How to Open Office 2007 Documents in Older Versions of Office

With Microsoft Office 2007, Microsoft introduced a new set of file formats: .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx, all not compatible with previous Microsoft Office versions. So if somebody sends you a Word 2007 document and you use Word XP, an error message awaits you. Luckily, the fix is easy: Use the Office plugin named Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 File Formats.

MOCPWEP2007FF enables you to open/edit/save Office 2007 documents in Office 2000, 2003, or XP without any work on your part. Just make sure that your office has the latest Service Pack installed - either SP3 for Office 2000 and XP, or SP1 for Office 2003.

If you don’t want to go all that difficulty and you just need to convert just a single .docx file, point your browser to docx-converter.com. Upload your file, select your preferred format (.doc is just one choice), and enter your email address. In a moment, you should get a note containing a link to download the converted file. It’s a free service.

Nvidia Details Fermi-Based GF100 GPU Specifications

Nvidia has officially confirmed that their Fermi GF100 GPU will utilize 384-bit GDDR5 memory bus, 512 CUDA processors, 48 ROP engines and 16 geometry units.

The GF100 is expected to include 64 texture units, four raster units and DirectX 11 support as well.

According to ZDNet’s Adrian Kingsley-Hughes, each GPU is made up of four separate GPC (Graphics Processing Clusters), which we can look at each of the streaming multiprocessor (SM) cores within the GPCs separately. Each of the SMs consist 16 or 48KB of L1 cache, 16 or 48KB of shared memory, 32 CUDA Cores , a polymorph engine and 4 texture units.

However, there are still many unanswered questions, such as price, clock speeds, power consumption and thermal issues.

He also mentioned that majority of latest games won’t “pushing” graphics as much as they once did, and most graphic cards that cost $100++ is already “more than enough.

Therefore, those who want to side step the whole PC gaming (and upgrading) bandwagon can buy a games console that will offer them years of gaming experience for the price of a high-performance GPU.

Optimize your Windows System Registry with WinASO Registry Optimizer

Registry cleaning is one of numerous methods employed for performing system tune up on Microsoft Windows operating systems. Its purpose is to remove redundant or unwanted entries from the registry. The softwares used to perform this operation are often called as a registry cleaner. By performing registry cleanup, it presents you instant liberation from various computer problems such as removing stubborn useless programs, getting rid of malware and viruses as well as avoiding system crashes and blue screens. Hence, we will be presented with improved, superior and error-free Windows operating system.

WinASO Registry Optimizer is registry cleaner software utility that will allow you to perform all these tasks in only a few clicks. WinASO Registry Optimizer cleans the registry by removing unwanted clutter, repairing registry problems and performing system maintenance as well as optimization. WinASO Registry Optimizer also offer tools for managing your start-up programs, purging histories, optimizing internet connections and system settings as well as maintaining your computer to peak performance. For example, you can clean all traces left by various internet applications or browsers such as Internet Explorer using only with a simple tool provided.

This utility tool provides extra protection and safety with its scanning, diagnostic and repair multiple registry problems, which avoids potential Windows system malfunction or crash. This tool also provides more advanced options such as the advanced scanning algorithm, comprehensive and detailed error reporting, error reports sorting capability with 10 different attributes, powerful registry fixer, privacy cleaner, broken short-cuts cleaner and many more. Even though its trial version will correct only 10 defective or problematic files, executing WinASO Registry Optimizer didn’t exhaust too much system resource at all, especially when doing background scanning. However, in order to get all the benefits that it offers, you’ll have to buy the full version first. It is assured that this tool is 100% safe from malware and scareware.

In my opinion, I would say WinASO Registry Optimizer is one of the best registry cleaner utility software by offering hassle free system maintenance and tune-up. Its well-organized interface has been designed solely for users ranging from novice to experts. It is a best choice to keep your Windows system faster, stable, clean and optimized all the time.

Download WinASO Registry Optimizer

Computer Buying Tips

Should You Buy a Mac or a PC?

 

Deciding whether to buy a Mac or a PC should be based on two main points: your budget and whether the computer is primarily for business or pleasure. Both types of computers are excellent for specific tasks, although if you are planning to go to work and bring your computer with you, you may need to consider what types of computers your coworkers will have to make it easier to swap files or compare notes. Here a few basic tips on how to choose the right computer for you.

Budget

There’s no debate—Macs are far more expensive than PCs. If money is a big issue for you, you’ll want to buy a PC. However, Macs aren’t overpriced. Unlike PCs, each computer is designed for maximum efficiency in both processing speed and ease of use. While PCs frequently crash and are vulnerable to spyware and viruses, Macs resist most viral attacks and operate at a consistently high standard with virtually no technical issues. If you can afford it, a Mac is an excellent investment which will work for you for years.

Business

While Macs have always been the preferred computer of graphic designers and other creative individuals, for most corporate office work, PCs have long been favored over Macs. For this reason, PCs still dominate in most business settings.

Up until a few years ago, the major software designed for business suites, like the Microsoft Suite, was designed chiefly for PCs. However, the popularity of other Apple products such as the iPod and iPad has started to change the way Macs are perceived in the larger corporate world. Most business software now has versions available for both Macs and PCs. Because of their heftier price tag, Macs still have a long way to go in making a dent in the corporate world, although in terms of functionality they perform just as well as a PC.

Graphically, Macs have richer displays and a Linux based operating system that makes them ideal for manipulating complex information such as layered graphical displays. Photoshop was initially designed for the Mac. If you are buying a computer for use in a professionally creative setting, your coworkers will likely also be using Macs.

Programming

Computer programmers are evenly split on whether Macs or PCs make better programming tools. The truth is, it comes down to a matter of personal preference. Macs developed a comprehensive suite of developer tools with their OS 10 which, if used properly, can help you get to the moon. PCs have always been oriented toward programming; in fact, the DOS/Windows interface was developed mainly as a way to stay competitive with the user friendly Mac interface. However, many programmers have complained that Macs are slower than PCs when it comes down to executing large amounts of freshly programmed code.

Personal Use

If you enjoy playing video games in your spare time, buying a PC is probably the best choice. This is partly because PCs are easier to hook up to auxiliary equipment like television sets or other devices. Although USB ports are evenly distributed between Macs and PC, the higher data transfer portals of a Mac do not always adapt easily to most conventional televisions, making it difficult to quickly relay information between the two devices, whereas the higher data transfer portals of a PC are usually very adaptable to auxiliary devices.

If, on the other hand, you prefer to design or develop creative projects in your personal time, Macs are a much better choice. Because Apple has invested so much time in making the user interface incredibly easy to use, spending time creating music or drawing or editing movies becomes less about the computer and more about the activity; you forget you are using a computer, and can instead focus on the act of creation. PCs have a more rigid approach; it’s hard to forget that you’re on a computer.

