Bullitt County health board will appeal judge's ruling against smoking ban, with financial help from Clark County

The Bullitt County Board of Health will appeal a local judge's ruling that it lacks the authority to impose a smoking ban, and it will get some help from the board in Clark County, one of four where bans have been enacted by health boards instead of county fiscal courts.

The $5,000 will come not from tax dollars, but from "money received from the University of Kentucky for consulting services provided by Health Department Director Scott Lockard," Rachel Parsons of The Winchester Sun reports. UK "contracted with the Clark County Health Department so Lockard could work with the university and other local public health directors on smoke-free issues."

If the Bullitt County ruling is upheld, the decision could invalidate regulations enacted by health departments in Clark, Madison, Woodford and Hopkins counties. At the Court of Appeals, “If they uphold the lower court’s ruling, then we will have an injunction against our ruling until it goes to the Supreme Court, so we will suspend the enforcement of it until we get a final determination,” Lockard said. “We fully anticipate that the ruling will be in favor of the boards of health, because this is just a very narrow interpretation.” (Read more)

Your Chances of Having Twins

What factors predispose couples to have twins? Here are some interesting findings.

Genetics
If you are a woman whose mother, sister, maternal aunt or maternal grandmother had fraternal twins, this trait may have been passed to you. Fraternal twins can only be conceived if a woman releases two eggs at ovulation, and this trait has been genetically predetermined in some people.

Age
If you are a woman between the ages of 35 - 39, you are more likely to conceive twins. This likelihood increases more after 40, but mostly because women are using fertility treatments at that age. Women over 35 may release more than one egg at ovulation because their cycles are being disrupted by per menopause.

Previous Pregnancies
The more previous pregnancies and births a woman has experienced, the more likely twins will be in subsequent pregnancies. If a woman has conceived twins (especially fraternal twins) before, she is more likely to have them again.
Race/Ethnicity
In the United States, people of African descent have a higher incidence of twins than Caucasians, who have a higher rate of twinning than Asians. Native Americans have a slightly lower incidence than Asians, and Hispanics have the lowest rate of twinning.

Weight/Height
Obese women, especially those with a body mass index over 30, tend to conceive twins more often, but also have higher risk pregnancies because of the excess weight. Taller women are also more likely to conceive twins.

Diet/Nutrition
There is some scientific evidence that eating animal products, especially dairy, increases a woman's chances of conceiving twins. Vegan women who eat no dairy have a very low rate of twin conception. Women whose diets are high in folate seem to conceive twins more often, as do those who eat yams or other products high in natural estrogen-like compounds. Women in the Yoruba tribe in Africa have a phenomenal rate of twinning, and consume yams as a major part of their diet. Once twins have been conceived, consuming a healthy, adequate diet is essential for the proper development of the babies as well.

Environment
Strangely enough, some studies have found that living near a polluted area increases a woman's chances of having twins. Breastfeeding Women who are breastfeeding when they get pregnant again (often accidentally!) are more likely to conceive twins.

Infertility
As those who have been through the infertility process know, both infertility drugs and IVF increase a couple's chances of a multiple pregnancy

How to Date and Still Be a Good Mom

If you're recently single, you might wonder how you can balance your desire for a romantic relationship with the requirements of your children. Your dating habits can set the tone for your children's future relationships, both positive and negative. You must set a good example for your children while meeting your needs.

Step1
Wait until the right moment to introduce your children to your date. Your kids don't need to meet every man you date. When you feel the dating turning into a relationship, it's time to include the children.

Step2
Be truthful with your children. Although your intimate life is private, if your teenager sees your dates spending the night and you teach values that prohibit premarital sex, you're sending mixed messages.

Step3
Expect children to vacillate in their acceptance of your dates. Sometimes children like the date in the beginning, but feel threatened as the relationship progresses and they have to "share" their mother with another adult.

Step4
Maintain your priorities. Although you shouldn't be a martyr, you must keep your children's needs in first place. Scheduling a romantic getaway the same weekend as your daughter's piano recital reflects questionable decision-making and may hurt or offend your child. It also sets up the "him or me" situation you want to avoid.

Step5
Don't give too much weight to the advice of others who may have a bias. Your family and friends might have trouble with your new role as a dating mom. Only you can decide what's best for you and your children.

Step6
End the relationship if it's not working for you. If you maintain an unhappy relationship because your children adore the man, you risk repeating another failed marriage. Learning to cope with loss serves as a part of a child's life experience.

Now is the time to get flu vaccine, state health officials warn

State public health officials are encouraging Kentuckians to be vaccinated for flu now to reduce the spread of the illness. Steve Davis, M.D., acting commissioner of the Department for Public Health, said in a news release, “Getting the flu vaccine each year is the best way to protect against the flu’s spread and severity.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends flu vaccine for anyone older than 6 months. People who should especially receive the flu vaccine, because they may be at higher risk for complications or negative consequences, include:
• Children age 6 months to 19 years;
• Pregnant women;
• People 50 years old or older;
• People of any age with chronic health problems;
• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities;
• Health care workers;
• Caregivers of or people who live with a person at high risk for complications from the flu; and
• Out-of-home caregivers of or people who live with children less than 6 months old.

Healthy, non-pregnant people age 2-49 years can get either the flu shot or the nasal vaccine spray. Children younger than 9 who are being vaccinated against flu for the first time should receive a second dose four or more weeks after their first vaccination.

Flu is a very contagious disease caused by a virus. About 23,000 Americans die from seasonal flu and its complications in an average year, but actual numbers vary from year to year.

In addition to the flu vaccine, officials encourage all adults 65 or older and others in high-risk groups to ask their health care provider about the pneumococcal vaccine. This vaccine can help prevent a type of pneumonia, one of the flu’s most serious and potentially deadly complications.

For more information on influenza or the availability of flu vaccine, please contact your local health department or visit www.healthalerts.ky.gov.

