Top-notch Dentist: Find the right provider

Our dentist is an important member of our family's medical team. On the other hand, chossing the right provider for you and your loved ones is much like choosing the right physician. You may ask your family and friends or a healthcare provider for a referral.

To help find the right provider for you, the ADA offers the following suggestions:

Ask family, friends, neighbors or co-workers for recommendations.

Ask your family physician or local pharmacists.

If you're moving, ask your current dentist to make a recommendations.

Call or write your local or state dental society.

Use the ADA Membership Directory available at its Website to search for dentists in your area.

Still, choosing the right dentist is not always easy. To help narrow the selection of potential candidates, the ADA advises that you keep the following points in mind before making a decision:

Is the appointment schedule convenient for you?

Way to relieve tension, anxiety and stress

My way to relieve tension, anxiety and stress is through NIA or popularly known as Neuromuscular Integrative Action. It is a movement practice rooted in martial arts, dance arts and healing arts. In a one-hour classic NIA class, you practice some of the 52 moves derived from the three arts, all to a wide variety of music. Occasionally, you shout an affirmation to relieve stress, ease pain and re-energize. In fact, I focus on expressiveness and adapting the movement to my body which is key to dealing with pain.

It evidently works because the movement helps your muscles relax, taking your body out of its fight-or-flight mode and into a natural "high".

This is my way to boost energy and allow my nervous system to heal itself.

Find out if it's OK to self-test.

When I was a kid, only a fever was the only thing that my mom ever tested. But with today's home health tests, anyone can swab, prick, or pee to their heart's content.

As I searched through Steven Chang's health website, he said that some cases it's better to see a doctor. He mentioned about things to use at home and what to pass up.

It is a must to have a UTI Test and Cholesterol Test at home.

When you pee on a band-Aid-size strip, it it turns dark pink, you have nitrites in your wine, a surefire indicator of a UTI. "If you test positive, you can call your doctor for an anti-biotic prescription," says Lauri Romanzi, M.D., a urogynecologist at Well Cornell Medical Center in New York City. But if you have symptoms and the results are negative, you can see your doctor as soon as possible because you might have a more serious problem like a kidney stone.

On the other hand, Cholesterol Test is also a must at home.

With a quick finger prick you can check your total blood cholesterol, as well as your HDL and triglyceride members. Chang the results are nearly as accurate as a standard test. He further said that it is best to get tested first at a doctor's office, then, if your levels are high, use home testing to trick whether lifestyle changes like exercise and a low fat diet are bringing your numbers down.

What to pass up are Couple's Fertility Test, Yeast Infection Test and Allergy Test because tests like these need serious doctor's check, not suitable for self-testing.

My cat's food - Peline Pines

I am a cat-lover. In fact, I have 8 cats at home. They are my best friends. I enjoy their company as well as their presence. In return, I provide them better food and shelter. I trust only the product that promote my cat's health and their longevity. That's why, I trust only Feline Pine because it has no clay, no chemicals and absolutely nothing artificial.

The best thing about Feline Pine is that they only create health and natural products - 100% which make my cats healthier and wonderful. They are free from sickness and they have grown up so well.

I'm glad I switch with Feline Pine!

I use Prime Years from Schiff

Before, I often feel having extreme body malaise and loss of appetite because of the nature of my work - hectic schedules, meetings with the clients and submit daily reports on projects and achievements. I always run out of time to meet schedules and deadlines. Thanks to my friend, Kelly who introduces me Schiff Vitamins, minerals and supplements.

They have these Super Calcium - Magnesium with D which supports healthy bones and teeth, Prime Years which has multivitamin and mineral for people 55 years and older, Hair, Skin and Nails which is concentrated formula to help promote stronger hair and nails, and healthy skin and Fish Oil which reduces the risk of coronary heart disease and many more. But I use the Prime Years.

Positively, I have seen the positive effect because I am not anymore suffering from much boredom and restlessness. I can manage to work numerous tasks now at any given time.

