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Teeth whitening procedures are very costly. However, there are several alternative ways by which you can whiten your teeth. Most of these procedures are very simple and you can follow them by using ingredients that are easily available in your home.

Here is some ways to whiten your teeth at home…

Table salt: Table salt is very effective in cleaning and whitening your teeth. In fact, table salt is still used in many countries for brushing teeth. Before modern toothpaste was available, salt was commonly used to brush teeth. Salt is an abrasive and so is very effective in removing plaque and stains from teeth. You can use table salt by sprinkling it on your toothbrush and brushing your teeth as usual. You may have to wait for one week before you’ll see positive results. However, it is usually very effective.

Baking soda: Baking soda is another excellent at-home teeth whitening option. To use baking soda, take a pinch of it and make a paste by mixing it with a few drops of water. Use this paste on the toothbrush and brush your teeth. You may have to use it at least two times a day for results to visible faster. You can also add a few drops of lemon juice for better results. Some people also use hydrogen peroxide along with baking soda. It provides even better results.

Apple cider vinegar: This is very effective in removing stains and discolorations from your teeth. To use it, take a few drops of it and apply to the teeth. Massage gently using your fingers. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. You may have to repeat the procedure at least two times a day for one or two weeks to see positive results.

Maintain proper oral hygiene: One of the leading causes of teeth discoloration is bacterial action. Maintaining proper oral hygiene will get rid of the bacteria from your mouth and improve the appearance of your teeth. If you have minor discolorations, these can be removed by properly brushing your teeth. If you believe that your brushing technique is not proper, you can approach your dentist for instructions and advice.

Follow other precautions: Certain foods are known to cause teeth discoloration. These foods include tea, coffee, wines and chocolates. It is best to avoid these foods. Rinsing your mouth thoroughly after consuming these foods will also have better results. You should also avoid smoking as it is a leading cause of teeth discoloration. ]]> http://www.besthealthsecret.com/five-practical-tips-to-whiten-your-teeth-at-home/feed/ 0 http://www.besthealthsecret.com/how-can-you-protect-yourself-from-serious-food-and-water-borne-diseases-when-you-travel-on-vacation/ http://www.besthealthsecret.com/how-can-you-protect-yourself-from-serious-food-and-water-borne-diseases-when-you-travel-on-vacation/#comments Mon, 26 Apr 2010 12:11:09 +0000 Admin http://www.besthealthsecret.com/?p=535 There are a number of very serious diseases that are caused by contaminated food and water. Some of these major diseases are dysentery, which can be preceded by traveler‘s diarrhea, hepatitis A, cholera, and typhoid. These diseases are very prevalent in third world countries, however, people can contract them even in their own home town. Here is some information that can help you lessen the chance of getting these diseases when you take a tropical holiday.

What precautions can you take to reduce the chance of contracting these serious diseases when you travel?

Drink only bottled water when you are on holidays. Check to make sure that the seal of the cap has not been broken. If it shows any sign of being tampering with, do not drink the water. In many third world countries, it is not uncommon for some street vendors, children, or restaurants to fill water bottles with tap water and offer them to tourists as authentic bottled water.

Ice cubes can be another major source of contaminated water. Unlike bottled water, there is no way that you can determine if the ice cubes in your drink were made from a non-contaminated source of water. Unless you know for sure the restaurant, or drinking establishment you are at has an impeccable reputation, you should not use ice cubes in your drinks.

When you are on a tropical vacation it is advisable to avoid eating any uncooked foods such as salads as they are another major source of these diseases.

How do people usually contract traveler’s diarrhea?

Traveler’s diarrhea is usually caused by contaminated food or water, but it can also be caused by stress or a change of location when traveling. Some symptoms are gas, nausea, upset stomach, cramps and a liquid stool.

What should you do if you get traveler’s diarrhea?

You should drink a lot of purified water and soda or pop to prevent dehydration. These symptoms usually subside within two or three days, if these symptoms persist or get more severe, you should get medical help immediately as you may have one of two more serious conditions, bacteria, or amoeba dysentery.

What are some of the symptoms of dysentery?

Severe headaches, a high fever, stomach cramps, vomiting, blood and/or mucous in the stool are the usual symptoms of both bacteria and amoeba caused dysentery. Both types of dysentery can be very serious medical conditions if left untreated. You must seek medical help as soon as possible.

What is the difference between hepatitis A and B?

