The Alcohol-Cancer Connection in Europe

Alcohol may be widely available and wildly popular, but the link between excessive drinking and cancer risk is undeniable: Almost 10 percent of all cancers in men and 3.0 percent in women in western Europe are caused by people drinking too much alcohol.

Evidence from France, Italy, Spain, Britain, the Netherlands, Greece, Germany, and Denmark found that 50,400 out of a total of 79,100 cases of certain types of cancers – including bowel and throat tumors – in 2008 were caused by people drinking more than the recommended limits of two drinks per day in men and one drink per day in women. Even more cancer cases would be prevented if people drank less than the recommended guidelines or didn’t drink at all, added the researchers. The study was published in the British Medical Journal.

A standard drink contains about 12 grams of alcohol and is equivalent to one 125 milliliter (ml) glass of wine or a half pint of beer, writes Fox News.

So at the very least, it’s good to stay within the recommended limits of drinking. To get started (moderately!), check out these healthy twists on your favorite cocktails.

4 Ways To Get Support From Your Woman Without Feeling Like A Big Wimp

  #1: Be honest and real.

  Your reasons for keeping it a secret from your partner that you're struggling may be well-intentioned.

You might not want to "dump" on her. You may not want her to worry about something that involves her as well. You might not want her to see you like this. You may be worried that she'll be turned off if you show what you see as a weakness.

These concerns that you have are valid, but they aren't necessarily accurate. You don't really know how your woman will respond to your need for support...until you ask for it and receive it.

When you do open up to her about how you're really doing, don't apologize. Be honest and keep it real. Stick with the facts about what is going on and also how you are feeling about that.

#2: Take responsibility for your role. It's not going to help you move through this challenge and it's not going to help your partner to better support you if you blame all of the situation on someone or something else.

Yes, of course, there are probably all kinds of things (and people) who have contributed to this difficulty, but they aren't usually the key to the improvement you seek.

Own your share in whatever is going on. If you can't see what that is, take some time and open up to seeing that.

When you do this, what you're probably going to discover is that you're not as helpless and the situation is not as hopeless as it once seemed to be. When you take responsibility for your role, you can also start to identify some actions you can take to possibly turn things around.

#3: Be specific and clear about the support that would help. As you get a little more comfortable with your partner giving you support, be sure you help her know what would be of most benefit to you.

You might need her to spend more time with you-- listening to you, giving you her opinion, just quietly holding you or maybe even doing something fun together.

Instead, you may require more time by yourself than you normally take. Giving you space-- and understanding that this isn't about her-- can also be a way that your woman supports you.

Take the time to ask yourself the question, "What do I need right now?" Then, if there's something concrete and specific that your woman can do to help with that, ask her if she's willing.

#4: Receive and appreciate what she gives. 
Keep encouraging yourself to open up and receive the support that your partner is giving to you. If you haven't been clear about the kind of support that you need, she might be trying to help you, but it's not what you want.

As difficult and stressed out as you may feel, at least acknowledge that you've got this person in your life who loves you and who is trying-- as best as she can-- to help you.

Appreciate what she is trying to do to help you and, if necessary, be specific (give examples) about what you really want right now.

How to Balance Mind, Body and Spirit

Total wellbeing involves balancing your mind, body & spirit. This will not only boost your mood, but it can also help your body heal itself. Just taking a few minutes throughout the day to unify ourselves can provide peace and happiness to all aspects of our lives.

Instructions

1. Develop a yoga practice. Find a yoga class in your area and learn yoga postures that will help keep your body and mind in balance. 
2. Get a massage at least once a month. Being aware of your muscles and releasing the tension in them will help keep your mind and spirit balanced.
3. Meditate to help lower the stress in your brain. Scientific studies show those who meditate can shift their brain waves to combat stress, fear, anxiety and mild depression. Find a yoga class in your area, and your instructor may show you some meditative techniques.
4. Sleep at least 8 hours each night. The body heals itself while you're sleeping; detoxifying and rejuvenation occurs during your sleeping hours.
5. Change your diet to reflect your new healthy outlook. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and water will heal your body from the inside out.
6. Declutter your home. Many times, the clutter in your home can reflect the clutter in your mind and cause stress in your life.

Tips & Warnings

• Making positive changes in all aspects of your life can help balance your mind, body and spirit.

• Avoid processed foods & foods with artificial ingredients.

Tooth Alert: Are Cavities Contagious?

Turns out, you can spread cavity-causing bacteria — especially to young kids. Here's how to protect your family's pearly whites.

