sleeping

Lawrence says: Sleep is a naturally recurring state of relatively suspended sensory and motor activity, characterized by total or partial unconsciousness and the inactivity of nearly all voluntary muscles.

It is distinguished from quiet wakefulness by a decreased ability to react to stimuli, and it is more easily reversible than hibernation or coma. Sleep is a heightened anabolic state, accentuating the growth and rejuvenation of the immune, nervous, skeletal and muscular systems.

It is observed in all mammals, all birds, and many reptiles, amphibians, and fish.

The purposes and mechanisms of sleep are only partially clear and are the subject of intense research.

farsightedness is a problem

Ellen Says: Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness, longsightedness or hypermetropia, is a defect of vision caused by an imperfection in the eye (often when the eyeball is too short or the lens cannot become round enough), causing difficulty focusing on near objects, and in extreme cases causing a sufferer to be unable to focus on objects at any distance. As an object moves toward the eye, the eye must increase its power to keep the image in focus on the retina. If the power of the cornea and lens is insufficient, as in hyperopia, the image will appear blurred.
Hyperopia, and restoring of vision with convex lens.

People with hyperopia can experience blurred vision, asthenopia, accommodative dysfunction, binocular dysfunction, amblyopia, and strabismus.

Hyperopia is often confused with presbyopia, another condition that frequently causes blurry near vision. Presbyopes who report good far vision typically experience blurry near vision because of a reduced accommodative amplitude brought about by natural aging changes with the crystalline lens, It is also sometimes referred to as farsightedness, since in otherwise normally-sighted persons it makes it more difficult to focus on near objects than on far objects.

The causes of hyperopia are typically genetic and involve an eye that is too short or a cornea that is too flat, so that images focus at a point behind the retina. People with hyperopia can usually see distant objects well, but have trouble focusing on nearby objects.

Visual acuity is affected according to the amount of hyperopia, as well as the patient's age, visual demands, and accommodative ability.

calcium for bone health and etc...

Gbex says: Calcium is an important component of a healthy diet and a mineral necessary for life. The National Osteoporosis Foundation says, "Calcium plays an important role in building stronger, denser bones early in life and keeping bones strong and healthy later in life." Approximately ninety-nine percent of the body's calcium is stored in the bones and teeth.

The rest of the calcium in the body has other important uses, such as some exocytosis, especially neurotransmitter release, and muscle contraction. In the electrical conduction system of the heart, calcium replaces sodium as the mineral that depolarizes the cell, proliferating the action potential. In cardiac muscle, sodium influx commences an action potential, but during potassium efflux, the cardiac myocyte experiences calcium influx, prolonging the action potential and creating a plateau phase of dynamic equilibrium.

Long-term calcium deficiency can lead to rickets and poor blood clotting and in case of a menopausal woman, it can lead to osteoporosis, in which the bone deteriorates and there is an increased risk of fractures. While a lifelong deficit can affect bone and tooth formation, over-retention can cause hypercalcemia (elevated levels of calcium in the blood), impaired kidney function and decreased absorption of other minerals.

High calcium intakes or high calcium absorption were previously thought to contribute to the development of kidney stones. However, a high calcium intake has been associated with a lower risk for kidney stones in more recent research.

Vitamin D is needed to absorb calcium .

complete your day with a spa day

Ellen Says: Well, my friend here knows what he is saying. Spa is my best companion especially these days when the goings get rough in my day.

I should emphasize that spa is associated with water treatment which is also known as balneotherapy. Spa towns or spa resorts (including hot springs resorts) typically offer thermal or mineral water for drinking and bathing. They also offer various health treatments.

The belief in the curative powers of mineral waters goes back to prehistoric times. Such practices have been popular worldwide, but are especially widespread in Europe and Japan. Day spas are also quite popular, and offer various personal care treatments.

bed sores

Gbex says: Bedsores, more properly known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, are lesions caused by many factors such as: unrelieved pressure; friction; humidity; shearing forces; temperature; age; continence and medication; to any part of the body, especially portions over bony or cartilaginous areas such as sacrum, elbows, knees, ankles etc.

