Sunday, August 22, 2010

Climate change environmental image

Large-scale and global environmental hazards to human health include climate change, stratospheric ozone depletion, changes in ecosystems due to loss of biodiversity, changes in hydrological systems and the supplies of freshwater, land degradation, urbanization, and stresses on food-producing systems.

Appreciation of this scale and type of influence on human health requires a new perspective which focuses on ecosystems and on the recognition that the foundations of long-term good health in populations rely in great part on the continued stability and functioning of the biosphere's life-supporting systems. It also brings an appreciation of the complexity of the systems upon which we depend.

Harmful effects of environmental change and ecosystem impairment on human health.

Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005)

Protecting health from global environmental change requires management at many levels, from the social and economic drivers of environmental change, to the resulting hazards and exposures for human populations. WHO supports this linkage of environmental and health agendas, for example by providing health expertise into the UN Conventions on Climate Change, Biological Diversity and Desertification, and by advising the health sector on the necessary responses to address the health risks posed by large-scale environmental change.

Air quality guidelines for health

Clean air is considered to be a basic requirement of human health and well-being. However, air pollution continues to pose a significant threat to health worldwide. According to a WHO assess¬ment of the burden of disease due to air pollution, more than 2 million premature deaths each year can be attributed to the effects of urban outdoor air pollution and indoor air pollution (caused by the burning of solid fuels). More than half of this disease burden is borne by the populations of developing countries.

Air quality guidelines have been published by WHO in 1987 and they were revised in 1997. Given the wealth of new studies on the health effects of air pollution that have been published in the scientific literature since the completion of the second edi¬tion of the Air quality Guidelines for Europe, includ¬ing important new research from low-and middle-income countries where air pollution levels are at their highest, WHO has undertaken to review the accumulated scientific evidence and to consider its implications for its air quality guidelines. The result of this work is presented in this document in the form of revised guideline values for selected air pollutants, which are applicable across all WHO regions.

Health and environment: images from around the world

A man working at a burning garbage dump in Chennai, India


This gallery of 40 winning entries from the 2007 international photo and video contest showcases the intricate link between the environment and public health. This year the focus of the annual contest was on health and environment, as part of WHO's efforts to raise awareness about the importance of healthier environments.

The annual contest began in 2002 with the overall theme of "images of health and disability". It aims to promote the understanding of health and disability as described in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).

The 2007 entries include positive images that highlight the beneficial effects of safe and healthy environments: children playing in healthy, supportive and enabling environments; safe water; clean air, and a stable climate etc.

In contrast, other images paint the grim reality of our environment today: showing the hazards of shipbreaking; children drinking arsenic-laden water; people breathing in thickly polluted air; health risks for workers at garbage dumps etc.

The video entries include a lively rap song on indoor air pollution and safety in the house, and show the impact of waste, poverty and the stigma of mental and physical disability.

Photographers and video producers from 56 countries submitted more than 2 500 entries. Here are the winning entries from each of the four categories.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

The Use and Implementation of Health Information Systems

The contents of this article are dedicated to investigating the utilization and application of health informatics in a variety of contexts. Hence, the article will treat the subjects of health information exchange, health knowledge management, e-health systems, e-public health systems and m-health systems.

* Health information exchangesrefer to the transmission and dissemination of healthcare information electronically among organizations within a region or community. The technological development registered at the level of health informatics resulted in the capability to electronically transmit clinical data among disparate healthcare information systems without it having to suffer any alterations. The degree of exchangeability has expanded to a national level. This way clinicians can integrate their independent records, creating agile, patient-centered electronic health records that generate a new level of patient safety and information exchange.

* Health knowledge managementimplies concerted, coordinated and deliberate efforts to manage the organizational knowledge by means of processes aiming at identifying and leveraging it to accentuate the organization's ability to compete. Such an application in the healthcare domain has led to simplifying the process of updating the general knowledge database, creating a convenient discussion environment that replaces the traditional meeting.

* E-health systemsgather the healthcare practices that are supported by electronic processes and communication. This type of system comprises a broad spectrum of services that slowly deletes the separation line between medicine and information technology. Among these services, one could include telemedicine, electronic medical record, consumer health informatics, virtual healthcare teams, health knowledge management.

* E-public health systemsembody another application of the health informatics, this time in the public domain. Its functionality has to satisfy the public health mandate of improving the health status of the community and the population at large. Through this system, community health is assessed and proper measures are taken. Collection, analysis, interpretation and communication of the results are the primary processes that are carried out within an e-public health system. Technologies employed in this type of system include geographical information systems (GIS), data mining methodology and data warehousing.

* M-health systems refer to mobile communication network technologies for healthcare that are used to ensure efficiency and to supply timely and accurate patient information to medical professionals that are sent on "field". Since hospital environments involve mobility of medical professionals, support personnel and indispensable medical equipment, more and more wireless technologies have been adopted.

By Ed Raine

The Importance of Water Quality to Public Health and Individuals

The question why water quality critical to public health and Individual mentioned by many people. Drinking pure source water is an issue of concern for people's health in developing and developed countries throughout the world.

The importance of water and human beings' health.

The wonder of why is water quality so important to a person's long-term health has to do with different things. The human body is primarily a bag of fluids. Water is essential to the mechanics of the human body. Our bodies cannot work without having it just like a car cannot run without gas and oil. In the fact that, all the cell and organ functions made up in our entire anatomy and physiology depend on water for their functioning. Water serves to alleviate constipation by moving food through the intestinal tract and thereby eliminating waste- the best detox agent as a lubricant; forms the base of saliva and fluids that surround the joins. Water regulates the temperature of our body and metabolism.

In addition to that, water is the daily maintenance of our bodies; moreover water plays a key part in the prevention of disease. Drinking nearly 1 little of water daily can decrease the risk of colon cancer by 45%, bladder cancer by 50% and it can potentially even reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Since water is such a key component to our physiology, it would make sense that the quality of the water must be just as critical as the quantity. Drinking water must always be pure and free of contaminants to ensure individuals health and wellness.

According to Clean Water Action, the recent news and reports show that in the U.S. Most contaminated taps are not safe for drinking due to heavy industrial and environmental pollution. Hence, approximately 40 percent of rivers fail to meet pure water standards, and an estimated 7 million Americans be sick yearly from impure tap water, toxic bacteria, chemicals and heavy metals routinely penetrate and pollute our natural water sources and nearly 6 million individuals die of waterborne or water-related diseases through out the world.

A good water filtration system set up in your home is the only way to actively monitor and ensure the quality and safety of your drinking water. Pure source 2 water filter systems can remove 90-99% of all contaminants from city and well water to deliver healthy drinking water for you and your family.

To get better informed about the available choices you have in relation to the Pure source 2 water filter you can establish at your family and what I personally commend, Go to my website.

By Prodgers Parkeres

Public Health Online Degrees

A Public health worker is person who has a lot of things to cover in their jobs. Most careers in the field of public health are also involved in advocates representing people who are not capable of voicing out themselves like children, the mentally handicapped, the disabled and the poor, this people cannot help themselves. Their job description is almost similar to that of the social worker. With only a difference in the terminologies that were used.

