All you wanted to know about 'hair fall'

What is the difference between hair loss and balding ?

Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is a term used for progressive hair thinning and alopecia areata, which is spot baldness or loss of hair from certain areas of the scalp, also known as patchy baldness. Baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia, on the other hand, is a condition wherein a person loses hair on scalp in a typical sequence and pattern. There is male pattern baldness as well as female pattern baldness. Hair loss usually starts at the temples and/or on the crown of the head. Thinning of hair over a number of years may lead to total baldness.


Do men bald more than women?

Baldness affects both men and women, though it is much more prevalent in men. By the age of 25, 25 per cent of men have lost some of their hair. The reason behind this could be attributed to a chemical called Dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, which builds up around the hair follicle and eventually kills both the follicle and the hair.
While women don’t necessarily lose all of their hair like men, they often get thinning hair. It could be due to hormonal imbalances, but can also be a result of pregnancy, lack of nutrients in the body, or even certain birth control and hormone medications.


What are the main causes of baldness?

There are many causes for baldness - alopecia areata, syphilis, traction alopecia, seborrhoeic dermatitis, post-febrile condition, debility and emaciation, during lactation, endocrine disorders, stress and strains, certain drugs like hydration, etc, hereditary factors, injury, burns, leprosy and X-rays burns, etc.

Tips to get rid of dandruff

Losing out your hair to dandruff? Don't fret, we bring some easy tips to get rid of the flaky dandruff problem forever...

- Avoid oily and junk food since they are among the main reasons for dandruff.

- Applying fermented curd on your scalp and hair for an hour is another popular remedy.

- Dandruff is more common in dry hair - get into the habit of oiling your hair as often as you can.

- Make a mixture of olive oil and ginger root and apply it on your scalp. This reduces dandruff and also keeps the hair healthy.

- Avoid colouring or streaking your hair if you suffer from a dandruff problem - it will only worsen your problem.

- Take a bit of sandalwood oil and thrice the amount of lemon juice to make a paste. Keep this mixture on your scalp for some time and then wash off.

- Curtail drinking caffeine as well as eating sweet things like chocolates, pastries and sugar.

- Rinsing your scalp with lemon juice works wonders in getting rid of dandruff.

- If you have found that dandruff shampoos have not helped eliminate your problem, then you may want to consider using vinegar. Mix half a mug of warm water with half of vinegar and pour it over your scalp and rinse out thoroughly.

- Make a paste of two egg whites mixed with lime juice and apply it on your scalp. This also gives you relief from an itchy scalp.

-Make a mixture of almond oil and olive oil and apply it on your scalp. Wash it off after about five minutes.

Very Early Signs Of Pregnancy - Do You Know The 10 Pregnancy Signs?

Very early signs of pregnancy - are there 10 pregnancy signs? Yes, there are signs that indicate very early that you are pregnant. Some women will experience one or two of them, others will have several of the very early signs of pregnancy.

Once you have conceived, it will take about a week for the fertilized egg to implant in the uterus. As implantation happens, it is now possible to experience one or more of the 10 pregnancy signs and begin to know you are pregnant. Around this time, hormone levels begin to change, and the body reacts to these new hormone levels.

Here are 10 pregnancy signs:

1. Light Spotting - if you have conceived, spotting can happen when implantation occurs before your menstrual period should begin. Pregnancy bleeding from implantation is pinkish or brownish and not heavy. A normal menstrual flow should begin light, become heavy, then taper off again before ending.

2. More Frequent Urination - urinating more often is one of the very early signs of pregnancy. Many women experience more frequent urination even before a missed period, usually from about 7-12 days after the temperature rise at ovulation. The changes in hormone levels produced by implantation of the embryo, especially the hormone "human chorionic gonadotropin" (hCG), cause more frequent urination.

3. Elevated Body Temperature - it is normal to have an increase in body temperature at ovulation. Your basal body temperature staying elevated after ovulation is completed and remaining elevated through when your period should begin can be one of the very early signs of pregnancy.

4. Missing a Menstrual Period - a missed period is one of the obvious 10 pregnancy signs. However, you can miss a period for other reasons including illness, stress, hormone imbalance and reactions to foods or medications. If your menstrual cycle normally occurs very regularly, missing a period can be a sign.

5. Fatigue - lack of energy as one of the very early signs of pregnancy may be hard to distinguish from other kinds of exhaustion. Feeling tired is related to the change in hormones in the body, which usually disappears as the body adjusts to the new hormone levels.

6. Cramping - the uterus can contract often and regularly. Moving around, exercise and orgasm all can trigger uterine cramping in early pregnancy.

7. Nausea - morning sickness is the name given to feeling nauseated when pregnant. Of the 10 pregnancy signs, only about half of pregnant women experience nasea, and feeling nauseated can happen any time of the day or night.

8. Tender ******s and Breasts - one of the very early signs of pregnancy is a feeling of tenderness in the breasts and ******s. The good news is that these feelings of tenderness go away as the body becomes accustomed to the new hormone levels.

9. Darker Areolas - the area around the ******s becomes darker as early as one week after conception. The bumps on the areolas may look more prominent.

10. Constipation - you may notice a change in your bowels in early pregnancy. The intestines may relax and function less due to changing hormones and be one of the 10 pregnancy signs.

