Message from GM Dusan Popovic Following the recovery after surgery in Moscow
Dear, good people, chess players, friends,
There is no media or space through which me and my family could adequately express our gratitude for selfless help you offered so I could overcome sudden illness.
It is very difficult, even impossible, to single out any one in particular in situation when assistance arrived from so many people, individuals, companies, chess associations... when chess players from all over the world - from a world champion to an ordinary person fond of chess - demonstrated such sincere solidarity and support, and in the most human form proved the truthfulness of a motto of all chess players in the word "We are one family" (Gens una sumus), when that is done by people of a kind heart unknown to us, there is really not one word, sentence, book... to describe the value of that assistance and its significance for me and my family.
Thank you for enabling me to play chess again, to travel without trouble again, and to have normal life again!
This is a topic that could be taboo for a lot of people but definitely has its benefits. So for today I ask you to have an open minds as I share with you a report that confirms and enumerates the different benefits of having sex on a regular basis - more or less.
In 1997 the British Medical Journal, it was reported that men who had the highest frequency of orgasm enjoyed a death rate half that of the laggards. Studies show that having sex even a few times a week can have the following effects:
Improved sense of smell: After sex, production of the hormone prolactin surges. This in turn causes stem cells in the brain to develop new neurons in the brain's olfactory bulb, its smell center.
Reduced risk of heart disease: In a 2001 follow-on to the Queens University study mentioned above, researchers focused on cardiovascular health. Their finding? That by having sex three or more times a week, men reduced their risk of heart attack or stroke by half. In reporting these results, the co-author of the study, Shah Ebrahim, Ph.D., displayed the well-loved British gift for understatement: "The relationship found between frequency of sexual intercourse and mortality is of considerable public interest."
Weight loss, overall fitness: Sex, if nothing else, is exercise. A vigorous bout burns some 200 calories--about the same as running 15 minutes on a treadmill or playing a spirited game of squash. The pulse rate, in a person aroused, rises from about 70 beats per minute to 150, the same as that of an athlete putting forth maximum effort. British researchers have determined that the equivalent of six Big Macs can be worked off by having sex three times a week for a year. Muscular contractions during intercourse work the pelvis, thighs, buttocks, arms, neck and thorax. Sex also boosts production of testosterone, which leads to stronger bones and muscles. Men's Health magazine has gone so far as to call the bed the single greatest piece of exercise equipment ever invented.
Reduced depression: Such was the implication of a 2002 study of 293 women. American psychologist Gordon Gallup reported that sexually active participants whose male partners did not use condoms were less subject to depression than those whose partners did. One theory of causality: Prostoglandin, a hormone found only in semen, may be absorbed in the female genital tract, thus modulating female hormones.
Pain-relief: Immediately before orgasm, levels of the hormone oxytocin surge to five times their normal level. This in turn releases endorphins, which alleviate the pain of everything from headache to arthritis to even migraine. In women, sex also prompts production of estrogen, which can reduce the pain of PMS.
Less-frequent colds and flu: Wilkes University in Pennsylvania says individuals who have sex once or twice a week show 30% higher levels of an antibody called immunoglobulin A, which is known to boost the immune system.
Better bladder control: Heard of Kegel exercises? You do them, whether you know it or not, every time you stem your flow of urine. The same set of muscles is worked during sex.
Better teeth: Seminal plasma contains zinc, calcium and other minerals shown to retard tooth decay. Delivery though will be left to your imagination. However, to suffice it is safe to say that it could be a far richer, more complex and more satisfying experience than squeezing a tube of Toothpaste. Researchers have noted, parenthetically, that sexual etiquette usually demands the brushing of one's teeth before and/or after intimacy, which, by itself, would help promote better oral hygiene.
