Weight-loss tip: First, make sure you're ready

Ask yourself these questions to see if you're ready to start a weight-loss program.

Your weight-loss success depends on your readiness to take on the challenge. These questions can help you judge whether now is the best time to start your weight-loss program

1. Are you motivated to make long-term lifestyle changes that require eating healthy foods and exercising more?

Be honest. Knowing you need to make changes in your life and feeling up to the challenge are two different things.

2. Do you currently have distractions in your life that could affect your commitment to a weight-loss program?

You may set yourself up for failure if you're distracted by other major events in your life, such as marital problems, job stress, illness or financial worries. Give your life a chance to calm down before you start.

3. Do you truly believe that slower is better?

Losing weight at a relatively slow pace has proved safe, healthy and effective over the long term. You should aim for a weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds (0.5 to 1 kilogram) a week.

4. Are you realistic about your weight-loss goal?

Remember, losing as little as 5 to 10 percent of your weight can improve your health if you're overweight or obese. This means, for example, losing 10 to 20 pounds (4.5 to 9 kilograms) if you weigh 200 pounds (91 kilograms). Ask your doctor how much weight you can safely lose.
5. Do you have family and friends to support your weight-loss efforts?

It certainly helps to have someone in your corner. If you don't have someone you can rely on, consider joining a weight-loss support group.
6. Do you believe that you can change your eating habits?

Sounds easy to do in theory, but in practice, it's often difficult. It's hard to cast aside established behaviors and develop new lifestyle habits, but it can be done.
Are you willing to become more physically active? Increasing your level of physical activity is essential to losing weight and keeping it off.

7. Do you have time to keep records of your food intake and physical activity?

Keeping records increases your chance of success. You'll be pleasantly surprised by how helpful it is to track your progress.

8. Are you willing to look at past successes and failures in weight loss and other areas of your life?

Learn from the past about what motivates you. Keep working to resolve barriers that might prevent success.

9. Do you view a healthy-weight program as a positive experience? Losing weight doesn't have to be a bad experience. Many people find they feel better when they're more active and weigh less.

10. Have you resolved any eating disorders or other emotional issues that make it difficult for you to achieve a healthy weight? If you have a tendency to binge, purge, starve or overexert when you exercise, or if you're depressed or anxious, you may need professional help.

11. Do you believe that a healthy weight is a lifelong commitment? Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is a lifelong process. There's no going back to your old behaviors. Are you ready to make a permanent change?

If you answered yes to all of these questions, you're ready to make the lifestyle changes necessary for permanent weight loss.

If you answered no to one or more of these questions, you may not be ready. And that's OK. Explore what's holding you back and face those obstacles. In some cases it may be a simple matter of timing. For instance, you may need to resolve other problems in your life. In other cases, you may need to work on related issues — such as your feelings toward weight loss or your willingness to commit to permanent changes.

You may be able to make these changes alone, or you may feel you need additional help. Educating yourself about the process of successful weight loss and maintenance is a start. For example, learn more about the dietary changes necessary for losing weight. See a dietitian or enroll in a behavioral-based program — a program that can help you change the behaviors that can interfere with weight loss, such as eating when you're stressed or bored.

If you're ready for weight loss but fear you'll become discouraged quickly, think toward the future. As you become more physically active and make dietary changes, you'll feel better and have more energy. And rather than thinking of weight loss as a short-term drudgery, view it as an enjoyable, permanent lifestyle change.

How to calculate BMI? If you wish to calculate BMI yourself, below are the BMI formulas for both English units and metric units:

Metric Units: BMI = Weight (kg) / (Height (m) x Height (m))

English Units: BMI = Weight (lb) / (Height (in) x Height (in)) x 703

The BMI scale:

BODY TYPE BMI INDEX
Underweight <= 18.5

Normal weight 18.5 - 24.9

Overweight 25 - 29.9

Obese >= 30

From the chart above, we see that healthy BMI falls in the range between 18.5 and 24.9. People whose BMI falls in this range are considered healthy based on their weight and height. A healthy BMI actually covers a wide range of weights. For example, if you are 5'8", you can weigh anywhere between 122 pounds and 164 pounds and be considered healthy.

