Shingles disease threats

“If you’ve had chickenpox, you are at risk for shingles’”

What is Shingles?
Shingles (Herpes Zoster or Zoster) is a painful skin rash, often with blisters. It’s caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Varicella Zoster Virus stay dormant (inactive) in your body and can later resurface as shingles, with no warning.


Shingles can cause long-lasting nerve pain and other serious complications.





What is the symptom for shingles?
Shingles usually starts as a single painful rash (stripe) around either the left or the right side of the body or face.


The rash forms blisters that typically scab over in 7 – 10 days and clears up within 2 – 4 weeks.


In rare cases (usually among people with weakened immune systems), the rash may be more widespread and looks similar to a chickenpox rash.


There was great variability in pain density, where 96%of patients experienced acute pain and 42% reported that their worst zoster pain was “horrible” or “excruciating”.


Shingles serious consequences
Acute pain is the most common symptom of shingles whereas chronic pain is the most common complication of shingles. Post herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is chronic pain that follows acute shingles lasting for at least 3 months.


Other serious complications
Other serious complications of shingles are:

• Allodynia
  
• Pneumonia
  
• Hearing loss
  
• Scarring
  
• Blindness
  
• Ramsay Hunt syndrome
  
• Brain infection (encephalitis)
  
• Bacterial super infection
• Motor neuron palsies

Allodynia is a distressing and debilitating pain caused by even the slightest touch.

What are the serious complications for shingles?

• Chronic Nerve Pain
  

Up to 1 in 5 people who develop shingles will experience postherpetic neuralgia, or PHN – nerve pain that can develop even after the rash heals, which can range from mild to severe and debilitating.


Patients have described PHN as burning, throbbing, stabbing, shooting and or sharp pain.


PHN can be difficult to manage and refractory to treatment and can persist for months or even years. As people get older, they are more likely to develop PHN, and the pain is more likely to be severe.


For some people, this nerve pain can get in the way to normal day-to-day activities such as walking, sleeping and social activities.

• Visual Loss
  

Almost 10% to 25% of shingles patients will suffer from zoster ophthalmicus and among 50% to 72% of these will suffer chronic ocular disease and visual loss.


Who is at risk for shingles?
Approximately 99.5% of the U.S. population aged ≥ 40 years has evidence of a previous varicella zoster virus infection; therefore, almost every older adult are at risk for shingles, although many cannot recall a history of chickenpox.

• According to Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 1 in 3 people will develop shingles in their lifetimes.
  
• The risk increases as you get older. This is especially true if you’re over 50 years of age.
  

We have no way to predict:

• When the varicella virus will reactivated
  
• Who will develop shingles
  
• How severe any individual case may be
  

The only way to reduce the risk of developing shingles and the long-term pain that can follow shingles is to get vaccinated.

5 Fake Foods Diabetic Should Avoid

Are whippe toppings dangerous?

Imitation seafood/crabmeat salad - This prepared salad is often found in the seafood section of the grocery - it looks and smells like real seafood salad but it may not offer any of the real thing. Imitation seafood salad contains a majority of fillers with very little fish; a large amount of the fillers are carbohydrates, sometimes up to 14 grams for a ½ cup serving. You would assume this is a protein source since it is fish. These salads can also be laden with mayonnaise or dressing which can raise the amount of saturated fat; this increases your LDL or bad cholesterol and elevates your risk of heart disease. Although much more expensive, consider the real crab, shrimp or lobster in a smaller amount, mix with low fat mayonnaise or lemon juice and add fresh vegetables with whole grain bread or crackers to increase your portion and have a satisfying meal with little fat or fillers.

Shop Amazon's New Kindle Fire

Processed cheese is also a fake food worth staying away from. Many processed cheese foods have milk product concentrates and milk products that increase the carbohydrate count to almost triple the amount found in regular low fat cheese. Processed cheddar cheese has 3 grams of carbohydrate per ounce while real cheddar has only a trace. If it says "pasteurized prepared cheese product" it is not real cheese. Processed cheese is usually shiny, lacks real cheese consistency-almost waxy, has an artificial bright yellow color and does not really taste like cheese. Try to avoid cheese that comes in the squirt-can, artificial American sliced processed cheese or Velveeta. If you can not completely avoid them at least enjoy in moderation. Consider low fat cheese as a better option.

