A No Smoking Challenge

To those wishing to quit smoking or to friends who want to give support, the driven to quit challenge is here again! By registering to quit smoking in the month of March, prizes can be won. This Includes a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. Those wishing to quit must register by February 28, 2009. They must be a resident of Ontario, Canada. Give a gift to somone you know by registering them and Continue your support during the following months Read more and register To others outside of Ontario or Canada. If you know similar no-smoking initiatives please include them. The resources on the site are still valuable to those outside of Ontario. Smoking is a serious health risk factor. You can learn more about managing health online.Quit Smoking Today, Guaranteed!!

An Online Health Program To Self Care

There is an online health program where anyone can learn to plan, implement and manage their health. They use health risk factors and current health data to teach people to take control of their health. The program is organized and coordinated by a registered nurse with skills in many areas of health care. It is open to anyone worldwide. They provide examples of health scenarios to work through and they encourage visitors to submit examples. They program encourages self managment. The actions begin at home and continue at home even after seeing a specialist. This allows the person to take control by making health decisions to prevent disease. And best of all no insurance, health plan or ID is required.

Saw Palmetto-Treatment for Enlarged Prostate

Alternative medicine is a common treatment for prostate enlargement. This is a condition in which the prostate cells divide too rapidly making the gland too large. The condition is called benign prostatic hyperthropy( BPH). The herb, extract of saw palmetto is medicinal and is approved to treat the condition. It reduces the hyperplasia associated with BPH and relieves the urinary symptoms. It can be taken as a herbal supplement, to promote healthy prostates or on prescription by a physician for BPH. They are available in capsule form, as teas or tintures. It is apparently less expensive than drugs used for the same purpose Side effects: Side effects are rare and are less than other other drugs used for treating the disease. For this it is considered safe for use. They are nausea, upset stomach and headaches. About the herb- Saw palmetto boosts the immune and endocrine systems. It is also used as a tonic to enhance strength and vitality. It has other benefits such as:

• Enhances sexual desire and funtioning
• Stimulates hair growth
• Increases breast size
• Anti-inflammatory properties

Pregnant women and those taking testosterone or estrogen should consult their doctor first before taking saw palmetto.

If you believe your symptoms are that of BPH and would rather alternative treatment, ask your doctor about saw palmetto herbal medicine. Other herbal medicine used with saw palmetto are flaxseed oil and zinc, they can be used in combination with it.

Smoking Cessation Is Not Easy- How To Quit

Nicotine is the killer drug in the cigarettes and cigars that people smoke. When you smoke the nicotine affects the brain making you temporarily calm and more alert; you actually get a mood boost. When the effects wear off the cravings to be calm and alert returns and you go for another cigarette for a boost. These personal benefits make it difficult to quit. Smoking however is bad for health because it is a #1 cause of various cancers, cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases and more. It suppresses your immune system. Smoking is a leading cause of premature death.

Smoking is modifiable risk factor that can be stopped. There are many things one can do to quit and stay quit.

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While you are a smoker:

Think about the reasons why you smoke and write them down.

Try alternate ways to keep calm and alert.

Get sufficient sleep: instead of staying up with a cigarette, hit the pillow for sleep.

Have some free time? Go for physical activity such as walking, running and cycling. Don't remain inactive too long.

Purchase a good exercise/fitness equipment for home use.

Cut out habits that seem to accompany your smoking routine, for example: A certain a past time that trigggers the urge to smoke.

Hang out with people you know that don't smoke. en you are ready to quit

• Set a date to do so
• Tell your spouse or friends and ask for their support
• Join a no smoking program online
• Check out the resources available in your local community
• Hang out with non smoking colleagues or peers
• Try nicotine replacement therapy

If quitting is still difficult , try a behaviour change program. There are some examples on the left. Parents can be an example to protect children from second hand smoke.

Support cancer prevention on World Health Day.

Particpate in World No Tobacco Day eventTake the Driven To Quit Challenge . If you live in Ontario , Canada and are a smoker you can register for this yearly event .

Canada Consumer Health Index- Short on Standards

Canada released it's Consumer Health Index, but failed on certain indicators. The changes that are necessary, the report says are more than just about funding levels. Excluded were: -The percentage of re-admissions to hospital after surgery -The number of children who received all recommended vaccinations. -Also the percentage of new approved drugs subsidised by the provinces did not consider valuable data from The New England Journal Of Medicine Overall the best performing provinces did not provide the standards common to Europe. The report also identified that there is no real relationship between the amount of spending the provinces put into the health care system and: 1-Medical outcomes 2-Waiting times The primary care categorie included access to a family doctor, choice of midwives, home care and long-term care. Ontario scored highest with a score of 762 . Newfoundland scored the lowest with a score of 592 Read the report The provinces that scored lowest are probably the ones with the largest number of people living in isolated communities per total population. Internet use and the information age have made it possible to access all kinds if health promotion stuff on line. these we should be greatful for. Even residents in remote areas can access online health. Quit Smoking Program: LifeSign QuitKey Smoking Cessation Program Naturally you want to quit smoking .. Now you can .. Naturally. Weight Control Programs: Making permanent changes in one’s diet requires making better choices. Better choices require new information. Nutrawatch can help you see the impact of the choices you are making. Nutrawatch, eat wisely™. You can shop wisely : Healthy Eating Tips Clinical trials information are available free to the public Health mangement resources Read Report