Health Benefits of Neem

Health Benefits of Neem

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Neem commonly called ‘Indian Lilac’ or ‘Margosa’, belongs to the family Meliaceae. Neem is the most versatile, multifarious trees of tropics, with immense potential. It possesses maximum useful non-wood products (leaves, bark, flowers, fruits, seed, gum, oil and neem cake) than any other tree species.

Neem is one of the most powerful blood-purifiers, detoxifiers and immune system boosters known. Hundreds of diseases have been shown to respond favorably to neem. Neem leaf can be taken as tea or in capsules. Neem oil can be applied externally or a few drops can be put in an empty capsule and taken internally.

Neem was “discovered” in the western world in 1959 when a German entomologist noticed that it was the only green standing after a swarm of locusts swept through the Sudan.

Every part of this fascinating tree has been used, from ancient to modern times, to treat hundreds of different maladies. While it is still revered in India for its superior healing properties, recent investigation has dramatically increased worldwide interest in Neem and many products are now manufactured using this miraculous herb. More than any other Indian herb, Neem proved useful in helping the body resist diseases and restore the proper balance to the body’s systems.

1. Skin Conditions:

Neem has an almost magical effect on chronic skin conditions that often fail to respond with classical treatments. Acne, psoriasis, eczema, itching, rosacea, shingles, ringworm, athlet’s foot, herpes, fungal infections, cold sores, dandruff, dry skin, hemorrhoids, rash, skin ulcers, rheumatism, sprains, pain, warts, wrinkles are among the conditions that clear up consistently when a high quality organic chemical-free, zero harm Neem product is utilized.

2. Hair and Nails:

When high quality, wild-crafted Neem extract and in some cases cold pressed Neem oil from the kernels of the olive shaped fruit is added to health and beauty preparations, it provides many benefits. Problem scalp conditions including dandruff and psoriasis, scaling and even hair loss respond to treatment with Neem shampoo, conditioners, creams, tinctures and capsules.

3. Teeth and Gums:

Infection, tooth decay, bleeding and sore gums have been treated very successfully through the daily application of Neem mouth rinse or Neem leaf extract added to water or using Neem toothpaste.  Some people report a total reversal of gum degeneration and gum bleeding after using Neem for only a few weeks or months. In India most people are using the twigs from the branches of the Neem tree and you can notice that these people have very healthy looking gums and white teeth.

4. Fungi, Parasites and Viruses:

Neem has been successfully proven under stringent laboratory conditions to destroy harmful fungi, parasites and viruses. Athlete’s foot, thrush, candida infestations and herpes viruses are easily cleared up and prevented when Neem is used. Neem has been proven successful in treating stomach ulcers. Its antihistamine and antibacterial compounds appear to reduce inflammation and destroy the bacteria now believed responsible for the common ailments.

5. Cancer:

Neem has been tested on many types of cancers, including skin cancers, using Neem-based creams against lymphocytic cancer and using the Neem tincture or capsules internally.

6. Diabetes:

Neem has been found to reduce insulin requirements for diabetics by up to 50% for nonkeytonic, insulin fast and insulin-sensitive diabetes without altering blood glucose levels.

7. Heart Disease:

Neem has been scientifically tested for its ability to reduce blood pressure, blood clots, has delayed the coagulation of blood, heart irregularities (palpitation) inclusive calmed erratic heartbeats, helps reduce elevated heart rates and high cholesterol levels. The antihistamine effect helps reduce elevated blood pressure.

8. Minor Skin Abrasions:

Use the cream or leaf extract applied topically. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial attributes of Neem are delightfully soothing.

9. Sunburns:

Prevents sunburns from UV rays.

10. Herpes:

Recent tests in Germany show that neem extracts (cream) are toxic to herpes virus and can aid in a rapid healing of cold sores.

11. Allergies:

Neem has antihistamine properties that help inhibit allergic reactions when applied externally or consumed as a decoction.

12. Ulcers:

Neem extract give significant protection from discomfort and speed the healing of gastric and duodenal lesions.

13. Malaria:

An active ingredient in Neem leaves, called irodin A, is toxic to resistant strains of malaria. Invitro studies show 100% mortality of malaria gamete in 72 hours with a 1:20.000 ratio.

14. Hepatitis:

Tests show Neem adversely affects the virus that causes hepatitis B.

15. Birth Control (Men):

In India and United States, trials show Neem extract reduced fertility in male monkeys without inhibiting libido or sperm production, making it potentially the first male birth control pill.

16. Birth Control (Women):

Used as a vaginal lubricant or injected into the fallopian tube, Neem oil was up to 100% effective in preventing pregnancy.

