UH Research Finds Potential Key to Learning a New Language

  Ability to Learn Foreign Speech Revealed in Brain ActivityA new study by University of Houston (UH) researchers may lead to dramatic changes in the way language is taught and learned – especially a second language. These findings are important because statistics show 60 percent of the children in the Houston Independent School District are non-native English speakers, a category on the rise across the United States.Arturo Hernandez, director of the developmental graduate program in psychology at UH, used neuroimaging methods, as well as behavior techniques, to investigate language acquisition in the bilingual brain, mapping how the bilingual brain processes language acquisition and observing how it changes over time.“There is a lot of interest in the brain and interest in bilingualism, but few people put those two together,” Hernandez said. “People used to think of the mind as separate from the brain. Now, they understand that what happens in the mind is the product of what the brain does.”Hernandez, who also serves as director of the Laboratory for the Neural Bases of Bilingualism at UH and is the author of a new book, “The Bilingual Brain,” said recent research explores whether bilinguals have more plasticity and adaptability because they have learned two sounds systems and can learn vocabulary words better than monolinguals. He wondered whether could they learn a third sound system better.To find out, a UH post-doctoral researcher Pilar Archila-Suerte teamed up with Hernandez and Ferenc Bunta, assistant professor in communication sciences & disorders who specializes in bilingual phonological acquisition. The research team selected Hungarian sounds the participants had never heard before, and that neither resembled Spanish nor sounded like English, to establish a level playing field for monolinguals and bilinguals.The researchers found that half the bilinguals and monolinguals could learn the sounds and half the bilinguals and monolinguals could not.  When the researchers looked at the “good perceivers” (those people who could learn the sound the first time they heard it), they discovered that they used speech areas of the brain to process sounds. And, those who were “bad receivers” did not. This suggested that “good perceivers” are better at perceiving speech, even speech they’ve never heard before.“In our study, we found people that seem to be intuitive about the sounds, independently of how many languages they speak,” Hernandez said. “That could serve as a predictor of whether someone could learn another language more easily or not. That was an eye opener for me because I feel like now we are starting to find different factors that predict the ability to learn different things. Now, the question is how we put this together.”Hernandez said the long-term goal is an educational outcome that would help change the way to teach language to people, specifically a second language.“I would hope the results of this research would allow us to dramatically change the time at which we introduce a second language and the method that we use, such as a stronger emphasis on learning the sounds of a language rather than learning vocabulary and memorizing it for a test.”Tags: Houston Independent School District, University of HoustonCategory: Articles, Education, Houston News

Colloidal Minerals Trace Minerals Lost From Our Diet Found In Ancient Plants

 Colloidal Minerals lost from our farming lands leave our crops devoid of essiential minerals required for good health. Now that we know the minerals are not in our food, where do we look to supplement our body needs? A look into plants millions of years old reveals a source available today…Living a healthy life is a major challenge in our lives today. In spite of all the hype about a healthy diet, exercise and numerous supplements, good health in the true sense of the word still remains a cause of concern for all of us. All attempts to rid our bodies of diseases result either in partial success or in some other side effects. Every time the concept of a healthy mind in a healthy body evades us. To understand why this happens we must have an idea of what constitutes the human body and how it functions.Colloidal mineral is trace mineral suspended in a liquid.The human system requires various nutrients and micro-nutrients to function in an optimal manner. Some of these micro-nutrients are trace minerals, which are vital to the proper functioning of the body. Colloidal Minerals are needed to maintain the delicate cellular fluid balance, to form bone and blood cells, to provide for electrochemical nerve activity, and to regulate muscle tone and activity (including organ muscles like the heart, stomach, liver, etc.). Any imbalance in trace minerals causes a malfunction, which in scientific terminology is called disease. Here it is important to note that while our body is capable of synthesizing several essential compounds on its own, it is not capable of synthesizing its own minerals.These colloidal minerals therefore must be supplied through the diet or supplements. But the unhealthy modern lifestyles and depleted foods are unable to provide sufficient supply of these trace minerals. In case of processed foods, which are so much in vogue these days the processing leaches out valuable trace minerals required by our bodies thus, necessitating supplementation. A normal diet does not contain the recommended daily dose (RDA) of most colloidal minerals and this makes supplementation crucial.Research shows that an inadequate supply of trace minerals leads to a variety of diseases including depression, low back pain, arthritis, poor digestion, mental disorders and cardiovascular disease. Not surprisingly these studies also relate mineral deficiency to inadequate diet—-foods which are nutrient-poor, highly processed foods including white flour, refined sugar and harmful fats.Thus we see that colloidal minerals are exogenously sourced micro-nutrients crucial to the smooth execution of innumerable functions within the human body. These essential atomic particles are integral to maintaining tissues, producing energy, synthesizing hormones and repairing cellular damage. Colloidal Minerals also commonly partner with enzymes—intricate proteins produced by living cells—to catalyze biochemical reactions. Trace Minerals also help reduce the probability of all kinds of infections as they render valuable support to the immune system.Coming to supplementation, the issue of bio-availability is of particular relevance. In simple words, these trace minerals will not be accepted by the human body in crude form. If taken as such they may result in toxicity. We therefore must study numerous factors that can affect mineral absorption, including overall health status, interaction with other nutrients, the presence of certain other diseases and conditions, age and delivery method.Fortunately, mineral absorption can be increased in most individuals by learning how to take supplemental minerals, improving diet, obtaining adequate exercise, nutrition, rest and reducing stress.Absorption is the key to colloidal mineral assimilation. If trace minerals are mined from hard rock minerals, the intake is not natural and could be toxic. Trace minerals are normally taken up into the plant, from the ground, through the root, into the leaf or fruit. Consumption of the edible part of the plant allows the colloidal mineral to be absorbed into the bloodstream.Discovery of ancient plants rich in trace minerals have been unearthed and now are made available in a colloidal mineral solution. The body easily assimilates these colloidal minerals that are plant derived. This natural form of mineral is preferred by the body and will not cause toxicity when taken in the recommended amounts.The following is a list of trace minerals that should be found in your choice for a colloidal mineral supplement:Aluminum, Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Beryllium, Bismuth, Boron, Bromine, Cadmium, Calcium, Carbon, Cerium, Cesium, Chloride, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Dysprosium, Erbium, Europium, Fluoride, Gadolinium, Gallium, Germanium, Gold, Hafnium, Holmium, Hydrogen, Indium, Iodine, Iridium, Iron, Lanthanum, Lead, Lithium, Lutetium, Magnesium, Manganese, Mercury, Molybdenum, Neodymium, Nickel, Niobium, Nitrogen, Osmium, Oxygen, Palladium, Phosphorus, Platinum, Potassium, Praseodymium, Rhodium, Rubidium, Ruthenium, Samarium, Scandium, Selenium, Silicon, Silver, Sodium, Strontium, Sulfur, Tantalum, Tellurium, Terbium, Thallium, Thorium, Thulium, Thulium, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten, Vanadium, Ytterbium, Yttrium, Zinc and Zirconium.Look for as many of these minerals in your colloidal mineral supplement that are derived from plants.Didnt find what you wanted? search here!

