Remedies & Other Knowledge

Winter is just not about warm clothes, fireside reading, snuggling close to the pillows wrapped from head to toe with a comfy quilt. It is time to battle the cold winds that hampers your body & hair. A little care will keep the wintry troubles at bay.

Hair...
Before the winter winds can wreck havoc with your hair, expose your hair to deep conditioning. Since the cold weather causes to dry your hair, massage your hair in Aloe Vera juice for a few minutes. This will restore its softness.

You can also treat your hair with oil massage once or twice a week Olive oil can work wonders in reinforcing moisture to your hair. Heat the oil before using & allow it to soak for a time lesser than the time you allot for the summer season. Too long a period of soaking hair in oil can get you ill. If you are used to treating your hair with herbal extracts or herbal oil do not soak it for a long time. Herbal ingredients are mostly cooling agents that are more suitable for the summer. Keep away from washing your hair too frequently.

Woolen clothing like hats, scarves, & turtlenecks can cause damage to your hairline. Since they can cause breakage, first cover your hair with a silk scarf before exposing it to winter wraps.

It is the appropriate time for split ends to work their way up to the hair shafts. Hence trim your split ends.

Style your hair with a braid, twist, or a knot. Try Keeping away from letting your hair open & wild, as the cold winds can play rough on your hair.

Avoid exposing your hair to frequent coloring, streaking, or ironing as they can rob your hair off its moisture and it is advisable to avoid heating appliances on your hair.

Expose your hair to natural drying. Keep away from blow dryers. If you have to use, use one with a hood.

Always cover your hair with a silk fabric to guard it from the chill winds.

Skin...
Your skin texture depends not only on external treatments, but also on the intake. A proper nutritious intake helps in rejuvenating the skin from within. Water plays an important role in keeping your skin alive. A good amount of water helps in retaining the moisture of your skin as well keeping skin disorders at bay. Fruits and vegetables in your daily diet release a lot of water to your system. Primrose syrup and olive oil in your diet also aids in softening your skin.

Use the paste of ground green gram powder instead of soap to work your way to a soft and supple skin.

Pamper you skin with a little coconut oil before bath to heal dryness and chaps. Use a creamy soap that renders that extra suppleness to your skin.

Moisturizers and cold creams are a must in the winters. Apply some good cold cream on your face before going to bed. Moisten your skin with a good moisturizer or a creamy hand and body lotion. My best buy is ' Jergens' hand and body lotion.

Add a few drops of oil to the water that you are using to bath. This will help retain the moisture lost when bathing. Avoid using very hot water during winter as it can decrease the natural oils of your skin. Instead shorten your bath time.

Hands, legs, & nails...
When treating your legs add a few drops of oil in the water that you use to soak them. With regards to hands, try using rubber gloves while immersing them in water. Use a base coat over your nails against the cold weather.

Lips...
A good petroleum jelly will be an effective cover over your lips against the cold weather. Butter is effective in curing chapped lips and renders an extra softness.

So get ready to shield your body against the winter threats.

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DISCLAIMER: All material on this Blog is provided for your information only & may not be construed as medical advice(s) or instruction(s). No action(S) or inaction(S) should be taken based solely on the content(S) of this information(S). Instead, readers should consult appropriate health professional(S) on any matter relating to their health & well-being.

The information & opinions expressed here are believed to be accurate, based on the best judgment available to the author; and readers who fail to consult with appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries.

In addition, the information & opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Blog author. Blog author acknowledges occasional differences in opinion & welcomes the exchange of different viewpoint(S). The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.

Eyes are the most complex organs you possess except for your brain.

Eyes are composed of more than two million working parts.

Eyes can process 36,000 bits of information every hour.

Eyes under the right conditions, can discern the light of a candle at a distance of 14 miles.

Eyes contribute towards 85% of your total knowledge.

Eyes utilize 65% of all the pathways to the brain.

Eyes can instantaneously set in motion hundreds of muscles and organs in your body.

Eyes in a normal life-span, will bring you almost 24 million images of the world around you.

The external muscles that move the eyes are the strongest muscles in the human body for the job that they have to do. They are 100 times more powerful than they need to be.

The adult eyeball measures about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Of its total surface area only one-sixth is exposed -- the front portion.

The eye is the only part of the human body that can function at 100% ability at any moment, day or night, without rest. Your eyelids need rest, the external muscles of your eyes need rest, the lubrication of your eyes requires replenishment, but your eyes themselves "never" need rest. But please rest them!

Eyes are your most precious sense... care for them properly!

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DISCLAIMER: All material on this Blog is provided for your information only & may not be construed as medical advice(s) or instruction(s). No action(S) or inaction(S) should be taken based solely on the content(S) of this information(S). Instead, readers should consult appropriate health professional(S) on any matter relating to their health & well-being.

The information & opinions expressed here are believed to be accurate, based on the best judgment available to the author; and readers who fail to consult with appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries.

In addition, the information & opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Blog author. Blog author acknowledges occasional differences in opinion & welcomes the exchange of different viewpoint(S). The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.

Step 1
If you are heavy on the bottom, wear a solid color on your bottom half. Stay away from patterns and bright colors. Wear patterns on top to detract attention from your lower half. You will appear more balanced and look thinner without having to lose weight.

Step 2
If you are heavy on top, reverse this. Wear bottoms that have more detail, and tops that are simple and plain. Again, this minimizes your top half, and makes you appear thinner all over.

Step 3
To give yourself the appearance of a waist, wear longer, fitted shirts that come just below the lower belly. Wear a wide belt or scarf around your waist area. You will give the appearance of a slimmer waistline.

Step 4
Do not wear clothes too loose. This does not camouflage, but only gives the appearance of sloppiness. Wear clothes that are form fitting to appear thinner.

Step 5
Do not wear clothes that are too tight either. We do not to overly accentuate bumps or bulges. This will only make you appear heavier than you actually are. You will look like you have lost weight if you wear clothes that fit your body.

Step 6
Wear heels. They make you taller and that makes you appear thinner without having to actually lose weight or diet.

Step 7
Spanx are great for slimming you down. They are comfortable and can make you appear 3-4 sizes smaller without diet or exercise.

Step 8
With pants wear a slightly flared leg so that you do not look thigh heavy. This will give your leg a balanced look all the way down which makes you look taller and thinner.

Step 9
Always choose dark jeans. A cut that goes slightly above the belly button, with a light flare in the leg will be most flattering. Darker jeans are instantly slimming.

Step 10
Pockets of pants should be high up on the rear to accentuate the buttocks. In order to appear thinner, avoid pockets that are low on the rear.

Step 11
To hide a variety of sins wear a skirt with a slight flare. Stay away from clingy fabrics which will accentuate areas of heaviness. This will make you appear like you weigh less.

Step 12
Wear a tank with another shirt on top for a layered effect. Tops that have a cut that tapers toward the waist give an hourglass effect which helps give you a shape.

Step 13
Wearing pants with vertical stripes are great. This can make you look like you have lost weight without ever having done any exercise or diet.

Step 14
Fitted suits that have vertical striping and a tapered waist are great. Make sure it fits. Wear a fitted top underneath. This is a very slimming look.

Step 15
Do not expose too much cleavage. Tops should fit, but not be overly tight. Tight clothing can expose bulges that may make you appear heavier. In order to appear like you have lost weight, be sure your clothes are fitted correctly.

Step 16
Do wear v-necks and oval shaped tops. These cut into the body to give a slimming effect.

Step 17
If you wear a baggier top, wear a fitted bottom. This will give you balance and contribute to a slimmer appearance.

Step 18
Wear half sleeves that are fitted to cover trouble spots such as heavy arms. This can make you look like you have lost 10 pounds.

Step 19
Shorts should be fitted and slightly flared. They should extend to the knee to create a look of length.

Step 20
A pencil skirt will work if there is a slight flare on the bottom, and the top is longer, belted and somewhat fitted, or flowy and soft.

Step 21
Try on many different styles. Be real with yourself. Look in the mirror in the department store and really be critical. Ask yourself if you would like this on someone else of the same size. Follow the guidelines listed above to choose clothes to make you appear thinner.

Step 22
Do not be afraid to go out of your style zone. Being up to date and stylish will detract from any perceived flaws you may have. Looking thinner without diet or weight loss is possible by using the guidelines listed above. You do not have to lose weight to appear thinner. Dressing the part can make you appear like you have lost 10 pounds overnight.

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DISCLAIMER: All material on this Blog is provided for your information only & may not be construed as medical advice(s) or instruction(s). No action(S) or inaction(S) should be taken based solely on the content(S) of this information(S). Instead, readers should consult appropriate health professional(S) on any matter relating to their health & well-being.

The information & opinions expressed here are believed to be accurate, based on the best judgment available to the author; and readers who fail to consult with appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries.

In addition, the information & opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Blog author. Blog author acknowledges occasional differences in opinion & welcomes the exchange of different viewpoint(S). The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.

Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism the way our bodies use digested food for growth and energy. Most of the food we eat is broken down into glucose, the form of sugar in the blood. Glucose is the main source of fuel for the body.

After digestion, glucose passes into the bloodstream, where it is used by cells for growth and energy. For glucose to get into cells, insulin must be present. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, a large gland behind the stomach... When we eat, the pancreas automatically produces the right amount of insulin to move glucose from blood into our cells.

In people with diabetes, however, the pancreas either produces little or no insulin, or the cells do not respond appropriately to the insulin that is produced. Glucose builds up in the blood, overflows into the urine and passes out of the body in the urine. Thus, the body loses its main source of fuel even though the blood contains large amounts of glucose. Diabetes is associated with long-term complications that affect almost every part of the body. The disease often leads to blindness, heart and blood vessel disease, stroke, kidney failure, amputations and nerve damage.

Uncontrolled diabetes may complicate pregnancy. Birth defects are more common in babies born to women with diabetes. In absence of proper utilization of sugar the patient begins to develop various physical ailments like frequent urination, excessive tiredness, loss of weight, blurring of vision, general weakness and skin disorders. Chronic diabetic patients may suffer hypertension, kidney and eye disorders.

There are three types of diabetes:

Type 1 Diabetes:
The immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. At present, scientists do not know exactly what causes the body s immune system to attack the beta cells, but they believe that autoimmune, genetic, and environmental factors, possibly viruses, are involved. Type 1 diabetes occurs equally among males and females but is more common in white races of European countries.

Type 2 Diabetes:
This is associated with older age, obesity, family history of diabetes, physical inactivity. About 80% of people with Type 2 diabetes are overweight. When Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed, the pancreas is usually producing enough insulin, but for unknown reasons the body cannot use the insulin effectively, a condition called insulin resistance. After several years, insulin production decreases. The result is glucose builds up in the blood and the body cannot make efficient use of its main source of fuel. Type 2 diabetes is more common in older people, especially in people who are overweight and occurs more often in African and Asian, population.

Gestational Diabetes:
Some women develop gestational diabetes late in pregnancy. Although this form of diabetes usually disappears after the birth of the baby, women who have had gestational diabetes have a 20-50% chance of developing Type 2 diabetes within 5 to 10 years. Maintaining a reasonable body weight and being physically active may help prevent development of Type 2 diabetes.

Management of Diabetes:
People with diabetes must take responsibility for their day-to-day care. Much of the daily care involves keeping blood glucose levels from going too low or too high. Healthy eating, physical activity and taking insulin are the basic therapies for diabetes. The amount of insulin must be balanced with food intake and daily activities. Blood glucose levels must be closely monitored through frequent blood glucose checking. People with diabetes also monitor blood glucose levels several times a year with a laboratory tests. At least 65% of those with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke. Managing diabetes is more than keeping blood glucose levels under control it is also important to manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Smoking cessation can also help lower risk of stroke.

Yoga, Ayurveda, and Diabetes:
According to Ayurveda, diabetes is the result of pitta and kapha imbalances. This is difficult to say whether there is complete cure to diabetes through ayurveda and/or yogabhyasa. Each person is an individual and will be in different stages of the disease. However, whatever the stage of the diabetes, ayurvedic and yoga assist in the healing process. Diet plays an important role. It is very important to be sure to have plenty of bitter taste each day.

Your diet should include dark green leafy vegetables, turmeric and fenugreek. In addition to the using fenugreek (sonuf) in cooking, you may also soak one table spoon of fenugreek seeds over night and eat them the next morning. Shilajit, guggulu, turmeric, bitter gourd and the seeds of kalajamoon have curative properties. Research shows that these most commonly available herbs actually assist restoration of the pancreas.

Yoga & Management of Diabetes:

Yogic system of treatment consists of:
i) regular practice of certain postures, called asanas,
ii) breathing techniques, called pranayama,
iii) proper diet management and,
iv) Meditation.

Not only for diabetes for any treatment these are the yogic treatment methods. Initially for a period of 3-4 weeks, the patient may not find any improvement through yoga. Thereafter, yoga starts giving permanent and irreversible results. People around 40-50 years find relief by that time. For juvenile diabetics (i.e., below 20-25 years), the results could appear after a year or so.

Yogic treatment restores the normal functioning of pancreas and other glands in the body. When the glands begin to function properly, pancreas gets activated again and results in normalcy of body functions. Following asanas are selected for diabetes treatment. It is not necessary that one should all these but should select whichever suitable to them, depending on time available, age and body ductility. It is imperative that all the asanas (minimum of 5) should be repeated three times.

The yogic practice may be done either in the morning or evening in empty stomach. Regular practice is needed. Before starting yoga, one should do some warming up exercises (I need not have to go into this, as these are the same you did in your middle and high schools). Though yoga has its own warming up exercises, to learn along with specific asanas would be burdensome to the learner. If you live in Bangalore , you will find these asanas very easy. After all, you have performed most of them hanging to bus-bars!

SELECTED YOGASANAS FOR DIABETES

Yogasana: How do I do this?

Ardha Baddhapadma Paschimoottanasana:
Stretch both legs in sitting position. Bring one leg near to stomach and press against the abdomen. If possible, you may try to hold the toe using other hand. Now, breath out and bend forward holding (or trying to reach) the out stretched leg. Do not strain but do it slowly and slowly. Take the lead from Atelji. Follow the great leader! Achieving the final position is not the goal but attempt is. Hold it until it slightly lessens the pain and come back to original position by releasing the outstretched and folded leg. Relax for a minute and repeat 2 more times.

Ekapada Galavasana:
This is one of the balancing asanas. You should not perform this asana if you have weak wrists. First, sit on the floor and bend a leg and using this leg as a support between hands, lean forward. Now, take in the breath and slowly push forward to achieve the final position. Remain in this position for few seconds and come back to sitting position. Take care not to push further more lest you should hit the ground nose down like the first rocket of ISRO!

Shalabhasana:
Lay down on the floor, your stomach down. Bring two hands together and clasp. Let thehands be close together and now take in full breath. Putting all the body weight on the wrists, lift both legs - not bending at the knees. Got hurt? Oh sorry, I should have told to remove your punjabi steel rings and marwadi gold rings.

Padahastasana:
Stand straight keeping your legs at comfortable distance with each other, say one or two feet. Now, breath out and bend forward keeping both hands on your legs for support. Slowly reach towards the floor, if possible your feet! Keep the knee junction locked. Hold it for some time and come back to standing position. You may not be successful in the first attempt. Try two more times. Do not stand near the wall if you are living in government quarters. The wall may collapse in case you loose physical balance and hit the wall. Due to heavy penal recoveries, you may loose mental balance too! Take care.

Suptaveerasana:
This is an easy asana for diabetes. Sit on the floor keeping your both legs to the sides- not too far. Now bend back and come to laying position. Breath slowly and stretch both hands. Automatically, there will be tremendous pressure on your stomach, pulling inside. Repeat two more times. If you are not able to keep the legs side ways, you can keep a pillow and try to sit down on it. Forget this asana until you master keeping the legs side ways.

Adomukha Matsyasana:
Sit on the floor cross legged the bottom portion up (padmasana). If it is not possible, you can squat on the floor (swastikasana). If you have studied in rajapraja schools of AP, you know what I mean.. You never sat on desks till you entered college. Bend forward and lay down stretching your hands. There is external pressure on the stomach. Why did you purchase that costly stomach heating sauna massage belt? Repeat two more times.

Urdhwa Prasarita Padasana:
Easy to explain. My God, it is difficult to perform. Stretch hands upwards in laying down position. Take in the breath and lift both legs joined together and hold within your tolerance limit. Now, you feel worms crawling in the stomach. Come back to laying position and breath out. Repeat two more times. Now onwards, you can throw away your tele-marketed pulsator belt. Some people lift the legs after breathing out. This will cause severe cramps in stomach and is a wrong practice.

Chatushpadasana:
Stand on the ground keeping both legs half to one meter apart. Resting your hands on legs bend forward. Now walk on all fours without bending hands and legs! Your thighs press lower abdomen over and over again. Repeat two more times. Do you know that four legged animals do not suffer piles? As men and monkeys walk on two legs keeping back bone erect, the stomach weight collapses on lower rectum. Chatushpadasana keeps lower abdomen, bladder and kidneys in order. If you master this asana, you have bright future in Congress. Indiraji saw that every Congress MP is proficient in this asana!

Mahamudra:
This is similar to Ardha Baddhapadma Paschimoottanasana and is easy to perform. It is self explanatory. Just remember that you need not have to care whether you breath in or out. First keep your hands on the knees and inch by inch progress towards toes, but the legs be stretched straight. Repeat two more times. When you get used to retain this position for say one minute, then when you bend forward breath out and pull in the stomach.

Urdhwa Dhanurasana:
Lay down keeping your hands and legs pulled towards the body, i.e., folded. Now, take in the breath and push the stomach upwards. You need not have to make the legs and hands straight. Push the stomach upwards as far as possible. When you achieve the final posture, breath out. Before coming down to normal position take a full breath. You do not loose physical (or mental!) balance, though this posture looks challenging your balance. Problem is to push stomach upwards!

