*******PLEASE HELP THIS LITTLE GIRL*******
A desperate mum needs to raise £125,000 for pioneering treatment to save her dying three-year-old daughter.
Serena Souiffi has been battling cancer for 18 months and a revolutionary procedure in America is the last hope for the bubbly toddler.
But it will cost tens of thousands of pounds and her loving mum Lorraine Dudek is fighting to raise the money in just three months to give her daughter the best chance possible of surviving.
"If we can't raise the money then there is nothing left to do," she said.
Medics say there is no more they can do, except offer treatments that can prolong her life. Her only apparent hope of beating the disease is to undergo revolutionary treatment in America at a cost of £125,000.
If she does not have the treatment she may only have weeks or months to live.
Please, Please help them save their baby.. You can see her story in two local newspapers online:
Serenas Story in the Croydon Guardian
Serenas Story in the Croydon Advertiser
Together, we CAN make a difference!!!
You can visit her MySpace page by clicking HERE or by clicking on her in my friends list (she's the first!!)
To send a friends request so that you can add her to your top friends to help get the word out, click ADD SERENA.
If you would just like to make a donation:(Donations are processed securely through PayPal, and any amount is fine. If you can do $5, great! If you can do $500, great!
****EVERY little bit helps!!! If every one of my friends just on MySpace donated just $5, that would equal $6290!! How many friends do YOU have?? How many readers do you have on your blog?? Let's get a ripple effect going here people!
Ask yourself - "What if this were MY child???"
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
A Little Girl Is Dying ~ Help Save Serena!!!~
Friday, May 23, 2008
Important Updates & News - Organic Consumers Association
IN THIS ISSUE:
- ALERT OF THE WEEK: MAINSTREAM MEDIA ATTEMPTS TO BURY HOMEOPATHY
- BIOTECH ALERT OF THE WEEK: STOP BUSH'S BIOTECH BULLYING!
- 'FRANKENFOODS' SURVEY OF THE WEEK: CBS NEWS & NEW YORK TIMES POLL CONSUMERS ABOUT GE FOODS
- RELATED QUOTE OF THE WEEK: BIOTECH CORPORATIONS PREPARE TO PROFIT OFF CLIMATE CRISIS WITH NEW 'CLIMATE-READY' GE-PLANTS
- SUSTAINABILITY FACTS OF THE WEEK: SMALL FARMS ARE MORE PRODUCTIVE AND PROFITABLE
- CAMPAIGN UPDATE: CONSUMER GROUPS PRESSURE USDA TO LAUNCH INVESTIGATION OF HORIZON "ORGANIC" FACTORY FARMS
- WEB PROGRAM OF THE WEEK: NPR TAKES A LOOK AT THE FUTURE OF LABORATORY-GROWN MEAT
- ORGANIC BYTES READERS TALK BACK:
ARE THERE ANY RECYCLED HOME WATER FILTRATION SYSTEMS?
ARE ANY PLASTICS SAFE FOR USE WITH FOOD? - WEB FORUM TOPIC OF THE WEEK: WHOLE FOODS MARKET... AGAIN
- SPECIAL STATE NEWS AND ALERTS: CA, MD, NE, OR, PA, TX, WA
 | ALERT OF THE WEEK: |
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| BIOTECH ALERT OF THE WEEK: |
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 | 'FRANKENFOODS' SURVEY OF THE WEEK:
Learn more: http://www.organicconsumers |
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 | RELATED QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Source: Hope Shand, Research Director of ETC Group (Action Group on Erosion, Technology and Concentration), speaks of the recent research indicating that the world's largest biotech companies are developing and patenting hundreds of varieties of new "climate ready" genetically engineered crops designed to supposedly endure the worst of global climate change. The ETC Group is mobilizing people around the world to censure these companies for focusing on profitable ways of taking advantage of the climate crisis, rather than looking for solutions to the actual problem. http://www.organicconsumers |
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 | SUSTAINABILITY FACTS OF THE WEEK:
Source: New York Times |
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 | CAMPAIGN UPDATE: |
| | DONATE HERE! Support OCA with your stimulus check. |
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 | WEB PROGRAM OF THE WEEK: Talk about it in OCA's web forum (under the "Topic of the Week"): http://www.organicconsumers |
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 | ORGANIC BYTES READERS TALK BACK ARE THERE ANY RECYCLED HOME WATER FILTRATION SYSTEMS? OCA RESPONSE: Yes, as noted in our article, using the Brita water filtration systems is a much better option, environmentally speaking, than buying bottled water. As for companies that offer home water filter recycling, you could check out http://www.terraflo.com & http://www.abundantearth.com ------------------------------ |
