Caffeine and Timing

Millions of people rely on caffeine for energy every day. It is the most widely used legal drug on the planet. So is it actually good for us? Like a lot of things, in moderation, maybe. As most of us get our caffeine from coffee consumption, I will just use this beverage for the article.

Coffee seems to be a very popular subject with the media. One week you may hear that drinking coffee will help with fat loss. A few weeks later there will be another story on it may actually make you gain weight. What do you believe? I personally believe that having one a day, black or with cream and no sugar, will not increase the waistline.

If you are putting on weight and are adamant that coffee is responsible, you are probably drinking too many of those Caramel-Mocha Frappucinos with extra cream. Stick to long-blacks or espressos and you should be fine.

Coffee and Cortisol
Why do we take caffeine? Simple, it is a stimulant which can help us stay awake or give us a kick start in the morning. What do a lot of people do for that pick-me-up when they are tired? They grab something sweet, drink a caffeine-containing beverage, or smoke a cigarette. Some will have all three at once! Caffeine, sugar and tobacco are all stimulants, which fire up your sympathetic nervous system (your fight or flight response). This triggers the release of an activating hormone, cortisol, which gives your brain the impression that its time to get up, or time for action.

Cortisol is released in response to stress and light. It is at its peak in the morning from about 6 to 9am and then dropping mid afternoon and at its lowest after the sun goes down. When cortisol drops, melatonin is released which increase the levels of repair and growth hormones. If we continue to consume coffee into the afternoon, we will continue to release cortisol, which will disrupt our sleep cycle. Caffeine can stay in your system for up to 18 hours (depending on the amount you consume).

Weight loss or weight gain
I am no expert on the effects of coffee but bare with me for a minute. Coffee contains caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant that has been proven to aid in weight loss (notice I did not say FAT loss). Caffeine also increases cortisol. Prolonged exposure to cortisol increases fat around the umbilical region. So, I guess you could say that excess coffee consumption can increase fat around the mid-section? I guess so.

So to reiterate from above, if we are stressed and we go for a coffee, we may actually increase our chances of gaining more fat around the mid-section. I guess if I was to put it that way, most of us may consider given up our favourite daytime beverage...Maybe.

Benefits of coffee
Now, I should also point out that some U.S studies have shown a lot of people get most of the antioxidants from coffee, so if they were to eliminate it from their diet, they may encounter other issues. Also, some research on pubmed has shown that coffee consumption may help prevent chronic diseases such as type-2 diabetes and Parkinson's disease. More recent studies have also shown that coffee drinkers are less likely to get Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

To give up or not to give up?
I think that giving up coffee is harder than cutting out the carbs. I have personally chosen to give it up for a few months and switch to green tea. I am actually a coffee-lover because of the taste - not because of the stimulant factor. This makes it even harder to say goodbye to my favourite black liquid!

So as you can see there are pros and cons to coffee consumption. If you are going to continue to drink coffee but want to keep any possible side effects to a minimum, I have given some suggestions below: 

1. Keep your coffee black without sugar. Adding cinnamon and cream is OK.
2. Have no more than two small cups a day
3. Always have it with solid meals and never on an empty stomach
4. Have 45 minutes before a workout. As it raises cortisol, you may as well use that cortisol for an effective training session!
5. Never have it post-workout - if you are trying to gain muscle you do NOT want cortisol (a muscle-destroying hormone) hanging around after your weights session!
6. Do not have after lunch time as may interfere with your sleep cycles.
7. Try drink organic coffee. This will be better to a degree as will contain no chemicals from herbicides and fungicides sprayed over the crops during the farming process.

      By Darron Donaldson

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6260132


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Common Symptoms of Thrush In Adults

Thrush is a fungal infection which can affect both adults and children. This infection happens because of overgrowth of the fungus Candida. Also referred to as Candidiasis, this infection can affect the genitals or skin. In this article I am going to share information on symptoms of thrush in adults.

Candida or yeast is naturally present in the human body. Microorganisms of our immune system ensure to keep these fungi under control. Symptoms of thrush in adults will rarely be noticed in case Candida is present in the body in the right numbers.