Hepatitis A is a highly infectious disease that is spread through contaminated food and water (including ice cubes). Hepatitis B is spread in the same way that the HIV virus is spread, by infected blood or body fluids through sexual contact, a transfusion, or a cut or break in the skin. Both diseases have similar symptoms which may include a fever, chills, headaches, feeling fatigued, aches and pains, nausea and vomiting, stomach cramps, lack of appetite, dark colored urine and light colored feces. Jaundiced skin and yellow whites of the eyes are also common symptoms. If you get some, or all of these symptoms you must seek medical help as soon as possible. However, as a precaution, it would make sense to see your local health authority before you travel on vacation and get vaccinated against both of these diseases. Remember that your first line of defense is to get vaccinations to protect yourself against hepatitis A and B before traveling.

It is advisable to check with your local health authority to find out if you need to be vaccinated prior to leaving on your trip. Some countries you plan to visit may require an up to date vaccination certificate. Even if they don’t, it still makes good sense to be vaccinated as hepatitis A is a highly infectious disease. Hepatitis B can lead to AIDS. Both diseases attack the liver. There is a vaccination called Twinrix which protects you from both hepatitis A and B. You can find out more about this vaccination at Twinrix.com.

What should you do if you get cholera?

Cholera causes diarrhea, which can lead to very severe dehydration and possibly death. This disease is transmitted through contaminated food and water. As immunization is not considered effective, you have to practice good hygiene.

How can you protect yourself against getting typhoid?

Typhoid is a disease that is also contracted through contaminated food and water. You should be immunized for typhoid if you are traveling to countries where the sanitation is poor.

When booking a flight, it is a good idea to make reservations for yourself and your pet as early as possible. You must let the airline know that you want to bring your pet with you. It is very important to tell them, as they will only allow a limited number of pets on each flight. Some airlines do not allow pets at all, especially on international flights. Always confirm your flight the day before you leave on your trip. If you are traveling internationally you need to confirm your reservation seventy-two hours before you go.

Before you fly into the wide blue yonder with your furry travel companion, you need to take him or her to the veterinarian for a checkup, to make sure he or she is healthy enough to travel. You will also need to take its health certificate with you, showing that your pet is up-to-date on all its vaccinations, including rabies. Your pet must wear its current vaccination tag when traveling. As well, your pet must meet the health regulations of every country that you will be traveling to. Bring along a copy of your pet’s medical records listing its allergies, chronic medical conditions, and medications.

If you haven’t done this already, you should get your pet micro-chipped. That way, if your pet gets lost and is taken to an animal shelter or vet, where its chip can be scanned, you both can be reunited. Keep in mind that your pet’s identification tag will have your home address and phone number on it. That won’t be of much help if your pet is lost while you are on vacation. It may be a good idea to get another tag made up with your destination address and phone number on it. What happens if you pet isn’t found until after you have returned from your vacation? It makes sense that you should leave both your home I.D. tag on your pet as well as attaching the new tag. That way you have all bases covered and stand a better chance of being reunited with your pet.

You should carry a photo of you pet with you when you’re traveling. It will help you prove that you are the rightful owner if any problems of ownership occur. Also, the photo can be used to make up flyers to post in the area where your pet was lost.

Flying with pets that are too large to fit into a FAA approved pet carrier is not advisable as they will have to be stowed in the cargo hold. Putting your pet in the cargo hold can be traumatic and dangerous to your pet’s health. It would make far more sense to leave your pet with friends, or a pet sitting service for the duration of your vacation.

The American Veterinary Medical Association advises against sedating or tranquilizing your pet when flying, especially dogs. Dogs regulate their body temperature by panting, so if they are tranquilized, they may not be able to pant. If this happens, it can leave them defenseless against the fluctuation of temperature and air pressure that occurs in the cargo hold of every flight. Also, keep in mind that pets don’t enjoy flying, or being stuffed into a cramped kennel and left alone in a dark and desolate cargo hold. It must be terrifying for them.

There are a number of websites that give additional valuable information regarding traveling with your pet. Two outstanding sites are the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) at aspca.org, and the Federal Government’s Department of Agriculture at aphis.usda.gov, which has an excellent article entitled, Traveling With Your Pet.

If you want a great travel carrier for your small pet, you may want to consider the popular, FAA approved pet carrier, Sherpa On Wheels. This Cadillac of pet carriers can be a luxurious and comfortable home for your pet while flying. It has the convenience of a front and top entry, mesh ventilation panels, recessed wheels, as well as a detachable pull handle and a shoulder strap. It is available on line at SherpaPet.

