Protecting Yourself From Swine Flu

Swine Flu - How To Protect Yourself Quickly & Easily by: Simon Doderer

The guidelines state: INFORM / THE HIGHEST LEVEL / BASIC HYGIENE SOLUTIONS Swine Flu: The current issue of the swine flu, this is caused by an Influenza A type virus. This determines the characteristics, such as shape and make up of the virus. Byotrol from Northern Environmental kills this type of virus. It is the infections that are caused by the swine flu virus that are difficult to control/treat. Byocare Handmousse used on hard surfaces or hands kills the virus it does not treat the disease. Byotrol helps ‘prevent’ and protect – EN1500 with 30 minute and 16 hours control! This may not be as direct proof as we like but we can be very confident that Byotrol is effective against flu virus Below are some guidelines on our website – I have highlighted in red several of the many key features whereby simple, back to basic measures underpinned by the Byotrol Technology can help. Swine Flu - Byotrol Publishes Guide Lines To Help Businesses 27th Apr 2009 Pandemic Flu Policy & Contingency Plan 1. INTRODUCTION A Swine Flu ( influenza) pandemic has the potential to severely affect UK Business, employees and their families, and requires specific planning over and above that made for disasters It is recommended the planning focuses on: • Raising employees awareness of the threat of a pandemic and testing staff preparedness: • Maintaining health surveillance and hygiene measures: • Producing action plans that are specific to each of the business’s locations, taking into account local healthcare provision and regulatory systems governing drug licensing and stockpiling : and • Enhancing protection for high risk and vulnerable employees. 2 Background Pandemic influenza (flu) is a type of influenza that occurs every few decades and which spreads rapidly to affect most countries and regions around the world. Unlike the “ordinary” flu that occurs every winter in the UK, pandemic flu can occur at any time of year. Pandemic flu is much more serious than “ordinary” flu. As much as a quarter of the population may be affected – possibly more. Pandemic flu is likely to cause the same symptoms as ordinary flu but the symptoms may be more severe because nobody will have any immunity or protection against the particular virus. Swine influenza or “Swine Flu” is a contagious disease caused by mutation in influenza A viruses. Swine Flu - How To Protect Yourself Quickly & Easily 3 Planning for a PANDEMIC 3.1 The CEO should be the business’s designated pandemic coordinator and a pandemic response team from across the business should be set up and trained in clearly defined rolls. 3.2 The functions of the pandemic response team includes • Maintaining the team’s own awareness of global developments in Swine Flu (including guidance on containment strategies and vaccines) • Developing training and awareness materials for the business • Briefing the Management Board • Ensuring links are maintained with external stakeholders in planning for a pandemic flu (e.g. suppliers, customers and where relevant the Public) PANDEMIC RESPONSE Working practices and social distancing • Employees who are fit to return to work following an absence due to pandemic flu (and who have therefore developed immunity to the disease) might be considered for high-risk, essential roles. • The company should establish flexible working policies, enabling line managers to agree home working, different shift patterns, or relocation to a site more local to the employee’s home where appropriate. • Employees will be required to work at least one metre away from colleagues to ensure social distancing and managers will reconfigure work-site layouts to enable this to take place • Other social distancing responses are likely to include: o Absolutely no shared use of Telephones and mobiles o Advising employees to avoid face-to-face meetings and to use telephone and internet services instead, where possible o If this is not possible, meeting only in a large room and maintaining a distance of at least one metre between participants o Advising employees to avoid crowded places (lifts) or heavily populated gatherings (e.g. sporting events) o Advising employees to avoid travelling at busy periods on public transport • Essential workers who are totally reliant on public transport may be offered dedicated transport to and from work Infection Control • During a pandemic the business should seek to reduce the overall and specific risks to members of staff by taking appropriate infection control actions (e.g. strengthening guidance on hand washing, unnecessary contact such as hand shaking and isolataion of any member of staff with symptoms such as coughing) • Basic health protection advice including the following guidance: o Avoid close contact o Staying at home when sick or sickening o Covering completely with disposable tissues mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing sanitising hands afterwards o Avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth • Additional protection measures will be taken to ensure that influenza does not spread through contaminated objects and surfaces, such as handles, railings and counters. Surfaces touched by hands will be cleaned at least daily using Byotrol products. • Staff with flu-like symptoms will be required to stay at home until the symptoms disappear and will be allowed in the workplace only in extreme circumstances • Staff developing symptoms at work will be accommodated in a designated isolation room while arrangements are made to transport them home. Precautions will be introduced for all those entering and leaving this room. • Swine Flu - How To Protect Yourself Quickly & Easily Staff at risk of developing influenza-related complications (e.g. pregnant workers and those with compromised immune systems) will be reassigned from high-risk work sites and locations in the event of a pandemic. Business and personal travel • Only essential business travel should be considered during a pandemic and procedures for approving travel need to be tightened, requiring authorisation from a senior manager • The pandemic response team should monitor travel plans and new procedures for notifying employees’ location during periods of business travel will be introduced in the event of a pandemic • Staff required to visit pandemic-affected areas on business will be provided with appropriate health advice and personal protective equipment (e.g. masks, Byotrol based handwipes) and employees will have the right to refuse to travel to such areas • Staff visiting affected areas for non-business purposes during a pandemic may need to be required to stay away from work for a period of quarantine on unpaid leave. 3.3 Goods services and functions of the business that are essential to its operations and survival will be defined and the Business will: • Carry out devolution planning: i.e. plan which services can be carried out by other sites: • Develop an order of succession: i.e. plan which services can be carried out by personnel other than those who normally given the task and train non-essential back-up staff to perform essential tasks • Stockpile small quantities of essential supplies, materials and equipment • Ensure that maintenance plans are up to date to guarantee that all equipment essential to the business’s operation is capable of sustained operation in the event of a pandemic • Prepare time lines for how long it will be possible for the Business to carry out its essential functions without critical supplies, personnel and equipment • Produce forecasts of employee sickness absence during a pandemic flu • Put in place policies to enable flexible working (e.g. home- working ) in the event of a pandemic flu: • Put in place a pandemic response team that will take steps to heighten awareness of the Business infection control procedures, particularly provisions covering hand hygiene: • Provide specific training for all employees and students on personal, workplace and family protection and actions to take as a pandemic develops; • Prepare employee support services, including grief counselling and psychiatric care ; • Ensure that adequate supplies of infection control materials (Byotrol mousse for hand hygiene, surface sprays, wipes, gloves and masks) are held in preparedness for a pandemic. The Byotrol hand hygiene programme is just one element of our ‘Hygiene Revolution’ whereby we can challenge and manage the Critical Control Points within food processing / preparation / service: Floors / Food Contact surfaces / Hands Product offering: Hand Hygiene / Skin care Unit Pack End user unit price Byocare Mousse 50ml 30 x 50ml £2.99 Byocare Mousse 600ml 12 x 600ml £8.50 Byocare Mousse 5L - re-fill 4 x 5L £16.00 Swine Flu - How To Protect Yourself Quickly & Easily FOOD MANUFACTURING For Food-processing, food-preparation and food-service there are complex hygiene issues such as:  Food preparation: deli, bakery, on site food prep: sandwiches etc Floors: HD Food Safe Degreaser/ food contact surface Byosan, Cleaner Sanitiser + (Ready for use), Byowipe (Byosan liquid inside)  Food storage, display and check out – floors, shelving, check-out conveyors Broad spectrum usage: Byowipe – kills and protects / multi surface usage People ‘hands’: one of the major contributing factor for food spoilage and pathogens – some statistics claim upto 80% can be attributed to poor hand hygiene (General public: circa 40% of men and 20% of women do not wash their hands after using the toilet) (Catering workers: circa 50% do not wash their hands prior to preparing food) Byocare – hand hygiene programme: soap, sanitiser, dispensers, training programme Prepared by Simon Doderer – http://www.nenviro.com with content from Byotrol PLC. Call 0800 808 7887 or email Info@nenviro.com
About The Author
Simon Doderer is managing Director and founder of http://www.nenviro.com. Dedicated to commercial solutions for the Environment.

