• Home
• About

Subscribe

Q&A With Dan Ronco

Daphne Hayden, DNS News Anchor, interviews Dan Ronco in 2012 regarding Unholy Domain, his visionary novel. Ms. Hayden appears as herself in both PeaceMaker and Unholy Domain.

DAPHNE HAYDEN: I’ve found your biography online at Dan Ronco, and I know you have not one, but three degrees: Chemical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering and Computer Science. Why so many?

DAN RONCO: It’s my nature. I’m never satisfied, always looking for the next challenge. My career has been like that, too. First I designed nuclear reactors, next I became a Partner in a huge accounting and IT consulting firm, then President of a small software company and finally a General Manager with Microsoft.

DAPHNE HAYDEN: So how did you go from technology guru to writing a novel?

DAN RONCO: After more than two decades in the IT business, I felt that it was time to do something else. Although I loved working at Microsoft, 70 hour weeks and heavy travel take a toll. Besides, I had been thinking about writing a novel for years, but hadn’t made much progress. It was time to choose. So I left my job and concentrated on writing.

DAPHNE HAYDEN: You’re much better looking in person. Trash that photo on the cover of Unholy Domain.

DAN RONCO: Well, I was trying to look author-ish. Guess it didn’t work.

DAPHNE HAYDEN: In your first novel, set in 2012, PeaceMaker a Windows-like operating system is infected with an intelligent virus, leading to a shutdown of computers across the globe. With Windows computers so widely used, could this really happen?

DAN RONCO: Software terrorism is already a threat, and it will grow over time. Every time a new virus attacks Windows, someone has to detect and report the problem, programmers have to develop and distribute a fix, and millions of users have to apply the fix. A relatively slow process, but it works as long as the virus isn’t too destructive, doesn’t spread too fast (or secretly) and doesn’t evolve too rapidly (the fix won’t work if the virus can change tactics). In PeaceMaker, I envisioned a fictional virus attack that exceeded these parameters. At some point within the next decade, a terrorist may be capable of launching such a sophisticated attack.

DAPHNE HAYDEN: PeaceMaker and Unholy Domain have been touted as the first two books of an anti-technology trilogy. Is that true? What are the books about?

DAN RONCO: My stories dramatize the question: how much technology is too much? The first novel, as you know, illustrates the consequences of a runaway, lethal computer virus. My new novel, Unholy Domain, set in 2022, considers the meaning of being human as artificial intelligence begins to approach human intelligence. It takes a hard look at what I believe will be accelerating conflict between science and religion. The last book of the trilogy, set in 2025 and tentatively titled Tomorrow’s Children, considers the risks and benefits of genetic engineering.

DAPHNE HAYDEN: You didn’t really answer my question. Don’t your books warn against the continuing growth of technology?

DAN RONCO: It’s clear to me that the exponential growth in technology over the next two, three decades will bring incredible change to our society, possibly beyond our ability to cope. Whether that’s anti-technology, well, I’ll leave it for the reader to decide.

DAPHNE HAYDEN: Scientists and the clergy are already in conflict over issues such as evolution, homosexuality and abortion. You believe it will get worse?

DAN RONCO: Without a doubt. Consider a few emerging issues. Should we enhance capabilities such as intelligence, athletic ability, beauty or health through gene manipulation or artificial components? If so, who gets the enhancements? Should human cloning be permitted? Should an intelligent robot have the same rights as a human? Does God care if we evolve into a new species? Should we allow artificial intelligence to approach and possibly surpass human intelligence? These issues will shake the foundation of organized religion as never before.

DAPHNE HAYDEN: I see what you mean. Complex issues, no easy solutions. Must the novels be read in chronological sequence? Do you have to be an engineer to understand the technology in the novels?

DAN RONCO: First and foremost, I wrote the novels to entertain a reader who enjoys thrillers or science fiction. If you can use a computer, you will have no problem with the technology in my stories. Although the novels are all consistent with each other, each is a self-contained story. You can read them in any sequence, so just start with the one that most appeals to you.

