Wellness Wed: Cough Remedies that work and is light on cost

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.

Here are the things that they recommended:

• Licorice for cough
• Garlic and honey for cough
• Chocolate for cough (I really liked this one)
  
• Aloe and honey for cough
• Ginger Cayenne Tea for 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.

Wellness Wed: Flu Prevention

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.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Stay home if you are sick until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100°F or 37.8°C) or signs of a fever (without the use of a fever-reducing medicine, such as Tylenol®). Read detailed information about how long to stay away from others.

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. :)

Wellness Wed: Stressed?

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

Wellness Wed on Empty Streets: Effects of Watching Cartoons

I love cartoons. I am an addict when it comes to animated features, from popeye - to the modern cgi anime shown on tv channels such as animax and cartoon network. Watching them helps ease my mind from the tension I have felt during my day and help me unwind. Some of them even help me feel good. But when I started to delve a little more into the topic I found that there is much more to watching cartoons than what I have just mentioned. :)

here are some fun things that I have learned from animes hehe ;)

War sucks.

You CAN have too many women.

Smart people wear glasses.

Music foreshadows plot.

The less you care about sex, the more opportunities you'll get.

(Inversely, the harder you try, the less you'll get.)

When you die, make a long speech, and don't finish the last sentence.

Snow means love.

The best teams come in fives.

In space, you can hear everything.

There's always room for flashbacks!

When in China, listen to your tour guide.

The good guy always has the BLUE glow.

Speak quietly, pilot a big mech.

Believe in goddesses.

Teachers have excellent aim with small objects.

Vengeance with a mallet is the sweetest revenge of all.

Honor is sexy; villainy is irresistible.

Women are attracted to losers; men are attracted to ANYTHING.

The coolest weapon is still the sword.

The hero is never really mad until they hurt his girlfriend.

Female androids are sexy; male androids are....male androids.

The green-haired alien girl will always betray her people for the man she loves.

School uniforms are cool only when the collar is open.

A show without sexual tension isn't worth watching.

Love knows no race, species, or logic.

If it's homemade but tastes bad, grin and bury it (discreetly).

Never trust a huge corporation.

Romance never comes simpler than in a triangle.

Never fall for the girl who names her mech with a French name.

Never fall in love with a psychic.

You can never have too much hair.

Sweating is a sure sign of stress.

Daydreaming leads to accidents.

Everyone wants to conquer Japan.

The cute, fuzzy creature isn't what it seems.

Cherry blossoms mean nostalgia.

Always take gravity into account.

Settings and faces are self-generating.

Losing your temper can be therapeutic.

There's nothing sexier than high heels on a mech.

You can never have too many subplots.

If she sings, she's doomed.

You always remember the sad endings.

Double suicide is romantic.

Outrageous vehicles only make the hero cooler.

Nothing delays romance like unruly neighbors.

Fancy ice cream is for girls only.

The most virtuous character will die.

Hot water has innumerable benefits.

No matter how much blood is lost, no one can die by a nosebleed.

(The same theory above applies to vomiting.)

The girl with the curly hair is always the seductress.

If a sister falls in love with her brother, somewhere down the line you will discover that they're not blood related.

The guy in the baseball cap is always more powerful than he seems.

All demons/monsters have enormous genitalia.

All young children can pilot mecha, you just need to give them a few days.

It is possible to incorporate martial arts into any aspect of life.

All high school kids in Japan have parents that are away on extended business trips.

The oldest sister is the nice one, the youngest sister is the brash one.

You can do anything to the human body as long as you hit the right pressure point.

Consuming enormous amounts of alcohol daily will never have ill effects.

All major villains either want to take over the world or blow it up.

When someone paints up their face, they mean business.

Everyone in Japan has excellent singing voices.

No matter how many times you rebuild, Tokyo keeps getting destroyed in a massive fireball.

The martial arts expert is always defenseless against a slap from the girl who loves him.

TAKAHASHI'S LAW 1: Food is a powerful motivator.

When women are sent out to fight the bad guys, there's always a hunk busily watching over them, often in secret.