 | ARE ANY PLASTICS SAFE FOR USE WITH FOOD? OCA RESPONSE: Yes, you are correct. As a note, the posted plastics guide is relative. We always recommend consumers look for glass, aluminum or tin as an option over any plastic packaged product. If you need to buy plastic, PET (#1) is one of the safest options over some of the other plastics, but all plastics demonstrate varying levels of leaching, particularly when heated. Avoid hot liquids in plastic containers. Also avoid microwaving plastics or placing them in dishwashers. |
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 | WEB FORUM TOPIC OF THE WEEK: |
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 | Bookmark http://Organicconsumers.org as your daily source of |
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| SPECIAL STATE NEWS AND ALERTS CALIFORNIA: Support Green Jobs in California: MARYLAND: SweatFree MD campaign continues, new legislative update from the Progressive States Network: NEBRASKA - Decline to Sign: An initiative is underway to ban affirmative action, billed as the "Civil Rights Initiative," which is an intentionally misleading campaign that should not succeed. http://www.organicconsumers OREGON: Whole Foods Breaks Their Promise--Support United Farm Workers: PENNSYLVANIA: Take Action! Help Pennsylvania's Farmer's Transition to Organic!http://www.organicconsumers TEXAS: Tell Congressman Joe Barton that His Opposition to a Renewable Electricity Standard Hurts Our Planet and Our Economy: WASHINGTON: Don't Let the Pesticide Industry Gain Control of Pesticide Incident Reporting: |
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******** support our supporters*********
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| ________________________ EDEN FOODS OFFERS OCA CUSTOMERS 15% DISCOUNT Eden Foods is one of the few national organic food producers who goes beyond the USDA Organic Standards. Although Eden Foods is USDA certified, their products do not bear the USDA seal, because they say the USDA standard really represents a "minimum standard" that Eden Foods goes far beyond. As a subscriber to Organic Bytes, you can enjoy a discount rate on any Eden Foods products by clicking here |
Please forward this publication to family and friends, place it on web sites, print it, duplicate it and post it freely. Knowledge is power!
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NOTE TO CO-OP AND NATURAL FOOD STORE SUBSCRIBERS:
Organic Bytes is a great tool for keeping your staff and customers up to date on the latest issues. Feel free to forward this email to your staff and print for posting on bulletin boards and staff break tables. You are also welcome to use this material for your newsletters. There's an attractive print-friendly PDF version of this available for free download at http://www.organicconsumers
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ORGANIC CONSUMERS ASSOCIATION
6771 South Silver Hill Drive
Finland, Minnesota 55603
Phone: (218)- 226-4164 Fax: (218) 353-7652
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Skin Care : All Natural Skin Care
Available in form of creams, lotions, face masks, cleansers, toners and liquids, natural skin products have taken the cosmetic industry by storm. Made from common natural components like herbs, honey, sandalwood, vegetables, and fruits, these products are easy to use and highly effective.
It is also important for good health to take care of our skin. Our skin is the largest organ that we have. It helps protect the rest of our organs, so it is worth our time to take good care of it. As with the food we put into our bodies it is a good idea to use all natural skin care. It is important to remember that the products that you place on your largest organ seep in and linger for many hours. If you have an allergic reaction by ingesting certain things, you will have the same reaction by applying it to your skin.
We all have toxins at different levels in our skin from the pollutions that we face on a daily basis in the air and in the environment. The soaking also helps relax muscles. I like to add natural lavender to the water also to fill the room with the relaxing fragrance. Once you are done soaking your skin is very receptive to what ever you put on it. After a nice soaking I like to put on an all natural skin care product with aloe in it that helps sooth the skin even more. You will find that your skin feels nicer and has a healthier glow to it after the bath. I try to do this at least twice a month for the health of my skin.
Essential oils are excellent for the creation of your own natural skin care uses. It's also fun to make your own natural skin care solutions using different oils and bases! Have fun while taking care of your skin with products that you know what ingredients are being put in it. You can take control of your skin care with your own natural skin care solutions!