The usual kind of work a health professional is engaged is the alignment of the people in need with the given resources that are available. Like say for instance a temporary shelter for the homeless, care for the abandoned children, and other stuffs related to public service. In other words if you want to be a health worker your desire to help others should be exceptionally strong. Your heart should be dedicated in helping other people sincerely.

Generally a social work bachelor's degree is a requirement for health jobs, sometimes however sociology or psychology degrees are considered as an alternative. A social work bachelor's degree will be a prerequisite and a preparation for the practical applications of jobs in public health. You will be dealing with different kinds of people, and these people are usually less fortunate.

If you would like to advance further from doing fieldwork to management, then you must plan on taking up a master's degree. Taking up a higher education will make you aware and you will be able to learn managing various cases that has something to do with health. You will also be engaged in bigger operations and your awareness will widen and your level of awareness will make determine operational and strategic needs of public health operations.

There are available public health online degrees and this will actually prepare you in becoming a front-liner in public health. You will be trained in caring and guiding your patients. It will qualify you for positions that are considered to be entry level in scope and nature. There are also advance programs under public health online degrees. However your expectations should be mostly manual, handling things all by yourself it's like a field instruction that will at least give you the experience that you need to make more improvements in your career.

There are other things that you should undertake so you will be granted a license. Public health online degrees are actually easy to handle, the difficult part is the internship. This is something that most people would consider as a difficult task. It is not actually that difficult the problem with this however is that all theories may be supplied by online subjects and practical ones will be applied during the internship.

Public health online degrees should be pursued by people who have a heart, those who are considered to be volunteers and with little thoughts of being compensated, whose primary goal is to help, assist and make other smile out of the difficulties that they are facing, they should be thinking more of others and they should be warm towards others. There are many sites supporting public health online degrees and people who intend to volunteer for this should be up for the difficult tasks. Theoretically public health online degrees may be a great help to people who would like to extend help.

By David Patullo

about the health of all

Nutrition Essentials of a Weight Loss Program

As the adverse effects of obesity are not widely publicized, many people have begun a weight loss regime with a combination of a balance diet and a rigorous exercise schedule. Some people, however, mistakenly think that by severely limiting their calorie intake, they will be able to reach their goal. They are not aware that they need certain essential nutrients in order to...

Electric Shock and your Body

When source of voltage comes in direct contact with a human body, an electrical shock will occur. Many people are killed each year by this effect because they are not educated in the working of electricity. Before you work on anything that uses an electric current, be sure you read the manual carefully and stay away from loos ends if you are not sure. Safety precautions are...
Public Health

Our environment is full of viruses and bacterias these days so it is no wonder public health and safety is an important factor in many countries. All around the world researchers are finding way to fight new viruses. The media has been shown to be the best way to inform people of health hazards. It is in this way that awareness is spread to people. Viruses can be avoided if...

Hand Sanitizer Benefits

Over these last years, hand sanitizers have been showing up everywhere. With the big push on maintaining hygiene because of the H1N1 virus, the awareness of this little gel have grown and grown. Although they are meant to kill germs, no many people know the right way to use them. It is the alcohol in the sanitized that kills the germs but this is not enough. Read the label on...

Food for Growing Taller


Although true to some extent, your height is not just a hereditary factor. It is to bad that many short people get picked on because of their height and then they find it difficult to live a normal life. One fact we all know is that nutrition plays a huge role in how tall we grow. We see on the news all the time how the under nourished kids have had their growth stunted and...

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Diagnosing an Environmental Allergy For Better Health and Vitality

Environmental medicine is the treatment of three groups of allergies. These are:

* Inhalant Allergies-is any substance which you breathe in or smell every day. This type of allergy can be hay fever, dust, mold spores or even the family pet. The allergy is the body's reaction to compounds in the air from the offending source.
* Food Allergies- If inhalant allergies turns up negative, food allergies are tested next. These are much more difficult to diagnose. Often the final diagnosis is determined by the patient keeping a daily log of all foods consumed.
* Chemical Allergies- most doctors do not consider chemical sensitivity to be an allergy. But pesticides, herbicides, car exhaust, fresh paint... all can be attributed to chemical allergies.

After all typical tests have been performed, the practitioner now has a good foundation to make a final diagnosis.

Signs In Your Body Of An Allergy

Allergies and its sensitivities can produce symptoms in any part of your body. Different people will even show different symptoms for the same allergen. Below are some common reports from different case studies:

Allergic Arthritis is simply just joint pain.

* Asthma- is not having the ability to get air into your body. In environmental medicine, therapies are based on finding the cause and treating it. By using nutrient therapy, stress management and environmental controls- most food allergies can be reduced or eliminated.
* Brain Allergy- the central nervous system can show a range of symptoms from depression, hyperactivity, fatigue, brain fog, headaches and even mental illness.
* Autism- some children diagnosed as autistic actually just have an undiagnosed food allergy.
* Chronic Fatigue Syndrome- an herbal therapy regimen often gives the patient the needed boost for the immune system to "rejuvenate".
* Dementia- many people have shown considerable improvement after their allergy triggers have been identified.
* Epilepsy- to date, no direct link has been found relating epilepsy to food allergies.

Currently, environmental medicine is a relatively new field of allergy research but extensive testing is making the medical community realize sensitivity reactions to anything we contact can be a trigger for many allergic reactions.
By Kathi Jo Robinson

California Health Insurance - For Those Who Need Health Insurance in California

California private health insurance plans are on a lot of people's mind right now. If you have become confused as to what is going on with health care insurance due to all the political maneuvering, promises of new health care reform, and the President's messages and news conferences during major media events, you are not alone.

Since, health insurance has become a common law, it has also become a common topic of conversation at the water cooler at work, the coffee shop in town, and your own dinner table you probably want some answers. And you probably just want the facts, without the promises, hype, or speculation. Good, you've come to the right article to help you with information to secure your California health insurance needs.

California family healthcare insurance can be had at affordable prices. Finding affordable health insurance in California is not impossible, but it does take a little bit of work. Paying attention to the details is essential, and getting the best California healthcare insurance quote is paramount. But, it hardly starts and stops with merely an online insurance quote.

Most insurance carriers in California generally have their online health insurance quotes set to best case scenarios. And last time any of us looked in the mirror, chances are we weren't wearing Olympic gold-medals. As we age, each of us has our own specific health care needs.

If you are in need for California individual healthcare insurance we must take into consideration your present and current individual health situation when looking for the proper coverage, as well as the lowest health care insurance premium costs. Health insurance in California does not have to be complicated, and there are lots of great companies to chose from when deciding on the best California healthcare insurance plans to fit your family's budget, and all your individual medical insurance needs.