The longer it takes to say what your punch is called, the less effective it is.

"Baka" does not mean a student going for his baccalaureate degree.

The more possessive a woman gets, the less likely she will end up with the man of her dreams.

TAKAHASHI'S LAW 2: The two-foot-tall old geezer is someone to be feared.

No matter how big the mech/labor/mobile suit is, if it runs around the corner, the guy chasing it loses the trail.

Extraterrestrial, demons, time travelers, etc. all want to alter the course of history by letting Oda Nobunaga win.

The fate of the planet rests in the hands of the seemingly normal high school student.

The heroine must shred her clothes while transforming into something to fight the bad guys.

True evil can never be destroyed, only banished to some nether realm where it awakes after a few hundred years.

TAKAHASHI'S LAW 3: When being hit on the head, it's the most natural thing in the world to tuck your third and fourth fingers in while keeping the others extended.

Even the bravest souls can be made weak and helpless by the sight of a cute little puppy or kitten.

Never love a Gundam pilot : you're just destined for disappointment (or a funeral).

All persons under the age of 50 can do a ten foot vertical jump from a standing position.

Never trust a guy with shiny teeth

ESP causes more trouble than it solves

The vampire isn't _always_ the bad guy

Nice things can come out of video stores that appear from nowhere

Idiot captains win battles against impossible odds

Order takeout at every opportunity--you might get lucky with a wrong number.

The police are never anywhere there is a large amount of property damage.

All high school principals in Japan are clinically insane.

All people with esper powers give off multicolored auras.

Just about any outer space villain has his sights set on destroying the Earth.

No other planet in the universe will be able to stop said villain except the Earth.

Any character can make a leap of 300 ft or more if given a good running start.

A samurai sword can cut through anything.

All characters over the age of 60 shrink in height in direct proportion to their age.

When uncovering a fabulous treasure, the thing will be large enough to completely destroy any surrounding structures.

TAKAHASHI'S LAW #4: An anti-climax is a good climax.

Anime villians have the best deaths.

Any love interest will always be possesed by a demon.

Mallets can be stored anywhere on anybody.

If the anime has the word "idol" in the title, then you know that it has to be good.

Takada Yumi really does sing that bad, and people still buy her CDs.

If you make enough porno movies, eventually you can get famous enough to star in commercials. "Iijima Ai desu! 'Manga manga no mori mori!!'"

There is no such thing as a public anime showing without heckling.

You can spot how popular a show is by looking at the number of H doujinshi it has.

The smartest people on r.a.a. never post, which is why the conference's overall IQ is so low.

If the lyrics to the OP song are printed on the screen, then you're watching a show that's not for your age group.

The sexiest girls are drawn by artists whose last names start with "U".

The English words in Jpop songs are put there only because they sound good, since they don't make any sense with the rest of the lyrics.

If you post on the MLs more than Hitoshi does, then you probably post too much.

The hero always loses the first fight with a new enemy.

The guys with two earrings are from the Negaverse.

Don't trust the guys with two earrings.

Any truly evil person who changes sides for the woman he loves will die in that episode.

You CAN do it, but only when it's funny or REALLY important.

You can never have too many carrots.

Hair comes in every shade of the rainbow - and we do mean pink, purple, blue, green....

The song "Cry Me a River" takes on a whole new meaning.

A woman's persuasion can involve a kitchen knife.

A 10 year old kid can be a teacher

Only the past is 100%

Sword fights last a lot longer in anime

People can get slashed as many times and won't die by blood loss.

Cheap shots are fair.

Blood can come in many colors, even blue.

You can't run from something that flies and shoots lasers.

Time goes 20 times slower in anime.

You can live without a nose.

No matter how they like and confess to each other, the main characters always get together in the end.

In every anime with a guy surrounded by girls, one girl will always end up to be the guy's childhood friend.

Whenever a guy confesses, the heroine will always reject him but ends up with him anyways.

When the heroine confesses to the guy, they automatically become a couple.

However tough and an asshole a guy can be, he can miraculously change because of a girl.

When a hero is going for powerup he always shout or say something.

