Mexico swine flu death toll jumps to 19
By ALEXANDRA OLSON – 39 minutes ago
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico reported three new deaths from the swine flu epidemic Saturday and urged citizens not to let their guard down against a virus that has killed 19 in people in Mexico and is spreading across Asia and Europe.
Health Secretary Jose Angel Cordova said Mexico's confirmed swine flu cases jumped to 473, including the 19 deaths. The previous death toll in Mexico was 16. A Mexican toddler also died in Texas days ago, for a worldwide total of 20.
Mexico's last confirmed swine flu death occurred Wednesday, Cordova said. However, he said there were 11 cases of people suspected to have died from the virus in the last 24 hours. The alarming news came after the epidemic's toll in Mexico appeared to be leveling off.
Cases outside Mexico suggested the new swine flu strain is weaker than feared, but governments moved quickly anyway to ban flights and prepare quarantine plans. Experts warned the virus could mutate and come back with a vengeance.
In the first known reported case of the new, mutated virus infecting another species, pigs in the province of Alberta have become infected and are under quarantine. They apparently got the virus from a Canadian farm worker who recently visited Mexico and got sick with swine flu, Canadian officials said Saturday.
They told a press conference in Ottawa that the pigs do not pose a food safety risk, adding that the traveler recovered from the swine flu and the pigs are "well on their way to recovery." The outbreak occurred on a single farm, where about 10 percent of 2,200 pigs showed a fever and loss of appetite. No pigs have died from the virus, officials said.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it's too early to declare victory.
The World Health Organization also decided against a full pandemic alert, but that doesn't mean people can relax, said Dr. Mike Ryan, WHO's global alert and response director.
"These viruses mutate, these viruses change, these viruses can further reassort with other genetic material, with other viruses," he said. "So it would be imprudent at this point to take too much reassurance" from the small number of deaths.
"We have seen times where things appear to be getting better and then get worse again," said Dr. Anne Schuchat, the U.S. agency's interim science and public health deputy director. "I think in Mexico we may be holding our breath for some time."
The global caseload was nearing 800 and growing — the vast majority in Mexico, the U.S. and Canada. Costa Rica reported its first confirmed swine flu case — the first in Latin America outside Mexico.
Swine flu cases have been confirmed in 18 countries so far — including Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region — and experts believe the actual spread is much wider than the numbers suggest.
U.S. President Barack Obama urged caution Saturday.
"This is a new strain of the flu virus, and because we haven't developed an immunity to it, it has more potential to cause us harm," Obama said. Later, he spoke with Mexican President Felipe Calderon for about 20 minutes to share information.
What started as a swine flu outbreak more than a week ago in Mexico quickly ballooned to a global health threat, with the WHO declaring a pandemic was imminent. Now public health officials are having to carefully calibrate their statements. Push the message too far, and they could lose credibility if the virus fizzles out. But if they back off and it suddenly surges, the consequences could be much more dire.
Some Mexicans have criticized their government for reacting too slowly to the outbreak at first, and now for overreacting in ordering a five-day, nationwide shutdown of all nonessential government and private business. Responding to the attacks, Health Secretary Jose Angel Cordova said: "It's absurd to think that Mexico was putting on a show. I think it's preferable, at a certain moment, to take advanced measures and succeed in containing the problem than to not take them and ask, 'Why didn't we take them?'"
However, Cordova said hospitals are now handling fewer patients with swine flu symptoms, a sign that the disease is presently not very contagious. Mexican investigators who visited 280 relatives of victims found only four had the virus.
But experts said there is much they don't know about the outbreak in Mexico. A multinational team of virus sleuths are trying to piece together the epidemiological puzzle.
Cordova said 12 of the dead were between 21 and 40 — unusual ages for people to die of the flu because they tend to have stronger immune systems.
Three of the dead were children: a 9-year-old girl, a 12-year-old girl and a 13-year-old boy, said Pablo Kuri, an epidemiologist and adviser to Cordova. Four were older than 60.
Although most of the dead were from Mexico City, they came from different neighborhoods in the metropolis of 20 million people, Kuri said. One common factor may be that they sought treatment too late — an average of seven days before seeing a doctor. For those who recovered, the average wait was three days, said Hugo Lopez-Gatell Ramirez, deputy director of Mexico's Intelligence Unit for Health Emergencies.
Many of the sick around the world were people who had visited Mexico, including 13 of Britain's 15 cases.
South Korea reported Asia's second confirmed case — a woman just back from Mexico — and other governments prepared to quarantine airline passengers, eager to show how they have learned from the deadly SARS epidemic in 2003, when Hong Kong was criticized for imposing quarantines too slowly.
China suspended all direct flights from Mexico and sealed 305 people inside a Hong Kong hotel where an infected Mexican tourist stayed. Health workers in white bodysuits patrolled the lobby where the 25-year-old Mexican stayed before he became Asia's first confirmed case late Friday.
