Five golden health tips you shouldn’t miss

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The Swiss Healthcare System - How Does Health Insurance In Switzerland Work?

Health Insurance In Switzerland

In Switzerland, everyone has health insurance. The health outcomes are excellent, the cost is reasonable and patients are highly satisfied. How does this work? Why is Switzerland renowned for its healthcare system?

Insurance Companies

Health insurance is purchased directly from insurance companies such as «Aquilana» or «CSS», businesses do not act as a middleman like they do in the US. Therefore customers keep their coverage when they change or lose their job.

Regulation

These insurance companies are regulated by the government, which enforces price controls. Insurance companies are required to accept anyone, therefore they cannot deny coverage to individuals with pre-existing conditions.

Premiums

The premiums are negotiated between insurance companies and medical providers, approved by the canton (state) government and are then paid for by the citizens themselves. The basic insurance plan, defined by the government, are compulsory, meaning everyone in Switzerland has to be insured or face high fines. Within three months of entering the country (or birth) a person must sign up with a insurance company. Providers are forbidden to profit from these plans, instead they make money off supplemental coverage such as dentistry, alternative medicine, transport and glasses. Companies compete with high and low deductibles and supplemental benefits.

Premiums are not affected by health, age or income, meaning that an old, sick, millionaire pays the same monthly amount as a young, healthy middle-class citizen. However the costs for low-income citizens are subsidized by the government. In Switzerland, healthcare makes up 10.8% of the GDP, rather high compared to other countries.

Benefits

Swiss patients don’t have long wait times and they have free choice of doctor inside their canton (state). Switzerland is well-known for its quality medical and paramedical services. They have one of the lowest patient-doctor ratios worldwide. Additionally, pharmacists are highly qualified and are therefore often consulted before an individual visits the doctor.

Cost

Compared to the US, the costs are a lot lower. In 2007, the health insurance cost per capita in Switzerland were around $4,500, while in the US they were almost twice that, amounting to $7,500! In 2010, an adult (26+) pays Fr. 351 per month, a young adult (19-25) Fr. 293 and a child (0-18) Fr. 84.

Approval

Surprisingly, both liberals and conservatives like their health care system. The liberals because it guarantees universal coverage and the conservatives since it doesn’t put a burden on businesses.

Personal Experiences

I can personally attest for the high quality for the Swiss Healthcare System. Last year I was diagnosed with a IBD, an inflammatory bowel disease, and had to shortly thereafter enter professional medical care at the University Hospital in Zurich (one of the best medical institutions worldwide). In short, I spent over three weeks there, and had to be transported with an ambulance once. The care was fantastic, and I am currently in remission. The medical costs were over $30,000! How much did I pay? Only 10%, which amounted to $3,000.

source: infobarrel

Stupid cancer...

Platelet Rich Plasma, a new Treatment for Hair Loss

Platelet Rich Plasma or PRP is a revolutionary new treatment for hair loss. It is versatile and can be used with hair transplant surgery, or as an independent treatment for thinning hair. Many hair transplant surgeons are already using this technology in their hair replacement surgery, and since the expert presentations to over 400 surgeons at the ISHRS conference in July, many more will soon start using the procedure.

PRP therapy is performed in 3 stages. First, an amount of blood between 60-100ml is taken from the patient and centrifuged. The fraction that contains the most platelets and growth factors is then removed and kept. The platelet rich fraction may be divided and one part lysed to release more growth factors then combined with the other whole-platelet factor. This extra treatment is claimed to increase the effects of PRP therapy, especially for hair loss.

Secondly the scalp is stimulated to activate the wound healing process. This process needs to be activated in order to use the growth factors and platelets that PRP therapy gives. Previously PRP activation needed to be completed with a single needle. 100's of punctures are necessary for the activation step, and so using a single needle was impractical and caused the patient significant amounts of pain. Now, a new product called the Scalproller manufactured by Nanogen is widely used for the activation step. The Scalproller is a microneedle roller that uses 192 unique titanium needles to open the skin to the same depth every time, and as it uses less pressure it causes less pain. As the Scalproller is rolled over the scalp, it saves the surgeon time as well.

The third step in the PRP process is the re-injection of the platelet and growth factor rich fragment into the scalp. This provides high levels of every factor needed for healing and healthy hair growth, the factors are utilised by the stimulated cells, including hair follicles.

The stimulation and access to high concentrations of growth factors has been shown to generate new hair growth, thicken existing hair growth, and make hair transplants grow thicker and healthier. In one case an Alopecia Areata patient was treated, and PRP treatment caused hair regrowth.

These findings were presented at the ISHRS conference along with the launch of Nanogen's Scalproller, and PRP with Scalproller pre-treatment is looking to become widespread as a hair loss treatment.

source: infobarrel

Four Ideas To Calm Those Dentist Nerves

Beating The Dental Chair Nerves

At this time there are plenty of things to be worried of in the world and the dentist seems to be one of those things. During this post I hope to give advice to any person who is affected with the dentist chair nerves.

First of all be optimistic. As you ought to live daily life anyway but heading into any daunting situation with a constructive frame of mind can often be all the difference. All people, no matter who they are, could be affected from nerves and trepidation. Approach new events with a mindset that you will realize success and be improved for doing it. This is a technique on its own and one than is fundamental to learn.

Take a colleague or a person you really feel assured with that can be with you every step of the way. Simply having someone there for you to speak to can allow you to feel all of the better. Utilize them to ask doubts about potential anxieties you have as they more than likely will point out something that will make you feel better about the situation. Or hold their hand and share an infrequent cuddle. Whatever needs doing to create that dentist chair more appealing and easier to sit in. Consider after, you and the mate can do some sports!