Usually when a hero is going for powerup we can see sparks or some glowing lights (ki,chakra,etc).

No matter how many times you hit a guy, he'll never go done for good.

Girls are alot prettier in Anime then real life, they got bigger boobs too!

if you can sing the main and ending song to your favorite anime you have taken a step in becoming a fan

one thing is for certain in all fighting animes there is always a bruce lee like character

one must lose to a overly strong character, train and then beat the crap out of that character in a later round

where there is one cool mech there are 10 more awesome mechs latere in the series

the more overpowered an foe is the easier to beat him

any time a character clothes get torn(male) its from the chest up with stratches on pants, on women its always the skirts then the blouse to the bra

Hehe - I know that it sounded like a serious topic at first but heck that is the point of animation stories - take you away from what is serious into something where fantasies and dreams exist to help you escape the real world - even for just the duration of the show.

Keep smiling always - but remember if your kids are watching cartoons or anime, please sit through the show with them and explain to them what they are watching. Most especially in pointing out the good and bad side to what they are watching. It will help them bond with you and grow a little wiser.

Wellness Wed on Empty Streets: Benefits of Reading to a Child

As a child I can vaguely remember my parents sitting at my bedside reading short stories for me every single day. They got this book filled with magical stories for every single day of the year. I would ask them to read for me and when they were done I would have questions that would seemingly never end till they say it was time for me to go to bed. My parents probably didn't know what I am about to share with you now about what that did for me and how I turned out as an adult, but I guess I was lucky cause they did it for me out of love. I am sure that many of you may have the same story that I have had growing up and we must admit there are times when we even tell those stories to the little people as they go to sleep.

Cool thing about this practice is that not only are we able to bond with our kids, we are actually helping them, as our parents did in the past, build a solid foundation with regards to our mental and emotional well being.

Here are some of the other things that I have found out through several sources as to the benefits of reading to kids:
* Reading enables your kid to bond with you giving your child a sense of intimacy and well-being.
* The intimacy of reading to your kid is such a pleasurable experience for him that he will have a positive attitude towards reading as he grows up.
* Reading calms your child, especially when he is restless.
* It can promote increased communication between you and your child.
* Children who are exposed to language by hearing words that are read to him and in a conversation tend to do very well in school.
* Reading trains them to have a longer attention span, which is an important skill for your kid to have.
* It builds listening skills and imagination.
* The child learns more about colors, shapes, numbers, and letters, while your older children discovers an expanding chain of knowledge. This goes from simple toy cars, to trucks, to machinery, and to outer space explorations.
* Books can teach your child about relationships, situations, personalities, ethics, and differentiate good and from what is bad. Fantasy books provide material for his imagination and free play. Fairy tales fascinate your kid, and help him distinguish between what is real and what is not.

To add to that here is a Youtube video documentary as to this same topic:

Now, before you go off to your child to read him that overly read story that he or she has so over zealously requested to hear, think about how that child is going to grow to be a person that is going to have a solid footing as he or she takes that very first step of independence as an individual. Am sure you shall be one proud parent ;)

Wellness Wed on Empty Streets: Power Of Prayer

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:

Wellness Wed on Empty Streets: Effects of Stress on the Human Body

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.

Wellness Wed on Empty Streets: Homemade Facial Scrub from Orange Peels

I love doing things that constantly keeps my skin young and supple. Nothing beats doing that than a good facial scrub and what better to use than one that is made right out of the kitchen. So here is a simple recipe for beauty that you and your family can make.

Ingredients

* 1 Tbsp. orange peel (grounded into a pulp)
* 1 Tbsp. oatmeal
* 1 Tbsp. plain yogurt
* a few drops of honey

Directions
Mix ingredients together. Apply to face, and gently massage. Rinse thoroughly.

Here is a video of another home made facial scrub that you can try:

Wellness Wed on Empty Streets: Effects of Partying (Hang Over)

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.

