Thursday, July 30, 2009

Kung Fu Conditioning : Kung Fu Tiger Push Ups

Monday, July 20, 2009

Youth Suicide

Suicide (i.e., taking one's own life) is a serious public health problem that affects even young people. For youth between the ages of 10 and 24, suicide is the third leading cause of death. It results in approximately 4500 lives lost each year. The top three methods used in suicides of young people include firearm (46%), suffocation (39%), and poisoning (8%).


Deaths from youth suicide are only part of the problem. More young people survive suicide attempts than actually die. A nationwide survey of youth in grades 9-12 in public and private schools in the United States (U.S.) found that 15% of students reported seriously considering suicide, 11% reported creating a plan, and 7% reporting trying to take their own life in the 12 months preceding the survey. Each year, approximately 149,000 youth between the ages of 10 and 24 receive medical care for self-inflicted injuries at Emergency Departments across the U.S.

Suicide affects all youth, but some groups are at higher risk than others. Boys are more likely than girls to die from suicide. Of the reported suicides in the 10 to 24 age group, 83% of the deaths were males and 17% were females. Girls, however, are more likely to report attempting suicide than boys. Cultural variations in suicide rates also exist, with Native American/Alaskan Native and Hispanic youth having the highest rates of suicide-related fatalities. A nationwide survey of youth in grades 9-12 in public and private schools in the U.S. found Hispanic youth were more likely to report attempting suicide than their black and white, non-Hispanic peers.

Several factors can put a young person at risk for suicide. However, having these risk factors does not always mean that suicide will occur.


Risk factors:

  • History of previous suicide attempts
  • Family history of suicide
  • History of depression or other mental illness
  • Alcohol or drug abuse
  • Stressful life event or loss
  • Easy access to lethal methods
  • Exposure to the suicidal behavior of others
  • Incarceration

Most people are uncomfortable with the topic of suicide. Too often, victims are blamed, and their families and friends are left stigmatized. As a result, people do not communicate openly about suicide. Thus an important public health problem is left shrouded in secrecy, which limits the amount of information available to those working to prevent suicide.

The good news is that research over the last several decades has uncovered a wealth of information on the causes of suicide and on prevention strategies. Additionally, CDC is working to monitor the problem and develop programs to prevent youth suicide.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

What kinds of cherry trees are there?

The initial gift of 3,020 trees was represented by twelve varieties of which two, the Yoshino and Kwanzan, now dominate.

The Yoshino cherry tree is the predominant variety that encircles the Tidal Basin and spills north onto the Washington Monument grounds. The Yoshino trees produce a great profusion of single white blossoms that create the effect of white clouds banked around the basin.


The Yoshino, known as Somei-yoshino in Japan, is a hybrid of unknown origin that first was introduced in Tokyo in 1872 and is now one of the more popular cultivated flowering cherries. Mingled with the Yoshino trees is a small number of the Akebono cherry trees, a mutation of the Yoshino tree with single, pale-pink blossoms, introduced into cultivation by W.B. Clarke of California in 1920. The Akebono tree flowers at the same time as the Yoshino and provides an attractive tint of pink in the early stages of the peak bloom.

The Kwanzan cherry tree, named after a mountain in Japan, is growing primarily in East Potomac Park. Coming into bloom two weeks later than the Yoshino, the upright Kwanzan branches bear heavy clusters of clear pink double blossoms. The cultivars Fugenzo (double, rosy pink flowers) and Shirofugen (double white when open but aging to pink) also are represented.

Fugenzo is the cultivar Mrs. Helen Herron Taft believed she planted even before she officially planted the first tree from Japan in 1912. They were planted along the Potomac River from the present site of the Lincoln Memorial southward toward East Potomac Park; they gradually disappeared. As First Lady, Mrs. Taft became interested in the beautification of a particular Potomac Park area, known then as the "Speedway" surrounding the Tidal Basin.

The Weeping Japanese Cherry tree, sometimes called the Higan cherry tree, is interspersed among the Yoshino, Akebono, and Kwanzan trees. The flowers of the Weeping Cherry are variable, giving rise to many different forms (single to double) and flower colors (dark pink to white). They flower about one week before the Yoshino trees.

