Everyday Complaints Science Can’t Cure

Modern medicine has come so far, but we still can’t cure some of the most common human afflictions. Odd.Modern medical science is a wonder. Seriously, we live in a time where AIDS is no longer a death sentence and many types of cancers can be sent right into remission. Considering that the effects of antibiotics were first observed only about 135 years ago, the subsequent advances in medicine are nothing short of astounding.

The thing is, there are still plenty of medical complaints science can’t get rid of - and we’re not talking about insidious tropical diseases that affect about three people. We’re talking about common everyday things that affect everyone. Minor, albeit annoying things. Sure, we can treat symptoms to make you more comfortable, or prescribe drugs that will help you along during recovery, but we just can’t seem to get to the root of silly little things like:

The Common Cold

The common cold has been around since mankind itself. Most adults get one or two every year, and kids can get two or three times as many. Much less serious than the flu, which can actually kill you, the common cold usually runs its course in a week or two - but during that time, you’re miserable.

Millions of hours of lost productivity result every year from people taking time off work due to a cold, or because they have to stay home with a sick child. Not to mention the fact that secondary infections can erupt while your immune system is stressed and you could end up with ear, sinus, or throat infections. It would be so much better just to take some pills and make it go away, right?

Well, antibiotics are ineffective, because colds are caused by viruses, not bacteria. Antivirals are a shaky therapy because choosing the right one relies on knowing just what virus is causing the problem. Although rhinovirus is most common, there are about 200 viruses that could be at work.

The effects you feel from the cold are actually caused by your body fighting it off, not from any actual direct damage caused by the virus. So you can take medicines to make you feel less congested, sleepy, feverish and sore, but ultimately, you just have to let the virus wear itself out.

Bruising

Everyone gets bruises, and the more klutzy among us may get them daily. So you walked into the coffee table, big deal, right? It’ll go away. Well, try telling that to someone with a bruised rib, or multiple contusions from a car accident. Bruises aren’t always minor - they can be very, very big deals, making things like inhaling excruciatingly painful. And nothing makes it go away except time.

Bruises are the result of broken blood vessels under the skin, usually from trauma, but clotting disorders can cause them too. There’s just nothing science can do to fix it outside Star Trek, so treatment is aimed at alleviating pain and encouraging circulation to the area to promote healing. Sure, the doctor on Star Trek Voyager could get in there and repair those tiny blood vessels with sonic instruments, but sadly, medical science just isn’t there yet.

Obesity

According to statistics, Americans are more likely to be overweight than normal weight, and more than a third of us are obese. An entire industry revolves around trying to sell you on the idea of a magic pill that will cure your obesity, but that’s a bunch of baloney (which, by the way, is no good for your diet).

Obesity kills more people than smoking, it exponentially raises your risk for just about every chronic disease, and is the costliest burden on the healthcare system. Sounds like something science would want to cure, right? Well, yeah. You better believe the big drug companies have R&D teams working 24/7 to find the obesity cure. It will be a major, major, Nobel-worthy advance when it happens.

Incidentally, this is how you can tell that weight loss supplements don’t work - if these multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical companies with research budgets larger than that of some countries haven’t found the answer, do you really think some penny-ante supplement company has it locked? No. No, you shouldn’t.

The biggest cause of obesity is overeating and inactivity. The only way to lose weight is to eat less and exercise more, but even that isn’t permanent unless the root causes of each is addressed. There is no pill that will burn your fat - only you can do that. But there are medications that can make you feel less hungry while you diet, or give you more energy to work out. But there is no pill anywhere that actually triggers fat loss without any effort on your part. Nowhere.

Menstrual Cramps

Cramps suck. There’s really nothing more to say. Whether it’s the monthly hell your uterus puts you through or a surprise attack on mile four of the marathon you trained all year for, these simple muscle contractions can make you stop in your tracks and retire to bed. Or at least want to.

There’s no magic treatment that makes cramps go away. The pain is the muscle contracting in response to a stimulus like fatigue, overuse or electrolyte imbalance, and you just have to let it run its course. Massage can sometimes encourage skeletal muscle cramps to lighten up, or it could encourage the muscle to contract harder and make the pain worse.

Prevention is key - staying hydrated and working gradually into exercise are effective measures, and women who experience severe cramps during menstruation may get medication that helps relax the muscles to reduce the likelihood of cramping. But once a cramp begins, you just have to ride that wave of pain all the way to the finish line.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/everyday-complaints-science-cant-cure.html

Importance of Washing Your Hands

There are many people who think that washing hands frequently is a waste of time. However, they are unaware that our hands are host to many bacteria and viruses that can cause infectious diseases. To know more about the significance of hand washing and how it can save us from different ailments, go through this article.Did you know that regular hand washing is the most essential factor for maintaining good health? Every human being comes in contact with germs and bacteria in their daily life. These harmful microorganisms are present all around us like on the door knobs, faucets, light switches, stair railings, etc. People touch these things while doing their routine work, without thinking much about it and with the same hands touch their face, eyes, nose and sometimes eat food, too. While performing these acts, the germs and bacteria get into our body, causing several diseases. Hence, it is important for all of us to know and educate others with the right methods to follow, to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Significance of Washing Hands

Why Is It Important
The most important advantage is that you prevent yourself from getting infected by a number of dangerous ailments. People who are careless about washing their hands are at a higher risk of catching a cold or a flu. Not washing hands has also the ability to cause gastrointestinal illnesses and also diarrhea which can spread to the whole family. It has also been seen that improper means of washing hands or not washing at all can cause pneumonia in old people and in those people who are diagnosed with chronic diseases.

The Correct Way to Do It
Not many people know how to wash their hands properly. Cleaning hands does not mean just running water over your palms. It has to be done very carefully and in detail. Along with warm water, the most essential thing required to wash your hands is soap.

»First, wet your hands with water and then lather your hands with soap and scrub thoroughly, with the soap   reaching both the sides of your hands till the wrist and also between your fingers. Then, wash off the soap with water and pat it dry with a towel or a tissue paper.

»The other method one could use when there is no soap or water is by making use of an alcohol-based sanitizer. Take a pea-sized sanitizer in the palm and spread it on the entire hands till it dries.

» Wiping one's hands with antimicrobial wipes or towelettes is also a good way of keeping the hands clean.

When to Wash Your Hands
To prevent the dangers of not washing your hands, it is essential for you to know when it is extremely important to wash your hands.

»After using the washroom at home or at any public place
»After visiting a patient at the hospital
»Before as well as after eating food
»Before and after one starts cooking food, especially meat, fish and poultry
»After changing a baby's diaper
»After touching pets or cleaning their feces
»Before touching young infants and children
»While inserting or removing contact lenses
»Before and after touching injured areas and changing the dressing of a wounded person
»After collecting and throwing out garbage
»After sneezing, coughing and blowing your nose

Knowing the importance of washing hands will help you in avoiding infectious diseases. People who work in hospitals and other health sectors have to keep a strict check on hygiene and should learn and educate others in the proper way. However, one must remember that even at home we can get infected with diseases due to bacteria and so it is necessary for us to teach the proper method to our family, especially children. Children love to play with mud and sand, which host a lot of germs. By teaching your kids the significance of washing hands properly, you would be taking a very crucial step towards living a healthy life.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/importance-of-hand-washing.html

Solutions for Smelly Shoes

Many people have smelly feet and shoes, which makes them a taboo at social functions. So what can you do to deal with those stinky, smelly shoes? Here are some solutions which will help you in getting rid of the foul stench from your shoes.Stinky shoes or feet act as people repellent at any social occasion. Apart from putting a person in an embarrassing situation, it also reflects poorly on his/her hygiene and grooming quotient. Hence, it becomes all the more essential to ensure that your shoes or feet are clean. If you are planning to throw away a pair of stinky shoes, just wait and try the following easy solutions to get rid of the stench.

Solutions for Getting Rid of Smell in Shoes

There are many solutions for treating this disgusting stench, and they vary depending upon the reason behind the stink. If your shoes stink just because they were wet for a long time, you may just have to dry them, but if it is due to a sweat problem, there is more to do than just drying them.

