Ah the holidays... a time for parties, over eating, and over spending. Americans routinely overspend during the holidays, often resulting in increasing credit card debt to go along with that increasing waistline from too much pumpkin pie.
The holidays are stressful enough. Don't add to that stress by overspending your holiday budget. Here are ten tips to help you save time, money and stress this shopping season:
1. Make a list. Decide how much you can afford to spend this year and write it down. Decide who you want to buy for, and how much you want to spend on each person. Take this list with you when you go shopping to ensure that you don't buy on impulse or exceed your spending limit. Also, don't forget to include wrapping paper, decorations and shipping costs. These can add up fast!
2. Pay cash for your holiday gifts. It's much harder to spend cash than credit, so this tip alone could save you hundreds of dollars this holiday season. Also, avoid credit card offers or store charge card offers that offer you a discount if you sign up. These cards usually have high interest rates, and could end up costing much more in the long run than the discount you receive when you sign up for the card.
3. Do your shopping online this year. Buying online could result in discounts not available in stores. Just remember to include the shipping cost when buying online. Even if you don't actually buy online, the time you can save by doing comparison shopping before you go to the malls could be invaluable.
4. Have a Secret Santa gift exchange, where you put names in a hat and each person draws one name to purchase for. If you have a large family, this could mean tremendous savings! You should set a dollar limit so each person knows how much to spend. That way no one overspends and relatives with smaller budgets won't feel bad about not spending a fortune on a gift.
5. Another alternative for those with large families is to do a group gift. Have several relatives go in on one big gift instead of each person buying a separate gift. You will probably all save money and you can buy the recipient one big, cool gift that they really want.
6. Start early! Shopping early allows you to comparison shop and to catch pre-holiday sales, which could mean huge savings. This also curbs impulse shopping, which can be very expensive. Another benefit to shopping early is lower shipping costs if you need to mail a gift. Waiting til the last minute can be expensive because you're more likely to pay full price for the gift, and you may have to pay extra to ship it if you want to guarantee it arrives in time.
7. Make your holiday gifts. If you have creative talents, such as cooking, crafts, etc., making your own gifts can be very special. If you're not very creative, consider giving your time. Offers to baby-sit or to do something special for someone can be very personal and appreciated gifts. How many parents do you know who wouldn't love to have free babysitting?
8. Purchase wrapping paper, holiday cards and other decorations right after the holidays. Seasonal items are usually offered at deep discounts after the holiday, and they never go out of style. Stock up on clearance-priced items for next year, this year!
9. If you'll be traveling this holiday season, book your travel plans early. Airline flights, train tickets and bus tickets usually go up significantly during the holidays, so booking your travel plans early can save you money and stress.
10. Start a Christmas fund in January for next year's shopping. Many credit unions and banks offer special accounts just for this purpose. A CD is another great way to save for next year's holiday expenses. It never hurts to sock away a little money every month between now and the next holiday season. You'll earn a little interest and you'll have cash to spend on your holiday gifts and other expenses when the holidays roll around.
2008年3月15日星期六
Mold Allergy: How to Minimize Your Exposure
Many people have a mold allergy. Mold spores are the main culprit of seasonal mold allergies. People suffering from mold allergies have their worst bouts from spring to early fall. It typically peaks in the late summer months.
The more humid and moist climates have mold allergies throughout the entire year.
Why are my mold allergies worse after a rain storm?
Mold allergy suffers know when the weather is about to change and when it is about to rain. Rain storms stir up all of the mold and other allergens into the air. Mold allergy suffers allergies act up for several days after a rain storm.
Can I have a mold allergy indoors?
Even inside your home you are not shielded from mold allergies. There are several areas in your home that may be ideal for mold to grow.
Bathrooms have several water sources that make ideal mold growth zones.
Inside of the toilet's bowl rim a little water can remain after each flush. This water along with the cool porcelain provide a great place for mold to grow.
Is there a window next to the bath tub or shower? Each time the shower is used a little water can get trapped in the window's track and provide a breeding ground for mold.
Shower heads especially the flexible kind that can be aimed directly down allow water to collect and mold to grow.
Shampoo and conditioner bottles will trap water beneath the bottle and allow mold to grow around the edges of the bottle.
Anti slip bath tub mat.
Wooden towel drying racks.
The vanity sink drain.
Basement / Cellar
A damp and moist cellar provides an excellent environment for mold growth. Cellers are by their nature cool and dark place which provides the ideal growing environment and make your mold allergies explode.
Air Conditioner Expansion Coil
The air conditioner evaporator coil is located next to the blower unit, typically in the attic of most homes. The evaporator coil takes the compressed refrigerant and allows it to expand. The expansion of the refrigerant cools the air down significantly. This cooling effect also causes water vapor to turn into liquid. That is why there is a drain line connected to the evaporator coil. Since the coil gets cold and wet each time the air conditioner runs, any dirt that is gets trapped on the evaporator coils fins will become a breading ground for mold. Once this happens, each time the air conditioner runs it will be fueling your mold allergy.
What can I do to eliminate mold growing in my home?
Bathroom
Turn on the exhaust fan and let it run for several minutes after a bath. The exhaust fan will pump out the moist, humid air out of the bathroom.
Wipe down the shower and bath tub after each use to remove any standing water.
For any mold colonies you find clean them up with a bleach based product.
Hang up the bath tub anti-slip mat after each use.
If the anti-slip mat begins to grow mold and cleaning it has failed, throw it out. It is not worth causing your mold allergy to flare up. As you throw out the anti-slip mat your mold allergy will act up.
To get rid of any mold growing in the toilet bowl rim use a toilet tank treatment that is activated each time the toilet is flushed.
Basement / Cellar
Have the exterior of the cellar retaining walls water proofed to reduce the amount of moister coming into the cellar from the outside.
For unfinished cellar add additional ventilation.
Add air conditioning ducts and vents in the basement to provide a proper air circulation.
Air Conditioner Expansion Coil
Have the air conditioner evaporator coil professionally cleaned to remove all dirt and mold.
Change out the air conditioner filters on a regular intervals.
Pleated paper air filters are much more effective in trapping air born dust than the fiber glass filters.
Mold allergies are a seasonal allergy that can be year around depending on where you live. Even indoors there are many places were mold can grow and cause a mold allergy attack. There are several things you can do to eliminate mold from your home.
The more humid and moist climates have mold allergies throughout the entire year.
Why are my mold allergies worse after a rain storm?
Mold allergy suffers know when the weather is about to change and when it is about to rain. Rain storms stir up all of the mold and other allergens into the air. Mold allergy suffers allergies act up for several days after a rain storm.
Can I have a mold allergy indoors?
Even inside your home you are not shielded from mold allergies. There are several areas in your home that may be ideal for mold to grow.
Bathrooms have several water sources that make ideal mold growth zones.
Inside of the toilet's bowl rim a little water can remain after each flush. This water along with the cool porcelain provide a great place for mold to grow.
Is there a window next to the bath tub or shower? Each time the shower is used a little water can get trapped in the window's track and provide a breeding ground for mold.
Shower heads especially the flexible kind that can be aimed directly down allow water to collect and mold to grow.
Shampoo and conditioner bottles will trap water beneath the bottle and allow mold to grow around the edges of the bottle.
Anti slip bath tub mat.
Wooden towel drying racks.
The vanity sink drain.
Basement / Cellar
A damp and moist cellar provides an excellent environment for mold growth. Cellers are by their nature cool and dark place which provides the ideal growing environment and make your mold allergies explode.
Air Conditioner Expansion Coil
The air conditioner evaporator coil is located next to the blower unit, typically in the attic of most homes. The evaporator coil takes the compressed refrigerant and allows it to expand. The expansion of the refrigerant cools the air down significantly. This cooling effect also causes water vapor to turn into liquid. That is why there is a drain line connected to the evaporator coil. Since the coil gets cold and wet each time the air conditioner runs, any dirt that is gets trapped on the evaporator coils fins will become a breading ground for mold. Once this happens, each time the air conditioner runs it will be fueling your mold allergy.
What can I do to eliminate mold growing in my home?
Bathroom
Turn on the exhaust fan and let it run for several minutes after a bath. The exhaust fan will pump out the moist, humid air out of the bathroom.
Wipe down the shower and bath tub after each use to remove any standing water.
For any mold colonies you find clean them up with a bleach based product.
Hang up the bath tub anti-slip mat after each use.
If the anti-slip mat begins to grow mold and cleaning it has failed, throw it out. It is not worth causing your mold allergy to flare up. As you throw out the anti-slip mat your mold allergy will act up.
To get rid of any mold growing in the toilet bowl rim use a toilet tank treatment that is activated each time the toilet is flushed.
Basement / Cellar
Have the exterior of the cellar retaining walls water proofed to reduce the amount of moister coming into the cellar from the outside.
For unfinished cellar add additional ventilation.
Add air conditioning ducts and vents in the basement to provide a proper air circulation.
Air Conditioner Expansion Coil
Have the air conditioner evaporator coil professionally cleaned to remove all dirt and mold.
