With today’s busy lifestyle, it has become quintessential to protect your body’s health. Pollution is also eating us away bit by bit. Sickness and disease connected with stress, depression and pressure connected with work and making money has become a trend nowadays. But working and making money is not an activity that we can just walk away from for the sake of our health.

Precarious eating habits are also not helpful to our body. What we put into our mouths can either help us get healthy or contribute to our body’s demise. There are other things we should also watch on aside from sugar levels, blood pressure and cholesterol. And what I’m talking about is our blood’s pH level.

Our blood’s pH level is perhaps the single most important measurement we should watch on. Healthy blood pH is around 7.4, which is slightly alkaline; this level must be maintained in order for our body to function well. The maintenance of our blood’s healthy pH level is essential to our body’s functions. Functions which are affected with your pH level are blood flow, cell function, fat accumulation, and bone density.

The smoothness of our body’s blood flow is determined by the electrical charge that is coated on each individual red blood cell. Each red blood cell is assigned a negative charge so that they will not attract each other, similar to what two magnets with similar poles do when you put them together. When your blood’s pH level goes down, it means your blood has become acidic. What acidity does to your red blood cells is that it strips off that charge in each red blood cell; making the individual red blood cell stick together, forming clumps that make blood flow slower. Slower blood flow means lesser oxygen going to your body, dropping your performance.

If your blood is acidic its pH level is low, but if it is more alkaline, your pH level is high, if your blood has a higher pH level, that means you have a higher threshold of hydrogen ions. The presence of hydrogen ions halts muscle function, and the more that you have in your body, the more your muscle is bound to work slowly. Having a higher blood pH level means that your blood can accommodate more hydrogen ions before it begins to spread into the muscles and make it stop working. This means, that you can burn more energy while requiring less oxygen, allowing your body to tolerate the production of lactic acid more and enabling your body to perform things longer.

Hence, if you want you’re an athlete who needs a boost or just a normal individual longing to increase your body’s performance, it is important that you watch for your body’s pH level. You can do this by taking a simple saliva test that can be done with some acid paper strips which can be bought at local drugstores.

Acidity in your body also destroys cells and makes you fat. Your body reacts very defensively at the presence of acids, since, as I have said earlier, it affects how your body functions. Rising acidity is harmful to the vital information storage centers in your cells, the RNA, which if occurs makes it possible for mutations, toxicity or even cancer to develop. When this threat is apparent, what your body does is to coat your cells with fatty tissues just to shield it from rising blood acidity, making you need more fat. So the more your blood becomes acidic, the more you become fat.

Rising blood acidity also lowers your bone density. The body tries so hard to regulate the body’s ph level that it releases buffers to counter that acidity. Releasing buffers into the body is a good thing, but, how the body does it is not good for the bones. Each and every time your pH level drops, which means rising acidity levels, the body uses the calcium in your bones as buffers to maintain that crucial level of pH 7.4! This eventually lowers you bone density making you prone to osteoporosis and weak bone structure.

It’s very hard to replenish calcium levels you’ve lost through supplying buffers, that is why you need a good source of alkaline to help make your blood more alkaline and supply buffers for your body. Green vegetables and fruits are a good source of alkaline, while meat and processed foods are acidic. A healthy diet will consist of 80% alkaline foods and around 20% acidic foods. Supplements and other products are also readily available. Products like Xooma Xtreme X2O, and sodium bicarbonate also help you balance your pH level. This product does not only help you in lowering your blood pH level & maintain your body’s health, but it also makes it possible for you to make money at the same time. Xooma also offers a lucrative Online MLM options to those who want to earn money. You can go here if you want to know more about Xooma Xtreme X2O and Online MLM.

It’s about time that you take good care of your body. Now that you know that what you eat can contribute a lot to how your body works and how it performs, isn’t it about time that you give your utmost attention on your diet. Think about it, you will gain a lot if you balance your lifestyle and diet, but you will certainly lose a lot if you do not start being conscious. So eat healthy and be wealthy!