People who are in the overweight (25 - 29.9) and obese (>= 30) scales are considered to have too much body fat. According to the CDC, 63% of U.S. adults are either overweight or obese based on BMI in 2007. People who are in the underweight (<= 18.5) scale, on the other hand, are considered to have too little body fat.

Keep in mind that BMI index is only one measure of your health. Many other factors also play an important role in your health. As such, having a healthy BMI does not mean that your body is in perfect health.

Weight loss: 6 strategies for success

Make your weight-loss goals a reality. Follow these proven strategies.

You probably know that hundreds of different fad diets, weight-loss programs and outright scams promise quick and easy weight loss. But the foundation of every successful weight-loss program still remains a healthy, low-calorie diet combined with exercise. You must make permanent changes in your lifestyle and health habits to lose significant weight and keep it off.

How do you make those permanent changes? Follow these six strategies.

1. Make a commitment

Permanent weight loss takes time and effort. It requires focus and a lifelong commitment. Make sure that you're ready to make permanent changes and that you do so for the right reasons.

No one else can make you lose weight. In fact, external pressure — often from people closest to you — may make matters worse. You must undertake diet and exercise changes to please yourself.

As you're planning new weight-related lifestyle changes, try to resolve any other problems in your life. It takes a lot of mental and physical energy to change your habits. So make sure you aren't distracted by other major life issues, such as marital or financial problems. Timing is key to success. Ask yourself if you're ready to take on the challenges of serious weight loss.

2. Get emotional support

Only you can help yourself lose weight by taking responsibility for your own behavior. But that doesn't mean that you have to do everything alone. Seek support when needed from your partner, family and friends.

Pick people who you know want only the best for you and who will encourage you. Ideally, find people who will listen to your concerns and feelings, spend time exercising with you, and share the priority you've placed on developing a healthier lifestyle.

3. Set a realistic goal

When you're considering what to expect from your new eating and exercise plan, be realistic. Healthy weight loss occurs slowly and steadily. Aim to lose 1 to 2 pounds (0.5 to 1 kilogram) a week. To do this, you need to burn 500 to 1,000 calories more than you consume each day, through a low-calorie diet and regular exercise.

Make your goals "process goals," such as exercising regularly, rather than "outcome goals," such as losing 50 pounds (23 kilograms). Changing your process — your habits — is the key to weight loss. Make sure that your process goals are realistic, specific and measurable, for example, you'll walk for 30 minutes a day, five days a week.

4. Enjoy healthier foods

Adopting a new eating style that promotes weight loss must include lowering your total calorie intake. But decreasing calories need not mean giving up taste, satisfaction or even ease of meal preparation. One way you can lower your calorie intake is by eating more plant-based foods — fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Strive for variety to help you achieve your goals without giving up taste or nutrition.

5. Get active, stay active

Dieting alone can help you lose weight. Cutting 500 calories from your daily diet can help you lose about a pound a week: 3,500 calories equals 1 pound (0.5 kilogram) of fat. But add a 45- to 60-minute brisk walk four days a week, and you can double your rate of weight loss.

The goal of exercise for weight loss is to burn more calories, although exercise offers many other benefits as well. How many calories you burn depends on the frequency, duration and intensity of your activities. One of the best ways to lose body fat is through steady aerobic exercise — such as walking — for more than 30 minutes most days of the week.

Even though regularly scheduled aerobic exercise is best for losing fat, any extra movement helps burn calories. Lifestyle activities may be easier to fit into your day. Think about ways you can increase your physical activity throughout the day. For example, make several trips up and down stairs instead of using the elevator, or park at the far end of the lot.

6. Change your lifestyle

It's not enough to eat healthy foods and exercise for only a few weeks or even several months. You have to include these behaviors in your lifestyle. To do that, you have to change the behaviors that helped make you overweight in the first place. Lifestyle changes start with taking an honest look at your eating habits and daily routine.