1. Wash your Shoes: If the stench is due to excessive sweating, it is essential that you wash your shoes well with soap. If you do not, then there may be a bacterial or a fungal buildup which can even cause athlete's foot.
2. Exposure to Sun: A simple solution to this problem is to leave the shoes out in the sun. Direct exposure to sunlight kills all the bacteria which cause the pungent smell.
3. Deodorizers and Disinfectants: There are special deodorizers and disinfectants designed for this problem. So you can disinfect your shoes daily before wearing, or after removing them. You can also spray perfumes and antiperspirant deodorants for fragrance.
4. Alcohol and Activated Charcoal: Use rubbing alcohol to clean your shoes. It disinfects the shoes and stops the foul odor. Activated charcoal can also be left in the shoes overnight to make them odor-free.
5. Lysol and Febreze: Like alcohol, Lysol and Febreze, act as active disinfectants for killing the bacteria, and cleaning the shoes.
6. Baking Soda: Sodium bicarbonate or baking soda can be sprinkled, or spread inside the shoes, and kept overnight to get rid of the stench.
7. Hydrogen Peroxide, Bleach, and Vinegar: You can use hydrogen peroxide, bleach, and vinegar to clean your shoes. Spray any one of these on your shoes, and keep them aside for a day. It will not only remove the odor but also make your shoes cleaner.
8. Ice Box Trick: One of the easiest solutions to get stink-free shoes, is to pack them in an ice box and thaw them out in the sun, then use inserts which absorb the odor.
9. Newspapers: Newspapers can be used in multiple ways for cleaning shoes. Stash loosely crumpled newspaper inside your shoes, and keep them in your closet, or you can also wipe your wet or sweaty shoes with newspaper as it helps to absorb the moisture.
10. Natural Materials: It is best to wear shoes made from natural materials like, canvas, leather, etc. instead of artificial materials. Sports style cotton socks which are thicker than the usual ones are recommended, to keep your shoes from stinking. You can also put grommets on shoes for air ventilation.
11. Silver Lining Insoles: Put silver lining insoles in your shoes to keep them from getting sweaty and stinky.
12. Cedar Insoles: You may use insoles made from cedar wood as it does not allow bacteria to grow and emanate a foul smell.
13. Cleanse your Feet: Do not forget to wash your feet regularly if you have the problem of stinky feet as it helps in eliminating bacteria. You can also clean them with the help of soaps, disinfectants, or even drops of lemon in hot water. In addition to this, do not forget to clean your nails everyday after bath.
14. Dead Skin: Use a scrubber, pumice stone, brush, or loofah, to exfoliate the dead skin cells on your feet. This will help in keeping your feet soft and bacteria-free.
15. Powders: If the stench is due to excessive sweating, you can sprinkle some sweat-absorbing foot powder, talcum powder, or baby powder on your feet before you venture outdoors. This also helps in giving fragrance to your shoes.
16. Foot Care Products: Use foot care products like powders, deodorants, creams, salts for foot baths, soaps, and foot-healing balms, for keeping your feet clean and healthy.
17. Home Remedies: You can also utilize other home remedies like filling your socks with coffee beans, and keeping them overnight in the shoes. Tea tree oil, lemon oil, or clove oil, can also be used for removing the stench from shoes. Placing petals of lavender in your shoes will give a pleasant smell. Also, try soaking your feet in warm black tea to remove the stench from your feet.

Dos and Don'ts

• Change the soles inside your shoes on a regular basis.
• Change your socks regularly.
• Visit a doctor to get antibacterial treatment, if necessary.
• Avoid wearing shoes at home. Let your feet be free for sometime.
• Remember to remove chemicals like baking soda, etc. before you wear your shoes.
• Don't wear shoes that are too tight for your feet. Wear the ones which will let your feet 'breathe'.
• Avoid wearing the same shoes everyday.

Remember, people do not appreciate a person who has smelly shoes. Hence, prevent your shoes from stinking by using any of the above-mentioned ways. Maintain hygiene by washing your feet regularly with soap and water. This will also help prevent infections.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/smelly-shoes-remedy.html

Proper Hand Washing Techniques

The best way to prevent biological contamination is by adopting proper hand washing techniques. Although, the hands cannot be kept germ-free all the time, frequent washing will prevent transmission of various viruses and bacteria.

'Hand washing is considered the single most important means of preventing the spread of infection' - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Most of the diseases are caused by germs carried on the hands. 99% of the spread of germs traveling through droplets can be prevented by proper hand washing. People using public restrooms are susceptible to being infected by germs left behind by people who fail to practice good hand hygiene. Moreover, germs can also be picked up while handling library material, common keyboards, etc. Every individual needs to wash his or her hands properly, to reduce disease transmission. Hand washing techniques involve washing of the hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Washing With Soap and Water

☞ Turn on the tap and allow running water to wet the hands and wrists. While using a public restroom, one    should consider that the faucets are contaminated, thus one should turn on the tap by using a paper towel.

☞ Use a soap bar or liquid soap and apply soap to the hands. Soaps are excellent cleansing agents and work well to remove the dirt. The soap should be worked into a lather.

☞ For at least 15-20 seconds rub the hands vigorously together. It is this friction, along with soap and water, that helps wash off the pathogens.

☞ Scrub the hands thoroughly, including the back of the hands, between the fingers, around the cuticles and under the fingernails and wrists.

☞ Under running water, rinse the hands well. The running water carries away the debris and dirt from the hands. While rinsing point the fingers downwards, thereby allowing the water to drip downwards instead of moving towards the elbows and contaminating it.

☞ With a clean towel or disposable paper towel, dry the hands. If using a public restroom, a paper towel should be used to turn the faucet off.

☞ Soap can become a breeding ground for microorganisms, thus one must thoroughly clean soap dispensers before refilling them with fresh liquid soap.

Washing With Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer

When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers prove to be an excellent alternative. In fact, these hand sanitizers are more effective in killing viruses and bacteria as compared to soap and water, which only wash them off. Hand sanitizers can help prevent skin dryness, but some of them may lack alcohol content and are therefore not recommended. Only the alcohol-based ones should be used. Washing the hands with a sanitizer simply requires the application of about half a teaspoon of hand sanitizer on the hand and rubbing the hands together till the hands are dry. The hand sanitizer should cover all the surfaces of the hands. For visibly dirty and soiled hands, soap and water is needed.

Dos and Don'ts of Hand Washing

✗ Never touch the sink, while washing your hands, because the sink is contaminated with microorganisms.
✗ Never touch the restroom knob or handle after washing your hands. You will contaminate them again.Use a paper towel to open the door.
✓ Always remove rings and bracelets before washing your hands.
✓ Always use disposable paper towels in public restrooms. Towels house microorganisms and will only pass germs. Even at home, avoid drying your hands on the kitchen towel.
✗ Never let soapy water run down your wrists during hand washing, because it takes germs along with it and smears them on your forearms. Point your hands downwards while washing them.

When Must I Wash My Hands?

• After using the restroom
• After coming from school, playground, workplace, etc.
• Before eating
• After handling garbage
• After touching animals and their waste
• After coughing, sneezing or blowing the nose
• Before, during and after preparing food
• Before and after treating wounds and cuts
• Before and after meeting an injured or sick person
• Before touching a baby
• After changing a diaper
• Before removing or inserting contact lenses
• After handling money
• After driving
• Whenever hands are visibly dirty

The combination of rubbing the hands thoroughly with regular soap and water and rinsing them prevents the transmission of bacteria and viruses. Using pre-moistened towelettes for cleaning the hands cannot be termed as proper hand washing. They cannot be used as substitutes for soap and water. Thus, be wise and wash your hands thoroughly to maintain proper hygiene.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/proper-hand-washing-techniques.html

Benefits of Care Farming

Care farming is gaining notoriety as a viable method of eco-therapy for treating people with various physical and mental conditions. Not only does it have healing qualities, but it also brings you closer to nature. This Buzzle article will give you information about the benefits of care farming.

Did You Know?

Benjamin Rush (1746-1813) was one of the first medical scientists who referred to the positive effects of horticultural practice on the well-being of the mentally diseased.

In recent years, the concept of care farming has become extremely popular. It employs farming practices for therapeutic uses. It allows people who need to recover from physical and mental problems to stay and work on a farm. Care farming is highly beneficial for individuals who need to recuperate, as a sense of mutual healing takes place when they are working with people, animals, plants, and the earth.