Processed meats including sausages, salami, bologna and hot dogs (unless all beef/no fillers) are fake foods with many empty calories, fake coloring, artificial flavors and lots of saturated fat. Corn syrup is added for enhanced sweetened flavor which is not healthy especially if you have diabetes. Look for varieties that say nitrate-free, since meats with this preservative can increase cancer risk. Processed meats may also contain large amounts of carbohydrates (fillers) that are not expected in a protein source. Nitrates may increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease as well. Choose Canadian bacon or lean low sodium ham if possible.

Whipped toppings may seem like an answer for added sweetness with a creamy topping to your dessert, but think again. Most of these toppings contain multiple chemicals with artificial flavors and colorings. They usually include hydrogenated vegetable oil which is considered a trans-fat. Trans-fat is connected with cardiovascular disease. Think about using a small serving of a real homemade whipped cream topping for flavor in moderation.

Written by: Paula Johanson

Non-Dairy creamers (liquid or powder) - To lessen hunger and stay filled up I see many patients who drink decaf coffee throughout the day with artificial creamers. The creamers may seem convenient and innocent since they do not require refrigeration and even come in small single portion containers, but they are not particularly healthy. They contain hydrogenated oil, corn syrup, sugar and calories. Now and again they are fine but some patients drink 6 cups a day with 2-3 creamers per cup! Watch refrigerator flavored creamers even when they say "low fat or low sugar" as well. A little goes along way. Think about low fat 1-2% organic milk or Lactaid milk (if you are lactose intolerant) for a good healthy alternative (milk is a carbohydrate).

I would never say "never" to anything you may want to eat, but definitely try to make better and healthier food choices. When grocery shopping read food labels when possible, ask waiters or restaurant owners about ingredients, try apps including Fooducate on your smart phone for calorie counts and ingredients if available; this app grades products from an A-D scale. It also allows you to compare foods and make the best choice. You will feel better and your body will appreciate it too!

-by Roberta Kleinman, RN, M.Ed., CDE

Superfood: Incredible Powers of Celery Juice

Celery are highly nutritious and one of the most hydrating foods which it is incredibly alkalizing, equalizes the body's PH and vital for peak health. Celery contain a perfect balanced minerals, vitamins and nutrients. Celery leaves are high in vitamin A, whilst the stems are an excellent source of vitamins B1, B2, B6 and C and dense in potassium, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, sodium and essential amino acids.

Celery is rich in sodium, which is very different to table salt. Normal table salt is composed of insoluble inorganic compounds which lead to the development of varicose veins, hardening of the arteries and other aliments. If salt, including sea salt is white, then it has been processed and all minerals and nutrients have been destroyed.

The celery and your health



Fights Cancer - Celery is known to contain at least eight families of anti-cancer compounds. A study at Rutgers University of New Jersey found that celery contains a number of compounds that help prevent cancer cells from spreading. Celery contains compounds called acetylenics and this compound has been shown to stop the growth of tumor cells. Celery contains other compounds called phonolic acids that block the action of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, which encourage the growth of tumor cells. Coumarins, another phytonutrient in celery helps prevent free-radicals from damaging cells and prevent the formation and development of the colon and stomach cancers.

Lowers Cholesterol - Laboratory studies also indicate that butyl phthalide, a chemical in celery, may help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol. According to researchers at the University of Chicago, celery reduces cholesterol levels by as much as 7 points with as little as 2 stalks a day. Celery also aids in increasing bile acid secretion which helps to remove cholesterol from the body.

Aids in Digestion - Special nutrients in the fiber are released during juicing that aid bowel movements. This makes celery a natural laxative that helps to relieve constipation. It also helps relax nerves that have been overworked by man-made laxatives.

Diuretic - The potassium and sodium in celery juice are powerful body fluid regulators that stimulate urine production to help rid the body of excess fluid.

Anti Inflammatory - The polyacetylene in celery is an amazing relief for all inflammation including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, asthma and bronchitis. A study published in the Proceeding of the National Academy of Science U.S.A found that another powerful phytonutrient called luteolin prevents activation of a pathway that allows inflammation in the brain to get switched on. Luteolin also inhibits the excess production of TNF-alpha, a direct cause of inflammation. Juice is the most efficient and nutritious way to eat celery, and people who have these conditions can drink as much juice as desired without overdosing.

