Spring is well under way and summer is fast approaching. It’s time for kids to take out their roller blades for carefree treks down boardwalks and sidewalks. Dads will rummage through closets for dormant baseball caps and to see if last year’s uniform still fits. If not playing ball he’ll watch from the sidelines, or from the comfort of his favorite chair. Moms, time to don old jeans, stock up on sunscreen, and get out the fishing poles. You heard me, ladies. Fishing poles! It’s time to fight back!

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), stroke is the third leading cause of death in women. Every year an estimated 97,000 American women will die as a result of stroke. Statistically, every 53 seconds stroke will victimize someone in America. Of an estimated 600,000 stroke victims each year about 160,000 die as a result. There is, however, an easy way to drastically reduce these statistics.

Findings in a 14-year-long study of nearly 80,000 American women indicate that eating a 3.5 ounce serving of fish, two to four times a week, lowers stroke risk by 27 percent. The more fish consumed, the more impressive the percentages. Although few large-scale studies have examined this particular issue in men, experts say there is no biological reason results of such studies would differ.

The American Medical Association (AMA) published the study results in their January journal, 2001. There is conclusive evidence that consumption of fish high in omega 3 fatty acids hold significant health benefits, including reduced thrombotic infarction — a type of stroke where a blood clot blocks an artery in the brain, resulting in destroyed brain tissue. (Blood clots are responsible for more than 80 percent of all strokes.)

Fish are a high source of omega 3 fatty acids, nutrients that help prevent the formation of clots, or “platelet clumping.” They do this by making blood less “sticky.” As a result, risk of thrombotic stroke is lessened, as well as risk of embolic stroke, where the clot forms elsewhere in the body before traveling to the brain.

Conducted at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, the study revealed that women who ate fish once a week reduced stoke risk by 22 percent; two to four times a week by 27 percent, and five or more times a week by 52 percent. Unfortunately, the average American woman only consumes about 1.3 servings of any type seafood weekly, at an average of 3.5 ounces per serving. Women are not eating enough fish!

Penny Kris Etherton, Ph.D., a heart disease researcher at the State University in Pennsylvania, has long extolled the virtues of eating fish for health purposes. “I clearly tell people to eat fish and shellfish regularly to lower the risk of heart disease.”

National Fisheries Institute (NFI) President, Richard E. Gutting, Jr., agrees. “The benefits of eating fish continue to mount as more studies are conducted,” he noted. Gutting also said that women of all ages “should enjoy the variety and great taste of fish and seafood on a regular basis.”

How the fish is prepared is important, as omega 3 fatty acids can be destroyed by heat, air, and light. NFI recommends not overcooking the meat and the use of low fat cooking methods: baking, broiling, poaching, steaming, stir-frying, grilling, or saut?ing. Cook just until the point of doneness for maximum benefit. Avoid deep-frying, as it not only destroys more omega 3, but also adds to the total fat content.

If eating fish isn’t your cup of tea, you might try fish oil supplements. Most experts do not advise the routine use of fish oil supplements, however, for two reasons: 1.) possible side effects — fishy breath, gastrointestinal upset, and easy bruising. 2.) a false sense of security derived from taking fish oil for heath purposes, when the diet itself may be unhealthy.

Besides fish and fish oil supplements, other good omega 3 fatty acid sources include canola oil, flaxseed oil, soybean oil, certain nuts and vegetables, and tofu. However, one would have to eat at least several times the normal amount of any of these other sources to gain the same benefit from one regular size serving of fish.

Institute of Food Technologist, Joyce Nettleton, D. Sc., R.D. suggests that because eating fish alone won’t compensate for unhealthy eating habits, “fish and other shellfish should be eaten as part of a low fat diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.”

Besides boasting stroke resistant benefits, the fatty acids of omega 3 act as “health heroes” against hypertension, breast cancer, and depression. Other benefits include: less chance of developing heart disease, lower risk of heart attack even where heart disease does exist, lower blood pressure, possible improvement of kidney function in severe diabetes, and possible improvement of certain inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, psoriasis, and kidney disease.

In addition, nutrients found in healthy, uncontaminated fish help to insure proper development of fetal brain, eye, and nervous tissue during pregnancy. But, caution should be taken.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in a recent consumer advisory, pregnant women should not consume shark, swordfish, or king mackerel or should limit consumption to not more than once a month.