Once the very early signs of pregnancy are experienced, confirm pregnancy by using one of the better home pregnancy tests. There are major differences in the reliability of the home tests for pregnancy. A blood pregnancy test can be accurate as early as 8 to 10 days after conception, and a urine pregnancy test can be accurate as early as 10 to 14 days following conception. Pregnancy tests are not 100% accurate. If you feel you are pregnant but your pregnancy test result is negative, do the test again in a week or so and see your physician.

Remember to take good care of yourself and your body even before you become pregnant. Give up smoking and alcohol, eat healthy and begin exercising. Those first few weeks and your health are vitally important to help support healthy development of your new baby. Becoming pregnant and enjoying a successful pregnancy is a complex but wonderful experience. Besides knowing the 10 pregnancy signs, learn as much as you can about fertility, pregnancy and your health so your new baby will have the very best beginning to life that is possible.


When To Take A Pregnancy Test

Knowing when to take a pregnancy test will help you know whether or not you're pregnant. If you're wanting to know when to take a pregnancy test, the timing depends on the type of test.

There are two basic types of pregnancy tests - the urine test and the blood test. Both tests look for the hormone that is only present if a woman is pregnant. This hormone is called 'human chorionic gonadotropin', also referred to as 'hCG'. Blood tests can detect hCG about 6 to 8 days after you have ovulated. In general, urine tests can detect hCG about 14 days after ovulation.

When to take a pregnancy test at home is done by many women using a pregnancy test that will test the urine to determine if they are pregnant. Home pregnancy tests are convenient, inexpensive and are private. The urine test should be done using your first urine when you awake in the morning. When you have a positive home pregnancy test result, you should then see your health care provider soon. Your health care provider will confirm your home test result with a blood test plus a pelvic exam.

When to take a pregnancy test is important, because if you test too early in your pregnancy, there may not yet be enough of the pregnancy hormone in the urine to provide a positive test result. Most of the home pregnancy tests will be 90% accurate if you wait and test yourself one day after your missed period is due. If you feel you are pregnant but the home pregnancy test is negative, repeat the test again in a week if you still have not had your period. And if you are still getting negative test results and think you are pregnant, be sure and see your health care provider right away.

Pregnancy is a wonderful event that is complex, frustrating, satisfying and exciting. Your desire to become pregnant and having a child will have even more significance to you if it means you'll be taking better care of yourself and your partner. Besides knowing when to take a pregnancy test, learn as much as you can about improving your own health so you'll be providing that special little one the very best start to life that is possible.

Stress Relief During Pregnancy

If you truly want to ensure a great pregnancy, you should work on keeping a healthy and positive physical, mental and spiritual state. There is substantial evidence which suggests that a mother’s physical and mental wellness during pregnancy can affect not only the outcome of their pregnancy but the well being of their child later in life. You relationship with your baby begins at the moment of conception.

There are many things aside from physical factors that can impact your pregnancy. Stress is one of the more common problems many pregnant mothers face at some point during their pregnancy. While stress in and of itself isn’t always bad, prolonged stress can be damaging to a pregnancy. Most people associate stress that is harmful during pregnancy with physical labor. However, emotional stress may be just as damaging. Stress actually causes certain hormones in the body to be produced, and some scientists have suggested that these hormones can promote miscarriage or even bring on pre-term labor.

The best thin you can to do to ensure the well being of your baby is to minimize both physical and emotional stress as much as possible. Here are some stress reducing tips you can engage in during your pregnancy to promote a happy and healthy outcome:

Accept the fact that you are pregnant. Some women stress because they thrive on working a very demanding schedule, and attempt to continue to do so throughout their pregnancy. At some point or another however your pregnancy will catch up with you, and you will need to slow down a little bit. Rather than see this is as a burden, consider this a great time to prepare yourself for the life you are about to bring into the world. Take some time to pamper yourself a bit and give yourself more time for rest and relaxation during the week. This can be time that you spend just with yourself and your baby, without having to share with the world around you.

Give up some control. Having a baby changes everything. If you are the type of person that likes to be in control, keep in mind that there are many things related to pregnancy and child raising that will be out of your control. You won’t for example be able to sail through pregnancy without any aches and pains (unless you are extraordinarily lucky) but you can work to minimize them. You may have other symptoms such as fatigue and nausea that don’t go away. Some women have to go on bed rest during pregnancy. Simply recognizing however that some things are not under your control will help you get a better grip on your pregnancy and arm you to face the challenges that lie ahead.

Expect the unexpected. You just never know what will happen when you are pregnant. Your baby for example, might decide to come a few weeks early. You may find that midway through your pregnancy your physician recommends bed rest. If you prepare for the unexpected ahead of time however, when it happens it won’t seem like such a challenge and you will be better prepared to handle it.

Maintain close ties with friends, family and loved ones. Pregnancy is an emotional time. The more people you have around you to lean on, the less likely you will be to feel stressed.

Accept help. Let people know when you can use a hand. You don’t have to manage everything alone during pregnancy. If people offer to help you out and relieve some of the burden you are facing, be glad that there are people around you that love you enough to help out.