The Neem tree or margosa is a botanical cousin of mahagony and belongs to the family Maliaceae. Its botanical name is Azadirachta Indica which literally means "the free tree of India".

When neem is used in grain storage, pests can be kept away from the grain for a whole year; but if the grain is already infected with pests the protection will not work.

Health Benefits of Holy Basil

Health Benefits of Holy Basil(Thulsi)

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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.

Fun Facts about Hygiene

Fun Facts about Hygiene

Personal hygiene may be described as the principle of maintaining cleanliness and grooming of the external body. Failure to keep up a standard of hygiene can have many implications. Not only is there an increased risk of getting an infection or illness, but there are many social and psychological aspects that can be affected. 

1. Hygiea was a Greek goddess of health cleanliness and the moon. Ancient Greek gods apparently worked double shifts.

2. The human body is home to some 1,000 species of bacteria. 

3. Antibacterial soap is no more effective at preventing infection than regular soap. After studying over 11,000 children it was found that an overly hygienic environment increases the risk of skin conditions and asthma.

4. Monks in a small religious monastery in India are not allowed to bath any part of their bodies besides their hands and feet.  Their religion believes it is wrong to kill any living creature even microorganisms.

5. The word soap comes from this mythological mountain called Sabo.

6. When women washed their cloths in the Tiber River, the dirt on the shore was a mixture of fat and wood ash from animal sacrifices coming down from the mountain. They used this as a cleaning agent.

7. Ancient Egyptians and Aztecs rubbed urine on their skin to treat cuts and burns. Urea is a key chemical in urine.  When urine is in the bladder it is free from fungi and bacteria, so it was possibly cleaner than the water they drank.

8. England’s medieval King Henry IV struck a blow for cleanliness when he required his knights to bath at least once in their lives-during their ritual knighthood ceremonies.

9. During the 18th-century, London did not have a sewer system. Toilet water was just dumped out of the windows on to the streets, where it contaminated the city’s water supply. They did not know at the time that boiling water would help make the water safer to drink.  In 1854 there were 616 deaths related to the water supply in London alone. Because of this, it was a common practice to drink alcoholic beverages at every meal and in-between.  

10. If you drop something on the floor but pick it up in less than four seconds, it will be OK. False. There is no five-second rule when it comes to food on the ground. Bacteria needs no time at all to contaminate food.
The first toothbrush was invented in China in 1498. It was made of carved cattle-bone and pig bristles wired into it.

11. Brushing ones teeth did not become routine in the USA until it was enforced in 1940 on soldiers during World War ll.

12. In 1935, Northern Tissue proudly introduced “splinter-free” toilet paper.

13. Previous options included tundra moss in North America and  sea sponge from salt water for Romans. Here in the modern West corncobs were used.

14. In 1843, Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. campaigned for basic sanitation in hospitals. But this clashed with social ideas of the time concerning upper class citizens like doctors. Charles Meigs, a prominent American physician, retorted, “ Doctors are gentlemen, and our hands are always clean.”  However, up to a quarter of all women giving birth in European and American hospitals in the 17th thru 19th centuries died of an infection spread by unhygienic nurses and doctors.

15. A study by the University of Arizona determined that the TV remote control in hospitals are the worst carriers of bacteria in hospital rooms; worse even than toilet handles. The remote can spread the infection MRSA, which contributes to over 90,000 deaths a year.

16. It is now believed President James Garfield did not die from the bullet fired by Charles Guiteau. Some of the medical team that treated the President were also farmers with manure-stained hands. The wound developed a severe infection that killed him three months later.
Lastly.

17. Hygiene tips do not have to be complicated.
Everyone can practice good hygiene.
Soap and water are the simplest form of cleaning.
Wash hands all day long, especially before exiting the bathroom, and before meals.When at all possible wash the TV remotes, mouses and keypads between users.

18. Perspiration, or sweat, comes from sweat glands. Due to puberty, these glands not only become more active than before, but at the same time, they also begin to secrete different chemicals into the sweat that has a stronger smelling odor. 

19. Some places on the body that contribute to this odor is from the armpits,  the feet, and the private places.

20. The best way to keep clean is to bathe or shower every day, because this will help wash away any bacteria that contribute to the smells.

21. Brushing and flossing properly, along with regular dental checkups, can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. 