Bhujangasana:
The picture itself explains the method. Take care to keep the legs together as they try to fly away from each other. It is not necessary to make the hands straight but desirable. Breathing? Anyway, you are still breathing after so many yogasanas! Thank God! Still have some strength? Repeat two more times.

Pranayama:

Suryanuloma:
Breathing slowly through right nostril (pingala) only 10-20 times.

Bhastrika:
Fast single time forceful breathing in through right nostril and expelling rapidly 6-8 times through the same nostril. Fast single time forceful breathing in through left nostril and expelling rapidly 6-8 times through same nostril. Finally, same procedure is done with both nostrils for 6-8 times (repeated 3-5 times).

Dhyana:

There is no panacea. No yoga, ayurveda nor any top most doctor can cure unless God is willing to cure. Every doctor and therapist does his duty but the cure is in the hands of God, Almighty. Regular meditation helps. The natural significator for diabetes is Sukra. You can recite any sukra related mantras kavacha etc., You can also recite Mahalaxmi Asttottara. If you have your natal chart (janma patrika or jataka), you locate the significators of the 6th house who cause the diseases. Remedial measures to those planets will help.

Limitation:
Yoga is only effective management of body functions and is not a cure by itself. So, the patient should not ignore his medication. If there is malfunctioning of body organs, yoga will infuse health into the body. If it is case of handicapment wherein the organ has a cyst or is damaged in an accident, yoga can not help. No yogic practice can make an amputated leg to grow!

[VIA: A.M. Rajarama Rao]

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DISCLAIMER: All material on this Blog is provided for your information only & may not be construed as medical advice(s) or instruction(s). No action(S) or inaction(S) should be taken based solely on the content(S) of this information(S). Instead, readers should consult appropriate health professional(S) on any matter relating to their health & well-being.

The information & opinions expressed here are believed to be accurate, based on the best judgment available to the author; and readers who fail to consult with appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries.

In addition, the information & opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Blog author. Blog author acknowledges occasional differences in opinion & welcomes the exchange of different viewpoint(S). The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.

Be it health or sexual fallacies or wrong perceptions about beauty, once accepted, myths are tough to be dumped. Here are some of the most common beauty myths that we get experts to bust.

Myth #1: Sun screen isn't required during winters/cloudy days

We believe in what we see and accordingly perceive a myth as the gospel truth. As the name suggests, sun screen doesn't imply that it needs to be applied only when Sun is shining bright. Experts say that the harmful UVA & UVB rays continue to render their damaging effects even when it's cloudy.

Fact: "Ultra violet (UV) rays are even stronger on cloudy days and they easily penetrate, even more so, through the clouds. These rays can infiltrate the skin and that's the reason why we get a tan even while sitting in an air-conditioned car. We don't feel the burn because it's cold inside, but our skin gets damaged significantly. All air hostesses and flight crew should wear UV protection on an aircraft because at the altitude at which they fly, the atmosphere is much thinner and the harmful rays penetrate through the windows of the aircraft," warns ace make-up artist Cory Walia.

Myth # 2: Chocolates and fried food causes pimples and acne

Denying the notion that eating chocolates and fried food leads to pimples, medically supported studies have shown that the prime cause behind pimples is extreme stress or dead skin cells blocking the skin's pores.

Fact: "Formation of pimples is an allergic reaction attributed to certain factors that the body is unable to process. It's basically an interaction between digestive fluids from the liver and the hormones in the body and when there is a clash between the two, excessive toxins and amino acids are pushed into the blood stream. These fats accelerate the growth of pimples. You will see very beautiful people who eat two bars of chocolate every day and still their skin keeps glowing," explains Walia.

Myth #3: Drinking lots of water makes the skin beautiful

Excess of anything is bad and the same holds true for this age-old belief that states that drinking lots of water makes the skin glow. Though water intake does contribute towards the betterment of our skin's texture, too much of it will only result in bloating and leading to several trips to the restroom.

Fact: "Water helps flushing out the toxins from our body, but one need not go overboard. It's a good idea to go on a Detox program once in a week where you should ideally consume 4-5 litres of water and this can include a liquid diet of vegetable and fruit juices. When you are eating wrong, doing no exercise etc, then there can be radical damage that causes ageing and disease, as it is thinning the collagen in our skin, so the water enters the body only in a limited quantity," shares skin care expert Jamuna Pai.

Myth #4: Cocoa butter and olive oil prevent stretch marks

All mums would heave a sigh of relief believing this statement, but alas this beauty fad lacks medical backing. Stretch marks occur when the skin expands quickly (as in the case of pregnancy), breaking the collagen and elastin fibers that normally support it. In some cases, it's the elasticity factor that contributes to the formation of stretch marks, in others it is caused by a woman's genes that are a hereditary attribute.

Fact: "Cocoa butter and olive oil help in the superficial softening of a woman's skin and the affected area for a shorter time period. Whether the skin breaks into stretch marks or not will depend on its elasticity. Applying these ointments help a bit on the external skin, but you need to have something that penetrates deeper into the other layers of the skin where these stretch marks are formed," clarifies Jamuna.

Myth #5: Soap is harmful for the skin

It's incorrect to say all soaps contain the same chemical mixtures that cause irritation on the one's skin.

Fact: "Using soap totally depends on the skin type a person possesses. So, whether a woman's skin is dry, oily or sensitive, one should choose the right kind of soap. It's preferable to use soap that possesses moisturising effects which helps making the skin soft," states Jamuna.

Myth #6: Conditioner is bad for the hair

One of the most prevalent myths related to hair care is about the usage of conditioner, as most people believe that using it regularly after every head wash damages the hair badly. It's also wrongly believed that using conditioner makes hair break easily, making hair dry after a point of time.

Fact: "Conditioner can and should be used after every shampoo. It not only helps getting rid of tangles, but also coats the hair and protects it from outside elements like Sun, dust and heat. Once you've applied the conditioner, there is no need to brush your hair hard as this prevents hair breakage. Preferably, if your hair has undergone chemical treatment, opt for a stronger conditioner, using a mild one for oily hair," shares celebrity hair stylist Coleen Fernandez.

Myth #7: Henna is a great conditioner

Another most common belief is that henna is one of the best natural conditioners. But not too many people know about the damage it does to your hair.

Fact: "While using henna, you're coating the hair and in the long run it makes hair fragile and brittle. The hair becomes heavy, extremely dry and suffers long term damage in other ways. If you think that it's fine to use henna once a month, I would say that it's not okay even once in a year. For those who still want to the henna effect, they can opt for ammonia free hair colour," suggests Coleen.

Myth #8: Rinsing hair with beer makes it thicker

This is a typical modern day formula, which believes that using beer will add a glow, making the hair thicker. Though a final rinse of beer at the end of a shower does lead to more voluminous strands, as beer builds up the circumference of the shafts, but the scent is a strong deterrent.

Fact: "Beer contains certain glycols (sugar) that coat the hair, making it look thicker. About using beer during a head wash, it has the same effect as vinegar or eggs adding a little shine. But the effect doesn't last long because the scalp doesn't absorb anything," asserts Cory Walia.

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DISCLAIMER: All material on this Blog is provided for your information only & may not be construed as medical advice(s) or instruction(s). No action(S) or inaction(S) should be taken based solely on the content(S) of this information(S). Instead, readers should consult appropriate health professional(S) on any matter relating to their health & well-being.

The information & opinions expressed here are believed to be accurate, based on the best judgment available to the author; and readers who fail to consult with appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries.

In addition, the information & opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Blog author. Blog author acknowledges occasional differences in opinion & welcomes the exchange of different viewpoint(S). The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.

What is the significance of Number 108 in Hindu Philosophy?


As per Indian mythology, Indian culture has a very special significance of
number 108. What is this number represent, and why is it so important?

1) In one minute, we breathe in approximately 15 times, in 1 hour 900 times,
and in 12 hours 10800 times, and in a day 10800x2 times. A day consists
of 24 hours, and if we set aside half the day for our day to day routines,
then one can spend 12 hours for recitation of one's idol. Therefore, the
maximum number of times that one can recite "mantra", or perform "Jaap" are
10800. If one wants to obtain 100% benefit of its jaap, then performing
jaap 108 times will give you the benefit of 100%. That's why in a "Mala",
there are 108 beads. It is written in Vedas, that 1 Jaap corresponds to
1 mala (which has 108 beads), therefore performing jaap of 108 malas will
result in 100% benefit.

2) Astronomically, there are 27 constellations in our galaxy, and each one them
has 4 directions, and 27 * 4 = 108, In other words the number 108 covers
the whole galaxy.

