Tonga and Vanuatu Country Summaries by ROBERT BELL

Recreation & Leisure

Vanuatu consists of more than 80 islands, lying about 2000 kilometres north-east of Queensalnd. The largest island, Espiritu Santo, is 4010 square kilometres. Australia is a mainly a flat land, but most of Vanuatu's islands are dominated by mountainous regions. The highest peak, Mt Tabwemasana (1880 metres), is on Espiritu Santo. The Earth beneath Vanuatu is unstable, and there is volcanic and earthquake activity.
Vanuatu has been inhabited for more than 3000 years. Separate communities developed, but trade between islands was common, and canoes were used to move people and produce.
The Portuguese were the first Europeans to come to Vanuatu, in 1606. Next I came the French in 1768, then the British led by Captain James Cook in 1774. Cook named the islands the 'New Hebrides'. During the 1840s, traders and missionaries made contact.
From 1887 to 1980 control over the New Hebrides was shared by France and Britain. During World War II, the New Hebrides were a key base for the United States of America in the battles to prevent the Japanese taking control of the South Pacific and Australia. Vanuatu gained independence on 30 July 1980.
About 200 000 people live in Vanuatu, the same number as in Hobart. Most people live on the islands of Efate, Espiritu Santo, Malakula and Tanna. Unlike Australia, 95 per cent of people in Vanuatu are native to the country. They are known as Ni-Vanuatu, and like Aboriginal Australians they have a special relationship with their environment.
The remaining five per cent consist of French, Australian, New Zealand, Vietnamese and Chinese people, as well as other Pacific Islanders. Three main languages are spoken — English, French and Bislama (a form of pidgin English).
The literacy rate in Vanuatu is low, and most students do not attend secondary school. But, in Port Vila, there is a technical college and a campus of the University of the South Pacific.
The economy is centred around the land, and major agricultural exports are beef and cocoa. Most people are involved in subsistence agriculture. There is also a large timber industry, and tourism is important to the economy, providing work in tourist areas, such as Vila.
Tonga Tonga lies about 650 kilometres east of Fiji. It consists of 150 islands, and 40 of them are inhabited. The capital city is Nuku'alofa, which is on Tongatapu, the largest island.
Polynesians first settled in Tonga about 3500 years ago. Captain James Cook made several visits during the 1770s and named the islands the Friendly Islands. Tonga gained full independence from Britain on 4 June 1970, but remains a member of the Commonwealth. Kings and queens have ruled Tonga for more than 1000 years. The reigning king is Taufa'ahau Tupou IV.
The population of Tonga is approximately 110 000, which is similar to the population of Cairns. Most people are of Polynesian descent, and they speak English and Polynesian. They are committed Christians with the main denomination being the Free Wesleyan Church.
The economy of Tonga revolves around agriculture and fishing, with pumpkins, coconuts and bananas being major crops. Education is important in Tonga, and school is compulsory for children between the ages of six and 14. If you are looking for great value Fiji holidays visit escapetravel.com.au. Escape travel has an exciting selection of cheap holidays for all budgets and tastes. ET181208-6. Visit Vanuatu and Tonga Nation Summaries.

Teeth Whitening Versus Teeth Bleaching by MATT WITTCHOW

Health

Often you will hear the terms teeth bleaching or teeth whitening. So what is it, are they two separate treatments or do they basically do the same thing only called by different names? Actually the latter is correct.
Some manufacturers prefer to call their product a bleach as opposed to a whitener. The term bleach technically means to whiten. So you can soon where the name can be interred changed.
Having pearly white teeth has always been a priority to many people. Over the years people have diligently brushed their teeth with all types of toothpastes and there were no shortage of them on the market place. Their primary purpose according to their advertising at least in the beginning was to prevent cavities and kill germs which were the most likely cause of bad breath. Then marketing ploys began to change, and emphasis was being placed on that white bright smile. The sales of toothpastes containing these claims, certainly proved that white teeth were considered a priority amongst the purchasers.
Even teeth cleaning although very effective for achieving and maintaining white teeth, was not always used by people. Time and cost were two big factors that would discourage individuals from getting it done. Some people found it downright unpleasant as well.
Then as time progressed so did the teeth whitening methods. A popular method of using specially treated strips became a popular item when it first came out.
At home teeth whitening has some great advantages. It’s very cost effective, and a great time saver as well as being convenient. Often people can get time off of work to go for teeth cleaning. With the at home treatment that is no longer necessary. It doesn’t’t require any type of surgery, which means a lot less risk of infection.
It must be mentioned that teeth whitening or bleaching works to various degrees on various individuals. In fact in some cases it shouldn’t‘t be used. Getting your Dentist‘s permission or suggestions would be your first step. He can tell you if you are just going to be throwing your money away on the various products.
So it doesn’t matter whether you want to call it teeth bleaching or whitening you will need to realize that you are going to have to abide by the same guidelines.
If your teeth are very yellow and stained you may want to consider having a professional cleaning first. Then your dentist can advise you as to what the best course of treatments are such as home or at the doctor’s office.
If you are not seeking the advice of your dentist you will have to choose the product that you feel is going to be the best for your circumstances. You may want to ask at your local drugstore what they feel is the most popular. You can get some excellent products and deals on line as well.
Most any of the products whether they claim for whitening or bleaching will give you some results in varying degrees.