Colon Cancer Affects Men and Women Equally

 Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. Cancerous tumors found in the colon or rectum also may spread to other parts of the body. Cancer of the colon and rectum (colorectal cancer) is a malignant tumor arising from the inner wall of the large intestine. If signs and symptoms of colon cancer do appear, they may include changes in bowel habits, blood in your stool, persistent cramping, gas or abdominal pain. Since colon cancer can grow for years without causing any symptoms, it’s best to get regular colon cancer screenings.Almost all men and women age 50 and older should have a colon cancer screening. Screening tests can help prevent colorectal cancer by finding pre-cancerous polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. For normal risk individuals, screening tests begin at age 50 and the preferred approach is a screening colonoscopy every 10 years; an alternate strategy consists of annual stool test for blood and a flexible sigmoidoscopic exam every 3 to 5 years.Special screening programs are used for those with a family history of colorectal cancer. Colonoscopic surveillance (also called screening colonoscopy) needs to be available at more frequent intervals for individuals at high risk for colon cancer (for instance, those with a personal history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps; family history of colorectal cancer; non-hereditary polyposis; colorectal cancer; or a pre-disposing condition such as inflammatory bowel disease. Since your genes cannot be changed, if there is a family history of colon polyps or cancer, a colonoscopy should be performed to remove the polyps before they become malignant.In the area of prevention, researchers are looking at the effects of curcumin (found in curry), resveratrol (found in red wine), ginger and the Mediterranean diet on the growth and development of colon cancer. Recent research suggests that a high fiber, low-fat diet plays a role in prevention; how great a role it plays is unclear. Although the exact cause of colorectal cancer is not known, it is possible to prevent many colon cancers through: diet and exercise. It is important to manage the risk factors you can control, such as diet and exercise.A detox program, in most cases shall include a mental shift in attitude towards diet, improving nutrition, removing toxins, returning the desired flora in your internal system, maintaining a balanced pH level in the body and improving the overall mind and body relationship. Diet plays an important role in preventing the development of colon cancer. Diets high in fat and low in fruits and vegetables, such as those that include red meat, fried foods and high-fat dairy products, may increase the risk of colorectal cancer.A body cleanse diet, is a diet that aims to clean and remove harmful toxins from your body. A well known detox diet for your body is the increasingly popular lemon detox diet, which incorporates a number of ingredients and requires you to consume a drink of these ingredients once everymorning, then drinking water with a hint of lemon juice throughout theday. Generally, a healthy and safe detox diet will not require you to starve yourself, and it contains highly nutritious food that can help to boost your metabolism.While you are doing your colon cleanse, make sure you are getting plenty of sleep and exercise.  Exercise is believed to reduce the risk of colon cancer. Light exercise is also a good way of getting the blood circulating in your body. Gentle, no-impact exercise safe and beneficial for people of all ages.  There are tons of exercise programs and plans out there, or just walkingfor at least 12-15 minutes a day is beneficial to the colon function.Detoxification is an efficient process of removing toxins from the body. The bodies natural detoxification system had simply not evolved to deal with the future man made pollutants that were to come. With the increase of toxins within the environment and foods we eat, it is not surprising that the majority of people are at a level of toxicity that is past the point that the bodies own natural detoxification system can cope with. Regular detoxification will help avoid serious problems and keep you feeling better, both mentally and physically. Detoxification kits may be bought from health food stores, or a qualified practitioner or natural physician can recommend detox products.Didnt find what you wanted? search here!

