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Unless you have been living under a rock for the last year, you must have been hearing about this great product called Goji Juice. Recently, it has become a huge trend among the Hollywood types and celebrities. The good news is, this is not a trend for just for trend sake, this drink is made from Goji berries that have been proven to have amazing health benefits. The two main types of berries that are used to make this marvelous little drink are Himalayan Goji berries and Chinese Goji berries. A lot of the locals that live where these berries grow have been known to refer to them as “wolfberries”. With all the incredible natural health benefits it’s no surprise that everyone is trying to find out what all the fuss about. Perhaps one of the most important things to note is all the vitamins, minerals and essential acids that occur naturally in Goji Juice. Some of these include 19 different amino acids including the 8 amino acids that are considered essential. They are also known to have 21 trace minerals including calcium, germanium, zinc, selenium, and phosphorus. It contains one of the highest concentrations of Beta-carotene. For those of you who don’t know, Beta-carotene converts to Vitamin A and is known to have complete spectrum of anti-oxidants. With all of these incredible natural health benefits, its no wonder that celebrities and regular day folk alike are employing Goji Juice as both an anti-aging agent as well as just a great source of all the essential vitamins and minerals.

I have had a career in the traditional Western medical field as a Registered Nurse for 35 years. I spent 13 of them in the Rehabilitation field and saw many different and difficult cases. One of the units I worked on saw back pain patients who had been unable to work for a long time and were not getting better. Many of them had mid back pain and had pain with any kind of movement. The unit explored many different modalities from inner core muscle strength training, transcutaneous stimulation, and relaxation therapy. In later years, I discovered Pilates and Qi QWong.

After having a history of back problems, with intermittent bouts of pain, muscle spasms and sometimes disc inflammation, I felt I was experienced in dealing with back pain. I had worked on a unit for patients with chronic back pain when I was young which only resulted in my being able to instruct others in managing their pain, but not in incorporating it into my own life. It took an auto accident many years later to bring me to that point. I was fortunate to be sent to a physical therapist that taught me back pain exercises to strengthen my core muscles.

There are innumerable reasons that might well make the amazing hair strands on your scalp shed, the most common issue is hereditary baldness. Male pattern baldness could become a problem for as many as 40 per cent of guys under the age of thirty seven years old. The standard chap has beyond ninety thousand hair stands on their full scalp and might often easily drop forty to 150 hair strands every 24 hours through combing, washing, and sleeping. This may come across like too many but actually it is average. For hair loss advice and treatments including laser visit Advanced Hair Studio.

The abnormal rate of hair loss is when men and women are losing more hair follicles than what is growing back. And people will soon feel and realise guys and girls have abnormal hair loss when guys and girls shockingly start to see your hair line receding. It is always advisable to check with a health professional to make sure you aren’t suffering from any medical diseases or under vast depression.

The most common cause though is hereditary baldness. This occurs when the genes in your head force the hair follicles to disappear. This disappearing effect makes the strand unable to grow.

If folk are curious you will often go and talk to a hair professional and discover what kind of hair strand loss you are suffering from and also see what tremendous hair follicle loss treatments are available to customers.

When you hear the word migraine do you think of a disease or a headache? Most people would answer that by saying a headache. Well, they are partially right. Migraine is actually a neurological disease and the bad headache that people associate with migraine is only one of the symptoms of this disease. The other symptoms may include: sensitivity to light, sound, or smell; tingling or numbness; light flashes; nausea or vomiting; difficulty with speech. This is a disease that involves the heightening of one’s senses.

It was long believed that migraines were brought about by caffeine, stress or tension. This is simply not true. The migraine disease is physiological/biological and not psychological. In fact, if was first learned in the mid 90’s that migraine was a genetically based disease and if you have even one parent who has this disease, you have a 50% chance of suffering the same fate. This genetic revelation was further examined by the Australian genetic research team at Griffiths University in Queensland, Australia, where they recently discovered 3 genes for the migraine disease!

Migraine disease affects approximately 32 million Americans, the majority of which are women. The average age of the onset of this disease is between the late teens and the 40’s. However, there are approximately 8 million children that suffer from migraine.

Though there is no cure for migraine there are ways to help manage the symptoms. First you need to understand the difference between headaches and the migraine head pain. The pain from a headache is caused when the blood vessels in the cranium narrow. The pain of the migraine is caused when the blood vessels in the cranium expand. If you take medication that is meant to treat headaches, you may actually make the migraine pain worse because these meds work by dilating the blood vessels!

