Guide for 2010

Health:

1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books than you did in 2009 .
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:

11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Society:

25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:

32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come.
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Last but not the least:

40. Please Forward this to everyone you care about, I just did.

Miracles of the BANANA

This is interesting. After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.
Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.
But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit.

It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.



Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking & Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassiu! m and ma gnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes: According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine, 'eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"

Note: Never, put your banana in the refrigerator!!!

The 12 germiest places in your life

Soap up! - The 12 germiest places in your life

Sure, there are outbreaks of microbes and viruses across the country, but some of these germs are lurking where you least expect them. "Health" magazine senior editor Frances Largeman-Roth pinpoints the 12 germiest places you're likely to encounter during an average day and devises ways for you to keep clean. After all, the fight is in your hands. Literally. Eighty percent of infections are spread through hand contact. So wash up, people, and get ready to wage a bit of germ warfare of your own:

1. Your kitchen sink
Kitchen sinks are dirtier than most bathrooms. There are typically more than 500,000 bacteria per square inch in the drain alone. Plus your sponge, basin and faucet handles are crawling with bacteria as well.

Reduce the risk: Clean your kitchen counters and sink with an antibacterial product after preparing or cleansing food, especially raw fruits and vegetables, which carry lots of potential pathogens like salmonella, campylobacter and E. coli. Wash your hands as well with warm, soapy water for 20 seconds (long enough to sing "Happy Birthday"). Sanitize sponges by running them through the dishwasher's drying cycle, which will kill 99.9 percent of bacteria on them. As for the sink, clean it twice a week with a solution of one tablespoon of chlorine bleach and one quart of water. Scrub the basin, the pour solution down the drain.

2. Airplane bathrooms
It may not be a shock that there are a huge number of germs in most public bathrooms, but experts agree the cramped and overused ones on airplanes are the worst. There are often traces of E. coli or fecal bacteria on the faucets and door handles because it's hard to wash hands in the tiny sinks. And the volcanic flush of the commode tends to spew particles into the air, coating the floor and walls with whatever had been swirling around in it.

Reduce the risk: Toilet seats are surprisingly clean, but use the paper cover when available. After using the toilet, wash and dry your hands thoroughly, and use a paper towel to handle the toilet seat, lid, tap and doorknob. Put the lid down before you flush. If there's no lid, turn your back to the toilet while flushing and beat a hasty retreat.

3. A load of wet laundry
Any time you transfer underwear from the washer to the dryer, you're getting E. coli on your hands. Just one soiled undergarment can spread bacteria to the whole load and machine.

Reduce the risk: Run your washer at 150 degrees (you can check the temperature of your washing-machine water with a candy thermometer) and wash whites with bleach (not the color-safe type; it doesn't pack the same punch), which kills 99.9 percent of bugs. Transfer wet laundry to the dryer quickly so germs don't multiply, wash underwear separately (there's about a gram of feces in every pair of dirty underwear) and dry for at least 45 minutes. Wash your hands after laundering.

4. Public drinking fountains
Drinking fountains are bound to be germy, but school fountains are the worst, with anywhere from 62,000 to 2.7 million bacteria per square inch on the spigot.

Reduce the risk: Send your child to school with plenty of their own beverages and tell them to wash their hands throughout the day.

5. Shopping cart handles
Saliva, bacteria and fecal matter are just a few of the substances found on shopping cart handles. Cart handles rank high on the yuck scale because they're handled by dozens of people every day and, of course, raw food carries nasty pathogens.

Reduce the risk: Many stores have dispensers with disinfectant wipes near the carts. If your store doesn't, bring your own wipes and give the handle a quick swab. Or carry along a cart cover like the Grip-Guard or Healthy Handle.

6. ATM buttons
If you're not careful, you might pick up more than quick cash from your local ATM. These buttons have more gunk on them than most public-bathroom doorknobs! ATMs aren't frequently cleaned, and are regularly touched - a perfect combination for a lot of germs.

Reduce the risk: Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with you and rub it on hands after visits. Also be sure to do it after you handle paper money, which actually carries quite a few germs, too.

7. Your handbag
Recent studies found that most women's purses had tens of thousands of bacteria on the bottom and a few were overrun with millions. Another study found bugs like pseudomonas (which can cause eye infections) and skin-infection-causing staphylococcus bacteria, as well as salmonella and E. coli.

Reduce the risk: Instead of slinging your bag on the floor, hang it on a hook whenever possible - especially in public bathrooms - and keep your bag off the kitchen counter. Stick with leather or vinyl purses, which are typically cleaner than cloth.

8. Playgrounds
There's just no way to put this delicately: Children tend to ooze bodily fluids and then spread them around. When researchers sampled playgrounds, they found blood, mucus, saliva and urine. Pair those findings with the fact that children put their fingers in their mouths and noses more than the rest of us, and it's easy to understand why Junior (and maybe his mom or dad) has the sniffles.

Reduce the risk: Carry alcohol wipes or hand-sanitizing gel in your purse, and clean everybody's hands a couple of times during a park visit, especially before snacking. Pick warm sunny days for outdoor play: The sun's ultraviolet light is actually a very effective disinfectant. Most bugs won't survive long on surfaces that are hot and dry.

9. Mats and machines at health clubs
Antibiotic-resistant staphylococcus has been found on yoga mats and cardio and resistance machines. At high schools, antibiotic-resistant-staph infections have been transmitted through wrestling mats. The same thing could happen at health clubs.

Reduce the risk: Wipe down machines with antibacterial wipes before working out. Bring your own yoga mat or cover a loaner with your towel. Shower after a workout and soap up your skin to rinse off any bacteria you may have been exposed to, as thorough washing gets rid of antibiotic-resistant staph.

10. Your bathtub
Shocking, but true: The place you go to get clean is quite dirty. A recent study found staphylococcus bacteria, a common cause of serious skin infections, in 26 percent of the tubs tested, as compared with just 6 percent of garbage cans. Tubs typically had more than 100,000 bacteria per square inch! You're washing germs and viruses off your body and the tub is a fairly moist environment, so bacteria can grow.

Reduce the risk: Once a week, apply a disinfecting cleaner to the tub and actually scrub. Then you need to wash the germs down the drain with water and dry the tub with a clean towel. If you leave the tub wet, germs are more likely to survive. If someone who uses the tub has a skin infection, scrub it afterward with a solution of two tablespoons bleach in one quart of water.

11. Your office phone
This is enough to make you dial 911: Office phones often have more than 25,000 germs per square inch, and your desk, computer keyboard and mouse aren't far behind. Phones, including cell phones, can be pretty gross because they get coated with germs from your mouth and hands.

Reduce the risk: Simply cleaning your desk, phone and keyboard with a disinfecting wipe once in the middle of the day will kill 99.99 percent of the bacteria and viruses.

12. The hotel-room remote control (and yes, specially in a cruise ship)
What's the first thing you do when you settle in at a hotel? You grab the remote control and switch on the TV - you, and the hundreds of other guests who've stayed there. How dirty is it? A recent study tested various surfaces for the cold virus after a group of sick people had stayed overnight and found the virus on the remote, door handles, light switches, pens and faucet handles.

Reduce the risk: Clean the remote control, phone, clock radio, door handles and light switches with germicidal wipes.

