Dented Cans – Safe or Unsafe?

Are canned foods unsafe to eat if the can is dented?

ANSWER – Dents in cans can put stresses on seals and cause them to leak. If this happens, microoganisms can enter the product and cause it to spoil.

http://extension.psu.edu/food-safety/food-preservation/faq/dented-cans

Store canned foods and other shelf-stable products in a cool, dry place.
Never put them above the stove, under the sink, in a damp garage or
basement, or any place exposed to high or low temperature extremes.
Store high-acid foods, such as tomatoes and other fruit,
up to 18 months. Low-acid foods, such as meat
and vegetables, can be kept 2 to 5 years.
While extremely rare, a toxin produced by
Clostridium botulinum is the worst danger
in canned foods. NEVER USE food from
containers that show signs of “botulism”:
leaking, bulging, rusting, or badly dented
cans; cracked jars; jars with loose or bulging
lids; canned food with a foul odor; or any
container that spurts liquid when opening.
DO NOT TASTE THIS FOOD! Even the tiniest
amount of botulinum toxin can be deadly.

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/oa/topics/foodsec_cons.pdf

Smile

Say Cheese: 15 Fascinating Facts About Smiling

July 12th, 2010

Everyone loves the quote "laughter is the best medicine," and as a nurse, you have probably even experienced the benefits of smiling and laughter with your patients. In fact, smiling can boost your mood and even your immune system. Keep reading for more fascinating facts about our smiles.

1. Forcing yourself to smile can boost your mood: Psychologists have found that even if you’re in bad mood, you can instantly lift your spirits by forcing yourself to smile.
2. It boosts your immune system: Smiling really can improve your physical health, too. Your body is more relaxed when you smile, which contributes to good health and a stronger immune system.
3. Smiles are contagious: It’s not just a saying: smiling really is contagious, scientists say. In a study conducted in Sweden, people had difficulty frowning when they looked at other subjects who were smiling, and their muscles twitched into smiles all on their own.
4. Smiles Relieve Stress: Your body immediately releases endorphins when you smile, even when you force it. This sudden change in mood will help you feel better and release stress.
5. It’s easier to smile than to frown: Scientists have discovered that your body has to work harder and use more muscles to frown than it does to smile.
6. It’s a universal sign of happiness: While hand shakes, hugs, and bows all have varying meanings across cultures, smiling is known around the world and in all cultures as a sign of happiness and acceptance.
7. We still smile at work: While we smile less at work than we do at home, 30% of subjects in a research study smiled five to 20 times a day, and 28% smiled over 20 times per day at the office.
8. Smiles use from 5 to 53 facial muscles: Just smiling can require your body to use up to 53 muscles, but some smiles only use 5 muscle movements.
9. Babies are born with the ability to smile: Babies learn a lot of behaviors and sounds from watching the people around them, but scientists believe that all babies are born with the ability, since even blind babies smile.
10. Smiling helps you get promoted: Smiles make a person seem more attractive, sociable and confident, and people who smile more are more likely to get a promotion.
11. Smiles are the most easily recognizable facial expression: People can recognize smiles from up to 300 feet away, making it the most easily recognizable facial expression.
12. Women smile more than men: Generally, women smile more than men, but when they participate in similar work or social roles, they smile the same amount. This finding leads scientists to believe that gender roles are quite flexible. Boy babies, though, do smile less than girl babies, who also make more eye contact.
13. Smiles are more attractive than makeup: A research study conducted by Orbit Complete discovered that 69% of people find women more attractive when they smile than when they are wearing makeup.
14. There are 19 different types of smiles: UC-San Francisco researcher identified 19 types of smiles and put them into two categories: polite "social" smiles which engage fewer muscles, and sincere "felt" smiles that use more muscles on both sides of the face.
15. Babies start smiling as newborns: Most doctors believe that real smiles occur when babies are awake at the age of four-to-six weeks, but babies start smiling in their sleep as soon as they’re born.

http://www.nursingschools.net/blog/2010/07/say-cheese-15-fascinating-facts-about-smiling/

Aromatherapy for Anxiety

I use Essential Oil for almost anything. For skincare, cleaning the house, disinfecting, and for aromatherapy. I came across this article and they have a wonderful web-site. www.veria.com

Aromatherapy for Anxiety

Life itself can often be stressful. And in the 21st century, most of us work harder than ever as we juggle hectic schedules, family demands, and of course, all those bills… If you’re not feeling anxious, that might be something to feel anxious about!
Anxiety is considered to be the normal body response to increased stress levels, so it would be unrealistic to hope for a life with no anxiety at all. Left unchecked, however, anxiety can lead to all sorts of disorders, including symptoms like palpitations, chest pains, tension, irritability, headaches and sleep disturbances, 
Along with exercise, a healthy diet and meditation, essential oils can help relax your mind, ease tension in your body and reduce your anxiety.
Suggested Essential Oils for Anxiety:

