Who Else Wants a Healthy 4pm Pick Me Up - Secret Fruit Revealed

By Marcus C. Evans

It's the end of your work day and you are about to leave work. You're tired, sluggish and deflated with no energy left for further activity. Even the things you need to do when you do get home. You've already had too much coffee and you know it's not a good idea for you to have any more.

What you need is a natural pick me up; one that has a pleasant taste. Is there anything like that out there? Yes, there is and it is called the acai berry. There are numerous products made using the acai berry which is a natural product with a plethora of associated health benefits.

Sure there are a lot of products being sold now that promise a quick pick me up. They claim their product or drinks are all natural, but do you really know what you are getting? Most of these products simply don't work or can even be harmful to you! That's certainly not what you are looking for. What has taken over US and European markets is now making its mark on Australia.

A delicious fruit (one you will want to try) acai products form the basis of healthy drinks and other delicious products. The acai berry is a product of the acai palm. A tree native to South America and harvested for hundreds of years. The berry itself resembles our purple grape in size and colour and tastes like a piece of chocolate covered fruit. You do like chocolate, don't you?

Grown in South America, the acai fruit makes up over 40% of the diet of the population. Acai is used in drinks, added to cereal, as a topping for ice cream and eaten fresh by the native population of South America.

The products of the acai berry, and the berry itself, have been considered for hundreds of years as a source of quick energy and held in high regard for its all around health benefits. The fruit itself is very perishable and can only be obtained outside of South America in a powder or freeze-dried form. As in the United States and European countries, acai berry products are now found in many Australian health food markets.

The acai berries are known for their health benefits. Energy is just one of these benefits. The acai berry is abundant in antioxidants containing more than red wine. It is also jam packed with amino acids, protein and omega 3 fatty acids. The berries are a great source of fibre which we all know is needed for proper bodily functions. The berry also contains natural sugars we need and is pretty much the perfect fruit to be an energy producer for all Australians craving a healthy energy boost.

When faced with a daily shortage of energy or power or thoughts of more coffee (not a good idea) or using one of the questionable energy drinks on the market, a supply of acai products in the office refrigerator will keep you on your toes. You can have a healthy energy drink anytime there is a dip in your energy level.

If you want to feel good all the time, then acai is for you! - 17269

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Author: Marcus C. Evans investigates the 'pick-me-up' effect of the acai berry on his website where you can also find out more on the benefits for health contained within the acai fruit.

Kids - Poison Ivy and Children

By Melinda Mahrer

To be blamed are plants such as poison ivy, poison sumac and poison oak. All of them produce the same substance or oil, called urushiol, which cause rashes. Urushiol is colorless and even odorless and is present within the leaves. Poison ivy can even grow in the backyards and parks. So any kind of outdoor activity should be monitored and the lawn should be de-weeded periodically. Bushes should be checked, as they grow as a regular plant and the child would not be able to distinguish the poisonous plant from the regular one.

Children should be educated and made to understand the description and ill-effects of poison ivy. They come in wide range and some change the appearance depending on seasonal variations. Urushiol is released from the leaves only when the leaves are damaged like when they are torn, get bumped or are brushed. The moment the leave is damaged, urushiol is released and the skin is affected immediately. Also, what many people do not know that to get a rash by poison ivy is not only by coming directly in contact with the plant.

Human and animal carriers of urushiol can affect people coming in contact with them. The leaves of the plant can be flown by the air, which can cause damage when those leaves are handled or burned with the rest of the leaves and twigs.

Once the children are made familiar with the plants, they should be asked to steer clear on the sight of the plant or leaves. Parents should avoid places where there are possibilities of growth of such plants. When going on camps, etc., children should not be dressed in short sleeves and short length pants, so that the body does not brush off such plants. In spite of taking all these precautions, if the child comes in contact with such plants and contact with urushiol is suspected, the area should be washed with water and disinfectant. It is best to take shower and clean the whole body and the clothes should be removed immediately and washed. Pets should also be bathed after their outdoor adventures.

Basically, the urushiol causes an allergic reaction which irritates the skin and that is the reason why it is known as an allergen. This allergen won't harm all, but eighty percent of the victims get skin irritations. It not only creates itchy rashes, but can also swell the skin. The time period for the symptoms to surface is few hours to five days. The rash usually takes one to two week to heal completely. First the skin swells and rash develops. Blisters can also form as a result of regular rubbing of the skin to get rid of the itch. The blisters will form a crust after some days and will flake off.