The State of California regulates health insurance companies, carriers, brokers, and agents quite strenuously, and they do this to protect our citizens, the consumers, patients, beneficiaries, and our elderly from abuse and fraud. Thus, you can bet that any of the healthcare insurance plans in California, those which are offered through legitimate companies in the health care insurance industry, at least in our state meet those guidelines.

This means if you need California Medicare supplemental "Medigap" insurance, each policy will have to cover the specific issues in each category Medicare Part A, B, C, D, etc., as per the State Insurance Commissioner. Prior to turning 65 you will need to enroll in Medicare, and you should also see about Medicare supplemental insurance to protect your nest egg and life's savings in case something happens.

If you need California health insurance for children, the state rules and regulations require that all health insurance policies in CA adhere to certain rules and regulations, which may or may not be different from those in neighboring states.

Since children have different types of medical care needs from us adults and parents, we need to make sure that your family insurance policy covers those unfortunate potential eventualities which often occur in that period of the life-cycle. One issue that is common is broken bones as our young and fearless children find out there are actually limits to their abilities and agility - Superman and Wonder Woman are only fictional characters. Please consider all this.

By Lance Winslow

Public Health Online Degrees

A Public health worker is person who has a lot of things to cover in their jobs. Most careers in the field of public health are also involved in advocates representing people who are not capable of voicing out themselves like children, the mentally handicapped, the disabled and the poor, this people cannot help themselves. Their job description is almost similar to that of the social worker. With only a difference in the terminologies that were used.

The usual kind of work a health professional is engaged is the alignment of the people in need with the given resources that are available. Like say for instance a temporary shelter for the homeless, care for the abandoned children, and other stuffs related to public service. In other words if you want to be a health worker your desire to help others should be exceptionally strong. Your heart should be dedicated in helping other people sincerely.

Generally a social work bachelor's degree is a requirement for health jobs, sometimes however sociology or psychology degrees are considered as an alternative. A social work bachelor's degree will be a prerequisite and a preparation for the practical applications of jobs in public health. You will be dealing with different kinds of people, and these people are usually less fortunate.

If you would like to advance further from doing fieldwork to management, then you must plan on taking up a master's degree. Taking up a higher education will make you aware and you will be able to learn managing various cases that has something to do with health. You will also be engaged in bigger operations and your awareness will widen and your level of awareness will make determine operational and strategic needs of public health operations.

There are available public health online degrees and this will actually prepare you in becoming a front-liner in public health. You will be trained in caring and guiding your patients. It will qualify you for positions that are considered to be entry level in scope and nature. There are also advance programs under public health online degrees. However your expectations should be mostly manual, handling things all by yourself it's like a field instruction that will at least give you the experience that you need to make more improvements in your career.

There are other things that you should undertake so you will be granted a license. Public health online degrees are actually easy to handle, the difficult part is the internship. This is something that most people would consider as a difficult task. It is not actually that difficult the problem with this however is that all theories may be supplied by online subjects and practical ones will be applied during the internship.

Public health online degrees should be pursued by people who have a heart, those who are considered to be volunteers and with little thoughts of being compensated, whose primary goal is to help, assist and make other smile out of the difficulties that they are facing, they should be thinking more of others and they should be warm towards others. There are many sites supporting public health online degrees and people who intend to volunteer for this should be up for the difficult tasks. Theoretically public health online degrees may be a great help to people who would like to extend help.

By David Patullo

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

The Importance of Creating the Right Environment for Your Business Success

What kind of environment is the right environment for your business success? Are you someone who likes to work in a relaxed, calm, quiet environment, or someone who likes a more interactive, invigorating, exciting environment?

There is probably a range of environments you can put up with and get by in. But, have you ever thought about what kind of environment is optimal if you want to create success? Most of us haven't thought about how our environment affects our business success. Instead, we've learned to adapt to less-than-favorable conditions, blaming our sagging energy, increased body aches, and decreased productivity on other factors.

The Effects of a Negative Environment


Psychologists and industrial engineers have long reported that a negative work environment adversely affects our health, sleep habits, interactions with people, sex life, tolerance levels, ability to cope, and ability to process new information.

The longer we are exposed to a negative environment, the more our productivity and success decrease. It also takes its toll on our psychological, emotional, and physiological well-being.

The problem is that researchers have not been able to come up with a single work environment that is best for everyone. Human beings are such a complex, multifaceted group. It is impossible to take into account everyone's changing needs to create a work environment that is ideal for every individual.

Whether you work from the comfort of your home as a solo preneur or go to work in an office building, it's up to you to create the perfect environment for your business success. If not, you will find yourself gulping for air.

Are You Gulping For Air?

I have a small pond in my back yard. It's a modest pond, home to five gold fish, two shubunkins, and two koi, Jack and Casper. It's a peaceful little pond where birds and deer come to drink and neighborhood cats come with high hopes. There are benches nearby for quiet reflection, and the beauty of nature surrounds.

Not too long ago, the pond wasn't so peaceful. We were in the middle of a heat wave when I went out to feed my fish. Much to my surprise and alarm, all the fish were at the surface of the pond bunched together and gulping for air. I could see they were in distress, though I didn't know why. Until . . . I dipped my hand into the pond and felt the temperature of the water. It was very warm.

I immediately flew into action and began pumping warm water out of the top of the pond while simultaneously adding cold water to it. Within a couple of hours the water temperature had stabilized and my fish were back to swimming tranquilly around the pond.

When you are working in an environment that is detrimental to you, you soon end up like my fish on that hot day. You end up gulping for air. Gulping for air leaves us exhausted, depleted, and in desperate need of relief. We've all had times when we have felt as if we were just barely making it, scarcely holding it all together, and stressed beyond our limit.

By Susan L Reid

College Students Need Health Care Too!

A major fallback that all financial institutions, and government agencies have had, in regards to student aid, student financing, student loan and even student jobs is the total lack of attention that has occurred with student health care. Do you realize that the largest population of uninsured Americans are people aged 18 to 24.

Today there are more than 48 million Americans that have little or no health insurance, and those numbers are expected to go up by 20% in the next 10 years. Of those people that are uninsured over 10% are college students.

Now, that I have you thinking! Lets think about why this happens? If we know that this is true, and we also know that health insurance insurance is our biggest problem, then why don't we do something to solve the problem of the largest population of uninsured?

What causes this Age Group to be Uninsured?
The main reason that young college students are not covered by insurance, is because they are too old for their parents coverage, or in some cases their parents don't have insurance.
Another reason is because people in this age group are going to school, and can only afford to work part time, and a part time job does not cover health insurance needs.

What are the Current Health Insurance Options for This Population?

There sure are not a lot of options out there. The student could purchase an independent insurance policy, but with independent insurance policies costing well into the thousands of dollars a year, this is not really a viable option.
The other option is for parents to continue covering the young adult, and many insurance companies refuse to do that. The parents could also purchase an independent health insurance policy for their child that is if they can afford it.

Many Argue that People in that Age Group Don't Really Need Insurance

Does that truly make sense? So, if a student has an accident, it is alright if he becomes financially indebted for many years to come, because he was young. Most students would probably choose to have health insurance, if the option were available to them.