The dentist might fill your brain with all varieties of terrible ideas resulting in prompting yourself a variety of terrifying thoughts. Keep in mind you are likely to sit in that dentist chair for a good purpose and that's to get care. Contemplating of the advantages of going might help one forget about all of the pessimism that undoubtedly fills your mind with fear. Think about the after and not the process of going to the dreaded dentist. Whilst I am on this point, it is usually crucial to point out here that the dentist is a thoroughly skilled professional that knows what he or she is doing. You are in proper care and will profit from the visit.

Undoubtedly you've probably found yourself in terms that you need to sit in that dentist chair and be seen. If this sounds like the case, why dont you attempt and book it late. This might give to the minimum time to start getting worried and anxious about the pending visit to the dentist. Often is the case your nerves can get the better of you and an clever tactic of maintaining your feelings is by reducing the amount of time to allow them to go nuts. Be strong, stay positive and make those teeth looking good!

Keep in mind the dentist is not anyone or something to be scared of. Alleviating the dentist visit tension is all up to you and is much easier than you might realise.

source: infobarrel

Acupuncture for Pain Relief: Can Acupuncture Decrease Chronic Pain?

 Acupuncture, considered to be one of the oldest traditional healing practices in the world, is an alternative medicine therapy based in traditional Chinese medicine. The general principle of Chinese medicine is that physical health is maintained when the two opposing forces of yin and yang are in balance within the body. When there is a lack of balance between yin and yang the flow of qi (vital energy) is blocked and disease or other health problems result. An acupuncturist uses thin needles to puncture the skin in specific points along meridians or pathways with the goal of improving the flow of the body’s vital energy or qi.
Acupuncture for Pain
Acupuncture is one of the most widely used and widely studied forms of complementary and alternative medicine.  Over 3 million Americans had been to an acupuncturist in the last year and pain or joint problems were the main reasons 7 out of 10 were getting treatment.
Does Acupuncture Work to Treat Pain?
Yes, No, Depends. There has been much debate about the studies of acupuncture on pain relief.  Why it’s so complicated and why there is so much controversy comes down to several factors.

1. The Placebo Effect: In acupuncture studies patients may receive a ‘placebo’ of simulated acupuncture (fake acupuncture) to compare results with the patients that receive acupuncture. A review of studies showed something interesting: the patients that received fake acupuncture had significantly less pain after ‘treatment’ than patients that had no treatment at all, and the difference between patients that got ‘real’ acupuncture and those that got ‘fake’ acupuncture was smaller.
2. Your attitude towards acupuncture may make a difference: Four studies found that patients that expected acupuncture treatment to help their pain had more pain relief after treatment than those that didn’t expect it to work. 
3. Lack of consistency in studies makes it hard to make general conclusions. Some studies used different types of acupuncture, different types of comparison groups (no treatment, ‘fake’ treatment) and different ways of measuring results.

What Science Currently Says
Knee Pain/Osteoarthritis: People with osteoarthritis especially in the knee joint get pain relief and better function with acupuncture treatment.
Low-Back Pain: There are conflicting studies and results meaning no definite conclusion. However, the American Pain Society and the American College of Physicians recommend considering acupuncture when conventional therapy isn’t working.
Headaches/Migraines: Conflicting results. Some studies found that acupuncture reduced migraines and tension headaches while others found no difference.
Neck Pain: Acupuncture decreased patients’ pain level more than simulated acupuncture did.
Other Pain Conditions: Acupuncture has been studied for effectiveness in relieving pain in carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, menstrual cramps, pregnancy and TMJ dysfunction. Again there are often different conclusions reached by different studies or researchers.
In all studies the patients all received the standard care for their pain and disorder, often pain medication and physical therapy. Acupuncture is added as a complementary treatment.
The National Institute of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) states that acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed correctly. Many patients with chronic pain have already tried traditional treatments and continue to suffer. Acupuncture with the goal of reducing pain may be an alternative treatment to explore.

Before starting any new treatment be sure to discuss it with your physician or health professional to ensure its suitability to your diagnosed disorder, illness or condition and to prevent unforeseen complications. This article is meant to provide you with information and ideas and is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any medical or mental health condition.  

source: infobarrel

Green Tea

 Is Green Tea Good for You?

The world has been overwhelmed with tea today to the extent that it is the second most widely consumed beverage on the planet after water. Tea used to be a drink of the rich, but has since shifted to be considered one of the simplest, cheapest and most universally recognized ways to entertain friends, family and guests.
All teas seem to have this ability upon entering our system to soothe, comfort and heal all at the same time. Well established health benefits include lowering cholesterol level and protecting the heart. In addition, most people consider tea as a teacher, lifestyle and a way of life.

The much heard of Green tea

In this world of intense cut throat competition each one of us wants to be fit, active, alert and at our best. Consuming green tea definitely helps with accelerating towards that “healthy, sans misery” life.
Originating in China, this green health drink has been put to use across many areas of Medicine - from being used as a diuretic, a stimulant, an astringent and as an anti-flatulence tool. Green tea is made from unfermented leaf and so only undergoes minimal oxidation during the manufacturing process – allowing for maximal packing with powerful anti-oxidants, such as polyphenols.

Does Green Tea stand out from a health perspective?

Green tea is like a free radical scavenger, that is, a hero up against a dark demon.
The polyphenols found in green tea neutralize free radicals thereby preventing and reducing the colossal damage that can be caused by harmful radicals finding their way into our system via air pollution, cigarettes and radiation.
Is Green tea good for you? It appears that this question has been put to rest by intensive and thorough research, concluding that drinking green tea, say three cups a day, has man health benefits from reducing the risk of cancer, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes to name a few.
Loose Leaf Gyokoru Green Tea, a steamed variant of green tea, particularly stands out from a health standpoint. Carefully selected from single buds only during the months of April and May, this variety has a very low tannin content keeping it nice and sweet - without having to add sugar or sweetener. A change in drinking style to Loose Leaf Gyokoru is certainly a very smart choice.