Here is the video that I was talking about:

Wellness Wed on Empty Streets: Tattoo After Care Tips

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:

Wellness Wed on Empty Streets: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Was given a particularly interesting request for today's health article. I was asked to do a little research into the topic of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. I have to be honest, that when I first heard about this topic I didn't really think it was something that many would be afflicted with and that it is something that may be related to cancer. After I have completed my research, I have realized that I was wrong on all counts of my assumption. I am sure that after you read this article you may have one or several of these symptoms. It would be best to consult your family physician if you find anything suspicious. Also, it is also advisable to get more than one doctor's opinion for any health issue.

So the first question on my mind was what is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome:
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), also known by the name Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a hormonal problem that causes women to have a variety of symptoms.

What causes Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome:
No one is quite sure what causes PCOS. Although women with PCOS often have a mother or sister with the condition, there is not enough scientific evidence to prove that the condition may be inherited. The ovaries of women with PCOS frequently contain a number of small cysts, hence the name poly (many) cystic ovarian syndrome. A similar number of cysts may occur in women without PCOS. Therefore, the cysts themselves do not seem to be the cause of the problem. A malfunction of the body's blood sugar control system (insulin system) is frequent in women with PCOS, and researchers believe that these abnormalities may be related to the development of PCOS. It is known that the ovaries of women with PCOS produce excess amounts of male hormone known as androgen. This excessive production of male hormones may be a result of the abnormalities in insulin production.

What are the symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome:
The symptoms of PCOS include:

1. Irregular or no menstrual periods

2. Acne

3. Obesity, and

4. Excess hair growth

Other signs and symptoms of PCOS include:

* weight gain,

* acne,

* oily skin,

* dandruff,

* infertility,

* skin discolorations,

* high cholesterol levels,

* elevated blood pressure, and

* abnormal hair growth and distribution.

Any of the above symptoms and signs may be absent in PCOS, with the exception of irregular or no menstrual periods. All women with PCOS will have irregular or no menstrual periods. Women who have PCOS do not regularly ovulate; that is, they do not release an egg every month. This is why they do not have regular periods.

How can one be diagnosed of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome:
Well there are many ways to get diagnosed for PCOS but there is a way that you can check yourself through a simple question and answer test of which could help quantify your risk of having this dreaded ailment - simply click here for the test - Test for PCOS

One thing I found rather peculiar was how Insulin resistance and PCOS are related

INSULIN RESISTANCE IS A ROOT CAUSE OF PCOS

Are you one of the millions of women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome who, no matter what they've tried, has failed to better manage or reverse the symptoms of this condition? It may not be due to lack of willpower. Instead, you could be Insulin Resistant, a root cause of PCOS. Scientists at the National Institutes of Health, Stanford University and other research centers have clearly identified the existence and effects of Insulin Resistance, a biochemical condition that can cause excessive weight gain and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

If you are among the 65% of the overweight population with Insulin Resistance, your ability to better manage or reverse your PCOS and lose weight may not have been within your control - until now.

This breakthrough in understanding the body's biochemistry remains relatively unknown, even though Insulin Resistance has reached epidemic proportions. Your doctor may not have explained the crucial link between Insulin Resistance, weight gain and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

Treatment:
Although there's no cure for PCOS, there are several ways that the condition can be treated and managed.

If a girl is overweight or obese, a doctor will recommend that she lose weight. Weight loss can be very effective in lessening many of the health conditions associated with PCOS, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Sometimes weight loss alone can restore hormone levels to normal, causing many of the symptoms to disappear or become less severe. Your doctor or a registered dietitian can look at your food intake and your exercise and activity to tailor a weight-loss program for you. Exercise is a great way to help combat the weight gain that often accompanies PCOS as well as a way to reduce bloating, another symptom girls with PCOS sometimes experience.

Sometimes doctors prescribe medications to treat PCOS. A doctor might first have a girl try birth control pills or another hormone pill called progesterone to help reduce the androgen levels in her body and regulate her menstrual cycle. These medicines may help control acne and excessive hair growth in some girls, but they don't work for everyone.