Colds, chickenpox, and even yawns are contagious. But did you know that cavities can be catchy too ??
Despite your mother’s finger-wagging, sugar-laden candy bars aren’t the only cause of cavities. Tooth decay actually results when bacteria in your mouth feed on food debris (starchy, sticky foods are a primary culprit) and produce acid as a byproduct. This mix of food, acid, saliva, and germs clings to your teeth as a filmy substance called plaque, which can erode teeth enamel and cause cavities to form.
No matter what you eat, cavities won't form without the help of such bacteria. These germs can spread from mouth to mouth via shared food and utensils, sneezing, kissing, and more, according to Edward “Trey” Wilson, DDS, a dentist in private practice in New York City and New Hope, Pa. — making cavities contagious

Here are Wilson's tips for preventing cavity spread in your family:

1. Go to the dentist. Nearly half of adults skipped the dentist in 2009, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But to keep from passing on a cavity, your first step should be to schedule a dental check-up. “Every adult needs to be screened for tooth decay,” says Wilson. While warning signs such as tooth sensitivity, pain, or visible holes in teeth are cavity clues, one of the biggest mistakes patients make is to avoid the dentist until they’re in pain. Regular cleanings (every six months) can help prevent decay from turning into cavities and reduce levels of cavity-causing (and cavity-spreading) bacteria in your mouth. According to CDC data, 23 percent of adults have untreated cavities.
2. Use a heavy-duty mouth rinse. If a cavity has formed, you’ll need a filling. But for early-stage decay, your dentist can prescribe mouth rinse with chlorhexidine, a powerful antiseptic that fights off bacteria and can prevent decay from developing into cavities.
3. Chew sugar-free gum between meals. Pick a brand with the artificial sweetener xylitol, and chew it three times a day for at least five minutes, Wilson advises. Xylitol boosts saliva production, which helps fight off bad bacteria.
4. Don’t overshare. If you have young kids, avoid sharing utensils with them or tasting food before serving it to them. Cover your mouth when you sneeze, and if you’re really concerned, “maybe kiss your kid on the cheek instead of the lips,” says Wilson.
5. Be a good dental patient. This time, heed the hygienist’s advice: Brush frequently (in the morning, at night, and after meals), floss daily, and put a cap on sugary drinks and snacks — and instill the same tooth-friendly habits in your kids. With infants, clean your baby's teeth with a soft cloth or gauze pad as soon as they start to come in; you can switch to a soft toothbrush when more teeth emerge.
6. Forgo fancy water. You may also want to consider switching your family from bottled water to tap. Most tap water contains fluoride, which helps teeth build up resistance to plaque

15 WAYS TO LOOK BEAUTIFUL INSTANTLY

1. Fresh and wild

To quickly brighten tired-looking eyes, dont just apply concealer over dark circles. Take in the inner corners of the upper eyelid too, where theres usually dark discolouration. Then blend down to the corners of the nose and out towards the cheeks until it fades in.

2. Sparkly shimmer

To perk up olive or dark skin, I mix Stila All Over Shimmer Liquid Luminizer, with concealer to instantly obliterate any dark, undereye shadows.

3. Brilliant blush

A rosy blush right on the apples of the cheeks makes washed-out skin look healthy. Blusher wears off quickly so use a densely pigmented powder blush to lock in that glow. My favourite is Bourjois Blusher,  in Cendre de Roses Brune.

4. High brow

Shapely brows act like a mini face-lift. To get that definition instantly, I use Models Prefer Automatic Eyebrow Pencil, (taupe suits most complexions) to fill in brows and enhance the shape, even without plucking.

5.Luscious luminiser

To create a glamorous, glossy effect in seconds, I apply Revlon Skinlights Lotion, a luminising product over the eyelids. It makes the eyes really stand out.

6. Fast and furious

To freshen up your make-up fast, whisk a cleansing wipe over your face, then apply Stila Petal Infusions Moisturiser, which leaves a matte finish so you can reapply your base right away. Leave on your original mascara and add two more coats for extra glamour.

7. What a cheek

When I work with Jennifer Lopez, I always sweep St Tropez Bronzer Powder, along the bottom of her cheekbones, then dust the highest part of the cheekbones with a loose shimmer powder. It instantly enhances the angles of the face.

8. In a fix

For a two-minute skin fix, I recommend applying The Sanctuary Warming Charcoal Detox Mask, to absorb toxins, warm the complexion and soften the skin. Katy Hill used it recently when she had flu and it worked wonders.

9. Instant boost

Just a one-minute blitz of facial exfoliation dramatically improves the look of the skin by getting rid of dead skin cells and boosting blood flow. Sarah Manners says Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, totally transforms her skin.

10. Lift-me-up

To add a perky sheen to a tired complexion, I use Almay Glow Healthy Skin Brightener, pounds as an all-over base under foundation. Lisa Snowdon really loves it because it makes her skin look radiant all day.

11. Super serum

For instant skin rejuvenation, apply a skin serum to the tips of the fingers and pitter- patter it all over the face. It brings blood to the top layers of the skin to warm the complexion. Lisa Faulkner uses Elemis Skin Bliss Capsules.

12. Smooth operator

To seriously hydrate dry-looking skin, apply a product containing hyaluron this plumps out lines in seconds. Lisa B and Samantha Mumba use Vita Liberata Daily Skin Firm Serum, for an instantly smoother complexion.

13. Pucker up, buttercup

The quickest way to brighten up your face is to slick on a shiny lipgloss. It diffuses light and makes the lips look fuller. The Models Prefer Pucker Up Lipstick Collection, has soft shades that make lips look younger.