After assessing your personal challenges to weight loss, try working out a strategy to gradually change habits and attitudes that have sabotaged your past efforts. Simply admitting your own challenges won't get you past them entirely. But it helps in planning how you'll deal with them and whether you're going to succeed in losing weight once and for all.

You likely will have an occasional setback. But instead of giving up entirely, simply start fresh the next day. Remember that you're planning to change your life. It won't happen all at once, but stick to your healthy lifestyle and the results will be worth it

Healthcare and Forums For Women

Healthcare Groups And Forums For Women Will Provide You With Much Needed Comfort

Some women go through issues and healthcare related problems that only other women would understand. And with healthcare being as expensive as it is today, it would help if you had someone there to talk to whenever you had a question that wouldn't cost you money to see them constantly.

That's why many women are joining healthcare groups for women. These support groups are where women with similar issues can bond and talk to each other; and essentially help each other through whatever they're going through. No matter what kind of problem you're having, there's a healthcare group for women out there that's waiting for you to join.

If you have a problem that you're going through such as cervical cancer, or some other women related problem that is terminal, it would help immensely to seek out a healthcare group for women where you can relate with other women going through similar issues.

There's always someone out there who is going through the same thing you are, even if it's a terminal illness, and there's undoubtedly a healthcare group for women just waiting for new members.

If you are looking for a group, contact a national women's health organization and see if they have any information regarding a healthcare group for women with members who are going through the same thing.
as you are. If you don't have one in your area, you may want to start one. Then, you can tell the national women's health organization about your support group in case anyone like you is looking for one to join.

Online forums are also great ways to find healthcare groups for women. Just do a search for whatever problem you're going through and there's likely a forum with other women just like you, ready to answer questions and to help you through what you're going through. Likewise, it would help to get on that forum yourself and answer any questions that you may know the answers to.
Somewhere out there may be a woman just looking for answers with nowhere else to turn. You could help start a healthcare group for women to help other women who think they're all alone in the world; just like you were before you found a group of your own.

Women's health is still somewhat of a hidden issue, but we as a society are seeming to become more and more okay and accepting of it.

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Natural solution ends nail fungus. This helped my mom.http://www.zetaclearnow.com/

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This one isn't really related to health but it really worked for me and I know a lot of moms want to stay home with their kids and this is how I do it. I couldn't believe how easy he makes it, I think it because he has step by step training videos.http://www.maverickmoneymakinggold.com/

BRANDS INNER SHINE-PATI PRUNE

Last month, my friends suggests me to take innershine coz my skin looks dull especially my face.ive tried many skincare products but result r the same. well after long she persisted me than i tried one. Wow to my surprise its does works. my skin doesn't looks dull anymore. it tastes good as well. i like it so much. it's not so expensive compare to the cost of skincare products i've been trying before. prune is a high antioxidant food and it is good for detoxifying, hence you will able to flush out your toxins. when u have good digestive system, your skin will be good as well. so, if u want to take for skin, i suggest you take the pati prune. u can just try it.it is nice to drink.by the way, the price at watson is RM 22.90. but if u buy at chinese drug store its only RM 19.50.i think it so much cheaper there.

i think u should take this pati prune bcoz pati prune rich with fiber n vit C which its good for skin also refresh our tiring body cause from less sleep hours.

What Is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is an uncontrolled growth of breast cells. To better understand breast cancer, it helps to understand how any cancer can develop.

Cancer occurs as a result of mutations, or abnormal changes, in the genes responsible for regulating the growth of cells and keeping them healthy. The genes are in each cell’s nucleus, which acts as the “control room” of each cell. Normally, the cells in our bodies replace themselves through an orderly process of cell growth: healthy new cells take over as old ones die out. But over time, mutations can “turn on” certain genes and “turn off” others in a cell. That changed cell gains the ability to keep dividing without control or order, producing more cells just like it and forming a tumor

A tumor can be benign (not dangerous to health) or malignant (has the potential to be dangerous). Benign tumors are not considered cancerous: their cells are close to normal in appearance, they grow slowly, and they do not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. Malignant tumors are cancerous. Left unchecked, malignant cells eventually can spread beyond the original tumor to other parts of the body.