DAPHNE HAYDEN: How long did it take to write your novels?

DAN RONCO: Including research, I have been working on the trilogy for about eight years. Not full-time, but I try to write three to four hours per day on average. Tomorrow’s Children will be complete in a few months, so I have dedicated a big chunk of my life to this work.

DAPHNE HAYDEN: What lessons have you learned as a writer, and what changes would you make if you could start over?

DAN RONCO: When I started, I had no idea how difficult it is to write well. I thought that once you had the concept for the story, the words would just tumble out of your mind onto the page. Man, was I wrong. Every word in your story must have a reason to be present, and it must convey the right shade of meaning. Extremely difficult, but what a feeling of satisfaction when you get it right.

DAPHNE HAYDEN: The women in your novels are highly unusual to say the least.

DAN RONCO: I knew we were going to get into this.

DAPHNE HAYDEN: Don’t get alarmed, I think it’s a good thing. Your female characters are beautiful, smart, tough and physically strong. I particularly like Darlene Duboski, DoubleD as you call her. How did you come up with this amazing woman?

DAN RONCO: DoubleD isn’t really that unusual, if you think about it. She’s the culmination of a long-term evolution. Today’s females are bigger and more athletic than previous generations. Go to any workout facility and what do you see? Plenty of women. And not just doing aerobics, either. Pumping iron, pushups, building their strength against all manner of exercise machines. They’re dropping baby fat and showing off lean, hard muscles. Not that they are becoming bodybuilders (although some do), but they are not the women of your mother’s generation either.

Drive around town and you’ll certainly come across a jogger. What’s the gender most of the time? And she’s probably setting a fast pace, too.

Muscles are no longer solely a masculine domain. Check out the ladies playing basketball or tennis, let alone the boxers. Not a wimp in the bunch. Title IX has opened the door for women to excel at sports, and they are succeeding. You want to see Serena Williams or Mary Pierce getting ready to serve a cannonball at you? I don’t. That doesn’t mean today’s women aren’t as beautiful or sexy as previous generations. I think they look better, actually, with their lean, athletic figures.

DoubleD — and many of my female characters — are based upon this new model of femininity. They are just as tough and smart as the men, and they don’t take a backseat to anyone. Damn sexy, too.

DAPHNE HAYDEN: Kudos to you! I couldn’t agree more.

Dan Ronco’s expertise in engineering and computer science infuses his fast-paced techno-thriller Unholy Domain with detail and authenticity. His second novel, it warns of the looming clash between religion and advanced science. Visit Dan Ronco.

The Many Causes Of Hair Loss In Women

Hair loss in women is most often very gradual and is more easily affected by hormonal changes, medical conditions, and external factors. Hair loss in women is no less distressing than in men. In fact many women become very self conscious about their thinning hair and can very uncomfortable in the presence of others.

Around two thirds of women have some type of hair loss at one point or another in their lives. Unlike men, women do not usually go bald. More often women’s hair loss is limited to the thinning of the hair especially around the crown area. A receding hair line is rare in women. Thinning for most women usually appears around middle age, which is when most women begin to produce less estrogen. However, thinning hair can begin for some women at a much younger age. It usually starts with the hair follicle becoming thinner, revealing more skin. Then the hair will begin to fall out at a rate that is higher than one hundred strands a day (fifty to one hundred is typical hair loss).

Reasons for hair loss include physical, emotional, and genetic conditions. Hair loss can occur from many common causes that most women do not even think of. The causes are varied and can depend on many factors. Here are some of the more common factors so you can identify what may be causing your hair loss.

The most common is stress. The number of women who suffer from stress and hair loss is growing. Our daily lives are full of stressful activities concerning the job, the home, family, friends and relatives. Stress leads to various health conditions which cause hair loss. Traumatic events such as surgery, death of a family member, divorce, or shock after an accident, can cause female hair loss.

