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The Girl Who Silenced the World
THE GIRL WHO SILENCED THE WORLD AT THE UNITED NATIONS FOR 6 MINUTES!
Speaking on behalf of 12 and 13 year olds in her group.
If the world could only listen to the children, I mean really listen! And if only the world could learn from children!
As parents we taught them – 'You Are What You Do, Not What You Say'. And as adults, we teach something and do something entirely different. Turn your speakers on and view this wonderful video.
I hope you will share this with the entire world. Thank you in advance.
The Girl Who Silenced the World for 6 Minutes!
THE GIRL WHO SILENCED THE WORLD AT THE UNITED NATIONS FOR 6 MINUTES!
Speaking on behalf of 12 and 13 year olds in her group.
If the world could only listen to the children, I mean really listen! And if only the world could learn from children!
As parents we taught them – ‘You Are What You Do, Not What You Say’. And as adults, we teach something and do something entirely different. Turn your speakers on and view this wonderful video.
I hope you will share this with the entire world. Thank you in advance.
Speaking on behalf of 12 and 13 year olds in her group.
If the world could only listen to the children, I mean really listen! And if only the world could learn from children!
As parents we taught them – ‘You Are What You Do, Not What You Say’. And as adults, we teach something and do something entirely different. Turn your speakers on and view this wonderful video.
I hope you will share this with the entire world. Thank you in advance.
Forgetting to Live whilst Earning a Living
Here is a hair raising story which shows the importance of Time Management and understanding what Life and Priorities are all about.
Trust you will enjoy the read and start Living each day.. each moment...!!!
A friend of mine opened his wife's saree drawer and picked up a silk paper wrapped package:
"This, - he said - isn't any ordinary package." He unwrapped the box and stared at both the silk paper and the box.
"She got this the first time we went to New York, 8 or 9 years ago. She has never put it on. Was saving it for a special occasion. Well, I guess this is it. He got near the bed and placed the gift box next to the other clothings he was taking to the funeral house, his wife had just died. He turned to me and said:
"Never save something for a special occasion. Every day in your life is a special occasion".
I still think those words changed my life.
· Now I read more and clean less.
· I sit on the porch without worrying about anything.
· I spend more time with my family, and less at work.
· I understood that life should be a source of experience to be lived up to, not survived through.
· I no longer keep anything.
· I use crystal glasses every day.
· I'll wear new clothes to go to the supermarket, if i feel like it.
· I don't save my special perfume for special occasions, I use it whenever I want to.
· The words "Someday..." and "One Day..." are fading away from my dictionary.
· If it's worth seeing, listening or doing, I want to see, listen or do it now.
· I don't know what my friend's wife would have done if she knew she wouldn't be there the next morning, this nobody can tell. I think she might have called her relatives and closest friends.
· She might call old friends to make peace over past quarrels.
· I'd like to think she would go out for Chinese, her favourite food.
· It's these small things that I would regret not doing, if I knew my time had come.
· I would regret it, because I would no longer see the friends I would meet, letters... letters that i wanted to write "One of this days".
· I would regret and feel sad, because I didn't say to my brothers and sons, not times enough at least, how much I love them.
· Now, I try not to delay, postpone or keep anything that could bring laughter and joy into our lives.
· And, on each morning, I say to myself that this could be a special day.
Each day, each hour, each minute, is special.
"One day" is far away... or might never come...
Live everyday .. every moment as if it is your last day... last moment....!!!!
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Put First Things First
A Beautiful Story I came across on Time Management and Setting Priorities.
A professor stood before his class and had some items in front of him. When class began, wordlessly he picked up a large empty jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks right to the top, rocks about 2" diameter.
He then asked the students if the jar was full? They agreed that it was.
So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them in to the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks. The students laughed.
He asked his students again if the jar was full? They agreed that yes,it was.
The professor then picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
"Now," said the professor, "I want you to recognize that this is your life. The rocks are the important things - your family, your partner, your health, your children -anything that is so important to you that if it were lost, you would be nearly destroyed.
The pebbles are the other things in life that matter, but on a smaller scale. The pebbles represent things like your job, house, or car.
The sand is everything else, the "small stuff."
"If you put the sand or the pebbles into the jar first, there is no room for the rocks.
The same goes for your life. If you spend all your energy and time on the small stuff, material things, you will never have room for the things that are truly most important.
Pay attention to the things that are Important in your life.
· Spend time with your Family.