Change out the air conditioner filters on a regular intervals.
Pleated paper air filters are much more effective in trapping air born dust than the fiber glass filters.
Mold allergies are a seasonal allergy that can be year around depending on where you live. Even indoors there are many places were mold can grow and cause a mold allergy attack. There are several things you can do to eliminate mold from your home.
2008年3月5日星期三
Planning Ahead To Beat the High Cost of Heating Your Home
It is now September. The kids are going back to school. The football season has begun. The nights have gotten a bit chillier, and the days are not as hot. The price of energy to heat your home is up there It is time for you to see how much money you might save.
You should begin by conducting an energy audit of your home or apartment to help detect waste. If you are a homeowner, this will gauge the efficiency of your current heating system. Your utility company may offer free or low-cost energy audits, or you can conduct your own. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) offers instructions over the internet.. The home "walk-through" may help you spot needed maintenance or problems that, if fixed, could save you money. For example:
Check your attic, attic stairway, attached garage walls and basement to make sure your home is insulated to DOE-recommended levels for your area. When inspecting and buying home insulation products, look for the R-value. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power.
Wrap your hot water heater in an insulating jacket.
Schedule an annual tune-up for your heat pump, furnace or boiler. Your utility company may provide this service.
Hire a professional heating contractor to seal and insulate leaky ducts, and to ensure that the airflow distribution system serving your heating equipment is operating at peak efficiency.
Clean or replace filters on forced-air furnaces, seal flues in fireplaces you don't use, install drapes or some other covering on windows, and seal holes around plumbing and heating pipes.
Install a programmable thermostat that will automatically lower nighttime temperatures. You can keep just as warm sleeping under a good insulating blanket or quilt as you can by running the heating plant full blast at night.
Check caulking and weather stripping, and make repairs where necessary.
Close your foundation vents in the winter if there's a crawl space under your home.
Close the doors to rooms that you don't use.
Prune shrubs that may block airflow to your heat pump.
Install ceiling fans. The air circulation promotes heating efficiency in the winter.
When buying a new furnace, boiler, heat pump, water heater, or other home appliance, consider a high-efficiency model. Although some energy efficient appliances may cost more to buy than other models, their lower operating costs may save you money in the long run. Use the black and yellow EnergyGuide labels to compare the energy use or efficiency of models. You can find these US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) required EnergyGuide labels on most major appliances. The labels provide useful information about products' energy use or efficiency and estimated annual operating costs. In addition, the EnergyStar logo will help you identify high-efficiency appliances.
You should shop around for the best prices on oil - and gas, if you live in an area that lets you choose your natural gas provider. Ask your selected utility or oil company about a budget billing plan to protect against sudden or unexpected price increases. Your provider takes the amount of energy you use during one year and divides it into equal monthly payments. At the end of the season, you pay any outstanding balance or your provider credits any overpayment to your next monthly bill.
If you're on a fixed income and have trouble paying your utility bills, contact your utility company. They, or your state or local government, may have energy assistance plans to help you pay your heating bills.
The Heating Scam Artists Are Out Don't Get Burned
When energy prices rise, so does advertising for a host of energy-saving products and services - including some that are just plain bogus. The FTC recently settled charges against marketers who claimed their "liquid siding" product had a significant R-value and would yield dramatic reductions in consumers' utility costs. Although good maintenance such as caulking and painting can reduce air leaks in older homes, consumers should be wary of coating or paint sellers that promise their product will perform like insulation or will significantly reduce utility bills.
Sellers offering other devices, gadgets, and energy-saving products also promise drastic reductions in home heating costs or extreme energy savings. Read energy-saving claims carefully and, if possible, get independent information about product performance. Avoid unsolicited door-to-door sales calls and high pressure sales pitches from contractors offering furnaces, windows, roofing, and other home improvement projects.
To make sure that a contractor is licensed and reputable: Ask friends and neighbors for referrals; ask the contractor for customer references; and check out potential contractors with the Better Business Bureau, state and local consumer protection officials, and your state licensing agency. The FTC's Cooling-Off Rule gives you three business days to cancel a contract if you sign it in your home or at a location other than the contractor's permanent place of business.
In Conclusion
The last two winters in the North American region have been milder than usual. This is not an indication that this coming winter will follow suit. We could have a season filled with high winds and below normal temperatures. This means only one thing - high wind chill factors. That means only one thing - high heating bills
September is a good month to begin getting ready for the coming season. Be wise - Winterize.
You should begin by conducting an energy audit of your home or apartment to help detect waste. If you are a homeowner, this will gauge the efficiency of your current heating system. Your utility company may offer free or low-cost energy audits, or you can conduct your own. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) offers instructions over the internet.. The home "walk-through" may help you spot needed maintenance or problems that, if fixed, could save you money. For example:
Check your attic, attic stairway, attached garage walls and basement to make sure your home is insulated to DOE-recommended levels for your area. When inspecting and buying home insulation products, look for the R-value. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power.
Wrap your hot water heater in an insulating jacket.
Schedule an annual tune-up for your heat pump, furnace or boiler. Your utility company may provide this service.
Hire a professional heating contractor to seal and insulate leaky ducts, and to ensure that the airflow distribution system serving your heating equipment is operating at peak efficiency.
Clean or replace filters on forced-air furnaces, seal flues in fireplaces you don't use, install drapes or some other covering on windows, and seal holes around plumbing and heating pipes.
Install a programmable thermostat that will automatically lower nighttime temperatures. You can keep just as warm sleeping under a good insulating blanket or quilt as you can by running the heating plant full blast at night.
Check caulking and weather stripping, and make repairs where necessary.
Close your foundation vents in the winter if there's a crawl space under your home.
Close the doors to rooms that you don't use.
Prune shrubs that may block airflow to your heat pump.
Install ceiling fans. The air circulation promotes heating efficiency in the winter.
When buying a new furnace, boiler, heat pump, water heater, or other home appliance, consider a high-efficiency model. Although some energy efficient appliances may cost more to buy than other models, their lower operating costs may save you money in the long run. Use the black and yellow EnergyGuide labels to compare the energy use or efficiency of models. You can find these US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) required EnergyGuide labels on most major appliances. The labels provide useful information about products' energy use or efficiency and estimated annual operating costs. In addition, the EnergyStar logo will help you identify high-efficiency appliances.
You should shop around for the best prices on oil - and gas, if you live in an area that lets you choose your natural gas provider. Ask your selected utility or oil company about a budget billing plan to protect against sudden or unexpected price increases. Your provider takes the amount of energy you use during one year and divides it into equal monthly payments. At the end of the season, you pay any outstanding balance or your provider credits any overpayment to your next monthly bill.
If you're on a fixed income and have trouble paying your utility bills, contact your utility company. They, or your state or local government, may have energy assistance plans to help you pay your heating bills.
The Heating Scam Artists Are Out Don't Get Burned
When energy prices rise, so does advertising for a host of energy-saving products and services - including some that are just plain bogus. The FTC recently settled charges against marketers who claimed their "liquid siding" product had a significant R-value and would yield dramatic reductions in consumers' utility costs. Although good maintenance such as caulking and painting can reduce air leaks in older homes, consumers should be wary of coating or paint sellers that promise their product will perform like insulation or will significantly reduce utility bills.
Sellers offering other devices, gadgets, and energy-saving products also promise drastic reductions in home heating costs or extreme energy savings. Read energy-saving claims carefully and, if possible, get independent information about product performance. Avoid unsolicited door-to-door sales calls and high pressure sales pitches from contractors offering furnaces, windows, roofing, and other home improvement projects.
To make sure that a contractor is licensed and reputable: Ask friends and neighbors for referrals; ask the contractor for customer references; and check out potential contractors with the Better Business Bureau, state and local consumer protection officials, and your state licensing agency. The FTC's Cooling-Off Rule gives you three business days to cancel a contract if you sign it in your home or at a location other than the contractor's permanent place of business.
In Conclusion
The last two winters in the North American region have been milder than usual. This is not an indication that this coming winter will follow suit. We could have a season filled with high winds and below normal temperatures. This means only one thing - high wind chill factors. That means only one thing - high heating bills
September is a good month to begin getting ready for the coming season. Be wise - Winterize.
Sperm Increase
Increasing the volume of your ejaculate will directly affect the following aspects of your sexuality:
Increase the strength of your orgasms:
When you take such herbal supplements as amino acids or other natural sexual aids, your body can produce more ejaculate fluid, which increases the strength of your orgasms. Also, strengthening your pc muscle can greatly increase the force with which the ejaculate leaves your penis, making orgasms very intense.
Having a larger amount of ejaculate pass through the penis during an orgasm can prolong coitus (orgasm experience). The pumping sensation of an orgasm, of the semen and ejaculate fluids being pushed out through the ejaculatory ducts.
Improve your sperm count, and overall virility:
In order to fertilize an egg a large amount of sperm is required, many hundreds of millions. While the average man can produce this many sperm multiples times per day, there are external factors that can adversely affect the sperm count. Things such as smoking, drug use, poor diet, lack of exercise, and even wearing tight clothing in the groin area can all decrease the sperm count.
