VENTILATION FOR CLEAN, FRESH AIR AT WORK

Increased oxygen in your body translates to greater energy and clarity of mind. Fresh air is the simplest way to boost brainpower, health and feel great. But with 90% of our time spent indoors, getting that dosage of clean air isn't always easy. The air that we breathe on the inside is not as fresh as we need it to be.

More to Work than Hard Work

The scrupulous report from the World Health Organisation shouldn't need to remind us of the importance in getting our dosage of fresh air. The goodness fresh air provides was understood back in the halcyon days and often shared by our parents "Turn off the computer, go outside, get some fresh air, and relax".

On the inside, looking out

A business is in business to offer a valuable service that generates profit, it operates to improve service and increase sales. Its incessant toil perpetuates revenues for investors and stakeholders. Its focus is on product development, customer relationships and public relations. Businesses also revere their clients and their staff. After all, it wouldn't be a viable business without them.

The average person inhales 237,600,000 breathes of air at work over their lifetime, so stale air at work could contribute to the rising numbers of respiratory diseases and infections. Did you know, Casinos pump high quality ventilated air to prevent fatigue, so why not your workplace?

90% of our time is spent indoors and stepping out isn't always a practical solution. Business would become unpredictable if staff switched off and went out for a dose of fresh air. A healthy and happy work force is efficient so Investing in air ventilation makes perfect sense.

Respiratory Diseases and Infections

Lung diseases affect an increasing number of people around the world:

1. Asthma

2. COPD (including emphysema and chronic bronchitis)

3. Infectious lung diseases

4. Lung cancer

5. Sleep apnea

6. Tuberculosis

According to WHO, 4.3 million people a year die from the exposure to indoor air pollution. Making sure that your building is well-ventilated and getting rid of pollutants can improve the quality of your indoor air.

Fresh air is a big win for business

Heat recovery ventilation systems supply fresh air in an energy efficient way, this constant supply of air reduces fatigue and sickness in the work place. Operate more profitably and efficiently with Ventilation. It isn't a business expensive with Provinces / States encourage energy efficient products with tax rebates.

Ken writes on environmental issues for Tempeff North America who specialize in Heat Recovery

THE DANGERS OF SITTING FOR TOO LONG

Sitting for long periods of time has been linked to a number of health hazards, especially with elderly people. In most cases, people can't help sitting for extended periods of time due to the nature of their work, but it's good to always know what kind of risks they are running into with matters pertaining to their well-being. Below are some of the complications and diseases that may arise as a result of sitting for too long.

Cardiovascular diseases: Sitting down means that there is zero mobility, so no energy is used and no calories are burnt. This results in fats accumulating in the heart, and sometimes causing blockage of veins; thus hindering blood flow in and out of the heart. This eventually causes heart related diseases, such as heart attacks and high blood pressure.

Swayback: This is a spine condition caused by too much stretching forward of the spinal cord. If a person doesn't sit straight up or simply slumps into a chair, the end result is a painful back due to a strained spine. Sitting on a chair with the back and the legs at a ninenty degrees angle can highly reduce the risk of this painful condition.

Deep vein thrombosis: Sitting causes slow blood circulation in the legs. It results in accumulation of fluids in the legs leading to blood clots and swollen ankles. While sitting, make sure that your feet touch the floor, this reduces the strain on the spinal cord and also helps in the circulation of blood.

Obesity: As one must eat, and no fat is converted to energy due to the inert position, it increases cholesterol in the body and it all ends up in the stomach and other parts of the body. This makes the person big and obese, which is a type of disease. Avoid snacks when not doing anything physical, instead take fluids, preferably water.

In order to avoid or reduce the risk of suffering from too much sitting related complications, exercise regularly. If finding time to perform any physical activities is impossible, then take small breaks in between your work. Walk around the office for five minutes after every two hours, it ensures free blood flow through the whole body. Movement stimulates the production of antioxidants, which remove toxins from the body through the lymphatic system. This will also help with good brain functions, because the more blood flows into the brain; the better it functions.

