Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which means that it can combat the effects of free radicals in your body and on your skin. Free radicals are the unstable molecules in the environment that can cause aging of the skin. So, when vitamin C is properly delivered into skin cells, there is a good chance to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture.

However, eating a bag of oranges every week is not going to bring about the desired results for your skin. In order to see the benefits of vitamin C on the outside of your body, you will need to find a way to combine a healthy diet that is rich in vitamin C with skin care products that contain this important nutrient. Scientists have now discovered how to use a variety of vitamin C derivatives in skin care products that will bring about the same benefits as natural vitamin C with less of the ingredient required for results.

Apart from intake of vitamin c there are also other ways to protect skin from damage and keep it glowing. Free radicals which damage the skin are accumulated due to excessive sun exposure, cigarette smoke and environmental pollutants. Hence, skin has to be protected against these. Have plenty of water, when people are dehydrated wrinkles are much more noticeable. Use sunscreen and a good night moisturizer.

Via:Webmd

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Among 13-17 year olds, academics is by far the most commonly mentioned source. Among 18-24 year olds, it is jobs and financial matters. Academic and career related pressures are ruining the life of young people. An average teenager today wants to excel in school, perform well in sports, keep up with the latest trends and choose the right higher education stream. Youngsters in there 20’s want a well paid job, they want to start saving for buying assets and also want to choose the right life partner. Added to this is the pressure to try and meet the expectations of the parents.

Another type of stress which is latent in the minds of youth but still present is the threat of terrorism and vandalism. Females particularly feel unsafe in many public places and this adds to their stress level. After a series of terrorist activities which have rocked the world, the fear is nagging in the minds of young people who find themselves helpless and not able to contribute towards its eradication.

According to surveys young females are more stressed out then males and incidences of high stress level are more in urban areas. The incidences of anxiety and depression are rising at an alarming rate and we keep hearing of teenager suicide cases around the world. Cut throat competition to keep up with peers is robbing youngsters of the pleasures of being young and healthy.

Via:MSNBC

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Statistics say that apart from the youths, another age group that is particularly vulnerable to suicide is the people in the age bracket of 65 years and above. The overall U.S. suicide rate is 11 per 100,000 people. But for those 65 and older, that figure rises to 14 per 100,000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Although taking one’s life can be an acute, impulsive act at any age, suicide among the elderly is more often a drastic solution that has been contemplated for some time.
Change, in the form of retirement, moving to a nursing home or losing the ability to drive or walk can be a trigger. Depression is the most frequent cause of suicidal thoughts and alcoholism triggers depression.

Studies of alcoholics reveal that between 30 percent and 60 percent suffer from depression, and a significant proportion of alcoholics have other persons in their families suffering from depression. Sometimes the elderly are suffering from painful diseases and they put themselves out of misery by committing suicide.

But, this tragic situation can change!

Most elderly people don’t really want to die. Family, friends and health providers can step in to help prevent the suicide of elderly people. In the elderly people around you look for persistent sad or anxious mood, feelings of hopelessness or pessimism, loss of interest in hobbies or activities and signs of decreased energy.

A mere reminder to the elderly that they are still a part of a family or a community can give them hope to live.

Via:MSNBC

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Why are natural products beneficial?

Most conventional toothpastes and mouthwashes on the market contain unnecessary and sometimes harmful ingredients. As much as we may avoid it, while using the products a certain amount is swallowed or absorbed directly into the bloodstream because the products come into direct contact with the mucous membranes of the mouth.Some of the harmful ingredients are artificial colors ,foaming agent sodium lauryl and fluoride. Although studies show that fluoride helps prevent tooth decay, controversy exists over the safety of fluoride because it has been linked to immune dysfunction.
Natural toothpastes rely instead on safe cleansing agents like baking soda, salt, and bamboo powder. These toothpastes and mouthwashes are sweetened with vegetable Glycerin. They also contain essential oils such as clove , peppermint, eucalyptus , lavender and neem.
Even dental floss is a source of toxic chemicals.Many brands’ nonstick coatings contain perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), which have been linked to Cancer. Healthier choices are natural dental flosses made with vegetable waxes and Beeswax and flavored with essential oils.

Home remedies for a healthy mouth
Brush and floss daily to sweep away plaque.Use a soft toothbrush as hard toothbrush can wear away tooth enamel.Use mouthwash between meals to remove stray food particles.Once in a while use the simple home tooth whitening treatment.Mix 1 tablespoon each of baking soda ans hydrogen peroxide and brush your teeth with the mixuture for two minutes.Rinse thoroughly and dazzle everyone with your smile!

Via:Natural

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According to a new research the AIDS virus entered the United States via Haiti, probably arriving in just one person in about 1969, earlier than first believed. After the virus, HIV-1, entered the U.S., it flourished and spread worldwide.

The team conducting the research analyzed blood from five of the first AIDS patients identified in the U.S., all of whom were recent immigrants from Haiti. The team also analyzed genetic sequences from another 117 AIDS patients from around the world who were infected with subtype B, the virus strain that has spread most widely. The study is due to be published this week in the Early Online issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and is the work of Michael Worobey, an assistant professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at The University of Arizona in Tucson, and colleagues.

