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Author Topic: Strengthening the Immune System to More Effectively Fight Infection  (Read 2798 times)

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AGelbert

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Abdominal Beathing for Relaxation
« Reply #15 on: September 14, 2014, 09:22:27 pm »
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sg9XYicHqKo&feature=player_embedded
This REALLY works! I start feeling relaxed by the fourth breath!
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Matt 10:37

AGelbert

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November 13, 2014

Harvard Medical School - Don’t fall for these skin myths 


Think you know a lot about skin and skin care?   
You might be surprised at how much “common knowledge” about how to keep your skin clear and healthy is simply not true. Here, we debunk 10 common myths about skin.


1. The right skin cream can keep your skin looking young.

There are hundreds of skin treatments that claim to help you look younger or slow the aging process. For reducing wrinkles, the topical treatment with the best evidence behind it is retinoic acid (as in Retin-A). Many over-the-counter products contain retinoic acid as well, but it’s difficult to say if one is better than another. But the best ways to keep wrinkles at bay are using sunscreen and not smoking.

2. Antibacterial soap is best for keeping your skin clean.


Skin normally has bacteria on it. It’s impossible to keep your skin completely free of bacteria for any amount of time. In fact, many experts are concerned that the use of antibacterial soap could lead to more antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Antibacterial soap is not necessary for everyday use. Regular soap is fine. Thorough and consistent hand-washing, not antibacterial soap, is what helps prevent the spread of infection.


3. Eating chocolate or oily foods causes oily skin and acne.

The truth is that an oily substance called sebum causes acne.  It’s made and secreted by the skin. In fact, there’s no evidence that any specific food causes acne.

4. Tanning is bad for you.

Spending an excessive amount of time in the sun or in a tanning booth can increase skin cancer risk, especially if sunscreen is not used. Skin cancer risk is correlated with total lifetime sun exposure and frequency of sunburns. Excessive tanning can also damage skin, causing it to wrinkle and age prematurely.

But developing a light or gradual tan through repeated, but careful, sun exposure isn’t dangerous. As long as you’re taking precautions — such as using a sunscreen of at least SPF 30, applying it thoroughly and reapplying when necessary, and avoiding peak sun exposure times — a light tan with no burning isn’t a warning sign.

5. Tanning is good for you.


People often associate a dark tan with the glow of good health. But there’s no evidence that tanned people are healthier than paler people. Sun exposure does have a health benefit, though. Sunlight activates vitamin D in the skin. Vitamin D helps keep bones strong, and may also lower the risk of certain cancers and boost immune function. Depending on how much vitamin D you’re getting in your diet, a lack of sun exposure could increase your risk of vitamin D deficiency.

6. The higher the SPF of your sunscreen, the better.

Above a certain level, a higher sun protection factor (SPF) has little added benefit compared with a lower SPF. Experts generally recommend using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks out 97% of UVB radiation. It may be worth a higher SPF if you’re planning to be outside for more than two to three hours, especially during hours of peak sun exposure (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). But in most circumstances, a higher SPF may not be worth the extra cost.

7. A scar that is barely noticeable is the mark of a good surgeon.

The true skill of a surgeon is demonstrated by what he or she does between making and closing the incision. While surgeons routinely pay more attention to incisions on the face (using thinner suture, making stitches closer together, or avoiding the use of sutures altogether if possible), the appearance of a scar tells you little about the skill of your surgeon.

8. Vitamin E will make scars fade.

There’s little evidence to support this claim. Talk to your surgeon or dermatologist if you have concerns about the appearance of a scar. There are many options for improving the appearance of scars, including laser treatments.

9. Crossing your legs causes varicose veins.


There are a number of risk factors for varicose veins, but crossing your legs is not one of them. Heredity is one of the most important — an estimated 80% of people with varicose veins have a parent with the same condition. Other things that make a person prone to varicose veins include smoking, inactivity, high blood pressure, pregnancy, obesity, and having a job that requires prolonged standing. If you already have varicose veins, elevating your legs and using compression stockings may be helpful. But keeping your legs “uncrossed” won’t prevent or improve the condition.