A healthier prostate: Some urologists believe they see a relationship between infrequency of ejaculation and cancer of the prostate. The causal argument goes like this: To produce seminal fluid, the prostate and the seminal vesicles take such substances from the blood as zinc, citric acid and potassium, then concentrate them up to 600 times. Any carcinogens present in the blood likewise would be concentrated. Rather than have concentrated carcinogens hanging around causing trouble, it's better to evict them. Regular old sex could do the job. But if the flushing of the prostate were your only objective, masturbation might be a better way to go, especially for the non-monogamous male. Having sex with multiple partners can, all by itself, raise a man's risk of cancer by up to 40%. That's because he runs an increased risk of contracting sexual infections. So, if you want the all the purported benefits of flushing with none of the attendant risk, go digital. A study recently published by the British Journal of Urology International asserts that men in their 20s can reduce by a third their chance of getting prostate cancer by ejaculating more than five times a week.
Want to know more about health and news topics such as these check it out from the source at: Forbes.com
Now here is video news report from CNN on the same topic - Enjoy ;)
I was hosting a wedding today and nothing really bothers me more than an itchy and irritating throat. I did my best to keep from coughing while concentrating on the program and keeping guests entertained. I had tried using conventional medicine from the hotel's clinic but unfortunately it did nothing to soothe my dilemma. So I tried the old fashion remedy that my mom taught me. Drink warm water with Honey and Chamomile tea. It worked like a charm and for the entire 3 hours straight I wasn't bothered by my itchy throat and thus helped cease the coughing symptom till the program ended.
This is one of the reasons as to why I really prefer home made remedies over the synthetic medications. Don't get me wrong though, I do take regular medication from time to time, but using home made remedies along with regular medication does help increase the healing rate. Regular herbal therapy is also the best way to prevent certain diseases from happening.
Now with the cough issue, it was truly helpful to use honey and tea for my predicament but that isn't the only option one has for helping heal the common cough. From GrannyMed.com I found other herbs that are as easily accessible at home and still prove to be effective in helping relieve and heal the common cough.
As you can see from this list, all of these ingredients can be found in the local grocery store if not in your refrigerator. We all use these in our cooking from time to time and continued use of these can also guarantee a lesser chance of getting a bad case of the flu and of course the cough.
eHow from Youtube also has a cool advise for home remedies with regards to healing the irritating itchy feeling one gets during a bad cough and more.
Today's wellness article is something I should have written about before I got hit by the flu last week. Had I done so, I may have been able to prevent myself from contracting it and would have hopefully saved me from the inconveniences of having to buy tissue paper for my runny nose and cough medication for a cough that sounds like I just shot a .45. I have also noticed that this month of January a lot of my colleagues have also started showing since of the cold. With that I guess we will see another season of flu spreading its ugly head around the block affecting unsuspecting victims along the way.
So to help prevent that from happening here are some things that you can do to help prevent it from spreading even further.
Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
And to help you even more I found this rather informative video from our trusty online video source Youtube that talks and teaches us more about the flu (including those nasty and scary ones that we have heard spread in the news):
Here is what the CDC Recommends
One thing that I have learned along the way is that washing of hands regularly is one of the best and most recommended practices in preventing most kinds of infectious diseases which includes the flu. I do hope that this article has helped you out and please spread the word on how to prevent the flu rather than spreading the virus. :)
It is the start of the year and I was thinking of taking steps in making a difference in other people's lives. One of those is a commitment to donate blood. I guess this is my way of saving a life, cause somewhere out there someone is in need of blood and it might be my blood that they shall be using to help this person survive. I think everyone has a chance to do this. If saving a life isn't what will motivate you, then how about checking the benefits of giving blood: Health Benefits of Donating Blood.
Here is a playlist of more reasons as to why you should donate blood more often:
I guess in the end the moral of today's health topic is that when you give blood you save 2 lives. The life of the person who needs it and yours.
I have written a lot of articles that have focused on the body and mind's well being. Today am focusing on something that affects us all directly and indirectly no matter how healthy we may be. Financial Health, is something that a lot of us know that we need but have failed to focus properly on. We accept that fact that in order for us to eat we need to work, however, many have ignored the fact that we can start investing for our future to save us from the toils of labor when we get too old to work. Some have focused on savings which is good, but even better are those that have done research into the topics of Passive income. Sadly though many do not even think about any of these things and do not know exactly where their money is going.
When is the right time to think about money and one's future? The answer to that is now. As responsible parents, one should already be teaching the value of saving to their children. As adults we should already be practicing this philosophy as our future is at stake and more so with our loved ones that will benefit from it eventually.
