Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Bird Flu: Human Infection

Bird flu is a disease caused by a specific type of avian (bird) influenza virus, the so-called H5N1 virus. This virus was first discovered in birds in China in 1997, and since then has infected 125 people in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Indonesia, killing 64 of them. It is spread by infected migratory birds (including wild ducks and geese) to domestic poultry (primarily chickens, ducks, and. . .

How Not Tracking Your Results Could Be The Road To Nowhere

Dear friend,Many times in the past I got emails like this:"Hi Oliver,I just started with my fat loss diet a few weeks ago, but it seems that since 2 weeks I am not losing any further weight - what can I do?"STOPWhat does it mean to lose weight?What is this weight?Water - muscles or fat?And the letter goes on…"It seems I started losing muscles as well, because I already lost ½ inch on my arms…"A. . .

Coffee, Tea or Liver Problems; Study Finds That Coffee Re...

The link between the diet and the liver has long been studied by the American Liver Foundation and other organizations. Research in this area is important because it could help reduce the suffering and economic burden posed by liver diseases. New research suggests that caffeine, found in both coffee and tea, is a practical way to reduce the risks of developing chronic liver problems.The liver. . .

Exercise Your Face to Look Healthier & Younger

Do you have a problem area on your face that you would like to change? Double chin, droopy eyes, jowls, pouches, crows feet or marionette lines? Aging is as sneaky as sun damage and it seems that in a twinkling of an eye, your face can look so different that you might wonder just who is that person staring back at you in the mirror? Could facial exercise be the answer to the age old question. . .

NaProTechnology In The Ovulation Toolbox

NaProTechnology is a new approach in obstetrics and gynecology based on the Ovulation Method of Natural Family Planning (NFP). With this revolutionary new approach of understanding and treating the menstrual cycle, we have new ways of addressing problems of the menstrual cycle. One area where NaProTechnology is particularly helpful is when problems of ovulation occur.The Conventional ApproachTh. . .

Beware The Food Pyramid

The food pyramid was issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the early 1990s as part of a program to encourage the growth of healthy eating habits from a young age. From the outset schools that were keen to introduce healthy eating habits from junior school level upwards embraced it. We all accepted that USDA had produced a new key to guide us in how to eat healthily and start the battl. . .

Detox Diet: A Basic Understanding

Detoxification occurs in our bodies daily. Our internal organs, the colon, liver and intestines, help our bodies eliminate toxic and harmful matter from our bloodstreams and tissues. Often, our systems become overloaded with waste. Today’s over processed foods and environmental pollutants can easily overwhelm our delicate systems and cause toxic matter to build up in our bodies. Detox diets are. . .

Time To Take Control Over Those Food Cravings

One of my greatest problems with the control of my weight is the fact that so much self disipline is needed to achieve any tangible results. Ah, but I hear you saying, "Whats new about that" We all have that problem! Tell us something new!Well yes we do all know that that is the biggest problem is it not. Lets face it, eating is one of life's greatest pleasures, and we would be pretty abnormal . . .

Can a Neurotransmitter Imbalance Be Causing Your Mood Pro...

Neurotransmitters are powerful chemicals that regulate numerous physical and emotional processes such as cognitive and mental performance, emotional states and pain response. Virtually all functions in life are controlled by neurotransmitters.Interactions between neurotransmitters, hormones, and the brain chemicals have a profound influence on overall health and well-being. When our concentrati. . .

Avoid Holiday Weight Gain - 5 Easy Tips

If you're worried about gaining weight over the holidays you're not alone. The average North American gains 7 to 12 pounds over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. But it doesn't have to be that way. Follow these simple holiday diet tips and tricks and you'll avoid the holiday weight gain that afflicts so many other people:#1 Drink Water - and Lots of It.Boring I know - but the reason t. . .

Why Starvation Diets Don’t Work!

It has become a familiar scenario: you start the day with black coffee; you lunch on carrots and celery sticks. You eat a mouse-size dinner. By the end of the week, you’ve barely lost a pound.Does this sound familiar? Most people who begin a diet-fasting regimen regain their weight and more within a year. The reason is simple: a body in starvation mode will fight like mad to hang on to every f. . .

The Benefits of a Hair Analysis

Have you ever been to a medical doctor with persistent health symptoms, but the doctor can't see anything wrong and all the expensive lab tests merely determine nothing's there? YOU know something's wrong though, because you are on the receiving end of the pounding headaches, the uncontrollable twitches in your arms and legs followed by shooting pains. YOU are the one who cannot get a good nig. . .