Information Specialists at 1-800-4-CANCER and at LiveHelp (http://www.cancer.gov) can help you locate programs, services, and publications. Also, you may want to read the NCI fact sheet "National Organizations That Offer Services to People With Cancer and Their Families."

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

The first sign of breast cancer is a new lump or mass in the breast that you or your doctor can feel. A lump that is painless, hard, and has uneven edges is more likely to be cancer. But sometimes cancers can be tender, soft, and rounded. So it's important to have anything unusual checked by your doctor.

According to the American Cancer Society, any of the following unusual changes in the breast can be a symptom of breast cancer:

1. swelling of all or part of the breast
2. skin irritation or dimpling
3. breast pain
4. nipple pain or the nipple turning inward
5. redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
6. a nipple discharge other than breast milk
7. a lump in the underarm area

These changes also can be signs of less serious conditions that are not cancerous, such as an infection or a cyst. It’s important to get any breast changes checked out promptly by a doctor.

Stages of Breast Cancer

Stage 0
Cancer cells remain inside the breast duct, without invasion into normal adjacent breast tissue.

Stage I
Cancer is 2 centimeters or less and is confined to the breast (lymph nodes are clear).

Stage IIA
No tumor can be found in the breast, but cancer cells are found in the axillary lymph nodes (the lymph nodes under the arm) OR the tumor measures 2 centimeters or smaller and has spread to the axillary lymph nodes OR the tumor is larger than 2 but no larger than 5 centimeters and has not spread to the axillary lymph nodes.

IIB
The tumor is larger than 2 but no larger than 5 centimeters and has spread to the axillary lymph nodes OR the tumor is larger than 5 centimeters but has not spread to the axillary lymph nodes.

Stage IIIA
No tumor is found in the breast. Cancer is found in axillary lymph nodes that are sticking together or to other structures, or cancer may be found in lymph nodes near the breastbone OR the tumor is any size. Cancer has spread to the axillary lymph nodes, which are sticking together or to other structures, or cancer may be found in lymph nodes near the breastbone.

Stage IIIB
The tumor may be any size and has spread to the chest wall and/or skin of the breast AND may have spread to axillary lymph nodes that are clumped together or sticking to other structures, or cancer may have spread to lymph nodes near the breastbone. Inflammatory breast cancer is considered at least stage IIIB.

Stage IIIC
There may either be no sign of cancer in the breast or a tumor may be any size and may have spread to the chest wall and/or the skin of the breast AND the cancer has spread to lymph nodes either above or below the collarbone AND the cancer may have spread to axillary lymph nodes or to lymph nodes near the breastbone.

IV
The cancer has spread — or metastasized — to other parts of the body.

SKIN CANCER

Skin cancer is very serious. It can kill you. Skin cancer is a extremely serious condition affecting over millions of Americans every year. It is a fatal disease that can render you weak. Its incidence is multiplying every year, and yet, it is found to be preventable. With over a million new cases diagnosed annually in the United States, about eighty percent will be basal cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma constitutes the sixteen percent and four percent of the cases are melanoma. Skin cancer frequently appears on the areas of the body often exposed to the sun's rays

Types of Skin Cancer

Melanoma

The most serious form of skin cancer is melanoma which is easier to cure when detected in its early stage but fatal when the cancer spreads. The number of Caucasians affected with melanoma has tripled in the last twenty years. For women aged 25 to 29, melanoma is responsible for almost eighty percent of skin cancer fatalities.

Melanoma originates in the melanocytes, where the body's pigmentation is produced. Most melanomas are dark in color, either black or brown, but they can also be devoid of pigmentation, and become skin-colored, pink, red, or purple.

In situ melanoma cells responsible for the production of melanin, the body's pigment. Most melanomas are either black or brown but may sometimes be pink, red or purple. In situ melanoma are localized melanomas while invasive melanomas are those which have spread to other parts of the body, making it harder to treat.