Whenever there is an overgrowth of yeast in the body thrush will appear. For example hormonal disturbances or external irritants can lead to yeast multiplying in large numbers. Use of antibiotics to treat any other medical condition often leads to yeast overgrowth since medicines do not have the ability to distinguish between good and bad bacteria. Women and individuals with a weak immune system have a greater chance of contacting thrush.

Symptoms of thrush in adults may very from person to person. Burning sensation, soreness and severe itching are some of the known symptoms.

Penile thrush or male thrush as it is referred to can cause red patchy sores near the head of the penis, severe itching, and a burning sensation during urination. In certain rare cases men will experience a white discharge also.

Symptoms caused by oral thrush include creamy white lesions inside the mouth, particularly on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, tonsils, and sometimes on the roof of the mouth. The lesions will be cottage cheese like and can cause pain and bleeding when rubbed or scrapped.

In severe cases of oral thrush, the lesions can spread to the Oesophagus. When this happens there will be trouble in swallowing.

Symptoms of Vaginal thrush in women include a whitish or whitish gray discharge which will be like cottage-cheese-in texture and a smell.

While deciding the treatment option for thrush you must carefully weigh the pros and cons of each method. Over-the-counter medications merely provide relief from symptoms of thrush. These medications do nothing to eliminate the root cause of thrush. Anti-fungal medications prescribed by doctors also are not capable of identifying and eliminating the bad bacteria alone responsible for thrush. As a result when used, these medicines kill both the good and the bad bacteria.

One of the most trusted home cures for thrush is yogurt. Yogurt is used because it contains lactobacillus which is healthy, and naturally occurring bacteria capable of fighting and eliminating Candida bacteria in the body. Depending upon the type of thrush yogurt is applied on the affected areas. For example in case of oral thrush yogurt is consumed in orally. In case of male thrush it is applied on the glans or the head of the penis. In case of vaginal thrush too external application is recommended for cure. However applying yogurt in the private parts can become messy. To avoid the mess yogurt can be dipped in a tampon for vaginal use. For application in the glans of penis pieces of cloth dipped in yogurt can be gently wrapped in the affected area.

In general, while undergoing treatment for thrush both men and women must pay adequate attention to hygiene. Treatment for partners is also recommended in all cases where the person to be treated has acquired the disease from a partner already suffering from thrush.

To get rid of symptoms of thrush in adults the treatment plan must pay attention to a two important aspects which are

a)Eliminate the bad bacteria out of the system and get rid of toxins to remove yeast overgrowth.

b)Stick to a proper diet to ensure that thrush does not recur.

      By Lucy Rodrigues

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6261432


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Hiatal Hernia (Hiatus Hernia) Treatment

This condition occurs when part of stomach protrudes upward through diaphragm. Diaphragm usually has a small opening called hiatus that permits food tube, which is known as esophagus to pass through on its way to join with the stomach. The stomach can push-up through this opening and cause a hiatal hernia. The common symptoms of hiatal hernia are heartburn and acid reflux.

Treatment options

• By eating small meals

Large meals can swell stomach pushing it into the chest.

• Avoid problem foods and alcohol

Those people who are suffering from hiatal hernia should avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, chocolate, onions, spearmint and peppermint all of these increase the production of stomach acid and dilate the lower esophageal sphincter. Even decaffeinated coffee can be discomforting to an inflamed esophageal lining.

• Take enough good vitamins in diet

This will help the body to remove the stress.

• Limit fatty foods

Fatty foods dilate the lower esophageal sphincter and slow stomach emptying which access the amount of time that acid can back up into esophagus.

• Sit up after you eat

After eat, wait at least three hours before going to bed or taking a nap. Usually most of the food in stomach will have vacated into small intestine so it can't retract into esophagus. Eating on a bedtime vitalizes acid formation and further aggravates acid reflux.

• Don't exercise just after eating

After eating, must wait at least two to three hours before engage in any physical exercise. Exercise like walking is fine.

• Lose weight

Obesity also causes hiatal hernia reduce wait helps in reducing the pressure on stomach.

• Avoid smoking

Smoking enhances acid reflux and dries the saliva. Saliva protects esophagus from stomach acid.

• Avoid tight fitting clothes

Avoid wearing tight fitting clothes because these put pressure on stomach.