Sylvain Deslongchamps is a health conscious buff and a long time proponent of alternative and preventive medicine. Sylvain is also a distributor of Xtreme X2O, a world renowned product from Xooma Worldwide. He is the owner and developer of http://www.X2o-home-business.com, a site that is committed to promote health consciousness and business, through Xtreme x2o and Online MLM.

Depression is a much bigger and widespread problem than many would believe. It is estimated that more than 1 in 20 Americans will develop depression in the next 12 months but most sufferers attempt to hide the problem from friends, family and physicians. This makes it incredibly difficult to diagnose unless you are specifically looking for the symptoms. Most sufferers find it difficult to diagnose depression and often attribute it to “feeling a bit down”. There is a big difference between feeling down and having depression. If you or someone close to you is suffering from depression it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

The Safe Use Of Natural Remedies

As well as psychological and medical treatment there are also a number of natural remedies that can help to eliminate or, at least, reduce stress and depression. Introducing these supplements, vitamins or nutrients into your diet it can be possible to avoid prolonged depression. Always check for interactions with any prescription drug you may be taking and, if necessary, consult your physician to ask their opinion of a particular natural remedy and whether you are safe to take it.

St Johns Wort

St Johns Wort is one of the most popular and effective of herbs to help combat depression. It has become increasingly popular over the last few years, as more and more people have been made aware of its effectiveness. St Johns Wort inhibits monoamine oxidase, a chemical within the human body that is known to encourage depression. However, St Johns Wort does much more than this. It can help to restore self-esteem, confidence and regular sleeping patterns making it not only useful for beating depression but restoring physical health as well. It also increases appetite and restores interest in life.

St Johns Wort is available in capsule, tea, tincture and oil form. There are some recorded precautions that need to be taken when considering taking St Johns Wort. Cases of photosensitivity in those with fair skin have been reported so care should be taken in the sun. You should also avoid combining St Johns Wort with cold and flu remedies as well as other prescription based anti depressants. Avoid using St Johns Wort if pregnant or breast-feeding.

Kava Kava

Kava Kava is another excellent product that can help to beat stress and anxiety. It is particularly effective in the battle against physical stress. Kava Kava promotes feelings of calm relaxation without the drowsiness that can be associated with prescription drugs and even other herbal remedies. Depending on the patient, feelings of euphoria and elation may also be experienced but this is experienced in the minority of cases.

Lemon Balm

Due to its calming aroma and effects, lemon balm is also popular as a herbal anti depressant. Lemon balm has been used for centuries as an antibacterial ointment and also as an infusion or a tea to help calm nerves and settle patients. Lemon balm can easily be grown in gardens throughout the world and by tearing the leaves, adding honey and hot water the perfect, natural relaxant can be made.

A Final Word On Natural Remedies

Nature produces many different herbs and more than a fare share of these can help with depression, stress and anxiety. While some care should always be taken regarding drug interactions and the misuse they are generally considered safe for regular consumption and use. If you are in any doubt then consult your physician; something you should definitely do if you are taking any form pf prescription drug.

Jacob Mabille writes for Health Guides & Articles where you can find more health tips and related articles. You may republish this article only if you retain resource box and active hyperlinks.

Feature Article Release Date: March 28, 2005
Contact: Phillip Fry, Manager, Mold Inspector Laboratory International, Ltd.
Phone: 63-921-352-1287
Email: moldinspector@yahoo.com

How to Collect Physical Mold Growth Samples for Low-Cost Mold Laboratory Identification of Mold Species

VANCOUVER, CANADA. Many property owners, apartment landlords, renters, employers, and employees want to know, and need to know, the precise identities of the various mold species infesting their moldy house, rental unit, or place of employment, according to Phillip Fry, Certified Mold Inspector and author of the book Do-It-Best-Yourself Mold Prevention, Inspection, Testing, & Remediation.

The accurate identification of mold species requires two steps: (1) physical collection of mold samples from the moldy building; and (2) mold laboratory analysis of the collected mold samples.

The least costly way to collect mold samples is the do-it-yourself approach carried out by gathering actual samples of mold growth to submit for mold laboratory analysis ($20.00 or more fee per sample analyzed).

