HAPPY NEW YEAR '2010'

My Dear Friends,and Readers,
i heartfully wish you a peaceful and prosperous 'NEW YEAR'
Also wish you....
What ever dream and wish you may have let it come true in this new year - '2010'

Real Tantra is not technique but love. Is not technique but prayer....OSHO

Real Tantra is not technique but love. Is not technique but prayer. Is not head-oriented but a relaxation into the heart. Please remember it. Many books have been written on Tantra, they all talk about technique. But the real Tantra has nothing to do with technique. The real Tantra cannot be written about, the real Tantra has to be imbibed. How to imbibe real Tantra? You will have to transform your whole approach.

Pray with your woman, sing with your woman, play with your woman, dance with your woman, with no idea of sex. Don't go on thinking 'When are we going to bed?' Forget about it. Do something else, and get lost into it. And some day love will arise out of that being lost. Suddenly you will see that you are making love and you are not making it. It i.s happening, you are possessed by it

Then you have your first Tantra experience -- possessed by something bigger than you. You were dancing or you were singing together or you were chanting together or you were praying together or meditating together, and suddenly you find you both have moved into a new space. And when you have started making love you don't know, you don't remember either. Then you are being possessed by Tantra energy. And then for the first time you will see a non-technical experience.

When you are making love don't control. Go into uncontrol, go into chaos. It will be fearful, frightening, because it will be a kind of death. And the mind will say 'Control!' And the mind will say 'Jump in and keep control, otherwise you will be lost in the abyss of it.' Don't listen to the mind, get lost. Abandon yourself utterly. And without any technique you will come to see a timeless experience. There will be no two in it: oneness. A consciousness will be there, a lucid passive consciousness will be there, you will know what is happening, because you will be fully aware.. But you will not be there. Awareness will be there.

You have to imbibe the Tantra spirit -- it is not a technique to be learned.

OSHO

QUIT SMOKING

Some Harmful Components of Cigarette Smoke

If you thought that nicotine is the only harmful component of cigarettes, you are sadly mistaken. There is a whole array of them present to harm your body. Cigarette smoke is a complex mixture of compounds produced by the burning of tobacco and additives. Apart from the usual stimulant nicotine, cigarette smoke contains tar, which is made up of more than 4000 chemicals including around 60 known carcinogenic chemicals. Nearly all of them are deadly. Some are also the cause of lung & heart disease and emphysema.

Some are known for their adverse effects on bones and skins. You might be surprised to find the names of some of the deadly chemicals in your cigarette smoke.

Some of them are as follows:
Cyanide: It is a chemical compound that contains a cyano group.
Benzene: also known as Benzol is an organic chemical compound that is a flammable and colorless liquid.
Methanol (wood alcohol): is the simplest alcohol that is also known as methyl alcohol.
Acetylene (the fuel used in welding torches): is an unsaturated chemical compound that is also the simplest alkyne hydrocarbon.
Ammonia : is found everywhere in the environment but is very toxic in combination with certain elements.
Formaldehyde: is a compound in the form of gas that has a very pungent smell.

Cigarette smoke also contains some of the deadly and poisonous gases such as nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide which can be very harmful for a person’s health.

The above given list gives a clear picture that no threat dimension is left when it comes to the components of smoke. Anything and everything that is bad for health is a part of smoke. So, just beware when you light your next cigarette.

BE AWARE OF SWINE FLU

Everything you need to know about swine flu
Rediff News Bureau

India is grappling with a swine flu epidemic. There is heightened panic among people following reports of growing number of HIN1 cases and the recent death of a school child in Pune.

Here's an FAQ on the dreaded virus:

How do people become infected with influenza A (H1N1)?

Outbreaks in humans are now occurring from human-to-human transmission. When infected people cough or sneeze, infected droplets get on their hands, drop onto surfaces, or are dispersed into the air. Another person can breathe in contaminated air, or touch infected hands or surfaces, and be exposed.

What are the signs and symptoms of infection?

Early signs of influenza A (H1N1) are flu-like, including fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and runny nose, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhoea. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

Is there any confirmation of transmission between pigs and humans at this point?

No.
How soon can someone with the flu infect someone else?
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick.

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air.

How long can viruses live outside the body?
We know that some viruses and bacteria can live two hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent hand washing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
Currently available seasonal influenza vaccine does not protect against H1N1 flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.

Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
· Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
· Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
· Try to avoid close contact with people having respiratory illness.
· If one gets sick with influenza, one must stay at home, away from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. However, if one is having any respiratory distress, one should report to a nearby hospital.
·
· What should I do to keep from getting the flu?
· First and most important: wash your hands frequently. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Avoid touching surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people having respiratory illness.

· Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
· Yes. Oseltamivir is the recommended anti viral drug for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with the influenza A H1N1. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster.

· They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms). The government has adequate stock and the drug is made available to government hospitals at the time of outbreak and would be available to you free of cost. The drug is to be administered under supervision of clinicians.

What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where influenza A H1N1 cases have been identified and become ill with influenza like symptoms e.g. fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms.
Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
· Fast breathing or trouble breathing
· Bluish skin color
· Not drinking enough fluids/eating food
· Not waking up or not interacting
· Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
· Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
· Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
· Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
· Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
· Sudden dizziness
· Confusion
· Severe or persistent vomiting

Can I get influenza A H1N1 from eating or preparing pork?
No. swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.