• Take time to relax

When a person is under stress, digestion slows, which makes GERD symptoms worse. Relaxation like deep breathing, meditation or yoga reduces acid reflux.

• Avoid medications

Try to avoid medications include calcium channel blockers like diltiazem, the antibiotic tetracycline, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, quinidine, theophylline, sedatives and tranquilizers and alendronate. If victim take any one from these medications and suffer from heartburn, then should talk to doctor.

• Antacids that neutralize stomach acid

Some over the counter antacids like Maalox, Mylanta, Gelusil, Rolaids and Tums, provide relief from hiatal hernia. But antacids alone will not heal an inflamed esophagus damaged by stomach acid. Overuse of some antacids can also cause side- effects like diarrhea or constipation.

• Surgery

If natural remedies and drugs do not work then, surgery may be the only cure of hiatal hernia. Surgery is not a frequent and common procedure. This surgery is done as laparoscopy. In this surgery doctors make five small cuts into abdomen, then they take the surgical instruments and insert them by these cuts, then doctor will use a laparoscope which will guide them from the picture it displays on the monitor in the room. In this surgery there is no need to cut you completely open there is less risk of infection and very minor pain. Most people after this surgery able to walk around the same day.

      By Tanveer Maqbool

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6258571


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How Are Musculoskeletal Injuries Diagnosed?

Musculoskeletal disorders can affect joints, bones, tendons, ligaments, muscles, nerves or bursa. These conditions can include fibromyalgia, arthritis, tendonitis, sprains, strains, infections, injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, lupus, fractures, dislocations and many other disorders. Diagnosing musculoskeletal disorders usually involves thorough physical evaluation and diagnostic testing procedures. These can include blood tests, MRI's, CT scans and x-rays. Diagnostic testing depends on the symptoms of the condition.

Pain is often the primary symptom associated with musculoskeletal disorders. Depending on the type of pain the patient is experiencing can help determine the cause. Pain that is more severe during movement can be a good indicator that there is a musculoskeletal problem or if swelling is present with tenderness when the physician palpates the area can also indicate the source of the problem. Although physical examination can help to determine the cause of the discomfort, diagnosing these types of disorders usually takes additional diagnostic measures. For proper diagnosis, physicians must rely on not only physical examinations, but also the patient's history, symptoms and test results.

If the physician suspects that a bone disorder is the cause of symptoms, they will order x-rays. This is common in suspected cases of fractures, bone tumors and infections. X-rays are also used to help confirm cases of certain types of arthritis such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. X-rays are not used for diagnosing conditions that are related to muscles, tendons or ligaments, as they are ineffective at producing image results.

Computerized tomography (CT scan) can offer additional details on bone problems such as fractures or soft tissue problems. These diagnostic devices take several different images at different angles to provide the physician with cross-sectioned images. This can give the physician more detailed information of the musculoskeletal problem.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is often used for diagnosing disorders related to tendons, ligaments, bursa or muscles. These diagnostic devices enable the physician to see detailed images of abnormalities. They are also effective for diagnosing disorders associated with joints and bones as they can detect hidden abnormalities in bones that x-rays or CT scans may not reveal.

When the physician suspects that symptoms are related to lupus, arthritis or other systemic causes, they often use blood and urine testing for help in diagnosing these conditions. Blood tests are also sometimes ordered when the patient is experiencing unusually severe symptoms or when symptoms persist. Blood and urine tests can reveal substances, which can indicate certain musculoskeletal disorders.

When the physician suspects that the patient may have a nerve or muscle disease, they will often perform a Truax biography, which will show changes in the conduction patterns of nerves that occurs when a disease affects the muscles or nerves. Physicians can use the Truax biography to distinguish whether the disorder is affecting muscle fibers, is a disorder due to defects in nerve conduction or is due to defects where muscles and nerves connect.

     By Corey Joe 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6253785


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Why Cotton Duvet Sets Are Best for Your Health?

Do you own a cotton duvet? If the answer is no then it is advisable to get one immediately. Duvets of cotton may change your sleeping experience in a positive way of course. Have you experience waking up in the middle of the night feeling suffocated, uncomfortable and sweaty? The reason is the material of your duvet. Preferably you need to get the cotton duvet. There are several other reasons that you should.

