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Thursday, September 27, 2007

Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul


Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul
By: John Eldredge, Stasi Eldredge
Thomas Nelson / 2007 / Paperback

Product Description

Rediscover your feminine heart! As a young girl did you want to be a beautiful princess, rescued on a horse by a dashing prince charming, or step into the pages of a fascinating adventure? This new paperback edition of Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul encourages women to connect with their deepest feminine desires and learn to see God as their ultimate lover and hero.


Publisher's Description

Every little girl has dreams of being swept up into a great adventure, of being the beautiful princess. Sadly, when women grow up, they are often swept up into a life filled merely with duty and demands. Many Christian women are tired, struggling under the weight of the pressure to be a "good servant," a nurturing caregiver, or a capable home manager.

What Wild at Heart did for men, Captivating can do for women. This groundbreaking book shows readers the glorious design of women before the fall, describes how the feminine heart can be restored, and casts a vision for the power, freedom, and beauty of a woman released to be all she was meant to be. By revealing the core desires every woman shares-to be romanced, to play an irreplaceable role in a grand adventure, and to unveil beauty-John and Stasi Eldredge invite women to recover their feminine hearts, created in the image of an intimate and passionate God. Further, they encourage men to discover the secret of a woman’s soul and to delight in the beauty and strength women were created to offer.


Christian Living - Overcoming Anorexia


How two courageous women battled an eating disorder—and won

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD BE THIN. At least that's what American society dictates. Pictures of emaciated models and celebrities flood the media, aimed at young women who feel defective if they're not so thin their bones protrude. And it's working. Seventy-five percent of American women say they live in a chronic state of dissatisfaction with their body. And 5-10 million young women struggle with eating disorders and borderline conditions.
These eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa (self-starvation that leads to extreme weight loss), bulimia nervosa (bingeing and purging), and binge eating (compulsive overeating with no purging), affect both mind and body simultaneously. According to Donald Durham, program founder for Remuda Treatment Centers, an inpatient/outpatient Christian counseling facility, eating disorders are often triggered by a specific traumatic event or set of circumstances that causes the person to use food as a solution to resolve her pain. Eating disorder sufferers tend to be young women aged 14-25 (however, the disorder can strike as early as age 8 or as late as age 70), Caucasian, affluent, and perfectionistic, with a type-A personality. When they feel their world is falling apart, they rest in the knowledge that they at least can control their bodies. The hidden truth, of course, is that what they initially take control over soon controls them.
Christie Schweer and Renee Ratcliffe found that to be true—and soon were battling for their lives. But they had the guts to get help. With the help of their faith in Christ, they've stopped looking at their bodies through distorted lenses. Now in recovery from anorexia, they share their stories in the hope others will find healing. —The Editors
MY STRUGGLE WITH BEAUTY

Three years ago, a normal day for me consisted of eating only nonfat or low-fat foods and exercising for three hours. What began as a simple plan to drop 5 pounds somehow spiraled into an eating disorder and a 30-pound weight loss on my 5'8" frame.

I'd never have considered myself a candidate for anorexia, but going halfway across the country to attend college proved to be more than I could handle emotionally. In order to cope with my loneliness, I became obsessed with weight and fitness.

During the first two months of school, I gained a few pounds, even though I was on the tennis team and was getting exercise. At home my mother cooked healthy, well-balanced meals, but the school dining hall offered mostly fattening foods and plenty of tempting desserts. I didn't want to be a victim of the "freshman 15," so I decided to exercise more and cut back on my food intake to burn off those extra pounds. I decided to eat salad for dinner every night.

In the beginning, I made subtle changes—eating less desserts and more fruits and vegetables. Soon, I began giving up more foods I thought would make me fat. If I indulged in a "forbidden food," such as chips or pasta or pizza, I was riddled with guilt. Eventually I even taught myself that meat and cheese were a "waste" of calories. I quickly became aware of the caloric and fat content of almost everything I ate. But because I never let myself go hungry, I didn't think I had a problem. My goal was to eat the fewest calories each day while still having the energy to do the things I wanted to do. As I lost weight, I began to receive compliments for my improved appearance. Being away from home and having to make all new friends made me feel insecure, so I relished the attention I received.

But as the year progressed, the compliments turned to concern. I started hearing comments about eating disorders. I couldn't believe how quickly I'd gone from being so attractive, and having the perfect figure, to being accused of having anorexia.

