Health Tips for a Healthy Eyes

As all of us know that our eyes is the very important organ of our health. It is our duty to protect our eyes and to keep them healthy and make yourself sure what you are seeing is the best. Here in this post i am going to explain you few of the health tips for maintaining the healthy eyes.

Eye Health Tips - Simple Tips for Maintaining Healthy Eyes

1. Add good food:

It is the add some good food in your plate for protecting your eyes. Many scientist have said that nutrients like lutein, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin c, vitamin e, zinc may help in clear vision of the eyes. So people should intake these nutrients to make their eyes a healthy one.

2. Wear Sunglasses:

Try to protect your eyes with good sunglasses from the Sun's UV rays. Too much of direct exposure to ultra violet rays may leads to cataracts, damage of optic nerves and as well as muscular degenerations.

3. Quitting or Stop Smoking:

Regular smoking will lead to cataracts, damage of optic nerves and as well as muscular degenerations.

Health Benefits of Quitting Smoking - Health Tips

How To Quit Smoking Cigarettes Naturally - Say No To Smoke

4. Use of Safety Eye-wear at Work, Home:

Wearing eye protections like helmets, while driving the vehicle. Try to use the protective goggles every time at your workplace or home.

5. Maintain distance while you work before computers for Good and healthy eye.

If you are going to work in front of computers for hours don't stare your computers for more than 20 minutes. It will lead to eyestrain, blurry vision, dry eyes, headaches and etc. Instead you relax your eyes after every 20 minutes.

6. Visit the doctor regularly for healthy eye.

It is advised to meet the doctors and have a check for your eyes regularly to avoid problems like blurry vision, cataracts etc.

Top Tips for Healthy Eyes

Taking care of our eyes is just as important as the rest of our bodies. Follow these top tips from Vision Matters on how to ensure your eyes are kept healthy, sparkling and bright

Regular check ups

Get your eyes tested every two years even if you think your vision is fine. Some eye conditions, for example open angle glaucoma, may not show symptoms and so regular check-ups are vital.

Quit the habit

If you smoke, you have another good reason to kick the habit. Smoking is directly linked to blindness. Current smokers are four times more likely to develop macular degeneration compared to past smokers or non-smokers.

It’s all relative

Talk to your relatives about your family eye health history as some eye conditions have genetic links such as glaucoma or squint. It is important that you share this information with your optometrist or eye health professional.

Contact care

If you wear contact lenses make sure you look after them properly. Thoroughly wash your hands before touching your contact lenses or your eyes and only ever clean your contacts using the contact lens solution recommended by your optometrist. Never shower, sleep or swim with your contacts lenses in because this can put you at risk of developing a serious eye infection which could lead to blindness. Also, don't wear them for longer periods than those recommended by your optometrist.

Be cool in the sun

Protect your eyes when it is sunny or when you’re in high glare areas such as near snow or water. Cumulative UV exposure can increase your risk of developing cataracts or macular degeneration. When choosing sunglasses make sure that they are safe as well as stylish!  Look out for the CE or BS EN 1836:2005 marks – this ensures that they provide a safe level of protection from the sun’s damaging UVA and UVB rays.

Protect your eyes

If you work with hazardous or airborne materials at work or home wear safety glasses or protective goggles to protect your eyes from injury.

Keep fit and healthy

Regular exercise is essential to stay fit and healthy but it is also important that when playing sports such as squash that you wear protective eye wear such as helmets or sports goggles to protect your eyes from a flying ball.

Eat well

Protecting your eyes starts with the food you eat. Studies have shown that nutrients in omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and vitamins C and E may help to prevent age-related vision problems such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Recommended foods include green leafy vegetables and oily fish such as salmon and citrus fruits.

Source  http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/health/eye+health-254012.html

Foods for healthy eyes

Healthy eyes

Spinach protects eyes from various eye diseases. Spinach is also protects the eyes from cataracts. Broccoli not only improves vision and also prevents the eyes from cataracts. Broccoli contains lutein, zeaxanthin and a large dose of vitamin C. they are very good for the eye lens.

Eggs are very good for the eyes. Eggs contain sulfur, lutein, cysteine very useful amino-acids. They also prevent cataract formation. Salmon and sardines foods contain a lot of omega-3 fatty acids which have a positive effect on the vision. Fish is the main source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Fruits like kiwis, oranges, blueberries contain a full of vitamin C. As you know vitamin C reduces free radicals in our body which can have a negative effect on the vision. Food containing vitamins are good for healthy eyes, try eating green leafy vegetables daily.

Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water in Morning Empty Stomach

Health Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water in Morning Empty Stomach

Lemon is rich in Vitamin C that helps in enhancing our body by rejuvenating our body skin from within bringing a glow to our face. One of the health benefits of drinking lemon water is that it helps in losing the weight more quicker over a certain period of time. For more information on how to lose weight read the blog here.