• Lavender
• Bergamot
• Clary sage
• Geranium
• Chamomile
• Lemon
• Grapefruit
• Jasmine
• Rose
• Marjoram
• Rosemary
• Sandalwood
• Ylang Ylang

Warnings:

• Some essential oils are contraindicated for preexisting medical conditions, Speak with your doctor before adopting this or any other complementary therapy.
• Essential oils should be used as a complement to conventional medicine, not a substitute. If your symptoms worsen, speak with your doctor.
• Essential oils are highly potent. You rarely need more than a few drops, and using them undiluted can irritate your skin. Unless you’re working with a diffuser or oil lamp, dilute the individual oils in warm water, or in a carrier oil (for example sweet almond, avocado, grape seed or jojoba).

Directions
Whether working with one essential oil or a blend, you have several methods of administration from which to choose. Would you prefer to massage the oils into your skin, diffuse them throughout the room, or keep them on hand so that you can choose when to inhale them? The most important thing is to select an approach that works for you.
Some options:

• Add a few drops of the oil/s to a bath and soak for about 15 minutes.
• Add a few drops to your favorite massage lotion. Focus on shoulders, back, and neck – the areas in which we frequently carry our stress.
• Add a few drops of the diluted oil/s to a compress, and apply the compress to your forehead or neck.
• Add a few drops of the oil/s to an aromatherapy diffuser or oil burner  (DIY version: A few drops in a bowl of very hot water).
• Add a few drops to a tissue or handkerchief and inhale as desired.

One Step Further
Essential oils work best as part of a complete holistic treatment plan. There are many things you can do to alleviate anxiety; meditating, changing your diet and introducing a yogic routine into your weekly schedule are just a few ways to calm nerves and ease stress.

http://www.veria.com/aromatherapy-for-anxiety.html

Thai Yoga Massage

Ocean Thoughts Yoga is now offering Thai Yoga Massage.

$90 for 60 minutes

$120 for 90 minutes which includes a 30 minute Reflexology session.

www.oceanthoughtsyoga.com

Oolong Tea

Cleaning up my house and I came across some Oolong Tea I brought with me from China. I forgot I had some and am reading up on it about the benefits Oolong Tea has to offer. If I had known of all the positive benefits I would have had a Oolong Tea long ago. Enjoy the link I am posting.

Health benefits of oolong tea include reducing chronic bodily conditions such as heart diseases, inflammatory disorders, providing vital antioxidants, reducing high cholesterol levels, promoting superior bone structure, robust skin and good dental health. The oolong tea is fragrant with a fruity flavor and tasty aroma. It is considerably low in caffeine and extremely relaxing to drink.

Health benefits of oolong tea are doubled because of combined qualities of black tea and green tea. According to Tea Association of USA, oolong tea falls between green and black teas, as its leaves are only partially oxidized. There are numerous kinds of tea in this world; oolong tea being one among them. The origin of oolong tea dates back to almost 400 years in the history of China. It is a semi-green fermented tea. But, the fermentation process is halted as soon as the tea leaves start to change their color.

Nutritional Value: Tea is a nature’s gift that is rich in anti-oxidants. It also contains vital minerals and vitamins such as calcium, manganese, copper, carotin, selenium, and potassium, Vitamin A, B, C, E and K. in addition to folic acids, niacin amide and other detoxifying alkaloids. Developed in semi-fermented processing, the oolong tea is rich in numerous polyphenolic compounds, adding value health benefits of oolong tea.

Benefits: The various health related benefits of oolong tea are as follows:

• Controls Obesity: The polyphenol compound found in oolong tea is very effective in controlling the fat metabolism of the body. It activates certain enzymes and thus enhances the functions of the fat cells in human body. Daily consumption of oolong tea can reduce obesity.
• Removal of Harmful Free Radicals: The polyphenolic compound is also responsible for removal of free radicals in our body, thus saving us from potential harm that these free moving cells may pose to the human body.
• Treatment of Skin Disorders: According to scientific experiments, patients diagnosed with eczema skin disorder can benefit from drinking 3 cups of oolong tea 3 times in a day. The beneficial results of oolong tea could be seen in less than a week with these patients showing remarkable skin improvement.
• Promoting Good Bone Structure: The antioxidants present in oolong tea protect the tooth against decay, strengthens the bone structure and boosts normal healthy growth of human body.
• Treatment of Diabetes: Oolong tea is used as an herbal brew for treating type 2 diabetic disorders and as an appendage to other supplementary drugs for treating the disease.
• Protection against Cancer: It is well-known fact that tea drinkers have lower risk of acquiring skin cancer. Moreover, oolong tea compound polyphenol promotes apoptosis in stomach related cancerous growth. This polyphenol extract also acts a chemo-preventive instrument against development of other cancerous forms.
• Stress Buster: In a detailed study conducted at the Osaka Institute for Health Care Science, in Japan, the experimental mice that were ingested with oolong tea showed a remarkable improvement in stress levels by more than 10 to 18 %. The natural polyphenols in the oolong tea is said to be the main stress buster.