22. To prevent cavities, you need to remove plaque, the transparent layer of bacteria that coats the teeth. 

23. Brushing also stimulates the gums, which helps to keep them healthy and prevent gum disease. 

DISEASES OF THE GUMS

DISEASES OF THE GUMS

Gums are made of soft tissue. They surround the bottom portion of your teeth (called the tooth root). Taking care of your gums is just as important as taking care of your teeth. The most common gum complaints are redness, swelling, tenderness and bleeding of the gums, which is a sign of inflamed gums or "gingivitis". This is caused due to the build up of plaque, a bacteria filled concoction of food and saliva, around the base of the teeth or in between the teeth and the gums. Thus brushing the teeth after every meal and flossing them at least twice daily helps to prevent the collection of plaque.

Women are more susceptible to gingivitis than men. Their gums bleed easily especially during their menstrual periods or during their pregnancy. Gingivitis is also common in people wearing dentures that don"t fit them properly or in those suffering from diabetes, chronic smokers, leukemia, etc. or  in those going through a lot of stress. Heredity, certain drugs (especially antidepressants, oral contraceptives, antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays and certain medications for hearttroubles) and vitamin deficiencies are some of the other common causes.

"Scurvy" is a condition where the gums become red, hot, swollen, spongy, very sensitive and they separate from the teeth and there can be formation of small ulcers on the gums, inside of lips and cheeks, palate and on the tongue with an offensive odor from the mouth. This condition usually results due to dietary deficiencies, especially that of Vitamin C or can be due to heredity, certain drugs or stress.

Use a soft bristled brush for sore and inflamed gums. Proxabrush is a special inter proximal brush that has tiny bristles that go below the gum line, where floss cannot reach. They are thus useful when used in conjunction with normal brushing and flossing.

SOME HOME REMEDIES

1. Incorporate a lot of fresh, raw or lightly cooked vegetables (especially broccoli, pecacua, cauliflower and tomatoes) and fresh, raw fruits (especially citrus fruits, which are a rich source of vitamin C) in your diet. The person should take a well balanced diet consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables and fruits.

2. Mixture of carrot and beetroot juice is a useful remedy for gum disorders.

3. Chew one unripe guava daily to stop the bleeding from the gums because of its richness in vitamin C.

4. Eating oranges and rubbing the gums with their skins daily can help cure pyorrhea (inflammation of the gums).

5. Oranges, pomegranates (anar) and bananas are useful for bleeding gums.

6. Oil from leaves of cinnamon tree (dalchini) is expressed and applied to the gums to make them firm and strong.

7. Dry Indian gooseberry (amla) should be  powdered with an equal quantity of sugar and this powder should be given in doses of one teaspoonful, three times daily, with milk.

8. Wash and cut six lemons in small pieces and pour in some water and bring it to a boil. Then let it cool for about half an hour and then strain it and hold some of this juice in your mouth for a few minutes and take a few glasses of it daily for a few days.

9. The juice of raw spinach (palak) is another useful remedy for bleeding gums and for the treatment of pyorrhea.

10. Grind a few cloves (lavang) to a paste and mix it with lemon juice and massage this paste over the gums.

11. Onions eaten raw keeps the gums healthy and strong.

12. Washing the gums daily with salt solution helps.

13. Lettuce leaves should be chewed daily immediately after meals.

14. One to two cloves of garlic should be chewed daily to keep them strong and prevent any bleeding gums.

15. Chewing cardamom (elaichi) seeds is useful to prevent gum decay.

16. Potato should be included in your daily diet, since it is a good source of Vitamin C.

17. Moisten a small piece of cotton with sandalwood oil and apply it locally over the bleeding gums.

18. Betel nut is chewed to check bleeding from gums.

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.

healthy diet Plan:

Benefits of a healthy diet

Fruits and Vegetables:

Health Benefits: Reduce risk for stroke and other cardiovascular diseases, reduce risk for type 2 diabetes, protect against certain cancers, such as mouth, stomach, and colon-rectum cancer, reduce the risk of coronary artery disease, help decrease bone loss and reduce the risk of developing kidney stones.

Nutrients: No fruits or vegetables have cholesterol, and most are naturally low in fat and calories, Vegetables are a great source for potassium, dietary fiber, folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin C, Diets rich in potassium may help to maintain healthy blood pressure, Vitamin A keeps eyes and skin healthy and helps to protect against infections, Vitamin E helps protect vitamin A and essential fatty acids from cell oxidation, Vitamin C helps heal cuts and wounds and keeps teeth and gums healthy.

"Healthy discontent is the prelude to progress." -Mohandas Gandhi

Dental Health 101: Ten Tips for Parents of Kids with Smiles

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month - a time for parents to focus on healthful habits and practices to ensure that their children enjoy a lifetime of beautiful smiles and healthy well-being.