Visit the author's web site at:http://www.nenviro.com

How to Care for Autistic Children

Autistic Child Care by: Mary Rose


Autistic child care should start as early as possible. Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears before age three and in some cases as early as 18 months. It is a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain in areas of communication and social interaction. Although the characteristics might be the same, each person is very unique. Autism is a spectrum disorder whose characteristics can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations from mild to severe. An autistic child can be identified very early. Parents are usually the first to notice unusual behaviors in their child. Normally a child of 12 months is expected to babble, say a few words, pick up gestures like pointing and share emotions like smiling with parents. In some cases, the baby seemed different from birth, unresponsive to people or focusing keenly on one item for long periods of time. The first signs of an autistic spectrum disorder can also appear in children who seem to have been developing normally. When an engaging, babbling toddler suddenly becomes silent, withdrawn, self-abusive, or indifferent to social overtures, something is wrong. Autistic child care is best done if the condition is diagnosed before the age of three. The best approach towards it is to count the child's strengths rather than the weaknesses. People use different terms to describe individuals within the autistic spectrum, such as autistic tendencies, high or low-functioning autism, or autism spectrum. Whatever the term, an autistic child can learn and function productively given the appropriate educational plan. Visual and not verbal clue should be focused in building an exhaustive module, to reach out to individuals falling in the spectrum of autism. We need to break routine way of teaching to encourage flexibility and stress on unambiguous communication. We must teach the autistic child life skills in a way that they can easily recall or relate to. Visual augmentation helps a child communicate better. Autistic child suffers from social deficits like speech impairment, problem in understanding others' perception and context and normally communicate in a way that is not understood by others. We have to teach them to communicate in socially identifiable way. Structure makes tasks predictable, reduces anxiety in the child. One can develop a concept using visual gestures. This helps the child which is struggling to recall the sequence. An autistic child's behavior is often mistaken as unruly. But it is only when the child is unable to communicate, it responds aggressively.So, we need to equip the child with better tools to communicate. Structured teaching can be beneficial to help the child pick up life skills. Awareness has to be created to enable families to carry out autistic child care in a better manner. They need to have access to better medical management of the related disorders like aggression, hyperactivity and irritability. Parents need to learn to communicate and give out unambiguous instruction to their wards. There should be support for employment and opportunity for autistic individuals in the society.
About The Author
Mary Rose has authored several books including books related to children and child care.For more information logon http://www.casanads.com/bm/children.htm