Know Your Diabetes Glucose Monitoring Kit by ROBERTO SEDYCIAS

Health

As we all know, Diabetes is one of the most common disease prevalent over the world these days. The condition in which the body accumulates excess of sugar is termed as diabetes.
There can be two reasons for this, either a problem with secretion and functioning of the Anti Diuretic hormone or the problem with secretion of insulin. The former is called, Diabetes insepidus, Diabetes Mellitus being the latter one. The latter is rather more prevalent and is the matter of concern for almost every second house in the society these days.
There is no miracle drug to totally cure diabetes at once, but what we can do is just keep it under control by imposing a regular check on it by using medicines etc. For this we need monitoring the progress of the disease from time to time. In the busy schedule of the 21st century it is virtually impossible to go to the doctor every time there is a need for testing the blood sugar level. The solutions to these are Glucose monitoring kits.
November is celebrated as the National diabetes awareness month, and what is better than buying a new technologically improved glucose monitoring kit this month, with lots of companies selling them at discounted price.
The most common and used item all over the world is the Accu chek. There are various variants like, Accu chek AVIVA, Accu chek Compact Plus, Free style flash, free style lite, Ascensia Breeze 2, Ascentia contour. Free style freedom meter kit is considered to be using the least amount of blood (3 - 10ml).
Moreover the kit includes, 10 test strips, lancing device from Free Style, 10 Lancets, Free style control solution, etc. Accu check Advantage Diabetes monitoring kit contains the blood glucose meter, Adjustable Accu-Chek Softclix Lancet Device (10 lancets), etc. Accu check active diabetes monitoring kits also has a similar composition.
The new Accu chek Compact plus diabetes monitoring kit requires no strip handling and auto calibration is done. There are various combo offers available too, when brought in combination a discount can be availed.
One Touch Ultra 2 Blood Glucose Monitoring System:
It requires just a drop of blood and requires only about 5 seconds to get the result. The back light and the scroll button makes it easier to handle. It can store last 500 records with time and date of checking. Hence, the patient can have a look at the rate of improvement. It has got a simple and unique design and comes in various combo offers. The one touch ultra 2 strips are available separately.
One Touch Ultra Mini Blood Glucose Monitoring System is simple and sleek in design. Only one touch Ultra test strips can be used with it and the result comes within 5 seconds. The whole kit comes with an educational booklet along with category of food which, if taken keeps the blood sugar level low.
Home Diagnostics Sidekick Blood Glucose Testing System, is another one in the similar category. It requires 1 UL of blood sample and less than 10 seconds to give the answer. The blood is generally taken from the forefinger.
However, while using these Diabetes testing kits, you must keep in mind certain simple things:
* Proper instruction should be followed while taking the test at home.
* Each strip should be used only once and after that it should be discarded at a safe place.
* When abnormally low or high results come, then you must repeat the test to confirm.
* Proper medication should be taken only after consultation with the doctor.
You can have access to portuguese articles about diabetes monitoring kits from page Health_And_Beauty