By Marygorrett Mueni Mutinda

NO MORE SMELLING SHOES WITH THE FOLLOWING HINTS AND TIPS

Have you ever smelt your shoes or feet at the end of a day and found yourself horrified at the odor?

There are plenty of things that can cause this. Perhaps you have a fungal infection or maybe your shoes are worn out or don't allow for enough air passage.

Thankfully, there are lots of things you can do to make sure your shoes don't stink anymore. Let's review some of the better hints and tips.

First, you must remove the smell that is already there by sprinkling some baking soda into your shoes each night.

Also, check your insoles and make sure they are the type that don't collect odors or make your feet sweat. Cedar insoles are classed as the best. Do also make sure that your insoles are unable to move about, as this could make your feet sweat by rubbing them.

If you can, although this is costly, replace the lining of your shoes with silver. Silver is a fantastic anti-microbial agent.

If your shoes are already stinky, freeze them. Washing your shoes will also be beneficial, but only if they are washable. Baby powder on your feet is also very beneficial. This will prevent your feet from sweating and it also reduces the chances of fungal and bacterial infections.

Naturally, excellent personal hygiene is also very important and you should wash your feet every day. What is perhaps even more important is that you also dry them properly.

You should also always wear socks, particularly in closed shoes. You will otherwise start to rub your skin and make your feet smell. You can always choose to wear no show socks if you don't like the look of socks.

Also, when you go out to buy new shoes (or socks), make sure they are made of a high quality material.

Lastly, throw your shoes away if they are totally worn. It will become increasingly difficult to get rid of the smell and more and more bacteria will take up residence in there.

Clearly, smelly shoes should be a thing of the past.

The above hints and tips should help every time, unless you don't have healthy feet. Get checked out by your medical professional and if you do have a fungal or bacterial infection, they will be able to prescribe you something for that.

You may think that these tips are simple common sense, but many people forget to actually do this.

Marina Smithson lives with her partner in Indianapolis and works for Jays Barely There Socks. She loves blogging about life, love and healthy feet.

visit their site, Smithson, M. D,  http://ezinearticles.com/

Breast Cancer Prevention - The Importance of the Self Breast Exam

Every female who has fully formed breasts is recommended to check them for breast cancer at least once a month (more often is considered more prudent). However, some women seem to either forget to do such an important "self-check" (40% of all breast cancer diagnosed is found by self-examination), or simply do not know how or what they are looking for if they were to do one.

Guidelines on how to perform a self-examination of the breasts:

1. In the shower or bath 

- are the best places to self-check the breasts (the hot water and soap tent to make the skin more soft and easy to feel any underlying problems that may be present). Using the finger-tips - move around the entire breast in a circular motion (start from the outside and work inwards), together with the axilla (armpit) to feel for any unusual lumps or knots, thickening of the skin, or rashes similar to eczema (dry skin, red patches, itchy) and psoriasis (patches of raised skin [red] and silvery scales) around the nipple which may indicate Paget's disease (a rear form of breast cancer that affects the nipple).

2. In front of a mirror 

Mini- with both arms at the sides, slowly raise them above the head while looking for any unusual changes to the contours of the breasts, swelling, skin dimpling, nipple inversion (nipple turned inwards), or discharge of the nipples. Next rest the palms of the hands on the hips and flex firmly the chest muscles (both left and right breasts may not match exactly [usual in most women]) to look for any dimpling, or puckering (wrinkles or irregular folds) to either breast.

3. Lying down on the floor/bed

 with a pillow placed under the right shoulder while extending the right arm over the head - check the breast and axilla using the tips of the fingers of the left-hand in the same way as previously explained in the shower. Also squeeze the nipple to check for any discharge that may be present. This procedure must then be repeated for the left breast by placing the pillow under the left shoulder and using the right hand to complete the examination.

Note: If anything unusual is found, it is recommended to make an appointment with either a doctor or health adviser as soon as possible to clarify any findings. If breast cancer is suspected, a referral will be made to a specialist who may order a mammogram to check for the possibility of a breast tumor. Around 80% of lumps found in the breast are NOT cancerous; however, because the remaining 20% are, self-examinations of the breasts are vital.