Cloud Computing and the Future of Virtualization

Of course, with the tech community excited about the potential of cloud computing, computer memory is going to become less of an issue, with flexibility, mobility, and processing speed becoming increasingly important when making purchasing decisions. Mac’s suite of mobile devices are far better adapted to shifting between different geographical areas while also offering enough functionality to make them viable business tools. However, for now you should buy the computer that best suits your needs, and plan on the inevitable: no matter what you buy now, in a few years it will be completely outdated anyway!

Security Tips

How to Protect Your Computer From Viruses

With millions of computer users browsing the web at any given time, there are plenty of targets for malicious coders. While computer experts don’t always know why coders choose to build harmful computer programs, the fact is that it happens all the time. Computer viruses can steal personal information, interfere with normal operations, attract spam and even shut down your computer’s hard drive. Protecting your computer is critical for browsing success.

Start With the Basics

Most computer systems come with security features already in place. For example, the Windows operating system is packaged with Microsoft Windows Security Center. When you first open, boot up and register a new computer, you should make sure that this program is functioning. It will give basic protection against spyware, viruses and malware. In addition, a basic firewall is built into this program, providing additional protection and stops for potentially harmful programs. Upon activation, don’t be surprised if your security system needs immediate updating. Software that protects your computer needs regular and consistent updating to stay useful. Viruses are constantly being generated and the several-month lag between when your computer was made and when you first started using it can mean that the database the security system is loaded with is severely out-of-date.

Upgrade to Meet Your Needs

Many people operate computers for a long time with only basic protection in place. However, heavy computer users or those who have risky browsing habits can sometimes benefit from upgrading their virus, spyware and malware protection, as well as using a fuller-featured firewall; this is especially important if you use a networked computer system. Basic or free virus protection will still scan and update for viruses. Paid programs, however, offer more features, including ease-of-use and convenience features. The most important thing is to verify the publisher and make sure you are getting what is promised. Most well-known virus protection programs, such as AVG and Norton Security, have reviews available to help you make your choice.

Learn About Spyware Risks

Spyware creates risks that many computer users are not aware of. If you are only protecting against viruses, you could be leaving your computer open to damage. Most people are familiar with spyware that initiates and attracts annoying ad programs. Spyware, however, can be much more malicious as well. Your shopping habits can be tracked by spyware. While not exactly harmful, some people consider this a breach of privacy. The worst spyware programs interfere with normal operations and can even track what you type, sending personal information to people who want to steal your identity. Some spyware redirects your browser to different web addresses, increasing your risks of virus infection and fraud.

How Viruses Work

The main difference between spyware and viruses is how they are spread. A virus reproduces itself and attaches to any document that the computer sends, while spyware can be stored as a cookie or tracking code. A virus is most often found traveling with a piece of computer software, such as a document, picture or piece of music. When dealing with email, it is necessary to open an attachment to become infected, indicating that, in most cases, the computer user must somehow invite the malicious software to replicate on their system. Of course, most people have no idea it is there or what is happening. Some of the sneakiest and most harmful viruses actually masquerade as virus protection software, making them extremely hard to detect. Because of this, it’s crucial to be familiar with your particular virus protection program and know what it looks like and what the normal scripts and prompts are during operation. Viruses do some of the same things that spyware does; they just accomplish it differently. An active virus can steal personal information, generate ads or shut down your system, including the very virus protection programs that can fix the issue.

Take Steps For Protection

Like anything, the best way to protect against viruses is to be educated. Become familiar with what malicious software may look like. If you get an email or are asked to download a file that you don’t recognize or looks suspicious, do your homework. Research virus protection, spyware, malware and firewall programs and use them to their fullest capacity. Set the software to update and scan automatically to make sure that the system is constantly monitored. In addition, regularly check on the databases published by various virus protection services; many will provide lists of symptoms and risks, as well as the standard way the file gains access for no cost to the public.

Computer Tips & Tricks

How to Improve Your Computer’s Performance

Tips for Speeding Up Your PC

Few things are as frustrating as dealing with a slow, sluggish computer. When a computer is brand new, it works wonderfully well. Over time, though, its performance can slowly begin to worsen. This happens for a number of reasons, but the biggest culprits are things like spyware, adware and other computer threats that are unwittingly downloaded along with other content while online. You don’t have to download thousands of MP3s, movies or other items to experience these problems, either – nobody is immune to them. Instead of accepting the situation, there are plenty of techniques and strategies that you can use to make it better – a few of the best ones are outlined below.

Strategy #1: Clean Your Computer’s Windows Registry

The biggest cause of slow, sluggish PC performance is errors and problems within its Windows registry. Adware, spyware and other threats usually target the registry, damaging or misplacing important files within it. When it comes to PC cleaning, a daily Windows registry cleaning should be at the top of your list of priorities. However, this should never be done manually – there are too many opportunities for major errors that could seriously damage your PC’s operating system. Instead, invest in a high-quality Windows registry cleanup program and configure it to run once per day – you won’t believe the difference that it makes.

Strategy #2: Remove Unneeded Files

Every time you log on to the Internet or otherwise use your computer, temporary files are generated. They are usually only needed once; however, they don’t disappear on their own. Instead, they accumulate over time until they are cluttering up your computer’s file system and affecting its performance. While it’s possible to remove these files one-by-one, it’s much easier and quicker to use a PC cleaning tool that’s designed for the purpose. Try to do so about one time per week to keep your computer humming along with ease.

Strategy #3: Remove Unneeded Programs

Like many people, you probably download and try out many different programs each month. How many of them do you actually end up using on a regular basis? Chances are, not very many of them. By getting into the habit of uninstalling unused and unneeded programs, you can keep your computer’s file system a lot less cluttered. In turn, your PC’s performance will improve dramatically. You can optimize your computer in this way by using its Add/Remove Programs feature. Its location varies by operating system, but you should be able to find it somewhere in the Control Panel.

Strategy #4: Empty the Recycle Bin

When you click “delete” on a file or a program, it doesn’t go away for good – not immediately, anyway. Instead, it sits in a kind of purgatory in your computer’s Recycle Bin. As things pile up in the Recycle Bin, your computer can start exhibiting some very annoying problems. If sluggish startups and frequent crashes are occurring with increasing frequency – and your computer’s recycle bin is very full – go ahead and empty it. From then on, get into the habit of doing so about one time per week. This small but important strategy can make a huge difference.

Strategy #5: Perform a Disk Defragmentation

Windows isn’t very efficient when it comes to storing files. It actually splits them up, depositing them into whatever spaces are available. The more spaced apart the pieces of a file are, the harder your computer has to work to make them run. The Windows disk defragmentation system tune-up utility works to piece all of those files back together again. The process is a long one, though, and only needs to be done about four times per year. Set it up to run automatically once every three months. By doing so, you’ll be able to keep your computer running in tiptop shape.

