Sep
28
2009
0

What is it like to have a tooth extracted?

Image by wakefielddavid - CC-BY

When a dentist removes a tooth, he or she generally administers a local anaesthetic then pulls the tooth out mechanically. Some practices may offer a general anaesthetic so that the whole procedure can be carried out while you are “asleep”, but in most countries this is uncommon because of the possible side-effects of the anaesthesia [more...]

Jul
15
2009
2

Why should I try Kangoo Jumps?

My new Kangoo Jumps (photo by umiat - CC- BY)

Imagine jumping around on two little trampolines attached to a pair of lightweight buckle boots and you can begin to feel the freedom experienced by Kangoo Jumps enthusiasts! Kangoo Jumps provide low impact, rebounding fun to both adults and children and can be used on a variety of different surfaces both indoors and outside. At first sight, [more...]

Jul
11
2009
0

Is dark chocolate good for you?

The Word Lust, Chocolate-coated

Lust, Chocolate-coated – Photographic Print Stiepel, Kai – Buy at AllPosters.com

Yes, dark chocolate is good for you, but with a few reservations. The good news is that regular consumption of dark chocolate can decrease blood pressure and probably reduces the risk of heart disease, primarily due to the flavinols the chocolate contains. The reservations are [more...]

Jun
26
2009
0

How can I visit an African game reserve without the risk of malaria?

Warning - Objects in mirror are larger than they appear! (photo by exfordy - CC-BY)

Many people yearn to see large African animals in the wild—and many African countries have game reserves where elephants, rhinos, hippos, giraffes and lions roam free. But there’s a catch—how to avoid the risk of contracting malaria? Malaria is a dangeous and sometimes life-threatening disease. The cause of the disease is a parasite of the blood, [more...]

Written by eiffel | 711 views | Tags: , , , , | 0 Comments
Jun
07
2009
3

Is a bilberry different from a blueberry, or a whortleberry, or a wimberry?

Bilberries - tiny - but a big choice of names (Photo by mwri - CC-BY)

Bilberries grow wild in Europe. Blueberries look similar but bigger, and are native to North America. That’s the short answer, but the longer truth is that there are quite a few different varieties – all cousins related to one another. It’s usual to call dark blue members of the European branch of the family bilberries, [more...]

Written by leli | 1,101 views | Tags: , , , , | 3 Comments
Jun
02
2009
0

What are some natural remedies for morning sickness during pregnancy?

Tazo green ginger (Photo by edkohler - CC-BY)

You are happy, ecstatic, and over the top with your new pregnancy. Then come those dreaded waves of nausea that can put a damper on the happiest of times – morning sickness! And you quickly discover that it doesn’t necessarily happen only in the morning. What can you do? Fortunately,  for most women, morning sickness usually [more...]

May
06
2009
0

What are the differences between the stomach flu and respiratory flu?

Police in Mexico City in April 2009 during the influenza epidemic.

Although the stomach or gastric flu — a usually brief illness marked by digestive distress, diarrhea and similar symptoms — and the respiratory flu share part of a name, they aren’t the same illness, and they aren’t caused by the same kind of germ. While their names suggest they are related, they are not. What we [more...]

Written by mvguy | 605 views | Tags: , , , , | 0 Comments
Apr
28
2009
0

What is the difference between bird flu and swine flu?

In April 2009, residents of Mexico City began wearing face masks and even respiratory filters to keep from contracting a swine flu.

You may remember that a few years ago there was much attention given to the bird or avian flu — it was seen a potential source of a worldwide pandemic. But now the pandemic threat isn’t a bird flu, but a swine flu. So the question naturally arises: What is the difference between them? The [more...]

Written by mvguy | 4,684 views | Tags: , , , , , | 0 Comments
Apr
27
2009
0

Which companies produce the drugs used to treat swine flu in humans?

Tamiflu capsules (photo by François Rejeté CC-BY)

The two drugs which have been stock-piled by governments across the world in preparation for a possible flu pandemic are known by their trade names Relenza and Tamiflu, and it is indeed those which are being recommended for the current swine influenza breakout. The World Health Organisation is reporting that “national and the local authorities [more...]

Apr
27
2009
0

How can I avoid catching or transmitting swine flu?

Photo by drusbi - CC-BY

The transmission of influenza such as swine flu can be greatly reduced by taking certain precautions: Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. Use soap and warm water, or an alcohol-based sanitizer. Tip: many people don’t wash their thumbs properly! Be fastidious about covering your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze. If you use a tissue, [more...]

