To ALL Ladies Out There May 16, 2008

I just accidentally browse this website and I find it really cool. Hope you could also check this out.

http://mycycle.com/

• Use the free online ovulation calculator to determine when you are most fertile.
• Record, manage and predict your monthly cycle.
• Chart your fertility signs such as Basal Body Temperature to help predict your ovulation date.
• View your previous and future cycle dates at a glance with the online calendar.
• Use the MyCycle due date calculator to help determine when your baby is due, and the star sign of your baby.

How to quit smoking? May 13, 2008

My friend asked me to help him how to quit smoking. So I research some tips on how to stop because I’m really concern about his health and also want to share the tips that I have read.

First and foremost, set a quit date and quit COMPLETELY on that day. To prepare for that day:

• Identify the times you are most likely to smoke. For example, do you tend to smoke when feeling stressed? When you are out at night with friends? While you are drinking coffee? When you are bored? While you are driving?
• Keep a diary to help you determine such risky times. Record each time you have a cigarette, including time of day and what you are doing.
• Make a plan about what you will do instead of smoking at those times that you are most likely to smoke. For example, drink tea instead of coffee — tea may not trigger the desire for a cigarette. Or, take a walk when feeling stressed. Remove ashtrays and cigarettes from the car. Place pretzels or hard candies there instead. Pretend-smoke with a straw.
• Let all of your friends, family, and co-workers know of your plan to stop smoking and your quit date. Just being aware that they know can be a helpful reminder and motivator.
• Prior to your quit date, start reducing your cigarette use, including decreasing the number and strength of the cigarettes. However, DON’T do this simply to make your diary “look good!” Get rid of all of your cigarettes just prior to the quit date and clean out anything that smells like smoke, such as clothes and furniture.

Summer Heat Safety Tips May 13, 2008

Basic Summer Heat Safety Tips for Everyone

Everyone should follow these basic heat safety tips in order to avoid heat exposure and possible death. Try especially hard to make sure that at risk individuals follow theses tips religiously.

• During the hottest hours of the day, stay inside. If possible stay inside an air-conditioned building. The hottest hours of the day are typically from mid morning to mid afternoon.
• Dress lightly and when sleeping use lightweight breathable covers.
• Drink plenty of water and other fluids.
• People who live in homes with no air conditioning should keep blinds closed from morning until the late afternoon to block extra direct heat from sunlight. Also, stay on the lowest level of your home.
• Use a fan. Don’t place the fan directly in front of a window because it may push hot air in. Try placing the fan so that it blows in the room and out the window instead.
• Move your exercise routine to early morning or later in the evening – even swimming.
• Never ever leave anyone in the car while you run to do a quick errand. Not a pet, not a child, not anyone. It’s never safe. Cars can become overheated quickly and when overheated become like ovens. People can succumb to heat exposure and death very quickly in a hot car.

Lastly, it’s smart to know the signs of heat exposure. Just in case. Even if you’re trying to follow the above summer heat safety tips, mistakes can happen. For example, if you happen to be at the park, and forget the time, someone may become overheated. Heat exhaustion signs will appear first, and then heat exposure signs.

The signs of heat exhaustion include:

• Clammy skin
• Loss of color in skin
• Sweating
• A tired, overestimated look on someone’s face
• Dry mouth
• Headache

Also watch for thirst. Research shows that people should never technically get thirsty. If you feel thirsty, there’s a good chance you’re already too dehydrated. If you see any of the above exhaustion signs get out of the heat immediately. Give the person plenty of cool fluids and wipe them down with cool cloths. If they don’t improve rapidly call 911.

The signs of major heat exposure, also known as heat stroke, includes:

• High body temperatures – (over 103 degrees F)
• Confusion
• Poor breathing – if you can’t hear a person breathing it can indicate a problem
• Seizures
• The person has stopped sweating
• Weak pulse
• Hot dry skin to the touch
• Fainting or total loss of consciousness

If you see any of the above exposure signs get the person out of the heat immediately and take them to the nearest hospital. Heat Stroke always require medical attention