Farmers may utilize the entire or part of their farms for these activities. Here they provide structured programs for farming and allied activities, along with supervised care. They not only provide social care services, but also undertake educational programs. A care farmer, or a farm therapist, also takes their daily group sessions.

Under this program, vulnerable people are provided an opportunity to participate in the day-to-day working of the farm. They can undertake activities like crop and vegetable plantation, watering crops, woodland management, feeding the animals, etc. This largely helps individuals work on their physical and mental health.

Need for a Care Farm

The care farming concept has stemmed from the need for self-sufficiency among social outcasts. It also caters to the problem of lack of proper professional care facilities in rural areas. Also, due to the rise of agricultural malfunctionality, concepts like care farming are helping farmers by providing them additional income to support their families.

Types of Care Farms

• Industrial Agriculture Care Farms

Technoscientific, political, and economic methods are employed in industrial farming. It includes industrialized production of livestock, poultry, fish, and crops. Very few care farmers work in this domain.

• Organic Care Farm

Organic farming needs manual labor and accords direct contact with plants, crops, and farm animals which is therapeutic in nature. Hence, there are a lot of organic farmers which offer care-giving services on their farms.

• Animal Sanctuaries

These care farms provide a home for sick, abandoned, and abused animals.

Benefits for People

◈ Through farming activities, farmers help to provide physical and mental well-being of the people.

◈ People who suffer from depression, learning disabilities, obesity, work induced stress, etc., can find solace      and healing at such farms.

◈ It is also an advisable therapeutic experience for psychiatric patients, people recovering from drug abuse,        disaffected youth, and elderly people.

◈ It also helps individuals overcome nature deficit disorder.

◈ Implementing their time in fulfilling and productive work makes them happy.

◈ They get time to think positively about their emotional and physical problems.

◈ As this is a new and engaging way of life for them, people tend to de-stress at care farms.

◈ The supportive atmosphere on the farm helps expedite their recovery.

◈ They get much-needed time to think, and this helps them express themselves in a better way.

◈ It isolates people from their problems.

◈ By doing work on the farm, they also get a regular dose of physical exercise.

Benefits for Farmers

◈ Having guests on the farm help farmers mitigate the issues related to rural isolation.

◈ Farmers get a deep sense of satisfaction by helping others.

◈ A high amount of respect and value is attributed to the knowledge and skills of farmers.

◈ It helps farmers get new sources of income.

◈ It also helps them to have a reinforced relation with society and their end customers directly.

◈ The experience of care-giving is a gratifying one, not only physically, but also emotionally.

    Benefits for Farming Businesses

◈ It helps in increasing the number of services offered by the farm.

◈ Care farming helps the farming community to achieve social, economical, and environmental sustainability.

◈ It helps in establishing and developing the viability of farms.

◈ It helps in supporting and enhancing the farming business.

◈ Farming activities help cater to the social and medical needs of various individuals.

◈ It acts as a catalyst to encourage development of farming communities.

◈ It has helped in drawing crowds to farms, which have lost their importance due to urbanization.

Benefits for Farming Businesses

◈ It helps in increasing the number of services offered by the farm.

◈ Care farming helps the farming community to achieve social, economical, and environmental sustainability.

◈ It helps in establishing and developing the viability of farms.

◈ It helps in supporting and enhancing the farming business.

◈ Farming activities help cater to the social and medical needs of various individuals.

◈ It acts as a catalyst to encourage development of farming communities.

◈ It has helped in drawing crowds to farms, which have lost their importance due to urbanization.

Care farming is very popular in the United Kingdom. Many people learn to shoulder their responsibilities in a better way after undergoing one of these programs. They also feel the need to give back to nature and contribute to their community. Working on the farm helps individuals speed up their recovery and spend their time productively. This farm-based therapeutic intervention helps them harvest the benefits of rural farm life and also provides them an emotionally cathartic experience.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/benefits-of-care-farming.html

Why Crying is Good for Your Health

Why Crying is Good for Your Health
The act of crying has got so much bad press, that it may be difficult to perceive the positive aspects of crying. The following Buzzle article throws some light on the benefits of crying.
Why crying is good for health

Crying Clubs
Japan is one of the few countries to promote crying clubs, wherein movies and television serials that make the audience cry are shown. Quite a few people visit these clubs in the evening to relieve work-related stress.

Who says crying is detrimental to health? So much has been said about the positive impact of laughing, that people tend to associate social stigma with crying. The sad face while crying may be an eyesore, but one cannot make any judgment simply on the basis of what appears outwardly.

Crying too can be good for health, as found out in a few studies. Although the benefits of crying do not outnumber those linked with laughing, they certainly cannot be ignored. So, if you feel like crying after an unhappy event, let those tears of sorrow flow unrestricted. Stopping these tears can actually be self-harming. The act of crying allows suppressed emotions and tensions to escape. This may actually help to relieve stress, bust depression, and uplift mood.

Health Benefits of Crying

Stress Buster

Crying can be helpful to release emotional stress that is considered to a major trigger in the development of heart problems, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. In a 15-year study on human tears, conducted at the University of Minnesota under the guidance of Dr William Frey, it was observed that crying helps in flushing chemicals/hormones that form under stress. Some of the major stress hormones are eliminated out of the body via tears. Researchers, however, pointed out that tears released while cutting onions are not effective to reduce stress. The study found out that tears resulting from grief, sadness, or after feeling hurt are found to be high in protein-based hormones and adrenocorticotropic hormones. All these hormones are usually secreted as a response to stress. This is the reason people inflicted with sorrow and emotional pain tend to feel better after crying. Also, while crying, we tend to take deep breaths, which also contributes in alleviating stress.

Improves Mood

Apart from relieving stress, crying may also help to improve mood. A study reported in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 2008 observed the effects as well as the reasons behind crying. Happy tears after a commendable achievement were providing the maximum amount of improvement in mood. Elevation in mood was also observed when there was someone to console while crying. Crying over personal loss, be it a valuable thing or someone dear, may allow you to cope up with the situation and you may feel better afterwards.

Another theory suggested by scientists links low magnesium levels associated with crying, to elevated mood. It is observed that too much manganese in the body can cause an adverse impact on mood, that manifests in the form of nervousness and emotional disturbances. However, as tears contain substantial amounts of manganese, the act of crying can lead to a drop in magnesium levels, which may have a positive impact on mood.

Releases Feeling

It is often said that negative feelings, if allowed to accumulate, cause mental disorders such as depression. Crying helps to vent out these deep-seated emotions, making you feel better. Not letting go off these buried emotions can also trigger a wide range of chronic illnesses including diabetes and arthritis. So, releasing this emotional buildup via crying is very important for overall well-being.

Releases Endorphins

Apart from exercise and laughter, even the act of crying releases endorphins - chemicals that give an euphoric high. Endorphins also display analgesic properties, meaning they prevent pain signals from reaching the brain. This indicates that endorphins associated with crying may also help to alleviate physical pain. So, if your feel like crying after a traumatic experience, don't hesitate.

Acts as an Eye Wash

Studies on human tears have revealed that they contain lysozyme, an enzyme that is well-known for its antibacterial properties. The enzyme destroys the bacterial cell wall, essential for their survival. This antimicrobial property of human tears helps stop the bacteria from causing eye infections. Also, reflex tears that are released after exposure to smoke, dust, and onions actually help protect the eyes from harm, and prevent injuries from these irritants. These tears, that we don't like to see, actually keep the eyes safe from the environment.

Removes Toxins

Emotional tears that arise from sadness are full of toxic chemicals, as found out in one study. The chemical buildup that accumulates when facing high stress levels is released through tears.

Lowers Blood Pressure

It is observed that blood pressure reduces following a crying session. The release of trapped emotions after crying makes us feel better, which contributes in lowering blood pressure and heart rate. Besides lowering blood pressure, crying bouts also help in reducing pulse rate.

Although crying does have benefits, you don't have to reduce yourself to tears every now and then. Only when you find that you are no longer able to carry the burden of emotional pain, especially from traumatic episodes, go ahead and have a good cry.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/why-crying-is-good-for-your-health.html

How Does Traffic Affect Our Health

Traffic affects our mental as well as physical health in many ways. Some of the most common effects of traffic on our health are frustration, stress, headache, and cough. Apart from these, there are other ill effects of traffic, which are elaborated in this Buzzle article.