Increasing the volume of your sperm increases your fertility by increasing the number of sperm that are produced during each ejaculation. If you are trying to have children, the number of sperm you ejaculate is quite important, as is their condition. The pc exercise and amino acids such as L-Arginine and L-Lysine also help the health of your sperm, which increases your fertility and the chances of pregnancy (should you be seeking it).
Help your partner enjoy sex more:
When you ejaculate, your penis pumps semen and ejaculate, which many men and women find pleasurable. When you increase the amount of your ejaculate the pleasurable pumping feeling lasts longer, and also increases your pleasure. During intercourse extended pumping and orgasm pleasure improves the experience for both partners.
How do I do it?
Increasing the volume of your semen is done mainly through two things, taking herbal supplements such as amino acids, and the pc exercise.
Suggested amino acids and herbal supplements are:
L-Arginine (taken with L-Lysine, to prevent occasional skin problems)
L-Lysine
Veromax (combines the above amino acids, as well as L-Alanine, ginseng, saw palmetto berry, and biloba leaf)
The pc exercise has been proven to help increase the amount of ejaculate produced during orgasm. By following free penis enlargement guides and doing the pc exercise daily, you can experience improved orgasms as well as increased volume.
Increase the strength of your orgasms:
When you take such herbal supplements as amino acids or other natural sexual aids, your body can produce more ejaculate fluid, which increases the strength of your orgasms. Also, strengthening your pc muscle can greatly increase the force with which the ejaculate leaves your penis, making orgasms very intense.
Having a larger amount of ejaculate pass through the penis during an orgasm can prolong coitus (orgasm experience). The pumping sensation of an orgasm, of the semen and ejaculate fluids being pushed out through the ejaculatory ducts.
Improve your sperm count, and overall virility:
In order to fertilize an egg a large amount of sperm is required, many hundreds of millions. While the average man can produce this many sperm multiples times per day, there are external factors that can adversely affect the sperm count. Things such as smoking, drug use, poor diet, lack of exercise, and even wearing tight clothing in the groin area can all decrease the sperm count.
Increasing the volume of your sperm increases your fertility by increasing the number of sperm that are produced during each ejaculation. If you are trying to have children, the number of sperm you ejaculate is quite important, as is their condition. The pc exercise and amino acids such as L-Arginine and L-Lysine also help the health of your sperm, which increases your fertility and the chances of pregnancy (should you be seeking it).
Help your partner enjoy sex more:
When you ejaculate, your penis pumps semen and ejaculate, which many men and women find pleasurable. When you increase the amount of your ejaculate the pleasurable pumping feeling lasts longer, and also increases your pleasure. During intercourse extended pumping and orgasm pleasure improves the experience for both partners.
How do I do it?
Increasing the volume of your semen is done mainly through two things, taking herbal supplements such as amino acids, and the pc exercise.
Suggested amino acids and herbal supplements are:
L-Arginine (taken with L-Lysine, to prevent occasional skin problems)
L-Lysine
Veromax (combines the above amino acids, as well as L-Alanine, ginseng, saw palmetto berry, and biloba leaf)
The pc exercise has been proven to help increase the amount of ejaculate produced during orgasm. By following free penis enlargement guides and doing the pc exercise daily, you can experience improved orgasms as well as increased volume.
What Is Hydroponics And Hydroponic Systems?
Hydroponics is crop production with mineral nutrient solutions instead of soil containing silt and clay. Terrestrial plants may be grown with their roots in the mineral nutrient solution only or in an inert medium, such as perlite, gravel or rockwool. A variety of techniques exist.
Perlite is a volcanic rock that has been superheated into very lightweight expanded glass pebbles. It is used loose or in plastic sleeves immersed in the water. It is also used in potting soil mixes to decrease soil density. Perlite has similar properties and uses to vermiculite but generally holds more air and less water. If not contained, it can float if flood and drain feeding is used.
Like perlite, vermiculite is another mineral that has been superheated until it has expanded into light pebbles. Vermiculite holds more water than perlite and has a natural "wicking" property that can draw water and nutrients in a passive hydroponic system. If too much water and not enough air surrounds the plants roots, it's possible to gradually lower the medium's water-retention capability by mixing in increasing quantities of perlite.
Rockwool is probably the most widely used medium in Hydroponics. Made from basalt rock it is heat-treated at high temperatures then spun back together like candy floss. It comes in lots of different forms including cubes, blocks, slabs and granulated or flock. When this medium is dry, care needs to be taken so as not to inhale any particles - inhaling such particles may carry a health risk. Rockwool will cause a higher pH level. You must adjust the pH level of the nutrient solution to counteract this. A pH level of 5.5-6.5 should suffice to create a suitable pH.
Plant physiology researchers discovered in the 1800s that plants absorb essential mineral nutrients as inorganic ions in water. In natural conditions, soil acts as a mineral nutrient reservoir but the soil itself is not essential to plant growth. When the mineral nutrients in the soil dissolve in water, plant roots are able to absorb them. When the required mineral nutrients are introduced into a plant's water supply artificially, soil is no longer required for the plant to thrive. Almost any terrestrial plant will grow with hydroponics, but some will do better than others. It is also very easy to do; the activity is often undertaken by very young children with such plants as watercress. Hydroponics is also a standard technique in biology research and teaching and a popular hobby.
Hydroponics basically means working water ("hydro" means "water" and "ponos" means "labor"). Many different civilizations have utilized hydroponic growing techniques throughout history. As noted in Hydroponic Food Production (Fifth Edition, Woodbridge Press, 1997, page 23) by Howard M. Resh: "The hanging gardens of Babylon, the floating gardens of the Aztecs of Mexico and those of the Chinese are examples of 'Hydroponic' culture. Egyptian hieroglyphic records dating back several hundred years B.C. describe the growing of plants in water." Hydroponics is hardly a new method of growing plants. However, giant strides have been made over the years in this innovative area of agriculture.
Throughout the last century, scientists and horticulturists experimented with different methods of hydroponics. One of the potential applications of hydroponics that drove research was for growing fresh produce in nonarable areas of the world. It is a simple fact that some people cannot grow in the soil in their area (if there is even any soil at all). This application of hydroponics was tested during World War II. Troops stationed on nonarable islands in the Pacific were supplied with fresh produce grown in locally established hydroponic systems. Later in the century, hydroponics was integrated into the space program. As NASA considered the practicalities of locating a society on another plant or the Earth's moon, hydroponics easily fit into their sustainability plans. This research is ongoing.
Choosing the right system--whether you decide to build it or buy it--can make or break your hydroponic gardening experience.
Carefully consider your available space, lighting, budget, and time constraints before purchasing any equipment or settling on a unit to build yourself. Also think about what you want to grow, whether you may want to expand, and recurring costs.
Hydroponic systems can be "active" or "passive." They also can be "media-based" or "water culture." Active systems rely on a pump to flow nutrient around the plant's roots and to provide aeration. Passive systems work without a pump. A wicking material draws nutrients up to the roots or the root tips are suspended in a stationary solution with the main portion of the rootball hanging in the air.
Media-based systems, such as ebb-and-flow (flood-and-drain), top-feed (drip), or bottom-feed systems rely on a growing medium to support the plants and hold nutrient solution around their roots. Most operate on timers, alternately wetting the medium to wash out salts and replenish nutrients and then draining so the plants can draw in atmospheric oxygen.
Water culture systems usually operate without media. Sometimes rockwool cubes or small amounts of gravel are used because plants like tomatoes and cucumbers get top heavy when they start to bear fruit and need help to stand upright. You can also use plastic flaps, foam rings, fiber cups, or plastic collars for plant support. Some growers tie plants to a trellis.
Perlite is a volcanic rock that has been superheated into very lightweight expanded glass pebbles. It is used loose or in plastic sleeves immersed in the water. It is also used in potting soil mixes to decrease soil density. Perlite has similar properties and uses to vermiculite but generally holds more air and less water. If not contained, it can float if flood and drain feeding is used.
Like perlite, vermiculite is another mineral that has been superheated until it has expanded into light pebbles. Vermiculite holds more water than perlite and has a natural "wicking" property that can draw water and nutrients in a passive hydroponic system. If too much water and not enough air surrounds the plants roots, it's possible to gradually lower the medium's water-retention capability by mixing in increasing quantities of perlite.
Rockwool is probably the most widely used medium in Hydroponics. Made from basalt rock it is heat-treated at high temperatures then spun back together like candy floss. It comes in lots of different forms including cubes, blocks, slabs and granulated or flock. When this medium is dry, care needs to be taken so as not to inhale any particles - inhaling such particles may carry a health risk. Rockwool will cause a higher pH level. You must adjust the pH level of the nutrient solution to counteract this. A pH level of 5.5-6.5 should suffice to create a suitable pH.