New survey shows dramatic increase in employer-sponsored health insurance rates

The average cost of employer-sponsored health insurance has increased 9 percent for family coverage and 8 percent for individual coverage since last year, a new study by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research & Education Trust shows. "Both increases are the largest since 2005," Tony Pugh of McClatchy Newspapers writes, surpassing the national 2 percent increase in wages and 3.2 percent increase in inflation.

Since 2001, family coverage premiums have escalated 113 percent while workers' wages have only risen 34 percent and inflation – 27 percent, Pugh reports. Researchers are unclear if the increase in premiums is temporary or whether higher increases will continue. "We really don't know, and we won't know until next year," Drew Altman, president and CEO of the Kaiser Family Foundation told Pugh.

Employers pay on average about 72 percent toward family coverage and 82 percent for single coverage, Pugh reports, leaving workers paying 28 percent for family and 18 percent for single coverage. Of those surveyed, about 31 percent of covered workers were in high-deductible plans, a 10 percent increase from 2006.

Increasing costs in medical care is "the main culprit behind the rate increases," Karen Ignagni, president of America's Health Insurance Plans told Pugh. "Insurers' expectation of stronger economic recovery" and insurers' fears of increased costs from the 2010 Affordable Care Act may be driving higher premiums, Pugh reports.

Despite insurers' fears, an analysis by Kaiser and the federal government suggest that the 2010 Affordable Care Act accounts for only 1 to 2 percentage points of the increase. Only two measures, coverage of adult children to age 26 and no patient cost-sharing coverage on certain preventive medical services, were implemented thus far with the remaining provisions taking effect in 2014, Pugh reports. This month, insurers will be required to publicly disclose information about rate increases of 10 percent or more for review by state or federal officials to determine if the increase is warranted. (Read more)

Ladies How To Find Out if Your Man Is Cheating?

I can tell you both MEN and WOMEN do cheat but MEN do cheat more than women. Why is this? It’s because that is how it is. Easy…easy it’s like this WOMEN think of LOVE first while MEN think of SEX first.
Now ladies down here are ways you can find if your Man is cheating. Keep in mind that some men are very smart and its tough to find out.

Step1
If all of a sudden your man starts asking you where you're going to be and when you're coming home, that might be a red flag. If he makes up excuses to leave the house, like for example work called or he makes up a reason to go to the store at some odd hour and is gone way longer than he should be, that is also cause for wonder. Especially if he leaves right after receiving a mysterious phone call.

Step2
If you receive a lot of calls that hang up after you answer, that could be a bad sign.

Step3
If your man starts behaving strangely. If he starts telling you that he feels you're not making love to him enough when you know you are etc etc, this should be a concern. Often when a man (or even a woman for that matter) is cheating, they attempt to justify their actions to make them feel less guilt. If you see this kind of behavior keep your eyes open.

Step4
Pay attention to unusual smells he may have. Particularly the smell of an usual place or the smell of perfume that's NOT yours. Also be suspicious if he rushes off to shower right after coming home or if he smells like he's just had a fresh shower.
Step5
Start literally listen through walls. Pay attention to everything. Listen to his phone conversations or his talk with friends. You can even get a voice activated tape recorder and leave it in places such as his study or even in the car. You can take his cell phone and call yourself. This will act as a great spy device until he has to use his cell or until the cell loses signal.

Step6
Keep record of everything. Places he goes, like for example his friend's addresses. Keep as much information as you can. You never know when you might need to know something in order to catch him in the act.

Step7
If he's out super late, try calling hotels and asking for him. I know it would seem stupid to check in with his own name but men can be total morons.

Step8
Check his car for evidence. Long hair on the seat. The seat or seatbelt is readjusted etc. Cigarettes in the ashtray with lipstick on it. Women ALWAYS leave something behind. A hair clip, brush or even articles of clothing. Leave no stone left un turned and use your imagination. Check around for hand drawn maps or directions.

Step9
Pay attention to how good your man is looking. If he's dressing to impress, make sure it's for you.

Step10
Keep tabs on how much money he's spending and on what. If large amounts of money is disappearing that is unaccounted for, start asking questions.

Step11
Find out how far away his work is by driving there and back. Check the mileage on your car so you know the distance. Take a note pad and pencil and record your boyfriend/husbands mileage daily. If he takes a little long getting home, ask somewhat casually what took him so long and ask him specifically if he stopped off someplace. 

Step12
While he's taking a shower, go through his pockets and wallet. There should be tons of evidence there. Most men are really stupid about hiding things that will get them busted. If you find phone numbers, call them and find out who they are. Also look for other evidence like condoms or pictures. Check his cell phone. Look at all the calls he's made and received lately. Smell his clothing and check his underwear for any obvious fresh stains.

Step13
When you say you're going to be gone for a certain length of time, show up early! If your man says he's working overtime at work, visit his job once in a while.

Step14
Or you can hire a private investigator they are many nowadays. If your stack along the way and you feel like you need assistance email us and will assist you accordingly.
OUR Email  keramoo@ymail.com

Caregivers of wounded soldiers find their lives are also changed; getting compensation

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan disproportionately affect rural areas, which provide more than the average number of recruits. The soldiers who make it home alive come back changed, with traumatic brain damage, post-traumatic stress syndrome or other injuries that require full-time care. Mostly wives and older parents are left bearing the burden.

Catrin Einhorn of The New York Times reports that many caregivers have to quit their jobs and are forced to spend their savings and retirement funds to pay for treatment. A growing number of caregivers suffer from anxiety, depression and exhaustion as a result of their new routines. Rosie Babin, 51-year-old mother of a severely wounded 22-year-old son, was managing an accounting office before her son's injury. Though she's happy to have her son home alive, she now has to take blood-pressure medicine and sleeping pills. "I felt like I went from this high-energy, force-to-be-reckoned-with businesswoman to a casualty of war," Babin told Einhorn. "And I was working furiously at not feeling like a victim of war."