Many of these uninsured students have chronic diseases like asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, and HIV that go untreated because of a lack of health insurance.
Students need treatment with depression issues, eating disorders and even drug and alcohol abuse, and in most cases they cant get it because of a lack of health insurance.

How Can We Solve the Problem of a Lack of Health Care in Young Adults?
It is a subject that is on the politicians table and should be paid attention to carefully. We could support candidates that look for a solution to the problem. It would be great if in some way we as a nation could come up with some form of universal coverage.
Another option that you as a student can check into is the availability of a health insurance plan that is carried by the University or College you attend.

Many of today's colleges offer student health insurance plans for students that are enrolled in their University. In fact, this should be something you look at when you are choosing the college you will attend.

Have Your Parents Ask Their Insurance carrier if they can keep you on their plan. Some insurance carriers will let students remain on a plan until they are 22.

In conclusion, this is still somewhat of a difficult problem to deal with, and there still aren't any easy answers. But there are some solutions, if you look for them.

By Jim Power

Simple Way to Take Care of Your Health

With many illness such as cancer or other disease for the body which spreading almost every where, more people try now to be aware of their body and what they eat every day.
It is necessary to pay attention to our health and fitness and try to have a healthier lifestyle.
Here are some of the ways that are important for your health and you should use to start to achieve a healthier lifestyle.
Do not smoke: smoking can lead to serious health problems and diseases, if you do not have the habit of smoking, good for you.Do not try to start as you will only get addicted with the cigarettes and it will be harder to quit when that happens.
It is not true that you can smoke and quit when you want to. Once you become addicted to it, there is hard and more difficult to quit.

If you are already part of those people who damage their lungs everyday, the best way is to make a commitment to quit. By doing this, you are already half a way to recovery.
Make sure that you are serious with your plans and you are not just doing it for any other reason than your health.
Healthy eating: The best way you can help keep your body healthy is to eat foods that are more natural and with less chemical content.
Avoid eating junk foods like those huge packs of potato chips or binge on candies. Eat fruits instead of cookies or candy or fat cakes. You should also make it a point to eat more fruits, salad and vegetables with your intake of meats.
Try to eat more starchy foods such as rice, bread, pasta, potatoes. This does not mean that you should forget to eat meat.
You should still eat meat, just remember fish and chicken meat is better than red meat. The protein inside meat is important for some of the basic processes of the body. You can also take your protein needs with eating beans with dark bread, or grain rice.
These kind of foods will help you with your health and fitness.
Physical Activity: Try to make an exercise routine every day. You can schedule it every day when you wake up in the morning or do it in afternoon when you are free from your job. Whichever schedule you choose, make sure that you keep it to 30 minutes or longer about an hour.
That way, you exercise your muscles and avoid muscle pains. Exercise will also strengthen your bones and your body, promote better breathing and cellular activities, clear the brain and of course keep those extra calories out of the body and you will help your health and fitness more. Thus, even if you eat a lot, you are not storing those fats and carbohydrates.
You are expending them through your workout routine. You can also do these activities 2-3 times a week: Cycling, Football, Gym, Running/Jogging, Racket Sports, Swimming, Walking/Rambling and Yoga. Remember to drink lots of water, Skip the soda and even the iced tea as much as you can, drink water which is the safest and healthiest drink you can find. Sodas even the diet ones, are carbonated and contain high amounts of sugar and carbohydrates which can later be translated into fats.
With use of the recommendation above, will you soon get better condition, your body become healthier, and you will be happier.


By Delmondo Sorell

Health Habitravels

Enriching travel programs for moderate to very fit adults who would like the option of yoga/pilates while on holiday. These are informative, active holidays that run tha gamut from ecotours to cultural tours. Lodgings are at boutique hotels, private villas, private yachts, and green ecolodges. Some programs include short retreats at renovated monastaries, temples, or upscale tent camps. Groups are sized from 10-24 max. Emphasis is on concious travel, but creature comforts are available. This is a great way to be healthy and see the world. Founder Tannis Kobrinsky, a 30 year veteran movement educator conducts the classes, and is at times joined by other experts. Expert guides lead tours and excursions. Local tour operators handle
logistics. These programs are fun, invigorating, and life changing.

Schedules


Fitness Pilates, tone and sculpt, stretching, hiking, swimming, water aerobics.Massage Extra fee for massage treatments offered at spas and resort, and/or in room massages.Pilates 1-2 Pilates mat classes daily, unless excursions require too much time on a particular day . Pilates focuses on strengthening the core muscles, increasing flexibility and balance. Practice adjustable to students individual needs.Spa Treatments Depends on the facility, but everything from facials, to wat-su, spas, steam etc...availableYoga Hatha - gentle Hatha yoga. Gyrokinesis (r) combination of Kundalini yoga and Qi Gong, flowing, restorative movements.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Our impact on the Environment

Our impact on the environment

As one of the largest food companies in Asia Pacific, Arnott's has an environmental policy in place that reflects its commitment to conduct business in a manner that respects and protects the quality of the environment, striving towards limiting emissions to the water, air and land, and the efficient use of resources.

That's why we work closely with water authorities, like Sydney Water, to identify opportunities for reducing water consumption. Back in 2001, our Smithfield facility, which produces around 360 different types of savoury snack products, was using 850,000 litres of water per day. By 2004, we'd cut total water usage by nearly half to less than 500,000 litres per day.

And Arnott's Marleston bakery has made significant progress in the past 18 months in reducing waste and water consumption by installing, among other things, a $390,000 waste-water treatment plant.

As well as helping to protect water, Arnott’s is also focused on reducing its energy consumption and has a number of programs in place at all sites.

The Company is a signatory to the National Packaging Covenant. Our action plans contain specific objectives to minimise the use of packaging material, where possible; use recyclable materials, where possible; and ensure the environmental impacts of consumer packaging waste are managed and minimised.

So far, Arnott's has:

* Converted more than 1,000 tonnes per annum of biscuit trays from unrecyclable polystyrene to recyclable PET
* Switched to making more than 5,000 tonnes of carton board (eg. for use on boxed products like Shapes and Cheezels) per annum from 100% recycled board. Naturally, these cartons are also recyclable
* Reduced tinplate usage per annum by more than 40 tonnes as a result of a reduction in steel can gauge



Monday, May 31, 2010

How to Create an Environment For Learning

There are two types of learning environment: natural and prepared.

Natural Environment: Your family and the immediate surroundings are the natural environment. Family members communicate and interact with one another on a daily basis. When a family member leaves the house for work or school, she brings home with her the knowledge from the outside environment. A family grow with this knowledge which interplay with their own learning environment.

Prepared Environment: As the components in the natural environment embrace all information and knowledge from outside, a kind of system develops that need to maintain or sustain the knowledge in the family. This results in the formation of the prepared environment.

Usually the natural environment is richer in culture and practice, and it has greater influence on personal growth and development.