Coffee vs. Green Tea

Too much caffeine can make you nervous and jittery. Green tea is a good alternative if you’re looking to experience that energy boost without getting the jitters. This is because theanine, an amino acid present in green tea but not in coffee, relaxes and soothes you as the caffeine lifts you up to keep you feeling relaxed.

source: infobarrel

Eyelash Extensions

 Your Questions Answered

Are eyelash extensions safe? 

Eyelash Extensions can be perfectly safe as long as the worker is properly trained. Many clients keep their lashes on for years without having to take any breaks. If the extensions were done correctly then your lashes will continue to be healthy. Unfortunately, there are a lot of untrained workers out there without proper licensing. Many people have been scared off from trying them out because of these untrained workers. Do your research before choosing who will be doing your Eyelash Extensions.

Here is a Guide to help you: How to Choose a Great and Safe Eyelash Extension Salon

**Any pulling or extreme rubbing done by the client at home can cause damage. The client should be properly instructed to not do this before they leave the salon.

What is a Full Set and how much will it cost?

A client will get a Full Set of new lashes when they come in with no synthetic lashes on. A Full Set means that whoever is doing your lashes will work towards the goal of extending every single natural lash that you have. The average cost currently for a New Set in Southern California is approximately $200. This may range slightly in different cities but $200 has been the average price for the past eight years. 

How long does a Full Set take?

A Full Set should take 1.5 to 2 hours. If your lashes are at least average then any less than 1.5 hours usually means that the worker rushed, didn’t get every single lash, or weren’t properly trained.

Do I have to get a Full Set?

 A Half Set should be available for about half the price of a Full Set. It is about half the price because it takes half the time. A Half Set also means, you guessed it, half the lashes! So if you are going for that super natural look then a Half Set can do that for you. Instead of every natural lash being extended, every other lash is extended. A Half Set can also mean a flair, or the lashes extended only from the center of your eye out.

How often do I have to get them touched up and how long does it take?

As a brand new client you should return in two weeks for your first touch up. After this appointment you can discuss extending it to three weeks or, in very rare instances, longer than three weeks. This will depend on how well the client’s natural lashes hold the extensions, how quickly the client’s lashes cycle (like the hair on your head sheds and regrows,) and also how well the client takes care of them. A normal touch up takes one hour.  Special accommodations can be made for clients who may want to stop in for a quick 30 minute touch up before a big event, or even a 90 minute touch up for instances such as a client returning from a long vacation.

What is the cost of a Touch Up?

The cost of a one hour Touch Up varies too much from one salon to another to give you an exact answer. However prices tend to range between $45 and $100.

Are the lashes put on the skin?

The lashes should be placed right up to the skin but without actually touching the lid. Keeping the glue off the skin greatly lowers the risk of an allergic reaction, though an allergic reaction is not common. 

 Can I wear Mascara with my lashes?

You should not wear mascara with your lashes.  Mascara is not meant to be permanent and thus easily flakes off over little time. Placing an extension on top of mascara, or mascara residue, prevents it from making a complete bond to the natural lash. The lashes may not last more than a couple of days, if that long. It isn’t uncommon for a client to wear mascara and then try to wash it off before a touch up. This poses two problems; the client will need to rub vigorously to attempt to get it all off, which can damage the natural lashes, and also mascara residue hides in between and under the lashes where it is nearly impossible to clean entirely without also removing the extensions. Removing extensions is something only your lash girl should do for you.

Can I get my Bottom Lashes done?

While it is less common it is definitely possible to extend the lower lashes also. The reason it is less common is because they are more maintenance since they don’t last nearly as long.  A less strong glue with fewer fumes is used to apply them because the client will need to keep their eyes open during the application. This is to keep them from adhering to the top lashes while they are drying.

What are the lashes made of?

Sometimes people will assume that the extensions are real hair, but they are actually a synthetic silk.  The glue used to apply the synthetic lashes should be a medical grade adhesive. 

Do they only come in black?

Eyelashes don’t only come in black. They come in browns, every color of the rainbow, and even glitter. The most popular color, even for those who are wanting a natural look, is black. This is because women usually wear black mascara and the point of having eyelash extensions is to no longer need to wear it.

Can they look natural?

Yes! Eyelashes can look as natural as you want them to look. They can be made a natural length, thickness, and also be given a natural curl.

The opposite is also possible.  The extensions can be longer, thicker, and curlier to give more of the Hollywood look. Of course, every look in between can be done for the client as well.

How many choices are there to choose from?

There are literally hundreds of different types of lashes available. Hopefully, you’ve done your research and have found a great and safe salon that is well trained to help you find the perfect look that suits your lashes. Choices such as length, thickness of the lash, amount of lashes placed, flares, colors, and curls are available. 

Should I do anything special before my appointment?

Come in with absolutely no mascara. Often clients think that they have removed their mascara completely but there may still be some residue left behind. Cleans your lashes at least a couple of times before your appointment to be sure that you are ready to go.  Also try not to drink any coffee or energy drinks before the appointment as it will cause your eyes to flutter making it difficult for your lash girl to work efficiently. 

What are the after care instructions for caring for my lashes?

Aftercare instructions should be provided by your lash girl, but generally the rules are no pulling, rubbing, or picking at the extensions. You’ll also want to keep them dry for at least 12 hours after the appointment to allow the lashes to dry and set. Finally, try to stay out of steam. Hot showers, saunas, hot tubs, facials, etc. Steam weakens the glue bonds of the extensions so if you are going to be around it then try to make it right before your next appointment. This will allow your lash girl to replace any weak bonded lashes before they fall off. 

Are they waterproof?

Lashes are water proof after the first 12 hours. 

How can I separate the lashes if they become unruly?

The best thing you can do is keep them from becoming unruly in the first place. Try not to sleep on or rub them. When you get out of the shower you may notice that the lashes group together. This is only because they are wet. Use a paper towel under the lashes to soak up the water instead of pressing them with a towel. Clients will often try using tweezers if a lash becomes too out of place. You can try this but be careful not accidentally pull it out or move other lashes further out of place. It’s best to wait and allow your lash girl to take care of them for you. 