According to research by Joan Griffin, a research investigator with the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, most of the injured are in their 20s and 30s, making this the first time since Vietnam the V.A. has seen such an influx of youth, which extending the length of care to years and sometimes decades. On average, Griffin found that family members spend more than 40 hours a week providing care, making it nearly impossible for them to keep a job.

Organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project have tried to ease the financial burden on these families by lobbying Congress to provide direct compensation and other benefits to caregivers and their families. In 2010, the veteran's agency approved 1,222 applications and awarded monthly stipends of $1,600 to $1,800 to caregivers. Along with the money, they can receive health insurance and counseling, Einhorn reports. This law only applies to caregivers of service members injured after Sept. 11, 2001, and it's uncertain who will qualify and how compensation will be determined.
(Read more)

Experts Estimate 90% of Americans suffer mineral imbalance or deficiency

JES Organics now carries Trace Minerals:

ConcenTrace TraceMineral Drops
Your body is an intricate circuit board of electric charges and impulses. In order for it to stay balanced and perform at optimum efficiency, you need to constantly replenish yourself with the minerals and trace elements found in ConcenTrace®.*  If you are one of the 90% of Americans experts estimate suffer mineral imbalance or deficiency, your body is lacking these essential elements, causing your body to misfire so you feel rundown and tired.*

Power up with ConcenTrace® from Trace Minerals Research. It’s highly concentrated and contains over 72 ionically charged trace minerals that have been extracted from the world’s oldest inland sea, the Great Salt Lake. ConcenTrace® is the perfect solution for replenishing your body with the nutrients you need to maintain optimum health.*

ConcenTrace® is extracted directly from a natural source that took thousands of years to create. Over these thousands of years, the minerals in ConcenTrace® have been broken down to their most natural state where they have become naturally charged, living minerals that are bioavailable and soluble in water.* In addition, the solution is in precisely the same proportion as healthy human fluids without synthetically produced compounds or deadly heavy metals.
The ionic minerals in ConcenTrace® also have the power to maintain and even improve the pH balance in your body.* By preventing excessive fluctuations in acid-base balance, the body may be more apt to heal itself from chronic forms of illness.*

ConcenTrace® is so essential to human health that you’ll find it in every one of our quality products. ConcenTrace® is the perfect way to replenish your body with all the elements you need to plug in and recharge.*

An All-Natural Solution of Living Minerals

Uses  and Applications
1.      Bone - Joint & Health–Taken as directed, many people have experienced dramatic results in improving and strengthening bones, joints and teeth, and eliminating unwanted calcium deposits.*

2.      Re-Mineralize Distilled Water–1/4-1/2 teaspoon per gallon for fresh spring water taste.

3.      Electrolyte Replacement–Increased energy, vitality, and improved health by replacing and balancing soluble minerals in the body fluids. Soluble minerals are the electrolytes which conduct the body’s electrical energies.

4.      Maintain pH Balance in the Body–The most important nutrients in our bodies for maintaining acid-base balance are minerals like those found in ConcenTrace®.*

5.      Hair and Skin–Use internally to nourish from within, externally as a rub (Very concentrated. Must be diluted. Keep out of eyes or areas of broken skin unless highly diluted).*

6.      Helps Normalize Bowel Functions–Cleansing.*

7.      Calcium Assimilation–Reports show that calcium assimilates much better when taken with magnesium. ConcenTrace® is high in magnesium.*

8.      Circulatory Health–Minerals play important roles in decalcification, antioxidant and cleansing functions in the body. The heart requires magnesium with every beat. Potassium is used to contract the heart muscle.*

9.      Vitamin Enhancement–Complete nutrition is more power nutrition. Vitamins without minerals DO NOT work. Trace minerals help assimilate vitamins.*

10.   Gardens and Plants–A study done by Rutgers University and other studies done by the USDA noted the severe mineral imbalance and depletion in American soil. For years many avid gardeners have used ConcenTrace® on their gardens as well as in the flower beds. It is also very beneficial to house plants when diluted with water. See the difference in your plants.

11.   Pets–Ever noticed your pet eating grass or dirt? More than likely your pet is lacking essential minerals. For years, pet owners have added ConcenTrace® to their pet’s food and water.

12.   Athletic performance–There are many examples of improved athletic performance including improved cardiovascular performance to improved blood serum nutrients.*

13.   Body Building–A study of a number of international body builders using ConcenTrace® reported excellent results.*

14.   Add to Carbonated Beverages–A recent study has shown that a few drops per glass balances soda pop to greatly reduce the potentially harmful effects of carbonation.

15.   Magnesium Supplement–One of the highest quality, least expensive, most assimilable magnesium supplements on the market.*

16.   Cooking–Studies show mineral depletion in our soils. We frankly are not getting the minerals in the foods we eat. ConcenTrace® remineralizes these foods and adds flavor.*

17.  Magnetize your water (Reverse Osmosis, Distilled water cannot be magnetized without adding in minerals).  Purchase Ceramic Magnet and set you water on this magnet.  The water with minerals will hold the magnetic charge for up to 48 hours. 

Vegan, Kosher, Gluten Free

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Model Heidi Klum in a lovely gawn

Musician Seal and model Heidi Klum arrive at the 19th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party at the Pacific Design Center on February 27, 2011 in West Hollywood, California

Hospitals merging to shore up finances and, as federal health-reform law encourages, improve patient outcomes

With one expert calling it "merger mania," Robert Hadley of The Lane Report looks at how Kentucky hospitals and hospital systems are banding together as they brace for reimbursement changes mandated in the new health care law.

The most discussed merger is that of Louisville's Jewish Hospital & St. Mary's HealthCare, Lexington-based St. Joseph Health System and University Medical Center at the University of Louisville. "At stake in the plan is not only the sale of a physical asset (University Hospital) that belongs to the commonwealth, but also potential changes in delivery of care that ceding control to a faith-based organization might bring," Hadley writes. Saint Joseph is owned by Catholic Health Initiatives, which follows the Catholic directives that prohibits abortion, sterilization and euthanasia.