By the end of my freshman year, I'd dropped from 145 to 114. When I returned to school that August, my tennis coach looked worried. He arranged for me to have a physical exam and to meet with both a nutritionist and a psychologist. I thought the doctors would reassure me that I was fine—but instead, they forced me to face my problem.

After a physician gave me an EKG, he informed me my resting heart rate was dangerously low, and that I was at risk for having a heart attack. After that appointment, I went for a run and the whole time feared that at any moment I'd have heart failure. After an interview with the psychologist, I was given the final blow: She told me her diagnosis was anorexia nervosa. She recommended I start meeting weekly with a psychologist. I just kept thinking, How could this have happened?

I was open with my parents about what was going on, and they were supportive through everything. They had been concerned about my weight over the summer, but they also knew I needed to be the one to ask for help if lasting change were to occur. When I told them the diagnosis, they encouraged me to get the counseling I needed. I shared with them everything my psychologist and I talked about, and they were always only a phone call away to listen to and encourage me. I can't imagine what they endured knowing I was going through such a difficult time so far away. But I knew I wanted to work through my problem on my own, knowing they were pulling for me.

Over the next semester, I saw my psychologist weekly, and we gradually worked through my problem. As I faced my eating disorder head-on, I realized how bad things had really become. All I could think about was what I would or wouldn't allow myself to eat. My mood was determined by how much I weighed or how much I'd eaten. My obsession embarrassed me; it was hard to admit I had a weakness.

In order to work it through, my psychologist and I had to pinpoint the root of my obsession. We talked extensively about my perfectionism, my need for control, and how I'd hidden from my pain over leaving home. I missed the comfort and security I'd felt at home. In high school I'd been a star pupil and athlete. But in college I'd found it difficult to set myself apart academically and athletically. My body was the one thing over which I could have complete control.

Facing these feelings was emotionally draining; I felt cheated because I had to deal with my eating disorder while my friends were out having fun and enjoying college. But eventually I came to understand and accept who I'd become. Over time I gradually learned to let go of my obsession.

Although having an eating disorder was one the hardest things I've ever experienced, it's been one of the biggest blessings. I had to face the fact that what I'd been doing with my body wasn't God-honoring—I'd worshiped my weight as an idol. But God's taught me some amazing things through my recovery. I've discovered where true beauty lies: in my identity in Christ. During my second year at school, I got involved in Athletes in Action, and attended their summer camp. There they talked about being grounded in Christ rather than in athletics. I'd already gone through a year of counseling, but that message marked a real turning point for me. I suddenly realized I could let go of my eating disorder because God loves and accepts me, regardless of my weight. This acknowledgement was the only way I could finally release my obsession completely. I'd wanted to please the world as well as please God, but he showed me that in order to be with him, I have to let go of everything else.

Although my recovery's been gradual, I finally feel like myself again. I've gained 13 pounds over the last year, and look much healthier. I've been able to add at least 1,000 calories to my daily diet. I'm no longer afraid to eat foods such as meats and cheese. Some days I still become concerned about gaining too much weight and I have to be careful not to weigh myself or look at nutrition labels too often. But now I feel better equipped to deal with these fears. I finally can recognize when my past habits tempt me and stop them. My weight will probably always be a vulnerable area of my life, but it's in my weakness that God's power is made perfect.

Christie Schweer is a senior at the University of Virginia.


What to Watch Out for
  • Skips meals or eats in a ritualistic way (such as cutting food into extremely small bites)

  • Large amounts of food disappear—if bulimic

  • Denies hunger

  • Exercises excessively

  • When eating, chooses only low- or no-fat foods

  • Becomes repulsed with red meat and desserts

  • Uses excessive amounts of mouthwash and breath mints

  • Finds excuses to use restroom after every meal

  • Meticulous and compulsive, with very high standards for achievement and success

  • Withdraws from social settings

  • Extreme mood swings

  • Laxative or diuretic wrappers found frequently in trash

  • Menstrual cycle changes


Where to Get Help

Remuda Ranch
520-684-3913 or 800-445-1900
www.remuda-ranch.com

Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention, Inc. (EDAP)
206-382-3587 or 800-931-2237
www.edap.org

Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders (ANRED)
541-344-1144
www.anred.com

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Warcraft DotA v6.48 AI+ Map download


DotA, Warcraft DotA 6.48 AI+ Map Download

Newest DotA v6.48 AI+ Map is out.. time to kill some AI keke…links to download map at the bottom of this post. Enjoy!