· Spend time with your people.
· Play with your children.
· Take time to get medical checkups.
· Take your partner out once a while.
· Take time to renew yourself.
· Find time for maintainance.
· Spend time on Preventing than on Solving Problems
***** Take care of the rocks first - the things that really matter.****
Set your priorities, the rest is just pebbles and sand.
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Six Steps to Stop Smoking
Source: http:// www.stop-smoking-tips.com/
In Six straightforward and easy steps, you can stop smoking and live a normal and healthy life same as that of a non-smoker.
Step 1: Think About Quitting
According to a recent survey, around 15 million smokers try to quit smoking each day. However, less than 3% of these people stop smoking successfully for 3 to 12 months. If you're thinking about quitting or have stopped smoking but failed to quit, don't lose hope because smokers often try to quit more than once before they actually succeed.
In this section, you will learn about the history of cigarette smoking, facts about smoking, smoking cessation and benefits of quitting smoking. To give you a strong reason to quit smoking, this section will also tackle dangerous diseases – such as lung cancer, heart disease, strokes, diabetes, etc – caused by smoking cigarettes. In addition, this section will explain the reasons why it is extremely hard to quit smoking, hurdles in quitting and possible nicotine withdrawal symptoms that you may encounter throughout this process.
Step 2: Effects of Smoking
Years of clinical studies have proven that using Tobacco causes people to become sick, disabled or die. Since the first Surgeon General's Report in 1964, over 12 million smoking-related deaths have occurred. More than 500,000 deaths in the U.S are caused from smoking-related illnesses. Adult smokers reduce their lifespan by an average of 13 to 14 years.
In this section, you will learn about the dangerous effects and health risks of smoking. You will understand the facts about smoking addiction, the hazardous effects of smoking on a pregnant woman, on passive smokers, on your facial charm and on your teeth. You will also learn how stress could play a role in cigarette smoking. This section also deals with the effects on secondhand smoke, effects of smoking on vitamin A and C, dangerous effects of smoking on men and women, as well as the differences between cigar and pipe smoking.
Step 3: Preparing To Quit Smoking
The first key to quitting smoking successfully is planning and preparation. You need to prepare your body and mind before actually quitting. Determine your personal goals, discover your reasons for quitting and get rid of temptations that may become a hindrance to your stop smoking program. Tobacco smoke contains nicotine, a drug that is addictive and can make it very hard, but not impossible, to quit.
In this section, you will face the facts about nicotine addiction before your last stick of cigarette. You will learn the most effective steps to be followed when planning to quit smoking. You will also find out about the real reason why it is so hard to quit smoking. To help you plan your quit smoking program, you need to confront your personal reasons to start quitting and understand what you need to do stop smoking. This section also deals with the psychological recovery stages to stop smoking and provides helpful tips to quit smoking.
Step 4: Stop Smoking Tips
Even if you have no idea where to start and what to do, you can quit smoking as long as you have the mindset and commitment to do so. Stop smoking tips can help you create a good stop smoking plan and lifestyle changes that could lead to a healthier, smoke-free life.
In this section, you will learn some of the simplest ways and useful tips to quit smoking for good. You can choose from several psychological areas that can help you to stop smoking based on your lifestyle. This section also deals with stop smoking tips that will help your loved ones quit this deadly habit and tips on how to overcome nicotine withdrawal symptoms using an effective stop smoking plan, attending support groups and establishing a smoking cessation program.
Step 5: Stop Smoking Aids
When smoking cigarettes has played a large part in your life, quitting smoking may not be that simple. Fortunately, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved seven over-the-counter stop smoking aids – five of these help in managing nicotine withdrawal symptoms, while the other two help in reducing cigarette cravings.
In this section, you will learn about different proven stop smoking methods like Water Therapy, Psychological Therapy and Nicotine Replacement Therapy. This section also deals with other useful stop smoking aids such as nicotine nasal sprays, nicotine lozenges, nicotine inhalers, nicotine patches, nicotine gum and stop smoking pills.
Step 6: Stay a Quitter
After sometime, some quitters get back to their smoking habit due to temptation and persistent nicotine carving. Some may slip and puff "just one cigarette", while others experience total relapse. In fact, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, smokers who quit are at greater risk of relapsing in the first three months of becoming smoke-free.