When it comes to keeping your computer running optimally, small but regular maintenance is the best way to go. Protecting your PC only does so much; even the most careful Internet users in the world unintentionally download malicious software from time to time. By using basic system tune-up tools, cleaning your computer’s Windows registry regularly, performing regular file-cleaning maintenance and otherwise optimizing your PC, you should be able to keep it in like-new condition for a lot longer. Even if your computer has been performing slowly for some time, beginning this regimen is sure to produce results. In the end, you’ll be able to enjoy a computer that flies along – instead of one that spins its wheels.

Congo CCHF) virus – Know the Treatment and How to prevent and control

Congo CCHF - virus – Know the Treatment and
How to prevent and control spread of Congo or CCHF Virus,Infection

What is a viral hemorrhagic fever?
A viral hemorrhagic fever is a viral disease, which has a tendency to disrupt
the clotting of the blood, so that patients may develop uncontrolled bleeding.
Usually fever, body aches, and other flu-like symptoms also are seen.

Many common diseases can resemble viral hemorrhagic fever, but the term is
reserved for a particular group of diseases associated with a high death
(fatality) rate.

In addition to CCHF they include Lassa fever, Rift Valley
fever, Alkhumra, Omsk hemorrhagic fever, Kyasanur forest disease,
Argentine, Bolivian, Brazilian, and Venezuelan hemorrhagic fevers (caused
by Junin, Machupo, Sabia, and Guanarito viruses, respectively), and
Marburg and Ebola hemorrhagic fevers.



The National Institute of Virology (NIV) has confirmed the positive testing of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) virus, identified for the first time in India, which has claimed three lives in Gujarat.

The geographic range of CCHF virus is the most extensive among the tickborne viruses that affect human health, and the second most widespread of all medically important arboviruses, after dengue viruses

CCHF has become one of the most geographically widely distributed tick-borne diseases in the world; the disease, or the presence of the virus, has been reported from at least 31 countries in Africa, Asia, southeast Europe, and the Middle East.

Where does the CCHF virus come from?
A: The virus is transmitted mainly by Hyalomma ticks, adults of which have dis-
tinctive brown and white bands on their legs.
The virus can remain in the ticks for long periods, and even pass through the eggs to infect the next generation of ticks.

Immature Hyalomma ticks (larvae and nymphs) feed on ground-frequenting
(or ground-feeding) birds (guinea fowl, partridges, rooks) and small mammals
up to the size of hares.
Adult Hyalomma ticks feed on livestock such as cattle,sheep, and goats, as well as on wild animals such as antelope, wild boar, and ostriches.

Animals bitten by infected ticks do not develop the disease, but can circulate
the virus in their blood for a few days, up to 1 week, and thereafter become
immune to further infection.
Non infected ticks become infected if they feed on the animals during the short period when virus is in circulation, thus ensuring that the virus is perpetuated.


The Congo virus, which surfaced in Ahmedabad, killed three persons including a doctor and nurse who treated the first victim - a woman from Kolat village in Sanand taluka of the district.

The mortality rate from CCHF is approximately 30%, with death occurring in the second week of illness.
In those patients who recover, improvement generally begins on the ninth or tenth day after the onset of illness.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a viral haemorrhagic fever of the Nairovirus group.

The disease was first described in the Crimea in 1944 and given the name Crimean haemorrhagic fever.
In 1969 it was recognized that the pathogen causing Crimean haemorrhagic fever was the same as that responsible for an illness identified in 1956 in the Congo and linkage of the 2 place names resulted in the current name for the disease and the virus. CCHF is a severe disease in humans, with a high mortality rate.

The virus which causes CCHF is a Nairovirus, a group of related viruses forming one of the five genera in the Bunyaviridae family of viruses.
All of the 32 members of the Nairovirus genus are transmitted by argasid or ixodid ticks, but only three have been implicated as causes of human disease:

During the summers of 1944 and 1945 over 200 cases of an acute, hemorrhagic, febrile illness occurred in Soviet troops rescuing the harvest following the ethnic cleansing of the Crimean Tatars.
Soviet scientists first identified the disease they called Crimean hemorrhagic fever in 1944 and established its viral etiology by passage of the virus through human "volunteers"

CCHF or Congo reservoirs and vectors –
A reservoir is a place or a zone where a supply is kept in store.
Reservoir refers to a carrier of a virus or parasite for which they are not pathogenic.
Pathogenic means Capable of causing disease or Originating or producing disease.

Vector means any agent (person or animal or microorganism) that carries and transmits a disease; "mosquitos are vectors of malaria and yellow fever"

1.
The CCHF virus may infect a wide range of domestic and wild animals. Many birds are resistant to infection, but ostriches are susceptible and may show a high prevalence of infection in endemic areas. Animals become infected with CCHF from the bite of infected ticks.

2.
A number of tick genera are capable of becoming infected with CCHF virus, but the most efficient and common vectors for CCHF appear to be members of the Hyalomma genus.

3.
The most important source for acquisition of the virus by ticks is believed to be infected small vertebrates on which immature Hyalomma ticks feed.
Once infected, the tick remains infected through its developmental stages, and the mature tick may transmit the infection to large vertebrates, such as livestock. Domestic ruminant animals, such as cattle, sheep and goats, are viraemic (virus circulating in the bloodstream) for around one week after becoming infected.

How the Humans get infected by Congo or CCHF virus?
Humans who become infected with CCHF acquire the virus from direct contact with blood or other infected tissues from livestock during this time, or they may become infected from a tick bite.
The majority of cases have occurred in those involved with the livestock industry, such as agricultural workers, slaughterhouse workers and veterinarians.
The virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of Ixodid tick (mostly of the Hyalomma genus) or by contact with blood or tissues from human patients or infected livestock

The length of the incubation period for the illness appears to depend on the mode of acquisition of the virus.
Following infection via tick bite, the incubation period is usually one to three days, with a maximum of nine days.
The incubation period following contact with infected blood or tissues is usually five to six days, with a documented maximum of 13 days.

What are symptoms of Congo once it is acquired by Human?
Onset of symptoms is sudden, with fever, myalgia (aching muscles), dizziness, neck pain and stiffness, backache, headache, sore eyes and photophobia (sensitivity to light).

There may be nausea, vomiting and sore throat early on, which may be accompanied by diarrhoea and generalized abdominal pain.

Over the next few days, the patient may experience sharp mood swings, and may become confused and aggressive.

After two to four days, the agitation may be replaced by sleepiness, depression and lassitude, and the abdominal pain may localize to the right upper quadrant, with detectable hepatomegaly (liver enlargement).