New book uses biblical scholarship to examine destiny

a ‘Help For Troubled Destinies’ uses relatable experiences to teach new understanding of ScriptureGRAND PRAIRIE, Texas – In his new book “Help For Troubled Destinies” (published by AuthorHouse) author and minister Taiwo Olusegun Ayeni offers readers a new understanding of destiny as it relates to Christian belief.“My book reveals the divine empowerment God endowed humanity with, and how He expects us to excel using them, where we missed it and how God’s follow-up plan rescues us,” Ayeni explains. “Hence, our being empowered to succeed from the beginning was not an accident, God intentionally did so in Gen 1:27; and He therefore gave us five faith commands that guarantee success when properly applied. These are i) Be fruitful, and ii) multiply, and iii) replenish the earth, and iv) subdue it, and v) have dominion. (Genesis 1:28).”An excerpt from “Help For Troubled Destinies”:“The plan of God for every man from the beginning is to succeed in life. Hence He deposited in us the seed of success. For this seed to work for us, it is our responsibility to identify, discover, activate and nurture it to fruition. Furthermore, we can assuredly say without any doubt that by pronouncing His blessing upon us in Genesis 1:28 He empowered us from the beginning to excel or succeed.”“There is hope,” Ayeni reminds his readers. “Don’t give up, but look up: help is on the way.”“Help For Troubled Destinies”By Taiwo Olusegun AyeniHardcover | 6 x 9 in | 128 pages | ISBN 9781449058562Softcover | 6 x 9 in | 128 pages | ISBN 9781449058555E-Book | 128 pages | ISBN 9781449058579Available at Amazon and Barnes & NobleAbout the AuthorTaiwo Olusegun Ayeni graduated from University of Lagos with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication, sociology and psychology. Since knowing the Lord, he has been privileged to serve in various capacities. He is the minister in charge of Rehoboth Bible Ministries, Inc. based in Grand Prairie, Texas, and a senior lecturer at the Gethsemane Prayer Ministries International Prayer School, with its headquarters in Ibadan, Nigeria. More information is available at www.rehobothbministries.org.Category: Articles, Arts & Entertainment

Choosing Your Fitness Equipment

 »HomeStore    UK Products    US Products    ProductsAbout UsPrivacy PolicyDisclaimerContact Us»HomeBlogForumContact UsAbout UsPrivacy Policy“Free TRX GIVE AWAY!!!”“Free TRX GIVE AWAY!!!” LeadersNovember 25, 2013 0Fitness equipment is a large group of tools that are used in exercise and are referred to also as exercise equipment. These can include simple items such as balls, track shoes and skipping ropes as well as more complex pieces of equipment such as treadmills, weights, bicycles and many others. Today a wide range of fitness equipment is available for sale with new designs constantly being produced due to the high demand for equipment that is effective in building muscles and strength as well as for losing weight.Some of the types of fitness equipment available for use can be classified according the type of exercise for which they are built. The first class to be discussed is the strength training equipment. These include free weights and machines referred to as the resistance machines.The most common type of resistance machine is one that uses gravity as a resistance source. This design is used mainly in weight machines. Gravity in combination with a simple design of pulleys, wheels and inclines, uses a percentage of the weight of the user as the resistance transferred. Other types of resistance machines can use other forces other than gravity to provide resistance. These include friction, spring-loaded, fan-loaded or fluid-loaded machines.Another type of equipment belonging to the strength training equipment is the bands and tubing, which are lightweight options for training at home and in the office.The other class is the aerobic fitness equipment which is mainly the endless-path machines. These include devices such as the stationary bicycles, the treadmills, the elliptical trainers, aerobic riders, the stair climbers, the ski and rowing machines. The stationary bicycle focuses the exercise on the legs by the action of pedaling. The treadmills are an all body exercise as you may walk or run at various speeds. There are also some models that can simulate slopes for a more intense workout.The stair climbers replicate the action of climbing a stairway. This device now also has modifications that replicate the pulling up action off the hands for a more through workout. The skiing and rowing machines work both the arms and legs simultaneously with the rowing machine also working the back muscles. The elliptical trainers are a cross between the stair climbers and the ski machines. The aerobic riders also exercise the arms and legs at the same time by the use of a simultaneous pull and push motion.There is also a miscellaneous group of fitness equipment. These include items such as heart rate monitors and exercise balls as well as many others. The heart rate monitors are used as a motivational tool in exercise as they monitor the heart rate and provide feedback to the individual exercising. The use of exercise balls has become very important in training such as flexibility training and for balance as well.When using any type of fitness equipment it is always important to seek professional advice as the improper use of this equipment can cause severe damage.Didnt find what you wanted? search here!Body Building, Bodybuilding Tips, Cardio and Fitness, Celebrity Workout, Children's Fitness, Diet and Nutrition, Fat Loss, Female Bodybuilding, Lower Body Workouts, Muscle Building, Muscle Gain, Sports Training, Weight Loss, Women's Work-outs

The Vista Companies Breaks Ground on Phase III of LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch

  Houston-based developer Vista Equities Group has broken ground on development of Phase III of LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch.  LaCenterra is a 34-acre, 300,000 square foot Main Street style mixed-use development located on the western edge of metropolitan Houston in Katy, TX on the Grand Parkway.Phase III will of LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch will consist of 37,000 sq. ft. of retail space, anchored by Trader Joe’s, 36,000 sq. ft. of Class A office space and a parking garage.  Hoar Construction will be overseeing the construction of the project.  “Eight years ago we began construction on the first phase of LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, which is a wonderful project we are incredibly proud of. We are thrilled to continue that legacy with Vista Equities as their construction partner on Phase III of LaCenterra,” said Brian Cook, VP of Texas Division – HOAR Construction.Phase III is located on the south west side of LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch.  Anticipated completion of the project is Fall 2014.Tags: HOAR Construction, LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, Vista Equities GroupCategory: Articles, Houston News, Katy News

Elliptical Exercise Equipment – What To Look For When Buying?