Cotton is made from natural fiber. It feels very soft to the touch that your skin will love. It will also make your body feel great because it can be able to breathe. Have you seen pictures of people on camels in the desert all covered up? Yes, they are most likely covered up in cotton or linen. These materials will keep you cool even in the hottest environment. However the cotton will also keep you warm if it is cold outside.

This is certainly a great advantage. Imagine keeping you cool in the summer and warm during the cold days. Cotton will allow the air to flow making your body breathe while you sleep. Cottons also feels very soft so this makes it a perfect cover up while you sleep. The way cotton fiber is constructed absorbs the moisture and it will not leave you feeling sweaty. No extra moisture will be allowed on your body which means that cotton is ideal for you. Synthetic fibers cannot do that and can leave you feeling sweaty and uncomfortable. Added to the fact that damp environment is perfect for fungi and yeast to thrive. Everyone wants to avoid this situation. Cotton is also known to be very hypoallergenic. Many people are allergic to all kinds of fibers and cotton is the only type of fabric they can tolerate. If you have very sensitive skin, it is best to go with cotton bed linen. For those with asthma, there are no other fabric that will make you feel comfortable.

Cotton don't have any added chemicals because it is a natural material. Cotton is a material that is very durable and if you care for it properly it will last for a very long time. You can wash it as many times and it will still stay soft and tender to the touch. You will not get static electricity with cotton bed linen and the material dries faster compared to others. Another thing you have to know about cotton is that it is environmentally friendly.

Are you convinced that the cotton bed linen is best for you? If yes, check out some wonderful cotton duvets and order one today.

      By J Smithers

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6241228


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Do You Have Body Dysmorphic Syndrome?

Negative thoughts about how you look can greatly reduce your self confidence and if these feelings are impacting your everyday life, then you could be suffering from body dysmorphic syndrome. This condition is generally thought to start during adolescence, simply because this is when most people begin to take much more notice of their appearance. The condition is often masked by other more noticeable conditions such as depression; however, so it can take some time for the correct diagnosis to be made. Men and women can be equally susceptible and because the side-effects are quite severe, early treatment is desirable.

If you have Body Dysmorphic Syndrome you may.....

Be continuously grooming yourself, including cutting, combing or even removing your hair.

Be constantly comparing yourself to others especially those in the Media.

Be continuously trying to diet or to exercise excessively.

Be continuously checking your appearance in mirrors or shop windows

Whilst most people would admit to disliking an aspect of their looks, the body dysmorphic will become obsessed by any area that they perceive to be unattractive. Indeed, sometimes if asked, the problem area is only vaguely described because the sufferer is feeling generally unattractive all over. If you have found yourself becoming increasingly preoccupied with your body and how you look, then it's vital that you take active steps for treatment.

The true extent of this problem is difficult to ascertain because the condition can seriously escalate out of control. You might find yourself avoiding meeting people or being unable to make eye contact when you do. In your mind, others might find you ugly and try to avoid you and of course, in reality this is not the case. You may well find it difficult to form friendships or relationships and instinctively, you will start to blame any lack of friends on how you look, such is the power of this condition. Those family and friends around you may not be able to understand your reluctance to face the world or comprehend why you would have such issues about your appearance and this is why it makes sense to speak to someone professionally about your feelings.

Typically, if suffering with body dysmorphic syndrome, your self esteem is likely to plummet and your perception of how you look is likely to be totally different from the reality. This ill-perceived perception will continue and your perceptions can also change depending on your mood and this may be something that you have already realized.

Treatment of body dysmorphic syndrome initially starts with seeing a counselor and it is important that you are able to be open and honest with how you really feel. Don't feel guilty or feel as if the counselor might judge you on your appearance; this could not be further from the truth. The counselor will be able to help you to start seeing yourself as everyone else sees you but it will take time to break through to this point and to be able to rebuild your confidence and self-esteem. Treatment for body dysmorphic syndrome often requires you to face your fears and to see yourself as a whole person and to not allow one small and insignificant aspect to overwhelm you.