How traffic affects our health

On-road vehicles are responsible for 44% of all carbon dioxide emissions in the US, one-third of all nitrogen oxide emissions and one-quarter of all volatile organic compound emissions.
- Center for Transportation Excellence

Everyone encounters traffic, either vehicular or denizen traffic. The feeling of being stuck in a place full of vehicles or people gets overwhelming for many individuals, and is the main cause of stress-related disorders cropping up in today's time.

At the 49th Annual Conference on Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, the American Heart Association stated, "People who have had a heart attack are likely to report having been in traffic shortly before their symptoms began." This statement was from a German study, that determined that exposure to traffic was a key contributor to heart attacks.

When talking about traffic woes, we also need to take into consideration the pollution that we are exposed to. Breathing in toxic emissions from bikes, cars, trucks, and buses harm our lungs making us targets to various respiratory-related diseases. Given below is an in-depth exposition on how traffic affects our health and what we can do to retard some of these effects to live a longer and healthier life.

Health Effects of Traffic

Aches and Pains
Imagine yourself being tied down in one place, with your arms holding a wheel in front of you, but no scope for movement, with horns blaring in the background and poisonous smoke being sent your way, well, that is your situation when you are driving in traffic.

• Due to your confinement, you tend to neglect your posture, and end up slouching in the car seat. While driving in a slouched position, pressure comes on your back and neck. The neck muscles are interrelated to your back and shoulders. Back pain is often due to poor posture which can have a negative effect on your health.
• In the long run, this is not good as it makes a difference on your appearance, and also makes you prone to ailments like spondylitis, frozen shoulder, etc.
• Your bad posture also puts stress on the joints of your elbows and knees, causing pain and fatigue to these areas of your body.
• You might be wondering how driving in traffic puts stress on your joints? When you are driving in traffic, you are constantly shifting between the accelerator and brake (in automatic transmission cars), and clutch, brake, and accelerator (in manual transmission cars). This constant shifting puts pressure and stress on your knees, causing knee-related problems and aches.
• The same goes for the elbows, if the car seat is not at a comfortable distance from the steering wheel, your elbows are constantly straight, or locked. This position is very bad for the ball-and-socket joints of the elbow.

What can you do: You can counteract these ill effects and posture problems, by sitting upright and having a support for your lower back and neck. Adjust the position of your seat in such a way that you can drive at ease without any discomfort. The backrest of the seat should be straight up, and not pulled down too much. These methods take off a lot of stress and help you drive the right way.

Risk of Heart Disease
Prolonged exposure to traffic pollution, is dangerous to your heart, and is associated with an increased risk of heart diseases.

• According to a study presented at the EuroPRevent 2013 congress in Rome, people who are exposed to fine particle matter (PM) air pollution derived from traffic pollution, for a prolonged period of time, are at an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis.
• Dr Hagen Kälsch, from West-German Heart Center in Essen, Germany explained that this study was conducted to establish whether the risk of heart diseases is associated with traffic noise or pollution, or both. He confirmed that long-term exposure to fine particulate matter air pollution and traffic noise are both linked with the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
• The heart is a delicate organ and needs to be treated with care. Pollution, fluctuating stress levels, loud noises, inhalation of harmful gases, etc. are reasons why the condition of the heart may weaken and deteriorate with time. These factors are significantly associated with the risk of heart attack.
• Dealing with inconsistent and rash drivers increases your stress levels, as you constantly get irate with the way they ride or drive, or jittery when they cut and zoom past you when you are driving peacefully. This can take a toll on your cardiovascular health.

What can you do: Regular exercise in fresh air, relaxing by getting massages, eating the right food, etc. can help your heart recover from the stress that it has gone through due to the chaotic traffic conditions. Deep breathing and meditation also help in reducing stress levels.

Respiratory Problems
Exposure to heavy traffic implies exposure to poisonous gases that are emitted by vehicles. It is believed that the transportation sector in the US, is responsible for a quarter of the greenhouse gas emissions.

• Our lungs are like sponges, soaking in everything that is inhaled by our respiratory system. The smoke coming out of the tailpipes of cars, bikes, and buses have hydrocarbons, particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, benzene, acetaldehyde, butadiene, and carbon dioxide, which present a serious threat to human health.
• Prolonged exposure to vehicular traffic emissions can cause various respiratory diseases like, bronchitis, whooping cough, asthma, etc.
• Another lung-related ailment, that can be blamed on long-term exposure to the hazardous pollutants emitted from vehicles in traffic, is cancer. Emissions from diesel vehicles are said to increase the risk of lung cancer.

What can you do: There are ways to avoid breathing in polluted air. If you can, avoid driving in parts of your town with heavy traffic congestion. However, if you find yourself driving through such areas, roll up your car windows to minimize exposure to harmful toxins. If you plan to go out for a stroll or run, do it in a place where you get loads of fresh air. Eat food that are rich in antioxidants, and exercise regularly so that your immune system is strong enough to fight off potential threats to your health.

Other Problems
Traveling from one place to another is inevitable. Given below are some other potential health risks associated with long-term exposure to traffic pollution.

• The impact of traffic jams on the brain may be a causative factor in DNA and gene alteration.
• Being exposed to harmful pollutants, leads to vitiated brain capacity and risk of brain damage.
• Brain lesions, low IQ, lack of retention and concentration, epilepsy, migraines, blurry vision, etc. are the negative effects of pollutants on our central nervous system.
• Long-term exposure to neurotoxins which are present in the smoke emitted from vehicles, causes degeneration, and in some extreme cases, irreparable damage to the central nervous system.
• Fatigue, anxiety, and irritability, are also faced by thousands of commuters.
• Exposure to high volume traffic, brings about mental and physical exhaustion.
• Dealing with strangers on an everyday basis, especially in traffic, makes you lose your patience and cool. You actually feel like getting out of your car and giving everyone around you a piece of your mind.
• You get irritated easily, you are snappy, and sometimes even get anxiety attacks.
• Many a time you feel agitated and anxious while traveling. This may be because you worry that the traffic will make you late, which increases your stress levels.

What can you do: Cover your mouth and nose with a scarf so that you do not breathe in the harmful smoke directly. Keep your cool while driving, by listening to music that you enjoy. Get a car freshener that soothes your mood (pleasant fragrances have the power to change moods drastically, from bad to good!). Turn your car into a comfort zone and remind yourself that getting agitated over other people is never going to help you, it will just make things worse.

Travel and traffic are two things that are absolutely unavoidable, that is why we should try to be as comfortable as possible, to be stress-free and illness-free!

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by a medical professional.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/how-does-traffic-affect-our-health.html

What Do Your Nails Reveal About Your Health?

An abnormality in the nails is often the first sign of a serious problem like nutritional deficiency, hormonal imbalance, or even melanoma. This Buzzle article takes a look at the minor and major health issues that your nails can reveal.
Signs of ill health that fingernails give away

Did You Know...
....the nails on each of your fingers grow at a different rate, with those on the longest finger growing the fastest.

Your nails are basically dead proteins, and made of keratin - the same substance that makes up the horns, hooves, and claws of animals. But human nails are different -they are just a translucent cover over a bed of soft tissue full of tiny capillaries and nerves, and therefore, reflect any physiological changes.

Even a quick look at the color of your nails can reveal a lot to a medical practitioner. But, color is not the only indicator; white spots, grooves, and the lunula (tiny white semicircle at the base of the nails), can all say a lot about your well-being. The nails don't just expose the physical problems though, they can also uncover the mental state of the person - like stress or OCD.

Although useful for a quick diagnosis, determining an illness or disorder should be left to a physician, who is also likely to take the help of several other diagnostic tests to accurately determine the state of your health. Nevertheless, a change in the color or texture of the nails can be indicative of several health problems, such as -

Nutritional Deficiencies

If you visit a physician complaining of fatigue or tiredness, he/she might first observe your hands, or fingernails to be precise. The reason for this is that, small changes in the appearance of the nails can be due to a number of nutritional deficiencies, such as -

➤ Koilonychia - or spoon-shaped nails can be caused due to iron deficiency anemia or deficiency of vitamin B12. They can also make your nails whiter or paler as compared to their usual color.