Also, taking a new medication, such as high blood pressure medications, birth control pills, antidepressants, and blood thinners, may make your hair fall out as well, so if it is three months after you started taking these pills (three month is how long it will take for you to notice a major change) and your hair is falling out you may want to call your doctor.

Along with stress and medication, another reason for hair loss could include: poor diet, sudden weight loss, lack of proper nutrition, iron deficiency, vitamin deficiency, thyroid imbalance, major illness, chemotherapy, ringworm, and some fungal infections.

Hormonal changes in the body are a common cause of hair loss for women, such as the increase of testosterone occuring during menopause. Progesterone is another hormone that precisely targets the hair during menopause. Progesterone levels decrease due to the lack of ovulation in the female body. It compensates by producing extra androstenedione, which prevents hair growth. Usually hair will return to its original thickness following menopause.

Coming off birth control pills and pregnancy can cause hair loss. Women may experience hair loss 2-3 months after having a baby.

Harsh hair treatment such as pulling with brushes, tight braiding and styling with irons and straighteners can be a cause of female thinning hair. Thinning hair can also be the result of chemicals in certain styling products.

Finding what has caused your hair loss will greatly increase your chances of finding the right treatments to help re-grow your hair.

If you would like to read more about the causes and treatments for women’s hair loss make sure to visit Women’s Health-Hair Loss.

The First Lady Sings

For some it will be a date to note in their diaries and one on which they will undoubtedly rush out in anticipation to the record stores. For others it will quite possibly be time to clap their hands over their ears in an attempt to protect their hearing.

Either way for fans and detractors alike July 21 has been confirmed as the release date for Carla Bruni-Sarkozy’s new album. It will be her first since she took up residence alongside her husband, Nicolas Sarkozy, at the president’s official residence, the Elys

The Knives Are Out

The big guns within the Socialist party here in France are warming up for battle ahead of an election to choose a new leader even though that’s still over six months away.

Segolene Royal officially announced her intention to stand last Friday. And now the man many consider will be her main opponent, Bertrand Delano

Stretch Marks: A Big No!

Stretch marks are considered as the scarring of the skin without any pain. This mechanical tearing is due to the rapid growth of the body, which occurs during puberty, pregnancy, and weight gain such as in obesity cases and muscle training. These tears would appear to be red in color at first, and then it lightens into a white silvery color.

Men and women are all prone to stretch marks, but women are more particular to these ugly markings. Stretch marks are considered as the scarring of the skin without any pain. This mechanical tearing is due to the rapid growth of the body, which occurs during puberty, pregnancy, and weight gain such as in obesity cases and muscle training. These tears would appear to be red in color at first, and then it lightens into a white silvery color.

Even though our skin is elastic in nature, it does have its own limits. When rapidly and overly stretched, it does leave markings due to the dermal skin tears. Other known terms for stretch marks are the following:

• Striae Cutis Distensae

• Striae Distensae

• Striae Atrophic

• Striae Gravid Arum

• Linea Albicante

• Striae.

When the skin is experiencing progressive as well as continuous stretching, it becomes more at risk to have stretch marks. This stresses the connective tissues of the dermis layer of the skin. This action leads to unwarranted mast degranulation. Due to this degranulation, the elastin as well as the collagen is also damaged. Usually, there will be no formation of stretch marks when the dermis is resilient. However, in some cases, the dermis lacks support, which makes it vulnerable.

Stretch marks can be found anywhere on our body. Yet, it is usually found where enormous quantity of fats is located. Usually, areas for stretch marks are hips, abdomen, thighs, buttocks, upper arms, breasts as well as underarms. Thus, stretch marks have no harmful risks. However, a lot of people found its appearance quite unappealing.