Plant physiology researchers discovered in the 1800s that plants absorb essential mineral nutrients as inorganic ions in water. In natural conditions, soil acts as a mineral nutrient reservoir but the soil itself is not essential to plant growth. When the mineral nutrients in the soil dissolve in water, plant roots are able to absorb them. When the required mineral nutrients are introduced into a plant's water supply artificially, soil is no longer required for the plant to thrive. Almost any terrestrial plant will grow with hydroponics, but some will do better than others. It is also very easy to do; the activity is often undertaken by very young children with such plants as watercress. Hydroponics is also a standard technique in biology research and teaching and a popular hobby.
Hydroponics basically means working water ("hydro" means "water" and "ponos" means "labor"). Many different civilizations have utilized hydroponic growing techniques throughout history. As noted in Hydroponic Food Production (Fifth Edition, Woodbridge Press, 1997, page 23) by Howard M. Resh: "The hanging gardens of Babylon, the floating gardens of the Aztecs of Mexico and those of the Chinese are examples of 'Hydroponic' culture. Egyptian hieroglyphic records dating back several hundred years B.C. describe the growing of plants in water." Hydroponics is hardly a new method of growing plants. However, giant strides have been made over the years in this innovative area of agriculture.
Throughout the last century, scientists and horticulturists experimented with different methods of hydroponics. One of the potential applications of hydroponics that drove research was for growing fresh produce in nonarable areas of the world. It is a simple fact that some people cannot grow in the soil in their area (if there is even any soil at all). This application of hydroponics was tested during World War II. Troops stationed on nonarable islands in the Pacific were supplied with fresh produce grown in locally established hydroponic systems. Later in the century, hydroponics was integrated into the space program. As NASA considered the practicalities of locating a society on another plant or the Earth's moon, hydroponics easily fit into their sustainability plans. This research is ongoing.
Choosing the right system--whether you decide to build it or buy it--can make or break your hydroponic gardening experience.
Carefully consider your available space, lighting, budget, and time constraints before purchasing any equipment or settling on a unit to build yourself. Also think about what you want to grow, whether you may want to expand, and recurring costs.
Hydroponic systems can be "active" or "passive." They also can be "media-based" or "water culture." Active systems rely on a pump to flow nutrient around the plant's roots and to provide aeration. Passive systems work without a pump. A wicking material draws nutrients up to the roots or the root tips are suspended in a stationary solution with the main portion of the rootball hanging in the air.
Media-based systems, such as ebb-and-flow (flood-and-drain), top-feed (drip), or bottom-feed systems rely on a growing medium to support the plants and hold nutrient solution around their roots. Most operate on timers, alternately wetting the medium to wash out salts and replenish nutrients and then draining so the plants can draw in atmospheric oxygen.
Water culture systems usually operate without media. Sometimes rockwool cubes or small amounts of gravel are used because plants like tomatoes and cucumbers get top heavy when they start to bear fruit and need help to stand upright. You can also use plastic flaps, foam rings, fiber cups, or plastic collars for plant support. Some growers tie plants to a trellis.
2008年1月5日星期六
Top Ten Tips For Designing a Better Bathroom
Better Bathroom Design Tips
To keep ourselves updating we make frequent changes in our surroundings like home, office, dress, car etc. When one thinks to make some changes in home the first room that comes to our mind is bathroom. The only reason I think that bathroom is the frequently visited private place and a relaxing area free from all stresses of life, hence we plan it to design. You can only design your bathroom if you are highly creative, talented and willing to spend money for pleasure. Here are top 10 informative tips for designing a better bathroom:
1.Set a budget for designing Bathroom:
After setting a budget you can choose the style of bathroom as modern, contemporary or traditional.
2.Set the Area for bathroom:
Rectangular or square bathroom is preferable. You can get extra knowledge form bathroom magazines or form bathroom designers. Otherwise you can plan your bathroom with our bathroom planner software at Purebathrooms.net.
3.Plan your bathroom according to the user:
Before designing your bathroom you keep in mind about the users i.e. for whole family with children or personal.
4.Colour of Bathroom:
White is the most suitable colour for bathrooms because it matches to everything and looks neat & clean. Consider your bathroom accessories to be white.
5.Decorating walls :
Choose tile paints or a fresh colour for the walls of the bathrooms. You may paper the wall with borders or you can add windows and bathroom screens. Decorate walls at your own choice using various styles. Keep the bathroom doors in proper position.
6.Use Cabinets and mirrors:
Cabinets are very useful for storing the bathroom cosmetics, towels and other accessories. Choose a cabinet that of matching colour and size for the bathroom. Mirrors are the most essential thing in bathroom. So use well-designed and attractive mirrors.
7.Use Bath Tubs & Showers:
Bath tubs and showers adds a new look to your bathrooms. If possible use shower enclosures which prevents bathroom from wet.
8. Use Bath Sinks, Taps and Toilets:
Bath sinks and toilets are available of many colour, styles and designs. There must be faucets on the sinks, tubs, showers and toilets which act as a jewelry for your bathrooms. Stylish taps of various ranges give your bathroom a better look.
9.Flooring:
Flooring should be hygienic and safety. You may choose tiles, ceramics, marbles granites etc according to your budget. You can also use heat coils to keep your bathroom floor warm in winter.
10.Lightening:
Light your bathroom with very cool dim lights. Other wise you can choose colorful lights which suits your bathroom. The positions of light must be on top position of the bathroom.
While designing your bathroom keep yourself cool, be patients and implement the above tips. Now you will get unbelievable result as a luxurious modern bathroom. For Further details Visit: www.purebathrooms.net
To keep ourselves updating we make frequent changes in our surroundings like home, office, dress, car etc. When one thinks to make some changes in home the first room that comes to our mind is bathroom. The only reason I think that bathroom is the frequently visited private place and a relaxing area free from all stresses of life, hence we plan it to design. You can only design your bathroom if you are highly creative, talented and willing to spend money for pleasure. Here are top 10 informative tips for designing a better bathroom:
1.Set a budget for designing Bathroom:
After setting a budget you can choose the style of bathroom as modern, contemporary or traditional.
2.Set the Area for bathroom:
Rectangular or square bathroom is preferable. You can get extra knowledge form bathroom magazines or form bathroom designers. Otherwise you can plan your bathroom with our bathroom planner software at Purebathrooms.net.
3.Plan your bathroom according to the user:
Before designing your bathroom you keep in mind about the users i.e. for whole family with children or personal.
4.Colour of Bathroom:
White is the most suitable colour for bathrooms because it matches to everything and looks neat & clean. Consider your bathroom accessories to be white.
5.Decorating walls :
Choose tile paints or a fresh colour for the walls of the bathrooms. You may paper the wall with borders or you can add windows and bathroom screens. Decorate walls at your own choice using various styles. Keep the bathroom doors in proper position.
6.Use Cabinets and mirrors:
Cabinets are very useful for storing the bathroom cosmetics, towels and other accessories. Choose a cabinet that of matching colour and size for the bathroom. Mirrors are the most essential thing in bathroom. So use well-designed and attractive mirrors.
7.Use Bath Tubs & Showers:
Bath tubs and showers adds a new look to your bathrooms. If possible use shower enclosures which prevents bathroom from wet.
8. Use Bath Sinks, Taps and Toilets:
Bath sinks and toilets are available of many colour, styles and designs. There must be faucets on the sinks, tubs, showers and toilets which act as a jewelry for your bathrooms. Stylish taps of various ranges give your bathroom a better look.
9.Flooring:
Flooring should be hygienic and safety. You may choose tiles, ceramics, marbles granites etc according to your budget. You can also use heat coils to keep your bathroom floor warm in winter.
10.Lightening:
Light your bathroom with very cool dim lights. Other wise you can choose colorful lights which suits your bathroom. The positions of light must be on top position of the bathroom.
While designing your bathroom keep yourself cool, be patients and implement the above tips. Now you will get unbelievable result as a luxurious modern bathroom. For Further details Visit: www.purebathrooms.net
2008年1月4日星期五
Home Decor Halloween Arts and Crafts That Are Fun to Make
Wouldn't it be great to create your own Halloween arts and crafts and transform your home into one big fun haunted house on Halloween? Your kids will absolutely love this idea. All you need is a theme, some accessories, appropriate lighting and sound effects.
Cemetery Halloween Arts and Crafts Theme
For this Halloween arts and crafts theme, think of coffins, bones, stone hedges, and dead bodies.
Use a cardboard box for your very own coffin! Also get a large-size cardboard piece and cut out the shape of a coffin for the opening/cover. Paint a red or white cross over the top of the coffin.
You can imitate the sound of stepping over a mass of bones by drying bread in the oven and placing them under an area rug.
Cut out stone hedges out of Styrofoam, paint them gray, and write R.I.P. over them with a marker. You can also write your names or guest's names for that spooky feeling.
Make body parts by stuffing rubber/latex gloves with cotton and painting the opening red for that bloody effect.
Add a unique touch to your decor by filling goblets with blood and displaying them in hallways and your dining area! This will enhance that vampire-in-coffin feel. You can purchase clear plastic goblets and have fun mixing red food coloring. Make the blood thicker by adding cornstarch to the mixture.