Baptist Hospital East has since stepped in and said University of Louisville Medical School physicians are welcome to perform needed procedures at its facility.

Though complicated issues need to be addressed, hospitals are eager to merge regardless. Why? Financial viability, especially in the face of change as a result of the federal health-care reform law, sometimes called "Obamacare." Starting in 2013, hospitals will be reimbursed for Medicare and Medicaid procedures differently. Rather than be paid using a fee-for-service model, in which facilities are paid for each procedure performed, they will be paid based on quality and outcomes. If the outcomes are good, the facility will get paid more. The goal is to encourage care with good outcomes, rather than just pay for treatment, in which the incentive might be to over-treat in order to get more reimbursement.

"More and more of the reimbursements we receive in the future are going to be tied to performance, our quality and satisfaction scores," said Andy Sears, vice president of planning and system development for Baptist Healthcare System, which is looking to merge with Madisonville-based Trover Health System. "That's what the value-based purchasing coming out of Obamacare is all about. It's going to cause Baptist, Trover (Health System) and any other health-care organizations to begin to address how we're going to provide more value for the care we deliver."

"Pressure to leverage cost savings as reimbursement declines while being able to afford facility expansion are the two primary reasons" for the Baptist-Trover merger, Hadley reports. "As a single hospital in a rural community, Trover is finding it difficult to attract capital investment, much like University Hospital."

The Jewish-St. Joseph-University Hospital merger will mean at least a $200 million cash infusion for University Hospital alone, and nearly $1 billion of capital investment, including information technology, over the next five years, said Dr. Dan Varga, chief medical officer at St. Joseph Health System.

Essentially, with new changes coming, there is power in numbers. "Trover is a big organization and clinic," Sears said. "But they're facing the same situation a lot of stand-alone facilities are facing. Business is declining, reimbursements are declining, and when you don't have payments in, you can't take care of capital needs." (Read more)

Ladies Here is How to Make Money While Blogging

Hello! My Dear friend, we have been talking about a lot of stuff on this blog so far, today I have a message for you on how to make money online while blogging. 

Ladies blogging is the great way to make money online. I must admit I have seen many blogs now coming up with great ideas from ladies. So I just said to myself that, I think I have to share with you ways to make money while blogging. There so many ways to make money online nowadays. I will just mention few but you can just visit my other blog which is dealing with those information and ways to earn money online as I do so just visit http://onlinemonetization.blogspot.com  

Here are the ways to make money online:-

• Through Google Adsense
• Affiliate business
• Selling goods online
• Direct adverts

Those four ones I have mentioned are the proven one by me. So just try them and let me know if its not working. After visiting my money making blog and may be you want to learn something in details please just post me an email and I will get back to you as soon as possible. My email is keramoo@ymail.com

Enjoy the money making

Did Rihanna Sold her Soul to The Devil?

I just come up with question after reading her twits, when she responded to her followers  on twitter

Read The Truth About Yourself

My STAR is PISCES - Find out about yours.

Read Accurate Stars = Zodiac Signs for your friends, Partner, family members. Get their accurate stars.

VIRGO - 24th August – 23rd September
SCORPIO - 24th October - 22nd November
LIBRA - 24th September – 23rd October
ARIES - 21st March - 20th April
AQUARIUS - 21st January – 19th February
GEMINI - 22nd May – 21st June
LEO - 24th July – 23rd August
CANCER - 22nd June – 23rd July
PISCES - 20th February – 20th March
CAPRICORN - 22nd December – 20th January
TAURUS - 21st April – 21st May
SAGITTARIUS - 23rd November – 21st December

Avoiding Artificial Sweeteners? This Study Will Surprise You...

By Dr. Mercola

For those of you who are aware of the health dangers posed by artificial sweeteners and dutifully avoid them, the featured study findings may come as a shocking surprise...

Researchers have found that the artificial sweetener sucralose (Splenda) is a widespread contaminant in waste water, surface water, and ground water. In a recent test, water samples from 19 U.S. drinking water treatment plants serving more than 28 million people were analyzed for sucralose. The sweetener was found to be present in:

• The source water of 15 out of 19 of drinking water treatment plants tested
• The finished water of 13 out of 17 plants, and
• In 8 out of 12 water distribution systems

The average amounts of sucralose in source water and finished water was 440 ng/L and 350 ng/L respectively.
According to the study:

"Further, in the subset of [drinking water treatment plants] with distribution system water sampled, the compound was found to persist regardless of the presence of residual chlorine or chloramines ... The results of this study confirm that sucralose [is] an indicator compound ... for the presence of other recalcitrant compounds in finished drinking water".

Recalcitrant compounds are organic or synthetic compounds that resist being broken down by chemical processes, such as those employed by water treatment facilities. This is troublesome, particularly as sucralose can be quite detrimental to human health, and the contamination appears to be very widespread in US water supplies.

Sucralose Destroys Healthy Bacteria

Three years ago, an animal study published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health reported that sucralose:

• Reduced the amount of good bacteria in the animals' intestines by 50 percent
• Increased the pH level in the intestines
• Contributed to increases in body weight, and
• Affected P-glycoprotein (P-gp) levels in such a way that crucial health-related drugs could be rejected. In terms of human health, this P-gp effect could result in medications used in chemotherapy, AIDS treatment and treatments for heart conditions being shunted back into your intestines, rather than being absorbed
• Is absorbed by fat cells (contrary to previous claims)

The fact that Splenda can destroy up to 50 percent of your healthy intestinal bacteria is truly disturbing as these help maintain your body's overall balance of friendly versus unfriendly micro-organisms, and support your overall immunity and general health. Many people are already deficient in healthy bacteria due to choosing highly processed foods, which is why a high-quality probiotic is one of the very few supplements I recommend for nearly everyone. And now we discover that this artificial sweetener also contaminates a majority of US municipal water supplies as well...