DOs:
* Wash your hands

* Avoid crowded places

* Stay more than an arm's length from persons afflicted with flu

* Get plenty of sleep

* Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food

DO NOTs:

* Shake hands or hug in greeting

* Spit in public

* Take medicines without consulting a physician

For people who are sick:

* Stay home and limit contacts with others as much as possible

* Rest and take plenty of liquids

* Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze

* Seek medical advice if needed.

SWINE FLU- PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to keep swine flu at bay

The deadly Swine Flu has reached the Indian shores following the global outbreak and now, claimed one life. However, Swine Flu is certainly one of those diseased where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Here are ten tips for you to keep away from the pandemic.

1. Wash your hands frequently
Use the antibacterial soaps to cleanse your hands. Wash them often, at least 15 seconds and rinse with running water.
2. Get enough sleep
Try to get 8 hours of good sleep every night to keep your immune system in top flu-fighting shape.
3. Drink sufficient water
Drink 8 to10 glasses of water each day to flush toxins from your system and maintain good moisture and mucous production in your sinuses.
4. Boost your immune system
Keeping your body strong, nourished, and ready to fight infection is important in flu prevention. So stick with whole grains, colorful vegetables, and vitamin-rich fruits.
5. Keep informed
The government is taking necessary steps to prevent the pandemic and periodically release guidelines to keep the pandemic away. Please make sure to keep up to date on the information and act in a calm manner.
6. Avoid alcohol
Apart from being a mood depressant, alcohol is an immune suppressant that can actually decrease your resistance to viral infections like swine flu. So stay away from alcoholic drinks so that your immune system may be strong.
7. Be physically active
Moderate exercise can support the immune system by increasing circulation and oxygenating the body. For example brisk walking for 30-40 minutes 3-4 times a week will significantly perk up your immunity.
8. Keep away from sick people
Flu virus spreads when particles dispersed into the air through a cough or sneeze reach someone else’s nose. So if you have to be around someone who is sick, try to stay a few feet away from them and especially, avoid physical contact.
9. Know when to get help
Consult your doctor if you have a cough and fever and follow their instructions, including taking medicine as prescribed.
10. Avoid crowded areas

Try to avoid unnecessary trips outside.

Source:-Yahoo News

CANCER...

Excellent article on cancer. Pass it on.
AFTER YEARS OF TELLING PEOPLE CHEMOTHERAPY IS THE ONLY WAY TO TRY ANDELIMINATE CANCER, JOHNS HOPKINS IS FINALLY STARTING TO TELL YOU THEREIS AN ALTERNATIVE WAY .

Cancer Update from Johns Hopkins:

1. Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells donot show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a fewbillion. When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no morecancer cells in their bodies after treatment, it just means the testsare
unable to detect the cancer cells because they have not reached thedetectable size.
2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person's lifetime.
3.... When the person's immune system is strong the cancer cells willbe destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumours.
4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has multiplenutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic,environmental,food and lifestyle factors.
5. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing dietand including supplements will strengthen the immune system.
6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing cancer cellsand also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells in the bone marrow,gastro-intestinal tract etc, and can cause organ damage, like liver,kidneys, heart, lungs etc.
7. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars anddamages healthy cells, tissues and organs.
8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often reducetumor size. However prolonged use of chemotherapy and radiation do not
result in more tumor destruction.
9. When the body has too much toxic burden from chemotherapy andradiation the immune system is either compromised or destroyed, hencethe person can succumb to various kinds of infections and complications.
10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to mutate andbecome resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can also causecancercells to spread to other sites.
11. An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells bynot feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply.

WHAT CANCER CELLS FEED ON:
a. Sugar is a cancer-feeder. By cutting off sugar it cuts off oneimportant food supply to the cancer cells. Sugar substitutes like
NutraSweet, Equal,Spoonful, etc are made with Aspartame and it isharmful. A better natural substitute would be Manuka honey or molassesbut only in very sma ll amounts. Table salt has a chemical added tomake it white in colour. Better alternative is Bragg's aminos or seasalt.

b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in thegastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting off milkandsubstituting with unsweetened soy milk, cancer cells are being starved.

c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based diet isacidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little chicken rather than beef or pork. Meat also contains livestock antibiotics, growthhormones and parasites, which are all harmful, especially to peoplewith cancer.

d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains, seeds,nuts and a little fruits help put the body into an alkaline environment.... About 20% can be from cooked food including beans.Fresh vegetable juices provide live enzymes that are easily absorbedand reachdown to cellular levels within 15 minutes to no urish and enhancegrowth of healthy cells. To obtain live enzymes for building healthycells try and drink fresh vegetable juice (most vegetables including beansprouts) and eat some raw vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes aredestroyed attemperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C).

e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high caffeine. Greentea is a better alternative and has cancer-fighting properties. Water-best to drink purified water, or filtered, to avoid known toxinsand heavy metals in tap water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it.

12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot ofdigestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines becomeputrified and leads to more toxic buildup.

13... Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By refrainingfrom or eating less meat it frees more enzymes to attack the proteinwalls ofcancer cells and allows the body's killer cells to destroy the cancer cells.

14. Some supplements build up the immune system (IP6, Flor-ssence,Essiac, anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, EFAs etc.) to enable thebody's own killer cells to destroy cancer cells. Other supplementslike vitamin E are known to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death,the
body's normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or unneeded cells.

15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit. A proactive andpositive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor. Anger,unforgiveness and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidicenvironment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn torelaxand enjoy life.