Pumpkin Yard Halloween Arts And Crafts Theme
If you want a really chilling yet unique Halloween arts and crafts pumpkin theme, you don't always have to use real pumpkins. Use other fruits such as green bell peppers and mandarins and place tea candles in them to create scary faces.
Spreading dried leaves and fake cobwebs along the hallway and on the tables will also add a forlorn look to the whole place. Hang sticks in your porch. Place plastic spiders, rats and eyeballs within the mass of dead leaves and sticks.
A scary scarecrow would be another Halloween arts and crafts idea you can add to your pumpkin yard. Hang an old, dusty shirt over a clothes hanger. Staple the bottom part of the shirt and stuff it with hay or dead grass. Use dead branches for the arms. Then, use a witch's hat for the covered scarecrow head. Punch a hole in the hat where the hook of the hanger can go through. Hang the body over windows, doors or cabinet handles.
You can use cotton for cobwebs and you can spread it all over the place for each theme. You can also use washable paint on your windows-you can either use spooking green all over or apply splashes of red for "blood".
For lighting, replace your white bulbs with black, orange or red ones. You can also cover lamps with colored cloth or netting for eerie shadows.
You can play scary background sounds which you can easily get and download from the internet. Choose sounds of creaking doors, howling wolves, screaming, and ghosts.
Decorating your home with Halloween arts and crafts is as easy as choosing a theme, adding basic Halloween props, altering your lighting and downloading music over the Internet. Just try to be creative and have fun while decorating!
Cemetery Halloween Arts and Crafts Theme
For this Halloween arts and crafts theme, think of coffins, bones, stone hedges, and dead bodies.
Use a cardboard box for your very own coffin! Also get a large-size cardboard piece and cut out the shape of a coffin for the opening/cover. Paint a red or white cross over the top of the coffin.
You can imitate the sound of stepping over a mass of bones by drying bread in the oven and placing them under an area rug.
Cut out stone hedges out of Styrofoam, paint them gray, and write R.I.P. over them with a marker. You can also write your names or guest's names for that spooky feeling.
Make body parts by stuffing rubber/latex gloves with cotton and painting the opening red for that bloody effect.
Add a unique touch to your decor by filling goblets with blood and displaying them in hallways and your dining area! This will enhance that vampire-in-coffin feel. You can purchase clear plastic goblets and have fun mixing red food coloring. Make the blood thicker by adding cornstarch to the mixture.
Pumpkin Yard Halloween Arts And Crafts Theme
If you want a really chilling yet unique Halloween arts and crafts pumpkin theme, you don't always have to use real pumpkins. Use other fruits such as green bell peppers and mandarins and place tea candles in them to create scary faces.
Spreading dried leaves and fake cobwebs along the hallway and on the tables will also add a forlorn look to the whole place. Hang sticks in your porch. Place plastic spiders, rats and eyeballs within the mass of dead leaves and sticks.
A scary scarecrow would be another Halloween arts and crafts idea you can add to your pumpkin yard. Hang an old, dusty shirt over a clothes hanger. Staple the bottom part of the shirt and stuff it with hay or dead grass. Use dead branches for the arms. Then, use a witch's hat for the covered scarecrow head. Punch a hole in the hat where the hook of the hanger can go through. Hang the body over windows, doors or cabinet handles.
You can use cotton for cobwebs and you can spread it all over the place for each theme. You can also use washable paint on your windows-you can either use spooking green all over or apply splashes of red for "blood".
For lighting, replace your white bulbs with black, orange or red ones. You can also cover lamps with colored cloth or netting for eerie shadows.
You can play scary background sounds which you can easily get and download from the internet. Choose sounds of creaking doors, howling wolves, screaming, and ghosts.
Decorating your home with Halloween arts and crafts is as easy as choosing a theme, adding basic Halloween props, altering your lighting and downloading music over the Internet. Just try to be creative and have fun while decorating!
High Blood Pressure
Recent estimates have indicated that one in three adults in the USA has high blood pressure and that a third of these people are unaware of their condition. Your blood pressure is quite simply the force of the blood on the artery walls when the heart beats (systolic pressure) and when it rests between beats (diastolic pressure). The normal values are less 120 mm Hg systolic and less 80 mm Hg diastolic. If your blood pressure is 140-159 mm Hg Systolic over 90-99 mm Hg Diastolic then this is classified as High blood pressure or Hypertension.
There are many causes of high blood pressure; in 90-95% of cases the actual cause cannot be discerned. Nerve impulses cause your arteries to dilate (become larger) or contract (become smaller). If these vessels are wide open, blood can flow through easily. If theyre narrow, its harder for the blood to flow through them, and the pressure inside them increases. High blood pressure may occur at this point. The remaining cases high blood pressure may be caused by kidney abnormalities, an abnormality of the aorta, the narrowing of certain arteries.
Blood volume also affects blood pressure - the more blood in the body, the higher the amount of blood returning to the heart and the resulting cardiac output and higher the blood pressure. Arteries thickened by fatty tissue increase the resistance of the blood as it flows and this increased the resistance will contribute to higher the blood pressure. Other factors could also affect blood pressure like blood viscosity or stickiness. This is called your triglyceride levels. A raised triglyceride can be caused by a high alcohol or carbohydrate diet, being over weight or having poorly controlled blood sugars.
Keeping fit through a balanced diet and exercise is an important way to decrease high blood pressure. There is a direct link between rising blood pressure or hypertension and being overweight. Exercise improves the condition of the thickened arteries which helps in the treatment of high blood pressure by making the heart stronger. A stronger heart pumps more blood efficiently, which means that the heart doesnt have to work as hard. However anyone with high blood pressure should consult a doctor before any exercise plan.
Research has also shown some evidence that exercise reduces the release of nor epinephrine, which is a hormone that raises blood pressure by constricting arteries and increasing the heart rate.
Aiming for and maintaining an ideal body weight is really important in the treatment of high blood pressure. If you are overweight or obese, ask your doctor for a referral to a dietitian who can help you make permanent, achievable changes to the way you eat to assist with weight loss.
Cutting down on your alcohol intake, is very important - as this has a significant role in boosting blood pressure. Women should limit their intake to one drink per day and men two. Smoking injures blood vessel walls and accelerates the hardening of the arteries. Although it does not directly cause even though it does not cause high blood pressure, smoking is bad for anyone, especially those with high blood pressure
Dietary changes can really contribute to the treatment of high blood pressure. In studies sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan has been shown to be effective. Essentially this plan involves consuming increased amounts of fruit and vegetables and choosing low-fat or non-fat dairy products. Studies have shown that eating fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy food and proteins as well as foods with lower saturated fat, total fat, and cholesterol, lower blood pressure and promote overall fitness. Whole grains, poultry, fish and nuts with lower fat content are good choices for the heart. Details of the DASH diet can be found at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
Foods with large amounts of saturated and trans fats such a fatty cuts of meat, fast food, fries, cakes and cookies should be kept to a minimum. This will also help with limiting the amount of sodium or salt in the diet. You should also try to avoid adding salt in your cooking and at the table, to limit gravy powders, salty soups and seasoning as well as salted crisps and nuts.
So why not have a go at these small changes - they really can make a difference in the treatment of high blood pressure!
There are many causes of high blood pressure; in 90-95% of cases the actual cause cannot be discerned. Nerve impulses cause your arteries to dilate (become larger) or contract (become smaller). If these vessels are wide open, blood can flow through easily. If theyre narrow, its harder for the blood to flow through them, and the pressure inside them increases. High blood pressure may occur at this point. The remaining cases high blood pressure may be caused by kidney abnormalities, an abnormality of the aorta, the narrowing of certain arteries.
Blood volume also affects blood pressure - the more blood in the body, the higher the amount of blood returning to the heart and the resulting cardiac output and higher the blood pressure. Arteries thickened by fatty tissue increase the resistance of the blood as it flows and this increased the resistance will contribute to higher the blood pressure. Other factors could also affect blood pressure like blood viscosity or stickiness. This is called your triglyceride levels. A raised triglyceride can be caused by a high alcohol or carbohydrate diet, being over weight or having poorly controlled blood sugars.
Keeping fit through a balanced diet and exercise is an important way to decrease high blood pressure. There is a direct link between rising blood pressure or hypertension and being overweight. Exercise improves the condition of the thickened arteries which helps in the treatment of high blood pressure by making the heart stronger. A stronger heart pumps more blood efficiently, which means that the heart doesnt have to work as hard. However anyone with high blood pressure should consult a doctor before any exercise plan.
Research has also shown some evidence that exercise reduces the release of nor epinephrine, which is a hormone that raises blood pressure by constricting arteries and increasing the heart rate.
Aiming for and maintaining an ideal body weight is really important in the treatment of high blood pressure. If you are overweight or obese, ask your doctor for a referral to a dietitian who can help you make permanent, achievable changes to the way you eat to assist with weight loss.