Mexican Foreign Minister Patricia Espinosa complained that China had isolated several Mexicans without reason — and urged Mexicans not to travel to China until the situation was resolved.
"These are discriminatory measures," she said.
Associated Press writers David B. Caruso in New York and Juan Carlos Llorca in Mexico City contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
How to prevent cancer?
Cancer prevention is easier than you think. With a few simple lifestyle changes, you can drastically reduce your risk of many types of cancer. Many factors play a role in cancer development, but the good news is that most can be avoided.
1. Avoid Smoking and Exposure to SmokeSmoking is the most significant cancer risk factor that we can reduce. It is responsible for not only lung cancer, but many other types of cancer. One of the best ways to prevent cancer is to quit smoking or never start. As soon as you quit, and it's never too late, your body reaps the benefits of being tobacco-free. Avoiding secondhand smoke is also a way to prevent cancer. Secondhand smoke is the smoke exhaled from a smoker or a lit cigarette, pipe or cigar. This smoke contains more than 60 known carcinogens". These carcinogens interrupt normal cell development. This interference is what ignites cancer development.
Can Cigars Cause Cancer?
Does Marijuana Increase Your Risk of Lung Cancer?
2. Practice Sun Safety and Recognize When Skin Changes Occur Did you know that over one million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year? Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer among men and women, and it accounts for about half of all cancer diagnoses. The good news is that skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. The first step in preventing skin cancer is to avoid UV ray exposure. We can do this by wearing sunscreen, avoiding mid-day sun, wearing protective clothing when outdoors, and by staying away from tanning beds. Here are some tips to get you started:
Common Sunscreen Mistakes
How to Fake a Summer Tan
Avoid the Sun: How to Take Your Walking Indoors
3. Eat Your Fruits and VeggiesA well-balanced diet is advantageous for many reasons. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables greatly reduces your risk of developing cancer and many other conditions. Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, which help repair our damaged cells. Green, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables are your best bet to help prevent cancer. Studies also show that dark fruits, like blueberries and grapes, may also have anti-cancer properties. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower appear to pack a powerful punch at preventing cancer, according to numerous studies. Other cruciferous vegetables include bok choy, Brussel sprouts, and cabbage.
Eat to Beat Cancer
6 Weeks to a Healthier Diet
Nutritional Benefits of Eating Berries
4. Limit Red Meat and Animal FatNumerous studies show that a diet high in animal fat increases the risk for several types of cancer, particularly colon cancer. Red meat contains much more fat than poultry and fish, so reducing the amount of red meat in your diet may help to prevent cancer. A diet high in fat also is major cause of obesity, which is a risk factor for many types of cancer.
Healthy Sources of Protein
Eat Beef and Still Stay Healthy
Quiz: How Healthy is Your Diet?
5. Limit Your Alcohol IntakeDrinking excessive amounts of alcohol regularly increases your risk factor for many types of cancer. Studies suggest that men who consume 2 alcoholic drinks per day and women who have 1 alcoholic drink per day significantly increase their risk factors for certain types of cancer.
How Alcohol Can Cause Lung Cancer
Signs You May Be an Alcoholic
Are You Troubled By Someone's Drinking?
6. Exercise for Cancer PreventionDid you know that when you are exercise, you are reducing your risk for many types of cancer? The American Cancer Society recommends exercising 30 or minutes, at least 5 days a week for cancer prevention. Exercising doesn't have to mean going to the gym to lift weights. There are plenty of ways to get exercise into your day. Check out these 10 ways to prevent cancer through exercise for great gym alternatives.
How Exercise Can Reduce Your Breast Cancer Risk
Can Exercise Prevent Lung Cancer?
Exercise for Beginners
7. Know Your Personal and Family Medical HistoryKnowing your family history of cancer is important to properly assess your risk factor for certain types of cancer. We know that cancers like breast, colon, ovarian, and possibly other types can be hereditary. If you know that a certain type of cancer runs in your family, let your doctor know. Together, you can determine a proper screening plan and assess your true risk. Genetic testing and counseling is available and may be recommended based on your family's medical history.
Should You Have the Breast Cancer Gene Test?
How to Properly Record Your Family Medical History
How to Get Your Family Medical History if You are Adopted
8. Know What You're Being Exposed to in Your Work EnvironmentChemicals in the workplace may increase your risk of developing many types of cancer, including kidney cancer and bladder cancer. If you are exposed to fumes, dust, chemicals, etc. in the workplace, you have a legal right to know what you are being exposed to. Gasoline, diesel exhaust, arsenic, beryllium, vinyl chloride, nickel chromates, coal products, mustard gas, and chloromethyl ethers are all carcinogens and can be found in some work environments. Talk to your employer about limiting exposure.
Could My Job Put Me at Risk for Lung Cancer?
Do Chemicals Increase Your Risk of Breast Cancer?
Do You Know What the Carcinogen Hazard Symbol Looks Like?