Philip is a Freelance Writer, Author, and Owner of Cancer Cry. He was born in Oxford shire, England; however, today he lives in Mexico where he has been based for many years writing about cancer and other health related issues. If you would like to read more of his articles, visit their site: http://www.cancercry.com 

Thank you for reading Philip's articles!

Edmonds-Hunt, P. A. (2014, February 19). Breast Cancer Prevention - The Importance of the Self Breast Exam. Retrieved July 23, 2014

Foods That Prevent Breast Cancer

In the recent past, there has a great rise in the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer world wide. According to the world health organization, the number of breast cancer cases reported so far surpasses those of related diseases such as cervical cancer. However, cancer of the breast can be controlled if detected at its early stage. This makes regular medical checkups very important. At the same time, it is very important that we take food that prepares and boosts our immunity to fight this malignant cancer cells at their early stage. Foods and other dietary supplements have very important substances that can help our bodies to fight different types of diseases. The following are some of the foods mostly recommended that can prevent breast cancer.

Flax seed- 

                                                    

You can decide to take flax as ground, the seed or flax seed oil. It has omega-3, fibre and lignans which protect your body against cancer cells which are responsible for causing cancer of the breasts. Most people prefer adding it to yogurt or smoothie because it creates that nutty flavor. Flaxseed can also be integrated into the baked foods such as muffins and cookies.

Brazil nuts-

                                                     

Brazil nuts help to improve the general body immunity, fights inflammation and prevents the growth of tumour. They are rich in fibre, selenium and phytochemicals. They are taken just like any other nuts with asparagus or fruits. It has anti-cancer components and chlorophyll

Garlic-Garlic

  

 Allium, onions, chives and scallions are major sources of cancer fighting compounds. They are known to slow the growth of tumour preventing the risk of cancer in the breast and many other types of cancer. You can find onions and garlic in different types of food such as Thai, Indian, Spanish, Italian and Chinese foods. You are required to at least take a piece of garlic daily and this will help prevent cancer.

Pomegranate-pomegranate contains polyphenol. This is an acid which has anti-oxidant properties that prevents the growth of cancer. This is the most recommended food for preventing cancer in the breast.

Dark-green leafy vegetables-This type of vegetables contains various types of nutrients such as fibre, vitamin B, chlorophyll and phytochemicals. These compounds will assist the body to fight these cancerous cells that cause cancer. Kale, Swiss card, collard and spinach are the best examples of dark-green vegetables

Salomon-It provides the body with nutrients that actually regulate the growth of breast cancer. It contains omega-3 and vitamin D and B12. After a clinical research, some types of vitamin B12 have been proven to treat cancer. You can decide to bake it, steam it or grill it. Most people like taking it a long with dark-green vegetable, garlic or peppers.

Green tea-

                                                       

There has been lower cases linked to regular consumption of green tea. Green tea has phytochemicals which prevents growth of tumours.

Peppers-In general, all types of peppers have nutrients which helps the body to fight cancer. Jalapeno and chilli peppers contain capsaicin that fights the rate at which cancer cells grow. They also contain chlorophyll that suppresses carcinogens that causes cancer. Presence of phytochemicals also makes it effective. Red peppers contain antioxidant and capsaicin making it a bit superior among other types of peppers. You can put them in food or eat them directly.

Turmeric-it contains curcumin compound that prevents different types of cancer cells, gastrointestinal, lungs and breast cancer.

Tomatoes-it has an antioxidant compound called lycopene. This compound helps to prevent stomach, prostate, lung and breast cancer. Tomatoes are most effective when cooked

Grapes- They contains an antioxidant compound called resveratrol. This compound damages the cancer the cancer cells at their early stage before they even establish.

Berries-they contain cancer fighting compounds which can prevent breast cancer.

Walnuts-

                                              


They contain abundant omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and natural phytosterols. This is another very popular food known to be effective in preventing cancer.

These are the major types of used in preventing breast cancer. Although there so many factors contributing to this condition which are out our control, we must try as much as we can to prevent this disease. There are a number of simple dietary changes that can reduce the risk of breast cancer. If you stick to a proper diet, you actually reduce the chances of being the victim.

