Imagine going into the ob/gyn for a procedure which involved you being anesthetized. As soon as your eyes close, a team of medical students start doing “bi-digital exams” for practice led by your own doctor. How would you feel???

This scary but informative interview with a med. student  (click on the link below) explains how hospitals affiliated with teaching schools are allowing medical students to practice pelvic exams after a patient has been given anesthesia, without letting the patient know.

http://www.theunnecesarean.com/blog/2010/8/30/medical-student-wont-perform-pelvic-exams-on-anesthetized-pa.html

Though paid volunteers are available for med. students to practice on, having to wait around for a person to volunteer and the expense involved seems too much for schools. Instead of waiting for a paid volunteer, unaware women worldwide are pretty much being violated of their rights??? Does that seem ok or normal to anyone???

The interview has very blunt answers on what goes on, who’s involved, and even by answering what is learned by med. students who partake in these pelvic exams.”Very little in terms of how to do a proper pelvic exam….” So what’s the point in doing this? Like the saying goes, “practice makes perfect.”

All you can do to avoid this is trust your doctor, or as the article advised, be sure to write “I do not give consent for medical students to practice pelvic exams on me” with a marker near your bikini line to avoid any unauthorized pelvic exams for “teaching” purposes.

Fish is a great source of protein and contains a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids which are good to keep your cholesterol in check and  a good source of fat. Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish, which has gained much popularity throughout the world. Sushi is prepared in different styles either in rolls or as in Sashimi , thinly sliced raw fish. Below is a mouth-watering picture of an Unagi roll, which is a roll topped with broiled freshwater eel.

Sushi is healthy for you in moderation.

Recent studies have linked certain  fish to have a high mercury count, especially if eaten frequently as in this article. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/18/high-mercury-count-how-it_n_152167.html

If eaten once every week you’d be getting a good source of protein and calcium. Sushi rolls also have a good amount of vitamins and help your digestive system. As with other meals, moderation is always the key. Seaweed used in sushi is also high in protein and calcium. Rice is high in fiber and minerals. Most of the ingredients used to make traditional sushi rolls are natural, such as avocado, ginger, carrots, asparagus, cucumber and tofu.

Fish is one of the best ways to get protein in your diet.

Eating a meal rich in protein is a good idea after a vigorous workout to refuel your body. Protein also prevents certain health issues like kidney problems, arthritis, and osteoporosis.

Want to make your own sushi? Check out this Sushi Chef Sushi Making Kit and give it a try

Religious beliefs and culture have influenced changes in the preparation of various dishes. Indian food has become very popular throughout the world with over 10,000 restaurants in England and Wales as of 2003.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_cuisine

Besides it’s yummy taste it’s said to have ingredients that are very healthy for you.

Top 3 benefits of enjoying this cuisine are:

1. Turmeric is said to slow Alzheimer’s disease.

Turmeric is yellow and has a somewhat bitter taste. “Researchers have suggested that turmeric could play a role in slowing down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease…” http://eating.health.com/2008/02/29/indias-curative-spices/ It also aids in digestive disorders and works as an anti-inflammatory.

2. Coriander might help lower cholesterol and is a great source of fiber.

Coriander, also known as cilantro and dhania, has acids which are said to be helpful in reducing cholesterol levels. Essential oils have anti-arthritic properties which also help reduce swelling,   and minerals and vitamins make it high in fiber and a good source of iron. This link provides a better understanding on coriander and it’s many benefits. http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-coriander.html

3. Cumin used in many Indian dishes may help prevent cancer.

Cumin is said to have “detoxifying and chemo-preventive properties” and also aids in digestive disorders. The seeds are rich in iron and help ease common cold symptoms as well.  http://www.indianetzone.com/41/benefits_cumin.htm

Check out the video below for an easy to follow guide on making Samosas, a traditional appetizer in Indian cuisine. A samosa is a pastry stuffed with spices, peas, potatoes, lentils, and lamb or chicken.

Indian food is full of flavor, one of my favorite dishes is tandoori chicken . What are some of your favorite dishes???