How to Clean Your Lungs After Years of Smoking by JO MARK

Health

As most everyone knows by now, smoking is linked to many serious health problems, like Lung Disease and Emphysema, both of which can be lethal. Many smokers have tried to quit smoking a number of times without success. Smoking is one of the most difficult addictions to quit. For those who cannot quit on their own, it is recommended that they seek medical help to stop smoking and overcome their addiction. Smoking is very dangerous and it is recommended that smokers try to quit as soon as possible so that serious diseases do not have an opportunity to develop. However, if you’ve tried everything to quit smoking and still can’t drop the habit, there is an alternative available that can at least clean out your lungs. And this program can clean your lungs even if you’ve been smoking for years!
Some people are able to stop smoking using nothing more than their will power. But millions of others continue to smoke one or more packs of cigarettes a day and need additional help. According to medical professionals, if you stop smoking today, it will take 15 years or more for your system to clean your lungs naturally and get back to normal.
If you have tried everything imaginable but still have not been able to quit smoking, there is an alternative available to you. You can clean out your lungs. This process is also known as a lung detox. But don’t worry, it is not something that needs to be done by a doctor or in a hospital.
The clean your lungs system is a secret combination of the right food supplements, vitamins, and exercise that rinses the toxins out of your lungs in less than 1 year! You heard right, this process can clean your lungs in less than a year versus the 15 years it would take your body to do it naturally!
So, if you’ve been smoking for 5, 10, or 20 years, and find it impossible to quit, do your body a favor and get Clean Lungs. Your body will thank you!
Looking for a good free weight loss and health care information? Get tons of free info and Improve Your Health!

Eat More and Weigh Less by JO MARK

Health

The quickest and best way to burn fat is to get some exercise. And the best kind of exercise is cardiovascular exercise. So what the heck is that? Some people refer to Cardiovascular exercise as aerobic exercise. They are exercises that involve the large muscles like legs and make your heart and lungs work harder, and as a result, get stronger. Cardiovascular exercise has lots of health benefits. It can lower your blood pressure as well as burn off lots of calories.
It doesn't really matter what kind of cardiovascular exercise you do as long as you do something. The quickest way to burn fat is to move your body fast and continuously in order to make your muscles use fat for energy.
You can burn off even more fat if you follow a negative calorie diet plan. Okay, so what is a negative calorie diet plan? Well, let me assure you, it isn't a starvation diet. In fact, on the negative calorie plan, you can eat every hour or two.
Whenever we eat, our metabolism kicks into gear in order to digest our food. We burn about 100 calories in the hour after we eat instead of the normal 70 to 80. When you eat something light like an apple (that has 50 calories), you will burn 100 calories in the process of digestion. Therefore, 50 calories in, 100 calories burned means you lost weight eating that apple.
This is the quickest way to burn fat besides exercise because after an hour is up, your body will look for more energy and guess what? It ends up dipping into your fat stores to get it. Even if you just take in part of your calories in this manner you will be ahead of the game and lose weight.
For more information on the negative calorie diet, visit The Negative Calorie Diet. When combined with a sensible exercise program, you can easily burn off that extra fat!
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Beauty and Makeup Tips for the Summer Months


Do you love the warm, fun-filled days of summer but your makeup doesn’t? It happens to us all. Well, it happens to me at least, especially during my lunch breaks. It can be somewhat embarrassing during those important afternoon meetings. After looking around for the best tips and tricks to deal with this, I may have found one.Sweltering heat and humidity can cause chaos with your makeup. Your foundation may feel like its melting or liquefying, and no powder in the world can stand up to those little beads of sweat which collect around your hairline. A small bit of modification in your makeup regimen may be in order, and a few tips and tricks will get you through any midday makeup meltdown.Beauty experts put together this list of their best secrets for makeup care during the dog days of summer. Here are ten simple steps to take to insure your makeup doesn’t fold in the heat.
Skip the foundation, if you can, and try a tinted moisturizer. If a foundation is necessary, limit its application to the center of the face only, steering clear of the hairline.
Consider switching to an oil-free formula during the summer months or dilute your everyday foundation with an oil-free moisturizer. This lighter coverage will perform better when the temperatures heat up.
Change up your powder by using a loose powder over your foundation instead of pressed. It is lighter and will last longer. Use blush sparingly, letting your sun-kissed cheeks grab the attention.
Reapply loose powder only. Pressed powder has the tendency to cake and clump when it’s hit with moisture.
Blot any perspiration or oil buildup with non-powdered blotting papers. You can also substitute a clean tissue instead, pressing gently into moist areas.
Remove any under-eye foundation or powder buildup with a clean cotton swab. Resist the temptation to reapply it unless you feel it absolutely necessary.
Set your makeup with spray water. A fine mist will set all your products and keep your makeup looking fresh, longer.
Put sunscreen on before you apply your foundation or mix a few drops in with the foundation, causing it to stay put all day. This doesn't work for foundations with a sunscreen already built in.
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Keep your lips protected and moisturized. Use a lip balm that has an SPF and consider switching to a moisture-rich lipstick.
Steer clear of alcohol based products which will make already dry skin even drier. If you REALLY want to look vibrant for summer, here’s a suggestion. Don't use any makeup at all! Go natural. You may not feel confident about it at first but you’d be surprised how good it feels with the sun shining on your face. Just remember to drink lots of water. This helps make your skin shine, plus it keeps you from being dehydrated.

