You Have a Love Affair…with Chocolate

Chocolate is a fruit. In its unprocessed form, it is one of the healthiest fruits you can eat. It is full of flavanols, potent antioxidants that neutralize free radicals in the body. In fact, Cornell University food scientists discovered that cocoa powder has nearly twice the antioxidants of red wine, and three times more than green tea.

Chocolate is also high in minerals including magnesium, calcium, and zinc And it contains the substances tryptophan, PEA and anandamide, which trigger the release of numerous feel-good brain chemicals. No wonder we love this stuff so much!

Unfortunately, most chocolate also contains lots of fat and sugar. So don’t replace other healthy foods in your diet with chocolate. Most people already eat plenty of sweets. Try swapping high quality dark chocolate for some of the less healthy treats you already eat. It’s important to choose dark chocolate, since the addition of milk appears to inhibit the beneficial antioxidant effects.

The healthiest ways to indulge your chocolate cravings is by eating raw organic unprocessed cacao beans (also known as nibs.) You can purchase cocoa nibs at health food stores. They can be eaten by the handful, added to trail mix, or sprinkled on your cereal in the morning. The next best option is organic unroasted cocoa powder (non-alkalized.) Mix it with soymilk for a delicious chocolaty drink or use it in baking.

Another great way to get your healthy chocolate fix is by eating organic dark chocolate with the highest percentage of cocoa and lowest amount of refined sugar (bitter or semi-sweet dark chocolate.) Since the good news about dark chocolate is out, it is widely available, even at your supermarket.

Intelligent Pill - Release Drugs where They are Needed!

Dutch group Philips has developed an "intelligent pill" that contains a microprocessor, battery, wireless radio, pump and a drug reservoir to release medication in a specific area in the body.

Philips, one of the world's biggest hospital equipment makers, said Tuesday that the "iPill" capsule, measures acidity with a sensor to determine its location in the gut, and can then release drugs where they are needed.

Delivering drugs to treat digestive tract disorders such as Crohn's disease directly to the location of the disease means doses can be lower, reducing side effects, Philips said.

While capsules containing miniature cameras are already used as diagnostic tools, those lack the ability to deliver drugs, Philips said.

The "iPill" can also measure the local temperature and report it wirelessly to an external receiver.

The company plans to present the "iPill" at the annual meeting of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) in Atlanta this month.

The iPill is a prototype but suitable for serial manufacturing, Philips said.

Male Hormone Patch Increases Libido in Women

Postmenopausal women with low sexual desire levels reported improved sexual function after they were treated with a patch in which the male hormone testosterone was applied through the skin, a clinical study has found. However, more studies are needed to confirm the safety of this treatment.

"Many postmenopausal women continue to be sexually active despite a high level of sexual dissatisfaction, engaging in sexual activity to please their partner and maintain domestic harmony," lead author Dr. Susan R. Davis, at Monash University in Prahran, Australia, and fellow researchers note.

While testosterone has proved effective for increasing libido among postmenopausal women who are on hormone replacement therapy, the effectiveness of this approach in women who are not taking estrogen is unknown.

There has also been some concern that testosterone administered without being tempered by another hormone may adversely affect circulating lipid (fat) levels, glucose (sugar) metabolism or breast tissue. To read more visit here!

Kids Eyeglasses with High Quality from Zenni Optical

Today, your kids may want eyeglasses that look just like you, their parent or older brother and sister. You can choose some types from plastics in elongated rectangular shapes, small, retro-styled ovals, and even clean titanium eyeglasses available for small customers. You can look some of the style in Zenni on FOX.

Pop-culture icons and logos are big in kids' eyeglasses, too. Cartoon characters are coming out of the television and into the dispensary with their own line of children's frames. Zenni Optical provides that kind too. For deal or dud just check out the news because now, Zenni was on FOX news!

Many of these are grown-up in appearance with colorful frames, all great eyeglasses for less prices are available on this famous store and these collections are high quality frames but still they are affordable!

No matter the style or brand, it is important for children to feel that they are a part of the frame selection process. Choosing an eyeglass frame they like goes a long way towards getting them to wear their glasses and take better care of them as well. See all variable dimension frames on Zenni Optical here and then shopping eyeglasses for your kids, and his or her brother and sister today.