9. Practice Safe SexYou may wonder what sex has to do with cancer. Unsafe sex can result in the infection of the human papillomairus (HPV), a known cause for cervical cancer and a risk factor for many other types of cancer. HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that is spread through sexual, skin-to-skin contact. A vaccine, Gardasil, to prevent HPV was approved by the FDA in 2006 and protects against four strains of HPV that are associated with cervical cancer and other types. HIV/AIDS is also associated with some types of cancers.
What Is HPV and How Do You Get It?
HPV Symptoms
How to Prevent HPV
10. Get Screened for Cancer RegularlyCancer screening tests can be useful not only in detecting cancer, but also helping prevent it. Screening tests like the colonoscopy and Pap smear can detect abnormal cellular changes before they turn cancerous. The key to their effectiveness, however, is that they are done regularly. Other cancer screening tests are available and may be useful for early detection, but not necessarily cancer prevention. Prostate cancer screening through digital rectal exams and PSA tests can help detect prostate cancer early. Mammograms and other imaging tools are also recommended to detect breast cancer in women.
1. Avoid Smoking and Exposure to SmokeSmoking is the most significant cancer risk factor that we can reduce. It is responsible for not only lung cancer, but many other types of cancer. One of the best ways to prevent cancer is to quit smoking or never start. As soon as you quit, and it's never too late, your body reaps the benefits of being tobacco-free. Avoiding secondhand smoke is also a way to prevent cancer. Secondhand smoke is the smoke exhaled from a smoker or a lit cigarette, pipe or cigar. This smoke contains more than 60 known carcinogens". These carcinogens interrupt normal cell development. This interference is what ignites cancer development.
Can Cigars Cause Cancer?
Does Marijuana Increase Your Risk of Lung Cancer?
2. Practice Sun Safety and Recognize When Skin Changes Occur Did you know that over one million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year? Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer among men and women, and it accounts for about half of all cancer diagnoses. The good news is that skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. The first step in preventing skin cancer is to avoid UV ray exposure. We can do this by wearing sunscreen, avoiding mid-day sun, wearing protective clothing when outdoors, and by staying away from tanning beds. Here are some tips to get you started:
Common Sunscreen Mistakes
How to Fake a Summer Tan
Avoid the Sun: How to Take Your Walking Indoors
3. Eat Your Fruits and VeggiesA well-balanced diet is advantageous for many reasons. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables greatly reduces your risk of developing cancer and many other conditions. Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, which help repair our damaged cells. Green, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables are your best bet to help prevent cancer. Studies also show that dark fruits, like blueberries and grapes, may also have anti-cancer properties. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower appear to pack a powerful punch at preventing cancer, according to numerous studies. Other cruciferous vegetables include bok choy, Brussel sprouts, and cabbage.
Eat to Beat Cancer
6 Weeks to a Healthier Diet
Nutritional Benefits of Eating Berries
4. Limit Red Meat and Animal FatNumerous studies show that a diet high in animal fat increases the risk for several types of cancer, particularly colon cancer. Red meat contains much more fat than poultry and fish, so reducing the amount of red meat in your diet may help to prevent cancer. A diet high in fat also is major cause of obesity, which is a risk factor for many types of cancer.
Healthy Sources of Protein
Eat Beef and Still Stay Healthy
Quiz: How Healthy is Your Diet?
5. Limit Your Alcohol IntakeDrinking excessive amounts of alcohol regularly increases your risk factor for many types of cancer. Studies suggest that men who consume 2 alcoholic drinks per day and women who have 1 alcoholic drink per day significantly increase their risk factors for certain types of cancer.
How Alcohol Can Cause Lung Cancer
Signs You May Be an Alcoholic
Are You Troubled By Someone's Drinking?
6. Exercise for Cancer PreventionDid you know that when you are exercise, you are reducing your risk for many types of cancer? The American Cancer Society recommends exercising 30 or minutes, at least 5 days a week for cancer prevention. Exercising doesn't have to mean going to the gym to lift weights. There are plenty of ways to get exercise into your day. Check out these 10 ways to prevent cancer through exercise for great gym alternatives.
How Exercise Can Reduce Your Breast Cancer Risk
Can Exercise Prevent Lung Cancer?
Exercise for Beginners
7. Know Your Personal and Family Medical HistoryKnowing your family history of cancer is important to properly assess your risk factor for certain types of cancer. We know that cancers like breast, colon, ovarian, and possibly other types can be hereditary. If you know that a certain type of cancer runs in your family, let your doctor know. Together, you can determine a proper screening plan and assess your true risk. Genetic testing and counseling is available and may be recommended based on your family's medical history.
Should You Have the Breast Cancer Gene Test?