16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment.Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to get more oxygen down tothe cellular level. Oxygen therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer cells.

(PLEASE FORWARD IT TO PEOPLE YOU CARE ABOUT)

This is an article that should be sent to anyone important in yourlife.I just did !
______________________

HUMAN SYSTEM - FEW FACTS

Amazing facts about Human body

The Skeletal System
The largest bone is the pelvis, or hip bone. In fact it is made of six bones joined firmly together.The longest bone is the ‘femur’, in the thigh. It makes up almost one quarter of the body’s total height.The smallest bone is the ’stirrup’, deep in the ear. It is hardly larger than a grain of rice.The ears and end of the nose do not have bones inside them. Their inner supports are cartilage or ‘gristle’, which is lighter and more flexible than bone. This is why the nose and ears can be bent.After death, cartilage rots faster than bone. This is why the skulls of skeletons have no nose or ears.

The Muscular System
There are about 60 muscles in the face. Smiling is easier than frowning. It takes 20 muscles to smile and over 40 to frown.The longest muscle in the body is the sartorius, from the outside of the hip, down and across to the inside of the knee. It rotates the thigh outwards and bends the knee.The smallest muscle in the body is the stapedius, deep in the ear. It is only 5mm long and thinner than cotton thread. It is involved in hearing.The biggest muscle in the body is the gluteus maximus, in the buttock. It pulls the leg backwards powerfully for walking, running and climbing steps.

The Circulatory System
The heart beats around 3 billion times in the average person’s life.About 2 million blood cells die in the human body every second, and the same number are born each second.Within a tiny droplet of blood, there are some 5 million red blood cells, 300,000 platelets and 10,000 white cells.It takes about 1 minute for a red blood cell to circle the whole body.Red blood cells make approximately 250,000 round trips of the body before returning to the bone marrow, where they were born, to die.Red blood cells may live for about 4 months circulating throughout the body, feeding the 60 trillion other body cells.The brain looks like a giant, wrinkled walnut.Unlike other body cells, brain cells can not regenerate. Once brain cells are damaged they are not replaced.The brain and spinal cord are surrounded and protected by cerebrospinal fluid.

The Immune System
The skin secretes antibacterial substances. These substances explain why you don’t wake up in the morning with a layer of mold growing on your skin - most bacteria and spores that land on the skin die quickly.Tears and mucus contain an enzyme (lysozyme) that breaks down the cell wall of many bacteria.Lymph nodes contain filtering tissue and a large number of lymph cells. When fighting certain bacterial infections, the lymph nodes swell with bacteria and the cells fighting the bacteria, to the point where you can actually feel them. Swollen lymph nodes may therefore be a good indication that you have an infection of some sort.

The Digestive System
Adults eat about 1,100 pounds of food per year.About 3 pints of saliva are produced each day.The esophagus is approximately 10 inches long.Muscles contract in waves to move the food down the esophagus. This means that food would get to a person’s stomach, even if they were standing on their head.An adult’s stomach can hold approximately 3 pints of material.Every day 3 gallons of digested food, liquids and digestive juices flow through the digestive system, but only about 3 ounces of fluid are lost in feces.In the mouth, food is either cooled or warmed to a more suitable temperature.We get two sets of teeth. Our 20 ‘Baby Teeth’ are replaced starting at around 6-7 years of age with our 32 ‘Adult Teeth’.

The Respiratory System
At rest, the adult body takes in and breathes out about 1.6 gallons of air each minute.The right lung is slightly larger than the left.Hairs in the nose help to clean the air we breathe as well as warming it.The highest recorded “sneeze speed” is 102 miles per hour.The surface area of the lungs is roughly the same size as a tennis court.The capillaries in the lungs would extend 1,000 miles if placed end to end.We lose half a more than two cups of water a day through breathing. This is the water vapor we see when we breathe onto glass.A person at rest usually breathes between 12 and 15 times a minute.The breathing rate is faster in children and women than in men

Sound Healing with Tibetan Bowls and Chiron Gong

This is a short video made by Diane Mandle at the San Diego Cancer
Center, for all the oncologists, doctors, nurses and integrative therapy
team that worked with her on this project.
We pass it on to you, hoping it will be of help and inspiration.

Source:http://innerhealers-english.blogspot.com/2009/04/sound-healing-with-tibetan-bowls-and.html

BEST FOOD ITEMS

The 11 Best Foods You Aren’t Eating

Beets: Think of beets as red spinach, Dr. Bowden said, because they are a rich source of folate as well as natural red pigments that may be cancer fighters.How to eat: Fresh, raw and grated to make a salad. Heating decreases the antioxidant power.

Cabbage: Loaded with nutrients like sulforaphane, a chemical said to boost cancer-fighting enzymes.How to eat: Asian-style slaw or as a crunchy topping on burgers and sandwiches.

Swiss chard: A leafy green vegetable packed with carotenoids that protect aging eyes.How to eat it: Chop and saute in olive oil.

Cinnamon: May help control blood sugar and cholesterol.How to eat it: Sprinkle on coffee or oatmeal.

Pomegranate juice: Appears to lower blood pressure and loaded with antioxidants.How to eat: Just drink it.

Dried plums: Okay, so they are really prunes, but they are packed with antioxidants.How to eat: Wrapped in prosciutto and baked.

Pumpkin seeds: The most nutritious part of the pumpkin and packed with magnesium; high levels of the mineral are associated with lower risk for early death.How to eat: Roasted as a snack, or sprinkled on salad.