About the Author:
Tip from Mel:
Be sure to watch out for products with mineral oil, I do NOT recommend this for skin care! Also, be sure to watch for contraindications with essential oils, and follow recipes carefully to avoid adverse reactions. A skin patch test is ALWAYS recommended, so please do one BEFORE applying any product containing oils over large portions on your skin. When in doubt, consult a qualified aromatherapist.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Drilling Alaska is NOT the solution!!!
I received this email today and thought it should be passed around, it is an important issue that many are not aware of. Some are oblivious to the environmental impact, others are thinking it would drive prices down as we are supporting ourselves. This couldn't be farther from the truth:
Hi Mel,
The average gas price in North Carolina is $3.78 per gallon -- prices in your neck of the woods might be even higher. So what is Big Oil's solution? Not cutting into their record multi-billion dollar profits to reduce your pain at the pump. Instead, oil execs testified before Congress yesterday that their solution is to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling. Please act now to protect the Arctic Refuge»
Our own government estimates that drilling in the Arctic will only affect gas prices by two pennies per gallon ... in twenty years. But our polar bears could be extinct in less than 50 years.
Mel, if you believe polar bears and their Arctic Refuge home are worth more than two cents per gallon, tell your senators to protect the Arctic Refuge permanently»
| Thank you! Rebecca Young, Care2 and ThePetitionSite Team |
PLEASE help by clicking the above link and ask the powers that be not to implement this! Two cents a gallon is not worth an animal's EXTINCTION!!!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Anxiety Reduction And Exercise: Effective Treatment For Anxiety
Sometimes these self treatment options can be effective on their own. And in some cases they are not enough to totally treat anxiety effectively. Even if your particular case does require a more orthodox medical treatment for your anxiety you may find that adding in some safe and easy to use self help techniques provides a more holistic approach to treating your anxiety.
If you are looking for an effective and easy to use self-help technique to help in treating your anxiety look no further than regular exercise. Research has shown conclusively that exercise has a very positive effect on a physical level as well as on a mental and emotional level. In many cases of depression and anxiety, exercise alone has been proven to dramatically decrease the incidence of attacks and the severity of the symptoms.
There are a number of very positive effects that exercise can have on an anxiety sufferer.
People who are chronically anxious burn an incredible amount of energy performing their normal day-to-day tasks. It's as if their motor is idling too high burning more fuel and using more energy than is needed. If you suffer with anxiety exercise can increase your energy levels by relaxing the nervous system to the point where it no longer uses up as much energy.
If you are someone who is chronically anxious it might pay you to think about adopting a regular exercise programme into your day-to-day routine. The relatively small amount of energy you will use while exercising will pay you back ten fold when you start to conserve energy that you would have previoulsy used in a chronically anxious state.
Another big payoff for people who exercise regularly is the endorphin rush that accompanies vigorous exercise. Endorphins are hormones that are released into our system during exercise. They make us feel good. They increase our sense of well-being. And effect lingers after the exercise has stopped.
Many anxiety sufferers also suffer from chronically tired and painful muscles. Some methods of exercise, yoga for example, create the opportunity for these muscles to relax. In many cases simply reducing the amount of physical tension within the body can have a dramatic effect on what is happening to us on a mental and emotional level.
The important thing to remember when the thinking about starting an exercise program to help with your anxiety is that virtually any form of movement will help.
And whatever you do don't let your lack of exercise knowledge give you something else to get anxious about.
All you need to do is to simply get going. Of all the exercise is out there walking is probably the best to you to start with. As you get fitter and stronger and more confident with physical activity you can start looking at other more exciting exercise options.
Aerobic classes, weight training, martial arts, yoga classes are just some of the possibilities that you can choose to try as part of your regular exercise program.
Anxiety and the accompanying him mental, emotional and physical symptoms and stress that comes with it to be helped dramatically with the implementation of a regular exercise routine.
If you suffer from anxiety you will be amazed at how quickly regular exercise will help you feel better about yourself and feel happier about your life.
About the Author:
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Using Meditation to Get a Good Night's Sleep
A lot of people, for a variety of reasons, may try taking numerous different pills. However, you should know that with sleeping pills, you run the risk of interrupted sleep and daytime drowsiness. If you decide to use meditation instead of medication, it takes practice to learn the techniques that work for your body in particular, so be patient.
There are several ways you can meditate - listening to music or in silence, burning candles, sitting calmly and allowing your mind to drift, or by the more concentrated practice of yoga meditation. Meditation relieves tension and eases anxiety, which will lead to a more restful and refreshing sleep.