Lower blood pressure - Celery's potential for reducing high blood pressure has long been recognized by Chinese medicine. Studies show that drinking celery juice every day for 1 week can significantly help lower blood pressure. A compound called phtalides helps relax the muscles around the arteries, dilating the vessels and allowing blood to flow smoothly. Pthalides also reduce stress hormones, one of whose effects is to cause blood vessels to constrict. When researchers injected 3-n-butyl phthalide derived from celery into laboratory animals, the animals' blood pressure dropped 12 to 14 percent. Celery amazingly doesn't lower blood pressure which is already low.

Insomnia - The minerals and essential oils in celery juice have a calming effect on the nervous system, making it beneficial for insomniacs. Its high magnesium levels help people to relax into a soothing and restful sleep.
 

Superfood weight loss celery


  Weight loss - Drinking celery juice frequently throughout the day helps curb cravings for sweet. It is filling without putting any extra pounds on.

Elimination and Prevention of stones - Celery juice is an amazing eliminator of toxins from the body, which aids in the breaking and elimination of urinary and gall bladder stones. This lovely juice helps those who have suffered from stones from getting them again.

Increased Sexuality- Celery juice is beneficial for weak sexuality, yet doesn't cause an uncontrollable urge as some pharmaceutical drugs do. Celery balances the system rather than increasing it.

Celery can be juiced with any other fruits or vegetables. A particularly delicious and powerful combination is carrot, apple, cucumber and celery.

Celery juice recipe

Here are two juicing recipes to get you started! Feel the difference juicing everyday with basic recipes that offer concentrated liquid nutrition to your body and blood.

Juicing is easy and fun! It is a great way to start the day when the digestive tract is clear and the cells are hungry for high quality liquid nutrition.

1. Green Celery Juice

Ingredients:

• 2 celery stalks
• 1/2 cucumber
• 3 big pieces of dino kale
• some fennel bulb or stalk
• 6 stems of parsely
• 1/4c spring water

Press veggies through your favorite juicer and run 1/4c spring water at the end to extract rest of juicing liquid. Pour into a glass. Serves one.

We tend to drink about a quart of juice at one time, in this case you would need to double the above recipe.

2. Sweet Delight Juice

Ingredients:

• 2 apples
• 4 celery stalks
• 2 carrots
• 2 kale leaves
• 1/2 cucumber
• 1/4 spring water

Press through juicer, pour and serve.

This is one of my husbands favorite's, he likes his juice on the sweeter side. It is delightfully sweet, as the name implies, and makes you smile when you drink it.

If you need an affordable, durable and yet powerfull compact juicer, you might need to find a Breville BJE200XL 700-Watt Compact Juice Fountain. It's really excelent for the job and worth for your money too.

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Breville BJE200XL 700-Watt Compact Juice Fountain Bundle


includes Breville BJE200XL 700-Watt Compact Juice Fountain

and also Breville Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead DVD

The DVD is a $19.99 value and included at No Extra cost

Now everybody can ride a bike



Credit: Yahoo news

 A new design of bicycle has been invented. The bicycle made almost entirely of cardboard has potentially wide spread all over the world.

The cardboard bicycle seems has the potential to change transportation habits from the most congested cities to the poorest country.

Beside of it's low price, the bicycle uses recycleable materials which were environment friendly. So we can enjoy our physical activities with this 'green bicycle' along our neighborhood.

Look for other bicycle:
* Biking for sliming
* Schwinn Windwood Women's Cruiser Bike (26-Inch Wheels)
* Mongoose Impasse Dual Full Suspension Bicycle (29-Inch)
* Titanium Mountain Bike
*Diamondback 2012 Grind Pro BMX Bike

Minimum cigarette price in Malaysia

PUTRAJAYA Aug 14 — Malaysian government has set the minimum price of all cigarette brands at RM7 effective Sept 1 and only allows cigarette packets with 20 sticks to be sold.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said with effect from that date all discounting prices by cigarette companies would also not be allowed Cigarette companies would also be required to only produce cigarette carton containing 10 packets he told a media conference after introducing the ASAP Smoke Free Lifestyle ambassador here today.

The regulations imposed on cigarette companies were aimed at reducing the capability of children youngsters and the low income earners to buy cigarettes.