Although easily prevented and completely treatable if found early, bedsores are often fatal – even under the auspices of medical care – and are one of the leading iatrogenic causes of death reported in developed countries, second only to adverse drug reactions.

Prior to the 1950s, treatment was ineffective until Doreen Norton showed that the primary cure and treatment was to remove the pressure by turning the patient every two hours.

Bedsores are accepted to be caused by three different tissue forces:

Pressure, or the compression of tissues. In most cases, this compression is caused by the force of bone against a surface, as when a patient remains in a single decubitus position for a lengthy period. After an extended amount of time with decreased tissue perfusion, ischemia occurs and can lead to tissue necrosis if left untreated.

Shear force, or a force created when the skin of a patient stays in one place as the deep fascia and skeletal muscle slide down with gravity.

This can also cause the pinching off of blood vessels which may lead to ischemia and tissue necrosis.

Friction, or a force resisting the shearing of skin. This may cause excess shedding through layers of epidermis.

halitosis, what is this?

Gbex says: Halitosis, or bad breath, is a term used to describe noticeably unpleasant odors exhaled in breathing – whether the smell is from an oral source due to bacteria or otherwise. Halitosis has a significant impact – personally and socially – on those who suffer from it or believe they do (halitophobia), and is estimated to be the third-most-frequent reason for seeking dental aid, following tooth decay and periodontal disease.

In most cases (85–90%), bad breath originates in the mouth itself. The intensity of bad breath differs during the day, due to eating certain foods (such as garlic, onions, meat, fish, and cheese), obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption.

Because the mouth is exposed to less oxygen and is inactive during the night, the odor is usually worse upon awakening ("morning breath"). Bad breath may be transient, often disappearing following eating, brushing one's teeth, flossing, or rinsing with specialized mouthwash.

Bad breath may also be persistent (chronic bad breath), which is a more serious condition, affecting some 25% of the population in varying degrees.

It can negatively affect the individual's personal, social, and business relationships, leading to poor self-esteem and increased stress.

Listerine can lay claim to the origins of the word halitosis, which is a combination of the Latin halitus, meaning 'breath', and the Greek suffix osis often used to describe a medical condition, e.g., 'cirrhosis of the liver'.

The term 'halitosis' was introduced by Listerine in 1921, but bad breath is not a modern affliction. It has been causing embarrassment for thousands of years. Records mentioning bad breath have been discovered more than 3,000 years ago, all the way back in 1550 B.C. Back then, exactly what caused bad breath was not known, but a mouthwash of wine and herbs was one recommended way of solving the problem.

want to get some foot spa treatment?

Ellen Says:A body treatment, spa treatment, or cosmetic treatment is non-medical procedure to help the health of the body. It is often performed at a resort, destination spa, day spa, beauty salon or school.

Typical treatments include:
facials — facial cleansing with a variety of products
massage
waxing — the removal of body hair with hot wax
body wraps - wrapping the body in hot linens, plastic sheets and blankets, or mud wraps, often in combination with herbal compounds.
aromatherapy
skin exfoliation — including chemical peels and microdermabrasion
nail care such as manicures and pedicures
bathing or soaking in any of the following:
hot spring
Onsen (Japanese Hot Springs)
Thermae (Roman Hot Springs)
hot tub
mud bath
peat pulp bath
sauna
steam bath
nutrition and weight guidance
personal training
yoga and meditation

The term spa is associated with water treatment which is also known as balneotherapy. Spa towns or spa resorts (including hot springs resorts) typically offer thermal or mineral water for drinking and bathing.

They also offer various health treatments. The belief in the curative powers of mineral waters goes back to prehistoric times. Such practices have been popular worldwide, but are especially widespread in Europe and Japan.

Day spas are also quite popular, and offer various personal care treatments.

the perils of obesity

Ellen Says: Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems.

Body mass index (BMI), a measurement which compares weight and height, defines people as overweight (pre-obese) when their BMI is between 25 kg/m2 and 30 kg/m2, and obese when it is greater than 30 kg/m2.

Obesity increases the likelihood of various diseases, particularly heart disease, type 2 diabetes, breathing difficulties during sleep, certain types of cancer, and osteoarthritis.