Bulk Physical Mold Sampling

If a property owner or occupant sees mold growing on a wall, ceiling, floor, heating or cooling duct register, or any other surface, he can scrape mold particles off the mold growth area into a small ziplock bag. Collecting such a physical sample is “bulk mold sampling” or “physical mold sampling.”

During such scraping of the mold growth, the tester needs to wear rubber gloves and a full-face respirator mask with organic vapor filters (such as the 3M brand from a large hardware, home improvement, or safety store).

To do the scraping, use a new or thoroughly disinfected (with ethyl or rubbing alcohol) paint scraper. Disinfect the scraper after each individual sampling to remove any possible mold contaminants, and thus avoid mold cross-contamination in the sampling process from one source or location to another.

Print clearly and neatly on a large pressure sensitive label the property owner’s name, the property address, the precise test location at that address, the testing date, and the type of sampling method (“bulk sample”), along with the tester’s name and contact information.

The label should also include each individual test number, as listed on the mold chain of custody form, available free from the mold laboratory. Attach the label to the ziplock bag containing that respective, numbered mold sample.
Alternatively, the tester can scrape the mold particles directly into a mold test kit (Petri dish) to start the growing (“culturing”) of the mold sample. This “viable testing” growth process takes 5 to 7 days for accuracy in mold species identification.

The tester can then either watch the test kits for mold growth, or send the mold test kit to the mold lab immediately, or after the self-observation growth period.

Another bulk physical sampling technique is to cut out a small section (no larger than 2 inches by 2 inches) of a building material or home furnishing that contains significant mold growth. Then, put that cut piece into a small ziplock bag, or press firmly the moldy side down into a mold test kit. Follow the same labeling instructions explained above.

Examples of moldy materials from which bulk samples can be cut for mold lab analysis are wood timbers, drywall, plasterboard, wallpaper, ceiling tile, carpeting, padding, heating/cooling system filters, clothing, furniture upholstery, and any other favorite mold food.

Scotch® Brand Tape Lift Sampling

The easy steps involved in tape lift sampling to collect physical bulk mold samples are—

1. Cut a three-inch (3”) long strip of one-inch (1”) wide, transparent sticky tape, such as Scotch® Brand Tape.

2. While wearing rubber gloves and a breathing respirator mask (with organic vapor filters) from the local hardware or home improvement store, press the tape strip firmly (sticky side down) onto the visible mold growth or onto the surface being tested.

3. Remove (peel back) the tape from the surface.

4. Open up a small ziplock bag (a transparent, easily sealable plastic storage bag), and press lightly the lift tape sample sticky side onto the inside sidewall of the ziplock bag.

5. Close [zip shut] the ziplock bag completely. Tape it shut if necessary to make sure no airborne mold spores can escape.

6. Attach to the outside of the ziplock bag a large adhesive label with the same types of sample identification information specified above, except that the type of sampling method is “lift tape sampling.”

For more information about bulk physical mold sampling, lift tape mold sampling, mold laboratory analysis, and mold species identification, please visit—

http://www.moldlab.biz

http://www.moldinspector.com

http://www.moldmart.net

Mr. Phillip Fry is a Certified Mold Inspector and a Certified Mold Remediator. He had written DIY Mold Prevention, Inspection, Testing and Remediation ebooks. He had also co-authored the ebook Mold Legal Guide.

A healthy life always leads to happiness and prosperity. Health is the weapon that keeps a human going on in his regular activities and functions. Reproductive health is an important part of general health that needs universal concern. It is very important for women during their reproductive years because health many reproductive health related problems arise during this period. Any failures in living a healthy reproductive life shall lead to different sexual diseases and other deficiencies that could also cause a risk to the life of a woman.

Why Health reproductive woman?
Women reproductive health is important because women have many reproductive health problems that have added up in the number of maternal mortality rate. Women have great complications during pregnancy and childbirth. They are more open to risks while preventing unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, reproductive tract infections and burden of contraception.