Water on an empty stomach

It is popular in Japan today to drink water immediately after waking up every morning. Furthermore, scientific tests have proven its value. We publish below a description of use of water for our readers. For old and serious diseases as well as modern illnesses the water treatment had been found successful by a Japanese medical society as a 100% cure for the following diseases:

Headache, body ache, heart system, arthritis, fast heart beat, epilepsy, excess fatness, bronchitis asthma, TB, meningitis, kidney and urine diseases, vomiting, gastritis, diarrhoea, piles, diabetes, constipation, all eye diseases, womb, cancer and menstrual disorders, ear nose and throat diseases.

METHOD OF TREATMENT

1. As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth, drink 4 x 160ml glasses of water

2. Brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for 45 minutes

3. After 45 minutes you may eat and drink as normal.

4. After 15 minutes of breakfast, lunch and dinner do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours

5. Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink 4 glasses of water at the beginning may commence by taking little water and gradually increase it to 4 glasses per day.

6. The above method of treatment will cure diseases of the sick and others can enjoy a healthy life.

The following list gives the number of days of treatment required to cure main deseases:

1. High Blood Pressure - 30 days

2. Gastric - 10 days

3. Diabetes - 30 days

4. Constipation - 10 days

5. Cancer - 180 days

6. TB - 90 days

Arthritis patients should follow the above treatment for only 3 days. In the 1st week to be followed by daily treatment. This treatment method has no side effects, however at the commencement of treatment you may have to urinate a few times.

cooking instant noodles

WRONG way of cooking instant noodles!

Normally, we cook instant noodles by putting the noodles into a pot with water and throw the condiment powder then let it cook for 3 mins.

Boiling the ingredients of the condiment powder, which is heavily laden with MSG (monosodium glutamate or "vetsin") changes the molecular structures of the MSG causing it to be toxic.

Instant noodles are normally coated with wax to prevent it from sticking to each other. Once consumed, it will take around 4 to 5 days for the body to excrete the wax after you have eaten the instant noodles.


CORRECT method should be to cook the noodles this way:

1. Boil the noodles in a pot with water.

2. Once the noodles is cooked, take out the noodles, and throw away the water which contains wax.

3. Boil another pot of water till boiling and put the noodles into the hot boiling water and then shut the fire.

4. Only at this stage when the fire is off, and while the water is very hot, should you put the condiment powder into the water, to make the noodle soup.

5. However, if you need dry noodles, take out the noodles and add the ingredient with the powder and toss it to get dry noodles.

Ebola Reston Virus in Pigs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON EBOLA RESTON STRAIN

from www.doh.gov.ph

1. What is Ebola Reston strain?

Ebola virus has four subtypes, namely, Ebola Zaire, Ebola Sudan, Ebola Ivory Coast, and Ebola Reston.

Subtypes Zaire, Sudan and Ivory Coast can cause hemorrhagic symptoms, Reston does not.

Reston was previously found among Philippine monkeys in 1989, 1990, 1992, and 1996. The virus was found in sick pigs in the Philippines for the first time in 2008. It has not been found in any other country or animal.

2. Does it affect humans?

Unlike the three subtypes, there has been no evidence that Reston can cause significant illness in humans. When Reston was previously found in monkeys, few animal handlers were infected but only one had very mild symptoms.

3. Is it safe to eat pork?

Yes, if the meat is prepared safely and cooked thoroughly.

All meat should always be cooked properly until no pink meat and juices run clear and good kitchen hygiene should always be used when handling raw meat.

Proper cooking of meat inactivates viruses including Reston.

4. Is it safe to eat sick pigs?

Meat from sick pigs or pigs found dead should never be eaten. Sick and dead animals should be reported to the Bureau of Animal Industry and the National Meat Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture.

5. How would we know if the pork being sold in the market is safe or not?

The public should buy meat only from meat stalls with certification from the National Meat Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture.

6. What should be done when sick pigs are found?

Immediately report this to the nearest Provincial/ City/ Municipal Veterinary Officers. NMIS officers or Meat Inspectors shall not allow the slaughtering of any sick or dead pigs.

7. What is the government doing to address the issue?

DA and DOH are conducting simultaneous surveys to know the extent and public health implications of the finding of Reston in pigs.

Recent testing of healthy pigs in previously affected areas is now negative for the virus. No human has been infected.

DA continues to monitor occurrences of unusual pig illnesses and deaths.

DOH will also continue to monitor the situation. DOH will institute measures to reduce possible risks to human health as the DA reports unusual pig illnesses and deaths.

8. How can we keep food safe?

Keep clean
- Wash your hands before handling food and during food preparation
- Wash and sanitize all surfaces and equipment used for food preparation
- Protect kitchen areas and food from insects, pests and other animals

Separate raw food and cooked food
- Separate raw meat, poultry and seafood from cooked food
- Use separate equipment and utensils such as cutting boards for handling raw food
- Store food in containers to avoid contact between raw and prepared foods

Cook food thoroughly
- Cook food thoroughly especially meat, poultry, eggs and seafood
- Bring foods like soups and stews to boiling to make sure that they have reached 700C. Make sure that meat juices are clear, not pink.
- Reheat cooked food thoroughly

Keep food at safe temperatures
- Do not leave cooked food at room temperature for more than 2 hours
- Refrigerate promptly
- Do not store food too long even in refrigerator
- Do not thaw food frozen food at room temperature

Use safe water and raw materials

MGA MAHAHALAGANG IMPORMASYON TUNGKOL SA EBOLA RESTON STRAIN

1. Ano ang Ebola Reston strain?

Ang Ebola Reston strain ay isa sa limang uri ng Ebola virus. Ang ibang uri ay Ebola Zaire, Ebola Sudan, Ebola Ivory Coast at Ebola Bundibugyo. Ang apat na uri na ito ay nagmula sa Africa.

Ang mga virus na ito, Ebola Zaire, Sudan at Bundibugyo ay naisasalin sa tao at nagiging dahilan ng lubhang pagkakasakit at pagkamatay ng marami. Samantalang ang Reston ay hindi. Ang karaniwang sintomas nito ay lagnat.

Ang Reston strain ay nakita na sa mga unggoy sa Pilipinas noong 1989, 1990, 1992 at 1996. Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, ang virus na ito ay nakita sa mga baboy sa Pilipinas ngayong 2008. Wala pang nadiskubre na ganitong uri ng virus sa ibang bansa o sa ibang hayop man.

2. Nakakaepekto ba ito sa tao?

Wala pang naitalang tao na nagkasakit ng malubha dahil sa Reston strain. Noong matuklasan ang virus na ito sa mga unggoy, may mga ilang tagapag-alaga ng unggoy na naitalang naapektuhan subalit isa lamang ang kinakitaan ng bahagyang sintomas.

Negatibo naman ang resulta ng pagsusuri ginawa ng Research Institute for Tropical Medicine sa ilang tao na nag-alaga at nagkatay ng baboy kung saan natagpuan ang Reston strain.

3. Ligtas bang kumain ng baboy?

Oo, kung ang baboy ay hinanda ng maaayos at nilutong mabuti.

Ang lahat ng karne ay dapat na lutuing mabuti hanggang ito ay hindi na mamula-mula o kulay rosas o pink. Dapat din na ang katas nito ay malinaw na.

Ang tamang paghahanda at pagluluto ay nakapapatay ng mga virus kasama na ang Reston.

4. Ano ang dapat gawin sa mga baboy na may sakit?

Agad itong ipaalam or ireport sa pinakamalapit na Provincial/City/ Municipal Veterinary Officers.

Mahigpit na ipinagbabawal ng mga National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) officers o Meat Inspectors ang pagkatay ng may sakit o patay na baboy.