Splenda has NEVER Been Proven Safe for Human Consumption

Did you know that only two human trials on sucralose were completed and published prior to the FDA approving Splenda for human consumption? And these two trials included a total of 36 human subjects. Worse yet, the longest running trial lasted only four days, and looked at sucralose in relation to tooth decay, not human tolerance. As for determining the absorption of Splenda into the human body, a mere eight men were studied. Based on that singular human study, the FDA allowed the findings to be generalized as being representative of and regarded as "safe" for the entire human population!

This is a potentially devastating mistake, as some groups are far more susceptible to adverse effects than others, such as infants, the elderly, and the chronically ill.
You've probably heard the claims that the FDA has reviewed over 100 studies on Splenda and are satisfied that it's a safe product, but what you don't hear is that most of those studies were on animals, and that they actually revealed plenty of problems! For example, some of these studies revealed:

• Decreased red blood cells -- sign of anemia -- at levels above 1,500 mg/kg/day
• Increased male infertility by interfering with sperm production and vitality, as well as brain lesions at higher doses
• Enlarged and calcified kidneys
• Spontaneous abortions in nearly half the rabbit population given sucralose, compared to zero aborted pregnancies in the control group
• A 23 percent death rate in rabbits, compared to a six percent death rate in the control group

It May be Made from Sugar, But it's Nothing Like it...

Don't let the name fool you. Sucralose is NOT some magical calorie-free sugar, despite Splenda's famous slogan, "Made from sugar, so it tastes like sugar." It is in fact a chlorinated artificial sweetener cooked up in a factory, and scores of consumers have testified to its devastating effects. It does start off as a sugar molecule—to which three chlorine molecules are added. At the end of the patented process, the chemical composition of the sugar has been altered to the point that it's actually closer to DDT and Agent Orange than sugar.

This type of "sugar" molecule does not occur anywhere in nature, and therefore your body cannot properly metabolize it. This is why Splenda is advertised as having "zero calories"—because your body cannot digest or metabolize it. Essentially, it passes right through you. Or at least that's the claim. However, according to the available research, between 11-27 percent of sucralose is in fact absorbed into your digestive system, and according to the study mentioned above, it is also absorbed into your fat cells.
The question then becomes, just what kind of impact might a DDT- or Agent Orange-like molecule have on your health?

Furthermore, few people realize that only about one percent of that packet of Splenda is actually sucralose. The remaining 99 percent is maltodextrin—a type of sugar! Each packet actually has four calories, but because the amount of sugar is less than one gram, they get away with saying it has "no calories" due to a loophole in the labeling law.

Common Side Effects of Sucralose

Just like other artificial sweeteners (such as aspartame), sucralose can wreak havoc on your health. The personal testimonials on my site alone, submitted by people who have suffered adverse reactions to Splenda, surpass the number of people that were formally studied in the research submitted for FDA approval. The web site www.truthaboutsplenda.com also lists consumer complaints from Splenda consumption.
Some of the most common symptoms, usually noticed within a 24-hour period following consumption of Splenda products, include:

Gastrointestinal problems: bloating, gas, pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or bloody diarrhea	Seizures	Blurred vision	Blood sugar increases
Headaches and migraines	Dizziness	Allergic reactions, including swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, or throat	Weight gain
Allergic skin reactions: Redness, itching, swelling, blistering, weeping, crusting, rash, eruptions, or hives	Breathing problems: wheezing, tightness, cough, or shortness of breath	Stuffy nose, runny nose (clear, thin discharge), sneezing	Heart palpitations or fluttering
Joint pains and aches	Bloodshot, itchy, swollen, or watery eyes	Anxiety or sensation of being "spaced-out"	Depression

How is Splenda Ending up in Drinking Water?

Well, its presence in water supplies may very well be a sign of just how prevalent its use is, because as revealed in that one absorption study, sucralose is expelled in urine and feces pretty much unaltered... I'm not sure which is more concerning, the thought that so many people use and excrete Splenda that it's becoming a drinking water contamination hazard, or that sucralose is so persistent—so difficult to break down that it can pass right through your body, and go through chemical water treatment, and STILL be present to have another go through the system of another unsuspecting person having a drink of water!

The other issue to remember is that many researchers believe sucralose has an element of fat solubility so you wind up storing some of it in your fat; certainly more if you are drinking ever increasing concentrations in your tap water. Remember this chemical is in the same class as DDT and Agent Orange, and we have NO long term toxicity studies done on this as they were not required.

Avoiding sugar is a crucial component of a healthy lifestyle, but, instead of consuming a naturally low-sugar diet based on whole foods, some people are still trying to have their cake and eat it too. Unfortunately, the belief that artificial sweeteners can allow you to have the best of both worlds is a carefully orchestrated deception. So if you're still consuming artificially sweetened foods, snacks and beverages because you think it'll help you manage your weight, please understand that you've been sorely misled.
In reality, "diet" foods and drinks destroy your body's ability to count calories and actually promote weight gain. For example, drinking diet sodas has been found to double your risk of obesity! Complicating matters further, artificial sweeteners also appear to be highly addictive. It's important to understand that sugar cravings is typically a sign that your body needs fuel. Using artificial sweeteners will NOT trick your body into thinking it has had its fill. Instead, artificial sweeteners can increase sweet cravings because your body didn't get the energy boost it was expecting from that sweet taste.

If you're determined to sweeten your foods and beverages, I urge you to consider using stevia extract—a safe and natural sweet herb. Avoid stevia-based sweeteners like Truvia and PureVia however, as these do not contain the whole stevia plant, which may compromise its safety.