World No Tobacco Day 2012

On this year's World No Tobacco Day, which was celebrated on 31st May 2012, the main objective behind the campaign would be to put the sportlight on the tobbaco industry's continued efforts to undermine the policies from WHO FCTC, which states "the need to be alert to any efforts by the tobacco industry to undermine or subvert tobacco control efforts and the need to be informed of activities of the tobacco industriey that have a negative impact on tobacco efforts".

One good example of the tobacco industry's unwillingness to adhere to the policies was to stop the progress for pictorial health warnings on cigarette boxes; they ave opted to sue countries under bilateral investment treaties that claim the warning is intruding in their branding.

The world No Tobacco Day 2012 is a platform to train policy-makers and the public of these harmfull tactics, and throughout the following year, WHO will advocate countries to put the fight against tobacco industry on centre stage to have a better control on the epidemic.

Facts:

• Tobacco use is one of the leading preventable causes of death.
• 6 million people die each year due to the global tobacco epidemic.
• Of which 600,000 will die from second hand smoke.
• If the tobacco epidemic continues, by 2030 it will kill 8 million people globally.

 

Read more:

World Health Organization Campaign

98% Success Rate Program For Smoking Cessation

SmartControl technology helps provide controlled release of therapeutic nicotine for 24 hours

*This article was extracted from Neoplasia, National Cancer Council 02/2012 buletin.

Basis Band The Health Monitoring Gadget



Heart rate without a chest strap



This gadget just looks like an ordinary watch, but it's functions differently. Multiple sensors tacked to the bottom of the device to track your daily heart rate, caloric burn, physical activity, and sleep patterns.

Basis Science, Inc made the band lightweight and waterproof to encourage users to wear the device 24/7.

All the information you receive is customized based on your data by our science team’s sophisticated algorithms.

All your personal and health information are keept safely. You are in control of your data, so you decide what to share — or whether to share. 

Sleep well

Right posture helps for better sleep

Every single people has a natural rhythm that determines how much sleep they need. Recently, doctors and mattress maker found that getting the right amount of sleep can fight illness, make people feel better. An adult should need 8 hours sleeping in average. But, it doesn't mean you'll get up well in the morning.

Even sleep posture can leave you achy if you’re not properly positioned.

The Mayo Clinic says that simple changes in sleep position can take strain off your back. If you’re a side sleeper, use a pillow that keeps your spine aligned by supporting your head so that your neck isn’t held at an awkward angle. Also, when you lie on your side, your top knee drops, pulling down on your back, so place a pillow between your knees to stay aligned.

Back sleepers can place a pillow under the knees to open up the joint spaces in the spine. If possible, avoid sleeping on your stomach because it creates neck strain.

Reads more:
Sleep Well, Sleep Deep: How Sleeping Well Can Change Your Life
Sleep Apnea Treatment Guide

How To Boost Metabolism, Eliminates Fat

Metabolism works differently in every person. Increasing metabolism is great to eliminate fat and at the same time you will feel more energetic. There are many ways we can do. You may start to practice the following:

1. Eat foods that actually help burning the fat away: Some fruits and vegetables will require your body to consume more calories to digest it. Among the best foods to do these are:

• Watermelon
• Apples
• Broccoli
• Spinach, etc.

2.  Physical activities is another great way to improve your metabolism. Here's some prooven exercises you may try:

• Weight lifting: It's not necessary for you to lift a heavy things, just to make your muscle work out.
• Squats: This is the most important weight training exercise because it works your whole body, not just your legs.
• Strength training: Muscle building exercises, help breakdown fat and increase body fitness as lean muscle burns more calories than fatty tissue.
• Cardiovascular exercise: Running, biking, hiking, brisk walking or even jumping on a trampoline.

3. Drink enough plain water: Eliminate toxins, hold back your appetite and helps get rid of the fat and  accelerate your metabolism.

4. Never skip your breakfast: Never forget the goodness of legumes, grains, nuts, cheese and fresh fruits.

14 Days To A Sexy New Body Diet Solution: Click Here!
Why Suffering: Stop diet, start eating and start living...

How To Get A Hollywood Celebrity’s Abs

Most celebrities seem to have a great life. Even that type of body which just makes us wonder exactly how they are able to do it all. Sure, it requires a tremendous amount of effort, which almost of you thought unable to do so.