Other clinical signs which emerge include tachycardia (fast heart rate), lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes), and a petechial rash (a rash caused by bleeding into the skin), both on internal mucosal surfaces, such as in the mouth and throat, and on the skin.

The petechiae may give way to ecchymoses (like a petechial rash, but covering larger areas) and other haemorrhagic phenomena such as melaena (bleeding from the upper bowel, passed as altered blood in the faeces), haematuria (blood in the urine), epistaxis (nosebleeds) and bleeding from the gums.

There is usually evidence of hepatitis. The severely ill may develop hepatorenal (i.e., liver and kidney) and pulmonary failure after the fifth day of illness.

What is the procedure to Diagnosis of CCHF or Congo Virus?
Diagnosis of suspected CCHF is performed in specially-equipped, high biosafety level laboratories. IgG and IgM antibodies may be detected in serum by enzyme-linked immunoassay (the "ELISA" or "EIA" methods) from about day six of illness. IgM remains detectable for up to four months, and IgG levels decline but remain detectable for up to five years.

Patients with fatal disease do not usually develop a measurable antibody response and in these individuals, as well as in patients in the first few days of illness, diagnosis is achieved by virus detection in blood or tissue samples.

There are several methods for doing this.
The virus may be isolated from blood or tissue specimens in the first five days of illness, and grown in cell culture.
Viral antigens may sometimes be shown in tissue samples using immunofluorescence or EIA.
More recently, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a molecular method for detecting the viral genome, has been successfully applied in diagnosis.

Treatment for Congo or CCHF –

General supportive therapy is the mainstay of patient management in CCHF. Intensive monitoring to guide volume and blood component replacement is required.
The antiviral drug ribavirin has been used in treatment of established CCHF infection with apparent benefit.
Both oral and intravenous formulations seem to be effective.
The value of immune plasma from recovered patients for therapeutic purposes has not been demonstrated, although it has been employed on several occasions.

Ribavirin aerosol is antiviral drug that could be also used in viral hemorrhagic fever syndromes. Besides Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), it is used in Lassa fever

Make Good Health

How to Understand Food Labels

Food labels were regulated in 1994. Earlier then, food companies could print their products’ nutritionary info basically anyplace they required to (and often in really small print).
The Food and Drug Administration necessary companies to format the information in a structured mode and to accept assistive information on the label -- in a set size and organised manner.
These regulations involved both the factors and nutritional information to be provided along with a food label of a standard size and shape (a rectangle) tagged “Nutrition Facts”. In this box, you will find nutritionary info listed in order of importance.
In 1994, the FDA and U.S. Department of Farming essential that:
* labels allow for information on how the food fits into an overall daily diet
* labels will take on information on the amount per serving of saturated fat, cholesterol, dietary fiber, and different foods of health worry to today's consumers
* terms such as light," "fat-free," and "low-calorie" meet government definitions * be consistent across product lines to make comparison shopping lighter
* showed in common measures
* reflect amounts people really eat (Good Reading)
Serving Up Sizes
Serving size is the first item listed on a nutrition tag. Serving sizes are regular, recommended snack or meal size portions. Depending on the type of food, the serving size may be showed by cup measure or number, such as one cup of cereal or one slice of bread. Some solid foods, like salad dressing, can be represented by small appraises like tablespoons. This information is followed by the metric amount (e.g., grams) the serving contains. Serving size is the nearly essential part of the food label. It is integral to utilising the additional information on the label to lose weight. Whether you count calories, fat grams, or carbs, it is unattainable to accurately track them without knowing and evaluating serving sizes.

The Dry-Skin Workbook

Got A Pencil? Take Our Quiz, Then Create Your Own Personal Repair Plan. Payoff: You’ll Look Younger By Spring!

No matter what your skin type, winter dryness doesn't discriminate: It can occur anywhere on the body, from the top of your head to the soles of your feet. The result of cold temperatures, whipping winds, and indoor heating, "winter dryness is also one of the main reasons that skin often looks older than its years," says Katie Rodan, M.D., adjunct clinical associate professor of dermatology at Stanford University School of Medicine. But you don't have to spend another season letting dryness and inflammation age you. "Skin that's well moisturized always looks healthier and younger," says Dr. Rodan. How exactly do you care for the skin you're in? Take our quiz. Then tally your score and get tailored-to-you advice on keeping your birthday suit healthy, flake free—and forever young.

Quiz: Winter-Skin Checkup

How dry are you, really? Diagnose your level—then learn how to deal with it.

1. In what part of the country do you live?
a. Southwest/South
b. Midwest
c. Northeast/Northwest

2. How old are you?
   a. Under 30
   b. 30 to 45
   c. Over 45
   
3. Do the following test: Place a piece of clear tape on the back of your hand. Leave it there for several seconds, then gently pull it off. Your tape is:
   a. Still clear
   b. Flaky in spots
   c. Totally clouded by flakes
   
4. Are you ever self-conscious about your dry skin? For example, do you notice flakes on your legs as you sit in a meeting?
   a. Never
   b. Occasionally
   c. Often
   
5. How often are you in the itch-scratch cycle? (You scratch an itch, then your skin gets inflamed and begs to be scratched more.)
   a. Never
   b. Rarely
   c. Frequently, especially in winter
   
6. Wash your face and leave it bare—no moisturizer, sunscreen, makeup, etc. Ten minutes later, your skin:
   a. Is well hydrated (it looks shiny)
   b. Feels tight, slightly dry
   c. Feels very dry, and it's flaking or cracking
   
7. You apply foundation in the morning. By lunchtime, it:
   a. Appears to be almost gone
   b. Still looks pretty smooth in most places
   c. Has started to cake, especially around your face's dry patches and wrinkles
   
8. In photos, your face appears shiny:
   a. Frequently
   b. Sometimes
   c. Never
   
9. Your skin is red and itchy:
   a. Never
   b. Sometimes
   c. Usually
   
10. After a plane trip, your skin:
    a. Looks and feels the same as when you boarded
    b. Is a little dry, but looks OK
    c. Looks and feels (painfully) parched, with noticeable dry patches or chapping

SCORING
Mostly A's
Your skin is almost baby fresh.
Diagnosis: Your skin is super-healthy...now try to maintain that status quo.

Mostly B's
You're middle-of-the-road dry.
Diagnosis: Your skin is definitely thirsty...but you have a secret weapon.

Mostly C's
You're as dry as the Sahara Desert .
Diagnosis: Your skin may be unable to retain water.

Summer Skin Hazards

Sunburn

Red and painful skin. Blisters. Peeling. Sunburn is uncomfortable, to be sure. But it can also cause premature aging and lead to skin cancer.

