Meet More Chances

The Asian Basketball Confederation Championship was founded in 1960
and was inaugurated in Manila. This tournament is held every two years
to find the Asia's best team. It serves as well as the qualifying
tournament for the World Championship and the Olympics.

The tournament was later on renamed to FIBA Asia Championship by the
21st Century. And the West Asian team were able to join during the
2007 championship.

FIBA Asia is the governing body in Asia, responsible in developing
basketball and controlling the sport in Asia. It consists of a
diversity of language and culture brought together in the basketball
community.

The 27th FIBA Asia Championship will be held in Manila, Philippines
from the 1st to 11th of August. It is the qualifying tournament for
the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Wherein the top three teams this
year, will all qualify for FIBA's flagship event.

China is currently holding the championship crown for the 26th FIBA
Asia. And they are holding 15 titles.



Lebanon was suspended about some violations. The suspension then
caused the team's disqualification from this year's tournament.

For all basketball enthusiasts, the long wait will be over as the 2013
FIBA Championship starts tomorrow.

Game Schedules August 1, 2013

11:00 AM  Iran  VS  Malaysia

01:15 PM Jordan  VS  Chinese Taipei

03:30 PM  Japan  VS  Qatar

05:45 PM  China  VS  Korea

08:30 PM  Saudi Arabia  VS  Philippines

10:30 PM  Kazakhstan  VS  Thailand

There are many causes as to why an acne or pimple pops out. And there
are many reasons as well that worsens it. Though acne is not deadly,
it causes anxiety especially to young people.There are treatments
available for acne depending on the severity and skin types. And there
are remedies the nature offers.

Treatment of Mild Acne.

Mild acne can be treated by over-the-counter topical medicines, in the
form of soaps, creams, lotions or gels. Cream or lotion is better for
sensitive skin. Gel, which is alcohol based is good for oily skin.

These topical medicines have different anti-acne ingredients at
different levels of concentration. They may cause burning or redness
during the first few usage. These side-effects should disappear with
continued use, the physician must be consulted if they persist.

Anti-acne ingredients used in topical treatments:

Benzoyl Peroxide. It helps prevent the gland from producing oil and
helps kill bacteria. It acts as a peeling agent.

Salicylic Acid. It prevents pores from getting blocked. It is
effective for inflammation and swelling.

Retin-A. It works as a chemical peel, unplugs pores and prevents the
skin from aging.

Sulfur. Helps in the treatment of blackheads, whiteheads, acne as well
as eczema and psoriasis.

Azelaic Acid. It minimizes oil production thus reducing bacteria
growth. It is helpful for treating brown acne marks and dark patches.

Resorcinol. Helps in the treatment of blackheads and whiteheads.

For more severe acne better consult a dermatologist or skin specialist.

Home remedies for acne treatments:

Honey. It is used in acne treatment because of its antiseptic and
moisturizing properties. It can be applied on the acne, leave for half
an hour then rinse with warm water then cold water. This treatment
will close the pores as well.

Honey with lemon juice. Mix equal proportions of the ingredients.
Apply onto acne or massage all over the face for a few minutes. Rinse
with cold water.

Honey with apple. Mix grated apple and honey. Apply the fruity paste
on the acne or all over the face. Massage it for a few minutes. Rinse
off. You may do this regularly to achieve an acne free face.

Honey with carrot and lemon juice. Add a little amount of honey and
lemon juice with a fresh carrot paste. Massage onto face for a few
minutes. Leave it for about half an hour then rinse off. Carrot is
rich in antioxidants and vitamin A, making the skin healthy.

Honey with aspirin. This combination is good in treating acne. Mix an
ample amount of honey and aspirin. Apply onto acne, let it dry. Rinse
off.

Lemon. Helps clean accumulated dirt in the pores. It tightens the
pores and minimizes oil production. Lemon juice works as an
astringent. But lemon packs are not good for sensitive skin.

Lemon slice. Rub a slice onto face. Massage it for a few minutes.
Rinse off with water.

Lemon juice with rosewater. Rosewater has been used in the ancient
days for skin care. It helps repair the skin from the inside. Mix two
teaspoons of rosewater with a few drops of lemon juice. Apply on the
affected area and gently massage for a few minutes. Rinse off.

Cucumber. Its cooling effect will help treat the acne. Apply cucumber
juice onto face with cotton ball. Leave it for about 15 minutes then
rinse. Use it regularly to achieve better results.

Grapes. It is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants that keeps the skin
young and healthy. It closes the pores as well. Cut the grapes in half
and massage it on the affected area. Leave it for about 15 minutes
then rinse with cool water.

Pineapple. The pineapple puree helps clear acne marks. Apply the puree
onto face, leave until dry. Wash with lukewarm water then cold water.

Papaya. It prevents bacteria formation and reduces the swelling of
acne. Apply fresh papaya juice on the affected area.

Strawberries. Rub a slice on the affected area for a few minutes.
Leave it for half an hour then rinse off.

Tomato. The pulp of ripe tomatoes may absorb oil. It unclogs pores and
prevents bacteria build up. Mix the pulp with cucumber juice and use
as a toner.

Potato. It minimizes blemishes. Apply potato paste or juice onto face.
Leave it for about 15 minutes then rinse with lukewarm water.

There are other home remedies for acne. It may not give an instant
result but if used religiously it may give stunning results.

With all the rumours that iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 is going to be out,
not that pretty soon, but is already talked about by many iPhone
enthusiasts. Now we are trying to imagine what is going to be new with
these phones.



Perhaps a bigger screen since that is the trend for other smart phone
brands. Maybe they are going to put a lot of effort on the camera.
Users are expecting an increased battery life as well. An increased
phone storage is expected, a 128GB would be awesome. And the software
is going to be run by the newest IOS7. And a hope for the Apple Maps
to be perfected.

Looking back at iPhone 5, it did provide a better quality from its predecessor.

The design is very appealing, it looks great. The size is just perfect
for smart phone.

The 4" screen size is more than adequate for smart phone. And since it
has an improved display, a clear and sharp screen, makes viewing more
exciting. As well as the sound quality from the speaker, its crystal
clear.

The camera, both front and rear is great. The panorama camera mode is
awesome. Video recording is fantastic.

The CPU performance is fast, making the phone responsive. Opening of
application is quick.

The voice recognition is way better. The SIRI is a great help.

The internet connection is really ultrafast. It makes browsing web
pages in a snap. Videos on the web plays well.

It has a decent battery life. But recharging is fast.

Aside from the Apple Maps that need to be perfected. There are not
many issues about the iPhone 5. Enjoy it now and be ready to grab the
iPhone 5S or iPhone 6 sooner or later.

Chocolate is a product made up of cocoa solids and cocoa butter. It is
produced from the seeds of a cacaoa tree. It actually have a bitter
taste but is processed and sweetened to develop a good taste.
Chocolate is one of most popular food in the world.

There are several types of chocolate.

White Chocolate. It is not considered chocolate in some countries
because it does not contain cocoa solid. It is made up of cocoa
butter, sugar and milk.