➤ Small white spots or lines on the nails can indicate a diet lacking in zinc.

Fungal Infection

Fungal infections like candida yeast or athlete's foot can make the nails discolored, turning them yellow, green, white, or even black. The infected nail or nails will also thicken and look very unsightly. They will start cracking, peeling, and the entire nail might even fall off.

Frequent infections can also be indicative of a compromised immune system or other diseases, for example diabetes.

Psoriasis

Damaged, ugly-looking nails can also be due to psoriasis, which causes the skin to erupt in red, scaly rashes. Nail psoriasis can give a yellowish-brown color to the nails, or even separation of the nail from the nail bed, called onycholysis. Another sign of psoriasis is pitting of the nails, in which small, pin-shaped holes or pits appear on the nails.

Liver Diseases
Terry nails, a condition of the nails characterized by the presence of a dark band at the end of the nails, is a strong indicator of liver diseases like liver cirrhosis, although, they can also appear due to aging, heart, or kidney related conditions.

Thyroid Problems

The appearance of small, beaded, vertical bands on the nails can indicate thyroid problems. Brittle nails and vertical ridges are very common in people with hypothyroidism, along with dry skin, poor memory, and weight gain.

Melanoma

A vertical band of blacking or brownish coloration on the nails could be the first sign of melanoma or skin cancer. Although, this can also occur due to an injury or heart condition, it is best to get it checked by a physician

Circulatory Problems

A bluish color of the nails could be a sign of poor circulation due to a lung condition. Deprivation of oxygen can also lead to clubbing of the hands - in which the finger pads thicken and the nails curve down around them. It can result from several heart or lung diseases, like lung cancer, tuberculosis, or cystic fibrosis. Certain heart conditions can also turn the nail bed red in color.

Nails, thus, can offer clues regarding some minor as well as serious diseases a person may be suffering from. But, a number of conditions can alter the nails in a similar manner, and therefore, they should be used for diagnosis, keeping in mind other symptoms and diagnostic tests too.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be replaced for the advice of a medical professional.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/what-do-your-nails-reveal-about-your-health.html

Reasons Why Keeping a Pet Can Promote Good Health

Only pet keepers know what a blessing pets can be. Pets are a source of endless joy and companionship, and at times, even amused exasperation. However, little do these people know that there are several, tiny changes happening in their life, all of which are being influenced by the presence of a furry/feathered/scaly mate. Wish to know more? We have more information for you...

 

"Such short little lives our pets have to spend with us, and they spend most of it waiting for us to come home each day.
It is amazing how much love and laughter they bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them."

- John Grogan, Marley & Me: Life and Love With the World's Worst Dog

True-blue animal lovers firmly believe that pets are God's way of apologizing for the relatives they've got. This may seem a tad extreme to those who've never nurtured a pet, but trust me when I say from experience that there is a lot of truth to that statement. For pet keepers, every grueling day spent outside in the super-crazy world culminates into a happy evening shared with the one and only creature that feels genuinely happy to have them home. All thanks to that godsend idea of domestication, which made it possible for us to share our lives with these angelic creatures.

Why angelic, you ask? Because the way their presence changes our lives is nothing short of a miracle, and what's more, our pets bring about these positive changes, without even being asked for. Now, honestly tell me if you know any human who becomes our true companion without even being asked for?

Reasons Why Keeping a Pet Makes Great Sense

You'll never be stressed
Chilled out Dog
Some may think that I'm abusing the concept of exaggeration when I say that having a pet shift+deletes the stress out of your life. Yes, the stress doesn't even stay in your brain's recycle bin, and is pushed out for good.

Now, scientists have been spending mega bucks on understanding the logic behind how pets lower our stress levels. I guess they've never had their face slobbered with their dog's wet nose. I doubt if they've come home to a parakeet happily screeching a welcome song. You see, happiness is pretty contagious, and our pets are so full of it, that they can't resist passing it over to us. Is it any wonder then, that pet-assisted therapy is gaining steady momentum all over the world? Studies have shown that pet therapy has helped bring happiness to autistic children, along with those suffering from ADHD. The senior populace has also benefited from pet-assisted therapy.

So, whatever your troubles may be, petting your cat or dog, or even looking at your fish calmly swimming about lowers anxiety and lends you a sense of serenity.

You'll have a healthy heart
Puppy holding toy heart
It is true that keeping a pet involves making certain lifestyle changes. For instance, you begin to avoid late working hours as you've got to rush home to walk the dog. You start going to bed early in anticipation of waking up at 6 am to answer the persistent howling of a hungry cat or a screaming lorikeet.

Slowly (and possibly against your will), you heave yourself onto a healthier lifestyle that is far more disciplined. Now, provided you supplement this with healthy eating, your metabolism gets that much required boost. The result? Your cholesterol and triglyceride levels may lower, which in turn, may also lower the risk of cardiac diseases. Didn't I just tell you how these sneaky pets manipulate you into staying healthy?

No more fluctuations in blood pressure
Fishbowl
Our anger, anxieties, mood swings, and pressures, along with all the unhealthy mess that we eat, create a combination so wonderfully lethal, that our blood pressure levels, quite literally, begin to fluctuate at will. Since we believe these things to be beyond our control, any advise that involves meditation, dieting, or exercising is scoffed at, and we choose instead, to fall victim to the malady.

Pets, being pets, come into our lives with utmost concern for our well-being. And you know what? Their mere presence brings about a change in attitude among humans. We pet them, snuggle up to them, even voice our troubles to them, and in return they pass on their calm demeanor and joie de vivre to us, helping us bid farewell to blood pressure troubles.

You will learn to b-r-e-a-t-h-e
True friends
Anti-pet people always think that pets trigger allergic reactions, and in many cases, they do. On further examination, however, it has been observed that the presence of a pet around a newborn can actually boost the level of immunity in the child by virtue of early exposure to various allergens. Of course, the genetic makeup and other external conditions play a major role in the occurrence of illnesses, but the increased exposure to dust and allergens during infancy has its benefits.

Animals don't need a college education or a Nat Geo Channel to tell them that the perfect way to live is to live harmoniously, in sync with nature. Humans, on the other hand, need all of that, plus a few more "studies" to place their faith in this simple rule of nature.

You end up depressing depression
Dog holding rose
Have you ever wondered how the origin of every bout of sadness that we undergo, can be directly traced to a human action? We get depressed when things don't go our way, or find ourselves in a bad situation in life or at work, sinking deeper into a chasm created by loneliness.

If you happen to keep a pet, notice how cathartic your pet's presence can be in such seemingly hopeless situations. Simple activities like walking your pet, grooming him, or just having him around lowers the level of cortisol hormone, known to be associated with stress. These actions also trigger the production of the "feel-good" chemical, serotonin, which may not obliterate our problems, but it at least manages to soften the blows.

You begin to MOVE
Standing dog
Who makes you climb the farthest branch of the tallest tree on a "rescue mission"? Who makes droopy-cute eyes that coax you to go outdoors and play fetch for hours on end? Who makes you clean a tank full of not-so-dirty water, scrub it, disinfect it, and refill it every few days?

It is well-known that dogs make us exercise - they make us run, jump, walk, and indulge in various activities that basically reverse our sedentary lifestyle. One may think of cats as aloof and unfriendly, but cat keepers know that they are no less, and certainly enjoy burning a few calories (no, Garfield is not the universal epitome of all cats).

These cute little beasts have the power to tug at our heartstrings with one look, and we're up on our feet in a minute. What then is a workout, seems like a cakewalk, and ends up disturbing the substantial chunk of fat that we lovingly treasure inside our bodies.

Should we bow to them in reverence by now? I most certainly have.

You may live longer and happier
Lorikeets
Now, with all the exercising, early starts, deep breathing, and a healthy heart, it's going to be really tough to die early, unless you try to act suicidal. Even that is a distant possibility, given the fact that you're sharing your life with this amazing companion who -

• does not judge you
• does not care if you're rich/poor/handsome/ugly
• is always happy to see you
• will never leave your side (unless you're really, really mean)

So you see, our pets not only contribute to stretching our lifespan, they also enrich the quality of our life with their presence.