Obesity is most commonly caused by a combination of excessive dietary calories, lack of physical activity, and genetic susceptibility, although a few cases are caused primarily by genes, endocrine disorders, medications or psychiatric illness. Evidence to support the view that some obese people eat little yet gain weight due to a slow metabolism is limited; on average obese people have a greater energy expenditure than their thin counterparts due to the energy required to maintain an increased body mass.

The primary treatment for obesity is dieting and physical exercise. To supplement this, or in case of failure, anti-obesity drugs may be taken to reduce appetite or inhibit fat absorption. In severe cases, surgery is performed or an intragastric balloon is placed to reduce stomach volume and/or bowel length, leading to earlier satiation and reduced ability to absorb nutrients from food.

Obesity is a leading preventable cause of death worldwide, with increasing prevalence in adults and children, and authorities view it as one of the most serious public health problems of the 21st century.

Obesity is stigmatized in the modern Western world, though it has been perceived as a symbol of wealth and fertility at other times in history, and still is in many parts of Africa.

prickly heat is a damaging problem

Ellen Says:Miliaria (miliaria rubra, sweat rash, heat rash, or prickly heat) is a skin disease marked by small and itchy rashes. Miliaria is a common ailment in hot and humid conditions, such as in the tropics and during the summer season. Although it affects people of all ages, it is especially common in children and infants due to their underdeveloped sweat glands.

Symptoms of miliaria include small red rashes, called papules, which may itch or more often cause an intense 'pins-and-needles' prickling sensation.

These may simultaneously occur at a number of areas on a sufferer's body, the most common including the face, neck, under the breasts and under the scrotum. Other areas include skin folds, areas of the body that may rub against clothing, such as the back, chest, and stomach, etc. A related and sometimes simultaneous condition is folliculitis, where hair follicles become plugged with foreign matter, resulting in inflammation.

The symptoms relating to miliaria should not be confused with shingles as they can be very similar. Shingles will restrict itself to one side of the body but also has a rash-like appearance. It is also accompanied by a prickling sensation and pain throughout the region. Those who suspect they have shingles and not miliaria should seek medical advice immediately as the sooner antivirals are taken, the better.

Medical assistance should be sought for the first episode of a rash with the appearance of miliaria. The differential includes several conditions which an experienced practitioner should be able to recognise and may require treatment distinct from the usual measures taken for miliaria. In most cases the rash of miliaria will resolve without intervention. However, severe cases can last for a number of weeks and cause significant disability. General measures should be recommended for all patients, including moving to an air-conditioned environment if possible, avoiding sweat-provoking activities and occlusive clothing, and taking frequent cool showers.

It has been suggested that the use of topical antibacterials (including the use of antibacterial soaps) may shorten the duration of symptoms in miliaria rubra even in the absence of obvious superinfection. Other topical agents which may reduce the severity of symptoms include anti-itch preparations such as calamine or menthol and/or camphor based preparations, and topical steroid creams, however caution should be used with oil-based preparations (ointments and oily creams as opposed to water based or aqueous lotions) which may increase blockage to the sweat glands and prolong duration of illness.

Other agents have been investigated including supplemental vitamin A and C and vitamin A based medications, but it is worth noting that there is little scientific evidence supporting any of the above treatments in terms of actually reducing the duration of symptoms or frequency of complications.

what immunization does to our body system

Gbex says:Immunization is the process by which an individual's immune system becomes fortified against an agent known as the immunogen.

When an immune system is exposed to molecules that are foreign to the body, it will orchestrate an immune response, but it can also develop the ability to quickly respond to a subsequent encounter. This is a function of the adaptive immune system. Therefore, by exposing an animal to an immunogen in a controlled way, its body can learn to protect itself: this is called active immunization.

The most important elements of the immune system that are improved by immunization are the B cells (and the antibodies they produce) and T cells. Memory B cell and memory T cells are responsible for a swift response to a second encounter with a foreign molecule. Passive immunization is when these elements are introduced directly into the body, instead of when the body itself has to make these elements.