There are several tips to help you reach better results with your meditation. You could try utilizing techniques such as a mantra, which is a positive phrase repeated aloud or in your mind, listening to relaxing CDs, or focusing on deep breathing exercises. When negative thoughts creep into your head and interrupt your meditation, try sweeping them away, making room for positive thoughts.
When you have a peaceful place with no distractions you will be able to easily meditate. Use the following tips to help you concentrate.
1. Find a quiet place where you're not likely to be disturbed. This place might be somewhere in your house, or a lakeside park bench. Remove the television, phone and other things that might cause a disturbance.
2. Get comfortable. Find a sitting position that is comfortable for you, using pillows or cushions if required. Remove your footwear, and do not wear anything that restricts you.
3. Now relax. Shut your eyes and allow your thoughts to wander. Picture a calming scene such as a meadow of grazing sheep or a quiet pond to help you concentrate.
4. Take a deep breath. Inhale deeply and rhythmically, while concentrating on the air being drawn in and exiting your body with each breath. Stress relief and increasing your oxygen levels can be achieved by these deep breathing techniques.
Meditation right before bed can improve your sleep patterns and help you to get a good night's sleep. Even just 10 to 15 minutes per day will help you relax and sleep better.
About the Author:
Monday, May 19, 2008
Alternative Cancer Treatment, Genetic Risks and Breast Cancer
Being female alone increases an individual's odds of contracting breast cancer relative to men by 133:1. A leading theory indicates that the most obvious and likely cause is the much greater estrogen and progesterone levels in females. These hormones aid in cell grown and seem to be involved when cell growth is uncontrollable, as in a disease such as breast cancer.
One genetic factor that may not seem genetic at first blush is the increased risk that comes with aging. Growing older, at what rate and in what way, is heavily influenced by genetics. Genetics determines the kind of physiology we have and that in turn plays a prominent role in aging, as researchers in the field are finding out.
Almost 17% of invasive breast cancers occur in women who are in their 40's. But a great 78% of those who contract breast cancer are in their 50's or older. This shouldn't surprise you. It is a common observation that cancers are more likely to occur the older an individual becomes. Make sure that you don't confuse this statement. It is not correct to believe that 78% of women who are 50 or older get breast cancer. Actually, that number is about 1 in 12, or 8% of women 50 or older.
One major genetic risk factor, though, doesn't come from normal genes, but from gene mutations. The most common mutations are labeled BRCA1 and BRCA2. The genes affected participate in making proteins that prevent cells from growing abnormally. Mutations or changes in them alter that ability, opening the gate to increasing the odds of breast cancer. According to some studies, having the mutation puts the odds of developing breast cancer at up to 80%.
Mutations such as these are not always inherited, and are not produced by environmental, diet or other controllable factors. Women whose mothers have had breast cancer are placed at a higher risk for developing the condition themselves. Women do not inherit genes from siblings, but having a sibling that has contracted breast cancer does indicate an increased risk for an individual.
Additionally there is another gene mutation that could play a role in the development of breast caner. The ATM (ataxia-telangiectasia mutation) involves a gene that plays a part in the repair of DNA strands. Breast cancer risk is doubled when the CHEK-2 gene mutates. Mutations in a gene called the p53 increase the odds since it aids in suppressing the growth of tumors. These occurrences have an extremely low likelihood.
Until there are advancements in gene therapy, there isn't anything women or men can do to alter the genes which they were given. But knowing the risk factors can provide information needed to come up with a diagnosis. Knowing that you have a family history containing an individual with Cowden Syndrome, for example, provides you with more reason to seek frequent and early checkups.
About the Author:
Herbal Aromatherapy and Incense
Aromatherapy as a medicine is great it doesn't come with the unavoidable side effects that are associated with other treatments.
It is the systematic use of essential oils (volatile plant oils), consisting of tiny aromatic molecules that are readily absorbed into the skin. The use of incense is popular among aroma therapists.
Basic and herbal are the two types of Aromatherapy. The major difference between the two is that herbal is based more on the use of herbs than on essential oils. The limbic system and emotional centre of the brain are activated by the use of herbs, which also kills microbes and fungi. Incense is also be used for this but results vary.
There are hundreds of herbs that are used in herbal aromatherapy, and this includes birch, mandarin, jojoba, lavender, jasmine, grapefruit, nutmeg, citronella, cajeput, clove, fir, gardenia, ginger, basil, lemon grass, lime, pine, rose, marjoram, sage, sassafras, spearmint, thyme, ylang ylang, rosemary, sandalwood, and patchouli, all of which are available in incense form as well.