Laundry Savers

I really have a problem with couple of loads of laundry. My kids' clothes just get dirtier. And even my two kids can easily add up to seven loads of wash a week. Such a big task! Plus, I need strategies to deal with mud, spit-up and ketchup, so those clothes will last (and even make it to my next kid).

Whites go in their own load. We know you know. But what to do if baby's undershirts are so covered in gunk that you're afraid they'll contaminate the rest of the whites? We say throw them in with baby's equally dirty playclothes. Yes, the wash them with colors, but there are worse crimes.

Avoid color wars. The more vibrant the color, the cooler the water should be to wash it - otherwise you risk fading. Wash brights and darks in one load, pastels and mediums in another.

Keep the lint losers together. You should wash towels, flannels, chenille and terry-cloth robes, and fuzzy sweatshirts separately from the rest of the clothes so they won't get covered with lint. And whatever you do, don't wash then with lint attractors like corduroy.

Don't overload. Water and detergent don't circulate well in a stuffed machine, which means your clothes won't get really clean. One clue that you may be putting in too much is if you see detergent residue (white marks) left on your clothes because water didn't dissolve the soap.

Change your toothbrush monthly.

Health is wealth. In this crucial life that everything is rising high - commodities, fuel, fodd, etc., it is a must to have the right protection or to prevent ourselves from diseases. Just like this simple thing.

Brushing our teeth requires a quality toothbrush and a toothpaste that really cleans and whitens our teeth. But what about if out toothbrush looks like this:

Then, it is best to replace them. It has been noted out that toothbrush should be replaced once a month. Don't wait for its bristles to retire from its services. It will cause a lot of damage of your teeth and your gum as well.

Furthermore, bacteria will accumulate it that will cause total gum disease.

Thus, in this chaotic economy, little things should be given serious attention and concern for prevention is better than cure. 2HHG8B87DVQM

The risk of developing diabetes.

I remember many years ago that my grandfather is always getting confined in the hospital. This resulted to the extreme agony of my grandmother due to the cause that their business is slowly in a downfall. In as much as I couldn't imagine that the doctor advised to cut my grandfather's leg in order for the disease not to spread more on the other parts of his body. I was filled with much pity and with mercy for my grandfather. His face making the expression of being extremely hurt is very clear to my sight that in fact, until now, I could clearly picture out.

For most, there are many people who are not aware that they are at risk of developing diabetes hence it is imperative for everybody to adopt a healthy lifestyle and undergo FBS (Fasting Blood Sugar) check at regular intervals as their physicians recommend.

Study reveals that diabetes is a chronic disease caused by insulin deficiency or resistance and is characterized by disturbances in carbohydrates, protein and fat metabolism. It is classified under Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) or Type I and Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabeted Mellitus (NIDDM) or Type II.

Most cases of diabetes are strongly influenced by hereditary and other factors such as obesity, physiologic or emotional stress, pregnancy and orel contraceptives which increase levels of estrogen and placental hormones as well as other medications that are known insulin antagonists.

Symptoms of the disease include fatigue, frequent urination, excessive thirst, dry mucous membranes and poor skin condition, excessive desire to eat in IDDM and weight loss. Treatment among IDDM are injections of regular and NPH insulin and continuous subcutaneous insulin fusion (insulin pump). Treatments for NIDDMs consist of oral hypoglycemics that stimulate endrogenous insulin production and may also increase sensitivity at the cellular level.

Now, I've come to realize how tragically this disease has cause extreme sufferance to my grandfather. Good thing that I can protect myself ahead.

I tried it.

I thought I knew how to breathe slowly and fully, until I tried the Resperate, a device that uses musical sues to help you train your inhalations and reach the therapeutic rate of ten breaths per minute. During my first 15-minute session, I learned that I rarely, if ever, fully exhale.

The Resperate comes with a headset that plays timed chimes and a chest monitor that measures your inhalations. Follow the musical prompts and your breath will take on a slower tempo.