14. Blushing babe

A cream blush with a shimmery finish quickly brings a face to life. When I work with Jamelia, I apply Maybelline New York Dream Mousse Blush in Dolly Pink, on her cheeks, then dab a little under the brows as well to lift her eyes.

15. Perfect pout

A ballet-slipperpink lipgloss immediately makes the whole face look softer, prettier and younger. Try BeneFit The Gloss in Thigh Highs.  If you need more definition on your lips than gloss alone, just add the pink on top of a brown-toned lipstick. It makes all the difference.

How to Exercise the Brain

The brain, just like your body, needs exercise to thrive. A brain that is given a work out regularly will stay sharper as you age. To stay in good mental shape, perform these simple brain exercises on a regular basis.

Instructions

1. Try new activities. Performing activities that require the memorization of complex steps will help exercise the brain. Recommended pursuits that you can try are square dancing and chess.
2. Use your less dominant hand often. A good way to strengthen & exercise your brain is to try to focus your energies on performing tasks accurately with this hand. Use the less dominant hand to move your computer mouse or write a letter.
3. Practice Neurobics. This system was developed by a professor at Duke University as a way for a person to use their five senses in new ways on a daily basis. An example would be to listen to a thunderstorm and snap your fingers simultaneously.
4. Engage your brain. It is important to exercise your brain by completing puzzles or challenging the brain by reading a difficult classic novel.
5. Try a video game that has been designed to help exercise your brain. Brain Age by Nintendo stimulates your brain by making you solve math equations, speed count, draw pictures and read aloud.

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WATERMELON BEAUTY FACTS

The watermelon health facts and watermelon nutrition facts are much talked about but the watermelon beauty facts are little known. Yes, watermelons can play a vital role in enhancing your looks too! It can act as a natural moisturizer as it is an effective skin toner and also skin tighter.

Application of Watermelon face Packs

The best way to utilize the watermelon is to use it as a face pack, especially after a hot summer days' outing.

Watermelon Face Pack 1: Try this invigorating watermelon face pack to give your face the cool, clean and youthful look. Take one cup of watermelon pulp and apply on face and neck. Rinse face and neck after 15 minutes. Your skin becomes soft and supple.

Watermelon Face Pack 2 - ‘For sunburns and suntans’: Prepare a watermelon and cucumber face pack by mixing equal proportions of watermelon and cucumber pulp and leave it on your face for twenty minutes.

This face pack heals the sunburns and lightens your complexion.

Watermelon Face Pack 3 – ‘Cleanser’: Dust and pollution closes the pores of your skin and makes it look dull and dark. Just rub watermelon and mint leaves frozen into ice cubes all over the face to open the pores. Your face will be fresh and clean in no time.

Watermelon Face Pack 4 – ‘Grated Watermelon Scrub’: Squeeze out the juice from grated watermelon and mix with a pinch of gram flour. Apply the paste on the face and leave it for fifteen minutes. The pulp is an excellent scrub and leaves your skin glowing!

Yes, watermelon is the perfect solution to your beauty aspirations!

Easy Ways to Get Protein

Eating vegetarian meals doesn't have to mean missing out on filling, protein-rich foods. By having healthy combination of grains and legumes, you can get the protein your body needs.

Most people know that meat, poultry, and fish are excellent sources of protein. If you’re considering no longer eating meat and possibly dairy products, you might worry that you won’t get enough protein in a typical vegetarian meal.

But there’s no need to be concerned, explains Andrea N. Giancoli, MPH, RD, a nutritionist in Los Angeles and a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. “Luckily for vegetarians,” Giancoli says, “protein is very easy to obtain with a balanced diet and good food choices.”

According to the U.S. Institute of Medicine’s Food and Nutrition Board, the average adult needs about 0.36 grams of protein for every pound of body weight — that’s about 43 grams of protein daily for a 120-pound woman and about 58 grams for a 160-pound man. Consuming more protein than that is not necessarily better and eating lots of red, fatty meat can contribute to health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disorders, colon and liver cancer, and osteoporosis. Even athletes don’t need that much extra protein compared to people who are weekend warriors.

But when you’re cutting out traditional foods with protein, including milk and yogurt, you need to make up for it with protein alternatives.

Some dairy foods are complete proteins — eggs, milk, yogurt, and cheese. However, vegans and some vegetarians won’t eat dairy products because they come from animals. If you don’t eat dairy, you’ll need to get your protein from plant sources. “In the plant world, soy is considered a complete protein,” says Giancoli. “That’s why you hear about vegetarians eating a lot of soy products — tofu, edamame, soy milk, and others.”

If you’re allergic to soy or just don’t like the taste, you still have other options for making a healthy vegetarian meal. Most plant foods, including grains, nuts, and legumes (beans), contain some amount of essential amino acids. But because they are not complete, you should pair certain foods together to cover your bases and get all of the essential amino acids you need in one vegetarian dish.