There are a lot of ways to prevent stretch marks from occurring. Although there are some instances when it is unavoidable, like in the case of pregnancy, with extra care and appropriate measures, chances of stretch marks can still be lessened. Some of the ways to prevent stretch marks are by having a balanced diet that is rich in minerals and vitamins, so as not to gain weight. Another is by doing simple exercises everyday for about 30 minutes up to 1 hour. This can really help you maintain your healthy weight. Another measure is by massaging the part of the body where stretch marks are likely to appear, so as to improve the blood circulation in that area, which may, in turn, strengthen the dermal tissue. Moreover, drinking plenty of fluids can also help reduce chances of having stretch marks.

As for men who are working out in order to have bulky muscles, there are ways for them to prevent having stretch marks. One way for men, who work out, to prevent getting stretch marks are by going slow on their exercise routine. This is in order to avoid gaining body mass faster. It is also advisable to never overdose on steroids due to the fact that that they can cause stretch marks. Moreover, by adding vitamins, especially zinc, your body may reduce the chances of having stretch marks.

Thus, as mentioned above, stretch marks are sometimes unavoidable. If you already have stretch marks, there are also some ways on minimizing their appearance or to totally remove them. Although stretch marks do not pose any danger to our body, the bad thing about them is the fact that people in terms of their appearance on the body generally accept them. Imagine wearing a two-piece bathing suit with stretch marks on your abdomen. In this situation, especially for the beauty conscious and vain people, manufacturers as well as cosmetologists to solve this dilemma now create a lot of means.

Some ways of removing stretch marks are by applying creams that contains high content of Vitamin E and various natural oils. Another way is by going through a sunless tan, which can decrease the appearance of stretch marks.

As for medical treatments, one should seek the advice of a dermatologist in order to get the appropriate procedure for removing stretch marks. One course of treatment is to have several sessions of “Microdermabrasion”.

“Microdermabrasion” helps remove stretch marks by rubbing the skin’s surface where stretch marks are present. With this mechanism, it exfoliates the skin, subsequently stimulating it to form new Collagen and Elastin on the skin. This results to a smoother and clearer skin.

Another medical method would be the use of plastic surgery method known as “Tummy Tuck”. In this procedure, the skin under the navel area is removed. Thus, if you want a non-intrusive way of removing your stretch marks, laser treatment is a considerable choice. In laser treatment, beams of scattered light are targeted on the stretch marks. Just like in “Microdermabrasion”, this procedure requires several treatments. The good thing about this method is that there is no downtime.

Although having stretch marks pose no health risks, it is still your body and it is up to you to decide if you would like to eradicate it. Beauty, as they say, is skin deep. It is more of how you feel about yourself and how you look. If you are not comfortable with having stretch marks, it will always be your call to have it treated.

For more information on Stretchmark Treatments please visit our website.

Writer’s Block - Recover From The Writing Disease

Among writers, there are often arguments about writer’s block and whether it even exists. However, all writers will experience it at some stage. Here’s how to handle it.

Writer’s block manifests itself on a continuum which ranges from mild resistance to writing at one end, to the complete inability to even think about writing at the other end.

If you’re experiencing resistance to writing, it’s the mild form of writer’s block. It often happens when you’re missing a step in the writing process. For example, you may not know enough about a subject to be able to write about it with authority. Do more research, and you’ll become enthusiastic and your block vanishes.

At the extreme of the continuum, when you’re completely unable to write, it’s because your life has changed in a fundamental way and you’re highly stressed. You need to accommodate the changes, and get yourself mentally healthy enough so that you can write. With this debilitating form of writer’s block, therapy can help, because such a block is often part of depression.

We can’t deal with extreme writer’s block in a short article, but there’s a method to manage milder forms of writer’s block.

Writing Resistance - Managing your Writer’s Block

If you’re not writing, it’s important that you don’t try to confront your resistance head-on. Chances are you’ve tried that, and the more you try to write, the more you sit staring at the computer screen wondering what’s wrong with you.

Here’s a four step process which I’ve used, and have recommended to other writers. It’s worked for us, and it should work for you.

1. Don’t Write at All for a Week

The first step is acceptance. Just accept that at the moment, you can’t write, and give yourself a break from writing for a week. Put off deadlines. Write email messages, but let all your other writing go.

