Skin Moles: Sometimes Can Be Dangerous

image source: google images

I am just wondering about people having moles on their faces and other parts of the body that sometimes could be annoying or sometimes became their greatest assets that they could be that famous. Other says that moles on any part of the body have their own roles on their life like it is some kind of a lucky charm. But in medical fields, I just have read somewhere that it could be sometimes dangerous.

Moles are growths that can appear anywhere on the skin. They may appear at birth, during childhood and in adulthood. They are usually brown or black and can darken during the teen years and during pregnancy.

Healthy or normal moles are symmetrical, one half of the mole matches the other half in size, shape, color and thickness. The border of the mole's lesion should be distinct and not scalloped or notched and should be flesh colored. If you happen to notice a mole different from the previous characteristics, you may have Melanoma, a cancer in melanocytes, or pigment-producing cells, in the skin.

In examining a malignant mole, doctors usually look for the asymmetry, the borders, the color and the depth. They also check for any signs of itchiness, tenderness, pain, bleeding or oozing as well. Sometimes, you may need to do a skin biopsy to confirm any suspicious looking moles.

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Sty from Eye Makeup: Girls, Beware

A lump or swelling of the lids may be due to hordeolum, commonly known as sty. (A sty (hordeolum) is a red, painful lump near the edge of your eyelid that may look like a boil or a pimple.) In most cases, a sty heals on its own within a few days to a week, leading to relief from symptoms. A sty especially develops in women when she shares a cosmetics or cosmetic eye tools with other people and touch, rub or scratch their eyes with dirty hands. Quick remedy for this would be applying warm compress on the infected area as often as possible until the swelling stops. If the swelling subsides but a small hard lump persists, time to go to the doctor because it may already need a minor operation.

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Gums and Candies: Good for our Teeth?

Gums and Candies are good for your teeth.

This is definitely sweet tooth can smile about. According to research, sugar alcohol sweetener present in most gums and candies called Xylitol are beneficial to our dental health.The World Health Organization has reted Xylitol as a safe food additive. Xylitol, a natural sugar found in the fiber of most fruits and vegetables, helps avert the development of tooth decay causing bacteria.Saliva is made more alkaline by Xylitol therby preventing bad bacteria from sticking to tooth surface. The bad bacteria is unable to digest xylitol thus preventing plaque and tartar build up.Studies show that 4 to 12 grams of Xylitol per day is effective. This is administered using chewing gum, candy or pastilles after eating and after clearing the mouth by gargling water. source: discover magazine

I am one of those who smile while reading this. Yes, I have a sweet tooth. I prefer eating more sweets. I don't know why but that's the way I feel and I am happy enough when I got to eat sweet foods as if its makes my whole day complete. 

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Getting in Shape

Smart eating and regular exercise are keys to a healthy heart.

To eat smart, choose vegetable, fruits, fiber, lean cuts of meat anf pork, skinless chicken and fish. Avoid high-fat meats like sausage, burgers, pastries and high-sugar food and drinks.

Exercise for at least 30 minutes everyday, five days a week. Make regular exercise enjoyable by exercising with a buddy, playing upbeat songs while working out or getting glammed up in nice exercise clothes.

During your next visit to the doctor, ask how you can raise your HDL (high-density lipoprotein) levels and keep your bad cholesterol low to protect yourself against life-threatening cardiovascular ailments.

imagesource: google images

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Chocolates and Me

image source: google images

YUMMY, YUMMY!

"Chocolates are good for the heart", I think I have read this somewhere. Yeah, I agree...and chocolates are always the one given to a girl together with flowers. Hmm, I wondered why then and later on I discovered that chocolates have this good effect on our emotions. I think I also read this somewhere. lolz. But the thing I am surely know, I love Chocolates!

The one thing that I have discovered about chocolates and me is that every time I ate chocolate, I will sneeze. Yes, any chocolate. Is it allergy? Ahh, I really can't explain. I don't even noticed something like allergies on skin or whatever. I am not bothered going to a doctor, because, well, it's just a one or two sneeze after my first bite or sometimes after I ate the whole chocolate that I have in hand. Anyways, I am just sharing. Maybe someone out there have the same experience too. If, yes, I am hopeful to know if there is an explanation about this.