5. Ligtas bang kainin ang may sakit na baboy?

Hindi. Ang mga may sakit at namatay na baboy ay hindi ligtas kainin dahil maaari itong makaapekto sa kalusugan ng tao.

6. Paano malalaman kung ang baboy na mabibili sa palengke ay ligtas?

Pinapayuhan ang lahat na bumili lamang ng baboy sa mga tindahan na mayroong sertipikasyon mula sa National Meat Inspection Service ng Kagawaran ng Agrikultura.

7. Ano ang ginagawa ng pamahalaan sa problemang ito?

Patuloy na binabantayan ng mga Kagawaran ng Agrikultura at Kalusugan ang sitwasyon.

Sabay na nagsasagawa ng pag-aaral ang dalawang ahensya upang malaman ang epekto ng pagkakatuklas ng Reston strain sa baboy at sa tao.

Binabantayan ng Kagawaran ng Agrikultura kung may hindi karaniwang pagkakasakit at pagkamatay ng mga baboy.

Sakaling may ganitong sitwasyon, Ang Kagawaran ng Kalusugan naman ay magpapatupad ng mga hakbangin upang mapangalagaan ang kalusugan ng tao.

8. Paano mapananatiling ligtas ang pagkain?

• Panatilihin ang kalinisan

- Maghugas ng kamay bago humawak ng pagkain at sa paghahanda ng pagkain.
- Hugasan at linisin ang lugar ng paghahandaan ng pagkain at mga kagamitan sa pagluluto.
- Siguraduhing walang langaw, ipis, daga at iba pang mapinsalang hayop sa kusina at hapag kainan.

• Paghiwalayin ang luto at di-lutong pagkain

- Ihiwalay ang hilaw na baboy, manok at lamang dagat sa mga lutong pagkain.
- Gumamit ng mag-kaibang sangkalan (cutting board), kutsilyo at iba pang kagamitan para sa luto at hilaw na pagkain.
- Ilagay sa magkaibang lalagyan ang mga hilaw at lutong pagkain.

• Lutuing mabuti ang pagkain

- Lutuing mabuti ang pagkain lalo na ang mga karne, manok, itlog at lamang dagat
- Pakuluang mabuti ang mga sabaw at nilagang pagkain. Siguraduhing ang karne ay hindi na mamula-mula o kulay rosas o pink. Dapat din na ang katas nito ay malinaw na.
- Initin ng mabuti ang lutong pagkain

• Panatilihing nasa ligtas na temperatura ang pagkain

- Huwag iwanan ang lutong pagkain sa lamesa ng mahigit sa dalawang oras
- Kaagad itong ilagay sa refrigerator
- Huwag din itong hayaang magtagal sa refrigerator
- Palambutin o lusawin lamang ang frozen food mula sa freezer sa loob din ng refrigerator.

• Gumamit ng malinis at ligtas na tubig

Love Moon (Anion) Sanitary Napkins

Winalite Int'l (USA website) http://www.winalite4usa.com/about.php

Love Moon Sanitary Napkins enhance your health with "negative ions" strip embedded within every single napkin.
These strips release up to 5800 negative ions per cubic cm to protect you against genital diseases by eliminating harmful bacteria and odor.

7 Unique Characteristics http://www.winalite4usa.com/product_Characteristics.php
1. Enhanced air ventilation
2. Patented anionic padding
3. High absorbency prevents leakage
4. Strict compliance to international safety standards
5. Packaged in hygienic foil and individual packets
6. Hi-tech production facility meets highest quality standards
7. Vaginal inflammation self-test kit free w/ every foil pack
The product is ISO9001;2000 (Quality & Environment) Certified, Halal certified, approved by US FDA, registered with SEC, DTI & BIR, and covered with a 20-year global patent. Winalite is US NASDAQ (stock market) listed.

Health Benefits from negative ions:
•Increases energy level & stamina
•Enhances the immune system
•Improves body metabolism & blood circulation
•Helps to balance PH & hormones
•Improves sleep patterns
•Aids the body in detoxification
•Inactivates viruses, fungi & bacteria
•Helps prevent UTI & other common diseases/discomforts
•Relieves dysmenorrhea & migraine
•Relieves tension, joint stiffness & arthritis
•Reduces inflammation & common pains
•Anti-aging, anti-stress & anti-depressant
•The only highly-absorbent, 'breathable' & biodegradable sanitary pad with 7 layers

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Based on distributors and clients' testimonials:

Common Uses of Anion Strip
The Anion Strip when removed from the Love Moon Panty Liner can be safely placed and used in the following manner:

• Water pitcher - Use as ionized water for around (24) hours as recommended; the water can be refilled when almost consumed without changing the Anion strip within the recommended time frame. Benefits: 1) Instant energy booster & increased physical stamina -- GUARANTEED INSTANT EFFECT!; 2) Detoxicates; 3) Significantly reduces joint pain from arthritis; 4) Drastically eliminates hemorrhoid & urinary tract infection (UTI)
  
• Water pail or basin - Use for body and/or foot bath. Benefits: 1) Anti-dandruff; 2) Reduces wart; 3) Smoothes skin; 4) Relieves stress and fatigue
• Facial cleaner - Wet the pad with anion with cold water and wipe it in circular motion on the face every now and then instead of using handkerchief. Benefits: 1) Removes black/white heads; 2) Freshen your face; 3) Smoothens skin; 4) Eliminates pimples; 5) Reduces wart (Update!)
  
• Nebulizer - Benefits: When placed in its built-in water container and upon application, significantly reduces asthma and other respiratory-related illness
• The strip can be folded in smaller size (do not cut) so this can be easily chewed like a gum -- Anion strip is made of algae, a food grade material, and hence, safe to use. Benefits: 1) Energy booster and increased physical stamina - GUARANTEED INSTANT EFFECT!; 2) Eliminates bad breath; 3) Eliminates migraine; 4) Pain reliever; 5) Relieves stress and fatigue; 6) Eliminates mouth sore
  
• The strip can be placed in aircondition and electric fan units using an adhesive tape. Benefits: 1) Eliminates foul odor; 2) Improves sleep patterns
• The strip can be placed in a freezer and chiller and other places at home where foul odor usually develops -- e.g. shoe rack, comfort room, storage area, particularly underneath the sink, etc. Benefits: 1) Eliminates foul odor; 2) Extend fresh condition of fruits and vegetables

celebrities benefiting from anion:
1) Mr. & Mrs. "Erap" Estrada
2) Mr. & Mrs. Pilita Corales
3) German "Kuya Germs" Moreno
4) Vina Morales
5) Lucy Torres
6) Gretchen Barreto
7) Lorna Tolentino-Fernandez
8) Ding-dong Dantes
9) Rex Cortez
10) Alvin Patrimonio
11) Danny Ildefonso
12) Ogie Diaz
13) Daisy Reyes - Winalite Product Endorser
14) Roxanne Barcelo
15) Piolo Pascual

Are there harmful side-effects? There are none reported / monitored (as of today). The use of anion is popular in Japanese clothing, aircon, ref, car ionizer, air ionizer, water ionizer, detox foot spa, detox patches, and many other products. There are also anti-radiation cards and anion diapers that will be made locally available soon. You may research more about health benefits of anion and feel free to email about your findings.

about bone disease

In support of the Department of Health's (DOH) drive this October to promote bone and joint health, please take time to read the article below to know more about common bone diseases.