And if the case isn't that serious, the doctor recommends home remedies. The child would be asked to be given showers with cold water and calamine lotion would have to be applied. If the redness and itching is intense, fluid medicine along with pills are administered to the kid. Antihistamine is very popular in such cases. Steroids are prescribed by the doctor. - 17269

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Most effective Ways You Can Develop Chest Muscles That Get Noticed

By Rob Molloy

For a body you can be quite proud of, you will find that it is crucial to build chest muscles. When it comes to well-defined chest muscles, men and women face the same dilemma. They both want firm chests rather than the flaccid musculature they now likely have. It isn't easy to build chest muscles but there are a number of things to assist you in achieving that muscular chest you want.

To build muscles, it is more effective to focus your workout on working the muscles instead of the up or down movement of the weight. For a more directed concentration, knowing something about the muscles in the chest that need to be worked will help. Understanding what muscles are in your chest and how they work to shape the overall look and fitness of your chest will help in building them.

In the chest area there are two main muscle groups, the pectoralis major and the pectoralis minor. The pectoralis major is the group of muscles on top, the ones that are mostly visible and the pectoralis minor lie towards the top of chest near the shoulder beneath the pectoralis major muscles. Many will think that you should focus your attention on just the pectoralis major muscles but if you develop the pectoralis minor muscles you stand to push the major ones forward making them look bigger.

The chest muscles, like all the muscles in the body, contain fibers that grow in a variety of directions. This means that the most effective way to exercise these muscles is to target the chest from different directions as well. Chest muscles have two main functions, namely to cross the arms and shoulders in front of the body, and to push.

The two types of exercises and movements that you are going to focus on to build chest muscles are presses and flys. Presses are movements moving weight out away from your body by straightening out your arms. These movements also make use of the triceps and shoulders. Any time multiple muscle groups are used they are called compound movements and are great for weight lifting because you end up working out several areas, maximizing use of your time and energy. In fly movements you start out with your arms extended straight out so that you are making a 'T' and then bringing them together in front of your body. While flys do involve more than one joint movement, they are a better way of isolating the chest area and adding bulk.

Considered to be the best and most effective way to build chest muscles is the flat bench press that you will be doing. The angle of the press will affect which part of the chest is targeted. An incline press will affect the upper chest and a decline press will affect the lower part of the chest. When holding the bar one needs to remember that by holding it with the hands widespread will target the outer chest. Likewise, holding the bar with the hands closer together will target the inner chest. If you are exercising without a spotter at the gym, it's important to make use of the different press machines available in order to stay safe.

To build chest muscles use either cables or dumbells for the flys. Both are effective and you should vary what you use. Use the fly exercises on an incline to work the upper part of the chest, use a decline to work the lower part of the chest and use a flat bench to work the overall chest.

You will have to decide the number of sets/reps/weight that is best for you to build chest muscles. Generally try to do 3 sets with 10-15 reps on each exercise. Try to pyramid them in such a way that you use the early set to warm you up for the heavy set that is your middle one and then follow that heavy set with a cool down set. Increase the amount that you lift gradually. Each repetition will be more effective if you do each motion slowly. You may find out by doing each motion slower you will be able to use less weight but don't be discouraged, you will be getting the best workout possible. All of this will go a long way in your efforts to build large chest muscles. - 17269

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For lots more excellent information about ways to build your pectoral muscles, check out grow muscle without lifting weights : upper torso and for building muscles in general, to the main building muscle page here growmymuscles.com

Berry Fights Cancer

By Dr. Lorna Mistranski

The acai berry extract triggered a self-destruct response where in 86 percent of the cases it destroyed leukemia cells where this information was originally printed and published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

Acai berry provides a rich source of antioxidants which are key to fighting harmful radicals that can lead to cancer. The study was important in showing the importance of reasons why the acai berry should be part of a daily diet.

An very important thing to note here is that this study did not intend to demonstrate that the elements found in the acai berry can prevent leukemia in humans.

This study was never intended to raise any false hopes that the acai berry is a cure for leukemia. The results are still very positive however. The human body has shown promising results with compounds that have been tested under the cell-culture model.

Other fruits have proven similar results in killing cancer cells like mangoes, grapes and guavas. Scientist are still unsure what role antioxidants play in fighting cancer cells as there are other factors that come into play as well.