“Tooth decay is one of the most common childhood diseases, and can cause problems that continue into later life,” says veteran San Antonio cosmetic dentist Dr. Edward Camacho, DDS. “The dental health of a child should be a top priority for parents, starting even before a baby is born.”

Dr. Camacho offers these ten tips for parents:

1) Get the true picture – Everyone understands that you should take care of your teeth to avoid toothaches, maintain your looks and keep dental bills at bay. Many people, however, don’t understand how crucial oral health is to our total health picture. Tooth problems can lead to diabetes, heart disease, systemic infections, an inability to eat or speak properly and other maladies – some life-threatening. Crooked or crowded teeth can contribute to gum disease that can eventually lead to tooth loss. Straight teeth are no longer just for looks.

2) Dental health starts in the womb – By the second trimester of pregnancy, a baby’s teeth are forming. To make sure development is normal, mom should consume generous amounts of foods containing calcium, including dairy, products, whole grains and leafy greens.

3) Avoid baby bottle tooth decay – Don’t use the nursing bottle as a pacifier, or let the baby fall asleep with a bottle containing any form of carbohydrates. Even human breast milk can lead to tooth decay if it remains in a baby’s unrinsed mouth. A better option is to give the child a bottle of water. Never dip a pacifier in sugar, honey or anything sweet. Mothers can also transmit the bacteria that cause tooth decay to their infants through kissing, sharing cups or utensils. It is recommended that new mothers chew gum, consume mints or candy with xylitol, a naturally occurring sugar. Xylitol reduces the amount of a specific type of bacteria (strep mutans) that causes tooth decay. Spry makes xylitol sweetened gum, mint and candy.

4) Protect the baby teeth - Although they’re only with the child for a few years, baby teeth serve an important role in the development of the mouth, serving as space-savers and guides for permanent teeth. Loss of baby teeth can lead to crowded or crooked permanent teeth. Baby teeth are also important to the normal appearance of the face, proper nutrition and speech. And, of course, cavities and infection can affect the child’s overall health.

5) Tooth brushing – Even before a child’s teeth begin coming in, you should develop the habit of cleaning your baby’s gums after feeding, using a damp cloth or gauze. When the first tooth arrives, usually between the ages of 6 and 10 months, you should switch to a small soft-bristle brush. Take care to brush behind the teeth and around the gum line, using just water without toothpaste. From ages 2 to 6, add a small amount of toothpaste – no more than the size of a pea (Spry makes an infant tooth gel with xylitol which reduces bacteria that cause decay). Until about age 7, parents should handle the tooth-brushing, or at least personally supervise. Make sure the kids learn proper brushing techniques, using a circular stroke to reach all surfaces.

6) Flossing – As soon as your child has two teeth touching, you should begin flossing between the teeth. It’s as necessary as flossing for adults, and introducing the practice early will teach the child the proper habits of tooth care.

7) Tooth-friendly diet -- Parents should train their children early toward a healthy diet that has limited candy, soft drinks and other sweets that can fuel the development of cavities. Cheese is an especially healthy snack, because it adds calcium, stimulates saliva production and counteracts chemicals that can eat away at tooth enamel.

8) Prevent decay with xylitol-New research suggests that products containing xylitol, a naturally occurring sugar, can prevent tooth decay and even Otis Media (ear infections). Oral bacteria do not use Xylitol therefore no acid is produced to eat away at enamel. Xylitol also reduces the quantity of caries causing bacteria creating additional protection between meals as well as inhibiting the bacteria from sticking to the teeth. Look for products that only use xylitol as the sweetener. (Young children should avoid non-liquid products such as gum, mints or lozenges until they can effectively chew or suck long enough to gain a benefit without swallowing or choking.)

9) Visit the dentist regularly – Parents should take their children to the dentist by their first birthday, and then continue twice a year. This is also a strategy session to work out a plan for lasting dental health. Ask about dental sealants that can protect teeth against decay. Make the trips fun, so that the kids learn that the dental office isn’t a place to be afraid of.

10) Don’t let small problems become big ones – A toothache is a sign that a cavity has reached an advanced stage. It might also indicate a more serious problem, such as a cracked tooth, an infection, jaw problems, etc. Parents should inspect their kids’ teeth regularly, paying attention to anything unusual, and encourage children to be aware of the first twinge of pain or any changes in their mouths.

“Poor dental health can affect everything from overall physical wellbeing to appearance, self-confidence and emotional health,” Dr. Camacho said. “It’s critical that parents understand the importance of the life skill they are passing along to their children.”

Source http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/02/prweb5071474.htm