Milk Chocolate. Condensed milk or milk powder is added to sweeten it.

Unsweetened Chocolate. It is pure ground, roasted chocolate otherwise
known as the baking chocolate.

Dark Chocolate. Fat and sugar is added to the cacao mixture. It is
promoted to unproven health benefits.

Raw Chocolate. It is considered more nutritious because it is
considered raw cacao.

Dark chocolate is said to contain health benefits.

Rich in fiber and loaded with minerals. Quality dark chocolate if
consumed in moderation is a good source of soluble fiber and minerals
like iron, magnesium, manganese, copper.

May provide sun protection for the skin. Research shows that the
flavanols found in cocoa can improve blood flow that may protect the
skin against sun damage.

May make you smarter. It contains stimulants that improve blood flow
to the brain. This significantly improve brain function and cognitive
function.

Helps relax blood pressure. The cocoa contains bioactive compounds
that can improve blood flow that may decrease blood pressure. The
flavanoids produces nitric oxide that relaxes blood pressure.

Good for the heart. A small bar of dark chocolate a day may help your
heart and cardiovascular system run well. According to studies, lower
risk of heart disease shows for the people who consume dark chocolate.

Lowers cholesterol. Reduces bad cholesterol while increases good
cholesterol improving insulin sensitivity.

Packed with antioxidants. Cocoa and dark chocolate are contains
organic compounds and they function as antioxidants. These are
flavanols, polyphenols, cathechins and others. The flavanols may
protect the body from aging.

Chocolate contains several fats including palmitic acid which
increases cholesterol and heart disease risk. But it contains oleic
acid which is also found in olive oil that is known to be a healthy
fat. And it has stearic acid which is said to have a neutral effect on
cholesterol according to research.

Chocolate also contain stimulants that may act as antidepressant and
gives a feeling of pleasure.

Just remember that you do not have to take too much a day to get the
benefits of the chocolate. Balance your sweet intake to keep up with
your total calories.

There is an above average job outlook for online internet researchers.
So if  you are an internet savvy, you enjoy surfing the net and
interested in online research then this job is good for you.

Companies are outsourcing research projects to freelance individuals
or research companies.  Entrepreneurs and most small businesses hire
an individual internet researchers who are expert at finding
informations on wide range of topics. It can be about a product or
service. It can be for marketing strategy, insurance or health care,
legal cases or even for political campaign.

Hours of work depends on the client or the task given. Some tasks will
require longer period of time while other research need to be done
quickly. You may need to work during business hours. The most
important thing is to get the work done on time.

Since time is important, you should have a good command on computer
operations like typing. And you must be proficient in using MS office.
Compilation of research can be in MS word, excel spreadsheet, pdf
document or power point which depends on your client.

You may want to find an association of Internet Researchers to know
the latest advancement in the field. If you work as an independent
researcher, you must keep updated on the required skills. Some
research tools used are iCyte, concierge, eagle filter and many
others.

You can check for research projects on various job websites to find
clientele. You can market your skills by web presence. Pay rates
usually depend on experience. A degree, an area of expertise or
specialized skill is an advantage. Legal background can be high
paying.

Visual assistants, virtual office assistants or simply called VA's are
professionals providing remote assistance to clients. Professional
services online  such as administrative, clerical and secretarial
including creative and technical service for clients.

As the use of internet increased for business operations, the demand
for virtual assistants continues to grow. There are thousands of
listings or job advertisements in need of VAs on websites specialized
in freelance workers.

Virtual Assistants usually work for entrepreneurs and small
businesses. Clients prefer to hire home-based  virtual assistants
because they want to cut  costs on extra office space, office
equipments or supplies. And since virtual assistants are independent
contractors or freelance workers, clients are not responsible for
employee related taxes or benefits. Employee taxes and benefits like
insurance are included on the VA's fee directly.

Virtual assistants has earned several years  of experience in the real
business world. For higher positions like executive assistant, office
manager, legal assistant, legal secretary and real estate secretary
should have at least five years experience experience in an office.

Tasks that can be delegated to a Virtual Assistant:

Scheduling. VA's will manage the schedules of the client like
appointments, meetings or help in planning events.

E-mail Management. Responding to emails on the clients's behalf.

Database Entries. Keep databases information updated.

Data Presentation. Prepares power point presentation from provided data.

Bookkeeping. Keeps list on bills, invoices and other bookkeeping matters.

Travel Research. Find hotels and book airfares for the client.

Social Tasks. Sending out Thank you cards or holiday cards.

For communication and data delivery between the VAs and clients are
internet, email, skype, google voice and other internet tools.

Acne or medically known as Acne Vulgaris, is a skin disease that is
not dangerous but it may leave scars. The oil glands under the skin
produces an oily liquid called Sebum. The Sebum carries dead skin
cells through the follicles which are connected to the tiny pores of
the skin. If the oil is accumulated under the skin and the follicles
are blocked by small hair growing out of the skin, then pimples grow.

Acne can affect anyone at any age but adolescents and young adults are
more prone to it.

Causes of Acne

Hormones. It is an important contributor to acne. It occurs around the
mouth and may spread on the face or other body parts.

Hormonal changes happen during:

-Puberty. Wherein the Androgen (a type of hormone) level increases. It
will cause the oil glands to produce more oil. And the oil accumulates
under the skin, bacteria may grow that causes pimple.

-Pregnancy. Hormones have higher level during pregnancy. It can be
similar to puberty stage.

-Menstrual Cycle. Pimple appears usually before a woman's period, due
to hormonal changes.

Genetic. Genes are important contributor of acne. The tendency can run
in the family.

Certain Medications. Medication containing ingredients such as
androgens or corticosteroids may cause acne.

Other Factors that can Worsen Acne:

Diet. Too much intake on carbohydrates-rich foods and dairy products
may trigger acne.

Anxiety or Stress. They cause hormone that makes the oil glands
produce more oil. Cortisol or stress hormones are involuntary released
when the brain recognizes stress, it may cause pimple.

Climate. Exposure to extreme temperatures may trigger the appearance of pimples.

Oil-based Makeups. It may speed up the blocking of pores.

Greasy Hair. There are oil-based hair products that may aggravate acne.

Squeezing the pimples. May worsen and will cause scarring as well.

There are treatments available for acne. Topical medicines such as
creams lotions or gels. They have different ingredients and is
designed for different skin types. But for severe acne, better consult
a skin specialist or dermatologist.

Potassium alum has medical and health benefits. It has been used by
humans for thousands of years for its curative properties. Potassium
alum or often called alum, is a naturally occuring salt deposit in the
form of glassy white crystals. It dissolves in water easily and it
liquifies when exposed to heat. It is a mineral salt that has a
powerful ability to kill bacteria.

Alum as Deodorant. Alum is an effective anti-microbial deodorant that
kills bacteria responsible for body odor.

How to apply as a deodorant?
On dry skin, wet the crystal with just enough amount of water then rub
it on the underarm. On wet skin, simply rub the crystal on the armpit.

