kept under control. Here are basic facts about the 5 most common ailments that affect the general population.

‧ Hypertension
Also known as high blood pressure, it is estimated that one in every three adults in the United States is affected by hypertension, and is increasingly including teenagers too. Common causes include too much salt intake, obesity, smoking, alcohol, excessive coffee consumption. You must watch out for any abnormal rhythm of the heart, weakness, difficulty in breathing and dizziness. If hypertension is not checked in time with proper screening, medication and improved lifestyle it can lead to more serious problems involving the heart, arteries and the kidneys.

‧ Back Pain
Every movement of your body involves the back in some way, thus making it very susceptible to wear and tear. Reasons for back ache are bad postures using poorly designed chairs and beds, being overweight and lack of exercise. The best way to cure back pain is to take up yoga, additionally you should use properly designed chairs that support your lower back, maintain a proper posture while sitting and use a firm mattress to sleep. If the pain persists, it may indicate certain injury or infection, and a doctor should be immediately consulted.

‧ Diabetes
A high level of glucose (blood sugar) in the body due to certain insulin defects causes diabetes. Hereditary, obesity, stress, hypertension and diet can also cause diabetes. Some of the typical symptoms that you will notice are fatigue, slowed healing, weight loss and recurrent infections. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented by controlling weight, having a healthy diet and exercising regime, reducing consumption of alcohol and not smoking. Type 1 diabetes might however require daily medications including insulin injections.

‧ Heart Disease
Your heart is the key organ of the body, and any irregularity in its functioning can have an adverse effect on the body. There are different types of heart diseases that can affect the heart muscle, or the arteries and veins of the heart, or even the heart valves. Besides being hereditary, heart diseases are also caused by cholesterol, diabetes, stress, smoking, alcohol and earlier heart attacks. Symptoms include a sensation of fullness, chest pain, increased heartbeat and breathlessness. However heart disease can be prevented by a healthy diet, exercise, weight control and good habits. Furthermore regular screening and medication can also keep it in check.

‧ Insomnia
It is a sleep disorder that causes difficulty in getting sleep or even remaining asleep for a reasonable duration. Common causes can be tension, anxiety, depression, obesity or some other ailment that impacts peaceful sleep. Addressing the problems, like relieving stress, establishing a routine, tackling depression, exercise along with proper food habits before bedtime and a comfortable environment can solve the problem in most cases.

As you can see, most of the ailments can be prevented by a proper lifestyle, but you must keep a watch for the symptoms too, so as to treat the ailment without delay.

For more information please visit our Life Safety Training and Latex Allergy Training web pages.

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How Your Emotions Affect Your Bone Health

Your bone health and your emotions are linked, but when you think of improving your bone health, you likely think about doing physical things - perhaps exercise more, especially weight bearing. Or eat higher quality food. Or take certain supplements.

While these are all important and valid in and of themselves, they do not complete the picture of what it takes to achieve full health of bones. That's because bones exist in bodies, and bodies are affected by emotions.

But can there be a link between bone health and emotional health? Or if there is, is it significant enough to affect bone health for better or worse?

The short answer is yes, absolutely. Here is one way your emotional health affects your bone health, and affects it significantly.

First, every emotion you feel has a corresponding 'molecule of emotion'. That's the term Candace Pert, PhD., used to describe how thoughts become physical and direct our bodies. That's how we're designed.

The problem comes in when we have emotions we don't resolve. In other words, we don't get done with them. What happens then is that they keep replaying, and when they replay, they bathe our bodies in those same 'molecules of emotion' over and over. The short story is that in this kind of circumstance, those molecules make our bodies run more acid than is good for us.

But a bodily state that's too acidic means all manner of physiological processes can't run the way they need to. And the symptoms we may develop are our bodies' way of telling us that. "Hey, we're too acid, we can't do our work in here!" is what they're saying, but they say it via symptoms. We're too acid and we experience nervous irritability, feelings of suffocation, lump in the throat, dry mouth, we sigh frequently, are overly sensitive to bright light, noises, are easily breathless, abnormally sensitive to pain, preferring to be alone rather than in social contact etc.

These are symptoms that are occurring in our bodies but originating in our emotional selves. How is our body to deal with this?

Since our bodies are smart and self-balancing, they work to correct this situation right away. And the way they do that is to take calcium from our bones and return it to circulation so it moves things back in the direction of alkalinity.

So, an emotional state that's 'stuck on replay' is an emotional state that sets the body up to rob the bones.

Given the new science about these links between our emotions and our bones, it's a good time for our conversation about bones to include 'emotional osteopenia' and 'emotional osteoporosis.'

What does a healthy emotional life looks like? Find out at go to http://www.emotionaldevelopment101.com/. You'll learn about thriving vs. surviving, emotional nourishment vs. toxicity, emotional life in childhood vs. adulthood, your emotional nature and that which was (or was not) nurtured, healthy boundary-making and more. Next online class series starts Sept. 12.