Other medications used to treat PCOS include antiandrogens, which counter the effects of excess androgens on a girl's body. Antiandrogens can help clear up skin and hair growth problems in girls with PCOS. Another medication, metformin, which is used to treat diabetes, can lower insulin levels. In some girls with PCOS, it can help control ovulation and androgen levels. This can make a girl's menstrual cycles more regular. Some girls and women treated with metformin have also experienced weight loss and lowering of high blood pressure.

Coping With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome:
Having PCOS can be hard on a girl's self-esteem because some of the symptoms, such as skin and hair problems and weight gain, are so noticeable. Fortunately, there are things you can do to reduce the physical symptoms — and take care of the emotional side of living with PCOS.

Although the medications used to treat PCOS will slow down or stop excessive hair growth for many girls, there are lots of different types of products available to help a girl get rid of hair where she doesn't want it. Depilatory creams can gently remove facial hair on the upper lip or chin. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully so you don't develop a rash or allergic reaction.

Tweezing and waxing are other things you can do at home to manage hair growth. A girl can also visit a dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin problems) or qualified hair removal specialist for electrolysis and laser surgery treatments. These procedures offer longer term removal of unwanted hair, but they are more expensive.

If you have severe acne as a symptom of PCOS, it may improve if part of your treatment includes birth control pills or antiandrogens. If it doesn't, your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist for further acne treatment. A dermatologist may also be able to recommend medications to help reduce skin darkening or discoloration, and to prevent hair growth.

Some girls with PCOS may become depressed, in which case it may help to talk to a therapist or other mental health professional. Talking with other teens and women with PCOS is a great way to share information about treatment and get support. Your doctor may be able to recommend a local support group.

If you can't find a local group, the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association offers a "Big Cyster" program for teen girls as well as online message boards. If you join, you'll be hooked up with other women or teen girls with PCOS to whom you can turn for advice, support, or just a listening ear.

Here are some more references that could further help you out in understanding this rather amazingly common ailment:

Hope you found this article informative - If you think you have someone in the family with the symptoms mentioned above, have them try the self help questionnaire to verify the need for a check up. Also, please ensure that you always consult your physician for more information. Till the next time. xoxo

Wellness Wed on Empty Streets: Insulin and Fat Storage

As I have discussed in my personal blog, I have been researching a lot on why people get fat. And finally I have found the answer to my growing bulge problem. Insulin - the major hormone that is the culprit behind it all. I have lost a lot of weight since I started on a diet that eliminated the triggers of insulin past lunch time and even though admittedly I get uber hungry at night it is definitely doing the job.

How does this all work? Simple once you understand.

Let us start with a common food myth. It is common health advice: avoid fat, eat carbohydrates, eat less, exercise more. Yet, diabetes and obesity epidemics coincide with Americans following this advice.

We have been taught that fat is bad for the health and carbohydrates are good. The USDA food pyramid diagrams a diet composed predominantly of grains and other carbohydrates. It has been assumed that there is a simple arithmetic relationship between calories consumed and calories burned that determines weight. The adoption of this dietary information has coincided with unprecedented levels of obesity and diabetes in the United States.

The type of calories eaten may be more important than the number. While it seems logical that fat would cause fat, the problem may be from overeating refined starches. A review of medical studies by Gary Taubes, Good Calories, Bad Calories ( New York, NY: Anchor Books. 2007.), finds that quite a number of scientific studies show refined carbohydrates cause weight gain. Refined carbohydrates, like refined flour and other easily digested starches and sugars are also implicated in chronic health problems.

The Role of Insulin in Storing Fat
Obesity is the accumulation of excess fat. Fat accumulation, or obesity, is caused by an imbalance in hormones that regulate adipose tissue and fat metabolism. Insulin is the primary hormonal regulator of the storage of fat. If insulin is elevated, the body accumulates fat in the adipose tissues. When insulin levels drop, fat is released from the adipose tissues and used for fuel.

Increases in insulin are most highly stimulated by the consumption of starches and sugars, especially the consumption of refined starches and sugars. Eating carbohydrates increases insulin which in turn encourages storage of energy as fat rather than making the food energy available to the body to burn. The more highly refined the carbohydrate, the more its consumption stimulates insulin levels. By causing fat storage instead of making energy available for immediate use of the body, refined carbohydrates result in hunger.