Benefits of Vitamin C

A few benefits of vitamin C includes protection against immune system deficiencies, prenatal health problems, cardiovascular disease, skin wrinkling, eye disease and etc. A researcher Mark Moyad, MD, MPH, of the University of Michigan says that "Vitamin C has received a great deal of attention, and with good reason. Higher blood levels of vitamin C may be the ideal nutrition marker for overall health,"

Health benefits of drinking lemon water in morning empty stomach:

Here in this blog i am going to explain you the health tips and benefits of drinking lemon water in early morning in empty stomach.

1. Lemon helps in protecting our body against the immune system deficiencies, as it is rich in vitamin C.

2. Drinking lemon water helps in maintaining the pH levels in the body.

3. Lemons acts as a powerful antibacterial as it contains pectin fibers which is beneficial for colon.

4. Drinking lemon water in morning empty stomach will helps in flush out of toxins.

5. Helps in digestion.

6. Lemon contains great source of calcium, magnesium, potassium, citric acid, phosphorus and etc.

7. Drinking lemon water helps in preventing the multiplication and growth of pathogenic bacteria that causes disease and infections.

8. Helps in curing common cold

9. Helps in nourish brain and nerve cells.

10. Helps in reducing pains in knees and joints as it dissolves uric acids.

11. Helps in replenish body salts after you do exercise.

12. Helps in strengthening liver by supplying energty to liver enzymes.

13. Helps in protecting eye and thus fights agains eye problems. Read more about Health Tips for a Healthy Eyes

14. Lemon water helps in protecting skin from skin problems like wrinkles, rashes, acne and etc. Read more about Skin Care Health Tips - Tips for a Healthy and Good Skin Care

15. Drinking lemon water, helps in maintaining the oxygen and calcium levels in the liver.

16. Drinking lemon water will helps in reducing the body weight over all. Here are few tips on how to lose weight

Hope the article on Health benefits of drinking lemon water in morning empty stomach will be useful for everyone.

Related article:

1. Health Benefits of Drinking Hot Water in an Empty Stomach in Early Morning

2. Benefits of Drinking Water in Empty Stomach in Early Morning

Health Benefits of Pumpkin

Health Benefits of Pumpkin

Image Source:  "Traugers-farm-bucks-county-large" by Frenchtowner - I, Licensed under GFDL via Commons -https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Traugers-farm-bucks-county-large.jpg#/media/File:Traugers-farm-bucks-county-large.jpg

The pumpkin, a member of the Cucurbita family including squash and cucumbers, got its name from the Greek word "pepon" for large melon. Seeds from related plants have been  found in Mexico, dating back over 7000 years to 5500 B.C.

Mostly known for being a part of Halloween decorations or a pie filling, pumpkins are also packed with nutrition and offer a wide range of health benefits. Pumpkins are a storehouse of vitamins, mineral and other healthy nutrients. Whether it is the pulp or the seeds, pumpkins are great for your health and can offer some incredible benefits.

High Carotenoids Content-Pumpkins owe their bright Orange color to the high amount of carotenoids present in them. Carotenoids assist in staving off the free radicals in the body, and help in preventing premature aging, cardiovascular diseases and other infections. They are also high in Lutein & Zeaxanthin which protect the eyes against free radical damage and prevent formation of cataracts and degeneration of the eye tissues.

Protein-Pumpkin seeds also known as Pepitas are a rich source of protein. One ounce of pumpkin seeds contains approx. 7 grams of protein. Their oil is high in phytosterols or plant-based fatty acids and their chemical composition is the same as cholesterol. Phytosterols can replace cholesterol in the body, and help in reducing the blood cholesterol levels.

Essential Fatty Acids-Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of essential fatty acids, which have numerous health benefits. From providing protection against serious health diseases such as high blood pressure, arthritis and cancer to promoting healthy skin and improving brain power, essential fatty acids present in pumpkin oil offer several health benefits.

Vitamin A-Pumpkin is a rich source of Vitamin A. Regular consumption of pumpkin (both seeds and flesh) can promote the health of your eyes and boost your immune system remarkably.

Vitamin C-Vitamin C helps fight free radicals, improves immunity and promotes the production of collagen. The high Vitamin C content in pumpkins also offers protection against various forms of cancer.

Magnesium - Both the pulp and seeds of pumpkin are rich in magnesium, which is an important mineral required for various biological functions. Magnesium is also required for the maintenance bones and teeth.