These large predator fish could contain higher levels of methyl mercury than the FDA limit for safe human consumption — 1 part per million (1ppm). Over consumption risks damage to the fetal nervous system. Even fresh water predator species such as pike and walleye have been found to have methyl mercury levels in the 1ppm range.

While it’s true nearly all fish contain trace elements of mercury, larger, older and predator fish accumulate the highest levels and pose the greatest threat, while younger fish caught after only one season in polluted water have less. Even so, a variety of fish and other seafood that offer a naturally low fat source of protein can be an important part of a balanced diet for mothers-to-be.

According to one FDA advisor, pregnant women can consume up to 12 ounces of cooked fish each week: shellfish, canned fish, smaller ocean fish or farm raised fish. Farm raised rainbow trout are most likely fed high protein foods containing a combination of soy and fish meal which make them an even better source of omega 3 fatty acid. Seven ounces of canned tuna can be safely consumed each week by pregnant women and nursing mothers if no other fish containing mercury is eaten.

Despite FDA warnings for pregnant women, the results of the survey hold wonderful news, and women should be greatly encouraged. We now have scientific proof that there is a positive step available toward reducing the risk of stroke. Even if you don’t like fish, consuming just one 3.5 ounce serving one or two times a month can reduce risk of stroke by 7 percent.

Certain kinds of fish are more beneficial than others. For instance, because Alaska is relatively unpopulated there is little industry to pollute the streams and ocean. Lack of pollution combined with the earth’s water and air circulation patterns make Alaska’s pristine waters, and consequently its seafood among the cleanest in the world.

Numerous studies support this assertion. In 1998 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) did a survey of seafood from the waters of Cook Inlet, located near Anchorage, Alaska. Results indicate that fin fish and shellfish caught in Cook Inlet were cleaner than any the EPA had ever tested. In addition, plentiful Alaska Salmon, one of the richest natural sources of omega 3 fatty acid available, are not among the publicized “endangered” varieties of salmon.

Although light meat fish such as perch, flounder, and whiting have only about 0.5 grams of omega 3 fatty acid per 4 ounce serving, fish varieties with dark meat such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, and bluefish contain roughly three times the amount of protective stroke reducing omega 3 fatty acid. Fresh tuna, striped bass, and rainbow smelt are also rich sources. So if you’re going to limit fish intake, a dark meat fish is your best choice.

Whether for purposes of hobby or health, fishing is relaxing and something the whole family can enjoy together. This fun “sport” has the potential to enhance your health and your marriage.

So, go ahead! Get a fishing license, grab a pole, and hit the shoreline. Eat “the fruits of your labor” five times a week to reduce stroke risk by as much as 52 percent. Then brag about the “big one” that got away!

About the Author

Visit Susan’s website http://health.learninginfo.org for more information on health, nutrition, longevity, beauty, fashion and fitness.

*** This article can be freely used as long as a link to “A 2 Z of Health, Beauty and Fitness” http://health.learninginfo.org is provided.

Dental plans are not included in basic health insurance plans as most of the dental treatments are elective and to a degree, cosmetic. Some medical plans take account of dental coverage as an added feature. Dental disease is often preventable; with the exclusion of injury or damage due to an accident. Only the initial diagnostic procedures such as exams and x-rays in dental treatment are relatively low-cost. Otherwise the treatments are considered to be expensive.

Low cost dental insurance is necessary for anyone who cares about their teeth and also doesn?t like paying the full price for dental work. You will have peace of mind with a low cost dental health insurance as you can be safe in the knowledge that you and your family are covered for any eventuality and will obtain the best dental care, whenever you need it for a relatively small monthly or annual payment. Low cost dental health insurance is available from top rated companies like Blue Cross and Blue Shield, PacifiCare, MetLife Dental, HealthNet and Kaiser. You should identify how your plan is designed, since this can considerably affect the plan’s coverage and your out-of-pocket expenses.