Of all of the herbs used in aromatherapy the most commonly used is Chamomile, and with its distinctive smell of apple it helps to soothe tired muscles and improves sleep. It also encourages calmness and emotional peace within. Fears and mood swings are eased with the use of Geranium, which also refreshes and relaxes the body.
Used frequently in herbal aromatherapy is lavender, a herb that helps accent sensitivity and self-expression, particularly for the embarrassed or shy. It helps in the treatment of a variety of ailments and illnesses, from arthritis, joint aches, and chest aches, to the common flu and cold.
Conventional medicine often treats the symptom but often not the cause. A major benefit of aromatherapy is that it helps to treat the actual problem rather than just cover up the symptoms. This means that patients will experience more of a long-term benefit rather than short-term satisfaction. For this reason herbal aromatherapy is popular throughout the world, particularly in the older cultures of the world.
Aromatherapy in general is normally incredibly, if not completely, effective and without the usual symptoms and side effects of conventional measures. The use of incense is recommended in conjunction with aromatherapy.
About the Author:
Friday, May 16, 2008
Processing the Facts Behind Processed Food
But are all processed foods really bad for you? To answer this question, we have to first look at why food that is ready to eat is said to be detrimental to health.
· Processed foods refers to edibles that have undergone some process from their natural state; trans fats, salt or sugar, food coloring and preservatives are usually added, and the finished product is either canned, frozen or hermetically sealed in packages. None of the additives are conducive to good health. In fact, some food colors and preservatives cause cancers and other stomach disorders if consumed regularly over a long period of time. Salt raises your blood pressure levels and sugar, if not burned immediately, tends to put you at risk for diabetes. Neither of the two is good for your skin and complexion. Trans fats or unsaturated fats increase your chances of cardiac diseases.
· Processing tends to strip the food item of its essential goodness – for example, white flour is whole wheat devoid of all its grains and nutrients.
· Some processed goods claim to provide wholesome nutrition with synthetic vitamins and minerals. The real thing is always better though – an apple eaten whole or juiced in your blender at home is more nutritious than that carton of apple juice you picked up at the grocery store. It has no preservatives or added sugar.
· Processed meats are especially bad for you because of two reasons – they contain a large quantity of added salt and fat and increase your risk of colorectal and stomach cancer.
Sometimes, convenience and necessity forces us to go for processed food rather than buy fresh ingredients and cook wholesome recipes. In such situations, you need to be able to make informed choices that keep you and your family healthy. So what kinds of processed food are good for you?
· Processed milk which is bacteria-free thanks to the process of pasteurization and homogenized to keep the fat from separating.
· Frozen fruits and vegetables retain essential vitamins and nutrients for a long time
· Fresh juices free of added sugar are available with added vitamins
· Any product made with whole grains
· Any product that has more real food ingredients than man-made or synthetic ingredients
· Any low-fat product with less than 3 grams of fat per serving
· Any unsweetened product
· Any salt-free or low salt product
This article is contributed by Sarah Scrafford, who regularly writes on the topic of Care Plans. She invites your questions and writing job opportunities at her personal email address: sarah.scrafford25@gmail.com.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Oral Yeast Infection: the FACTS about Oral Yeast Infection
Candida species, predominantly Candida Albicans, are normal oral bacteria present in 30% - 60% of healthy people and living off their host without exerting negative influence. The presence of yeasts in the mouth does not necessarily result in oral yeast infection. However the oral surfaces can favor the multiplication of the yeast and disseminated infections. Pre-disposing conditions for this include:
1. Drug therapies diminishing host defenses and altering the oral cavity.
2. Diseases weakening host defenses by their systemic nature.
3. Antibiotic treatments that damage the equilibrium of the organisms in the intestines by eliminating beneficial gastrointestinal bacterial flora that typically hold Candida at bay.
4. Oral vulnerability to vectors of yeast infection, including medication, mineral or vitamin deficiencies, food allergies, mouth irritation, and so on.
5. Stress, anxiety or depression as contributing psychological factors.
6. Changes in physiological conditions such as growing old, having a baby, infancy, diet considerations, lack of iron, getting diabetes, hypothyroidism, hypoadrenalism etc.
7. Modification of salivary flow due to phenomena such as Sjogren's syndrome and types of antidepressants, which then favors multiplication of Candida.