Immunization can be done through various techniques, most commonly vaccination. Vaccines against microorganisms that cause diseases can prepare the body's immune system, thus helping to fight or prevent an infection. The fact that mutations can cause cancer cells to produce proteins or other molecules that are unknown to the body forms the theoretical basis for therapeutic cancer vaccines. Other molecules can be used for immunization as well, for example in experimental vaccines against nicotine.

getting rid of colds

Apa says: Sniffles and sneezes and perhaps a sore throat and annoying coughs, are the most common symptoms of colds especially in this time of the year...

The first symptoms of a cold are often a tickle in the throat, a runny or stuffy nose, and sneezing. Nasal discharge may change from watery to thick yellow or green.

Colds are most contagious during the first 2 to 4 days after symptoms appear, and may be contagious for up to 3 weeks. Your can catch a cold from person-to-person contact or by breathing in virus particles spread through the air by sneezing or coughing. Touching the mouth or nose after touching skin or another surface contaminated with the cold virus can also spread a cold.

Medicine can't cure the common cold, but it can be used to relieve such symptoms as muscle aches, headache, and fever. You can give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen based on the package recommendations for age or weight.

The best plan, though, is not to worry about whether to "feed a cold" or "starve a fever." Just make sure you ceat when hungry and drink plenty of fluids like water or juice to help replace the fluids lost during fever or mucus production.

Avoid serving caffeinated beverages, though, which can cause frequent urination and, therefore, increase the risk of dehydration.

why do we get angry?

Gbex says: Anger is more likely among the young, those with children at home, and the less educated, a new study finds.

An international survey of people from all walks of life aged 18 and above questioned participants on how and when they feel angry-

These angry emotions range from mild annoyance to yelling and feelings of outrage.

While anger is a normal human emotion, it could be detrimental if you hold on to it too long. And those who express their anger might actually live longer than those who keep it bottled in, one study found.

For one, people under 30 experienced anger of all forms or intensities more frequently than did older adults. This was mainly due to the fact that young people are more likely to be affected by three core stressors that can trigger angry feelings.
These three are:
Time pressures
Economic hardship
Interpersonal conflict at the workplace

Time pressures had the strongest link to anger, especially low-grade versions termed "feelings of annoyance," the study found.

Those who were under financial strain tended to report higher levels of anger, a connection that could be particularly important in today's flagging economy. The financial influence tended to be stronger among women and younger adults.

Having children was also associated with angry feelings and behaviors, such as yelling, particularly in women, the survey found.

There's obviously a lot of joys and benefits that come with parenthood, but other aspects of parenting, such as having to discipline a misbehaving child, can cause feelings of anger and annoyance.

Those with fewer years of education were also more likely to report feelings of anger and were less likely to respond proactively in a situation that made them angry (for example, talking about what made them angry).

It underscores the power of getting more education. Education has been linked to feeling more self-control, which could be why those with more education tend to manage their anger more proactively.

How to stay energized through the holiday party season

Gbex says: Christmas is just a few nights away and everybody is joyfully expecting for the coming of this greatest celebration of our lives! The question is: How to stay energized through the holiday party season!

While you get excited for all the gatherings to come, here's how to stay energized through the whole season.Drink water. Dehydration can cause your energy levels to plummet, and we all wake up dehydrated. Start your day with two 8-ounce glasses of water as soon as you wake up, and keep a water bottle on your desk and sip from it throughout the day.

Eat right. Eggs are rich in choline, which helps to boost concentration. And omega-3 fatty acids are critical to improving brain function, energy, and mood. You could add a bit of salmon to your morning omelets or put it on your dinner menu once or twice a week; alternatively, a 1,000 to 1,500 milligram daily supplement should energize you in about a week.

Get your heart pumping. This wakes you up and gives you a healthy boost

Sleep well. Easier said than done, we know. But there are a few things tricks to getting more restful sleep: Keep your room cool; 68 degrees should do it. That'll help your body fall into deeper sleep.

a healthy eyesight is a grace...

Gbex says:A cataract is a painless, cloudy area in the lens of the eye that blocks the passage of light to the retina. The retina is the nerve layer at the back of the eye. The nerve cells in the retina detect light entering the eye and send nerve signals to the brain about what the eye sees. Because cataracts block this light, they can cause vision problems.

See a picture of a cataract.
What causes cataracts?