What are important health factors?
There are situations where a woman bears the risk of infertility, contraception and many other infections caused through sexual intercourse and practices. Fertility is the stage where a woman conceives after fertilization of a male sperm and female ova. Infertility is whereby a woman is unable to conceive as ovulation fails even after a sexual intercourse. Irregular menstrual periods or absence of menstrual cycles among women causes such ovulatory dysfunctions.

What are sexually transmitted diseases?
Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are found both in men and women but women are the major victims of such diseases whereby they get infections in the reproductive tracts. Commonly found STD’s are Bacterial Vaginosis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Hepatitis, HIV (Aids), Human papillomavirus Infection, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Syphilis, Genital herpes and Trichomoniasis.

1. Bacterial Vaginosis is a vaginal infection caused in women leading to a bad smelling discharge. It also causes itching around the vagina or burning sensation while urination.

2. Chlamydia is a STD causing irreversible damage to reproductive organs even leading to infertility. It is a silent disease caused by the infection of cervix (opening to the womb) and the urethra and can spread to the rectum. Burning sensation or discharge while urination is the common symptoms found among women.

3. Gonorrhea is a disease caused by the growth of bacteria in the moist areas of reproductive tract normally cervix, uterus, urethra and fallopian tubes among women. Symptoms are burning sensation while urination, vaginal discharge or vaginal bleeding during menstrual cycles.

4. Hepatitis is a disease caused by a virus called hepatitis that attacks the liver and blood organs of the body.

5. HIV is mostly caused STD because of unsafe sex practices and is the worst of all the sexually transmitted diseases.

6. Genital Human papillomavirus Infection HPV infection is caused due to infection in the genital areas among women like the vagina, cervix in the form of soft, moist, pink, or flesh-colored swellings.

7. Pelvic inflammatory disease is another infection caused among women in the uterus, fallopian tubes and other reproductive organs.

8. Syphilis has many symptoms that could be least distinguished from other diseases. Symptoms are sores, skin rashes, fever, weight loss, muscle aches, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, patchy hair loss, headaches and fatigue.

9. Trichomoniasis is commonly found among women lead by green-yellow odor vaginal discharge. This causes discomfort during urination and intercourse and sometimes lower abdominal pain.

10. Genital Herpes is caused by a virus and symptoms are sores, swollen glands, fever and flu like infections.

To know more visit our website womensreproductivehealth.info

Olivia Andrews, writer of womensreproductivehealth.info is a freelance journalist and has written many reviews on subjects such as finance, education, health, entertainment, music, gifts, crafts, travel, apparels and mobile phones.

Noni (Morinda Citrifolia) was originally indigenous to Southeast Asia but thanks to the Polynesians, the Noni plant has been domesticated and cultivated around the world. Today you can find Noni in India, Tahiti, the Caribbean, South America, West Indies, and Hawaii. When Noni ripens on the vine it has a rancid smell and tastes somewhat cheesy described by those who have eaten it ripe off the vine. Noni has a long list of medical uses in many of the aforementioned cultures.

In many cultures the Noni fruit, flower, leaves, bark and root have all been used for medicinal purposes. The Polynesians have a long history of use for this plant. It has been said the leaves can be mixed with oil and applied to the skin to help with rheumatic pain, inflammation, gout, ulcers, neuralgia, cough and colds, ringworm, and boils. It has even been said that the juice could help control blood sugar in adults. In 1930’s the Noni fruit was used internally for a wide range of aliments. Noni fruit can be used as a cleansing formula, to help remove intestinal worms, and to help improve respiration and lung function.

Noni is packed full of phytonutrients and vitamins such as the following:

* anthraquinones
* damnacanthal
* Vitamin A
* octanoic acid fatty acids
* linoleic acid
* oleic acid
* acetic acid
* palmitic acid
* esters
* Ketones
* lactones
* alcohols

The above list of phytonutrients and vitamins in Noni can also help the body fight microbes, help fight against inflammation, help fight carcinogens, and boost the immune system. In research conducted on mice, Noni has been shown to boost the immune system directly by increasing the activity of macrophages and or lymphocytes in the immune system. In recent studies, the polysaccharides in Noni have shown to exhibit an anti-tumor effect and when taken in conjunction with chemotherapeutic agents it can help improve recovery time.