Another important thing to consider during pregnancy is communication. It is particularly important that you keep the lines of communication open with your partner during pregnancy. Remember that pregnancy is a very emotional time, and many women act in ways they would not ordinarily during their pregnancy. Don’t assume that your partner is a mind reader. This assumption has negatively impacted many relationships. If you have concerns, anxiety, feel sad or are even angry, be sure you share your feelings with your loved ones. Let people know what you are experiencing physically and emotionally and how it is affecting you. This will help them understand where you are coming from, and will help them learn the best way to help you during your pregnancy.

If you haven’t considered a prenatal massage already, you should during your pregnancy. Prenatal massage can be particularly helpful during the third trimester when your body is feeling burdened by the heavy load it is carrying. There are many qualified practitioners that offer prenatal massage in medical offices, chiropractic offices and even in traditional spa settings.

Exercise During Pregnancy

One of the best things you can do for yourself and your unborn child during pregnancy is exercise. There are numerous studies that show that women who exercise during pregnancy are more likely to have easy labor and deliveries and faster recoveries.

Before you start any exercise program during pregnancy it is essential that you consult with your healthcare provider. For some women it may be more dangerous than beneficial to exercise during pregnancy.

Once you get the go ahead from your doctor, you can embark on an exercise program that is suitable to your stage in pregnancy.

Here are just a few of the benefits associated with exercise during pregnancy:

- Exercise helps combat fatigue.
- Exercise helps minimize back pain because it helps strengthen back muscles.
- Exercise can help promote a smaller amount of fat gain during pregnancy.
- Exercise provides an exceptional form of stress relief.
- Women who exercising during pregnancy are less likely to experience difficult labors.
- Women who exercise during pregnancy are more likely to return to their pre-pregnancy weight faster and recover more quickly after delivery.

There are some forms of activity that are better than others during pregnancy. Certain exercises can help promote physical fitness and are less likely to result in injury. Among the best exercises for pregnant moms include:

- Walking
- Swimming
- Stretching
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Dancing
- Stationary Cycling
- Low Impact Prenatal Aerobics

How To Eat A Healthy Diet During Pregnancy

Perhaps the number one complaint of women trying to watch their weight during pregnancy is that they are hungry all the time. True, pregnancy does result in an increased metabolic demand on the body, which can cause you to be hungry. Many women also experience a number of cravings during pregnancy, which can make healthy eating challenging.

The first thing to remember is that the idea that you should eat for two is wrong. You only need an additional 300 calories per day, and generally you don’t need these calories until you are well on your way to the second and third trimesters.

So what can you do to help manage your weight and stick to a healthy diet?

Remember that during pregnancy it is vital that you do not cut back on your caloric intake. This has the potential to rob your baby of essential nutrients that are necessary for his/her growth and development. Here are some tips to help you stick to a healthy diet throughout your pregnancy:

Avoid skipping meals. If you have a habit of skipping breakfast, you’ll find that you are not only more fatigued but ravenous during your pregnancy, which will result in overeating. Be sure that you eat each meal every day.

Try eating several mini meals throughout the ay. This will not only help you feel fuller longer, it will help minimize the nausea often experienced during the first trimester.

Satisfy your cravings with nutritious snacks. Have a variety of healthy things to snack on readily available so you avoid overindulging in foods that are too decadent. If you are craving something sweet, consider having some mini chocolates near by or opt for a cup of hot chocolate. Both are far better for you than an entire candy bar or piece of cake.

Exercise during your pregnancy. The act of exercising in and of itself will be plenty to motivate you to stick to a healthy diet. You’ll feel better about yourself and find that you have more energy throughout the day.

Avoid high calorie beverages. Soda pop (which isn’t good for you anyway, particularly during pregnancy), juices and other flavored drinks often contain a good 100-300 calories per serving. Stick to water or flavored water during your pregnancy.

Drink lots of water. You may think you are hungry when in fact you are actually thirsty at many points during your pregnancy. In fact, the brains hunger and thirst centers often get mixed up, so people often feel hungry when they are in fact dehydrated. The better hydrated you are, the les likely you are to overeat.

Exercising After Pregnancy

Generally most women can begin a formal exercise program within 6 weeks of giving birth, though this time frame might be slightly longer for some women, including those recovering from a C-section. Most women recovering from a C-section will be able to exercise after there incision has healed and their doctor has cleared them for exercise.

Just how soon you begin an exercise program will depend in part on how you feel. If you had an easy delivery with no tearing and few interventions and regularly exercised prior to birth, you may feel up to some light exercise within 2 weeks of giving birth.

If this is the case, your doctor will probably allow you to engage in some light activities, including walking. Strenuous activity should generally be avoided however until several weeks after birth.

For some women however, even light exercise in the weeks following delivery is not possible. If you had an episiotomy or tore severely while delivering for example, your body may not physically be ready for a formal exercise program for at least 4-6 weeks after birth (note… this is also how long most physicians recommend that women abstain from intercourse!).

How soon you begin exercising thus depends on your body and your unique situation. Be sure you consult with your physician before embarking on a new exercise program regardless of your activity level before and during pregnancy.

Let’s say that one more time because it is important… YOU MUST CONSULT WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF YOU WANT TO EMBARK ON AN EXERCISE PROGRAM. Your body goes through a lot of physical trauma when you deliver a baby. Starting an exercise program too soon will delay your recovery and could potentially injure your body permanently. It may also take you longer than six weeks to heal fully if you start exercising too soon.

Now, if you feel better and capable of working out before you hit the six week mark, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider. Most will encourage light exercise including walking, and some may encourage other types of activity particularly if you were active before you got pregnant.