Angels and Demons Release May 2009

Based on the novel by Dan Brown, “Angels and Demons by Dan Brown” is a prequel to the author’s “The Da Vinci Code”, and once again follows world-renowned Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks), who is summoned to a Swiss research facility (CERN) to analyze a mysterious symbol seared into the chest of a murdered physicist.

Langdon discovers evidence of the unimaginable: the rebirth of an ancient secret brotherhood known as the Illuminati, the most powerful underground organization ever to walk the earth.

Starring: Tom Hanks, Ayelet Zurer, Ewan McGregor, Stellan Skarsgård, David Pasquesi, Cosimo Fusco, Ursula Brooks, Armin Mueller-Stahl
Directed by: Ron Howard
Production Status: In Production/Awaiting Release
Genres: Thriller, Adaptation and Politics/Religion
Release Date: May 15, 2009 (wide)
Distributors: Sony Pictures Releasing
Production Co.: Imagine Entertainment, John Calley Productions
Studios: Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group
Filming Locations: Europe
Produced in: United States

Skin Allergy Treatment

Skin allergies, or allergic contact dermatitis, are allergies of skin that occur when a substance that a person is allergic to touches the skin. The symptoms caused by this will appear suddenly and may disappear within half an hour after the attack. Inflammation can occur after being on contact with an item or substance that present no harm at all to people who do not suffer from this allergy.

Symptoms of Skin Allergies
People suffering from skin allergies may experience the following symptoms during an allergy attack:

* Skin rashes
* Blisters on the skin
* A sudden immobility (only in rare cases of extreme allergies of the skin)
* Scaling of the skin
* Hives (a rash looking like raised welts on the skin that itch and occur in batches

The symptoms are mostly experienced on the hands as they get in contact with items and substances all day long, during work or at home.

Types of Skin Allergies
The term eczema is sometimes interchanged with another skin allergy condition; dermatitis. Eczema is actually an advanced type of dermatitis with more serious results.

Allergic contact dermatitis
This skin allergy rash occurs when the skin touches an object or substance that it is allergic to. The symptom (a rash or itch) usually occurs within 30 minutes after touching the object. Inflammation of the skin can occur and the skin must not be scratched or covered with anything when this happens.

Eczema
This is a skin condition causing a red rash and itching on the skin. Eczema skin symptoms can cause a lot of discomfort and the disease is most likely to affect children. Eczema affects approximately seven in a thousand people and most of these patients are children aged between two months and five years old.

Eczema is a form of dermatitis in an advanced stage and can cause blisters and scabs and oozing liquid from the skin. A cure for eczema must be determined by a doctor and experimenting with over the counter treatments that offer relief is not advised when the condition has been diagnosed, especially not with children. Conventional allergy therapies seem to have no to little effect on eczema.

Hives
Skin hives are a type of skin rash that is usually harmless. Caused most of the time by an allergy this rash looks like circular raised welts on the skin that can go red and itchy. The hives will show up in batches and can appear all over the body. Hives can be different in size, ranging from very small to a few centimetres in diameter.

Diagnosis of Skin Allergies
Skin allergies are usually diagnosed by checking for skin rashes, the appearance of skin infection and itchy skin on the usual areas of the skin being mainly the face and chest but possibly also other areas. The doctor will probably check your family history with you to find out if any other relatives have the same problems. He will also review the following with you:

* Your diet, to make sure that there are no food allergies involved.
* Allergic tendencies (do you have more sensitive or allergic reactions).
* Prescribed drug intake that may affect the skin.

The doctor might decide to perform a blood test for skin condition called a radioallergosorbent test (RAST. A small amount of your blood is taken after which the blood is mixed with the suspected allergen. Antibodies developing in the blood are a sign of a skin allergy.

To further determine your diagnosis a skin lesion biopsy might also be performed during which a small piece of skin is removed and examined in a laboratory, where it is tested for symptoms of skin allergies.