Bisphenol A and You!

Mr. McGuire: I just want to say one word to you - just one word.Ben: Yes sir.Mr. McGuire: Are you listening?Ben: Yes I am.Mr. McGuire: 'Plastics.'-- The GraduateYes, plastics. The miracle of modern science. Without plastics. . . why, there are a whole bunch of things we wouldn't have. And you want things, don't you? Of course you do. You can't do without things.A Bisphenol A moleculeAccor. . .

How To Lower Your Risk Of Catching Flu (Including Bird Flu)

Influenza is in no way a new ailment to plague the people of the world. However, a new deadly strand of the virus has everyone running for cover. How do you avoid catching flu, including the dangerous bird flu that threatens so many? First, it should be explained that bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a virus much like the regular flu we are accustomed to. It is transmitted in much. . .

How Great Really Is The Risk Of Catching Bird Flu?

With bird flu being on every television station and newspaper, it is easy to get caught up in the panic surrounding this new viral outbreak. However, do you find yourself wondering if this should really be a concern? Do you remember when everyone was becoming hysterical over the likelihood of killer bees sweeping the United States? I do not know about you, but I have yet to be chased down by. . .

Key Facts About Bird Flu

Bird flu was first identified in the early 1900’s and has since spread worldwide. Also known as avian influenza, this virus has caused considerable concern due to the mutation of a particular strain of the disease. Although this virus previously only infected birds and other types of animals, namely pigs, since 1997, it has also been known to infect humans.The strain of the disease to cause so . . .

Where Are The Greatest Risk Area for Bird Flu?

With Bird Flu in the news, people are wondering where it may be safe to avoid this deadly virus. While the answer to this question may be very simple now, in a few weeks or months, it may be a different story.The first outbreak of the deadly strain of bird flu in humans was in Hong Kong in 1997. A major outbreak then occurred in January of 2004 in Vietnam and Thailand that resulted in the vir. . .

Everything You Need To Know About Shea Butter

Natural shea butter is extracted from the pit of a fruit that grows only on the magnifolia tree in Central and Western Africa. The pits are taken from the fruit, boiled, and then sun dried for 3 – 5 days before they are roasted to complete dehydration. Afterwards, the shea butter is extracted by hand from the pit of the fruit. This long, arduous process has provided what is commonly called ‘The. . .

Au Naturel, Au Contraire

With all the skin care products on the market today, it can be difficult to determine which one is right for your skin. As consumers tend to be increasingly interested in the ingredients of the products they are using, it is only natural for companies to promote products based upon those ingredients. The problem with this is that not all companies are completely honest about the ingredients t. . .

Why Is Bird Flu Of Such Concern?

With bird flu dominating the news lately, it has left many people wondering why it is such a concern. An outbreak of a virus in Asia may seem like it would have little impact on our daily lives; yet many people have become obsessed with the disease. Is it possible there may be more than meets the eye with bird flu?Bird Flu, also known as avian influenza, is not a new virus; it has actually be. . .

Don't Wait Until The New Year

Why does everyone wait until the New Year to do something about their health and fitness? It is traditional for everyone to resolve to lose weight or exercise more. I think we should start now. I guess you are laughing at the thought of watching your weight during the Holidays.Do you have Holiday parties to go to? It is possible to watch your weight even then. One good tip is to drink at . . .

What Is A Flu Pandemic And How Likely Is It?

A pandemic is a global epidemic in which an infectious disease breaks out over a large geographic region. A flu pandemic is, of course, an epidemic of a strain of the influenza virus. With the recent media coverage of bird flu, many people are becoming educated on avian influenza, pandemics in history, and the likelihood another may occur.There have actually been several pandemics or epidemic. . .

Can A Respirator/Mask Really Help Against Bird Flu?

Surgical masks and respirators are forms of personal protective equipment used to guard against the spread of infectious diseases. With the increased onset of bird flu, many manufacturers and distributors of various protective equipment have touted incredible results from the use of their products. Do they hold water? Do these respirators and masks actually protect against bird flu?For many . . .

The Situation With Vaccines For Bird Flu and Other Types ...

With everyone on the brink of panic regarding a bird flu pandemic, many are wondering if a vaccine has been developed and if not, why it has not. Vaccines have become a common and widely accepted way of dealing with various viral infections. Unfortunately, this is not yet a valid option for bird flu.The primary reason an effective vaccine has not been developed for the strain of bird flu caus. . .