Comedy Central Live!
A pet keeper, and only a pet keeper can identify with this point, and it is impossible for someone like yours truly (who humbly aspires to be a writer someday) to describe it in words. Regular followers of shows like America's Funniest Home Videos may have an inkling of what I'm trying to say, but for the rest, here's a small pictorial representation.

Cat playing with yarnDog hiding in gramophoneCat in a chestLazy dogs

Now imagine these antics being played out throughout the day, for as long as you are together. Mind you, I haven't even included pets other than dogs and cats here. In fact, hamsters, pigs, even iguanas are notoriously comic creatures to have around.

You see, if left on our own, the only laughter we manage is when we smirk at our pitiful existence during introspection (that is, if we do it). Most mortals also search the Internet for Grumpy cat memes or some such things to get their daily dose of laughter. Having a furry or feathered mate ensures hilarity without an Internet connection, virtually free of cost. Beat that...

You'll have a perfectly synchronized body clock
If you happen to have a pet cat or a dog, you're more or less certain to have a body clock that may rival that of a Maasai warrior. Sleeping "late" on a weekend means that you still rise up at 7 am, completely refreshed with say, an extra hour of snooze time. Those without pets have no clue what I'm talking about, as they've never had a dog or a cat giving them these kinds of "feed-me-right-now" looks (as pictured below) which make the most hardened pet keeper jump out of bed.
Staring catStaring dog

Even those who keep relatively docile pets like frogs, rabbits, iguanas or hamsters, tend to be so attached to them, that the very idea of missing out on the pet's meal times gives them the shivers. The point of the matter is that once you have a pet, it remains constantly on your mind. This attitude synchronizes our body clock with that of our pet, and soon enough, turns us into the early to bed, early to rise kind of people.

Unconditional Love
The vagaries of life usually hassle our best-laid plans in a flash. We covet certain jobs, only to be left drained and disillusioned by them, and begin to hunt for new ones. Friends help us socialize, make life's burdens a little lighter, but at times, our paths may fork. There is nothing in our life that we can be certain of, or rely on.
Man holding catWoman holding puppy

That was an exaggeration, of course. You see, when your heart is paved with paw prints or feathers or even scales, you find yourself in the quiet, steely, and devoted companionship of your one true friend. Someone who doesn't care who you are, but gives you his heart, with no questions asked, as long as you've given him yours. Simple terms? It's that precious thing called unconditional love, that a pet, and only a pet can provide. It may not seem like a lot to those who've never experienced it, but to those who've had, know that their life can never be the same again.

Animal lovers don't really need any reasons telling them why keeping a pet promotes good health. Here's a little something for those who don't keep pets - we'll always have a job that feeds us. We'll always have medicines that cure everything that ails us. We'll always have family and friends, willing to support us. But an inner corner of your heart will always remain untouched until you have a pet to warm it up.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/reasons-why-keeping-a-pet-can-promote-good-health.html

How to Get More Energy

For people feeling lethargic and exhausted all day, some tips on getting more energy can be a major help to them. These changes simply involve the realization that lifestyle habits influence an individual's energy levels.If you are feeling tired and spent for many hours during the course of a day, trying out some ways to get more energy may help you overcome this. It may seem like no matter what you do that feeling of exhaustion and tiredness just won't go away. This is due to an inherent lack of energy in your system. There are certain ways to fix this problem, and almost all these ways require a drastic change in your lifestyle and your habits.

The body is a natural source of producing energy, and unhealthy habits can seriously undermine the body's ability to keep producing energy at the highest level. Over a period of time you must have realized that the basics of gaining energy simply lie in improving your diet, controlling the harmful materials entering your body and getting enough rest. Some people are burdened with a feeling of lethargy and apathy right from the time they wake up in the morning. Try out these methods in the morning to deal with this particular scenario.

How to Get More Energy Naturally
There are a lot of natural ways to get more energy level in the body. It would be unwise to rely on external agents and dietary supplements to fulfill this purpose, as there are many side effects and disadvantages of doing so. It is more recommendable to fix the problem with these natural solutions instead.

Sleep
It is said that everyone should get about 8 hours of sleep every night to feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Not getting enough sleep is a major cause of low energy levels, and this is something that can be enforced easily, with a little bit of time management. Getting about a half hour of sleep in the afternoon as well, will also work wonders. Keep in mind that you must not oversleep though, as this adds to the feeling of laziness and lethargy. The best way to get more energy is to simply sleep enough.

Diet
The food you eat also plays a major part in your energy levels. Visit a dietitian and get some advice on what kind of foods you should consume on a daily basis. Some food items are high in their energy quotient, and these are the items you should be consuming. This is especially relevant when you need the extra energy while pregnant, as there are 2 bodies to be fed instead of one, in the case of a pregnant woman.

Water
Anyone. who has experienced dehydration in their lives, will tell you that it is a very energy sapping experience. Lack of water can really make you weak and fragile, and drastically reduce your energy levels. To get more energy, during the day, drink plenty of water. Drinking around 6-8 glasses a day is highly recommended, and if you are exposed to the sun more often, you must drink some more.

Timed Meals
Apart from the simple fact of eating healthy and nutritious food, you must also learn to eat the meal at the right time. Meals that are scattered throughout the course of a day can only deplete energy levels, and in order to correct this scenario you should eat 3-4 small meals at regular intervals. This keeps your body's system moving at all times, and ensures that there is always a constant supply of energy in the body.

Recreation
Many people often wonder how to regain energy after work. This is the time of day that really leaves one feeling extremely tired and exhausted, and it is advisable to perform some recreational activity after work to combat this feeling. Join a gym, or play a sport, or start a hobby or perform any other task that you like doing and that can recharge your batteries. Remember not to overwork yourself though, as this will end up in having an opposite effect.

Increasing energy is not a difficult task, once you have embraced the lifestyle changes that accompany it. It involves a lot of positive thinking and optimism as well. If you are constantly unhappy about your job, your love life or something else, it will obviously pull you down and lower your energy levels as well. You need to rethink your life and then make a conscious decision of change. Soon, you will see that all these methods are simply intertwined and as soon as you start doing one, the others follow suit.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/how-to-get-more-energy.html

Proper Hand Washing Techniques

The best way to prevent biological contamination is by adopting proper hand washing techniques. Although, the hands cannot be kept germ-free all the time, frequent washing will prevent transmission of various viruses and bacteria.
'Hand washing is considered the single most important means of preventing the spread of infection' - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Most of the diseases are caused by germs carried on the hands. 99% of the spread of germs traveling through droplets can be prevented by proper hand washing. People using public restrooms are susceptible to being infected by germs left behind by people who fail to practice good hand hygiene. Moreover, germs can also be picked up while handling library material, common keyboards, etc. Every individual needs to wash his or her hands properly, to reduce disease transmission. Hand washing techniques involve washing of the hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Washing With Soap and Water

☞ Turn on the tap and allow running water to wet the hands and wrists. While using a public restroom, one should consider that the faucets are contaminated, thus one should turn on the tap by using a paper towel.
☞ Use a soap bar or liquid soap and apply soap to the hands. Soaps are excellent cleansing agents and work well to remove the dirt. The soap should be worked into a lather.
☞ For at least 15-20 seconds rub the hands vigorously together. It is this friction, along with soap and water, that helps wash off the pathogens.
☞ Scrub the hands thoroughly, including the back of the hands, between the fingers, around the cuticles and under the fingernails and wrists.
☞ Under running water, rinse the hands well. The running water carries away the debris and dirt from the hands. While rinsing point the fingers downwards, thereby allowing the water to drip downwards instead of moving towards the elbows and contaminating it.
☞ With a clean towel or disposable paper towel, dry the hands. If using a public restroom, a paper towel should be used to turn the faucet off.
☞ Soap can become a breeding ground for microorganisms, thus one must thoroughly clean soap dispensers before refilling them with fresh liquid soap.

Washing With Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer

When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers prove to be an excellent alternative. In fact, these hand sanitizers are more effective in killing viruses and bacteria as compared to soap and water, which only wash them off. Hand sanitizers can help prevent skin dryness, but some of them may lack alcohol content and are therefore not recommended. Only the alcohol-based ones should be used. Washing the hands with a sanitizer simply requires the application of about half a teaspoon of hand sanitizer on the hand and rubbing the hands together till the hands are dry. The hand sanitizer should cover all the surfaces of the hands. For visibly dirty and soiled hands, soap and water is needed.