How to Remove Splenda From Your Drinking Water

Remember that Splenda is not the only contaminant in your water supply. There are loads of drugs in your water that wind up there the same way Splenda does. A reverse osmosis system will not only remove Splenda but nearly every other drug and contaminant from your water. A carbon filter will also work to remove Splenda and other contaminants but it is not quite as effective and will require you to reduce the rate of flow through the filter media. The more carbon you have that contacts the water, the more effective it will be.

Source: Environmental Science and Technology August 31, 2011

Source: Green Med Info

5 Tips Skin Care

Your skin is the first thing that people notice about you and that is why a proper skin care regimen is so important. There are many products that claim to help improve skin tone and promote a flawless complexion, but the truth is that there is no such thing as instant results. An effective skin care regimen is one that is done consistently over a time before results will begin to develop.


Tip 1 :
Always use some type of exfoliation product, which will help to remove old skin cells and other debris and particles from your skin. This will expose the healthy cells and rid your body from the old ones.

Tip 2 :
If possible, avoid constant sun exposure and tanning beds. In addition to being dangerous where health is concerned, these may also lead to early signs of aging. Everyone loves a suntan, but there is no reason to sacrifice your skin or your health in order to achieve it. Therefore, many individuals opt for a self-tanning lotion instead. Back in the day, these products had a tendency to turn the skin orange, but that is no longer the case. Improvements have helped to give self-tanning products a more natural, streak-free look. Before applying the lotion to your entire body, apply it to a small test area just to make sure there is no irritation.

Tip 3 :
If your lips tend to become chapped in the winter months or wind burnt at other times, using lip balm or lipstick will help to protect the lips from nature's worst

Tip 4 :
Dry or cracked skin can be very unbearable. Not to mention the discomfort of tight red skin, it can be downright embarrassing. A container of Pacquin Plus hand & body cream will eliminate soreness, redness and help to add moisture back to dry skin.

Tip 5 :
Do not use products that irritate your skin in any way, including soaps that have harsh ingredients. If possible, use a moisturizing soap or that which is designed for sensitive skin.
In addition to these tips, skin care products are available as commercial or prescription based treatments. A dermatologist is often consulted for matters relating to acne or other skin disorders, especially if they are severe. Many skin care enthusiasts also believe in using plenty of moisturizing body lotion in order to replenish the skin's natural moisture, which is often stripped in today's harsh environment.

YOUNG LOVE - Beyonce and her young fan

She's a hugger! An "empowered" Beyoncé shares a sweet embrace with a young fan while debuting her new fragrance, Pulse, Thursday in New York City.

Funds awarded to educate East End Lexingtonians about food, health

Getting community elders to talk to youth about gardening and cooking is one of the missions to be accomplished in Lexington's East End neighborhood from a $52,000 grant.

The funds will create a virtual center where community members can go to learn about food and health. "Our goal is to improve decision making about food through information," said Steve Austin, vice president of the Blue Grass Community Foundation, which was awarded the money by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

"Residents will have the opportunity to talk about what they need to make better food choices," the Lexington Herald-Leader reports. "A digital food information center will then be created so people can go online and learn about all things related to food." Printed information will also be available.

Adults and children living in the neighborhood will interview older members of the community about gardening, food preparation, cooking methods and entrepreneurship. "If we succeed here, we can do it across the city," Austin said. "We can transform Lexington, no matter where people live, to make better decisions about food." (Read more)

Getting a clear and lovely skin

Introduction
A clear complexion is possible if you take care of your body internally and your skin externally. While a good diet helps you have clear skin, heredity, your immune system, environmental factors and your skin care routine all play a role in getting clear skin. 

There are many things a person can do to improve the skin from the inside out. While you cannot get clear skin overnight, there are steps you can take on a daily basis to improve your complexion and get the beautiful skin you want.

A Healthy Diet, Vitamins and Minerals
A good diet with the necessary nutrients supplies the body with the materials it needs to repair and renew skin cells. The best diets include proteins, fats and carbohydrates in a healthy balance. There are also vitamins and minerals a person needed to have good skin. 

Eating foods rich in these vitamins or taking supplement is one way to get these nutrients. Vitamin A promotes healthy skin. Vitamin C fights all kinds of infections and is a strong antioxidant that removes toxins. Vitamin E is another good skin vitamin. It is an antioxidant and is useful in reducing scars. Zinc is also recommended for good skin. 

Taking the herb echinacea improves the immune system so the body can fight skin disease, acne and cold sores. Cleaning the body internally is an excellent way to detoxify the body. Many alternative health practitioners believe that the toxins in the body cause diseases. 

By eliminating these toxins, the skin (and body) becomes healthier. The skin is the largest organ, and it reflects the overall health of the body. A fast is another way to clean the body. It gives the body the energy to clean itself by removing the buildup of wastes and toxins. Another way to clean the system is to drink lots of water each day to flush away the impurities. A healthy body is the best way to get clear skin.

Take Care of Your Skin
While eating a balanced diet is good for the skin, caring for your skin externally is equally important. Keep the face clean by using a cleanser that is formulated for your skin type. 

Skin can be oily, dry, normal or combination. After washing your face, use a toner to restore the skin's natural pH balance. Removing dead skin cells with an exfoliant or scrub gives you a smooth complexion and cleans out the pores. Clogged pores can lead to breakouts. While oily skin is most prone to breakouts, dry skin can get them also. For dry or normal skin use a moisturizer. The more hydrated your skin, the less likely it will wrinkle. 

The sun also causes wrinkles. Too much sun exposure leads to damaged skin, premature aging, wrinkles and age spots. A sunblock is needed to protect your skin from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. After the sun goes down, it is necessary to remove all your makeup before going to bed. See a dermatologist if you have a skin condition that doesn't resolve itself in a few weeks. Getting clear skin and keeping it is a lifetime endeavor, but it is worth it.

