Daily Archives: January 12, 2010

The Benefits Children Receive from Gardening

Apparently, we can see how nature is treated these days. It is a sad thing to know that people do not pay attention so much anymore to the environmental problems. What can we do about this? It’s as simple as starting with the children. It is good to see the children’s involvement with environment-friendly activities. One such nature-loving activity that children could easily get their hands on is gardening. Why should you consider gardening for your children?

Here are the benefits that gardening could easily provide the children with:

1. Science

In planting, children are indirectly taught the wonders of science like the plant’s life cycle and how human’s intervention can break or make the environment. They can have a first hand experience on the miracle of life through a seed. This would definitely be a new and enjoyable experience for the kids.

2. Life

Watching a seed grow into a tree is just as wondrous as the conception to birth and growth of a child. In time, kids will learn to love their plants and appreciate the life in them. Gardening could actually help simulate how life should be treated — it should be with care. The necessities to live will be emphasized to kids with the help of gardening – water, sunlight, air, soil. Those necessities could easily be corresponded to human necessities, i.e., water, shelter, air, food. By simply weeding out, one could educate how bad influences should be avoided to be able to live life smoothly.

3. Relaxation

Studies show that gardening can reduce stress because of its calming effect. This is applicable to any age group. More so, it stimulates all the five senses. Believe it or not, gardening may be used as therapy to children who have been abused or those who are members of broken homes. It helps build one’s self-esteem.

4. Quality Time with the Family

You can forget about your stressful work life for a while be soothed by the lovely ambience in the garden. You can play and spend quality time with your children. You can talk while watering the plants or you can work quietly beside each other. The bottom line is, always do what you have to do, together with your kids. You might discover a lot of new things about your child while mingling with them in your garden.

Let kids become aware of their environment’s needs. And one way to jumpstart that environmental education may be through gardening. It’s hitting two birds with one stone — teach them to respect life while you bond with them.

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Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/the-benefits-children-receive-from-gardening-1702480.html

Ashtma and Recognizing the Symptoms

In his book, Essential Allergy, Niels Mygind defines asthma as,

“A lung disease characterised by: 1, variable and reversible airway obstruction; 2, airway inflammation; and 3, bronchial hyper-responsiveness.”

Asthma is a disease where bronchial tubes are sensitive to irritants, which cause them to inflame and produce difficult breathing.  The inflammation can cause,

*   contraction of muscles around the air passages,
*   swelling of the airway lining due to airway inflammation, and,
*   excessive mucus in the airways.

Asthma occurs in most western countries and is the leading chronic illness of children.  

Asthma, in some cases, cannot be cured, but for most patients it can be controlled so that they have only minimal and infrequent symptoms and they can live an active life.

If you have asthma, managing it is an important part of your life.  Controlling your asthma means staying away from things that bother your airways and taking medicines or natural remedies as directed by your doctor.

When a person experiences a worsening of their asthma symptoms, it is called an asthma episode or, in severe cases, an asthma attack.  During an asthma attack, smooth muscles around the bronchial tubes contract, making the airway openings narrower so less air can flow through.  Inflammation increases and the airways become more swollen and narrow.  Cells in the airways also make more mucus than usual, which narrows the airways further.  The changes to the airways cause the symptoms of asthma.

Asthma attacks are not all the same-some are worse than others. In a severe asthma attack, the airways can close so much that not enough oxygen gets to vital organs.  This condition is a medical emergency.  People can die from severe asthma attacks.  A person suffering from an asthma attack has a sensation similar to drowning.

Learning the warning signs or asthma symptoms can often alert a sufferer in time to take preventive action, such as medication or natural remedies.

Asthma attacks can occur over a long period of time.  Although there are times when acute episodes strike asthmatics, most asthma sufferers say that there are long periods during which they suffer few, if any, asthma symptoms.