By :  Dorothy Yamich

Sudden death in people under age 35, often due to hidden heart defects or overlooked heart abnormalities, is rare. These sudden deaths often occur during physical activity, such as a sporting event. Of those sudden cardiac arrests, very few occur in young people, and only some of those young people die from sudden cardiac arrest. The causes of sudden cardiac death in young people vary. About two-thirds of the time, a coroner discovers during an autopsy that the death was due to a heart abnormality. For a variety of reasons, something — such as a structural heart defect — causes the heart to beat out of control. This abnormal heart rhythm is known as ventricular fibrillation.

Sudden death from cardiac arrest is a major health problem that’s received much less publicity than heart attack.

Some specific causes of sudden cardiac death in young people include:

* Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can also cause death in young people due to abnormal heart rhythms called arrhythmias. This is a disease in which the heart muscle (myocardium) becomes abnormally thick, making it harder for the heart to pump blood. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, while usually not fatal in most people, is the most common cause of heart-related sudden death in people under 30. The symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are difficulty breathing, heart palpations, chest pain, and light headedness and dizziness that can lead to fainting. It’s the most common cause of sudden death in athletes. HCM often goes undetected.

* Anomalous coronary artery (ACA). Sometimes people are born with heart arteries that are connected abnormally to the heart. Anomalous coronary artery is a congenital disorder that can cause sudden death in young people. The arteries can become compressed during exercise and not provide proper blood flow to the heart. Symptoms to look for include: irritability, disinterest in food, labored breathing, sweating, pale skin, stunted growth and heart failure. Afflicted persons may also experience chest pain, dizziness and fainting spells. ACA is one of the top causes of sudden death in young athletes.

*Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Approximately 15,000 people in the United States annually die from an abdominal aortic aneurysm. An aneurysm is caused because part of the artery wall is damaged or weakened. In this condition the aneurysm occurs in the abdominal aorta. Without symptoms, this area then balloons and bursts causing sudden death.

Stroke

A stroke, or an acute cerebrovascular attack, is a medical emergency that can cause permanent neurological damage, complications or death. It is caused by a sudden loss of blood supply to a portion of the brain, causing brain cells  to die rapidly. When blood flow to the brain is impaired, oxygen and glucose cannot be delivered to the brain.

Certain behaviors and lifestyles greatly affect your risk for a stoke.

* Among the other health implications of smoking, the habit can harden arteries, create blood clots and provoke heart disease. All of these conditions increase the risk of a stroke.
* Hypertension can cause hemorrhaging of vessels in the brain, cutting off blood supply.
* Atherosclerotic blood vessels can develop blood clots. The narrowed vessels cannot pass the clot, causing a blockage. If the blockage passes, it can travel up to the brain’s blood vessels, producing the increased risk for aneurysm or stroke.
*  In people with diabetes, many vessels can develop blockages, making the blood unable to go around a blockage or hemorrhage by an alternate route.
*  With age comes the degradation of the body. Blood vessels harden, cholesterol builds up and heart disease becomes prevalent.

Blood flow can be compromised by a variety of mechanisms.

Blockage of an artery
* Blockage of a single arteriole can affect a tiny area of brain causing that tissue to die (infarct).
* Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) leading to the brain. There are four major blood vessels that supply the brain with blood.  If these arteries become narrow as a result of atherosclerosis, plaque or cholesterol, debris can break off and float downstream, clogging the blood supply to a part of the brain.
* Embolism to the brain from the heart. In situations in which blood clots form within the heart, the potential exists for small clots to break off and travel (embolize) to the arteries in the brain and cause a stroke.

Rupture of an artery (hemorrhage)
* Cerebral hemorrhage (bleeding within the brain substance). The most common reason to have bleeding within the brain is uncontrolled high blood pressure. Other situations include aneurysms that leak or rupture or arteriovenous malformations (AVM) in which there is an abnormal collection of blood vessels that are fragile and can bleed

Aneurysm
An aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel that is caused by a weakness in the blood vessel wall. As the blood passes through the weakened part of the vessel, the blood pressure causes it to bulge outwards like a balloon.