The prepared environment is something like this. You will use it it works for you, but store it somewhere on the shelf at home until it is appropriate for use. use it if it works. For example, the family buy and sell furniture, keep and donate used items, throw or store materials on a regular basis.

Knowledge is the same. For instance, after you have learnt and tried a new recipe, you let the family try it. If they enjoy the meal, you keep it as part of the family favourite recipe. You experiment on the knowledge.

With regard to language, you have to set aside space in the family living environment to combine the foreign with the native. This space need not be physical space. In my case, it is space in time. I choose to read Mandarin books to my daughter, 1 hour day. By physical space, I mean an area in the house where everything is foreign, from books, apparel or even to accessories.

The idea is to maintain a balance between the natural and prepared environment. One cannot influence change outside my natural environment. He also cannot force knowledge he has from a prepared environment upon what is already natural. He has to experiment the choices of components or materials create the learning environment we want.

By Hanifa K. Cook

Health and Fitness For Women


With all of the roles women are expected to play, health and fitness for women has become all the more important to consider. By realizing that being a mother, a partner, and a career woman are all exhausting tasks, you can see how a woman's body might need more attention. But by also being more likely to care for everyone else but us, it's not something that's easily done. Here are ways that you can start to take charge of health and fitness for women - and more importantly, you. By Lynn VanDyke

Health and Fitness Addiction

Yes...it's possible! The word "addiction" give us images of people in dark rooms, listening to bad music and sticking needles in their arms, but many addicts can be found in the gym or on the local school track, getting just as addictive a fix. In fact, the positive nature of the word "healthy" makes health and fitness addiction all the more alluring. Despite the positive media, health addicts have done as much damage to their families and lives as any other kind of addict. In this article, we'll look under the surface of health and fitness addiction and find a path to recovery.

How Can Something So Good Be Bad? In our modern Western culture, those willing to pay the price for fitness are to be applauded. There are just so many temptations to do otherwise. Exercise is mostly boring, painful and smelly, so those who endure it for about an hour, 3-5 days a week, have achieved a level of discipline most only dream of.

Health and fitness addiction is not about health or fitness...it's about a compulsion to use healthy activities to fill a void we see in ourselves. Addicts are compelled, not disciplined. The addictive chemicals involved in exercise are much the same as those in sex and porn addiction. This may explain why many people suffer from both sexual addictions and health addictions.

Types Of Health And Fitness Addiction: These are addictions to the activities of health and fitness, as opposed to the TV, Internet and shopping addictions which could involve health themes. Health and fitness addictions are compulsions to engage in "healthy" activities, like exercise, dieting, etc. In fact, anorexia and bulimia nervosa have both been described as severe health and fitness addictions. Two key symptoms of these mental disorders are exercise and dietary control to a compulsive and excessive extreme. The specific exercise or diet plan doesn't matter. It's an addiction when you feel compelled to do it.

By Glen D. Williams

Monday, May 17, 2010

Environmental health

Environmental health addresses all the physical, chemical, and biological factors external to a person, and all the related factors impacting behaviours. It encompasses the assessment and control of those environmental factors that can potentially affect health. It is targeted towards preventing disease and creating health-supportive environments. This definition excludes behaviour not related to environment, as well as behaviour related to the social and cultural environment, and genetics.

Public health and environment

Health through a better environment
International programme on chemical safety

Health impact assessment

UN-Water Global Annual Assessment of Sanitation and Drinking-Water


Proper environmental management is the key to avoiding the quarter of all preventable illnesses which are directly caused by environmental factors. The environment influences our health in many ways — through exposures to physical, chemical and biological risk factors, and through related changes in our behaviour in response to those factors.

Thirteen million deaths annually are due to preventable environmental causes. Preventing environmental risk could save as many as four million lives a year, in children alone, mostly in developing countries.

Natural Yarns For Health and Environment

It's becoming fashionable to be environmentalist but anything that helps in preserving the Earth is good. One outcome of all this hype about being eco friendly is that more and more people are turning to natural and organic clothing. However, one thing that most people do not realise is that when you give up using synthetics and turn to eco friendly, renewable resources for clothing, more than anyone else, they are helping themselves. Clothes made from organically grown natural fibres are skin friendly and keep you comfortable all day long. If you think that cotton and wool are the only natural yarns, it's time for a reality check. Various kinds of plants and weeds are made into yarns and clothes produced from such yarns have their own unique feel and quality.

One of the more popular yarns that have caught the fancy of the fashionista in recent years happens to be bamboo yarn. Depending on the climatic conditions and fertility of the soil, this plant can grow 3 to 4 feet a day. Yarn made from bamboo is very soft and silky which can be mixed with cotton as well as used alone to make cloth. Available in 16 shades, bamboo yarn is being hailed as the yarn of the future.

Though not as popular as bamboo, corn yarn is the novelty that everyone in the market is eyeing. Made from corn fibre corn yarn has a flat wide strand. It's fast overtaking all other natural fibres as clothes made from corn yarn are very easy to care. You can put them in washer as well as in dryer without damaging them.

Another hugely popular and much in demand natural yarn is soysilk yarn. Soft as silk, yet capable of keeping you warm, soysilk is spun from soy protein. Dress up in soysilk for complete chic look without compromising on your green principles.

Hemp fibre and yarn has been used for more than 10,000 years by Chinese and Taiwanese for making shoes, ropes, clothes and early form of paper. Hemp yarn is very strong but not very soft to touch so it is mixed with other fibres to produce cloth that is both durable and supple.

Lastly, I would like to mention seasilk yarn that is made from mixing seaweed fibre and silk fibre in the ratio of 30:70 which gives it both strength and softness. Hand dyed in rich, vivacious colours seasilk yarn is ideal for bold knits.

Wearing clothes made from organic and natural yarns is important not only to make a fashion statement but to conserve the environment and its delicate ecological balance. Such clothes make you appear beautiful and keep you comfortable at the same time reducing your carbon footprints.


Author is a freelance content writer

Monday, May 3, 2010

The True Nature of Health and Disease - Five Insights

1) Disease can be viewed as a disturbance of the synchronization between one's life-rhythm and the eternal cycles and imperatives of Nature.

In the 1930s, famed Swedish health teacher Are Waerland began his Sun Viking movement. Many of his students experienced greatly improved health and even recovery from serious illnesses. Waerland taught that disease was a disturbance of a person's life-rhythm, established through millions of years of biological evolution.

He told his students to look outside the body to environmental conditions as primary factors that create health or disease. Waerland felt that health could only be produced, and disease eliminated, by restoring the original human life-rhythm which depends upon an unhindered relationship between the human body and the external factors of Nature.

2) Disease: the body's attempt at self-cleansing and regeneration in order to self-heal.

The human organism is designed to strive toward health, not disease. Disease is often a defensive reaction brought about by poor lifestyle habits. Therefore, the power to cure disease resides only within the patient's body, but that innate power cannot fully prevail until wrong living habits stop and the fundamental elements of life and health, in necessary measure, have been set in place, namely: proper diet; pure water; fresh air; sunlight; adequate exercise, warmth, rest and sleep; emotional harmony; proper posture.