Here are some asthma symptoms:

*   Coughing.  Coughing in people with asthma is often worse at night or early in the morning, making it hard for them to sleep.  This may be the only symptom a child with asthma has.
*   Wheezing.  Wheezing is a whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe.
*   A tight feeling in the chest.  This can feel like someone is squeezing or sitting on your chest.
*   Shortness of breath.  Asthma sufferers often say they can’t catch their breath, or they feel breathless or out of breath.  
*   Narrowing of the air passages in the lungs and hence increased resistance to airflow.
*   Significant reversibility with steroid drugs  
*   Symptom-free periods
*   Frequent occurrence of allergy
*   Inflammation of the air passages
*   Bronchial hyper-responsiveness to non-specific stimuli such as cold air, air pollution, pollen, dust, or other irritants
*   Asthma symptoms brought on by exercises
*   Coughing or wheezing brought on by prolonged crying or laughing

Not all people have these symptoms, and symptoms may vary from one asthma attack to another.  Some symptoms are mild and some are life threatening.

Symptoms also differ in how often they occur.  Some people with asthma only have symptoms once every few months, others have symptoms every week, and still other people have symptoms every day.

Learn how to use natural remedies to reduce asthma attacks and to eliminate many of the asthma symptoms

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Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/ashtma-and-recognizing-the-symptoms-1702481.html

The History of Chinquapin Trees

There are two types of chinquapin trees, also called ‘chikapin trees,’ that are available commercially in the United States, the Allegheny chinquapin and the Georgiana chinquapin. The Allegheny chinquapin, ‘Castanea pumila’, is considered a shrub by some; however, some researchers claim that its dwarf size does not justify its reclassification. Many old-timers remember sweet memories from their youth when baskets were filled with the spicy, sweet, nutty flavored chinquapins. These nuts were eaten fresh, roasted or baked into snack confections for any occasion. The nuts from chinquapin trees grow with only one nut to a burr, whereas chestnuts, a close botanical relative, produce two or more nuts per burr. The Allegheny chinquapin, ‘Castanea pumila,’ is widely distributed throughout the Southeastern U.S. and is cold hardy up to Zone 6 and all the way down to Zone 9. The Allegheny chinquapin prefers to grow on a neutral, uphill soil, especially at higher elevations. These nuts are often gathered by local inhabitants and are available at many locations at nearby markets and roadside stands.

The Georgiana chinquapin, ‘Castanea alnifolia,’ is best described as the creeping chinquapin and it readily spreads in shady thickets by means of giant underground stems that produce many shallow roots. These plants are found in huge colonies throughout South Georgia and produce numerous nuts in late summer and early fall with a distinct sweetness and characteristic spicy flavor that remains indelibly bonded within the memory. The plant is easily grown and transplanted, but is more vigorous in a shady location. The burr is about one inch in diameter, producing a brown waxy nut in the center. The Georgian chinquapin ‘Castanea alnifolia’ is cold hardy in zones 8-10, growing about 4 feet in height, slow growing but excelling in poor sandy soils that are well drained.

Luther Burbank reported in his book Trees, Volume 8, that chinquapin trees appeared to be almost immune to the chestnut tree blight of the American chestnut trees that, within a 50 year period of history-beginning in 1912, practically had eliminated the American native chestnut tree. Burbank hybridized thousands of chestnut trees in an effort to renew the American chestnut forests to their former splendor. He noted that any hybrid that had successfully survived the chestnut tree blight to become a viable commercial orchard selection would undoubtedly contain the immune qualities within the chinquapin that had been implanted into the American chinquapin tree genetic makeup.