Think of your writer’s block as a form of writing flu. You’re sick, but you’re healing, and you’ll feel better in a week.

2. Go on a Trip, Take Your Pen

The old saying, “a change is as good as a rest” is true. On the weekend, take a trip. It can be a short trip, but go somewhere you’ve been meaning to go. If possible, go alone. Take a camera, and a notebook. You don’t have to write, but take some pictures.

3. Accept Your Fear

During this self-imposed writing drought, you’ll experience many emotions: fear, guilt, anger, and apathy. Although they’re unpleasant, these emotions are good for you - they’re a sign that you’re releasing your resistance. So don’t resist the negative emotions: allow yourself to feel them. Breathe deeply, and the surges of emotion will pass.

4. Get out of Your Head and Into Your Body

Emotions arise in your body, and trigger thoughts. Try to stay with the sensations in your body: the feeling of the emotion in your body - the tightness in your chest, the hollow pit in your stomach, the heaviness on your shoulders.

Take deep breaths, and allow the feelings to pass - don’t get caught up in your thoughts about the feelings.

When you begin to experience the surges of emotion in your body, your writer’s block is almost over. These surges are what you’ve been repressing: they form your writer’s block. There’s no way to release them except by feeling them fully, and letting them go.

At some time during the week, after the strong emotions subside, you’ll feel like writing again - you’ve recovered from the writing disease.

Want to write more? Angela Booth’s writing class, “Write More And Make More Money From Your Writing: Develop A Fast, Fun Productive Writing Process” is based on lessons she developed for her private coaching students. Her ebook “Top 70 Writing Tips To Help You To Write More” shows you how to end procrastination for good and write more.

Writing A Research Proposal Step By Step

A research proposal is a bit similar to a project proposal. Most students and researchers themselves do not know what the meaning of a research proposal is but they do know everything about its importance.

A research proposal is a document written to convince others that you have a research project and you have the work plan to complete that particular project Leaving aside the area where you are researching, the proposal must fulfill some of the questions which are unique for that proposal: Here are some of the basic components of a research proposal.

(1)What are you planning?

(2)Why do you want it to be done?

(3)Which technique will you be using?

(4)Why that specific technique?

One should take notice of the fact that the proposal that you are writing should be done in such a manner that the one who is reading that proposal should be able to understand it completely. There should be enough knowledge and information presented of the general issues taking place. The writer must step forward and take command over his or her own literature. The research thesis should only be approximately 300 words. One should also know how to frame their research question as it is one of the most difficult tasks in research

Proposal: To write a good and unique proposal you should have unique ideas and have a great level of understanding of that field. An introduction should also be written that will grab the attention of the researcher .One very important step is literature review. There are also good chances that you are writing this for a person who may already be a specialist.

Now here are some common problems that could arise while writing a Research proposal. Before writing the proposal you should think in advance about the different kinds of problems you may face while writing the proposal. Most people are caught off guard! For example, texts might be unavailable, internet sites might be down or no longer available, books may be checked out etc. The description of the proposal-is very important. The project that is being completed by us should have the details of what kind of research you will conduct to complete this project.

For example: reading, newspapers, internet engines, personal interviews, etc. Also state the significance of the proposal. You should put up in your proposal why it is worth considering and for this you will have to answer a number of questions.

What do you hope to learn from it? Who might you decide to share your findings? Will it be published some day also, the background of the proposal? .etc. You should also share your background about any previous researcher that’s been done and how did you generated interest in it.

They may ask what has led you to do more research then them. A proposal is a qualitative research A research proposal normally has a few aspects (researches) i.e., qualitative and naturalistic .etc, But here under research proposal one is the qualitative research aspect.

The purpose of this section is to introduce you to the idea of qualitative research. How it is related to quantitative research and give you some major types of qualitative research data, approaches and methods. Things to be avoided in a proposals: broad topic areas, vague descriptions and so on. These are just some of the steps to research proposal writing if one keeps in his/her mind he can prepare a winning proposal.