 Thank you for your interest.

By Brian P Morse

Morse, B. P. (2013, November 4). Foods That Prevent Breast Cancer. Retrieved July 23, 2014.

What Looks Like Eczema on the Breast Could Be Paget's Disease - Breast Cancer

The rare breast cancer disease - Paget's disease (Paget's disease of the nipple or Mammary Paget's disease) is often confused with the two common skin conditions eczema and psoriasis. All which are very similar, and which often force doctors to send their patients to specialists for correct diagnosis.

However, there are certain detectable differences between both Paget's disease and other skin conditions that many women can look for when self-checking the breasts for cancer. Usually common skin conditions that affect the breasts are nothing to be worried about; however, with Paget's disease, it is different.

1. Eczema - is a relatively common skin complain; although, it is considered a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin that consists of dry skin with red patches, together with an often itchy sensation that tends to provoke the condition to become worse when scratched (eczema rarely affects the nipple).

2. Psoriasis - is similar to eczema, but with patches of raised skin that are usually red in color, together with thick silvery scales (often considered a more hereditary disease [one in every two psoriasis cases is usually hereditary]) that appears on the skin (doctors are still unable to explain what causes it).

3. Paget's disease - can affect both men and women (men in more extreme cases), and is considered a rather deadly form of cancer. Not only is the disease dangerous in itself, but 50% of women who suffer from it are also diagnosed with having one or more breast tumors (ductal carcinoma in-situ, or invasive breast cancer [stages I - III]) within the same breast where the disease is present.

Image of Paget Disease Leg

Symptoms - are usually in the form of a red scaly rash that affects the nipple (an extension to the areola [the dark skin circle around the nipple] may often be present too) that may itch or burn. With Paget's disease - malignant cells are usually present in the epidermis (the surface layer of skin) of both the areola, and the nipple (malignant cells may be found either singularly or formed in small groups).

Also an inverted nipple (pulled inwards) together with a nipple discharge are both common signs that a rash is more than just a common skin complaint. However, in comparison with the disease and more common skin complaints, it usually only affects one breast (most skin complains affect the two breasts).

The three main dangers of Paget's disease are as follows:

1. Is because Paget's disease is so similar to both eczema and psoriasis; it may well get mis-diagnosed.

2. It is because of the presence of malignant (cancerous) cells.

3. Around 50% of women sufferers may also be diagnosed with tumors of the breast

Note: All three of these dangers may result in either a woman losing a breast, or becoming just another statistic of breast cancer fatality. Regular self-checks are seen prudent for early diagnosis of breast cancer. Any doubt (even minor) over anything unusual found: within, on, or around (the nipple area) the breast, being put to rest by an early consultation with either a doctor or health adviser.

Philip is a Freelance Writer, Author, and Owner of Cancer Cry. He was born in Oxfordshire, England; however, today he lives in Mexico where he has been based for many years writing about cancer and other health related issues. If you would like to read more of his articles, visit his site - http://www.cancercry.com 

Thank you for reading...

Edmonds-Hunt, P. A. (2014, February 19). Warning! What Looks Like Eczema or Psoriasis on the Breast Could Be Paget's Disease - Breast Cancer. Retrieved July 23, 2014,

Staying Motivated to Live Healthy

We all know that living healthy is what we should do, but, for most of us, it is just so hard to make it a long-term, lifestyle. So how do we do it? Why does it seem so easy for some people, while the great majority of Americans, just can't seem to either get on-board or stay on-board with a way of living that benefits everyone?

First we need to look at what it means to be 'healthy.' It doesn't mean being skinny. It doesn't mean participating in the endless food fads, popular diets, newest workouts, or any other fleeting thing. It does mean making good decisions when it comes to eating, physical activity, and even things like going to the doctor or dentist. Being healthy can mean feeling good. Having energy. Not being sick! It is also a matter of caring for yourself, and your family, in a way that allows you to participate in life without suffering the ramifications of 'bad' health decisions that you make or made. Being healthy is both long term and short-term actions. Being healthy benefits the individual and the whole community.

