My musings on life's wonder and mystery...and, of course, stuff about sinus and allergy concerns.
Please scroll down to view past entries.
February 28, 2010
What the students in the video are doing can be interpreted differently but for me, it brought bittersweet memories of my elementary school days in S. Korea. I had some wonderful classmates but can't say the same about most of my teachers. They all pretty much scared me. Growing up in a culture with strong Confucian teachings with clear hierarchical system, I felt many teachers abused power they had over us. They were overly strict and domineering.
So, it was refreshing to see this unified, non-violent, and humorous disobedience of students (girls at that!) while their gruff teacher attempts to lead a class. While chuckling, I couldn't help but cheer the girls. To me, it pokes fun at the absurd sense of entitlement people with authority have sometimes. So, yeah, raise the roof, girls!!
February 24, 2010
A free website, Food Content Alerts, has been created to allow food allergy sufferers to effectively manage their sensitivities through the creation of "safe food" lists and forums to communicate with people with similar food restrictions.
On the homepage, you will see an instructional video educating visitors about the site. Once you register to the site, food allergy data can be organized and shared. Undoubtedly, this is quite useful and convenient to parents of children with food allergies. Information can be shared with family members, teachers and friends. Also, members can create food sensitivity profiles, specifying ingredients to avoid. There are many other features that are informative and users can actively participate in. To learn more about it, click here.
February 21, 2010
Medical studies, statistics, and health news all report increasing number of people developing and suffering from allergies. There is a myriad of contributing factors which includes environmental toxins such as polluted air, unclean water, mercury, and lead. I certainly experience the difference air quality makes on my sinus and allergy symptoms. So how do we minimize our exposure to and rid of toxins in our body? Here are some natural, safe, and effective steps we can take to counter and reduce health hazards.
Do not ingest toxic or synthetic substances, including artificial colors in foods.
Avoid living or working near hazardous sites such as reclaimed landfills or toxic waste dumps.
Seek employment that does not involve contact with chemicals or chemical solvents.
To reduce toxins that have accumulated in your body:
Drink plenty of pure water.
Have regular bowel movements - eating a diet with plenty of whole grains and fresh, organic fruits and vegetables can promote healthy digestion.
Breathe clean air deeply.
Sweat - a sauna, steam bath or vigorous exercise can help to promote sweating.
Try milk thistle (Silybum marianum). This herb may have beneficial, detoxifying effects, and supports optimal liver function. Look for extracts standardized to 70-80 percent silymarin, and take two capsules twice a day or as the label directs.
Source: Andrew Weil, M.D.
February 18, 2010
A recent medical research demonstrated that breathing slowly and deeply works just as good as some medicines at relieving pain. I couldn't agree more as my own experiences confirm this. When I have sinus pressure and facial pain, deep, slow breathing is the first method I practice to get effective relief. And there are no harmful side effects to boot. Read more about the study on this powerful tool you possess and say bye to pain and suffering. Practice it with this simple guide shown in the video below.
February 14, 2010
Have you heard about an awesome multi-purpose ointment called Bag Balm? No? Me neither but after reading this article, I will definitely look for it at a nearby drugstore.
The story on the product especially piqued my interest because it is used to treat dry facial skin and psoriasis among other uses. Did you know Bag Balm can be used on squeaky bed springs, cracked fingers, burns, zits, diaper rash, saddle sores, sunburn, pruned trees, bed sores, and radiation burns? Someone even used the balm on the bullet casing for easier reloading. Ha! But beware that it is quite sticky and has mild medicinal odor. Oh, and never, never use it in your hair because you won't be able to get it out. Click here to read more about this fascinating and seemingly very useful product. Bag Balm just may become your next must-have around your home next to Elmer's glue.
February 11, 2010
There is a great website called Allerglobal.com for people who love to travel all over the world but concerned about allergies to unfamiliar foods of foreign countries. The site provides a free service that allows you to create a ready-to-print card listing your food allergies in the language of your choice, so you can show it at restaurants or medical facilities of the country you are visiting. To create your customized allergy card, you just need to follow 3 easy steps explained on the site. Click here to learn more about it and have an exciting, safe, and delicious journey!
February 08, 2010
The Japanese people have a different way of fighting off seasonal allergy as shown in the commercial below and it's pretty hilarious. A dose of laughter is a must for a healthy body so here it is!
February 04, 2010
There is an interesting rumor about how a liquid eyeliner can cause sinus infections. Is this true? Let's find out below what an expert has to say about it.
This rumor presumes that eyeliner is able to drain into the sinuses, get trapped, and cause an infection, but that's not possible, says Richard Rosenfeld, MD, chairman of otolaryngology at Long Island College Hospital. Your natural tearing process can funnel bits of makeup into the tear ducts, but they drain into the nose and out the nostrils. If you develop eye irritation and sinus symptoms after wearing eyeliner, you probably had an allergic reaction.
Source: Shine, (Healthy Living)
February 01, 2010
Blueberries are great. I add them to a salad, hot oatmeal, or just eat them as a snack. Blueberries may not be something you gave much thought to but consider these benefits they provide:
Provide antioxidants. Anthocyanins, the pigments that make blueberries blue, are potent antioxidants: A half cup of blueberries provides the antioxidant power of five servings of peas, carrots, apples, squash or broccoli.
Are a healthy, low glycemic-index carbohydrate, an especially good choice for diabetics.
Are a source of vitamin C, important for a supporting your immune system.
Help meet your need for daily fiber - two grams per one-half cup serving.
Have shown promise in addressing the effects of aging: animal studies have demonstrated improved motor skills and a reversal of age-related short-term memory loss associated with consuming blueberries.
May have other health benefits ranging from preventing cancer and defending against urinary tract infections to protecting the brain from stroke damage and reducing heart disease risks.
Source: Andrew Weil, M.D.
Don't you just have the urge to run to the nearby grocery store or open your refrigerator now to nourish your body with blueberries?
First-Person Stories (February 2010) 
Medical studies, statistics, and health news all report increasing number of people developing and suffering from allergies. There is a myriad of contributing factors which includes environmental toxins such as polluted air, unclean water, mercury, and lead. I certainly experience the difference air quality makes on my sinus and allergy symptoms. So how do we minimize our exposure to and rid of toxins in our body? Here are some natural, safe, and effective steps we can take to counter and reduce health hazards.