Your best protection against sunburn is to limit the time your skin is exposed to the sun. Here are some ways to protect your skin from sun damage:

• Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed areas of skin about 30 minutes before you go outside. Look for a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours while you’re in the sun, or after swimming or sweating.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
• Using a lip balm with an SPF 30 or higher.
• Limit your sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the strongest.

If you do get a sunburn, a cool shower or bath and a moisturizer or an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream may help relieve the discomfort.  

Bug Bites

From mosquitoes to chiggers, summer pests can cause itching, swelling, and pain. Here are some ways to keep insects from ruining your outdoor fun:

• Avoid brushy areas and high grass. If you must go into these areas, wear long pants and sleeves and tuck your pant legs into your socks.
• Avoid wearing bright colors and perfume or other strong scents when you go outside.
• Use insect repellent when you’re in wooded or brushy areas. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), those with DEET or picaridin as active ingredients typically provide protection that lasts longer than others. Studies have also found that oil of lemon eucalyptus provides protection similar to products with low concentrations of DEET.  
• Make it a habit to check for ticks after you’ve been outdoors.

If you do get bitten, prompt treatment will help ease discomfort. A cold compress or ice pack will help reduce the swelling.

For help with itchy bites, use calamine lotion, an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream, or antihistamine

Poisonous Plants

Step in the wrong patch of greenery this summer and you’ll pay the price. Whether the culprit is poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, the symptoms are the same: itchy skin, a red rash, and blisters. The reaction is caused when oil from these plants gets onto your skin.
The best way to prevent a rash is to learn what these plants look like and avoid them. If you do come in contact with a poisonous plant, wash your skin in cool water right away. Be sure to scrub under your fingernails so you won’t spread the oil to other parts of your body. And wash your clothes in hot water to remove the oil.
When preventive measures haven’t worked, use these tips to find relief from the itch of poisonous plants:

• Apply cool compresses to your skin.
• Take a lukewarm bath using an oatmeal bath product or aluminum acetate.
• Use calamine lotion, an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream, or antihistamine.

Call your doctor if you have a fever, the rash looks infected, the rash is severe, or if the rash is on your lips, eyes, face, or genital area.

Summer Cuts and Scrapes

Cuts and scrapes can happen year-round. But they are more likely during the summer, when you’re enjoying outdoor activities.
Follow these tips to treat minor cuts or abrasions:

• Use cool, running water and soap to clean a minor cut or scrape.
• To stop a cut from bleeding, use a clean cloth or tissue to apply firm pressure to the cut. You may need to apply pressure for up to 20 minutes to get the bleeding to stop.
• If your cut is in an area that won’t get dirty, you may decide to leave it uncovered. If your cut is on a place that requires a bandage, be sure to change the bandage every day.
• As your cut is healing, it will form a scab. Be sure not to pick at it. The scab will fall off on its own when the wound has healed.

See your doctor if the edges of the wound don’t close, the cut is inflamed or tender, the cut won’t stop bleeding, the cut looks infected, or if you have a fever.
Major skin wounds that are deep, bleed heavily, or have objects deeply embedded in them need medical attention.

 

10 Winter Skin Care Tips

For many people, the cold clear days of winter bring more than just a rosy glow to the cheeks. They also bring uncomfortable dryness to the skin of the face, hands, and feet. For some people, the problem is worse than just a general tight, dry feeling: They get skin so dry it results in flaking, cracking, even eczema (in which the skin becomes inflamed).

"As soon as you turn the heat on indoors, the skin starts to dry out," Bonnie LaPlante, an esthetician with the Canyon Ranch resort in Lenox, Mass., tells WebMD. "It doesn't matter if you heat your home using oil, wood, or electricity. The skin gets dry."

1. Seek a Specialist

If you go to your local drugstore, you'll be hard put to find a salesperson who can give you good advice. That's why going to an esthetician or dermatologist even once is a good investment. Such a specialist can analyze your skin type, troubleshoot your current skin care regimen, and give you advice on the skin care products you should be using.

But that doesn't mean you'll be stuck buying high-end products. "Inexpensive products work just as well as high-end ones," says David Voron, MD, a dermatologist in Arcadia, Calif. "In fact, the extra price you pay for the expensive stuff is often just for packaging and marketing. What's most important is how your skin responds to the product -- and how you like its feel, not how much money you paid for it."

2. Moisturize More

You may have found a moisturizer that works just fine in spring and summer.  But as weather conditions change, so, too, should your skin care routine.  Find an "ointment" moisturizer that's oil-based, rather than water-based, as the oil will create a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture than a cream or lotion. (Hint: Many lotions labeled as "night creams" are oil-based.)

But choose your oils with care because not all oils are appropriate for the face. Instead, look for "nonclogging" oils, like avocado oil, mineral oil, primrose oil, or almond oil. Shea oil -- or butter -- is controversial, because it can clog facial pores. And vegetable shortening, LaPlante says, is a really bad idea. "It would just sit on the skin," she says. "And it would be really greasy."

You can also look for lotions containing "humectants," a class of substances (including glycerine, sorbitol, and alpha-hydroxy acids) that attract moisture to your skin.

3. Slather on the Sunscreen

No, sunscreen isn't just for summertime. Winter sun -- combined with snow glare -- can still damage your skin. Try applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your face and your hands (if they're exposed) about 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply frequently if you stay outside a long time.

4. Give Your Hands a Hand

The skin on your hands is thinner than on most parts of the body and has fewer oil glands. That means it's harder to keep your hands moist, especially in cold, dry weather. This can lead to itchiness and cracking. Wear gloves when you go outside; if you need to wear wool to keep your hands warm, slip on a thin cotton glove first, to avoid any irritation the wool might cause.

5. Avoid Wet Gloves and Socks

Wet socks and gloves can irritate your skin and cause itching, cracking, sores, or even a flare-up of eczema.

6. Hook Up the Humidifier

Central heating systems (as well as space heaters) blast hot dry air throughout our homes and offices. Humidifiers get more moisture in the air, which helps prevent your skin from drying out. Place several small humidifiers throughout your home; they help disperse the moisture more evenly.

7. Hydrate for Your Health, Not for Your Skin

If you've heard it once, you've heard it a thousand times: Drinking water helps your skin stay young looking. In fact, it's a myth. Water is good for your overall health and "the skin of someone who is severely dehydrated will benefit from fluids. But the average person's skin does not reflect the amount of water being drunk," Kenneth Bielinski, MD, a dermatologist in Oak Lawn, Ill., tells WebMD "It's a very common misconception."
LaPlante agrees. "I see clients at the spa who drink their 10 to 12 glasses of water a day and still have superdry skin. It just doesn't do that much."