Want to know if you are financially healthy? Here is a checklist quiz to see if you are:
Kim has definitely put the sizzle into eating healthy salads. It is true that eating salads is the best way to loose weight and stay fit. It helps us stay young with all the anti-oxidants it contains and much more. So here is Kim to show you just how it should be done :)
It has been a couple of days into the holidays and yet a lot of people around me have been complaining that they aren't really feeling the holiday spirit as of yet. They talk about all the things that they still have to do. From work to shopping and even the parties that they all have to attend to. I have to admit that these are things that we cannot avoid during this particularly festive season but it is still important for people to take a bit of time to breathe and let loose from all that. One has to remember that Christmas is a time of happiness, sharing, and love. Otherwise if you had been looking at the stress wheel above and you see it moving quickly indicates that you need to turn around from the computer and close your eyes for just a bit and take deep breaths as you count from backwards from ten :).
I even recommend that you take time out from the real world and enjoy a little bit of fun outside with family and loved ones. You can even watch anime online like what me and my sister on animeultima.com while enjoying your favorite snacks and drinks. Enjoy some wine and some pastries. Most importantly - SMILE - this will turn a hectic and stressful day around better than any medication that you can probably think of. :) It has been known that facial expressions show the world how we feel no matter how hard we try to hide it, but amazingly enough it also works the other way around. The expressions on our face can also change and affect how we feel inside. That is why when we see someone that smiles at us and we smile back we get that warm fuzzy feeling ;)
So I guess the moral of this story is - Learn to chill :) and learn to have fun. Christmas wasn't meant to make people feel stressed :) xoxo
Being a person born into a family of diverse religious beliefs and traditions has brought me to a place where I was given a chance to choose and see what works for me. I have gone from Islam, Christianity, New Age, Scientology and into Agnostics. I may look and sound a bit confused but in the search for truth one is left with nothing but faith and an inner voice that guides and pushes us to go where we must. But throughout these experiences one thing stands out amongst all. The Power of Prayer especially one done with a pure strong human emotion creates an occurrence of signs and wonders that one would often call miracles.
I know to some it may sound weird, some may be able to relate. But I speak out of personal experience. It matters not what faith you are in but when people pray with all their hearts something happens. I have seen people who were blind start to see, people who are deaf start to hear and people that couldn't walk jump up for joy. How and why, science is at a loss trying hard to find the facts that would explain the unexplainable. Evidence of a Higher power a God that answers these prayers exist but like the wind one can only feel its effects.
In my new position as Account Manager I have asked applicants to pray not only for themselves but for their interviewer as well. Those that have agreed to do so and acknowledged their faith and belief that God would hear their prayers have passed without a hitch as compared to those that didn't. Some whose chance of passing was rather slim were the ones getting in while those that showed confidence in themselves didn't.
In the past month after the Typhoon had ravaged my home and the family feud that sizzled to a dizzying escalation hit my home and me, I was left to sit back and pray. It was as if a weight was lifted off my shoulders and things no matter how hard and serious they were became easy. It was like I felt that there was Someone there listening to me, listening to my every tear that dropped as I asked for guidance and help. Things started going well again. I felt the sense of purpose and life. I became a testament to what Prayers can do for those that do it with sincerity and purity of heart.
I guess at the end of all this one starts to realize why an old family advice of when a family starts praying together, they are guaranteed to stay together. I am starting to understand why families bonded together by faith are the only ones surviving and thriving. Less chance of experiencing broken homes and all the terrible things that we are hearing in the news about drugs, sex and violence. In the homes that I have seen that have practiced The Power of Prayer, one could undeniably feel the positive air that surrounds the homes that they live in. Peaceful is the best word to use to describe that feeling.
Prayers based on my experience has helped me out, I speak this as a witness to it. It may not be something you may find factual to you, however I strongly encourage that you should try it. Release your heart out to the Universe and pour out your emotion. Prayers are cheap - but the result of it is priceless.
Here is a video about the same topic that I have found in Youtube that I am sure you would find rather interesting:
I have been lacking in this department for a couple of days now since I am still adjusting to my new job as an Account Manager for an Executive Search and Training and Development Firm. It is the very first time that I am working around the clock trying to hit the target that they have given us. Progress thus far has been alright for me, however, I still need to be weary of the sacrifices am taking to be able to do the job well.