DotA Allstars 6.48b Map Changelog
* Fixed a bug when reloading saved game with Leshrac or Storm
* Fixed a big but rare MAC only (PPC not Intel) bug relating to Abaddon

Download Map > DotA Allstars v6.48 AI+ Map Download

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

how to assure and encourage someone that is discouraged or in trouble

be a listener,
b understanding of the other situation,
put oneself in the other person shoe,
providing assurance to the person as they share tat u do want to help them,
then give feedback,
then give solutions,
share from own experience,
other people experience
then ask them for feedback and if tat helps them.

Knowing that will do all things because really concern and very interested to know the situation and hear the person out.

That's the motivation, it's out of Love..

Even thou never experience tat problem before...
never loose confidence or keep quiet coz need to continue thinking and then share something to the person.. coz really want to give support

Believe tat solutions might not be right but know tat the person might feel tat u listen to them and be concern. tats important

Follow up: the next time when i see the person, ask how was tat problem and how is she

My Dream Car!!! Lamborghini Reventon

























Sunday, September 23, 2007

Effective Mentoring - Women Leaders

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OVERVIEW

Women in leadership are presented with opportunities to influence those around them daily. You might spend years in relationship with a mentee, or it could just be a series of brief encounters with a coworker or friend.

This training tool from Gifted for Leadership authors, who understand your unique role as a mentor, helps encourage and direct you as you become an effective mentor to the women around you. And whether the time you spend as a mentor is measured in years or simply in hours, discover that it can be nothing short of life-changing.

The Other Side of the Table
What a mentor taught me about tough times.
by Janine Perry

Why God Made Mentors
Here's what you need to know to have a lasting impact.
by Eric Johnsonheads

Time to Mentor
Do you have what it takes to be a good mentor?
by Lesa Engelthaler

Making a Good Match
Learn the 8 characteristics of a healthy mentoring relationship.
by Fred Smith

Spiritual Mentoring
Discover how a spiritual director can help grow your faith.
by Agnieszka Tennant

Mentor Your Leaders
Use these guidelines to keep your leaders in the game.
from BuildingSmallGroups.com

Resources
Find more places for more help.

Saturday, September 22, 2007

The Adulteress: A Stone's Throw from Grace (John 8:1-11)


Her story is scandalous, first word to last. And glorious.

At dawn, the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees tarried by a nameless woman's door, itching to drag her out of bed and into the temple, where Jesus was teaching. Moments later, half-dressed at best, the woman was forced to "stand before the group" (John 8:3), like Hester Prynne wearing her scarlet letter, cheeks stained with shame.

The words of the Pharisees were harsh, accusatory: "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery" (John 8:4). This woman? Look, she wasn't alone in that bed. Where was her partner in crime? Sleeping in? Reading the Mount Olives Times? Since Mosaic Law insisted "both the adulterer and the adulteress must be put to death" (Leviticus 20:10), how come they weren't both hauled into the temple?

Sting Operation

Listen, the Pharisees weren't interested in punishing the man or the woman. They were after Jesus. And so they threw words at him, sharper than any rocks: "In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" (John 8:5).

Oh, great. If Jesus told them, "Stick to the Law: Stone her," his grace-filled teachings went out the window. But if he said, "No! Don't stone her," he opposed the Law of Moses, a dangerous move for a rabbi. The Pharisees thought they had him nailed.

Breathless with anticipation, the crowd watched as "Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger" (John 8:6). This is the only place in Scripture where Jesus wrote something, and we don't know what it was. Talk about frustrating! Did he list the Ten Commandments to prove he knew the Law? Write out the many sins of the Pharisees? Or scribble, "Don't go away mad, just go away"?

Written in Stone

Most scholars think the Lord was doodling. Yup, just drawing lines in the shifting sands of the temple floor, sparing the accused woman from his holy gaze, waiting until the crowd was ready to hear his answer. Finally he stood and said, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her" (John 8:7).

None in the temple that day qualified, and they knew it. None of us do either.

Only one person in recorded history "has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). Only one person could have rightfully condemned her. Only one person could have thrown that first rock.

But he didn't. That's not why he came. "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him" (John 3:17). Jesus came to save an adulteress that day in the temple, and he came to save you, beloved.