These techniques for training and nutrition have been slightly modified so that you will not necessarily need to spend a great fortune. These are also natural methods for getting those six pack abs.

Firstly, you must understand though that you already have six pack abs but you simply just cannot see them through all the layer of fat. Your objective now is to lower the levels of body fat and buildup your muscles to leaner size.

Here's some great trick how to get your dream body shape:

• increases your metabolic rate
• stop taking all those ridiculous junk food
• choose all organic fruits, vegetables and lean protein
• consume less of the refined carbohydrates
• eat more of the whole wheat bread and pasta
• take more protien or protien suppliment
• consume lesser sugar
• use monounsaturated fat like olive oil when cooking

But, it's not so easy to work up. Much more things you need to know before you get started. A great way to learn more of the trade secrets of Hollywood star-like bodies is by reading the Truth About Abs. Read the Truth About Abs review which offer great detail about what this product has to offer and how it can help turn your fitness around.

Eat like vegetarian

Consuming more fresh fruit and vegetables are mostly adviced. Either eaten fresh raw or cooked.

Eating lots of different colored vegetables and fruits increases your intake of phytonutrients, plant-based nutrients and compounds that are believed to help fend off chronic illnesses ranging from cancer to arthritis -- and potentially help slow down aging itself.

Adding four serving of fruit and five serving of vegetables shall good enough to make your stomach feel full untill the next meal. The fiber are good for metabolism and best to keept you in shape.The serving size is just nice. One serving mean it's about one ordinary cup.

If you're searching ways to increase your enjoyment of fruits and veggies, try these:

• Put other vegetables in addition to lettuce and tomato in your sandwiches
• Adding sautéed vegetables to omelets
• Toss steamed vegetables into pasta
• Add fresh fruit to cereal
• Add fruit to green salads
• Serve grilled fruit on skewers for dessert

There are more and more ways you can do even to make juice from carrot, cucumber, celeries, tomato, lemon and ect.

Tips for meat eater

EWG meat eater guide.

Kari Hamershlag, EWG Senior Analyst, reports most Americans, especially kids, consume much more meat than vegetables. The report says, young children eat more than three times the recommended amount of protein, mostly from meat.

From 1971 to 2010, worldwide production of meat tripled to around 600 billion pounds while global population grew by just 81 percent (US Census Bureau, International Data Base). At this rate, production will double by 2050 to approximately 1.2 trillion pounds of meat per year.

Producing all this meat and dairy requires large amounts of pesticides, chemical fertilizer, fuel, feed and water – takes a toll on our health, the environment, climate and animal welfare. generates greenhouse gases and large amounts of toxic manure and wastewater that pollute groundwater, rivers, streams and, ultimately, the ocean.

Eating large quantities of beef and processed meats increases your exposure to toxins and is linked to higher rates of health problems, including heart disease, cancer and obesity.

Environmental Working Group has came out with their Meat Eater's Guide. Great information and tips for greener diet and reduce climate and environment impacts.

Here's the helpfull tips for meat eaters:

• Eat less meat and dairy. Eat less meat and chease on Monday and make meat a side dish, not a main course on the othe 2 days.
• Eat greanner meat. Check the labeling and look for grass fed or pasture-raised meat,
  no antibiotics or hormones, certified organic, certified humane, unprocessed and nitrite-free and low-sodium.
• Eat more vegetable.
• Eat lower fat dairy product.

 

Bike riding to shape up

Bike riding is great way to shape up by burning up to 500 calories per hour. It’s also an efficient way to burn excess calories, shed body fat and improve cardiovascular health. The motion of bicycling, especially uphill and high intensity cycling, is a great way to develop muscle and burn fat.

Bicycling also works to strengthen the core region of the body, the abdominal and back muscles. The beauty of developing more muscle is that it not only makes the body look leaner and stronger, but it raises the resting metabolic rate.

Choosing the right bicycle is not so easy. It actually get more complicated each year as the bicycle's technology keep improving. The first thing you have to determine is the type of bicycle that is right for your needs.

In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories:

• Road and Racing Bikes--As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels, and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain.
• Mountain Bikes--With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing, and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike--even one that you use regularly on trails--adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine.
• Comfort/Cruiser Bikes--For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family.