How to Properly Record Your Family Medical History
How to Get Your Family Medical History if You are Adopted
8. Know What You're Being Exposed to in Your Work EnvironmentChemicals in the workplace may increase your risk of developing many types of cancer, including kidney cancer and bladder cancer. If you are exposed to fumes, dust, chemicals, etc. in the workplace, you have a legal right to know what you are being exposed to. Gasoline, diesel exhaust, arsenic, beryllium, vinyl chloride, nickel chromates, coal products, mustard gas, and chloromethyl ethers are all carcinogens and can be found in some work environments. Talk to your employer about limiting exposure.
Could My Job Put Me at Risk for Lung Cancer?
Do Chemicals Increase Your Risk of Breast Cancer?
Do You Know What the Carcinogen Hazard Symbol Looks Like?
9. Practice Safe SexYou may wonder what sex has to do with cancer. Unsafe sex can result in the infection of the human papillomairus (HPV), a known cause for cervical cancer and a risk factor for many other types of cancer. HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that is spread through sexual, skin-to-skin contact. A vaccine, Gardasil, to prevent HPV was approved by the FDA in 2006 and protects against four strains of HPV that are associated with cervical cancer and other types. HIV/AIDS is also associated with some types of cancers.
What Is HPV and How Do You Get It?
HPV Symptoms
How to Prevent HPV
10. Get Screened for Cancer RegularlyCancer screening tests can be useful not only in detecting cancer, but also helping prevent it. Screening tests like the colonoscopy and Pap smear can detect abnormal cellular changes before they turn cancerous. The key to their effectiveness, however, is that they are done regularly. Other cancer screening tests are available and may be useful for early detection, but not necessarily cancer prevention. Prostate cancer screening through digital rectal exams and PSA tests can help detect prostate cancer early. Mammograms and other imaging tools are also recommended to detect breast cancer in women.
How to Prevent Heart attack
How Can a Heart Attack Be Prevented?
Lowering your risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) can help you prevent a heart attack. (See "Who Is At Risk for a Heart Attack?") Even if you already have CAD, you can still take steps to lower your risk of heart attack.
Reducing the risk of heart attack usually means making healthy lifestyle choices. You also may need treatment for medical conditions that raise your risk.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Healthy lifestyle choices to help prevent heart attack include:
Following a low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Pay careful attention to the amounts and types of fat in your diet. Lower your salt intake. These changes can help lower high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol.
Losing weight if you're overweight or obese.
Quitting smoking.
Doing physical activity to improve heart fitness. Ask your doctor how much and what kinds of physical activity are safe for you.
Treat Related Conditions
In addition to making lifestyle changes, you can help prevent heart attacks by treating conditions you have that make a heart attack more likely:
High blood cholesterol. You may need medicine to lower your cholesterol if diet and exercise aren't enough.
High blood pressure. You may need medicine to keep your blood pressure under control.
Diabetes (high blood sugar). If you have diabetes, control your blood sugar levels through diet and physical activity (as your doctor recommends). If needed, take medicine as prescribed.
Have an Emergency Action Plan
Make sure that you have an emergency action plan in case you or someone else in your family has a heart attack. This is especially important if you're at high risk or have already had a heart attack.
Talk with your doctor about the signs and symptoms of heart attack, when you should call 9–1–1, and steps you can take while waiting for medical help to arrive
Lowering your risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) can help you prevent a heart attack. (See "Who Is At Risk for a Heart Attack?") Even if you already have CAD, you can still take steps to lower your risk of heart attack.
Reducing the risk of heart attack usually means making healthy lifestyle choices. You also may need treatment for medical conditions that raise your risk.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Healthy lifestyle choices to help prevent heart attack include:
Following a low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Pay careful attention to the amounts and types of fat in your diet. Lower your salt intake. These changes can help lower high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol.
Losing weight if you're overweight or obese.
Quitting smoking.
Doing physical activity to improve heart fitness. Ask your doctor how much and what kinds of physical activity are safe for you.
Treat Related Conditions
In addition to making lifestyle changes, you can help prevent heart attacks by treating conditions you have that make a heart attack more likely:
High blood cholesterol. You may need medicine to lower your cholesterol if diet and exercise aren't enough.
High blood pressure. You may need medicine to keep your blood pressure under control.
Diabetes (high blood sugar). If you have diabetes, control your blood sugar levels through diet and physical activity (as your doctor recommends). If needed, take medicine as prescribed.
Have an Emergency Action Plan
Make sure that you have an emergency action plan in case you or someone else in your family has a heart attack. This is especially important if you're at high risk or have already had a heart attack.