Dealing With Stress

If you find yourself in a stressful situation, it is important to have coping strategies that don’t involve drinking. Symptoms of stress include feeling tired, having back pain, headaches, stomach aches, and having difficulty sleeping.

To reduce or control the stress you are experiencing, the National Mental Health Association recommends the following strategies:

* Learn to say no. If you are overwhelmed with responsibilities, make a point not to take on more than you can handle.
* Meditate. Take 10-20 minutes each day to quietly reflect. Listen to music, relax, and clear your mind of stress.
* Take one thing at a time. If your workload seems unbearable, pick one urgent task at a time to work on. When you finish that task, choose another.
* Exercise and eat healthfully. Get 20-30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week and focus on eating a healthful diet. Limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol, both of which can interfere with your sleep.
* Share your feelings. Talk to a friend, family member, or healthcare professional about what is causing your stress. A friend or family member’s love, support, and guidance can help you through a stressful situation, and a professional is trained to assess levels of stress and recommend coping strategies.
* Learn to breathe. When stressed, we frequently forget how to breathe properly. Our breaths become rapid and shallow. Learning a few breathing techniques might become a useful tool in combating stress.

In addition, you may consider taking a good quality supplement. A supplement with vitamin B complex and magnesium may help to offset the effects of chronic stress on your health.

If you’re feeling stressed, it may help to talk with your doctor, who can refer you to a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or other qualified counselor for professional help. But don’t wait until things feel “out of control.” By that time, you may no longer know that you need help.

Allergy medications: Know your options

Because you can't always avoid allergy triggers, you may need medication to help alleviate allergy symptoms.

Allergy medications are available in pill, liquid, nasal spray, eyedrop and skin cream (topical) forms. Some are available over-the-counter while others are available by prescription only.

The best medication or combination of medications for you depends on your symptoms, what other health conditions you have and what other medications you take. Certain allergy medications work better for some people than others. You may need to try a few different medications to determine which ones are most effective and have the least bothersome side effects.

To choose the best allergy medications for you, learn what's available to treat your symptoms — and work with your doctor to figure out what medications is best for you.
Options for allergy medications

There are several types of medications used to treat and prevent allergy symptoms. Medications are available in pill and liquid forms, nasal sprays, eyedrops and skin creams.

* Corticosteroids help prevent and treat the inflammation associated with allergic conditions.
* Antihistamines block histamine, an inflammatory chemical released by your immune system during an allergic reaction.
* Decongestants relieve nasal and sinus congestion.
* Leukotriene modifiers block the effects of leukotrienes, inflammatory chemicals released by your immune system during an allergic reaction.
* Cromolyn sodium prevents the release of histamine, an inflammatory chemical released by your immune system during an allergic reaction.

If you need further details visit here please!

Keep Your Upper Respiratory Allergies in Check! They Are Likely to Lead You Towards Asthma!

The presence of both allergy and asthma relates to the form that the allergic reaction assumes, essentially, respiratory distress. Fortunately allergic asthma treatment will reverse the symptoms, but allergic asthma is far and away the most common form of asthma and affects some 20 million individuals annually.

What is Immunoglobulin E?
The antibody Immunoglobulin E (IgE) plays a major role in allergic conditions including allergic asthma. It binds to allergens and triggers the release of histamine and other substances that cause a series of chemical reactions resulting in airway constriction and inflammation. Some new methods of treatment seek to target asthma attacks at the source, IgE, and involve injections administered by a doctor. These treatments are extremely expensive and are currently used only in severe cases.

What are the Symptoms of Allergic Asthma?
In allergic asthma the symptoms are triggered by an allergic reaction to some inhaled substance, for instance dust mites, pet dander, pollen, or mold. The affected individual will experience coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or rapid breathing, and chest tightness. The condition causes airway obstruction and inflammation.

What are the Causes of Allergic Asthma?
While there may be a genetic predisposition for allergies and asthma, the usual culprits are agents in the environment. This can be anything from air pollution, to dust mites, mold, pet dander, tobacco smoke, and even the presence of cockroaches in the home or workplace. Even the holidays, when foods not normally present are served or specific plant materials are used in decorations can trigger attacks.

How will I know if I have Allergic Asthma?
Although you may suspect that you have a combination of allergy and asthma, only a doctor can confirm the presence of these conditions. Normally diagnosis involves a skin or blood test to determine if your attacks are being triggered by allergens present in the air year roun

Don't Take Work Stress Home With You

Most people these days feel like they're under stress at work. If we're not worried about losing our jobs, we're taking on extra work because other people have left. It seems that work stress has become a fact of life.

So how do we deal with this kind of perpetual stress? If we listen to the wisdom of the wild impala, we might consider two strategies. The first is to keep moving. Walking, jogging and running are ancient ways to keep us free from stress. Stress will inevitably build up. The only way to keep it from eating away at us is to build movement into our lives. The other lesson from the world of impalas is to hang out with your friends. There is safety in numbers, and keeping good social relationships going is another sure fire way to reduce stress.

Instead of bringing your stress home with you, go out and walk. Even better, walk with a friend.

So, Who Says I'm Fat?

For centuries the definition of fat has been up for grabs. A
hundred years ago, a man's bulging belly or a woman carrying 20 extra
pounds signified wealth, desirability and high social status. But if
today's rail-thin supermodels were transported back to those stodgy
times, their figures would doubtless be deemed undernourished and
under-sexy.

In more recent decades, insurance companies set general standards in
the United States for healthy height and weight. But their definitions
of overweight and obese have grown skinnier over the years.

So How Do You Know If You're Fat?

And how do you figure out what's the best weight for your
health? Sure, you could stand naked in front of a full length mirror
for a self-evaluation, but you may only focus on your face and screen
out the rest of your body the ultimate denial. Or, you could ask your
insurance company for a copy of its height and weight tables and see
how you rate. Or, you can have an exercise physiologist measure your
body fat level.

Perhaps the best way to know how your body fits into the fat spectrum
is to do as experts such as the National Center For Health Statistics,
insurance companies, and physicians do, and use the Body Mass Index, or
BMI.

The BMI is your weight in kilograms divided by the square of your
height, in meters. While the National Center For Health Statistics and
the U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention offer guidelines
for evaluating overweight and obesity, it must be noted that these
still apply only to general populations and not individuals.

Calculate Your BMI

We've made it easy to calculate your BMI by translating the metrics to pounds. Try it!

1. Multiply your weight in pounds by 703.
2. Multiply your height in inches by itself.
3. Divide the first number by the second.
4. Round to the nearest whole number: that's your BMI.

Most Common Allergy Testing Procedures

Although there are many allergy testing methods used to determine the presence of allergens, but the three most common allergy testing procedures are skin tests, elimination tests, and the radioallergosorbent test (RAST). It should be noted, however, that the accuracy of these tests varies widely and even the same test performed at different times may yield different results. It is also possible for a person to react to a substance during testing but not under normal exposure. False negatives occur often.

SKIN TESTS

Allergy skin testing is by far the most used of the three methods but it too varies in methodology. With the scratch test a small amount of the suspected allergen is placed on the forearm or upper arm (or on the back) and then introduced under the surface by scratching or pricking. The skin is then observed for swelling or redness. Results normally appear in about 20 minutes and the test can be conducted with a number of suspected allergens at one time. Skin tests are useful in detecting respiratory allergies, penicillin allergy, insect allergies, and food based allergies.

ELIMINATION TESTS

Food allergies are also often investigated via an elimination diet. Suspect foods are removed from the diet for several weeks and then re-introduced one at a time with the person monitoring their reactions. Because some people become convinced that they are allergic to a given food, double blind tests are sometimes required in which suspect foods and harmless placebos are disguised and given to the patient.

RADIOALLERGOSORBENT TEST (RAST)

Food allergies can be extremely severe however and given the potential for a life-threatening reaction, an allergy blood test is often a safer approach. The radioallergosorbent or RAST test is performed in a laboratory and tests for specific amounts of IgE antibodies that will be present in the blood during a true allergic reaction.

How to Be Single and Sublimely Satisfied!

Whether you've chosen the single life or are between relationships, you can build a terrific solo life. And, if you're looking to attract true love, turns out that having a terrific single life is just the thing to do.

Below are six major components for being single and happy, as well as suggestions on how to add each one to your current life.

1. Community
What it means: Building a community means having people who are there for you, people who care about you and your life.

Why it matters: Many singles feel lonely and disconnected, which affects their quality of life. They act as if the only way to get their emotional needs met is through a partner. Not true. Members of your community can meet many of your needs, and the more your needs get met, the less needy and the more attractive you become -- and the less you need a partner.

What you can do: Build community by volunteering or by joining clubs around subjects that interest you. Reach out to people already in your life.

2. A Life Rich in Pleasure
What it means: Think of your life's outlook after indulging in something nurturing and pleasurable, such as being in nature, exercise or a good meal. Doesn't life look full of promise? Imagine a life rich in such moments of pleasure and you'll instantly increase your happiness quota.

Why it matters: Many singles forego pleasure and self-care for their jobs or career. It's as if they themselves don't matter; only their accomplishments do.

What you can do: Add three luxurious, pleasurable things to your day. These don't have to be huge -- perhaps a 10-minute stroll, a few minutes reading a book, a cat nap, a body-care product that smells or feels good, a sit-down meal. Figure out what these three things are by remembering the last few times you felt truly luxuriated.

3. A Life Lived Now
What it means: Many singles wait until they're in a relationship to live the kind of life they want and to do the things they love to do. Yet your life happens now -- today. It's not a dress rehearsal for when you have a relationship.

Why it matters: When you want to participate in life, but stop yourself because you are single, you stifle your spirit. On the other hand, living the life you want now enlivens and energizes you and gives you a sense of well-being and happiness. And living your life now also makes you very attractive!

What you can do: Figure out what things you haven't done because you've been waiting for a partner. Which three sound the most fun and give you the most charge when you think about them? Do them now.

4. Relationship Skill Building
What it means: There's a real set of skills few of us know exists -- and even fewer actually have -- that guarantee you'll attract a good, compatible partner and build a great, healthy relationship. The fact that you haven't had a successful lifelong relationship so far doesn't mean that you're doomed to wander the earth alone or that something's wrong with you. It's simply a matter of learning new skills.

Why it matters: Many singles worry that they'll continue to have unhappy, unsuccessful relationships. Many believe there is nothing short of settling that can be done about being single. Many fear they are meant to be alone.

What you can do: Put yourself in relationship school. Read books about relationship skills, go to workshops and seminars, hire a relationship coach. Keep learning and becoming confident in your skills and don't give up!

5. Putting the Past in the Past
What it means: Most people know that they need to let go of the past, yet believe that they cannot. However, there's a real set of skills that guarantee you'll let go of all past hurts and resentments.

Why it matters: Many singles hold on to the past as a way of preventing the same thing from happening in the future. Others hold on because they don't know how to let go. Either way, the past drains your vital life energy. There is no surer way to spoil an otherwise great life than with resentments and anger about days gone by.

What you can do: Learn how to let go. Put yourself in completion school. Read books, go to workshops and seminars, hire a therapist or a coach. Keep learning new ways to let go of the past, then apply them to gaining more and more freedom.

6. Passion/Purpose/Vision/Action
What it means: Be powered by passion about your life. Have a purpose for waking up in the morning. Have a vision of your place in the world and what you want to contribute to others. Take action about all of these.

Why it matters: Many singles are waiting for a relationship to infuse their life with passion and purpose, not realizing that a loving partner is not a substitute for a meaningful life. Single or with a partner, your life's purpose is your own, and will energize you when pursued. You'll be happiest following your life purpose.

What you can do: Figure out what makes time stop for you, what lights you up to no end, what always fuels you with energy. Whatever that activity may be, it's a part of your life purpose. Now get into action on that wonderful thing, and let it lift you and transform you.

10 Things That Can Age You Faster

Drinking Through a Straw
Sucking on a straw can cause the same skin damage as sucking on a cigarette.

"Pursing the lips over and over can bring on wrinkles," says Madonna's dermatologist, Dr. Frederick Brandt.

Not Enough Sleep
Regularly getting less than six or seven hours sleep [can also contribute to] aging, says anti-aging expert, Dr. Michael Roizen. "It increases the risk of a heart attack, decreases your immune system, causes you to release less serotonin, and leaves you craving fatty foods."

Too Much Sleep
Getting more than eight hours sleep on a regular basis can be equally aging.

A U.S. study found people who sleep for eight hours or more every night are more likely to die younger.

Wearing Contact Lenses or Not
Take care when you put contact lenses in. "Putting them in requires light pressure, but if you're pull at the skin around your eye, it starts to sag," says optician Ev Evaghoras.

Wearing Eyeliner
Pulling at your eyelid to draw a line across it stretches the skin and can cause wrinkles.

Wearing the Right Foundation
Swap your foundation. "Look for a product that has a transparency and peachy tones to brighten the skin," says makeup artist Terry Barber. "Use a brush to work foundation into the skin."

Exercising Too Much
Excessive exercise (more than four hours of stamina training a week) can damage cells and muscle tissue, and lead to osteoporosis.

Skipping Your Optician Appointment
Not getting your eyes tested is a shortcut to crow's feet. "You should get your eyes tested every two years, or sooner if you think your vision has changed," says optician Ev Evaghoras.

Not Wearing Sunglasses
Not protecting your eyes from the sun is a recipe for wrinkles. Big sunglasses protect the eyes and skin -- look for UV400 protective glasses.

Sleeping On the Same Side
If you always sleep on the same side, one side of your face is subjected to pressure and can be prematurely lined. Sleeping on your back with the head elevated prevents puffy eyes and wrinkles.

Single Travel Tips

If your goal while traveling solo is to be social and hook up with like-minded fellow travelers, consult our handy travel tips. You'll find yourself in entertaining company and tantalizing conversations before you know it.

1. Make eye contact and smile. This may sound obvious, but vacationers often end up looking stressed and anxious rather than relaxed and friendly. Smile at others to show you're open to making friends and, in some cases, that you're a fellow traveler. Note: In some cultures it is not very common to smile at strangers, so observe what the locals do first. Plus, exercise caution in situations where you feel threatened or harassed.

2. Be flexible -- take advantage of a moment when an exciting opportunity presents itself. Exercise all ordinary cautions, but don't be timid about talking to strangers, going to public gatherings, or accepting an invitation to share a restaurant table.

3. Sport a conversation piece. Carry or wear something that starts a conversation, such as an unusual bow tie or necklace, an antique pocket watch, or an interesting slogan T-shirt. Someone is sure to comment on it and start chatting with you.

4. Use your own experience to help out a fellow traveler. If you see someone struggling to translate "sun block" into the local language, and you just learned it yourself yesterday, speak up. The shared experience will impart a sense of camaraderie.

5. If dining in a restaurant, maximize your chances of meeting people. Ask to sit at a community table, such as the chef's or captain's table, with other singles. Or, let the host know you're willing to join others. Sit with your back to the wall, facing the room, so you can make eye contact with other diners. And don't stick your nose in a book--that says: "Leave me alone, I want to be by myself."

6. Bring along something to share with people you meet. Who can resist a chocolate or a bite of a local delicacy prepared in your home town? Ditto for bug spray, umbrellas, guidebooks, and maps--you'll find yourself instantly popular with people who forgot theirs.

7. Ask questions. Ask for advice on the best restaurants, shops, and beaches. This starts a conversation, lets the other person feel your interest in his or her opinions, and provides you with helpful information to boot.

8. If you plan to travel alone, you'll probably pay more for hotel rooms, cruise cabins, etc., since you're not sharing accommodation costs with someone. Some hotels in Europe do offer smaller single rooms that cost less; you may wish to request one. Otherwise, there's no way to avoid paying more if you stay in a room by yourself.

9. While being friendly and open on vacation, observe commonsense security: Leave your itinerary and contact info with someone back at home; do not reveal too much personal information until you know someone well; meet people in public places; request a hotel room on an upper floor; don't display wealth ostentatiously; etc.

10. Above all, think of solo travel as a pleasure, not a burden. Enjoy the luxury of being able to go where you want, when you want. Your confidence and pleasure in your own company will draw others to you and make you receptive to their overtures.