A bike's price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability.

• Entry-level--You'll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use.
• Mid-range--Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you're looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the "sweet spot." Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension.
• High-end--Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultralightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action.

Titan Fusion dual suspension all-terrain bicycle are one from many model found with good suspension system design. This all-terrain bike was constructed with a combination of durability and mobility in mind. The dual-fork suspension grips the street and the trail with confidence.

  The GMC Denali Pro Road Bike

GMC Denali Pro Road Bike (56cm Frame)

• High-quality road bike with lightweight 22-inch aluminum frame
• 16-speed Microshift drivetrain with integrated brake/shift levers
• Dual-pivot brake system helps you stop on a dime
• Aluminum rims with stainless-steel spokes; 700c x 25 tires
• Recommended height range of 5' 9" to 6' 1"

GMC Denali Pro road bike, the little brother to the popular Denali LTD. Built with the same pride and attention to detail as GMC trucks, the Denali Pro features a high-quality, handcrafted, lightweight 22-inch aluminum frame that delivers a stiff, responsive ride. The 16-speed Microshift drivetrain, meanwhile, is equipped with integrated brake/shift levers, so you can both brake and shift without moving your hands from the handlebar. The dual-pivot brake system, the bike stops on a dime should the terrain get rough. Other features include aluminum rims with stainless-steel spokes, 700c x 25 tires, an alloy crank, and a steel fork. The recommended height range of the Denali Pro is 5' 9" to 6' 1", and the standover height is 31.5 inches.

Available on Amazon for $249.99

Takara Kabuto Single Speed Road Bike

Takara Kabuto Single Speed Road Bike

The Kabuto is all about keeping things simple and getting it done without breaking the bank. At the heart of the Kabuto you-Feetll find a strong hand crafted steel frame with horizontal dropouts that can handle the abuse of the big city. City riders told us that they didn-Feett need derailleur-Feets so we listened and outfitted the Kabuto with a flip flop bug so you can run it as a fixed gear or in standard freewheel single speed mode without having to worry about adjustments to temperamental components. The 32 hole alloy wheels roll on loud Kenda 700 x 32 tires that are capable of withstanding less than perfect roads. Front and rear alloy side pull brakes round out this spectacular model. 

 

Available on Amazon for $229.99 

 

Diamondback Clarity 1 Women's Performance Hybrid Bike

The Clarity 1 combines the best features of hybrids and road bikes.

Combining the comfort of a hybrid with the performance of a road bike, the Diamondback Clarity 1 women's performance hybrid bike is a terrific choice for commuting or getting in shape. The Clarity 1 is equipped with a heat-treated aluminum frame and an integrated aluminum aero straight-blade fork, giving this bike a platform that rides as fast as it looks. The bike's Shimano shifters and derailleurs, meanwhile, allow you to snap through the gears while you sail through the city. Add in a set of double-wall rims and you have a bike that delivers incredible performance at a practical price.

 Specification:

• Frame: Clarity 6061-T6 butted aluminum performance hybrid with formed/hooded top tube, integrated head tube, DB snake stays, replaceable derailleur hanger, and water bottle mounts
• Fork: Clarity integrated Aero Alloy straight blade
• Rear shock: N/A
• Cranks: Suntour XCT-V2 with chain guard, 28/38/48t
• Bottom bracket: Sealed cartridge
• Front derailleur: Microshift M22
• Rear derailleur: Shimano Altus
• Shifter: Shimano EF-50 7-speed
• Brake levers: Shimano EF-50
• Brakes: Alloy linear
• Gear: Shimano HG30, 7-speed cassette (11-28t)
• Rims: 32H Weinmann ZAC-19, double wall
• Tires: Kenda Kwick Trax 700 x 32c
• Pedals: DB toe-clip-compatible platform
• Handlebar: DB 31.8mm low-rise alloy
• Stem: DB 3D forged 7A, 31.8mm
• Seatpost: Alloy micro adjust, 27.2mm
• Seat: DB women's-specific Devine performance hybrid with gel
• Headset: Integrated "Cane Creek" size drop-in ACB, 1-1/8 inches
• Colors: Quartz white metallic
• Chain: Integrated "Cane Creek" size drop-in ACB, 1-1/8 inches
• Hubset: 32H alloy QR (front), 32H alloy QR cassette (rear)
• Spokes: Black 14g stainless steel
• Grips: Devine Ergo 3D comfort
• Extras: Chainstay protector, water bottle mounts, clear coat, owner's manual
• Warranties: Lifetime on the frame, 5 years on the fork, 1 year on components, 1 year on labor for the frame, 30 days on labor for parts 

Available on Amazon at $349.99

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May is National Bike Month





All bike on SALE. Click photo to check out offers.

