What Will the Future Hold for Our Health

There is a wave of awareness growing at the grassroots level these days, questioning what used to be the standard way of living a healthier life. We saw people rejecting flu vaccines during last year’s swine flu pandemic. Then, there are those who are going the traditional route to find their own healing. One can only wonder about the future trend of our health. Here are some predictions that are already visible on the world wide web:

1. An Exodus to Natural Healing

People are becoming aware that they have a choice: To choose those that are naturally healthy. We can see more people appreciating and purchasing alternative medicine in the hope of getting away from chemicals, synthetics, and preservatives. The fear of what these substances do to the body is a driving force in this journey and we will surely see a rise in demand for organic and natural products.

2. Preventive Medicine

Bio-nutrition is proving that there is virtue to be had in ancient wisdom. As people are becoming more aware of what they eat and its effect on their health, the rise on dietary supplements is growing. Because of stress and poor lifestyle diets, foods are not enough to supply essential vitamins and nutrients to the body. The future focuses more on preventing disease than curing it. We can see more people living until their 100th birthday as Science discovers new ways of prolonging your health and your life.

3. Emergence of New Products

Centuries ago, no one even knew what superfoods are. Because there will be a huge demand for food as the population grows, we will see more of those GMO or genetically modified foods in the market. Superfoods, synthetic or not, will also rise in the market. Energy drinks will become the new soft drinks and nutrient bars will soon replace processed snacks. It may not be totally better to your health, but they may present a better alternative for the hungry populace.

4. A Surplus of Weight Loss Products

Today’s unhealthy lifestyle choices will be tomorrow’s health nightmare. In the US alone, almost half of the population are at risk for obesity and more adults are obese in more than 2/3 of the states. With the rise of people having problems with weight comes a surplus of miracle weight loss products we haven’t heard of before.

5. A Wellness-Centric Age

With life becoming more stressful each day, people will be forced to seek out relaxation like a Holy Grail. Businesses in the health and wellness industry will truly profit from this as people want to get away to relaxing place to pamper themselves. Today, wellness tourism is creating a buzz in developing nations that offer health retreat for less – from Ayurvedic treatments, spa, to a soothing massage.

Whether the future of our health goes well or awry in the years to come, always put yourself as No. 1 on your list. Without good health, you won’t be able to do anything else. As early as now, try to make a change and live a greener, healthier life that’s lived in gratitude, joy and peace. Live Well!

I am Grateful

10 Ways in Using Fruits for Household Cleaning

1. Cleaning Porcelain

Grapefruit, mixed with salt, is a great way to clean any soap scum from your bath tub or sink, without destroying its polished surface.

2. Cleaning Copper

You can rub any household item made of copper with a cloth soaked in lemon juice. Leave it to dry.

3. Cleaning Brass and Aluminum

Make a paste of lemon juice and cream of tartar. You can use it to wipe your brass and aluminum items. You may also sprinkle a dash of salt on a sliced lemon and rub it on brass. This works well with steel too.

4. Cleaning Leather

Don’t throw away those overripe bananas. Save the peel and use it to wipe on leather surfaces ( jacket, shoe, etc ). Then, wipe and polish with a lint-free cloth.

5. Bleaching Clothes

Squeeze lemon juice into your laundry detergent to make your whites – whiter. You may also mix lemon juice and baking soda to use for soaking stained clothes. To remove nasty dirt, stain, or grime, just apply lemon juice directly on the spot.

6. Deodorizer

Save those orange peels and let it dry. Its sweet scent will be great in deodorizing your closet or attic. You may place it in a breathable bag. For that nicely scented furniture polish, you can mix lemon juice with olive oil that your kids will love.

7. All-Purpose Cleaning

If you’re looking for an all-around solution, you can try mixing lemon juice, vinegar and water. Put it in a ready-to-use spray bottle.

8. Aromatherapy

If you’ve got a humidifier at home that picks up unwanted scents, you can try to spice things up by dropping 3 -4 parts of citrus juice in the water.

9. Insect Repellent

Whether you use citrus for candle-making or if you want to use it on your exposed skin, these will help keep mosquitoes and gnats away. If you got an itch from a mosquito bite, rub it gently with the inside of a banana peel. To get rid of flies, you can put all those overripe bananas in a zip lock bag, leave it half open, and wait for an hour. All the flies will be attracted to the bag, where you can zip it and throw away in your trash.

10. Pet Training

Barking dogs can be a big nuisance at night and you may train them to stop by squirting lemon juice in their mouths. You can also mix orange peels and ground coffee, distribute it over the place where you want to keep away from cats.