Other selections include the Autumn Flowering Cherry tree (semi-double, pink flowers), Sargent Cherry tree (single, deep pink flowers), the Usuzumi Cherry tree (white-grey flowers), and Takesimensis Cherry tree.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

West Nile Virus

Although many people who are bitten by an infected mosquito won't get sick, others aren't as lucky. Almost 29,000 people in the US have been reported with West Nile virus disease since 1999, and of those 11,760 have been seriously ill and over 1,100 have died. The older you are, the more likely that you could get severely ill if you get infected. People who have ever received an organ transplant are also at higher risk for severe disease. The reasons a person becomes severely ill and another doesn't, is unknown.To improve your odds of avoiding West Nile virus, use a repellent, while outside, on skin or clothes.


Insect Repellent: Who, What, When, Where and Why

There are many excuses for not using repellent-forgot it, didn't want to go back and get it, it doesn't smell good, it's not in the budget, and some say mosquitoes don't bite them.There are facts or a counter argument for every excuse, but here's the best reason to go ahead and get the repellent-to avoid getting sick from West Nile virus, this is a part of the equation you can help to control. Avoid the weeks (or even months) of aches and fatigue that come with West Nile fever, being hospitalized with meningitis, encephalitis or worse.

What repellent should I use?

CDC recommends a variety of repellents. There are those that can protect you for a short while in the backyard or a long while in the woods. DEET, plant-based oil of lemon eucalyptus, picaridin and IR3535 are all repellents recommended by CDC and have been registered with EPA and evaluated for efficacy and safety.


When should you wear repellent?

Mosquitoes can bite anytime. Most of those that carry West Nile virus bite from around sundown to around sun-up (throughout the night). Put a few bottles or packets of repellent around—in the car, by the door, in your bag. Make it easy.

Where is West Nile virus a problem?

Almost all of the continental US has had human WNV cases. Some areas, such as those with the red dots on the map to the right, have a greater concentration of cases of severe disease than other areas. Some areas of the US are affected by other viruses such as eastern equine encephalitis virus and LaCrosse encephalitis virus.


What about mosquito control in my town/county?

Integrated mosquito management helps reduce the number of mosquitoes, especially those that can carry disease. This is a crucial part of reducing the risk to humans. Mosquito control won't get rid of every last mosquito, but combined with repellent use one can markedly reduce the chances of getting bitten. Ask local officials about starting mosquito control in your city or county if it doesn't exist already.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Skin Cancer Prevention


Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The two most common types, called basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, are highly curable. However, melanoma, the third most common skin cancer, is more dangerous, especially among young people. Most melanomas are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light in sunlight or tanning beds.

Anyone can get skin cancer, but some things put you at higher risk, like having-

  • A lighter natural skin color.
  • A personal or family history of skin cancer.
  • Exposure to the sun through work and play.
  • A history of sunburns early in life.
  • Skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or becomes painful in the sun.
  • Blue or green eyes.
  • Blond or red hair.

To protect yourself and your family-
  • Seek shade, especially during midday hours.
  • Cover up with clothing to protect exposed skin.
  • Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears, and neck.
  • Wear sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.
  • Put on sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher, and both UVA and UVB protection.
Take precautions against sun exposure every day of the year, especially during midday hours (10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.), when UV rays are strongest and do the most damage. UV rays can reach you on cloudy days as well as sunny days. UV rays also reflect off of surfaces like water, cement, sand, and snow.

Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps. The UV rays from them are as dangerous as the UV rays from the sun.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Control Your Weight

Looking to get to or stay at a healthy weight? Both diet and physical activity play a critical role in controlling your weight. You gain weight when the calories you burn, including those burned during physical activity, are less than the calories you eat or drink. For more information see our section on balancing calories. When it comes to weight management, people vary greatly in how much physical activity they need. You may need to be more active than others to achieve or maintain a healthy weight.