Designed to lower blood pressure (trials show that using it three time a week can relax the muscles surrounding small blood vessels, and reduce your blood pressure after a month), the Reperate is just as useful as a stressbuster. Try it before a meeting or to soothe your nerves before you sleep.

The Resperate showed me how to fully let go of my breath - and some pent-up stress. I was quickly hooked.

Plants to the rescue.

There are some solutions that would substitute if the availability is scarce. Just like this wise idea of using plants as a natural solution for your skin.

If you have problems with irritation and inflammation, it is best that you use Aloe Vera Gel. A German study found that aloe vera when applied to UV burns, eased inflammation better than a 1% hydrocortison gel. When using, you have to cut a leaf from the plant, squeeze some of the liquid onto your fingers, then apply it directly to your skin.

If you problem about acne and blemishes, you need tea tree oil. It has been noted out that study published in the Medical Journal of Australia found that a 5% tea tree oil gel reduced acne as effectively as a 5% benzoyl peroxide lotion, but with fewer side effects. All you need to do is to put one or two drops of the essential oil on a cotton swab then dab blemishes.

Furthermore, to prevent dry and scaly skin, you need Hazelnut oil. Similar to skin's natural oil, this lightweight moisturizer penetrated the upper layers of the epidermis. You just massage into skin right before bed to allow it to soak in overnight.

Help yourself. Try pilates.

I often do write. In fact, I write almost 12 hours a day and so, I suffer too much back pain. Good thing that I have read this article in a magazine, Natural Health - November 2008 Edition which help me a lot to gain back my strength after much back pain. It says that to get us started on a pain-prevention routine, Michele S. Olson, Ph.D., a professor of Physical Education and Exercise Science at the University of Alabama in Montgomery recommends pilates exercises. Here's how:
Come to your hands and knees and get into a push-up position: Align your hands under your shoulders, spread your finger for stability and straighten your arms. Then, come on to your toes, keeping you leg straight and your abdominals contracted. Keep your head, neck and spine aligned and gaze toward the mat. Keep your body on the same plane so there's a straight line form your head to your toes.

Inhale as you lift your leg as high as is comfortable, raising your heel toward the ceiling. Exhale and lower the leg. Repeat with the right leg. Keep your hips squared and pointed toward the mat at all times. Alternate lifting and lowering 8 to 12 times on each side to complete one set.

It is best recommended that you do a total of 3 sets several times a week.

Natural Fiber supplement makes taking fiber easier.

A new 100% natural fiber supplement that can be mixed with soft foods and non-carbonated beverages and can even be used for cooking - without altering the taste of consistency of foods - is now available in the Philippines.

A product of research-based Swiss healthcare company Novartis, Benefiber powder contains 1))% natural soluble fiber (wheat dextrin) which can help promote a healthy digestive system.

It is sugar-free, grit-free, does not thicken in food or liquid unlike some bulk fiber supplements. It dissolves quickly and completely in non-carbonated beverages and soft foods. In fact, when mixed with a glass of water, it is undetectable.

Fiber: Essential part of a healthy diet

"Dietary fiver is an essential part of a healthy fiber and has many health benefits'" said Dr. Rosario Acosta, a private clinical nutrition specialist.

A high-fiber diet:

Soluble fiver lowers "bad cholesterol" reducing risk for cardiovascular disease;

Helps regulate blood sugar level retarding development of type 2 diabetes milletus;

Regulates appetite because it slows down transit time in the gut prolonging the feeling of satiety;

Helps prevent constipation and in loose bowel movement, helps add bulk to the stool and lowers risk of digestive conditions such as hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome and diverticular disease (development of small pouches in the colon) - although this is a characteristic more attributable to insoluble fiber.

"A high-fiber diet is indispensable to fitness and health. I encourage all Filipinos to make fiber-rich foods a regular part of their daily meals," said Cynthia Carrion, Department of Tourism (DOT) undersecretary for sports, tourism and wellness.