Choosing to go natural doesn’t only have to stop with what you eat, but you need to make healthy choices as well. By doing any of these, you save on dollars spent on chemical cleaning products, lowering your risk of catching household products-related illness and injury. Keep It Clean!

How to Use a Banana in Seven Unexpected Ways

Summer is a favorite time of the year and the same time when heat stroke occurrence is high. Because of extreme heat and high humidity, the human body can only take such beating. When a person suffers heat stroke, the body’s temperature can rise up to 106 F or more. Dehydration is also another cause of heat stroke. Infants, the elderly, athletes, and those who stay outdoors for a long period of time are most likely to be at risk.

Symptoms of Heat Stroke

Headache
Weakness
Fatigue
Nausea or Vomiting
Dizziness
Rapid or Difficult Breathing
Confused Behavior
Disorientation
Seizure
Coma

How Can You Prevent Heat Stroke Naturally?

1. Move the person to a cooler place, if possible, in places with fan, shade, or air-conditioning.

2. Remove the person’s clothing and wipe him/her with a wet cloth. You may also place the person in a tub full of cool water ( NOT ice-cold water ).

3. Let the person drink cool, not ice-cold, water. You may put a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar that will act like electrolytes in your usual sports drink.

4. Let the person drink raspberry or peppermint tea which has a natural cooling effect on an overheated body.

5. To avoid dehydration, make sure you drink plenty of water or fluids everyday and avoid those with alcohol or caffeine.

6. Make sure your home is properly ventilated and allow open windows to help cool, natural air to come in.

7. If you’re outside, stay under the shade as much as possible, or protect yourself with a hat, hand fan, an umbrella — or by wearing light-colored clothes.

8. If you can grab a couple of green mango, eat this fruit to help you cool down.

9. Apply the essence of peppermint oil to your skin to help you cool down. You may dab a small amount on your temples as well.

Summer is definitely meant for fun and you need to get more than an ounce of prevention to make sure you won’t have to dial 911. Love your fruits, greens, and keep yourself hydrated. These healthy choices will save you from a fatal consequence which can be avoided in the first place. Have Fun!

How To Help Someone Suffering From Heat Stroke

Why is Wolfberry Healthy for You?

Wolfberries are full of macronutrients your body needs – from fats, proteins, carbohydrates, to fibers. Wolfberries contain 22 trace minerals, 7 vitamins, 11 essential minerals, and 18 amino acids that are great for you. Wolfberries are great for:

1. Immunity

Rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants, wolfberries help boost your immune system, reducing your risk to chronic illnesses like colon cancer.

2. Bones and Teeth

The high calcium contents in wolfberries make it great for building stronger bones and teeth, as well as keeping it off from infections and damage.

3. The Eyes

Wolfberry aids in tissue repair, where it can help preserve your vision and keep your eyes working well.

4. Inflammations

From arthritis, respiratory diseases, to common colds – wolfberry helps stop swelling and pain in your body.

5. Balanced pH

Wolfberry helps maintain the balance of acids and alkaline in your body, helping in better blood circulation and stabilizing blood glucose levels.

6. Long Life

Wolfberry’s high antioxidant content makes fighting free radicals that causes premature aging easy. You’ll look younger and feel better.

7. Energy

Wolfberry can help you fight off fatigue by balancing your energy levels throughout your day.

8. Better Nutrient Absorption

Your body absorbs vitamins and minerals better when it’s working with wolfberries.

Studies are still on the way to discovering the many health benefits of wolfberries. One thing’s for sure: If you make healthy choices and live a healthy lifestyle, you will lead a healthier and longer life. Love Your Berries!

Gary Young and Ningxia Red Wolfberry Juice – Part One

Gary Young and Ningxia Red Wolfberry Juice – Part Two

Over 4,500 years ago, marijuana has been used for therapeutic purposes. In some countries, the use of this substance is legal. Still, there are major concerns against its abuse and the impact it can make on one’s respiratory system. Though there are no links between lung cancer and marijuana, smoking it can induce coughing and wheezing – which can be solved by using a vaporizer that boils these active substances into a fine mist.

What are the Possible Uses of Medical Marijuana?