 Buying elliptical exercise equipment? There are so many different brands and types of ellipticals out there – it can get confusing! How do you know which one is best for you and how do you avoid buying a lemon?In order to keep things simple and have the very best buying experience, here are 3 key tips to help you choose the best elliptical exercise equipment:#1) PriceIf you want a quality elliptical trainer, be prepared to spend at least $800. Why? Because most ellipticals under this price point just aren’t built to stand up over the long haul.Example: My $400 elliptical that I bought from a department store several years back lasted 3 months – 4 if you count the last month it was used as a clothes hanger in my living room.After 3 months it developed a loud squeaking noise that couldn’t be fixed – no matter how long or hard my handyman husband worked on it.If I’d been smart enough to spend a bit more, I’d probably still have the elliptical today. In the end it was a huge waste of money and time.So the bottom line is this: If you’re really serious about getting in shape, you deserve to invest in a piece of exercise equipment that’s going to last you – so be ready to spend a bit more on your elliptical trainer. If you consider how long the elliptical will last you, you actually SAVE money over the long term.#2) Who Are You Buying It From?While there are lots of places the sell elliptical exercise equipment – both online and off, make sure they have several years of experience and a solid return policy. If a company has experience selling elliptical equipment, this will make your transaction (and shipping) go much more smoothly.A solid return policy also gives you peace of mind when buying your elliptical. For example, even if you try your elliptical out in a store, you might get it home and find that after a week it strains your arms or hurts your hips. You want to know that you can return your elliptical without a hassle.Many specialty fitness stores will offer some kind of return policy and most experienced online elliptical stores also offer you a standard 30 day return policy. But it’s always important to check before you buy.#3) Upper Body ArmsThe beauty of an elliptical trainer is that it offers you a total body workout.Whereas treadmills and recumbent bikes tend to work mainly the lower body only, ellipticals offer you a chance to burn calories and build strength using upper body arm handles. This means more calories burned in less time.Surprisingly enough however, not all elliptical trainers offer upper body arms with their units. Make sure you choose an elliptical with upper body workout arms included if this is an option you want.It usually won’t cost you extra to have upper body arms however one note of caution: Many of the cheaper ellipticals don’t necessarily have the coordination between the arms and legs exactly right. This can result in injury or a less efficient workout.Rule of Thumb: You should not have to lean over to use the upper body arms.So there are three things to consider when buying elliptical exercise equipment. Keep these things in mind and you’ll save yourself time and loads of frustration!Didnt find what you wanted? search here!

Colon cleansing is preventative health care

 Colon cleansing is preventative health care, rather than a treatment for a disease. It is critical because it helps to detoxify your body of all the unnecessary and unwanted toxins that build up in your body. It is also regarded as a safe and alternative method to treat many of our symptoms and problems. Colon cleansing is a procedure of cleansing the body, resulting in the release of toxins, poisons, carcinogens and free radicals. Natural colon cleansers are also available and if you think you don’t have much time and money for clinic sessions, you can do colon cleansing at home.Colon cleansing is the first step on the road to recovery. Detoxification is necessary to rid our body of toxins that accumulate as a result of an unhealthy diet, environmental pollution and chemicals, and a constant use of antibiotics.  Cleansing your body with an effective, all natural colon treatment is a good way to approach parasites cleansing, weight gain, IBS, severe gas and bloating, etc. Cleansing, also called detoxification, is our body’s normal process of elimination, a function that occurs daily through our colon, liver, kidney, lungs, lymph and skin. Cleansing reactions are part of cleansing and are not the same as “side effects” normally associated with medication.Naturally, the colon in your digestive system is responsible for holding wastes. Natural colon cleansing involves a cleansing diet, which consists of some efficient herbs that are known for killing certain harmful parasites and worms. Body detox is one of the effective way to keep ushealthy, help our digestion system and put all the toxins out of the body. Natural colon cleansing involves taking a balanced diet and additionally,a few herbal supplements that help kill the harmful bacteria and in removing excess of toxins.Natural colon cleansing is a great way to help restore health to this vital organ of your digestive system. Natural herbal colon cleansers makes the process of colon detox very smooth and thus helps us to maintain our body in a much more effective way. More often than not, natural colon cleansing means following a colon cleansing diet along with taking some colon cleansing supplements which may include herbs which are known to kill parasites and worms, contain digestive enzymes, contain probiotics(beneficial bacteria), contain herbs that stimulates liver, gallbladder and intestines, also psyllium husk or seeds, Cascara Sagrada, or flax seeds, or slippery elm, and others.Cancer of the colon and rectum (colorectal cancer) is a malignant tumor arising from the inner wall of the large intestine. Cancer affecting the colon and/or rectum is diagnosed in more than 140,000 Americans each year. Cancer of the colon and rectum is the third most common cause of cancer death in women (after lung and breast cancers) and the third most common cause of cancer death in men (after lung and prostate cancers). This is probably one of the reason as to why one can find literally find thousands of magazines and journals which gives a detailed analysis on the dangers of deadly toxins that can inturn lead to the building up of parasites and ultimately leads on to colon cancer.Colon cleansing herbs are of paramount importance to the health of the body as they can eliminate the many toxins in the body system which the body cannot normally expel. Colon cleansing herbs are available in two different forms — namely, a pre-made formula or just as single herbs. Colon cleansing herbs are simply mixtures of herbs that have been found to help expedite the removal of waste from a person’s body in an efficient way.Didnt find what you wanted? search here!