10. Scalp massage can prevent baldness.

There’s simply no evidence that scalp massage prevents baldness, tempting as it is to believe.

If you see something unusual on your skin or have concerns about how to keep your skin healthy, talk to your doctor or dermatologist. And if you hear someone repeating these skin myths, you can set them straight.



Product Page - Skin Care and Repair
 
 Where can you get authoritative advice on skin care? There's plenty of advice out there on TV and the Internet and in the aisles of stores peddling skin care products. Despite the abundance of products and procedures available, there are actually only a few that have good scientific evidence behind them. This report, Skin Care and Repair, describes the most effective skin treatments and procedures for both common medical conditions like acne and rosacea, and common cosmetic problems like wrinkles and age spots, along with the most effective topical lotions, fillers, and other applications.



For more advice on caring for your skin and keeping it healthy, buy Skin Care and Repair, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School (at link below).

http://www.health.harvard.edu/promotions/harvard-health-publications/skin-care-apr2014-test.html
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Matt 10:37

AGelbert

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Egyptian Queen                                                   Copper Ore 
The Ancient Egyptians were WAY ahead of their time in medicine

SNIPPET:

No matter where in the world you find yourself, hospitals are filled with bacteria and viruses and potential infections for patients. Constanza Correa      and her colleagues believe they have found a simple, and very old, fix that could greatly reduce inpatients' chances of infection—replacing bedrails with copper.

Quote
Copper definitely wipes out microbes. "Bacteria, yeasts and viruses are rapidly killed on metallic copper surfaces, and the term "contact killing" has been coined for this process," wrote the authors of an article on copper in Applied and Environmental Microbiology. That knowledge has been around a very long time. The journal article cites an Egyptian medical text, written around 2600-2000 B.C., that cites the use of copper to sterilize chest wounds and drinking water.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/12/17/1352496/-Ancient-Egyptian-technology-may-be-our-first-line-of-defense-from-hospital-infections


Agelbert NOTE:
Now if they could just mine for copper without degrading the biosphere, I would be happier with this idea. I am familiar with the antimicrobial qualities of brass (door knobs keep disease from passing from your hand to some else's  :emthup:), silver and gold. I have posted on their use here.


Copper

I knew a bit about copper too. In a garden, you put copper strips around flower beds and the slugs will not cross them. Slugs HATE copper.  :icon_mrgreen:

Mining CAN be done in an environmentallt friendly manner. HOWEVER, and AS USUAL, the Mining Kings (abbreviation = MKing  - all similarity to a the resident Fossil Fuel Fracker is deliberate a coincidence!  ;D) involved with it claim it is not "cost effective" to mine in an environmentally friendly manner. Stupid, planet trashing, math challenged greedballs have an accounting problem. THEY want we-the--people to PAY the environmental costs. So it goes.

From  MIT:

SNIPPET 1:


Environmentally Sensitive "Green" Mining


Using Environmentally Conscious Mining Standards


Overview

New mining technologies and regulations have significantly improved mining efficiency and reduced environmental impact in recent years. In general, mining techniques become much more environmentally sensitive when efficiency is improved because less waste is produced. However, even greater improvements must be made as part of Mission 2016's plan. The current "green" mining techniques need to become more widespread and there will be a focus on researching new environmentally friendly techniques.

The plan for improving efficiency and decreasing the environmental impact of mining is broken up into the following categories:


•Shutting down illegal and unregulated mines
•Choosing environmentally friendly general mining processes
•Implementing recently discovered green mining technologies
•Cleaning up the sites of shut-down mines
•Reevaluating Cut-off Grades
•Research and Development of Green Mining Technology


The plan below is described with respect to REEs in order to illustrate a specific example. However, many of the same problems are inherent in mining of other strategic elements, and thus Mission 2016's solutions can be applied and implemented for these mines as well.