So, drink several cups of oolong tea in a day, it is best for your good health and also wonderful to taste.

This article was contributed by Seema Adnani

Back to Health Benefits of Food

References: Osaka Institute for Health Care Science and Tea Association 

http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/beverage/health-benefits-of-oolong-tea.html

Thai Yoga Massage

I am so excited that I know can offer Thai Yoga Massage along with the Reflexology. Thai Yoga Massage is done on a firm futon or mat on the floor with the patient dressed in light clothes. Typically a session lasts between 1  – 2 hours, but can also be considerably longer if needed.
The practitioner uses his or her thumbs, palms, elbows, knees and feet to apply a combination of acupressure, gentle rocking and twisting, joint and spine mobilizations and assisted yoga stretches. With the therapist using bodyweight instead of strength and a steady and meditative rhythm, Thai Yoga Massage looks and feels like a graceful dance between giver and receiver.

Physical Benefits of Thai Massage

• Help detoxification of the body and boost immune system
• Increase blood circulation, lower blood pressure
• Good for muscle relaxation, increase flexibility in your muscles, increase mobility
• Improve breathing
• Improves posture, balance, corrects body alignments and dissolves energy blockages
• Improves athletic performance
• Help arthritis and back pain,
• Help tone the body, strengthen joints and fight diseases, including chronic joint problems
• Prevents illnesses and alleviates degenerative diseases
• Slows the aging process

Mental Benefits of Thai Massage

• Improve your outlook towards life; builds an emotional balance
• Help with concentration and creativity/ Mind and body concentration
• Clear and calm your mind
• Help you gain mental clarity

Psychological effects of Thai Massage

• Reduce and relieve stress and anxiety
• Help people boost their inner energy levels
• Develop discipline and self-control
• Achieve better health, increases health and vitality.
• Raise the energy level and stamina
• Build internal power (and creates a natural confidence)

 

photo credit: © David and Tukta Roylance

Bead For Life Event

When: Saturday, April 3, 2010

Where: Porters Neck Yoga & Spa

            www.portersneckyogaspa.com

Time: 10 AM until 1 PM

BeadforLife eradicates extreme poverty by creating bridges of understanding between hard working and impoverished Africans and North Americans who want to create a world that works for all. Ugandan women turn colorful recycled paper, into beautiful beads.

All of the members of BeadforLife were living in extreme poverty before joining – now they are eating well, sending their children to school, and starting small businesses. Fair Trade

Buy Beads. Purchase our jewelry, note cards, CDs and jewelry bags for yourself, or make them gifts that that give twice – once to the recipient and once to the women in Uganda lifting her family from poverty. Jewelry starting at just $5.

For more information or to host a party please contact www.beadforlife.org.

Tulsi Tea

I just learned about Tulsi Tea and always try things out before I post about them. Currently I am going through a very stressful time in my life and a friend on mine suggested Tulsi Tea. Tulsi Tea is Holy Basil helping the body to relax and still stay alert. So I gave it a try. This tea is amazing. I am hooked. The taste is wonderful, it is organic tea, and really helps relax the body. “Increases the capacity to cope and adapt to
changing and challenging environments, and reduces the negative physical and psychological
effects of stress (adaptogenic).”

Please open this link to read the wonderful article of Tulsi Tea and it’s benefits:

http://www.organicindia.com/pdffiles/tulsi-article.pdf

What is Tulsi ?

What is Tulsi (Holy Basil)?

"The Queen of Herbs" – is the most sacred herb of India. Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), although also known as Holy Basil, is a different plant from the pesto variety of Basil (Ocimum basilicum). Tulsi has been revered in India for over five thousand years, as a healing balm for body, mind and spirit, and is known to bestow an amazing number of health benefits. ORGANIC INDIA is pleased to offer Organic Tulsi, for the first time, as a stress-relieving, energizing and delicious tea. For our ORGANIC INDIA Tulsi Tea Collection we utilize a proprietary combination of 3 varieties of Tulsi: Rama Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Krishna Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) and Vana Tulsi (Ocimum gratissimum). Each variety lends its own distinct and characteristic taste that contributes to the delicious flavor and aroma of our blend.

What are the health benefits of Tulsi?

Tulsi is rich in antioxidant and renowned for its restorative powers, Tulsi has several benefits:

• Relieves stress / adaptogen
• Bolsters immunity
• Enhances stamina
• Provides support during cold season
• Promotes healthy metabolism
• A natural immuno-modulator

http://www.organicindia.com/tulsi-facts.php

Where can I buy Tulsi Tea?