Lemon and Alum. Before taking a bath, apply a tablespoon of lemon
juice onto wet armpits. Leave it for about 15 mins. Rinse with warm
water then apply alum after bath.

Alum as Skin Whitener. Use powdered alum as body scrub.

Alum for Skin Problems. It can relieve minor skin irritation like
insect bites, white heads, ringworm and athlete's foot because of its
astringent action.

How to use for athlete's foot?
Crush the crystal, dissolve small amount in water. Apply the water on
your feet or other body parts where its not practical to rub the
crystal.

Alum as Styptic. It stops bleeding and heals shaving cuts.

Alum used for Mouthwash. It is used for mouthwash to help avoid gum
problems and tooth decay.

How to prepare an alum mouthwash?
Dissolve 1/4 teaspoon of alum powder in half a glass of warm water.
Gargle after meals.

How to use alum as cure for toothache?
Grind crystal or use powder alum then put it on tooth.

Alum for Industrial Water Purification. It is used as an agent for
water purification as a chemical flocculant. It reduces the turbidity
of water.

Alum as flame retardant. It is used in fire extinguishers.

Alum used as Adjutant to Human Vaccine. It has the ability to enhance
the immune response of the body.

Alum used as Astringent. It tends  to shrink body tissues. It is used
in wrinkle creams to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, since it
tightens the skin after application.

Alum used for Hemorrhage Treatment. Its astringent property
contributes in the treatment of hemorrhage.

Alum used in Culinary. It is use for pickling recipes as preservative.
It is used in commercial baking powder.

Alum when used as a commercial product may have been preserved with
various chemicals or animal by-products.

Side Effects and Warning

Alum is said to be generally safe as a deodorant or topical use.
Though it is all-natural it may not be completely non-toxic. But
according to some research, if used as deodorant, it is deemed safe
enough. But if you want to cut too much exposure from it, you may use
it every other day.

Singapore is one of the best cities to live in. Located just a few
kilometers from the equator. It consists of one main island and
surrounded by several islets. The all year round, warm and humid
climate of Singapore is advantageous for the tourists visiting the
island. Despite the hot weather, the brief showers which is almost an
everyday phenomenon can be refreshing. Singapore is a modern
metropolis full of skyscrapers. Despite limited space, there is a huge
park at the center of the island.

Visiting Singapore. There are a lot of interesting places and amazing
architecture to visit.

The Merlion, which is a touristic symbol of Singapore.

Esplanade. The theaters on the bay or otherwise known as The Durians.

The Raffles Hotel, which is a reminder of the British colony.

The Sentosa Island. It is only reached by cable railway, giving you a
chance for an overview of the city. In this island, you can visit the
underwater world.

These are just few of the many places you need to see in the city. And
to not forget shopping as one of your itineraries.

If you are a food enthusiast, you would surely love Singapore. A lot
of mouth-watering dishes available at hawker stalls, food courts,
restaurants and hotels.

Hainanese Chicken Rice. This is the comfort food of the Singaporeans,
it's considered as their national dish. Consists of rice boiled in
herbs and chicken broth. Few pieces of chicken boiled in ginger,
garlic and pork bone stock. Fresh slices of cucumber, tomato and
lettuce leaves. A bowl of clear chicken broth with shallots, fried
onion and chopped coriander. And it is made special with the two kinds
of sauces, light or dark soy sauce and ground chili and ginger sauce.

Now if you have fallen in love with the city and think you want to
stay for a longer time. Singapore is a great city for social life.

Living in Singapore. Cost of living is relatively high.

Rental Costs. It is quite higher than many other cities. But flatshare
or studio-type apartment can help you save.

Transportation Costs. You can save great on buses and MRT. Taxis are
relatively high.

Food Costs. Local food store and a reasonable bar can give you a
pretty good price.

Singapore is the home of one of the busiest container ports in the
world. Its economy has been at a steady improvement. Last year, the
manufacturing industry has slowed down and the export business has
weakened. It still remains as one of the largest financial hub in Asia
and regional center for oil and gas.

Singapore is a place where business and job seekers meet. The Free
Trade Agreements are taken advantage by companies from other countries
continuously setting up their offices in Singapore. Foreign workers
want to gain  work experience that will be beneficial for finding jobs
in other developed countries. And despite the increasing cost of
living, tax rate in the city is one of the world's lowest.

Employers in Singapore are experiencing difficulty filling in
employment positions for labourers, supervisors and office supports.
They welcome foreign talents from China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan,
Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Philippines and other
countries.

The most in demand jobs are:

Office supports including administrative assistants and secretaries

Supervisors and sales representatives

Labourers and drivers

Accounting and finance

Engineers

IT staff

Skilled trades

Teachers

But before you are going to send your resumes and find recruitment
agencies to apply for a job, remember that Singapore is a "Fine City".
It is a fine city to live in and a city of punishments.

Listed are some offenses punishable in Singapore:

Spitting
Vandalism
Littering
Jaywalking
Feeding pigeons
Sale or possesion of chewing gums
Sale of cigarettes to minors
Possession/trafficking of illegal drugs

The forbidden rules are intended for a better way of living, less
crime society and a clean and healthier city to live in.

Coffee is one of the world's most consumed beverage in the world,
making it an important agricultural commodity. The demand of coffee is
still increasing while there is a possibility that production may
fall.

Coffee is cultivated in over 70 countries, primarily in Latin America,
Africa, Asia and Southeast Asia. Around 7 million tons of green coffee
are produced worldwide. There are 80 kinds of coffee trees but only
two of them are cultivated for human consumption. The Arabian tree and
the Congolesea tree.

Coffee grows in fertile soil and needs moderate amount of sun and
precipitation. Coffee tree can grow up to 6-15 meters but in
plantations, regular cutting of up to 3 meters for simpler gathering
process. And it will take around 4 years up to 6 years to bear fruit.

Fruits are called coffee cherries, they are berries with sweet pulp
and beans inside. The unripe berries are green, the maturing berries
are yellow and the ripe berries are red which are ready for harvest.
Most countries harvest manually,  but in Brazil they have a mechanized
process.

Planting the beans. Coffee beans are planted on seed beds in shaded
nurseries to sprout. They are then transferred to individual pots
until ready for permanent planting. During this process they need to
be frequently watered and shaded. Planting should be during the wet
season, possibly where higher trees are planted to avoid over exposure
to the sun.

Harvesting the fruits. It will take about 3-4 years for the trees to
yield harvest. Most countries that grows coffee only harvest once a
year. But for high-grade Arabica trees which is grown in Colombia is
harvested twice a year. If all the cherries are harvested at the same
time, it is called strip picked. But if only ripe berries are
harvested, it is called selectively picked. It is used to harvest
finer Arabica beans.

Processing the cherries. Fresh harvest must be processed right away to
prevent spoilage. It can be dry or wet method. If water resources are
limited then the dry method is used. Wherein the cherries are spread
on drying floors under the sun. Turned occassionaly throughout the day
and is cover at night in case it will rain, to avoid spoilage. For the
wet method, the pulp is removed. The beans are separated by weight and
size. Then they are soaked in fermentation tanks. After fermentation,
the beans are rinsed with only the parchment skin left.