'DaVinci' Method of Treating Prostate Cancer Is Growing More Popular

When a relative called to chat I could feel that something was wrong. The usual light-hearted banter just seemed to have a dark edge. There was something that needed to be said and soon the news was delivered: A biopsy indicated prostate cancer.
Despite the fact that prostate cancer has one of the highest survival rates – approaching 100 percent when found and treated early – the words still strike fear in men and their loved ones.
As I continued to talk with him I realized that a journey was beginning for my relative. He would have to conduct a great deal of research to find the treatment option that he believed worked best for him.
This is not an article I’ve written to review all the methods available to treat prostate cancer. It is an article that reviews one treatment option that is growing in popularity and was ultimately the choice my relative made. Whether it might be the right option for you or someone you know is something only you, with the advice of your physician, will be able to determine.


Several Treatment Choices for Prostate Cancer
There are several treatments that are fairly well known and have been the preferred choices over the years. These include cryosurgery (where the prostate is frozen), prostatectomy (where surgery completely removes the prostate gland and some surrounding tissue; there are different methods of prostatectomy), radiation, hormone therapy, herbal treatments, and in some cases doing nothing at all (referred to as “watchful waiting”) until more evidence of the cancer growing is seen.
Sometimes the choices can be overwhelming and that’s what my relative found. There’s no guarantee that any particular choice he made was going to be better or more successful than another. Reading and re-reading information, talking to any number of medical professionals and experts, and doing his own research on the subject was a daunting assignment to say the least. But it was imperative that he not only made the right choice for him, but that he felt comfortable with his decision. And even with all the support from his family and friends, ultimately the decision was his own to make.
Newer Procedure Selected

 In the end his choice was to select a relatively new procedure involving a robotic procedure that has been around for this type of surgery for only about a decade. It’s called the DaVinci Surgery System and involves the use of a robotic technique.  The use of a robotic device is not new for surgical procedures. Robot-assisted surgery has been available since around 1985.  But the DaVinci system was new when it was introduced in 2000 as the first system approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the purpose of laparoscopic surgery (a process where a laparoscope to see and remove the prostate by way of a long tube with a light and camera on the end is inserted through small cuts in the stomach).
My relative had to go through a maze of insurance and other hurdles before he was able to select a surgical hospital that used the DaVinci system – not all hospitals do so with more still utilizing other, more tested methods and many surgeons not yet trained on the process (having a surgeon who is well-trained and experienced with the system is critically important).
Less Traumatic, Invasive
The DaVinci system is considered by most experts to be a less traumatic and less invasive method of treating prostate cancer. One of the greatest benefits, says Dr. Peter Pinto of the National Cancer Institute, is that DaVinci offers a better chance at preserving the nerves that are critical in terms of fending off impotency and avoiding incontinence, two of the greatest concerns men have when it comes time to consider treatment options.
In the DaVinci surgical process fewer and smaller incisions are necessary than in other types of prostate surgeries. Through a cylinder the robotic tools enter the patient without the doctor’s hands ever having to enter the wound. The DaVinci system allows the doctor to keep his or her hands on the DaVinci console. Indeed, the console may actually be a distance from the patient – even in another part of the operating room entirely.
The DaVinci system allows the surgeon to view the surgery site in magnified two-dimensions thereby providing a clear image of the surgical area that is as near to seeing the area with the naked eye as possible. Surgeons also report there is greater range of motion with the DaVinci system than with previous methods of conducting prostate procedures. Another benefit of the system is that it helps eliminate the effect of any unwarranted movement – a slight hand shaking or the like.
Recovery Time Reduced
Regardless of the procedure he chose, my relative was still nervous as the time approached for his surgery. He was comforted by the knowledge that the DaVinci system offered faster recovery because the incisions were smaller and there were less of them. But, it is surgery, and as with other prostate surgery types there is the need for a catheter to be inserted to help the area heal. In other types of surgery that may be as long as one or two weeks. With the DaVinci system the time a catheter remains is reduced to three or five days. And the length of the hospital stay after the surgery is reduced to as little as one day.
So, the day before the surgery my wife and I offered our prayers and well wishes. He seemed to be satisfied with the choice he had made. The day of the surgery we waited by the phone for news. We were confidant because our relative seemed comfortable in the choice he made and was confident about the outcome.
That evening we heard from his wife and indeed all had gone well. While the final results of the surgery would take a little while to determine we were relieved at the news and even more so when we were able to converse with our relative the following day.
As the weeks following the surgery passed there were times of discomfort to be sure. But after the catheter was removed and his doctor gave him the thumbs up the progress continued without incident.
Today our relative is just the same as he was before his surgery – healthy, happy and enjoying his life secure in the knowledge that he made the right decision for him.

Olive Leaf Extract Benefits for Your Health

Learn about the Health Benefits of the Olive Leaf

Olive Leaf Extract Fights Infections and Viruses

Olive leaf extract benefits range from repelling insects and termites to destroying viral infections and restoring immune function.  The extract derives from the leaves on the olive tree.  The olive leaf contains two primary substances, oleuropein and eloneic acid, responsble for healing and has been used as an herbal remedy for centuries.  However, there is a recent resurgence in the usage of the leaf, as the scientific evidence surrounding its healing properties is accumulating.
 History
Olive leaves date back over a million years, and have been enhancing health since the early 1800s. During the Spanish and French battles in the 19^th century, Spanish physicians discovered drinking the solution from olive leaves that were boiled and crushed in water assisted the soldiers by decreasing their fevers. The French were mesmerized at how quickly the Spanish soldiers were recovering.  After some undercover investigation by the French, the French realized the Spanish secret weapon was olive leaves.  The French began collecting olive leaves and creating their own olive leaf extract.  The numerous benefits of olive leaf extract were documented in journals by Colonel Etiene Pallas in the 1820s.