This substance can be used for treating those who suffer:

1. Cancer – slowing down tumor growth
2. Seizures – due to marijuana being a strong muscle relaxant
3. Migraines – since more than 300,000 cases of it has been treated in California
4. Glaucoma – which made medicinal marijuana popular in documented cases
5. Multiple Sclerosis – stopping muscle spasms and other neurological problems
6. Tourette’s – helping slow down the ‘tics’
7. ADD or ADHD – making marijuana a perfect alternative for Ritalin, minus the negative side effects
8. Crohn’s Disease – helping relieve symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, or abdominal pain
9. Alzheimer’s Disease – prevents the cause of this disease from working its way into the brain
10. PMS – helps relieve cramps or discomfort experienced by women

What are the Health Risks of Using Marijuana?

According to the US Drug Enforcement Administration, marijuana is:

1. An addictive drug that can have short-term and long-term negative effects
2. A drug that can induce memory loss, distorted perception, trouble with thinking and problem solving, loss of motor skills, decrease in muscle strength, increased heart rate, and anxiety
3. Involved in the rising number of emergency room cases ( from 1993 – 2000 )
4. A substance that can increase your risk to cancer-causing chemicals like someone who smokes a full pack of cigarettes daily
5. A harmful drug containing more than 400 chemicals that you can also find in tobacco smoke
6. A drug that increases your risk to heart attack 5x higher than normal in just an hour of smoking it ( according to Harvard University Researchers )
7. A culprit behind a weakened immune system and higher risk to lung infections

Still, there are many who believe that using medicinal marijuana is a careful plan to legalize the use of this drug in the future. The issue is still a sensitive one and it will all depend upon an individual’s wise discretion whether to use one or not. There is also the issue of public safety when one is confronted with an intoxicated user. Overall, you need to stay away from anything illegal and if you are considering this treatment option, you really have to talk to your doctor and consider state laws. Make the Right Decision!

Medical Cannabis and it´s impact on Human Health – Medical Marijuana

What are the Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease?

1. Those who are likely candidates for this condition will suffer short-term memory loss, where they forget recent events, actions, or even a conversation. Those with Dementia can forget everything.

2. Someone with dementia loves repetition – from stories to words. They also ask the same questions for the nth time no matter how many times you have answered them.

3. Early signs can also include struggling to remember basic words, or having difficulty speaking.

4. People with dementia have mood swings, where they become upset for no apparent reason. They may even stop doing things they enjoy doing.

5. One can also get easily disoriented and confused, like being lost in one’s own neighborhood.

6. An obvious signs of Alzheimer’s is lack of hygiene. Suddenly, a smart-dresser can turn sloppy, or even stop bathing.

7. Those with Alzheimer’s have odd behaviors, like placing objects in unusual places. For example, putting shampoo in the fridge.

When you see these signs in your loved ones, it is important to stay your cool. You need to accompany him or her to a psychiatrist or neurologist. A variety of tests will be done, like a mental status test where a series of questions will be asked; neurological exams to check speech, coordination, and reflexes; and imaging tests like CT, MRI, or PET scans to help rule out tumors.

Are There Natural Ways to Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease?

Prevention is definitely better than a cure. So, as early as now, you need to:

1. Eat a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables. Love your wild blueberries, broccoli, spinach, and apples.

2. Get as many antioxidants as you can get to help you fight free radicals. Love Vitamins C and E, dark chocolates, and green tea.

3. Be aware of mercury content in fish or fish oil supplements and avoid it.

4. Stop using aluminum antiperspirants or aluminum cookware.

5. Get 3-5 hours of exercises a week. It doesn’t have to be a challenging fast routine. You can also do slow movements that can balance your mind and body like Tai Chi.

6. Love mind games and challenge your brain to think. Playing musical instruments or doing puzzles are great ways to keep the brain in shape.

7. Avoid stress. When you feel stressed, your body produces hormones that can damage your brain. Love the art of meditation, deep breathing, or binaural beats.

You may know someone who suffers the early warning signs and the toughest challenge is how to tell them that they do, specially when this condition has no cure. Should you stall? You might not want to tell your loved one that something is wrong, but you need to take action before the condition worsens. Besides, telling them early may just rule out the possibility of having Alzheimer’s. If they really have one, the sooner they get treated, the more effective this treatment will be. In the end, your loved one will need your moral support. Your Understanding Will Help!

Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

If this feeling ever happened to you, know that you are not alone. Your demanding lifestyle and work can truly mess up your sanity if you won’t even take a time for a breath of fresh air. That’s Right! You need to have the time to relax and it doesn’t even have to be a full day, or a full hour. Did you know that you can do so in less than eight minutes of your precious time?