People who are healthy are, in general, happier. It is a great burden to deal with the effects of things like illness, obesity, even being tired all the time. Community groups that consist of mostly healthy individuals are happier and able to focus their resources (time, money, problem solving, creativity) on things other than trying to care for the members of the group who are unhealthy. According to healthycommunitieshealthyfuture.org, a function of the National League of Cities, which exists to help build healthier communities in the United States, "The estimated annual health care costs of obesity-related illness are a staggering $190.2 billion or nearly 21% of annual medical spending in the United States. Childhood obesity alone is responsible for $14 billion in direct medical costs." Just think what we as a country could do with all that money!!

That should motivate our whole country to action!! We all know the facts, so its going to take more than that to motivate us to live consistently healthy lives. Considering the implications our own unhealthiness has on others should, however, help us move toward the goal of healthy living.

Knowing that the facts aren't enough to keep us motivated, what is ENOUGH? The first step in getting and staying motivated has to be a realization that something does need to change. But where do you need to make changes. Identify where and why you need to be healthy. Do you need to lose weight, eat healthier, exercise more, get your teeth cleaned or get your annual checkup done? After you have identified where the changes need to be made, you need to decide what your goals are. In order to stay motivated realistic goals need to be set. Don't set yourself up for failure, it is impossible to stay motivated in the face of impossible tasks and constant failure. If you want to lose weight, determine how much and how long it will take you to reach a healthy weight. For most people losing three pounds a week is a realistic and healthy goal. Wanting to look like a Victoria Secret model or Captain America is not very realistic. Expectations that are too lofty often lead people to lose motivation more quickly. If you want to start eating healthier you'll have to work new healthy habits into shopping, cooking, and dining out. It is probably less attainable to decide one day that you are only going to eat vegan, organic foods. Set realistic goals!!

Another key to motivation is finding people to support you. There are people everywhere who are trying to live healthier. Find them and walk with them on your journey, you will motivate each other! Remember, though, that your life and how you get healthy are not the same as anyone else's, so don't compare your life to theirs! Using someone else as your benchmark for success is not going to give you sustained motivation.

Many people who are successful at living healthy use visual aides to keep them motivated. Hang the jeans you want to fit into on the outside of your closet, where you can always see them. Use a dry erase marker to right motivational phrases or your goals on your bathroom mirror. On your kitchen cabinets post your goal weight, or reminders of how you want to feel, to help guide how you eat.

Above all BE POSITIVE. Focus on what you have achieved, not matter how small it seems. Remember how you felt eating unhealthy food, and how you have a little more energy now. Tell yourself that you are worth the effort, and your family needs you to keep living healthy. Think of the things that living healthy will allow you to do. You can be more active, live more life, live a longer life, spend your future time and money on fun stuff! And, it may seem cheesy, but talk to yourself. If you ever watch highly successful athletes, you can see them getting themselves ready for the competition. They tell themselves they can do it, and beat their chests. Yell, cheer, jump around. This is a fight worth fighting, get excited and stay MOTIVATED!!

Thornton, M. W. (2014, July 12). Staying Motivated to Live Healthy. Retrieved July 23, 2014

6 TIPS TO MANAGE AND IMPROVE YOUR HEART HEALTH

Despite the fact that the warning signs of heart disease are well-known, as are the risk factors that contribute to heart disease; the number of heart disease related deaths is nevertheless reaching alarming proportions and women are as much at risk as men. In this article we will discuss six ways in which you can improve your heart health without the need for a complete lifestyle overhaul.

1. Watch that waistline

While we all need to watch our overall weight, our waistlines specifically are excellent indicators of how healthy our hearts are. Women whose waistlines measure more than 89 centimetres and men with waistlines exceeding 102 centimetres are most at risk of developing heart disease. Research has indicated that the health of your heart can be substantially improved by losing a mere five to ten percent of your body weight.

2. LOL is the best medicine

Yes, it's true. Laughing out loud on a regular basis lowers our stress levels and gives our immune systems a boost. People with lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol generally have normal blood pressure levels, stronger immune systems and are less likely to suffer from depression, a condition that is known to affect your heart. Try to make time for activities that put a smile on your face and surround yourself with positive people.