Written by eiffel | 779 views | Tags: , , | 0 Comments
Apr
27
2009
0

How can I strengthen my immune system to protect against swine flu and other pandemic viruses?

Green Giant immunity blend veggies (by iateapie - CC-BY)

A strong immune system is your best protection against virulent strains of flu and other viruses. When viruses strike a large geographic area and rise to pandemic proportions, vaccines cannot be relied on to protect an entire population. Viruses can also mutate rapidly and become resistant to existing antiviral drugs and vaccines. Keeping your immune system [more...]

Apr
16
2009
0

Can food allergies prevent weight loss?

Calories (photo by baejaar - CC-BY)

Many individuals are frustrated by an inability to reach their weight loss goals despite an adequate reduction in daily calories. It now appears that food allergies may be partly to blame! Food intolerance can create an inflammatory immune response which can inhibit weight loss. Sensitivities to commonly ingested foods can be revealed in chronic symptoms like [more...]

Apr
13
2009
0

What are the best foods for an anti-aging diet?

Blueberries in gin syrup (Photo by thebittenword.com - BB-CY)

Nutrient-rich foods are the centerpiece of an anti-aging diet. Lean proteins, whole grains, nuts, beans, and fruits and vegetables provide the building blocks of a healthy diet as we age. Whole foods are loaded with vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, healthy fats, and fiber which can help keep the body young and defend against disease. Some of [more...]

Mar
20
2009
0

Can exercise help recovery after a heart attack?

Heart (Photo by fionaandneil - CC-BY)

Exercise can help improve blood flow after a heart attack, according to recent research conducted in Switzerland. The type of exercise is not as important as the continuation of the exercise program. Aerobic exercise, strength (resistance) training, and aerobics combined with strength training all  proved helpful in improving blood vessel function in patients who recently suffered [more...]

Mar
09
2009
2

What is a Flexitarian diet?

Bulgar salad with cranberries (by MerylCA - CC-BY)

Flexitarians are “flexible vegetarians” who eat a plant-based diet most of the time but are not so strict that they can’t enjoy a sprinkling of meat or fish when the urge hits! There has been a lot of research pointing to the health benefits of eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and nuts. Lowered risk [more...]

Mar
08
2009
0

How many Community Hospitals are there in the United States?

Hospital sign (photo by Paul8032 -CC-BY)

According to the America Hospital Association (AHA), there are  4,897 Community Hospitals  out of a total of 5,708 registered hospitals in the U.S. Details Number of U.S. Community Hospitals – 4,897 Number of Federal Government Hospitals – 213 Number of Nonfederal Psychiatric Hospitals – 444 Number of Nonfederal Long Term Care Hospitals – 136 Number of Hospital Units of Institutions (Prison Hospitals, [more...]

Mar
04
2009
0

What is hydrogenated vegetable oil, and why is it bad?

Fat deposits above the fast food fryer (photo by John Lewis - CC-BY)

Hydrogenated vegetable oil is a manufactured product produced by taking a normal vegetable oil and adding metal as a catalyst. The mixture is heated and hydrogen is forced through it. The hydrogen attaches to the unsaturated vegetable oil. If there’s enough hydrogen, you end up with saturated fat. But if the hydrogen is restricted, you [more...]

Written by eiffel | 3,359 views | Tags: , , , , | 0 Comments
Mar
02
2009
0

What is the size of the diet meal home delivery market?

Veal Chop with zone style salad (photo by Neeta Lind CC-BY)

Diet meals and snacks delivered to your home is a convenient option for losing weight. Home delivery diets is one of the fasting growing segments in the weight loss industry. According to a recent research report, home delivery of prepared diet meals is worth approximately $1 billion. This is a rapidly growing market and it is [more...]

Mar
01
2009
0

Why do women live longer than men?

photo by Mitch Diatz - CC-BY

In just about every country, women live longer than men. According to the CIA World Factbook, women live 5 years longer in Australia and the UK, 6 years longer in the USA, seven years longer in Brazil and Japan, and a massive 14 years longer in Russia. A rare exception is Botswana, where men can [more...]

Feb
28
2009
0

Can the Calorie Restriction diet slow the aging process and promote weight loss? 

Salmon sushi (photo by adactio (CC-BY)

The Calorie Restriction diet, also known as the Longevity Diet, is gaining a fair amount of attention for its potential role in promoting greater health and slowing the aging process. The intent of the Calorie Restriction diet is to eat highly nutritious foods in a caloric range which sustains health while maintaining a lower-than-average weight. Followers [more...]

Privacy Policy | Acknowledgements