SNIPPET 2:

Choosing Environmentally Friendly Mining Processes

Another broad method for improving efficiency would be to address the general mining process and purification processes. Although open pit mining (link to mining solution page) contributes about 85% of all mineral mining, it is one of the most environmentally taxing.

About 73% of extracted rock goes to waste. Meanwhile, underground mining wastes only 7% of the extracted rock but is more expensive (Hartmann and Mutmansky, 2002).

In situ mining (see mining solution page) can be more environmentally friendly than underground mining and is cheaper than many mining methods (Ulmer-Scholle, 2008). However, in situ mining cannot be implemented in all cases as the ore needs to be beneath the water table (the level at which the ground is saturated with water) and it needs to be porous enough to let the leaching solution dissolve (Topf, 2011). Unfortunately, in situ leaching can also be very harmful if the solution leaks into the water supply. There are plenty of examples of past leaks at in situ leaching mines ("Colorodoans against resource destruction", 2008).

It is infeasible to convert all current mines to more environmentally friendly mining methods due to economic constraints and ore deposit geography. However, when opening new mines in areas with low risks of water contamination, in-situ leaching should be the choice method when physically possible. If not, then the environmental benefits of underground mining need to be weighed with the financial benefits of open pit mining to determine the mining method of choice on a mine-by-mine basis.


SNIPPET 3: (The Power of Positive Thinking) :

So opening new, cleaner mines will likely occur over a 15-25 year timeline. This process will be sped up by open-source technology and an international regulatory body.

By 2015: The environmental group dedicated to mine clean up and ratings is organized. Governments and mining companies can begin devising a financial scheme for initial funding of this group. Countries interested in mining include a budget for research and development in their plans. An environmental regulatory body will oversee the creation of a point system for implementing green technology detailed above (see Environmental Regulations page). Illegal and unregulated mines will begin to be shut down or legalized. Cut-off grades are reevaluated. Current mines begin implementing the green technology techniques, and new mines will include them in their initial start-up costs.

By 2020: The environmental group dedicated to mine cleanup begins the first mine cleanup project. The point system begins to be used as a method for evaluating a mine's environmental effects. All current mines are expected to be held to the new, stricter standards, while the international regulatory body in conjunction with the different governments should have shut down almost all unregulated mines.

2025-2035: Cleaner mining practices will become more commonplace as previously unregulated mines reopen.

Past 2030: All implemented procedures continue to grow and develop. Illegal mining should be completely shut down and regulations will have improved the environmental footprint of mining. Atmospheric emissions and wastewater will be minimized. Shut down mines will be cleaned and reclaimed by the local community. Agelbert NOTE: Even in this somewhat hopeful scenario, the buck gets passed from the corporate MKings to we-the-people. The fascists    ALWAYS plan ahead.  :P 

http://web.mit.edu/12.000/www/m2016/finalwebsite/solutions/greenmining.html



 
« Last Edit: July 10, 2016, 08:11:53 pm by AGelbert »
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Matt 10:37

AGelbert

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Quote
The Best Natural Approach for Flea and Tick Prevention 

Exposure to pests is a fact of life for pets, especially those that spend a lot of time outdoors. Keeping your pet's immune system strong by feeding a balanced, unprocessed and fresh-food diet, encouraging regular exercise and minimizing his exposure to vaccines, topical pesticides and other environmental toxins will go a long way toward minimizing his risk.

Fresh garlic
can also be given to dogs and cats, in tiny amounts, to help prevent internal as well as external parasites. And for times when you know you'll be at high risk, botanical oils specifically formulated to be applied to pets make an excellent natural repellent. Examples to look for include blends of:

•Lemongrass
, neem and catnip oil — when formulated into a spray for pets, it promotes a shiny, healthy coat, and helps repel fleas, ticks and mosquitoes.