To maintain your weight:

Work your way up to 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, or an equivalent mix of the two each week. Strong scientific evidence shows that physical activity can help you maintain your weight over time. However, the exact amount of physical activity needed to do this is not clear since it varies greatly from person to person. It's possible that you may need to do more than the equivalent of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week to maintain your weight.

To lose weight and keep it off:

You will need a high amount of physical activity unless you also adjust your diet and reduce the amount of calories you're eating and drinking. Getting to and staying at a healthy weight requires both regular physical activity and a healthy eating plan. The CDC has some great tools and information about nutrition, physical activity and weight loss.

Friday, July 10, 2009

New 2009 Acura TSX - New Technology

Thursday, July 09, 2009

Kids Karate

Kids love our non-contact Kanga Karate classes. Kanga Karate has been specifically designed for children aged 3 to 6 years and both boys and girls are welcome regardless of their ability.

Kanga Karate is based on a traditional style of karate called Goju. Classes are run by trained instructors who teach children a series of step by step exercises which keep them active and focused whilst boosting their confidence and self esteem.


Kanga Karate promotes fitness, flexibility and coordination in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

  • Girls & Boys
  • Non contact
  • Great fun
  • Fully trained instructors
  • Promotes health & fitness
  • Builds confidence and pride
  • Helps kids focus & concentrate

Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Largest state in India

Rajasthan is the largest State in India in terms of area, prior to independence, was known as Rajputana or the home of Rajputs-a martial community who ruled over this area for centuries.History of Rajasthan dates back to the pre-historic times. Around 3,000 and 1,000 B.C., it had a culture akin to that of the Indus Valley Civilisation. It was the Chauhans who dominated Rajput affairs from seventh century and by 12th century, they had become an imperial power. After the Chauhans, it was the Guhilots of Mewar who controlled the destiny of the warring tribes. Besides Mewar, the other historically prominent states were Marwar, Jaipur, Bundi, Kota, Bharatpur and Alwar, while the other states were only offshoots of these. All these states accepted the British Treaty of Subordinate Alliance in 1818, protecting the interest of the princes. This naturally left the people discontented.


After the revolt of 1857, the people united themselves under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi to contribute to the freedom movement. With the introduction of provincial autonomy in1935 in British India, agitation for civil liberties and political rights became stronger in Rajasthan. The process of uniting the scattered states commenced from 1948 to 1956, when the States Reorganisation Act was promulgated. First came Matsya Union (1948), consisting of a fraction of states. Slowly and gradually, other states merged with this Union. By 1949, major states like Bikaner, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Jaislmer joined this Union, making it the United State of Greater Rajasthan. Ultimately in 1958, the present state of Rajasthan formally came into being, with Ajmer state, the Abu Road Taluka, and Sunel Tappa joining it.

The entire western flank of the state borders with Pakistan, while Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh bind Rajasthan in north, north-east, south-east and Gujarat in south-west.


Agriculture

Total cultivable area in the State is 217 lakh hectares (2006-2007). The estimated food grain production is 155.10 lakh tonnes (2007-08). Principal crops cultivated in the State are rice, barley, jowar, millet, maize, gram, wheat, oilseeds, pulses, cotton and tobacco. Cultivation of vegetable and citrus fruits such as orange and malta has also picked up over last few years. Other crops are red chillies, mustard, cumin seeds, fenugreek methi and asafoetida hing.

Industry and Minerals


Endowed with a rich culture, Rajasthan is also rich in minerals and is fast emerging on the industrial scenario of the country. Some of the important Central undertakings are Zinc Smelter Plant at Devari (Udaipur), Copper Plant at Khetri Nagar (Jhunjhunu) and Precision Instrument Factory at Kota. Major industries are textiles and woollens, sugar, cement, glass, sodium plants, oxygen, vegetable dyes, pesticides, zinc, fertilizers, railway wagons, ball bearings, water and electricity metres, sulphuric acid, television sets, synthetic yarn and insulating bricks. Besides precious and semi-precious stones, caustic soda, calcium carbide, nylon and tyres, etc., are other important industrial units.