Each and every individual is unique and different, thus their ability to return to a regular exercise routine will vary after delivery. It is important that you listen to your body.

Benefits of Walking Exercise

It is said that every person has two doctors with him... his right leg & his left leg. A vigorous 5 mile walk can do more good for an unhappy but otherwise healthy man than any medicine or psychology. it is the easiest exercise for most individuals, one that can done without equipment except good shoes, in most terrains & weather & also in very old age.

What we are talking about is not just walking but brisk walking.
Here are the benefits of the same:

Why walking ?
Walking is the most natural exercise known to man.

Besides this, here are the other benefits of walking:

1 ) Walking improves circulation
Calf muscles are man's second heart. On walking, these muscles pump the blood to the heart with all force. This leads to greater heart exercise, increased oxygen requirement & better blood circulation.

2) Walking is good for the heart
The increased oxygen requirements lead to exercise for the heart. On a long term basis, it leads to a better circulation for the heart. Thus it reduces the chances of a heart attack.

2 ) Walking cuts fatigue
Once daily brisk walking has become a habit, you start reaping the benefits.
Soon there is no need of any laxatives.
No more low back ache.
No more of that catch while bending.
Above all, in shape body is not easily fatigued.

3 ) Walking improves the posture.

4 ) Psychological benefits
Many studies have shown enormous psychological benefits of walking. It has been shown that daily walking habit reduces anxiety, tension & improves mood.

What is "brisk walking"?
It has been shown that what works best is not walking but "brisk walking". Scientifically, it correlates with the pulse rate that you should achieve for the maximum benefit. However, simply speaking, brisk walking means : a level that's not just strolling; but not out pf breath either.

How many minutes a day should one walk briskly?
No study has established the exact time for the maximum benefit. However 45minutes to 1 hour is a good guide.

You can even incorporate it in your daily life style. That way you will automatically walk briskly to the office & for that matter anywhere. A short brisk walk is is worth two miles of ambling. That way you will easily get minimal amount of good exercise every day. And, as striding becomes a habit, you will soon get more exercise, willingly.

Be careful before eating Apples

Don't eat the skin of the apple if it's coated with wax.

Check before you eat, many of the fruits here in Gulf, WAX is being used as preservation purposes and then cold stored.

You might be surprised especially apples from USA and other parts are more than one year old, though it would look fresh

Coke + Mint = Death

The picture speaks itself. Be Careful.

What is Swine Flu or Pig Flu ??

Swine influenza (also called swine flu, hog flu, and pig flu) is an infection of a host animal by any one of several specific types of viruses that is usually hosted by (is endemic in) pigs.

As of 2009, the known SIV strains are the influenza C virus and the subtypes of the influenza A virus known as H1N1, H1N2, H3N1, H3N2, and H2N3.

Swine influenza is common in pigs in the midwestern United States (and occasionally in other states), Mexico, Canada, South America, Europe (including the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Italy), Kenya, Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan and other parts of eastern Asia.

Signs and symptoms in pigs ??

In pigs influenza infection produces fever, lethargy, sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing and decreased appetite, abortion, weight loss and poor growth.

Signs and symptoms in humans ??

symptoms of the 2009 "swine flu" H1N1 virus are similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illness in general.

Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, diarrhea and vomiting.

The 2009 H1N1 virus is not transmitted from pigs to humans,
but from person to person.

swine flu requires laboratory testing of a respiratory sample(a simple nose and throat swab)collected during the first five days

How to do prevent it's spread from swine to human ??

The transmission from swine to human is believed to occur mainly in swine farms where farmers are in close contact with live pigs.

The farmers and veterinarians are encouraged to use a face mask when dealing with infected animals.

Risk factors that may contribute to swine-to-human transmission include smoking and not wearing gloves when working with sick animals.

How to do prevent it's spread within humans ??

Influenza spreads between humans through coughing or sneezing and people touching something with the virus on it and then touching their own nose or mouth. The swine flu in humans is most contagious during the first five days of the illness although some people, most commonly children, can remain contagious for up to ten days.

Swine flu cannot be spread by pork products, since the virus is not transmitted through food.

Diagnosis can be made by sending a specimen, for analysis.

Recommendations to prevent :
frequent washing of hands with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand sanitizers, especially after being out in public. Chance of transmission is also reduced by disinfecting household surfaces, which can be done effectively with a diluted chlorine bleach solution.

Alcohol-based gel or foam hand sanitizers work well to destroy viruses and bacteria. Anyone with flu-like symptoms such as a sudden fever, cough or muscle aches should stay away from work or public transportation and should contact a doctor for advice.

Social distancing is another tactic. It means staying away from other people who might be infected and can include avoiding large gatherings, spreading out a little at work, or perhaps staying home and lying low if an infection is spreading in a community.

How to do treat it in humans ??
antiviral drugs can make the illness milder and make the patient feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).

Beside antivirals, palliative care, at home or in hospital, focuses on controlling fevers and maintaining fluid balance.

Doctors recommend the use of Tamiflu (oseltamivir) or Relenza (zanamivir) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses,

However, the majority of people infected with the virus make a full recovery without requiring medical attention or antiviral drugs.

The virus isolates in the 2009 outbreak have been found resistant to amantadine and rimantadine.

