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Skincare in Public Bathrooms

by Posted in Health Articles, Health News, Health Services

I’ve got some bad news for you.  It seems that those pesky hot air blowers that dry your skin are actually blowing viruses around everywhere. After reading an article in Fortune magazine today it really made me think about this. It’s funny how we invent new technology to take care of one issue such as wasting paper and killing more trees in exchange for dispersing viruses throughout a public bathroom to get everyone sick.

The new study was quoted as saying:

“virus(‘s) in the air even 15 minutes after someone used a jet dryer, at levels 100 times higher than after a paper towel was used.”

100x?  That’s pretty significant.  Of course when you dry your hands on a paper towel how much are you actually putting in the air?  Almost zero, so a hundred times nearly zero is still a small amount right?  But if you have one of these in a hospital it is a different scenario.  Any medical facility should prefer disposable wipes, towels, or napkins to ensure as much of the evil bacteria is removed and disposed away from the public.  A dryer for your skin in those areas can cause an issue.

If you are in a standard nail salon or cosmetics store your risk of high pathogens is much lower. So for the rest of the world your skin getting blown dry should continue to be the standard in bathrooms most everywhere.

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The Benefits of Incorporating Strength Training Into Your Workout

by Posted in Health Articles, Health News

Written by: Nick Di Ruscio

Strength training has long been thought of as a bodybuilding training regimen that focuses on increasing muscle mass. However, strength training can benefit your health, strengthen your bones, and help reduce your weight. The best part about it is that it can benefit people of all ages and can even help with issues such as heart conditions and arthritis.

Helps Keep Weight at Steady Levels

Strength training will undoubtedly add definition to your muscles and give you a fit and toned body. But, it also helps keep the weight off. Studies have shown that individuals that include consistent strength training into their workout regimen will increase the amount of calories burned during normal activities, therefore maintaining their current weight.

Increases Wellness Benefits

Strength training also offers an individual the wellness benefits of fitness. This means elevating your levels of endorphins, improving your mood, decreasing your stress, and even be as effective as medication when it comes to certain diseases. It’s an integral part of a healthy lifestyle and improves your overall quality of life.

Minimizes the Chances of Bone Strength Reduction

As you age, your bone and muscle strength tends to weaken. This is can result in cases like osteoporosis. In order to reverse this trend or contain it, one can incorporate strength training into their routine. In addition, it’ll make you stronger and fitter due to the contraction of the muscles against an object of resistance. So, all in all, you’ll become stronger and be in better shape.

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A Glimpse inside the Hippocratic Corpus

by Posted in Health News

By Samuel Phineas Upham

Hippocrates was one of the first people in the world to consider that disease was caused by something other than divine, which was a great deviation from thought held for thousands of years. Because of his breakthroughs in medical diagnosis, medical study and his lectures, the discipline of medicine has grown considerably. To the extent that the Hippocratic Oath is still spoken by the majority of medical schools in North America, some in Latin.

All of his works were collected into a great volume known as the Hippocratic Corpus, which is widely believed to be one of the only surviving works from the Library of Alexandria.

Inside, one can find a variety of writing styles and marks indicating that the manual was assembled over the course of time, not in one setting. It’s quite likely that as many as nineteen people helped to write this gargantuan work. The Corpus introduces several medical theories and ideologies popular during the time of Hippocrates, but it’s clear that its emphasis is on his work.

It contains entire textbooks written by Hippocrates, lecture notes from his top students, research on case studies, philosophical essays about medicine and medical practice, and various topics related to medicine and the discipline. All of this information is compiled in no particular order, so scholars took a great deal of time deciphering it in order to understand its implications.

Hippocrates didn’t get everything right, but what he did show medical academics was how to apply logic to a patient’s diagnosis. He also helped create the ideas, and possibly wrote the Hippocratic Oath. This Oath was once akin to law, and doctors could lose their entire practices for violating it.

About the Author: Samuel Phineas Upham is an investor at a family office/ hedgefund, where he focuses on special situation illiquid investing. Before this position, Phin Upham was working at Morgan Stanley in the Media and Telecom group. You may contact Phin on his Samuel Phineas Upham website or LinkedIn.

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How to Find the Right Massage Parlor for You

by Posted in Health Articles, Health News, Health Services

Massage parlors have been popping up all over the country. With an expected growth of 19% in the next 5-10 years, you’re bound to see a couple of them during your drives. If you’re new to receiving a massage, then here is a good idea of what to expect during your first visit.

How to Find Your Parlor

One way to locate these massage parlors is by browsing local advertisements online. A majority of these massage parlors are run by women of Asian-descent. For example, if you were to look at your local listings you could find “Korean massage in New York.”

If you’re around an area where you see a massage parlor, you can also peek your head inside and inquire about the prices. You want to make sure that you’re getting the most out of your money. A price too high or too low can raise red flags, especially depending on what the place looks like. A clean, private facility is your best option for health and relaxation. So if you see want to receive a legitimate Korean massage in NYC, it’s best that you check with the establishment prior.