Sardines: Dr. Bowden calls them “health food in a can.” They are high in omega-3’s, contain virtually no mercury and are loaded with calcium. They also contain iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper and manganese as well as a full complement of B vitamins.How to eat: Choose sardines packed in olive or sardine oil. Eat plain, mixed with salad, on toast, or mashed with dijon mustard and onions as a spread.

Turmeric: The “superstar of spices,” it may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.How to eat: Mix with scrambled eggs or in any vegetable dish.

Frozen blueberries: Even though freezing can degrade some of the nutrients in fruits and vegetables, frozen blueberries are available year-round and don’t spoil; associated with better memory in animal studies.How to eat: Blended with yogurt or chocolate soy milk and sprinkled with crushed almonds.

Canned pumpkin: A low-calorie vegetable that is high in fiber and immune-stimulating vitamin A; fills you up on very few calories.How to eat: Mix with a little butter, cinnamon and nutmeg.

HOW TO BE HEALTHY...

DOING NOTHING...
JUST BE COOL AS MUCH AS YOU CAN

Swine Influenza and You

Questions & Answers
Swine Influenza and You

What is swine flu?

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.

Are there human infections with swine flu in the U.S.?

In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. Other U.S. states have reported cases of swine flu infection in humans and cases have been reported internationally as well. An updated case count of confirmed swine flu infections in the United States is kept at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.

Is this swine flu virus contagious?

CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

How does swine flu spread?

Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

How can someone with the flu infect someone else?

Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

What should I do to keep from getting the flu?

First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?

Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).

How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?

People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?

Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

How long can viruses live outside the body?

We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

· Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
· Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.

Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
· Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
· If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?

If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water. or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. we recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.

If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
· Fast breathing or trouble breathing
· Bluish skin color
· Not drinking enough fluids
· Not waking up or not interacting
· Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
· Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
· Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
· Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
· Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
· Sudden dizziness
· Confusion
· Severe or persistent vomiting

How serious is swine flu infection?

Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death.

Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?

No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

source:-
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BEWARE - AN APPLE FACTS

Please don’t eat the skin of the apple if it’s coated with wax …

Pleass. check before you eat many of the fruits here in Gulf, WAX is being used as preservation Purposes and then cold stored. You might be surprised especially apples from USA and other parts are more than one year old, though it would look fresh.

You might be surprised especially apples from USA and other parts are more than one year old, though it would look fresh. Becox wax is coated preventing bacteria to enter. So it does not get dry.

Please Eat Apples after taking the wax as demonstrated below.Please follow this and send it to 100 people so that after your death, you will be welcomed by candle lights.

If you disobey , even if u believe or not, you will be burn with candles. As we cannot bear that heat in our body, please forward it to 100 or more. This is real one.

SOURCE: - MYDIGITALINFO BLOG

Beauty Tips For Eyes

10 TIPS FOR YOUR EYES

The eyes are the part of the face we notice first. This is why it's important to make sure that your eyes look their best when attending to your makeup and care routine. Following are some great beauty tips for your eyes, no matter who you are.

1. Healthy eyes are beautiful eyes.

If your eyes are swollen, red, or other wise unhealthy, no amount of makeup is going to disguise this fact. If you wear contact lenses, make sure that you attend to all the care instructions for them. Also, protect your eyes by using cosmetics with sun screen included.

2. When putting on eye makeup, make sure it goes with the rest of your look.

Too many women forget that while the eyes are important, they must be in harmony with the rest of the face. Choose eye makeup that goes with what you're wearing, and with the look you choose on the rest of your face. Don't let your features go to war with each other to be the most prominent – you'll have to choose whether you want the focus to be on your lips or eyes, for instance. Overdoing it can just look garish.

3. Lay a good base.

A layer of foundation on your eyelids will help smooth out imperfections and help your eye shadow and liner look their best.

4. Choose a color theme.

This doesn't meant that you have to use a monochrome scheme for your eye makeup, but it does mean that it's a good idea to keep an idea of color harmony in mind as you apply your makeup. The colors that will work best for you depend on your skin tone.

5. Pay attention to your eye shape.

What works on one person won't necessarily look good on another. Figuring out what shape and set your eyes are can go a long way to helping you get the right look.

6. Select quality cosmetics.

It really matters whether or not your makeup is high quality. Don't let your tools work against you just because you can get a cheaper brand. You'll never achieve the same looks you can with a better brand.

7. Use specialized cleansers to remove your make up.

Soap and water are harsh and can irritate the eyes. Specially formulated eye cleansers are gentle, but made to remove old cosmetics.

8. Use darker, more heavily made up looks at night.

Daytime requires a more natural look. Apply mascara on the tips of the lashes only, and save the liquid liner for evenings. Harsh makeup in daylight can look overdone or silly.

9. Soften over-prominent eyes.

Just because the eyes are the first thing we pay attention to doesn't meant that they must be the focus of every look. If you feel that your eyes are too prominent, apply medium shadow and don't use high lights. This will make them appear deeper-set.