3) If a substance is not fundamental to the health of the body, it's also not fundamental to disease treatment.

From this view comes the most important therapeutic principle of traditional naturopathy: Disease treatment must be based upon the use of the fundamental elements of life in accordance with the needs and abilities of the patient. Accordingly, Paracelsus, the renowned 15th- to 16th-century alchemist and professor of physics, medicine and surgery observed: "The physician should pass Nature's examination."

4) "Through your stomach come all your ills."--Plato

In 1904, noted traditional naturopath Adolph Just wrote in Return To Nature: "Those who no longer listen to the voice of Nature become the victims of a thousand different diseases and miseries...Humankind can recover and again become happy only via a true return to Nature... [by choosing] the food that Nature has laid before them from the beginning and bringing themselves again into relation with water, light and air, earth, etc. which Nature originally designed for them."

Adolph Just was not suggesting that human beings forsake the comforts of modern existence, only that they reestablish their primal relationship with the life-sustaining elements of the natural world. For instance, instead of viewing diet as a form of entertainment, it should be seen primarily as a means for optimal survival.

5) "...disease is but the expression and result of a disturbance of the conditions natural to life. The only useful office of the physician is to restore those conditions."--Emmet Densmore, M.D., from his book How Nature Cures, 1892.

In the 19th and early-20th centuries, naturopathic doctors developed many creative, highly effective therapies using Nature's life- and health-giving elements. Originally, many of these therapies were applied within the setting of the numerous naturopathic health spas of those days which featured sunbathing, hiking in the fresh air, hydrotherapies, deep breathing, pure water, nourishing food, massage and lots of rest and sleep. However, with the introduction of "miracle drugs" came the misconception that simple naturopathic therapies were somehow quaint and outdated. And the hectic lifestyle of our era popularized a demand for the "quick-fix."

The use of surgery and drugs (even natural medicines such as herbs and homeopathy) can only act upon the superficial symptoms of the underlying disharmony in an individual if the fundamental elements of life are not restored. And such disharmony may eventually manifest in some other, and perhaps more threatening, form.

Hippocrates maintained that disease must be treated in accordance with natural laws. Also, when the great 17th-century physician Thomas Syndenham (renowned as the "English Hippocrates") lay dying, he told his weeping pupils that he was content to die as he was leaving behind three physicians greater than he ever was. One of the pupils eagerly inquired, "Three great masters? Who are they?" Syndenham replied: "Water, air and exercise."

Copyright 2010 by Joseph Ben Hil-Meyer Research, Inc.

Bruce Berkowsky, N.M.D., M.H., H.M.C.

Bruce Berkowsky, N.M.D., M.H., H.M.C.--registered naturopath, master herbalist, classical homeopath, nationally certified in massage and therapeutic bodywork--is President of Joseph Ben Hil-Meyer Research, Inc., formerly naturopathic advisor to the Institute of Applied Biochemistry and a member of The American Naturopathic Medical Association, The Registry of Naturopaths (UK) and the British Naturopathic Assoc. He is the founder/teacher of both Spiritual PhytoEssencing (SPE)and the Natural Health Science System (NHSS) which he designed during nearly 30-years of research and private practice, and includes traditional naturopathy, herbal medicine, nutrition, essential oils, exercise as well as East/West healing arts/bodywork and homeopathy.

By Dr. Bruce Berkowsky

Public Health Career Training Online

The general population has many needs that have to be met on a regular basis. Health is usually at the top of the list, which is why there are numerous health professionals working to improve and maintain health in society. Public health is a popular career because it allows professionals to work with a variety of people and areas. Online career training is becoming a prevalent way for students to earn a degree in public health.

The profession spans across a large range of areas and activities, but all the work focuses on the evaluation and regulation of health for the public. Professionals target general or specific areas, which can include nutrition or a metropolitan city's healthcare system. It is highly common for professionals to handle complex problems involving overall healthcare services and systems. They contribute to keep communities free from outbreaks of infections. They also work with individuals, families, and communities by promoting healthy behaviors. The field can have graduated students entering careers that have them working for wellness programs in schools, hospitals, universities, and government firms. With the field being incredibly diverse students have many options to consider before deciding on an online degree program. Family health, health education, epidemiology, and environmental health are just a few of the options that students can choose to focus their schooling on.

Online training for public health is commonly only available at the graduate level, which includes a master's or doctorate degree. This is because most careers need individuals who have more in depth training. Students can't enter a graduate degree without first completing a bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree provides students with a general education that can be applied to a graduate degree program. A health science degree is the ideal option for students to gain a broad foundation focused on the medical field. Student's study includes biology, chemistry, health education, and healthcare administration, which provides the knowledge needed to succeed in a graduate degree program.

Graduate degree programs online include a master of public health or a doctor of public health. An MPH degree is a science-based program that incorporates specific information on how to use knowledge to improve public health, educate, and provide preventative measures. Education covers advanced training in health and administration duties. Environmental science, epidemiology, public health biology, management, health promotion, and disease prevention are some course subjects that are covered through a master's program. Master's degree programs prepare students to step into leadership roles as food safety inspectors, health inspectors, public health advisors, and more. Furthering education at the PhD level qualifies students for upper level management and roles in academia.

At the doctorate level students specialize in one specific area such as nutrition, behavioral science, child health, and epidemiology. Students enrolled in an epidemiology program will mainly study how diseases spread. The goal of education is to prepare students to contribute to the field by creating strategies to keep outbreaks in check. Courses that supplement specific fields of study include leadership, public health internship, and management. Students that want to be involved on the research side of the profession should consider entering an online training program at this level.

Searching out possible accredited online programs is the best way to begin the process of entering the profession. Utilizing the vast online resources to decide on a specific program helps students enter the field of their choice.

By Renata McGee

Design and Build Environment Friendly Houses

In today's world, where the impact of global warming and energy crisis is being discussed greatly, it is important for every individual to play a part in providing a solution to these imminent dangers. A simple step in this direction would be to design and build houses that are environment friendly. Some people are under the impression that it is a herculean task to design and build houses to accommodate nature. Well, those people cannot be farther from the truth.

The truth is that it is easier to design and build such houses are compared to the other traditional types of houses. With a few out-of-the-box ideas and innovative thinking it is possible to construct beautiful houses that are in harmony with nature and also energy efficient. A good eco friendly house is one that does not burden the earth and makes use of natural resources like the Sun and wind to generate heat and electrical energy that are needed to run household appliances. Let us see a few points that can guide us in that direction.

Keep it light

If you notice all the eco friendly houses that have been designed and built till date, all of them use materials that are light in weight. Wood is the most preferred material when it comes to building such houses. This is a material that offers flexibility and versatility that is needed when constructing houses that are environment friendly. There eco friendly houses that are build using enameled steel and corrugated metal too since these are light weight options.