Neck Exercise

A doctor advises his patients to exercise their neck by just reading this message.

In the end, all patients go home happily without asking the doctor for any medications.

It is very effective,' said the doctor.

All my patients never come back to me again.'

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20 Greatest questions of all time

Where is the safest place to stand outside in a thunderstorm?
Tall, pointy objects standing alone in an open space are more likely to get struck by lightning but it’s by no means a certainty. Sometimes the flat ground next to a tall tree can be hit. A car or other enclosed metal structure is the safest place to be in a thunderstorm. Failing that, a ditch, trench or group of shrubs of uniform height is better than nothing. Keep away from boundary areas between dissimilar terrain (water and land; rock and earth; trees and fields). Also keep at least five metres away from metal objects or other people as lightning will often jump from one object to another.

Why do identical twins have different fingerprints?
Although identical twins share the same DNA, they don’t look identical cell-for-cell, because not every aspect of your physical appearance is rigidly determined by your genes. Fingerprints are formed semi-randomly as the foetus develops in the womb andare affected by such things as chance fluctuations of hormone levels. Similarly, the pattern of freckles and moles on the skin is caused by random mutations and will vary between identical twins.

Is the human race still getting taller?
The average height, at least in Western society, is increasing because of better childhood nutrition and sexual selection. But the tendency of women to find men taller than six feet (183cm) more attractive can’t be extrapolated upward, and people above 6ft 2in (188cm) are much more likely to suffer back problems. Above 6ft 8in (203cm), and the heart strains to pump blood round the body.

Why do I feel cold and shiver when I have a fever?
A fever is when your body increases its internal thermostat, found in the hypothalamus. If you exercise hard or it’s a hot day, your body temperature might increase, but the thermostat remains at around 36.8°C. When you feel hot the hypothalamus tries to correct this with sweating and increased blood flow to the skin. But with a fever, it is the thermostat that has risen. This means your body temperature is now below 36.8°C, so you feel cold and shiver, to try and raise your temperature. The higher body temperature may help fight infection by speeding white blood cell production and slowing bacteria reproduction.

What is OK short for?
The most popular theory is that OK comes from ‘oll korrect’, a deliberately misspelled writing of ‘all correct’. It was popularised in Boston newspapers around the 1840s when it was fashionable to go around spelling things incorrectly for humorous effect. Legend also has it that New York Democrats later adopted the abbreviation to promote their candidate Martin Van Buren – the initials ‘OK’ were derived from his nickname, Old Kinderhook.

Why can’t we just fill in the ozone hole with man-made ozone?
The sheer scale of the notorious hole – or, more accurately, depleted region – in the Earth’s ozone layer over the Antarctic beggars belief. At its peak each September, it spans an area bigger than the continental United States, and tens of millions of tonnes of ozone would be needed to fill it up again. Simply creating that amount of ozone, let alone getting it where it’s needed, would be astronomically expensive.

Why do fingers and toes wrinkle when left in water?
The waterproof coating on our skin gets rubbed away from areas of our bodies like our hands and feet that are frequently in contact with objects. If you immerse yourself in water with a lower concentration of dissolved salts than that of your cell contents, water will be absorbed by osmosis and cause your skin cells to swell. Since they are anchored to the tissues below, they are forced to corrugate to accommodate this.

What is a hiccup?
A hiccup comes from an involuntary contraction of the diaphragm, producing asudden intake of air. The glottis (the vocal apparatus of the larynx) slams shut at the same time, so that the column of air strikes the closed glottis to produce the characteristic, onomatopoeic noise.

Is there an easy way to prove the Earth is round?
Yes, travel. Because the Earth’s surface is curved, you’ll notice that different constellations of stars are revealed.

Can you have a fish out of water?
Yes. Several species of fish can breathe air and crawl on land. There are about 50 species of flying fish, too.

Why is sea air good for you?
It isn't, particularly. In Victorian England, seaside resorts got a reputation for having healthy air – maybe in comparison to the era's city smogs. The seaside's "bracing" smell is caused by a chemical produced by coastal bacteria, present in very low concentrations. But a study last year found that sea salt can react with chemicals in marine exhaust fumes to worsen the atmospheric pollution in a busy port.

Do plants die of old age?
Given good conditions, some plants can live for ever. It takes a change in external conditions to finish them off. But annuals die soon after seeding.

Does chewing gum really stay inside you for years?
No. Chewing gum is indigestible but it doesn't have any magic property that allows it to escape the normal digestive transit. Three days is the usual limit.

Where do phobias come from?
Around 10 per cent of the population suffer from phobias. Some may be triggered by a traumatic event while others are linked to physical problems. Studies suggest that simple phobias are partly genetic while others may be due to cultural history. For example, a fear of spiders may be passed down from the Middle Ages when spiders were associated with the plague, as victims' deserted homes became shrouded in cobwebs.

Do men have cellulite?
Yes. It's not just women who are cursed with orange peel skin, although in men cellulite tends to be in different places, usually around the neck and abdomen.

Can germs catch germs?
Yes. The germ would be an even smaller organism that attacks its host germ from within.

Why do I get more car sick in the back?
It's probably because you don't have such a good view of the horizon. Motion sickness occurs when the balance mechanism in your ear registers movement while your eyes are telling you that you are stationary.