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8 Things Guys Notice About You Instantly

You know that look where his eyes slide past you...then turn back? Wouldn’t it be great to know what stopped him? You totally can. “There are a few things men instantly observe when they meet a woman,” says Jackie Black, PhD, author of Meeting Your Match. Learn what they are and you can maximize your, um, assets. Then you’ll have your pick.

1. How Thick Your Hair Is

This is all about evolution. Since caveman days, dudes have been drawn to lush locks, which signal that a woman is healthy (translation: shaggable).

2. If Your Smile Is Genuine

Sometimes your eyes crinkle a bit when you grin. Most men are good at distinguishing the vibe of this kind of smile, which says you’re relaxed and fun.

3. The Size of Your Group

You don’t want a big bunch (it’ll be hard for him to approach) or just one friend (he’ll figure you wouldn’t desert her to talk to him). The perfect crew size? Three. Your two buds can keep each other company when you slip away.

4. The Pitch of Your Voice

Studies show that men are drawn to voices in a slightly higher register (think Kristin Bell’s), probably because — yep, evolution — they’re reliable signs of youth and reproductive health.

5. Your Hip-to-Waist Ratio

Yet again, blame eons of human history. Men instinctually look for baby mamas. If your waist is noticeably smaller than your hips, it signifies fertility — a huge point in your favor. A wide belt will emphasize that hourglass shape.

6. Your Glowiness

Guys associate a radiant complexion with good mental health. That’s because stress and anxiety usually cause breakouts and dull skin. So those lotions and bronzers you sweep over your cheeks? Totally worth it.

7. What’s Fake About You

Not personality-fake, but artificial-accoutrement- fake: lashes, hair extensions, etc. To guys, these things shout high-maintenance! Not good.

8. Your Eyes

People focus on eyes more than they do on any other body part. And dramatic eye makeup will have him zeroing in on your peepers even more.

Sources: Daniel Amen, MD, author of The Brain and Love; David Feinberg, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behavior at McMaster University; Helen Fisher, PhD, Professor of Anthropology at Rutgers University and author of Why Her? Why Him?; Lisa Shield, dating coach in Los Angeles.

Child abuse rates have risen significantly since the economy went into recession, survey in Ky. and 3 other states shows

Child abuse rose as the economy went into recession, shows a study of reported abuse to children under 5 in Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Washington.

From 2004 to December 2007, before the financial meltdown, the rate of abusive head trauma in the four states was 8.9 per 100,000 children. During 2008 and 2009, the number jumped to 14.7 per 100,000. Though the study established no cause-and-effect relationship between financial difficulties and an increase in abuse, "earlier research has tied parental stress to child maltreatment," Frederik Joelving of Reuters Health reports.

The study "showed that from 2004 to 2009, there were 422 children diagnosed with what doctors call 'abusive head trauma.' The majority ended up in intensive care units, and 16 percent died of their injuries," Joelving reports. The average child examined in the study was 9 months old.

"The number-one perpetrators are fathers and male caretakers; very few perpetrators are mothers," said Rachel Berger, a child-abuse expert at nationally recognized Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh and co-author of the study. "It's the people that mothers give their kids to that end up being the perpetrator(s)." (Read more)

Lexington council turns to wellness center to cut insurance costs

Following a national trend to improve employee health so companies can cut health-insurance costs, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council agreed Tuesday to set up a wellness center for city employees.

The center will "be voluntary and free for employees, retirees and dependents covered by the city's health insurance plan," reports Beverly Fortune of the Lexington Herald-Leader. Acute and primary care, chronic-disease management and preventive screenings will be among the services provided at the center, the location of which has not yet been chosen. It is estimated to cost $1.3 million.

Chattanooga opened a similar center in 2006. Its health insurance costs were increasing about 20 percent annually, with health benefits costing the city $16 million that year. Today, the city is saving about $5 million a year, said Madeline Green, director of risk management and incentives for the city. (Read more)

A million more young adults have health coverage; law cited

One million more young adults ages 19 to 25 had health insurance in the first quarter of 2011 than in the same period a year ago, data from the National Health Interview Survey show.

The increase is largely due to the federal health-reform law, which allows children to remain on their parents' health insurance plans until age 26, a press release from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said. No other age group had a significant increase in coverage. (Read more)

Feds give Ky. $3 million to hold health insurers accountable

Kentucky will receive more than $3.2 million in federal grants to help state officials track health-insurance premium increases and make insurers more accountable.

The funds are part of guidelines set forth in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the federal health reform law. It requires makes rate increases of 10 percent or more in the individual and small-group market subject to approval by experts who will determine if the increases are reasonable. The law also requires insurers to to justify to the public rates that are considered unreasonable.

The Kentucky Department of Insurance will use the federal funds to expand the scope of its rate reviews; improve transparency by establishing a tool on its website that will give consumers access to rate filings without an open records request; hire new staff, and improve its technology. (Read more)

Some worry that patient care will get shortchanged as Kentucky Medicaid moves to managed care

While moving Kentucky's Medicaid patients to managed care for will likely reduce costs to the taxpayers, patient care shouldn't be shortchaged in the effort to save a buck, Deb McGrath writes in an op-ed piece in The Courier-Journal.

"It is critical for quality patient care to always remain a priority," writes McGrath, executive director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana. "All citizens, including the 540,000 Kentuckians under the new managed care plans, deserve access to the best possible care recommended by their doctors."

McGrath is concerned about the "fail first" policy, also known as step therapy. "In this practice, the insurer will initially cover only the least costly medication in any drug class, forcing doctors to prescribe these medications first," she writes. "This is problematic because many times there are different medications that the physician feels would be the most effective treatment."

The policy can adversely affect Kentucky's 90,000 patients who have epilepsy, a disease that comprises 40 different seizure types and epileptic syndromes. "Fail first is not something a person with epilepsy wants to hear, especially when this policy can compromise their well-being and even their life," McGrath writes. "I urge Gov. Steve Beshear, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, our state legislators and the new managed care organizations to keep patient care in mind as they get ready to implement this new system on Nov. 1." (Read more)

MODEL REFLECTION

Tyra Banks greets eager fans for another signing of her new young adult novel Modelland at a Miami Neiman Marcus on Monday.