Visit the Bamboo Flower website to learn about growing bamboo indoors and golden goddess bamboo.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/the-history-of-chinquapin-trees-1702486.html

Using Acyclovir to Attack the Herpes Virus

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are thousands of  Americans who are infected with one of the most active virus known to man — the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV).  Scientists have been studying how the virus works because it is among the most difficult to control. The virus has spread to different countries around the world.  It causes a variety of illnesses, including mucocutaneous infections. or herpes simplex virus (HSV), is one of the most common agents infecting humans of all ages.
There are two types of Herpes virus, namely:  Type 1 Herpes which is carried by over 80 per cent of the population and is the culprit behind recurrent cold sores; and Type 2 Herpes which affects five to 20 per cent of the population. This type is often associated with genital herpes.
Studies show that genital herpes simplex virus infects more than 1 of 5 adolescents and adults. It is more common in blacks than in whites, and more likely to infect women than men. Most people with genital herpes don’t know they have it, and are unaware that they are spreading it to others. Many have no symptoms or mistake their symptoms for something else such as jock itch, insect bites, hemorrhoids, yeast infections, razor burn, or allergies to laundry detergent.
Infection in the genital region initially produces a painful, red, ulcerating crop of lesions that can spread over a wide area and may involve the perinuem and anus. Genital infection can also be associated with temporary numbness in the affected area, swelling glands in the groin, difficulty passing urine, and fever. Occasionally, primary infections such as these can also trigger viral meningitis.
Some years ago, genital herpes was diagnosed solely by visual inspection and laboratory culture of an active sore. Today, herpes may be diagnosed with a blood test, even when no symptoms are apparent or after sores have healed. Antiviral drugs have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in reducing the infection.
There is no cure for any herpes viruses. Once a person caught a herpes virus it stays in the body for life although it is latent most of the time. However, a medication that can treat the outbreaks and symptoms of herpes as well as reduce future outbreaks is available.
Acyclovir is a drug used for the treatment of several conditions including herpes infections. Acyclovir medication is available over the counter and commonly known under the brand name Zovirax. Acyclovir medication Zovirax is usually used for the treatment of facial cold sores.
Acyclovir ointment is used topically to treat initial genital herpes where it has been shown to decrease pain, reduce healing time, and limit the spread of the infection. Acyclovir is also available as a prescription tablet used to treat genital herpes infections and to treat patients with recurrent severe genital herpes. The dosage will be determined by the doctor. It is very common to prescribe a 5-day course of 3 tablets a day taken with 4 hour intervals, but this may vary. It is very important not to miss any doses because the patient needs to keep the level of Acyclovir up in their body. This episodic treatment will reduce the severity, frequency and duration of the outbreak as well as reduce future outbreaks and reduce the risk of spreading. Acyclovir can also be used to treat chicken pox and acts to reduce the healing time, limit the number of lesions, and reduce fever if used within the first 24 hours after the onset of the disease.
However, before starting to take this medicine, it is vital for a person with herpes to consult a doctor. Most anti-viral medications should not be used without medical advice or doctor’s prescription.

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Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/using-acyclovir-to-attack-the-herpes-virus-1702487.html