How to Lose Weight by Taming Your Negative Thoughts by BECKY GILLASPY


Health

Weight loss doesn’t just happen; you must find the right combination of healthy eating and exercise and also create the right mindset for weight loss success. It is this mindset piece that often turns negative and sabotages your plan.
Learn how to tame your negative thoughts so you can stick with your diet and exercise long enough to produce results with these helpful tips.
1. Realize That Everyone Has Negative Thoughts It is important for you to understand that no one is immune to negative thoughts. Even Olympic athletes have them. So don’t worry if negative thoughts pop into your head as you move toward your weight loss goal. The problem only arises if you allow the negative thought to sit in your head and gain strength. Therefore, when you hear a negative thought, cancel it and divert your attention in a more positive direction.
2. Visualize Yourself Taking Better Actions People are prone to following patterns of behavior so if you want different results you need to break out of those patterns. Start now to see yourself handling food differently. See yourself sitting down in front of your favorite treat and imagine yourself feeling calm, at peace and in control. This new perspective can help you act in a new way.
3. Come Up With an Equally True Thought Keep in mind that there are always two sides to every situation. If you are tempted to have dessert realize that you don’t actually have to eat it. Come up with an equally true thought about the dessert that will help you take a better action. You might want to say to yourself, “even though I want the dessert, I want the weight loss even more.”
Your diet does not have to fall victim to your negative thoughts. With the right mindset and focus you can let go of your negative thoughts and move toward your ideal weight.
If you could make weight loss easier by just changing the way you think, would you want to learn how?

A Natural High Blood Pressure Recipe by RUDY SILVA

Health

If you have high blood pressure you are at risk for a heart attack or stroke. The amount of risk depends on how high your blood pressure is and how long it has been this way. Here is a range of blood pressures and how they rate:
Normal 120/80Border 120/90 to 160/94Mild 140/95 to 160/104Moderate 140/105 to 180/114Severe 160 plus/115 plus
Regardless what your blood pressure is, it is best to always watch your diet and become informed as to how you can maintain good health though out your body.
If you have high blood pressure, here is a high blood pressure recipe using natural products and foods. This recipe will not only help your high blood pressure but will improve your immune system.
High blood pressure responds well to natural remedies and methods. Many Alternative Practitioners recommend not using drugs for high blood pressure because they can be more dangerous to your health than the high blood pressure. High blood pressure drug side effects create an increase risk of heart disease.
A High Blood Pressure Recipe for Long Life
Here is a recipe to follow to lower your high blood pressure.
Use a good mineral supplement
Use Arjuna daily for good cardiovascular health
Exercise and lose weight
Reduce the fat you eat
Eat more fiber
Take a good fish oil supplement
Mineral Supplement for a high blood pressure recipe
The minerals calcium, potassium and magnesium have all been found to keep blood pressure low. These minerals and many more come from eating fruits and vegetables of all colors. Also drink fruit and vegetables juices alone or combined to get a strong dose of minerals that shoot quickly into your blood stream.
Eat as many fruits and vegetables in the morning until noontime. This helps your body to get rid of toxins that affect your overall health.
Add these foods to your diet for minerals: bananas, figs, cantaloupe, apricots, avocados, cherries, grapes, mangos, beans, and sunflower seeds.
Exercise and Weight loss for a high blood pressure recipe
If you are overweight than losing weight and getting it into your ideal weight gives you the most benefits for lowing your blood pressure. Get into a daily exercise pattern. A treadmill or daily brisk walk will give you great benefits for lowering blood pressure.
Diet for a high blood pressure recipe
Here are some of the things that you should add or eliminate from your diet.
Reduce that amount of fat that you eat. By eating less meat you decrease the amount of fat you eat. Also eating less dairy products will decrease the amount of fat your body has to process.
Eat more fiber. You can get fiber from fruits and vegetables and bran. Eat a vegetable salad with your lunch and dinner.
Add a good fish oil supplement
Use the India herb called Arjuna. This herb is good for your complete cardiovascular system. It an inexpensive herb and it makes plenty of sense to use it.
Master this high blood pressure recipe and watch your blood pressure go down. Once you get it down, refine this recipe for more results and better health.