8. Grease Up Your Feet

Yes, those minty foot lotions are lovely in the hot summer months, but during the winter, your feet need stronger stuff. Try finding lotions that contain petroleum jelly or glycerine instead. And use exfoliants to get the dead skin off periodically; that helps any moisturizers you use to sink in faster and deeper.

9. Pace the Peels

If your facial skin is uncomfortably dry, avoid using harsh peels, masks, and alcohol-based toners or astringents, all of which can strip vital oil from your skin. Instead, find a cleansing milk or mild foaming cleanser, a toner with no alcohol, and masks that are "deeply hydrating," rather than clay-based, which tends to draw moisture out of the face. And use them a little less often.

10. Ban Superhot Baths

Sure, soaking in a burning-hot bath feels great after frolicking out in the cold. But the intense heat of a hot shower or bath actually breaks down the lipid barriers in the skin, which can lead to a loss of moisture. "You're better off with just warm water," LaPlante advises, "and staying in the water a shorter amount of time."
A lukewarm bath with oatmeal or baking soda, can help relieve skin that is so dry it has become itchy, Bielinski notes. So, too, can periodically reapplying your moisturizer. If those techniques don't work, go see a dermatologist. "You may need a prescription lotion to combat the dry skin," Bielinski says. "Or you may have a condition that isn't simply dry skin and that requires different treatment."

Dengue Fever Treatment & Management

Medical Care

• Dengue fever is usually a self-limited illness, and only supportive care is required. Acetaminophen may be used to treat patients with symptomatic fever. Aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and corticosteroids should be avoided.
• Patients with known or suspected dengue fever should have their platelet count and hematocrit measured daily from the third day of illness until 1-2 days after defervescence. Patients with a rising hematocrit level or falling platelet count should have intravascular volume deficits replaced. Patients who improve can continue to be monitored in an outpatient setting. Patients who do not improve should be admitted to the hospital for continued hydration.
• Patients who develop signs of dengue hemorrhagic fever warrant closer observation. Patients who develop signs of dehydration, such as tachycardia, prolonged capillary refill time, cool or mottled skin, diminished pulse amplitude, altered mental status, decreased urine output, rise in hematocrit levels, narrowed pulse pressure, or hypotension, require admission for intravenous fluid administration.
• Successful management of severe dengue requires careful attention to fluid management and proactive treatment of hemorrhage. Intravascular volume deficits should be corrected with isotonic fluids such as Ringers lactate solution. Boluses of 10-20 mL/kg should be given over 20 minutes and may be repeated. If this fails to correct the deficit, the hematocrit value should be determined, and, if it is rising, limited clinical information suggests that a plasma expander may be administered. Starch, dextran 40, or albumin 5% at a dose of 10-20 mL/kg may be used. One recent study has suggested that starch may be preferable because of hypersensitivity reactions to dextran.^[35] If the patient does not improve after this, blood loss should be considered. Patients with internal or gastrointestinal bleeding may require transfusion. Patients with coagulopathy may require fresh frozen plasma.
• After patients with dehydration are stabilized, they usually require intravenous fluids for no more than 24-48 hours. Intravenous fluids should be stopped when the hematocrit level falls below 40% and adequate intravascular volume is present. At this time, patients reabsorb extravasated fluid and are at risk for volume overload if intravenous fluids are continued. Do not interpret a falling hematocrit value in a clinically improving patient as a sign of internal bleeding.
• Platelet and fresh frozen plasma transfusions may be required to control severe bleeding. A recent case report demonstrated good improvement following intravenous anti-D globulin administration in two patients. The authors proposed that, similarly to nondengue forms of immune thrombocytopenic purpura, intravenous anti-D produces Fcγ receptor blockade to raise platelet counts.
• Patients who are resuscitated from shock rapidly recover. Patients with dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome may be discharged from the hospital when they meet the following criteria:
  

  • Afebrile for 24 hours without antipyretics
  • Good appetite, clinically improved condition
  • Adequate urine output
  • Stable hematocrit level
  • At least 48 hours since recovery from shock
  • Absence of respiratory distress
  • Platelet count greater than 50,000 cells/μL

  Consultations

  • Consultation with an infectious diseases specialist may be helpful in guiding decisions regarding diagnosis and treatment.
  • Consultation with a critical care medicine specialist may be helpful when treating patients with dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome and severe hemorrhagic manifestations or shock. 

    Diet

    • No specific diet is necessary for patients with dengue fever.
    • Patients may become dehydrated from fever, lack of oral intake, or vomiting. Patients who are able to tolerate oral fluids should be encouraged to drink oral rehydration solution, fruit juice, or water to prevent dehydration.
    • Return of appetite after dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome is a sign of recovery.

  
  

Treating the Patient With Severe Dengue Infection

Dengue has been called the most important mosquito-transmitted viral disease in terms of morbidity and mortality. Dengue fever is a benign, acute febrile syndrome occurring in tropical regions. In a small proportion of cases, the virus causes increased vascular permeability that leads to a bleeding diathesis or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) known as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). Secondary infection by a different dengue virus serotype has been confirmed as an important risk factor for the development of DHF.
In 20-30% of DHF cases, the patient develops shock, known as the dengue shock syndrome (DSS).
Worldwide, children younger than 15 years make up 90% of DHF cases.^[1] In the Americas, however, DHF occurs in adults and children.
Dengue fever is not contagious through person-to-person contact.

Complications

Complications are rare but may include the following:

• Brain damage from prolonged shock or intracranial hemorrhage
• Myocarditis
• Encephalopathy
• Liver failure

  Prehospital Care

  Initiate supportive therapy as follows:
  

  • Intravenous (IV) crystalloids, as needed to keep systolic blood pressure above 90 mm Hg
  • Oxygen, empirically

Secrets to Getting 6 Pack Abs

6 Pack Abs

Is there anyone who doesn’t at least wish for them? They seem elusive, don’t they?

Bottom line is if you have em’, you get noticed immediately. Even if you’re a skinny minny. Nut do you spend WAY too much  time training your abs directly… pumping away with all kinds of different abs-specific exercises?

Or maybe you are doing too much cardio? Too much slow cardio and not enough high intensity work.

What about nutrition? You can’t over look that.

You just need to follow certain strategies – much like following a road map. Without these strategies your quest for them may be impossible.  This interview just might be invaluable to you.

Useful Tips For Controlling Body Weight

The maintenance of body weight is very important as far as the health fitness is concerned. People who have got abnormal weight are susceptible to diseases very easily. The reason for abnormal body weight is life style. In today’s life style men can perform works with out much exertion and for conveyance they can rely on their own vehicles and other alternatives. They have no need to walk to reach their destinations. To make things available just a phone call is sufficient. Then the only thing they have to do is eat and sit simply. This is the reason for abnormal weight in human beings. Over weight is the cause of numerous diseases like Diabetics and Hypertension. If men become prey to these diseases once they cannot escape from their hands till the last minute of their life. They can continue living by taking medicines regularly. The doctors also instruct them to control the diet and body weight.   Hence if people can control their body weight by controlling their diet in advance they can avoid the intake of medicines and thereby they can save financially also.