In this section, you will learn effective methods in avoiding nicotine carvings, while training how to control urges through breathing exercises. To understand what you are going to experience through this process, you need to learn and manage nicotine withdrawal symptoms. This section also tackles steps to manage weight gain, discusses FAQ on common frustrations of a quitter, handle traumatic events without a cigarette and other possible solutions for ex-smokers.
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The Advantages of Day Dreaming
When you are young ,you have many dreams and you sometimes dream at night and even daydream when you are free and relax. There are times when your dreams can come true while other times they remain unfulfilled.
For some , life is hard enough and daydreaming is the only avenue which they can escape from realism.We dream of success, of being rich and enjoying everything this world can offer us.
It maybe wishful thinking or useless or unproductive activity to some but taken as a whole , it has it's advantages. According to some experts , it is good for your health. When you daydream , you will be thinking of those positive events which can uplift your spirits .
You would dream of a brighter future and this would make you feel happier even though you have not attain that status yet. To have positive thoughts can relieve stress as your mind is taken off over those negative events which have afflicted your everyday life. Stress is bad for your health.
Daydreaming would also refocus your mind on your objective rather than what is happening around you.It would be easier to accept things around you as they are when you know those things are only temporary .
In daydreaming , there are no physical or mental barriers and you could wish anything or fantasize anything you like. There are two types of people , those who are only dreamers and those who work hard to make their dreams come true.
Everything in moderations is good but if taken into extremes can be bad. We should not overindulge in daydreaming or we will become disconnected and out of touch with reality. There should be a right place and time for daydreaming to get the benefits.
You do not want to start daydreaming while you are driving on the road or cooking a meal or while having sex. That would have disastrous consequences. Sometimes , it does happen that way when you lose control of your senses. It is just too good and your mind gets carried away.
When you get nervous or feel stressed it is a high time to start daydreaming, experts recommend. Dream all you want because it will not cost you anything
With today's rat race where everyone is rushing here and there, many do not have the luxury to dream.These people should get off the super highways and slow down to enjoy the simple way of life and live longer.
Like the song," Dream! Dream! Dream!……All you have to do is dream…….!
Reference and thanks to :-
http:// timesofindia.indiatimes.com/HealthSci/Day-dreaming_is_good_for_health/articleshow/3615250.cms
http:// health.infoniac.com/index.php?id=42&page=post
http:// www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/features/goodhealth/2008/aug/05/goodhealth-05-08-2008-004.htm
Happily Single or Happily Married
Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy — because we will always want to have something else or something more. - Brother David Steindl-Rast :
Contentment is the key to happiness. If we are contented with what we have or whom we are, we will find true happiness. Success is not the key to happiness but rather happiness is the key to success.
Happiness mainly comes from our own attitude, rather than from external factors. If your own mental attitude is correct, even if you remain in a hostile atmosphere, you can still feel happy.-H.H. the Dalai Lama:
The process of being happy does not depend on others. You create your own happiness.If you love what you are doing , you will find happiness.
You can be happy as a single as well as being in marriage but I think I rather prefer to be married and being happy because of the joys of a family life and snuggled up in the warm embrace of a loving relationship.
Life is more fulfilling and compassionate when you have children in marriage. It gives meaning to what life is all about . A man who does not marry is like a fruit tree which flowers but bears no fruit.When he grows old, he will be cold ,lonely and living in an empty void.
It is not that they do not want to marry but their expectations are too high or too perfect and no one can live up to their standards or they have not found the right one yet.
If you are single ,be happy and if you are married, be happy too. Being married is full of challenges and if there are no challenges in life, life would not be worth living.
Reference and thanks to :-
http:// women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/relationships/article4922052.ece
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Heel or Bone Spur
Courtesy: Nanci Baren (http:// health.groups.yahoo.com/group/arubyrogers/)
A bone spur is a pointed growth on a bone, most commonly in the heel. Extreme stress and strain on the heel bone and soft tissues are the main causes of heel spurs. The stress results in inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament on the bottom of the foot that attaches the ball of the foot to the heel bone, This condition is known as plantar fasciitis. If it is not relieved, the repeated pulling of the ligament aggravates the heel bone and eventually the body, in an attempt to protect itself, forms a bone spur. The most common sign of a bone spur is severe pain with the first step in the morn- and after periods of inactivity.