3) According to Indian scriptures, letter 9 corresponds to Lord Brahma (the
creator of universe). Mathematically, the interesting property of 9 is
9x1 = 9
9x2 = 18 (8+1 = 9)
9x3 = 27 (7+2 = 9)
9x12 = 108 (1+0+8 = 9)

Harshad Number:
108 is a Harshad number, which is an integer divisible by the sum of its digits (Harshad is from Sanskrit, and means "great joy")

Desires:
There are said to be 108 earthly desires in mortals.

Lies:
There are said to be 108 lies that humans tell.

Delusions:
There are said to be 108 human delusions or forms of ignorance.

Heart Chakra:
The chakras are the intersections of energy lines, & there are said to be a total of 108 energy lines converging to form the heart chakra. One of them, sushumna leads to the crown chakra, & is said to be the path to Self-realization.

Sanskrit Alphabet:
There are 54 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet. Each has masculine & feminine, shiva & shakti. 54 times 2 is 108.

Pranayama:
If one is able to be so calm in meditation as to have only 108 breaths in a day, enlightenment will come.

Upanishads:
Some say there are 108 Upanishads, texts of the wisdom of the ancient sages.

Sri Yantra:
On the Sri Yantra there are marmas where three lines intersect, & there are 54 such intersections. Each intersections has masculine & feminine, shiva & shakti qualities. 54 times 2 equals 108. Thus, there are 108 points that define the Sri Yantra as well as the human body.

Pentagon:
The angle formed by two adjacent lines in a pentagon equals 108 degrees.

Marmas:
Marmas or marmasthanas are like energy intersections called chakras, except have fewer energy lines converging to form them. There are said to be 108 marmas in the subtle body.

Time:
Some say there are 108 feelings, with 36 related to the past, 36 related to the present, & 36 related to the future.

8 extra beads:
In doing a practice of counting the number of repetitions of the mala, 100 are counted as completed. The remaining are said to cover errors or omissions. The 8 are also said to be an offering to God and Guru.

Chemistry:
Interestingly, there are about 115 elements known on the periodic table of the elements. Most of those, around or higher than the number 100 only exist in the laboratory, & some for only thousandths of a second. The number that naturally exist on Earth is around 100.

Astrology:
There are 12 constellations, and 9 arc segments called namshas or chandrakalas. 9 times 12 equals 108. Chandra is moon, and kalas are the divisions within a whole.

River Ganga:
The sacred River Ganga spans a longitude of 12 degrees (79 to 91), and a latitude of 9 degrees (22 to 31). 12 times 9 equals 108.

Planets & Houses:
In astrology, there are 12 houses and 9 planets. 12 times 9 equals 108.

Goddess Names:
There are said to be 108 Indian goddess names.

Gopis of Krishna:
In the Krishna tradition, there were said to be 108 gopis or maid servants of Krishna.

1, 0, & 8:
Some say that 1 stands for God or higher Truth, 0 stands for emptiness or completeness in spiritual practice, & 8 stands for infinity or eternity.

Sun & Earth:
The diameter of the Sun is 108 times the diameter of the Earth. The distance from the Sun to the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Sun.

Moon & Earth:
The average distance of the Moon from the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Moon.

Silver & the Moon:
In astrology, the metal silver is said to represent the moon. The atomic weight of silver is 108.

Numerical Scale:
The 1 of 108, and the 8 of 108, when added together equals 9, which is the number of the numerical scale, i.e. 1, 2, 3 ... 10, etc., where 0 is not a number.

Meditations:
Some say there are 108 styles of meditation.

Breath:
Tantra estimates the average number of breaths per day at 21,600, of which 10,800 are solar energy, & 10,800 are lunar energy. Multiplying 108 by 100 is 10,800. Multiplying 2x10,800 equals 21,600.

Paths to God:
Some suggest that there are 108 paths to God.

Smaller Divisions:
The number 108 is divided, such as in half, third, quarter, or twelfth, so that some malas have 54, 36, 27, or 9 beads.

Hinduism:
108 is said to refer to the number of Hindu deities. Some say that each of the deities has 108 names.

Islam:
The number 108 is used in Islam to refer to God.

Jain:
In the Jain religion, 108 are the combined virtues of five categories of holy ones, including 12, 8, 36, 25, and 27 virtues respectively.

Sikh:
The Sikh tradition has a mala of 108 knots tied in a string of wool, rather than beads.

Buddhism:
Some Buddhists carve 108 small Buddhas on a walnut for good luck. Some ring a bell 108 times to celebrate a new year. There are said to be 108 virtues to cultivate & 108 defilement's to avoid.

Chinese:
The Chinese Buddhists & Taoists use a 108 bead mala, which is called su-chu, & has three dividing beads, so the mala is divided into three parts of 36 each. Chinese astrology says that there are 108 sacred stars.

Stages of the Soul:
Said that Atman, the human soul or center goes through 108 stages on the journey.

Meru:
This is a larger bead, not part of the 108. It is not tied in the sequence of the other beads. It is the quiding bead, the one that marks the beginning and end of the mala.

Dance:
There are 108 forms of dance in the Indian traditions.

Praiseworthy Souls:
There are 108 qualities of praiseworthy soul

First Man in Space:
The first manned space flight lasted 108 minutes, and was on April 12, 1961 by Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet cosmonaut

4) In Hindu religion, number 9 is very important. Keeping the importance of number 9, Rishi Vyas has created 9 Purans, 108 MahaPuran (Upnishads). Mahabharat has 18 chapters, Geeta has 18 chapters, Bhagavat has 108000 Shloks (verses).

The addition of digits of number 108 is 9, & number 9 is related with Brahma, that's why 108 is very important, and came into lot of Indian scriptures.

5) Indian Vedas, treats the Sun as God, & Sun has 12 signs (Zodiac signs). In Yajurved, Sun is related with Lord Brahma (the number 9), remember - 12x9 = 108; therefore for Gods Prayer, the number 108 is very sacred.

6) According to Indian mythology, there are 4 Yugs
Satyug - consists of 172,800 years (1+7+2+8) = 18 = (1+8 = 9)
TretaYug consists of 1296000 years (1+2+9+6) = 18 = (1+8 = 9)
DwaparYug consists of 864000 years (8+4+6) = 18 = (1+8 = 9)
Kaliyug consists of 432000 years (4+3+2) = 9

Sun & Earth:
The diameter of the Sun is 108 times the diameter of the Earth. The distance from the Sun to the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Sun.

Moon & Earth:
The average distance of the Moon from the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Moon.

Whether uncomfortable, embarrassing or just plain weird, there are some pretty funky things that our bodies do. Curious about the causes of such reactions as hiccups, goose bumps & eye twitches, we spoke with Eric Plasker, DC, author of The 100 Year Lifestyle, to get the real scoop. Read on to discover the common reasons for 14 peculiar bodily functions.

Yawns:
If your body is low on oxygen, your mouth opens wide & tries to suck more in. Yawning is a way to regulate the amount of carbon dioxide & oxygen in your blood. Unfortunately, yawns are nearly impossible to stifle.

Eye Twitches:
Serious eye twitches can be a symptom of neurological disorders, but often there is a more mundane explanation. Common causes for eye twitches include stress, lack of sleep , extended staring or eye strain. Before you get frantic, try reducing your stress level, cutting back on caffeine and catching up on sleep.

Itches:
According to Dr. Plasker, our skin most often gets itchy because of dryness associated with the environment or over-washing water & soap can strip skin of its natural oils, thus sapping moisture. Face or body lotion should be able to keep these types of itches under control; also look for body washes & soaps labeled moisturizing. If you still have itchy patches, you may be experiencing an allergic reaction to a chemical, plant, food, animal or drug. See an allergist if the itching is persistent.

Hiccups:
If you've frequently got a case of the hiccups, try slowing down when you eat & drink, suggests Dr. Plasker. Doing either too quickly causes your stomach to swell; this irritates your diaphragm, which contracts & causes hiccups. You may also get hiccups in emotional situations or if your body experiences a sudden temperature change. In both of these cases, the hiccups are a result of a glitch in your nerve pathways, which is why a sudden scare which might shake up & reset your nerves can sometimes end an episode.

Goose Bumps:
Those tiny bumps that cover your skin when you're cold or scared are actually a defense mechanism. Goose bumps occur when the arrector pili, a tiny muscle that connects the hair follicle with skin, contracts & makes the hair stand on end. If you had more hair like cavemen did the upright hair would trap air to keep you warm or make you look bushier and therefore more threatening to predators.

Sneezes:
Sneezes happen when your body is trying to expel an irritant from the nasal cavity. If you have allergies, pollen or pet dander is usually to blame. If you have a cold, your body makes mucus to trap the virus, & sneezing helps force it (& the sickness) out of your body. An over-the-counter allergy or cold medicine helps suppress your reaction to allergens or reduce mucus production, which should prevent sneezing fits.

Coughs:
A cough is another mechanism your body uses to get rid of irritants. There are special cells along your air passage, says Dr. Plasker, that recognize irritants and force them out. Common colds, sinus infections & pneumonia all increase your body's mucus production, which triggers coughing. Smoking and asthma also tend to irritate the cells. To help cut down on chronic coughing, exercise regularly and practice good posture to keep your air passage open.