Colloidal Silver Immune Support – Snake Oil Or Supplement

 »HomeStore    UK Products    US Products    ProductsAbout UsPrivacy PolicyDisclaimerContact Us»HomeBlogForumContact UsAbout UsPrivacy Policy“Free TRX GIVE AWAY!!!”“Free TRX GIVE AWAY!!!” LeadersNovember 25, 2013 0Finally the veil has been lifted from the cloaked Colloidal Silver story. The confusion is removed from the arena of use. Will this early 20th century patented drug, turned over the counter supplement, cure what ails you or is it just so much hype that will take your money?Colloidal silver has exploded on the web as a supplement, heralded as a cure all, and cursed by some officials that seem to be motivated by the large pharmaceuticals.Colloidal silver was used as a natural antibiotic prior to the discovery of penicillin. The new antibacterial agent was the drug of favor worldwide. Colloidal silver was shoved to the back of medical consciousness and found little use after 1929. But wait, the medical world did not stop using silver. The overwhelming healing qualities of silver are continued even now in the world’s burn centers and millions of babies have had a silver concentrate flushed into their eyes immediately after birth.So if this natural antibiotic was once used so widely, why did the physicians stop using it? Did bacteria develop a resistance to colloidal silver? Did it stop working? The answer seems to be a pharmaceutical decision. No resistance was developed to colloidal silver by bacteria and the benefits are as good today as they were prior to 1929.A few wise doctors continued to use colloidal silver and some wise patients remembered this silver concoction and readily continued its use as it became an over the counter “supplement”. The immune system fights all intrusive germs, bacteria and disease to prevent the body from falling victim to disease.Like any substance that is taken in excess the body treats overdoses of a substance as a toxin and rejects the immune system overload. Wheat eaten in excess is poisonous to the body. We recognize that excess grain in horses will cause them to founder and in some cases die. The effect would be similar in humans. Colloidal silver when ingested in the amounts recommended as a supplement has clinically shown to be an immune system support guarding against viral infections and bacterial infections.Some manufacturers of colloidal silver used to make a solution of silver chloride. This is not desirable as it will cause the silver to accumulate under the skin giving a light blue hue to the skin. There are no known side effects in taking colloidal silver that is properly made and consumed. There are no recorded deaths from taking this immune system support boosting supplement, but plenty of government pressure trying to halt the sale for no other apparent reason than to appease the heavy lobbying pharmaceutical companies that seem to now want to prescribe this remedy again.Colloidal silver has been sold as a dietary supplement for the immune system in every major health food chain in the country for over 25 years. The concentration of 1100 ppm used to be the “standard” available in 4 once bottles. It can be made up to 5 ppm in the home with a 9 volt battery, two silver leads in a glass of distilled water.Testimonials have filled hundreds of web pages of how colloidal silver has been beneficial. These unsolicited accounts testify of a natural antibiotic that has powers beyond just being an immune system support “supplement”.Didnt find what you wanted? search here!

New novel follows adventurous family around the world

a Trio crosses continents and oceans in pursuit of criminals and the search for a cure for cancerSTILLBAY, South Africa – Inspired by her travels and her husband, a professor of chemistry, author Esther E. du Preez wrote her new novel “The Spider Web” (published by AuthorHouse) to explore both the influence of science upon the world, but also the very real cost of international smuggling and counteractions.Du Preez’s book describes the occurrences of international crimes over many continents and nations, including Africa, Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States.An excerpt from “The Spider Web”:“Her tutor’s voice echoed in her mind: ‘Don’t defend—attack!’ Her body stiffened; adrenaline pumped through her veins. In one fluid movement, she clasped the strap of her bag tightly, pulled it from her shoulder, and whirled around swinging it high and viciously hard. With a sickening crunch, it collided with the man’s skull. The knife in his upraised hand clattered to the ground, and his knees buckled as he collapsed within an arm’s length of her.”Featuring a scientifically literate protagonist and what du Preez calls “an almost James Bond” female, “The Spider Web” will please adventure readers of every stripe.“The Spider Web”By Esther E. du PreezSoftcover | 5 x 8 in | 178 pages | ISBN 9781491883136E-Book | 178 pages | ISBN 9781491883143Available at Amazon and Barnes & NobleAbout the AuthorEsther E. du Preez has written many short stories and articles. Educated as a teacher, du Preez was an active member of writing clubs in both English and the Afrikaans language and obtained certificates in a number of courses. She has accompanied her husband on many international trips.Category: Articles, Arts & Entertainment

