Most US women face stroke risk

Recipe: Eggs Florentine

2009-08-16T21:06:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

1 package (10 ounces) chopped frozen spinach

1/4 cup butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups half-and-half

8 eggs, poached

salt and pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese or shredded milk Cheddar cheese

Method:

1. Cook spinach according to package instructions.

2. Prepare white sauce. In a small saucepan, melt butter. Add flour; blend well. Gradually add half-and-half, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly.

3. Place spinach in a lightly buttered shallow baking dish. Arrange cooked, drained eggs over the top of the spinach then pour white sauce over eggs. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and cheese. Bake eggs at 400 degree F for two to three minutes, until cheese is melted and lightly browned.

4. Serves 4.

Green For Your Lungs!

2008-09-15T19:59:00.000-07:00

Did you know a daily bowl of watercress may protect against long cancer. Makes sense, since it's also thought that the isothiocyanates in watercress may thwart a potent carcinogen in tobacco. And watercress is darn nutritious to boot. It's packed with vitamins, iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium as well as mustard oil.

One quick and easy way to get watercress? Drink a V8. You'll find this drink at most supermarkets and stores. It's one of thhe main vegetables in the juice. But if you'd rather eat your cress than drink it, try using watercress in your salad. This is the best way to eat it with all the nutrients intact.

HOT WEBSITE: ENGRISH

2008-07-28T22:25:00.000-07:00

English is one helluva language. The same words are pronounced in hundreds of ways in the same country! For a learner, writing in English can be a walk through a minefield. One misplaced word here or poor sentence construction there can give an innocent message a whole new meaning. This website dedicates itself to collecting examples of these unfortunate (mis)usages from around the world, in various categories. Laugh loud!

Log on to www.engrish.com

What Causes Acne Flare-Ups?

2008-07-13T06:55:00.000-07:00

a) Picking and squeezing the spots may cause further inflammation and scarring

b) Stress can make acne worse in some people.

c) In women, outbreaks may be affected by the hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle.

d) Some contraceptive pills may make acne worse. This is due to the type of progestogen hormone in some pills whereas other types of contraceptive pills can improve acne.

Improve intimacy with your guy

2008-06-26T20:59:00.000-07:00

a) Rethink your attitude a little. Physical intimacy is not a performance or a competition; it can be the most sincere expression of your love for someone else and can cement the bond between two people and deepen their intimacy.

b) Make time for romance. Light candles, share a glass or two of wine, and talk to each other. Sit on the couch, put your arm around him, and just bask in the intimacy of the moment. Talk about things agreeable, and share a kiss or two. Remember, this will lead up to a most rewarding and enjoyable shared moment of love.

c) Learn to massage your partner. Using scented oils is a nice touch and it is well known that smells can both relax and arouse. Touching and being touched are both eually important, so learn both to give and recieve.

d) Listen to, and talk to your partner in order to learn about their likes and dislikes. Being totally focused on each other is extremely important as it will help to strengthen your relationship both in and out of bed.

e) Never push for something that makes it feel uncomfortable for either you or your partner. It is perfectly acceptable to try something different, as long as both of you are happy.

f) Spend plenty to time on foreplay as this is an excellent way to discover what each of you like.

Tired No More

2008-05-27T03:00:00.000-07:00

a) Identify the areas of stress in your life and work on them. Soothing music is a great stress buster. Try not to sweat over the small stuff.

b) Exercise regularly. Walk, swim, cycle or just take up a sport like tennis.

c) Go to a spa, get a nice massage. It will not only reduce stress, but also help you sleep better.

d) As they say, laughter is indeed the best medicine. Join a laughter club, catch up with your old buddies, watch a comic flick or look at your childhood pics.....Do anything that makes you laugh.

Get rid of those awful menstrual cramps

2008-05-13T06:55:00.000-07:00

Simply heat a few tablespoons of either olive oil or corn oil and massage into the lower area of your stomach as well as your lower back. Doing this every morning of your cycle will help you get rid to those awful menstrual cramps.

Fortify Your Health!

2008-04-26T21:35:00.000-07:00

There are hundreds, possibly thousands, of disease-fighting chemicals in plants. Here are some of the best food you can eat to stay healthy. Remember, not all have been medically proven to fight disease X,Y or Z. But healthy veggies never do any harm...

1) Soya beans helps prevent cancer of the breast, endometrium and ovary.

2) Onions and leeks may slow the development of tumour cells.

3) Carrots are a good source of the antioxidant beta carotene.

4) Broccoli helps stop carcinogens (cancer causing agents) damaging our DNA.