Charley Horses:
These sudden, super-painful muscle spasms can be blamed on several things, including dehydration or electrolyte imbalances often from strenuous exercise. After a demanding workout or an extra-long run, sip a sports drink to keep your system running smoothly. If you experience this type of cramping, walk around to help relieve the pain.

Shivers:
Shivering, says Dr. Plasker, is full-body muscle twitching. When your temperature drops too low, your body shakes all over in an attempt to generate heat. The only way to cure these kind of shivers is to get your temperature back to 98.6°F.

Ear Ringing:
Ear ringing, or tinnitus, can happen for two reasons. If you have fluid or an infection in your middle ear, you may hear a constant buzz. However, the more common cause is damage to the microscopic ends of your hearing nerves, which often happens when you're exposed to loud noises. To prevent permanent damage (and preserve your hearing), wear earplugs at concerts and sporting events or even when you mow the lawn.

Stomach Rumbles:
As food, liquid & gas move through your digestive tract, your stomach muscles & intestines contract & cause rumbling noises - borborygmi is the scientific name. Everyone's stomach makes noise during digestion, but if you have extra-loud rumbles, a teaspoon of olive oil or a cup of herbal tea with lemon may help ease them, says Dr. Plasker.

Limbs Falling Asleep:
When there's consistent pressure on part of a limb like when you sit on your feet or rest your head on an arm the pressure squeezes your nerve pathways & scrambles messages sent to your brain. The mixed messages make you lose feeling in the squished body part because your brain has trouble telling it what to do. To prevent a case of pins and needles, avoid sitting or lying in positions that compress your nerves.

Seeing Stars:
If you stand too quickly, suffer a blow to the head or are stricken by a migraine, there's a good chance you'll see stars as blood surges to different parts of your body. Generally these tiny flashes of light will fade in a few seconds. If you see stars for more than a few moments, you could have a tear or tiny clot in your retina, & you should consult a physician immediately.

Ear Popping:
The Eustachian tube in your inner ear is responsible for maintaining equal pressure on both sides of your eardrum. When you experience a rapid change in altitude during takeoff in an airplane or when riding an elevator in an extra-tall building the Eustachian tube opens to release pressure, & you hear a pop. To force the tube open (& pop your ears), squeeze your nostrils closed while exhaling forcefully through your nose.

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DISCLAIMER: All material on this Blog is provided for your information only & may not be construed as medical advice(s) or instruction(s). No action(S) or inaction(S) should be taken based solely on the content(S) of this information(S). Instead, readers should consult appropriate health professional(S) on any matter relating to their health & well-being.

The information & opinions expressed here are believed to be accurate, based on the best judgment available to the author; and readers who fail to consult with appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries.

In addition, the information & opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Blog author. Blog author acknowledges occasional differences in opinion & welcomes the exchange of different viewpoint(S). The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.

1. Do Not Interfere In Others' Business Unless Asked: Most of us create our own problems by interfering too often in others' affairs. We do so because somehow we have convinced ourselves that our way is the best way, our logic is the perfect logic & those who do not conform to our thinking must be criticized & steered to the right direction, our direction. This thinking denies the existence of individuality & consequently the existence of God. God has created each one of us in a unique way. No two human beings can think or act in exactly the same way. All men or women act the way they do because God within them prompts them that way. Mind your own business & you will keep your peace.

2. Forgive & Forget: This is the most powerful aid to peace of mind. We often develop ill feelings inside our heart for the person who insults us or harms us. We nurture grievances. This in turn results in loss of sleep, development of stomach ulcers, & high blood pressure. This insult or injury was done once, but nourishing of grievance goes on forever by constantly remembering it. Get over this bad habit. Life is too short to waste in such trifles. Forgive, Forget, and march on. Love flourishes in giving and forgiving.

3. Do Not Crave For Recognition: This world is full of selfish people. They seldom praise anybody without selfish motives. They may praise you today because you are in power, but no sooner than you are powerless, they will forget your achievement & will start finding faults in you. Why do you wish to kill yourself in striving for their recognition? Their recognition is not worth the aggravation. Do your duties ethically and sincerely.

4. Do Not Be Jealous: We all have experienced how jealousy can disturb our peace of mind. You know that you work harder than your colleagues in the office, but sometimes they get promotions; you do not. You started a business several years ago, but you are not as successful as your neighbor whose business is only one year old. There are several examples like these in everyday life. Should you be jealous? No. Remember everybody's life is shaped by his/her destiny, which has now become his/her reality. If you are destined to be rich, nothing in the world can stop you. If you are not so destined, no one can help you either. Nothing will be gained by blaming others for your misfortune. Jealousy will not get you anywhere; it will only take away your peace of mind.

5. Change Yourself According To The Environment: If you try to change the environment single handedly the chances are you will fail. Instead, change yourself to suit your environment. As you do this, even the environment, which has been unfriendly to you, will mysteriously change and seem congenial and harmonious.

6. Endure What Cannot Be Cured: This is the best way to turn a disadvantage into an advantage. Every day we face numerous inconveniences, ailments, irritations, & accidents that are beyond our control. If we cannot control them or change them, we must learn to put up with these things. We must learn to endure them cheerfully. Believe in yourself & you will gain in terms of patience, inner strength & will power.

7. Do Not Bite Off More Than You Can Chew: This maxim needs to be remembered constantly. We often tend to take more responsibilities than we are capable of carrying out. This is done to satisfy our ego. Know your limitations. Why take on additional loads that may create more worries? You cannot gain peace of mind by expanding your external activities. Reduce your material engagements & spend time in prayer, introspection & meditation. This will reduce those thoughts in your mind that make you restless. Uncluttered mind will produce greater peace of mind.

8. Meditate Regularly: Meditation calms the mind & gets rid of disturbing thoughts. This is the highest state of peace of mind. Try & experience it yourself. If you meditate earnestly for half-an-hour everyday, your mind will tend to become peaceful during the remaining twenty-three & half-hours. Your mind will not be easily disturbed as it was before. You would benefit by gradually increasing the period of daily meditation. You may think that this will interfere with your daily work. On the contrary, this will increase your efficiency and you will be able to produce better results in less time.

9. Never Leave The Mind Vacant: An empty mind is the devil's workshop. All evil actions start in the vacant mind. Keep your mind occupied in something positive, something worthwhile. Actively follow a hobby. Do something that holds your interest. You must decide what you value more: money or peace of mind. Your hobby, like social work or religious work, may not always earn you more money, but you will have a sense of fulfillment & achievement. Even when you are resting physically, occupy yourself in healthy reading or mental chanting of God's name.

10. Do Not Procrastinate And Never Regret: Do not waste time in protracted wondering " Should I or shouldn't I?" Days, weeks, months, & years may be wasted in that futile mental debating. You can never plan enough because you can never anticipate all future happenings. Value your time & do the things that need to be done. It does not matter if you fail the first time. You can learn from your mistakes and succeed the next time. Sitting back and worrying will lead to nothing. Learn from your mistakes, but do not brood over the past. DO NOT REGRET. Whatever happened was destined to happen only that way. Why cry over spilt milk?

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DISCLAIMER: All material on this Blog is provided for your information only & may not be construed as medical advice(s) or instruction(s). No action(S) or inaction(S) should be taken based solely on the content(S) of this information(S). Instead, readers should consult appropriate health professional(S) on any matter relating to their health & well-being.

The information & opinions expressed here are believed to be accurate, based on the best judgment available to the author; and readers who fail to consult with appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries.

In addition, the information & opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Blog author. Blog author acknowledges occasional differences in opinion & welcomes the exchange of different viewpoint(S). The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.

The nose has a left and a right side; we use both to inhale and exhale.

Actually they are different; you would be able to feel the difference. The right side represents the sun, left side represents the moon. During a headache, try to close your right nose and use your left nose to breathe.

In about 5 mins, your headache will go? If you feel tired, just reverse, close your left nose and breathe through your right nose. After a while, you will feel your mind is refreshed.

Right side belongs to 'hot', so it gets heated up easily, left side belongs to 'cold'.

Most females breathe with their left noses, so they get "cooled off" faster.

Most of the guys breathe with their right noses, they get worked up.

Do you notice the moment we wake up, which side breathes faster? Left or right?

If left is faster, you will feel tired.

So, close your left nose & use your right nose for breathing, you will get refreshed quickly.

This can be taught to kids, but it is more effective when practiced by adults.

My friend used to have bad headaches and was always visiting the doctor.

There was this period when he suffered headache literally every night, unable to study.

He took painkillers, did not work.

He decided to try out the breathing therapy here: closed his right nose and breathed through his left nose.

In less than a week, his headaches were gone! He continued the exercise for one month.

This alternative natural therapy without medication is something that he has experienced.

So, why not give it a try?


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DISCLAIMER: All material on this Blog is provided for your information only & may not be construed as medical advice(s) or instruction(s). No action(S) or inaction(S) should be taken based solely on the content(S) of this information(S). Instead, readers should consult appropriate health professional(S) on any matter relating to their health & well-being.