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Heightened Sense of Smell

Our sense of smell makes our life more enjoyable. Starting from the food we eat, environment we have, up to the warning signs for our daily life. Losing it will cause much trouble, isn't it? What if having so much of it? Yeah, I am experiencing it right now. I am normally don't have that strong sense of smelling. I am the last person to smell something. It works fine with me because it doesn't affect my everyday chores.

For the last 2 weeks, I have this mild runny nose but instead of losing my sense of smell, it became terrible. From home to work, it is really annoying. I smell every dust, every smoke, every perfumes, every smell that I could smell. Terrible because it sticks on my nose badly that I want to throw up. I've done searches on the net and all I've read was it usually happens during PREGNANCY. Whaatt??? Of course I am sure that I am not pregnant guys, I just have a mild runny nose. *hehehe* But why I am experiencing this?

image source: google images

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Are you a Workaholic?

A successful career is built over a certain period of time that became the main reason of why a person could be a workaholic. What is a workaholic? Hmmm, the simple definition. Workaholics live for their work, often spending many extra hours at work and oftentimes taking work home just to finish it.There are many reasons why a person becomes workaholc and to give some:

1. Societal. Workers don't bother to take vacations partly because of fears they ma not have a job to come back if they do.

2. Technology.Nowadays we live and work in a connected environment making it hard for us to truly get time away from work.

3. Financial. Same reason as societal. Job is important to earn money.

But for whatever reasons we have, workaholism can be a serious condition that can lead to the destruction of families and serious stress related problems.

To identify yourself if you are a workaholic or not, here are the signs:

1. Whenever you delegate a task, you can't let it go because "nobody can do it like I can."

2. When asked the question "Who are you?," you immediately think of five work-related qualities to describe yourself, and virtually none that aren't related to your job.

3. There is no specific time when work ends.

4. Even if you are "off" from work, you're restless and even anxious, thinking about what you need to do when you get back in the office.

5. You replay work conversations in your head all the time, even when away from the office.

6. Work excites you more than anything you have going on in your personal life.

7. You haven't been in touch with family members in weeks,, or months. You haven't been in touch with once-close friends for months, or years.

8. Your family members/loved ones no longer act surprise or dissappointed that you cancel time with them, or are hours late for events. Or get on the smart phone to put out an office fire when you're with them.

9. You think about solving work problems while driving and trying to get to sleep- and while someone else is talking to you about someting completely unrelated to your job.

10. Whatever you do, you're constantly being told it's not good enough. but it's not a boss or customer saying this. It's you.

To help you take away this workaholism:

1. Gravitate toward work that you do for your iwn fulfillment, as opposed to doing it to gain someone else's "approval" or simply to make money/advance in position.

2. Establish clear boundaries between your work and private life. Set aside "no work zones"within your home physical space, as well as during certain times of the day. And that includes calling up your work e-mails.

3. Leave work at work. Spend time with family, friends discussing other topics instead of office "war stories."

4. Build a fulfilling life away from work. Volunteer, join activity clubs that interest you, set personal goals to achieve non-work related "life milestones" anything to get you productive, occupied and happy doing something that has nothing to do with your job.

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Yummy or Not??? Part 3

Photo taken last July 18, 2010

Yummy or not??? Home made pizza courtesy of my officemate's mother. I think I ate 2 or 3, not slices huh, but a whole pie. Yay!!!

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Backache Again and Again

It is one that I noticed to myself. I am suffering from backache specially when the weather changes. The worst thing is that it always happens when it is time for me to sleep, keeping me awake until midnight and then when I wake up in the morning I am having a hard time rising from bed. I am doing some stretching just to ease the pain but it still aches. Sometimes I am thinking of going to a Spa to have a whole body massage but the problem is I don't have time for that plus I don't have the budget. In that case, I am ending in taking pain relievers for me to feel better.