Noni has been traditionally used as an analgesic pain reliever and sedative. Researchers recently put this to the test with mice in an experiment and found that in fact Noni did demonstrate a non-toxic analgesic pain relieving effect and sedative effect on the mice. The researcher’s findings did confirm the traditional analgesic properties and uses of the Noni plant.

Noni is a valuable medicinal plant, given the recent discoveries about Noni the future looks bright for this plant, but further studies should be performed to discover its full potential. If you want to relax one evening, drink some Noni tea and if you have a headache or mild aches and pains in the body, try Noni which comes in a liquid, capsule, or tea bag forms.

Visit VitaNet® Health Foods at http://vitanetonline.com/. VitaNet sells high quality vitamins and herbs at discount prices. Noni Fruit also available in stock and ready to ship. Please link to this site when using this article.

Most of us are fond of at least one product that has the effect of a stimulant and that eventually becomes an addiction. These products include exercise stimulant drinks (they come in cans and look like cola), fizzy aerated drinks, tobacco, betel nut, betel leaf, strong coffee, strong tea, mahuang (an ephedrine-like compound consumed in china), and alcohol.

Before I tell you why we shouldn’t consume these products, I’d like to deal with the question of why we do consume them in the first place.

There’s no one who doesn’t know that products like these, consumed in excess, can severely harm our bodies. Yet, we still find them hard to resist. The need to eat stimulant food is a simple human weakness that has existed for ages: humans (and many animals) have always indulged in foods that give a sort of emotional high. In clinical terms, this means rapid heart beat, a little sweating, dilation or constriction of the pupils of the eye, a warm flush on the face, and a sense of greater sensitivity, concentration and perception.

These sensations of ‘high’ die down within a few hours, and we are left feeling listless and low. This leads to a craving for that food again, to experience the high one more time. And there we are going round and round in a vicious circle.

The physiology of addictions is as follows:

When you eat an addictive food, it stimulates the hormone like substances found at the end of your nerves, which triggers an avalanche of similar stimulatory substances and you experiences a high. As the substances near the nerves are depleted, you get into the low phase, which leads you to crave that food again. This yo-yo phase of nerve stimulation and depletion leads to a pattern of addiction.

Consuming addictive foods is one of the oldest unhealthy food practices and, despite a revolution in health consciousness; it shows no signs of dying out.

Below are some side effects of certain addictive foods.

Alcohol Addiction: Erosion of stomach and intestinal lining, liver damage, nutritional deficiency.

Tobacco: Erosion of gum and tongue can lead to cancer of the buccal mucosa.

Betel nut: Leads to the discoloration of teeth, erosion of the lining of the mouth, and cancer of the mouth and upper tract. It also leads to heart problems among people who already have a weak heart.

Ma huang: It contains ephedrine and leads to heart problems.

Aerated drinks: High doses of caffeine.

Caffeine and xanthine: Found in tea, coffee. These become harmful only in very high doses; don’t consume more than five cups a day.

Mixed drug reactions: People who consume medications for the heart, hypertension and asthma have to be very careful about the interactions of the drugs with stimulant foods, as mixing the two can be fatal. After years of experience, all doctors know how difficult it is to break the food addictions of their patients. So like them, I can only advise a good compromise. If you can’t break the addiction, then at least you should practice moderation.