Aging and exposure to sunlight can cause cataracts. Changes in your eyes are often a normal part of aging, but they do not always lead to cataracts.

Cataracts can also happen after an eye injury, as a result of eye disease, after you use certain medicines, or as a result of health problems such as diabetes.

Sometimes children are born with cataracts.
What are the symptoms?

Cataracts can affect your vision.

* You may have cloudy, fuzzy, or foggy vision.
* You may see glare from lamps or the sun. You may have trouble driving at night because of glare from car headlights.
* You may need frequent changes to your eyeglasses prescription.
* You may get double vision in one eye.
* Your near vision may improve for a short time if you get a cataract. This temporary improvement is called second sight.

Sometimes cataracts do not cause vision problems.
How are cataracts diagnosed?

Your doctor can find out if you have cataracts by doing a physical exam and by asking questions about your symptoms and past health. You may need other tests to make sure you have a cataract or to rule out other conditions that may be causing vision problems.
How are they treated?

Surgery is the only way to correct vision loss caused by cataracts. But cataracts in older adults do not always need to be removed. The vision loss from a cataract often happens slowly and may never become severe.

There are a number of things you can do that may help you manage your vision problems. Many people get along very well with the help of eyeglasses, contacts, or other vision aids. Keep your eyeglasses or contact lens prescription up to date. Also make sure you have plenty of lighting in your home. You may be able to avoid or delay surgery.

Whether you need cataract surgery depends on how much of a problem the cataract causes for daily activities like driving and reading. Surgery is almost always by your choice (elective) and can be scheduled when it is convenient. For people who do decide to have surgery, the surgery usually works very well.

Some people have to have surgery. Children are sometimes born with cataracts that need to be removed. Other people may get cataracts after an eye injury or as a result of eye disease or other health problems. Cataracts from these causes may also need to be removed.
How can I prevent cataracts?

There is no proven way to prevent cataracts. But there are some things you can do that may help slow cataract growth. Do not smoke. Wear a hat or sunglasses when you are in the sun, and avoid sunlamps and tanning booths. Eat healthy foods, and limit alcoholic drinks. Keep diabetes under control.

Nighttime Leg Cramps

Gbex says: Nighttime leg cramps are different from another common nighttime leg problem called restless legs syndrome. With restless legs syndrome, your legs feel fidgety or crawly unless you move them. For more information, see the topic Restless Legs Syndrome.

What are nighttime leg cramps?

Nighttime (or nocturnal) leg cramps are usually sudden spasms, or tightening, of muscles in the calf. But the muscle cramps can sometimes happen in the thigh or the foot. They often occur just as you are falling asleep or waking up. These painful cramps can last a few seconds to a few minutes.

These leg cramps are also called charley horses.

What causes nighttime leg cramps?

Though nighttime leg cramps are common, experts don't know exactly what causes them. But most of the time it is not because of illness. Some of the things that may cause leg cramps include:

* Getting too much exercise or overusing the muscles.
* Standing on concrete for a long time, sitting for a long time, or putting your legs in awkward positions while you sleep.
* Not having enough potassium, calcium, and other minerals in your blood.
* Being dehydrated, which means your body has lost too much fluid.
* Taking certain medicines, such as antipsychotics, birth control pills, diuretics, statins, and steroids.
* Having flat feet.
* Having thyroid disease.

How can you stop a nighttime leg cramp when it happens?

You may need to try several different ways to stop a leg cramp before you find what works best for you. Here are some things you can try:

* Walk around, or jiggle your leg.
* Stretch your calf muscles. You can do this stretch while you sit or stand:
o While sitting, straighten your leg and flex your foot up toward your knee. It may help to place a rolled towel under the ball of your foot and, while holding the towel at both ends, gently pull the towel toward you while keeping your knee straight.
o While standing about 2 ft (0.6 m) from a wall, lean forward against the wall. Keep the knee of the affected leg straight and the heel on the ground. Do this while you bend the knee of the other leg. See a picture of how to do this calf stretch.
These exercises stretch your calf muscles, and you will probably feel the leg cramp go away after a few minutes.
* Some people find that a hot shower or a warm bath helps. Others get relief by rubbing the calf with an ice pack.