Potassium and Zinc-Pumpkin is loaded with potassium and Zinc. Studies show that eating a potassium-rich diet can prevent onset of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension. Zinc is important for providing bone density support for people at risk for osteoporosis. It boosts the immune system and promotes reproductive health.

Fiber-Pumpkin flesh is very low in calories and contains abundant quantities of extremely good dietary fiber. It is extremely effective for treating gastrointestinal disorders such as constipation, indigestion etc. The high amount of fiber also helps in lowering the LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in the blood and in regulating the blood sugar levels.

Image Source: "Pumpkins" by Martin Doege (Morn), uploaded to English WP on 2003-08-21 - Own work. Licensed under GFDL 1.2 via Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pumpkins.jpg#/media/File:Pumpkins.jpg

Prostate Cancer-The protective compounds present within the pumpkin seeds, called phytosterols ca n lower the risk of prostate cancer. These work by shrinking the prostate and stimulating the secretion of chemicals that protect against the transformation of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). High DHT levels can cause enlargement of the prostate glands.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect-The Beta carotene present in pumpkin seeds and flesh has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Regular consumption of pumpkin can protect against joint inflammation and arthritis. Pumpkins have been known to provide relief from inflammation quickly, without the harmful side-effects of anti-inflammatory medicines.

Great on your skin-The high amount of Vitamin A, C and E as well as Zinc present in pumpkin, make it a great choice for those who want a healthy and glowing skin. Have a cup of pumpkin seeds per day to prevent appearance of wrinkles and to keep your skin hydrated and nourished.

Prevents Kidney Stones-Have 5 to 10 grams of pumpkin seeds every day. This stimulates the kidneys and prevents the formation of calcium oxalate stones.

Depression - Pumpkin flesh contains L-tryptophan, a chemical compound that triggers feelings of well-being and happiness. Having pumpkin as a part of your daily diet can keep your spirits high and prevent depression.

Diuretics -Pumpkins are natural diuretics. These help in flushing out the toxins and unwanted waste material from the body, leaving you refreshed and healthy.
With so many health benefits, it is no wonder that pumpkin is an important part of the list of Super Foods. Next time you are carving a pumpkin, do not throw away the pulp or the seeds – instead boil, bake or cook them in any form you like.

Protection for Men's Bones-In addition to maintaining prostate health, another reason for older men to make zinc-rich foods, such as pumpkin seeds, a regular part of their healthy way of eating is bone mineral density.

Vitamins and Minerals:

Type	Sources	Benefits
Vitamin A	Vitamin A Include Milk, Egg, orange fruits , green vegetables, papayas and mango	Vitamin A prevent eye problems,Promotes healthy immune system, and keeps skin healthy and development of cells
Vitamin C	Vitamin C Include Red berries, kiwi, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, and grapefruit, and orange	Healthy bones, teeth and blood vessels. It helps the body absorb iron and calcium and contributes to brain function
Vitamin D	Vitamin D Include Sunlight, eggs  fish oils, and fortified foods like milk.	It helps the body absorb bone building calcium.
Vitamin E	Vitamin E Include  Vegetables, nuts, green leafy vegetables, Avocados, whole grains	It helps protect cells from damage and also important for the health or red blood cells
Vitamin B6	Vitamin B6 Include Potatoes, bananas, beans, seeds, nuts, fish, eggs, and spinach	Vitamin B6 is important for normal brain and nerve function. It also helps the body break down proteins and make red blood cells.

Health tips: Quality magnifiers can help sharpen low vision

When a patient is diagnosed with low vision, this means vision impairment that is not correctable by standard glasses, contact lenses, medicine or surgery. This vision loss can affect an individual’s independence and quality of life, but it doesn’t have to.

There are many tools available for these individuals to remain independent and continue to do things they enjoy — like reading, writing, crocheting, etc. Many people with low vision don’t know about the resources that are available to them.

Low vision aids keep getting better each year with newer technology. Quality low vision aids can only be purchased through low vision specialists and dealers. Magnifiers purchased from the local drugstore are meant for people with healthy eyes and good vision; these magnifiers only have a minimal amount of the power that low vision magnifiers provide.

A hand-held low vision magnifier comes with or without lights, with or without a base and in many different powers. Hand-held electronics that can be easily taken in a pocket or purse are great for viewing prices, reading a menu, writing checks and viewing books. These handy magnifiers have different contrast adjustments and a variety of powers.

Another option is a CCTV, which is a device for writing and reading that allows a much larger field of view than hand-held devices.

Lighting is another important factor in dealing with low vision. A good light directed onto what you are reading can improve what you are able to see.

If you have been diagnosed with low vision and are wondering which piece of equipment would be best for you, an evaluation with a low vision specialist is the right place to start. Always continue to have routine eye exams and monitor Amsler grids as instructed by your doctor. Call your eye care provider if you notice any changes in your vision.