Drying the beans. The beans that was processed by wet method must be
dried for storage. They can be machine dried or sun dried. Once the
beans are dried, they are packed in jute bags and stored until ready
for export.

Milling the beans. The dried husks of the beans are removed by
machine. The remaining silver skin are removed by polishing machine.
The beans are then sorted according to size and weight, color and
other imperfections like unhulled or insect-damaged.

Exporting the beans. The milled beans or green coffee, are those
machine and hand processed. They are of the finest quality exported
into shipping containers.

Tasting the coffee. The beans are tested for visual quality and taste.
The coffee is rigidly tested to determine proper roasting.

Roasting the coffee. The green coffee is transformed to brown beans.
Readied for purchase either ground or whole.

Grinding the coffee. This process will bring out the most flavor of
coffee in a cup.

Brewing. Finally, this is the time when you can enjoy the aroma of
coffee. Just the aroma itself stimulates the senses.

Today, Dubai is one of the most expensive cities in the world and the
most expensive city in the Middle East. It is called, The Shopping
Capital of the Middle East and The City of Gold. It has become famous
of its high-rise buildings and man-made island. It is a perfect city
to visit or live in.
In visiting Dubai, it will show you the timeless beauty of the desert
to the magnificent skyscraper buildings. It is a haven for luxurious
shopping and state-of-the-art infrastructures. A visitor can take
advantage of the local sponsorship for the visit visa. A visit visa is
valid 30 days upon issue and is good for 60 days once you set foot.

Dubai is a prominent center for finance and trade. Investments are
increasing and so as job opportunities, to its neighboring countries
like Africa, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and
Philippines. The United Arab Emirates Regions do not impose federal
income tax as well as property and capital gains taxes. It's one of
the reasons why immigrants enjoy working in Dubai, although living is
a luxurious endeavor.

If you decide to move and find a job, there are things to consider.
The Basic Expenses:

Food Costs. Food expenses are somewhat cheap because of the diversity
in food culture and the growing fast food industry.

Rent Costs. The rent expenses for housing is definitely one of the
biggest expenses to consider. But apartments are available in
different sizes that you may choose from.

Fuel or Transportation Costs. Despite low price in oil, the fuel and
transportation expenses are almost the same because the residential
areas are separated from business areas.

Getting a job in Dubai is not that complicated. Job advertisement can
be found in the internet, online job portal, newspapers and magazines.
You may apply through recruitment agencies or direct hiring if you are
outside Dubai. Or you may take advantage to apply as a walk-in
applicant holding a visit visa.

Just remember that in applying for a job you need to be ready with
your impressive CV (Curriculum Vitae) or resume, diploma, transcript
of record, certificate of employment and certificate of
training(related to the job). And if you're going to Dubai for a job
hunt, aside from your tourist visa, passport and plane tickets, make
sure to have enough pocket money and a systematic itinerary.

Jobs in Dubai has been growing rapidly for the past years. It provides
steady employment in different industries.

Health Industries. Jobs in medical field are top paying. These are
nurses, doctors, medical technologists and the like.

Engineering Industries. It has provided employment in the long run.
These job includes construction workers like carpenters and painters,
architects and interior designers.

Hospitality Industry. Hotel and travel jobs have a great demand in
Dubai. It includes receptionists, restaurant managers, food and
beverage service attendants, bartenders, room attendants, housekeeping
staff, hotel administrative staff, and spa and salon attendants.

Business Industries. There is a great demand for administrative
occupations like accountants, auditors and finance executives.

Retail Industries. Retail occupations are now growing, like customer
care and customer service representatives.

Education Industries. Teaching jobs may be the least reliable but
still profitable.

Oil and Petroleum Industries. Provides a high demand for employment
that doesn't require much skills.

If you are a job hunter remember that companies are looking for a more
skilled and a more qualified applicant. And some will hire according
to job experience.

Visit and enjoy Dubai. Live and experience the magnificent beauty.
Work and join its prominence.

A canary is a social bird that makes them comfortable with a mate. But
they can be territorial that they must not be caged with agressive
birds like parrot. A male canary sings more melodious than any other
bird. They normally sing when they are single to attract a mate. Once
they are paired up with a female canary, they will sing less often.

A great pet for beginner since they do not require too much attention.
If you want to have a pet bird for companionship, canaries can be a
good choice. They have a life span of 10 years but may exist up to 15
years. But to ensure a healthier canary pet you have to make
considerations with a healthy diet, to prevent diseases and illnesses,
and a comfortable cage since they need a lot of sleep at night.

Important things to consider for a canary pet:

Socialization. Canary may have a sweet personality. They rarely bite
so they will unlikely harm people or other pets. But the canary bird
are more territorial when housed with other birds.

Feeding. A canary bird cannot survive 24 hours without water. Make
sure to provide fresh water. About a teaspoon of canary seeds a day
can be given to a single bird.

Canary Seeds. Vitamin coated seed which can be canary's daily food.
You can soak it for a softer diet. Seed mixture should form a balanced
source of carbohydrate and protein.

Pellets. Contains vitamins and more protein than seeds. But may not be
accepted by the bird because they are raised with seeds so they might
not recognize it.

Fruits and Vegetables. Encourage the bird to eat by providing several
food items. Green vegetables that can be added on their daily diet
such as celery, spinach, brocolli and peas. You can add fruits like
bananas, melons, apples, oranges, grated carrots and corn. Must not be
treated with pesticides.

Song food. May be given every few days, it can enhance the birds vocal chords.

Egg Biscuit. May be given weekly for an extra protein.

Calcium Supplement. Must added on the diet, once a week or for
breeding birds 5 times a week.

Training. Canaries are enjoyed with their melodious singing. But they
can learn some simple tricks like playing a toy. It may require
taming. If you want to tame a canary, it should be a single young
bird. You will need patience and persistent effort.

Grooming. Canary nails need to be trimmed but consult the veterinarian
for on the first trimming. Long nails can catch cage wires/perches
that may lead to broken nails, broken legs and lost toes. If a vein is
clipped during trimming, you must stop blood flow by applying flour or
cornstarch on the wound immediately. Bleeding may cause death.

Shallow Bath. A plastic planter can be used, fill with lukewarm water.
Place on the cage floor and clean it daily.

Cage. It is the only space of your canary in this world. Make sure
that it's large enough for the bird to fly. Length is important for a
cage because the bird flies back and forth. You may place it in a
corner where there is minimal noise and no artificial light. Remember
that the bird loves to sleep.

Cage Care. Cage must be cleaned daily along with water and food
dishes. Weekly wash the entire cage with soap and water.

Injuries due to small cage. If the bird is not provided enough space
there may be some injuries like cut, open wounds, feather picking,
ingrown feathers, over-grown nails and beaks, broken wing or neck.

Moulting. Happens normally between July to September. During this
time, the bird may not feel well and will not sing very often. Feeding
should be high in protein because it is important for the new
feather's formation. Frequent baths assist in loosening old feathers.
You may add moulting supplement on the diet.