He bent down again to draw in the sand, giving his words time to sink in. Sure enough, "those who heard began to go away one at a time" (John 8:9). How like Jesus, gently whispering the truth into each ear, convicting each heart, one by one.

The Last One Standing

I'm surprised the woman, who surely was aware of her sins, didn't head for the temple door after her detractors made their exit. Instead, she stood there as if pinned to the ground with hope. Sinner though she was, could she possibly be forgiven?

Jesus straightened up and met her gaze, then asked, "Has no one condemned you?" (John 8:10). Yes, they'd accused her, but they'd not condemned her. Only this innocent man could sentence her to die, yet he held no stones in his hand. Did he plan to punish her with words?

No, he didn't.

Brave soul that she was, she managed to answer his question. "No one, sir" (John 8:10). She gets extra credit for resisting the urge to deny her guilt or blame her bed partner.

"Then, neither do I condemn you," Jesus assured her (John 8:11).

She was a free woman. Free! Still a sinner, but forgiven. Still guilty of adultery, but her death sentence had been quietly lifted, then placed on Jesus' shoulders.

Grace came to the temple that morning.

A Fond Farewell

The teachers of the Law and the Pharisees missed the Lord's final benediction, but you can bet those who remained didn't. They hung on every word. "Go now," Jesus told her—a gentle release, not a harsh rebuke—"and leave your life of sin" (John 8:11).

We hear you, Lord. What a relief to know that because of your grace, we can leave behind the past, as this woman did, and walk in a whole new direction.

Liz Curtis Higgs is the author of 25 books, including Embrace Grace (WaterBrook Press). She lives with her husband and their two teenagers in Kentucky. Visit her website: www.LizCurtisHiggs.com.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Four Ways Husbands Can Improve Their Marriages.

"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Matthew 6:21

Over the years we have interviewed hundreds of wives, and many of them communicated at least three areas where they desired to see change in their husbands before they would believe their husband's commitment:

• Careful Listening without Justification or Argument

It is often difficult for a man to converse with his wife without challenging the meaning of various words she uses to explain how she feels inside. If a husband can overlook the actual words his wife uses to express herself and instead, actively pursue what she means, fewer arguments will take place. One man I know finds it almost impossible to do this. When his wife says, "You never do this," or "Your always do that," he will inevitably say, "Now, dear, I don't always do that," or "Did I do it yesterday?" or he begins to analyze her statement to prove it false.
Click Here

If we can stop justifying our actions and quit arguing about the words our wives use, we can get to the heart of the matter. We can try rephrasing our wives statements, "Is this what you were trying to say?" or "Is this what I'm hearing?" It is essential in communication to look past the surface words to the real meaning behind the words.

• Quickness to Admit Error

Countless wives and children have told me how their family relationships have been weakened because of a husband's or father's unwillingness to admit his errors. Though husbands sometimes think admission of errors reveals their weaknesses, the opposite is true.

A humble admission of wrong produces positive results. When a husband admits he has hurt his wife, she feels better just knowing he understands. Not only that, it demonstrates that he is a wise man because the Scriptures tell us that only the wise seek counsel.

• Patience When She is Reluctant to Believe You've Changed

What if you've been doing everything within your power to let your wife know she has first place in your life, and she still doesn't believe you've changed? Do you throw up your arms in disgust? Or do you gently persuade her over a period of time? Her initial respect for you wasn't lost overnight, and it can't be regained in a day. Show her that no matter how long it takes, you want to earn her respect.

For Wives - A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1

No one likes to be criticized, regardless of how much truth lies behind the criticism. Whether we are male or female, six or sixty, when someone corrects us, we automatically become defensive. Yet honest communication is vital to marriage. These two basic truths appear contradictory. How do you honestly tell the one you love about something you find displeasing or aggravating without prompting that familiar, defensive glare or indifferent shrug?

The following four principles outline the indirect approach. This is especially beneficial for wives when they are wanting to comment on their husband's insensitivity.

1. Learn to express your feelings through three loving attitudes:



a. Warmth is the friendly acceptance of a person. It's considering a person to be important enough to give your time and resources to—to share his concerns, not because he has earned it, but simply because he's a human being.

b. Empathy is the ability to understand and identify with a person's feelings.

c. Sincerity is showing a genuine concern for a person without changing your attitude toward him when circumstances change.