The information & opinions expressed here are believed to be accurate, based on the best judgment available to the author; and readers who fail to consult with appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries.

In addition, the information & opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Blog author. Blog author acknowledges occasional differences in opinion & welcomes the exchange of different viewpoint(S). The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.

We all think eating fruits means just buying fruits, cutting it and just popping it into our mouths. It's not as easy as you think It's important to know how and when to eat..

What is the correct way of eating fruits?

IT MEANS NOT EATING FRUITS AFTER YOUR MEALS! - FRUITS SHOULD BE EATEN ON AN EMPTY STOMACH.

If you eat fruit on an empty stomach, it will play a major role to detoxify your system, supplying you with a great deal of energy for weight loss and other life activities.

FRUIT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FOOD: Let's say you eat two slices of bread & then a slice of fruit. The slice of fruit is ready to go straight through the stomach into the intestines, but it is prevented from doing so.

In the meantime the whole meal rots and ferments and turns to acid.. The minute the fruit comes into contact with the food in the stomach and digestive juices, the entire mass of food begins to spoil.

So please eat your fruits on an empty stomach or before your meals! You have heard people complaining - every time I eat water-melon I burp, when I eat durian (fruit from Asia with a foul smell yet delicious flavor) my stomach bloats up, when I eat a banana I feel like running to the toilet etc. - actually all this will not arise if you eat the fruit on an empty stomach. The fruit mixes with the putrefying other food and produces gas and hence you will bloat!

Graying hair, balding, nervous outburst, & dark circles under the eyes - all these will not happen if you take fruits on an empty stomach.

There is no such thing as some fruits, like orange & lemon are acidic, because all fruits become alkaline in our body, according to Dr. Herbert Shelton who did research on this matter. If you have mastered the correct way of eating fruits, you have the Secret of beauty, longevity, health, energy, happiness, & normal weight.

When you need to drink fruit juice - drink only fresh fruit juice, NOT from the cans. Don't even drink juice that has been heated up. Don't eat cooked fruits because you don't get the nutrients at all. You only get to taste. Cooking destroys all the vitamins.

But eating a whole fruit is better than drinking the juice. If you should drink the juice, drink it mouthful by mouthful slowly, because you must let it mix with your saliva before swallowing it.

You can go on a 3-day fruit fast to cleanse your body. Just eat fruits and drink fruit juice throughout the 3 days and you will be surprised when your friends tell you how radiant you look!

KIWI: Tiny but mighty. This is a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E & fiber. Its vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.

APPLE: An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low vitamin C content, it has antioxidants & flavonoid which enhances the activity of vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke.

STRAWBERRY: Protective Fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits & protect the body from cancer-causing, blood vessel-clogging free radicals.

ORANGE: Sweetest medicine, eating 2-4 oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent & dissolve kidney stones as well as lessens the risk of colon cancer.

WATERMELON: Coolest thirst quencher. Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione, which helps boost our immune system. They are also a key source of lycopene - the cancer fighting oxidant. Other nutrients found in watermelon are vitamin C & Potassium.

GUAVA & PAPAYA: Top awards for vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fiber, which helps prevent constipation. Papaya is rich in carotene; this is good for your eyes.

Drinking Cold water after a meal = Cancer! Can you believe this??

For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you. It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion. Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down & be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats & lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.


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DISCLAIMER: All material on this Blog is provided for your information only & may not be construed as medical advice(s) or instruction(s). No action(S) or inaction(S) should be taken based solely on the content(S) of this information(S). Instead, readers should consult appropriate health professional(S) on any matter relating to their health & well-being.

The information & opinions expressed here are believed to be accurate, based on the best judgment available to the author; and readers who fail to consult with appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries.

In addition, the information & opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Blog author. Blog author acknowledges occasional differences in opinion & welcomes the exchange of different viewpoint(S). The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.

It is really important for you to be able to identify your skin type. This is to enable you to look after your skin correctly. Also the selection of your cosmetics is, to a considerable extent, influenced by your skin type. Although no two skins are exactly similar most have characteristics which enable them to be grouped into one of the following typesry skin, Normal skin, Combination skin and Oily skin.

To determine your skin type, wash your face with a mild face wash. Then, after 30 minutes, press a clean tissue against your forehead, nose, cheeks and chin. If the tissue shows no trace of oil, then you have dry skin. Dry skin looks rough and is prone to premature fine lines and wrinkles. If your skin is oily in some parts but dry in others, then you have combination skin. Normal skin usually looks smooth and is not prone to break outs. Oily skin feels oily to touch and tends to shine. Oily skin is also prone to blackheads and pimples. A sensitive skin needs special care, as it may be sensitive to some ingredients found in popular cosmetics. Those with sensitive skin should always use beauty aids that are hypoallergenic to protect their skin from allergic reactions. A regular skin care program, adapted to the needs of your particular skin type, goes a long way in keeping your skin radiant & problem free.

Dry Skin:
Dry skin needs extra care, as it is prone to fine lines and wrinkles.This is especially true during the winter months when it feels even drier and may feel too taut or may even flake.A few measures help alleviate dryness and keep your skin supple and, at the same time, guard against premature aging.

1. Always wash your face with a mild, soap-free face wash. Never use soap, as that would further strip your skin of natural oil.
2. Always use a moisturizer during the day. Use upward,circular motion to lightly massage the moisturizer into your face. Make sure not to pull or tug your skin.
3. You should consider using a night cream before going to bed at night. It is advisable to use a cream that contains Alpha Hydroxy Acids (or AHA's, as they're commonly known). AHA's are derived from sources such as milk, fruit, & sugarcane. These acids gently exfoliate the dry, dead, outermost layers of skin while they moisturize the newly revealed layers. They greatly benefit complexions that look dull, dry, or flaky & they give your skin a beautiful glow.
4. Both AHA and Vitamin C help reduce fine lines and other signs of aging. Thus, you may get good results quickly by using a moisturizer or cream that contains Vitamin C during the day and an AHA-based night cream. Most known brands have moisturizers and creams that contain these.
5. If you have dry skin that tends to flake off, looks red and has some itchy patches that scab, consult your doctor to rule out eczema. Eczema, also known as atopic dermititis, is generally considered to be a hereditary condition that can occur throughout the year. Other causes of eczema can be fabrics such as wool, some skin-care products or detergents etc. Your doctor may prescribe a cream to soothe the redness and irritation. Non-irritating fabrics such as cotton also help avoid flare-ups.
6. Many people suffer from weather-related dry skin. If the weather in the winter months is normally drier and this tends to dehydrate your skin, regular use of moisturizer will keep your skin hydrated & supple.

Home Remedies For Dry Skin:

* Add 1/2 tsp of rose water to 1 tsp of honey and gently apply to the face. Leave it for about 15-20 minutes, then wash off with tepid water. Honey moisturizes and soothes dry skin, and is gentle enough for daily use.
* Massaging you face regularly with almond oil or olive oil works wonders for dry skin.
* Take 1/4 of an apple. Peel off the skin and grate. Cool in the refrigerator. Apply it on the skin and leave it on for 15 minutes. Wash off with cool water. Apple helps soothe dry skin and gives it a pleasant glow.
* Take 1 tbsp of cream. Stir lightly till it becomes a smooth paste. Apply to face and neck before bath. Cream helps remove suntan and makes your skin silky and supple

Normal Skin:

Normal skin is usually trouble-free & needs simple care to keep it healthy & glowing. Normal skin also tolerates most popular lotions & creams as well. A regular skincare program combined with a balanced, healthy diet helps keep normal skin stay supple & young. Regular care for normal skin should include a few simple steps.

1. Cleansing, toning, & moisturizing daily keeps normal skin in great shape for a long time. It is advisable to use natural products on your skin.
2. It's easy to take trouble-free skin for granted, but if neglected, it will begin to develop fine lines & wrinkles. So always remember to nourish & moisturize your skin.
3. Creams and lotions that contain vitamin A, C, & E help improve the texture of your skin, making it smoother & softer. Moreover, these vitamins counter the effects of free radicals.
4. Even if your skin is normal, you still have to give it regular care. Your skin, like any other skin type, is constantly assaulted by free radicals. Free radicles are molecules formed in the skin when it is exposed to the environment, pollution, or sunlight.

Home Remedies For Normal Skin:

Mash 1/4 of a ripe banana. Apply on the face, taking care to avoid the areas under the eye. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then wash off with cool water. Banana is excellent to do away with dead skin that makes your skin look lifeless. Regular use of banana gives your skin a fresh, healthy glow.

Combination Skin:

Skin that is oily in some parts but dry or normal in others is considered as combination skin. The oily skin is concentrated on the T-zone, which is across the forehead, down the nose and chin. Whenever you wash your face, you may find that some areas of your face feel tight after washing; & that these parts look dull or feel dry & rough whereas the T-zone looks shiny, feels oily to touch & is prone to pimples & blackheads. Combination skin needs special attention because the dry parts of your face need to be considered, whereas the oily parts need to be kept clean to avoid breakouts. Follow these simple tips each day & see what a difference they make to your skin.