What to Expect

When you enter the massage parlor, you’ll be met by either one of the massage therapists or a receptionist. Take a look at the prices and services that are offered at the location to decide what type of massage you will want. You’re typically offered several choices, so don’t feel pressured to choose any one method. Most people go with the Swedish massage for their first time. It’s a deep tissue massage that aims to relieve you of any knots and stiffness that you have along your body.

Once you’ve decided on the type of massage that you want, you’ll be led into a dimly-lit room that is lit up by candles with soft, soothing music playing in the background. Be sure to ask what extras they offer. You might be able to take advantage of a table shower prior to the massage, or a fruit plate after. The masseuse will then enter your room and proceed with the massage.

At the end of your massage, tip them appropriately based on the service that you received. Many of these massage therapists focus on the knotted areas of your body and work out the kinks to help improve blood flow and reduce stress. Massages have been known to provide substantial health benefits and visiting these parlors will help improve your way of life.

A Rundown on the Oligonucleotide Labeling Processes

by Posted in Health News

Written by: The Midland Certified Reagent Company

Oligo labeling continues to thrive.

During the oligo synthesis process, a method of tagging the nucleic acid is done through labeling. Depending on the type of modification and excess purification required, prices can be extremely high. Inflated prices have been the reason why labeling kits have been one of the preferred methods of application.

Some companies require the modified oligo quantity to be much higher than the unmodified versions therefore forcing researchers to purchase an excess amount – outweighing the total desire. The prerequisites outnumber the total qualitative need of the researcher and an alternate option is often considered.

There are several types of reagents available that efficiently label oligonucleotides. Most of them are used preferably to make small amounts of probes. Enzymatic methods and chemical methods differ in that they are used for different sizing scales. Enzymatic is more cost-friendly for smaller scales while chemical methods are acquiescent to large scales.

S_cerevisiae_septinsReagents that are fluorescent are important to stain or chemically label the oligonucleotides. Becoming fluorescent probes upon completion, they can detach antigens and assist in the cellular imaging process. A fluorescent label applied to an oligonucleotide essentially becomes a fluorescent probe. High content analysis of the oligo can therefore be verified and found.

Nucleic acids in need of purification or detection are modified through a tagging process. The result is a probe that can used to identify and separate various molecules. Advancements in technology have given researchers opportunities to thrive in their laboratories with low-cost – but efficient – methods of performing the labeling process with a stable success rate.

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Exploring the Chemical Origins of Life

by Posted in Health News Tagged , ,

Article written by Taste for health

Summary: Trying to trace the chemical origins of life is no easy task.

It’s difficult to try and trace the chemical origins of life. There is first the question of defining what is or is not “life,” but there are also multiple theories that all make valid points. We can’t really say with certainty that life began this way or that way, but we can take some educated guesses based on what we currently know about medical science.

RNA

DNA is the building block of life, at least that’s what most of us hear in high school biology class. That’s true, but nature has a need for RNA polymers too. RNA can store information, just like DNA, and it is instrumental in the utilization of certain proteins in the body.

Therefore, we can guess with some level of certainty that the first “life” on earth contained RNA, or was made up of ribo polymers with RNA inside. Without these key components, it would be impossible to form peptide bonds.

We can also guess that the first living cell had the ability to replicate itself, and store information in the form of molecular interactions. In laymans terms, life’s persistence and our ability to inherit traits would be null and void without these abilities.

In fact, it’s possible that the earliest forms of life were constructed entirely of RNA. While we cannot say for certain that life had this appearance, or these characteristics, we do know that RNA played an instrumental role in the development of all life on this planet.

 

Bio: In addition to manufacturing custom oligos, The Midland Certified Reagent Company synthesizes a polynucleotide used in DNA and RNA reactions.

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Valuable Tips on How to Achieve Your Goals

by Posted in Health Articles, Health News, Self-improvement

goals-jump

Written by Heather Richards

Most of us have goals, whether it is losing weight, getting a better job, or graduating from college. Some of us want to start a family, while others want to learn how to cook. Unfortunately, most of us lose steam and can’t focus on our goals long enough to achieve the things we want in life. This is especially true for long-term goals.

But there are ways you can stay focused and get the desires of your heart. If you’re having trouble reaching your goals, you’re not alone. Here are a few tips on how to set and reach your goals:

Focus on One Goal at a Time

Many of us have multiple plans in our minds at the same time. We set our goals and try to find time and energy for each one, always balancing various plans. But there is another method we can use that helps us reach our goals faster. This method is focusing on one goal at a time.

Dr. Eric Amidi often writes about this strategy and says that we should focus on one desire or goal first. In a recent blog post the quantum physicist uses the example of the cheetah’s hunting technique to illustrate his point. He says that a cheetah has the ability to focus on a single gazelle and will use all of its energy to run after and capture that one gazelle, even if he runs next to other gazelles during the chase. Dr. Eric Amidi adds that chances are you will learn a lot about yourself by reaching the first goal and you can use the insight to help you reach the next one.

Enjoy the Process

One of the problems with setting goals is that a goal is not realized until a certain time in the future, it’s a place you haven’t reached yet. For this reason many people who set goals are simply not happy or satisfied until they’ve reached their goals. It is this unhappiness that causes many to give up on their dreams.