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What You Should Know About High White Blood Cell Count

Elevated white blood cell count (also known as leukocytosis) indicates that there is an increase in the production of white blood cells (WBC or leukocytes) in the body. It is the opposite of leukopenia, which is the decrease in the number of WBC. The main function of leukocytes is to fight infections within the body, which can be caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses. High white blood cell count in the body can indicate an underlying health issue, such as anemia, bone marrow tumor, inflammatory disease, emotional or physical anxiety, tissue damage, infectious diseases, or even leukemia. However, further examination must be done to figure out the exact cause of the condition.

The tests performed may vary from one patient to another, depending on their medical history. If you have leukocytosis, your doctor will most likely do a blood test called complete blood test (CBC). He or she will be able to determine the cause and the suitable treatment options through the test results. Your doctor may even go through the list of medications that you are currently taking. If the test shows that the condition is very serious, you may have to undergo a bone marrow biopsy since the high WBC might be a sign of a bone marrow disease.

High WBC can also lead to infertility in both women. A woman who has leukocytosis might be allergic to her partner's semen. Her body may misrecognize sperm as an invasive object and thus develops antibodies that can damage or even kill sperm. In order to overcome this problem, her doctor will prescribe her antibiotics so that her allergic reaction level to semen can be reduced, or even eliminated. However, you shouldn't worry too much because this condition is very rare.

Leukocytosis can also occur during pregnancy. Commonly, when a woman is pregnant, the WBC in the uterus produce antibodies. The leukocytes can misidentify the fetus as an invasive object and attack it, causing miscarriage. The baby can also carry high white blood cells and therefore a pregnant woman must avoid several kinds of meats that can increase the production of WBC, such as sausages and salamis. With a healthy diet, the risk of miscarriage and high WBC in the baby can be reduced.

Symptoms include fever, bleeding or bruising, difficulty breathing, sudden weight loss, fatigue, dizziness, and pain or tingling in the arms, legs, or abdomen. If you suspect that you might have high WBC, you should seek medical attention immediately.

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Juicing - The First Step On The Road To Better Health Through Proper Diet

Most of us have tried to walk, and sometimes run, down The Road To Better Health without much success. There are a lot of potholes, curves and detours as you go down that road and that makes it very difficult to stay the course. However, the rewards can be great if you are able to stay the course for the duration.

To achieve better health you have to change your eating habits and that requires commitment to a change in your life style. And if you don't make that commitment you will see your weight, and your health, go up and down continually. However, that change in life style can be made easier with the proper tools.

If you are really serious about achieving better health through proper diet the first thing you should do is build a healthy eating home center. What does a healthy eating home center consist of? The right small appliances that will assist you in making food that is significantly better for your health.

The first small appliance you should put in your healthy eating home center is a quality juicer. There are basically three different types of juicers on the market today, centrifugal, single gear and twin gear juicers. I would recommend that you make your first addition to your healthy eating home center a twin gear juicer. Twin gear juicers operate at low RPMs which helps maintain the nutritional benefits of the juice and they are very versatile.

Before we discuss some of the foods that can be prepared with your new twin gear juicer lets look at some of the benefits of juicing.

Freshly juiced vegetables and fruits give your body an instant boost of nutrients, enzymes, vitamins and minerals in a form that your body can easily assimilate, absorb and digest. Studies show that the nutrients from juiced vegetables and fruits are absorbed into our bloodstream within 30 minutes of consumption.

At the most basic level, juicing allows you to add many more vegetables and fruits to your daily diet, and to increase the amount of raw food you consume giving your body energy and boosting both the body's immune system and cleansing process. Juicing is one of the easiest and fastest ways to start on the road to better healthy.

Now lets look at just a few of the things you can make with your new juicer. A good, versatile twin gear juicer will not only make great tasting and nutritious juices it will also mince and grind coffee beans, seeds and seasonings. It can also double as a pasta maker that will make fresh home made pastas without the preservatives you find in pastas you buy at the grocery store. You can also make fresh, frozen fruit sorbet to replace the fattening deserts that kill any diet.

In addition, you will be able to make juice from wheatgrass with a good twin gear juicer. Wheatgrass juice is a whole food with no toxic side effects. It is full of vitamins and minerals and it is a natural appetite suppressant that will help you control your appetite for proper diet and weight control.

If you have a newborn or infant child that is still eating baby food you will be happy to hear that your new twin gear juicer will also make fresh, preservative free baby foods. As good as the manufacturers claim processed baby foods to be there is no substitute for fresh, home made baby foods. Feeding your baby fresh made baby food is a good way to start your baby's eating habits on the right path.

As you can see the benefits of a twin gear juicer are many. As the first investment in your healthy eating home center your new juicer will serve you well for many years to come.

Barry Hall was always interest in a good glass of wine and some fine chocolates before learning the value and pleasure of healthy eating. He has also educated himself on the proper food preparation tools to use when preparing foods that are good for your health and good to your palate. Visit his web site at JuicersandFoodProcessors.com to see the tools that you need to prepare healthy foods.

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