Now let us get back to topic. Highlighted here are the major reasons as to why sleep is such an important part of our daily lives and why one has to ensure that you get enough sleep otherwise face the consequences that may affect your body in the long run.
Sleep helps to repair your body The body generates extra protein molecules while you're sleeping. These help to repair your body at a cellular level. Examples of what could have caused damage would be the likes of stress, pollutants, infection, sun exposure and much more.
Sleep helps keep your heart healthy Your heart and cardiovascular system is constantly under pressure, and one of the benefits of sleep is that it helps to reduce the levels of stress and inflammation in your body. High levels of 'inflammatory markers' are linked to heart attacks, heart disease and strokes. Sleep can also help keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels lower.
Sleep reduces stress A good night's sleep can lower blood pressure and the elevated levels of stress hormones which naturally occur in today's fast paced society. Sleep helps to reverse these effects and encourages a state of relaxation.
Sleep improves your memory That sluggish sensation that you get when deprived of sleep makes it difficult for one to concentrate. This can lead to not being able to remember facts, faces, lessons and conversations. Sleeping well eliminates these difficulties because as you sleep, your brain is busy working on organizing and correlating memories. One of the great benefits of sleep is that it allows your brain to better process new experiences and knowledge, therefore increasing your understanding and retention.
Sleeping properly can help you to control your body weight One benefit of sleep is that it helps you regulate the hormones that affect and control your appetite. Several studies have shown that when your body is deprived of sleep, the normal hormone balances are interrupted and your appetite increases. Unfortunately this increase in appetite doesn't lead to a craving for fruits and veggies, no, instead your body longs for food high in calories, fats and carbohydrates. If you want to get off the carb crave, get enough sleep. :)
Here is a great video to watch from Youtube that talks more on the topic of why sleep is important for us:
Today am just featuring a video I found in Youtube.com that talks about how stress affects the human body. I am featuring this article most especially since I am feeling a bit stressed right now both at work and at home. But the kind of stress I have I actually need as there are many people like me that thrive on it. However, too much, like everything else can and will have side effects.
here is why:
Hope that this isn't what you are experiencing. Sometimes it pays a lot to simply take a break and walk away even for just awhile. It then you can see and think more clearly and most importantly it helps keep you healthy mentally and physically.
Since am on a very strict diet as I am trying to loose weight, I have been cutting down on carbs and one way is to prepare delicious Tuna Sandwiches. Not only is this recipe very healthy for the heart, but it is also a piece of cake to make :)
Here is how:
Ingredients
* 1 (6 ounce) can of tuna fish (if packed in water, drain it, and add a teaspoon of good quality olive oil) * 1/3 cup of cottage cheese * 2 Tablespoons of mayonaise * 1/4 purple onion, chopped finely * 1 celery stalk, chopped finely * 1 Tablespoon of capers * Juice of half of a lemon * Pinch or two of dill * 2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley * 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard * (optional - lettuce and sliced tomatoes) * Slices of French bread, lightly toasted
Procedure:
Mix all of the ingredients.
Serve on toast, either open faced, or in a regular sandwich with lettuce and tomatoes.
For a low carb option, serve on sliced lettuce.
Here is a cool video variation on how to make this delightfully healthy and tasty treat:
I admit that I was one of those people that loved to party and get drunk and wake up feeling under the weather the next day. I honestly didn't care about my health, since as we all know the feeling that we get was great during the party. What I didn't know and wish I had back then was that the after effects weren't just something that one could heal from - it had a high risk of become permanent and eventually lethal.
I was going through a National Geographic documentary video, which I will feature in a bit, and what I saw was shocking. One would think that smoking was the greatest risk one would have at an all night event. Little did I know that alcohol, the sound and much more were hitting my body, literally pounding it, causing irreparable damage. I guess in more ways than one I was lucky since my check up with my doctors came out ok - normal to say the least - but that was probably due to the fact that I didn't party as hard or as regularly as most people in their twenties and I had a very active and healthy life style. However, it still isn't an excuse to over do it.