A low cost dental health insurance has many different levels of cover. You can opt for basic dental health maintenance which will cover a portion or in certain cases the whole cost incurred of dental procedures such as fillings, root canal work and general maintenance. Other affordable extensive policies that cover periodontics, orthodontics, all sorts of filling, tooth and bridge work, as well as check-ups and cleaning are also available. Each low cost dental plan is different. Accordingly it is advisable to check the terms, conditions and coverage of each prospective insurer before taking a decision. With several options available, you can choose a low cost dental health insurance that is right for you and your family.

Laser and IPL have been used to remove unwanted hair for many years with a high degree of success, however, to be actuate we must call this “Permanent Hair Reduction.” According to FDA rules manufacturers may not claim that laser (or IPL) hair removal is permanent unless the FDA determines that there is sufficient data to demonstrate such results. Several manufacturers have received FDA permission to claim, “permanent reduction,” but NOT “permanent removal.”

What this means in practice is that although most hair will be removed over a course of treatment, some hair will remain and some may re-grow, usually much lighter and finer, therefore, occasional top-up treatments may be needed.

Laser and IPL use energy in the form of light to destroy the hair follicle. The energy directed from the handpiece is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle, momentarily heating it to around 70 degrees centigrade killing the follicle and thus preventing further hair growth. However to complicate matters most people also have melanin in their skin that also absorbs light energy creating heat in the skin. If this heat is excessive it will cause blisters or burns. For this reason the ideal candidates for these treatments are those who are dark haired and fair skinned like the typical Irish complexion, whereas suntanned Danes with very fair hair are poor candidates.

We always insist that clients stay out of the sun for a few weeks prior to treatment so that the level of melanin in the skin is as low as possible and therefore wintertime in the UK is the ideal time for treatments.

With care most people can be treated but some may require many more treatments and any white, grey or even some red hairs will respond poorly (or not at all) to light based hair removal treatments. These will require many more treatments at a much lower power level and the operator will have to be extremely careful to ensure that the machine is correctly set to avoid skin damage.

Thankfully, most modern laser and IPL devices make this process much easier but it is still necessary to have a highly skilled operator and here in the UK all establishments must be registered with the Health Care Commission before they perform any laser or IPL treatments.

Hair grows in cycles and many factors influence it’s growth including age, ethnicity, weight, hormones, diet, medication and metabolism along with your hair’s location, thickness and resilience. Only hair that is in it’s growing cycle will be destroyed at each treatment session. The number of hairs growing at any one time and the length of time between treatments varies, but generally we allow 4 to 8 weeks.

There is sometimes mild pain associated with laser treatments. This discomfort ranges in intensity and has been described as mild as the snap of a rubber band to the sensation of a hot pinprick. When treating sensitive areas, (upper lip and bikini areas) some practitioners often elect to use a topical anaesthetic cream, which helps to reduce any discomfort.

There are two big difference between Laser and Intense Pulsed Light systems. One is in the area that can be treated in one go and the treatment speed. Generally IPL treatments heads are up to 8 times larger than the small spot produced by lasers and therefore treatments are much quicker.

The other difference is the wavelength of light produced. Lasers produce light with one specific wavelength whilst IPL uses an entire waveband. Different wavelengths penetrate the skin to different depths so using IPL is like using a group of lasers in a single treatment.

In our clinic we use an Ellipse Flex that with I?PL technology employing dual-mode filtering which removes water absorbing wavelengths from the output spectrum of the system. With the older intense pulsed light technology, water absorbing wavelengths are absorbed in the skin creating a non-specific thermal injury, which can lead to an increased risk of side-effects particularly burns.

To remove the infrared light, the Ellipse I?PL? system has a unique extra filter consisting of circulation water. This means that the light components that normally would ?heat? the water in the skin now ?heat? the water in the system instead. By eliminating these wavelengths, the Ellipse I?PL is able to more specifically generate heat in the hair follicles rather than the skin. The unique Ellipse I?PL? Technology eliminates the unwanted wavelengths, and standardizes the light use, meaning less energy is required to achieve a clinical effect. As a result, pain is reduced, while minimizing side-effects. With this new technology there is no need for thick, messy gels and contact cooling which makes the patient’s experience more pleasant.

Two classes of IPL systems are available; those that HAVE been tested for safety and performance by accredited, independent testing facilities, such as the European Union Medical Devices Directive (EU), as well as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration ? US Government), and those that HAVE NOT been subject to such third-party testing.