Talk with your doctor about the signs and symptoms of heart attack, when you should call 9–1–1, and steps you can take while waiting for medical help to arrive
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION(6 MODULES A SPEAKER SHOULD HAVE DURING PRESENTATION)
1)GENERAL RULES
-HANDS OUT OF THE POCKET
-STAND IN THE CENTER IF YOU HAVE CONFIDENCE
-DO NOT GET PAPER OR LASER WHILE YOU ARE SHIVERING
-DON'T ELEPHANT ROCK,LION IN THE CAGE WHILE YOU ARE DOING YOUR PRESENTATION
2)ORGANISE YOUR PRESENTATION
-OPENING-CAPTIVATE
-CONTENT
CLOSING-RECAPTIVATE
3)VOCAL VARIETY
-TONE
-SPEAK TO GET THE INTEREST OF THE AUDIENCE
4)WORKING WITH WORDS
-USE COLOURFUL WORDS
-USE DESCRIPTIVE WORDS
-USE A GOOD VOCABULARY
5)EYE CONTACT, HAND GESTURES
-DO NOT ONLY SEE AN ANGLE WHILE YOU ARE SPEAKING
-USE LESS HAND GESTURE WHILE YOU ARE SPEAKING
6)ADD HUMOUR IN YOUR PRESENTATION
-ADD SOME JOKES
-HANDS OUT OF THE POCKET
-STAND IN THE CENTER IF YOU HAVE CONFIDENCE
-DO NOT GET PAPER OR LASER WHILE YOU ARE SHIVERING
-DON'T ELEPHANT ROCK,LION IN THE CAGE WHILE YOU ARE DOING YOUR PRESENTATION
2)ORGANISE YOUR PRESENTATION
-OPENING-CAPTIVATE
-CONTENT
CLOSING-RECAPTIVATE
3)VOCAL VARIETY
-TONE
-SPEAK TO GET THE INTEREST OF THE AUDIENCE
4)WORKING WITH WORDS
-USE COLOURFUL WORDS
-USE DESCRIPTIVE WORDS
-USE A GOOD VOCABULARY
5)EYE CONTACT, HAND GESTURES
-DO NOT ONLY SEE AN ANGLE WHILE YOU ARE SPEAKING
-USE LESS HAND GESTURE WHILE YOU ARE SPEAKING
6)ADD HUMOUR IN YOUR PRESENTATION
-ADD SOME JOKES
Sunday, April 26, 2009
The dangers of smoking
What are the dangers of using:
Whatever you and I think about cannabis, it is against the law. That is why I have put cannabis under the heading of drugs rather than on this page. Actually, tobacco is a drug, but smoking it is not against the law (unless you are under age) so I have not put it on the drugs page. For that matter, tea and coffee are also considered as drugs. | |||||||||||
Smoking cigarettes can cause:
| |||||||||||
Smoking cigars can cause:
It is less likely to cause damage to the lungs because cigar smokers do not usually inhale very much smoke: it is too strong. They are less likely to "chain smoke". | |||||||||||
Smoking a pipe can cause:
Again, the smoke can be very strong, so pipe smokers are less likely to inhale the smoke. | |||||||||||
Taking snuff can cause:
| |||||||||||
Smoking herbal tobacco can cause:
You might have thought that herbal tobacco is safe. Well, it does not contain nicotine so that reduces the chances of getting heart disease, but there will still be tar in the smoke which can damage your lungs. | |||||||||||
| Most smokers are aware of the dangers of smoking. They may think that they have a right to smoke; after all, it is not against the law. Perhaps it is not so simple. When a smoker ends up in hospital needing treatment for emphysema, or lung cancer, their treatment costs money. The National Health Service is paid for out of our taxes. Their disease costs us money. |
What causes heart attack?
What Causes a Heart Attack?
Most heart attacks occur as a result of coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is the buildup over time of a material called plaque on the inner walls of the coronary arteries. Eventually, a section of plaque can break open, causing a blood clot to form at the site. A heart attack occurs if the clot becomes large enough to cut off most or all of the blood flow through the artery.
Coronary Artery With Plaque Buildup
The illustration shows a normal artery with normal blood flow (figure A) and an artery containing plaque buildup (figure B).
The blocked blood flow prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching the part of the heart muscle fed by the artery. The lack of oxygen damages the heart muscle. If the blockage isn’t treated quickly, the damaged heart muscle begins to die.
Heart attack also can occur due to problems with the very small, microscopic blood vessels of the heart. This condition is called microvascular disease. It’s believed to be more common in women than in men.
Another less common cause of heart attack is a severe spasm (tightening) of a coronary artery that cuts off blood flow through the artery. These spasms can occur in coronary arteries that don’t have CAD. It’s not always clear what causes a coronary artery spasm, but sometimes it can be related to:
- Taking certain drugs, such as cocaine
- Emotional stress or pain
- Exposure to extreme cold
- Cigarette smoking
Flaxseed
| The seeds and oil of the flax plant contain substances which promote good health. Flaxseed and flaxseed oil are rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential fatty acid that appears to be beneficial for heart disease. ALA belongs to a group of substances called omega-3 fatty acids. |  |
Good health requires the right ratio of Omega 3 fatty acids to Omega 6 fatty acids in the diet. The ideal ratio is around 1:2. The average american diet is more around 1:20 to 1:50, with way too much Omega 6 and not enough Omega 3. The ratio present in Flaxseed oil is about 4:1. So flaxseed oil is a good source of Omega 3. You should consume every day small portions of flaxseed or flaxseed oil. However if flaxseed oil is used in the diet for long time, without other oils, it may cause Omega 6 LA deficiency symptoms. So the best bet is to blend flaxseed oil with other oils that contain more Omega 6, in order to get the right balance, such as sesame oil, sunflower oil, evening primrose oil.