Sciatica

Sciatica by: George Best

The pain known as sciatica (sometimes misspelled as "syatica" or "psyatica") is caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve (one on each side). The symptoms of sciatica usually start in the buttock and may extend partially or all the way down the leg. The sciatic nerves are each formed by nerve roots from the lower lumbar and sacral parts of the spinal cord. The individual nerve roots come together in the lower pelvis to form the sciatic nerves. Each sciatic nerve then runs from the pelvis down the back of each leg. The sciatic nerve splits into two parts below the knee and the two halves run down the back of the lower leg to the foot. While there are several possible causes of sciatica, by far the most common source of sciatic nerve irritation is a bulging or herniated disc in the lower lumbar spine. A damaged disc may bulge into the opening where one of the nerve roots exits the spine on it's way to join other nerve roots as part of the sciatic nerve. The bulging disc may create direct nerve pressure, and/or may trigger inflammation and swelling, which can also cause pressure on the nerve. When this occurs, pain and other symptoms may be felt part along the course of the sciatic nerve, starting in the buttock area and possibly running down the leg, sometimes all the way to the foot. Besides disc bulges, spinal openings for nerves may be narrowed by bone spurs or other bone formations related to spinal degeneration. In some cases, sciatica may result from direct trauma to the nerve after it exits the pelvis, such as what can happen if there is a direct impact or hard pressure applied in the lower buttock region. Rare sources of sciatica can include spinal tumors, which can compress sciatic nerve roots as they exit the spine. Another rare cause of sciatica is a cyst or tumor that compresses the sciatic nerve in the hip or knee area. Not every buttock or leg pain that people think is sciatica is acutually sciatica. True sciatica (sciatic nerve irritation) is usually felt mostly in the back of the leg (not the front or side of the leg). Symptoms of true sciatica are described by various people as stabbing, burning, tingling, numbness/heaviness, or like an electric shock. But even if symptoms seem like sciatica, they are not always due to actual irritation of the sciatic nerve. One common condition that closely mimics sciatica is caused by knots of contraction called trigger points in a muscle called the piriformis. The piriformis muscles are located on either side of the lower buttock area, running from the upper thigh bone to the edge of the sacrum (the triangular pelvic bone that is at the base of the spine). In addition to causing symptoms that mimic sciatica, tightness in the piriformis muscle may also cause true sciatic irritation, because the sciatic nerve actually runs through the center of the piriformis muscle in some people, and can be compressed by excessive muscle contraction. Trigger points in other muscles in the buttocks and upper thigh can cause referred pain in the side of the leg that may be mistaken for sciatica as well. It should be kept in mind that true sciatica and piriformis syndrome are associated with symptoms that are primarily felt in the back of the leg. If symptoms are in the front or side of the leg, there's a good chance that the problem is not sciatica. Treatment of sciatica is usually associated with treating a bulging disc. The first line of treatment is usually an attempt to reduce inflammation to reduce pressure on the nerve bymeans of oral medications. If oral medications fail, steroids may be injected in the area of the disc bulge in order to provide more potent anti-inflammatory effects. A variety of other types of treatment may also be used, such as physical therapy, massage, chiropractic or osteopathic spinal manipulation, acupuncture, or one of the newest forms of treatment, spinal decompression. In some situations, surgery may be recommended as a last resort. Most episodes of sciatica will resolve within a period of several weeks with or without treatment, but due to the severity of the pain typically involved, most people with sciatica will seek out treatment. Unfortunately, due to misconceptions by doctors and patients alike regarding the nature of sciatica, the necessary steps to prevent a return of sciatica are usually not taken. So, even though most people do recover from a bout of sciatica, nearly all will eventually have problems again at some point. Even sciatica sufferers initially treated successfully with surgery will often have future problems with sciatica. The good news is that with awareness of how to manage sciatica and a little bit of effort dedicated to prevention, most people can avoid ongoing long-term sciatica problems. The challenge is simply to making people aware of the necessity of a "management" versus "cure" approach to sciatica and getting them to follow-through with preventive exercises and other self-care techniques.
About The Author
Dr. George Best has been treating patients with sciatica and piriformis syndrome in his San Antonio practice for over 15 years. To educate people on the importance of properly managing sciatica long-term. Dr. Best has produced a free ebook and online video program on Sciatica and Sciatica, which you can access at http://www.sciaticaselfcare.com/.

Undiagnosed Hypothyroidism Symptoms

Subtle, Undiagnosed Symptoms Could Be Signs Of Subclinical Hypothyroidism by: Mark Hyman, M.D.