Source  http://www.chieftain.com/health/health-tips-quality-magnifiers-can-help-sharpen-low-vision/article_ff53657e-06ca-11e2-b072-001a4bcf887a.html

BOWLING’S HEALTH BENEFITS

BOWLING’S HEALTH BENEFITS

Bowling is good exercise for all ages and works 134 different muscles. It does not take a lot of physical strength to become a good bowler. Bowling helps to improve hand to eye coordination. 

1. Bowling burns roughly 240 calories per hour of activity.

2. It strengthens and tones your arm, shoulder, chest, and leg muscles.

3. It improves heart and respiratory fitness.

4. It increases endurance while maintaining bone density.

5. It speeds up your metabolism.

6. An average bowler swings a bowling ball a full 360 degrees (200 degree back swing, 160 degree down swing).

7. An average bowler with a 16 pound ball swings 864 pounds full circle in a three game series (54 shots times 16 pounds per shot). That is well over one third of a ton.

8. An average bowler walks an average of 60 feet per turn, or about 6/10 of a mile in a three game series.

9. The social aspect of bowling helps improve your mental outlook.

10. Bowling is a lifetime sport. It is one of the few sports that allow you to compete at a high level at an older age.

11. Bowling provides an exercise optionfor those with physical limitations.

12. The millions of dollars of scholarships awarded annually to youth bowlers help them reach their educational goals, which keeps our nation as a whole healthy.

Tips for staying healthy in hot temperatures

With the arrival of summer and hot weather upon us, Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the California Department of Public Health, is encouraging California residents to follow these top-10 helpful tips to stay safe this summer:

• Reduce exposure to the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest, and keep physical activities to a minimum during that time. When working outside, drink plenty of water or juice even if you are not thirsty, and take rest breaks in the shade.

• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to cover the face and neck, and wear loose-fitting clothing to keep cool and to protect your skin from the sun and mosquitoes.

• Wear sunglasses that provide 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. Chronic exposure to the sun can cause cataracts, which left untreated, can lead to blindness.

• Liberally apply sunscreen (at least SPF 15)

15 minutes before venturing outdoors and re-apply at least every two hours — sunscreen prevents skin cancer, the number one cancer affecting Californians and prevents premature aging.

• Never, EVER leave infants, children or frail elderly unattended in a parked car. It can take as little as 10 minutes for the temperature inside a car to rise to levels that can kill.

• To prevent overheating, use cool compresses, misting, showers and baths — if you or someone experiences a rapid, strong pulse, feels delirious, becomes unconscious or has a body temperature above 102, call 911 immediately.

• Prevent children from drowning by providing adult supervision at all times and having a safety barrier that surrounds a pool or spa. Drowning is the leading cause of injury deaths for children under five.

• Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Some mosquitoes carry West Nile Virus, which can mimic influenza symptoms such as fever, body aches and eye pain.

The virus can cause serious health complications and in rare cases, death.

• Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535 according to label instructions.

Mosquitoes usually bite in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear repellent during those times.

• Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, including flower pots, old car tires, rain gutters and pet bowls — mosquitoes breed and lay eggs in standing water.

For more tips on staying cool in the summer sun, go online to www.cdph.ca.gov.

Source http://www.hidesertstar.com/articles/2011/06/29/the_desert_trail/sports/doc4e0b9d8aab378652657286.txt

Health Benefits of Holy Basil

Health Benefits of Holy Basil(Thulsi)

Image source: "Ocimum tenuiflorum2" by en:User:GourangaUK - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Tulsi02.jpg. Licensed under Public Domain via Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ocimum_tenuiflorum2.jpg#/media/File:Ocimum_tenuiflorum2.jpg

Holy Basil, also known in Ayruvedic tradition as Tulsi, and formally named Ocimum sanctum, is an indigenous plant in India and Southeast Asia.  Numerous ancient systems of medicine value this plant for its medicinal properties, including Ayurveda, Greek, Roman, Siddha and Unani.

In India, Holy Basil’s name of Tulsi translates to "incomparable one" and is considered sacred anywhere it is grown

It is the most sacred plant in the Hindu religion.  Holy Basil is an important part of religious ceremonies. Like a number of other medicinal herbs from other parts of the world, it is thought to provide protection for homes where it is cultivated.  The smell of the plant is effective in keeping away insects that typically spread disease, such as mosquitoes and flies.

In the United States of America, Holy Basil has been granted “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) status by the FDA. 

Holy Basil is valued for its versatility in helping to restore health where imbalance is the cause of illness.

1. Healing Power: The tulsi plant has many medicinal properties. The leaves are a nerve tonic and also sharpen memory. They promote the removal of the catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tube. The leaves strengthen the stomach and induce copious perspiration. The seed of the plant are mucilaginous.