The Best Dressed Celebs at the Front Row

Beyonce showed off her growing baby bump in a sequined dress, Kim Kardashian was elegant in a Vera Wang gown and Lea Michele channeled retro glamor at the Jason Wu show.

Resveratrol and vitamin D synergistically team to boost metabolism and prevent obesity

Monday, September 19, 2011 by: John Phillip

(NaturalNews) Resveratrol has been on the nutritional radar of researchers because of its proven ability to mimic some of the life-extending characteristics provided by calorie restriction as seen in animals and humans alike. Scientists publishing in the journal Molecular Nutrition and Food Research draw a solid link between resveratrol, vitamin D and other phytonutrients as agents that may lend a helping hand in the life-threatening battle against overweight and obesity.

Researchers document the newly discovered effect of the nature-derived nutrient on lipid metabolism, and they demonstrate that supplementation along with the sunshine vitamin and quercetin synergistically decreases the formation of new fat cells in the body. This finding is significant because it may provide a critical metabolic aid to children and adults that suffer the health-damaging effects of obesity every day. Further evidence exists to hail the trio in the genesis of osteoblasts in bone marrow that may offer a new therapy for osteoporosis that affects the mobility of millions of aging adults.

Scientists studying metabolism in aging adults have found that stem cells differentiate in favor of adipocytes (fat cells) and to the exclusion of osteoblasts (cells necessary for the formation of new bone). This means that as we age, our body has evolved to store fat as an aid to our survival. As metabolism slows, we continue to eat the same number of calories that helps to fill the newly acquired adipocytes. While building and maintaining bone structure may sound like a good idea to us, it is not pre-programmed into our genetic matrix.

Development of new fat cells has evolved as a protective mechanism, although the vast majority of older adults really don't need this genetic advantage. Researchers found that supplemented resveratrol, vitamin D and quercetin work together to regulate our genes and down regulate the production of fat cells while boosting the production of osteoblasts. Naturally it is important to practice caloric restriction as we age. Many aging adults will be able to utilize this phytonutrient trio to prevent excess weight gain and the debilitating effects of osteoporosis.

In addition to the well documented anti-cancer and longevity benefits previously ascribed to supplemented resveratrol, health-minded individuals will want to include resveratrol and other phytonutrients as an aid in the fight against abdominal fat accumulation. Researchers concluded: "It should be noted that combining resveratrol with other phytochemicals may provide an extraordinary potential for preventing obesity and osteoporosis. These phytochemical synergies may make possible novel safe, potent and efficacious therapies." Be sure to include resveratrol (25 to 50 mg per day) in your dietary arsenal to assist weight loss and boost metabolism and to prevent bone loss.

Article References:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/...
http://www.wellnessresources.com/we...
http://www.wellnessresources.com/st...

More evidence Alzheimer's and other dementia can be prevented: save your brain by preventing diabetes

Tuesday, September 20, 2011 by: S. L. Baker, features writer
(NaturalNews) Currently, an estimated 24 million people world-wide are living with Alzheimer's disease or some other type of the mind and personality-robbing affliction known as dementia. And the numbers keep climbing. But why? Mainstream medicine puts the blame on the fact people are living longer and genetics offers little hope to stop dementia unless Big Pharma comes up with some miracle pill - an approach that so far has failed miserably.

However, now there's evidence much dementia could be triggered by another disease that is often preventable and even reversible with natural health strategies.

A new study just published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, reveals diabetes significantly increases the risk of developing dementia. And type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease which has reached epidemic proportions, is due primarily to obesity and inactivity. That suggests that by taking control of your health with good nutrition and exercise, you may be able to not only prevent diabetes but also dementia.

"Our findings emphasize the need to consider diabetes as a potential risk factor for dementia," said study author Yutaka Kiyohara, MD, PhD, of Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, in a media statement. "Diabetes is a common disorder, and the number of people with it has been growing in recent years all over the world. Controlling diabetes is now more important than ever."

The research found people with diabetes were more likely to develop both Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia, such as vascular dementia. Vascular dementia results when blood vessels become damaged and interrupt oxygen-rich blood flow to the brain.

In all, the scientists studied 1,017 people age 60 and older who were given a glucose (sugar) tolerance test after fasting overnight in order to test for diabetes. Then, over the course of about 11 years, the research subjects were followed and tested for dementia. During this time, 232 people developed the memory destroying disease. People with diabetes had double the risk for dementia when compared to those with normal blood sugar levels.

These findings remained consistent even after the researchers accounted for other factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol and smoking. The risk of dementia was also higher in people who did not have diabetes, but had impaired glucose tolerance. This "pre-diabetes" condition is also part of a cluster of symptoms (including being overweight, having high cholesterol, high blood pressure and high blood glucose levels) known as metabolic syndrome which has become widespread and is already known to raise the risk for heart disease as well as diabetes - and now dementia can be added to this list.

The new study findings are actually positive because, as NaturalNews as previously covered, there are numerous ways to reduce and sometimes even reverse type 2 diabetes -- by keeping weight under control, exercise and adding specific foods to a healthy diet.

For example, last summer Harvard School of Public Health investigators discovered eating two or more servings of brown rice per week slashed the risk of type 2 diabetes (http://www.naturalnews.com/029143_b...).

In addition, a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that adding a daily serving of mixed nuts to the traditional Mediterranean diet (which consists of whole grain cereals, vegetables, fruits and olive oil, a moderate intake of fish and alcohol and a low intake of dairy, meats and sweets) is a delicious, natural and effective way to treat metabolic syndrome (http://www.naturalnews.com/025098_n...).

For more information:

http://www.aan.com