Such untested systems are labelled with the standard CE mark but without an EU number. A system with a CE or FDA accreditation provides certainty that the system has undergone and passed stringent safety tests, that the manufacturer has documented that the system can perform the stated clinical treatments efficiently, and that possible risk and side effects are of an acceptable level for the results obtained.

The ELLIPSE IPL systems, have obtained accreditation and approval from both the EU as well as the FDA.

For your own safety when deciding on your treatment ensure that you choose a clinic that is registered with the Healthcare Commission, if not they will probably be un-insured, that uses a well known, tested and proven device. You must have a comprehensive consultation and patch test several days before you undergo any treatment and make sure you are not seduced by outlandish claims or discounts.

Shavasana, or corpse pose, is usually done at the end of most yoga sessions. It is a deceptively simple posture, as there is no twisting, or stretching or anything that is usually associated with the asanas. However, corpse pose is an important part of the restorative yoga postures. And it is considered one of the most difficult postures to do correctly.

Shavasana is more about being than doing, and as such it touches on the fundamentals of what yoga is trying to achieve. The sequence of asanas beforehand has helped train the body and mind for this period of relaxation, and in the corpse pose we integrate the experience we have just had with yoga into our conscious and subconscious mind.

There are many restorative postures, or variations in yoga, but shavasana allows the most relaxation. Its benefits include:

* increase our energy levels
* great for stress
* good for normalizing blood pressure after exercise
* good for stress symptoms in breast cancer and prostate cancer sufferers
* good for people who don’t get enough sleep, or who suffer insomnia

Corpse pose should be done lying flat, but still providing some support to the lumbar and cervical areas of the spine. Some people use a narrow, flat pillow for their head, whereas others just lie on the yoga mat without any props - do what feels most comfortable for you.

If the floor slopes, you should lie with your head in the downward sloping area, to facilitate blood supply to the brain. Your feet should be spread a little apart, with the arms and thighs slightly spread out, in an open and relaxed manner. Your palms and forearms should face up.

Try and start shavasana with your body mildly stretched out, so you feel elongated. This is recommended because the muscles of the torso, arms, and legs lengthen when they relax. The aim of shavasana is not to move until you are ready to get up. This helps quieten the motor neurons of the brain, and induces a feeling of greater relaxation, or ‘letting go’. If you are positioned well, with enough space to allow your torso to relax and lengthen, you won’t need to move until you finish.

You can either breathe through the abdomen or through the diaphragm. It is recommended that you practice abdominal breathing unless you are either an intermediate or advanced student of yoga. Breathing through the abdomen is the most relaxing, and diaphragmatic breathing is more of an energizing technique. It uses the chest and abdomen without interrupting the relaxation of the rest of the body. If you tend to breathe through your chest habitually, you should avoid this type of breathing, as you will tend to have a restricted type of thoracic breathing that is counterproductive to the aims of yoga generally, and corpse pose particularly.

Breathing through the abdomen during shavasana should not be forced. It should be relaxed and natural. But start ‘where you are’, and let your breathing settle as the experience of the posture deepens. The rate of breathing will slow down the more you become relaxed.

Try not to fall asleep during corpse pose. When we sleep, the motor neurons in the nervous system become more active, and the idea with the relaxation postures is to quieten them.

Start practicing shavasana for 3 to 5 minutes, then build up to 15 as your personal limits allow.

Come out of the corpse pose slowly, wiggling your toes and fingers, bringing the arms overhead to stretch them, and stretching down to your toes. Then roll over to one side, and slowly sit up when you’re ready. If you have low blood pressure, you may need to turn onto the left side first before sitting up to avoid dizziness or fainting.

References: H.D.Coulter, Anatomy Of Hatha Yoga

Corpse pose is one of the restorative yoga poses. Learn more about them here. Rebecca runs this yoga site with information on asanas and more.