     By Jim Moustakas 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6241262


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Home Remedies to Stop Sweating ASAP

Many people suffer from bad body odor on a daily basis. If you are one of the many who do, then you will know how terrible an affliction it can be. Feeling self conscious is common place and a lot of people are at a loss as to how to deal with the problem.

The most obvious solution is to add a ton of spray deodorant and or anti-perspirant, however it's still only treating the symptoms rather than addressing the cause. Increasingly, people are turning to herbal remedies to solve the problem. In this article, we will take a look at some of the ways you can reduce smelly sweat and body odor naturally.

Diet - First and foremost one should consider the impact of diet on the severity of body odor. It's often said that we are what we eat. More rightly, we smell like what we eat. Try cutting back on strong smelling foods such as onions, cheeses or garlic etc. Also dairy products, coffee and processed foods can add to body odor.

Do add more green leafy vegetables and raw vegetables to your diet. The less processed foods, the better. Also, hot and spicy foods can increase the volume of sweat, so it's best to cut back on those.

Herbal Tea - Teas made from a range of commonly available herbs can help cool the body and reduce sweating. Sage tea, drank for several days in a row is one such sweat reducing remedy. Also consider teas made from flowers such as violet, rose or hibiscus.

Natural Deodorants -It's also possible to make your own deodorants easily at home. You will require a suitable liquid for steeping and some fragrant herbs and spices. Good steeping liquids include grain alcohol, rich hazel, apple cider vinegar, rose water or orange water.

Good fragrant additives include fennel seed, chaparral, patchouli, thyme, white willow bark, dried bitter orange peel, lavender oil, cedar, pine essential oil, bay leaves, rosemary, garden sage, yarrow and silver sage.

These can be boiled on a stove top in the desired liquid for anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour depending upon the quantities used. Later, simply let the liquid cool before straining and storing in an airtight container.

To conclude, while bad body odor can make us self conscious, we needn't resort to harsh chemicals in order to find a solution. Natural remedies are available and can be as simple as modifying our diet or drinking herbal teas. Natural deodorants are another great way to reduce the stinky sweat smell and are well worth a try.

      By Andrew Emmerson

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6256574


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What Food Will Get Rid of Phlegm?

Phlegm is a thick mucus or gel that blocks your throat and nasal passages usually when there is a viral or bacterial infection in the respiratory system. Your body produces phlegm when there are excessive toxins in your body. The natural reaction is to try to cough it out. However excessive cough can damage the lining of your throat. Some people prescribe honey & lemon drinks, some take bitter herbs or gargling with salt water when you have a sore throat. But which remedy is the best to get rid of phlegm and soothe your throat?

First, honey & lemon both have strong anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. (Only buy organic honey as most non-organic honey is processed at high temperatures that kill most of the enzymes in it.) Honey & lemon juice added to boiling water initially soothes the throat then it continues the healing process by killing the virus or bacteria that's causing the mucus.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) says that excessive phlegm is a condition of the lungs, kidneys ans spleen. When your immune system is weak and cold air enters your lungs or your kidneys are cold moisture in your body condenses and thickens to form phlegm. Bitter herbs and food strengthens your lungs, kidneys and spleen so that it can get rid of phlegm. Alfalfa, bitter melon, romaine lettuce, citrus rind, asparagus, fennel and celery are some common vegetables that help loosen phlegm, push it down your throat and through your digestive system to the bowels. Other more potent bitter herbs are chamomile, dandelion leaf or root, fennel, horseradish, chaparral, burdock, echinacea, and yarrow. Fresh leaves can be added to salads. Dried leaves are added to cooking or brewed as a tea. Dandelion root ground up makes a great coffee substitute.

Many nuts are also useful for getting rid of phlegm. Almonds and walnuts are bitter foods that loosen phlegm. They warm the lungs and relieve asthmatic symptoms. Hazelnuts fortify the spleen and gives your body more energy to fight disease.

Gargling with salt water or eating sea vegetables loosens phlegm that is sticking to the sides of the throat. The salty flavour partially dissolves the phlegm so that it can be eliminated. Sea vegetables are rich in essential minerals like iodine, calcium, magnesium and potassium. The mineral salts in sea vegetables work together to mop up toxins in the body (including phlegm) and take them to the bowels.