3. Having regular sex can reduce the risk of heart disease

As mentioned earlier, engaging in pleasurable activities lowers stress levels, making it an easy and natural way to be kind to your heart. Research has indicated that having sex at least twice a week can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease in men.

4. Aspirin can be a lifeline

People having a heart attack are often given aspirin by emergency medical services as this improves the chance of survival by reducing clot formation in the lining of the blood vessels. If you, or someone that you know, has heart attack symptoms, chewing an aspirin immediately could restore blood flow to the heart muscle and prevent a full-blown heart attack.

5. Stop putting your heart under pressure: lower your salt intake

Salt may seem harmless enough, but high sodium levels are major contributors to high blood pressure which can lead to heart disease, especially for people over fifty. High blood pressure can be lowered by cutting your salt intake by one teaspoon per day or by using herbal salt as an alternative.

6. One beer a day can keep a heart attack at bay

Yes we know this about wine, but did you know that a beer a day is healthy, too? The high levels of vitamin B6 in this heavenly brew help prevent the formation of the toxic chemical homocysteine which is linked to heart disease. Be sure not to get too enthusiastic however; too much alcohol can do more damage than good.

There are several things you can do to minimise your risk, and they don't take a lot of effort at all. Implementing these easy tips will not only help you stave off a heart attack; they will help you live a more pleasurable and healthier life in general.

THINK RED is an initiative from Flora that aims to raise awareness about Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), which is South Africa's second biggest cause for death. The aim of this campaign is not only to inform South Africans about the risks connected with CVD but to also educate them on preventative measures. Flora has brought out a striking red 1.2kg FLORA Light pack that incorporates hard-hitting CVD statistics and this is meant to serve as a daily piece of communication about Heart Awareness.

Thank you for reading..

MIRACLE FRUIT - TOMATO

1 Helps losing weight

People who want to lose weight need not to worry for we have tomatoes all year round! They are low in calories and sugar making it the perfect food which people who want to get slim would favor.

2 Helps maintain blood sugar levels

Tomatoes are high in folic acid, which helps in the reconstruction and development of healthy cells. Abundance of mineral chromium is also found in tomatoes which is advantageous for diabetics in maintaining their blood sugar level and keeping them under control.

3 Reduces the damage caused by smoking

This might be of some help for some of you chain smokers out there, I mean of course not, tomatoes don't help you stop smoking but they do aid in reducing the damage which is caused by smoking as they contain chlorogenic acid, lycopene and coumaric acid. On a lighter note smoking is never encouraged either.

4 Lowers down blood pressure

Moving on, Due to potassium and vitamin B, tomatoes also help to low down the blood pressure and to reduce high cholesterol levels. This leads to the prevention of heart strokes, heart attacks and various other potentially life-threatening heart issues.

5 Rich source of Vitamin A

Vitamin A found in tomatoes is good for hair, strong bones and teeth. Tomatoes, rich in vitamin K and calcium, the two vitamins help to strengthen and possibly repair in trivial ways bones & bone tissue.

We recommend utilizing two tomatoes a day. It gives the human body 2/3 of the daily requirement of Vitamin C. This vitamin also benefits in strengthening the immune system and produces enough collagen for healthier skin.

Tomatoes are one of the renowned food if you're looking for ways to make your skin look healthier. Tomatoes are rich in Vitamin A and E which repair damaged skin cells and aids in restoring the blemishes hence causing glowing skin. Vitamin A combats infections and also on the other hand promotes good eyesight. Speaking of different Vitamin this fruit also has to offer Vitamin B which comforts in quiet healthy cell processes & metabolism and nervous system.

Apart from playing its role in the maintenance of immune system tomatoes also prevent the occurrence of different cancers that our body might be prone to. Tomatoes contains selenium which basically belongs to the chemical substances which prevent our bodies from cancer. Tomatoes contain a lot of Vitamin A and C and these vitamins further act as an anti-oxidant which work to neutralize dangerous free radicals found inside the blood stream. Tomatoes also contain vitamin K

Article by Jeans, S. (2014, July 4).