How to Relax Quickly

You may not believe it, but experts suggest that you can use any of these on-the-spot techniques to help you keep your cool, even when you’re on the go:

1. Get a Meditation Break

You don’t have to get your yoga mat and spend an hour of meditation exercises just for you to get your relaxation. You can simply take a 5-minute break from the routine of your job or schedule and simply let your mind escape into thoughts of bliss.

2. Visualize

Imagine yourself relaxed and your body will feel so. This is why the adage goes: Mind over body. Just take your mind off for a few minutes on the cause of your stress and feel free to daydream. You’ll get back to your problems feeling more refreshed.

3. Breathe

When you are stressed, your breathing becomes shallow and it’s hard for oxygen to reach your brains. Try deep breathing exercises to help you get more air flowing within. You need to focus and keep your calm. Breathe slowly and fell the air reaching your chest, your belly, and your back. You must feel more relaxed with each full breath. Do it for ten reps.

4. Be in the NOW

Keep mindful of your surroundings and appreciate the beauty of the things around you. This will keep your mind grounded at the present. Take a few minutes to feel and think of only the most positive of things.

5. Love Your Tea

Skip the caffeine habit. You will only get more stressed chugging down your good old coffee. Try hot tea for a change, which is not only great in making you feel calm, but it is full of health-giving benefits as well. One of the best tea for stress relief is Chamomile tea.

6. Give Some Love

When you feel and give love, you just feel happy and relaxed. Try talking to a friend or a family member to help you out in your problems. Even petting your cat or dog can help you feel relieved, making you think of a better way of solving your issues.

7. Take a Time Off

You can simply walk your problem off, even for a few minutes, before going back to the sphere of your reality. It can put a stressful situation on hold, giving you the time to find for the right solutions – without having to panic. You can even plug into the harmony of binaural beats to help you achieve stress relief.

These magic seven techniques can give you the fastest way to bliss when you’re faced with adversity. Life is full of ups and downs. You need to learn how to dance with the music of life. Unhealthy food and substance addictions are not the solutions to your woes. You cannot procrastinate forever. With the help of a healthy lifestyle and hearty choices, you take a step closer to leading a stress-free life. Stress is all about Perceptions!

Yoga Meditation Exercises : Yoga Breathing for Meditation

Still, there are some who debated that this may just be some myth closely resembling actual events. No matter how this art started, what’s great about tea is that drinking it can give you all the health-giving benefits. What was once a treasure of the Far East have traveled into Europe’s coffee houses in the time of Shakespeare, down to the Russian Imperial court, into the fabulous American Boston Tea Party… and straight into our home’s cupboards. What was considered a luxury is now accessible to all.

Why Should You Drink Tea?

If you’re a coffee addict, you may just try a cup of tea and do a switch. The Mad Hatter in wonderland will be most delighted if you do so. You can enjoy plenty of tea flavors with various aroma, and serve it hot or cold. Not only will tea help you feel relaxed, but you can also enjoy:

1. Antioxidants

That’s Right! A cup of tea is swirling in antioxidant richness that has the power to protect your body from free radicals, cancer, and premature aging.

2. Reduce Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Who says that red wine is the only drink out there that’s good for your heart? Tea is great for lowering cholesterol levels, fighting arterial plaque, and thinning your blood – reducing your risk of heart attack and stroke.

3. Stronger Bones

Contrary to popular belief, tea is a better way of having stronger bones than drinking milk.

4. Stronger Teeth

Because tea doesn’t come with sweet sugar goodness that can wreak havoc on your teeth, those who drink tea have stronger teeth and healthier gums. The fluoride and tannins found in tea helps keep plaque at bay.

5. Better Immune System

Tea can help boost your body’s defenses against infections and diseases. Whether you are taking green tea, black tea, or your regular cup of tea – you can always rely on tea to help keep you fit for life.

6. Protection Against Cancer

Because tea is rich in polyphenols and phytochemicals, you can get reduced risk from cancer-causing carcinogens in your body. Drinking tea can give you those potential protection against toxins and chronic diseases.

7. Hydration

Contrary to popular belief that tea can cause you dehydration, studies show that drinking tea can help contribute in your body’s fluid needs. Just don’t drink more than 5-6 cups in a day, since tea also contains caffeine.

8. Weight Loss

Tea, all on its own, doesn’t have calories and can aid you in your weight loss goals. Unless you add sweeteners or milk, you can count on tea to boost your body’s metabolism to help you burn unwanted fats and calories.