Linda Giles also writes on Ring worm Treatment. More info: Ringworm Cure

Grief is very hard to deal with, eventually we’ll all have to go through the death of a loved one and it can engulf our lives and the lives of our other loved ones. I have made this site because I know first hand the pain of losing a loved one and wanted to share my advice with others going through this. My sister was murdered in 2002 and my mother died in 2004 due to liver failure. No matter how your loved one died, it’s always painful, but sudden deaths, homicides and suicides often leave loved one’s with many questions. The first few days, weeks and months are often the hardest, we may feel disbelief, numbness and ask why. Some of us cannot cry and do not cry for some time, this is completely normal and does not mean you are not grieving your loved one, you are in shock and your body does these things to protect us from the emotional pain. In the first days you may seem foggy, feel numb mentally and physically, you’ll feel lightheaded and dizzy and may even vomit. You’ll have trouble sleeping and eating, some people eat for comfort, others can’t eat a drop. It’s important to drink plenty of fluids, as shock and crying can dehydrate you and make you sick. The funeral arrangements can be awfully hard, you should take a friend of the family along for support and have someone who can do things that your just not able to. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or for time alone if you need it. You’ll also feel tremendous physical pain, it may feel as though someone is sitting on your chest and it’s hard to breath, your stomach may tighten up and cause pains. You might have problems with going to the bathroom, or even go the other way and go too much. If your loved one’s death was caused by homicide, a lot of states have a grief counselor, take advantage of this, they are trained to help families through the difficult days ahead, and if there is a trial for the killer, these counselors will attend the trial with the family and offer support and advice as to what to expect.

Although it might be hard, try to get into some kind of routine after the funeral, what worked for me after the murder of my sister was re-decorating my bedroom, I painted and got new pictures to hang. It helps to keep active, but also allow yourself some time to grieve, try not to swallow and push down the painful feelings, they will help you heal, and you may get sick physically if you hold in your intense feelings. Guilt is a common feeling also, we have to learn to let those feelings go, they do you no good and it cannot change a thing. The pain will lessen in intensity as time passes, but you will always grieve for your loved one. During Holidays is especially tough, try to do something to honor your loved one, maybe bring something special to the cemetery, light a memorial candle, or set a spot at the table. I have a special necklace I wear that my mother gave me and my sisters one year, my sister was buried with hers on, and because it symbolizes both my mother and sister (my mother passed away also in 2004) it gives me comfort and I feel as though their close when I wear it. It’s been 4 years since my sister’s passing, and 2 years since my mother’s, but not one day goes where I don’t think about them a few times a day, I still miss them terribly and it’s still very painful, but I’m now able to laugh and smile at the great times and memories we shared. Please check out the links I’ve listed, they are very good grief sites and also my sister and Mother’s memorial sites.

If unfortunately you have to attend a trial, please take advantage of the many programs in your state. As I said earlier, these grief counselors and victim associates are there to help you and to answer any questions about the trial. We had a few meetings with our DA before the trial to talk about anything that may be brought up at the trial, and what may be emotionally hard to hear. The defense’s attorney does not care about the feelings of the victims families and may say awful things about the victim and/or your family, if such things come up, you are free to leave the courtroom, but keep in mind that you may not be able to re-enter (this was the case with my sister’s trial so it would not distract jurors) If there is a Jury, you may notice some glancing at you to see reactions, they urge you not to show too much emotions while in session, and this can be extremely hard, if not impossible to do (I was asked to leave a few times during the trial) The whole thing will cause you to re-live the awful hours after you found out about your loved one’s murder, and it can be traumatic to say the least. I was very angry with the realization that criminals get more rights than their victims, as of right now, the killer of my sister is appealing saying that he did not get a fair trial, even though he got more than a fair trial. So be prepared for any appeals, most of them to appeal a few times but they rarely get second trials (so I’m told, keeping my fingers crossed!)

Many people consult with a counselor or psychiatrist and this is a really good idea, especially if you find yourself in a deep depression. If you feel as though you may hurt yourself, seek immediate help. Some may develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after a loved one’s death from homicide and this requires treatment

Sweet Memories

One of the main causes of skin cancer is exposure to harmful sunrays. If you thought that getting tanned at tanning salons was safer than the sun, please think again before visiting any salon again. Tanning beds and sunlamps are as dangerous as the sunrays.

Most of the bulbs used in the salons emit both UVA and UVB radiations that are also found in the sunlight and are responsible for both Melanoma and Nonmelonoma types of cancers. Exposure to tanning bulbs also reduces our bodys ability to repair the damaged DNA, which is caused by UV radiation.