Present Day
In the last couple of years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the remarkable benefits of olive leaf extract among scientists and natural healers.  Currently, scientist are running controlled trials to prove the documented benefits of killing bacteria, enhancing immune functioning, repelling insects and assisting the body in overcoming certain viruses.
Benefits
The olive leaf contains a substance called oleuropein, a highly natural antibiotic.  Oleuropein inhibits the growth of the herpes simplex virus, the type 3 flu virus and the polio virus.  Additionally, oleuropein helps to destroy bacterial infections, like the staph bacteria.  Another substance in the olive leaf extract is elenolic acid.  Eloneic acid combined with salt forms calcium elenolate, a compound known to work as a healing agent and aid in preventing serious illness.
There are more than a hundred olive leaf extract benefits.  Some benefits attributed to the olive leaf include:
Anthrax
Ebola Virus
Ringworm
Warts
Bladder Infection
Vaginal Yeast Infection
Botulism
Tuberculosis
Chicken Pox
Strep Throat
The Common Cold Virus
Rabies
Cold Sores
Hepatitis A, B and C
Pneumonia
Diarrhea
Pinkeye
Ear Infection
Mumps
E. Coli
Measles
Gastrointestinal ulcers and irritations
Shingles
Head Lice
Heart Conditions
High Blood Pressure

HIV
Olive leaf extract is primarily used as an immune enhancer to combat illnesses.  Specifically, the olive leaf extract has been used among individuals with HIV or AIDS in capsule or tea form.  In a myriad of studies, these individuals reported that drinking three one-half cups of olive leaf tea three times per day improved their lab test readings.
Common Cold
The common cold affects everyone at one point in their life or another.  Olive leaf extract is becoming the "go to" herb and regiment to take in order to prevent and cure the condition.  Some individuals taking olive leaf extract say, when the herb is used properly, their cold symptoms seem to magically disappear.  The leaf works best among individuals with healthy immune systems that are not compromised by poor diet, sedentary lifestyle or smoking.  You probably will not experience immediate results, but you will notice a more rapid recovery.
Cardiovascular Health
The olive has been hailed the ultimate food for helping the heart.  Thus, it should be no surprise that the olive leaf supplies some benefit.  The olive leaf helps regulate your heart and pulse rate. Additionally, the extract works as a diuretic among individuals with heart problems by increasing their urine expenditure by 10 to 15 percent.  To make the most of your olive leaf extract benefits, clinical herbalists recommend taking the olive leaf extract with hawthorn berry extract, an herb known to assist in heart health and functioning.
Nasal Wash
If you suffer from an upper respiratory condition, catching the flu can make your condition worse.  Consider using olive leaf extract in a nasal wash solution to help in your recovery.  To make an olive leaf extract nasal-wash solution, open a capsule and mix the powder in several ounces of warm water.  Use about a half-ounce of the solution to flush your nasal passages.  Try to get the solution into one nostril and quickly inhale.  If you notice some of the solution is in your mouth, then you have done it correctly.  After a couple of times and within a couple of minutes, you will notice your sinuses start to drain.
Tea
Olive leaf tea is easy to make.  Combine two ounces of crushed olive leaves and one pint of distilled water.  Boil the mixture and allow it to simmer for 10 minutes.  Remove from the heat and steep for 20 minutes.  Drink two to four ounces three times per day to fight infection.  At the point of this publication, guidelines have not been established for consuming olive leaf tea for preventative measures.  However, approximately four ounces per day may help boost and support immune functioning.

Dosage Guidelines
The guideline recommended dosage for preventative care is a maximum consumption of 500 milligrams. If you are fighting an infection, research supports taking three to four 500-milligram capsules of olive leaf extract every six to seven hours in order to destroy the infection quickly. No toxic levels or harmful side effects have been established or reported for consuming olive leaf extract.  However, consuming too much olive leaf extract can cause a phenomenon known as “die off.” Die off occurs when your symptoms worsen before going into remission.  This is the body’s way of throwing off the accumulated toxicity of taking too much. If you do experience this effect, cut back on your dosage and temporarily discontinue until your symptoms subside.   
Caution
Before experiencing the olive leaf extract benefits, always consult your physician prior to taking any herbal remedy to decrease your health risks. It is always best to let your treating medical doctor know all supplements you are taking.

The Best Foods For The Flu

It happens every year and it can hit us in an instant. It is a dreaded feeling when you know you are up against a very busy week and wake up sick with a severely sore throat. You may feel weak, experience dizziness and feel like your whole room is twirling around you, and feel utterly confused because you feel sweaty hot and shivering cold at the same exact time. Although medicine can serve as a cover up for your flu-like symptoms, many people are so used to running to the medicine cabinet and enduring through the added side effects of some mediations that they fail to research about the best foods that fight the flu fast. Although the food for the flu listed below may not instantly cure any flu like symptoms you may have, they have been known to cut off 7 or more days of the flu virus that as infected your body.

These foods for the flu work best when you first start to feel flu like symptoms or if you are trying to prevent yourself from catching a cold or influenza virus.

Garlic for the flu

Most famously known to keep vampires away, garlic, having many strong antibacterial properties, can act as a blood cleanse, ward off E Coli, salmonella, staphylococcus, and more. In case you are not a fan of how garlic tastes, they come in a supplemental capsule format that can be purchased at your local health food store. If you do enjoy garlic and you notice a cold or flu virus coming up on you, knock out a sore throat by sucking on a small clove of fresh garlic for 10-15 minutes, so you can extract its nutrients and antibacterial properties and deliver them to your sore throat via saliva. Other ways to take garlic include chopping up 3 to 5 fresh cloves and eating them with salads, soups, or other dishes. Be wary though, and add garlic to dishes within the last 10 minutes of cooking to let the nutrients stay in and do not microwave! Microwaving zaps the healthy benefits of garlic out quick. Also, garlic is good in moderation for humans, but toxic for pets like cats and dogs, and of course, vampires too.