5) Carrots, celery and parsley all help slow down cancerous mutations.

6) Oranges are rich in the antioxidant vitamin C and help protect against stomach cancer.

7) Nuts and seeds are good sources of dietary fibre which speeds food through the gut, allowing carcinogens less time to interact with the lining.

8) Peas are a good source of folic acid, which helps in the formation of red blood cells.

What should you do to get healthy,bouncy,shiny hair?

2008-04-21T07:23:00.000-07:00

Some tips:

1) Consume a protein-rich diet; do include milk, dairy products and pulses.

2) Increase your daily intake of green leafy vegetables.

3) Use garlic paste as a staple in your food. Garlic is an excellent antibiotic and antiseptic.

4) Massage your scalp regularly with mustard oil.

5) Drink a mixture of ground amla in water, before you sleep.

6) Soak amla, reetha and shikakai in water overnight. Strain in the morning using a muslin cloth. Apply to scalp. Leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse well with water.

Marinated Cucumber Salad:

2008-04-15T06:41:00.000-07:00

Cucumbers are the perfect summer food. It's soothing and easy on the stomach as well. Best eaten raw, cucumbers go perfectly in a nice green salad. But too much of it might lead to a mild gas problem. If that is the case, then quickly boil it for one or two minutes before eating.

MARINATED CUCUMBER SALAD:

Ingredients:

3 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced

1 medium onion, sliced and separated into rings

1 cup thinly sliced carrots

1/2 cup sliced celery

2 to 4 tbs chopped red bell pepper

1 cup vinegar

1/4 cup olive oil or vegetable oil

1/4 cup sugar

1 tsp fresh chopped celery

Salt and pepper to taste

Iceberg lettuce

Method:

Combine cucumbers, onion, carrots, celery, and red bell pepper in a large bowl.

In a separate bowl, mix remaining ingredients except lettuce.

Pour over vegetables and toss lightly.

Cover and chill 8 to 10 hours.

Drain and serve in a lettuce-lined bowl.

Herb Vinegar:

2008-04-09T06:33:00.000-07:00

What you need:

Fresh herbs

White or red vinegar

Glass bottle

Strainer

Method:

Use individual herbs, such as basil, or a combination like oregano, basil, and parsley to make flavourful herb vinegars. Use white vinegar, or white or red wine vinegar depending on which herbs you are using and your personal preference.

Warm the vinegar, being careful not to boil it.

Fill the glass jar with the herbs and vinegar using about 1 1/2 cups of fresh herbs for every quart of vinegar.

When cool, cover the vinegar and set it aside.

In about two weeks the vinegar should be nicely flavoured.

Strain the vinegar into glass bottles.

Add a fresh sprig of the herb used for flavouring to decorate the bottle.

Meningitis Mayhem:

2008-03-30T07:28:00.000-07:00

The name may sound scary but meningitis can be dealt with easily. Take precautionary measures and don't panic. It's usually caused by either bacteria, viruses or similar infectious agents.

Symptoms: Fever, severe headache, pain in the neck, vomiting, seizures, tiredness

Treatment: Depends on the organism causing the infection, your age and the extent of infection. Patients do get better within three days but seeing the doctor is essential.

Skin Firming Mask:

2008-03-23T20:12:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the best cures are the least expected.In your skin's case,one of the best methods for cleaning pores is,well,more dirt.Cosmetic clay contains a host of skin-nourishing minerals,and its naturally absorbent properties help draw debris,dead skin cells,excess oils,and other toxins from pores.Used weekly, a clay mask (also called a mud mask) results in a smooth,supple,deeply clean complexion.Mixing clay powder with cool,filtered water is the simplest way to prepare a mask,but you can get added benefits by using other liquids.Cool green tea provides an extra antioxidant boost that may help fight the formation of fine lines.To soothe irritated or very dry skin,you can try mixing clay with cold milk or cream.

1) To start,add one tablespoon of water,green tea,or milk to a small bowl.Gradually add two tablespoons of fine clay powder to the liquid,stirring to prevent clumps.The result should be a smooth paste;if it's too thick or too runny,add a few drops of water or a little more clay to achieve the desired consistency.

2) Using your fingers,apply a thick layer of the paste to clean,dry skin,avoiding the eyes and lips.For a more even application,use a clean and soft one-inch paintbrush.

3) After 10 to 12 minutes,rinse with warm water.

4) Pat dry with fluffy towel and follow with a natural toner and a light moisturiser to soften and nourish skin throughout the day.

What is a 'nano-factory'?