A health and fitness advocate, Carrion is a recipient of the personal Trainer of the Year award given at the 25th IDEA World Fitness Convention held last Aug. 12-16 in Anaheim, California.

Braking down dietary fiber

Dietary fiber refers to the edible parts of plants or carbohydrates that can't be digested. Fiber is in plant foods. including fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds and legumes. A form of fiber called chitin is present in the shells of crustaceans such as crabs, lobsters and shrimps.

There are two main forms of dietary fiber. Soluble fiber slows digestion and helps the small intestines absorb nitrated from food. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to stool, helping it pass more quickly through the large intestines.

Most plant foods contain some of each kind of fiber. Foods containing high levels of soluble fiber include dried beans, oats, oat bran, rice bran, barley, citrus fruits, apples, strawberries, peas and potatoes.

Foods high in insoluble fiber include wheat bran, whole grains, cereals, seeds and the skin of many fruits and vegetables.

Taking fiber made easier

"Benefiber is a healthy lifestyle choice and a natural way to integrate more fiber into people's daily diet. With its 100% natural formulation, Benefiber will definitely make taking fiber easier," said Joseph O'Neill, commercial director of Novartis Consumer Health OTC Business Unit for the Philippines and Singapore.

Celebrity chef and Bistro Filipino owner Rolando Laudico welcomed the flexibility of Benefiber to be cooked and mixed into practically hot or cold soft foods or liquids.

Benefiber Powder can be mixed with any hot or cold beverages such as water, coffee, or juice. It can be added to soft foods such as sauces, dips, pudding or yogurt or cooked with muffins, soups, main dishes, and desserts, among others. Each serving of Benefiber Powder provides three grams of dietary fiber.

Washing Instruction for Brassieries

I bought a new set of bra. I have read this instruction that is helpful when washing brassieries.

1. Hand wash undergarments in lukewarm or cold water separately using ordinary detergent.

2. Do not expose in direct sunlight.

3. Do not bleach or use hot water to avoid discoloration.

4. Dissolve the detergent in water; do not apply directly on the fabric as it may damage the fabric color.

5. Do not machine wash any padded brassieries.

6. Do not wring dry.

7. To avoid wrinkling, straigthen the fabric of the cup to its original shape and gently press with your palm.

Physical Fitness

How do people maintain a healthy body?

I'm 62 years old and God's will, still strong, energetic and healthy. I always have a physical exercise. Together with my wife, we jog two kilometers from the house and normally four kilometers travel everyday. It is very cold in the morning. We started jogging at 5 am for two hours until 7 am, we are already in the house having a little rest and prepare for breakfast.

While in the park early in the morning, many people are also jogging. Others just mere walking, stretching their arms and legs. It is pretty good for persons having arthritis and rheumatism. Exercise is the best physical treatment to those who have the disease but should also be aware of the precautionary measures the doctors warned not to be over fatigued from too much workout.

I'm curious enough to know also with other persons who normally have daily exercise. Their individual responses are positive that regular exercise helps mentally, emotionally and physically the benefits of good health and well-being.

8 glasses of water a day...!

I admit that I am not used to drink lots of glasses of water. I prefer to drink orange juice and much colas. It is part of my routine, to drink colas everyday. In fact, I can consume more or less, 3 bottles of colas a day.

Drinking colas is such a habit for me. Until time comes that I see a doctor to have a check-up regarding my blood sugar, I found out that I have diabetes in a lower stage. The doctor said that if I will not consider to drink water for 8 or more glasses of it (water) a day, chances are I will not be saved from suffering diabetes.

At first, it wasn't easy for me to drink with the prescribed glasses of water because I crave for colas. But I think about my health now and the bad causes that too much drinking colas can harm my body. Furthermore, I am afraid of the fact that diabetes has no known cure, only preventions. So now, I force myself accompanied with discipline that I need to take 8 glasses of water a day.

Actually, it is my 11th day now!

Natural remedy to lessen much depression.