The Importance of Skin Care in Health and Wellness

While feminists and critics sneer at beauty for being only “skin deep”, the continuous growth of the cosmetics industry proves that an increasing number of people are really taking effort, time, and money to invest on various beauty regimen and skincare. Nowadays, women are not the only ones who get conscious of their looks, but even some men, particularly the younger generation, have become advocates of pampering skincare.
Some people, however, are too absorbed in their busy lifestyles that they have no more time left to engage in proper skincare. Economy also plays a great deal on why people would refrain from availing those skincare services being offered in the media. The hard times take its toll on your skin.  It is no longer as supple as that of a baby and has become thinner and wrinkled with age. Your skin is drier due to less oil production from the sebaceous glands and the decrease in the number of blood vessels has made your skin lackluster without youthful glow.
There is more to skincare than just a case of vanity. Unknown to many, all human beings, whether healthy or not, probably have some Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on their skin. These bacteria, simply called staph, are usually found in your nose or throat and may not really cause much problems except for minor skin infections.  The skin serves as the body’s first barrier against these bacterial infections.  This is why it is important to have healthy skin in order to ward off bacterial infections.  Once the skin is broken, cut or wounded, you are at risk for infection.  Once these bacteria gets to burrow deeper into your skin and penetrates your body into the bloodstream, urinary tract, lungs, and heart, these seemingly harmless bacteria can become life-threatening.  
History showed that most cases of fatal staph infections in the past have occurred in people who have been in the hospital or those who are suffering from chronic illness and faltering immune system.  However, recent development proves that an increasing number of otherwise healthy people who have never been in a hospital are also acquiring these lethal staph infections.
Moreover, the usually powerful antibiotics no longer have an effect in fighting against certain strain of destructive bacteria that have evolved over time. Although as of now, most staph infections are still manageable and can be successfully treated, sooner or later, there will come a time that a new and deadlier strain of these bacterial infections will become resistant to most currently available skincare and medications.  
The signs and symptoms of bacterial infections depends on the condition and affected area of the infection as well as the nature of illness if it is a direct infection from staph bacteria or from toxins produced by the bacteria. They may range from mild skin infections to food poisoning, deadly pneumonia, surgical wound infections, and endocarditis which is a lethal inflammation of the heart valves. Most skin infections caused by staph infections include the following: boils , cellulitis, impetigo, scalded skin syndrome, follicilitis, hordeolum, among others.  
Most skin problems would require clinical care by medical professionals but it helps to take note of the following tips:
?    Make sure to always clean and cover areas of skin that have been injured.
?    Do not share towels, sheets, clothing until the infection has been fully healed.
?    Do not touch to avoid spreading it to other parts of your body.
Always remember that cleanliness and good skincare hygiene is not just a form of vanity but it is a way of keeping your skin healthy and strong to be able to protect you in warding off bacterial infections as well as preventing many skin problems.

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Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/the-importance-of-skin-care-in-health-and-wellness-1702495.html

Heartburn and Issues Relating to It

You’ve just eaten a big meal and leaned back in your favorite chair to watch your favorite TV program. As you begin to relax, your chest starts to hurt so much it feels like it’s on fire. You may be experiencing heartburn. According to studies, about 30% of adults experience occasional heartburn, while 10% experience heartburn almost every single every day. Heartburn is common, and an occasional episode is generally nothing to worry about.  However, many people have already considered heartburn as a uncomfortable condition that requires medication or medical attention.

Heartburn usually follows after a heavy meal.  To understand how this condition comes about, it is best to be aware of what exactly happens when we eat food.  The food that is swallowed travels from the mouth to the stomach through a hollow tube called the esophagus. Before food enters the stomach, it must pass through a tight muscle at the lower part of the esophagus called the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES). The lower esophageal sphincter prevents food from traveling backward into the esophagus.  Once in the stomach, stomach acid slowly digests the food. This acid is very strong and can damage most parts of the body. Fortunately, the stomach is protected from its own acid by a special mucous layer. The esophagus, however, does not have any such special protection. If the lower esophageal sphincter does not close completely, the lower part of the esophagus can be damaged by stomach acid. When this happens, heartburn is experienced.

Heartburn can last for several hours and is often worse after eating, or when lying down, or when a person who just ate suddenly bends over. Heartburn is the most common symptom of reflux. Reflux occurs when acid in the stomach, which is there to help digest food, rises up into the esophagus, causing pain, irritation, and discomfort.

Some other factors that can make heartburn worse include certain foods such as fatty and spicy foods, chocolate, caffeine, onions, tomato sauce, carbonated beverages and mint. Alcohol, large meals, lying too soon after eating, cigarette smoking, sedatives, calcium channel blockers and antidepressant medications can also trigger heartburn.

Heartburn, also called acid indigestion, is the most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); a disease in which stomach acid or, occasionally, bile flows back (refluxes) into the esophagus. Heartburn usually feels like a burning chest pain beginning behind the breastbone and moving upward to the neck and throat. Many people say it feels like food is coming back into the mouth leaving an acid or bitter taste.

Most heartburn problems are mild, but if a person experiences frequent discomfort, there may already be some complications that need medical treatment or the use of prescription medications. If a person encounters heartburn several times a week, or if it returns soon after the effects of antacids wear off, medical attention may be necessary.   A person with heartburn should also consult a doctor if he or she often wakes up at night due to discomfort brought about by reflux. One may need further medical care, or possibly even surgery, if a person experience difficulty swallowing, regurgitates blood or black material, suddenly loses weight, or if the stool is black in color.