Flaxseed oil is good for the heart because it is the richest source of alpha-linolenic acid. Flaxseed itself (ground or whole) also contains lignans, which may have antioxidant actions and may help protect against certain cancers, though not everyone agrees on this issue.
Benefits of including some flaxseed in your diet
Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil may help to:
- Lower cholesterol, protect against heart disease and control high blood pressure. Several studies indicate that flaxseed oil, as well as ground flaxseeds, can lower cholesterol, thereby significantly reducing the risk of heart disease. Flaxseed oil may also have a protective effect against angina (chest pain) and high blood pressure. In addition, a 5-year study done recently at Boston's Simmons College found that flaxseed oil may be useful in preventing a 2nd heart attack. It may also help prevent elevated blood pressure by inhibiting inflammatory reactions that cause poor circulation and artery-hardening plaque.
- Counter inflammation associated with lupus and gout. Omega-3 fatty acids appear to limit the inflammatory reaction associated with these conditions. In cases of lupus, flaxseed oil not only reduces inflammation in the joints, kidneys and skin, but also lowers cholesterol levels that may be elevated by the disease. Taking flaxseed oil for gout may lessen the often sudden and severe joint pain or swelling that is a symptom of this condition.
- Control constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticular disorders. Because they are high in soluble fiber, ground flaxseeds can help ease the passage of stools and thus relieve constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticular disease.
- Reduce cancer risk. The lignans in flaxseed appear to play a role in protecting against breast, colon, prostate, and perhaps skin cancer. In one study(1), prostate cancer patients who added about 3 heaping tablespoons of ground flaxseed daily to their diet, had more slowly-dividing tumor cells and a greater rate of tumor cell death than men who did not follow such a diet, after about 5 weeks.
The researchers found no significant difference in levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA), a protein in the blood which indicates prostate cancer progression, between the 2 groups - although men in the early stages of the disease experienced a trend toward lower levels.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men, excluding skin cancers. The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 198,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. While the cancer will be diagnosed in about 1 in 6 men, about 1 in 30 will die of the disease.
Flaxseed oil with cottage cheese?
Dr. Johanna Budwig is known and highly respected around the world, as Germany's premier biochemist. Over the years she has published a number of books including "Flax Oil as a True Aid Against Arthritis, Heart Infarction, Cancer, and other Diseases".
In the mid 1950's, Dr. Budwig began her extensive research on the benefits of flaxseed because of its rich essential fatty acid content known as "linoleic and linolenic". Dr. Budwig assisted many seriously ill, even those who were given up for terminal by orthodox medical doctors, helping them to regain their health through a simple regimen of flaxseed oil blended with cottage cheese.
Dr. Budwig supplemented her patients' diets with 2 tablespoons of flaxseed oil combined with 1/4 cup of cottage cheese. Dr. Budwig found that a yellowish green substance in their blood was replaced with a healthy red pigment, hemoglobin. She also found that the tumors receded and disappeared, anemia was alleviated, and vital energy was regained.
Here is Dr. Johanna Budwig's Blend:
| Put in your blender:
|
(red hot chilly pepper)
Why cottage cheese? Flaxseed oil is made more effective when 2 tablespoons of the oil are added to 1/4 cup of cottage cheese. The essential fats bind to the proteins in the cottage cheese making them more easily absorbed by your body.
For more information on this dynamic duo, you may want to check out the book “Fats That Heal - Fats That Kill” by Udo Erasmus.
Ground flaxseed or flaxseed oil?
Liquid flaxseed oil is the easiest form to use, although it must be kept refrigerated. It is available either in liquid form, or in capsules.
If you prefer to use ground flaxseeds, just add 1 or 2 tablespoons of to an 8-ounce glass of water and mix. Flaxseeds have a pleasant, nutty flavor and taste good sprinkled on salads, cooked vegetables, or cereals.
I recommend you grind the seeds (or buy ground flaxseed) because whole seeds simply pass through the body. Grinding the seeds just before using them best preserves flavor and nutrition, but pre-ground seeds are more convenient. Keep them refrigerated. There are no nutritional differences between brown and yellow seeds.
For best absorption, take flaxseed oil with food. It is easily mixed into juices and other drinks, and its nutty, buttery flavor complements cottage cheese, yogurt and many other foods. You can also use it instead of olive oil in a salad dressing. Don't cook with it, however, as this will deplete the oil's nutrient content.
In my opinion the best price on the internet for high quality flaxseed oil is here
Buy flaxseed oil in an opaque plastic bottle. This will prevent light from spoiling it. Also check the expiration date on the label, as the oil spoils quickly. Keep it refrigerated for freshness. Should the oil develop a powerful odor, discard it.