Cutting down on your alcohol intake, is very important - as this has a significant role in boosting blood pressure. Women should limit their intake to one drink per day and men two. Smoking injures blood vessel walls and accelerates the hardening of the arteries. Although it does not directly cause even though it does not cause high blood pressure, smoking is bad for anyone, especially those with high blood pressure
Dietary changes can really contribute to the treatment of high blood pressure. In studies sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan has been shown to be effective. Essentially this plan involves consuming increased amounts of fruit and vegetables and choosing low-fat or non-fat dairy products. Studies have shown that eating fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy food and proteins as well as foods with lower saturated fat, total fat, and cholesterol, lower blood pressure and promote overall fitness. Whole grains, poultry, fish and nuts with lower fat content are good choices for the heart. Details of the DASH diet can be found at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
Foods with large amounts of saturated and trans fats such a fatty cuts of meat, fast food, fries, cakes and cookies should be kept to a minimum. This will also help with limiting the amount of sodium or salt in the diet. You should also try to avoid adding salt in your cooking and at the table, to limit gravy powders, salty soups and seasoning as well as salted crisps and nuts.
So why not have a go at these small changes - they really can make a difference in the treatment of high blood pressure!
2008年1月3日星期四
Why Treating Persistent Heartburn Is Critical To Your Well Being
Heartburn is such a common condition which many people associate with something they've eaten which is true in a lot of cases. However, for persistent heartburn sufferers, the problem goes a little deeper than that in fact, regular episodes, at least twice a week,could mean there may be something more serious going on.
Seeking the opinion of your doctor is a good first step but before we look at what you should discuss let's take a look at what constant heartburn symptoms mean.
Symptoms Of Persistent Heartburn
Persistent heartburn means you are experiencing symptoms at least twice week and means something more sinister could be at play. Heartburn is a symptom of GERD and other tell tale signs include:
- difficulty swallowing
- food travelling back into the mouth after swallowing
- burning chest pain
- coughing and sore throat
Obviously seeking medical advice is the best alternative because unchecked, more serious complications could arise. Acid rising back into the esophageal can lead to serious damage overtime. Constant heartburn not treated could result in ulcers in the esophageal or stricture which means the esophageal narrows over time. Worst case scenario may be developing Barrett's esophagus which in turn could result to esophageal cancer.
Lifestyle Changes
It's human nature to not want to change a routine, particularly if you are enjoying it and this is why many people treat heartburn as just a common ailment which will pass. But let me ask you this... when you are experiencing an attack don't you wish you had made an appointment to discuss the frequency of your attacks with him/her?
Remember, persistent heartburn at least twice a week and over a lengthy period of time unchecked could be really undermining your health. Your doctor can discuss and assess your condition and take the appropriate action. If you are still a little shy, try some lifestyle changes. Here's a few to get you started:
- Consider the food you eat and try to isolate the food which seems to always correspond with an attack. Eliminate it from your diet.
- Watch what you drink. Coffee or alcohol for example. See if a heartburn attack follows the consumption of one or the other or both. If it does, cut it out or moderate.
- Don't eat late night snacks particularly just before going to bed and preferably not within four hours of turning in.
- Watch your clothes...are they tight fitting? Bad sign for heartburn.
- If you r symptoms occur because of your sleeping position try elevating your head a few inches when you go to bed.
These are some common lifestyle changes normally associated with persistent heartburn and if you've tried them and your still experiencing frequent symptoms then you really should be seeing your doctor.
Persistent Heartburn Relief
If you suffer constant heartburn and are loathe to talk to your doctor, consider the risks without proper medical advice. Self diagnosis can be a dangerous past time particularly if the treatment methods used only treat the symptoms.
You have a number of medical medications available to you as apart from the common antacids, pump inhibitors and H2 blockers designed to prevent and neutralise acid production in the stomach, have proven effective. If your problem is a damaged esophagus then surgery options may need to be considered.
Seeking the opinion of your doctor is a good first step but before we look at what you should discuss let's take a look at what constant heartburn symptoms mean.
Symptoms Of Persistent Heartburn
Persistent heartburn means you are experiencing symptoms at least twice week and means something more sinister could be at play. Heartburn is a symptom of GERD and other tell tale signs include:
- difficulty swallowing
- food travelling back into the mouth after swallowing
- burning chest pain
- coughing and sore throat
Obviously seeking medical advice is the best alternative because unchecked, more serious complications could arise. Acid rising back into the esophageal can lead to serious damage overtime. Constant heartburn not treated could result in ulcers in the esophageal or stricture which means the esophageal narrows over time. Worst case scenario may be developing Barrett's esophagus which in turn could result to esophageal cancer.
Lifestyle Changes
It's human nature to not want to change a routine, particularly if you are enjoying it and this is why many people treat heartburn as just a common ailment which will pass. But let me ask you this... when you are experiencing an attack don't you wish you had made an appointment to discuss the frequency of your attacks with him/her?
Remember, persistent heartburn at least twice a week and over a lengthy period of time unchecked could be really undermining your health. Your doctor can discuss and assess your condition and take the appropriate action. If you are still a little shy, try some lifestyle changes. Here's a few to get you started:
- Consider the food you eat and try to isolate the food which seems to always correspond with an attack. Eliminate it from your diet.
- Watch what you drink. Coffee or alcohol for example. See if a heartburn attack follows the consumption of one or the other or both. If it does, cut it out or moderate.
- Don't eat late night snacks particularly just before going to bed and preferably not within four hours of turning in.
- Watch your clothes...are they tight fitting? Bad sign for heartburn.
- If you r symptoms occur because of your sleeping position try elevating your head a few inches when you go to bed.
These are some common lifestyle changes normally associated with persistent heartburn and if you've tried them and your still experiencing frequent symptoms then you really should be seeing your doctor.
Persistent Heartburn Relief
If you suffer constant heartburn and are loathe to talk to your doctor, consider the risks without proper medical advice. Self diagnosis can be a dangerous past time particularly if the treatment methods used only treat the symptoms.
You have a number of medical medications available to you as apart from the common antacids, pump inhibitors and H2 blockers designed to prevent and neutralise acid production in the stomach, have proven effective. If your problem is a damaged esophagus then surgery options may need to be considered.
Treating Diseases by Color Diet
A correct and balanced diet is essential during the treatment of diseases through chromotherapy. The patients should take food items with analogous colouring. The various colours contained in different food items are:
Red: Beets, radish, red cabbage, tomatoes, watercress, most red-skinned fruits,red berries and water melon.
Orange: Orange-skinned vegetables and fruits such as carrot, orange, apricot, mango, peach and pappaya.
Violet: Egg plant, berries, black carrot and purple grapes.
Yellow: Lime and lemon, sweet lime, grapes, pumpkin, melon, banana, mango, yellow apple and guava.
Purple: Foods having both blue and violet colouring.
Green: Most of the green vegetables and fruits such as gourds, spinach, plantain, lettuce, pea, green mango, gooseberry, pears, beans, etc.
Blue: Blue plum, blue beans, blue grapes, etc.
Contraindications
There are some important contraindications to colour treatment which should be borne in mind while adopting this mode of cure. For instance, the red colour would be injurious in a naturally inflammatory condition of the system, and in case of persons with feverish and excitable temperament. If the red light is employed for too long and frequently, it may produce dangerous fevers. The danger can be obviated by using the red light for a few minutes at a time or by placing a wet bandage over the head.
Similarly, yellow should not be used when the nerves are very active or irritable. Yellow or orange reddish tones may prove injurious in fevers, acute inflammations, delirium, diarrhoea, neuralgia, palpitation of the heart and any condition of over- excitement.
In cases of paralysis, chronic rheumatism, gout, consumption and in all cold, pale and dormant conditions of the system, blue, indigo and violet may prove too cooling and constricting and should be avoided.
Red: Beets, radish, red cabbage, tomatoes, watercress, most red-skinned fruits,red berries and water melon.
Orange: Orange-skinned vegetables and fruits such as carrot, orange, apricot, mango, peach and pappaya.
Violet: Egg plant, berries, black carrot and purple grapes.
Yellow: Lime and lemon, sweet lime, grapes, pumpkin, melon, banana, mango, yellow apple and guava.
Purple: Foods having both blue and violet colouring.
Green: Most of the green vegetables and fruits such as gourds, spinach, plantain, lettuce, pea, green mango, gooseberry, pears, beans, etc.
Blue: Blue plum, blue beans, blue grapes, etc.
Contraindications
There are some important contraindications to colour treatment which should be borne in mind while adopting this mode of cure. For instance, the red colour would be injurious in a naturally inflammatory condition of the system, and in case of persons with feverish and excitable temperament. If the red light is employed for too long and frequently, it may produce dangerous fevers. The danger can be obviated by using the red light for a few minutes at a time or by placing a wet bandage over the head.
Similarly, yellow should not be used when the nerves are very active or irritable. Yellow or orange reddish tones may prove injurious in fevers, acute inflammations, delirium, diarrhoea, neuralgia, palpitation of the heart and any condition of over- excitement.
In cases of paralysis, chronic rheumatism, gout, consumption and in all cold, pale and dormant conditions of the system, blue, indigo and violet may prove too cooling and constricting and should be avoided.
2008年1月2日星期三
Add 20 Pounds to Your Bench in 4 Weeks!