Most people can manage the discomfort of heartburn with lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter medications. But if heartburn is severe, these remedies may offer only temporary or partial relief. Heartburn pain can be mistaken for the pain associated with heart disease or a heart attack, but there are differences. Heartburn pain is less likely to be associated with physical activity. Exercise may aggravate pain resulting from heart disease, and rest may relieve the pain.

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Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/heartburn-and-issues-relating-to-it-1702540.html

A Review of the ProForm 385 CSX Recumbent Bike

The ProForm 385 CSX recumbent bike is along the lower end of the price scale, with an average price of around $300.  The bike is fairly simple and straightforward, yet offers numerous benefits to people seeking a quality recumbent bike.  The design of the recumbent makes it more ergonomic that standard upright bikes, and the positioning makes it considerably more accessible for people who are overweight or who have joint or muscle problems. The bike is excellent as a physical therapy tool for strengthening joint muscles, and the workouts tone a number of muscles at once, providing many benefits for those seeking to lose weight as well.

Unlike an upright bike, the recumbent provides an excellent gluteal workout, helping to reduce or eliminate fatty deposits in the rear as well as the legs.  This particular model is certainly in the price range of most no-frills bikes, yet it offers a number of features that users will enjoy.  The ProForm 385 CSX offers an Mp3 port for listening to music as well as an EKG heart rate monitor for keeping up with the intensity and benefits of your workout.  There are a total of eight workout programs offered by the machine, and there is an integrated coach that will help push users toward their goals.

In all, this economy bike is really a pretty solid model.  The bucket seats make it considerable more comfortable than an upright and help enable longer workouts.  The ergonomic design helps to burn fat by making workouts more effective.  While the bikes are ideal for a large number of people, those seeking a realistic cycling experience will likely prefer a standard upright exercise bike.  This is certainly a machine that lacks the bells and whistles on many high end bikes, but for the price it is a great bike and a solid value.

Exercise Equipment Review provides an unbiased consumer review of exercise bikes, elliptical trainers and treadmills. Author Chris Brown has been researching exercise equipment for his own home gym.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/a-review-of-the-proform-385-csx-recumbent-bike-1702864.html

A Review of the Nordic Track A2750 Pro Treadmill

Situated in the middle of the price range for a home treadmill is the Nordic Track A2750 Pro.  This treadmill is packed with features and extras that certainly set it in a category all its own, but is the machine worthwhile?  After talking with numerous customers and doing a great deal of research into the machine, the answer is an unequivocal yes.  This treadmill offers a 12% incline as well as a strong motor and an extra long belt, making it effective right out of the gate.  When adding in a 350 lb weight capacity and running speeds of up to 12 mph, it is easy to see the level of efficiency this machine offers for users of all types.

The Nordic Track A2750 offers 22 workout programs (including distance programs ranging from one mile to a half marathon) as well as a heart rate monitor.  Added features include a touch screen display and an iPod or Mp3 port.  The machine offers built in speakers for listening to your favorite tunes while you exercise.  Perhaps the most notable feature, however, is iFit Live.  This feature allows you to connect wirelessly to the Internet and download maps or terrain that will appear on the screen, allowing you to walk your favorite trails.  You can race against online friends, monitor nutrition, and much more.

In summary, the overwhelming consensus is that the Nordic Track A2750 Pro is well worth the price.  The machine is packed with features ranging from highly functional to highly fun, which can help encourage healthier exercise practices and stave off the urge to stop on the days where exercise just doesn’t seem that fun.  A treadmill is an excellent piece of workout equipment, and with the A2750, you are getting one of the best treadmills available on the market.