I have read from an article of the Health and Home Magazine, April-May 2002 Edition that speaks about ways to lessen much depression. It is pretty amazing that the remedy is just plain jogging.

It further says that people who have much problem with depression can help themselves ease the unhealthy feeling even if they will not see a psychotherapist. The only solution without much expense is spending 1-2 hours of jogging in the open field, at the park, on the road, along the seashore every morning. This helps lessen the metabolic reaction of depression to lessen and even take out its bad cause. That is why, I remember long before when I was in my high school years that my teacher in Chemistry before he entered the room for sometime, take a jog on the quadrangle because he is always getting angry of my naughty classmates in the class.

He is getting the right technique though.

Pretty amazing! This information is really beneficial for many of us. Take a jog now!

Guarding Your Family's Health

The human family has dangerous enemies far too small to be seen without the aid of a powerful microscope. They are called the germs and the viruses. They are harmful and dangerous enemies that could spread very quickly and could cause epidemic disease known to man.

Most germs can grow in places that are warm and moist. On the human body, the germs can enter the creases of the skin, the palms of the hands, around the rectum and the genital areas. It is very important to wash our hands frequently, and bathe the whole body thoroughly every day. We should also be sure to clean our teeth and gums, brush them three times everyday.

Animals also carry disease germs. Mice and rats may spread dangerous germs, those that cause plague, typhus and many more. Flies carry many germs on their feet and bodies that cause typhoid, dysentery, diarrhea and other gastro-intestinal diseases. Even birds carry germs and viruses when they migrate from one place to the other.

Rotten garbage and clogged drains are the breeding places for diseases. Proper disposal of body wastes is one of the first laws of health.

Clean living is the first and most important step in the prevention of diseases.

Vitamins to Keep your Body Healthy

Vitamins are so essential to our health. Without vitamins you could not live.

Where do vitamins come from? They are build up in plants and are found in all fresh foods. Vitamins work in various ways and are closely related to each other in their reactions within the body.

Here's a list of major vitamins with their beneficial functions for the body:

Vitamin A is called a "beauty vitamin". It will keep the skin smooth and soft.

Vitamin B complex is one of the most important vitamin required by the body. It enters into almost every chemical reaction within the body. With thiamine, the cells can utilize the oxygen or fuel for energy.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is the great healing vitamin in the body.It is most valuable to those who are suffering from some several infection or prolonged illness.

Vitamin D is needed in the development of strong and healthy bones. Sunlight provides large quantities of Vit. D.

Vitamin E has something to do with the reproductive function of the body.

Vitamin K is essential in the clotting of the blood.

Vitamin Pills are needed to supplement the diet specially to growing children.

Eat nutritious food that contains plenty of vitamins!

Protein Foods for a Good Health

Protein are the building blocks of the cells. Protein are so important in the diet. From the food we eat, each cell whether in bones, muscles, nerve or skin, builds up its own particular type of protoplasm. We can never stay well unless we have an adequate supply of protein in our diet.

Protein are found in almost all types of food. Richest sources of protein are milk, eggs, cheese, meat, fish, whole grain cereals, peas, beans, lentils, peanuts and soybeans.

Modern nutritionists and food chemists are searching for new ways of using this important protein food. It is discovered that soybean is an excellent answer to the problems of feeding an overpopulated world. Soybean is one of our best food, nature's great gift to man.

Health is our Basic Concern

Our health is always been a basic concern. It is one of the first thing we ask to a friend - how is your health?

Millions of people are ill, most of them because of ignorance or neglecting to follow what they instinctively know what is right. So much information on health is now available through radio, television, newspaper, magazines and books. With all these information sources, the wonderful world of medicine is open for all to see and understand.

Modern science help us to know more about the human body and how to care for it. Wise parents should always keep in touch with their doctor and follow his medical advice on family health.

Good health begins in the home. Parents should teach the children early to care for their health. Good health habits should be a part of every child training and cause to avoid many serious problems of their later life.