There's no doubt that a guy reading this who uses AAS, and one who does not, are going to get different results from any mass-building program. Everyone should start off by saying this, but maybe some assume it goes without saying. However, on the other hand, the good news is, we really believe that someone natural can still add 10-15 pounds to his bench using this exact program, provided that he eats appropriate calories, gets appropriate rest, and uses supplements to his advantage, such as creatine, glutamine, and others that enhance one's recovery and/or strength. Really, it's technique, discipline and pushing oneself beyond a certain point. So, to sum up, if the AAS user is a lazy bugger, and the natural dude is motivated to succeed - no matter what - we think even the natural dude can surpass the lazy bugger. 'Nuff said.
A Little About the Rationale Behind the Program
Anything that promises strength gains does so because it fits a particular profile. Remember this profile and you won't have to read all of these articles all the time, because there are only so many effective combinations in this life. And this one is simply this:
Low Rep - Low Volume - High-Intensity
Okay, so the first two are probably fairly obvious, but how can one encapsulate the concept of "high intensity"? Not quite as simple or obvious, since it's one of those concepts that a lot of people don't understand. It isn't just a mean look on one's face prior to or during a set, it's a set of factors that create a practical concept. Many things can constitute high intensity during training, depending upon what it is you're doing - cardio or weight training. Generally, high intensity is maximum weight, manipulation or use of rest times as intensity, set type or pagination, number of sets or types of exercises combined, and most often forgotten... lack of cheating!
In this case, exercises ought to be basic and compound. Because we're talking about bench press, we're going to be using it mostly, but we'll also add some ancillary exercises to ensure that the bench becomes stronger.
Form should be simple: No bouncing the bar off your chest or cheating the weights up, controlling the bar to just hover at its lowest point just an inch above the nipple area, a full grip rather than a false grip, a slightly wider than shoulder width and a sharp, heavy exhale as you drive the weight upward.
But first things first....
You need to determine your overall rep max with a particular weight. That's crucial because you'll be maxing weight out for intensity and strength and this is a meaningful measurement. So to arrive at it, you'll need to do a few tests first:
2 x 12 with a weight you suspect is your heaviest you can do for :
2 sets of 12 w/ a 2 minute rest in between sets
1 x 8 with a weight you think you can do for:
10 reps w/ a 3 minute rest in between
1 x 4 with a weight you think you can do for:
6 reps w/ a 3 minute rest
Now, try your rep max for 1 with the single heaviest weight and take a 3 minute rest
Repeat by trying again 1 x 1 adjusting until you find it.
Rest 3 days after you do this exercise, then begin the following routine for 4 weeks:
4 WEEK ROUTINE
Bench Press
1 x 8 (weight _90% max_ );
1 x 6 (weight _85% max_ );
1 x 4 (weight _70% max_ );
1 x 8 (weight _50% max_)
Bench instructions: Pause at your chest for a few seconds, controlling the weight at the bottom end for added strength. Have a partner do a few negative reps with you on some of these. You can also use band tension to increase “explosivity” if you have them.
Incline Dumbbell Press (smith or regular bar station)
2 x 8 (weight _85% max_);
2 x 4 (weight _75% max_);
1 x ** (weight _85% max);
1 x 8 (weight _60% max_)
Dumbbell Flyes (Flat)
2 x 5 (weight _85% max_);
2 x 3 (weight _85% max_);
1 x 1 (weight _90% max_);
3 x 8 (weight _75% max_)
French Press - Skull Crushers
1 x ** (weight _75% max_);
2 x 8 (weight _65% max_);
2 x 5 (weight _80% max_)
(Do your regular triceps routine on its designated day if you can, with some drop-set dips added in)
** means to failure in that set
Take 3-4 days in between this workout - Don't let us stop you from doing more of your max toward the end sets of your various movements. Push yourself, though not into injury. Rest times vary depending upon fatigue, but try to keep rest times to 2-3 minutes, tops!
Stretching: Do a series of stretches after this routine. It's going to hurt and you'll want to just stop the madness and pain from the extreme pump you have. You can start off by doing some light sets of flat bench flyes or incline dumbbell flyes. We're talking 20 pounds or so in each hand. Hang from a chin bar too. All of this will help the lactic acid clear out, and soreness will be less. Taking glutamine will also help.
Supplementation: Creatine and Glutamine!! You decide the amounts, but really try to coordinate the first 3 weeks with a creatine load. Always finish off with a carb/ protein shake with 3-4 grams of glutamine.
A final word...
Remember, you can modify this, based on how you feel from day to day. Stick with the basics of the program, but if you are feeling more fatigued and you decide to go ahead with your workout instead of taking another day off, increase rest times slightly, tweak set or rep numbers, but keep it intense and have your partner add in more negatives or do some drop sets instead and end a little early. If you have to cut out something, make it French Press/ Skull crushers. The first 3 are truly important. But if you have to choose, definitely do the first three first.
Learn from your progress and mistakes and attack that bench like you're a cannibalistic beast!
A Little About the Rationale Behind the Program
Anything that promises strength gains does so because it fits a particular profile. Remember this profile and you won't have to read all of these articles all the time, because there are only so many effective combinations in this life. And this one is simply this:
Low Rep - Low Volume - High-Intensity
Okay, so the first two are probably fairly obvious, but how can one encapsulate the concept of "high intensity"? Not quite as simple or obvious, since it's one of those concepts that a lot of people don't understand. It isn't just a mean look on one's face prior to or during a set, it's a set of factors that create a practical concept. Many things can constitute high intensity during training, depending upon what it is you're doing - cardio or weight training. Generally, high intensity is maximum weight, manipulation or use of rest times as intensity, set type or pagination, number of sets or types of exercises combined, and most often forgotten... lack of cheating!
In this case, exercises ought to be basic and compound. Because we're talking about bench press, we're going to be using it mostly, but we'll also add some ancillary exercises to ensure that the bench becomes stronger.
Form should be simple: No bouncing the bar off your chest or cheating the weights up, controlling the bar to just hover at its lowest point just an inch above the nipple area, a full grip rather than a false grip, a slightly wider than shoulder width and a sharp, heavy exhale as you drive the weight upward.
But first things first....
You need to determine your overall rep max with a particular weight. That's crucial because you'll be maxing weight out for intensity and strength and this is a meaningful measurement. So to arrive at it, you'll need to do a few tests first:
2 x 12 with a weight you suspect is your heaviest you can do for :
2 sets of 12 w/ a 2 minute rest in between sets
1 x 8 with a weight you think you can do for:
10 reps w/ a 3 minute rest in between
1 x 4 with a weight you think you can do for:
6 reps w/ a 3 minute rest
Now, try your rep max for 1 with the single heaviest weight and take a 3 minute rest
Repeat by trying again 1 x 1 adjusting until you find it.
Rest 3 days after you do this exercise, then begin the following routine for 4 weeks:
4 WEEK ROUTINE
Bench Press
1 x 8 (weight _90% max_ );
1 x 6 (weight _85% max_ );
1 x 4 (weight _70% max_ );
1 x 8 (weight _50% max_)
Bench instructions: Pause at your chest for a few seconds, controlling the weight at the bottom end for added strength. Have a partner do a few negative reps with you on some of these. You can also use band tension to increase “explosivity” if you have them.
Incline Dumbbell Press (smith or regular bar station)
2 x 8 (weight _85% max_);
2 x 4 (weight _75% max_);
1 x ** (weight _85% max);
1 x 8 (weight _60% max_)
Dumbbell Flyes (Flat)
2 x 5 (weight _85% max_);
2 x 3 (weight _85% max_);
1 x 1 (weight _90% max_);
3 x 8 (weight _75% max_)
French Press - Skull Crushers
1 x ** (weight _75% max_);
2 x 8 (weight _65% max_);
2 x 5 (weight _80% max_)
(Do your regular triceps routine on its designated day if you can, with some drop-set dips added in)
** means to failure in that set
Take 3-4 days in between this workout - Don't let us stop you from doing more of your max toward the end sets of your various movements. Push yourself, though not into injury. Rest times vary depending upon fatigue, but try to keep rest times to 2-3 minutes, tops!
Stretching: Do a series of stretches after this routine. It's going to hurt and you'll want to just stop the madness and pain from the extreme pump you have. You can start off by doing some light sets of flat bench flyes or incline dumbbell flyes. We're talking 20 pounds or so in each hand. Hang from a chin bar too. All of this will help the lactic acid clear out, and soreness will be less. Taking glutamine will also help.
Supplementation: Creatine and Glutamine!! You decide the amounts, but really try to coordinate the first 3 weeks with a creatine load. Always finish off with a carb/ protein shake with 3-4 grams of glutamine.
A final word...
Remember, you can modify this, based on how you feel from day to day. Stick with the basics of the program, but if you are feeling more fatigued and you decide to go ahead with your workout instead of taking another day off, increase rest times slightly, tweak set or rep numbers, but keep it intense and have your partner add in more negatives or do some drop sets instead and end a little early. If you have to cut out something, make it French Press/ Skull crushers. The first 3 are truly important. But if you have to choose, definitely do the first three first.