Bone spurs can be caused by, or be associated with, physical injury, obesity, gout, lupus, muscle inflammation, nerve problems (such as tarsal tunnel syndrome), strain of the plantar arch, or excessive exercise, standing, or walking. Heel spurs are also common in people who have alkalosis, arthritis, neuritis, or tendinitis. A bone spur may be caused by calcium deposits in unwanted areas of the body. Most people who have heel disorders are middle-aged or overweight. Shoes that are uncomfortable, fit poorly, or lack cushioning for the heel may contribute to the pain.
X-rays may reveal a bony spur within the heel. The presence of this may lead to the formation of tiny turnors at the end of several nerves, and these may be very painful.
NUTRIENTS: SUPPLEMENT / SUGGESTED DOSAGE / COMMENTS
Very Important
Betaine hydro-chloride (HCI) A deficiency of HCl is more common in elderly people. Take as directed on label. Needed for proper calcium up take. Caution: Do not use HCl if you have a history of ulcers.
Calcium 1,500 mg daily.
Magnesium 750 mg daily.
A proper balance of calcium and magnesium helps prevent abnormal calcium deposition. Use chelate or aspartate forms
Important
Proteolytic enzymes. As directed on label. To aid in absorption of nutrients and in control of inflammation and irritation.
Or Inflazyme Forte from American Biologics. Take as directed on label
Caution: Do not give these supplements to a child.
Intenzyme Forte from Biotics Research. Take as directed on label
Vitamin C with bioflavonoids Take 2,000-4,000 m daily. Acts as an anti-inflammatory; important for collagen and connective tissue.
.
Helpful
Bioflavonoids 100 mg daily. Vitamin C activators that also help relieve pain.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) Take as directed on label. Very effective for pain relief. It can be applied as a cream or taken by mouth in the pill form.
Vitamin B complex 50-100 mg of each major B vitamin daily. (amounts of individual vitamins in a complex will vary).
B vitamins work best when taken together. plus extra vitamin B6 (50 mg daily.) Necessary for production of (pyridoxine) hydrochloric acid, which helps prevent bone spurs by aiding proper calcium absorption.
HERBS
# Use arnica and chamomile to bathe the foot. You can also wrap the herbs in a cloth and apply it to the affected area as a poultice. (See USING A POULTICE in Part Three.)
# Bromelain, derived from pineapple, and curcumin, from turmeric, reduce pain and inflammation.
RECOMMENDATIONS
# Drink steam-distilled water only.
# Do not eat any citrus fruits, especially oranges. Eliminate alcohol, coffee, and sugar from your diet. These inhibit the healing process and upset the body's mineral balance
# To alleviate pain, try stretching exercises; deep, localized massage; physical therapy; and anti-inflammatory herbs. You can also use hot linseed oil packs. Place linseed oil in a pan and heat but do not boil it. Dip a piece of cheesecloth or other white cotton material into the oil until the cloth is saturated. Apply the cloth to the affected area and cover it with a piece of plastic that is larger in size than the cotton cloth. Place a heating pad over the plastic and use it to keep the pack warm. Keep the pack in place for one-half to two hours, as needed.
# Ice massages on the bottoms of the feet can be helpful. Alternate between hot and cold foot baths.
Select well-made, rubber-heeled shoes; these are better the feet than leather. Choose footwear for comfort-not looks. Some jogging shoes can be very comfortable. .Adding heel cushions to footwear helps to relieve pain.
Use night splints to provide a mild, constant stretching function across the sole of the foot at night while sleeping.
If you normally walk or jog for exercise, try bicycling or swimming instead.
Avoid walking on hard surfaces such as concrete, or hard floors without carpeting.
CONSIDERATIONS
A two-week raw food fast or a cleansing fast can be beneficial
It is best not to have a heel spur surgically removed unless it extremely irritating or painful.
Steroid injections have been the used to treat this condition. They are are not without potential complications, however.
They may cause loss of the fatty tissue pad at the bottom of the heel and bring about a condition that is painful and irreversible.
Foot surgery is a last-resort option that is usually reserved for extremely rare, severe cases. An incision is made over the heel to release the attached fascia from the heel bone. Recovery time is approximately six to ten weeks before walking can be resumed comfortably.
"A proper balance of calcium and magnesium helps prevent abnormal calcium deposition."
Eat A Banana for What Ails You
Contributed by: Nanci Baren (http:// health.groups.yahoo.com/group/arubyrogers/)
1. Forget the three cups of coffee or chocolate bar. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.
2. Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. And research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout.
3. Yet, energy isn't the only way a banana can help you keep fit. Eating bananas can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, when added to your daily diet.
4. Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
5. Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem naturally without the use of laxatives.
6. Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.
7. Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body. When suffering from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
8. High Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat high blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.
9. Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
10. Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins, which help calm the nervous system.
11. PMS: The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
12. Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.
13. Strokes: According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine, 'eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!
Coffee Versus Tea:
Contributed by: Nanci Baren (http:// health.groups.yahoo.com/group/arubyrogers/)
Many people just can't function without either their morning cup of coffee or tea. We are all busy, and a lot of us are overloaded with work. Managing a family and at the same time juggling a packed schedule can prove to be a daunting task. Under such circumstances, a freshly brewed cup of coffee or tea is the best thing to keep you going.
Yet the caffeine in both tea and coffee makes many believe that these drinks are unhealthy. But what many people don't realize is that caffeine, that magical element in coffee that shakes you up and wakes you up, is present in its sister beverage, tea. In addition to that jolt of caffeine, both coffee and tea can provide a boost to the immune system and helping to fight disease. Here's a quick look at a few of the health benefits coffee and tea have to offer.
Coffee
Both caffeinated and decaf coffee contain antioxidants and other substances that may help regulate blood sugar, possibly leading to a reduced risk of diabetes, according to some studies. There's also evidence that coffee can help manage headaches, boost mood, and even prevent cavities.
Tea
Some studies suggest that habitual tea drinkers' enjoy a reduced risk of developing some forms of cancer risk, stemming from tea's high levels of antioxidants. Antioxidants help to protect the cells from free radical damage and work to prevent and fight diseases. Tea is also believed to protect the heart by relaxing blood vessels, inhibiting clots, and reducing cholesterol levels.
Too Much of a Good Drink?
Of course moderation in anyone's diet is the key to better health. So how many cups are too much? This seems to still be out for consensus, however, some studies and research have revealed that drinking more than three cups of coffee a day could increase heart problems.
Consuming too much caffeine can also speed bone loss, and it might reduce birth weight and raise the risk of miscarriage.
So enjoy your cup of favorite tea or coffee but do so in moderation!
Summertime Remedies
Contributed by: Nanci Baren (http:// health.groups.yahoo.com/group/arubyrogers/)
Bug Bite?
Regular flavored toothpaste, when applied to an insect bite (especially fire ant bites) will immediately relieve itching.
Or
Make an "X" with your fingernail on the bite. It helps alleviate the need to itch.
Poison Ivy
Witch hazel applied to the affected area soothes the itching.
Instant tea helps dry the poison ivy. Add one 8-oz. Jar of the tea to warm bath water and soak for 15 minutes. The tannic acid soothes and dries the poison ivy.
Bee Sting
Place a penny on the sting and hold it on for at least 5 minutes. It will relieve the pain.
Splinters
Place a fresh onion or tomato on a deeply embedded splinter. Leave it on for 10 minutes. You may have to repeat, however, it should help draw the splinter to the skin surface so you can use tweezers to pull it out.
Another remedy involves glue. Pour a drop of glue over the splinter, let dry, and then peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter sticks to the dried glue.
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Sick Stomach?
Contributed by: Nanci Baren (http:// health.groups.yahoo.com/group/arubyrogers/)
Stomachaches and pains can be caused by many things, including:
1. Chronic constipation
2. Indigestion
3. Excessive gas
4. Food poisoning
5. Ulcers
6. Appendicitis
7. Inflammation of the gallbladder
8. Kidney stones
9. Urinary tract infections
10. Hernia
While some of these causes can be serious, sometimes an upset stomach is just that - a sick stomach. If you suffer from an occasional stomachache, here are some natural ways to remedy the ache:
Natural Remedies for Stomachache
· Think tea! Add lemon and, if needed, some honey.
· Eat an apple. Cut it up, keep the skin on, sprinkle with a little sugar and ground ginger. Heat it in the microwave for 40-45 seconds and eat warm.
· Lime sherbet and lemon-lime soda. Place a few scoops of sherbet in a glass and add some soda. Great for kids.
· Drink constant sips of either lukewarm or very warm water, but don't drink it fast.
· If you can, try drinking a teaspoon of vinegar.
· Flat cola soda is also a helpful remedy.
To Avoid Stomachaches:
· Drink water and lots of it. Water helps ensure smooth bowel movements.
· Avoid processed food like cheese, chocolate, and dairy products.
· Eat a balanced diet with plenty of dark green leafy vegetables.