DENTAL COVERAGE: Iowa children who are part of the Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa program will now be able to get dental care - WHO-TV
Iowa Gov. Chet Culver says the state Department of Human Services has started the country’s first dental-only program for underinsured children. The governor’s office said Friday that the new dental program is available for children whose family income qualifies them for the Healthy and Well Kids in

No. 1 seed top goal for Nebraska at Big 12 tourney - WDBJ7.com
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Protecting its perfect record isn’t Nebraska’s primary goal at the Big 12 tournament. Coach Connie Yori figures her third-ranked Cornhuskers (29-0) need only one win in Kansas City, Mo., to assure themselves a No. 1 seed in the

First lady pushes healthy kids campaign forward - San Jose Mercury News
ARLINGTON, Va.—First lady Michelle Obama is challenging software and video game designers to develop games and applications that get kids excited about living healthy. She says thousands of dollars in cash prizes are at stake for the winners. Mrs

Body hair removal is gradually becoming one of the most important trends of our generation and probably generations to come. Not only that. The demand for removing hair on one’s body is not only been done by women. Nowadays, more and more men find themselves feeling more comfortable in removing unwanted body hair such as the back, chest, armpits and last but not least, private areas.

As popular as body hair removal has become, it is also one of the biggest challenges that most people have to face. Some of the reasons for this are because even though there are so many methods and tools on the market to effectively remove body hair, none of them can really remove hair permanently, are quite painful, can be a little messy, or can be a little to very expensive.

However, without dwelling too much on the negative aspects of body hair removal, many of the methods and tools above are quite effective as well as allow each individual to choose a tool or method that they feel the most comfortable with.

Some people feel that they are willing to put up with the pain of waxing unwanted hair off their bodies because the effects are by far longer lasting than shaving, which generally has to be done on a daily basis. Others on the other hand don’t like the pain associated with waxing, yet still want to have unwanted hair off their bodies for long periods of time. These types of people therefore don’t mind paying the high prices of laser hair removal which is a method that can effectively keep hair of the body for very long periods of time.

With every method and tool that has been created to remove body hair, there will be pros and cons.

What ever route you take, make sure that it is the most comfortable method and that the after effects are not disappointing. After all, we all know what a pain it is to have ingrown hairs or razor burns.

The Triangle - (Trikonasana)

Trikanasana is also known as The Triangle pose. The Sanskrit word ‘tri’ means three and ‘kona’ means corner or angle, hence the name. When you look at this pose you can easily notice why this name has been given to this asana. From the completed posture the body forms three angles; the legs form one, the arm extended down and the body forms another, and the arm extended upward and the head and neck form the third.

In our ordinary day-to-day life the side stretch is the least common movement. We twist, we bend back or forward, but except that we do not often bend our spine to the side, and that’s why the Triangle is one of the most important postures in yoga practice.

The Triangle gives an excellent lateral stretch to the spine, toning the spinal nerves and improving balance and concentration. The muscles of the thighs, calves, hamstring, knees and ankles are stretched, promoting flexibility in the hips and legs.

This asana strengthens the pelvic area and tones the reproductive organs. It massages and strengthens the thyroid glands, kidneys and the adrenal glands to function in a better way. It stimulates the abdominal organs and improves digestion.

Regular practice of Triangle will help reduce waistline fat.

Important: Do not let your hip tilt outward or forward or you will lose the valuable stretch.

The Triangle pose practiced safely is a very beneficial asana; however, there are some health conditions in which this posture should be avoided.

Three important reasons not to do Triangle:

1) Anyone suffering from back condition should not practice this pose.

2) If you are having headaches avoid doing this asana.

3) In case of having diarrhea do not attempt this pose.

Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this pose for you.

For Beginners: As a beginner you most probably will support the weight of the torso with one of your arm, forearm and the hand and the torso can remain relaxed. The importance of this pose is to learn how to come out of it without hurting yourself. When you decide to come up the weight of your upper body will have to be supported only by your internal muscles, which may not be ready for the effort. That’s why the safe way to come out of the Triangle is by tightening the muscles of your legs, thighs and hips, which will recruit more muscles in the pelvis and torso.

Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London.

For reaching to Subodh Gupta Yoga website http://www.subodhgupta.com/ and for Subodh Gupta Corporate yoga webpage http://www.subodhgupta.com/corporateyoga.html

About the Author

Mr.Subodh Gupta, a Corporate Yoga Trainer has conducted more than 500 workshops on Yoga and Stress Management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels in India and London.