•Geranium oil — an effective essential oil that helps deter mosquitoes, fleas, ticks and other pests from attacking your dog or cat.

By using these commonsense approaches, your pet can enjoy the outdoors this summer without the nuisance of fleas and the dangers of tick-borne diseases.

Remember that, in the latter case, a simple blood test done every six months can identify any related infections so they can be quickly treated.

Read more:
http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2016/07/02/flea-and-tick-prevention.aspx
Agelbert NOTE: Use Garlic with CAUTION:

Quote
Is Garlic Safe for Cats and Dogs?  ???

Garlic use in pets is misunderstood. Garlic can be beneficial and it can be harmful, even fatal. When garlic is harmful, it causes a severe anemia (Heinz body anemia).

Effects of garlic-induced anemia
Anemic cats and dogs develop rapid heartbeats because they don’t have the ability to carry the normal amount of oxygen in their blood. The anemic pet’s heart beats faster in order to circulate oxygen and keep the brain, kidneys, liver, and muscles functioning.

The anemic pet’s bone marrow then tries to produce new RBCs at a rapid rate, pulling nutrients, including iron and B vitamins from their food and tissues. The spleen enlarges as it works to identify and remove all the RBCs that have been damaged by garlic. If the body doesn’t respond and maintain normal hemoglobin levels, the pet will need a blood transfusion in order to stay alive.

Why are cats so susceptible to garlic?
Cats are more susceptible to garlic-induced anemia than are dogs because the cat's hemoglobin is different than the dogs. Hemoglobin is the portion of the RBC that carries oxygen. Molecules within the hemoglobin are oxidized by sulfoxides in the garlic, and this permanently damages the RBC. The spleen sorts the RBC and removes those with damage, so that the pet’s blood is “thinned.” Blood tests show us how “thin” the blood is (hematocrit or packed cell volume) and blood slides show us the Heinz bodies sitting in the red blood cells.

What's the toxic dose of garlic?

The toxic dose for pets is 1-2 cloves/kg, so a 4-kg pet receiving 4 or more cloves a day may die. One teaspoon of garlic powder is equal to a clove. (A garlic clove and a teaspoon of garlic powder weigh about 9 g.) So, 4 teaspoons of garlic powder (36 g) would be toxic to a 4-kg pet, such as your average cat.

What's the safe dose of garlic?
The safe dose of garlic for healthy cats is a slice of garlic clove 2-3 times a week. Although this safe garlic dose is not enough to deworm a pet or cure a viral disease, it probably stimulates the immune system just enough to be a blessing. In addition, garlic provides “heat” from a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) perspective, and “heat” is beneficial for weak, chilly, or older pets.

My recommendations for garlic
Do I recommend garlic for cats and dogs? Yes. But, the family and I are aware that regular blood tests will help us ensure we’re doing good and not harm. We watch for symptoms of anemia; pale gums, rapid heartbeat, edema, weakness, jaundice. If any of these occur, we look at the pet’s blood and make necessary changes.

Garlic is an example of so many things in life: more is not necessarily a blessing. 

http://drpollen.blogspot.com/2009/10/is-garlic-safe-for-cats-and-dogs.html

He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Matt 10:37

AGelbert

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7 Potted Plants that Will Remove Indoor Air Pollution from Your Home, Proven by Science 

Last updated on October 31st, 2016  at 5:03 pm by Tibi Puiu

Credit: Flickr // ProFlowers

The advent of agriculture some 12,000 changed human culture forever. Free from the stress of having to constantly scour the land in search for game and fruits, humans could now divide labour and massively expand their communities. Despite the domestication of plants and animals had a very practical purpose, it didn’t take humans too long for them to find out they could breed plants for aesthetic purposes.