2. Learn to share your feelings without using "you" statements. For example, the statement, "You're never home on time" or "Can't you get up earlier and take care of the kids just once?" "You" statements usually cause a man to either dig in and fight or to promptly leave your presence without resolving the issue. Either way, it makes him more determined to have his own way.

3. When you've cooled off, replace the "you" statements with "I" messages. Instead of confronting your tardy husband as he walks through the door with,"You never come home on time," creatively share your feelings in a positive context. For example, "You know, there are some things you do that really make me feel loved and appreciated, like coming home for dinner on time or letting me know if you'll be late. Those are ways that you show your love for me. I really need that."

4. Abandon "I told you so" statements. Such statements can take many forms and should be eliminated completely. Her are some examples: "Just like I thought," "I knew it!" or "You never listen, do you?"

As you begin to apply some of these principles, you will encounter a bit of frustration and failure, but don't give up. If you persist in developing and expressing these qualities, you will ultimately see those same qualities developed in your husband.

A Wife’s 4th Need – To Feel Protected

"For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church." Ephesians 5:29

What are ways in which you can protect your wife and make her feel secure? Before a husband can begin to protect his wife, he needs to discover areas where his wife feels vulnerable. Through informal discussions and observation on your part, you can compile mental lists of the major and minor areas where she feels frustrated or fearful.

Driving a car is one of my wife's vulnerable areas. Because she was involved in a serious auto accident in which some good friends were killed, she is naturally very alert to any possible danger when she is driving or even riding in a car. Since I am aware of this fear, I am sensitive to her driving needs.

Here are some of the areas which I consider to be important in protecting your wives:

1. Her physical limits. Many times a man treats his wife too roughly. He is unaware that his wife's physical make-up keeps her from enjoying roughness even when being playful. This could include wrestling, being rowdy, or thinking that she is able to move around the same amount of weight that you can.

2. Financial pressures. A man also needs to protect his wife from unnecessary financial stress. Many wives endure a tremendous amount of pressure because of a husband's irresponsibility with finances. When a wife has to face angry bill collectors, juggle figures in a checkbook that won't balance, cope with mounting pressures resulting from insufficient money, and other financial pressures, the burden can become physically and emotionally too much for some wives.

3. Expecting her to do all the cooking. So many men treat their wives as objects to be used. They don't verbalize it, but they maintain the inward conviction that women should remain in the kitchen cooking and cleaning while they play golf, hunt, or watch the game on TV. We as men need to take a close look at our traditional roles and choose what is best based on genuine love and the commitment to cherish our mates.

4. The pressure of the children. My wife used to say how much she appreciated the times I took charge of the kids when I came home from work. She was grateful for the time alone. I would take them outside to play, into another room to read, or just talked to them about whatever topic they chose. Thoughtful, creative ideas on your part are worth much more than the time and energy they cost. They strengthen your marriage and lift your wife's spirit.

We as husbands need to be aware of the amount of stress our wives face daily. To aid your wife with stress, you must first be aware of the situations that cause her the most anxiety. Purpose to protect your wife in all areas where she feels fearful and vulnerable. That's the first way to show how much you cherish her.

(c) 2003 Smalley Relationship Center.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Effectice Mentoring - Women Leaders

Women in leadership are presented with opportunities to influence those around them daily. You might spend years in relationship with a mentee, or it could just be a series of brief encounters with a coworker or friend.This training tool from Gifted for Leadership authors, who understand your unique role as a mentor, helps encourage and direct you as you become an effective mentor to the women around you.

And whether the time you spend as a mentor is measured in years or simply in hours, discover that it can be nothing short of life-changing.

The Other Side of the Table
What a mentor taught me about tough times. by Janine Perry


God Made Mentors
Here's what you need to know to have a lasting impact.by Eric Johnsonheads

Time to Mentor
Do you have what it takes to be a good mentor?by Lesa Engelthaler

Making a Good Match
Learn the 8 characteristics of a healthy mentoring relationship.by Fred Smith

Spiritual Mentoring
Discover how a spiritual director can help grow your faith.by Agnieszka Tennant

Mentor Your Leaders
Use these guidelines to keep your leaders in the game.from BuildingSmallGroups.com

ResourcesFind
more places for more help.