Melanomas are usually brown, black, or multicolored patches, or nodules with an irregular outline. They may crust or bleed and often form on top of existing moles.

If a mole changes or you have any odd growths on your body, go immediately to the dermatologist or family doctor. Don't hesitate and don't delay.

Types of Skin Cancer

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Is frequently seen on areas that are always exposed to the sun's radiation although it may also be seen on any part of the body. They are often found on the skin but in some cases, it spreads to nearby tissues and organ systems, rendering it fatal. It commonly occurs on injured skin, like burns, scars, sores that have not yet healed for several weeks, or areas exposed to chemicals and radiation from x-rays. Sometimes, carcinomas appear just for no reason. Squamous cell carcinomas may also be genetically inherited.

The symptoms of squamous cell carcinomas:

1. A wartlike growth that crusts and may bleed.

2. A red, scaly patch with irregular borders that bleeds of crusts.

3. An open sore that bleeds and crusts for weeks and doesn't heal.

4. An elevated growth with a central depression that may bleed and could grow rapidly.

Types of Skin Cancer

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Is commonly seen in people with fair skin, light hair, and green, blue, or grey eyes although it may also affect dark skinned people. It is a slow growing type of cancer that is usually confined to one area of the body. It is also detected easily, thus increasing its chances of getting cured by 95 percent.

The five symptoms of basal cell carcinoma:

1. An open sore that bleeds, oozes, or crusts and remains open for more than three weeks.

2. A reddish patch on chest, arms, shoulders, or legs. May itch or hurt, or may not.

3. A shiny bump or nodule that's translucent. Can be any color, from white. pink, or red to tan, black, or brown. May be confused with a mole

4. A pink growth with a slightly elevated rolled border. Has a crusty center indentation. Tiny blood vessels may develop on the surface.

5. A scarlike area with poorly defined borders. Color is white, yellow or waxy.

7 BEAUTY TIPS

The top beauty tips every woman wanting to look her best should heed

1. Drink at least two liters. (eight glasses) of water a day. Water helps keep your skin hydrated. It also helps keep your body in good working order including your metabolism and digestive system, and helps to flush toxins from your body. Drinking water is good for internal as well as external beauty.

2. Get enough sleep.if they don't get enough sleep, then they pay for it with their looks. Inadequate sleep has been shown to be a risk factor in weight gain, hypertension, and type-2 diabetes. And if that's not enough, your skin will suffer, too. Our bodies use sleeping time to restore dead skin; if you don't get enough of it, your skin will look pale and gray, and you'll probably get black circles under your eyes. It's not called beauty sleep for nothing!

3. Don't spend too long in the sun.With all the sun's positive connotations, it's difficult to acknowledge that it can be harmful. When spending any significant length of time in the sun, always wear a sunscreen with a minimum SPF (sun protection factor) of 30. And always moisturize your skin after you've been in the sun. Remember that a suntan is a sign that your skin has been damaged. And premature aging has never been a good look!

4. Don't smoke!!.Dull, tired skin; premature wrinkles; yellow teeth; nicotine-stained fingers; and foul smelling breath are just a few of the effects of smoking.

5. Eat a healthy and varied diet. Eating a healthy diet isn't just important where your weight's concerned; your skin, eyes, teeth, nails, and hair can all benefit from foods rich in nutrients

6. Get regular exercise. Not only will regular exercise help your body look good, but it will improve blood circulation which in turn will deliver more oxygen and nutrition to your skin cells. Exercise doesn't have to take place in a gym, either -- a brisk 20-minute walk every day is enough to get the blood pumping and deliver results.