10. Keep up to date on the latest looks.

If you've been doing your eyes the same way for years, you can look dated without knowing it. Pay attention to what other people are wearing as well as the latest makeup styles, and form a look that's your own.

source:- Rite mail

facts To know about Cigarrate and its Smoke

1. - Second hand smoke contains 50 cancer causing chemicals. Of those, at least 11 are labeled as“Group 1 Carcinogens” - which are the most deadly.
2. - Radioactive lead is present in cigarette smoke.
3. - Hydrogen cyanide is found in small amounts in cigarette smoke. This chemical was used as genocidal agent in World War II.
4. - Ambergris (Otherwise known as whale vomit) is added to cigarettes by many manufacturers.
5. - There is enough nicotine in just 4 - 5 cigarettes to kill a healthy adult if it were consumed whole. Much of the nicotine is burned away.6. - 1/4 of all the youths alive today in East Asia will die from cigarette smoking if current trends continue.
7. - 3,000 kids each day in the U.S. pick up smoking each day. That number swells to 80,000%2B worldwide every day.
8. - China consumes approximately 1.7 trillion cigarettes every single year.
9. - It is estimated that trillions of filters containing tobacco and dangerous chemicals are laying on the ground, polluting our environment every year. Together, these cigarette filters weigh in the billions of pounds and are dangerous to the environment.

FOOD TIPS FOR HEALTHY VISION

'The Six Foods That are Best at Helping

You Get and Keep Healthy Vision.'

Your eyes are your window to the world, so protecting them is likely one of your top priorities. One of the best ways to keep your eyes healthy as you age is to include vision-friendly foods in your daily diet. And contrary to popular belief, carrots are far from the only food out there that is good for your eyes.

The following foods will not only help to nourish and support your eyes as you age, but many of them can also help to reduce your risk of cataracts and macular degeneration — the world’s leading cause of blindness.

1. Egg Yolks

Egg yolks are the best source of lutein, a yellow-hued antioxidant. One of lutein’s most talked about qualities is its ability to protect against cataracts and macular degeneration.

Lutein (along with zeaxanthin, another carotenoid) forms the yellow pigment of your retina and absorbs blue light, a harmful component of sunlight, says Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D. Researchers also suspect that lutein’s antioxidant actions help to protect your eyes from light-induced oxidative damage. Lutein is also found in vegetables, especially green leafy ones, but when 10 volunteers ate different sources of lutein (spinach, eggs or one of two types of lutein supplements) eggs came out on top. Those who ate eggs as their lutein source had blood levels of lutein that were about three times higher than that of those who ate other lutein sources. The researchers suspect that other components in the egg yolk, such as lecithin, are responsible for its superior absorbability.

2. Brazil Nuts

One Brazil nut contains 120 mcg of selenium, which is about twice the Recommended Daily Allowance. Why is this a good thing? Because selenium’s antioxidant activity fights free radicals that may damage your eye’s lens and macula at the center of your retina. This may help prevent cataracts and macular degeneration.

3. Blueberries (and Other Berries)

Blueberries contain anthocyanins, potent antioxidants that give fruits their red and purple color. Because of this, blueberries can help to prevent age-related damage and improve blood flow to your eyes. Anthocyanins also strengthen blood vessel walls, which can slow the development of diabetic retinopathy. The blueberry is quite possibly the healthiest fruit there is — it ranked number one in antioxidant capacity by researchers at the USDA Human Nutrition Center when compared to 40 other fresh fruits and vegetables. Aside from blueberries, cherries, red grape, pomegranates, red cabbage, and beets also contain high levels of anthocyanins.

4. Salmon

Salmon and other oily fish like sardines, herring, and black cod are rich in omega-3 fats. A study from Harvard Medical School found that people who eat fish twice a week while avoiding unhealthy fats like trans fats have less than half the risk of developing macular degeneration as people who do neither. Meanwhile, omega-3 fats help protect light-sensing cells and are linked to a lower risk of cataracts.

When eating fish, be careful to choose wild, low-mercury varieties. As an alternative, you can take a high-quality, animal-based omega-3 supplement, such as fish oil.

5. Papaya

One serving of papaya will give you close to a three-day supply of vitamin C, which is one reason why papaya has been found to protect against macular degeneration. According to a 2001 study by the National Institutes of Health, people with macular degeneration could slow the disease by getting 500 mg of vitamin C, 400 IU of vitamin E, and 80 mg of zinc every day.

6. Broccoli

Broccoli contains sulforaphane, a cancer-fighting compound that’s also a powerful antioxidant. According to researchers at Johns Hopkins University, human retinal cells treated with sulforaphane were protected from oxidizing free radicals for several days.

Not a fan of broccoli?

Don’t worry, other cruciferous veggies like cabbage, kale, mustard greens and turnips are also rich in sulforaphane.

WEIGHT LOSS

Behaviour changes that can help weight loss.

We all know that dieting and exercising are the two key pillars of weight loss. However, there are some minor behaviour modifications that can help weight loss as well. I picked this from a pamphlet in my doctor’s office.

• They seemed like common sense ones and wanted to share…

• Evaluate what behaviours, activities or feelings trigger eating .


• Don’t use food as a reward for desired behavior .


• Drink plenty of non-calorific fluids, including water daily.


• Change usual eating places; avoid eating while involved in other activities.


• Make an effort to eat breakfast and small, frequent meals.


• Eat fresh fruits and raw vegetables at least 4 times daily .


• Eat slowly, putting your utensils down between bites.


• Weight should be checked on a weekly basis only.


• Clean high calorie, low nutried foods out of cupboards.


• Keep busy so the focus is not on foods.


• Shop from a healthy food list and not when hungry.


• Leave the table soon after eating and don’t feel a need to finish everything.


• Trim fat off meat and skin off poultry.


• Break the habit of nibbling while cooking or cleaning up from meals.


• Try low fat and low calorie food items (the taste keeps improving) .


• Exercise along with television exercise programs or during commercials when watching television.