2. Fever & Common Cold: The leaves of basil are specific for many fevers. During the rainy season, when malaria and dengue fever are widely prevalent, tender leaves, boiled with tea, act as preventive against theses diseases. In case of acute fevers, a decoction of the leaves boiled with powdered cardamom in half a liter of water and mixed with sugar and milk brings down the temperature. The juice of tulsi leaves can be used to bring down fever. Extract of tulsi leaves in fresh water should be given every 2 to 3 hours. In between one can keep giving sips of cold water. In children, it is every effective in bringing down the temperature. 

3. Coughs: Tulsi is an important constituent of many Ayurvedic cough syrups andexpectorants. It helps to mobilize mucus in bronchitis and asthma. Chewing tulsi leaves  relieves cold and flu. 

4. Sore Throat: Water boiled with basil leaves can be taken as drink in case of sore throat. This water can also be used as a gargle.

5. Respiratory Disorder: The herb is useful in the treatment of respiratory system disorder. A decoction of the leaves, with honey and ginger is an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma, influenza, cough and cold. A decoction of the leaves, cloves and common salt also gives immediate relief in case of influenza. They should be boiled in half a liter of water till only half the water is left and add then taken.

6. Kidney Stone: Basil has strengthening effect on the kidney. In case of renal stone the juice of basil leaves and honey, if taken regularly for 6 months it will expel them via the urinary tract.

7. Heart Disorder: Basil has a beneficial effect in cardiac disease and the weakness resulting from them. It reduces the level of blood cholesterol.

8. Children's Ailments: Common pediatric problems like cough cold, fever, diarrhea and  vomiting respond favorably to the juice of basil leaves. If pustules of chicken pox delay their appearance, basil leaves taken with saffron will hasten them. 

9. Stress: Basil leaves are regarded as an 'adaptogen' or anti-stress agent. Recent studies have shown that the leaves afford significant protection against stress. Even healthy persons can chew 12 leaves of basil, twice a day, to prevent stress. It purifies blood and helps prevent several common elements.

10. Mouth Infections: The leaves are quit effective for the ulcer and infections in the mouth. A few leaves chewed will cure these conditions.

11. Insect Bites: The herb is a prophylactic or preventive and curative for insect stings or bites. A teaspoonful of the juice of the leaves is taken and is repeated after a few hours. Fresh juice must also be applied to the affected parts. A paste of fresh roots is also effective in case of bites of insects and leeches.

12. Skin Disorders: Applied locally, basil juice is beneficial in the treatment of ringworm and other skin diseases. It has also been tried successfully by some naturopaths in the treatment of leucoderma.

13. Teeth Disorder: The herb is useful in teeth disorders. Its leaves, dried in the sun and powdered, can be used for brushing teeth. It can also be mixed with mustered oil to make a paste and used as toothpaste. This is very good for maintaining dental health, counteracting bad breath and for massaging the gums. It is also useful in pyorrhea and other teeth disorders.

14. Headaches: Basil makes a good medicine for headache. A decoction of the leaves can be given for this disorder. Pounded leaves mixed with sandalwood paste can also be applied on the forehead for getting relief from heat, headache, and for providing coolness in general. 

15. Eye Disorders: Basil juice is an effective remedy for sore eyes and night-blindness, which is generally caused by deficiency of vitamin A. Two drops of black basil juice are put into the eyes daily at bedtime.

16. Constipation: If you are suffering from constipation, use some tulsi leaves with water daily after meals.

17. Provides Anti-aging abilities-It hydrates the skin and is able to treat skin conditions and chronic dry skin. It reduces the physiological effects of aging and works as an anti-aging treatment.

Smoking – health risks

You can eat five portions of fruit or veg a day and exercise regularly – but healthy behaviour means little if you continue to smoke.
The message that 'smoking is bad for you' is an old one, so not everyone gives it their full attention.
Below we list the health risks of smoking.
Why quit smoking?
Most people know that smoking can cause lung cancer, but it can also cause many other cancers and illnesses.
Smoking directly causes over 100,000 deaths in the UK each year and contributes to many more.
Of these deaths, about 42,800 are from smoking-related cancers, 30,600 from cardiovascular disease and 29,100 die slowly from emphysema and other chronic lung diseases.
How do cigarettes damage health?