8. Local oral factors, such as wearing dentures and the difficulties of hygiene that they bring. These include bad hygiene from using porous dentures and lack of washing from saliva that unable to pass around the dentures. This explains why yeast infection median prevalence is at 85% for wearers of dentures with normal oral mucosa, compared to just 37% of users with natural teeth.
Most commonly, the following oral yeast infection symptoms are:
1. A tongue that is red with no bright spots, peeling surfaces or patches on the surface of the tongue then following this.
2. Angular Cheilitis or red cracks at the edges of the mouth.
3. Color contrast in the inner surface of the mouth where a red background shows up white, cream colored or yellow spots that bleed if scrubbed.
4. Extra tissue that it is impossible to wipe off the mouth.
Oral yeast infection can also manifest itself by a disagreeable burning feeling in the infected area, together with its visible symptoms.
Newborn babies are commonly under threat of oral yeast infection. If oral yeast infection is suspected, additional tests should be done. The first signs to look out for are restlessness and irritability during feedings, as well as refusal to accept a pacifier.
Certain anti-fungal drugs can effectively resolve oral thrush, like:
1. Nystatin (sold as mycostatin, mycolog and nilstat): an antibiotic treating different subclasses of fungal infections. Non-toxic and not detrimental to bacteria or viruses, it can be taken orally three to fives times per day either as a tablet or a liquid. Typically, after 48 hours of using this medicament, oral yeast infection is removed. However, because of the multiple doses that are necessary, patient compliance can be lowered.
2. Ketoconazole (sold as mycelex, monistat and nizoral): antifungal drug breaking down the cell wall of the fungus to kill it.
3. Triazole antifungal agents, such as itraconazole and fluconazole. Itraconazole is taken as part of a continuous treatment typically lasting at least 90 days or until a laboratory test confirms no further fungal infection. Despite oral and intravenous intake, poor absorption and various side effects (nausea, vomiting, fatigue, pain in the abdomen) are among the disadvantages of Itraconazole. Fluconazole is available as a tablet or a liquid to be taken orally every day for a period of a least several weeks.
4. Amphotericin B (brand names: fungizone, adria and apothecon): a strong antibiotic for eradicating fungal infections. It has a certain toxicity and may generate multiple different secondary effects. As a polyene antimycotic drug, the prescription is usually for severe cases of Candiasis involving hospitalization.
Although there are differences in the mode of operation, certain aspects are common to all of these oral yeast medications. Firstly, relief brought by the medication is typically temporary, and all the more so for chronic oral yeast infection. Secondly, long-term use of these drugs may cause secondary effects. Thirdly, medication therapy for oral yeast infection targets the external symptoms of yeast infection, like most other conventional medication, thus neglecting the internal causes that bring on candida infection overgrowth.
The holistic and all-natural remedy can address the internal reasons of oral yeast infection and also its immediate symptoms. Different to prescribed medicaments, oral yeast infection can also be cured using herbal or homeopathic remedies, changes in diet, detox and in lifestyle. Symptoms are thus eradicated and candida infection is prevented from recurring.
About the Author:
Stricter Punishment for Animal Cruelty
Many people believe that the law should push stronger implementation of anti-animal cruelty laws. Stronger laws mean tougher punishments, and animal cruelty offenders need to be punished using the strongest punishment allowed by law.
Why People Abuse Animals
Criminals and people who abuse other people are likely to have experiences and background with animal abuse and cruelty. There are a lot of serial rapists and murderers who started out by abusing and torturing animals. When they think that they can get away with animals without any form of punishment, then they look for more challenging subjects: humans.
What Numbers Say - Based on a 1997 study by the MSPCA and Northeastern University, 70 percent of the people who committed violent crimes against animals also had records for other crimes. When put side by side with a control group of their neighbors, the animal abusers were found five times more likely to commit violent crimes against people. Also, they are four times more likely to perpetrate property crimes, and three times more likely to have a record for disorderly conduct or drug offenses.
Most people believe that punishing animal cruelty offenders would prevent and implementing the strictest law on them would discourage more animal cruelty. Since animals can't speak for themselves, more and more people are now taking it to themselves to advance their cause in the animals' behalf.
Animal Cruelty Law in America
California law is commendable. It recognizes animal cruelty as a felony offense with a provision for mandatory counseling and prison time. Also, about 33 states and the District of Columbia now have laws that make certain types of animal cruelty a felony offense.