Do you have vague, uncomfortable symptoms with no obvious cause? If so, you might be one of the 45 million people who have a chronic medical problem that is both under-diagnosed and under-treated. Think about it… Do you feel tired all the time and have trouble concentrating? Is your skin dry? Do you retain fluid? Has your sex drive gone downhill? Are your hands and feet always cold? Is your hair thinning, your voice a little hoarse, your fingernails a little thick? Is your cholesterol high? Do you have trouble losing weight or have you gained weight recently? Are you depressed or anxious? Do you have really bad PMS or trouble getting pregnant? Do your muscles feel weak, crampy, and painful? Most of these symptoms aren’t severe enough to send you to the emergency room. In fact, we usually accept them as a normal part of life -- and so do conventional doctors. They don’t view these symptoms as serious. But they certainly affect your quality of life. And they can lead to more serious problems, including heart attacks and diabetes. So what causes these symptoms? It’s called hypothyroidism. In this condition, your overall metabolic gas pedal has slowed down because the master gland that controls it, your thyroid gland, isn’t functioning at full speed. If your thyroid slows down, every other organ and system in your body slows down, including your brain, heart, gut, and muscles. Thyroid function is really a gray area. But most doctors view it as black or white. Conventional doctors tend to believe that you can diagnose hypothyroidism only through one blood test, called TSH, and that you only qualify for treatment if your blood level is over 5.0. But this ignores a whole group of people who have what we call subclinical hypothyroidism. It is called that because doctors have a hard time diagnosing it. Subclinical hypothyroidism may trigger many low-grade symptoms, like those described above. Yet it causes just slight changes in your blood tests. In fact, it often only shows up in tests that most doctors never perform. I see this all the time in my medical practice: Patients come in with vague complaints that alone may not seem too significant. But when you put them all together, they tell an important story. For example, take the 73-year-old woman who had fatigue, sluggishness, poor memory, slight depression, dry skin, constipation, and mild fluid retention. Her doctor brushed her off. But I believe that most of the symptoms of aging that we see are really symptoms of abnormal aging or dysfunction that is related to imbalances in our core body systems. So I act as a medical detective to find clues where no one else is looking and put together a story about why a person feels sick. This gets them the answers and tools they need to get well. In this case, we found that my patient had a sluggish thyroid. Although she didn’t meet all the conventional criteria for hypothyroidism, she had an autoimmune reaction that caused her thyroid to function poorly. So we replaced her missing thyroid hormone, supported her nutrition, and made some simple lifestyle changes. She soon felt alert, energetic, and youthful -- and all of her other symptoms cleared up. Another patient was a 28-year-old chronically constipated woman. She also felt tired in the mornings, always needed coffee, and had trouble staying up at night. She thought this was normal. She didn’t know she had a sluggish thyroid. But as soon as we supported her nutrition and eliminated her food allergens (particularly gluten), which create inflammation and interfere with thyroid function, she improved. Low thyroid function affects people of all ages. It is very common because of our exposure to toxins such as heavy metals and pesticides, nutritional deficiencies, and chronic stress, all of which interfere with our thyroid function. And your thyroid isn’t just linked to the symptoms described here. It is the master metabolism hormone that controls the function and activity of almost every organ and cell in your body -- so when it is sluggish or slow, everything slows down. Fortunately, we can diagnose and treat problem, with a comprehensive functional medicine approach that uses the concepts of UltraWellness. First, I determine if you have any of the chronic symptoms of hypothyroidism or diseases associated with it, such as: • sluggishness in the morning • poor concentration and memory • low-grade depression • dry skin • hoarse voice • thinning hair • coarse hair • being very sensitive to cold and having cold hands and feet • low body temperature • muscle pain • weakness or cramps • low sex drive • fluid retention • high cholesterol Next, I do a physical examination for clues to a low-functioning thyroid. I check for a low body temperature. Anything lower than 97.6 degrees F may be a sign of hypothyroidism. I might also find fluid retention, a thick tongue, swollen feet, swollen eyelids, an enlarged thyroid gland, excessive earwax, a dry mouth, coarse skin, low blood pressure, or decreased ankle reflexes. I might even find that the outer third of the eyebrows is gone. These are all physical signs that can be put together along with other symptoms to form a story of what is causing the problem. Then I perform specific blood tests that give me a full picture of thyroid problems. Finally, I design a nutrition, lifestyle, and supplement regimen and hormone replacement plan as needed to help people regain their health. In my next article, I will discuss the major preventable -- and mostly hidden -- factors that slow your thyroid down. And I’ll tell you more about the special tests I use to diagnose thyroid problems, as well as how to specifically treat low thyroid function.
About The Author
Mark Hyman, M.D. is a pioneer in functional medicine, practicing physician and best-selling author. A sneak preview of his book "The UltraSimple Diet" is available. See The UltraWellness Blog for more on Hypothyroidism: http://www.ultrawellness.com/blog/