The differences between margarine and butter
Original Reference: C&E News, August 16, 2004,
p. 24
Premise/Problem and Goals: The goal is to show the chemical structures of butter and margarine and discuss the chemical differences between them.
Importance: Butter and margarine are different
chemical compounds with different implications for
human nutrition. It is useful and interesting to
understand this difference and make one’s food
decisions accordingly.
Relevance to Course: Butter is made up of fatty
acids, which are long chains of carbon atoms with a
carboxylic acid group at one end. Fatty acids can
be saturated (no double bonds between the
carbons) or unsaturated (some double bonds
between the carbons). The saturated fatty acids
include myristic acid (14 carbons, including the
carboxylic acid carbon), palmitic acid (16 carbons),
and stearic acid (18 carbons) carbons). Saturated
fatty acids are simple linear chains that pack
together easily and stay solid to higher
temperatures (e. g., the melting point of stearic acid
is 70 degrees C). Butter is made mostly of
saturated fatty acids.
Unsaturated fatty acids can be
monounsaturated (one double bond per chain), or
polyunsaturated (several double bonds per chain).
The chains usually have a cis conformation around
the double bond, causing bends in the molecules.
The bends and stiffer chains mean that unsaturated
fatty acids do not pack together well. Thus
unsaturated fatty acids melt at lower temperatures
and tend to be liquids at room temperature. Oils
such as olive oil or corn oil have mostly unsaturated
fatty acids.
Unsaturated fatty acids can be converted to
saturated acids by hydrogenation: heating under
pressure in the presence of hydrogen and a metal
catalyst. The hydrogenation can be complete (all
carbon double bonds changed to single bonds) or
partial (some double bonds remaining). Partial
hydrogenation can convert some cis double bonds
to trans double bonds, producing trans fatty acids.
If the double bonds oxidize in air, then the oil
becomes rancid, so saturated fatty acids keep
better than do unsaturated fatty acids.
Margarine is made from partially
hydrogenated oils. The greater the hydrogenation,
the harder the margarine. Other ingredients are
added for flavor: buttermilk, salt, preservatives,
vitamins. Margarine is lower in cost than butter.
Margarines can be made to have fewer calories per
serving, by reducing the ratio of fats to water.
Saturated fats are known to raise the level
of cholesterol (LDL - low density lipoprotein) in the
blood, which increases the danger of heart disease.
Margarine has no inherent cholesterol and is made
of only partially saturated fatty acids, so it may be
preferable to butter. On the other hand, trans fatty
acids are also known to increase LDL cholesterol,
and margarine has more trans fatty acids than
butter. The makers of margarine are now finding
ways to reduce the trans fatty acid content.
In general, saturated fatty acids and trans
fatty acids are to be avoided in the diet.
Stearic acid is a saturated fatty
acid with a melting point of
53.9 °C.
Oleic acid is a monounsaturated
fatty acid with a melting point
of 16.2 °C.
Linoleic acid is a
polyunsaturated fatty acid with
a melting point of –5 °C.
p. 24
Premise/Problem and Goals: The goal is to show the chemical structures of butter and margarine and discuss the chemical differences between them.
Importance: Butter and margarine are different
chemical compounds with different implications for
human nutrition. It is useful and interesting to
understand this difference and make one’s food
decisions accordingly.
Relevance to Course: Butter is made up of fatty
acids, which are long chains of carbon atoms with a
carboxylic acid group at one end. Fatty acids can
be saturated (no double bonds between the
carbons) or unsaturated (some double bonds
between the carbons). The saturated fatty acids
include myristic acid (14 carbons, including the
carboxylic acid carbon), palmitic acid (16 carbons),
and stearic acid (18 carbons) carbons). Saturated
fatty acids are simple linear chains that pack
together easily and stay solid to higher
temperatures (e. g., the melting point of stearic acid
is 70 degrees C). Butter is made mostly of
saturated fatty acids.
Unsaturated fatty acids can be
monounsaturated (one double bond per chain), or
polyunsaturated (several double bonds per chain).
The chains usually have a cis conformation around
the double bond, causing bends in the molecules.
The bends and stiffer chains mean that unsaturated
fatty acids do not pack together well. Thus
unsaturated fatty acids melt at lower temperatures
and tend to be liquids at room temperature. Oils
such as olive oil or corn oil have mostly unsaturated
fatty acids.
Unsaturated fatty acids can be converted to
saturated acids by hydrogenation: heating under
pressure in the presence of hydrogen and a metal
catalyst. The hydrogenation can be complete (all
carbon double bonds changed to single bonds) or
partial (some double bonds remaining). Partial
hydrogenation can convert some cis double bonds
to trans double bonds, producing trans fatty acids.
If the double bonds oxidize in air, then the oil
becomes rancid, so saturated fatty acids keep
better than do unsaturated fatty acids.
