Angela

The food pyramid was issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the early 1990s as part of a program to encourage the growth of healthy eating habits from a young age. From the outset schools that were keen to introduce healthy eating habits from junior school level upwards embraced it. We all accepted that USDA had produced a new key to guide us in how to eat healthily and start the battle against obesity from a young age. Time has since taught us that the Food Pyramid was based upon some unsound scientific data and the Department of Nutrition at Harvard School of Public Health has since corrected the base knowledge by using up to date scientific data that has now replaced the original Pyramid. On a personal note I think the original Food Pyramid was great and a definite step in the right direction. This new approach is based upon more accurate scientific data and is therefore better to use. The Five Food Groups Fruits: Eat a variety of fruits rather than fruit juices for most of your fruit needs. Apart from fresh fruit you can also use canned fruit, dried fruit or frozen fruit. But try to have at least one item of fresh fruit each day. Vegetables...

Do you know that the sixth leading cause of chronic disease in America is Allergy, with its annual cost exceeding 18 billion. Nearly 50 million children and adults are believed to complicate and even handicap their lives due to allergies. So what are Allergies . Allergies make overreaction of the immune system to substances that usually cause no reaction in many individuals. These substances can trigger wheezing, sneezing, itching and coughing. Allergies besides being bothering, many also have been linked to a range of serious and common chronic respiratory illnesses such as asthma and sinusitis . Additionally, allergic reactions can be even fatal and severe. However, with patient education and proper management, allergic diseases can be controlled, and people with allergies can lead productive and normal lives. The capacity to become allergic like in eye color, baldness and height, is an inherited characteristic. You are not automatically allergic to specific allergens although you may be born with the genetic capability to become allergic. There are a few factors which must be present for allergic sensitivity to be developed. Reasons for Allergic...

As with the type of bed available, there are many different types of mattress. As with the type of bed available, there are many different types of mattress. Don t let the variety confuse you though. All the mattresses available will be one of the following types: Spring Unit these will offer Bonnell spring open coil - individual springs connected together; Continuous spring - a single length of wire that typically offers more, small springs; Pocket spring - individual springs usually enclosed in individual fabric pockets . This design enables each spring to function and adapt to pressure independently of the other springs. This allows greater pressure relieving properties and fewer disturbances to a partner sharing the bed. Bonnell spring units are typically the cheapest, with pocket sprung units priced higher; however the price is determined by the quality of the manufacture, the number of springs and the gauge thickness of the wire used to make the springs. A greater number of springs and high gauge of spring will usually offer a more firm sleep system. Foam Mattresses the three main types of foam offered include: Latex - has special elastic...

At present, LASIK or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis is the only commonly performed keratomileusis procedure. Keratomileusis involves an altering of the shape of the corneal tissue with the aid of an excimer laser, which is a powerful ultraviolet laser. This laser eye surgery is performed by ophthalmologists in order to correct different types of vision impairment. LASIK is the preferred treatment for patients with refractive error, since the procedure entails rapid recovery and minimal pain overall. LASIK surgery leverages technology to its fullest. For instance, a computer system tracks the patient s eye position 4,000 times per second, while the lasers make the desired incisions. It might sound like a dangerous procedure, but it s time to debunk this myth. LASIK surgery is a completely safe procedure performed with high precision. That is, the laser carves the corneal tissue in a finely controlled manner. LASIK surgery is not that cumbersome when compared with other types of eye surgery, and has a relatively low frequency of complications. Though LASIK surgery is performed with the patient awake and functional, the eye surgeon typically...

Every winter across the U.S., heavy rains bring thoughts of flooding, backed-up drainage systems and overflowing streets. When the drains and city sewers get clogged, the overflow of winter rains can bring a once- bustling community to a grinding halt. Like the back up caused by winter s inevitable downpour, poor drainage of a person s eye can lead to high eye pressure which is a cause of glaucoma. The vision loss can be devastating and can drastically change the life of a once-active adult. In fact, 2.2 million Americans have glaucoma, but half do not realize it because there are often no warning signs. In a healthy eye, fluid is constantly being made and drained through a tiny drainage canal. When something blocks or prevents this natural drainage, the pressure inside the eye goes up. Glaucoma is often caused by increased pressure that can develop when the fluids in the eye are not draining properly. This condition eventually damages the nerve that connects the eye to the brain and leads to loss of vision. EyeCare America, the public service foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, encourages those without insurance to take advantage of its...