About Candida and You

Education Is Better Then Medication- Some Facts About Candida, Probiotics And The Gut by: Hyacinth Allen
Educate rather than medicate! It is obvious that no one diet or treatment suits all in the fight against Candida Albicans. The crucial element that applies to everyone is a healthy Gastrointestinal Tract, and our genetic makeup determines in part precisely how that functions. There are broad generalizations that can be made. Antibiotics destroy friendly and non friendly gut bacteria, when this happens the bad overgrows and mutate into moles which can penetrate the intestinal wall and then is set free to become a systemic infection affecting the whole body. Replacing friendly bacteria, the acidophilus types of intestinal bacterium is crucial to the health of the gastro intestinal tract. While this is very important all the time it is most important during the die off period, when the Candida can thrive again in the empty pockets of the intestines. Eating raw vegetables is good because raw foods have enzymes present which assist in the digestion of the food. These enzymes are often destroyed by cooking. When we do not digest food completely we fail to get all the nutrients out of that food. Plant based digestive enzymes in the stomach work whether our body is acid or alkaline the pH Balance is not critical, so our bodies find it easier to digest vegetables, once they reach the stomach the digestive process begins. On the other hand, animal based protein, fish or meat, do not begin to work until the stomach content has a pH balance of around pH 3, which means that it needs acid to be digested. Plants such as Echinacea, and thyme and marigold can build the immune system they do not cause the side effects of antibiotics. The Immune system is the body’s natural protection agent. Without it, the body would not be able to defend itself against invading bacteria, viruses, toxins and microbes. Building the immune system is an important part of keeping a healthy body that can repel attacks naturally. Unfortunately, the immune system works silently, we cannot see it working and it is only when factors such as stress or illness affect it that we realize that all is not well. Homeostasis is a biological condition, which means the inherent tendency in an organism toward the maintenance of physiological and psychological equilibrium. When the body cannot maintain a homeostatic state, unpleasant symptoms occur, these symptoms are the bodies “panic button”, it is saying it is out of synchronization. The body will make sure that all essential functions receive the maximum support, this means the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys as vital organism will get the bulk of all available nutrients. Non-essential bodily functions, which include skin replenishment, muscle tone, skin tone, hair replacement, and keeping the joints healthy becomes secondary functions. Although they are not life threatening the effects of them not being carried out can be seen externally very quickly. All drugs, including drugs considered safe to be bought without prescription such as aspirin, have negative side effects to the body, as they all deplete nutrients. The body can also be aggravated by exposure to environmental pollutants and stress makes it all worse. Probiotics contain live bacteria and prebiotics are nutrients designed to promote beneficial bacteria in the gastro intestinal tract. The European union have invested over €15 million, which in dollars is nearer $20,000 in trying to find out whether they have a scientific basis. Michael Blaut, head of microbiology at the German Institute of Human Nutrition in Potsdam has pioneered a lot of this research. He maintains that we know little of the ecosystem in the human gut, other than the fact, it is normal for it to have 1.2 kilograms, 2.4 pounds of bacteria. Molecular biologist Joël Doré working with the French agricultural research agency (INRA) has found that the faecal matter of adults is quite different. Though his work is unpublished at the moment, it suggests that whilst the gut is capable of supporting thousands of different types of bacteria most people only cultivate about a hundred, partly because we all cultivate bacteria in different ways. Before we are born, our guts are sterile but we accumulate bacteria whilst being born from the vaginal passage and faecal bacteria of our mothers. By the time we are two we have ingested our complement of bacteria and that does not change much as we age. The good news is that this seems to thwart the invasion of new bacteria such as salmonella in the gut. Probiotics cannot permanently affect the contents of the gut; if they are to have any effect at all they must be ingested daily. Preliminary studies show that they can be effective for some people with some types of inflammatory bowel diseases, but not necessarily against a Candida infection. One Finnish medical study that was conducted studied the effects on pregnant women of a daily dose of Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and later the babies were to these women were given a daily dose for the first six months of their lives. The results were quite conclusive; the babies were less prone to eczema, which is one of the symptoms of Candida. Dr. Erika Isolauri conducted the survey and whilst the reason why the children were protected is not understood she has hypothesized that the probiotic shifted inflammatory factors in the gut. There are some dietary guidelines for cleansing the body of Candida: Eat different foods and rotate the food groups daily. Eat high fibre foods such as chickpeas to absorb the toxins Drink at least two litres of pure water daily. Snack on raw veggies. Make certain that your foods do not form any form of mold, store them correctly in airtight tubs in the refrigerator and eat them before they get moldy.
About The Author
Article by: Hyacinth Allen (Ceci) Author of "The Silent Sufferer" (The Hidden Horror Of living with Candida) http://www.naturalcandidacure.com

Are You Getting Enough Manganese?