How can you prevent them?

Use these tips to help prevent nighttime leg cramps:

* Drink plenty of water and other fluids during the day.
* Limit or avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine. These can make you dehydrated, which means your body has lost too much fluid.
* Make sure you are eating healthy foods (especially if you are pregnant) that are rich in calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
* Ride a stationary bike to condition and stretch your muscles.
* Stretch your leg muscles for a few minutes before you go to bed.

If you are taking medicines that are known to cause leg cramps, your doctor may prescribe different medicines.

If your leg cramps bother you a lot, your doctor may prescribe medicines that calm leg nerves or relax the muscles.

In the past quinine was commonly recommended for leg cramps. But there is little evidence that it helps, and it may even be harmful.

What if nighttime leg cramps keep coming back?

Talk with your doctor if you have muscle cramps that keep coming back, are severe, or occur in other muscles of your body. These may be symptoms of another problem.

get rid of FLU

Gbex says: Most people can treat flu symptoms at home. Home treatment includes resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking medicine to lower your fever.

If you think you have the flu, your doctor may be able to give you medicine that can make the symptoms milder. But you need to start taking it within 2 days of your first symptoms.

You can help prevent the flu by getting the flu vaccine every year. The best time to get the vaccine is in October or November, just before the start of flu season. You can get the vaccine as a shot or in a spray that you breathe in through your nose.

Almost anyone over 6 months old can have the flu vaccine. The vaccine is especially important for people who are at higher risk of problems from the flu, including:
* Children 6 months through 4 years of age.
* Adults ages 50 and older.
* Adults and children who have long-term health problems or an impaired immune system.
* Women who will be pregnant during the flu season.

The flu vaccine is also recommended for health care workers and anyone who lives or works with a person who is at higher risk of problems from the flu. Your doctor can help you decide if the flu vaccine is a good choice for you.

The vaccine usually prevents most cases of the flu. But even if you do get the flu after you've had the vaccine, your symptoms will be milder and you'll have less chance of problems from the flu. You cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine.

getting rid of a bad mood

Gbex says: Dudes and gals, here are some significant tips to avoid getting into a bad mood that ruins your day! .....
1. A Laughing Matter
"Laugh Therapy," pioneered by Norman Cousins, has turned out to have real substance. Research has discovered that laughter and joy boost immune functions, especially the production of the natural killer cells that help defend the body from illness and cancer.

Laughter also increases the release of endorphins - compounds that give you a sense of well-being - in your brain. Without a doubt, joyful people liver longer and healthier lives. So read your favorite comics, watch your favorite comedies, and laugh it up!

2. Amino Acid for Restored Mindset
When an imbalance or deficiency is creating a bad mood, the Europeans use supplements of a natural compound found in human cells to regulate mood and restore a healthy mindset. SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine) is produced from methionine, an amino acid that plays a role in the production of uplifting neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.

One study indicated that SAMe worked on patients who had unsuccessful results with conventional antidepressants. To get a boost from SAMe, take a supplement combining it with vitamins B6 and B12.

3. Hands-On Healing
Human touch increases the production of endorphins, growth hormone, and DHEA, all of which lengthen your life span and lower the negative impact of stress. Studies have found that patients who are regularly touched recover faster than those who are not touched. So give someone a hug and feel both of your moods improve.

4. Boost Your "Youth Hormones"
You don't need pills to flood your body with a rejuvenating flood of growth hormones. Research has found that doing squats and leg presses will greatly increase your natural production of the "youth hormone". Increased growth hormone translates to an elevated mood, among other physical benefits. Keep it up with weight training, knee bends, push-ups, and rowing.

5. Take a Bracing Breath
Breathing correctly is important for dispelling the toxins and wastes from your body; in fact, it is estimated that we expel only about 30 percent of toxins in our bodies through the bowels and bladder-the rest is all respiratory. Breathing is also a great way to clear your mind, boost your energy, and improve your mood. Practice deep, slow, rhythmic, breathing daily with mind-body disciplines such as tai chi, yoga, qigong, and meditation.