There are many massage styles involving aromatherapy, hot stones, deep tissue, and Shiatsu, to name a few, but have you ever heard of getting a massage by snakes?!?

Would you be willing to put your fear aside and let those snakes slither down your back?

Can you imagine that scaly-dry skin slithering down your back, or that split tongue licking your face?

Those who have visited ADA BARAK’S CARNIVOROUS PLANT FARM in Israel and have experienced the $80 spa treatment find it soothing and relaxing. Some patients say the snake therapy can even treat migraines. The snakes used are all non-venomous. Small ones are used to massage the face and neck areas and the larger ones focus on your back.

If you can’t stand the thought of snakes sliding down your body…

How about a rodent foot massage?

Ada Barak offers a rodent-style massage. In which rats and mice are placed on your feet and they work their fuzzy little bodies to rid you of stress.

ADA BARAK’S CARNIVOROUS PLANT FARM started as a way for Ada to display her pet snakes as well as her carnivorous plants which eat anything from insects to small mammals. She decided her snakes would be great masseurs when she started getting positive feedback on her snakes relaxing visitors and friends who held them.

What do you think of this different massage technique? Would you prefer the snake massage or the rodent one?!? Check out the video below for a snake massage being performed.

How many times have you gone for a run or achieved a great workout and decided to hydrate with a 10 calorie Vitaminwater when you were finished???

10 calories doesn’t sound so bad right?

This issue has been taken to court and Federal judge John Gleeson rules this to be a misleading drink that is in violation of FDA regulations . Vitaminwater will not keep you healthy or enhance your workout, since it’s pretty much very sugary water.

“..Vitaminwater is really just a sugary snack food; non-carbonated fruit coke disguised as a sports drink.”  source: consumerist.com http://consumerist.com/2010/07/vitaminwater-isnt-healthy-rules-federal-judge.html

If you check out glaceauglobal.com, Vitaminwaters’ website, you will find no nutritional information on this healthy drink said to be full of vitamins and minerals. If you look at the actual ingredients listed on a Vitaminwater bottle you will find no source of real fruit juice just artificial ingredients.

So you won’t enhance your focusing skills after drinking this pretty pink drink, but it’s probably better than choosing a soda. I’ll just stick to water

photo credit: gruntzooki

Even though it’s a non-surgical procedure, there’s still needles injecting a toxic substance in your face. It’s said to be a quick injection to erase wrinkles and pout lips temporarily, but what happens when temporarily ends and you have to go back for another shot…

That shot of botox temporarily blocks nerve impulses which forces muscles that create wrinkles to relax, thus giving a younger and smoother appearance. Pretty much it paralyzes those muscles and prevents facial expressions to be the same or exist. This wears off in between 3-6 months and your muscles regain activity. Researchers say since it prevents your facial muscles from showing emotions it might also affect your actual feelings. So if you can’t express a smile on your face, overtime you won’t feel like smiling anyway. These feeling and emotionless side effects are believed to be temporary …  http://theweek.com/article/index/204503/does-botox-kill-emotions

Personally, I would not feel comfortable knowing I’m paying someone to inject me in the face and mess with my nerves and muscles. It seems insane to me that the FDA would approve something that can be highly toxic as safe to inject into your face for false advertisement. I have a few wrinkles and some crows feet decorating my eyes but I see them as my happy lines, each wrinkle represents a good laugh or a big smile brought upon by a wonderful memory.

Speak your mind on this subject! Do you think botox injections mess with more than just your facial muscles and nerves? Let us know your opinion on botox and it’s side effects. If you use or have tried botox, please post your response to this article and let us know your personal experience.

Before you run to schedule an appointment with the dentist, read on for a few ideas that are simple and very affordable.Here’s the top three easiest methods you can try from home to help whiten teeth naturally without spending a fortune. That’s something to smile about.

photo credit: *Zara

Baking soda is one of the best ingredients used to whiten teeth and you probably already have it in your kitchen.

1. You will need a tbsp. of baking soda mixed in with your toothpaste. You apply it on your toothbrush and brush as normal.Try doing this twice a week and over time the baking soda will remove stains or brighten your smile.