Why The Magic of Manganese Isn't Just In The Name by: Steve Smith
Manganese is one of those elements commonly referred to as "trace" minerals within the human body, because they're found and required only in relatively tiny quantities. But that description should not be taken as reducing the importance of manganese in any way. Indeed the very name is derived from the Ancient Greek word for magic; evidencing the special powers which they attributed to it. Modern science is probably too cautious to go as far as that, but there's no doubt that manganese has a number of vital functions within the body. Manganese is an essential element in the production of a number of vital enzymes. Perhaps particularly important amongst these is superoxide dismutase, an anti-oxidant enzyme which has a crucial role in protecting the mitochondria of every cell in the body from the oxidative free radical damage which can lead to DNA damage, premature ageing and even, eventually, degenerative disease. Manganese dependent enzymes are also essential for the effective metabolism of protein and carbohydrates from the diet, as well as cholesterol. In addition to helping maintain normal cholesterol levels, it has also been noted that cardiac patients tend to have depleted levels of manganese in the heart muscle, and there is research evidence to suggest that manganese may also help protect against arterial damage. Manganese is also regarded as important for bone and joint health. Some commercial preparations containing glucosamine, a popular supplement marketed as an aid to joint flexibility and for reducing the pain of osteo-arthritis, also contain significant quantities of a manganese compound, and there's evidence that manganese, like glucosamine, has a significant effect in helping the repair of joint cartilage. Low blood levels and deficiencies of manganese have also been associated with an increased incidence of osteoporosis, ie brittle bones; and wound healing depends on prolidase, another manganese activated enzyme. Although orthodox medicine remains reluctant to accept the link, there is evidence that low levels of manganese are associated with the glucose intolerance characteristic of diabetes, and, coincidentally or not, it has also been noted that many so-called "natural" nutritional therapies for the disease are often based on manganese rich herbs. No one is claiming that manganese supplements may act as an alternative treatment for diabetes, but many practitioners maintain that when taken together with a manganese rich diet, they may well assist sufferers to manage their blood sugar levels. Finally, a number of research reports have confirmed an associative, but not necessarily causal, relationship between low manganese levels and brain (epileptic) seizures in both humans and other animals. Whilst it is generally recognised that more research is required, it seems reasonable to suggest that ensuring good levels of manganese in the body may have some protective effect. The US Food and Nutrition Board has recommended an upper safe limit for manganese intake of 11 mg a day for adults, and there are potential concerns about manganese toxicity. These appear to arise, however, from the direct inhalation of manganese dust and the consumption of manganese contaminated water or heavily polluted air, rather than from diet or supplements. These external pollutants apart, there is much more likely to be a deficiency of manganese than an excess. Whole grains, leafy green vegetables, certain fruits and green or black tea are reasonably good sources, but many modern Western diets may still struggle to provide even the minute amounts required. As usual, the stripping of nutrients from the soil along with our increased dietary reliance on heavily refined grains are the main culprits. But in the case of manganese this problem is compounded by its negative interaction with other essential minerals needed by the body in larger quantities. It appears, for example, that the absorption of manganese from food decreases in proportion with the amount of iron contained in that food, and the amount of iron stored in the body. Blood levels of both manganese and the important anti-oxidant, superoxide dismutase have been found to be reduced in individuals following a program of iron supplementation, and similar results have been found in people supplementing with magnesium, as is very commonly recommended in the interests of cardiac and cardiovascular health. Relatively high doses of calcium supplements have also been found to reduce the absorption of manganese and perhaps also increase its rate of excretion from the body. But none of the above effects should be taken as reasons not to supplement with these other minerals should such a program be regarded as potentially beneficial. They are, however, yet more evidence of the holistic operation of the body's systems and the mutual interdependence of all the many nutrients on which these rely. Thankfully, though, the answer to the problem is simple enough. It is to ensure that no supplements of minerals, or for that matter vitamins, are ever taken in isolation, but only in the form of comprehensive multi-vitamin and multi-mineral supplements. And of course, these should always be regarded as being in addition to a nutritionally well balanced diet rather than a replacement for it. Such a multi-mineral supplement should provide more than sufficient manganese but it is also worth noting that good intakes of both vitamin C and zinc, in particular, appear significantly to improve manganese absorption.
About The Author
Steve Smith is a freelance copywriter specialising in direct marketing and with a particular interest in health products. Find out more at http://www.sisyphuspublicationsonline.com/LiquidNutrition/Information.htm

Facts About Eating and Pooping

Good Digestion Is Essential For Good Health by: Jennifer Kays
A healthy digestive system is crucial to your overall health. Today more and more people have reported having problems like indigestion, acidity and poor waste elimination. The reason is the fast paced life style, and lack of adequate sleep or lack of nourishing diet. Our fast food diets contain refined sugar, preservatives, antibiotic, and hormones that interfere with digestion and health in general. So called "junk food" is contributing to a vast variety of ailments and obesity. Natural digestive supplements, vitamins, herbs and probiotics are well known to provide people with fast relief from problems like indigestion, acidity and poor waste elimination. Since conventional synthetic drugs are often very difficult for the body to absorb and carry undesirable side effects, an effective alternative is the use of all natural enzymes, fiber, vitamins, supplements, herbs, and probiotics that are derived from natural sources. All natural digestive aids are fast acting and easily absorbed by the human body. Natural digestion chewable wafers or liquids help your body to better absorb food nutrients from the foods you eat and the supplements you take - plus you're able to break down dairy products and other hard-to-digest foods. Natural digestion enzymes, fiber, supplements, vitamins, herbs, and probiotics help balance and ease digestive discomfort. Enzymes are proteins that are a vital energy factor needed for every digestive action and reaction that our body needs for proper health. Enzymes combine with coenzymes forming almost 100,000 different substances in the body that make it possible to see, hear, feel, move, digest food and allow the brain to function efficiently. All organs, tissues and all the 100 trillion cells in our bodies depend on the interaction of metabolic enzymes and the energy they help produce. Enzymes break down food particles that are too large or have begun to putrefy. When food particles are too large or have begun to putrefy, our bodies are unable to absorb them and they become like invaders to our blood stream, cells and intestines. Then our immune system begins to attack them in order to protect us. The results may take the forms of nausea, runny eyes, headaches, acid reflux, heart burn, fatigue, allergies or respiratory difficulty, leaky gut, weight gain, candida, or constipation. Conventional cooking, cooking with a microwave, processed foods and some freezing destroy the enzymes naturally contained in food. At times our own body's enzyme producing capacity gets overwhelmed and our metabolic digestive ability is compromised. The use of antibotics also destroys beneficial micoflora in our intestines. Research indicates that as we age, the cells in our pancreas becomes less efficient causing an enzyme deficiency that weakens the trillions of cells in our bodies. This enzyme deficiency then, in turn, speeds the aging process creating an undesirable cycle. We can counteract the effects of food preparation, aging, and digestion overwhelm by using all natural enzyme supplements and formulas that increase the amount of enzymes in our body and create a healthy, properly functioning digestive system. Probiotics derived from natural sources enhancethe growth of beneficial microflora in our intestines. Mircoflora helps process vitamins, nutrients and enzymes that enhance digestive process. The microflora protects our bodies by removing harmful foreign materials that our bodies cannot remove and prevent harmful bacteria from growing in our intestines that causes illness. As we age, the health microflora in our intestines decreases. Our common complaint as we age, is that we cannot eat the way we used to eat or the foods we used to be able to eat. We may develop lactose intolerance, have difficulty with waste elimination, experience respiratory difficulty, acid relux,and feel less energetic or perhaps toxic. Regular replacement of beneficial microflora with the use of all natural probiotics helps us to continually breakdown dairy products or other food that are difficult to digest enabling us to avoid experiencing acid reflux, weight gain and other digestive difficulties that actually speed the aging process. Of course, all natural fiber is extremely important for good digestion. Soluble fiber attracts water during digestion. This slows down the digestive process and allows you stomach and intestine to absorb more of the nutrition from the food you have eaten. All natural insoluble fiber allows food to move through the digestive tracts of your body and then enables waste and toxins to be eliminated through the bowel. Insoluble fiber removes any blockage in the intestines that may lead to constipation. Fiber is essential for your body to absorb vital vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients and to facilitate the removal of waste materials. All natural enzymes, fiber, vitamin, supplements, herbs, and probotics help our body to better absorb and utilize the food we eat. They also help us experience proper waste elimination which is vital for removing toxins that could cause us harm and speed the aging process. A well functioning, healthy digestive system is vital to our well being. All natural digestive aid products are an enormous advantage over the use of conventional synthetic drugs. Together, all natural probiotics, digestive enzymes and fiber are a powerhouse for healthy digestion.
About The Author
Jennifer Kays has over twenty years experience with all natural health care products. She provides the highest quality all natural health care products through http://www.sweetmedicineessentials.com/