6. Smell the Joy
Research has shown that smell has a definite impact on our bodies and minds. When you stimulate the olfactory nerves inside your nose, you activate the limbic system of your brain, which is associated with moods and memory. This concept is instrumental to aromatherapy, a natural health tradition that makes use of the healing powers of plants with strong scents.

Aromatherapy recommends treating depression with jasmine, eucalyptus for exhilaration, and grapefruit to increase alertness and joy. Just put a dab of the essential oils from these plants on your temples, back of your neck, or acupressure points. Another option? Boil the herb in water and inhale the steam through your nose.

7. Feel Fine with Flowers
There is a reason that flowers are the traditional get-well gesture. Colorful flowers have a powerful influence on moods; they can uplift a patient's mood and even combat stress. One study found that during a five-minute typing assignment, people sitting next to a flowering bouquet were more relaxed than those who sat near foliage-only plants.

achieving a better sleep

Gbex says: # If you've been lying in bed but are beginning to fear you're not going to drop off, try some of these techniques: Count sheep or count backwards from 100 (one of my favorites) to stop yourself from thinking about the problems of yesterday or tomorrow; breathe deeply for awhile; or visualize some peaceful place.

# If you can't get to sleep after lying in bed for 30 minutes or more, get up for awhile. What to do? Try reading something incredibly boring.

# Develop a bedtime routine.

# Keep regular bedtime hours.

# Before bedtime, avoid tobacco and caffeinated beverages (not just coffee, but other drinks like tea, cola, and Dr. Pepper).

# Avoid alcohol right before bedtime — a nightcap might get your mind fuzzy enough to put you to sleep, but such sleep may be interrupted by periods of awakening. By contrast, the stress-lowering effect of a drink with dinner may help to promote sleep later.

# Avoid naps (or falling asleep in front of boring TV programs, as I do).

# Try to get up at the same time every day rather than sleeping in on weekends.

# Exercise every day, but not shortly before bedtime since exercise gets the adrenaline going.

# If you use an illuminated clock for a wakeup alarm, place it where you can't keep looking at it to check the time.

# Buy a firm mattress and keep your bedroom well ventilated (a cool temperature works best for me).

# And you might also try some of these: a warm bath, warm milk, light bedtime snack, massage, or quiet music (which turns itself off automatically).

# Use earplugs for extreme quiet.

# If you have a painful joint or a headache, take a pain pill before bedtime (but be sure it doesn't contain caffeine).

# Avoid stimulating reading or television shows late at night.

Shelling out money for Gym

Gbex says: If you're on a budget, you might think exercise is a little too expensive. However, regular exercise can help you save on health care costs in the long run. Saving money is always a priority when financial times get tough.

You may think getting a good workout requires shelling out money for gym memberships or tons of equipment, but there are alternatives. The good news? You don't need expensive equipment or gym memberships to do it.

One option is to buy fitness equipment that has multiple uses. Some of the popular infomercial gadgets, like ab machines or bun and thigh gadgets, only work one part of the body and can be expensive. You can try plenty of other alternatives to do a variety of activities that will save both money and time.

It may seem like a luxury to buy a home treadmill or elliptical trainer. But, again, having something you can use at home can save gym membership fees while letting you exercise any time you like. If the whole family uses it, you’ll get even more for your money.

Benefits of good sitting

Gbex says: Reading, chatting, working and watching television are usually done sitting down. A good sitting posture allows us to perform daily tasks without having to consider how we sit in terms of balance, stability or comfort. Tiny movements in position allow us to correct discomfort and maintain our posture in response to how comfortable we are, what we are doing and what is going on around us. It is apparent that we rarely spend time only sitting and we very rarely sit absolutely still.

Looking at different types of chair, we see that seat height and depth, arm support, even firmness of cushion can affect how much we alter our position for greater support or to relieve pressure in muscles and joints. If our movements are affected by age, disability or illness we need to pay greater attention to the features of a chair, as corrections to posture are not always easy. It is important to match the features of the chair with the physical needs of the user, as well as considering where the chair will be used and what the user will be doing when sitting.

By doing this, we can hope to see the benefits of good sitting such as more active and constructive lifestyles, faster recuperation from strokes and illness, maintenance of body shape and prevention of pressure related problems.