Overall, tea has lesser caffeine than coffee. Normally, coffee has 2-3 times the caffeine content of tea. If you are having the jitters enjoying your brewed cup or ice blended coffee, you may always switch anytime to a cup of good ol’ tea. Coupled with a healthy lifestyle and healthy choice, you are guaranteed of getting optimum health for life. What’s Your Cup of Tea?

Health Benefits of Tea: Your Questions Answered with Dr. Tea!

Migraine may be a painful condition that disrupts a person’s normal functioning and daily life, but it doesn’t affect one’s overall health condition. Migraine can be accompanied with severe headaches that occur on one side of the head. This condition is related to problems with a person’s digestion, liver, and eyesight. When one is stressed and overworked, migraine is triggered because tight muscles simply squeeze a person’s arteries to work double time, causing immense pain on one’s head and neck.

What are the Common Symptoms of Migraine?

1. Pain on one side of the head
2. Pounding pain
3. Nausea
4. Vomiting
5. A brief spell of depression, anxiety, or loss of appetite
6. Numbness or weakness of the arm, leg, or a side of the face
7. Confusion
8. Seeing aura or flashing lights that started as a small dot

What Causes Migraine?

1. Stress
2. Allergy or infection
3. Low blood sugar
4. Lack of quality sleep
5. Abuse of certain drugs
6. Nutritional Deficiency
7. Improper Rest
8. Too much alcohol, smoking, or sex
9. Menstruation ( known as ‘menstrual migraine’ )

What are Your Risk Factors in Acquiring Migraine?

You are more likely to experience migraine if:

1. You have a family history of this condition. If one or both of your parents suffer this, you may likely be at more risk.

2. You are younger than 40 years old. Almost 50% of migraine sufferers are aged 20.

3. You are a female. Women are more likely to be at risk for migraines, as early as puberty, than men.

4. You experience hormonal changes. Before and after a menstruation, women just undergo hormonal changes that can make them more prone to migraines, or get a worse case if one already suffers it.

Are There Natural Cures for Migraine?

Although there is no permanent cure to this affliction, one can count on having a lifestyle change by choosing healthy options to live life to the healthiest. There are natural treatments without having to pop a pill, and these are:

1. Drinking fresh and ripe grape juice
2. Having a good rest or sleep in the darkest room of your home
3. Applying a compress made of cabbage leaf on your forehead
4. Healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables
5. Getting hydrated with pure water
6. Loving your seeds, nuts, and whole grains
7. Hot bath or a cold compress
8. Exercising regularly ( even a walk in the park may do wonders, just go out there and get some fresh air )
9. Deep breathing exercises
10. Aromatherapy

There are some foods that can trigger a migraine and it is best to stay away from those with alcohol and caffeine. If you feel that there are more to your migraine than you know, you can always ask your neurologist to run a thorough check on you to rule out any chronic condition that may have triggered your condition. Get Yourself a Good Rest!

How to Cure a Migraine

Many conventional psychologists prescribe artificial solutions that you can find in synthetic pills – to anything from anger, depression, anxiety, or fear. People have simply lost the ancient wisdom of meditation, or are too busy to spend time outdoors to appreciate the beauty of what nature has to offer. Mother nature is totally selfless in her beauty and bounty, even if we shut her off. All we have to do is truly open our eyes and change the way we see the world today. For this, many have been turning to Ecotherapy for a new kind of lasting solace.

With the rise of technology comes the utter cacophony of mechanical sounds that dominate most of our waking hours. Why do people feel at peace with a simple music from the flowing stream? Is it some kind of a trance? ” I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright.” Henry David Thoreau is definitely right about this. That’s why we have all been saving for that once-in-a-lifetime trip to nature’s very cradle. That’s why people have always dreamed of retiring in the countryside.

Ecotherapy, or whatever you want to call it, will always have a healing power on our minds, bodies, hearts, and souls. It is something that doesn’t prejudice against age, sex, race, or religion. Poor and rich, young and old can truly take their share of nature’s spiritual healing powers. No wonder children with ADHD have better mood after being exposed to the green outdoors. Studies even show that those who live in treeless or grass-less places are more prone to psychological problems than those who are not.

Humans may have forgotten that we are all interconnected. We are part of the nature we love to use and abuse. Yet, this very nature still gives us the very healing we need whenever we want it. All we have to do is step out of our artificial society and appreciate what is left out there. The opportunity to heal is at your hands. Will you take it, or will you just let it fly away like feathers in your hands? Love Your Natural Healing!

An Interesting Read: ‘Eco-Therapy’ for Environmental Depression by Bryan Walsh ( TIME Online )

” Angel of Healing ” by Stephen Rodes