imagesource: yogapoint

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Cancerous Foods/Products

Instant Noodles
To all instant noodles lovers, make sure you break for at least 3 days after one session of instant noodles before you eat your next packet! Please read the info shared to me by a doctor. My family stopped eating instant noodles more than 5 years ago after hearing about the wax coating the noodles - the wax is not just in the Styrofoam containers but it coats the noodles. This is why the instant noodles do not stick to each other when cooking.
If one were to examine the ordinary Chinese yellow noodles in the market, one will notice that, in their uncooked state the noodles are oily. This layer of oil prevents the noodles from sticking together.
Wanton noodles in their uncooked state have been dusted with flour to prevent them sticking together. When the hawker cooks the noodles, notice he cooks them in hot water and then rinses them in cold water before cooking them in hot water again. This process is repeated several times before the noodles are ready to be served. The cooking and rinsing process prevents noodles from sticking together.
The hawker then "lowers the noodles in oil and sauce to prevent the noodles from sticking if they are to be served dry. Cooking instructions for spaghetti require oil or butter to be added in the water when boiling the spaghetti to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Otherwise, one gets a big clump of spaghetti!
There was an SBC (now TCS) actor some years ago, who at a busy time of his career had no time to cook, resorted to eating instant noodles everyday. He got cancer later on. His doctor told him about the wax in instant noodles. The doctor told him that our body will need up to 2 days to clear the wax. There was also an SIA steward who after moving out from his mother's house into his own house, did not cook but ate instant noodles almost every meal. He had cancer, and has since died from it.
Nowadays the instant noodles are referred as "cancer noodles".

Satay (Barbecue)
If you all eat Satay, don't ever forget to eat the cucumber, because eating Satay together with carbon after barbequing can cause cancer.
But we have a cure for that... Cucumber should be eaten after we eat the Satay because Barbecue has carcinogen (a cancer causing element) but cucumber is anti-carcinogenic. So don't forget to eat the cucumber the next time you have Satay's.

Prawns & Vit. C
DO NOT eat shrimp / prawn if you have just taken VITAMIN C pills.
This will cause you to DIE in ARSENIC (As) toxication within HOURS.

Pork Awareness
Try this and see whether the pork you bought has worms. There goes with your "Bak Kut Teh" for those who love it. Most men love to eat this so watch out before it's too late. If you pours Coke (yes, the soda) on a slab of pork, wait a little while, you will SEE WORMS crawl out of it. A message from the Health Corporation of Singapore about the bad effects of pork consumption. Pig's bodies contain MANY TOXINS, WORM and LATENT DISEASES.
Although some of these infestations are harboured in other animals, modern veterinarians say that pigs are far MORE PREDISPOSED to these illnesses than other animals. This could be because PIGS like to SCAVENGE and will eat ANY kind of food, INCLUDING dead insects, worms, rotting carcasses, excreta including their own, garbage, and other pigs. INFLUENZA (flu) is one of the MOST famous illnesses which pigs share with humans. This illness is harboured in the LUNGS of pigs during the summer months and tends to affect pigs and human in the cooler months.
Sausage contains bits of pigs' lungs, so those who EAT pork sausage tend to SUFFER MORE during EPIDEMICS of INFLUENZA. Pig meat contains EXCESSIVE quantities of HISTAMINE and IMIDAZOLE compounds, which can lead to ITCHING and INFLAMMATION; GROWTH HORMONE which PROMOTES INFLAMMATION and growth; sulphur containing mesenchymal mucus which leads to SWELLING and deposits of MUCUS in tendons and cartilage, resulting in ATHRITIS, RHEUMATISM, etc.
Sulphur helps cause FIRM human tendons and ligaments to be replaced by the pig's soft mesenchymal tissues, and degeneration of human cartilage.
Eating pork can also lead to GALLSTONES and OBESITY, probably due to its HIGH CHOLESTEROL and SATURATED FAT content. The pig is the MAIN CARRIER of the TAENIE SOLIUM WORM, which is found in its flesh. These tapeworms are found in human intestines with greater frequency in nations where pigs are eaten. This type of tapeworm can pass through the intestines and affect many other organs, and is incurable once it reaches beyond a certain stage. One in six people in the US and Canada has RICHINOSIS from eating trichina worms, which are found in pork.
Many people have NO SYMPTOMS to warm them of this, and when they do, they resemble symptoms of many other illnesses. These worms are NOT noticed during meat inspections.