Margarine is made from partially
hydrogenated oils. The greater the hydrogenation,
the harder the margarine. Other ingredients are
added for flavor: buttermilk, salt, preservatives,
vitamins. Margarine is lower in cost than butter.
Margarines can be made to have fewer calories per
serving, by reducing the ratio of fats to water.
Saturated fats are known to raise the level
of cholesterol (LDL - low density lipoprotein) in the
blood, which increases the danger of heart disease.
Margarine has no inherent cholesterol and is made
of only partially saturated fatty acids, so it may be
preferable to butter. On the other hand, trans fatty
acids are also known to increase LDL cholesterol,
and margarine has more trans fatty acids than
butter. The makers of margarine are now finding
ways to reduce the trans fatty acid content.
In general, saturated fatty acids and trans
fatty acids are to be avoided in the diet.
Stearic acid is a saturated fatty
acid with a melting point of
53.9 °C.
Oleic acid is a monounsaturated
fatty acid with a melting point
of 16.2 °C.
Linoleic acid is a
polyunsaturated fatty acid with
a melting point of –5 °C.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Family Gathering with my father's families every year
My father's families will gather together every year in December. Last December was my father to organise the family gathering. Every year we learn to appreciate each other. It is a very useful gathering. My father's brother will take turn to organise it every year. This year our family gathering will be in Kelantan. I hope that flooding will not affect the state.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
MY 18TH BIRTHDAY (29-12-2009)
My 18th birthday falls on 29-12-2009.I hope that many of my friends know about it and wish me during the date through sms. Previous years during my birthday date,my handphone was very quiet(EXCEPT MY RELATIVE WISH) nobody gonna wish me. Even my best friends from my club they don't even wish me. I am very frustrated. I hope that this year can receive more sms to wish me during my birthday date. With that I put my contact number here:012-4470171.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
COLLEGE LIFE
After the government general examination(SPM) in the year 2008,I started to think of my future study. I even discussed my future study with my parents. At last they decided that college study is more faster than after form six study. Now I have already studied in INTI international college Penang for about four months. That means that semester 1 had finished. During my study in college I really gained experience in college. In college we don't need to face on discipline teacher. We can wear our own attire as we like. It is really fun. During breaktime, I get close with my friends to go out to eat sometimes. But not everytime I am very lucky to do that. Long semester break (19/4/09-3/5/09). It is too short for me to hang around with my friends. But now going to have semester 2. Study and assignment are coming very fast. Time being is really fast. I hope to finish the study on time.
AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE
Last December,my family and I went to Mt Kinabalu with my father entire business partner's family.We were altogether 22 person in a group and the youngest one was just 6yrs old.We planned to hike up.Well Mt Kinabalu is the highest mountain in Southeast Asia. It measures 4095.2meter a.s.l.Usually the climbers there will divide the hike into 2days.1st day it is the virgin jungle.It took about 5-6hrs hike.The second day it took about 2-3hrs hike.
The next morning the tour guide helped us to register our names.He introduced 4 mountain guides to us and asked us whether we need them to carry the luggages or not.It was RM8.00 per kilogram. at last we decided to carry on our own.We started our journey about 9.30am.My family and I started to lead the way although we haven't been there because we are hiking lovers.On our way up it started to rain heavily.Rainy day slowed down our journey.It was very slippery due to the wheather.After 1KM hike we saw a hut to take a rest but we dared not rest for too long.we continued our hike after a short rest.On many occasion,I even wanted to give up but the thought of never give up pushes me to further hikes
At 3.30pm we reached the resthouse called LABAN RATA. The youngest children in our group arrived the resthouse about 5.30pm.The wheather there is different from here. At 6.30pm, the sky will be in completely darkness.The others members from our group arrived the resthouse about 5.30pm and 7.30pm respectively. We took a rest overnight in order to see the sunrise next morning when on our way up to the summit. Next morning,we woke up at 2am in order to climb up to the summit to see the sunrise. AT the last part from resthouse to the summit of the mountain only 10 of us climbed. The 700 metres staircase was really tiring and completely darkness all the way to the summit.After the 700metres staircase we saw a thick rope continue to the summit of mountain.
We holded the rope very tightly and it was a dangerous rock mountain.We have to hold the rope tightly.Imagine that if I let go at that time I won't share the experience with you anymore.
It was just one step by one step at last we reached the summit of the mountain.At 5.30am we reached the summit of the mountain to see the sunrise. It was a seen that you can't immagine that. The scene looked like a picture and not the real one. We took plenty of photographs at the summit.
It was a great success for my whole family.Then we proceeded to the resthouse for our light breakfast. After the light breakfast, we proceeded to the foothill of the Mountain. At about 2.45pm, we reached the foothill.We went to the office to collect the certificate. We found a place for us to refresh our day.
I would like to have this climb again.It is very interesting hike.Hope that those who like to climb Mt Kinabalu can contact me for any details:012-4470171
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