At most health food stores.

Picture by Antoine Henrich‘s http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=1046

Health Disclaimer

All material on this website is provided for your information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this information; instead, readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being.

Anise Tea

I just got back from Germany and bought a lot of tea while I was there. Growing up in Germany we used tea for about any illness and ache. I love Anise Tea, I like the smell of Anise, that’s why I like Licorice so much. Here is a wonderful link with interesting facts about Anise Tea.

http://www.teabenefits.com/herbal-tea-benefits/anise-tea-benefits.html

Anise Tea Benefits

Anise Tea Benefits have been recognized in the annals of folk remedy for centuries.

Anise is a member of the family of plants that includes carrots, caraway, cumin, dill, fennel, and cilantro. Anise is also known as aniseed, pimpinel seed, and sweet cumin. Its latin name is pimpinella anisum.

Anise’s sweet and strong fragrance and its essential oil are due to to trans-anethole, making up to 90% of the oil. Other components of the taste and smell of anise include estragol (iso-anethole), anise aldehyde, anise alcohol, p-methoxy-acetophenone, pinene, limonene, and gamma-himachalene (2%).

Due to the strong flavor of anise, it has been used to give licorice candy its flavor. Anise seeds can also be steeped in boiling water at home to produce a natural mouthwash; many mouthwashes and toothpastes sold in natural foods stores also contain anise.

To extract the antiseptic and antispasmodic beneficial essences of anise, anise tea can be made by steeping 2 teaspoons of crushed anise seeds in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes.

In some sensitive individuals, anise can cause inflammatory skin conditions, including rosacea and acne. Large doses of anise can also act as a narcotic in the system. So anise tea is best taken in moderation.

Anise Tea benefits for the health include the following:

• Anise Tea makes an excellent expectorant as it helps loosen phlegm in the throat and lungs.

• Anise Tea may help in the overall treatment of such respiratory ailments as colds, pneumonia, bronchitis and sinusitis.

• Anise Tea may help enhance the supply of mother’s milk.

• Anise Tea may help in the treatment of colic.

• Anise Tea may be effective in the treatment of an upset stomach and may reduce flatulence.

• Anise Tea may help in getting rid of hiccups.

Valentines Reflexology Special

How about a Reflexology gift this Valentines Day for your special someone. A one hour Foot Massage and a German chocolate. Yummy! Book it soon, I am at Porters Neck Yoga and Spa.

www.portersneckyogaspa.com

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a holistic science using the feet as a mini-map of the body. It is a natural non-invasive science of stimulating reflex areas in the feet or hands that correspond to our organs, glands and body parts.

Benefits of Reflexology

1. Reflexology improves the verve and blood supply and circulation.
2. Reflexology relieves and reduces stress and tension.
3. Reflexology assists with detoxification.
4. Reflexology assists the body systems to achieve homeostasis and balance.

How does reflexology work?

The underlying theory behind reflexology is that there are "reflex" areas on the feet and hands that correspond to specific organs, glands, and other parts of the body. For example:

• the tips of the toes reflect the head
• the heart and chest are around the ball of the foot
• the liver, pancreas and kidney are in the arch of the foot
• low back and intestines are towards the heel

He believed that certain areas on the feet and hands were linked to other areas and organs of the body. This concept was furthered by physiotherapist Eunice Ingham into the modern practice of reflexology.
Practitioners believe that applying pressure to these reflex areas can promote health in the corresponding organs through energetic pathways.
Dr. William H. Fitzgerald, an ear, nose, and throat doctor, introduced this concept of "zone therapy" in 1915. American physiotherapist Eunice Ingram further developed this zone theory in the 1930′s into what is now knows as reflexology.
A scientific explanation is that the pressure may send signals that balance the nervous system or release chemicals such as endorphins that reduce pain and stress.

What will I feel?

Most people find reflexology for the most part to be very relaxing.
Reflexology shouldn’t be painful. If you feel discomfort, be sure to tell the Reflexologist. He or she should work within your comfort zone.
Some areas may be tender or sore, and the Reflexologist may spend extra time on these points. The soreness should decrease with pressure.
If you’re ticklish, not to worry. The Reflexologist applies firm pressure to the feet.

Why do people get reflexology?

• Stress and stress-related conditions
• Tension headaches
• Digestive disorders
• Arthritis
• Insomnia
• Hormonal imbalances
• Sports injuries
• Menstrual disorders, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Digestive problems, such as constipation
• Back pain

Reflexology is a popular alternative therapy. It promotes relaxation, improves circulation, reduces pain, soothes tired feet, and encourages overall healing.
Reflexology is also used for post-operative or palliative care. A study in the American Cancer Society journal found that one-third of cancer patients used reflexology as a complementary therapy.
Reflexology is recommended as a complementary therapy and should not replace medical treatment.