Dos and Don'ts of Hand Washing
✗ Never touch the sink, while washing your hands, because the sink is contaminated with microorganisms.
✗ Never touch the restroom knob or handle after washing your hands. You will contaminate them again. Use a paper towel to open the door.
✓ Always remove rings and bracelets before washing your hands.
✓ Always use disposable paper towels in public restrooms. Towels house microorganisms and will only pass germs. Even at home, avoid drying your hands on the kitchen towel.
✗ Never let soapy water run down your wrists during hand washing, because it takes germs along with it and smears them on your forearms. Point your hands downwards while washing them.

When Must I Wash My Hands?

• After using the restroom
• After coming from school, playground, workplace, etc.
• Before eating
• After handling garbage
• After touching animals and their waste
• After coughing, sneezing or blowing the nose
• Before, during and after preparing food
• Before and after treating wounds and cuts
• Before and after meeting an injured or sick person
• Before touching a baby
• After changing a diaper
• Before removing or inserting contact lenses
• After handling money
• After driving
• Whenever hands are visibly dirty

The combination of rubbing the hands thoroughly with regular soap and water and rinsing them prevents the transmission of bacteria and viruses. Using pre-moistened towelettes for cleaning the hands cannot be termed as proper hand washing. They cannot be used as substitutes for soap and water. Thus, be wise and wash your hands thoroughly to maintain proper hygiene.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/proper-hand-washing-techniques.html

Cold Shower Vs. Hot Showe

The following article will take you through the topic of cold shower vs hot shower by giving you the properties of both and what each of them offers. Continue reading for more details. On a hot summer day all you want to do is have a cold, cold shower and when the winter makes way, the prospect of taking a steaming hot shower is definitely quite appealing. Now while most of us follow this phenomenon of switching over to different temperatures of water according to how the weather is or how one is feeling, it is said that a cold shower is a much healthier choice to make. Is that true? And if so, how and why? To understand this factor in totality and to reach a consensus of the same, there needs to be a proper analysis done of the cold shower vs hot shower factor. Only then will one be able to deduce whether the benefits that are lent by a cold shower are more than a hot shower.

Hot Shower - Advantages
There are many advantages to taking a hot shower, and I mean other than the fact that having streams and jets of hot water traveling down your body makes you feel so, so good. Here are the main advantages that a hot shower has to offer.

Chest Congestion and Respiratory Problems
A hot shower will help to clear out nasal blocks, chest congestion and other respiratory problems. The hot steam, especially if mixed with eucalyptus or any other essential oil, has the capacity to soften the mucus and help get it out.

Sore Muscles
A hot shower helps to relieve sore muscles instantly. It acts as a hot pack over the painful areas and helps to relieve the tension and knots. It also helps to increase the circulation in the body and thereby makes you more healthy.

Sleep Inducing
A hot shower will help to ebb away the stress and tension and calm your frazzled nerves. It brings the heart rate to a slow pace and therefore leads to calm and peace. That is the reason why that hot showers are known to induce sleep.

Skin Care
Hot showers help to open out the pores of the skin and therefore help in softening the skin and leading to healthy skin. It is usually recommended that one takes a hot shower to open the pores of the body such that moisturizing becomes more effective. This also lends to deep cleansing because the clogged pores are open.

Increases Libido
Hot water over the body can have a very sensuous effect on a person. It has been seen that an aromatic hot shower can increase the libido of a person tremendously.

Hot Shower - Disadvantages

While there are some advantages that a hot shower offers, there are also some disadvantages. Here are some of them:

Affects Cardiovascular System
For people suffering from any cardiovascular diseases, a hot shower can prove to be very detrimental. It has been found that a hot shower can lead to hypertension, arrhythmia and other problems.

Depresses Physiological Systems
It has been studied that a hot shower can increase the heat in the body (and therefore the acidity level) and bring the varied physiological systems of the body down. Therefore there is a compromise in the health.

Effects on Skin and Hair
A hot shower will open out the pores and if they aren't closed, they can attract dirt and dust to enter the body and cause acne. Along with that, having a hot shower can lead to making the hair very brittle and weak. Thus the hair can break very easily.

Cold Shower - Advantages

Ayurveda, the ancient science of India, strongly urges the usage of cold showers in place of hot showers. Over the years, the benefits of cold showers have been duly found and studied. Here are some of the benefits of the same.

Improves Circulation
Cold water improves circulation in the body by taking the blood to your organs. And in that way it is different from a hot shower, because a hot shower will rush the blood merely to the skin. A good circulation helps to combat several problems of the skin and heart and allows for overall health. A cold shower will bring the temperature of the body down and therefore help combat the heat.

Heart Health
Since there is improved circulation, the blood is reached throughout the body and the arteries pump out the blood better thus increasing heart health. This helps to keep the heart health in a great condition. It lowers the blood pressure, clears blocked arteries and helps to stabilize the circulatory system as well. As a result it improves the immune system in the body.

Skin and Hair
Cold water allows to close the pores on the skin and scalp and thereby prevents the dirt from getting in and leads to effective skin care. It increases the capacity of the hair follicles to grip the scalp and thereby makes the hair stronger, cleaner and shinier and leads to healthy hair. It also soothes sunburned and inflamed skin, thereby providing relief.

Cleanses the Body
Not only does a cold shower lead to cleansing the external body of dirt and grime, but it also cleanses the internal organs. This it does by contracting all the muscles, which then leads to the elimination of all the toxins and wastes.

Cold Shower - Disadvantages

There aren't many negative effects of cold showers. The only instance when cold showers are not recommended is when a woman is menstruating. This is because, her system is already weakened and under duress. At such a time, the organs and muscles need to be relaxed.

Even though it might not be possible to switch over to a cold shower completely, it has been seen that alternating between a cold and hot shower over finishing the bath with a cold shower also helps remarkably to provide all the benefits that have been mentioned above. Here's to great health and wellness then.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/cold-shower-vs-hot-shower.html

Your Health on the Internet

The Internet is the hypochondriac's dream. Ten minutes and a headache can convince you that you're dying - but you're not. There's a ton of good information out there, but you have to use it judiciously - and leave the actual diagnosing to an actual doctor.The Internet is the world's greatest way of disseminating information. That said, a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. In this case specifically, the wealth of medical information available on the internet has spawned "cyberchondria" - the tendency to look up your headache and diagnose yourself with a brain tumor. Or to post a vague health complaint on a forum and find yourself inundated with dozens of different "diagnoses" from not-doctors.

Yes, it's wonderful that there are reliable medical resources on the web. But it is not wonderful to diagnose yourself via these resources, then argue with your doctor's diagnosis, which was made via examination, testing, and, you know, actual medical knowledge.

Don't be a cyberchondriac. Here's how:

Seek Information, Not a Diagnosis

If you are having weird health issues, go ahead and look them up on authentic websites. You can turn toward sites like MayoClinic, WebMD, MedlinePlus and the National Institutes of Health.

Do not go into this expecting to find the final answer to your issue - at best, it may help clarify what's going on and connect your current symptoms to other things you may not have thought of. This can facilitate a better conversation with a doctor in real life.

When you land on a page about your symptoms, read the "Causes" critically. Don't ignore possible causes like caffeine, insufficient sleep and acidic foods and immediately jump on TUMOR! OMG!! Because it's probably not. The reason these reputable sites are reputable is because they are thorough - they list all the possible causes. Now if only they would list the actual probability of each cause...

Don't Argue With Your Doctor

Once you've done your research, go see your doctor. You could always skip the research part and just make the appointment, but the fact that you're reading this speaks to the fact that you won't. So print off your checklists and whatever page has convinced you that you have multiple organ failure because this blister won't go away. Show them to your doctor, describe your symptoms, and submit to the testing.

When the results come back and show that you just need better shoes, take the doctor's word for it. She has many years of training and experience behind her, she is backed up by modern technology, and that combination doesn't miss things that are going to kill you today. If you still have nagging doubts, seek a second opinion. From a doctor, not a forum.

Don't Attempt to Treat Yourself

This one has a caveat - if your symptoms are minor, like the flu or seasonal allergies, feel free to look up some remedies. Drugs.com is a reputable resource that includes all warnings, contraindications and possible interactions. But if you have symptoms that have not yet been diagnosed, don't do the guesswork yourself. See the doctor.