2008-03-15T20:40:00.000-07:00

Researchers in Japan have invented a tiny brain which can act as a remote control for swarms of nano-machines.They simultated eight such nano-machines to create a 'nano-factory'.According to experts,nano-machines could also be used to boost the processing power of future computers.They also have high hopes for nano-machines in treating diseases.The machine is made from 17 molecules of the chemical duroquinone.Each one is known as a 'logic device'.

How to make sure your guests are enjoying the party:

2008-03-10T20:17:00.000-07:00

1) Play a few games in the beginning that will let everybody get to know each other, or play a game with a funny outcome.

2) Make sure your guests are interacting with each other.At the same time, you must interact with them as well.

3) Plan a few events and space them out, so that they are interspersed well with the conversations.

4) Put the food somewhere reachable, preferably on a table. Make sure to have the food ready when your guests arrive.

Symptoms Of Loneliness and Cure:

2008-03-07T22:44:00.000-08:00

1) A feeling of being inferior to others. Better known as inferiority complex.

2) Everytime you are alone you feel like calling up other people or surfing the net for companionship.

3) Dreading to be with yourself-alone

4) Feeling envious about others who are happy in life.

Cure:

1) Cultivate a hobby

2) Join an NGO, work for slum dwellers, teach their children, do some kind of social work.

3) Join dance classes

4) Buy a cookbook and try out new recipes at home

5) Build lasting relationships

6) Learn to pray and meditate.

Keep your skin acne free:

2008-03-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

1) Watch your diet and observe the effects it has on your skin. As with any common condition, keeping your body hydrated is sound advice.

2) Avoid drinking too much alcohol (especially beer) and eating spicy food. These increase the level of heat within.

3) Drink herbal or green tea at least once a day to help detox your system.

4) It may not seem like it, but green apples are extremely good for preventing and fighting existing acne both on your face and around the body.

5) If you have glasses wash them so that all the oil is off your face.

6) There are no perfect creams and medicines that make your face smooth,soft and acne-free.

7) Try sleeping upright as often as possible (with your back facing the bed)

The perfect make-up look this season:

2008-03-02T05:16:00.000-08:00

A glowing skin-tone with slight iridescence has made a comeback this season.And kohl is a 'must smear' by day and night.Smokey eyes are not limited to the usual black and brown but span the shades of the tropical forests,ranging from deep purple to forest green and electric blue.Pink and flesh tints give lips a natural colour but as the sun goes down, deeper richer hues emerge-think burgundy,magenta and crimson-red,all complete with a smooth metallic finish.

Control And Treat Acidity The Natural Way:

2008-02-22T20:34:00.000-08:00

1) Have two glasses of water first thing in the morning

2) Consume a few tulsi leaves to reduce acidity

3) Amla and haritaki are known to give relief

4) Mint juice or mint capsule can be taken after meals.It also reduces gas formation

5) Cucumber,watermelon,papaya and banana are fruits that give relief from acidity

6) Cold milk,coconut water,almonds and raw garlic are good fighters against acidity and heartburn

7) Take a little jaggery every hour for relief

8) Half glass of buttermilk with 1 tbsp coriander juice is effective in case of stomach burns,acidity and indigestion

9) Don't go to sleep immediately after dinner.Try having the nighttime meal by 8 pm.The digestive system slows down after that.

10) Morning and evening walks are helpful and so is yoga,for relief from stress and anxiety.

How to apply lipstick and liner?

2008-02-22T02:14:00.000-08:00

1) Apply all other make-up before putting on lipstick and lip liner.

2) Use a mirror where you can balance your elbow on a counter.

3) Make sure your hands are steady.

4) Begin by dabbing on a very small amount of lip balm or petroleum jelly to give your lips a little moisture.

5) Draw a thin line along the edge of your lips with a lip liner whose colour is one shade darker than your lipstick.Start at the center of the upper lip and work outwards.Hug the very outer edges to open up thin lips,and line well within the edges to open up thin lips,and line well within the edges to dolwplay excessively full lips.

6) Apply lipstick from the tube or by using a firm,small lipstick brush.Coat the lips evenly.Pay special attention to staying within the lips' edges.

7) Blot to remove any excess colour and to even out the texture.

8) Remember to touch lips up after a meal,as lipstick easily transfers onto coffee cups and water bottles.

PEDICURE AT HOME!

2008-02-15T20:35:00.000-08:00

Put on some music,light some candles and pamper yourself with these 6 simple steps......

1) Fill a tub with warm water and put in some bath or sea salts.Add 1 tbsp olive oil and soak your feet for 20 minutes.This will soften up the calluses.