Cigarettes contain more than 4000 chemical compounds and at least 400 toxic substances.
When you inhale, a cigarette burns at 700°C at the tip and around 60°C in the core. This heat breaks down the tobacco to produce various toxins.
As a cigarette burns, the residues are concentrated towards the butt.
The products that are most damaging are:
tar, a carcinogen (substance that causes cancer)
nicotine is addictive and increases cholesterol levels in your body
carbon monoxide reduces oxygen in the body
components of the gas and particulate phases cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).
The damage caused by smoking is influenced by:
the number of cigarettes smoked
whether the cigarette has a filter
how the tobacco has been prepared.
Smoking affects how long you live
Research has shown that smoking reduces life expectancy by seven to eight years.


Of the 300 people who die every day in the UK as a result of smoking, many are comparatively young smokers.
The number of people under the age of 70 who die from smoking-related diseases exceeds the total figure for deaths caused by breast cancer, AIDS, traffic accidents and drug addiction.
Non-smokers and ex-smokers can also look forward to a healthier old age than smokers.
Major diseases caused by smoking
Cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death due to smoking.
Hardening of the arteries is a process that develops over years, when cholesterol and other fats deposit in the arteries, leaving them narrow, blocked or rigid. When the arteries narrow (atherosclerosis), blood clots are likely to form.
Smoking accelerates the hardening and narrowing process in your arteries: it starts earlier and blood clots are two to four times more likely.
Cardiovasular disease can take many forms depending on which blood vessels are involved, and all of them are more common in people who smoke.


Coronary thrombosis: a blood clot in the arteries supplying the heart, which can lead to a heart attack. Around 30 per cent are caused by smoking.
Cerebral thrombosis: the vessels to the brain can become blocked, which can lead to collapse, stroke and paralysis. Damage to the brain's blood supply is also an important cause of dementia.
If the kidney arteries are affected, then high blood pressure or kidney failure results.
Blockage to the vascular supply to the legs may lead to gangrene and amputation.
Smokers tend to develop coronary thrombosis 10 years earlier than non-smokers, and make up 9 out of 10 heart bypass patients.
Cancer
Smokers are more likely to get cancer than non-smokers. This is particularly true of lung cancer, throat cancer and mouth cancer, which hardly ever affect non-smokers.
The link between smoking and lung cancer is clear.
Ninety percent of lung cancer cases are due to smoking.
If no-one smoked, lung cancer would be a rare diagnosis – only 0.5 per cent of people who've never touched a cigarette develop lung cancer.
One in ten moderate smokers and almost one in five heavy smokers (more than 15 cigarettes a day) will die of lung cancer.
The more cigarettes you smoke in a day, and the longer you've smoked, the higher your risk of lung cancer. Similarly, the risk rises the deeper you inhale and the earlier in life you started smoking.
For ex-smokers, it takes approximately 15 years before the risk of lung cancer drops to the same as that of a non-smoker.
If you smoke, the risk of contracting mouth cancer is four times higher than for a non-smoker. Cancer can start in many areas of the mouth, with the most common being on or underneath the tongue, or on the lips.
Other types of cancer that are more common in smokers are:
bladder cancer
cancer of the oesophagus
cancer of the kidneys
cancer of the pancreas
cervical cancer
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a collective term for a group of conditions that block airflow and make breathing more difficult, such as:


emphysema – breathlessness caused by damage to the air sacs (alveoli)
chronic bronchitis – coughing with a lot of mucus that continues for at least three months.
Smoking is the most common cause of COPD and is responsible for 80 per cent of cases.
It's estimated that 94 per cent of 20-a-day smokers have some emphysema when the lungs are examined after death, while more than 90 per cent of non-smokers have little or none.
COPD typically starts between the ages of 35 and 45 when lung function starts to decline anyway.


In smokers, the rate of decline in lung function can be three times the usual rate. As lung function declines, breathlessness begins.
As the condition progresses, severe breathing problems can require hospital care. The final stage is death from slow and progressive breathlessness.
Other risks caused by smoking

Smoking raises blood pressure, which can cause hypertension (high blood pressure) – a risk factor for heart attacks and stroke.
Couples who smoke are more likely to have fertility problems than couples who are non-smokers.
Smoking worsens asthma and counteracts asthma medication by worsening the inflammation of the airways that the medicine tries to ease.
The blood vessels in the eye are sensitive and can be easily damaged by smoke, causing a bloodshot appearance and itchiness.
Heavy smokers are twice as likely to get macular degeneration, resulting in the gradual loss of eyesight.
Smokers run an increased risk of cataracts.
Smokers take 25 per cent more sick days year than non-smokers.
Smoking stains your teeth and gums.
Smoking increases your risk of periodontal disease, which causes swollen gums, bad breath and teeth to fall out.
Smoking causes an acid taste in the mouth and contributes to the development of ulcers.
Smoking also affects your looks: smokers have paler skin and more wrinkles. This is because smoking reduces the blood supply to the skin and lowers levels of vitamin A.
Smoking and impotence
For men in their 30s and 40s, smoking increases the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) by about 50 per cent.