Colon Cancer Causes Revealed

 »HomeStore    UK Products    US Products    ProductsAbout UsPrivacy PolicyDisclaimerContact Us»HomeBlogForumContact UsAbout UsPrivacy Policy“Free TRX GIVE AWAY!!!”“Free TRX GIVE AWAY!!!” LeadersNovember 24, 2013 0Colon cancer is a major illness and one that can cause life altering effects. In fact, this form of cancer is one of the most common in the nation. Most colon cancer patients suffer from polyps, which are abnormal cells that form clusters. When normal cells begin to transform, a potential problem arises. As time progresses, these growths get bigger and can lead to the development of cancer. A vast majority of sufferers have a family history with the disease. In addition, the risk of developing colon cancer increases with age and is most common in those ages 50 and up. Certain individuals simply carry the genetic makeup, which can be identified through a series of tests, that may lead to colon cancer.While there are no certain ways to pinpoint exactly who develops cancer, or why, there are several risk factors that may increase an individual’s chance of developing the illness. Among them, a previous battle with cancer, a family history with colon cancer, poor diets, smoking and obesity. With so many risk factors, one may wonder if there is anything that they can do in order to prevent colon cancer. Studies show that a lot of physical activity or exercise and a low-fat, high-fiber diet may help to reduce the risks. In addition, certain medicines may also help to prevent the disease.As is the case with many ailments, symptoms are often very similar to those of other diseases. It can be extremely difficult to get an accurate assessment of what’s wrong when so many illnesses carry the same symptoms. For this reason, it’s important to seek medical attention if an individual experiences abnormal bleeding, weakness, pale complexion or abdominal expansion without weight gain, nausea, any change in bowel movements or weight loss. Each person is different and, as such, symptoms may vary slightly. Because symptoms may either present themselves as severe or barely noticeable, it is recommended that patients be screened regularly for the presence of cancer causing factors.If left untreated, any type of cancerous cells have the ability to grow and spread throughout the rest of the body. This can lead to the need for further surgery, more intense treatments or, in the worst case, a cancer may become so advanced that it will not respond to treatment. When seeking medical attention, it’s important to understand that there are a series of tests that can detect and diagnose colon cancer. A physician will be able to answer any questions that a patient may have regarding treatment options and the likelihood of their success.This article should not be construed as professional medical advice. If you, or someone that you know, is concerned about the possibility of cancer, you should seek medical attention immediately. A medical doctor can discuss various options, prevention and treatment possibilities should the presence of cancer be detected. A series of tests may be conducted in order to confirm, or rule out, any such diagnosis and can only be done by a medical doctor.Didnt find what you wanted? search here!

Common Cardio Exercise Workout Mistakes On Cardio Machines

 »HomeStore    UK Products    US Products    ProductsAbout UsPrivacy PolicyDisclaimerContact Us»HomeBlogForumContact UsAbout UsPrivacy Policy“Free TRX GIVE AWAY!!!”“Free TRX GIVE AWAY!!!” LeadersNovember 24, 2013 0Cardio Exercise Machines – Common Cardio Workout MistakesCardio exercise machine workouts are great and fun for burning excess body fat and building good cardiovascular health. These exercises not only help to burn body fat fast it will also strengthen your heart and lungs and thus reducing your chances of getting high blood pressure, stroke and heart diseases. Regular cardio exercises can also reduce bad cholesterol and raise the level of good cholesterol.However, are you getting the most out of your cardio machine workouts? Are you using the cardio workout machines efficiently to gain maximum benefits of the exercises?Well, you probably are not if you are an average gym user without any personal trainers to guide you because you will probably commit common cardio machine mistakes when exercising.We shall now examine the more popular cardio workout machines and the common mistakes people commit when using these machines for their workouts.Common mistakes when using cardio workout machines are :-• Step up stair climber – This is perhaps the most common mistake for not getting the most out of the step up stair climber machine. Almost invariably, everyone when exercising with this machine will rest their arms on the railing. By doing so, the railing now becomes sort of like a crutch as it will now support some of your body weight making the exercise less intensive.• Treadmill – The treadmill is perhaps the most popular cardio workout machine in the gym. A careful observation will show that many treadmill users run with too much up and downs. This mistake will wear out the person’s ankle and knee joints over time. The correct method is to take long, smooth and purposeful strides during the exercise.• Stationery Bike – When exercising on the stationery bike, do adjust the height of the seat to a comfortable level. I really don’t understand why many stationery bike users adjust their seats to be either too high or too low. I mean, why be uncomfortable when exercising when you can be comfortable.When the seat is too low, it adds strain to your knees and spine. When too high, your will butt will rock from side to side. So besides not getting the best from your cardio workout on the stationery bike because your body weight will be involved when you peddle, you will also look weird. It is such a silly workout mistake right?Another common mistake is that I often see stationery bikers reading a book when exercising. That means that they exercise at a very low intensity level. Hey, how can low intensity cardio exercises work your heart and lung effectively?• Elliptical Trainer – This is also another bewildering common cardio workout mistake. You use the elliptical trainer to tone your body and to exercise for your cardiovascular fitness right? Then why is it I often see people who use the elliptical trainer exercising at a high speed? So what is the mistake? The mistake is that they have set the resistant level too low.You see, if you do not puff, pant and breakout in sweat, you are not getting the best out of your cardio exercises. Is it any wonder then that people are not losing weight and not improving on their cardiovascular health even when they are doing their cardio exercises regularly?Now that you know how to avoid these common cardio machine exercise workout mistakes, you can now head for the gym and get the best out of these exercises. In a very short time, you will see your body toning up nicely, improvement on your cardio health being felt and visibly losing excess body fat.Didnt find what you wanted? search here!