Tomatoes for the flu

Go ahead, throw an arsenal of tomatoes at your flu virus! Tomatoes are absolutely awesome for fighting off any virus flu or cold virus that is taking a toll on your health. Tomatoes are high in vitamin C, which is great for your immune system. But what's even more powerful about tomatoes are their secret weapon in helping you feel better, Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that fights toxic free radicals in the body. Not only does lycopene cause the tomato to have such a vibrant red color, but there are studies that with an appropriate daily consumption, it greatly decreases the risks of cancer. But in the meantime, try using fresh organic tomatoes to make a healthy and delicious tomato soup to sip on during your illness. One of the best ways to take tomatoes when you have a cold or flu is in a warm liquid format for better absorption within the body. Mix your chopped or crushed tomatoes with tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and a bit of red or white wine with chopped garlic, some italian season, and a bit of salt to have a quick easy tomato soup! 

Onions for the flu

There are many different varieties of onion, but regardless, onions are a great weapon to help fight the flu fast. Onions are most famous and used for their antiflammatory and sedative qualities, so onions can help your throat not feel so inflamed while it helps you relax and get some rest. Onions are also used in many detox recipes. Since onions tend to have a strong taste and can make some of the toughest men cry, to maximize and take advantage of the nutritional properties in onions, allow them to set for 10 minutes after you cut or chop them and like garlic, wait until the last 10 minutes of a stove top meal to add onions to the dish. This is considered healthy sauté-ing and can definitely increase the nutritional value of your flu day meal. 

To wrap it all up

There are many other foods beyond this list that can help you fight the flu fast. When used in combination onion, garlic, and tomatoes can make delicious dishes while providing you with powerful anti oxidant nutrients to help kill your influenza virus. Drinking plenty of water and getting lots of rest are also needed to help these foods perform at their maximum for you. No one likes the flu, and these foods should definitely be in your "weapons against the flu" list.

Fast Ways to Lose Weight - part 1

Fast Ways to Lose Weight do exist, in fact, you’ll be surprised at how many effective ways to lose weight quickly there actually are! As a person who’ve gone from size 12 to size 2, I’ve tried it all and this ultimate list of 65 Fast Ways to Lose Weight is all you need to lose weight fast and keep it off. So, whether you’ve just started losing weight, or you are just thinking about how you can lose weight quickly, here you will find all the safe, fast ways to lose weight you need. Start by implementing a couple of them and apply more of these weight loss tips as you progress.
You’ll see the results quickly – in a matter of days and first weeks.  And then you’ll know that these fast ways to lose weight started working for you.  If you want to lose weight faster, all you need to do is add more of these tips to your daily routine and before you know it, you’ll achieve your weight loss goal!

NUTRITION TIPS FOR QUICK WEIGHT LOSS:

1. Start preparing your own meals

Preparing your own meals is the #1 step in fast and successful weight loss.  By doing so, you’ll be able to control your portions, that are usually  2 times bigger in restaurants, and the quality of products you consume.  To have a successful switch to home prepared meals, don’t try to change everything at once.  It’s best if you start with one meal at a time.  The easiest to prepare would be a nutritious yet low calorie breakfast, like oatmeal or eggs with a small salad or a fruit smoothy.
Have your home made breakfast for a week and then start preparing your healthy, perfectly sized dinner too.  After the second week, you’ll be having 2 healthy meals a day!  And you’ll notice that you’ve already lost a few pounds.  Wonder which foods are the best for losing weight fast? See the list of 50 Healthiest Foods to Help You Lose Weight for ideas.

2. Learn what a serving size is

Another important thing is to know how much food a normal size serving is. A serving of meat or fish should be about the size of a deck of cards. A serving of almost everything else ought to fit in the palm of your hand. And most importantly, if you feel full, do not make yourself eat up everything you have left on your plate. Listen to your body and you will know when it’s the right time to stop.

3. Learn which foods are good and which ones are bad for you

To make losing weight fast, you might need to know which foods are diet-friendly and which really aren’t. It might sound easy, but you won’t believe the number of foods we consider to be healthy and dietary when they actually aren’t! Check out these 50 Healthiest Foods from out Ultimate Grocery Shopping List for Losing Weight to know which foods will contribute to your healthy diet and these 10 Worst Foods for Your Hips to know which ones you might want to stay away from.

4. Increase your fiber content

Fiber is essential for your healthy weight loss, your digestive system will run smoothly, your body will be able to naturally detox, your metabolism will go up and you will feel healthier overall. To know more about fiber and to learn which foods have plenty of this magic carbohydrate check out this top fiber-rich foods list. Make oatmeal your daily breakfast and have a few vegetable salads during the day to get the fiber you need and you will see how fast you will start losing weight.

5. Don’t skip on protein

It’s very important to have balanced diet when trying to lose weight fast. That’s why you need to make sure that at least two of your daily meals contain sufficient amount of protein. Eggs, white meat, fish would be the best natural sources of protein for you. In case you are vegetarian, you might enjoy such foods as tofu, beans, asparagus that also have plenty of protein your body needs to start losing extra weight. See the list of high protein foods for vegetarians for more choices. Not only protein helps you feel fuller, it also repairs the muscles after your workouts and contributes to the beauty of your skin, nails and hair. Not sure how much protein a day you actually need? Use this online daily protein intake calculator to know exactly how much protein your body needs for a healthy yet fast weight loss.

Are you normal? Normality test

From time to time we do need to see if we ‘fit in’ or not; well now you have the change to do so, even if for fun.