Management of migraine symptoms:

• There are many different triggers and they can be categorized into two groups-the controlled triggers and the uncontrolled triggers. Red wine, cigarette smoke, chemical smells, and some hard liquor are examples of controlled triggers. Menstrual cycle and weather patterns are examples of uncontrolled triggers. While you may not be able to do much about avoiding the uncontrolled triggers, knowing what they are will help you with managing the symptoms of this disease and avoiding the controlled triggers are a must.
• Abortive medication prescribed that is taken at the first sign of migraine to fend off the attack or lessen the symptoms. This must be taken as soon as you believe a migraine attack is eminent. If taken after the onset of the attack, you may find the treatment to be completely ineffective.
• Preventive medication prescribed is taken to prevent the migraine or reduce the number of attacks. There are some promising new medications on the market but be sure to weigh the risks of the side effects against the attacks. There are also some promising natural products containing feverfew that are worth checking into.

This disease is one of the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed of diseases. Estimates state that between 60-70% of people with this disease will never be diagnosed! Migraine is a serious disease and needs to be treated as such. The migraine disease can bring about aneurysms, strokes, permanent vision loss, and even death when not treated properly. If you have a blood relative with migraine and suspect you may be suffering from this debilitating disease, see your doctor and insist that what you are experiencing is “not just in your head” or brought on by stress! Remember, the medical professionals work for you.

There is some good news, though. With the knowledge of migraine being a genetically based disease and the discovery of the 3 identifying genes, it won’t be long before DNA is used to help diagnose and ultimately treat this painful, disabling disease.

Sandra McCarther is webmaster and article contributor at http://health-and-living.com

Inflammatory disease of the bowel- regional enteritis (Crohn’s disease) and ulcerative colitis- are often associated with arthritis. This occurs because inflammation in the bowel and the joints may share a common immunological abnormality.

Patients can present with abdominal pain, weight loss, and diarrhea.

Clinically, the arthritis that accompanies inflammatory bowel disease occurs in two different ways. The first pattern typically affects the larger joints of the lower extremities such as the ankles and knees. The heels may also be affected. Sometimes the fingers or toes can swell and look like little sausages. This type of “peripheral” arthritis occurs in about 20 per cent of patients who have inflammatory bowel disease. The activity of the arthritis parallels the gut activity.

In the second type, the arthritis can affect the low back- the sacroiliac joints that join the pelvis to the lower spine. This type of arthritis occurs in about 15-20 per cent of inflammatory bowel patients. A genetic marker called HLA-B27 is present (found through a blood test) in 50 per cent of patients who have inflammation of the sacroiliac joints. Stiffness in the low back along with limited range of motion is seen. This type of arthritis does not parallel the gut activity.

The diagnosis is usually suspected from the presence of bowel symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal cramping. Rarely, the arthritis may precede the bowel symptoms.

The diagnosis is confirmed by laboratory testing, x-rays, bowel visualization (colonoscopy), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

The treatment for the arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease is remarkably similar to that involving other types of arthritis. Typically anti-inflammatory drugs and disease-modifying drugs are both used. Anti-inflammatory drugs should be used with caution since they may cause the bowel disease to flare up. More recently, biologic drugs have been used with success to treat inflammatory bowel disease. The arthritis not surprisingly, also responds.

Dr. Wei (pronounced “way”) is a board-certified rheumatologist and Clinical Director of the nationally respected Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of Maryland. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and has served as a consultant to the Arthritis Branch of the National Institutes of Health. He is a Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology and the American College of Physicians. For more information on arthritis and related conditions, go to: http://www.arthritis-treatment-and-relief.com

Even though theyre delicious and ready-to-eat right out of the can, some of Clover Leafs Flaked Light Tuna flavours are perfect for preparing delicious recipes. This easy but decadent tartlet is great for entertaining!

Ingredients

Nutrition Details

Nutrition Features

Preheat the oven to 400 F (200 C). Lay one sheet of phyllo pastry on a large, clean cutting board. Brush with melted butter. Top with the second sheet of phyllo pastry and brush with remaining butter. Cut the pastry lengthwise into 4 strips and crosswise into 6 strips to make 24 equal-sized squares.

Press each square into the bottom of a buttered, mini muffin tin. Bake for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden and crisp. Cool completely and reserve in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Blend the tuna with the cream cheese and red pepper until almost smooth. Spoon the mixture into the cups and garnish with lemon peel or chopped chives (if using). Makes 24 tartlets.