Other cleansing foods like onions, garlic, kale, cabbage, apples, avocados,grapefruit and various berries are also great for restoring the nutrient balance of your body then your immune system can function efficiently to get rid of unwanted bacteria.

"If we eat wrongly, No doctor can cure us: if we eat rightly, No doctor is needed."

- Victor G. Rocine, Circa 1930

      By Michael George Hunt

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6252342


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Radon and Your Health

These days, radon is a very talked about subject, but there are homeowners and renters who remain unaware of radon and the serious effects it can have on their health.

Radon is an invisible, silent, hazardous, and odorless radioactive gas that silently enters into your home. Radon is a direct result of the decaying of a small amount of uranium found in the earth's crust. Radon tends to enter through small holes and cracks in the walls and floors of your foundation, or through utility lines openings, drains, sump openings. Radon spreads rather quickly. Once radon enters your basement it can quickly spread to the above levels and living spaces of your home. Once radon enters your home it can put you and your family, as well as your health in danger of poisoning.

Why is radon so dangerous?

Radon is a very dangerous and hazardous gas because it breaks down quickly and instantly spreads throughout the air. Because radon has the tendency to break down at a rapid speed, larger amounts of radon can be dangerous to you and your health. Radon poisoning can occur without your knowledge and within a short amount of time. As quickly as the gas spreads in your home, you and your family are at immediate risk of radon poisoning.

How can radon be found?

Radon in the largest sources is located in the soil around and under homes, but radon can also be in the water you drink, the building materials in your home, or in the air you breathe.

Can radon levels elevate?

Since radon comes directly from the soil under and around your home, any home is placed at risk, especially those that have a dirt crawl space. Basements that only have a dirt crawl space are at risk to being exposed to maximum levels of radon.

Can my home be exposed to radon if I have a concrete basement?

Even if your basement has a concrete floor it is also at risk of hosting maximum levels of radon.
How is radon measured?

There are radon detectors that can be installed and monitored by professionals. By having the radon in your home under a constant careful eye allows the levels of radon to be continuously measured. This will also protect you and your family from radon poisoning exposure.

If you are on a tight budget, here are inexpensive to moderately priced devices and special detection equipment on the market. These devices and special detection equipment is available in most hardware stores and home building centers around the country.

These devices and special detection equipment is placed in your home for several days. After several days, the detection system is removed and sent to a processing center or lab where tests are performed to determine if radon is in your home, if you and your family have been exposed, as well as the level of radon. Once all the tests have been processed, a report will be sent to you to confirm if you do or do not have radon in your home.

Can radon put me and my family at risk of serious health issues?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, over 20,000 people die in the United States each year due to from radon related lung cancer. Men and women who smoke and have been exposed to the radioactive gas have a greater chance of developing lung cancer than those who do not smoke or use tobacco based products.

Studies have also shown, non-tobacco users and young children have a much higher chance of developing lung cancer when they have been exposed to the radioactive gas than those who have not been exposed, but young children tend to be more at risk of being exposed.

What is radon poisoning?

Since radon is the source of a decaying process, tiny radioactive particles are slowly and silently released into the air. Radon poisoning occurs when you inhale large mounts of high levels of the radioactive gas into your lungs. By breathing radon into your lungs it can cause moderate to severe damage to the lungs, resulting in lung cancer.

Why does radon poisoning occur?

Radon poisoning has a tendency to occur when crawl spaces, basements or mines are poorly encapsulated.

What are the signs of radon poisoning?

The Environmental Protection Agency has spent endless hours and money researching the symptoms and effects of this radioactive gas. There are indications to look for to tell if you and our family have been exposed to radon poisoning. Those symptoms are a persistent dry cough, hoarseness, respiratory infections, and respiratory issues.

What is the best way to confirm if I have been exposed to radon?

If you believe you or your family have been exposed to radon or if you are experiencing symptoms that you believe are from radon poisoning, it is best to seek medical attention. A physician will give you a complete check up, and run the appropriate tests to determine if you have been exposed to the radioactive gas, and what treatment will suit your specific needs.

How can I protect myself and my family from radon poisoning?