Could we live on water and supplements?
No. As well as vitamins and minerals we need carbohydrates, fats and proteins for energy and cell repair.

Do hot drinks cool you down?
Yes. They make your body think you are hotter than you really are so you sweat more and that leads to heat loss.

What would happen if there were no Moon?
The most immediate effect (other than the lack of moonlight, of course) would be on the Earth’s tides. With only the Sun’s gravitational influence, the difference between high and low tides would be reduced dramatically - as would tidal drag, which slows the Earth down at a rate adding about 0.002 seconds to the length of a day each century. Long term, the effects would be far more serious. The climate of the Earth is sensitively dependent on the 23.5° tilt of the Earth’s axis, and without the stabilising presence of our relatively huge Moon, the gravity of the other planets would produce big changes in this angle - as it does with Mars, whose tilt changes by 60° over a few million years.

THE SEVEN DANGEROUS ACTS AFTER MEAL

Don't smoke- Experiment from experts proves that smoking a cigarette after meal is comparable to smoking 10 cigarettes (chances of cancer is higher). 

Don't eat fruits immediately - Immediately eating fruits after meals will cause stomach to be bloated with air. Therefore take fruit 1-2 hr after meal or 1hr before meal. 

Don't drink tea - Because tea leaves contain a high content of acid. This substance will cause the Protein content in the food we consume to be hardened thus difficult to digest. 

Don't loosen your belt - Loosening the belt after a meal will easily cause the intestine to be twisted & blocked. 

Don't bathe - Bathing will cause the increase of blood flow to the hands, legs & body thus the amount of blood around the stomach will therefore decrease. This will weaken the digestive system in our stomach. 

Don't walk about - People always say that after a meal walk a hundred steps and you will live till 99. In actual fact this is not true. Walking will cause the digestive system to be unable to absorb the nutrition from the food we intake. 

Don't sleep immediately - The food we intake will not be able to digest properly. Thus will lead to gastric & infection in our intestine.

Sources of vitamins

Vitamins and minerals are essential for the maintenance of good health and the prevention of a number of diseases. In this article we look at the properties of vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K, and common food sources. 

Types of vitamins 

There are two types of vitamins: 

* water-soluble vitamins B and C 
* fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. 

Water-soluble vitamins cannot be stored in the body, so you need to get them from food every day. They can be destroyed by overcooking. 

Vitamins and minerals are found in a wide variety of foods and a balanced diet should provide you with the quantities you need. 

Vitamin A (retinol) 
This vitamin is essential for growth and healthy skin and hair. It is a powerful antioxidant that plays a key role in the body's immune system. Vitamin A is found in the following animal products: 

* milk, butter, cheese and eggs 
* chicken, kidney, liver, liver pate 
* fish oils, mackerel, trout, herring. 

Another source of vitamin A is a substance called beta-carotene. This is converted by the body into vitamin A. It is found in orange, yellow and green vegetables and fruits. 

Vitamin B Complex 
The complex of B vitamins includes the following group of substances: 

* B1 - thiamine 
* B2 - riboflavin 
* B3 - nicotinic acid 
* B6 - pyridoxine 
* B12 - cobalamin 
* folate - folic acid. 

The body requires relatively small amounts of vitamins B1, B2 and B3. 

Vitamins B6 and B12 help the body to use folic acid and are vital nutrients in a range of activities such as cell repair, digestion, the production of energy and in the immune system. Vitamin B12 
is also needed for the breakdown of fat and carbohydrate. Deficiency of either vitamin will result in anaemia. Vitamin B6 is found in most foods, so deficiency is rare. 

The best dietary sources of the B vitamins, especially B12, are: 

* animal products (meat, poultry) 
* yeast extracts (brewers' yeast, Marmite). 

Other good sources include: 

* asparagus, broccoli, spinach, bananas, potatoes 
* dried apricots, dates and figs 
* milk, eggs, cheese, yoghurt 
* nuts and pulses 
* fish 
* brown rice, wheat germ, wholegrain cereals 

Dietary sources of vitamin B6 are similar to those for vitamin B12 and also include avocado, herring, salmon, sunflower seeds and walnuts. 

Folic acid (folate) 
Folic acid works closely in the body with vitamin B12. It is vital for the production of healthy blood cells. 

Lack of folic acid is one of the main causes of anaemia, particularly in people whose diet is generally poor. Vitamins B6 and B12 help the body use folate, so are often given alongside 
folic acid supplements. 

In pregnancy, low folate levels increase the risk of the baby's spinal cord system not developing completely (spina bifida). All women are now advised to take folic acid supplements in the first 
three months of pregnancy and preferably before conception. 

Folate occurs naturally in most foods but often in small amounts. 

Many food manufacturers now fortify white flour, cereals, bread, corn, rice and noodle products with folic acid. 

One serving of each enriched product will contribute about 10 per cent of the RDA for folic acid. 

Wholegrain products are not enriched because they already contain natural folate. 

Liver contains the greatest amount of folic acid, with lower levels found in beef, lamb and pork and a range of green vegetables and citrus fruits. 

Other sources of folate are dried beans, fresh orange juice, tomatoes, wheat germ (wholemeal bread and cereal) and wholegrain products (pasta and brown rice). 