What is Bone Disease?

Bone diseases are conditions that result in the impairment of normal bone function and can make bones weak.

• Weak bones should not just be excused as a natural part of aging.
• Strong bones begin in childhood.
• People of all ages can improve their bone health.

The most common bone disease is osteoporosis.

• Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone structure.
• Osteoporosis can be prevented, as well as diagnosed and treated.

Low bone mass means that bones have less than optimal amounts of calcium and other minerals that make them strong.

• As a result of low bone mass, bones become weak and break, or can fracture more easily.
• Bone fractures often occur from falling or other common accidents. Spine fractures can occur while doing daily activities without any trauma.

Other bone diseases include Paget’s disease and osteogenesis imperfecta.

• Paget’s disease causes skeletal deformities and fractures. It affects older men and women.
• Osteogenesis imperfecta is an inherited disorder that causes brittle bones and frequent bone fractures in children.

Why are Health Bones Important?

A healthy skeletal system with strong bones is essential to overall health and quality of life.

• Strong bones support us and are the framework for our muscles.
• Bones are a storehouse for vital minerals needed to live.
• Strong bones protect the heart, lungs, brain, and other organs from injury.

Weak bones often result in painful and debilitating fractures.

• Each year, 1.5 million Americans suffer a fracture because of weak bones.
• The most common breaks are of the wrist, spine, and hip.

Who is at Risk?

Many people do not know that their bone health is in jeopardy.

• Osteoporosis is a silent disease until a fracture occur.
• Four times as many men and nearly three times as many women have osteoporosis than report having the disease.
• 
  

An estimated 10 million Americans over the age of 50 have osteoporosis. Another 34 million have low bone mass.

• If immediate action is not taken, half of all Americans over 50 will have weak bones from osteoporosis and low bone mass by 2020.
• This could cause the number of hip fractures in the United States to double or even triple by 2040.

Bone disease affects women and men of all ethnicities.

• The risk of osteoporosis is highest among women. It is higher in White and Asian women, but still occurs in Black, Hispanic, and American Indian and Alaska Native women.
• Bone disease is a risk for both men and women.

How do you Prevent Osteoporosis?

Be physically active every day.

• More than half of all Americans do not get enough physical activity to strengthen their bones.
• Children and teens should get at least an hour of physical activity every day. Jumping rope, running, skateboarding, and riding bikes are enjoyable activities that also build strong bones.
• Adults should get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. Simple activities like walking and stair climbing will strengthen the bones that are exercised.

Eat a healthy diet.

• The average American eats far too little calcium and vitamin D for good bone health.
• High levels of calcium can be found in milk, leafy green vegetables, soybeans, yogurt, cheese, and fortified orange juice.
• Vitamin D is produced in the skin by exposure to the sun and is found in fortified milk and other foods. For those individuals not getting enough calcium and vitamin D in the diet, supplements can be helpful.
  
  

  Calcium and Vitamin D Requirements

  Age Calcium (mg/day) Vitamin D (IU/day)

  0-6 months 210 200

  6-12 months 270 200

  1-3 years 500 200

  4-8 years 800 200

  9-18 years 1300 200

  18-50 years 1000 200

  51-70 years 1200 400

  Over 70 years 1200 600

  (A cup of milk or fortified orange juice has about 300 mg of calcium and 50 IU of vitamin D.)

  
  

  
  Get a bone mineral density test.
  

  • All women over 65 and anyone who has a bone fracture after age 50 should get a bone density test.
  • Others with significant risk factors should also get a bone density test.
  • Bone density tests use x-rays or sound waves to measure the strength of the bones.
  • Bone density tests are safe, painless, quick (5-10 minutes) and indicate the health of bones.

  
  Reduce the risk of falling.
  

  • Falls are not just the result of getting older. Most falls can be prevented.
  • As you age, falls become more dangerous.

  
  Source:
  
  http://www.dsls.usra.edu/meetings/bonehealth_2005/information/factsheet1.pdf

warning about hold-up modus operandi

This repost warning about a hold-up modus operandi was received from an e-group citing the original sender as "mary ruth causing" dated Thursday, 9 October, 2008.

Dear friends,

I'd like to share a story of what happened to me last Monday, October 6, which appears to be a modus operandi done by people with criminal intentions. My purpose for sharing this with you is to forewarn you of such incidents so that you may keep yourselves safe.

At about a quarter to 7 in the evening, last Monday, I left the office and walked out of Tektite building towards San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas, to ride a cab. It was just right after a brief drizzle, so the roads were almost empty of cars and people, although it was still a bit early. I'm accustomed to going home by myself if I feel like it, and riding cabs without any problems for the longest time.

I was walking along Exchange Road in front of our building, and have already crossed Pearl Drive, when I saw a cab slowly cruising along Exchange Road from San Miguel Avenue. It was an old, a bit dilapidated, white (seemingly) Toyota Corolla, with a yellow-lighted "taxi" on the roof, with black scrawl of the taxi's "name" on the side (I didn't notice the name written there). It didn't have any passengers on board and I thought it a bit odd that a passenger-less cab would be coming from San Miguel Avenue towards Tektite at a time when taxis are supposedly full. I was more accustomed to seeing taxis with no passengers coming from Pearl Drive towards Tektite on its way out back towards EDSA or in the oppposite direction of C-5. But it didn't quite get to me. I was tired and needed to go home to rest. I just thought that the driver was trying to get passengers.

I flagged down the slow moving taxi and got in. I said I was going towards EDSA, so the cab went its usual familiar route of rounding the one-way Exchange Road, out to San Miguel Avenue, left to Megamall, and right towards EDSA. I normally would text Tony of the plate number of the taxi, but at that time, I didn't. I normally would check the locks of the car doors, but this time, I only locked the ones on the front and back passenger seats (right side, because I saw that the left side door was locked). Everything was normal, except that it was still going its slow pace. The driver was a slim-built, middle-aged man, with balding head (some hairs on the side), wore a baseball cap and a worn-out but decent white polo jacket.

Near the foot of the flyover towards Ortigas Avenue and EDSA, he requested me in a kindly manner to please move to the other end of the passenger seat because "ma-fla-flat na po yung gulong ko. Spare lang yan e." where I was sitting. I was sitting at the right side of the passenger seat at the back, and promptly moved to the left side. I was even able to converse with him, saying "a ganun ba? Hindi ba delikado yun na tumatakbo tayo sa EDSA na pa-flat na gulong n'yo?" "Hindi po, malapit lang naman po kayo, di ba? Kaya pa po yun," he smilingly said. And, all along, we were slowly moving across the flyover at EDSA. After the flyover, he slowly veered towards the inner side of the yellow lane, but I thought it was because "inaalalayan niya yung sasakyan."

When the taxi crossed the gate of Corinthian Gardens, it further slowed down, and I saw from afar two men seemingly waiting for a bus. When the taxi neared the two men, they gestured towards the taxi, and it suddenly dawned on me that this could be a hold-up. I initially tried getting the lock of the door to my side open, and was stricken by horror that it didn't budge. It seemed to be jammed (or perhaps child-locked, on hindsight). And the horror of horrors happened. The taxi stopped by the two men, and the driver announced, "'wag ka gagawa ng iskandalo, hold-up 'to," and promptly opened the locked doors on the right side doors of the front and back passenger seats. Everything went fast. The two men briskly went in, one at the front passenger seat, the other beside me on my right. I thought in horror "this can't be happening to me!" All I can scream was "ay! ay! Diyos ko! Diyos ko!" The driver said to the two men, "wag n'yong sasaktan 'yan, mabait si ma'am." And, to me, "pera lang ang kailangan namin. Hindi ka masasaktan kung susundin mo kami." One of the two men was also middle-aged, slim-built, with balding hair. The other was younger, about in his mid- to late-twenties, gaunt-looking, with high cheek bones, with a thick head of hair. He struck me as someone who was taking drugs.