If the aneurysm grows too big, there is a danger that it will rupture (split) which can cause potentially fatal internal bleeding and organ damage.
Types of aneurysms

An aneurysm can develop anywhere in the body but the two most common types of aneurysms are:

* an intracranial aneurysm (also known as a cerebral aneurysm), which develops inside the brain.
* an aortic aneurysm, which develops inside the aorta. The aorta is a large blood vessel that runs down the abdomen and transports blood away from the heart.

Arteries have thick walls to withstand normal blood pressure. However, certain medical problems, genetic conditions, and trauma can damage or injure artery walls. The force of blood pushing against the weakened or injured walls can cause an aneurysm. An aneurysm can grow large and burst (rupture) or cause a dissection. Rupture causes dangerous bleeding inside the body. A dissection is a split in one or more layers of the artery wall. The split causes bleeding into and along the layers of the artery wall.

A rupture in an intracranial aneurysm or an aortic aneurysm can have a potentially devastating effect on the body. A ruptured intracranial aneurysm can lead to blood leaking out over the surface of the brain. This is known as a subarachnoid haemorrhage. The blood can cause brain damage and lead to a reduction in blood supply that, in turn, can cause further brain damage. Without emergency treatment, a subarachnoid haemorrhage will usually result in death. A ruptured aortic aneurysm can cause massive internal bleeding. Without emergency treatment, a ruptured aortic aneurysm will result in death.

Accidental death

Refers to an unintentional death. Accidental death can be caused by machinery, medical and surgical complications, gas poisoning, firearms, drowning and motor vehicle accidents. ..

Injury

Injury or bodily injury is damage or harm caused to the structure  or function  of the body  caused by an outside agent or force, which may be physical or chemical, and either by accident  or intentional. Personal Injury also refers to damage caused to the reputation of another rather than physical harm to the body. A severe and life-threatening injury is referred to as a physical trauma. Serious bodily injury is any injury or injuries to the body that substantially risks death of the victim.

by: Ann C.Jorn, Ph.D.

Some medical practitioners have the idea that psychological problems predict the development of chronic pain. To date , however, the research does not support this idea (Kuch, 2001 Clinical Journal of Pain, Vol 17, No. 4). The largest link between psychological problems and chronic pain is a history of trauma in a persons life. The study of trauma and its affect on human health is a growing area of study. Essentially the thought is that in some way trauma affects how the body processes stress. But it is unclear exactly how the two relate. Most likely it will take years of research to figure this out. What is important is for doctors to not assume that if the patient just receives therapy for trauma the patient’s pain will be cured. Or to label the patient as a “psych” case.

In short there is no evidence to prove that mental health problems predict the development of chronic pain. That is not to say that emotional problems do not affect how one copes with chronic pain. Of course it does. But it is also important to understand that chronic pain can cause emotional problems, especially depression. In fact, the pain centers of the brain actually involve the emotional centers of the brain. So in the brains effort to help a person with pain it uses some of the chemicals designed to manage one’s mood. Also, if a person has a history of depression before the development of chronic pain, it is likely their depression will worsen. These people may need an increase in their depression medication. In that chronic pain definitely has an emotional impact, it is considered the the best treatment of a chronic pain condition involves psychological counseling with a provider with expertise in treating people with chronic pain.

Dr. Jorn is an expert in the psychological treatment of those who suffer from chronic pain. She is also an expert in the cognitive behavioral therpay of Rational Emotive behavior Therapy. http://rebtberkshires.com Helping People Live Successfully with Chronic Pain

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Reference:

Text: Best Health Secret Copyrighted;   Photo Source:  1

Canadian researchers from McMaster University in Hamilton have discovered that eating a small amount of chocolate a week may lessen the risk of having a stroke. Also, they have found eating chocolate may help lessen the risk of dying from a stroke.
The researchers focused on three studies conducted on chocolate. The first study was in 2007 where more than 34,000 postmenopausal women in Iowa took part in a study where once a week they ate one serving of chocolate. The findings showed that they were 22 per cent less likely to suffer a stroke than those who did not eat chocolate.
The second study was conducted in Sweden where once a week 1,169 people ate 50 grams of chocolate. The findings in this study showed that 46 percent of people were less likely to die after having a stroke than those who did not consume chocolate.
A third study reviewed did not find a link between chocolate and the risk of death from stroke.
Chocolate is loaded with antioxidants which are called flavonoids and has many health benefits including being anti-inflammatory. There are more antioxidants in dark chocolate.
However, Dr Saposnik warned: “Eating too much chocolate can make you fat as chocolate also contains saturated fats.