Folate content of foods – an adult needs 200mcg a day

Food Serving size Amount of folate are-

Asparagus 115g 132mcg 
Black beans 115g 128mcg 
Breakfast cereal 30-40g 80-120mcg 
Brussels sprouts 115g 47mcg 
Chicken liver 100g 770mcg 
Chick peas 115g 180mcg 
Cooked broccoli 115g 47mcg 
Cooked spinach 115g 131mcg 
Cooked white rice 170g 60mcg 
Kidney beans 115g 115mcg 
Oranges 1 medium 47mcg 
Pasta 55g 100-120mcg 
Tomato juice 1 cup (225ml) 48mcg 
Wheat germ 2 tbsp 38mcg 


Vitamin C 
Vitamin C is one of the most potent antioxidant vitamins. 

We need vitamin C for growth, healthy body tissue, wound repair and an efficient immune system. In addition, it's thought vitamin C can reduce cholesterol levels and regulate your blood pressure and your body's absorption of iron. 

Fresh fruit and vegetables are the main source of vitamin C – eating your five a day will easily meet the body's needs. 

Too much vitamin C can result in a sensitive, irritable stomach and mouth ulcers. 

Vitamin C content of foods – an adult needs 60mg a day

Food Serving size Amount of vitamin C are-

Strawberries 1 bowl 70-120mg 
Kiwi fruit 1 fruit 50mg 
Steamed broccoli 1 serving (80g) 50mg 
Orange 1 large 70mg 
Mango and passion fruit smoothie 250ml glass/bottle 48mg 
Frozen peas, cooked 1 serving (85g) 17mg 


Vitamin D (calciferol) 
Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and teeth. It helps the body to absorb calcium. 

The action of sunlight on the skin enables the body to manufacture vitamin D – even on a cloudy day. For this reason, most people will get enough vitamin D through their everyday activities. 

Foods rich in vitamin D are oily fish, liver, cod liver oil and dairy products. 

Vitamin E 

Vitamin E is important in cell maintenance and also plays an active role in the maintenance of a healthy heart, blood and circulation. It is one of the body's main antioxidants. 

The following foods are rich in vitamin E: 

* avocados, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach, watercress, brussels sprouts 
* blackberries, mangoes 
* corn oil, olive oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil 
* mackerel, salmon 
* nuts, wholemeal and wholegrain products 
* soft margarine. 

Vitamin K 

Vitamin K is involved in the blood clotting process and in the maintenance of strong bones. It is found in small quantities in meat, most vegetables and wholegrain cereals. 

Your body also makes vitamin K in the large intestine, through the activity of 'healthy bacteria'. For this reason, there is no recommended daily amount. 

These bacteria are also referred to as the gut flora. They form part of our defence against more harmful organisms. 

Diets rich in fatty and sugary foods can adversely change the balance of the gut flora, as can the additives and pesticides that are often a part of modern food production. 

DO YOU KNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Vegetarians and B12 
Vegetarians who eat eggs and dairy produce will get enough B12. 
Vitamin B12 deficiency can occur in vegans because all dietary sources are animal in origin. 
The British Vegan Society recommends foods fortified with vitamin B12 such as: breakfast cereals yeast extract margarine soya powder and milk Plamil soya mince or chunks.

common mistakes

Here are some of the most common mistakes made by many of us. 

Crossing our legs 
Do you cross your legs at your knees when sitting? Although we may believe that this is the lady-like elegant way to sit, sitting this way cuts down circulation to your legs. If you don"t want varicose veins to mar the beauty of your legs and compromise your health, uncross your legs every time you realise you have one knee on top of the other. The best way to sit is to simply place both legs together on the floor, balancing your weight equally. If you feel like changing position, instead of crossing your legs, simply move both legs together to one side. As an alternative, you could also consider crossing your legs loosely at the ankles. This is a classically elegant way to sit, and is far better for your legs and your health than sitting with your legs crossed at your knees. 

Not changing our toothbrush 
How often do you change your toothbrush? Most of us wait until most of the bristles have either fallen off, or are in such bad shape that we"d be embarrassed to pull out our brush in public. However, since not many of us need to pull out our brush in public, we carry on with our frayed one until we lose it. Replace your toothbrush often. Damaged bristles can harm the enamel, and don"t massage your gums well. If you find brushing your teeth a pain like I do, but know you must do it, you might as well be doing it right. Imagine going through the annoyance of brushing your teeth twice a day only to find out that you"re damaging your enamel every time you clean your teeth. Also, use a brush with soft bristles unless your dentist has advised otherwise. 

Eating out often 
There are oils that are high in cholesterol, and oils that cause little harm and are better for your heart. However, no matter how light the oil is, it is never a good idea to eat too much of it. Avoid fried foods.Remember that in all probability your favourite Indian food restaurant throws a huge, HUGE chunk of butter in a tiny bowl of dal. Rita, who worked in the kitchen of a 5 star hotel, was shocked when she saw the cook chop a 500gm butter slab in half, and throw half into a Paneer Makhani dish. No wonder the customers left licking their fingers. And no wonder they felt so stuffed and heavy afterwards. Limit outdoor eating unless you know that you"re getting served light and healthy food. 

Skipping breakfast 
Never, ever skip breakfast. Remember, when you wake up in the morning it"s been around 10-12 hours since your last meal. Your body needs food now, more than at any other time. Eat a heavy breakfast. You will then be busy through the day, and the calories will get expended quickly. If you are trying to diet, eat a light dinner. Here are some more common health mistakes we make. Being informed and making a few changes can help make us feel a whole lot better. 