It is true that parties is a natural part of growing up, keeping it in moderation though is advisable and taking necessary precautions is a must.
I have a confession to make and it is something I am actually proud to confess :) I have been inked. Not once, but three times as of this writing and am still considering my 4th and probably last Tattoo this coming weekend at a Tattoo Artist Festival that will be held at A. Venue, Makati Avenue on Saturday the 19th of Sept. There will be a lot of artists there that will be competing against each other to see who's design would reign supreme. That is also the reason as to why I am compelled to write this article since I know a lot of people especially those with virgin skin who would be having their first inked session done or for those that just recently had theirs completed would be asking about the after care tips so that all the effort and pain that they had to endure to get it done wouldn't go to waste. Back then I had to rely on the advice of friends and the tattoo artist themselves on tips for tattoo after care. I have to admit I had my blunders and had to go back a couple of times to have it redone. The pain of getting inked over again was more excruciating than when it was done the first time.
So here are the tips to help you avoid just that.
General Tattooed Skin Care Tips
Keep Tattoo Clean:
* Wash your hands before touching your tattoo. This will reduce the chance of introducing germs to the open skin causing an infection. * Wash your new tattoo two or three times each day. Choose a gentle soap, such as Johnson's Baby Soap, Baby Magic Bath Lotion or Ivory Soap. Your tattoo artist may recommend an anti-bacterial soap, and you can use this if you like, but nearly any gentle soap will kill germs. Baby products are less likely to strip the skin of its natural oils, even with frequent washing. * Smooth the soap with clean fingers, not a washcloth. Washcloths, even velour ones, still have an abrasive effect on the skin, and this can leave your tattoo feeling raw and delay healing. It's far better to lightly work the soap over the tattoo in a circular motion. If it tickles a bit, you're using the right amount of pressure. * Rinse the soap off under running water. Again, avoid using a washcloth to remove the soapy water. Letting clean, lukewarm water run over the area carries away all the soap and germs. * Do not rub your fresh tattoo dry. The best way is to let it air dry. If you don't have the time to do that, you can gently pat it dry with a soft towel. An even better technique is to cover it with a clean paper towel and let it wick up the moisture on its own. This will only take a few moments and is well worth the time.
Keep Your Tattoo Protected:
* Cover your tattoo with a fresh bandage if needed. Most artists only recommend keeping your new tattoo bandaged for the first couple of hours after tattooing in order to soak up the worst of the bleeding. However, a new tattoo can continue to "weep" fluids for a few days, especially if the air can't get to it. If your tattoo weeps enough to run, rebandage it and ask your artist or physician to look at it to determine if an infection is starting. If all seems well, let fresh oxygen do its healing job. * Resist the urge to pick at any scabs that may form. This is one of the best tattooed skin care tips you'll ever get, as scarring can devastate that artwork and all the pain that you went through to get.
Keep the Area Moisturized:
* Apply a small amount of a color-free, scent-free moisturizing lotion to the area. You are more likely to find a nice bland lotion in a health supply store than in a cosmetics aisle. The dyes in colored lotions can affect your ink tints, and scent oils used can be harsh on open skin. * You can choose to use an antibiotic ointment on your tattoo if your artist recommends it, but it's not usually necessary. Washing your tattoo two or three times a day should be sufficient for killing germs. * No matter which lotion or ointment you use, apply it sparingly. A thick layer of moisturizer can leach color out of your tattoo. If your skin feels excessively greasy after an application, gently pat up the extra with a soft tissue.
Protect Your Tattoo from the Sun:
New tattoos are very sensitive to ultraviolet rays. The skin burns easily and the sun can actually bleach the color from your tattoo.
* Apply a thin layer of SPF 50 sunblock lotion over the tattoo, and reapply often. * Wear a light garment over your tattoo for even better protection. Go ahead and combine this effort with the sunblock. When it comes to sun exposure, you really can't be too careful. * Never forget to apply sunblock to a tattoo of any age. Even seasoned tattoos can be affected by the sun, and a sunburn can cause peeling and scarring, neither of which are any good for the look of your tattoo.
Here are more tips from an experienced tattoo artist:
