Archive for January, 2009

Cold & Flu Prevention And Treatment

In any given day, you are exposing yourself to a multitude of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungus as you interface with other people in the workplace, at school, through public transportation, and even with other family members. This is simply a natural part of living in the world, to which a healthy body can easily adjust and compensate.

Prevention

Because the cold and flu virus is passed around from person to person the only way to really prevent them totally is to become a hermit. The more people that you come into contact with the better your chances are of catching the virus. If there is a lot of cold and flu sickness going around here are some ways you can help reduce your chances of catching them:

  • Flu Shots

    • Get a flu shot every year. Your family doctor will give you more information about flu shots such as when to get them and if he/she recommends for you to get it.

  • Getting Your Rest

    • One of the overlooked reasons for catching a flu or cold is the lack of rest and sleep. Inadequate rest and sleep can cause the breakdown of your immune system making you more vulnerable to the cold and flu viruses.

  • Washing Your Hands

    • Washing your hands on a regular basis will help out alot. This is because most of the time you catch the virus by touching someone that has it and then rubbing your eyes, nose, or mouth. You can also catch the virus if someone near you who has is it sneezes or coughs and you breathe it in… not really much you can do about that.

  • Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes

    • Keeping warm and avoiding sudden temperature changes such as being in a warm home and going into the cold outdoors will help prevent the virus. Always wear warm clothing when moving from a warm place to a cold place as this will increase your resistance to these viruses.

  • Quit Smoking

    • If you smoke then quit. Smokers aren’t more vulnerable, but when they catch a cold or flu virus the symptoms are much worse than they are non-smokers. Kicking the habbit is not easy but will be well worth it when it comes to your health. There are many products that can assist you in breaking the habit such as Stop-It Smoking Kit and products like Smokeshield that can protect your lungs from smoke and other pollutants.

  • Keep Your Immune Systems Strong

    • Keeping a strong immune system is very important to preventing the cold and flu virus. Your immune system is what fights off the viruses and keep you healthy and feeling good.

  • Being Prepared

    • One of the best defenses against the cold and flu is to be prepared for it in the even that you or a family member catches it. Having cold and flu treatment products in your home ahead of time is much better than rushing out to the 24 hour convenience store at 3 a.m. trying to find something to comfort yourself or a family member.

    Treatment

    Just because there is no guarantee that you will not catch a cold or flu virus, that doesn’t mean that you can’t treat it. Here are some treatments that you can use to make someone with the virus more comfortable:

     - Rest in bed and stay warm. Avoid any physical exertion as much as possible.

     - Drink plenty of fluids such as water, juice, and clear soups. Stay away from alcoholic beverages.

     - Take plenty of Vitamin C.

     - If you are a smoker then avoid smoking and the smoke from other people.

    Find more information about the cold and flu viruses along with prevention and treatment products at eVitamins.

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    How to Make a Pull String Pinata

    The pull string pinata is a particularly good game idea for small kids birthday parties or indoor celebrations. It is a fun yet safe party game for the youngest kids who can get hurt trying to break open the pinata with a buster bat. Find below instructions on how to convert a normal pinata into its gentler pull string version:

    1) First of all, the pinata must have a flat bottom. Cut a 3″x3″x3″ flap on the bottom of pinata as close to center as possible. Perforate a small hole near the extreme of flap where it opens.

    2) Pass a ribbon through flap and tie a knot from the side that will remain inside the pinata.

    3) Close flap. Do not secure flap with any tape or adhesive.

    4) Using scotch or masking tape attach ribbons around base of pinata. Pull the ribbon that is hanging out of trap and bring it to same level as other ribbons.

    5) Spread glue over the bottom of the pinata and apply the tissue paper making sure that all ribbons are completely covered. Let dry. Your pull string pinata is ready!

    Pinatas.com offers a complete kit with clear instructions to convert a normal pinata into a pull string pinata. Take a look as well at our large array of pinatas and choose your favorite!
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    Insomnia – The Symptoms, Affects, and Treatments

    Do you lie awake at night spending more time staring at the ceiling than sleeping? You are not alone! Millions of other people are experiencing the same thing all across the world. They wake up in the middle of the night, can’t fall back to sleep and rise before dawn.

    Forms Of Insomnia

    Insomnia comes in many forms, not just in the form of sleeplessness:

  • Difficulty falling asleep
  • Having problems staying asleep after falling asleep. Waking up many times
  • during the night.
  • Waking up too early.
  • Not feeling refreshed after waking up.

    • The Symptoms Of Insomnia

    Insomnia can have a serious affect on a person’s daily life style. Symptoms of insomnia can include all of the following:

  • Feeling sleepy during the day
  • Having poor or slow judgment
  • Inability to pay attention to detail
  • Inability to remember things – even things that happened only minutes before.
  • Easily irritated by minor things

    • Types Of Insomnia

  • Transient Insomnia – a temporary effect that lasts just a few days.
  • Short-Term Insomnia – lasts for between two to four weeks.
  • Chronic Insomnia – lasts for a month or longer.

    • Causes Of Insomnia

    There are many causes for insomnia. Below are some of the most common reasons people suffer from insomnia.

  • Stress – There are many stress management aides available to assist you in reducing your stress.
  • Noise in the sleeping environment
  • Extreme temperatures – too hot or too cold
  • Changes in your surrounding environment
  • Worrying about not being able to sleep
  • Excessive napping during the day time
  • Too much caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol before bedtime. Smoking contributes to many health related problems and you should try to quit smoking..

    • Tips For Getting A Good Night’s Sleep

    Following some of the helpful guidelines below can help you get a better night’s sleep:

    Set A Schedule

    Go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning. This will help your body get used to a sleeping pattern. “Sleeping in” on the weekends can cause insomnia because it is interrupting the sleep cycle that your body is used to.

    Get Some Exercise

    Try to get 20 to 30 minutes of exercise no sooner than 6 hours before bedtime- any exercise just before bed may cause you not to sleep that well.

    Avoid Caffeine, Nicotine, and Alcohol

    Avoid things that contain any caffeine such as coffee, soda pop, teas, and candy. Smokers usually sleep very lightly at night and will wake up at the slightest noise, sometimes not being able to fall back asleep. The same goes for people that drink alcohol just before going to bed.

    Do Something Relaxing Before Going To Bed

    Doing something that relaxes you before bed is good such as a warm bath, reading a book, or watching your favorite TV show.

    Do Not Over Sleep

    Be sure to wake up and get out of bed at your normal time frame. Sleeping more hours than you are used to will throw off your sleep cycle and cause sleeping problems. It may cause you to not be tired at night and then go to bed later, thus resulting in sleeping in even later the next morning.

    Control Your Room Temperature

    Extreme cold or warmth can cause you to sleep poorly. Be sure to maintain a comfortable room temperature that won’t aggravate you during the night. If you have a waterbed be sure to set the water temperature at a comfortable temperature as well.

    When It Is Time To See A Doctor

    If your sleeping problem persists for more than one month then it may be time to visit your family doctor. Your doctor will be able to give you advice for your particular needs and can prescribe stronger sleeping aides that are not available over the counter.

    For more information about insomnia treatments please visit eVitamins.

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    How To Buy Auto Parts Online

    The Internet is a great way to shop. From the comfort of your chair, you can go from one online shop to the next, comparing product prices and features so you always get the best deals. You can also read product reviews of shoppers who have previously bought an item and learn from their experiences. You save yourself the hassle of actually going out to these stores, lining up to pay, and carrying back the goods to your house. With just a few clicks of the mouse you can shop and buy, and wait for your purchase to arrive at your doorstep within 5 days or less. This is shopping convenience at its best and what’s more, online shops are open 24 hours a day!

    So the next time you need a replacement for your car, say a new headlight or a better exhaust muffler, buy online. You would be surprised to know that there are hundreds of websites offering a wide range of auto parts and accessories. Many of these online shops carry OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) replacements and aftermarket performance parts for your vehicle. Their massive online catalogues can be sorted according to auto part, type of car, and year of make so you can zero in to what you need in no time. Unlike your brick and mortar auto parts retailer, online auto parts merchants will inform you through email or by phone when an accessory that is not in stock becomes available.

