How White Noise Can Help You To Sleep

Surprisingly, only 5% of people with sleep disorders are diagnosed and treated. Some people would rather cope with their sleeping inability rather than to pay the high cost of treatment and doctor?s fees. It is a good thing that the present consumer market is now finding some ways and giving more people options on how to combat sleeping disorders without the complication of medical treatment and the price that comes with it.

For as low as $50, you can purchase a white noise machine that can generate those z?s out of you. To understand how this machine can help you, here is a quick overview of what white noise exactly is.

The word ?white? in white noise originates from how white light works. A white light is used to describe a type of light containing all possible colors. Similarly, white noise is a mixture of all imaginable sounds in varying frequencies. ?Noise? in white noise, simply refers to random signals that produce undistinguishable sounds.

The main objective of a white noise is to y mask all other sounds that could keep you from sleeping. The idea is to drown all unwanted sounds and listen to one ?soothing noise? that can put you to sleep.

Your ears normally pick up sounds which the brain translates to something understandable. In your sleep, if you can hear something that your brain can comprehend, for instance the sound of a conversation, then your brain automatically functions- thus keeping you awake. The idea of a white noise is to produce a type of noise that is unintelligible in order to cover for the rest of the sounds that you might hear.

White noise machines produce sounds that a person cannot actually define. Some would say that it is similar to a soothing waterfall or raindrops or even ocean waves. But most people would simple describe it as something pleasant to the ear, which is very peaceful and calming.

People of all ages can benefit from white noise. Most doctors would recommend the use of white noise machines to people with insomnia or babies with colic. People with ADD, hyperacusis or tinnitus can also benefit from it. If you want something that can drown noise pollution so that you can focus and concentrate at the job at hand, this is also one of the practical uses of white noise machines.

Alternatively, these sounds can be found on CD which is not only more economical but also makes it more portable. This is extremely useful if you travel a lot as you will be able to sleep comfortably and soundly anywhere you go.

Jason Rickard is the owner of Your Favourite Shop - Offering White Noise and Relaxation CDs - Visit Hapa Health for more articles

Bird Flu: Should You Stock Up on Medicines?

The bird flu virus called H5N1 can kill you. There is no bird flu epidemic in humans, but there could be. You can get bird flu only from birds. Since humans spend more time with humans than they do with birds, humans are at very low risk for bird flu. The concern is that H5N1 could mutate and be spread from human to human. This could cause an epidemic that could kill millions of people throughout the world.

At this time the only drugs we have to threat bird flu are Tamiflu and Relenza. On the first sign of chills or coughing during an epidemic, you would be instructed to take one Tamiflu pill twice a day for five days. This shortens the course of the disease by one day, which seems insignificant but could save your life. You could also take the drug prophylactically if you were exposed to people who have the flu. Relenza has to be inhaled , so you would take it only after you became sick.

If you hear that bird flu has mutated and is causing an epidemic among humans, you will want to get Tamiflu pills and have them ready if you need them. At this time it does not make sense to stockpile the drugs as there may never be a bird flu epidemic, the drugs are very expensive, and they have a limited shelf life.

Dr. Gabe Mirkin has been a radio talk show host for 25 years and practicing physician for more than 40 years; he is board certified in four specialties, including sports medicine. Read or listen to hundreds of his fitness and health reports at http://www.DrMirkin.com

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High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure or hypertension is the pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of the blood vessels. Blood pressure is not static and varies from one heartbeat to another throughout the day. The blood pressure is measured by a sphygmomanometer. At home, you can measure your blood pressure by an electronic blood pressure monitor. Two readings of the blood pressure in the arteries during the cardiac cycle are taken. The peak pressure is known as systolic pressure and the lowest pressure at the resting phase of the cardiac cycle as the diastolic pressure.

Normal values for blood pressure readings of a resting healthy adult are:

Systolic Blood Pressure Read: between 90 and 135 mmHg
Diastolic Blood Pressure: between 50 and 90 mmHg
Average blood pressure for young people: 120/80 mmHg

Blood pressure readings in the lower end of these values are considered good for cardiovascular health.

High Blood Pressure When the arteries become obstructed with plaque and cholesterol, they constrict making the circulation of blood difficult. As a result, blood pressure becomes elevated. A systolic blood pressure above 200 and diastolic blood pressurea bove 120 mmHg is termed as severe hypertension.

The main causes of having high blood pressure are

Diet and lifestyle factors
Hereditary
High cholesterol
Mental tension/stress/worries/fear/work pressure/competitive life
Lack of exercise/sedentary lifestyle
Excessive consumption of common salt, sugar and/or fat
Nutritional deficiencies
Overweight
Smoking
Excessive consumption of alcohol.

If you have high blood pressure, then lowering your blood pressure will greatly reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and other illnesses. You can lower your blood pressure by having a control over the factors causing it. The good news is that you can improve all of the above causes, except hereditary. You need not to take any blod pressure medication.