The availability of prescription drugs from online pharmacies and the popularity of "all natural" remedies is tempting - just cut out the middleman and get right to the treatment! Except 'no', don't. Because everything you put inside you interacts with everything else. Sometimes well, sometimes badly, most of the time neutrally. But that's why it takes a doctor to decide what treatment is best for you - it's not a guessing game. You want the most effective, least harmful treatment, and the chances that the one you arbitrarily pick from a list will be the correct one are slim.

Be Your Own Advocate, Not Your Own Doctor

Once your doctor has given you an official diagnosis, you may return to the Internet. Look it up, see what it's all about. If it's a chronic condition, there's probably a foundation with an entire website that can offer coping and lifestyle tips. You might find some alternative treatments and dietary modifications to discuss with your doctor. You might find the stories of other people who have been through it so you know what to expect.

This situation is what the reputable medical information on the Internet is for. It's for finding out more about your condition, not guessing which condition you have. Knowledge is power - use it for good.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/your-health-on-the-internet.html

Smelly Feet Cure

Has the lack of a smelly feet cure left you with foot odor that reminds you of the smell of thick slab of cheese? Despair not because you can try these simple steps to treat and prevent smelly feet.Smelly feet is a problem that plagues a large number of people, and can cause a lot of embarrassment. It causes many to dread the moment, in which they may have to kick off their shoes in company, as well as cause families to take desperate measures like banning certain pairs of shoes from the house. However, smelly feet in children and adults who have to wear closed shoes for several hours at a stretch is very common. Thus, if you are looking for a smelly feet cure, the good news is that there are several simple ones.

Causes

The reason why our feet sweat a lot is that they are densely covered with sweat glands. However, the primary cause of foot odor is not just excessive sweating, but the confluence of different factors. Two commonly connected factors are smelly feet and shoes. Sweating problems are experienced when feet sweat in the confines of closed shoes, that lack ventilation. This creates the perfect warm moist environment for bacteria which are naturally present on the skin and helps them multiply. A result of this bacterial growth is a bad odor and sweat rash. Also, the hair on the feet provides an increased surface area for the bacteria to thrive on, thus intensifying the odor.

Socks, and the materials they are made of, also play a role. Polyester or nylon socks, made of synthetic fibers, provide less ventilation as compared to a natural material like cotton. Thus, if you wear polyester or nylon socks, you are creating an environment where your feet perspire more, thereby increasing the odor. However, cotton socks absorb sweat from the feet, and not wearing socks entirely, is likely to increase the amount of perspiration on the feet, leading to increased bacterial activity and odor. The organisms primarily responsible for feet odor are Brevibacteria, which in the process of ingesting dead skin on the feet, convert amino acid methionine into methanethiol, which has a sulfuric odor.

Remedies

If the answer of how to get rid of smelly feet has eluded you, here are some ways that are sure to help:

• Among the many smelly feet solutions, the cheapest and most effective is the use of sodium bicarbonate. Also known as baking soda, if used on a daily basis, it creates an environment where the bacteria responsible for the bad smell cannot thrive. To try this smelly feet remedy you need to sprinkle two pinches of baking soda inside each sock, and two pinches inside the shoe. Your shoes may take a day or two to completely lose their old smell. Some people also find it effective to apply sodium bicarbonate directly to the feet after washing.
• Another remedy for smelly feet is the use of zinc and Castor oil cream. This easily available concoction must be applied everyday after the feet are washed, as it performs the function of a barrier, allowing the skin to recover from the saturation condition, caused by the sweat. The recommended usage period is seven to ten days. Once the problem is eliminated, a weekly application can act as prevention.
• There are a number of natural and over the counter foot deodorants and powders you could try. An age-old natural remedy is the herb allspice. Another product you could try is activated charcoal insoles, which help by keeping the feet dry. Special cedarsoles are another option, as they have antibacterial properties.
• A few other remedies include soaking your feet in a tub of tea. You could also try to wiping your feet with cotton wool, dipped in surgical spirit to discourage the growth of bacteria. Another very important measure is to exfoliate your feet on a regular basis to reduce dead skin that bacteria ingest.

As they say, prevention is better than cure. This leaves us with the question, how to prevent stinky smelly feet? The easiest way is to maintain good foot hygiene. Do this by giving your feet a good wash everyday, and then drying them thoroughly, especially between the toes. Wear a fresh clean pair of cotton socks everyday, and if possible, change them once during the day. Also, dust your feet with powder. Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes two days in a row, which will give them a chance to dry out. You could remove the innersoles so that a good airing can be given to them. If all the above mentioned smelly feet cures fail, you know it is time to visit the doctor.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/smelly-feet-cure.html

Is Taking a Shower at Night Bad?

Rejuvenation is one phase that our body loves to indulge in, and a shower is one great way of doing just that. But is it unhealthy to take a shower at night? Let us discuss the answer and some facts, in this article.Most of us love to soak in the shower, the feeling of water cleansing your body and soul is inimitable. Taking a shower is a perfect way to let your body relax in paradise. After a long day at work, your body and mind both need an easy getaway from fatigue and grim to refreshment. Showering at night will help you get back your high spirits and endurance. There is a lot of confusion over the facts on taking a shower at night, some people think it is harmful to the body, while some feel it may lead to illness and diseases. So is bathing at night bad? The answer is 'NO', it is not a bad or harmful practice.There is also no scientific proof that showering at night is harmful for the body. Should you take a shower at night or morning is another question that has confusing answers.

Benefits of Taking a Shower at Night

Well, we all have our own feel good reasons here, you can have a look to find out more reasons to enjoy your shower at night!

• Taking a shower is a fun activity, it gives you a chance to gift yourself a soft, smoothing, energizing feeling.
• Taking a warm shower will cleanse your skin, it opens the pores and cleanses the skin from the inside too. It will flush out toxins from your skin, making you feel fresh and clean, leaving you with a soft and supple feeling at the end of the day. Try a milk bath to get beautiful and supple skin.
• Showering at night will help in lowering blood pressure, relieving you from all the stress, it will relax your body, giving you a power break from your busy routine.
• After a rigorous day, even after you workout, your body muscles can feel tense and cramped. A shower will relax these muscles, and soothe body ache and pain. Indulge in a steam bath to relax your muscles after a hard day.
• A shower at home at night is also a cost-effective way to enjoy a royal feeling. A warm shower will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth, and you will feel younger and fresher once you step out of the bath.
• You will get sometime to let go of your mind, relax, be yourself, and let all your worries take a back seat.
• A warm shower at night with your loved one will bring back the romance, you can relax and be together for charming and inexpensive solitude.
• Apart from feeling fresh and relaxed, showering at night will also leave you smelling fabulous. Sinking in the bed with a soft and clean fragrance is pure bliss!
• Most importantly, it will give you a deep and good sleep for the night. Taking a shower at night is also helpful in treating insomnia.

Taking a bath will allow you to unwind, physically and mentally. You wouldn't want to sleep with all that dirt and sweat on your bed at night. Go for a relaxing shower, continue this for a few days, and you will gradually notice the change.

Tips on Taking a Shower at Night

We need to take care of certain things while taking a shower at night. The following are few tips that you can easily remember.

• While taking a hair shower at night, make sure you have a warm water shower. Dry your hair properly before going to bed, as during the night, the body temperature is cooler than the mornings.
• If you are looking for that good nights sleep, take a shower only once you are ready to sleep.
• Avoid taking shower immediately after workout. The pores in your skin open out due to sweating, (you can observe tiny red dots on your skin). Always allow your body to rest, at least for half an hour, so that the pores close down, and then go for a shower.
• Have a warm shower if it is too late at night.
• Watch the temperature of the water beforehand. Normally the body accepts temperatures with a difference of maximum 5 degrees. The normal human body temperature is 97°F (36°C). Make sure the water is not too hot or too cold.

Taking a shower is a natural way to revitalize the body and mind. You will not only get good sleep but also stay asleep longer after a shower at night. Some of us are too lazy to follow taking a shower at night, or some have myths about the same. Showering at night surely is my belief of a healthy and clean sleep too. I already feel fresh writing about it!
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/is-taking-a-shower-at-night-bad.html