Learn from your progress and mistakes and attack that bench like you're a cannibalistic beast!
2008年1月1日星期二
Reflections on the Thanksgiving Holiday
The holiday season comes upon us so quickly that it can be easy to lose perspective of why we are having a holiday. As these notable people comment on sometimes in seriousness and sometimes in humor, it is about giving thanks.
There is one day that is ours. There is one day when all we Americans who are not self-made go back to the old home to eat saleratus biscuits and marvel how much nearer to the porch the old pump looks than it used to. Thanksgiving Day is the one day that is purely American. - O. Henry
It has been an unchallengeable American doctrine that cranberry sauce, a pink goo with overtones of sugared tomatoes, is a delectable necessity of the Thanksgiving board and that turkey is uneatable without it. - Alistair Cooke
Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds. - Theodore Roosevelt
Thanksgiving comes to us out of the prehistoric dimness, universal to all ages and all faiths. At whatever straws we must grasp, there is always a time for gratitude and new beginnings. - J. Robert Moskin
Love wholeheartedly, be surprised, give thanks and praise then you will discover the fullness of your life. - Brother David Steindl-Rast
Thank God every day when you get up that you have something to do that day which must be done whether you like it or not. Being forced to work and forced to do your best will breed in you temperance and self-control, diligence and strength of will, cheerfulness and content, and a hundred virtues, which the idle will never know. - Basil Carpenter
But see, in our open clearings, how golden the melons lie; Enrich them with sweets and spices, and give us the pumpkin-pie! - Margaret Junkin Preston
It wasn't easy telling my family I was gay at Thanksgiving. I asked my mom if she would pass the mashed potatoes to a gay man. She passed them to my father. A terrible scene ensued. - Bob Smith
If I have enjoyed the hospitality of the Host of this universe, Who daily spreads a table in my sight, surely I cannot do less than acknowledge my dependence. - G. A. Johnston Ross
Gratitude is born in hearts that take time to count up past mercies. - Charles E Jefferson
If a fellow isn't thankful for what he's got, he isn't likely to be thankful for what he's going to get. - Frank A. Clark
Best of all is it to preserve everything in a pure, still heart, and let there be for every pulse a thanksgiving, and for every breath a song. - Konrad von Gesner
If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice. - Meister Eckhart
A woman is looking for a turkey at the grocery store. While looking through the frozen ones, she can't find a big enough one. She asks the clerk if the turkeys get any bigger. His answer? "No mam, their dead."
On Thanksgiving Day, all over America, families sit down to dinner at the same moment - halftime. - Author Unknown
There is one day that is ours. There is one day when all we Americans who are not self-made go back to the old home to eat saleratus biscuits and marvel how much nearer to the porch the old pump looks than it used to. Thanksgiving Day is the one day that is purely American. - O. Henry
It has been an unchallengeable American doctrine that cranberry sauce, a pink goo with overtones of sugared tomatoes, is a delectable necessity of the Thanksgiving board and that turkey is uneatable without it. - Alistair Cooke
Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds. - Theodore Roosevelt
Thanksgiving comes to us out of the prehistoric dimness, universal to all ages and all faiths. At whatever straws we must grasp, there is always a time for gratitude and new beginnings. - J. Robert Moskin
Love wholeheartedly, be surprised, give thanks and praise then you will discover the fullness of your life. - Brother David Steindl-Rast
Thank God every day when you get up that you have something to do that day which must be done whether you like it or not. Being forced to work and forced to do your best will breed in you temperance and self-control, diligence and strength of will, cheerfulness and content, and a hundred virtues, which the idle will never know. - Basil Carpenter
But see, in our open clearings, how golden the melons lie; Enrich them with sweets and spices, and give us the pumpkin-pie! - Margaret Junkin Preston
It wasn't easy telling my family I was gay at Thanksgiving. I asked my mom if she would pass the mashed potatoes to a gay man. She passed them to my father. A terrible scene ensued. - Bob Smith
If I have enjoyed the hospitality of the Host of this universe, Who daily spreads a table in my sight, surely I cannot do less than acknowledge my dependence. - G. A. Johnston Ross
Gratitude is born in hearts that take time to count up past mercies. - Charles E Jefferson
If a fellow isn't thankful for what he's got, he isn't likely to be thankful for what he's going to get. - Frank A. Clark
Best of all is it to preserve everything in a pure, still heart, and let there be for every pulse a thanksgiving, and for every breath a song. - Konrad von Gesner
If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice. - Meister Eckhart
A woman is looking for a turkey at the grocery store. While looking through the frozen ones, she can't find a big enough one. She asks the clerk if the turkeys get any bigger. His answer? "No mam, their dead."
On Thanksgiving Day, all over America, families sit down to dinner at the same moment - halftime. - Author Unknown
Living with Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart does not pump the blood through the body properly. When the blood is not properly pumped throughout the body, the oxygen that the blood carries is not appropriately dispersed to the muscles and other places that require oxygen. At this time in medical technology, Congestive Heart Failure is not curable. However there are medical treatments for the condition and adhering to these treatments helps patients with CHF to live as comfortably and as normally as possible. There are ways to cope with CHF.
First, when a patient is diagnosed with CHF, he or she needs to find a heart specialist that he or she goes to regularly. The patient also needs a regular practitioner to be able to keep on top of prescriptions and other things. Certain medications will be prescribed and one of the best things that a CHF patient can do is to take medications on time regularly and in the correct amounts. Another thing that will help your doctor determine the right combination of medications for you is to record when you take your medications and how you feel after taking your medications. If a certain medicine is causing side affects, your doctor might possibly be able to prescribe a substitute for that particular medication.
Another important aspect of keeping a relatively healthy and comfortable lifestyle is diet. Most patients are placed on a restrictive diet. Many are required to eat heart-healthy low-fat, low-sodium diet. In most cases, 2 g of sodium is the daily limit. Excessive sodium in a diet may cause water retention, making it difficult to breathe. Since CHF already causes problems with water retention, it is helpful to retain as little water with diet as possible. Another thing that causes water retention is drinking excessive liquids. This is another thing the doctor may limit.
Besides medicine and adjusted diet, exercise is a way to cope with Congestive Heart Failure. Many people with CHF think that physical activity will harm them. However, though strenuous activity is not be appropriate, light to moderate activity can be healthy when done carefully.
Another way to cope and live comfortably with Congestive Heart Failure is to make sure you reduce stress as much as possible. Stress has a very negative effect on your heart and as a result, has a negative effect on the functions of your body. Any worry or burden that your family, friends, or caregivers can take from your shoulders is a positive action toward relieving your stress.
Obviously health risks such as smoking should be ceased. The use of nicotine uses up precious available oxygen in the system and therefore should be stopped to allow as much oxygen as possible to exist in the body.
One last thing to remember is to watch physical symptoms. Always record how you feel and make sure you tell your doctor of the slightest change in the way you feel. Listen to the signs your body is giving you in order to stay on top of your condition. Remember, CHF is a condition that can be coped with and treated, but you must alter your lifestyle to get the best quality out of your life.
First, when a patient is diagnosed with CHF, he or she needs to find a heart specialist that he or she goes to regularly. The patient also needs a regular practitioner to be able to keep on top of prescriptions and other things. Certain medications will be prescribed and one of the best things that a CHF patient can do is to take medications on time regularly and in the correct amounts. Another thing that will help your doctor determine the right combination of medications for you is to record when you take your medications and how you feel after taking your medications. If a certain medicine is causing side affects, your doctor might possibly be able to prescribe a substitute for that particular medication.
Another important aspect of keeping a relatively healthy and comfortable lifestyle is diet. Most patients are placed on a restrictive diet. Many are required to eat heart-healthy low-fat, low-sodium diet. In most cases, 2 g of sodium is the daily limit. Excessive sodium in a diet may cause water retention, making it difficult to breathe. Since CHF already causes problems with water retention, it is helpful to retain as little water with diet as possible. Another thing that causes water retention is drinking excessive liquids. This is another thing the doctor may limit.
Besides medicine and adjusted diet, exercise is a way to cope with Congestive Heart Failure. Many people with CHF think that physical activity will harm them. However, though strenuous activity is not be appropriate, light to moderate activity can be healthy when done carefully.
Another way to cope and live comfortably with Congestive Heart Failure is to make sure you reduce stress as much as possible. Stress has a very negative effect on your heart and as a result, has a negative effect on the functions of your body. Any worry or burden that your family, friends, or caregivers can take from your shoulders is a positive action toward relieving your stress.
Obviously health risks such as smoking should be ceased. The use of nicotine uses up precious available oxygen in the system and therefore should be stopped to allow as much oxygen as possible to exist in the body.
One last thing to remember is to watch physical symptoms. Always record how you feel and make sure you tell your doctor of the slightest change in the way you feel. Listen to the signs your body is giving you in order to stay on top of your condition. Remember, CHF is a condition that can be coped with and treated, but you must alter your lifestyle to get the best quality out of your life.
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