The next two hours were a gruelling ordeal. They rummaged through my bag and got my money, ATM and credit cards, cellphones, and my jewelry, including my wedding ring. They gave back my bag and wallet, though, but without the money and the cards. We spent the hours going around EDSA from Kamuning to Quezon Avenue, stopping at banks where one of the men went to the ATM machines to try and get cash from my savings ATM and credit cards. They didn't let me out of the taxi to do the transactions. While one man did the transactions at the ATMs, the taxi kept going round and round the Kamuning and Quezon Avenue u-turns. They took away my glasses so that I can't see where we're going. But I was familiar with the places we passed - Timog Avenue, Agham Road, near the Napocor area, and back again to EDSA to go to the ATMs for transactions. They pressed me for the PIN of the credit cards, but I didn't memorize them, but gave them some numbers that I'm not even sure of.

Towards the end, they were pissed off because they couldn't get through the credit cards, and I was afraid that they'd do me in. But, in the end, they let me go, the driver warning me sternly, "wag kang lilingon sa kaliwa o kanan. Dire-direcho lang, kung hindi, babarilin talaga kita." They gave a 100 peso bill "pamasahe para makauwi." They dropped me off at Agham Road, near the Philippine Children's Medical Center (formerly Lungsod ng Kabataan) at about 9:30 p.m. There was no one in sight, another light drizzle has already passed. One of the men accompanied me out of the taxi, pushed me forward, and ran back to the taxi. That's when I ran and ran towards Quezon Avenue until I boarded a jeepney at a stop light. The kindly jeepney driver motioned me to a mobile police patrol when we passed by one, and I finally came to the police precinct at Kamuning EDSA to tell my tale. I didn't even get to see the taxi's plate number.

They informed me there that that has been a modus operandi of these criminal elements, plying the route of Quezon Avenue, Timog, Agham, even Kamuning areas. They also would give some money for "pamasahe." They would say it's for a sick wife, etc.

I have talked to some employees of a company in the Ortigas area who fell victim to the same modus operandi. Same taxi, same description of the driver, same alibi about a flat tire, requesting the passenger to move to the left side of the passenger seat, where the door's lock is jammed. Same giving of the 100 peso bill at the end of the hold-up. Last December, an employee rode the dubious taxi at SM Megamall at about 9 p.m. and the hold-up was announced when some men boarded the taxi at Star Mall. The person was held-up until 11 p.m. The other, with the person's 6-year old child, boarded the taxi at the Robinson's Galleria and was also held-up by men who went inside the taxi. I myself, boarded the taxi near where I work, imagine that. And, the security guards were just a few meters away.

Please be forewarned of this modus operandi. We're facing harder times, and December is nearing. Take extra care, friends. As for me, I believe it was the prayers that helped me. All throughout the ordeal, my Savior was there, guiding me in what to say or do so as not to aggravate the situation until freedom came. They didn't touch or harm me. Praise God!

God bless us,
Ruth

DOH releases list of other milk products tested by BFAD

Duque reveals second batch list of other milk products tested by BFAD

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III today released the second batch list of milk and milk products tested by the Bureau of Food and Drugs. Of the 22 samples tested, only one product, JollyCow Slender High Calcium Low Fat Milk (more calcium and vitamin D) in a one liter package, tested positive for melamine.

The 21 milk products which were negative of melamine include: Anmum Materna Milk Powder (Chocolate Flavor) 400g, Bear Brand Choco 300g, Bear Brand Sterilized Milk 200ml, Cadbury Choclairs, Carnation Calcium Plus Non-Fat Milk Powder, Klim Instant Full Cream Milk Powder, Milo Chocolate Bar 40g, Monmilk Breakfast Milk Walnut Milk Beverage, Monmilk High Calcium Low Fat Milk 1 liter, Monmilk Deluxe Pure Milk, Nestle Chocolate-Flavored Ice Cream, Nestle Dairy Farm Pure Milk, Nestle Fresh Milk 1 liter, Nestle Kit Kat, Nestle Milk Chocolate 40g, Nestle Pops Ice Cream, Nestle Vanilla-Flavored Ice Cream, Nestogen 1 DHA(now Nestogen One), Nesvita Cereal Milk Drink, Nutri-Express Milk Drink (Green Apple Flavor) 500ml, and Prime Roast Instant Nutritious Cereal 28g.

What To Do To Prevent Rabies

1. When exposed or bitten by an animal (rabid or not), wash & flush the wound thoroughly with soap and water then seek medical attention for possible post exposure vaccination and wound care immediately.

2. Consult a veterinarian or trained personnel to observe your pet for 14 days for signs of rabies.

3. Be a Responsible Pet Owner by having your dog vaccinated for anti-rabies. Dog Control (leashing or confinement in the house) and proper care.

4. Consult for Rabies Diagnosis & Surveillance of the area.

5. Mobilize for Community Participation or Networking with all who can have an active involvement in the Rabies prevention and control program in the area. These include government institutions, non-government institutions, civic and religious organizations, schools, local government officials, media, and others (volunteers). From www.doh.gov.ph

Signs of Rabies

There are two forms of rabies:

1. FURIOUS TYPE

1. Change from friendly disposition into wild vicious behavior;

2. Whining - as if in pain;

3. Foaming of the mouth;

4. If on leash, bites objects within its reach, if caged, bites even the cage;

5. Difficulty in eating and drinking;

6. Restlessness;

7. Runs aimlessly; bite anyone or anything on its path;

8. Snaps at imaginary objects.

2. DUMB TYPE - Complete opposite of Furious Type

1. Becomes lethargic and depressed. Hides in dark, quiet places, sluggish or sleepy

2. Refuses to eat

3. Appears to be staring at a distant object (far-away look)

4. The lower jaw drops, the tongue hangs, and the dog salivates continuously

5. Difficulty in swallowing/drinking

6. Lameness

7. Difficulty in breathing

8. Dies suddenly without any signs

Signs & Symptoms Of Human Rabies

1. Fever

2. Anorexia

3. Nausea & vomiting

4. Headache

5. Pain or paresthesia at site bite

6. Signs of nervous system dysfunction (hyperactivity, disorientation, hallucination, seizures & paralysis)

from www.doh.gov.ph

Fire prevention tips

Fire prevention tips given by the Lapu-Lapu City Fire Safety Department.

1. Avoid electrical overloading.
2. Unplug all electrical appliances after every use.
3. Check all electrical installations regularly.
4. Check gas stoves and LPG tanks for leaks.
5. Keep children away from flammable liquids, lighters and matches.
6. Avoid smoking in bed.
7. Ensure you have a pre-fire plan at your residence or office.
8. Do not leave lighted mosquito coils unattended.
9. Always take extra precautions while cooking.
10. Never leave lighted candles unattended.
11. Do not throw lighted cigar or cigarette butts on dried leaves and garbage.
12. Strictly obey the no smoking signs.
13. Maintain proper housekeeping to eliminate fire hazards.
14. Check fire protection gadgets or devices of appliances and equipment regularly.
15. Be fire-safety conscious.