Our Current Health Care Plan

Sucking n Shocking: ‘Sicko’ Reveals by: Suzanne Macguire
Michael Moore's latest flick has finally hit the nail on the head. The release of Sicko in the American theatres has heaped up a controversy. Released on 29th June 2007, this documentary film not only investigates the US healthcare system but also point out numerous loopholes associated with it. These loopholes have been featured as those US health insurance companies that function at the cost of the lives of its citizens. Christened as a wickedly funny satire by many, Sicko pungently reveals the inadequacies of the American healthcare system. Its narrative is infused with instances of the inhuman behavior of multiple health insurance companies who have been responsible for the death of numerous patients. The irony lies in the fact that these companies reward those employees who have helped to negate company expenditure by denying maximum number of health coverage requests. One such memorable piece recounted in the movie is that of Linda Peeno, who denied a life-saving operation to a man. Her decision was held in high esteem as she saved half a million dollars her company had to incur. The shocking realities do not end here. The movie presents paraphernalia of woes caused due to the sucking policies of the American healthcare system. The exorbitant cost of American drugs is no news. But its adverse consequences on the commoners have been portrayed movingly. Frank, an elderly man, works at Pathmark to pay for his medicine. Next, we come across a married couple, who was forced to move in with their daughter because the father had three heart attacks, and the mother suffered serious problems as well. Moore almost moves the audience to tears when he projects the case Rick who accidentally chopped off the tops of his middle and ring fingers. Disclosing his inability to pay for both the operations, the hospital offered him a choice of reattaching his middle finger at 60,000$ or his ring finger at 12,000$. A romantic to the core, Rick chose his ring finger to be reattached for a bargain price of 12 grand. All these instances are tragic indeed, but the interview with Becky, a health insurance worker, is a haunting one. She breaks down while recounting the experience of her grueling job. It is through her that Moore reveals how the American healthcare system not only leaves out 50 million uninsured citizens but also negates aid to the 250 million insured Americans. As Moore himself testifies, "This is not a broken system, this is a sick system", and Sicko presents a statement to Moore's vision. This brilliantly directed film does well to make a comparison between the US healthcare system and the healthcare policies of such nations as France, Cuba, England, and Canada. The scene where Moore strolls around the streets of France with a doctor attending on house calls, presents a stark contrast to the inhospitable, rather hostile American healthcare system. The movie ends with Moore taking a group of 9/11 victims to Cuba, leaving a question unanswered: "Is it so hellish to live in America?" The answer, most certainly, lies with the people; but the movie, too, obliquely points to a solution: medical tourism. The new mantra of medical tourism has been attracting a lot of American patients to look for healthcare and medical facilities outside the US. So, if Sicko's reality bites, there is medical tourism to offer you a healing treatment!
About The Author
Suzanne Macguire is an Internet marketing professional with expertise in content development and technical writing in a variety of industries. http://www.recoverdiscover.com/