The United States Surgeon General's office recommends all homeowners and landlords have their homes and rental properties tested for radon.

Solution

If you believe you and your family may have been exposed to radon it is best to contact a professional who can evaluate and properly test your home for radon. This will assure you and your family are safe from this radioactive gas.

      By Donna Kshir

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6257386


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Snacking Healthy - 8 Must-Haves for the Pantry

Reaching for a snack is a constant for my kids, especially after school and after dinner. Today's kids are snacking more and getting much less exercise than kids five, ten, even twenty or more years ago. Traditionally, families ate during mealtimes only, and they were more physically active in their overall lives. In today's America, however, far too many sugar-filled and salt-laden processed foods line our grocery aisles, and then find their way into our pantries at home - and we're not spending the added "food energy" in our bodies as fast as we're adding it.

Since personally cutting most sugar-filled and processed foods out of our family's diet, we have had to adjust the types of snacks we stock. Here are the top healthy options waiting in the pantry when my kids reach for that afterschool snack:

1. Peanut or almond butter - Great source of protein and fiber and easy to use in sandwiches, smoothies, sauces, and as a veggie spread. This natural nutty goodness is nicely filling, and is a great grab snack anyway you serve it!

2. Popcorn - A classic favorite, popcorn is light, fiber-filled, and easy. Popcorn provides a fun crunch and texture for the snacker, and is a great source of bulk. This is the cream of the crop for my kids, as they turn to this snack when they are craving less healthy alternatives, like chips.

3. Whole wheat bread, bagels, and wraps - A healthy sandwich, piece of toast, or quick wrap are always an option if you keep these items stocked! So many varieties, take so little time, and satisfy even the pickiest eater! Make sure the options available are true whole wheat or whole grain varieties (if the label ingredient says "enriched," steer clear!)

4. Nuts - Almonds, walnuts and pecans are best, in that order. These three have the most benefits, carrying loads of fiber (3 grams for one ounce) and vitamin E, folic acid, copper,magnesium and the amino acid arginine. Each of these benefits present evidence of playing a role in preventing heart disease, so it's not just a healthier snack option, it's one of the healthiest! Some information out there is warning of the high levels of fat in nuts, but be assured, they contain healthy fat - these choices are very low in saturated fat.

5. Crackers - Most brands are naturally sugar-free, low in fat (no trans fat!) and available in whole wheat. Serving sizes are realistic, and actually fill the snack need - great alone or with spreads, cheese, or even veggies! Try a fresh pico salsa with them, or mix some salmon with whipped cream cheese and spices for a quick and easy protein boost.

6. Prunes and craisins - Add them to your nut mix, or just pop them in your mouth for a quick sweet tooth fixer. Either way, the high fiber count (almost 4 grams per serving) and loads if vitamins and minerals contained in this dried fruit packs a punch in your body for health! Craisins (dried cranberries) also provide many benefits as you enjoy their naturally sweet-tanginess. They were found to have the highest level of natural antioxidants per gram than any other fruit! That's a good reason to munch on them - you're boosting your immune system and protecting your heart at the same time!

7. Salmon - bagged or canned - Filling, full of protein, so quick and easy, we enjoy this as a snack weekly. The benefits to this fish are numerous - of course, the omega-3 fats, but salmon also contains high levels of vitamin D, vitamin B3, B6, and B12, and many other vitamins and minerals. It is an energy booster, and a generally good choice for a midday snack.

8. Tea/sugar-free drink mixes - It is so easy to whip up some iced tea or a cold pitcher of sugar-free fruit punch! This has made the transition from sugar-laden juices, sodas and other harmful drinks to healthier options easier on my kids. Of course the ideal is to end up sugar-free without sweeteners, but I have learned to choose my battles, and I am choosing the lesser evil on this one! One really great option I have found for chocolate milk - 1 tbsp of Nesquik's 25% less sugar chocolate powder mixed with 6 oz unsweetened soy milk - equals one happy kid, and that is achieved in under 7 grams sugar!

It is possible to make healthier choices in snacking at home, it just takes a conscious decision to make the transition. Decide to do it, commit to a plan, and watch your family grow healthier today!

      By Bess Blanco

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6256563


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