Pathway to Purpose for Women: Connecting Your To-Do List, Your Passions, and God's Purposes for Your Life


God wants to use everything about you - your past, present, hopes, dreams, hurts, and hang-ups - to achieve his ultimate purposes in your life. Filled with practical how-tos and personal stories of women whose lives have been transformed by following these proven principles, Pathway to Purpose for Women is an exciting journey for becoming the woman God created you to be!
Brazelton, who works with Rick Warren as director of women's Bible studies at Saddleback Church, has spent years helping women discover their life purpose. She pours her passion into this book, designed to help women find meaning in life. While each chapter focuses on another stepping stone in the journey to purpose, there are several overarching themes: every daily task is part of God's purpose; ultimate meaning requires obedience and complete surrender to God, and God has a vision for each woman's life. Brazelton's aim is to get every reader to find this vision, this personalized way of leading people from emptiness to surrender to significance in Christ. A vision should be big: a highly amplified life calling and focused destiny. However, Brazelton offers little biblical foundation for the idea that every woman should expected to seek the same kind of vision that Sarah, Deborah or Esther received. Thus, Brazelton may end up creating disillusionment where she hoped to resolve it. However, many readers are sure to enjoy her friendliness and vulnerability, and welcome her advice from years of experience guiding women. (Apr.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Summer Hay Fever

Summer hay fever, also called seasonal allergic rhino-conjunctiviti s, occurs in the spring and summer, and affects the eyes and nose.

What causes it?Hay fever is caused by breathing in pollen particles and by pollen getting into the eyes. You can get hay fever at any time from early spring to late summer, depending on which pollen or pollens you're allergic to.

The pollens most likely to cause problems in early spring are those from trees such as the silver birch, ash, oak and London plane.

The most profusely pollinating grasses are timothy, rye, cocksfoot, meadow and fescue
Grasses pollinate during mid-summer from May to August. The most profusely pollinating grasses are timothy, rye, cocksfoot, meadow and fescue.

Occasionally, in late summer and autumn, weeds such as nettles and dock as well as mugwort and plantain can trigger hay fever.

The condition tends to occur in atopic allergy-prone families and usually starts in the early teens, with symptoms peaking in the 20s.

What are the symptoms?
The main symptoms of hay fever are: Repeated sneezing attacks Runny or itchy nose Itchy or watery eyes Itchy throat, palate and ears Loss of concentration General feeling of being unwell (hence 'fever') If the pollen count is very high, many will also wheeze (so-called hay 'asthma'). What's the treatment?The most useful treatments for hay fever are:Antihistamine tablets and nasal sprays, which if taken regularly help to relieve a runny nose, sneezing, an itchy throat and itchy, watery eyes Anti-inflammatory nasal sprays and nose drops, which reduce inflammation in the delicate lining of the nose. These should be taken daily for the best results Anti-allergy nasal sprays and eye drops, such as cromoglycate, which act on the linings of the nose and eyes to stop the allergen triggering a reaction Decongestant tablets and sprays can help if the nose is blocked and stuffy, but can lead to rebound blocking Most of these medicines are available over-the-counter, but some are only available on prescription. You may need to try different treatments or find a combination that works best for you.

Steroid nose sprays are very safe and should be used continuously throughout the pollen season
Steroid injections, although effective for symptom control, are discouraged owing to unwanted side effects such as osteoporosis, cataracts and skin thinning. However, steroid nose sprays are very safe and should be used continuously throughout the pollen season for the best results.
Homeopathic and herbal treatments are less effective than conventional therapies. Some experts advocate taking local honey every day for a few months before the pollen season starts to improve symptoms, but no studies have been performed to prove this.
If symptoms remain severe despite medication, you may benefit from desensitisation immunotherapy to grass pollen. This involves being given tablet or injections containing minute amounts of pollen, with the dose being increased gradually over a three-year period to induce immune tolerance and cure the allergy.

Sublingual grass pollen immunotherapy for timothy grass allergy is available in the UK - ask your GP for details. No silver birch or tree pollen immunotherapy is currently available.
Can it be prevented?If you have hay fever, there are steps you can take to avoid exposing yourself to pollen:Keep an eye on the pollen count (often included in weather reports) and stay inside as much as possible when it's high Wear wrap-around sunglasses to stop pollen getting in your eyes Saline douches or a little Vaseline applied inside the nose will reduce symptoms Keep car windows closed and switch on the air conditioning to prevent pollen entering the car Keep bedroom doors and windows closed in mid-morning and early evening when pollen levels peak Avoid areas such as parks or fields, particularly in the early evening when there's a lot of pollen floating at nose level Get someone else to mow the lawn and don't lie on freshly cut grass You may be able to find out what you're allergic to by having allergy tests. You can then take practical steps to avoid that particular pollen.