Rajasthan has rich deposits of zinc concentrates, emerald, garnet, gypsum, silver ore, asbestos, felspar and mica. The State also abounds in salt, rock phosphate, marble and red stone deposits. The first Export Promotion Industrial Park of the country has been established and made operational at Sitapura (Jaipur).

Transport

Roads: The total length of roads in the State is around 1,58,250 km.

Railways: Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner, Kota, Sawai Madhopur and Bharatpur are some of the main railway junctions.

Aviation: Regular air services connect Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur with Delhi and Mumbai.

Festivals

Rajasthan is a land of festivals and fairs. Besides the national festivals of Holi, Deepawali, Vijayadashmi, Christmas, etc. birth anniversaries of Gods and Goddesses, saintly figures, folk heroes and heroines are celebrated. Important fairs are Teej, Gangaur (Jaipur), annual Urs of Ajmer Sherif and Galiakot, tribal Kumbh of Beneshwar (Dungarpur), Mahaveer fair at Shri Mahavirji in Swai Madhopur, Ramdeora (Jaisalmer), Janbheshwari Fair (Mukam-Bikaner), Kartik Poornima and Cattle Fair (Pushkar-Ajmer) and Shyamji Fair (Sikar), etc.

Tourist Centres

Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner, Mount Abu, Sariska Tiger Sanctuary in Alwar, Keoladeo National Park at Bharatpur, Ajmer, Jaisalmer, Pali and Chittorgarh are important places of tourist interest in the state.

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Protect Your Baby from Group B Strep!

Protect your baby from group B strep. If you're 35-37 weeks pregnant, ask your doctor or nurse about a group B strep test.


If you are pregnant-or know anyone who is-you need to know about group B strep (GBS), also known as baby strep. This disease is caused by group B streptococcal bacteria, which are commonly found in healthy women of all races and ethnicities. In fact, about 1 in 4 women in the U.S. carry these bacteria, which they can pass on to their baby during childbirth. If you have GBS, your baby can get very sick and even die if you are not tested and treated.

Being a carrier for GBS bacteria does not mean you have an infection. It only means you have these bacteria in your body. You would not feel these bacteria or have symptoms like a yeast infection. These bacteria are usually not harmful to you-only to your baby during childbirth or soon after being born.

Preventing Group B Strep

Ask your doctor or nurse for a GBS test when you are 35–37 weeks pregnant (in your 9th month). The test is an easy swab of the vagina and rectum that should not hurt.

Each time you are pregnant, you need to be tested for GBS. It doesn't matter if you did or did not have this type of bacteria before; each pregnancy is different.

Carrying GBS bacteria does not mean that you are not clean, and it does not mean that you have a sexually transmitted disease. The bacteria are not spread from food, sex, water, or anything that you might have come into contact with. They can come and go naturally in the body.

The medicine to stop GBS from spreading to your baby is an antibiotic given during labor. The antibiotic (usually penicillin) is given to you through an IV (in the vein) during childbirth. If you are allergic to penicillin, there are other ways to help treat you during labor.

Antibiotics taken before labor will not protect your baby against GBS. The bacteria can grow back so fast that taking the medicine before you begin labor does not prevent the bacteria from spreading to your baby during childbirth.

Other people in the house, including kids, are not at risk of getting sick from GBS.

If you think you might have a C-section or go into labor early (prematurely), talk with your doctor or nurse about your personal GBS plan.

What You Can Do Before Labor

  • Ask your doctor or nurse for a GBS test when you are 35–37 weeks pregnant (9th month).
  • If you are allergic to penicillin or other antibiotics, make sure to tell your doctor or nurse about any reactions you have had.
  • If your test shows that you carry the bacteria, talk with your doctor or nurse about a plan for labor.
  • Continue your regular check-ups, and always call your doctor or nurse if you have any problems.
When Your Water Breaks or When You Go into Labor

If you have not had your GBS test when labor starts, remind the staff that you do not know your GBS status.