Acne: Are Natural skin care products the answer to all problems? by NICHOLAS TAN
Health

When it comes to skin care products, you will find that a lot of people are very particular about using only natural skin care products. They treat all the synthetic products as harmful to the skin.
So, are natural skin care products the answer to all of our problems? What if a natural skin care product is not available for the treatment of a particular skin disorder? Are the synthetic skin care products so harmful that they should be banned?
Different people have different answers to these questions. However, the reality is that due to presence of synthetic preservatives, it’s really tough to find a natural skin care product that is 100% natural. There are natural skin care products that have natural preservatives, but their cost might be detrimental. Moreover, such natural skin products have a shorter shelf life and hence are not preferred by the manufacturers of natural skin care products.
Some people carry a wrong notion that since natural skin care products are natural, they cannot cause any harm to the skin. The suitability of a skin care product is not based on whether it is synthetic or natural. An unsuitable natural skin care product can harm you in almost the same way as a synthetic one. So, use natural skin care products, but be open to synthetic ones too (you might need them when a natural solution is not available)
Your selection of a natural skin care product should be based on 3 factors:
* The skin type (dry, oily, normal, sensitive) of the person who will use that natural skin care product * The climatic conditions in which it will be used e.g. hot and humid condition would warranty the use of oil-free natural skin care products. * The process for application/use of the natural skin care product. A good natural skin care product (in fact any product) can seem useless if not used in the proper way.
You can also make natural skin care products by yourself, by using the recipes that are readily available on the internet and in the books at book stores.
Use of organic fruits and vegetables is also popular as a natural skin care procedure. Some essential oils, herbal oils, are useful too and are known for their moisturising and antiseptic properties
However, using a natural skin care product does not mean that you can exercise carelessness with other aspects of skin care. Natural skin care products should be used like supplements to the following ‘essential’ recommendations: healthy eating habits (avoiding oily food), regular exercise, drinking a lot of water (8 glasses everyday), and cleanliness. This will then form a perfect and completely natural skin care routine that will help maintain a healthy beautiful skin for longer time.

A Massage Alleviates Many Ailments by FABIOLA GROSHAN

What’s the most pleasurable ways to good health and well-being? If you answered Massage, you’re right. A good massage is a very powerful relaxant, and mood-elevator. It is also your ticket to good health, and coupled with modern massagers and massage tools, it’s easier than ever to get a proper, relaxing massage.
If you thought that a massage works only as a relaxant, here’s some new information: It can also help treat many illnesses, and improves your general health. In fact there are specialized massage tools that add magnet, light, and heat-therapy to the massage to increase the positive effects. You’ll even find massagers designed specifically to address your medical problem.
Some common diseases that can be treated with massage are: carpal tunnel, migraines, sprains, back and neck pain, sports injuries, cramps, etc. There are specific massage techniques that you can learn to increase the efficiency of your massage. Using massage tools can take the grunt work out of massage, and make the massage more effective. There are a large variety of massagers available, from handheld massagers, to separate units, and even chairs that you can sit in for a full body massage.
Massages also help stimulate muscles that are not exercised in the regular course of life. So it strengthens your body and improves the all-around muscle growth in your body. If you’re a sportsman, it’s very important to get a massage regularly to prevent injuries, and improve all around muscle growth. You need a deeper massage, so you should also use massage tools like automatic massagers.
Hand massages are not just physical therapy; they are also a powerful psychological alleviator. When you give, or receive massages from your partner, it increases the love and affection you share, and brings you closer to your partner. Massages can be even more fun for you if you get massagers. Just a simple hand-massager will make the massage a much better experience. Look online for massage tools, you’ll find a great variety.
Massage helps the body in many ways. It relaxes and unwinds knotted muscles and reduces muscle cramps. It also improves the blood flow below the skin, improving the complexion and skin smoothness. Since many aches are due to muscle soreness, and misuse, the massage will remove these pains. If you use a heat based massage tools, it will also help in mending damaged muscles. That’s why heat based massagers are very popular among sportsmen.
Daily massages are really hard work, but you can schedule massages once or twice every week. The weekends have some free time for everybody, and you can enjoy a good massage every week if you decide on it. Keep your massage tools clean and handy, and get the massagers out for that nice relaxing massage every Sunday.
You can also visit a professional masseur or massage center to get specialized massages. These massages are an exotic experience and will take the stress away from your mind. One popular massage technique that you should try is rock massage. It uses large heated pebbles, a very unconventional choice of massage tools.