The League of American Bicyclists is the national sponsor of Bike Month, and this year Bike to Work Week is May 16-20 and Bike to Work Day is Friday, May 20.

Bicycling is good for you because definetly it can burn your calories. This is great if you're looking to lose weight. Another reason why bicycling is good excercise is that your body has several moving parts when you riding.

Bicycle is a vehicle and you're share the traffic environment with other kind of transportation. Here's some good safety tips to look over:

• Always wear a helmet
• Obey all traffic controls
• Ride your bicycle near the right-hand edge of the road
• Never carry another person on your bicycle
• Always use hand signals when turning or stopping
• Look out for cars at cross street, driveways, and parking places
• Be careful when checking traffic and don't swerve when looking over your shoulder
• Give pedestrians the right-of-way
• Keep your bicycle in good condition
• Always ride carefully

Now is the right time for you to spot and buy one for your kid or keep one for your self. Enjoy your riding along the Bike Month and benefit a good health. Happy riding.

 



Great Biz With Brazil's Huge Appertite



Photo: Healthy food and beverage



Despite the global economic downturn experienced in late 2008 into 2009, the Brazilian food and beverage market has not lost its attractiveness due to its large, dynamic and very competitive market with a population of more than 192.65 million people.

In 2009, imports of food and beverage from Malaysia amounted to US$80.00 million. As a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Brazil subscribes to the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) and to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) Codex Alimentarius Commission (CODEX) food standards and principles. Although numerous agencies and Ministries have jurisdiction in safeguarding the Brazilian food supply and regulating imports of agricultural commodities and foods, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA) and the Ministry of Health (MS) through its National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) are the primary regulators of food products.

MATRADE is the best business directory for Malaysian exporter with superior quality products. As the official board, they always ensure all the product and services at the top priority.

The Obesity Master Gene



Photo by: Thermogenic Fat Burning Cofee



LONDON - Scientists have found that a gene linked to diabetes and cholesterol is a "master switch" that controls other genes found in fat in the body, and say it should help in the search for treatments for obesity-related diseases.

In a study published in the journal Nature Genetics, the British researchers said that since fat plays an important role in peoples' susceptibility to metabolic diseases like obesity, heart disease and diabetes, the regulating gene could be target for drugs to treat such illnesses.

"This is the first major study that shows how small changes in one master regulator gene can cause a cascade of other metabolic effects in other genes," said Tim Spector of King's College London, who led the study.

More than half a billion people, or one in 10 adults worldwide, are obese and the numbers have doubled since the 1980s as the obesity epidemic has spilled over from wealthy into poorer nations.

In the United States, obesity-related diseases already account for nearly 10 percent of medical spending -- an estimated $147 billion a year.

Type 2 diabetes, which is often linked to poor diet and lack of exercise, is also reaching epidemic levels worldwide as rates of obesity rise.

Scientists have already identified a gene called KLF14 as being linked to type 2 diabetes and cholesterol levels, but until now they did know what role it played.

Spector's team analyzed more than 20,000 genes in fat samples taken from under the skin of 800 British female twin volunteers. They found a link between the KLF14 gene and the levels of many other distant genes found in fat tissue, showing that KLF14 acts as a master switch to control these genes.

They then confirmed their findings in 600 fat samples from a separate group of people from Iceland.

In a report of their study, the researchers explained that other genes found to be controlled by KLF14 are linked to a range of metabolic traits, including body mass index, obesity, cholesterol, insulin and glucose levels.

"KLF14 seems to act as a master switch controlling processes that connect changes in the behavior of subcutaneous fat to disturbances in muscle and liver that contribute to diabetes and other conditions," said Mark McCarthy from Britain's Oxford University, who also worked on the study.

"We are working hard...to understand these processes and how we can use this information to improve treatment of these conditions."

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