Texas Hunters for the Hungry Program Expands, Goes Online

  Program helps deer hunters nourish their communitiesAustin – The Texas Food Bank Network (TFBN) launched an online campaign this month to raise awareness of Hunters for the Hungry, a program that helps Texas hunters donate healthy venison to the hungry children and families served by the state’s twenty-one regional food banks.The campaign encourages Texas deer hunters to donate venison locally by visiting a new website, texashuntersforthehungry.org. The website features a list of participating meat processors and hunger relief agencies, while the program’s Twitter and Facebook groups connect hunters to the website and to each other. TFBN also procured advertising space in the popular Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual to build interest in the program.The expanded program makes it easy to help hungry Texans. Hunters are asked to bring their tagged, legally-harvested deer to a participating meat processor, and pay a nominal fee to cover basic processing costs. After processing and packaging the venison, meat processors contact local food assistance providers to pick up the ground venison.“This program is a win-win for Texas landowners and hungry Texans,” said Celia Cole, CEO of TFBN. “Hunters for the Hungry helps landowners manage their deer population, while providing a badly needed source of lean protein to Texans in need.”TFBN assumed management of the Hunters for the Hungry program this year from the Texas Association of Community Action Agencies (TACAA). TFBN actively recruits meat processors, solicits venison donations, promotes the program, and provides resources to support participating meat processors throughout Texas.  Since the program’s inception, it has provided nearly 2.5 million pounds of meat – or an estimated 10 million servings – to Texans in need.Regional food banks and local food pantries are likely to see high demand this holiday season as struggling families seek to cope with recent cutbacks in federal nutrition programs.“When you gather around the family table for your holiday meal, we hope you will think of your neighbors in need and support Hunters for the Hungry,” said Cole. “In addition to donated venison, we are always in need of more processors and financial support to help us run the program.”To find out more, or to support Hunters for the Hungry visit texashuntersforthehungry.org.The Texas Food Bank Network provides a unified voice among food banks in support of their common mission to end hunger in Texas. Learn more at TFBN.org.Tags: deer hunters, Hungry Program Expands, Texas Food Bank Network, Texas Hunters, Texas Parks and Wildlife OutdoorCategory: Articles, Nationwide News

Valiant ‘Mona LSA’ Stent Graft System from Medtronic Demonstrates Proof of Concept in Early Feasibility Study

 Presented at VEITH, Acute Results from Initial Trial of New Medical Technology Show Promise for Endovascular Approach to Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms Involving Left Subclavian ArteryNEW YORK – The first device of its kind to undergo clinical evaluation in the United States, the Valiant “Mona LSA” branch thoracic stent graft system from Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) has demonstrated proof of concept in a first-in-human study being conducted under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s “Innovation Pathway” early feasibility pilot program, according to data presented today at the 2013 VEITHsymposium(TM).The early feasibility study was approved by the FDA under an investigational device exemption and enrolled seven patients from the United States to demonstrate proof of principle and initial clinical safety. Acute procedure results from all seven patients revealed 100 percent technical success and 100 percent patency in both main and branch stent graft. There were no type I or III endoleaks.“The initial results of this early feasibility study are extremely encouraging,” said Frank Arko, MD, a vascular surgeon at Carolinas HealthCare System’s Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute in Charlotte, N.C., and one of the study’s two U.S. investigators.“This new technology could potentially minimize the need for invasive surgery and extend the benefits of endovascular repair without additional surgery to more patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms.”The Valiant Mona LSA system is designed to enable endovascular repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms encroaching on the left subclavian artery (LSA) by excluding the aneurysm from blood flow while maintaining perfusion of the LSA. Based on the market-leading Valiant Captivia thoracic stent graft, the investigational system features a branch cuff that accommodates the LSA branch graft. Its unique design eliminates the routine requirement for surgical LSA bypass, which proves necessary following about 40 percent of thoracic aortic aneurysm cases where coverage of the LSA is required to achieve a seal zone with the stent graft.The Valiant Mona LSA system was the first of nine devices selected for evaluation as part of the FDA’s Innovation Pathway, a new pilot program intended to encourage early-stage clinical investigation of new medical devices in the United States. More information about the program can be found on the FDA website.“Thoracic aortic aneurysms involving branch vessels such as the LSA can be particularly challenging to treat,” said Eric Roselli, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic and the study’s national primary investigator. “The Valiant Mona LSA system could help address an unmet need in the treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms. This is clearly reflected in the FDA’s decision to help advance the development of this new therapy.”In collaboration with leading clinicians, researchers and scientists, Medtronic offers the broadest range of innovative medical technology for the interventional and surgical treatment of cardiovascular disease and cardiac arrhythmias. The company strives to offer products and services that deliver clinical and economic value to healthcare consumers and providers worldwide.ABOUT MEDTRONICMedtronic, Inc. (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology — alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world.Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic’s periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results. Tags: MEDTRONIC, Mona LSA, VEITHsymposiumCategory: Articles, Health