2. Strawberries have also been used to whiten teeth. Mash up 1-2 strawberries with your regular  toothpaste and brush your teeth. Be sure to rinse off well since strawberries are very acidic and may damage gums and enamel if left on for too long.

3. Another technique you can use is adding lemon juice and salt to 1-2 tbsp baking soda, mix it with enough toothpaste for your brush and  brush as regular.

photo credit: Ninha Morandini

I wouldn’t recommend using the lemon and strawberry pastes too often since the acid nature of these fruits is bad for your tooth enamel and gums, but the baking soda one alone is gentle enough on gums and teeth to use a couple days a week.

Do you have any Diy teeth whitening ideas or have use tried any products that have worked for you?!

As per an article in USA Today, women in Hong Kong are eating parasites purchased online to help in their weight loss goal. These worms may lead to stomach problems or in worse cases death.  It was pretty interesting reading this article since women are constantly being reminded to be thin, but to actually ingest worms as part of a diet? Then again being cut up and sewn back up as in plastic surgery, is pretty crazy in some cases. Every culture has their own definition of beauty, in some being thin is a requirement.

photo credit: by Janine

In this article Agatha Yau, a marketing executive and extreme dieter, was interviewed on all aspects of extreme dieting practices women follow  throughout Hong Kong and other cities.They range from your typical diet pills to eating worms sold online. Women feel pressured to weigh in under 100lbs, this is considered true beauty in their culture. They must achieve their weight goal without exercise since defined muscles are not considered feminine to them.  Agatha said,  “Dieting is a life-long career for women… It’s true for women everywhere, but especially in Hong Kong.” which I believe to be a very accurate statement worldwide. The pressure to be thin is becoming more important than being healthy.

photo credit: Katie Tegtmeyer

The article goes on to explain methods women use to loose weight and reasons why they feel the need to be so thin. As well as the rise in eating disorders and life-threatening decisions women make to be the thinnest they can be.

Follow the link to read the entire article and share your thoughts on it.

Usa Today – Extreme Diet

But honestly, how clean can hey be after they’ve been sitting there daily for a while collecting dust, germs, and even worse: fecal matter… tiny bits of poop from those who don’t wash their hands after going. >:(

photo credit: Idhren

It is a fact that only about 80-85% of people actually wash their hands after using public bathrooms.

All department stores should offer plastic applicators to offer their customers, but sometimes fingers are used. It’s definitely better than applying directly from the bottle or container, but it can still cause problems. Serious infections can be spread from sharing cosmetics between women like  pink eye,e-coli and herpes (ocular herpes, it’s real). If a woman has a cut on her lip and tests out a lipstick shade at a store directly from the tube and five minutes later another woman tries on the same lipstick, there’s a chance the second woman will get a herpes blister on her lip soon after (quoted from an LA times article). Same goes for if she didn’t wash her hands and touched the lipstick, the second lady would ingest small fecal particles. Gross right? Most often than not, those beauty store testers are usually hoarding germs, bacteria, dust and occasionally infections.

If you must use the tester products be sure to use the plastic applicators, wash it off soon after and avoid getting it in your eyes, mouth, or nostrils. Then again, is it really worth it? What are your thoughts on this topic?!

photo credit: XcBiker

Germs are spread from person to person that’s why washing your hands often is vital. Wash with warm water and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Eat whole foods, they help boost your immunity level. Meats, poultry, dairy, fruits and veggies are great examples of whole foods. Build your diet around them and avoid sugars and starches. Probiotics improve your bodys’ ability to fight infections and raise immunity a perfect example is plain yogurt.
Take your daily dose of vitamin C. Whether you prefer it in pill form or eating an actual orange is up to you, but make sure you get between 500-2000mg a day. Echinacea is also said to be helpful in preventing colds. It’s a flowering plant found throughout the U.S. and Canada. It comes in the form of supplements, liquid extracts and teas made from it’s leaves, stem, flower and roots.
Avoid stress and remember the number 8! Get your daily 8 hours of sleep and drink your daily 8 glasses of water.
These are tips you should live by not just to prevent colds but for overall health as well. Do you have any tips or homemade remedies to prevent and treat colds?