Look out for barriers

If it is your aim to design and build your house in order to harness the potential of nature to generate energy for your house, then, ensure that there are no barriers to it. Trying to construct an eco friendly house when there are a lot of high rise buildings around the place, may be a wrong idea because you would not be able to tap into the complete potential of wind and Sunlight to produce energy. Also, ensure there are no barriers like transformers and power lines which may hamper the construction process. Consider the direction of the wind and the maximum exposure to the Sun when you design and build eco friendly houses.

Make provision for every generation and storage

The main purpose to design and build a house that is eco friendly is to harness the power of nature. Hence, you design should incorporate the ideas for good ventilation and penetration of Sun rays. The sunlight will illuminate the darkest part of the house too and curb energy consumption. By ensuring good ventilation you can minimize the use of fans and ACs. Also, opt for getting your house fitted with solar panels and photovoltaic cells which have the potential to convert the energy from the Sun into electrical energy which can be utilized to run the household equipments. The excess energy can be stored in the cells and utilized when needed.

By Charli Jhonson

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Productivity Through Positive Reinforcement


Most people just want to be appreciated. If you're a manager, that's something to seriously think about as you set the tone for maximum productivity.

Ever work for someone who preferred a 'bullying and intimidation' managerial style? This type of bullying doesn't involve spitballs and shiners in the schoolyard, but it might as well because it produces the same feelings of inferiority, worthlessness and mistrust among peers. It turns workers disloyal, dishonest, and downright disgusted. The bullying managerial style is way out of fashion, and for a reason: it doesn't work! What DOES work? Positive reinforcement. Why? When you reward your workers, they perform better.

Ever notice how every big company works in 'teams' these days? The notion of the corporate team model was dreamed up by someone who realized that all folks really want is to be appreciated for their talent and ability. If you team up four or five well-selected people, each with a unique, highly-developed skill; cheer them on and reward them for all their accomplishments... what you're going to get is some jacked-up productivity and a stellar team that will follow you to the ends of the earth.

What are some ways to let your team members know how much they're valued; and in doing so, spur them on to success?

Accentuate the positive. Is there a way that you can put a positive spin on a negative criticism? As a manager, this is such an important skill. Let's say the writer you recently brought on board isn't 'catching on' to the company's prescribed way of creating headlines. You may feel frustrated and tempted to chastise this person, but what will a thoughtless reprimand do for her productivity in the long run? Instead, soften your critique and infuse it with a positive message, maybe something like, "You did a great job catching all of those typos but I'd love for you to give me a couple more headline options before we hand this in." Tread lightly on those fragile young egos; pride is such a delicate thing!

Open the lines of communication. As a manager, you're busy dealing with people on the outside, which means you may not always be aware of what goes on behind the scenes. Encourage group discussions where your workers can air their grievances. When there's a conflict, let your employees hash it out while you act as the calm and rational mediator. Sometimes all it takes is a few words hitting the air to clear up a misunderstanding. If you give your people a little more control and the benefit of the doubt, they'll feel appreciated, depended on, and willing to go that extra mile.

Always play fair. A biased judge can't make objective decisions for the good of the group. You may feel more personally connected to one team member over another, but how is that relevant to the job at hand? It isn't! Just because you were chumming around on the golf course with Chad last week doesn't mean his poor performance should go unnoticed at review time. And even though Nerdy Nancy says things at lunch that make you cringe, it doesn't give you the right to criticize her on the job when she's doing everything correctly. If you show favoritism, your workers WILL notice... and this will make them feel EXTREMELY unappreciated. So play fair, coach!

Match the skill to the task at hand. Ensure team excellence is by selecting the correct person for the job! Suppose you hire Jeff because he's great at number crunching, and Lucy because she has experience in customer service. Later, you come to learn that Lucy is really not all that great with the clients, but she's gold on the expense calculations... meanwhile, Jeff is a master shmoozer. Instead of trying to mold Lucy into something she's not, a quick-switch of responsibilities is all it takes to keep this team operating at prime productivity. When each of your workers is well-chosen for a task, they'll all do a good job together. And when they do a good job, they're truly appreciated. Team spirit is some pretty magical stuff!

Encourage workers to 'figure it out on their own.' By this I do NOT mean tell them to solve their own problems and send them away. That's no way to help your underlings grow. Remember to feel complimented when a subordinate approaches you with an issue. He came to you because he trusts your judgement and seeks your approval. In turn, give your little bird his wings. Maybe share a story of when you may have had a similar problem in your own career. Offer up some general, advice, then assure them that he can find a positive and constructive way to fix the problem on his own. He'll walk away with a sense of pride, independence and new determination. And that's a great way to help someone feel appreciated!

Speak to people 'on the level.' Ever hear the expression, 'talking down to people?' It's one of my biggest pet peeves, and something that I try my hardest never to do. Even in the midst of praising someone, you can end up 'talking down' to them. When you say, "Jeannie, you did it, I am so proud of you!!" does it come out sounding like you're talking to a kindergartener who just learned to tie her own shoe? Yikes! There should never be a reason to sound parental in your professional communication with grown adults. Another way you might unintentionally 'talk down': offer advice and assume that it's a foreign concept to the person with whom you're speaking. How do you know she doesn't already practice what you preach? If you address your workers respectfully and treat them as mature adults, they might actually behave like mature adults!

Above all, have a little humility. Keep an open mind and an open heart, and lead with a firm and forgiving hand. Experience-wise, even if you're 20 years ahead of someone else, you're still just two human beings on this earth. And it's like I said: we all just want to be appreciated. So managers, show your workers a little respect and gratitude, and watch your productivity soar to new heights!

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By D.M. Giolitto

Environmental Friendly Kitchens


Environmental friendly kitchen consists of eco-friendly materials to maintain the beauty of the environment.

1. The flooring and furniture here are made of bamboo instead of other wood as bamboo grows much faster and easily.

2. It also has adequate arrangements for the sunlight to come in. In fact, it makes use of fluorescents to cut down the energy consumption.

3. Eco friendly makes use of cork, which is a renewable substance made from tree bark. Cork is sound absorbing and is excellent for kitchens.

4. Natural fabrics such as wool and cotton are used for chairs and tables, as fabrics made from chemicals harm the environment.

5. Recycled glass is used for windows and cupboards.

6. Low flow tap models to save water compared to conventional taps.

7. Eco friendly adhesives and paints instead of other paints.

8. Insulation to keep the kitchen cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather. It can also facilitate elimination of noise transfer.

9. Separate bins for different wastes and send them to the recycling center.

10. Usage of lemon juice, baking soda and vinegar instead of chemical cleaners results in the protection of environment.

11. While buying new ovens, microwaves or refrigerators, make sure it has an Energy Star label.

12. Water filtering system or filtering taps help to save money, which is spent on packaged drinking water.

13. Proper ventilation allows fresh and healthy airflow in and out of the kitchen.

14. Latest dishwaters with sensor technology save water when compared to hand washing of dishes.

15. Recycled glass dinnerware instead of virgin glass dinnerware.

These are the qualities of an eco-friendly kitchen. Eco friendly kitchen is thus, a need of the hour and is a necessity to protect our environment from various hazards and to keep ourselves healthy.