7. Watch your alcohol intake.While alcohol doesn't have to be avoided completely, it's wise to remember that too much of it can leave skin dehydrated, looking dull and puffy. It can also leave toxic by-products in the body resulting in premature aging (not to mention the calories it carries -- one glass of red wine has around 100 calories)

The Cobra Pose - Naga-asana

The Cobra Pose (Naga-asana) Instruction:
1
Lie on the stomach with the head turned to one side and the arms alongside the body with palms facing upward.
2
Turn the head and place the chin on the floor. Inhale then exhale slowly through the nostrils and swing the arms around until the hands are placed just below the chin with the palms down and the finger tips of each hand almost touching and the elbows on the floor.
3
Inhale slowly through the nostrils, press down on the hands and lift the torso from the waist up off the floor, arching the spine backwards and straightening the arms. Keep the hips on the floor.
4
Tilt the head as far back as possible and hold the posture for the duration of the inhaled breath.
5
Exhale and reverse the process to return to position

Comments:
If you find it uncomfortable holding the breath while the posture is held, breath gently through the nostrils. Some may find that they are able to arch the spine back even more than in the initial arch in step 3. In this case try "walking" the hands toward the pelvic region and stretching the head further back.
In addition to the obvious benefits to the spine and lower back, the standard variation of the naga-asana strengthens the wrists and stretches the muscles in the chest. By maintaining a constant exertion to create a greater arch in the spine, the stomach and pelvic muscles are strengthened. Greater strength in these areas can be cultivated by performing the variation where the arms remain on the ground. B.K.S. Iyengar, a renowned expert in yoga-asanas, claims that displaced spinal discs can be placed back in their original position by practicing the naga-asana.

Durations/Repetitions:
Hold the posture for either the duration of a held inhaled breath or from one-half to three minutes. Repeat the naga-asana two to five times.

Variations:
The are two variations to the naga-asana. For the first, keep the arms alongside the body with the palms facing down and lift the head and chest off the ground. This variation requires a little more strength in order to get the full arch of the spine. The second variation is for those who have a great deal of flexibility in the lower back. At the peak of the naga-asana bend the knees and attempt to touch the top of the head with the soles of the feet.

YOGA

Yoga is a Hindu discipline aimed at training the consciousness for a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquillity

Be kind to yourself when you practice yoga. Go slowly, especially in the beginning, and listen to your body. It knows what it can do. If it says "stop," stop. Don't push it. Yoga is not a competitive sport. You don't win points for matching a picture in a book (or on a website). If you push too hard, you probably won't enjoy it, and you may hurt yourself. Whenever possible, work with a teacher, and use books, videos and websites to supplement your classroom instruction. Most of all, stick with it. If you practice, you will improve. And you will feel better.

The Child Pose

1
Sit on your knees with your feet together and buttocks resting on your heels. Separate your knees about the width of your hips. Place your hands on your thighs, palms down. (This is the vajra-asana or Thunderbolt Pose).
2
Inhale deeply, then exhale as you bring your chest between your knees while swinging your arms forward.
3
Rest your forehead on the floor, if possible, and then bring your arms around to your sides until the hands on resting on either side of your feet, palms up.
4
Breath gently through your nostrils as you hold the posture. Hold for about one to two minutes. Then return to asn upright kneeling position with your back straight and your hands on your thighs.
5
Repeat the posture at least one more time.

healthy drinking for women's health

r u dringking enough water???
You can tell if you’re drinking enough water by keeping an eye on the color of your urine. If your urine is clear or light yellow and of good quantity, then you’re drinking a sufficient amount of water. On the other hand, if your urine is dark yellow and of a modest amount, you need to start drinking more water to avoid dehydration.
The basic rule is: You should drink 8 – 8 ounce glasses of water daily. That is one-half gallon of water consumption per day. You can do it!

WANTS TO LIVE LONGER? THIS BLOG WILL HELP YOU

I think health is one of those things that people often take for granted. They are always concentrating on such things as finding a mate or money and work. However, as the saying goes...without your health you have nothing. It often takes for people to actually have a real health scare before they truly realize this.
i also think health is very important in our life.If we are health only then we can get wealth. In order to gain gud health we need to take care of our eatables and diet. We shuld do regular workout and walk etc. After having meal never go to sleep, it would be better u go 4 a walk for a while.Everyone wants to live longer,eating decisions you life,i think this blog will help you.....