Learn how to write a research proposal and research paper topics.

The Correct Method Of Writing A Research Paper

Here is a quick how to guide on the research writing process. I will break it up into parts using a standard research writing method. This may not be for everyone. Certain subjects require specific information that may not be covered in this article. Overall though I think the knowledge found here will prove itself useful.

Topic: If you needed to do a research paper about stars specifically, you may also need to include information throughout about outer space in general. You’re going to have to research gravity, solar systems, planets, constellations, star types, solar systems and galaxies just to have a basic understanding of astronomy. Dealing with what has been observed opposed to theories is the best option when writing about scientific research. However, you may be asked to write about both.

Research: Now that we have decided on a topic it’s now time to do some research. A few places you can research are the library, internet, magazines, television and professionals. Now, when I say professionals I simply mean people who have hands on experience in dealing with that particular topic.

There may be a professor at your local college who may be willing to sit down and have a discussion with you. If the opportunity presents itself to speak with someone, remember to take notes. They may even be open to you recording the conversation(s). In any event make sure you document your findings so you can verify them later. If you don’t do the research about the topic you are writing about, it will show in the final draft.

Compiling Data: Assuming you have gathered all of the research required for your paper, it’s now time to review and compile it all. The best thing to do is to put everything in order for easier access. Lay everything out and review each piece to determine what you want to keep and what you want to discard of. Take notes and quote each source along the way. If you obtained a certain point out of an encyclopedia for example, make sure you have the volume and page number to go along with it.

This will make writing your draft easier and take up less time. Double check everything to make sure your sources are legitimate. You may want to go the extra mile and places some phone calls or e-mails with the sources to verify them. That way you can be confident in what you are writing is actually accurate.

Writing: We have covered choosing a topic, research and compiling our data, now it’s time to begin writing. Have a few snacks close by if you know you will be writing for a few hours. Consider this your rough draft but write it as if it were the final draft. When you write a point that requires a source, make sure you find them in your notes and list them.

The more documentation you can provide in the paper, the better it will appear. After you have completed the rough draft take some time off and relax. Once you have proofread it, make the areas of your document that you can approve upon. Make any and all revisions and proofread it again. Check for spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors and revise it once more.

When you feel you have the paper the way you want it, have others read it for feedback. You may need to revise it several times until it is complete. After all of this has been completed then you will be done with your well written research paper.

Get research paper writing tips and free research paper ideas.

Stretch Marks In Pregnancy - Avoidable Or Inevitable?

While stretch marks can affect up to 90 % of pregnant women, they are not inevitable. It is believed that there are many influencing factors including genetic history, ethnicity, skin tone, diet, the size of your baby, skin condition and how quickly you gain weight during your pregnancy.

Stretch marks will appear because of a rupture of collagen in the middle layer of your skin (the dermis) that is visible on the skin’s surface. This rupture is caused when the fibers that make up the dermis are stretched as your bump grows and eventually they will stretch too far and break. This effect is increased during pregnancy, due to the pregnancy hormonal changes that soften the collagen ligaments of the pelvis. This allows the tissue to stretch easily during childbirth which has an effect on the skin’s collagen as well.

Stretch marks can range a great deal in size varying from a few millimeters to over 8cm in length. While you’re most likely to find them on your bump, they can also appear on your breasts, bottom or thighs.

One way of helping to reduce the incidence and appearance of stretch marks, is to ensure you have a good diet that will help your skin keep healthy too. So make sure that you include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and essential fatty acids found in omega-3 in your diet. Eating foods which are high in vitamins C and E, zinc and silica have been found to help your skin stretch better. Avoiding alcohol and by drinking plenty of water will also help.

So if the key to reducing the appearance of stretch marks is to maintain the skin’s elasticity, will putting on a moisturizer or lotion help?

Pregnancy is a huge challenge for your skin, but the majority of creams are created to combat dry skin, which is not the same thing as a 30 inch stretch over 40 weeks. It is important to choose a cream or oil that has been created for that purpose and uses only pregnancy-safe ingredients.