Shampoo
Cancer-causing substance in shampoos. Go home and check your shampoo. Change before it's too late... Check the ingredients listed on your shampoo bottle, and see they have a substance by the name of Sodium Laureth Sulfate, or simply SLS. This substance is found in most shampoos; manufacturers use it because it produces a lot of foam and it is cheap. BUT the fact is, SLS is used to scrub garage floors, and it is very strong!!! It is also proven that it can cause cancer in the long run, and this is no joke. Shampoos that contains SLS: Vo5, Palmolive, Paul Mitchell, L'Oreal, the new Hemp Shampoo from Body Shop etc. contain this substance.
The first ingredient listed (which means it is the single most prevalent ingredient) in Clairol's Herbal Essences is Sodium Laureth Sulfate. Therefore, I called one company, and I told them their product contains a substance that will cause people to have cancer. They said, Yeah we knew about it but there is nothing we can do about it because we need that substance to produce foam. By the way Colgate toothpaste also contains the same substance to produce the "bubbles". They said they are going to send me some information.
Research has shown that in the 1980s, the chance of getting cancer is 1 out of 8000 and now, in the 1990s, the chances of getting cancer is 1 out of 3, which is very serious.

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Regular Health Mistakes

All of us make little health mistakes that cause damage to our bodies in the long run - simply because we are unaware we are doing something wrong. Here are some of the most common mistakes made by many of us.

Crossing our legs
Do you cross your legs at your knees when sitting? Although we may believe that this is the lady-like elegant way to sit, sitting this way cuts down circulation to your legs. If you don't want varicose veins to mar the beauty of your legs and compromise your health, uncross your legs every time you realise you have one knee on top of the other. The best way to sit is to simply place both legs together on the floor, balancing your weight equally. If you feel like changing position, instead of crossing your legs, simply move both legs together to one side. As an alternative, you could also consider crossing your legs loosely at the ankles. This is a classically elegant way to sit, and is far better for your legs and your health than sitting with your legs crossed at your knees.

Not changing our toothbrush
How often do you change your toothbrush? Most of us wait until most of the bristles have either fallen off, or are in such bad shape that we'd be embarrassed to pull out our brush in public. However, since not many of us need to pull out our brush in public, we carry on with our frayed one until we lose it. Replace your toothbrush often. Damaged bristles can harm the enamel, and don't massage your gums well. If you find brushing your teeth a pain like I do, but know you must do it, you might as well be doing it right. Imagine going through the annoyance of brushing your teeth twice a day only to find out that you're damaging your enamel every time you clean your teeth. Also, use a brush with soft bristles unless your dentist has advised otherwise.

Eating out often
There are oils that are high in cholesterol, and oils that cause little harm and are better for your heart. However, no matter how light
the oil is, it is never a good idea to eat too much of it. Avoid fried foods.Remember that in all probability your favorite Indian food
restaurant throws a huge, HUGE chunk of butter in a tiny bowl of dal. Rita, who worked in the kitchen of a 5 star hotel, was shocked when she saw the cook chop a 500gm butter slab in half, and throw half into a Paneer Makhani dish. No wonder the customers left licking their fingers. And no wonder they felt so stuffed and heavy afterwards. Limit outdoor eating unless you know that you're getting served light and healthy food.

Skipping breakfast
Never, ever skip breakfast. Remember, when you wake up in the morning it's been around 10-12 hours since your last meal. Your body needs food now, more than at any other time. Eat a heavy breakfast. You will then be busy through the day, and the calories will get expended quickly. If you are trying to diet, eat a light dinner. Here are some more common health mistakes we make. Being informed and making a few changes can help make us feel a whole lot better.

High heels
High heels sure look great, but they're murder for your back. This however doesn't mean you should steer clear of stilettos. Wear them, but not when you know you will be walking around a lot. Wear them when going out for lunch or dinner - when the only walking you will be doing is to your car, to the table, and back. Avoid high heels when you are going somewhere on foot. If you are constantly tempted to wear your heels, take a good look at your flats. Is there something about them you dislike? Invest in a new pair of beautiful flats or shoes with a low heel. Buy something you love, that you will enjoy wearing. If possible, get a matching bag. You will then enjoy your flats as much as you do your heels.