As per the study the most likely route was Africa to Haiti then the US, which yielded a probability of 99.8 per cent. The study might help in improving the design and testing of future vaccines by taking into full account the genetic diversity of the virus. HIV was formally recognized in 1981, and limited initial government support for studying the disease led to many more infections. This scenario is now hoped to change and efforts are being put in to restrict the disease in its present stage.

Via:BBC

Image Credit:OHCHR

Powerwalking also known as speed walking has its origin in the athletic event of Racewalking. Racewalkers keep their bodies low to the ground, with shoulders steady and arms pumping through the hip. Speed is influenced by the strength of the arms and rapidity of leg movement. In a nutshell powerwalking is cheap, convenient, calorie-blasting, joint-friendly workout!

Jogging requires a proper track and might not be such a feasible option for people suffering from joint problems. However a power walk can be taken by almost anyone and neither a gym membership nor any fancy equipment is required for it.
But let us not confuse power walking with brisk walking. Just walking at a brisk pace will not do much; it needs to be a vigorous walk with a lot of arm pumping and hip swinging. Think you might look silly doing it? That is precisely the reason why the concept has not caught on much. There are a couple of things which can be done to avoid power walking turning into an embarrassing experience:
• Try to avoid busy commercial areas while walking.
• Take up a partner to walk along
• Try walking early morning when there are less people and less air pollution.
Power walk is energizing and a great way to start the day. It gets the heart pumping and the blood flowing. It can be undertaken in the middle of a work day, and you will find that you return for the post lunch meeting feeling much more alert!

Via:Dietblog

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Kanzius has built a device which yet does not have a name. The device is cancer cell generator based on nanotechnology. Nanotechnology, has been called as ‘the manufacturing technology of the 21st century” .It is helping to economically build a broad range of complex molecular machines through which doctors can now intervene in a sophisticated and controlled way at the cellular and molecular level.

Kanzius’s method works by a patient first receiving an injection of gold nanoparticles, which would attach themselves to the cancer cells. The patient would then enter the machine and be administered a dose of radio frequency waves, which would heat the nanoparticles and surrounding cancer cells to a temperature high enough to kill the cancer cells, but would leave nearby cells untouched. The machine does not use radiation. Many scientists are using Kanzius’ machine in their research and the most challenging part yet is finding a way to target the cancerous cells with nanoparticles.
Kanzius said that he was inspired to investigate the potential of nanotechnology and radio waves after receiving 24 rounds of chemotherapy, and wishing that others–especially children–wouldn’t have to endure the same treatment.

Via:Inventorspot

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Vitamin E in Heart Disease - Previous findings
Studies on animals were conducted and it was proved that vitamin E could help protect patients who are at risk for suffering a heart attack. An observational study in Finland involving over 5000 people suggested that Vitamin E supplements was associated with lower death rate from heart disease. However, clinical studies conducted on humans had not been able to produce similar results.

Vitamin E in Heart Disease - New findings

In a new study scientists found out that much larger dose of the vitamin is required to be given to humans to produce some effect. Consequently larger doses were administered but it did not have a major effect on oxidative stress. It is also doubtful whether taking doses is safe in the long term or not. Although animal studies have suggested that vitamin E does slow the development of atherosclerosis, but the American Heart Association doesn’t recommend using supplements until the effects are proven in large-scale, carefully controlled clinical trials.

Sources of Vitamin E

• Wheat germ
• Vegetable oil and margarine
• Avocado
• Whole grain products
• Egg yolk
• Nuts
• Liver
• Peanut butter

Via:Ivanhoe

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Mild form of depression may not need treatment and can be successfully addressed if identified in the early stages. Many simple solutions can prevent the situation from getting out of hand. It is very important to vent out the pent up feelings. Talking to close family and friends helps and help can even be sought from a professional counselor. Communication is one of the keys to early diagnosis and treatment. The patients should identify and focus on activities that make them feel better and keep them occupied. Music and meditation help to a large extend.If the mind is left unoccupied then seeds of irrational fear take root. Regular exercise and proper diet should be maintained. Exercise has been found to increase the levels of the body’s own natural antidepressants called endorphins.

The causes of depression are complex. Genetic, biological, and environmental factors can contribute to its development. In some people, depression can be traced to a single cause, while in others; a number of causes are at play. For many, the causes are never known. Whatever the cause be, the will to break the cycle of depression has to come from within.

Via:Naturalholistic

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They are anti- fatigue, and improve body circulation. They are not very smart to look at though, but the relief from fatigue will make it up. There are a lot of foot massagers in the market already of various shapes and sizes. They work on acupressure and increase the blood circulation.

According to the principles of Foot Reflexology, massaging your feet stimulates all the nerve endings and pressure points in your feet, thus creating a soothing effect that actually relieves pain and discomfort in your other extremities and torso. No wonder people love foot massages.