Acai berry must be consumed shortly after they are picked which is why so little is known about them. The process of being able to maintain the valuable qualities is so new that very little research has ever been done on this fruit.

Acai berrys are produced by a palm tree known scientifically as Euterpe oleracea, common in floodplain areas of the Amazon River. When the berry is ripe, it is purple and about the size of a grape. It's contained in a thin layer of an edible pulp surrounding a large seed.

The local people of the amazon have been using the acai berry to treat conditions ranging from skin disorders to digestive problems. recently, the acai berry has proven helpful in loosing weight and lowering cholesterol. - 17269

About the Author:

For the past thirty years, Dr. Lorna Mistranski has researched extracts that offer the optimalresults in diet pills. She has a free diet pillsinformation site that providesgoodadvice when looking for which diet solution is right for you. She also has an webblog that looks at the optimalfree diet pillsoffersavailable and which ones to avoid.

Children - Stomach Flu in Children

By Jan Maurer

Stomach flu or gastroenteritis is a kind of infection in the digestive system, especially the stomach and intestines. Causes for this condition are parasite, bacteria, or virus infection spread through contaminated food and fluids. It can also be caused by certain toxins present in some plants & seafood, usage of powerful laxatives in order to cure constipation or because of intake of poisonous heavy metal or food. The problem starts with stomach upset and cramps. The child shows disinterest in eating and feels week. Symptoms of stomach flu are diarrhea and vomiting, which take nearly five days to go away.

The child must be given fluids regularly as this will suppress other symptoms from emerging because of loss of water from the body. Loss of water and salt from the body is the biggest risk in stomach flu. Dehydration can not only worsen the condition, but can threaten the life of the child, if it isn't taken care of in the early stages. Since there is loss of salts along with the loss of water from the body, plain water won't do much. Oral rehydration solutions which are available at the local grocery or drug store, is a good idea because it has the correct combination of salts, sugar and water which can hydrate the body. These fluids come in different flavor, so that kids can have their favorite flavor and is easy to consume. The solution shouldn't be added with anything else such as sugar or water.

If a child is vomiting, solution can be administered to him using a teaspoon every two minutes. The quantity can be increased gradually. If the vomiting is more frequent, the child can be prefabricated to suck cover chips in order to supply constant fluid to the body. The solution should be given till diarrhea comes to a halt, but it is not advisable to continue it for more than twenty four hours. Some of the fluids such as soft drinks, sports drink, apple juice, tea, or chicken broth contain wrong amounts of salt, sugar & water and can make matter worse. Besides fluids, the parent shouldn't give any type of medicine without consulting a pediatrician.

Fried, spicy and sugary foods aren't good in this condition. If the child isn't receiving sufficient amount of fluids he/she will show signs such as sunken eyes, dry mouth, intense thirst, unusual sleep patterns, and decrease in urine.

The more the bed rest taken by the child the better it is. The child should take complete bed rest for at least twenty four hours or till the diarrhea and vomiting stops. If the child has fever, the temperature should be checked and noted in a log, every four hours. If the temperature is very high and doesn't stop climbing, the doctor should be contacted immediately. The person who is preparing and serving food to the child should wash his or her hands very carefully before doing so. Also, if the diarrhea and vomiting doesn't stop after twenty four hours, it is a must to get a doctor's appointment. The child should be rushed into emergency if the vomiting contains blood or green color substance.

The doctor, after doing stool and blood test, prescribes antibiotics if infection is suspected. Along with it, anti nausea medicines are also given to stop the throwing up and control fluid loss. If there is considerable loss of fluids from the child's body, the child might be admitted into the hospital and will be administered with fluids such as glucose or IV, through a tube connected to the child's veins. If the child has fever, temperature is checked and the doctor would ask about information about the temperature pattern, for which the parent should be ready. If the illness is stretched for days, a log about the information about the daily weight should also be given to the doctor. Sometimes, the blood oxygen levels would also have to be checked with the help of a pulse oximeter. - 17269

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Why Oprah recommends the acai berry for weight loss.

By Casandra James

As the talk shows & media are discussing weight loss & other health issues in detail, acai berry is catching up fame among the dieters. Dr. Nicholas Perricone, the renowned dermatologist has ranked acai berry on the top of his list of top 10 super foods. Along with the other experts, he has prescribed this diet to 'media queen' Oprah Winfrey who now weighs 200 pounds. Besides Oprah, Rachel Ray the known cook also recommended this diet supplement on her show. Her guest on the show explaining the benefits of acai were Dr. Perricone & cardiac surgeon, Dr. Mehmet Oz.