Keep Your Eyes Healthy

Whether taking in a sunset or perceiving a road at night, eyes have a crucial job. Here’s how to protect them through your lifetime.

by Lisa Whitmore

Anatomy of an Eye

At the front of each eye lies the cornea, a rounded bulge that allows light inside. That light passes through the pupil, a transparent space in the center of the colored iris. Behind the pupil is the lens, which is connected to the zonules (ligaments that tighten and slacken to focus). Light goes through the lens and hits the retina, the tissue at the back of the eye, which sends a message through the optic nerve to the brain, telling it what you’re looking at.

From Birth Through Your 30s

When you are born, the lenses inside your eyes are generally crystal clear and flexible, and the zonules connected to them are strong. With age, the lenses become less flexible, and the zonules are not as effective.
Your eye shape, which is genetically determined, may mean that you need corrective lenses. If your eyeballs are too long, you’re nearsighted. If they are somewhat short, you’re farsighted. Whenever you notice a change in your vision, schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist or an optometrist.

In Your 40s

“This decade is when we begin to lose our ability to focus up close, which is called presbyopia,” says Andrew Iwach, M.D., a spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the executive director of the Glaucoma Center of San Francisco. Thank those thicker, harder lenses and weaker zonules. The remedy? Reading glasses. (Don’t feel bad―everyone needs them eventually.) How quickly you develop presbyopia depends on where your vision started. If you have always had perfect eyesight, you’ll probably need reading glasses in your early 40s. Nearsighted people have an edge and often won’t notice a change until their late 40s, says Jill Koury, an assistant professor of ophthalmology at the Duke University Eye Center, in Durham, North Carolina. If you’re farsighted, you’ll probably need those specs in your late 30s. This is also the time to schedule a comprehensive baseline eye exam (aim to go in at age 40 if you haven’t already). Among other things, a doctor will test the pressure inside your eyes and look at the optic nerves to be sure they are intact.

In Your 50s and Beyond

The lenses continue to harden, and you may find you need stronger corrective lenses or even bifocals, which are lenses that have two prescriptions built into them (they are now available in contact lenses, too). You are also at greater risk of developing the following eye diseases.

• Cataracts. These form when the lenses of the eyes become cloudy. More than 20 million Americans have cataracts, and everyone, if he or she lives long enough, will develop them. Age is the number one culprit, says Carol L. Karp, a professor of clinical ophthalmology at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, in Florida. Smoking and sun exposure are also contributors.
• Glaucoma. This disease affects more than 2 million people in the United States and is typically associated with pressure building up in the eyes, resulting in damage to the optic nerves, says Emily Bedrick Graubart, an assistant professor of ophthalmology at the Emory Eye Center and the Emory University School of Medicine, in Atlanta. Glaucoma causes peripheral-vision loss and can eventually lead to blindness. It’s one of the most common reasons worldwide why adults lose their sight.
• Macular degeneration. If the macula (a part of the retina) deteriorates due to heredity or environmental factors, the central line of sight becomes impaired. Blurred vision is often the first sign. Macular degeneration affects almost 2 million people in the United States and is the leading cause of vision loss in Caucasians over the age of 65. Ultraviolet (UV) light can speed its development, as can smoking. 

Eye Q’s

Answers to the questions that patients commonly ask their doctors.
  Q. Whom should I see for my exam, an ophthalmologist or an optometrist?A. Either. An ophthalmologist is a doctor of medicine (M.D.), which means he or she went to medical school and had an internship and a residency in ophthalmology. An optometrist is a doctor of optometry (O.D.) and has completed four years of optometry school. Both can give comprehensive examinations and prescribe glasses and contacts. But only an ophthalmologist can perform surgery.

Q. How often should I have my eyes examined?

A. According to Dori Carlson, an optometrist and a spokesperson for the American Optometric Association, a child should have his first screening, generally done by a pediatrician, anywhere from birth to age one. A second screening should be done at age three and another before the child starts school. Carlson suggests yearly exams after that, unless a doctor tells you otherwise. Most important, experts recommend having a comprehensive examination at age 40. If you start to notice changes in your vision, see a doctor, regardless of your age.

Q. Do I need to have my eyes dilated during an exam?

A. Probably. It’s the most common way a doctor can see deep inside the eyes to ensure that the optic nerves are healthy and to check the retinas. Schedule an appointment late in the day, when outdoor light isn’t too bright and you can avoid reading and computer work afterward, says Carlson. However, some ophthalmologists use a machine that lets them see into the eye without dilating.

Q. Why do my eyes start stinging when I’m tired?

A. The most likely culprit is dryness. When your eyes have been open for many hours, their surfaces dry out. And if you’ve been watching TV or using a computer, the problem can occur even more quickly, since when you look intently at something, you blink less and so lubricate your eyes less. Also, as you age, your ability to produce tears decreases. When your eyes are dry, they can’t flush irritants from the surfaces, so they may sting or feel scratchy. The solution: Use preservative-free artificial tears when you feel that burning sensation. (They’re safe to use with contacts.)

Q. Sometimes I see little squiggles in my vision. What are these?

A. They’re called floaters. Each eye is filled with a jellylike substance called the vitreous humor. It’s crystal clear and firm when you are young, but as you age, it liquefies. Floaters are simply little clumps of this jelly that cast shadows on the retina. They can be perfectly normal, says Koury, and you should worry only if they increase dramatically in number or if you see flashes of light, too.

Q. Can two brown-eyed parents have a blue-eyed child?

A. Yes. Eye color is determined by the amount of melanin in the irises. A bunch of genes control how much melanin develops. “Because eye color isn’t dependent on one gene, it’s possible for two people with brown eyes to have a baby with blue eyes or for two parents with blue eyes to have a brown-eyed child,” says Graubart. Many babies are born with blue eyes, as the genes responsible for iris pigmentation haven’t yet kicked in. If the genes end up telling the irises to produce more melanin, the eyes darken.