Diseases and Illnesses. The common illnesses the canaries suffer from
are due to unbalanced diet such as diarrhea, constipation, colds,
heatstroke and weight loss.

Signs of Illnesses. Lack of appetite, ruffled feathers, moulting out
of season, abnormal droppings and the male canaries stop to sing.

Before bringing home a canary pet, though they require little
attention, remember that they need treats for good food, fresh and a
clean environment.

Chorchorus Olitorious or Jute is very common in tropical and
subtropical regions from Asia to Africa. It is an annual plant that
can thrive almost anywhere since it is resistant to pests.
And it can be cultivated in farms as well. Jute plants can grow for
about 2-4 meters tall with a few side branches. It has green leaves,
yellow flowers and capsule-shaped fruit filled with small seeds.

Jute is an edible leafy vegetable. The seeds are crushed for
flavouring and the leaves are used in a variety of dishes since the
ancient times. Dried leaves are boiled like tea.

It has long been used for food by Egyptians and Jewish, that is how it
was called Jew's mallows or Jute mallows.

The Arabic name of jute is  malukhiyah. In North Africa and Middle
East it is widely used as green leafy vegetable. In Syria, Lebanon,
Palestine, Tunisia and Jordan it is popular in cuisines. In Western
Kenya, it is called mrenda or murene, and it is cooked with starchy
foods. In Nigeria, it is used in stew and starch based food. Others
call it rama to produce soup. In India, it is called nalta sag and it
is their favorite summer food. in Thailand, it is called as bai po, it
is blanched and eaten with rice congee.

Health Benefits and Nutrients in Jute Leaves

Jute is a good source of vitamins and minerals needed by the body that
promotes health. It's rich in iron, protein, niacin, riboflavin,
thiamin, folate and dietary fibers.

Since it's rich in fiber, it is used to treat digestive problems like
constipation, diarrhea and ulcers. It as well prevents heart disease
and diabetes. And it controls blood pressure and cholesterol build up.

It is a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. It has a
high antioxidant content in the form of Vitamin E, promoting younger
looking skin and prevents wrinkles. And it can treat pain and
inflammation like headace, stomachache and arthritis.

Many universities conducted research for jute and found out that it
helps in the prevention of diabetes and liver disorders.

Cultivation. Jute is a wild grass so it grows in many soil types. But
in case you want to add some in your kitchen garden or backyard, it is
best grown in nutrient rich soil. Although it thrives in the tropics
make sure to water it once in a while especially during dry season.
Regularly pick leaves to grow new tender leaves. And you can dry the
leaves for future use.

In the Philippines, it is called saluyot. It is used as green leafy
vegetable together with moringa and bamboo shoots. The leaves are used
in making stew or soup and other dishes. The most popular and
delicious dishes are dinengdeng, inabraw  and pinakbet. And some
Filipinos believe that jute included in the diet can maintain youthful
glow and longevity.

And there are income generating ventures for jute leaves. It is the
process of dried leaves turned to powder. The powdered dry jute is
exported to Japan, since the Japanese found the health benefits such
as rich in vitamins and minerals, and a low calorie food as well.

Aside from adding jute leaves in your dishes maybe you can try making
a home made facial beauty mask which  was even tried in Egypt during
the ancient times.

Chikungunya fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease. It is spread by
infected mosquitoes, Aedes Aegypti and Aedes Albopictus. The virus is
transmitted if an infected mosquito feeds from an infected person, and
may be spread further not just to human but to other animals as well.

Chikungunya virus was first diagnosed during an outbreak in 1952 at
Tanzania. The virus occurs much in Africa,  Asia and Indian continent
and has already spread in Americas and Europe. The first outbreak in
Europe was recorded in 2007.

The two mosquito species that transmit Chikungunya fever and other
mosquito-borne diseases. Aedes Aegypti, lives within the tropics and
sub-tropics. Breeds in indoor breeding sites like water containers,
water tanks and flower vases. It breeds outdoor in sites like, rock
pools, tree holes, coconut husks and vehicle tires. Aedes Albopictus
lives in temperate and temperate-cold regions. It has established in
America, Europe as well as Africa. It can breed in a wide range of
water-filled containers and places. It can thrive in rural and
peri-urban areas.

Important Things About Chikungunya:

Transmission. Chikungunya is transmitted by the bites of infected
mosquitoes, Aedes Aegypti and Aedes Albopictus. These mosquitoes are
daytime biters but they are most active in the early morning and late
afternoon.

After the bite from an infected mosquito, the illness usually happens
between 3-8 days but may range from 2-12 days.

Symptoms. The symptoms are sometimes mild so the infection is
unrecognized. Symptoms include fever and persistent headache, nausea
and vomiting, fatigue, muscle pains and joint pains, and rash. Some
patients suffer prolonged fatigue for several weeks and joint pains
that can last for weeks or months.

Diagnosis. Chikungunya can be diagnosed through several serological
test such as: ELISA or enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assays; RT-PCR or
reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.

Treatment. The infection itself has no cure making the treatment
symptomatic. The treatment is primarily for relieving the symptoms.
Chikungunya vaccine or anti-viral treatment is not available yet.

Prevention. Proximity to mosquitoes should be given importance. It's
best to take precautions to avoid the bites of an infected mosquito.
And we can do this by applying insect repellent lotion as often as
possible. You may also check insect repellents for clothing. Make sure
to use those products which contain DEET and Icaridin. Mosquito coils
can reduce indoor biting as well.

Control. The major control should be reducing the number of breeding
sites. These are places or containers that may fill in standing water
such as bottles, buckets, and pots. Make sure they are emptied if not
in use. And water must be changed at least twice a week for things
like flower vases and other home decors that are filled with water,
pet dishes and bird baths. Tire swings must be drained as well.

During outreaks. Insecticides that can kill mosquitoes can be sprayed
and applied to containers where mosquitoes usually breed. They are
used to treat the water and eventually kill immature larvae.

Protection during outbreaks. Use mosquito repellent lotion frequently
on the exposed skin. Better wear long sleeves shirts and pants
especially when going outdoors. For people who sleep during the day,
like children and older people may use insecticide mosquito net.
Mosquito coils can be used.

Chikungunya fever is sometimes misdiagnosed as dengue fever,
especially when dengue fever occurs in the same area, and because they
both have fever and skin rash symptoms. But chikungunya affects mostly
adults and is less deadly. Unlike dengue which affects children and
may result to death.

Do you often see hair strands on your hair brush each time you use it?
Whether or not you are experiencing hair loss, you need to take most
care of your hair since it's your crowning glory. Hair loss is one of
the most common problems nowadays and some of the major causes are due
to our lifestyle such as mineral deficiency, unbalanced diet, stress
and the environment as well.

Though hair fall is normal and you think that your experiencing more
than the usual, ask a doctor about it for an accurate diagnosis. You
may undergo special therapy or treatments.

Hair restoration surgery. This treatment is like redistribution of
hair, wherein hair is removed from the dense area and placed to areas
needing it. This is usually performed to men.