The key to staying happy until you reach your goal is to enjoy the journey or process along the way. According to an article in Psychology Today written by James Clear, the solution is to “commit to a process, not a goal.” He writes that many people feel as though they’re not good enough until they reach their goal, but this is just not the case. With this mindset, people avoid feeling happy until “the next milestone is achieved.”

This point of view is further explored by Dr. Eric Amidi who also agrees that we should not separate our goals from the process or journey it takes to achieve them. He suggests that the goal and the process are the same.

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The Experimental Nature of RNA Synthesis

by Posted in Health News

Written by: The Midland Certified Reagent Company

Summary: Synthetic DNA allows scientists to recreate certain sequences within a lab to test how they might fight disease.

DNA, the building block of life, comes configured with extremely specific traits that define everything about life forms. DNA synthesis allows scientists to manipulate those building blocks in specific combinations. Most people think “designer baby” when they hear this concept for the first time, but there are important medical research studies that require specific DNA sequences in order to test cures and remedies.

Synthesis

Synthesis is a natural process. DNA and RNA synthesis occurs within the body to form new proteins and new DNA molecules. Cracking the genome has enabled scientists to view disease and disorders in a whole new light. Combined with artificial synthesis, scientists are able to study very specific conditions that are related to diseases.

Oligo Synthesis

This process must be extremely precise, and is therefore automated. Oligonucleotide synthesis only deals with a defined chemical sequence, but this can be an advantage. Creating an entire DNA polymer is time consuming and expensive. It is still performed today, but oligos synthesis allows scientists to maintain a tight control over a desired sequence.

Uses

When a researcher has a theory about a disease, he or she has to try and recreate those conditions in a laboratory in order to study that theory in further detail. Patients with the disease may exist, but what if the researcher wants to hone in on people with a specific strand of DNA? In these situations, it’s not always feasible to track down patients that match the specific criteria. Synthetic DNA can act as a springboard, so to speak, giving the research team something they can work with to cure a disease.

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Hiccups

by Posted in Health News

Hiccups is a condition when the diaphragm is malfunctioning or irritated. The major function of the diaphragm which is a dome shaped muscle in the chest is to pull and push air in and out of the lungs while inhaling and exhaling respectively. This condition generally last from few minutes and in extreme conditions it can last for days or weeks. Hiccups is not a serious condition however is is an indication for some medical problem in the body.

The common symptoms are contraction of the diaphragm and a continued “hic” sound from the throat.

Causes of hiccups are overstretching of the neck, laryngitis, heartburn, irritation of the eardrum, general anesthesia, surgery, bloating, tumor, infection, diabetes, drinking too much alcohol, consumption of hot and spicy food, smoking and eating fast.

Home remedies to cure hiccups instantly are holding your breath for few seconds, gargling with water, placing an ice bag on the diaphragm for sometime, sipping ice water quickly, closing the eyes and gently pressing the eye balls, drinking a glass of soda water quickly, eating some sugar or eating a tablespoon of peanut butter.

It is recommended that patients suffering with regular hiccups should avoid hot and spicy food as this can irritate the lining of the esophagus.

Furthermore, it is also recommended that patients should avoid over eating as this can overload the digestive system. Hiccups is not at all serious, however if the condition is persistent for over 24 hours it is advisable that the patient visits the doctor but the condition worsens.

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Hemorrhoids

by Posted in Health News

Hemorrhoids are a condition of inflammation and swelling of the veins that are located in the anus and lower rectum. This condition occurs because of the pressure exerted on the veins from straining to evacuate the bowels and also due to pregnancy or obesity. Hemorrhoids are very painful and can be a symptom for other diseases.

There are of two types of Hemorrhoids based on where it is located.

  • Internal or external hemorrhoids

Symptoms for Hemorrhoids

1. Painless bleeding when passing stools is the most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids.

2. Itchiness, irritation and discomfort in the anal region.

3.  Pain when passing stools.

4. Protrusion of hemorrhoids from the anus or a swelling or painful, sensitive lump around the region.

Causes of Hemorrhoids

1. Straining to evacuate the bowels.

2. Sitting on the toilet bowl for prolonged periods.

3. The presence of chronic constipation or diarrhea.

4. Physical changes as in pregnancy or obesity.

5. Anal intercourse.

6. Weakening of tissues that support the veins as a result of aging.

7. To some extent the risk for hemorrhoids can be inherited.

Remedies for Hemorrhoids

  • Drink water boiled with Pomegranate peels The water must then be drunk, and this practice should be done twice a day.
  • Consume of figs that are soaked overnight in water.
  • Add some peppercorns, rock salt, and ginger to buttermilk. Drink this at least twice a day for some quick relief.
  • Crush black mustard and mix it thoroughly with a bowl of yogurt. Chew the mustard thoroughly and wash it down with a glass of buttermilk once done.

Diet for Hemorrhoids.

  • Increase fluid intake and follow a healthy balanced diet plan, with adequate fiber content. Also include plenty of leafy vegetables and fruits.
  • Eat a lot of fresh fruits as they are rich in natural fiber.
  • Avoid refined, processed, and fast foods.