Exercise Equipment Review provides an unbiased consumer review of exercise bikes, elliptical trainers and treadmills. Author Chris Brown has been researching exercise equipment for his own home gym.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/a-review-of-the-nordic-track-a2750-pro-treadmill-1702870.html

A Review of the Schwinn 420 Elliptical

When it comes to ellipticals, there are dozens of models available there that offer the same general function but with a different array of features.  Today we are looking at the Schwinn 420 Elliptical.  At only around $600, this would certainly be considered a budget elliptical, yet it offers a number of features.  In addition to the standard elliptical features, this machine offers a heart rate monitor and much more.  Designed for people with many different types of fitness goals, this single machine offers a total of 16 different resistance levels as well as 12 different workouts.

The Schwinn 420 is designed to provide a great workout for both your upper and lower body.  The machine offers an 18” stride, which provides a more comprehensive leg workout compared to other budget ellipticals.  The perimeter flywheel is designed to offer a more comfortable and smoother ride than many older machines.  When asked about the pros and the cons of the product, most users responded very favorably towards this machine.  The low sound levels and sturdy nature of the machine, coupled with the low price make it a customer favorite.  Complaints are largely with the added features, such as a lack of backlighting and the lack of such features as iPod or MP3 connectors and water bottle holders.

In all, the Schwinn 420 is a solid machine with much to offer.  Heavy gym users may find themselves longing for a machine that provides more features, but for the average workout enthusiast or for a beginner, this machine is hard to beat for the price.  Economy machines are often loud, bulky, or just plain hard to get a good workout with, but this machine offers the function of much higher end models without a high end price point.  For most users, this machine is a perfect combination of price and functionality.

Exercise Equipment Review provides an unbiased consumer review of exercise bikes, elliptical trainers and treadmills. Author Chris Brown has been researching exercise equipment for his own home gym.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/a-review-of-the-schwinn-420-elliptical-1702880.html

Reducing Art Studio Fumes–4 Steps That Will Reduce Paint Fumes In Your Studio

Visual artists allow us to relive beautiful moments again and again by capturing the moment for us on their canvas. Unfortunately, their gift to us often means they are forced to breathe harmful chemical fumes for hours on end.

Many of the materials used in a fine art studio contain volatile organic chemicals that can cause acute side effects such as headache, nausea, and light headedness. And prolonged exposure to these airborne chemicals has been shown to cause more serious and sometimes irreversible health problems. Here are 4 ideas that are easy to implement and will greatly reduce the fumes you breathe and increase your air quality and productivity.

1. Proper ventilation is important to let the fumes leave the room. Moving the air from inside to outside with an exhaust fan is a great way to reduce build up of chemical fumes. It can be as simple as placing a box fan in the window and allowing it to blow out, pulling air from inside your studio to outdoor. The direction of the air flow is important, otherwise turning the fan inward only blows the chemicals around rather than getting them out.

2. If possible, use products that contain volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) outside. Cleaning brushes with solvents outside is an easy way to keep indoor air clean. This will eliminate the fumes from your indoor air. Be sure to properly dispose of solvents so they don’t leach into the water and soil, and store any unused portions with the lids on tight to prevent off gassing from occurring while they are just sitting on the shelf. If possible store them away from where you work.

3. There are so many green products on the market now. Talk to your suppliers about using products that contain less, or even no volatile organic chemicals. These are not only less threatening to your health, but are easier on the environment as well.

4. Use a high efficiency particle arresting (or HEPA) air purifier that can remove fine particulates from the air. If it also has an inner filter that can remove airborne chemicals your air cleaner will be able to eliminate all the airborne pollutants that, left in the air, will cause you problems. Allowing this purifier to clean your air 24 hours a day every day will insure that your air quality is always as clean and healthy as it can be.

Knowing that your air is healthy and that you are not putting yourself at risk when you are creating will allow you focus all of your attention on your art rather than worrying about chemicals that you’re breathing.

Breathing air with a higher oxygen level will pay off not only with good health, but probably with better quality of art as well.

Make your art studio air healthy to breathe starting today with the air purifier at http://purerair.com/healthmate_plus.html

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/reducing-art-studio-fumes4-steps-that-will-reduce-paint-fumes-in-your-studio-1703074.html

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