Hair transplant. Consists of 1-2 hair strands planted at a time, it
works natural. This is best for male-pattern baldness.

Laser treatments. Laser therapy increases blood flow to hair follicles
that can regrow hair. Laser comb or brushes is now available so you
can do it at home.

Medication. There are medicines that can prevent or slow down hair
loss. Both drugs below, take about a year to see the effect.
Minoxidil, it's sprayed into scalp. Finasteride, it's an oral
medication, according to recent studies it may cause sexual
dysfunction. Better ask your doctor before using or taking these
medications.

Nutrients to Add in your Diet for a Healthier Hair

Protein. Sources are mik, cheese, yogurt, egg, white-meat poultry,
pork tenderloin, lean beef, seafood, potato, brocolli, beans.

Iron. Sources are beef, pork, liver, fish, green leafy vegetables, beans.

Vitamin C. Helps boost iron absorption. Sources are citrus fruits,
green leafy vegetables, tomatoes.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Prevents hair from dryness and brittleness.
Sources are tuna, salmon, mackerel, walnut.

Zinc. Sources are lean beef, turkey, oyster, peanut butter.

Biotin (B Vitamins). Sources are walnut, soybean, sunflower seeds.

Things to be Aware of:

Washing the hair. Use mild shampoo. Pat dry your hair, rubbing the
hair too much with a towel causes breakage. Use wide-toothed comb on
wet hair, not a hairbrush.

Drying the hair. Avoid using hair dryer because it makes the hair
brittle. Let it dry naturally.

Combing/Brushing dry hair. Use soft-bristled brush for dry hair. Avoid
frequent brushing, it may trigger hair loss.

Tangle. Use fingers to untangle hair.

Heating procedures. Constant exposure of the hair to heat makes the
strands weak. Minamal usage for heated tools such as hair dryers, hot
brushes, hot curlers and hot iron. These tools may burn the scalp
causes permanent damage to hair follicles.

Hairstyle. If the hair is tightly pulled for a hairstyle then it can
trigger hair loss. Avoid tight pony tails and braids. Don't wind hair
too tight on a heated roller.

Dyeing. This process can be damaging to the coat of the hair. It makes
the strands dull, dry and prone to breakage. Avoid dyeing more often
than 2 months.

These simple things if followed can slow down hair loss. Remember,
very hot or very cold water can damage hair. Hot towel steam for 5
minutes is good for the hair.

And if we start a healthy diet then we can get the minerals that may
strengthen and nourish our hair. Just a reminder, protein needed by
the hair should be from your diet. Eating raw eggwhites must be
avoided, it prevents absorption of biotin in the body.

Good thing is, aside from the expensive treatments and therapies,
there are home remedies that can help you slow down hair fall.

Do this at home:

Mix honey and eggyolk. Apply onto hair, leave for about an hour. Rinse
off. For the egg's after-smell, dissolve a spoon of vinegar into a cup
of water, wash it onto hair. Do it weekly.

Almond/Olive oil hot massage. Massage onto hair and scalp for a couple
of minutes. Do it twice a week.

Mix hot coconut oil with lime juice. Apply evenly onto hair and leave
it overnight, wash it the next morning. Do it every other day.

Due to longer exposure to
the sun, the skin needs protection agains the harmful UV rays. A skin
pigment called Melanin, is produced as the body's protection against
the UV rays. People who lives in tropical areas produce more Melanin
so they have darker skin tone than those who live in places with cold
climate. There are many many dark-skinned people who are desperate in
achieving a lighter skin tone. The reason why, is more of
psychological because it boosts their self-confidence and self-esteem.

Nowadays, Science have already provided numerous choices to opt for in
skin whitening. Some of the expensive procedures or treatments like
intravenous injection of whitening agents like glutathione, skin
bleaching and skin exfoliation. And the inexpensive options are
whitening creams and the most commonly used whitening soaps.

You can quickly find variety of whitening soaps in the market leaving
you confusion on which one to pick. Actually, all of them have skin
whitening ingredients, you are just not sure which one works best for
you. The best choice depends on the reason why you want to whiten your
skin. Remember to give consideration to your skin type before picking
one. You choice might offer the most effective whitening ingridients
but it might cause side effects to your skin, bringing further
complications.

Important things to consider:

To get a fairer skin. The best whitening ingredient comes from
glutathione, arbutin and papaya.

Skin problems. The goal you want to achieve aside from wanting a
lighter tone, like acne problems.

Skin blemishes. Glutathione and papaya works best because they have
exfoliating effects that makes the skin clearer. Using it continuously
will deeply penetrate the skin for a better result.

Should you buy unlabeled or unbranded products. There may be some
contents in the product that can cause harmful side effects, the
reason why it is unlabeled. The manufacturer don't want to be liable
if and when something wrong occurs.

Brand. You should buy a product which is well-known and from legit
companies. You must as well check whether you are buying the authentic
product or not. Remember fake products can damage your skin.

Where to buy. You can go online and check their official website. It's
where you can find their store locations and authorized distributors
or dealers.

Guide to skin lightening soaps:

Glutathione. This is the newest whitening soap. It has anti-aging
properties that can make the skin firmer and healthier. It has
anti-oxidants that helps in removing skin impurities. It is an all
natural product making it safe to use. And it works for wrinkles as
well.

Arbutin. It's becoming popular and is chosen by many because it
effectively whitens while moisturizing the skin. And the great thing
about it is, it acts as sunblock.

Bleaching. It fastly whitens the skin and removes dead skin cells that
enhances the tone and texture of the skin. It is an anti-aging formula
that can eliminates age spots and reduces wrinkles. But it has
aggresive ingredients that may cause some unwanted side-effects like
irritation and dryness. The safe bleaching soap must contain licorice
extract.

Placenta. It is useful to older people because it is an effective
anti-aging soap. It gains recognition on whitening effect and renewing
old and damaged skin where wrinkles appear.

Kojic. It whitens the skin faster and works better on pigmentation and
freckles. It's not advisable for sensitive skin because it may result
to irritation due to the active ingredients it has.

Papaya. The effect doesn't show right away, it depends on your body
chemistry, but with continued use it provides better result. It
contains Papain enzyme that helps get rid of skin discoloration. But
the result is temporary, if you stop using it the skin gradually
darkens. Remember to use moisturizer because the exfoliating effect
dries the skin.

Always remember you should choose the safest way to lighten your skin.
If it's not the right product for you it can damage your skin. In case
harmful side-effects happen consult your dermatologist right away.

Hair loss or Alopecia is now one of the major problems in the world.
More than 30% of the world's population is affected and most of them
are women. It's very important for us to understand what is hair loss
and what causes it.

You might want to test your hair strength to check if you are
experiencing hair fall or not. Take a small bunch of hair, hold it
firmly between your thumb and index finger. Pull it down slowly and if
about 10 hairs come out then it's a sign of a hair loss problem. But
don't worry because we naturally lose about a hundred hair a day and
it depends on your hormones and hair type.

What is hair loss?

It is called alopecia and can affect people at any age. It may happen
not just on the head but on other body parts as well.