Variations: Substitute other flavoured tunas such as Sun-dried Tomato & Basil or Spicy Thai Chili.

Tips:

1. Spoon the mixture onto melba or pumpernickel rounds instead of making the toast cups.
   
2. Make lemon peel strands using a citrus zester.

Copyright 2006 Jeff Garcia

Over 400,000 die from food containing ‘life threatening’
nutrients in just 12 month - more than 100 million Americans are
still at risk and it cost to the nation over 100 billion dollars
a year.

And yet no one seems to butt an eyelid despite it still being a
serious major problem, in fact an epidemic. Obesity, and of the
self inflicted causes of disease it is second only to smoking.
Left to current trends it is soon to take the number one slot.
And yet hardly and emotion stirs but how often do we think why?

So who is responsible? The food manufacturers, the government or
us - the individual? Jeff Garcia of Aspirational Solutions said
“In simple terms we all have choices as to what we decide to put
inside our own body in the form of food, and therefore the
ultimate responsibly lies with the individual with respect to
their chosen diet. Obesity is having a massive impact on the
western world at large with all the causes well documented but
little in terms of solid and real solutions. As a research
specialist, we have severe concerns regarding the current
obesity trends and have developed methodologies the help combat
the problem for individuals based on our nutritional
inheritance, but at the end of the day it is up to and every
individual to take responsibility for their own being.”

We need to understand why it is so very difficult to not eat
during that ‘addictive moment’ when every emotion and living
cell in your body is telling you to do quite the opposite. Food
at times can almost have similar characteristics to an addictive
drug, as it can be wholly intense and compelling creating an
animalistic primeval instinctive behavior to simply find food
and devour it. And at that precise moment, the knowledge we have
about the life threatening side of obesity, in terms of poor
health and disease is simple dismissed in an instant. We are
genetically programmed to eat and we should not and cannot fight
this instinctive emotion - it is part of our inbred genetic
survival, common to all living things.

What we can control is the types of food we consume in that we
can easily restrict the food types that lead to these compulsive
food behaviors and encourage consumption of different foods
types, which are more in line with our nutritional inheritance.
When we consume foods that is conducive with our body design,
which in turn has evolved over millions of years, the effect of
‘compulsive eating’ almost completely dissipates. Control is
regained and body weight is lost.

Living in a nutritional hell is a choice…

Jeff Garcia

Should Christian’s get tattoos?

ChristiaNet.com (http://www.christianet.com), the world’s largest Christian portal with twelve million monthly page loads, polled 269 participants on the question, “Should Christian’s get tattoos?”

There was an overwhelming response from 199 people who felt that Christians should not. The general consensus from these seem to agree that since our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and since the Bible says we shouldn’t cut or put marks on our bodies, then it would be wrong to do so. One respondent says, “Because our bodies don’t belong to us, they belong to God.” One participant comments on the health risks associated with getting tattoos or piercings, “As a nurse, I think it is a risky thing to do since tattoo artists may use needles more than once and a person could contact Hepatitis or HIV.”

Many felt that it defiles the body that God made in his image. It is also an indicator that a person who indulges may be trying to draw attention to themselves and as Christians we are representing Christ, not self. Twenty participants say that it is okay for Christians to get tattoos and piercings. Some of the comments indicate that if it’s done in good taste it is okay. One person wrote, “I don’t think there is anything wrong with it unless your own heart condemns you for it.” Some responded that it should be up to the individual and that a person who does shouldn’t be judged for it.

Some people have marks and piercings because it is a symbol of their culture. The attitude of the one wearing it is what matters. It shouldn’t be done because of rebellion or vanity. Fifty of the people answered that they were unsure about whether or not Christians should do so. Some entertained getting a mark that has a religious theme to show others that they are a believer. Still, many of these participants seem to agree that moderation is what is important and that Christians shouldn’t go overboard. One respondent who was unsure said, “I would not condemn anyone who does have one, although a demonic or ungodly mark should be avoided at all costs, as it provides a bad witness.”

Black Cat Tattoo Aftercare

The results are in, the clinical trials have spoken. Drinking relieves stress–drinking green tea, that is. There’s something in green tea that helps us relax. And it may start turning up in other foods soon.

The legendary benefits of green tea–weight loss, cancer prevention, immune system boosting, and more–have put green tea on everyone’s top ten superfoods list. Now the teacup’s relaxation effect has been proven in the lab.