Fitness: Improve the Health of Your Diet by Avoiding Whit...

I’d like to share some research with you that may make you think twice before eating your next sandwich on white bread. It will also help your efforts to lose weight and will improve your health.Eliminating white flour in favor of whole wheat has long been the foundation of healthy eating and is a big part of the latest eating right pyramid put out by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.Studies . . .

Moringa Leaf Powder - The World's Greatest Unknown Supple...

There is no doubt that the pure Moringa Tree leaf is the source of incredible health benefits. It's the ultimate, natural, organic, energy and endurance health supplement. There are plenty of studies that describe these benefits and the pure, powdered, moringa leaf is the most potent part of the plant. India's ancient tradition of ayurveda medicine sites 300 diseases that are treated with the l. . .

Key Differences Between Bird Flu and Other Flu Types

There are three types of influenza viruses: A, B, and C. Of these, type A is further classified into subtypes, H and N. Type A affects people and numerous animals, while B and C typically affect humans only. Each type varies in severity, with A being the most dangerous, then B, and C being the least severe.Bird flu is of the A type of influenza virus, one of more severe types. While several. . .

Why Bird Flu Is Not A Pandemic

Most people are aware of the threat of bird flu and the possibility of it creating a pandemic, a worldwide epidemic of an infectious disease breaking out and affecting a large geographic region. Although the virus affects an extensive geographic region, this virus has not yet reached pandemic proportions.According to the World Health Organization, in order for a pandemic to occur, three condit. . .

How Do Humans Become Infected With Bird Flu

The infection process with bird flu is not particularly complicated. As with other strains of influenza, the virus itself is passed from host to host, although bird flu is not transmitted from human contact like other strains of the flu. However, people should still be knowledgeable of how bird flu is contracted to avoid it as much as possible.Currently, the primary way humans become infected. . .

How The Bird Flu Virus Lives And Spreads

Bird flu is a serious and dangerous virus. With so much controversy over this deadly disease, it is a good idea to have some kind of idea what you are up against. Knowing how the virus lives and spreads makes it easier to protect yourself from infection.First, it should be understood that bird flu is much like the other strains of influenza. Like the flu that goes around every year, bird flu. . .

Hot Tub and Home Spa Safety

With the increasing number of hot tubs and home spas being installed in homes and backyards everywhere, it would be wise for us to take some time to discuss hot tub safety. Most people associate hot tubs with fun and relaxation, but there are a number of potential health issues to aware of. Hot tubs and home spas can be a fertile breeding ground for bacteria and disease-causing organisms. Thi. . .

Ten Powerful Keys to Unlocking Health

1. Be PresentLive in the now. The past is gone. You can never go back and make it right. You can never re-live a life that was yesterday. Live positively in the present moment, no matter what is occurring. It is All right and perfect. Do not look ahead and dread what may come. Our mind creates a lot of chatter and makes us afraid in order to keep us safe. Tell your mind "Thanks for sharing" an. . .

What's your Body Mass Index?

Do you know how to measure body mass index?Do you even know what body mass index is?For some, the need to lose weight is clear. Those whose body weight places them into the obese or morbidly obese categories are well aware that they are carrying too many pounds.But what about those who are only slightly overweight? Is that ten pounds over the ideal weight raising your risk of health complicatio. . .

Eight Strategies To Avoid The Flu

It is that time of year when the Flu is flourishing in the workplace, classrooms, hospitals, and homes. The influenza virus differs from the common cold in the sudden onset of symptoms. These are severe headaches, fever, chills, muscle aches and sometimes, nausea and diarrhea. The following are some strategies to stay healthier, this flu season.Get the flu shot. There are three types of flu. Ho. . .

Coffee Antioxidant - Friend or Foe

Before we get all excited over the recent news about coffee being our new antioxidant, we need to take a look at the “entire” picture. Is there truly a coffee antioxidant? If there is, how exactly is coffee an antioxidant? Does it become the antioxidant when it’s heated? Does the coffee antioxidant benefit everyone? Are there still dangers to drinking coffee? How much coffee is good for us and . . .

Living with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's & Mild Cognitive Imp...

Memory loss may affect us with greater frequency, as we get older. A certain amount of memory loss is to be expected. Butthere is a big difference between the normal forgetfulness thatcomes with aging and debilitating mental illnesses such asAlzheimer's disease.Most people forget where they placed their keys from time totime or the name of a recent acquaintance. These minor lapsesin memory are . . .