    There is no question about the convenience offered by online auto parts shopping to busy car owners but you may want to take certain precautions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable shopping experience.

    1. Know your online retailer. You want only the best replacements for your car so make sure you are shopping in reputable online stores. Check out their inventory of car accessories. Does the store offer a wide selection for a particular replacement? Does it provide relevant information about the product features and pricing? Click on the site’s About link and see if the store has clearly disclosed who they are and how to reach them. A good way to determine an online store’s reputation is through the quality of its customer service.

    2. Protect your privacy.  Shop only at secure websites. When you’re at the checkout page, the address on your browser should begin with ‘https’ instead of just ‘http’. ‘https’ means the the online transaction is being secured from malicious interception. It is very important to read the store’s Privacy Policy so you know exactly what the store will do with the personal and financial information you are giving to them. Look for eTrust, VeriSign, HackerSafe, BBBOnline Reliability Program, and other privacy enforcement seals to guarantee your security and privacy.

    3. Keep a record of your transactions. Take note of the shipping and handling fees and total charges before you click on that Buy button. The total price you pay for a new car part is often higher than the published one. Make sure to printout receipts, confirmation emails, and other information related to your order so you have something to back you up in case you have questions or problems with the shipment.

    4. Read the fine print.  There are cases when what is delivered to you is different from what you ordered and you have to return it. While rare, errors such as this do happen so read the online merchant’s cancellation, return, and complaint-handling policies. Does the store offer warranties for its auto parts and accessories, and who honors that warranty? Do you get a refund to your credit card or get a store credit? If these are not posted, it is wise to call or send an email to customer service first before going ahead with your purchase.

    So there you have it. These tips seem too much a bother at first but as you get to know the best auto parts retailers online and become comfortable with their system, you eventually save yourself some headaches and disappointments. Happy online shopping!

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    Depression

    Depression is a serious medical illness that is affecting millions of people. Along with the emotional experience of sadness, loss, or passing mood states clinical depression is consistent and can interfere with a person’s ability to function. The impact of depression that can occur in any individual can be enormous in suffering. Some symptoms of depression which occurs in nearly 10 million adults each year are:

  • A sad or empty mood
  • Memory troubles
  • Lack of interest in routine activities
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Changes in sleep or appetite (increase or decrease)
  • Easily irritated by minor things
  • Frequent crying
  • Feeling of guilt or worthlessness Depression can be devastating to all areas of a person’s everyday life including family relationships, friends, and ability to work or go to school. Many people believe that the symptoms of depression are not “real” and that it could be shaken off by the individual if they just tried.

    Because of the inaccurate beliefs that depression causes, people either may not recognize that they have a treatable disorder or may be discouraged from seeking help or staying on any treatment due to feelings of shame and guilt. Too often untreated depression leads to suicide.

    Treatment

    The following supplements are recommended for the treatment of depression:

    • Folic Acid
    • Iron
    • Vitamin B12
    • Vitamin B6
    • 5-HTP
    • Fish Oils
    • DHEA
    • Acetyl L Carnitine
    • St John’s Wort
    • Kava Kava

    For more information about the depression treatment supplements above please visit eVitamins.

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    How to Play the Pinata Party Game

    Whether you are hosting an adult or a child birthday party, the pinata party game is bound to be the highlight of the celebration. The pinata is a great kid party game for all occasions!

    Step by Step Instructions:  

    1. First, make sure you have everything needed to play this kid party game, such as a rope, a place from where to hang the pinata (a tree branch, a basketball hoop, two adults holding ends of a rope with a pinata hanging in middle, etc.), pinata candy and toy stuffers, a pinata buster stick and blindfolds for the participants.

    2. Fill the pinata with the party favors before guests arrive at the party.

    3. Organize the kids in a line, starting with the smallest one all the way to the tallest one. Only blindfold children that are over 3 years old, then spin them around a few times, provide them with the pinata buster stick and let loose to hit the pinata.