If you are a GBS carrier:
  • Go to the hospital. The antibiotics work best if you get them at least 4 hours before you deliver.
  • Tell the labor and delivery staff at the hospital that you are a group B strep carrier.
  • Speak up if you are allergic to penicillin.
  • Expect to get IV antibiotics (medicine through the vein) during labor.

And remember, breastfeeding is one of the best things you can do for your baby, even if you have tested positive for GBS.

Monday, July 06, 2009

Keep Teen Drivers Safe on the Road

Learning to drive is one of life's milestones. Parents can encourage teen driver safety all the time, throughout the year. This June-during National Safety Month- learn how you can make a life-saving difference by keeping teen drivers safe on the road.

Know Teen Drivers Risks


Parents are concerned about protecting their teen's health and safety. But not all parents realize that motor vehicle crashes prevent thousands of teens from reaching their full potential:

  • In 2006, 3,490 young people ages 15 to 20-an average of more than nine a day-died in motor vehicle crashes, and another 272,000 were injured.

Overall, younger drivers lack experience on the roads and are less likely than older drivers to recognize risky situations. While lack of experience increases teens' crash risk, so does driving with teen passengers without adult supervision. As the number of teen passengers goes up, so does the risk of a crash.

Fortunately, there are proven ways to reduce teen drivers' risk on the roads. Graduated driver licensing (GDL) systems, combined with parental management, can make your teen a safer driver.

Remember, as a parent, you make the rules about your child's driving. You can help enforce laws and rules:

  • Know-and make sure your teen knows-that no alcohol is the law for young drivers.


Know How GDL Works

GDL laws differ by state, but the primary goal and format is the same across the country. Graduated licensing is a three-step process developed to let new teen drivers get their initial experience under low-risk driving conditions.

Typically, the three stages of GDL are:
  • A minimum supervised learner's period
  • An intermediate license (once the driving test is passed) that limits unsupervised driving under high-risk conditions, such as night-driving or driving with other teen passengers
  • A full-privilege driver's license after completion of the previous stages.
GDL programs are designed to improve teens' safety and reduce their crash risk. Research has shown that the most comprehensive GDL systems are associated with motor-vehicle crash reductions of up to 40%.

Parents Matter


GDL laws are an important part of teen driver safety, but parents also need to be involved.

As a parent, you are key in influencing your teen's driving behavior. You are a driving teacher, supervisor and role model. You make the rules about when, where, and with whom your teen can drive. You can also help reinforce important messages and rules about using seatbelts and not using alcohol. Know how much you matter.

Saturday, July 04, 2009

Sony DVP-FX930 Portable DVD Player




Product Description

Enjoy your favorite movies on the road with the DVP-FX930 portable DVD player. Boasting a large 9-inch, high-resolution widescreen display and up to six hours of battery life, this portable device is ideal for long flights and car rides. Conveniently located touch keys and a 180-degree swivel and flip screen make it a breeze to operate and watch your favorite flicks. And when you want more than movies, this portable DVD player lets you view your personal photo albums and plays your CDs or MP3s.

KIT IUNCLUDES:

* SONY EARBUDS.
* BELKIN ADAPTER.
* DVD PLAYER CASE.

Friday, July 03, 2009

Role of the Governments

What is the role of Central/State Governments?

  1. Develop educational programmes for the public especially disadvantaged communities on RTI.
  2. Encourage Public Authorities to participate in the development and organization of such programmes.
  3. Promote timely dissemination of accurate information to the public.
  4. Train officers and develop training materials.
  5. Compile and disseminate a User Guide for the public in the respective official language.
  6. Publish names, designation postal addresses and contact details of PIOs and other information such as notices regarding fees to be paid, remedies available in law if request is rejected etc. (S.26)

Who has the Rule making power?

Central Government, State Governments and the Competent Authority as defined in S.2(e) are vested with powers to make rules to carry out the provisions of the Right to Information Act, 2005. (S.27 & S.28)

Who has the power to deal with the difficulties while implementing this act?

If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions in the Act, the Central Government may, by Order published in the Official Gazette, make provisions necessary/expedient for removing the difficulty. (S.30)