The states of Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada and Maine increased punishments for this crime. Illinois increased its penalties for cruelty, dog fighting and neglect. Illinois law mandated psychological counseling for youth offenders and animal hoarders. Texas and Arkansas have dealt with the need for psychological counseling. Maine has passed a bill that has special provisions for torturing or killing an animal with the intent of intimidating or frightening a child, or forcing a child to kill an animal. Louisiana necessitates their government employees to report any incidence of animal abuse or neglect they discover while investigating child abuse or neglect.
All these are good steps against the animal abuse. However, there are still some states that need to impose strong punishment for animal cruelty. Remember, animal cruelty is a crime. Offenders have to be punished. Our animals' safety could depend on our involvement. It could even be our own lives at the line.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Anxiety and Panic Attack: How You Can Stop Them
What is an anxiety and panic attack?
It can be an emotionally crippling condition. A panic attack is a sudden feeling of fear that can happen without any warning. It can occur at any time, even during relaxation or when you're asleep. Usually, the fear that the person experiences during a panic attack is unrelated and not in proportion to the situation and the true happenings around them.
Panic attacks last for about ten minutes, or its symptoms could last longer. Generally, those that have experienced panic attacks more than once are at greater risk for Panic Disorder, or repeated panic attacks.
Symptoms of a Panic Attack
The condition is usually characterized by several signs and symptoms. During a panic attack, the sufferer experiences several scary sensations like dizzy spells leading to panic, racing heart with tingling sensations on left arm, tightness in throat and chest, shortness of breath, obsessive worries and unwanted thoughts, and the overwhelming fear that something horrible is about to happen.
Suffered from these symptoms before? No need to fret. There are many ways that will allow you to break free from these unwanted sensations. Read on to find out how.
How You Can Free Yourself From Another Panic Attack
Don't Think About The Fear - First, learn to break the fear of having another panic attack. Usually, the foundation of a future panic attack is already laid even hours before you experience the actual one. In fact, your anticipation of the panic attack starts the wave cycle of anxiety. With just the slightest trigger, the panic attack can be developed into full motion.
When an individual experiences a panic attack for the first time, the experience could be so impacting, to the point that it marks the person's psyche. From there, the person will then continue to develop an unhealthy fear of having yet another panic attack.
Control the build-up of fear. Basing from this, what you can do is stop fearing the thought of another panic attack. Learn to stop fearing it. Still confused?
Get help. There are many e-books available that give you a step-by-step guide on newly developed techniques that will effectively get rid of that fear, so you will never have to experience another panic attack again. You can even read the testimonials by other users to guide you in the purchasing process. In fact, to further assure you of its effectiveness, you should choose an e-book that has a satisfaction guaranteed program.
The bottom line is, you can do something about panic attacks. You don't have to trouble yourself if you have experienced an anxiety and panic attack. There are already many techniques from which you can choose from, that will guide you in finally getting rid of your panic attacks.
About the Author:
Friday, May 9, 2008
Buying By-products, Soy & Corn Or Real Meat In Pet Foods?
Selecting the best food for your companion is crucial, but how do you make the correct choice among so many brands and packaging options -- dry dog foods, premium dog foods, and all natural dog food?
Always read the ingredient list of the food. Doing so will allow you to know what you're feeding your pet, and also show you the differences in commercial pet foods and treats. Try comparing ingredients between manufacturers of pet foods like Hill Pet and others. As you do this, you will get to know what you are feeding your pet instead of guessing.
Deciding on a dog food isn't as hard as you may think; just read over the ingredients to determine the pros and cons. You're on the right path if the first ingredients are human-grade whole meat, and you're being led astray if the ingredients are primarily corn, soy and other fillers and by-products.
More than likely your pet would pass on his dog food if he got to choose. What dog wouldn't skip the food and fill up on the delicious treats? No matter what, your dog would toss the diet food! However, if you choose foods and treats that are distributed in proper portions your dog will be much healthier.
Dog nutrition is about striking the right balance of food groups and vitamins and minerals for optimum health, and if you are among the growing number of pet owners who find their dog has food allergies, finding products with the right ingredients is crucial.
The majority of us realize that natural pet foods, such as raw dog food, are superior to others, and some feed their dogs only organic food, but each person has to do the correct thing for himself/herself and the pet, taking into consideration time factors, price of various foods and knowledge of nutrition.
There are several companies that specifically design their pet foods around the needs of your dog so the he can get the right nutrition. Your dog may need supplements, depending on its overall health, age, and nutritional intake. Keep in mind that a well-balanced canine diet should provide sufficient nutrients just as it does for humans.