Traction Alopecia. A type of hair loss due to tight-pulling hair
style.  So you might want to avoid tight-pony tail, braiding and even
keeping your hair into a bun.

Trichotillumania. This hair loss  is the habit of pulling the hair.
Some people pulls short-gray hair or others who experience itchiness
and pulling strands of hair relieves the itchiness for them.This can
be treated.

Scarring Alopecia. This type of hair loss happens on the scar areas of
the skin due to burns or cancer.

Alopecia Universalis/Totalis. Hair loss happens all over the body. And
trying to grow back the hair is psychological.

Alopecia Areata. This is actually a skin disorder that causes hair
fall on the skin areas affected. This commonly happens to young people
but hair grows back.

Androgenic alopecia. It is often called male-pattern or female-pattern
baldness. This is the most common hair loss type due to hormones.
Male-pattern baldness can be inherited from either side of the family.
It is baldness on the crown and temple, leaving the top of the head
completely bald. Female-pattern baldness is hereditary as well and
happens mostly after menopause. Baldness happens on the crown and on
the sides leaving the frontal part of the head bald. But the back of
the head is full of hair.

Toxic Alopecia. This type of hair loss happens due to stress, can be
physical or emotional. And it takes like 2-3 months before it begins,
after the event of stress happened. Stressful events can be illness,
surgery, drugs, weight loss or pregnancy. And there are diseases that
causes this type of hair loss, like chemotherapy, radiation therapy,
thyroid diseases and diabetes.

There are different things and reasons why hair loss happens. Some
causes include unbalanced diet, mineral deficiency, stress and
medications that can be associated with our lifestyle. Other causes
are environmental and genetic which is beyond our control.

Let's take a closer look on the causes.

Genetic. If this is the reason of hair loss then there is no guarantee
of prevention. The best thing to do is to take proper care of your
hair and be sure to make it on top condition.

Stress. This is one of the major factors of hair loss and it can
damage your total health condition. You can do some stress reduction
strategies like exercise, yoga and breathing exercises.

Improper diet. If your body is healthy then you will have a healthy
hair as well. Don't starve yourself to reduce weight because it can
cause hair loss. Avoid junk foods and start a healthy diet for a
healthier hair. Include iron and protein in your diet. Drink a lot of
water for stronger hair roots.

Medication. There are antibiotics that causes hair fall.

Illness/Diseases. Thyroid diseases, diabetes and celiac diseases can
cause hair loss.

If you are experiencing hair loss which is more than the usual, you
may consult a doctor or trichologist. They can provide accurate
diagnosis, you may undergo treatments or specific therapy, or may take
medications. But there are many home remedies that will definety help
control it and to cut the cost of expensive treaments.

Before you decide to bring home a pet dog, there are many things you
need to consider. You should know how to take care of your pet and all
the responsibilities that comes with it. Taking care of a dog requires
an investment of time. Aside from the daily needs which are food and
water, your pet needs exercise, training, grooming and veterian care.
And to not forget, your pet needs attention and affection.

Important things to consider before bringing home a pet puppy or dog:

Socialization. A dog is a social animal that needs attention and love.
You need to involve your dog to new environments and situations.
Remember a well-socialized dog have a better behavior.

Feeding. Puppy and old dog have different nutritional needs. Give the
food that is most suitable to your pet, make sure it is a high
nutrition-balanced dog food. Ask your veterinarian for a dog food
brand and it's best to check dog food reviews. The best ingridient
sources are from high quality protein. Chemical flavorings and
artificial preservatives are not good for dogs. Natural pet food
provides more energy and the coat becomes shinier. Don't feed your dog
left-overs, table scraps are not good. There might be some nutrients
in people food that are not suited for dogs. And always provide clean
water. Dogs need something to chew. Dog toys or rawhide bone are
better than chicken bones.

Grooming. A dog needs to be groomed regularly. Give your dog a bath at
least once a week using pet shampoo. Clean the ears,eyes and teeth.
You must cut the nails every after two months.

Exercise. Dogs should be given enough exercise to avoid health
problems which include obesity. Exercise should be included in your
dog's daily routine. And since a dog's happiness is to run and play,
bring your dog to the park or dog run. A daily 30-minute brisk walking
will be enough. Add more play time, it can be a ball and a frisbee
play.

Training. Should start as early as you have brought your dog home.
Basic command should be taught like sit, stay, give-me-five. Be
sensitive on how quick they learn commands. Dog breeds have different
level of intelligence and how fast they learn. In training your dog,
you should have enough patience. Remember, well-trained dog can cause
lesser damage in your house and lesser harm to bite.

Veterinarian Care. Regularly visit the veterinarian and make sure that
your pet's vaccination must be updated. Vaccine shots for rabies and
other diseases are now imposed by the city and local government. You
may wanna invest insurance for your dog as well so you won't worry
about the medical expenses. It covers most or all of the veterinary
bills and emergencies.

Always bear in mind that getting a pet requires a lot of
responsibility and investment. Spend time with your dog, take good
care of it, be patient and considerate. But above all, let your dog
feel being loved and surely your pet will love you back.

Pitahaya or the commonly called Dragonfruit is very popular in Asia, Central and South America and is now becoming popular in the North America. It is grown in different types of cactus, it has a fragrant flower and a very exotic looking fruit. The color ranges from pink to red with green and yellow spikes.

There are three types of dragonfruit. The Pitaya Blanca has red skin with white flesh. The Pitaya Roja has red skin with red flesh. And the Pitaya Amarilla which has yellow skin and white flesh.

How To Eat The Raw Dragonfruit?

Cut the fruit in half then scoop the flesh. The seeds are eaten along with the flesh. The flesh has a mild sweet taste while the seeds have a nutty taste. The red-fleshed dragonfruit is considered the most delicious but consumption of it results to reddish urine and feces.

Dragonfruit Health Benefits

Dragonfruit is very nutritious. It's good for dental health and it works as well for cough and asthma. It contains nutrients that assist in the regulation of blood pressure and blood sugar. It also has little to no amount of unhealthy cholesterol. Dragonfruit has antioxidants that helps prevent free radicals which causes cancer.

It has vitamins that improve eyesight. It's a high source of Vitamin C that helps boost the immune system. It provides Vitamin B1 B2 B3 that increase energy level, helps metabolize food and may even improve the quality of the skin.

It's fiber enriched that helps boost the digestive system. It contains almost 1g of fiber per 100g of fresh dragonfruit. But expect 10g of fiber or more per 100g of dried dragonfruit. Dried fruit contains more fiber because fresh fruit has a lot of water in it.

And since there are a lot of seeds in the flesh that is impossible to remove when we eat, dragonfruit contains fats which are the healthy mono-unsaturated fats. The seeds provides essential fatty acids and protein.

Important Things To Remember For The Cultivation of Dragonfruit

Soil. Dragonfruit can thrive in poor soil condition. The best soil condition will be 10-30% sandy.

Water. It needs an annual rainfall of up to 1500mm. But overwatering can spoil the flowers and fruit. Drainage system is very important. And if the soil is excessively dry it causes the fruit to split.