An amino acid called theanine (or L-theanine) is responsible for green tea’s magic. First discovered in 1949, theanine is found almost exclusively in tea leaves. (It’s also found in one type of mushroom–but who wants to relax with a plate of mushrooms?)

Clinical trials testing the relaxation effect of theanine produced remarkable results. Japanese researchers found that human volunteers became more relaxed about 30-40 minutes after taking up to 200mg of theanine. That’s six cups of tea to you and me.

Once the theanine is flowing, a couple of things happen. Your brain waves start to shift into the alpha range. That’s a good thing. Alpha brain waves occur when you are relaxed and peaceful, but still awake–like after a massage or a hot bath, or during meditation.

At the same time, theanine increases the GABA levels in your brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that is linked to dopamine and serotonin levels. This complicated-sounding chemical cocktail results in a relaxation effect. And what’s more, theanine also lowers your blood pressure. Well, OK, the blood pressure part is only proven in rats. But testing continues.

So if you’re stressed and anxious, relax with a few cups of green tea. You should begin to feel relaxed and alert in about half an hour. Theanine won’t make you drowsy, but if it happens to be bedtime, studies have also shown you’ll sleep better and awake more refreshed. By the way, if you’re already relaxed when you start, it doesn’t matter how much theanine you getyou won’t get any more relaxed.

If you would rather get your theanine in a pill, you’re in luck. Supplements containing theanine are readily available. One of the Japanese firms heavily involved in theanine research went beyond simple green tea extracts and developed Suntheanine, which is a synthesized, ultra-pure theanine. A company spokesperson stated there is “a tremendous opportunity for designing foods and medical foods targeting relaxation and the reduction of stress.”

I’m not sure what they have in mind, but the possibilities are wide open. More than 50 food items containing Suntheanine, including ice cream, candy, and beverages, are currently sold in Korea, Japan, and Europe. In America, it’s only available in supplements right now. But I’m looking forward to seeing it in something that goes with my cup of tea. Relaxation muffin, anyone?

Art Turner is a writer, musician, and creator of Relaxation Emporium, where you can learn more about the relaxation effect of tea and other ways to reduce stress. Visit www.relaxationemporium.com/earth.html

Picture this: It’s 5:27 PM. You’re hungry after a busy day at work, itching to get home to see your family, and now you’re stuck in traffic. Frustration sets in. But you’re used to it since this is an every day occurrence.

So you finally stroll into your house at 6:04 PM, your 2 young children are clamoring for your attention, and they’re hungry too. You pop some frozen dinners in the microwave knowing full well they’re not healthy, but also knowing that you just don’t have time to think, much less cook. After a quick dinner consisting of Salisbury Steak you’re day’s not even close to over.

Now it’s time to do laundry, read with the kids, and of course a day’s work left over from the office. When do you have time to rest? At night you keep telling yourself.

But every night it’s the same old story. You flop into bed past 1 AM and close your eyes. Your mind is still racing from the day that just passed and the busy day ahead. So you toss and turn, hoping that you’ll be able to get at least a little shut-eye before your 6:00 AM wake up call (an annoyingly loud alarm clock
you’ve had for 15 years).

And the next day it starts all over again. You’re tired at work, you don’t have time to eat, you’re stressed, and you can’t get out of the vicious cycle.

So what do you do?

First thing’s first: take a deep breath. You’re probably stressed out just reading this far.

To get a more restful sleep tonight do the following:

1) Get a notebook and take 5 minutes right before laying down to free write. What you want to do is get every thought from the past, present, and future out of your head and on paper where it’s safe and secure. This will free the clutter from your head and allow you to rest easier.

2) Get a new alarm clock that wakes you up gradually with classical music. This will do absolute wonders for your morning routine. What you want to do is set the alarm to go off 15-20 minutes earlier than you usually wake up. It will turn on very quietly and slowly bring you out of your slumber.

3) Add a few very healthy snacks to your daily routine. One of my favorites is a 2 oz pre-packaged bag of baby carrots. They taste good, they’re good for you, and they take no prep-time. When you’re hungry at work or on the way home, munch on these. Another great snack is raw almonds. Eating healthier works
amazingly well to help you sleep better.

Please use these 3 simple tips to enjoy a more restful sleep tonight.

Cindy Williams is a mother, a wife, and a writer for Sleep Disorders Guide