Be updated with the different emergency numbers and what stations to call for help in case of emergencies.

FUN EXERCISE ACTIVITIES FOR BEGINNERS

JOG WITH A FRIEND:

Pick specific days of the week to meet your friend for a jog. You could jog in various locations including a high school track, a park or even the streets. Not only will you get some valuable exercise but you will be more motivated by the presence of your friend. Plus you can use it as an opportunity to keep in touch and perhaps go for a coffee after.

SHOPPING:

This is a great exercise, especially for the women. Even window shopping will burn the calories. You could even turn it into a little game, spending a certain amount of money when you have lost a certain amount of weight.

PLAY WITH THE KIDS:

With childhood obesity becoming an increasing problem this really is a fantastic idea. Not only will you be doing exercise but your children will be getting valuable exercise also. Plus it will teach them good exercise habits early in their life. Additionally, bring a camera to create some great memories to share with your children. Some of the tips below will provide you with inspiration and ideas for playing with your kids.

TAKE THE KIDS TO THE PARK:

If there's a local park then take a walk with your children to burn a few extra calories. When you're at the park make sure you get on with the swings and slides too. Not only will this let you interact with your kids but you will get a little exercise yourself.

FLY A KITE:

Choose a place that has lots of open space and few trees, poles or lines. Flying a kite can be great fun and teaching your children how to fly it is a great bonding experience.

TOSS A BALL OR FRISBEE:

This is very good opportunity for father/son bonding. Plus it involves a lot of running around and is a great way to exercise.

JUMP ROPE / SKIPPING ROPE:

This is another great bonding exercise, but this time for mothers and daughters. You can use separate skipping ropes, or if there's at least three of you, use one long rope with someone holding the rope at either end, and people taking turns to jump in the middle. Alternatively you can use a long rope with two people, but tie one end to a tree or pole, and then take turns with one person swinging and the other person jumping.

BUILD A FORT:

Children love forts because they get to create their own little secret world. To make a fort with your child take sheets and blankets and toss them over and through furniture. Get down on their level crawling around with them. You will both have fun.

PLAY TAG:

This is a really easy game to play and burns a lot of calories. The more the merrier and the younger the children the more enjoyable it is.

WATER BALLOON FIGHT:

This is a particularly nice idea on a sunny summer day. Maybe get some water pistols too and have a full water fight.

PILLOW FIGHT:

Pillow fights are great fun and you will find yourself quickly building up a sweat and burning calories.

PLAY HIDE AND SEEK:

This can be played indoors or outdoors at a variety of locations. It's great fun and keeps you active.

TWIRLING A BATON:

This takes a lot of practice and time. However, it's a great bonding exercise for you and your children.

RELAY RACE:

Get the family together and do group relay races around the block, around the yard or around the park. Running is a great exercise and by doing relay races you can get both family and friends involved.

SCAVENGER HUNT:

Depending on your neighborhood, you may be able to make this a big thing. Think of a number of things you and your kids could walk about and find or take pictures of. For example, a blackbird sitting on a tree, an acorn or a pine cone. Obviously, scavenger hunts are most enjoyable on a dry summers day.

RED LIGHT / GREEN LIGHT:

The rules of this game are quite simple and the more people, the better. You face a wall or away from the group. You then say green light and the rest of the group run around. You say yellow light and they slow down. Finally, you say red light and whip around. Whoever is moving when you whip around is out. Then repeat. Alternatively, you can go straight from green to red. Whatever you prefer.

SKATEBOARDING:

Skateboarding is a popular exercise with kids. It's also unique to the other exercises in that you will probably have your child teach you how to do it. This provides you with a different way to bond with your child.

TAKE THE KIDS FOR A WALK:

Kids have an especially innocent way of seeing the world. While you walk ask them what they see, what they think. You will both be getting exercise and it will also keep the lines of communication open between you and your children.

HIKING / MOUNTAIN CLIMBING:

If you love nature then grab a camera and a water bottle and go hiking. If you want some company invite a friend or two, or even bring the kids. In particular mountain climbing can burn a lot of calories.

WASH THE CAR:

This is especially fun for car lovers, particularly in the summer. Not only will you get your motor looking nice but you will get some exercise.

WASH THE DOG:

If you have a dog then giving him a wash can be a great calorie burner. As you probably know, a lot of dogs don't really like having baths. This makes the task more fun and also allows you to burn more calories as you battle with the dog to give them a wash.

MARTIAL ARTS CLASS / TAE KWON DO:

This is great to do with a friend but it's also a great way to meet new friends. It's also a great way to build confidence. Finally, it's a great way to get some exercise.

SWIMMING:

There's lots of options here. You can take swimming lessons, join aerobic swimming classes, do laps or just play around in the pool. The resistance from the water helps you to burn more calories

PLAYING BALL:

There are a number of ball games which you can play. All can be fantastic fun, especially with large groups, and burn a lot of calories. Below are a number of ball games you can play.

BASKETBALL:

Basketball is a team sport with two teams of active players. You should be able to find a basketball court locally at a park, school or college. Basketball is a great exercise which gets you running around and works your arms.

BASEBALL:

Baseball is a bat sport usually played between two teams of nine players. You can set up a makeshift baseball field anywhere where there's a large, open space. Again, this is great exercise involving lots of running, arm swinging and jumping around.

FOOTBALL / SOCCER:

Football traditionally involves teams of 11 players but can be played with less people. Football pitches should be available at the local park, leisure center or a school. Alternatively, you can play on a field and use jumpers as goalposts. Playing football is very tiring and burn lots of calories.

TABLE TENNIS / PING PONG:

This can be played with two or four people and involves a lightweight ball being hit back and forth over a small table. An alternate version is to have players rotate around the table and hit the ball.

HOCKEY:

Hockey has a number of forms including; field hockey, ice hockey and roller hockey. It involves players from two teams trying to hit a ball or puck (a hard, round disc) into the oppositions net. Hockey is a very fast paced game and quickly gets you sweating.

AMERICAN FOOTBALL:

American football is a competitive team sport which involves scoring points by getting the oval shaped ball into the opposing team's 'end zone'. It is very physically challenging and known for its roughness.

TENNIS:

Tennis involves using a stringed racquet to hit a hollow rubber ball covered with felt over a net into the opponents court. It can be played with two people (singles) or two teams of two people (doubles). Tennis is a great exercise involving lots of running and stretching.

GOLF:

Golf involves striking a ball into a hole using a number of different golf clubs. Golf courses are very large and involve a lot of walking. Plus, the actual golf swing exercises the arms.

VOLLEYBALL:

Volleyball is a team sport which involves two teams of six players trying to score points by grounding the ball on the other teams court. Volleyball is a great sport to play on the beach.

http://www.freefitnesstips.co.uk/

FUN EXERCISE ACTIVITIES... part 2

DANCING:

Like with ball games there are many different types of dancing all of which are a great source of fun and exercise. If you're not good at dancing then you can take classes. I've outlined a few types of dancing below.

JAZZ DANCE:

To excel in jazz dance, the dancer must excel in ballet because it consists of slower movements that strengthen the body and improve balance. Jazz dancers' strong, sharp movements can be assisted by ballet techniques.

MODERN DANCE:

Modern dance is not as popular as other dance styles. It is usually identified as a style of theatrical dance seen in the period between the 1970s and 1980s.