Temperature. The best temperature ranges from 20-30 degrees Celsius but the plant can handle up to 40 degrees Celsius. Dragonfruit needs sunlight but over exposure is not suitable. And it cannot survive freezing temperatures.

Climate. Dragonfruit can live in tropical climate with dry and wet climatic condition.

Planting by cuttings. This is the most common method wherein you plant cuttings from the branches. Plant only 3-4 stems per post.

Planting by seedlings. Since this takes a long period of time to process, it's not yet available.

Fertilizer. Dragonfruit requires organic matter. You can apply fertilizer three months after planting. The frequency of application depends on your personal judgment and on the response of the plant.

Pests. Includes rodents like bats, mice and birds, and insects like beatles, fruit flies, mites and ants. There are inseticides and fungicides available in stores.

Harvest. It takes 30-50 days after flowering for the harvest. Harvested fruits must be stored at relatively humid temperature for up to 40 days. The fruit weighs about 200-600g, some reaches about a kilo.

Nowadays, a lot of people especially in the provinces have dragonfruit in their garden. Dragonfruit farms are finding ways of preserving the fruit. It is made into juice, wine, jam and flavour for beverages and ice cream.

Nowadays, unhealthy foods are easier to find. A big bag of chips are
always in stores, as well as high calorie beverages,candy bars and
street foods are everywhere. Recently, the government has mandated
school cafeterias to sell foods only with high nutritional value. This
is a good move by the government that needs to be supported by the
schools and parents.

But let us take a closer look, a lot of stores and ambulant vendors
are outside the school premises. And even before the kids enter the
school, they already bought food from these vendors. These vendors are
actually selling streetfoods like fish/squidballs, chicken nuggets,
pancakes, juices and many others. And we are not sure if they were
prepared properly. The government should at least do something with
this. Perhaps those vendors are earning a living from it but there
must be some standard they need to follow because the life of the
kid's are at stake.

The schools need to support the government's program by permanently
removing the junk foods and high calorie beverages, out of the school
cafeterias. They should promote healthier eating to students. And they
must encourage parents to provide healthier foods to kids.

If you are a parent concerned of  your child's well-being then healthy
meals and snacks should start at home. It's not really easy to feed
kids with vegetables and fruits. They would rather choose a bag of
chips, a bar of chocolates, a can of soda, or some candies. Now the
question is, how can we take their attention off these junkies?

Mothers has tried experimenting on their recipes already. Actually,
kid friendly vegetarian recipes are available online and on recipe
books. Root crops have been made to candies. Fruits have been
processed to jams. And there were many other ways of preparing
vegetables to attract the kids attention.

Here are some recipes that you can try. It's not only kid friendly but
is nutritious and delicious for everyone.

Filipino Banana Blossom Burger Recipe

1 banana blossom about a kilo (boiled and chopped)

2 medium sized bell pepper, chopped

1 medium sized onion, finely diced

2 extra large eggs

1/2 cup flour

salt, sugar and pepper to taste

Simply mix all the ingredients above in a bowl. Form patties, don't
worry of the consistency, the ingredients will hold together once you
cook it on a pan. And in just a minute your banana blossom patties are
ready to land the burger bun or bread or Pandesal (the Filipino
breakfast rolls). It can go with rice as well. And some kids just love
it with ketchup.


Carrot Fries

1/2 kilo carrots sliced into sticks (you may use a crinckle cutter)

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp salt

Toss the sticks of carrots in the oil, sprinkle the salt. Bake it for
10-15 minutes at 400 degrees F, or until soft. This is great for
toddlers 1year and up.


Sweet Potato (Camote) Dessert

5-6 medium sized sweet potato

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup condensed milk

1/2 cup sugar

grated cheese for topings

Boil the sweet potato until cooked. Peel the skin, mash it with fork
until soft. In a separate bowl, mix butter, milk and sugar. Add the
mashed sweet potato, mix well. Spoon in paper cups, top with grated
cheese. Chill for about an hour.

There are more vegetable recipes online that you can try. It is more
nutritious for the kids and affordable as well.

It's the seventh month of the year, once again it's rainy season.
Since it's going to be the time of drizzles to heavy rains,
thunderstorms to typhoons, and many other weather disturbances, we
will be more prone to waterborne diseases. And to not forget the
bacteria left by the flood can cause airborne diseases as well.

Lack of sanitary waste disposal is one of the major causes of water
contamination. It could be exposure to human, animal or chemical
waste. Direct contact or ingestion of dirty water kills many people
every year. The most common outbreaks are bacterial diarrhea, typhoid
fever and hepatitis A.

Two common waterborne causes of bacterial diarrhea are Salmonellosis
and Campylobateriosis. The most common sources of these bacterias are;
exposure to infected animals such as chicken, cattle, birds and flies;
consumption of raw poultry products like eggs, unpasteurised milk and
cheese products; non-chlorinated water and improper human waste
disposal to open water courses.

Typhoid fever is a communicable disease caused by bacteria. People can
be infected through ingestion of water contaminated with fecal matter.
This disease is marked with fever, headache, diarrhea, prostration and
intestinal inflammation.

Hepatitis A is a viral disease transmitted especially by water or food
contaminated with fecal matter. This disease interferes with liver
functions. Symptoms are fever, diarrhea and jaundice. Vaccine for this
disease is already available.

Floodwater caused by typhoons poses health risk to people, even if
it's a rainwater. Microorganisms can still grow in rainwater that may
cause allergic reactions. Waterborne microorganisms and toxins may
increase the risk of developing lung diseases. They may even be
inhaled during cleaning time which may add more complications to lung
diseases.

Buildings as well as furnitures and furnishings exposed to floodwater
may cause growth of microorganisms, molds and insects like dustmites
and cockroaches. They may cause to the development of cough, allergies
and asthma.

Standing water from any flood is a breeding ground for mosquitoes,
thus exposing people to higher risk of mosquito-borne diseases. The
most common diseases carried by mosquitoes are malaria and dengue
fever.

Dengue fever is a viral disease carried by Aedes Aegypti. Symptoms are
fever and severe headache. It may lead to death due to hemorrhage.

Malaria is caused by sporozoan parasites, Plasmodium in the red blood
cells, and is transmitted by female Anopheles. Parasites multiply in
the liver. The disease is characterized by periodic attacks of fever,
chills and sweats. Vital organs damage and interruption of blood
supply to the brain may lead to death.

There is another bacterial disease common during rainy days.
Leptospirosis can be carried by water, food or soil contaminated by
animal urine. Symptoms are high fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea
and jaundice. If it is untreated it may result to meningitis or
respiratory distress, kidney damage and liver failure.

It's fun to bathe in the rain but before we run out of the house to
enjoy the raindrops let us think of the dangers that we may be exposed
of. Maintaining cleanliness at home and with our surroundings and
proper waste disposal will help prevent the growth of microorganisms
and insects that may cause diseases. Remember, prevention is still a
lot better than cure.

Enjoy the rainy season!