Jesus Christ is God in West… Thanking Dracula

 ‘Holy Dracula… The Christian Knight’ looks at controversial prince as a defender of Jesus ChristCHIHUAHUA, Mexico – Vlad III, Prince of Wallachia, better known as Count Dracula, has earned a spot in history, myth and pop culture as both the impaler and a vampire lord. In his new novel, “Holy Dracula…The Christian Knight” (published by AuthorHouse), author Jesus Munoz takes a look at the real Dracula, the member of the Order of the Dragon who swore to protect Christianity in Eastern Europe, and highlights his many accomplishments as a Christian knight.The documented deeds are the History’s voice in the historical acquis of humanity; after knowing them, you become in judge and offer your verdict, is Dracula the bigger Saint of Christendom; or is just a mere bloodthirsty vampire… your sentence will shake you! Set in the 15th century, the book combines fact and legend with an engaging narrative and strong characters. Vlad Dracula is fighting to defend his people’s rights and religions. Though his use of impalement is often viewed as cruel and unusual, Dracula vows that it is only to be used by those that steal, rape, kill or betray him. As tensions rise, Dracula steps up to defend the divinity of Jesus Chris and garners amazing results.An excerpt from “Holy Dracula… The Christian Knight”:“The next day, the Saxon members of the town council met with Dracula. One of them, Moses, addressed him: ‘We have set the amount of twenty silver coins to release the prisoner.’Unsurprised by the mercenary attitude of the exploiters, Dracula looked at them coldly. ‘Why don’t we charge thirty?’ he proposed sarcastically. ‘Like the amount for which Judas sold our Christ!’”“Holy Dracula…The Christian Knight”By Jesus MunozHardcover | 6 x 9in | 466 pages | ISBN 9781491804681Softcover | 6 x 9in | 466 pages | ISBN 9781491804674E-Book | 466 pages | ISBN 9781491804698Available at Amazon and Barnes & NobleAbout the AuthorJesus Munoz is an accountant and has a master’s in administration. “My passion is to read and write about religion,” explains Munoz. “I made my investigations and if I do not prove with history that Jesus Christ is God in West because of Dracula, you can tell me a fake and liar writer, my credibility and reputation are at stake. History is my language, and I am not interested and give no credibility to Theology.”Category: Articles, Arts & Entertainment

Do You Have A Smoking libido Or Are You Sleeping With An Inactive Ashtray?

 Ok, so maybe you started smoking thinking it looked cool and that it might affect your sex life to look cool, or be grown up or rebellious or whatever.You are of course totally correct in assuming that smoking affects your sex life. In fact, several recent studies have looked at exactly this question in regard to male impotence and found that there is a link between smoking and difficulties having an erection. Now tell me how cool is that? That is surely far too grown up, that is as grown up as your aged grandfather!Smoking has been linked to coronary artery blockage, but now we know that arteries in the penis are damaged by smoking, too. In a study of men with penile artery blockage (average age 35), the smokers were significantly more blocked than non-smokers. And the more they smoked, the more their arteries were blocked. Since erections are mainly caused by blood flowing into the penis through arteries, unclogged arteries are very important in enhancing one’s sex life.Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it tightens blood vessels and restricts blood flow. In the long term, it has even been shown to cause permanent damage to arteries. Since a man’s erection depends on blood flow, researchers assumed smoking would affect erections. Studies have confirmed this time and again. In one study published in 1986 in Addiction Behavior, it was shown that just two cigarettes could cause softer erections in male smokers. Results are corroborated by a definitive study published in June 2001 that looked at all studies done on impotent men over the last two decades. The research showed that 40 percent of men affected by impotence were smokers, as opposed to 28 percent of the general male population. Interesting eh?So what does all this discussion about impotence mean for women? During sexual arousal, the labia, clitoris, and vagina also swell up with blood, similar to a man’s penis, enhancing sensation and arousal. If nicotine can restrict blood flow and cause erectile dysfunction in men, it can be assumed that blood flow is restricted in women as well, and may have a negative effect on sensation.In the British Medical Associations report: “Smoking and Reproductive Life”, the report states that Women who smoke take longer to conceive. Among smokers, the chances of conceiving fall by 10 – 40 per cent per cycle. The greater the quantity of cigarettes smoked, the longer a woman is likely to take to achieve pregnancy.Cigarette smoking can also affect male fertility: smoking reduces the quality of semen. Men who smoke have a lower sperm count than non-smokers, and their semen contains a higher proportion of malformed sperm. By-products of nicotine present in semen of smokers have been found to reduce the mobility of sperm.Of course, quitting smoking would also eliminate stained teeth, unhealthy skin, rapid accumulation of wrinkles on the face, and clothing, hair, and breath that stink of smoke. That might improve one’s sex life. Decreasing your risk of cancer and heart disease — which also do tend to have negative effects on one’s sex life — can also be sexy in the long run.Smokers may have enjoyed a sexy image in the past, but research tells us that they are not “doing it” as often as non-smokers. Studies show that men between 25 and 40 years who smoked one or more packs per day had sex less often than non-smoking men of the same age. Another study suggested that carbon monoxide in the blood caused by smoking inhibits the production of testosterone (a hormone that creates sex drive).Lastly, smoking affects fertility. Smokers’ sperm come in many sizes and shapes – many of them not normal. Some have two tails or two heads, others have giant or tiny heads, and some have split tails. The more a man smokes, the worse the damage. Nicotine essentially poisons the sperm and its ability to fertilize an egg.Smoking isn’t good for your lungs or heart as is very well documented, and it certainly isn’t good for your sex life. It is no longer cool. Are you sleeping with an inactive ashtray? Is your libido being smoked away?Didnt find what you wanted? search here!