Men can control their body weight by means of exercises, daily walk and diet control. By controlling weight they can always feel as rejuvenated and free of various health problems. By reducing body weight, the excess fat content in the body will be removed considerably. This will enable people to bring cholesterol under desirable level. Cholesterol is the killer factor for causing heart blocks and thereby cardiac arrest. Hence this is a favorable factor for avoiding various heart problems. If the cholesterol level can be brought under control the blood pressure also can be minimized ideally. In this way by reducing excess body weight, all major diseases can be kept away and this will enable men to lead a very comfortable life.

Holistic Hair Loss Remedies Worth a Shot Before Trying a Transplant

As far as human health is concerned, going bald doesn’t do anything except increase the chances of getting sun burned. But hair loss is unfortunately a highly stigmatizing issue for people, especially women. When it comes to human interaction, hair loss is a surefire inhibitor of self-confidence, and even a potential roadblock to personal achievement. There’s a massive market for hair loss treatment that ranges from Rogaine to getting hair roots transplanted from one part of the head to another. These options should be explored if hair loss is affecting your way of life; however, before doing so you should give some free curatives a try.

It’s not everyday that medical advice includes the consumption of caffeinated beverages, but studies show that green tea can lower DHT levels, the hormone primarily responsible for hair loss. Coffee is said to help too, but not by drinking it. Studies show that ground up coffee beans mixed in with shampoo can reduce testosterone-induced follicle growth suppression.

However, not all balding is directly caused by inherent genetic dispositions. Some instances of balding are caused by environmental factors, stress, or bad nutrition. Extreme temperatures, especially when going from one extreme to the next, tend to incite more hair loss than usual. Avoiding extreme temperatures can keep hair in its place.

Stress is also an incredibly common cause of baldness, and efforts to reduce stress should be taken at the first signs of hair loss.

But above all, the biggest thing you can do about your lifestyle that can help reduce hair loss or even reverse it is to get into shape and eat right. Your hair is like any other part of the body – it needs the right combination of vitamins and nutrients to be healthy

Additional homemade remedies include utilizing oils, extracts, and good old fashioned produce that humans have been using for thousands of years to reverse balding. Carrier oils like jojoba and grape seed mixed with traditional oils like those of thyme, rosemary, and lavender have been applied to the scalps of balding people for centuries. The Ancient Greeks were convinced that onions had a hand in reversing baldness and would pack their scalps with slivers of onions.

Whether or not you want your hair, or what’s left of it, smelling like onions in the effort to keep the hair you have is up to you. But if you’ve become increasingly serious about surgical solutions to hair loss, you should consider these cheaper alternatives first. You never know what may sprout as a result of your toil.

Common Excuses For Being Unhealthy

We all live with excuses of a wide variety every day of our lives. It’s all a part of a rationalization of why we do, or don’t do, something. The power of rationalization can’t be underscored enough and it’s being able to recognizing when we’re doing it that we can begin to take steps not to utilize it.

Our health is one of the biggest problems that often falls victim to our unsurpassed ability to make excuses to ourselves. This is all a part of the science of how we think and some of the most common excuses that just don’t cut it include:

It’s Too Hot/It’s Too Cold

Every winter, we tell ourselves that when summer rolls around we’re really going to get ourselves into shape. When summer arrives, we complain that it’s too hot and that we’ll make doubly sure that, when it cools down, we’ll put in some effort. This is an excuse that just doesn’t cut it. We could always work out in-doors or join a gym. There are far too many options for this argument to hold up.

I Have Bad Genes

We’ve seen incredible breakthroughs in medical science and every year we push further and further towards understanding how our bodies work. From Pituitary Surgery to nanotechnology, we’re constantly pushing towards new and more innovative approaches to the field of medicine. With this knowledge we’ve come to understand that, in some part, our genes determine the way we look but the excuse, I’m obese because it’s in my genes is a terrible excuse. This is a common excuse that people use. You genes may have something to do with a person having a harder time loosing weight but, under no circumstances, does it explain why a person gets to be five hundred pounds.

I’m Too Tired

This is one of the most excusable, and inexcusable, reasons. We work all day and when we come home, the last thing we want to do is head to the gym. We want to sit on the couch and decompress after a long day. The “I’m too tired” often doesn’t cut it. If you’re chronically tired, it’s because you’re not exercising. This is one of the biggest causes of fatigue. When we’re not active our bodies go into a sort of hibernation mode and won’t expend a lot of energy. It’s through being active that the body releases endorphins that motivate the mind and body. So if you’re feeling tired all the time, you might just need a good workout regiment.

We all rationalize and make excuses from time to time, but it’s important to not let it take control. If any of these things sound familiar, then you should probably analyze why you’re not getting out and getting fit. Examine your habits, good and bad, and see where you could do with some change in your routine.

Health

Health is the level of functional and (or) metabolic efficiency of a living being. In humans, it is the general condition of a person in mind, body and spirit, usually meaning to being free from illness, injury or pain (as in “good health” or “healthy”). The World Health Organization (WHO) defined health in its broader sense in 1946 as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." Although this definition has been subject to controversy, in particular as having a lack of operational value and the problem created by use of the word "complete", it remains the most enduring. Classification systems such as the WHO Family of International Classifications, including the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), are commonly used to define and measure the components of health.

The maintenance and promotion of health is achieved through different combination of physical, mental, and social well-being, together sometimes referred to as the “health triangle”. The WHO's 1986 Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion furthered that health is not just a state, but also "a resource for everyday life, not the objective of living. Health is a positive concept emphasizing social and personal resources, as well as physical capacities."

Systematic activities to prevent or cure health problems and promote good health in humans are delivered by health care providers. Applications with regard to animal health are covered by the veterinary sciences. The term "healthy" is also widely used in the context of many types of non-living organizations and their impacts for the benefit of humans, such as in the sense of healthy communities, healthy cities or healthy environments. In addition to health care interventions and a person's surroundings, a number of other factors are known to influence the health status of individuals, including their background, lifestyle, and economic and social conditions; these are referred to as "determinants of health".

Determinants of health

See also: Social determinants of health and Risk factor

Generally, the context in which an individual lives is of great importance on health status and quality of life. It is increasingly recognized that health is maintained and improved not only through the advancement and application of health science, but also through the efforts and intelligent lifestyle choices of the individual and society. According to the World Health Organization, the main determinants of health include the social and economic environment, the physical environment, and the person's individual characteristics and behaviors.