BALLET DANCE:

Ballet is a very specific academic dance technique taught in specialist ballet schools. Unlike some of the other forms of dance ballet is fully choreographed.

HIP HOP DANCE:

Hip hop refers to street dance styles that are danced to hip hop music or that have evolved as part of hip hop culture. Break dance is a popular form of hip hop dance.

SALSA DANCE:

Salsa dance has roots in the Caribbean, Latin America and Northern America and there is a strong African influence in both the music and the dance.

TANGO DANCE:

Tango originated in Argentina and Uruguay. Music and elements of tango are popular in activities related to dancing such as figure skating, synchronized swimming etc, because of its dramatic feeling.

JUMP ON A TRAMPOLINE:

To make it safe, make sure you get a net around the trampoline. If you are doing it with more than one person make sure you are being careful and do not land on each other.

PLAY CROCHET:

This outdoor family game will get you up and moving around. To make it more difficult, you can make the game field bigger than normal or increase the amount of time you play.

WALK:

Walking is a great exercise because it gives you some alone time to think, to exercise or to listen to music. Alternatively, you can walk with a friend, date or partner and get some quality conversation. To lose weight you want to walk 12000 steps a day on a pedometer.

DECORATE:

If your house needs decorating, doing it yourself is a great opportunity to do it yourself and burn some calories. Alternatively, you can use special occasions as an opportunity to decorate your house. If you are throwing a party, or if it's Christmas, Easter etc, get the decorations out and spruce the place up. The moving about will help you burn some calories.

GO SURFING:

This one depends on where you live. If you live near enough the beach then surfing will get your blood pumping and strengthen your muscles as well.

GO SCUBA DIVING:

Scuba diving is a unique exercise. Swimming with the fish will keep you interested for a lot longer and as I mentioned above the resistance that water provides can burn a lot of calories.

PLAY WITH A GIANT EXERCISE BALL:

You can use an exercise ball to bounce around, perform sit ups, sit at your computer and more. In particular an exercise ball gives you great core stability.

USE A PUNCHING BAG:

This is a particularly good exercise to work off aggression. Think of something that irritates you or a person that you are not especially fond of. Direct your anger towards the bag and let rip. You will build up quite a sweat and hopefully be a lot calmer after you've finished.

RIDE A BIKE:

This is another great exercise which can be done alone or with others. Again you have plenty of options. You can go on a cycle path, visit a state park or go cycling in the countryside.

GO ROLLERBLADING:

Rollerblading is really great for your calf muscles. It can also be quite enjoyable when you get good and start throwing in a few tricks.

GO TO A THEME PARK:

Going on all the rides at a theme park is great fun whilst walking around for a full day will burn lots of calories.

GO TO THE ZOO:

Like with visiting a theme park, going to a zoo provides you with a fun day out and lots of walking to get some exercise.

GARDENING:

Gardening is a lot more physical than you might first consider. Mowing the lawn, pulling up weeds, pruning your plants and more, is a great way to burn calories. Plus, it allows you to enjoy the outdoor weather.

CONSTRUCTION:

Putting together buildings and bridges is a great form of exercise. If you choose the right project it can also be great fun too.

VISITING GARAGE SALES:

Have a look in your local newspapers and find out where the local car boot sales are being held. Then take a walk down on foot and have a look around. You might find something you like and you'll get some exercise.

TAKE THE DOG FOR A WALK:

Taking the dog for a walk is another great way to burn calories. Depending on the size and strength of your dog will dictate how many calories are burnt.

HOST A GET TOGETHER:

When you host a get together all the cooking, shopping and making phone calls keeps you busy. This leads to an increased number of burnt calories.

ROCK CLIMBING / WALL CLIMBING:

Climbing provides you with a great full body workout. Plus, lifting your own body weight is really difficult and burns those calories away. When performing this exercise make sure you take all the necessary safety precautions.

HIKING WITH KIDS:

Hiking gives you another great opportunity to spend time with your kids. While hiking you can sing songs and play guessing games (such as 20 questions). Kids will also pick out things you may never notice whilst walking on your own.

KICKBOXING / TAE BO:

Not only will you learn how to defend yourself, but you will also have fun and improve your fitness. You can either take classes to meet new people or buy DVDs/videos to learn in the comfort of your own home.

YOGA:

Yoga is a great exercise for your mind and body. You can perform it on your own, with a friend or as part of a group.

PILATES:

Pilates strengthens the muscles all over your body starting with your abdominals. The exercises are difficult but it's a good challenge to see how strong you are and try to improve.

VOLUNTEERING:

Volunteering very rarely involves sitting down doing desk work. It is usually quite a physical task such as walking a dog, moving boxes etc. It's therefore another opportunity to exercise and can also allow you to meet new friends.

BABY SIT:

Young children are usually hard work. If you baby sit and play games with them you will burn some additional calories.

GYMNASTICS:

Gymnastics offers you plenty of opportunities to exercise the full body. Swinging around on poles, walking the balance beam, jumping over the horse are all fun exercises which work the body in different ways.

USE A POWERBALL:

This is a great wrist exercise to do in the home. A Powerball can be purchased from a number of merchants on the Internet and becomes really addictive. It builds up your grip and wrist strength which is useful for a number of sports. Plus, you can use your Powerball whilst sitting in front of the TV.

http://www.freefitnesstips.co.uk/

9 Health Tips

1. Move More
Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it's a stress buster. Think 'move' in small increments of time. It doesn't have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that's great when you're up to it. Meanwhile, move more. Thought for the day: Cha, Cha, Cha…. Then do it!

2. Cut Fat
Avoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats (i.e. pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage). Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise. Thought for the day: Lean, mean, fat-burning machine…. Then be one!

3. Quit Smoking
The jury is definitely in on this verdict. Ever since 1960 when the Surgeon General announced that smoking was harmful to your health, Americans have been reducing their use of tobacco products that kill. Just recently, we've seen a surge in smoking in adolescents and teens. Could it be the Hollywood influence? It seems the stars in every movie of late smoke cigarettes. Beware. Warn your children of the false romance or 'tough guy' stance of Hollywood smokers. Thought for the day: Give up just one cigarette…. the next one.

4. Reduce Stress
Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like. (i.e.,Soak in a hot tub; walk on the beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated. Avoid difficult people when possible. Thought for the day: When seeing red, think pink clouds….then float on them.

5. Protect Yourself from Pollution
If you can't live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low. Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is good. Plant lots of shrubbery in your yard. It's a good pollution and dirt from the street deterrent. Thought for the day: 'Smoke gets in your eyes'…and your mouth, and your nose and your lungs as do pollutants….hum the tune daily.

6. Wear Your Seat Belt
Statistics show that seat belts add to longevity and help alleviate potential injuries in car crashes. Thought for the day: Buckle down and buckle up.

7. Floss Your Teeth
Recent studies make a direct connection between longevity and teeth flossing. Nobody knows exactly why. Perhaps it's because people who floss tend to be more health conscious than people who don't? Thought for the day: Floss and be your body's boss.

8. Avoid Excessive Drinking
While recent studies show a glass of wine or one drink a day (two for men) can help protect against heart disease, more than that can cause other health problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer. Thought for the day: A jug of wine should last a long time.

9. Keep a Positive Mental Outlook
There's a definitive connection between living well and healthfully and having a cheerful outlook on life. Thought for the day: You can't be unhappy when you're smiling or singing.