· Stay active. A morning walk can help keep your digestive system healthy.
· Get enough rest – remember balance is the key.
Good Reasons to Eat An Apple a Day
Contributed by: Nanci Baren (http:// health.groups.yahoo.com/group/arubyrogers/)
· While counting an apple as part of the recommended 2 to 4 fruit servings a day, you may also want to keep the following in mind:
· Apples are rich in iron and phosphorus, two minerals that are good for the brain, liver, and bowels.
· One of the most beneficial parts of an apple is its acid content, both the malic and tartaric acids. These acids not only make the fruit itself digestible, but also assist in the digestion of other foods. Apples help regulate the digestive system and can aid in the cure and prevention of constipation. They also help neutralize the effects of rich, fatty foods.
· For constipation, try eating a ripe, juicy, preferably sour apple before bedtime every night.
· When peeled and grated, the apple relieves flatulence and diarrhea.
· The apple is also good for the teeth. The juice is cleansing, and the flesh is hard enough to help rid the teeth of plaque.
· It is believed that unsweetened apple cider can be used as a preventative against gout and rheumatism.
· Apples are thought to help with memory loss. Eating an apple a day, with one teaspoon of honey and one cup of milk, is recommended in the treatment for loss of memory and mental irritability.
· Other Useful Tips For Apple Usage: An apple in a sack of potatoes will prevent the potatoes from sprouting. • An apple placed in a container with brown sugar will help keep the sugar moist. • An apple in the cookie jar will keep cookies moist. • Add lemon juice to an apple recipe if the apples lack tartness.
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Bread Helps Your Blood Pressure
Contributed by: Nanci Baren (http:// health.groups.yahoo.com/group/arubyrogers/)
Hereʼs some news to make your heart sing: When you pick the right bread, your blood pressure wins!
Three grains recently tested had blood pressure benefits: whole wheat, barley, and brown rice. Look for them in whole-grain breads, cereals, and other grain-based goodies.
The Whole Story
In a study, all three grains were good for lowering blood pressure in middle-aged people with mildly high cholesterol and prehypertension. How? Chalk up another one for fiber. Both the soluble and insoluble fiber in grains reduce blood pressure -- and soluble fiber takes a bite out of cholesterol, too. High cholesterol and high blood pressure often occur together, and the combo is doubly dangerous for your heart and blood vessels.
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The Cabbie
Contributed by: Shabbir Kagalwala (kagalwalashabbir @ yahoo.co.in)
Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living. It was a cowboy's life, a life for someone who wanted no boss. What I didn't realize was that it was also a ministry.
Because I drove the night shift, my cab became a moving confessional. Passengers climbed in, sat behind me in total anonymity, and told me about their lives. I encountered people whose lives amazed me, ennobled me, made me laugh and weep.
But none touched me more than a woman I picked up late one August night. I was responding to a call from a small brick fourplex in a quiet part of town. I assumed I was being sent to pick up some partiers, or someone who had just had a fight with a lover, or a worker heading to an early shift at some factory for the industrial part of town.
When I arrived at 2:30 a.m., the building was dark except for a single light in a ground floor window. Under these circumstances, many drivers would just honk once or twice, wait a minute, then drive away. But I had seen too many impoverished people who depended on taxis as their only means of transportation. Unless a situation smelled of danger, I always went to the door. This passenger might be someone who needs my assistance, I reasoned to myself. So I walked to the door and knocked. "Just a minute", answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor. After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 80s stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie.
By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.
"Would you carry my bag out to the car?" she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my kindness. "It's nothing", I told her. "I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated".
"Oh, you're such a good boy", she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me and address, then asked, "Could you drive through downtown?"
"It's not the shortest way," I answered quickly. "Oh, I don't mind," she said. "I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice".
I looked in the rearview mirror. Her eyes were glistening. "I don't have any family left," she continued. "The doctor says I don't have very long." I quietly reached over and shut off the meter. "What route would you like me to take?" I asked.
For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl. Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing. As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, "I'm tired. Let's go now."
We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her.
I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.
"How much do I owe you?" she asked, reaching into her purse. "Nothing," I said.
"You have to make a living," she answered. "There are other passengers," I responded. Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly.
"You gave an old woman a little moment of joy," she said. "Thank you." I squeezed her hand, then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life. I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly, lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?
On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life. We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.
People may not remember exactly what you did, or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel.
Author Unknown
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