Erection can't occur unless blood can flow freely into the penis, so these blood vessels have to be in good condition.
Smoking can damage the blood vessels and cause them to degenerate: nicotine narrows the arteries that lead to the penis, reducing blood flow and the pressure of blood in the penis.
This narrowing effect increases over time, so if you haven't got problems now, things could change later.
Erection problems in smokers may be an early warning signal that cigarettes are already damaging other areas of the body – such as the blood vessels that supply the heart.
Smoking and others
There are many health-related reasons to give up cigarettes – not just for smokers, but to protect those around you.
Babies born to mothers who smoke during pregnancy are twice as likely to be born prematurely and with a low birth weight.
Passive smoking
The 'side-stream' smoke that comes off a cigarette between puffs carries a higher risk than directly inhaled smoke.
Children who grow up in a home where one or both of their parents smoke have twice the risk of getting asthma and asthmatic bronchitis. They also have a higher risk of developing allergies.
Infants under two years old are more prone to severe respiratory infections and cot death.
For adults, passive smoking seems to increase the risk of lung cancer, but the evidence for an increased risk of heart disease is not yet conclusive.
Thinking about quitting?
As well as reducing your risk of getting a smoking-related illness, there are other benefits to quitting smoking.
General health improves – tiredness and headaches can be linked to smoking.
Your sense of taste and smell improve.
Your heart will be less strained and work more efficiently.
Stopping smoking is the single biggest thing you can do to improve your health, but it's a difficult task.
Smokers who are trying to kick their habit may be disappointed to find there's no single quit method that guarantees success.
The weight of evidence suggests that smokers should set a date to stop, and do their best to quit completely from this point.
On average it takes four to five attempts to give up, and there are a number of things that can help willpower.
Nicotine replacement treatment (NRT) in the form of gum, skin patches or nasal spray.
Zyban (bupropion) is a medicine that's licensed to help smoking cessation.
Champix (varenicline): a medicine that mimics the effect of nicotine in the body, and so reduces the urge to smoke and also reduces withdrawal symptoms. Varenicline can double your chance of successfully quitting
Behaviour modification programmes.
Alternative therapies such as acupuncture and hypnosis.
Research shows that people who take part in a full 'quit smoking' programme, including behavioural therapies and medication, may increase their chance of successfully quitting from about 3 per cent on willpower alone to over 30 per cent.

65 Amazing Facts About Human Body

65 Amazing Facts About Human Body

1. The nose has specialized smell - detecting cells with nerves taking information to the brain. Each nerve has up to 25 tiny micro - hairs that respond to minute odour particles.

2. The average 25 year old has up to 10,000 taste buds. After the age of 50, however, taste buds gradually die and a 70 - year - old may only have 5,000 taste buds left.

3. The average adult human being consumes 550 kilograms of food in a year.

4. At rest people breathe in and out 10 to 15 times each minute or an average of 20,000 each day.

5. More than 300 million alveoli in the lungs provide a huge surface area for taking in oxygen.

6. The human heart beats some 30 million times a year! 

7. At rest, each heartbeat pumps out around 80 millilitres of blood.

8. A tiny pinhead-sized drop of blood contains 5,000,000 red cells, 5,000 white cells, as well as 300,000 platelets. 

9. The body has more than 640 skeletal muscles.

10. There is no link between brain size and intelligence - Einstein’s brain weighed just 1.2 kilograms. 

11. Americans eat about 700 million pounds of peanut butter. 

12. Americans eat over 2 billion pounds of chocolate a year. 

13. In your lifetime, your digestive system may handle about 50 tons!! 

14. Your lungs contain almost 1500 miles of airways and over 300 million alveoli. 

15. Every minute you breathe in 13 pints of air. 

16. Plants are our partners in breathing. We breathe in air, use the oxygen in it, and release carbon dioxide. Plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Thank goodness! 

17. People tend to get more colds in the winter because we're indoors more often and in close proximity to other people. When people sneeze, cough and even breathe -germs go flying! 

18. The body of an adult contains over 60,000 miles of blood vessels! 

19. An adult's heart pumps nearly 4000 gallons of blood each day! 

20. The average three-year-old has two pints of blood in their body; the average adult at least five times more! 

21. A "heartbeat" is really the sound of the valves in the heart closing as they push blood through its chambers. 

22. You have over 30 facial muscles which create looks like surprise, happiness, sadness, and frowning. 

23. Eye muscles are the busiest muscles in the body. Scientists estimate they may move more than 100,000 times a day! 

24. The largest muscle in the body is the gluteus maximus muscle in the buttocks. 

25. The human hand has 27 bones; your face has 14! 

26. The longest bone in your body? Your thigh bone, the femur- it's about 1/4 of your height. 

27. The smallest is the stirrup bone in the ear which can measure 1/10 of an inch. 

28. Did you know that humans and giraffes have the same number of bones in their necks? Giraffe neck vertebrae are just much, much longer! 