To help you to choose the best dog food, including puppy foods, look at the ingredient list and see especially what the first few items are. If by products show up there, put down the bag or can and try another.
Remember that dogs may enjoy dog food, but many dogs will eat chocolate and other unhealthy foods if they get a chance. One delicious treat for us that poses as a toxin to your dog is chocolate. This is why it is so important that you think about what effect these things will have on your animal before you feed him any treats.
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Life Coaches - Mentors Of Success
Although you may feel it, you are not alone. If you are searching for someone to help you through a rough patch in life, someone who would give you positive encouragement, constructive criticism and some rock solid advice, you may wish to search out the services of a life coach. He or she wouldn’t treat you as if you were mentally ill, and wouldn’t pity you.
What is a life coach? A life coach is a person who has achieved success in their field, business, or particular area of life. This person has attended special training, in order to help others reach similar success. A coach can guide you through specific steps in order to be more successful and/or to help you transition through a difficult period in your life.
Life coaches hail from many walks of life, occupations, and backgrounds. Some are well-known corporate executives or business owners, while others are famous writers, directors, or artists. However, many also hail from ordinary, otherwise unremarkable backgrounds, with the key difference being that they have discovered how to find their personal success and are ready to share their knowledge with you.
There are many tools that life coaches use. Constructive criticism is one example of their teaching method. This method has your mental coach analyze your behavior, actions and thought patterns in order to make a determination to how best guide you to make better decisions and to react differently to situations. All too often people are stuck in a rut of bad decision making which to them is unavoidable and invisible to them. A skilled coach can help you to see these patterns and decisions and guide you to make changes.
"Positive encouragement" is a tactic that is also popular with life coaches. As with bad or counter-productive patterns of behavior, we also have good ones of which we may not be aware. Your life coach can see where these are occurring as well, and re-enforce your use and awareness of them. In the complete package, life coaches will use these and other strategies that have been found to work with a variety of people, depending on the needs of the particular situation. And you can learn how to do this yourself. Are you struggling with personal, relationship, or career decisions? Life coaches are people who have been very successful in their fields, in business, or in a particular arena in life, and who have obtained specialized life coaching training in order to learn how to help others emulate their success. They guide you through a series of steps to become successful and/or to handle your difficult life transition. Many coaches are successful executives, small business owners, and CEOs. The tools that they use to teach success are many. One example of this kind of methodology is constructive criticism, in which mental coaches analyze your behavior, actions, and patterns.
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Thursday, May 8, 2008
Pau D'Arco - Pau D Arco Bark Claimed To Be Miracle Drug
In spite of this negative report, pau d'arco has since been used successfully to treat such things as fevers, arthritis, infections, malaria, skin problems, cancers, and even complications of AIDS. Two reasons for the discrepancy between the research and reality are these.
First, this isolated drug lapachol was not the only beneficial drug in pau d-arco. Researches isolated 20 additional active ingredients in the herb. Second, the effect of the herb was multiplied and the side effects minimized when used as a whole instead of isolating its parts. It seems the ingredients work to help each other benefit the person most.
For what medical problems besides cancer has pau d'arco been used? Start with flu, lupus, diabetes, skin diseases, parasites, ulcers, and arthritis and one can see why it was found on many people's bragging lists. Add to this its effectiveness in treating strep, yeast infections, dysentery, malaria, and tuberculosis. In small doses, pau d'arco increases the activity of the immune system, and in large doses it reduces inflammation and other immune responses.
Pau d'arco is a bark, but it can also be purchased as a tincture or a capsule. One to two capsules or drops of tincture taken up to four times a day is a usual dosage. The amount, of course, depends on the patient and the condition.
The most common way to ingest this herb is through making a tea which has a cool, bitter flavor. A tablespoon of the bark boiled for twenty minutes in three cups of water will extract its nutrients. (Do not use an aluminum pan for this.) On cup of this tea taken three or four times a day would be a maximum dosage. Normally half this amount is sufficient.
Pregnant and nursing women should not use pau d'arco until it is sufficiently researched. Pau d'arco has been shown to have blood-thinning actions in some people, and may cause anemia when used long term. Possible side effects from ingesting too much pau d'arco include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and stomach cramps. Another precaution consumers should heed is assuring that the product they purchase is produced by a reputable manufacturer. Some tested have very few active ingredients. The pau d'arco imported from Argentina is generally considered to be the highest quality bark.
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