• Nothing breathtakingly new, but something to keep at the back of our minds!

STAY YOUNG AND HEALTHY

STAY HEALTHY AND YOUNG

Top 5 Tips in Ayurveda to Stay Healthy and Young In Ayurveda, there are some simple tips which when followed can help you stay healthy and young, with no much big effort but through Ayurveda. The following needs to be done in order, soon as you get off the bed in the morning.

Cleaning the face:
One should wash one’s face with water on a regular basis. This helps in cleaning of the dirt accumulated on the face during night and gives freshness thereby which you stay healthy. Preferably cold water needs to be used, but during winter luke-warm water

also may do the trick.

Protecting Eyesight:
After washing the face, one should take a mouthful of water, keep the mouth closed and keeping the eyes open as far as possible, sprinkle freshwater over the eyes. This is very useful for preserving your coveted eyesight. Once this is over, your eyelids should be gently rubbed and a tender massage should be given to the eye balls.

Drink a Glass of Water:
One should also make it a practice to drink a glass of water early in the morning. This helps to tone your excretory system effectively. Although tea is good for antioxidants, its not advisable to have them before evacuation of bowels. Taking tea on bed may develop constipation later on - as it being hot stimulates intestines to such an extent that many layers of intestines get damaged, so watch out!

Cleaning your mouth:
Although you may have several tooth pastes and gargle fluids, for a healthy life Ayurveda suggests usage of twig of neem or babool.

Application of Til Oil:
One who applies til oil on the head regularly, never suffers from complaints such as headaches, baldness or graying of hair - hair remains black and are deep-rooted.

Note:- TIL OIL -> Gingelly oil

Posted by Dr.G.RAMANI
Labels: HEALTH TIPS FROM AYURVEDA

UNBELIEVABLE MEDICAL CONDITIONS

10 People with Unbelievable Medical Conditions

1.The Woman Who has 200 Orgasms every day

UK's Sarah Carmen, 24, is a 200-a-day orgasm girl who gets good, good, GOOD vibrations from almost anything. She suffers from Permanent Sexual Arousal Syndrome (PSAS), which increases blood flow to the sex organs. "Sometimes I have so much sex to try to calm myself down I get bored of it. And men I sleep with don't seem to make as much effort because I climax so easily."
She believes her condition was brought on by the pills. "Within a few weeks I just began to get more and more aroused more and more of the time and I just kept having endless orgasms. It started off in bed where sex sessions would last for hours and my boyfriend would be stunned at how many times I would orgasm. Then it would happen after sex. I'd be thinking about what we'd done in bed and I'd start feeling a bit flushed, then I'd become aroused and climax. In six months I was having 150 orgasms a day—and it has been as many as 200."She and her boyfriend split— and new partners struggle to keep up with her sex demands. "Often, I'll want to wear myself out by having as many orgasms as I can so they stop and I can get some peace," she said.

2.The Man Who Can't Get Fat

Mr Perry, 59, can eat whatever he likes - including unlimited pies, burgers and desserts - and never get fat. He cannot put on weight because of a condition called lipodystrophy that makes his body rapidly burn fat.He used to be a chubby child, but at age 12 the fat dropped off "almost over night". He initially tried to eat more to gain weight, but it had no effect. Mr Perry, of Ilford in Essex, endured a decade of tests before the illness was diagnosed. It finally emerged that his body produces six times the normal level of insulin. Doctors have admitted that the condition would be a "slimmer's dream".

3.he Man Who Doesn't Feel Cold

Dutchman Wim Hof, also known as the Iceman, is the man that swam under ice, and stood in bins filled with ice. He climbed the Mt. Blanc in shorts in the icy cold, harvested world records and always stands for new challenges.Scientists can't really explain it, but the 48-year-old Dutchman is able to withstand, and even thrive, in temperatures that could be fatal to the average person.

4.The Boy Who Couldn't Sleep: stayed awake 24 hours a day for years

Rhett Lamb is often cranky like any other 3-year-old toddler, but there's one thing that makes him completely different: he has a rare medical condition in which he can't sleep a wink.Rhett is awake nearly 24 hours a day, and his condition has baffled his parents and doctors for years. They took clock shifts watching his every sleep-deprived mood to determine what ailed the young boy.After a number of conflicting opinions, Shannon and David Lamb finally learned what was wrong with their child: Doctors diagnosed Rhett with an extremely rare condition called chiari malformation."The brain literally is squeezed into the spinal column. What happens is you get compression, squeezing, strangulating of the brain stem, which has all the vital functions that control sleep, speech, our cranial nerves, our circulatory system, even our breathing system," Savard said.

5.The Girl Who is Allergic to Water

Teenager Ashleigh Morris can't go swimming, soak in a hot bath or enjoy a shower after a stressful day's work - she's allergic to water. Even sweating brings the 19-year-old out in a painful rash.Ashleigh, from Melbourne, Australia, is allergic to water of any temperature, a condition she's lived with since she was 14. She suffers from an extremely rare skin disorder called Aquagenic Urticaria - so unusual that only a handful of cases are documented worldwide.

6.The Woman Who Can't Forget

That's the story of AJ, an extraordinary 40-year-old married woman who remembers everything.McGaugh and fellow UCI researchers Larry Cahill and Elizabeth Parker have been studying the extraordinary case of a person who has "nonstop, uncontrollable and automatic" memory of her personal history and countless public events. If you randomly pick a date from the past 25 years and ask her about it, she'll usually provide elaborate, verifiable details about what happened to her that day and if there were any significant news events on topics that interested her. She usually also recalls what day of the week it was and what the weather was like.The 40-year-old woman, who was given the code name AJ to protect her privacy, is so unusual that UCI coined a name for her condition in a recent issue of the journal Neurocase: hyperthymestic syndrome.