A brief history of indoor plants

Credit: Public Domain

We don’t know who were the first to extensively use houseplants, but one of the first records suggests the Chinese used penjing trees and plants of different varieties in interior spaces as ornamental features as early as 4,000 years ago. These indoor plants were considered a sign of wealth and prosperity and gave many the chance to practice their gardening skills because the plants would grow and flourish all year round.

Perhaps the most famous example of both outdoor and indoor gardening dates from the time of Emperor Nebuchadnezzar who in 610 B.C.E. completed The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

The widespread use of houseplants that we see today, however, can be traced back to Victorian England in the late 1800s. While the sumptuous outdoor British gardens kept their gates closed until springtime, many Brits began growing a wide variety of cheery and colourful plants. The included English ivy, dracaenas, and Chinese evergreens to name a few.

Things have moved on, thankfully, and the range of indoor plants available now has arguably never been greater.

But plants aren’t just for show

There’s a growing body of evidence that house plants help improve indoor quality not only by producing oxygen but also by absorbing various pollutants like allergy-irritating dust and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In today’s modern household, the latter quality is the most desirable out of your potted plants because VOCs have never been more abundant. These are produced or released by the household’s walls, paints, wood preservatives, cleansers, and disinfectants, glues and adhesives, and other chemical products.

“We all know, but most of the time we completely forget, that air is the most consumed material by humans,” said Vadoud Niri, a chemist at the State University of New York at Oswego, who is one of the authors of an important study that assessed the performance of various potted plants as VOC absorbers.

“Each of us breathes over 3,000 gallons of air each day, and even though you could go days without food and hours without water, you would last only a few minutes without air.”

“That’s why air quality is extremely important and air pollution is an important environmental threat to human health.”

Since the 1980s, NASA has been researching houseplants for the purpose of purifying space stations. Since then, various studies have come up with a list of particularly able plants which have a higher than average VOC filtering ability. Here are just a few.


Aloe vera

Credit: Pixabay

Aloe vera
, a common household plant, does more than provide a home decor boost. Research suggests its a great absorber of  formaldehyde and benzene, which are compounds commonly released by cleaning products and paints. The plant also has various therapeutic properties and has been used as a medicinal plant for at least 6,000 years. It’s used to treat skin conditions, accelerate healing of wounds, and even as a laxative.


Spider plant

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) likes to chow on benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene, the latter being an air pollutant that clogs the atmosphere in leather, rubber, and printing shops.

Spider plants are very easy to grow, prefer dry soil and thrive in cooler homes.


Gerbera daisy

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Also known as Transvaal daisy, Gerbera daisy (Gerbera jamesonii), is a daisy-like bloomer that comes in a variety of jewel tones. Besides splashing your home with colour, this daisy is very effective against trichloroethylene, which you might find on your dry cleaned clothes. This makes the houseplant great for bedrooms or laundries.


Snake plant

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Snake plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata), also hilariously known as the Mother-in-Law’s tongue, is one of the best formaldehyde filters, commonly found in cleaning and personal care products. It thrives in low light conditions so this makes it an ideal bathroom potted plant. If you’re particularly bad with plants, like I am, this may be your soul plant. It can go on for weeks without having to be watered.



Red-edged dracaena

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Dracaena (Dracaena spp.) is grown for its dramatic foliage and carefree nature. Besides freshing up your home, dracaena is an effective filter against xylene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde. But if you’re after air quality, look for the red-edged variety because there are many kinds of dracaena. Look for purple-red edges on ribbon-like leaves.


Bamboo palm

Credit: Flickr

Native to Mexico and Central America, this dwarf plant doesn’t grow taller than five feet. It loves bright light and humidity, but also benzene and trichloroethylene.


Peace lily 

Credit: Flickr

Perhaps the most beautiful VOC filter you’ll find on this list, the peace lily (spathiphyllum) topped NASA’s list for air quality  proving effective at absorbing all three main VOC compounds — formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene.

http://www.zmescience.com/science/potted-plants-air-quality-home-0423/
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Matt 10:37

 

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