    4. For safety’s sake, while a child is hitting the pinata during the game, all other children must be kept away (a minimum 15′ radius is recommended) from the hitter. Furthermore, the child should have completely ceased to hit the pinata before you allow the other kids to go grab the party favors spilled on the floor.

    5. Allow each child to hit the pinata at least a couple of times before you move on to the next child.

    To make the pinata party game even more fun, the pinata must be swung up and down, and guests must be encouraged to misdirect the pinata hitter (if the pinata is down, tell the hitter the pinata is up, etc).

    Visit Pinatas.com for great pinatas, party supplies and fun party ideas!


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    Interior Detailing: Upholstery, Trim and Headliners

    INTERIOR DETAILING

    Mild Refresh to Complete Resoration

    Sagging headliners, dingy seats and interior plastic can really detract from the driver’s experience. All these problems can be improved with a little time and a few Eastwood products. To fully determine the interior’s condition it’s best to start with a thorough detailing.

    First, vacuum all carpeted and cloth surfaces. Use a brush attachment on headliners and other delicate cloth surfaces. Use a crevice extension to reach into recesses between seats and foot wells. A 12 Foot Vacuum Hose with crevice and wide extensions will really extend the usefulness of your wet/dry vac.

    TIP: Many spills and stains will dissolve in water. It’s often effective to dampen a small area with a pump spray bottle of water and immediately vacuum with your wet/dry vac. More stubborn stains can be removed with commonly available upholstery/carpet cleaners.

    FOR GLASS: Clean all glass surfaces. The Pro Glass Detailing System features a floating triangular head with replaceable bonnets. The unique shape and low profile of this tool allow it to reach into corners. Especially great for the lower windshield corners where there is very limited space between the glass and the dash. Works great with Sprayway.

    FOR TRIM & UPHOLSTERY:
    Interior vinyl, leather and plastic parts like seats, dash top and other trim panels can fade due to sun damage. For the most professional results it is best to remove the piece to be refinished. Eastwood offers a full line of     trim tools from the 3 Piece Door Panel and Trim Removal Set with stainless steel blades, to the less expensive plated steel Trim Removal Set. Other ducts, window and other trims can be unscrewed and gently pried away with the Reinforced Nylon Pry Tool Set.

    Once the interior items to be refinished have been removed they should be completely cleaned with a detergent scrub followed by an application of Adhesion Promoter for hard plastics, vinyl, leather or carpet then coated with any of the 15 Eastwood Upholstery Dyes. Be sure to work in a well ventilated area and follow label directions for best results.

    Original style seat covers are available for the more popular vehicles. The seats in most cars built in the 60′s through 70′s and beyond have covers that can be replaced with a few basic tools. The Stretching Plier helps pull covers tightly around the metal frame so retaining clips or Hog Rings can be installed with specially grooved jaw Hog Ring Pliers. These Pliers are available with either Bent or Straight heads.

    Sagging headliners seldom respond well to regluing. The foam backing over the years dries out and releases from the cloth headliner and the backing board. Applying a fresh layer of contact adhesive soon releases as the foam continues to degrade. Replacing the glue-in headliners is not as difficult as many would imagine. The actual process varies from vehicle to vehicle but basically the perimeter moldings, mirror, sun visors and dome light need to be removed before the backing board can be removed. The most impressive thing about this whole process is how the entire backing board can be gently bent and passed through a door opening.

    At this point it’s a simple and messy process to pull off the old cloth and brush away the dried foam. Headliner materials are available in 10 colors from Eastwood. We recommend purchasing one of the Headliner Kits, which include the cloth and the proper adhesive. Follow the instructions included with the headliner and reinstall.

    ©Copyright
    2007, The Easthill Group, Inc.

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    UniformCountry

    UniformCountry.com is a medical uniform retailer with a large selection of print scrub tops ranging from Disney to animal prints to everything in between including solids. They also carry many accessories including stethoscopes to pens, and items are shipped within 1 business day.

    You’ll find their site to be very user-friendly for an efficient, pleasant shopping experience. UniformCountry also provides the best possible customer service for every need.

    Shop UniformCountry.com for your medical scrubs and other uniform needs!

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