Copyright 2005, P. Mehta www.fatfreekitchen.com

[You have permission to publish this article in your web sites, ezines or electronic publication, as long as the piece is used in its entirety including the resource box, all hyperlinks (clickable) and references and copyright info.

For more information on how to lower cholesterol naturally, visit the web site

http://www.fatfreekitchen.com/cholesterol/blood-pressure.html

http://www.fatfreekitchen.com/cholesterol/high-blood-pressure.html

Please note that this article is not a subsitute for medical advise.

A Guide to Hoodia Powder and the Hoodia Fat Burner

Are you sick and tired of other people and the media yapping about the results they are getting from the hoodia fat burner when you have pounds to lose and feel self-conscious about it?

Indeed, it seems like everytime you turn your head you are hearing about hoodia and weight loss.

Millions of people have either read about hoodia or seen it covered on such media sources as the Today Show, Oprah magazine, the BBC, CBS 60 minutes and more.

After all the media soundbytes settle, you are left with a myriad of questions....such as, what exactly is hoodia fat burner and how do I find a quality hoodia product for myself?

These are natural questions and getting the proper knowledge is important to minimize your chances of getting ripped off when you buy hoodia powder supplements.

If you live outside of a cave (as most of us do), you'll have probably not only seen the media coverage, but also noticed that hoodia products are now appearing all over the Internet and even being promoted unethically via spam.

How to make sense of it all?

Well, the first thing to bear in mind is that you must focus on the quality of the product above all else. Forget the hype, forget the testimonials (which are often fabricated), and just stick to the facts and you'll have the best shot of sifting through the hoodia labyrinth and finding a product that actually delivers what it promises.

So what facts should you know before buying a hoodia product?

We thought you'd never ask....

Facts to know about hoodia fat burner:

• The hoodia genus is comprised of many kinds of hoodia species, but only the hoodia gordonii species contains the appetite suppressing (and therefore weight loss and fat burning properites) you're looking for.

  Therefore, be cautious of any product that claims it contains pure hoodia or 100% hoodia when in fact it may be something other than hoodia gordonii, and, therefore, useless to you if you want to lose weight and burn fat.

• Hoodia gordonii is a protected plant species, regulated in its international trade. A Hoodia CITES certificate is required to export it out of South Africa, the only place it natively grows.

  Therefore, if you want to maximize your chances of getting authentic hoodia gordonii, look for hoodia product sellers that display a CITES certificate.

• The only scientific studies to date have been conducted on the active ingredient in the hoodia gordonii plant responsible for its appetite lowering benefits. This active ingredient is called P57.

  Hoodia powder from sellers of hoodia based products do not necessarily contain P57 -- or necessarily contain the same amount of it from product to product and brand to brand.

• Also be skeptical about hoodia product sellers who tout made from whole hoodia plant. This is because upwards of 40% of the hoodia gordonii plant contains no active ingredient. Such parts of the plant include: the flowers, the skin, the prickly spines, the pulpy leaves, and more.

  Only the core of the plant -- the flesh -- contains the active ingredient that can help suppress your appetite.

  If your product is made from whole hoodia plant it may sound good, but you may be paying for hoodia powder that is, in effect, 40% useless fillers that makes the product cheaper for the seller, and much less effective for you.

Keep the aforementioned tips in mind and you will go a long way in choosing amongst the so-called hoodia fat burners and finding a product made from hoodia powder that delivers what you want.

Discover the hoodia powder supplements we feature the most and why we do at http://www.hoodia-gordonii-central.com/Buyhoodia.html

Over Compulsive Disorder A Bit of the Other

What gives a person suffering from over compulsive disorder (OCD)the right to chastise others e.g. children/husband and wife's on their behaviour when we as a patient have no control over our own. Other peoples habits are very similar to that of what we do ourselves, antics may include irritating and annoying stunts. What is the difference between over compulsive disorder actions to that of what others do, fortunately for the others they gain control to stop what it is they do, as for the OCD patient I am afraid to say they have no jurisdiction or say on the matter when to stop?

Over compulsive disorder (OCD) comes with invisible powers where it leaves a patient feeling disorientated to an extent where life becomes meaningless. In other words life is not worth living if not able carry out their compulsions. (Depending on the individual)

You are not alone if you suffer from OCD the number in others are on the increase daily, we even have fellow patients who are unaware that they are infected. The reason for this is because symptoms are mild and seem to go unnoticed unlike the more sever cases where patients undergo medical treatment.

Over compulsive disorder (OCD) in the past was considered untreatable but doctors in the modern world would not be beaten and continued to research day and night looking for answers behind why a patient believed their OCD was a sign of madness or that their actions sent out signals of mental instability, in other words crazy. The good news is the modern world won the battle and brought hope to all sufferers with modern medication. Treatment is readily available along with people who care and want to help. All you have to do is, ask.