More specifically, key factors that have been found to influence whether people are healthy or unhealthy include:

Income and social status Social support networks Education and literacy Employment/working conditions Social environments Physical environments

Personal health practices and coping skills Healthy child development Biology and genetics Health care services Gender Culture

An increasing number of studies and reports from different organizations and contexts examine the linkages between health and different factors, including lifestyles, environments, health care organization, and health policy - such as the 1974 Lalonde report from Canada the Alameda County Study in California; and the series of World Health Reports of the World Health Organization, which focuses on global health issues including access to health care and improving public health outcomes, especially in developing countries.

The concept of the "health field", as distinct from medical care, emerged from the Lalonde report from Canada. The report identified three interdependent fields as key determinants of an individual's health. These are:

• Lifestyle: the aggregation of personal decisions (i.e. over which the individual has control) that can be said to contribute to, or cause, illness or death;
• Environmental: all matters related to health external to the human body, and over which the individual has little or no control;
• Biomedical: all aspects of health, physical and mental, developed within the human body as influenced by genetic make-up.

Focusing more on lifestyle issues and their relationships with functional health, data from the Alameda County Study suggested that people can improve their health via exercise, enough sleep, maintaining a healthy body weight, limiting alcohol use, and avoiding smoking. The ability to adapt and to self manage have been suggested as core components of human health.

The environment is often cited as an important factor influencing the health status of individuals. This includes characteristics of the natural environment, the built environment, and the social environment. Factors such as clean water and air, adequate housing, and safe communities and roads all have been found to contribute to good health, especially the health of infants and children. Some studies have shown that a lack of neighborhood recreational spaces including natural environment leads to lower levels of personal satisfaction and higher levels of obesity, linked to lower overall health and well being. This suggests the positive health benefits of natural space in urban neighborhoods should be taken into account in public policy and land use.

Genetics, or inherited traits from parents, also play a role in determining the health status of individuals and populations. This can encompass both the predisposition to certain diseases and health conditions, as well as the habits and behaviors individuals develop through the lifestyle of their families - also referred to as the "nature versus nurture" debate, in other words the role of factors which can or cannot be controlled. For example, genetics may play a role in the manner in which people cope with stress, either mental, emotional or physical.

Maintaining health

Achieving and maintaining health is an ongoing process, shaped by both the evolution of health care knowledge and practices, as well as personal strategies and organized interventions for staying healthy.

Role of science in health

Main articles: Health science and Health care

Health science is the branch of science focused on health. There are two main approaches to health science: the study and research of the body and health-related issues to understand how humans (and animals) function; and the application of that knowledge to improve health and to prevent and cure diseases and other physical and mental impairments. The science builds on many sub fields, including biology, biochemistry, physics, epidemiology, pharmacology, medical sociology, and others. Applied health sciences endeavor to better understand and improve human health through applications in areas such as health education, biomedical engineering, biotechnology and public health.

Organized interventions to improve health based on the principles and procedures developed through the health sciences are delivered among practitioners trained in medicine, nursing, nutrition, pharmacy, social work, psychology, physical therapy and other health care professions. Clinical practitioners focus mainly on the health of individuals, while public health practitioners consider the overall health of communities and populations. Workplace wellness programs are increasingly adopted by companies for their value in improving the health and well-being of their employees, as are school health services to improve the health and well-being of children.

Role Of Public Health

Main article: Public health

Postage stamp, New Zealand, 1933. Public health has been promoted - and depicted - in a wide variety of ways.

Public health has been described as "the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private, communities and individuals." It is concerned with threats to the overall health of a community based on population health analysis. The population in question can be as small as a handful of people or as large as all the inhabitants of several continents (for instance, in the case of a pandemic). Public health has many sub-fields, but typically includes the interdisciplinary categories of epidemiology, biostatistics and health services. Environmental health, community health, behavioral health, and occupational health, are also important areas of public health.

The focus of public health interventions is to prevent and manage diseases, injuries and other health conditions through surveillance of cases and the promotion of healthy behaviors, communities and environments. Its aim is preventing from happening or re-occurring health problems by implementing educational programs, developing policies, administering services, and conducting research. In many cases, treating a disease or controlling a pathogen can be vital to preventing it in others, such as during an outbreak. Vaccination programs and distribution of condoms to prevent the spread of communicable diseases are examples of common preventive public health measures.

Public health also takes several actions to limit the health disparities between different areas of the country, continent or world. The great issue is addressing access of individuals and communities to health care, in terms of financial, geographical or sociocultural constraints in access to and use of services. Applications of the public health system include areas of maternal and child health, health services administration, emergency response, and prevention and control of infectious and chronic diseases.

The great positive impact of public health programs is widely acknowledged. Due in part to the policies and actions developed through public health, the 20th century registered a decrease of the mortality rates in infants and children and a continual increase in life expectancy in most parts of the world. For example, it is estimated that the life expectancy has increased for Americans by thirty years since 1900, and worldwide by six years since 1990.

Self care strategies

Main article: Self care

See also: Chronic care management, Social relation, and Stress management

Personal health depends partially on the active, passive, and assisted cues people observe and adopt about their own health. These include personal actions for preventing or minimizing the effects of a disease, usually a chronic condition, through integrative care. They also include personal hygiene practices to prevent infection and illness, such as bathing and washing hands with soap; brushing and flossing teeth; storing, preparing and handling food safely; and many others. The information gleaned from personal observations of daily living - such as about sleep patterns, exercise behavior, nutritional intake, and environmental features - may be used to inform personal decisions and actions (e.g., "I feel tired in the morning so I am going to try sleeping on a different pillow"), as well as clinical decisions and treatment plans (e.g., a patient who notices his or her shoes are tighter than usual may be having exacerbation of left-sided heart failure, and may require diuretic medication to reduce fluid overload).

Personal health also depends partially on the social structure of a person's life. The maintenance of strong social relationships, volunteering, and other social activities have been linked to positive mental health and even increased longevity. One American study among seniors over age 70 found that frequent volunteering was associated with reduced risk of dying compared with older persons who did not volunteer, regardless of physical health status. Another study from Singapore reported that volunteering retirees had significantly better cognitive performance scores, fewer depressive symptoms, and better mental well-being and life satisfaction than non-volunteering retirees.

Prolonged psychological stress may negatively impact health, and has been cited as a factor in cognitive impairment with aging, depressive illness, and expression of disease. Stress management is the application of methods to either reduce stress or increase tolerance to stress. Relaxation techniques are physical methods used to relieve stress. Psychological methods include cognitive therapy, meditation, and positive thinking which work by reducing response to stress. Improving relevant skills, such as problem solving and time management skills, reduces uncertainty and builds confidence, which also reduces the reaction to stress-causing situations where those skills are applicable. complete health information