Sleeping on a soft bed
You don't have to sleep on the floor be kind to your back, but do make sure you have a firm mattress. Although a mattress on springs is soft and lovely to sink into, it's bad for your back. If you already have an old bed with springs, you don't need to invest in a new one - simply get a thick wooden plank put over the springs, and place the mattress on the plank. Similarly, if your mattress is old and lumpy, throw it out and get a new one. Your neck and your back will thank you. The same rule applies to sofas. If you will be spending hours on a sofa, get a firm yet comfortable one. Sofas you completely sink into are not the best idea.

Pillows
No matter how comfortable sleeping with ten cushions is, have pity on your neck and resist. Sleep with one pillow, and make sure it is not too thick. If your pillow gets lumpy, discard it and go for a new one. Get a thin pillow if you sleep on your stomach, and something a little thicker if you sleep on your back, to give your neck adequate support.

Not exercising
So all of us know we should exercise more, but many of us don't. This is a health mistake we consciously make! And why is that? Simply because we refuse to admit the damage we are causing to our bodies by not working out. A number of people only start working out once they've experienced a warning signal. Don't wait for a heart attack to strike before you decide to opt for a lifestyle change. Make the change now. You don't need to train for the marathon to be in top shape. Half an hour of brisk walking three to four times a week will make a world of difference to your health. You could then increase this to forty minutes, four times a week - and you're all set. If you haven't exercised for a week, you're making a mistake.

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CAN YOUR DESK MAKE YOU SICK?

Woman's desk may be neater than males but it probably harbors more germs. In a study of offices in five cities, researchers from the University of Arizona found that bacterial levels on women’s desks were nearly three times higher than on men’s. The probable cause: munchies in the desk drawers. Unwrapped foods like fruit, bagels and cupcakes are havens for microorganisms. Men keep fewer snacks and the snacks they do have chips, candy bars that are usually wrapped. The more bacteria in workplace, the more likely to get sick, so keep the food sealed. Once a week, wipe down your desk, phone and keyboard with a disinfectant.

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Handbag

In going out like, going to malls, hanging out with friends, going to work and etc., I use to bring my ever heavy bag. I also prefer on bringing larger one for my things to fit in. I am the kind of person that cannot go out without this and without that (always ready like a girl scout), so even how heavy my bag will be, I will still bring it as long as I have all my things on it. Even if I am not going to use all the things inside, I still feel comfortable on bringing it because for all I know, there are some emergencies in our everyday life that we will be needing things and it is always feel good if you have bring a thing. For example is when going out without my umbrella in my bag (folded one) that I use to bring everyday and missed to bring it on the day when I am having an emergency field work, I will regret on not bringing it because umbrella still is usable under the rain or even under the sun. But as it is said that too much is not always as good as we thought because I have read this article:

A full handbag can weigh as much as 10 pounds, so it's no surprise that carrying one over your shoulder can cause neck and shoulder problems. Try to keep your bag as light as possible and alternate it between shoulders regularly. Better still, opt for a smaller bag that you can swap back and forth from hand to hand.

Oh, what now?

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Talking about Headaches

I have been working in a private company for about 3 years now. In my working life, I am spending hours in front of computers and after a year I experienced terrible headaches that I can't stand and need to close my eyes for minutes to ease a little pain. I was thinking then what was causing this headaches and my office mates advised me to see an ophthalmologist. The next day, I went to the nearest one and find out that my eyes was the one causing that headaches. They advised me to wear reading glasses. I have read the below article and decided to share it to readers and maybe a little can help. :)

Eyestrain, stress and hormonal shifts are fairly common causes of headaches which afflicts millions of people (most are women) but sometimes the usual suspects don't explain that pain in our head. Well, some triggers are just plain weird like the following:
Perfumes
Strong odors may activate the nose's nerve cells which stimulate the nerve system associated with head pain. Ironically, the offending scents are often pleasant. In this case, avoid perfumes, strong household cleansers, fragrant soaps, shampoos and air fresheners. But the problem nowadays is that almost what wee see in markets are scented. Medicines can help too, like aspirin, acetaminophen and caffeine. But there are some side effects also, because if we will be a medicine dependent, it will cause the aches to come again as soon as the effect of med wear off.
Weather
Studies show that headaches-prone are especially attuned to weather changes. The meteorological shifts are thought to trigger chemical and electrical changes in brain that irritate nerves.
Earrings, headbands and ponytails
The muscle groups around the scalp don't have pain fibers, but their connective tissues do. Ponytail headaches result when tightly pulled hair irritates the muscle system. Tight fitting hats, headbands and heavy earrings also causes pain. In the case of earrings, it's possible that earrings can pull on that same connective tissue. Some studies suggest that skin sensitivity around the scalp, face, ears often accompanies migraine.
Hunger
Eating several small meals a day keeps our blood sugar on an even keel. Dieting, fasting, skipping lunch can cause to bottom us to bottom out and may trigger headache. If suffering from moderate, severe or frequent headaches, consult a headache specialist about your diet.