Stealth Health: Get Healthy Without Really Trying

Living healthier doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming, experts say

By Colette Bouchez
WebMD Weight Loss Clinic - Feature

Reviewed By Brunilda Nazario, MD

How much do you know about what makes up a healthy lifestyle? Here's a pop quiz.

1. How do you define working out?

a. Going to the gym.
b. Turning the jump-rope for the neighbor's kid.
c. Playing Frisbee with your dog.

2. How do you define good nutrition?

a. Eating a vegetable at every meal.
b. Eating two vegetables at every meal.
c. Drinking a fruit smoothie for breakfast.

3. Which of these is a healthy activity?

a. Push-ups, sit-ups, or running the track.
b. Walking the dog after dinner.
c. Spending Saturday afternoon snoozing on the sofa.

Believe it or not, the correct answer to every question is A, B, and C -- even that Saturday afternoon snooze! According to the growing "Stealth Health" movement, sneaking healthy habits into our daily living is easier than we think.

"You can infuse your life with the power of prevention incrementally and fairly painlessly, and yes, doing something, no matter how small, is infinitely better for you than doing nothing," says David Katz, MD, MPH, director of Yale University's Prevention Research Center and of the Yale Preventive Medicine Center. Katz is also co-author of the book Stealth Health: How to Sneak Age-Defying, Disease-Fighting Habits into Your Life without Really Trying.

From your morning shower to the evening news, from your work commute to your household chores, Katz says, there are at least 2,400 ways to sneak healthy activities into daily living.

"If you let yourself make small changes, they will add up to meaningful changes in the quality of your diet, your physical activity pattern, your capacity to deal with stress, and in your sleep quality -- and those four things comprise an enormously powerful health promotion that can change your life," says Katz.

And yes, he says, a nap on the couch can be a health-giving opportunity -- particularly if you aren't getting enough sleep at night.

Nutritionist and diabetes educator Fran Grossman, RD, CDE, agrees. "You don't have to belong to a gym or live on wheat grass just to be healthy," says Grossman, a nutrition counselor at the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York. "There are dozens of small things you can do every day that make a difference, and you don't always have to do a lot to gain a lot."

Do a Little, Get a Lot

The notion that good health can come in small tidbits is not really new. Research showing that making small changes can add up to a big difference has been quietly accumulating for a while.

For example, a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in 2004 found that adding just 30 minutes of walking per day was enough to prevent weight gain and encourage moderate weight loss.

And if 30 minutes is still too big a bite? Another study, published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, found that three brisk 10-minute walks per day were as effective as a daily 30-minute walk in decreasing risk factors for heart disease.

"Just the act of going from sedentary to moderately active gives you the greatest reduction in your risks," says Helene Glassberg, MD, director of the Preventive Cardiology and Lipid Center at the Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia.

But it's not only in fitness where small changes can make a difference. The same principles apply at the kitchen table (and the office snack bar).

"Reducing fat intake, cutting down on sugar, eating a piece of fruit instead of a candy bar -- over time, these things can make a difference," says Grossman.

As long as the changes are moving you toward your goal -- be it weight loss, a reduction in cholesterol or blood pressure, or better blood sugar control -- you can get there by taking baby steps, she says.

Moreover, Grossman tells WebMD, making small changes can help give us the motivation to make bigger ones.

"A lot of bad eating habits are about not taking charge of your life, and that attitude is often reflected in other areas," says Grossman. On the other hand, she says, when you make small changes at the kitchen table, the rewards may show up in other areas of your life.

"It's the act of taking control that makes the difference in motivating you," says Grossman. "An inner confidence and power begins to develop that can be seen in other areas of life."

Tripping Over Baby Steps

Of course, not everyone is certain that baby steps can walk you all the way to good health. Marc Siegel, MD, a clinical associate professor at the NYU School of Medicine, says that while doing something is certainly better than doing nothing, making such small changes is like using a Band-aid to stop a hemorrhage.

"It's a small, gimmicky idea to target people with very unhealthy lifestyles, and for some it may be useful," says Siegel, author of False Alarm: the Truth about the Epidemic of Fear. But he fears that for most people, it's sending the wrong message.

"In some ways it's a resignation, an admission that things can't be changed -- and that's certainly not the long-term answer," Siegel tells WebMD.

Katz concedes that the Stealth Health approach may not be right for everybody.

"There is a trade-off because if you try to make the pursuit of health easier for people, you run the risk of leading them to believe they don't need to do very much -- and that would be the wrong message," he says.

At the same time, Katz believes that for those who find making health changes a daunting task, Stealth Health techniques can make a difference.

"If you want the really big gains, there has to be some pain," says Katz. "But there is a lot to be said for the idea that you can make some gains with little or no pain, and that's infinitely better than no gains."

Try the Stealth Health Approach

Tempted to give "Stealth Health" a try? Katz recommends picking any three of the following 12 changes and incorporating them into your life for four days. When you feel comfortable with those changes, pick three others. Once you've incorporate all dozen changes, you should start to feel a difference within a couple of weeks, he says.

To Improve Nutrition:

1. Buy whole foods -- whether canned, frozen, or fresh from the farm -- and use them in place of processed foods whenever possible.
2. Reject foods and drinks made with corn syrup, a calorie-dense, nutritionally empty sweetener that many believe is worse for the body than sugar, says Katz.
3. Start each dinner with a mixed green salad. Not only will it help reduce your appetite for more caloric foods, but it also will automatically add veggies to your meal.

To Improve Physical Fitness:

1. Do a squat every time you pick something up. Instead of bending over in the usual way, which stresses the lower back, bend your knees and squat. This forces you to use your leg muscles and will build strength.
2. Every time you stop at a traffic light (or the bus does), tighten your thighs and butt muscles and release as many times as you can. (Don't worry, no one will see it!) This will firm leg and buttock muscles, improve blood flow -- and keep you mildly amused!
3. Whenever you're standing on a line, lift one foot a half-inch off the ground. The extra stress on your opposite foot, ankle, calf and thigh, plus your buttocks, will help firm and tone muscles. Switch feet every few minutes.

To Improve Stress Control:

1. Give your partner a hug every day before work. Studies show this simple act can help you remain calm when chaos ensues during your day, Katz says.
2. Have a good cry. It can boost your immune system, reduce levels of stress hormones, eliminate depression, and help you think more clearly.
3. Twice a day, breathe deeply for three to five minutes

To Improve Sleep:

1. Sprinkle just-washed sheets and pillowcases with lavender water. The scent has been shown in studies to promote relaxation, which can lead to better sleep.
2. Buy a new pillow. Katz says that studies show that pillows with an indent in the center can enhance sleep quality and reduce neck pain. Also, try a "cool" pillow -- one containing either all-natural fibers or a combination of sodium sulfate and ceramic fibers that help keep your head cool.
3. Eat a handful of walnuts before bed. You'll be giving yourself a boost of fiber and essential fatty acids along with the amino acid tryptophan -- a natural sleep-inducer.

SOURCES: Archives of Internal Medicine. 2004; vol 164: pp 31-39. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, September 2002. David Katz, MD, MPH, director, Prevention Research Center, Yale University; co-author, Stealth Health: How to Sneak Age-Defying, Disease-Fighting Habits into Your Life without Really Trying. Fran Grossman, MS, RD, CDE, nutrition counselor, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, New York. Helene Glassberg, MD, director, Preventive Cardiology and Lipid Center, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia. Marc Siegel, MD, clinical associate professor, New York University School of Medicine; author, False Alarm, The Truth about the Epidemic of Fear.