Detoxification With The 3-day Detox Diet
Author: Denise Duncan




Today is it hard to avoid having toxins and chemicals in our system because of our lifestyles and the environment. However, our bodies are quite remarkable and have been built in such a way as to protect itself from these harmful intruders. Although our kidneys, liver, skin, and even the lungs often need to work a little harder to separate, neutralize, and dispose of these toxins. When toxins accumulate in our body it causes a release of some form of chemical. This can gradually mutate into cancers or other degenerative diseases of the body.We need to be selective as to what we put into our bodies because we can never take it back. Sometimes changing your lifestyle is the only way you can improve the proper functioning of your body processes. A detox program can be very helpful in getting rid of body impurities. As with any detoxification program, they are designed to flush out free radicals, increase cell renewal, and strengthen your body's immune system. Ridding your body of toxins will make you feel so much better. Even the 3-day detoxification diet can help in eliminating damaging toxins. There are many detox diets our there. One must realize that not all detox diet programs are suitable for everyone. A 3-day detox diet just might be wise to start with to test the diet program and it is also a milder way of detoxifying your body. If you are interested in a longer detox program you may want to consult your doctor first before you begin. This is especially important if you are underweight, malnourished or have a chronic disease such as cancer, kidney and liver disease, ulcerative colitis, iron-deficiency, anemia, as well as others. This is always a good idea when considering any type of diet program.As mentioned above, there are various detox diets, however, the 3-day detox diet is a good quick start program toward detoxification. Each morning for the three days drink a cup of warm water and ½ lemon squeezed in it when you get up. This is to stimulate your gastric juices. Drink the lemon water instead of your usual cup of coffee or tea. When planning your meals for the day you should include one cup of whole grains like brown rice, buckwheat, amaranth, and at least three servings each of fruits and vegetables. One of the servings of vegetables, at least, should be raw vegetables such as carrots, celery, or cauliflower. Choose the vegetables you enjoy. You could also fix yourself a salad made of fruits and vegetables. However, for dressing your salad, use vinegar or any of the natural virgin oils. Natural oils can include olive, coconut virgin oils, or fish oil.In addition to the changes in your meals you will also need to take two doses of a kidney and liver tonic over the 3-day detox diet period. Not two doses a day. Just two doses over the three days you're trying to detoxify your body. You can choose from the following kidney and liver tonics: two cups of dandelion, a clove of fresh garlic, chamomile or fennel tea. Other choices include pure vegetable juice like carrot or beetroot, a medium bunch of black grapes, or two cups of parsley or yellow tea. On a daily basis you will need to drink 8 glasses or more of water as well. It's a good idea to make this a habit anyway. Fresh fruit juices such as apple and orange can be counted as part of your water intake. And lastly, before you go to bed drink a cup of herbal tea. The whole idea is to increase your fluid intake by ingesting more water, juices, fruits, and vegetables to flush out harmful toxins and waste.As part of your 3-day detox diet be sure to include a 30-minute walk within the program period. Exercise with any diet is ideal for weight loss and improved health. After the third day, you will feel rejuvenated and have more energy and should have dropped a few pounds. You may want to do the 3-day detox diet again either consecutively or the following month. To have better health for the rest of your life, a change of lifestyle is always better than a few days of dieting.