7. The Girl Who Eats Only Tic Tacs

eet Natalie Cooper, a 17-year-old teenager who has a mystery illness that makes her sick every time she eats anything. Well, almost anything. She can eat one thing that doesn't make her sick: Tic tac mint!For reasons that doctors are unable to explain, Tic tacs are the only thing she can stomach, meaning she has to get the rest of her sustenance from a specially formulated feed through a tube.

8.The Musician Who Can't Stop Hiccupping

Chris Sands, 24, from Lincoln, hiccups as often as every two seconds - and sometimes even when he is asleep. He has tried a variety of cures, including hypnosis and yoga, but nothing has worked. Mr Sands thinks his problem stems from an acid reflux condition caused by a damaged valve in his stomach. "If the acid levels are severe enough they are going to do keyhole surgery and grab part of my stomach and wrap it around the valve to tighten it," he said.Mr Sands, who is a backing singer in the group Ebullient, said the condition has hampered his career as he has only been able to perform four times. In the next couple of weeks --as of the day of the report--, doctors at Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre will put a tube into his stomach to monitor acid levels and decide if keyhole surgery is possible.


9.The Girl That Collapses Every Time She Laughs

Kay Underwood, 20, has cataplexy, which means that almost any sort of strong emotion triggers a dramatic weakening of her muscles. Exhilaration, anger, fear, surprise, awe and even embarrassment can also cause sufferers to suddenly collapse on the spot.Kay, of Barrow-upon-Soar, Leicestershire (UK), who was diagnosed with the condition five years ago, once collapsed more than 40 times in a single day. She said: "People find it very odd when it happens, and it isn't always easy to cope with strangers' reactions. "Like most cataplexy sufferers, Ms Underwood is also battling narcolepsy - a condition that makes her drop off to sleep without warning. Narcolepsy affects around 30,000 people in the UK and about 70 per cent of them also have cataplexy.

10.He Woman Who is Allergic to Modern Technology

For most people talking on a mobile phone, cooking dinner in the microwave or driving in a car is simply part of modern living in 21st century Britain. But completing any such tasks is impossible for Debbie Bird - because she is allergic to Cell Phones and Microwaves.

The 39-year-old is so sensitive to the electromagnetic field (emf) or 'smog' created by computers, mobile phones, microwave ovens and even some cars, that she develops a painful skin rash and her eyelids swell to three times their size if she goes near them. As a consequence, Mrs Bird, a health spa manager, has transformed her home into an EMF-free zone to try and stay healthy. 'I can no longer do things that I used to take for granted,' Mrs Bird said. "My day-to-day life has been seriously affected by EMF"..

HEALTHY LIFE STYLE

Little things do mean a lot. Check out our list of easy tips.

Ready to drop some weight?

The good news is small changes are easy to work into your routine and can add up to make a big difference.
Think baby steps, like swapping milk in your morning coffee for skim milk. There are lots of little changes you can make — in your diet and your daily routine — that will add up to healthy weight loss over the long haul. Take a look at our 20 tips below and take one on board each week.

Eating tips
Good things come in small packages.

Cut high-kilojoule foods, such as hard cheese and chocolate into smaller pieces. It will seem like you’re getting more than you actually are.
Don’t give up dips.

If you love creamy dips and sauces, don’t cut them out of your diet completely. Just use low-fat sour cream or low-fat mayo instead of full fat.
Get water-wise.

Make a habit of reaching for a glass of water instead of coffee or soft drink. It will help your overall health as well as your waistline. Add some zest with a twist of lemon or lime.
Herb it up.

Stock up your spice rack and start growing a small herb garden in your kitchen window. Spices and herbs add fantastic flavour to foods without adding fat or kilojoules.
Doggie-bag that dinner.

At restaurants, ask the waiter to put half your meal in a doggie bag before bringing it to your table. Putting the food away before you start your meal will help you practise portion control.
Ease your way into produce.

If you’re new to eating lots of fruits and vegies, start slowly. Just add them to the foods you already enjoy. Chop up fruit and add it to your cereal, or add a few vegies to your favourite pasta dish.
Don’t multitask while you eat.

If you’re working, reading or watching TV while you eat, you won’t be paying attention to what’s going into your mouth. Every time you sit down for a meal, actually sit down, chew slowly and pay attention to flavours and textures. You’ll enjoy your food more and eat less.
Taste something new.

Broaden your food repertoire — you may find you like more healthy foods than you knew. Try a new fruit or vegetable (ever had bok choy, dragonfruit or papaya?).
Get to know your portion sizes.

It’s easy to underestimate how much you’re eating. Don’t just estimate things — make sure. Ask how much is in a serving, read the fine print on labels, measure your food. And learn portion equivalents: one serving of pasta, for instance, should be around the size of a tennis ball.
Bring lunch to work.

Packing lunch will help you control your portion sizes. It also provides a good alternative to restaurants and fast-food options, where making healthy choices every day can be challenging (not to mention expensive).
Have some dessert.

You don’t have to deny yourself all the time. Have a treat that brings you pleasure, but this time enjoy it guilt-free. Make sure you’re practicing portion control, and compensate for your indulgence by exercising a little more or by skipping your afternoon snack.
Ask for what you need.