By Jim Johannasen

Environmental Friendly Kitchens

A Healthy Environment For Dog Training


For your dog to be mentally and physically healthy, he must feel safe and secure in his environment. If you are to remain unworried and be able to enjoy your pet to the full, you must be positive that you are doing all you can to keep him happy and protected from harm. Fulfilling your dog's essential needs within his environment will help you both remain contented - and sane. As long as these needs are met, he will be a very happy dog.

Living Accommodation

You should live in a house large enough to accommodate your family and your chosen size and type of dog, with plenty of space for everyone. Remember, you are buying a pet, not an accessory. It is no use thinking about a Great Dane, Afghan Hound, Border Collie, German Shepherd Dog or any other large working or herding breed if you live in a flat or small townhouse as these dogs don't thrive, mentally as well as physically, by being 'cooped up'.

If you don't have a suitably sized garden in which to exercise him, then you must be prepared for two one-hour walks or so per day, with somewhere safe to exercise off-lead.

Similarly, if you live in the country and are looking for a companion for long walks, a Pekingese is not for you - they prefer the indoor, pampered life as the companion of a devoted owner.

If your home environment is not suited to the type of dog, then it can be a recipe for disaster. If you do your homework, however, and choose your dog well for the type of environment you can offer him, then you have the best chance of enjoying a match made in heaven.

The house proud must be prepared for extra work in keeping the home sweet-smelling and free of dog hairs and muddy paw prints. For minimal mess - and stress to all concerned - don't get a large, hairy, slobbery dog.

Home Comforts

Important allowances for pet dogs include their own personal space comprising areas where they can rest undisturbed, toys that fulfill their chewing and hunting instincts through what we view as play, and sufficient food and water to satisfy their body needs.

As most people who keep dogs as pets want their animals to be close to them for the affection and company they provide, it stands to reason that the majority are kept in the home. To make your home as appealing as possible to your pet, meaning that the relationship between you both will be as successful and problem-free as possible, you must provide him with the facilities most important to him.

Your Temperament

Another consideration is how you relate to your dog. Whatever dog you choose, he will sense your emotions, so a stressed owner is likely to end up with a stressed pet. Dogs respond best to calm, consistent handling. Shouting at or hitting him will confuse and frighten him resulting in behavior problems in the future.

A good owner is patient and controlled enough not to become angry at a dog if he does something you perceive as wrong. If he docs something inappropriate as far as you are concerned, then you have not trained him or catered for his needs adequately.

Look at what may have caused the problem, and then rectify it. Is he receiving enough attention, exercise and so on? Find the root cause of the problem and you are halfway to finding the solution.

Safe and Secure

Just like you, your dog needs to feel secure in his world to remain calm and contented. Providing adequately for your pet's essential needs, mentally and physically, is the first step towards achieving this ideal. A feeling of security is enhanced by respecting your dog's personal space. Providing safe places where your dog can rest without being bothered by anyone (especially children when the dog has had enough of play) or another animal, or simply watch the world go by from a safe vantage point, is paramount to your dog's emotional well-being.

Just as we like to have time by ourselves for a while - to be able to relax, be alone with our thoughts, or to sleep undisturbed to recharge our batteries - so too do dogs. Just as we are likely to become irritable if our personal space and time is invaded, so too are dogs. So the rule is to let sleeping dogs lie!

Be Safe Not Sorry

Not taking out appropriate insurance when you get a dog could prove false economy. It could mean being faced with a massive veterinary bill if your dog needs extensive treatment, while a lawsuit against you for personal or property damage caused by your dog could leave you facing financial ruin. Shop around for the best insurance deal and ask your local vet for any recommendations; then remember to read the small print on policy proposals.

By Michelle Spencer

Saturday, April 10, 2010

These Foods Are Dangerous to Your Health

Researchers and biologists are concluding that genetically modified organisms are factors in the deteriorating health of Americans. Experts suggest that the increase in food allergies and asthma is caused by this genetic manipulation of our foods. These foods are particularly dangerous for pregnant women and children. The number of low birth weight babies being born, cases of infertility, and infant mortality are all increasing at an alarming rate. Could this be the link?

Dr. Mercola reported recently that: "The American Academy of Environmental Medicine has called on all physicians to prescribe diets without genetically modified (GM) foods to all patients. They called for a moratorium on genetically modified organisms (GMOs), long-term independent studies, and labeling, stating, 'Several animal studies indicate serious health risks associated with GM food, including infertility, immune problems, accelerated aging, insulin regulation, and changes in major organs and the gastrointestinal system....There is more than a casual association between GM foods and adverse health effects

Julia Miller, Health News and Acai Berry

In the last few weeks we have received numerous emails about Julia Miller - a health news reporter - who investigated the weight loss benefits of the Acai Berry. We have heard so much about the Acai Berry and claims that it could help you lose weight, that we were excited to learn that a health news reported had some testing on the supplement. Unforunately, as we investigated further we learned that Julia Miller was not who she claimed to be.

Organic Chicken Health and Environment

The beauty of living in the countryside offers the experience of eating organic chicken, but it is also available in the cities in small quantities. Organic chickens usually just roam around to find food. People raising these chickens use rice, corn or any food available to feed them. They simply call the chickens in some distinct way and the chickens come racing as if panicking for the food. They then throw the grains or any food and each chicken picks as many as it can. When the regular meal is over, the chickens roam around and search the ground for any available food which may be plants, insects, seeds, and if the area is coastal, small fish and live small shellfish.

Organic chickens have high beneficial fats that lower cholesterol, and higher amount of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Vitamin A. Their eggs taste much much better than those from commercially-raised chickens which receive regular dose of antibiotics, vaccines and other medications. Though it takes longer cooking time for the meat of most native chickens, its taste is incomparable with 28-day broiler confined in overcrowded poultry houses where they also release their wastes.

Native organic chickens are much smaller in size and grow much slower. While it only takes 28 days for a broiler to be harvested, native chicken usually needs at least six months. That is why, native chickens cannot be grown on commercial basis. Since the supply cannot meet the demand requirements of the chicken meat eating population, no big poultry raiser is interested in venturing into this kind of poultry raising. Organic chicken vendors usually rely on groups of small farmers for their supply and could not at this point meet the growing demand of organic chicken consumers.

For organic chicken consumers, eating organic chicken does not only provide health benefits but also better ecosystem. Chickens raised in the open catch insects that may be harmful to the plants, scavenge crop residue and help in fertilizing the soil through its organic manure. By the way, farms using chicken dung as fertilizer do not necessarily produce organic crops. Chicken dung are bought from commercial poultry farms that use chemicals and medications which are proven to be harmful to the human body.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

investment in the environment and health process














In the morning of 11th of March there were CEHAPE Awards.
Our Network is proud of Irina Fedorenko and Evgeniya Soboleva from Vladivostok