Tanning not only may cause cancers as the last damage but also prematurely ages the skin. How many of us realize that tanning is bodys response to damage to the skin. every time, you get tanned , you accumulate skin damage. There is no such thing as safe tanning.

Unfortunately the cosmetic trends are pushing more women to tanning salons. More people are inviting cancer for the sake of the tanned look. Melanoma can kill if not diagnosed earlier. Unfortunately the young population is not changing its behavior about getting tanned. as they accumulate skin damage over the years, their getting affected by skin cancer at later stage of their life is increasing.

If you are one of those who believe that a tan is good and that tanning beds or sun lamps are safe, please stop using them. You are putting your life to a very painful death.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

The author C.D.Mohatta writes on skin problems, skin treatments and skin care. You can visit the authors online skin care guide for more information about how to have good skin. The author also writes for free screen savers and desktop wallpapers on topics like nature, spirituality, motivation, love, holidays, animals, etc. Also try out some free fun games recommended by the author.

Depression is a much bigger and widespread problem than many would believe. It is estimated that more than 1 in 20 Americans will develop depression in the next 12 months but most sufferers attempt to hide the problem from friends, family and physicians. This makes it incredibly difficult to diagnose unless you are specifically looking for the symptoms. Most sufferers find it difficult to diagnose depression and often attribute it to “feeling a bit down”. There is a big difference between feeling down and having depression. If you or someone close to you is suffering from depression it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

The Safe Use Of Natural Remedies

As well as psychological and medical treatment there are also a number of natural remedies that can help to eliminate or, at least, reduce stress and depression. Introducing these supplements, vitamins or nutrients into your diet it can be possible to avoid prolonged depression. Always check for interactions with any prescription drug you may be taking and, if necessary, consult your physician to ask their opinion of a particular natural remedy and whether you are safe to take it.

St Johns Wort

St Johns Wort is one of the most popular and effective of herbs to help combat depression. It has become increasingly popular over the last few years, as more and more people have been made aware of its effectiveness. St Johns Wort inhibits monoamine oxidase, a chemical within the human body that is known to encourage depression. However, St Johns Wort does much more than this. It can help to restore self-esteem, confidence and regular sleeping patterns making it not only useful for beating depression but restoring physical health as well. It also increases appetite and restores interest in life.

St Johns Wort is available in capsule, tea, tincture and oil form. There are some recorded precautions that need to be taken when considering taking St Johns Wort. Cases of photosensitivity in those with fair skin have been reported so care should be taken in the sun. You should also avoid combining St Johns Wort with cold and flu remedies as well as other prescription based anti depressants. Avoid using St Johns Wort if pregnant or breast-feeding.

Kava Kava

Kava Kava is another excellent product that can help to beat stress and anxiety. It is particularly effective in the battle against physical stress. Kava Kava promotes feelings of calm relaxation without the drowsiness that can be associated with prescription drugs and even other herbal remedies. Depending on the patient, feelings of euphoria and elation may also be experienced but this is experienced in the minority of cases.

Lemon Balm

Due to its calming aroma and effects, lemon balm is also popular as a herbal anti depressant. Lemon balm has been used for centuries as an antibacterial ointment and also as an infusion or a tea to help calm nerves and settle patients. Lemon balm can easily be grown in gardens throughout the world and by tearing the leaves, adding honey and hot water the perfect, natural relaxant can be made.

A Final Word On Natural Remedies

Nature produces many different herbs and more than a fare share of these can help with depression, stress and anxiety. While some care should always be taken regarding drug interactions and the misuse they are generally considered safe for regular consumption and use. If you are in any doubt then consult your physician; something you should definitely do if you are taking any form pf prescription drug.

Jacob Mabille writes for Health Guides & Articles where you can find more health tips and related articles. You may republish this article only if you retain resource box and active hyperlinks.

