Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Teen Sexual Health

Photograph of a stethoscope with the shadows of two women in the background

As a teenager, you go through many physical, mental, emotional, and social changes. The biggest change is puberty, the process of becoming sexually mature. It usually happens between ages 10 and 14 for girls and ages 12 and 16 for boys. As your body changes, you may have questions about sexual health.

Photograph of two female teens and one male teen
During this time, you start to develop your own unique personality and opinions. Some changes that you might notice include
  • Increased independence from your parents
  • More concerns about body image and clothes
  • More influence from peers
  • Greater ability to sense right and wrong

All of these changes can sometimes seem overwhelming. Some sadness or moodiness can be normal. But feeling very sad, hopeless, or worthless could be warning signs of a mental health problem. If you need help, talk to your parents, school counselor, or health care provider.
Puberty is the time in life when a boy or girl becomes sexually mature. It is a physical change that usually happens between ages 10 and 14 for girls and ages 12 and 16 for boys. Puberty affects boys and girls differently.
In girls:
  • The first sign of puberty is usually breast development.
  • Other signs are the growth of hair in the pubic area and armpits, and acne.
  • Menstruation (or a period) usually happens last.
In boys:
  • Puberty usually begins with the testicles and penis getting bigger.
  • Then hair grows in the pubic area and armpits.
  • Muscles grow, the voice deepens, and acne and facial hair develop as puberty continues.
Both boys and girls also usually have a growth spurt (a rapid increase in height) that lasts for about 2 or 3 years. This brings them closer to their adult height, which they reach after puberty.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Going Bananas natural remedy for many ills




A professor at CCNY for a physiological psych class told his class about bananas.  He said the expression "going bananas" is from the effects of bananas on the brain.  Read on:


Never, put your banana in the refrigerator!!!
                                
This is interesting. After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again..


                                Bananas contain three
natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.


                                Research has proven that
just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.


                                But energy isn't the only
way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.


                                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.


                                PMS: Forget the pills - eat
a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.


                                Anemia : High in iron,
bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.


                                Blood Pressure: This unique
tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat 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 blood pressure and stroke.


                                Brain Power: 200 students at
a Twickenham (Middlesex) school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.


                                Constipation: High in fiber,
including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.


                                Hangovers: One of the
quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
                                
                               Heartburn: Bananas have a
natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.


                                Morning Sickness: Snacking
on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness


                                Mosquito bites: Before
reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation. Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.


                                Overweight and at work?
Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like
chocolate and chips... Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.. 


                                Ulcers: The banana is used
as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.


                                Temperature control: Many
other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of
expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.


                                Seasonal Affective Disorder
(SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.


                                Smoking &Tobacco Use:
Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.


                                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.


                                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%!


                                Warts: Those keen on natural
alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!


                                So, a banana really is a
natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate , three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"


                                PASS IT ON TO YOUR FRIENDS
PS: Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time! I will add one
here; want a quick shine on our shoes?? Take the INSIDE of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe...polish with dry cloth. Amazing fruit !!!

Friday, November 19, 2010

Expiration Dates - Good to KNOW


Find out when common food, drinks, & household items expire.


ItemRefrigeratedFrozen
Eggs4 to 5 weeks
Fish1 to 2 days4 to 6 months
Ground Meat1 to 2 days3 to 4 months
Poultry1 to 2 days12 months
Steak3 to 5 days6 to 8 months
Canned Tuna1 year
Canned Tuna (opened)3 to 4 days
ItemRefrigerated
Cheddar3 to 6 months
Cottage Cheese2 weeks
Grated Parmesan12 months
Swiss Cheese3 to 6 months
Processed American8 months
Chocolate Bar1 year
Marshmallows (opened)40 weeks
Marshmallows (unopened)3 months
ItemShelf Life
Crackers3 to 6 months
Plain Bread2 weeks
Oatmeal12 months
Instant Cereal2 to 3 months
Pasta24 months
White Rice24 months
Brown Rice6 months

ItemShelf Life
Bananas3 to 6 days
Apples6 months
Onions2 weeks
Potatoes4 weeks
Maraschino Cherries3 to 4 years
Green Olives (jarred & unopened)3 years
Green Olives (jarred & opened)3 months
Pickles (unopened)18 months
Pickles (opened)n/a (do not eat if slippery or soft)

ItemRefrigerated
Yellow Mustard6 to 8 months
Ketchup24 months
Mayonnaise3 to 4 months
Jams & Jellies18 months
Salad Dressings3 months
Brown Sugar4 months
Honeynever expires
Maple Syrup1 year
Olive Oil2 years from manufacture date
Steak Sauce33 months (color affected but still safe to eat)
Tabasco Sauce5 years
Soy Sauce (Bottled)2 years
Soy Sauce (opened)3 months (taste changes but still safe to eat)
Vinegar42 months
Worcestershire Sauce2 years (5 to 10 years if unopened)

Item 
Ground Coffee (unopened)2 years
Ground Coffee (opened)1 month, refrigerated
Gourmet Coffee beans3 weeks
Gourmet Coffee ground1 week if sealed
Instant Coffee (unopened)2 years
Instant Coffee (opened)1 month
Unopened Soda (plastic bottle)3 months (from 'best by' date)
Opened Soda (plastic bottle)doesn't spoil (but taste is affected)
Unopened Juice Bottle8 months from production date
Opened Juice Bottle7 to 10 days
Wine (unopened)3 years from vintage date
Wine (opened)1 week refrigerated and corked
Fine Wine20 to 100 years
Item 
Bar Soap18 to 36 months
Bath Gel ( Body Wash )3 years
Bath Oil1 year
Body Bleaches (unopened)2 years
Body Bleaches (used)6 months
Body Lotion3 years
Eye Cream (unopened)3 years
Eye Cream (opened)1 year
Face Lotion3 years
Face Lotion with SPFcheck the expiration date
Item
Aerosol Air Freshener2 years
Antifreeze (premixed)1 to 5 years
Antifreeze (concentrate)never expires
Alkaline Batteries7 years
Lithium Batteries10 years
Bleach3 to 6 months
Dish Detergent (liquid or powder)1 year
Fire Extinguisher12 years
Fire Extinguisher (rechargeable)service/replace every 6 years
Metal Polish3 years
Miracle Gro3 to 8 years
Miracle Gro (water-soluble)never expires
Motor Oil2 to 5 years
Motor Oil (opened)3 months
Mr. Clean2 years
Paint (unopened)about 10 years
Paint (opened)2 to 5 years
Spray Paint2 to 3 years
Windex2 years
Wood Polish2 years
Foundation (water-based)

Sponsor Links

CANCER DIET PREVENTION?
A natural effective cancer diet for people with cancer or for the prevention of cancer!
What You Will Learn From The Cancer Prevention Diet!
www.alternativecancerdiet.com

BETTER HEALTH TODAY!
The "Better Health Today Manual" Has Been Prepared For All Those Ready To Learn!
www.annybelle.org/better_health_today

HERBAL REMEDY CURE?
It Is Possible To Treat And Cure Yourself Effectively Without The Use Of Harmful Drugs?
Learn The Secrets To Using All Natural And Proven Herbal Remedies That Produce Fewer Or Virtually No Side Effects!
www.herbalremedycures.com