Knockout Knee Pain

You may first feel it when attempting to bend down to pick adropped item or possibly you experience it as morning stiffnessthat you feel when you first get up out of bed. But wheneverit hits you knee pain will undoubtedly get your attention.The good news about knee pain is that it responds well to selfcare measures.There are a number of factors that can put you at risk for kneepain. Some of the. . .

Resolve to Get Involved

As you review your goals for the new year, include engaging employees in their health care decisions on your list. Educating employees on their part in medical care can lead to increased quality of life and productivity, and decreased sick leave and health care expense. Consider the impact of employee health empowerment in these terms: When an employee chooses to see a primary care provider or . . .

The Latest Trends In Mens Hairstyles

Today's man hair style can be either long and textured or super short and tight and still be considered trendy and at the height of fashion. Some men's hair styles require gel, mousse or pomade while others don't even need to be combed. The truth is that now more than ever there are numerous ways to achieve a stylish and trendy man hair cut. That means that there are a lot of different styles f. . .

How to Stop Taking Sleeping Pills and Stay Sane

Over a million people worldwide rely on some form of prescription sleep medication. Many of these could sleep well or better without it. The trouble is these drugs are so habit forming, they don’t know how to stop taking them. They can’t get off the merry-go-round.The thing that keeps us taking these drugs is fear. Fear of withdrawal, fear of never having a good night’s sleep again.Indeed there. . .

Generic Medications. Basic Information.

As stated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - a generic drug is identical, or bioequivalent to a brand name drug in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use. In other words, pharmacological effects of generic drugs are exactly the same as those of their brand name counterparts. Generic version of the drug has the same . . .

Why You Shouldn’t Be Using These Exercises In The Gym

Have you ever imagined using potentially dangerous exercises in your workout? You have to be very careful with strength training equipment because it may not be the most effective or functional available. How do you know that the exercises you are performing are safe? Found below are some potentially dangerous exercises with suggestions on how they should be done correctly or avoided completely. . .

Time for a Swim in your Spa

The evolution of the hot tub has never ceased to amaze me. In recent years, hot tub and spa manufacturers have designed countless improvements into their products. A number of my friends have purchased spas in the last couple years, and they have all invested in optional upgrades such as surround sound systems. A few of them have even purchased spas with massive LCD televisions built into th. . .

How To Stay On Your Diet And Stay In Shape Over The Holid...

My mom makes the most amazing Christmas cake in the world; it’s been a tradition in our family for as long as I can remember.First, she mixes up a light, fluffy, vanilla cake mix, pours it into the pans and then pops it in the oven. After it’s been baked, she stacks the cake in three layers with whipped cream spread generously between each layer. She then pours on red and green Jell-O, which ge. . .

Coping With Stomach Cancer And Related Treatments

After receiving a positive diagnosis for stomach cancer, patients understandably feel depressed and uncertain about their future. It’s important for them to realize that they are not alone and that many people suffer from various forms of cancer every day. These individuals must learn to accept the news that they have been given, understand what they are facing and cope with the reality of the . . .

Youthful And Vibrant Skin

Billions are spent each year on cosmetic products that promise to delete wrinkles, lighten age spots, and eliminate itching, flaking, or redness. But the simplest and cheapest way to keep your skin healthy and youthful looking is to stay out of the sun.Sunlight is a major cause of wrinkles, dryness, and age spots. Your skin does change with age. For instance, you sweat less which leads to incre. . .

The Subconscious Control Of Your Diet And Weight Loss

What determines human behavior and in particular your eating behavior? I have yet to come across a psychiatrist, psychologist or physician who can answer this question, yet this is the most fundamental question if you wish to initiate lasting permanent behavior change. If you can not answer this question, how could you possibly expect to help someone make a change in there diet or insure perman. . .

How To Find Out If You Have Skin Cancer

The process of detecting skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the United States, can be practiced with a monthly self examination combined with a yearly visit to your doctor. Early detection is key because, if diagnosed soon enough, skin cancer is almost always curable. There are three main types of skin cancer, all of which are visible if you know what to look for. Melanoma, one of t. . .

How Is Alcohol Affecting Your Weight?

So you’ve been exercising regularly, and cutting back on your calories to meet your weight loss goals. Everything is going great with your new changes but you notice the number on the scale isn’t moving much and your body isn’t changing shape as quickly as you’d hoped. There may be one more habit interfering with your weight loss efforts- -alcohol. Perhaps you enjoy a glass of wine with dinner,. . .

Colon Cancer Causes Revealed

Colon 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 v. . .