For more than a thousand years, Amazon natives have been using the Acai Berry as food and as a cure for common ailments. Dr. Nicholas Perricone and his scientist colleagues have tested and proven the Acai Berry's amazing use as an agent in cancer cure and prevention, immune system boost, and weight loss.

AcaiBurn is a weight loss aid that's both safe and organic. It's effective because its berry source contains a substantial amount of fiber which improves a person's metabolic rate. The Acai Berry is even included among the top ranking fruits and vegetables that contain high levels of antioxidants using the ORAC scale (Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity).

As we grow older, we take in huge amounts of toxins and other wastes into our body. These toxins clog our system and the body's regular processes are disturbed. As a result, we suffer from chronic weight gain, fatigue, moodiness, and stress. This may even lead to serious diseases like cancer.

All in all if you are looking for that extra push to fit in an outfit or make an event I'd say after this review, AcaiBurn can work for you. You must have dedication in the gym and dedication with your diet in order to see the best results. You cannot sit around and eat a bunch of sweets and expect to see results. This is no magic pill but this one does work. - 17269

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To learn the truth on AcaiBurn we would strongly urge you to spend some time doing research online. The most honest review we have come across for AcaiBurn can be found at the following weight loss review

Children - Tonsils and Tonsillitis in Children

By Melinda Mahrer

Tonsils are two tissue balls located at the back of the throat. They play a vital role and are an important part of the body's infection fighting mechanism by helping to fight germs and diseases. Tonsils deal with the germs before they reach mouth, throat, or sinuses. When these infection fighters are infected by viruses or bacteria, the condition is known as tonsillitis.

The symptoms of tonsillitis are: as the time passes, eating, drinking and swallowing things become difficult. The pain can be accompanied with fever, aching and headache. The tonsils can be seen too. Just open the mouth wide open and the two masses of tissues at the either side of the throat are tonsils. They are usually dark pink in color, but when they get infected they turn red. A white or yellow coating can also be formed on the tonsils. There is an obvious change in voice as it becomes hoarser. The infected child can also develop bad breath. The infected kid can also get abdominal pain and can throw up what he eats. Tonsillitis is caused by both bacterial infection and viral infection. Bacterium known as streptococci causes infections which require special treatment.

When the child gets tonsillitis, the parent should give lots of fluids to drink. Smooth food should be consumed to ease the pain caused by swallowing coarse, crunchy, and hard food. Food like soups, ice creams, applesauce, and gelatin are a good option. Spicy food should also be avoided. A humidifier or cool mist vaporizer can be placed in the child's room as that will make breathing more easily. The kid must be given maximum rest and complete bed rest for at least two days is recommended. The bacteria and viruses cause tonsillitis to spread by sneezing, coughing or touching. The infected child must cover his/her mouth while coughing and sneezing. A disposable tissue can be used instead of a towel or handkerchief.

The doctor inspects the tonsils using a wooden stick known as tongue depressor, which will lower the tongue, so that the doctor can have a good look at the tonsils. After that the doctor checks the ears and nose. Heartbeat will be checked. If the doctor suspects strep, he/she will take a sample of saliva from the back of the throat using a long cotton swab, which can gag up the child a bit. After a day or two the results are received. Some doctors conduct a similar test known as rapid strep test, which give results within few minutes. Antibiotics are given when the test results come positive for strep.

If virus is the cause of infection, there is no medicine for it and instead the body is capable of fighting the virus on its own. When the tonsils infection becomes frequent and the child finds it difficult to breath because of tonsillitis, it is recommended to get the tonsils removed. But it is the last resort after all other treatments do not do the trick, because tonsils are very important to the body's immune system.

The tonsils are taken out by surgery known as tonsillectomy. After the surgery, the child won't suffer from sore throat and breathing problems anymore. The surgery won't even leave any scars. A day before the surgery, the child cannot eat or drink, to keep the child from throwing up during the operation. The operation is very short and last for only twenty minutes. Because of the anesthesia, the child won't feel a thing during the operation. And during the surgery, the tonsils are removed using an electric cautery, which is a burning tool, or a cutting tool. After the surgery, the child is given lots of fluids and after a day soft foods can also be given. Usually it takes about two weeks to completely recover from the surgery and the child can return back to normal activities. - 17269

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