29. You have over 230 moveable and semi-moveable joints in your body. 30. The endocrine system is under the control of the nervous system

31. You've got over 30 of these amazing hormones busily orchestrating and regulating such things as: 
-when you feel hungry or full
-how you sleepy
-our body temperature
 -how you break down and utilize the food you eat and whether you are fat or thin
-when you start puberty and how long it take
-show you handle stress-how much adrenaline you have in an emergency situation
-even how and when you grow
-It also makes you smelly, greasy, and gives you the ability to mother or father a child 

32. A weakened immune system is NOT a cause of the common cold.

33. The No. 1 way to boost your immune system is reducing stress

34. Laughing lowers levels of stress hormones and strengthens the immune system. Six-year-olds laugh an average of 300 times a day. Adults only laugh 15 to 100 times a day.

35. Vitamin C helps, too, if you don’t pee it out.

36. Over 90% of diseases are caused or complicated by stress.

37. People with higher number of moles tend to live longer than people with lesser number of moles.

38. The fastest growing nail is on the middle finger. And the nail on the middle finger of your dominant hand will grow the fastest of all. Why is not entirely known, but nail growth is related to the length of the finger, with the longest fingers growing nails the fastest and shortest the slowest.

39. Human hair is virtually indestructible. Aside from it’s flammability, human hair decays at such a slow rate that it is practically non-disintegrative. Hair cannot be destroyed by cold, change of climate, water, or other natural forces and it is resistant to many kinds of acids and corrosive chemicals.

40. The brain itself cannot feel pain. While the brain might be the pain center when you cut your finger or burn yourself, the brain itself does not have pain receptors and cannot feel pain.

41. The brain is much more active at night than during the day.

42. The brain operates on the same amount of power as 10-watt light bulb. The cartoon image of a light bulb over your head when a great thought occurs isn’t too far off the mark. Your brain generates as much energy as a small light bulb even when you’re sleeping.

43. Every human spent about half an hour as a single cell.

44. Babies are born with 300 bones, but by adulthood the number is reduced to 206.

45. A woman never runs out of eggs.  At birth she has between 1 and 2 million potential eggs (follicles) and by puberty has 300,000 to 400,000 viable eggs (follicles) that can be fertilized.

46. The male scrotum hangs outside the body since the internal body temperature is too high and will kill the sperm.

47. About 500 million sperm mature every day in a healthy male.

48. Approximately 75% of human waste is made of water.

49. Earwax production is necessary for good ear health. While many people find earwax to be disgusting, it’s actually a very important part of your ear’s defense system. It protects the delicate inner ear from bacteria, fungus, dirt and even insects. It also cleans and lubricates the ear canal.

50. Tears and mucus contain an enzyme (lysozyme) that breaks down the cell wall of many bacteria.

51. There are 29 bones altogether in the skull and jaw. They make a box to protect the brain, eyes and ears.

52. The spine is made up of 24 individual small bones (called vertebrae). Your spine supports your head and body. Each of the bones are linked by small joints which can move a little. Lots of small movements add up and let your spine bend a lot.

53. The nerve network allows the brain to communicate with your body. Nerves help transport information from different areas of the body. Some nerves give information to the brain and the others allow us to see, hear, smell, taste, and touch.

54. You should always get lots of rest so your eyes aren’t groggy. To keep your nose clean you should blow it often. If you are listening to music you shouldn’t have it too loud.

55. If you put your right knee on your left knee then hit your right knee cap with the side of your hand, your foot will jump. 

56. Your brain is made of nerves and tissue.  Your brain weighs 1,400 grams, that’s exactly 3 pounds. Your brain is made of your spinal cord and a huge network of nerves. Nerves are made of thin threads of nerve cells. Your nerves pass along messages to your brain.

57. At rest, the body takes in and breathes out about 10 liters of air each minute.

58. The right lung is slightly larger than the left.

59. The highest recorded "sneeze speed" is 165 km per hour.

60. The surface area of the lungs is roughly the same size as a tennis court.

61. The capillaries in the lungs would extend 1,600 kilometers if placed end to end.

62. We lose half a liter of water a day through breathing. This is the water vapor we see when we breathe onto glass.

63. A person at rest usually breathes between 12 and 15 times a minute.

64. The breathing rate is faster in children and women than in men.

65. A a typical male elephant’s rumble is around an average minimum of 12 Hz, a female's rumble around 13 Hz and a calf's around 22 Hz.