Take a Chill Pill

Anxiety herbs by: Patricia McDougall
Two natural anti-anxiety herbs used extensively for hundreds of years are Mulungu and Graviola. Erythrina Mulungu, commonly known by several names such as Mulungu, Murungu, Murungo, Muchocho and so on, is a medium sized tree that grows to a height of 10-15 meters, and brings forth a profusion of flowers. The bark and root of this plant are used as medicines to reduce anxiety and stress, and also as a pain reliever. The herb reduces blood pressure, regulates heartbeat, and acts as a sedative. Mulungu has been in use for centuries in South America as a natural anti-anxiety herb to calm agitated nerves. The herb is used to reduce anxiety and promote restful sleep. It is used successfully for breathing problems and liver disease. A research study in 2002 validated the traditional use of the plant as an anti-anxiety herb. Graviola is small evergreen tree that is about 5-6 meters in height. The leaves, fruits, bark, roots and seeds of this plant have excellent medicinal properties, and have been in use for centuries as indigenous medicines. Graviola is used to relieve spasms and reduce depression. The bark, leaves and roots of Graviola have sedative, antispasmodic and hypotensive properties. The anti-anxiety herbs marketed by Amazon Botanicals contain these two herbs, and makes the user feel happier. They are made from fully natural sources and are therefore free of harmful side effects. Both these anti-anxiety herbs are fast acting and work effectively. They are faster than St. John's Wort, and free of side effects and liver toxicity that other herbs like Kava Kava induce. The anti-anxiety herbs produced by Amazon Botanicals use fresh Mulungu and Graviola and avoids fillers of any kind, in contrast to other manufacturers who buy from secondary sources, and use stale or adulterated products. This ensures safety and efficacy of the herbal preparation that is manufactured. The products are available in two forms – anxiety tincture and anxiety tea. The tincture is manufactured by extracting 100% pure Mulungu and Graviola in distilled water and 40% alcohol. The suggested dosage is 60 ml twice a day taken under the tongue or with water or juice. The tea is made from 100% pure Mulungu and Graviola leaves and bark, and comes with a natural flavor. The tea is to be prepared by simmering the tea bags in water for thirty minutes or more. You can make the tea stronger by simmering the preparation longer. Persons with dangerously low blood pressure levels should avoid use of the herb, as this is known to result in further lowering of the blood pressure. Persons with high blood pressure who are on medication should consult their doctor, as use of the herb may require a reduction in the dosage of the drug they are taking for treating high blood pressure. The drug should also be avoided during pregnancy. Extremely large doses of Graviola may result in nausea.
About The Author
Patricia McDougall B.Sc. is a Chartered Herbalist that is originally from Peru. Patricia is the Director of Research and Development for Amazon Botanicals LLC of Newark Delaware. http://www.amazon-botanicals.com/Anti_Anxiety_herbs_s/43.htm

Nature's Medicine: Sleep

How Does Sleep Affect Our Minds and Bodies? by: Danna Schneider
Sleep, solid sleep without interruption, is nearly as vital to our existence and health as food, air and water. Sounds like a drastic statement, but according to several studies, it really isn't. There is proof that without sleep people can literally go mad - lose their minds and the ability to think critically and clearly. So how are we supposed to deal with lack of sleep? Not only does our mind not function as well when we are working with little quality sleep, but many believe that lack of sleep and lack of quality of sleep may also diminish our immunities to sickness and disease. You may notice that you fall prey to flus and colds more often when you've experienced lack of sleep, and experts say this is a direct correlation to lack of sleep? Immune function is a vital part of our well being. Our lymph system and other antibodies depend on sleep it seems, and are subsequently worn down when our bodies and minds are deprived of R & R. Many factors play a part in interrupting this basic health need that must be met if we are to operate at our best possible capacity. Recuperation is another reason that we sleep. How many times have you felt rejuvenated and recharged by a good nights sleep when you've been going through a particularly stressful period, either physically or mentally. We live in a fast paced, high stress society which can often make it difficult to slow down mentally and physically prior to bedtime. There are certain suggestions, that are helpful, if you are having a hard time getting to sleep at night and staying asleep for a full eight hours, or at least close, to that amount of time. If you suffer from insomnia, try to ascertain the reason or reasons you are having problems with sleeping or staying asleep at night. Are you anxious, depressed, fearful or overly stressed? Or possibly, is there any physical discomfort or pain causing your inability to get comfortable enough to fall asleep? Do you snore and wake sometimes to catch your breath? If your mind is overactive and you can not slow it down at bedtime, try some common sense approaches prior to sleep time that may help. Caffeinated beverages, pills or foods will certainly not only put sleep off, but also may interfere with normal sleep patterns throughout the night long after the consumption of it. Alcohol seems to have a sedative effect, but actually interferes with the sleep cycle. Another good natural tip for gearing down an overactive mind is to avoid activities that stress or over stimulate the mind prior to bedtime. Try a warm glass of milk or a warm relaxing bath in the evening to slow down and to calm you. Some products that are of an herbal nature and naturopathically used to treat insomnia can certainly provide a lot of relaxation as well as promotion of sleep-inducing chemicals which commence the process by which we fall and stay asleep. Some herbs known to be helpful for insomnia include chamomile, valerian and lavender. I'm sure you've heard of aromatherapy for stress relief, but aromatherapy can also be used to actually help ease anxieties and help us to sleep and keep on sleeping when we are having troubles getting enough rest. Natural essense oils are often used for relaxation and preparation for snooze time, most notably jasmine oil which is actually popular not only as aromatherapy but it commonly used by many women as a perfume due to it's pleasant scent. Music may be a medicine much needed. Many times people report they can fall asleep more easily by using different types of music, say meditation music or classical music. Meditation and other relaxation techniques done in the evening can enhance your ability to get a good night's sleep. Melatonin is a natural body chemical that is secreted when we sleep and are preparing to sleep. This hormone is activated when the lights go out, and is said to be pivotal to falling asleep and maintaining that critical sleep REM patter that many say without which we may lose our minds, literally. If insomnia is problematic for you, consult with your physician to determine the cause. Also, try a combination of natural approaches and techniques to see if they assist you to fulfill your body's need for quality rest.
About The Author
Danna Schneider is the founder of http://www.herbalnewsmagazine.com/genf20-hgh-releaser/ and http://www.maleenhancementmagazine.com/mens-health-supplements , where news and suggestions on new natural ways to combat the aging process can be found as well as tips to live a healthier, more active and happier life through natural supplementation and lifestyle choices.