Feature Article Release Date: March 28, 2005
Contact: Phillip Fry, Manager, Mold Inspector Laboratory International, Ltd.
Phone: 63-921-352-1287
Email: moldinspector@yahoo.com

How to Collect Physical Mold Growth Samples for Low-Cost Mold Laboratory Identification of Mold Species

VANCOUVER, CANADA. Many property owners, apartment landlords, renters, employers, and employees want to know, and need to know, the precise identities of the various mold species infesting their moldy house, rental unit, or place of employment, according to Phillip Fry, Certified Mold Inspector and author of the book Do-It-Best-Yourself Mold Prevention, Inspection, Testing, & Remediation.

The accurate identification of mold species requires two steps: (1) physical collection of mold samples from the moldy building; and (2) mold laboratory analysis of the collected mold samples.

The least costly way to collect mold samples is the do-it-yourself approach carried out by gathering actual samples of mold growth to submit for mold laboratory analysis ($20.00 or more fee per sample analyzed).

Bulk Physical Mold Sampling

If a property owner or occupant sees mold growing on a wall, ceiling, floor, heating or cooling duct register, or any other surface, he can scrape mold particles off the mold growth area into a small ziplock bag. Collecting such a physical sample is “bulk mold sampling” or “physical mold sampling.”

During such scraping of the mold growth, the tester needs to wear rubber gloves and a full-face respirator mask with organic vapor filters (such as the 3M brand from a large hardware, home improvement, or safety store).

To do the scraping, use a new or thoroughly disinfected (with ethyl or rubbing alcohol) paint scraper. Disinfect the scraper after each individual sampling to remove any possible mold contaminants, and thus avoid mold cross-contamination in the sampling process from one source or location to another.

Print clearly and neatly on a large pressure sensitive label the property owner’s name, the property address, the precise test location at that address, the testing date, and the type of sampling method (“bulk sample”), along with the tester’s name and contact information.

The label should also include each individual test number, as listed on the mold chain of custody form, available free from the mold laboratory. Attach the label to the ziplock bag containing that respective, numbered mold sample.
Alternatively, the tester can scrape the mold particles directly into a mold test kit (Petri dish) to start the growing (“culturing”) of the mold sample. This “viable testing” growth process takes 5 to 7 days for accuracy in mold species identification.

The tester can then either watch the test kits for mold growth, or send the mold test kit to the mold lab immediately, or after the self-observation growth period.

Another bulk physical sampling technique is to cut out a small section (no larger than 2 inches by 2 inches) of a building material or home furnishing that contains significant mold growth. Then, put that cut piece into a small ziplock bag, or press firmly the moldy side down into a mold test kit. Follow the same labeling instructions explained above.

Examples of moldy materials from which bulk samples can be cut for mold lab analysis are wood timbers, drywall, plasterboard, wallpaper, ceiling tile, carpeting, padding, heating/cooling system filters, clothing, furniture upholstery, and any other favorite mold food.

Scotch® Brand Tape Lift Sampling

The easy steps involved in tape lift sampling to collect physical bulk mold samples are—

1. Cut a three-inch (3”) long strip of one-inch (1”) wide, transparent sticky tape, such as Scotch® Brand Tape.

2. While wearing rubber gloves and a breathing respirator mask (with organic vapor filters) from the local hardware or home improvement store, press the tape strip firmly (sticky side down) onto the visible mold growth or onto the surface being tested.

3. Remove (peel back) the tape from the surface.

4. Open up a small ziplock bag (a transparent, easily sealable plastic storage bag), and press lightly the lift tape sample sticky side onto the inside sidewall of the ziplock bag.

5. Close [zip shut] the ziplock bag completely. Tape it shut if necessary to make sure no airborne mold spores can escape.

6. Attach to the outside of the ziplock bag a large adhesive label with the same types of sample identification information specified above, except that the type of sampling method is “lift tape sampling.”

For more information about bulk physical mold sampling, lift tape mold sampling, mold laboratory analysis, and mold species identification, please visit—

http://www.moldlab.biz

http://www.moldinspector.com

http://www.moldmart.net

Mr. Phillip Fry is a Certified Mold Inspector and a Certified Mold Remediator. He had written DIY Mold Prevention, Inspection, Testing and Remediation ebooks. He had also co-authored the ebook Mold Legal Guide.