Teenage Obesity - Can We Overcome This Epidemic?
Author: Kelly Yuile



Too many of our teenagers are drastically over weight. The shocking fact is that 14% of our teenagers suffer from obesity. That number has doubled since the 1970s. The illnesses that can affect teenage obesity are vast and include high blood pressure, diabetes and, heart disease. Why has the teenager obesity rate doubled?Many experts blame the obesity effect on the technology of video games, video arcades and, too many television channels to choose from. Sadly, it's not as often anymore that we see a bunch of children playing kick-ball in the school or park. Nor do we see pick-up stickball or softball games. Can we blame this all on technology? Some, but perhaps not.Society itself has made the family unit more private these days and instead of neighbourhoods full of closeness, children, and parents who all know each other, we have developed into a society of staying in and playing in. Too many state and local governments are the first to cut park and park supervision expenses. After all, parents are so busy themselves and at the end of the day, their energy level isn't helping the teenage obesity problem or their own overweight issues.Hollywood still promotes those frail and skinny men and women that our children are supposed to emulate. Let's all get real here, most of these photos are airbrushed, and we shouldn't teach our children that their appearance is the best appearance. Further, we can't expect the everyday teenager to look at those pictures and movies and then the mirror and set a goal to look like that — that's just absurd! So how can we get our teenagers who suffer from obesity to change their lifestyle, eat healthy, and get more exercise?First, we must start at home and limit television, computer and, video time. As a parent, to encourage it is only pushing your teenager into obesity. Many parents are also guilty of over-providing snacks that are not healthy and contain too many calories for a sedentary teenager. A good place to start in your home when dealing with teenage obesity is to have an honest and open family meeting.At this meeting, discuss what things your teenagers like to do and don't like to do. Be honest and explain to them that their lifestyle is dangerous and unhealthy. Don't shade the conversation with roses, if they don't know how obesity can affect them, they'll continue on the obesity trail. Talk about eating right and what foods the family will be eating in the future and make sure you participate in the new healthy diet yourself. Finally, as tired as you might be after a long day at work, put on some sneakers and get your teenager outside. Actually, a healthy jog, walk, or basketball game can give you more energy than just sitting around.The teenage obesity problem will continue to exist in today's society if we don't join together as a family and give examples to other families with teenage obesity problems. We may lose our children long before their time—that's how important this is and that's why you need to set goals and make sure your child lives a happy, healthy life that is full of good food and exercise and fun.

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Laughter Is Truly The Best Medicine by: Laurie J. Brenner


If there's one thing I have to admit about my mother is that she was always right about this: Laughter Is The Best Medicine. If you can't laugh about yourself and the things that happen to you - you're headed for a heart attack or some other malady, it's the way the body works. Laughter lightens the moment and strips away the seriousness that many of us approach life with; it releases the pain and chases away your personal rainstorms leaving a bright sunshiny day. Scientists have also discovered that laughter strengthens your immune system and increases your cardiovascular flexibility (your blood vessels exercise through dilation). According to Dr. Goodheart, the laughter doctor, laughter convulses your diaphragm, which in turn massages your internal organs. Massaged internal organs are happy internal organs and they cooperate by staying plump and juicy. She says that laughter also causes you to gulp in large portions of air, oxygenating your blood. When that air is expelled, it's been clocked at 70 miles an hour, providing the lungs with an excellent workout. By laughing, she says, you lose muscle control, which relaxes the skeletal system. According to Dr. Goodheart, four-year-olds laugh 500 times a day, while adults laugh a mere 15! She's convinced that if we laugh as much as a four-year old, we've have the heart rate and blood pressure of that same child. On top of all that, she continues, laughter causes the brain to produce hormones called beta endorphins which reduce pain and causes our adrenal glands to manufacture cortisol, which is a natural anti-inflammatory that's wonderful for arthritis. Laughter also provides a catharsis, which means to purify or purge, to the emotions. It also brings about a spiritual renewal or release from tension. You notice how sometimes you'll see a comedian on television, and while he may not be that funny, something just makes you laugh uproariously? Your body seems to know that it needs the chemicals that are released through laughter. I've always felt better after a good belly laugh or two. For me that means some very large-sounding snorts and a few donkey brays thrown into the bargain. Some people won't even go to the movie with me because when I start laughing I cannot stop. My daughters always used to go, Mom! as they slunk down into their seats trying not to be seen. When someone's laughing, others laugh along. It's contagious. You can't help it. Oftentimes in my movie-theater laughter excursions, I have motivated a whole theater-full of people laughing right along with me. All this during the credits! (John Belushi being escorted through the prison in the opening credit scenes of The Blues Brothers. If you notice very carefully, while walking he has his butt cheeks pressed ever so tightly together as he's leaving the prison. It was a subtle physical comment that kept me laughing. The more people turned and looked at me, the harder I laughed! Finally, they just gave up and joined me!). The Difference between Laughter, Humor, Teasing and Tickling However, there is a difference between laughter, humor, teasing or tickling. Humor is your way of looking at the world, it's an intellectual exercise. It's your idea of what's funny; it's not the actual act of laughing. Teasing and tickling are really a way of ridiculing someone. Tickling is something beyond someone's control and is actually a physical invasion of sorts. Children laugh when you tickle them because the body works that way, but it's actually a form of emotional ridicule that can result in very unpleasant feelings. Teasing usually has an edge to it. People say they're teasing, but essentially they are dead serious. I think teasing is a passive-aggressive way of hurting someone through the guise of humor. Teasing, according to Dr. Goodheart, "involves our having information about something that another person has very strong feelings about - usually painful feelings - and then bringing that information up without permission." She also says that as people become very good friends they might give each other permission unconsciously to push each other's buttons. Husbands, wives, lovers, and friends play with each other's pain with permission. "When you tease without permission in order to trigger laughter, it's very manipulative and controlling." All in all, when you're feeling down and need a lift, try laughter. It may be hard at first, but just try laughing. Force yourself. Pretty soon, you'll find yourself laughing at your own laughter and the looks you get from your family members. They'll begin to wonder what's so funny and the corners of their mouths will crinkle up in the beginning of a smile. Now you're laughing because they give you these quizzical looks wondering what you're laughing about. Pretty soon, your laugh is real, your belly aches, the tears flow from your eyes, and the world takes on a different hue. As for me when I laugh like this, I need Depends. I laugh so hard sometimes I wet my pants and that has nothing to do with my age. I can still hear my friend's mom yelling at me today nearly 38 years later (while grinning ear to ear) to get off her brocade couch whenever I started laughing. She knew what would happen.
About The Author
Laurie J. Brenner Former managing editor of California's oldest continuously published weekly, Brenner recently completed her book about the law of attraction. Pick up your copy today of the Little Book of Becoming, http://