2) Use an exfoliating scrub on the soles and give them a once over with a pumice stone.Wash off with cold water.

3) Use a nail cutter to trim your nails.Push back your cuticles gently but don't cut them.

4) Use a moisturiser and massage your feet well after drying them.Massage in upward strokes,from your toes to your calves.

5) Apply a base coat and two coats of nail polish,followed by a top coat.

6) After your nails are nails are completely dry,dab on some olive oil to your cuticles and nail beds.

Diet Fundas:

2008-02-15T03:29:00.000-08:00

1) Even if you rise late in the mornings,do drink a glass of luke warm water with a dash of lemon and honey.

2) You must have regular bowel movements in order to be healthy.

3) Late nights and erratic dinners are the best ways to mess up your digestive system.So go early to bed!

Love Signs:

2008-02-12T20:17:00.000-08:00

1) Apple: A symbol of ecstasy,fertility and abundance as well as love

2)Rose: The perfect love symbol,it represents all things sensual,sacred,pure and romantic

3) Cupid: Cupid or Eros means desire in Greek

4) Harp: It is a symbol of love in the form of lyrical art,poetry and music

5) Heart: Likely the most common symbol for love and certainly the most recognisable

6) Maple leaf: North American settlers used to place them at the foot of their beds to ward off demons and encourage sexual pleasure as well as peaceful sleep
7) Shell: Because of its hard casing,the shell symbolises the protective quality love sometimes takes.

CFS(Chronic Fatigue Syndrome):Some Information

2008-02-09T19:35:00.000-08:00

Chronic fatigue syndrome(CFS) is not the same as chronic fatigue.While fatigue is a common symptom in many illness,CFS is a multi-symptom disorder.The most common characteristic being severe mental and physical exhaustion,which is 'unrelieved by rest' and may be worsened by even trivial exertion.CFS occurs more often,but not exclusively,in women,for unknown reasons.

CFS is not primarily a dietary disorder but as in other debilitating illnesses,people suffering from this disease fail to consume a nutritious diet,leading to further exacerbation of fatigue and exhaustion.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS:

a) Avoid excessive sugar products,which may cause dramatic fluctuations in blood-glucose levels.High or low blood sugar levels may cause fatigue.Small meals at frequent intervals should be preferred.

b) Avoid excess and low salt intake.Excess salt could increase blood pressure and low salt)especially in summer months) could cause exhaustion.

c) A good intake of potassium must be maintained by taking citrus fruits.

d) Avoid foods low in essential nutrients and high in sugar and fat.Instead,eat nutritious foods,high-protein,complex carbohydrate foods such as vegetables,whole grains,beans,fish and poultry.Apples,oatmeal and oat bran are particularly beneficial.

e) Drink eight to ten glasses of water.

f) Nuts(almonds/walnuts) and fish provide essential fatty acids,which may provide good nutrients.

g) Two teaspoons of flaxseed oil a day,along with a magnesium supplement of 400 milligrams may help.

h) Sea greens,such as spirulina and blue-green algae ,contain many traces of minerals that are missing in the normal diet.

i) Anit-oxidants like selenium,glutathione,N-acetylcysteine,alpha-lipoic acid and CoQ10 have been reported to have some beneficial effects.

MANAGING ACTIVITY AND EXERCISE:

Strength and conditioning exercises are an important component of the overall activity program.Standard rehabilitative methods,such as resistance training and flexibility exercises,amy help improve stamina and function,increase strength anf flexibility,reduce pain and increase range of motion.

Activity should begin slowly with simple stretching and strengthening exercises.Functional exercises should include repeated hand stretches,sitting and standing,wall push-ups or picking up and grasping objects.Once this stage is mastered,resistance band exercises can be added to build strength anf flexibility.Patients should be careful to adhere to the principle of brief intervals of exercise,follwoed by adequate rest,to avoid post-exertional malaise.

Tricks with eggs!

2008-02-08T23:13:00.000-08:00

1) A tablespoon of dry sherry does wonders for scrambled eggs and omelettes.Beat it into the eggs before you cook them.

2) A tablespoon of vinegar aded to water before poaching eggs helps to keep the whites from spreading.

3) You can make an egg poacher to keep egg whites from spreading by removing the top and bottom of a tuna can.Place the cut-out can in a skillet of simmering water and crack the eggs into it.

4) When you hard-boil eggs of stuffing,stir them gently for the first two minutes.This sets the whites.The yolks will be in the centre,leaving a strong wall of white around the yolk that won't break when the eggs are stuffed.