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7 Ways to Have a Better Day

What does it mean to be happy? The definition is different for each of us but we share a common need to feel good about ourselves and to be content -- no matter how that translates for each of us.
The next time you're having a bad day, remember that there are myriad ways to indulge in life's simple pleasures.

To get started, here are the 7 ways to have a better day. The suggestions are simple but the rewards can be meaningful.
1. Get up on the other side of the bed. Go ahead,break your routine. The monotony of a habit can be a source of frustration, so try something new even if it's simple as this.
2. Replace coffee with a cup of green tea. Used since ancient times by the Chinese for its many health benefits (from ceasing headaches to easing depression), today's research also indicates that green tea can play a critical role in disease prevention. Plus, since green tea has less caffeine than coffee, you're likely to get a better night's sleep.
3. Enjoy some alone time. Whether it's curled up with your favorite book or enjoying your latest CD purchase, spending time alone -- doing something you love to do -- is a superb way to clear your mind.
4. Don't lie. It's not that you're a compulsive liar but sometimes, before you know it, a little white lie has slipped out of your mouth. Don't do it. Just tell the truth -- it's liberating and gives you one less thing to worry about during your day.
5. Call your mom or dad or a long-lost friend. Or someone you've been meaning to call for weeks. Staying in touch with people who matter most is an important way to stay grounded and remind yourself about the things and people you care about.
6. Buy fresh flowers. Don't wait for someone to buy you a bouquet. Treat yourself. Stimulate your senses with brightly colored, fragrant blooms. Do they make you smile? Mission accomplished.
7. Play with a cat or dog. Pets have a wonderful way of alleviating stress, preventing loneliness and reminding you of life's simple pleasures. In fact according to medical research, pet owners have lower levels of accepted risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Pets can relieve tension by providing welcome distraction.
Simple pleasures to heighten your happiness.
source: women's journal

Simple and little things can truly make us happy even for just a second or a minute of our day. With the above discussed ways, the most enjoyable for me is playing with pets, because even they don't talk, they can do a lot just to make me smile or laugh making my day nice ahead. Of course to sum it up, giving yourself a little change on your everyday routine can make you have a better day.

If I have to ask you blogger and readers, what little and simple ways can make you have a better day?

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When to Trust Your Intuition and When to Doubt It?

Your brain is telling you he's hot and available, but your gut is urging you to run in the opposite direction. Which will it be? You can, in fact, trust your gut with the big choices, but your rational mind has its strengths as well. This handy guide shows exactly when your heart or your mind should have the upper hand.

You should go with your gut when you're:
**Making a Moral Decision
If you're good friends with a married couple and one of them is having an affair, do you tell the other spouse? "Moral judgments are a combination of intuitive gut reactions and reflection. Without your gut, you'd make arbitrary decisions", says Fiery Cushman, Ph.D., a researcher at Harvard University.
Strategy: When faced with a moral conundrum, weigh the practical facts but heed your inner monologue for the right decision.
**Second Guessing your Doctor
Doctors often overlook symptoms that don't fit with the usual model of a disease and often dismiss fears as paranoia, especially in healthy young men, says John Amory, M.D., an associate professor of medicine at the University of Washington.
Strategy: You're the only person who can "listen" to your body. If it's telling you something lurking, Dr. Amory recommends finding a specialist outside your primary doctor's group. It just may save your life.
**Playing a Game
In a Michigan State University study, expert chess players performed as well in "blitz chess" (a 5-minute version of chess) as they did in the traditional game. The takeaway: Over analyzing won't improve your performance.
Strategy: On a test or in a game, the choice that feels right is often correct, says Paul Slovic, Ph.D., president of Decision Research, a nonprofit group that studies human judgment and risk analysis. "That feeling you have is your intuition checking up on your analytic thinking".