Oral allergy syndrome
Some people with hay fever develop oral allergies to certain fruits, vegetables and nuts. This is also called pollen-food or oral allergy syndrome (OAS).

People with OAS typically develop hay fever in early spring and notice itching and swelling of the mouth and throat when they eat fresh fruit and vegetables. This is due to the food containing a protein similar to the allergy-provoking protein in the pollen.
The hay fever usually first appears in the teens, with oral allergies developing in the 20s. It doesn't usually progress beyond oral irritation.

Those who are allergic to silver birch pollen develop oral allergies to apples, peaches, cherries, carrots, celery, hazelnuts, peanuts and walnuts. People allergic to grass pollen may develop oral allergies to tomato, melon and watermelon.

Mugwort pollen allergy cross-reacts with apple, celery and carrot. Ragweed pollen allergy cross-reacts with bananas, melon and honey.

People don't react to cooked or canned foods because this alters the allergen, rendering it less able to provoke an allergy.

Sunday, September 9, 2007

life

You All are always busy with you JOB / BUSSINESS. Have you ever thought of your FAMILY members how they spend their life without you.You come to office, work for the whole day, chat with friends, collegues, customers, boss, etc... But have you thought of your daughter who is too small to go to market alone. When you come to house , Your Daughter requests you to take her to market. It was just for a fun but you scolded , saying that you are tired and you can't go. She goes away crying.........!!

Think , if same demand your boss would have done what would have been your answer!!!!You can't say NO to your boss. Your wife demanded for some money, and you fired her saying that your salary is limited. You did not even bother to know that why she had demanded for money. It is quite possible that she has selected some good suit piece for you with lots of love. You ruined her dream. She wanted you to look more pretty, but it was not in her fate.

Your father demanded that he wants to meet his friend who is staying at very short distance, so can you take him on your car. You bluntly told him that you have no time. Think of those days when you were just a kid. Your father used to take you to your friend's house on his shoulder so that you can enjoy. Now you can't take him on your CAR also.

Your Mother had told you that her medicines have exhausted. You replyed that you will bring it when you get time. Just think of those days when you were so small that you were on mother's milk. Did your mother ever denied you from feeding. Without your demand / crying she used to know that you are hungry and she used to feed you.

Just think of a person who has:- ........ Lost his Mother & Father in young age. He can't call MAA / Mummy / Papa/ Baba to anyone now. You can get many gardians but you can get Parents only once in your life time. When they were alive he did not feel their importance. .......Wife but No Children. He went to Doctor,Temple, church, Gurudwara, Masjid and still awaiting for a KID with whom he can play. ....... Lost her wife at a old age. No one is their to take his care. Although he has got Daughter, Son -in-law, Son, Daughter-in-law, Grand sons, Grand daughter. He has many thoughts to share but he doesn't have the right person for this because he lost his wife.
we have very limited time in our life!! Logic of LIFE period :- Average life of a person is 50 years. You have already lived 30 years In remaining 20 Yrs you have many things to do. In Office you spend 8 hours. i.e 1/4 of day is spend. So spend 10 yrs of remaining life spent in office. Remains 10 yrs. For going to office, return journey, Getting freshen in the morning / evening, chatting with friends, 8 hours. i.e 5 yrs gone. Remains 5 yrs. If for 5 years also you can't love your family members then what is the use of living. SO................................ THINK AND ACT BEFORE YOU LOOSE........................!!!!! All are waiting for you at home to greet you when you go in the evening from office. Have love for them. They are your most loved persons who will create fun for you to laugh, make demand so that you feel that you are their care taker, show concern when you are upset. Then what are you waiting for....................???? Go home directly from office and love them as much as you can.

What is Influenza? AKA Flu

What is Influenza (Also Called Flu)?

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.Every year in the United States, on average: 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and; about 36,000 people die from flu. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.

Symptoms of Flu

Symptoms of flu include:fever (usually high) headache extreme tiredness dry cough sore throat runny or stuffy nose muscle aches Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults

Complications of Flu
Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.

How Flu Spreads
Flu viruses 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. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 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.

Preventing Seasonal Flu: Get Vaccinated The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get a flu vaccination each year.