According to Dr. Al Sears author of High Speed Fat Loss in Seven Easy Steps (Wellington Fl: Al Sears, M.D. 2008.), the consumption of fat does not affect insulin production at all. There are other issues with fats as hydrogenated fats pose a health risk, but fats do not cause the body to store fat.

This relationship between carbohydrates, insulin and fat suggest that obesity is not the result of overeating or sedentary behavior. It may be that obesity, in fact causes overeating and sedentary behavior, by storing too much energy in the adipose tissue and leaving the body hungry and tired.

Refined Carbohydrates Indicated in Chronic Health Problems
Type II diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome are the diseases that result from high blood sugar and high insulin levels. The likelihood of developing coronary heart disease, Alzheimers disease and cancer all increase significantly with the incidence of Type II diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome. (Taubes p 204.) It could be more than coincidence that these problems, along with obesity, became common when dietary recommendations changed to favor carbohydrates in the diet and avoid fat.

Here is a video lecture that is sure to help widen your knowledge about fat formation and how to get it out of your system:

Wellness Wed on Empty Streets: Calorie Chart

I am doing my best to loose a lot of weight for the past couple of weeks now through exercise. This is after finally loosing enough to start doing physical activities again. But I had to think of what physical activity would be best at burning all the calories away. Fortunately enough for me I found a chart that one can use as a reference for the percentage of calories that one can burn.

Here is the chart:

Activity (1 hour)	130lbs	155lbs	190lbs
Aerobics, general	354	422	518
Aerobics, high impact	413	493	604
Aerobics, low impact	295	352	431
Archery (non-hunting)	207	246	302
Automobile repair	177	211	259
Backpacking, general	413	493	604
Badminton, competitive	413	493	604
Badminton, social, general	266	317	388
Basketball, game	472	563	690
Basketball, nongame, general	354	422	518
Basketball, officiating	413	493	604
Basketball, shooting baskets	266	317	388
Basketball, wheelchair	384	457	561
Bicycling, <10mph,>	236	281	345
Bicycling, >20mph, racing	944	1126	1380
Bicycling, 10-11.9mph, light effort	354	422	518
Bicycling, 12-13.9mph, moderate effort	472	563	690
Bicycling, 14-15.9mph, vigorous effort	590	704	863
Bicycling, 16-19mph, very fast, racing	708	844	1035
Bicycling, BMX or mountain	502	598	733
Bicycling, stationary, general	295	352	431
Bicycling, stationary, light effort	325	387	474
Bicycling, stationary, moderate effort	413	493	604
Bicycling, stationary, very light effort	177	211	259
Bicycling, stationary, very vigorous effort	738	880	1078
Bicycling, stationary, vigorous effort	620	739	906
Billiards	148	176	216
Bowling	177	211	259
Boxing, in ring, general	708	844	1035
Boxing, punching bag	354	422	518
Boxing, sparring	531	633	776
Broomball	413	493	604
Calisthenics (pushups, sit-ups), vigorous effort	472	563	690
Calisthenics, home, light/moderate effort	266	317	388
Canoeing, on camping trip	236	281	345
Canoeing, rowing, >6 mph, vigorous effort	708	844	1035
Canoeing, rowing, crewing, competition	708	844	1035
Canoeing, rowing, light effort	177	211	259
Canoeing, rowing, moderate effort	413	493	604
Carpentry, general	207	246	302
Carrying heavy loads, such as bricks	472	563	690
Child care: sitting/kneeling-dressing, feeding	177	211	259
Child care: standing-dressing, feeding	207	246	302
Circuit training, general	472	563	690
Cleaning, heavy, vigorous effort	266	317	388
Cleaning, house, general	207	246	302
Cleaning, light, moderate effort	148	176	216
Coaching: football, soccer, basketball, etc.	236	281	345
Construction, outside, remodeling	325	387	474
Cooking or food preparation	148	176	216
Cricket (batting, bowling)	295	352	431
Croquet	148	176	216
Curling	236	281	345
Dancing, aerobic, ballet or modern, twist	354	422	518
Dancing, ballroom, fast	325	387	474
Dancing, ballroom, slow	177	211	259
Dancing, general	266	317	388
Darts, wall or lawn	148	176	216
Diving, springboard or platform	177	211	259
Electrical work, plumbing	207	246	302
Farming, baling hay, cleaning barn	472	563	690
Farming, milking by hand	177	211	259
Farming, shoveling grain	325	387	474
Fencing	354	422	518
Fishing from boat, sitting	148	176	216
Fishing from river bank, standing	207	246	302
Fishing in stream, in waders	354	422	518
Fishing, general	236	281	345
Fishing, ice, sitting	118	141	173
Football or baseball, playing catch	148	176	216
Football, competitive	531	633	776
Football, touch, flag, general	472	563	690
Frisbee playing, general	177	211	259
Frisbee, ultimate	207	246	302
Gardening, general	295	352	431
Golf, carrying clubs	325	387	474
Golf, general	236	281	345
Golf, miniature or driving range	177	211	259
Golf, pulling clubs	295	352	431
Golf, using power cart	207	246	302
Gymnastics, general	236	281	345
Hacky sack	236	281	345
Handball, general	708	844	1035
Handball, team	472	563	690
Health club exercise, general	325	387	474
Hiking, cross country	354	422	518
Hockey, field	472	563	690
Hockey, ice	472	563	690
Horse grooming	354	422	518
Horse racing, galloping	472	563	690
Horseback riding, general	236	281	345
Horseback riding, trotting	384	457	561
Horseback riding, walking	148	176	216
Hunting, general	295	352	431
Jai alai	708	844	1035
Jogging, general	413	493	604
Judo, karate, kick boxing, tae kwan do	590	704	863
Kayaking	295	352	431
Kickball	413	493	604
Lacrosse	472	563	690
Marching band, playing instrument(walking)	236	281	345
Marching, rapidly, military	384	457	561
Moto-cross	236	281	345
Moving furniture, household	354	422	518
Moving household items, boxes, upstairs	531	633	776
Moving household items, carrying boxes	413	493	604
Mowing lawn, general	325	387	474
Mowing lawn, riding mower	148	176	216
Music playing, cello, flute, horn, woodwind	118	141	173
Music playing, drums	236	281	345
Music playing, guitar, classical, folk(sitting)	118	141	173
Music playing, guitar, rock/roll band(standing)	177	211	259
Music playing, piano, organ, violin, trumpet	148	176	216
Paddleboat	236	281	345
Painting, papering, plastering, scraping	266	317	388
Polo	472	563	690
Pushing or pulling stroller with child	148	176	216