This is the modern world so be honest with yourself and face up to your over compulsive disorder (OCD) with revenge in mind. Retaliation as an ally in this battle is enough to win the war; it will take time but all worth while in the end. Start gathering ammunition to beat this invisible force by visiting the doctor, he/she may not see it but certainly are aware of its presence when the questions asked are answered openly and honestly.

Depending on you and the severity of your (OCD) symptoms medication and treatments will differ. How great your needs are to be rid of this illness that is slowly destroying breaking your heart and causing you and your nearest and dearest so much pain and suffering lies in your hands.

I envy how OTHERS are in control of their behaviour. I chastise no more. Give me a bit of the other any day.

For help with anxiety or stress go to my health page where you may find help with your problems. http://www.benidormbeaches.com

Atkins Diet Can Age Your Skin: How to Lose Weight Without Losing Face

The Atkins Diet has sold more copies than any other diet book in history. In fact it is one of the top 50 best-selling books of all time, according to Amazon. Recently, however, scientists at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and University announced findings that may finally throw a bucket of cold water on all that steak and eggs: An Atkins-style diet increases inflammation in the body. And according to celebrity dermatologist Dr. Nicholas Perricone, inflammation is the culprit behind premature skin aging, wrinkles, crow?s feet, and age spots.

Chronic low-level inflammation has also been associated with an increased risk of heart disease, Alzheimer?s, cancer, osteoporosis, depression, and a host of other illnesses. But from the beginning, experts have warned that a high fat, high protein diet would increase the risk of heart disease, kidney problems, and other diseases. None of these stodgy concerns dimmed popular enthusiasm for the Atkins approach. It may be the more cosmetic consequences that finally get the attention of Atkin?s devotees. After all, who needs a diet that makes you look older?

Foods affect inflammation in very complex ways. Foods that are high in sugar, for example, tend to promote inflammation--and these foods are almost completely eliminated on the Atkins Diet. On the other hand, foods high in saturated fats, such as butter, cream, bacon, and other Atkins-friendly foods also tend to increase the body?s production of inflammatory chemicals. Foods that naturally decrease inflammation include fruits and vegetables that may be restricted on a low-carb regime.

If you are a die-hard Atkins fan, take heart. You can enjoy the benefits of a low-carb lifestyle without sacrificing your skin. But you might have to work a little harder. In addition to counting carbs, you should familiarize yourself with the IF Rating system, a system that rates foods according to their inflammatory or anti-inflammatory effects. Choosing low carb foods with high IF ratings will help you avoid the aging consequences of excess inflammation.

For example, low-carb foods that are also anti-inflammatory include wild-caught salmon, herring, oysters, tuna, pork tenderloin, flank steak, Canadian bacon, olive oil, and garlic. Low-carb foods that are highly inflammatory include farm-raised salmon, veal, liver, cream, egg yolks, turkey, and (sorry!) bacon. For a more complete list of IF Ratings, see The Inflammation Free Diet Plan, which includes IF Ratings and carbohydrate grams for over 1600 foods.

Copyright, Monica Reinagel, 2006

Monica Reinagel is a nutrition researcher, author, and professionally-trained chef. Her latest book, The Inflammation Free Diet Plan: The Scientific Way to Lose Weight, Banish Pain, Prevent Disease, and Slow Aging is available at online and retail booksellers.

Choose Only Natural Skin Care Products

I do not know who weight it, but scientists say the human body has six pounds of skin. In my opinion to know its surface in more important as dust, dirt, pollutants enter to our body through this porous membrane. I think that the skin provides the most significant gateway to our system for environmental pollutants.

A question rises in my mind. While we are surrounded by chemicals and pollutants, why to poison ourselves using toxic products?

According to The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) statistics, over 900 chemicals used in personal care products and cosmetics have been found to be toxic. A recent study in pediatric drugs found personal care products and cosmetics as the most common cause of unintentional poisonings of Canadian children younger than 6 years of age. Some days ago The US Food and Drug Administration concluded that two of most used drugs in atopic dermatitis therapy are a potential risk for skin cancer.

Many cosmetic products claim to utilize an all-natural formula. But do not trust the rumors, try to be sure that the product you buy actually contains the ingredients it claims to have. Be available to read and understand its label to ensure that the product you will use is as natural as it claims to be.

Do not think you should be a chemical scientist to know about the ingredients listed on most cosmetics and personal care products labels. If the label contains a long list of mind-numbing, tongue-twisting names put the product down. The ingredients of all natural products should be easily recognizable as natural components. On the other hand, the ingredients should be listed in descending order with the most important factors listed first. Just scan the first several lines on the label to be sure that product has the natural ingredients you are looking for.

Valerian D is a freelance writer interested in skin care products.