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Enjoy a unique experience in the heart of nature! Located in the heart of nature, at the entrance of Gatineau Park, Le Nordik – Nature Spa is a haven that features relaxation techniques from the Nordic countries. Take the time to unwind and reenergize in our Nordic baths and waterfalls, steam bath, Finnish sauna, and relaxation areas. Revitalize all of your senses with a massage and a delicious and healthy meal.

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Milk, having a rich and creamy base, is a natural moisturizer, making it a versatile household item. It contains nutrients that are known to make skin smooth and healthy, which makes it an unconventional bath item and a popular ingredient for making soap.

Facial Mask –With milk’s moisturizing properties, you can use the dairy product to create a skin-pampering facial mask. Prepare half a cup of milk powder then add a little water. Stir the mixture until a fairly thick paste is formed. Once done, spread the milk facial mask on your face and let it rest for about 30 minutes. Wash your face then rinse right after. Your skin will be softer and will have a nice healthy glow, as if you used an actual facial mask.

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Relief for Sunburn – Sunburn, caused by the prolonged exposure to sunlight, is pretty painful. The burnt skin will sting even at the slightest hint of contact. You can relieve yourself of the discomfort by creating a milk-based sunburn solution. Mix powdered milk with water and two pinches of salt. Apply the solution on the burnt spots and after awhile, you’ll feel better.

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Shaving Cream Substitute – If you run out of shaving cream, you can use milk as a worthy substitute. Mix a generous amount of powdered milk with a little water. When a thick paste has been formed, apply it on your face before shaving. It may not be as smooth as shaving cream but it will produce the same results nonetheless.

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Milk Bath – Milk happens to be a popular bathtub item. Not only is it a better moisturizer than some soaps, it is also an effective skin softener. Fill one half to three fourths of your bathtub with milk. Once done, go ahead and take a dip. Let the white bathwater work on your skin for about 30 minutes to an hour. After your bath, you will certainly have soft and better-looking skin.

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Makeup Remover – Blush-ons, foundations, and other female facial enhancements latch on to your face like adhesives. It usually takes a while before you can completely wash them off your face. You can make the process easier by switching water with a mixture of powdered milk and warm water. Apply the solution on the makeup and in a matter of minutes, your face will be back to its natural state.

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Ingredient for Making Soap – If you want to have soap that is hard on germs but gentle on your skin, try making one using milk. Create a mixture from milk, glycerin, oatmeal, lard and natural scent oils. You can use a blender, to speed up things. Boil the mixture for a few hours then place it on the soap molds. When it dries, you will have a product that is just as good as the ones sold at health and beauty stores.

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Mask from chocolate - In order to get excellent skin, you are able to use a make up mask from this delicious food that is useful for the health of your skin.  Prepare a dark chocolate, full cream, and salt. First, melt the dark chocolate and blend with full cream and salt. Stir it and let the temperature down. And then you can spread it in your face for about 15 up to 30 minutes. Last, clean your face with fresh water.

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Chocolate Bath – Chocolate’s also great for a bath. Add it to your next bath to release the aroma of chocolate and to take advantage of chocolate’s soothing and relaxing benefits. Chop the chocolate into small pieces. Smaller is better. Add this to the heated soy milk. Stir well until the chocolate is completely melted. Do not let it boil! Allow the mixture to cool down. Draw your bath water. Add the cup of unscented bubble bath directly to the bath. Pour the chocolate mixture into the bath under the running water. Blend the chocolate solution and bath water together. Stir your hand around in the bath to mix the water and chocolate mix together. Get ready to get in. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Chocolate Perfume – It is a scientific fact that just the smell of chocolate is a male aphrodisiac and causes arousal! It is the only perfume that may actually help make you thin! Recent research indicates that just the smell of chocolate may actually fool your brain and satisfy your craving and appetite as if you’d actually eaten some chocolate! Chocolate perfume is a great novelty gift item for all ages – kids to adults – men and women – all love the smell of chocolate.

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Chocolate Massage Oil – Massage lotions enhance the overall experience of the massage by lubricating the skin and supplying sensual aromas. When the skin is well lubricated, even the slightest touch feels smooth and sexy.This recipe moisturizes extremely well and provides great lubrication for a romantic massage. It smells chocolaty and decadent without making your skin sticky or staining your sheets or clothing.