While there is no certainty that the use of a specialized pregnancy stretch mark cream will mean “no stretch marks for you”, the action of massaging your belly can help to improve your skin’s circulation and can also help in bonding with your unborn baby - both hugely beneficial actions.

Unfortunately, just because you may have escaped having stretch marks during your first pregnancy, it doesn’t guarantee you immunity from them in a subsequent pregnancy. Between your pregnancies your skin condition may have changed in the interim and lost some of its elasticity.

It is likely that your genetic makeup is the most important single factor in determining whether or not you will avoid having stretch marks in pregnancy. But a sensible diet, with plenty of water and the use of a specialized pregnancy stretch mark cream or oil can go a long way towards helping to reduce the incidence and appearance of any stretch marks that do appear over this time.

Andrew Smith is a Director of MumsTheWord, a leading supplier of Natural and Organic pregnancy and baby products for mums to be including stretch mark creams and morning sickness remedies.

Are Your Working Habits Causing Harm To Your Health?

Most jobs in today’s society require the use of a computer. If you sit in front of a computer all day or work any job or hobby that requires your eyes to work hard, be sure to take breaks throughout your day. For soothing relief, you can use eye drops, close your eyes for a few minutes to allow them to rest, and look away to something other than what you are working on. Also, ensure that you are working with appropriate lighting, which is an oversight many people make. These are ways in which to give your eyes a much needed break. Eyestrain can cause eye problems as well as headaches.

If you have bathroom scales, you should either get rid of them or put them away for a while. Weight does not accurately reflect the level of your fitness. If you should be measuring anything, it should be body fat, not the weight.

Most people know that sunscreen is important for shoulders, backs, legs, and arms when out in the sun but there are other parts of the body that are often overlooked. When enjoying the beautiful sun, be sure to use sunscreen on your ears, slips, and even the tops of your feet as well!

A spirin versus Ibuprofen: Both of these products can help in certain situations. For example, aspirin is an analgesic, used for pain while ibuprofen is both an analgesic and anti-inflammatory. Therefore, the next time you have to deal with sore muscles after a good workout, remember that you can get some needed relief from these over the counter remedies.

Ah, the sweet taste of fresh berries! Berries are actually good for you and contain plant nutrients called anthocyanidins. These are incredible antioxidants and some have high levels of resveratrol, which helps fight heart disease and cancer. The next time you want something sweet, juicy, and good for you, reach for blueberries, grapes, or strawberries, and do not feel guilty!

Hot, spicy foods that contain curry, chilies, or other hot peppers such as cayenne, help to trigger endorphins. These hormones are what make people feel good and well balanced. In fact, endorphins are like a natural morphine that helps ease pain and provide a sense of well being. The next time you are feeling a little down or have some minor pain, try eating something spicy.

Pay attention to what you eat. With so many wonderful restaurants, trying new dishes is exciting and fun. However, several foods are responsible for up to 90% of all allergy problems. If you notice after eating certain foods you suffer from headaches, upset stomach, or other problems, make note, you could be having an allergic reaction. The foods most likely the problem include eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, shellfish, and fish. For children, the common foods include cow’s milk, soy, eggs, and wheat.

Make sure you conduct regular breast examines. This can quickly and painlessly be done during your shower or lying down when going to bed. Contact your primary physician or gynecologist for a free pamphlet showing the proper way this is done. Taking proactive steps could save your life.

If you suffer from asthma, you already know that some sports should be avoided, depending on the severity. If you have trouble on a daily basis and love sports, be encouraged to know that some sports are asthmafriendly and in fact, can be helpful in that they help make the lungs stronger. These sports include swimming, cycling, and fishing, walking, and canoeing. Again, check with your physician before getting involved with any sport if you have a health condition.

Dr. Ross is an expert on bio health and has been in the medical profession for over 18 years. Find out more about Master Cleanse

Next Page »