Tell your mother-in-law you don’t want seconds.

Ask your partner to stop bringing you chocolates.

Speak up when your co-workers are picking a restaurant for lunch. Whatever you need to do to succeed at weight loss, ask for it. Make yourself a priority and assert yourself.

.
Fitness tips

Improve your treadmill technique.

When walking on a treadmill, don’t grip the rails. It’s fine to touch them for balance, but you shouldn’t have to hold on. If you do, that might be a signal you should lower the intensity level.
Make the most of your walks.

If your walking routine has become too easy, increase your effort by finding hills. Just be sure to tackle them at the beginning of your walk, when you have energy to spare.
Shop ’til you drop.

Add a workout to your shopping sessions by parking your car as far from the store as possible, so you’ll have to walk further. And try walking up the escalator — getting to your destination faster will be an added bonus.
Walk an extra 100 steps at work.

Adding even a little extra exercise to your daily routine can boost your weight loss. Today, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or stroll down the hall to talk to a co-worker instead of sending an e-mail or calling.

Lifestyle tips
Brush your teeth after every meal and snack.

This will be a signal to your mouth — and your mind — that it’s time to stop eating. Brushing will also give your mouth a nice fresh taste that you’ll be disinclined to ruin with a random potato chip.
Clean your closet!

First, it’s great exercise. Second, it’s an important step in changing your attitude. Get rid of all the clothes that make you look or feel bad. Throw out anything that’s too big — don’t give yourself the option of ever fitting into those clothes again. Move the smaller clothes up to the front to help motivate you.
Walkie talkies.

Instead of meeting your friend for the regular coffee and banana bread catch-up, meet at the beach or a local park and go for a walk together. You’ll be surprised how much further you can walk when you’re not thinking about it.
Take your measurements.

You might not like your stats now, but you’ll be glad you wrote them down when you see how many centimetres you lose. It’s also another way to measure your success, instead of just looking at the scale. Sometimes even when the numbers on the scale aren’t going down, the measurements on your body are.

Five Reasons to Have Sex Today!

5 Reasons to Have Sex Today!
posted by Veronica Peterson

Source:-from-
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/5-reasons-to-have-sex-today.html
5+Reasons+to+Have+Sex+Today%21

Hello,
I saw this article on Care2 and thought you'd like it as well.
Care2 is the largest and most trusted information and action site for people who care to make a difference in their lives and the world.Care2.com
By Veronica Peterson, Editor, Healthy & Green Living

What would Valentine’s Day be without an opportunity to mention the three-letter word that gets everyone so riled up? Yes, you guessed it–I’m talking about at a little S-E-X. So, let’s chat, shall we? Beyond being just one-heck-of-good-time, medical studies report that an active sex life contributes to a longer and more fulfilling life. So come on, everybody’s doing it (or at least the lucky ones), and here are five reasons for you to join in:

1. Sex boosts your immune system.
“Honey, I have a headache,” may now be the best reason to have sex! A startling number of physicians are now recognizing how sexual and emotional health affect our entire well being. In other words, how our brain directly impacts our immune system. “We know that people who enjoy a regular, satisfying sex life (i.e. regular orgasms) are less stressed, less depressed and generally more well physically, mentally and emotionally,” says Wendy Strgar, loveologist and CEO of Good Clean Love. In a recent article, Dr. Paul Pearsall, director of Behavioral Medicine at Detroit’s Beaumont Hospital, concludes that many of his patients had experienced sexual dissatisfaction prior to a heart attack. He also claims that sexual contentment leads to less severe headaches and reduced discomfort from arthritis in both genders.

2. Sex burns calories.

Oh yeah, forget those fad diets and get busy gettin’ busy. A mere 30-minutes of sex burns 90 calories and while that may not sound impressive, at an average of three times a week, you’re burning 5 pounds in a year! Or, according to Forbes magazine, having sex just twice a week for a year will burn off the equivalent of seven huge spaghetti dinners. Seconds, anyone?

3. Sex relieves pain.

Orgasm is one serious narcotic! Oxytocin, a naturally occurring chemical in the body surges during and after climax while working in conjunction with a few other endorphins to make sure you feel no pain. In his book, How to Treat Arthritis, rheumatologist Carter V. Multz asserts that sex can reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation associated with arthritis, headaches and menstrual cramps.

4. Sex decreases aging.

“Use it or lose it” has never been more applicable. Regular sex releases a plethora of “happy” chemicals into your bloodstream, including testosterone. As we age, our testosterone levels decrease. Sex is a wonderful way to build your reserves back up, helping build new bones and muscles while putting a youthful glow on your face. According to a study by Dr. David Weeks, a clinical neuropsychologist at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital in Scotland and co-author of Superyoung, men and women who reported having sex an average of four times per week looked approximately 10 years younger than they really were.

5. Sex is great for depression.

“The release from orgasm does much to calm people. It helps with sleep, and that is whether we talk about solo sex or sex with a partner,” says Jennifer Bass, the head of information services at the Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction in Bloomington, Ind., in a recent MSNBC article. Researchers believe that sex helps the brain produce serotonin which, in turn, prompts new neurons to grow. Most chemical, antidepressant medications, like Zoloft, work to increase serotonin levels. These drugs take three to four weeks to begin working–about the same amount of time required for new neurons to form. One reason these drugs could be an effective treatment is because they increase cell growth–just as sex does.