1. Cleanse your entire face twice a day. Always use a mild cleanser to gently remove dirt, grime, & make-up from your face.
2. The dry areas of your face need to be moisturized to prevent the formation of premature wrinkles.Use a good moisturizer on the dry parts of your face, and if possible, use an oil-free moisturizer on your T-zone.
3. If you use make-up, try and use oil-free/shine control type of make-up on the T-zone.These products are easily available in the market today and help absorb all the excess oil secretion and control the shine.
4. If you have a combination skin, your skin will greatly benefit from AHA and Vitamin C moisturizers & creams. Products that contain AHA tend to normalize the skin.

Home Remedies For Combination Skin:

* Always keep a small bottle of rose water in the refrigerator. Saturate a bit of clean cotton with cool rose water and dab liberally on your face. Enjoy the fresh feeling.
* Take 3-4 tbsp of ripe, de-seeded papaya pulp.Mash well & cool in the refrigerator. Apply on face & leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then wash off with cool water. Papaya helps normalize combination or oily skin & gives it a beautiful healthy glow.

Oily Skin:

Skin that looks oily, feels greasy to touch & is prone to blackheads & pimples is known as oily skin. It is imperative to keep oily skin clean & to control the excess secretion of oil. On the positive side, oily skin tends to age more gradually as compared to other skin types, as natural oil protects oily skin from fine lines & wrinkles. A simple but regular skincare program coupled with a well-balanced, healthy diet helps manage oily skin & minimizes skin break-outs.

1. It is essential to cleanse your face twice a day, once in the morning and once at bedtime.Always use a mild cleanser. They help prevent clogged pores and reduce pimples..
2. Follow up the cleanser with an astringent as this will remove all excess oil. It is best to avoid an alcohol-based astringent. Instead, it is advisable to use natural products. Alcohol-based products strip too much oil from the face.
3. If your skin does break out, do not touch or squeeze the pimples. Pimples, if squeezed, may leave permanent scars. There are a number of effective pimple creams available in the market today. Consult a dermatologist to know which one is best suited for you.
4. If possible, get your face professionally cleansed once a month.
5. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water each day. Water helps flush out toxins from the body.
6. Avoid fried foods and chocolates.
7. Make sure that you eat a well-balanced diet which includes fruits and green leafy vegetables daily.

Home Remedies For Oily Skin:

* Keep a bowl of water in the fridge and splash this cold water on your face 3-4 times a day. Cold water will not only leave you feeling refreshed but will also tighten the pores.
* Neem leaves are excellent for pimples. Crush washed neem leaves to form a paste and apply this to the affected parts. Leave it on for at least an hour. Neem will help the pimples dry up faster.
* For marks and blemishes left behind by pimples use calamine lotion. Just dab some lotion on the blemishes at bedtime & they will gradually fade away.
* A great pack for oily skin is the chilled cucumber. Finely grate cucumber or blend a cucumber in the blender to form a paste. Chill in the fridge. Apply it on the face and relax for 15 minutes. Wash off with cold water. For best results, repeat twice a week.


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DISCLAIMER: All material on this Blog is provided for your information only & may not be construed as medical advice(s) or instruction(s). No action(S) or inaction(S) should be taken based solely on the content(S) of this information(S). Instead, readers should consult appropriate health professional(S) on any matter relating to their health & well-being.

The information & opinions expressed here are believed to be accurate, based on the best judgment available to the author; and readers who fail to consult with appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries.

In addition, the information & opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Blog author. Blog author acknowledges occasional differences in opinion & welcomes the exchange of different viewpoint(S). The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.

Mouthwash is advertised as an effective liquid that kills the bad germs in your mouth and gives you clean-smelling breath. However, mouthwash is like many other household products. It has many more uses than the use it was originally intended for! Here are unique uses for alcohol-based mouthwash that can make your life a little easier:

1. Clean Minor Cuts and Scrapes With Mouthwash:
Mouthwashes such as Listerine® brand contain a hefty amount of alcohol, at least twenty percent. Since alcohol is an effective germ killer, you can use a mouthwash that contains a lot of this ingredient to clean minor cuts and scrapes on your skin.

2. Keep your Toothbrushes Sanitary:
No matter how clean you strive to keep your bathroom, it's one room in your house where germs still float around on a daily basis. For example, did you know every time your toilet is flushed, the germs that spray from the bowl can travel more than six feet? That's why it's important to keep your toothbrush inside a medicine cabinet and not sitting out in the open air. To kill any germs and bacteria that still may be lurking on your toothbrush, you should still use a mouthwash such as Listerine® to sanitize it every time before you brush your teeth.

3. Kill Nail Fungus With Alcohol-Based Mouthwash:
Nail Fungus is an infection of the nails on the hands and/or on the feet. It can cause your nails to turn thick and yellowish in color. Another unique use for alcohol-based mouthwash is to mix up a 50/50 solution with vinegar. Use a clean cotton ball to apply the solution to the affected nails two to three times a day. It will kill the fungus and make your nails healthy again.

4. Mouthwash Can Help Relieve Bruising:
Have you ever run your arm or leg into a door and thought, "Ouch! That's going to cause a bruise!" Accidents like these happen every day. The next time this happens to you, you can help relieve the bruising. Just reach for your mouthwash! Massage the injured area with a generous amount of mouthwash such as Listerine® brand. The alcohol will lessen the intensity of the bruise that will appear. In fact, the injured area of your skin may not even bruise!

5. Use Alcohol-Based Mouthwash After Getting Tongue Pierced:
After you get your tongue pierced, rinsing your mouth with salt water can help promote healing. However, if you rinse your mouth with a solution of alcohol-based mouthwash mixed in tap water after every meal, it will help kill harmful bacteria that can cause infection. Stir two ounces of mouthwash into a cup of tap water.

6. Use Listerine® as a Hand Sanitizer:
Do you carry those purse-sized bottles of hand sanitizer to kill harmful germs and bacteria? They're rather pricey to buy. Their main ingredient is usually alcohol, that's what sanitizes your skin. You can save money by using an alcohol-based mouthwash to clean your hands instead. Just pour some in a small bottle or leakproof container and use it as an effective, yet inexpensive hand sanitizer.

7. Dry-Up Itchy, Blistered Poison Ivy:
Another unique use for alcohol-based mouthwash is to use a clean cotton ball to generously apply it to patches of Poison Ivy. Do this several times a day and the mouthwash will help relieve the itch and inflammation. It will also dry up the Poison Ivy so it can begin to heal.

8. Use Alcohol-Based Mouthwash As A Mosquito Repellent:
Fill a spray bottle with alcohol-based mouthwash to spry lawn, spray around childs play areas, water puddles, outdoor chairs and picnic tables, spray around porches and patios, and inside dog houses. It will keep mosquitoes away for several days.

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DISCLAIMER: All material on this Blog is provided for your information only & may not be construed as medical advice(s) or instruction(s). No action(S) or inaction(S) should be taken based solely on the content(S) of this information(S). Instead, readers should consult appropriate health professional(S) on any matter relating to their health & well-being.

The information & opinions expressed here are believed to be accurate, based on the best judgment available to the author; and readers who fail to consult with appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries.

In addition, the information & opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Blog author. Blog author acknowledges occasional differences in opinion & welcomes the exchange of different viewpoint(S). The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.

Rules governing manufacturing of dietary supplements don't take full effect until 2010. Until then, here's what you should know before you buy.

Herbal supplements are rapidly growing in popularity, but are they right for you? That depends on the herb, your current health and your medical history.

Herbal supplements have active ingredients that can affect how your body functions, just as over-the-counter and prescription drugs do. Herbal supplements may be particularly risky for certain individuals, and herbal supplement labels are often vague, confusing and of little help when it comes to making a selection. If you're considering herbal supplements or other dietary supplements, educate yourself about any products you intend to use before purchasing them and talk to your doctor about any supplements you're considering taking.

Are herbal supplements safe?
Until recently, government oversight and consumer protection were very limited for dietary supplements. But in 2007 the Food and Drug Administration, the federal agency responsible for overseeing the safety of U.S. food and drug products, was given the authority to oversee the manufacture of domestic- and foreign-made dietary supplements, including herbal supplements. The regulations require supplement manufacturers to evaluate the identity, purity, strength and composition of their dietary supplements to ensure that they contain what their labels claim and are free of contaminants. The regulations are being phased in over three years, however, so not all supplements are currently tested. It is also important to note that these regulations don't change the fact that dietary supplements unlike medications are not required to obtain FDA approval before going on the market.