Recipes for Healthy Living

Grilled Chicken with Green Chile Sauce - Low Fat - Low Carb - High Protein - Heart Healthy Diet

Anytime is the right time to grill some juicy chicken breasts. Green chile sauce is an outstanding way to add just the right touch to this low fat, low-calorie, high protein entrée. Your family will rave over this taste-tempting grilled chicken with green chile sauce recipe that's sure to become a meal time favorite of your whole family.

Tasty Ways to Spice Up Your Vegetables

1. Carrots taste great with:Cinnamon, cloves, marjoram, nutmeg, rosemary, or sage.

2. Corn—Corn is easy to add taste to with:Cumin, curry powder, onion, paprika, or parsley.

3. Green Beans—Add a special touch to green beans with:Dill, curry powder, lemon juice, marjoram, oregano, tarragon, or thyme.

4 Greens—Greens and spice go hand-in-hand with these terrific spices:Garlic, onion, or pepper.

5. Peas—Some delicious ways to add flavor to your peas include:Ginger, marjoram, onion, parsley, sage.

6. Potatoes—Instead adding butter and salt to your potatoes, add flavor with:Dill, garlic, onion, paprika, parsley, or sage.

7. Summer Squash—The yummy taste of summer squash is enhanced with:Cloves, curry powder, marjoram, nutmeg, onion, rosemary, or sage.

8. Winter Squash—What could be better than winter squash with:Cinnamon, ginger, marjoram, or onion.

9. Tomatoes—There’s nothing better than ripe red tomatoes with:Basil, bay leaf, dill, marjoram, onion, oregano, parsley, or pepper.

Source: Keep the Beat, Heart Healthy Recipes from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute – NHLBI a part of the National Institutes of Health - NIH

Top Tips For Healthy Manicures

Millions of women visit manicurists to have their nails professionally manicured every year. Unfortunately, occasionally the result of having manicures is developing nail fungus or bacterial infections which can not only look bad, but may also feel even worse. Although HIV or AIDS can be transmitted through broken skin that occurs during a visit to a nail salon, this is extremely rare. What can you do to lower your risk of developing an infection or fungus, or HIV/AIDS, caused by a manicure? A few simple steps before your next manicure can significantly lower your risk of developing a painful nail infection or fungus, or disease.

1. Buy your own manicure or pedicure kit and take it with you when you visit your manicurist. Make sure you clean and disinfect your manicure kit after each use, even if you are the only one using your kit.
2. Bring your own nail polish, base coat, and top coats. Remove your old nail polish at home, or bring nail polish remover with you.
3. out the salon where you have your nails done. Does it look clean and sanitary? Is the trash container properly bagged and covered? Is the floor clean? Are the manicure tables kept neat and tidy? Is there plenty of good light? Look at the disinfectant containers and make sure that they are clear, clean, and free of debris.
4. you are not using your own manicure kit: Are all instruments cleaned and disinfected after each use? Does the manicurist use fresh, clean instruments on each client? Does the manicurist remove the clean, disinfected, instruments from the disinfectant in front of you? Make sure all files, buffers, and anything else that touches you is freshly clean before you allow the manicurist to begin.
5. sure the pedicure tub is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each client. The steps where clients typically step with bare feet at spa pedicures should be cleaned and disinfected before each client, as well.
Make sure that the manicurists wash their hands before and after each client, and that clients wash before their nails are done.
6. use a towel that is not fresh and clean.
7. Make sure that plenty of clean, disinfected, nail brushes are available for each client.
8. make sure that a new, unused, emory board is used for each client.
9. consider using cuticle softener, rather than cuticle scissors to reduce the risk of broken skin occurring.

If these sanitary precautions are not being taken at your nail salon, don’t be afraid to tell the shop owner what needs to change and what you expect from a manicurist and nail salon. Contact your state cosmetology board if you develop a nail infection, fungus, or other condition as a result of visiting a nail salon, or if you see unsanitary practices.