You should go with your brain when you're:
**Hiring a Job Candidate
If the potential hire is agreeable and funny, your instincts are wired to choose him over an aloof candidate who's more qualified, says David Myers, Ph.D., author of "Intuition".
Strategy: You can't completely avoid your impression bias, but you can control it with structured interviews. Set questions and scaled ratings are three times better at predicting on-the-job success than informal talks, according to a study in Psychological Bulletin.
**Investing
When it comes to money, your gut is often influenced by the herd mentally, says Myers. Take equity funds backed by sub prime loans. By definition,these are investments in borrowers who are poor risks, yet plenty of people raced to buy in-and now they're paying for it.
Strategy: Reason and analysis should guide most of your investing, leaving only a small window for hunches (economists agree some intuition is wise). But ignore the frenzied pack-and all things sub prime.
**Judging his Sincerity
You want to believe him when he says he'll never cheat on you again. But studies show that past performance is the best predictor of future behavior, despite what your gut is telling you.
Strategy: When a flaky friend asks for yet another loan or man says he's done playing the field, pack up and walk away. Your intuition to trust them in the past was faulty, so fight your gut and don't repeat the mistake, says Gary Klein,Ph.D., author of "The Power of Intuition".
Source: Woman's Journal

So what do you think? Trust your Gut or Use your Head?

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Night Shift Work May Cause Cancer

Working the night shift may cause cancer, according to a report published in The Lancet.
The report comes from a team of 44 scientists in ten countries commissioned by the World Health Organization's International Agency on Cancer Research.
They report "limited" evidence of a connection between cancer and night shift work in people. That evidence included a higher rate of breast cancer in female nurses who work night shifts.
But those studies, which were observational, don't prove cause and effect. Many genetic and environmental factors affect cancer risk.
So the scientists also reviewed studies in which animals were exposed to light at night, disrupting the animals' so called body clocks (circadian rhythm).
Those studies provided "sufficient evidence" of a connection between circadian rhythm disruption and cancer, states the report.
The scientists noted that shift work may raise cancer risk suppressing production of melatonin, a chemical involved in the circadian rhythm.

source: women's journal by Miranda Hitti

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ANTIOXIDANTS

Antioxidants are substances in the body that help it fight against the destructive activity of free radicals. Free radicals are highly charged molecules that contain unpaired electrons looking for partners. These destructive actisons are believed to lead to cancer, heart disease and cataracts.Substance such as betacarotene and vitamin E, are important antioxidants. So are common household herbs and foods like garlic, ginger, and gingko (gingko biloba).


Garlic is a powerful antibiotic, germicidal and antiseptic substance. It is a simple, popular herb that helps prevent the peroxidation of fatty acids and the formation of other free radical end products by binding them and removing them from the body. One of the effects of heavy metal contamination is the breakdown of red capsules. This hinders the blood's ability to transport oxygen to the tissues and carry CO2 away to the lungs. Studies show that garlic prevents the breakdown process of the red capsules.

Ginger is a warming herb know more in the West for its ability to relieve motion sickness. But current studies show that it has antioxidant properties as well. This was found out by the researchers at the National Cancer Institute's Designer Food Program in the U.S. Researchers believed that ginger contains compounds that neutralize carcinogens.

Gingko biloba is well known for its positive effects in the cardiovascular system in the West. The gingko nut works in the body to increase mental alertness. Gingko has also demonstrated its effectiveness in treating symptoms of chronic cerebral arterial insufficiency including vertigo, headache,tinnitus (ringing in the ears), short-term memory loss,an inability to concentrate and depression.

According to a summary in Medical Nutrition, gingko extract helps halt the deterioration process of the elderly patients. By increasing cerebral blood flow, oxygen and glucose utilization, gingko biloba offers some relief against the side effects of aging. In addition, gingko has long been recognized as a powerful antiasthmatic in traditional Chinese medicine.

- Asahi Evening News
Bato Balani Junior Vol. 15 No. 2

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