HEALTH AND WELLNESS

The fear of poverty is a state of mind, nothing else! But it is sufficient to destroy ones chances of achievement in any undertaking.                                                                  [1] INDIFFERENCE Commonly expressed through lack of ambition, willingness to tolerate poverty, acceptance of whatever compensation life may offer without protest, mental and physical laziness, lack of initiative, imagination, enthusiasm and selfcontrol.                                                                 [2] INDECISION The habit of permitting others to do ones thinking. Staying on the fence.                                                                [3] DOUBT Generally expressed through alibis and excuses designed to cover up, explain away, or apologize for ones failures, sometimes expressed in the form of envy of those who are successful, or by criticizing them.                                                              [4] WORRY U

     SOME HERBS AND THEIR USES              Alternative forms of medicine are also thriving in wealthy countries. Among the most popular types of alternative treatment are acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy, naturopathy, and herbal medicine. Some of these practices have been scientifically studied and proved beneficial for certain a condition, the effectiveness of certain methods, however, has not been adequately established.          The increased popularity of alternative types of medicine has raised some safety concerns. In many countries such healing therapies are not regulated. This provides an environment where harmful self-medication, counterfeit products, and quackery can thrive. Although being well-intentioned, friends and relatives lacking sufficient training often become self-appointed practitioners. All of this has resulted in adverse reactions and other health hazards.       In several countries where regulations are in place, alternative forms of therapies are gaining

        CHILD HEALTH: DOG, EPILEPSY AND HEART DISEASE . Some dogs that have been household pets for more than a year can foresee epileptic attacks in the children with whom they live. Researchers reached this conclusion after carrying out a study of 45 families. Several parents with epileptic children noticed that prior to an attack; their dog began to behave in a “peculiar way.” It would force the young one to sit down or would lean against the child’s side so that if he fell, the dog would break his fall.                                 Childhood experiences of physical or psychological hardship increase the child’s risk of suffering from heart disease later on in life. This conclusion was reached by researchers in Atlanta, Georgia, and San Diego, California, U.S.A., who examined the medical records of 17,337 adults. Science News explains that the participants were assessed according to “which of them, as children, had witnessed domestic violence, experienced mental or p

  Maria was afraid! Without warning, her nose had begun to bleed profusely. “I thought I was going to die,” she recalls. A doctor informed Maria that her nose-bleed had been caused by high blood pressure [arterial hypertension]. “But I feel fine,” answered Maria. “Many people do not know that they have high blood pressure because they have no symptoms,” she replied. What about your blood pressure? Could your current life-style cause high blood pressure in the future? What can you do to keep your blood pressure under control? Blood pressure is the force blood exerts against blood vessel walls. It can be measured using an inflatable rubber cuff, which is wrapped around the upper arm and connected to an apparatus that records pressure. Two readings are obtained. For example: 120/80. The first number is called SYSTOLIC blood pressure because it indicates blood pressure during the heartbeat [SYSTOLE], and the second number is called DIASTOLIC blood pressure because it indicates blood press

   STRANGE DISEASES were attacking children at an orphanage. the doctors were puzzled. If you walked through the rooms you'd see these tiny tots gaze at you with a haunting stare. how odd they looked -more like shriveled up old men and women. You heard no laughter, no sounds of children at play. They were slow to learn to stand and walk. Deep moans and long sighs were common. They had little appetite for food, became ill and died easily. The puzzled doctors did not know what was wrong. Hence, they did not know what to do.  Then, some wise soul with a healthy mothering instinct made a suggestion. She suggested some teenage girls from the local high school be invited to visit the orphanage. She then instructed these girls to become intimate with the children. She told them to pick the babies up, caress them, pet them, and fondle them. As if by magic, a miracle was wrought. The fondling, petting  and caressing made a dramatic, healthy change in the children. It was so obvious at the

   INTOXICATED CHILDREN In Britain a survey of accident and emergency departements in 50 hospitals has revealed that "children as young as six [6] are being admitted to hospital after BINGE DRINKING," reports The Daily Telegraph of London. In one hospital doctors and nurses reported treating as many as 100 intoxicated children a week during the summer vacation. "More than 70 percent of staff believed that children admitted to hospital for alcohol abuse were getting younger," says the paper. Also, a recent government report shows that alcohol-related deaths in Britain have tripled in 20 years. While heavy drinking may be considered a game to some, it is a very dangerous game! Excessive amount of alcohol deprive the brain of oxygen; vital bodily functions can begin to shut down. Symptoms may include vomiting, unconsciousness, and slow or irregular breathing. In some cases death can result. About a month after graduating from high school, 17-year-old Ese went to an “a

      SLEEPY TEENS: A MATTER OF CONCERN? Sleep deprivation diminishes mental ability and memory, and adolescent students are among the most at risk, says the Globe and Mail newspaper of Canada. “Lack of sleep in children and adolescents is also linked to behavioral problems, irritability and hyperactivity.” Scientists studied the sleep habits of some 2,200 high school students and found that about 47 percent were getting less than the recommended eight hours of sleep each night. While their life-style often deprives youths of needed sleep, “some of them also may be suffering from undiagnosed medical problems,” says the Globe. “Sleep APNEA affects some 4 per cent of children, aged 4 to 18.” During sleep, the airway at the back of the throat either partially or completely closes, restricting oxygen flow. Thus, the brain does not completely relax, and children wake up tired and cranky. Signs of a possible disorder include snoring or sneezing during sleep, frequent headaches in the mornin