NICE DIM SUM..

Go For a Herbal Psoriasis Cure by: Darren Brent

The chronic non-contagious skin disease of psoriasis is believed to affect over 4 million American people and is also believed to be incurable, but only treatable instead. The skin condition of Psoriasis is an infamous skin disease that will flare up or go into remission at most anytime when least wanted or expected. This skin disease is described as an over active outer layer of the skin that produces cells faster than is needed and collects upon the surface leading turning into severe scaling, itchy, red swollen skin. With any recurring signs of psoriasis there is the handful of common inner body triggers that seems to be related to the skin disorder flare-ups. A few of these triggers are linked to extreme amounts of prolonged stress, severe trauma or injury of some type, and even forms of severe illness. Due to triggers which may be related or unrelated, flare ups are a very unwelcoming event that happens at any given time. Psoriasis happens when the skin plaques are thought to be reacting to the over reactive immune system. With the new skin cells producing on the average of once each month like a healthy body does , psoriasis is the term for what happens when the skin in regenerating new skin every 3 to 5 days. Quickly creating several unwanted new skin layers upon the top skin's surface. Unfortunately there has not been enough time to naturally shed the original top layers of skin before the new skin rebuilds causing the very unwanted extra skin layer effect. Since there is yet a cure for psoriasis, control is the best that can be done for any level of this irritating and embarrassing disease. The topical treatments and other creams, ointments and salves that doctors will prescribe for rubbing onto the scaly, itchy red areas will help sooth the flared ups. Many prescription creams will usually contain coal tar, retinoic acid, and vitamin D derivatives. There are also prescriptions of medicines that contain steroids or other similar ingredients that are to slow down new skin growth. There are many people who prefer to use herbal treatments for their psoriasis. Just as doctor prescribed treatments, the herbal treatments also include topical creams, ointments, salves and bath soaks. Most of these herbal treatments include Aloe Vera that is very effective in softening the skin plaques. Oatmeal baths are also highly effective in the extra skin softening for better flaking and removal of psoriasis infected areas. For natural skin healing, there are highly effective herbs like chickweed and cumfrey. These natural methods are to also include diet improvement and adjustments in proper vitamin intake.
About The Author
Darren Brent writes for the http://www.onestoptreatment.com/ We provides information on all aspects of finding Psoriasis Treatment,The information provide by our SKIN CARE EXPERT!. You can find more details and tips about Psoriasis Treatment in our education center.