Keep Your Eyes Healthy

Whether taking in a sunset or perceiving a road at night, eyes have a crucial job. Here’s how to protect them through your lifetime.

by Lisa Whitmore

Anatomy of an Eye

At the front of each eye lies the cornea, a rounded bulge that allows light inside. That light passes through the pupil, a transparent space in the center of the colored iris. Behind the pupil is the lens, which is connected to the zonules (ligaments that tighten and slacken to focus). Light goes through the lens and hits the retina, the tissue at the back of the eye, which sends a message through the optic nerve to the brain, telling it what you’re looking at.

From Birth Through Your 30s

When you are born, the lenses inside your eyes are generally crystal clear and flexible, and the zonules connected to them are strong. With age, the lenses become less flexible, and the zonules are not as effective.
Your eye shape, which is genetically determined, may mean that you need corrective lenses. If your eyeballs are too long, you’re nearsighted. If they are somewhat short, you’re farsighted. Whenever you notice a change in your vision, schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist or an optometrist.

In Your 40s

“This decade is when we begin to lose our ability to focus up close, which is called presbyopia,” says Andrew Iwach, M.D., a spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the executive director of the Glaucoma Center of San Francisco. Thank those thicker, harder lenses and weaker zonules. The remedy? Reading glasses. (Don’t feel bad―everyone needs them eventually.) How quickly you develop presbyopia depends on where your vision started. If you have always had perfect eyesight, you’ll probably need reading glasses in your early 40s. Nearsighted people have an edge and often won’t notice a change until their late 40s, says Jill Koury, an assistant professor of ophthalmology at the Duke University Eye Center, in Durham, North Carolina. If you’re farsighted, you’ll probably need those specs in your late 30s. This is also the time to schedule a comprehensive baseline eye exam (aim to go in at age 40 if you haven’t already). Among other things, a doctor will test the pressure inside your eyes and look at the optic nerves to be sure they are intact.

In Your 50s and Beyond

The lenses continue to harden, and you may find you need stronger corrective lenses or even bifocals, which are lenses that have two prescriptions built into them (they are now available in contact lenses, too). You are also at greater risk of developing the following eye diseases.

• Cataracts. These form when the lenses of the eyes become cloudy. More than 20 million Americans have cataracts, and everyone, if he or she lives long enough, will develop them. Age is the number one culprit, says Carol L. Karp, a professor of clinical ophthalmology at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, in Florida. Smoking and sun exposure are also contributors.
• Glaucoma. This disease affects more than 2 million people in the United States and is typically associated with pressure building up in the eyes, resulting in damage to the optic nerves, says Emily Bedrick Graubart, an assistant professor of ophthalmology at the Emory Eye Center and the Emory University School of Medicine, in Atlanta. Glaucoma causes peripheral-vision loss and can eventually lead to blindness. It’s one of the most common reasons worldwide why adults lose their sight.
• Macular degeneration. If the macula (a part of the retina) deteriorates due to heredity or environmental factors, the central line of sight becomes impaired. Blurred vision is often the first sign. Macular degeneration affects almost 2 million people in the United States and is the leading cause of vision loss in Caucasians over the age of 65. Ultraviolet (UV) light can speed its development, as can smoking. 

Eye Q’s

Answers to the questions that patients commonly ask their doctors.
  Q. Whom should I see for my exam, an ophthalmologist or an optometrist?A. Either. An ophthalmologist is a doctor of medicine (M.D.), which means he or she went to medical school and had an internship and a residency in ophthalmology. An optometrist is a doctor of optometry (O.D.) and has completed four years of optometry school. Both can give comprehensive examinations and prescribe glasses and contacts. But only an ophthalmologist can perform surgery.

Q. How often should I have my eyes examined?

A. According to Dori Carlson, an optometrist and a spokesperson for the American Optometric Association, a child should have his first screening, generally done by a pediatrician, anywhere from birth to age one. A second screening should be done at age three and another before the child starts school. Carlson suggests yearly exams after that, unless a doctor tells you otherwise. Most important, experts recommend having a comprehensive examination at age 40. If you start to notice changes in your vision, see a doctor, regardless of your age.

Q. Do I need to have my eyes dilated during an exam?

A. Probably. It’s the most common way a doctor can see deep inside the eyes to ensure that the optic nerves are healthy and to check the retinas. Schedule an appointment late in the day, when outdoor light isn’t too bright and you can avoid reading and computer work afterward, says Carlson. However, some ophthalmologists use a machine that lets them see into the eye without dilating.

Q. Why do my eyes start stinging when I’m tired?

A. The most likely culprit is dryness. When your eyes have been open for many hours, their surfaces dry out. And if you’ve been watching TV or using a computer, the problem can occur even more quickly, since when you look intently at something, you blink less and so lubricate your eyes less. Also, as you age, your ability to produce tears decreases. When your eyes are dry, they can’t flush irritants from the surfaces, so they may sting or feel scratchy. The solution: Use preservative-free artificial tears when you feel that burning sensation. (They’re safe to use with contacts.)

Q. Sometimes I see little squiggles in my vision. What are these?

A. They’re called floaters. Each eye is filled with a jellylike substance called the vitreous humor. It’s crystal clear and firm when you are young, but as you age, it liquefies. Floaters are simply little clumps of this jelly that cast shadows on the retina. They can be perfectly normal, says Koury, and you should worry only if they increase dramatically in number or if you see flashes of light, too.

Q. Can two brown-eyed parents have a blue-eyed child?

A. Yes. Eye color is determined by the amount of melanin in the irises. A bunch of genes control how much melanin develops. “Because eye color isn’t dependent on one gene, it’s possible for two people with brown eyes to have a baby with blue eyes or for two parents with blue eyes to have a brown-eyed child,” says Graubart. Many babies are born with blue eyes, as the genes responsible for iris pigmentation haven’t yet kicked in. If the genes end up telling the irises to produce more melanin, the eyes darken.