High heels 
High heels sure look great, but they're murder for your back. This however doesn't mean you should steer clear of stilettos. Wear them, but not when you know you will be walking around a lot. Wear them when going out for lunch or dinner - when the only walking you will be doing is to your car, to the table, and back. Avoid high heels when you are going somewhere on foot. If you are constantly tempted to wear your heels, take a good look at your flats. Is there something about them you dislike? Invest in a new pair of beautiful flats or shoes with a low heel. Buy something you love, that you will enjoy wearing. If possible, get a matching bag. You will then enjoy your flats as much as you do your heels. 


Sleeping on a soft bed 
You don't have to sleep on the floor be kind to your back, but do make sure you have a firm mattress. Although a mattress on springs is soft and lovely to sink into, it's bad for your back. If you already have an old bed with springs, you don't need to invest in a new one - simply get a thick wooden plank put over the springs, and place the mattress on the plank. Similarly, if your mattress is old and lumpy, throw it out and get a new one. Your neck and your back will thank you. The same rule applies to sofas. If you will be spending hours on a sofa, get a firm yet comfortable one. Sofas you completely sink into are not the best idea. 

Pillows 
No matter how comfortable sleeping with ten cushions is, have pity on your neck and resist. Sleep with one pillow, and make sure it is not too thick. If your pillow gets lumpy, discard it and go for a new one. Get a thin pillow if you sleep on your stomach, and something a little thicker if you sleep on your back, to give your neck adequate support 


Not exercising 
So all of us know we should exercise more, but many of us don't. This is a health mistake we consciously make! And why is that? Simply because we refuse to admit the damage we are causing to our bodies by not working out. A number of people only start working out once they've experienced a warning signal. Don't wait for a heart attack to strike before you decide to opt for a lifestyle change. Make the change now. You don't need to train for the marathon to be in top shape. Half an hour of brisk walking three to four times a week will make a world of difference to your health. You could then increase this to forty minutes, four times a week - and you're all set. If you haven't exercised for a week, you're making a mistake.

Blood Group

तपाईलाई आफ्नो कुनै साथीको मानिसको बानीको बारेमा थाहा पाउन चाहानु हुन्छ? यदी चाहानु हुन्छ भने तपाई आफ्नो साथीको रगत समुह पत्ता लगाएर जानकारी थाहा पाउन सक्नुहुन्छ। Japanese institute ले गरेको एक अनुशन्धान अनुसार मानिसहरुको रगत समुह अनुसार उसको चालचलनको बारेमा थाहा पाउन सकिन्छ र रगत समुह फरक भएमा मानिसको विचार र बानी फरक हुने सम्भावना धेरै हुन सक्छ। यहाँ रगत समुह सँग सम्बन्धित केही बानीको बारेमा दिईएको छ।

Group O:-

संसारका सवैभन्दा बढी मानिसमा यो रगत समुह पाइन्छ। o- र o+ गरी करीब ४७ प्रतिशत मानिसमा यो रगत समुह रहेको हुन्छ जसमा ४० प्रतिशत जती ०+ र ७ प्रतिशत जतीमा o- रहेको हुन्छ। यो रगत समुहका मानिसहरु नेतृत्व गर्न चाहना राख्ने तथा क्षमता भएका, आफुले शुरु गरेको काम फत्ते गरी छाड्ने, सत्यतामा विश्वाश गर्ने, मायालु र आत्म-विश्वाशले भरिएका हुन्छन भने यो रगत समुह भएका मानिसहरुको कमजोरी भनेको डाहा गर्ने बानी र धेरै प्रतिष्पर्धात्मक हुन खोज्ने भएको अनुशन्धानको क्रममा पाईएको थियो।

Group A:-

यो रगत समुह करीब ४० प्रतिशत मानिसहरुमा हुन्छ जसमा ३४ प्रतिशतमा A+र ६ प्रतिशतमा A- पाईन्छ। यो रगत समुह भएका मानिसहरु शान्त र सामाजिक खालका, अरु सँग काम गर्न मनपराउने, sensetive र कमजोरीको रुपमा झुक्न नचाहाने र आराम गर्न नसक्ने वा नचाहाने बानी भएका हुन्छन।

Group B:-

यो समुहको रगत कम मानिसहरुमा मात्र पाईन्छ जसमा करीब ८ प्रतिशतमा B+ र १ प्रतिशतमा मात्र B- हुन्छ। यो रगत समुह भएका मानिसहरु एकलकाँटे, जे पनी एक्लै गर्न चाहाने रचनात्मक खुबी भएका झुक्न सक्ने खुबी भएका हुन्छन जसले गर्दा कहिले काही काम बिग्रन समेत सक्छ।

Group AB:-

यो मानिसमा पाईने सबैभन्दा कम पाईने रक्त समुह हो। यो ४ प्रतिशतमा मात्र पाईन्छ जसमा ३ प्रतिशत AB+ र १ प्रतिशतमा AB- पाईन्छ। यो रगत समुह भएका मानिसहरु नरम, controlled र ठट्टा रमाईलो गर्ने खालका हुन्छन तर निर्णय गर्ने क्षमताको कमी हुन्छ।