What the label tells you?
You can expect certain information to be included on the labels of all herbal supplements, which should help you understand what's inside the packaging. This information includes:

* The name of the herbal supplement, such as St. John's wort
* The net quantity of contents, for example, 60 capsules
* In certain cases, a disclaimer: "This statement has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease."
* A Supplement Facts panel, which includes serving size, amount and active ingredient
* Other ingredients, such as herbs & amino acids, for which no daily values have been established
* The name and address of manufacturer, packer or distributor

Manufacturers typically refer to herbal products by their common name and the part of the plant used to make the herbal supplement, such as root, stem or leaf. If you don't understand anything on an herbal supplement's label, ask your doctor or pharmacist for clarification.


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DISCLAIMER: All material on this Blog is provided for your information only & may not be construed as medical advice(s) or instruction(s). No action(S) or inaction(S) should be taken based solely on the content(S) of this information(S). Instead, readers should consult appropriate health professional(S) on any matter relating to their health & well-being.

The information & opinions expressed here are believed to be accurate, based on the best judgment available to the author; and readers who fail to consult with appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries.

In addition, the information & opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Blog author. Blog author acknowledges occasional differences in opinion & welcomes the exchange of different viewpoint(S). The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.

Because many of us spend so much time at work, it's probable that you're doing a lot of eating there--but you don't have to pack on the pounds just because you're not near your fridge stocked with healthy meals. Here are some ways to eat right--right on the job!

Instructions

Step 1:
Pack a brown bag lunch. You probably eat lunch while you're at work since it's smack-dab in the middle of the day. So instead of ordering out, try bringing a lunch with you--even if it's just once a week. Include something good like a sandwich, leftovers, a frozen meal, soup or salad.

Step 2:
Get a new perspective on the cafeteria. You may think your cafeteria at work is no good, but give it another look. Maybe they have a decent salad bar and you can make it better by bringing a healthy dressing with you. Consider sandwiches, which offer a diverse number of healthy food options. Skip the greasy stuff and look at other options out there.

Step 3:
Switch your hours. If you've got a flexible schedule, maybe you can work it so you eat breakfast at home and leave early enough to make dinner at home. You're more likely to eat better when it's not on the run. (Even if you don't prepare meals at home daily, cook so that you have leftovers.)

Step 4:
Stash some super snacks. Keep the munchies at bay by stocking up your desk. Snacks like peanuts, pretzels, popcorn, cut-up veggies, fruit and yogurt are great for a healthy fix that will keep you focused. You're less likely to hit the vending machine if you've got options at your fingertips.

Tips & Warnings:
- Go food shopping for snacks solely for work.
- Make a list and go food shopping. Do some smart meal planning so you have the ingredients you need to make meals. If you don't cook much, you can still get better options at the grocery store than ordering out. You'll save money too!
- Start by limiting your take-out food slowly. Go down to one brown bag lunch a week to begin with. Then build it up.


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DISCLAIMER: All material on this Blog is provided for your information only & may not be construed as medical advice(s) or instruction(s). No action(S) or inaction(S) should be taken based solely on the content(S) of this information(S). Instead, readers should consult appropriate health professional(S) on any matter relating to their health & well-being.

The information & opinions expressed here are believed to be accurate, based on the best judgment available to the author; and readers who fail to consult with appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries.

In addition, the information & opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Blog author. Blog author acknowledges occasional differences in opinion & welcomes the exchange of different viewpoint(S). The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.

Skincare is totally seasonal, just like your wardrobe. In summer, you're busy with sun protection (aren't you?), while in winter you may seem addicted to moisturizers because your skin gets so dried out and flaky (this is called "winter itch"). So why the dry skin in winter? Low temperatures, low humidity and strong, harsh winds deplete skin of its natural lipid layer which keeps the skin from drying out. To keep your skin feeling dewy and moist even in the harsh winter weather, follow these dry skin fix-it tips.

Keep Water Lukewarm, Not Hot:
Hot water robs skin of moisture causing dry skin, so it's best to shower in lukewarm water. If you can't bear this rule -- I can't -- try to keep your warm showers short and try showering only once per day. This also means skipping the hot tubs in winter (another rule I simply cannot bear). The hot, hot temperature, combined with drying chemicals, is torture on dry skin.

The same rule applies to hand-washing:
Wash hands in lukewarm, never hot, water (this is a rule I firmly abide by). If your skin turns red, the water is simply too hot.

Moisturize After Showers or Handwashing:
Moisturizer is the key to soft, supple skin in winter. Apply product when skin is slightly damp. For best effect, pat skin dry instead of rubbing with your towel before application.

Antibacterial soap in public places can be harsh on hands, so I like to keep hand salve in my purse (my hands-down favorite: Kiehls). To keep cuticles soft, I massage in olive oil.

Extra Tip: I love keeping moisturizer and facial water on my desk at work. I spritz Evian Mineral Spray (about $11 in drugstores), and then dab on moisturizer. The water locks in moisture and leaves my skin refreshed even in harsh office heat.

Exfoliate on a Weekly or Semi-weekly Basis:
Moisturizer is much more effective on properly exfoliated skin. Use a scrub in the shower and exfoliate facial skin with a mild scrub made for the face.

It's best to scrub skin when it's dry, according to Marcia Kilgore, the founder of Bliss Spa in New York, in InStyle Magazine's September, 2005, issue. Apply scrub to dry skin before you turn on the water (mix with lotion if it's not moist enough). Massage the scrub in for a good five minutes for best results.

Extra Tip: Dry brush skin before a shower with a body brush to remove flaky skin (it's more effective than brushing in the shower).

Invest in a Humidifier:
Furnaces rob air of moisture, leaving very little humidity in the air. I once read that your skin needs more than 30 percent humidity to stay properly moisturized. A room heated by a furnace can have as little as 10 percent moisture. In the winter, consider sleeping with a humidifier in your bedroom. Keep doors closed so the moist air doesn't escape the room.

Skip the Drying Soaps:
Stick with a creamy moisturizing cleanser that contains glycerin or petrolatum, such as Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash, or Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash (my current drugstore pick).

Extra Tip: Simply can't skip the bath? Skip the bubbles, which can contain harsh foaming ingredients and opt for bath oils or oatmeal scrubs, which are great for soothing itchy skin.

Baby Your Hands & Feet:
Hands and feet can suffer terribly in winter. Put on moisturizer and gloves BEFORE you head outdoors, and consider lathering up your feet in thick moisturizer and sleeping in cotton socks at night.

Extra Tip: Cover feet in a thick moisturizer, wrap feet in Saran Wrap, then pull on a pair of socks for a couple hours. Try to sit or lie down while the moisturizer soaks in or risk sliding into a full split and pulling your groin muscles. The same treatment can be done on hands, except try plastic bags and keep hands in a pair of socks. A half-hour should do you.

Stay Hydrated But Don't Go Overboard:
Many people believe if they drink more water, they'll hydrate skin. But I've read time & time again that this is a myth & you simply cannot moisturize skin from the inside out.

That said, a small study recently published by the University of Hamburg (& reported in Allure magazine), suggests people who drink relatively little water could see a significant benefit in skin hydration if they started drinking nine eight-ounce glasses of water per day. What does this mean? Probably that dehydration does affect skin, but a normally hydrated person isn't going to see major benefits by drinking even more water. My advice: don't expect bottled water to save you from winter itch.

Don't Forget Your Lips:
Licking your lips will not moisturize them & instead will help dry them out. Lips retain less moisture than other parts of the body, so they tend to dry out more quickly. A simple lip balm2 helps, as does my all-time favorite lip trick learned in high school from "Seventeen" magazine: moisturize your lips with Vaseline. Take a toothbrush and "brush" your lips in a circular motion. This will remove dead flakes and leave your lips soft and supple.

Try: Kinerase Lip Treatment3 (about $38).

Your Face Needs Extra Care in Winter:
Cold winter wind can wreak havoc on skin. To keep your face supple in winter, apply moisturizer to your face before going out into the cold and cover your face with a scarf in harsh wind.

If you have super, duper sensitive skin, consider avoiding rinsing your face with tap water, which can contain harsh minerals that are especially drying to the skin (Dr. Dennis Gross once told me New York water contains a lot of harsh minerals, while Seattle water, for example, does not. Go figure).

Instead, do like the French and cleanse skin in winter with a cleaner that does not require rinsing, like Pond's Cold Cream. You can also rinse with special water that contains selenium and chamomile, suggests beauty expert Valerie Monroe in the September, 2006 issue of O, the Oprah Magazine.

Extra Tip: Try spritzing your face with facial water (Evian Mineral Spray, $11, works great) before applying moisturizer several times during the day in the office. The water locks in moisture and leaves skin refreshed even in harsh office heat.


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DISCLAIMER: All material on this Blog is provided for your information only & may not be construed as medical advice(s) or instruction(s). No action(S) or inaction(S) should be taken based solely on the content(S) of this information(S). Instead, readers should consult appropriate health professional(S) on any matter relating to their health & well-being.

The information & opinions expressed here are believed to be accurate, based on the best judgment available to the author; and readers who fail to consult with appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries.

In addition, the information & opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Blog author. Blog author acknowledges occasional differences in opinion & welcomes the exchange of different viewpoint(S). The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.