Race walking	384	457	561
Racquetball, casual, general	413	493	604
Racquetball, competitive	590	704	863
Raking lawn	236	281	345
Rock climbing, ascending rock	649	774	949
Rock climbing, rapelling	472	563	690
Rope jumping, fast	708	844	1035
Rope jumping, moderate, general	590	704	863
Rope jumping, slow	472	563	690
Rowing, stationary, light effort	413	493	604
Rowing, stationary, moderate effort	502	598	733
Rowing, stationary, very vigorous effort	708	844	1035
Rowing, stationary, vigorous effort	561	669	819
Rugby	590	704	863
Running, 10 mph (6 min mile)	944	1126	1380
Running, 10.9 mph (5.5 min mile)	1062	1267	1553
Running, 5 mph (12 min mile)	472	563	690
Running, 5.2 mph (11.5 min mile)	531	633	776
Running, 6 mph (10 min mile)	590	704	863
Running, 6.7 mph (9 min mile)	649	774	949
Running, 7 mph (8.5 min mile)	679	809	992
Running, 7.5mph (8 min mile)	738	880	1078
Running, 8 mph (7.5 min mile)	797	950	1165
Running, 8.6 mph (7 min mile)	826	985	1208
Running, 9 mph (6.5 min mile)	885	1056	1294
Running, cross country	531	633	776
Running, general	472	563	690
Running, in place	472	563	690
Running, on a track, team practice	590	704	863
Running, stairs, up	885	1056	1294
Running, training, pushing wheelchair	472	563	690
Running, wheeling, general	177	211	259
Sailing, boat/board, windsurfing, general	177	211	259
Sailing, in competition	295	352	431
Scrubbing floors, on hands and knees	325	387	474
Shoveling snow, by hand	354	422	518
Shuffleboard, lawn bowling	177	211	259
Sitting-playing with child(ren)-light	148	176	216
Skateboarding	295	352	431
Skating, ice, 9 mph or less	325	387	474
Skating, ice, general	413	493	604
Skating, ice, rapidly, > 9 mph	531	633	776
Skating, ice, speed, competitive	885	1056	1294
Skating, roller	413	493	604
Ski jumping (climb up carrying skis)	413	493	604
Ski machine, general	561	669	819
Skiing, cross-country, >8.0 mph, racing	826	985	1208
Skiing, cross-country, moderate effort	472	563	690
Skiing, cross-country, slow or light effort	413	493	604
Skiing, cross-country, uphill, maximum effort	974	1161	1423
Skiing, cross-country, vigorous effort	531	633	776
Skiing, downhill, light effort	295	352	431
Skiing, downhill, moderate effort	354	422	518
Skiing, downhill, vigorous effort, racing	472	563	690
Skiing, snow, general	413	493	604
Skiing, water	354	422	518
Ski-mobiling, water	413	493	604
Skin diving, scuba diving, general	413	493	604
Sledding, tobogganing, bobsledding, luge	413	493	604
Snorkeling	295	352	431
Snow shoeing	472	563	690
Snowmobiling	207	246	302
Soccer, casual, general	413	493	604
Soccer, competitive	590	704	863
Softball or baseball, fast or slow pitch	295	352	431
Softball, officiating	354	422	518
Squash	708	844	1035
Stair-treadmill ergometer, general	354	422	518
Standing-packing/unpacking boxes	207	246	302
Stretching, hatha yoga	236	281	345
Surfing, body or board	177	211	259
Sweeping garage, sidewalk	236	281	345
Swimming laps, freestyle, fast, vigorous effort	590	704	863
Swimming laps, freestyle, light/moderate effort	472	563	690
Swimming, backstroke, general	472	563	690
Swimming, breaststroke, general	590	704	863
Swimming, butterfly, general	649	774	949
Swimming, leisurely, general	354	422	518
Swimming, sidestroke, general	472	563	690
Swimming, sychronized	472	563	690
Swimming, treading water, fast/vigorous	590	704	863
Swimming, treading water, moderate effort	236	281	345
Table tennis, ping pong	236	281	345
Tai chi	236	281	345
Teaching aerobics class	354	422	518
Tennis, doubles	354	422	518
Tennis, general	413	493	604
Tennis, singles	472	563	690
Unicycling	295	352	431
Volleyball, beach	472	563	690
Volleyball, competitive, in gymnasium	236	281	345
Volleyball, noncompetitive; 6-9 member team	177	211	259
Walk/run-playing with child(ren)-moderate	236	281	345
Walk/run-playing with child(ren)-vigorous	295	352	431
Walking, 2.0 mph, slow pace	148	176	216
Walking, 3.0 mph, mod. pace, walking dog	207	246	302
Walking, 3.5 mph, uphill	354	422	518
Walking, 4.0 mph, very brisk pace	236	281	345
Walking, carrying infant or 15-lb load	207	246	302
Walking, grass track	295	352	431
Walking, upstairs	472	563	690
Walking, using crutches	236	281	345
Wallyball, general	413	493	604
Water aerobics, water calisthenics	236	281	345
Water polo	590	704	863
Water volleyball	177	211	259
Weight lifting or body building, vigorous effort	354	422	518
Weight lifting, light or moderate effort	177	211	259
Whitewater rafting, kayaking, or canoeing	295	352	431

Here is a video that can further help you understand what calories are all about: