Tags: eating habit, Food And Fitness, Food Journal, healthy diet, regular habit

What is a food journal? 

A food journal is a log of all that you consume on a daily basis. You need to note down the dishes you ate, the number of helpings you took and the time of the meal. In addition to noting down details of the three major meals of the day, you also have to note down all the snacks and small meals that you consumed in between the major meals. You have to make note of all the food consumed on a daily basis in order to have an accurate record. 

Healthcare Essential

Benefits of keeping a food journal
Keeping a food journal is one good way to maintain healthy diet and eating habits. They are also helpful for people who are on a weight loss regime. If you have suddenly started having food allergies, then maintaining a food journal will allow you to review your diet and zero in on the foods that are common to the times you had allergies.

Usually, people do not have a count of how much they are eating. They assume that they are less than they actually are. When you maintain a food journal, you can go through the list all the foods that you have consumed and bring alterations in your weight loss regime.

Health and Medical

What should a food journal contain?
Some of the important things that a weight loss journal or a food journal will tell you are the amount of sugary and fatty things you unconsciously consume and the time at which you consume these meals. You can also know how much nutrients you are eating so that you can increase the amount of nutrient that you have eaten in lesser amounts. You also get to know if you are following precise meal timings.
Develop the habit on a regular basis 
It is important that you make maintaining a food journal a regular habit. It is better that you start the habit early in life so that you can always keep track of your diet. People often forget what they eat and end up repeating the same nutrients. By keeping a food journal, you can decide the menu of the day in a more efficient manner and take care about eating balanced foods. The sooner you start the habit, the better for you. You can also encourage your children to develop the habit from an early age and the best way to do this is to lead by example.

Women’s Health – Useful Tips For Pregnant Women

Food guide for pregnant women 

Pregnancy is one of the happiest periods in a woman’s life despite an armload of problems such as morning sickness and aches. Pregnancy is also the time when a woman gets to eat delicious foods that is rich in nutritive value because the baby in the womb needs nutrition as well. The food that pregnant women eat should be rich in certain nutrients, especially folic acid. Eating foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals is also of prime importance.

Furthermore, you should take care to eat organic food that is fresh. Fruits and vegetables of different kinds, along with nuts and dairy products should form an essential part of a pregnant woman’s diet.

Foods that a pregnant woman should avoid 

There are certain kinds of foods that a pregnant woman has to completely avoid. Foods that are rich in fats, sugars and calories are to be strictly avoided. Consumption of such foods can make the baby in the womb obese before birth and can lead to a number of problems in the future. Also, overweight babies cannot travel through the birth canal easily and in most cases, a C-section is necessary. Alcohol and tobacco are also strictly prohibited during pregnancy. You should also avoid processed foods that contain artificial color, preservatives and chemicals. Forget about your diet plan for a while. You can get back in shape after the baby is born when it is much easier to lose weight. Eat well and eat nutritious foods.

Rest 

Being pregnant is a cause of loss of a lot of energy because the same energy has to feed both mother and child. So, it is common that a pregnant woman take adequate rest so that she can overcome the constant fatigue that tends to overcome her. Resting will also help the mother overcome mood swings, which are common during pregnancy due to overactive hormones. When you rest, the baby rests with you. It needs rest to be healthy and grow well.

Exercise 

Exercise is as necessary for a pregnant woman as is rest. When you exercise, the metabolism rate in the body increases and nutrients reach the baby better. You can also burn off the excess calories that you accumulate due to the rich diet. While you are pregnant, you are required to consume an additional three hundred calories which have to come in the form of nutritious foods. Exercising will keep excessive calories away. Walking is the most recommended forms of exercise for a pregnant woman.

Health Guides

There are a number of different ways in which a person can suffer injury to the neck area, from injuries affecting the muscles, such as strains; those affecting the ligaments, such as sprains; and those which affect the nerves, which can lead to spinal damage. Equally there can be a number of different causes of medical injuries relating to the neck, including car accidents, falls and even medical negligence, in some cases. Neck injuries can range from those that are minor, if uncomfortable for the sufferer, to those that can cause serious long-term damage. In some cases, a person falling victim to a neck injury may be entitled to make a claim for compensation, if the liability of another party can be established.

Healthcare Essential

The most common types of neck injuries are the relatively minor ones affecting the neck muscles, which include conditions such as muscle strains and whiplash. Strains to the neck muscles are particularly common, although less so than those which affect the muscles in the back. Whiplash is another fairly common injury, directly related to neck muscle strain, affecting the neck and occurring when the head and neck are thrust into hyperextension, before being thrown quickly forward. Whiplash is usually caused by sudden, jolting impact – usually car crashes – and can result in symptoms including stiffness, pain, tingling and numbness affecting the arms and problems sleeping.
Another form of neck injury is nerve damage. This can be particularly serious leading, as it sometimes does, to long-term spinal cord damage – in more serious cases – or a pinched nerve in less serious ones. These types of neck injury can most often lead to medical negligence claims, of the kind dealt with by companies such as Patient Lawyers, as they are amongst the hardest to diagnose and treat. These types of injuries can also arise from errors in medical treatment, and the results can be permanent paralysis, disability, or death.

Foods And Fitness – Different Diets That Help In Wholesome and Healthy Development

You are what you eat 

It has been mentioned in the Holy Scriptures and have been proven scientifically that you become what you eat. In other words, the food that you consume influences every decision you make and every step you take in life. A good diet that provides balanced nutrition to the body is the best type of diet.

However, eating the same variety of foods day after day can be boring and uninteresting. In order to provide variety to diet, there are different kinds of diet plans that you can choose from. Furthermore, it is important to understand the essence of different food products so that you can partake each of them in moderation and stay fit. However, a good diet can work in an optimum manner only when clubbed with physical activities. Below given are three types of diets that have been elucidated in ayurveda. In addition to these, there is a fourth kind of diet that is mostly followed all over the world and is a combination or the three basic types of diets.

Satvik diets 

Satvik diet is the kind of diet that is completely detoxifying. It enhances peace in the body and keeps different energies in balance. This diet is a vegetarian diet and involves consumption of a lot of raw foods. Precisely, only 20% of a satvik diet is cooked and the other 80% comprises of raw salads, fruits, soaked nuts, seeds, raw milk and different herbs. Honey is also an important part of satvik.

Tamasic diet 

Tamasic diet is a very unhealthy diet and something that has to be kept away from. Foods included in this category are stale and left over food, dead meat that is not fresh but processed, foods that have been grown by making use of pesticides and foods that contain too high calories such as sugars and artificial sweetners. Consuming this kind of food leads to a number of ailments. Energies in the body are disrupted and people fall prey to different chronic diseases. This kind of diet also accelerates the process of aging. It increases negative energy in the body.

Rajasic diet 

The third kind of food is Rajasic food and is a kind of diet that includes foods that stimulate the nervous system. Some examples of this kind of diet are tobacco, fresh meat, black tea, spices, onion, pepper and garlic. Coffee also comes under this diet. Although not as harmful as Tamasic diet, the Rajasic diet does cause an imbalance in energy and the person feels moody and irritable. Restlessness and agitation are common side effects of this kind of diet.

Health Care for The Seniors and Aged

Health Guides

Good foods

Food is one of the most important aspects of care for the aged. People get weaker as they grow older. Alongside, there is a marked reduction in their immunity and resistance power. They lose their muscular strength and are prone to a number of musculoskeletal injuries. Bones get brittle due to the loss of calcium.

In order to avoid such problems, a proper diet is very important. Nutrients have to be served everyday and proper care has to be taken to include micro-nutrients in the diet. It has to be kept in mind that several elderly have week teeth that do not allow them to eat hard things. Care has to be taken to ensure that the right way of cooking is followed so that the food does not lose nutrients. Some of the best foods for the elderly are fish and white poultry, low fat skim milk, high fiber foods such as whole grains, cereals, fruits and vegetables and eggs without the yolk.

What should not be given? 

Deep fries have to be avoided. High calorie and high sugar foods cannot be digested and leads to a number of problems. Also, avoid foods that are very spicy or salty. Some of the chemicals that have to be avoided are sodium nitrates, sodium phosphate, sodium benzoate sodium bicarbonate and monosodium glutarnate (MSG). MSG is present in all packed foods and chips. Always ensure that only fresh food is served and stale, processed, packed, frozen and pickled foods are avoided. Chilled food and water is not good since it hampers the digestion process and creates a sludge in the intestines that in turn, hampers bowel movement. Red meats, especially beef, have to be avoided.

Exercise 

Exercise is important for all ages and as long as the elderly have the strength and ability, even a short walk everyday is useful. If they are not in a position to walk, you can take them out in their wheelchairs. Fresh outdoor air is therapeutic for the mind and body rather than spending all their time indoors. Physiotherapy sessions and body messages are very useful in rejuvenating the body. Exercise also provides a boost to the metabolism and improves general health condition.

Love 

If there is one thing that can bring maximum benefits to the elderly, it is love. Elderly are like kids. They need love, affection and attention. Spend a couple of hours talking to them. Deal with them with patience and tolerance. Old age leads to hundreds of insecurities and love can bust such negative feelings.

Tears Can Be Used To Test Blood Sugar In Diabetics

Health News

Tears for diabetes test 

Until now, blood was used in diabetes testing machines to evaluate the blood sugar level of patients. Latest studies have now shown that tears can also used effectively to evaluate blood sugar levels. The study was conducted by University of Michigan researchers and the study was published in Analytical Chemistry journal. When studies were conducted on animals in laboratory, tears were found to give an accurate measure of blood sugar level. The device used for testing was an electrochemical sensor.

Increase in the number of diabetes cases all over the world 

According to the researchers, there is a drastic increase in the number of people suffering with diabetes all over the world. As per statistics, 5% of the world’s population is diabetic. In addition, the lead researcher of the study Mark Meyerhoff said that the frequency of diabetics is also increasing. Obesity was said to be the major culprit behind this alarming scenario. Given the demand for devices that test diabetes, Meyerhoff and his team decided to develop a new method that did not involve drawing blood to test glucose levels. Tears were the next best choice. The level of blood sugar in tears was found to give an accurate evaluation.

Blood test is not necessary 

People who suffer from very high level of diabetes may have to test their blood sugar level by drawing blood more than eight times a day. Piercing finger with a needle to extract blood is a painful and uncomfortable process. This leads to a dangerous ramification. People who need to test their blood sugar do not do it often enough due to the pain caused. This hampers testing the glycemic index and leads to inefficient control of glycemic levels. This might lead to further complications. Testing using tears is more comfortable and less painful.

What does the study say? 

According to the study, tears are accurate in providing results as is blood. Further, those who need to measure blood sugar several times a day do not have to be intimidated by the task because tears do not cause pain at all. The device that has been developed is sensitive enough to measure very small amounts of blood sugar as well. It can detect 1.5µM add or subtract 0.4 µM of glucose. This provides an accurate enough solution to testing of glucose in the blood. It is also a non invasive and painless way of testing blood glucose.

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Health

Our work to build healthy communities, families and individuals is at the heart of Mercy Corps' vision for social change. By partnering with a range of partners, from village health committees to government agencies, we help build the means to improve maternal, newborn and child health, ensure proper nutrition and combat infectious diseases.

Country: Zimbabwe

Topics: HIV/AIDS, Health, Citizen Involvement

Journal: Telling Africa's Stories

A community home-based volunteer counsels a client during her home visits in Mbare, Harare, Zimbabwe. A Mercy Corps-led consortium is is providing HIV services to poor and vulnerable households in urban areas. Photo: courtesy of Zimbabwe Project Trust

Florence Tigere is in bed today. The typically vibrant 55-year-old woman, who serves as both treasurer and secretary of her HIV Sahwira Support Group, is suffering from a piercing headache. The severe pain, coupled with Florence’s swollen face and feet, has community home-based volunteer Mary Musamba concerned.
“Please take your mother to the hospital immediately,” Mary advises Florence’s 17-year-old daughter, giving her 50 cents of her personal money to pay for transport. Mary is worried Florence may have contracted a type of meningitis or possibly malaria. In either case, she needs treatment right away, especially because Florence’s immune system is already compromised by the HIV.
The importance of early medical referrals is one of the many reasons the Joint Initiative for Urban Zimbabwe (JI) — a consortium of ten non-governmental organizations (NGOs) places a strong focus on community home-based care. The consortium, which is led by Mercy Corps, is providing HIV services to poor and vulnerable households in urban areas — including delivery of free home-based care to more than 8,578 clients in six urban areas of Zimbabwe.
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• Blog Post:  Posted July 8, 2011, 12:40 pm by Julie Rogers

Mothers supporting mothers

Country: Indonesia

Topics: Women's Empowerment, Urban, Health, Food/Nutrition, Children

A baby at her mother's feet during a Mercy Corps-sponsored Mother's Support Group in the neighborhood of Cengkareng Barat, Jakarta, Indonesia. Photo: Julie Rogers/Mercy Corps

When my first daughter was born, none of my closest friends had children and I was living far from my mother and grandmothers. I felt alone with my questions and concerns about sleep, diapers and breast feeding so I joined a local mother’s group. With our babies fanned out in a circle in front of us, we sat on the floor and spoke to one another about our fears and joys and most importantly, we shared experiences and information about how to feed and nurture our babies.
I was recently reminded of how empowering and comforting being part of such a group can be when I visited a Mother’s Support Group meeting in West Jakarta. The group was led by local government and community representatives with Mercy Corps staff from the current Child Survival program there to provide technical assistance on matters of nutrition and health.

Some of the babies and mothers who attended the first Mother's Support Group in Jakarta's Cengkareng Barat neighborhood. Photo: Julie Rogers/Mercy Corps

This Mother’s Support Group was the first to be held in Cengkareng Barat kelhuran (or sub-district) and was modeled on groups established by Mercy Corps’ previous Child Survival: Healthy Start program, which operated in North Jakarta. The four-year program focused on increasing community knowledge and acceptance around exclusive breastfeeding as the best way to nourish an infant, as well as establishing a replicable support model for urban communities.
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Tags: Mothers Helping Mothers

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Blog Post:  Posted July 2, 2011, 12:45 pm by Travis Penn

Another busy day in the world's tenth-biggest city

Country: Indonesia

Topics: Women's Empowerment, Urban, Health, Environment

I wasn't quite expecting to see as much of Jakarta as this. Today we met the Mercy Corps staff at their offices for a presentation of the various projects the organization is doing in Indonesia. Then we got into the van to go to North Jakarta to visit a hospital whose community program encourages and supports breastfeeding in its pre- and post-natal health care.

Through programs in hospitals, health clinics and neighborhood support groups, Mercy Corps encourages and empowers women to breastfeed, helping nurture a healthy bond between mother and child. Photo: Travis Penn for Mercy Corps

We got on the highway and then things began to crawl. It look us three hours to get to our destination and, upon arrival, we all just poured out of the van in search of a bathroom. Imagine driving for three hours — all within the same city! (Note: at more than 9.5 million people, Jakarta is the tenth biggest city in the world.)
As soon as we got to the hospital, we talked with the people in charge of the breastfeeding program — an approach that Mercy Corps is championing here, especially in poor neighborhoods — and then went up to the maternity ward to see the new mothers and their babies. It was interesting to visit a hospital in a country such as Indonesia. The nurses in training looked so young and wore white veils. The overall quality of care seemed to be higher than I might have expected. There were six beds to each room, but there was plenty of space. The only problem I saw was that there was only one working elevator in the building.
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Blog Post:  Posted July 1, 2011, 12:20 pm by Martha Munocito

"Broadcasting" important health and nutrition news in rural Guatemala

Country: Guatemala

Topics: Rural, Health, Food/Nutrition

Each time I showed up to small and faraway communities where the heat was unbearable, where there was no electricity to turn on a light bulb, where there was no wind to ease the heat in the air — and where the field workers were parking their motorcycles and placing their gear on the dried grass after a heavy day of working in the field — I met energetic personalities ready to connect and do some hands-on work with Mercy Corps Guatemala's PROCOMIDA food and nutrition project.

A PROCOMIDA staffer for Mercy Corps Guatemala takes place in a mock television broadcast to practice how to better relay important health and nutrition information to families in some of Guatemala's poorest villages. Photo: Martha Munocito/Mercy Corps

Part of my job with these hard-working field staffers is gathering in PROCOMIDA's warehouses or small meeting halls in the communities where we work to practice and create key nutritional and health messages. The use of different communication channels is one of the strategies PROCOMIDA uses to achieve behavior change for better health and nutrition with the beneficiaries of the project, who live in some of Guatemala's poorest and most remote villages.
The warehouse space was converted into a makeshift studio to do a simulated television interview or news report. Printing paper was used to build up the studio's walls and motorcycle helmets were transformed into video cameras. Empty cardboard boxes became computers monitors. Cell phones were used to invite the audience to participate by calling in to express their opinions and questions about the interviewees' comments or the news reported about various health issues and topics.
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Blog Post:  Posted June 27, 2011, 12:56 pm by Iswanto JA

Inviting the rain

Country: Indonesia

Topics: Water/Sanitation, Rural, Health, Displacement

Journal: Dispatches from the Mentawai Islnds

In their old villages — before the earthquake and tsunami hit Indonesia's Mentawai Islands last year — people never had trouble getting fresh water. Their homes were always located close to rivers, because they knew that water is of the utmost importance.

Bright orange water tanks, provided by Mercy Corps through a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, located behind the temporary shelters of a displacement camp in Indonesia's Mentawai Islands. Photo: Iswanto JA/Mercy Corps

Without shade trees, the displacement camps for tsunami survivors in Rua Monga and Bulak Monga are hot and barren. People prefer to get out of their temporary shelter and spend as much time in their farm fields as possible.
Life post-tsunami has been overwhelming for everyone affected. People in Rua Monga and Bulak Monga moved to temporary shelters built by Indonesia's National Disaster — without a reliable water source or lighting, plus the loss of their normal way of life, living conditions have been very difficult.
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Blog Post:  Posted June 26, 2011, 9:02 am by Martha Munocito

Molding more than corn — molding nutrition

Country: Guatema

A “muñeco” — a basket full of Guatemalan tortillas covered with a traditional kitchen towel. Photo: Martha Munocito/Mercy Corps

One of Guatemala's main staple foods is corn — in fact, Guatemalans sometimes even refer to themselves as “corn people.” One of the traditional ways to consume corn here is in the form of tortillas.
One specific, and unforgettable, aspect of the process of making tortillas is that "pla pla pla" or "clap clap clap" sound made by female hands, young or old, massaging the corn’s dough and molding tortillas every day. The maneuver is masterfully done by elegant and rhythmic female fingers shaping the corn’s dough. Those fingers move naturally in a circle to mold tortillas all day long. This tradition is passed in the kitchen at an early age, from generation to generation, and from stove to stove.
Mothers participating in Mercy Corps' PROCOMIDA program here in Guatemala use the pinto beans and vegetable oil being provided by the project to combine with corn from their crop fields. They use these two ingredients to prepare the traditional Guatemalan tayuyos or shutes, which traditional foods made from tortillas mixed with beans. These two types of filled tortillas are favorite foods for young children. Mothers mold the corn and PROCOMIDA supports them to preserve cooking traditions with highly nutritious ingredients.
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Posted June 9, 2011 by Roger Burks

All The Colors of Helping Survivors

Country: Japan

Fumie Sugawara (in glasses) plays a colorful game with young tsunami survivors at Kesennuma Middle School. Photo: Christopher Cabatbat/Mercy Corps

Fumie Sugawara sits on the blue tarpaulin that's spread across the floor the gymnasium. A bright yellow truck and other vibrant toys are gathered around her. Fumie engages two young girls in an imaginative game using a dozen different shades of Play-Doh.
She has always found herself drawn to art and expression through colors. Colors helped Fumie make it through a personal crisis years ago, when she was a young university student in the United States. They helped her choose pursuit of an Art Therapy degree. And today, they're helping her bring creative therapeutic play to young tsunami survivors as part of Mercy Corps' Comfort for Kids program here in northeastern Japan.

Watch Comfort for Kids activities taking place in Kesennuma

Fumie grew up in the city of Kesennuma, which was hit hard by March's disastrous earthquake and tsunami. She attended Kesennuma Middle School, which is now being used as an evacuation center and temporary shelter for families that lost their homes. That's where today's Comfort for Kids activity is taking place: in the very same gymnasium where she played games as a young girl.
Things have come full circle for Fumie — all the way from here in Japan to Wisconsin and back. She earned her Master of Science degree in Art Therapy at Mount Mary College in Milwaukee, a perfect melange of her interests in colors, education and psychology. Then she worked as a therapist in the United States for seven years, before going home to Kesennuma in February.
From "hopeless" to helpful
When the earthquake and tsunami struck less than a month later, Fumie was far from her hometown of Kesennuma. She was traveling with her mother when they heard the horrific news, and because public transit was down, couldn't get back to Kesennuma until two days later. Thankfully, her family was all right. But her city was in bad shape. Hundreds of people had lost their homes, and the needs were overwhelming.

The sprawl of blue tarpaulins and stark white tents inside the gymnasium of Kesennuma Middle School, a place that several dozen families have called home for nearly three months now. Photo: Christopher Cabatbat/Mercy Corps

"To be honest, when the disaster hit, at first I felt helpless and hopeless," Fumie explains. "I was already out of work, with nothing to do, so I went to the local volunteer center. What they wanted were hands to sort things out — anything. So I said, 'Here, let me do it.'"
"But what I really wanted to do was art therapy for displaced children and families. I kept coming in and expressing my background, which was initially hard for people to understand — we don't really have that in Japan," she continues. "But then they asked me to go and see about the needs at the evacuation centers, and see if there was anything I could do about it. That’s how this started, and that's how I started working with Peace Winds (Mercy Corps' partner).”
Since then, she's been busy helping develop the Comfort for Kids program, continuing to visit evacuation centers like this and connecting with young survivors through art, sports and other fun activities. Almost three months after the tsunami ended or shattered thousands of lives, Fumie sees so many needs — for children and adults alike.
“Mostly, kids here are keeping their experience and grief to themselves,” she explains. "Art is such a safe communication — it creates distance from things that are painful or uncomfortable. And play is a powerful medium for children to explore what they've experience and what they're feeling. Comfort for Kids provides the space, time and materials — and play partners — to help them do that.”
The girl with red eyes
Fumie then remembers one young girl that she recently met at one of the evacuation centers.

Photo: Christopher Cabatbat/Mercy Corps

"We were doing an art exercise with several children. 'Draw anything you want,' I said. The kids said, ‘I can draw this’ and showed me pictures of pretty things like dresses," she recalls. "Then something happened when they got off by themselves. When they came back, one girl showed me a picture she’d drawn of a girl in a dress with red eyes — really red. Then she quietly folded it, embarrassed. She didn’t want to show anyone. So we put it in an envelope for safe keeping until she’s ready to show it.
"This girl has stayed in a community center just after the tsunami, trapped with no food or water until they were rescued two days later by helicopter. She saw fire. She saw explosions.”
Fumie pauses, and then keeps describing her interaction with the young girl that day.
“I asked her, ‘What do you want at this moment?’ She said, ‘A house’,” Fumie says. “We have to listen to what they say. When they try to express themselves, we give them the chance without us changing their story at all. We create a safe environment. We repeat what they say so they can process what they need to say.
“So I told her, ‘We cannot bring back your house, but here’s what we can provide.’ It’s okay to tell them what we can control and what we cannot control.”
Therapy for survivors of all ages
It's not just children who feel like their world is out of control — their parents are feeling enormous stress as well.
“Adults get to the point where they can’t control the chaos anymore," Fumie explains. "Children are able to sort it out, like blocks, through play. We want to give kids that time and space so adults can have their time and space as well.”

Cheerful, creative, indomitable spirits like Fumie's are helping disaster-affected children rediscover play and happiness despite hard times. Photo: Christopher Cabatbat/Mercy Corps

Psychosocial needs here in northeastern Japan have no age limit. That's why Fumie is working hard alongside her Peace Winds and Mercy Corps colleagues to develop programs that help any survivors who seek therapy and the chance to explore their feelings.
“We have to provide more specific programs for all age groups, both children and adults. Even the elderly, to facilitate healthy communication between generations,” she says.
The world of northeastern Japan's evacuation centers is dominated by big blue tarpaulins, stark white tents and the uncertainty of what comes next for thousands of survivors. But with help from Mercy Corps and Peace Winds, Fumie Sugawara is bringing brightness, lightness and caring support back into hundreds of lives.

Tags: Japan 90 Day Update

Video:  Posted June 9, 2011 by Roger Burks

VIDEO: Comfort for Kids Activities in Kesennuma, Japan

Country: Japan

Blog Post:  Posted June 8, 2011, 7:25 am by Manasi Sharma

Back in Tajik Land

Country: Tajikistan

Topics: Women's Empowerment, Rural, Health, Education, Citizen Involvement, Children

Expectant mothers and mothers-in-law at a focus group discussion in Gonchi district, Tajikistan Photo: Mercy Corps Tajikistan

I’m back in Tajikistan, six months after my first visit. This time, I’m here to support our field team with the midterm evaluation being conducted for our Maternal and Child Health program. Accompanying me is Donna Sillan, a consultant we have contracted to write the evaluation.
We spent our first two days in Khujand — in the country's northern Sughd region where most of Mercy Corps' Maternal and Child Health interventions are taking place — planning sessions with the Village District Coordinators on how to collect qualitative data to gain an understanding of the program’s impact on improving the health of women and children in the target areas, as well as other local capacity-building initiatives. The Village District Coordinators are a mix of Tajik men and women, many of them trained doctors from the Soviet era. These people are not only knowledgeable of health issues, but genuinely care about the work they are doing in the communities.
As I saw them conduct trainings, focus group discussions and various interviews with our beneficiaries, their support came across in such a kind and nurturing manner that made me think —even if I had never met them — I would feel immediately comfortable in speaking to them about my health!
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Blog Post:  Posted June 1, 2011, 11:47 am by Martha Munocito

Guess who's cooking tonight in Guatemala?

Country: Guatemala

Topics: Rural, Health, Food/Nutrition, Citizen Involvement

Recipe demonstrations are the vehicle to teach rural families here in Guatemala how to improve nutritional status of their children. Photo: Martha Munocito/Mercy Corps

“Bienvenidos. "Loq ` le k`ulumnik. Welcome” to PROCOMIDA's final male recipe competition! This activity was done among three teams of field workers of Mercy Corps' PROCOMIDA program to strengthen one of the educational activities organized with the beneficiaries: recipe demonstrations.
Recipe demonstrations are the vehicle to teach rural families here in Guatemala how to improve nutritional status of their children by using PROCOMIDA-provided food (pinto beans, vegetable oil, rice, and corn-soy flour) and mixing it with local cuisine. The recipe competition was the opportunity for three of the program's male chefs to cook an original recipe and to teach the jury and public about the nutritional benefits, cost and creative taste of their dishes.
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What is Plastic Surgery? Origin and Definition Webster's Dictionary defines plastic surgery as: surgery concerned with the repair, restoration, or improvement of lost, injured, defective, or misshapen body parts. Some people are put off by the use of the word ?plastic?, as it is sometimes considered to be synonymous with ?fake? or ?superficial?, while others object because they believe that it implies the implantation or grafting of actual plastic parts into or onto human beings. While it could be said that there is some truth in these interpretations, the word ?plastic? in this context has more to do with the origin of the word, which is from the Greek plastikos, meaning "able to be molded?. According the The American Board of Plastic Surgery's website: ? Plastic surgery deals with the repair, reconstruction, or replacement of physical defects of form or function involving the skin, musculoskeletal system, craniomaxillofacial structures, hand, extremities, breast and trunk, external genitalia or cosmetic enhancement of these areas of the body? The plastic surgeon uses cosmetic surgical principles both to improve overall appearance and to optimize the outcome of reconstructive procedures. Special knowledge and skill in the design and surgery of grafts, flaps, free tissue transfer and replantation is necessary? Anatomy, physiology, pathology, and other basic sciences are fundamental to the specialty? Competency in plastic surgery implies an amalgam of basic medical and surgical knowledge, operative judgment, technical expertise, ethical behavior, and interpersonal skills to achieve problem resolution and patient satisfaction.? Cosmetic vs. Reconstructive There are two main types of plastic surgery: cosmetic plastic surgery and reconstructive plastic surgery. Cosmetic surgery seeks to improve the patient's features on a purely aesthetic level, in the absence of any actual deformity or trauma. On the other hand, the purpose of reconstructive surgery is to correct any physical feature which is grossly deformed or abnormal by accepted standards---either as the result of a birth defect, congenital disorder, illness, or trauma. Often, reconstructive surgery addresses not only a deformed appearance, but also seeks to correct or improve some deficiency or abnormality in the function of the body part in question. Public Opinion: For or Against Up until fairly recently, plastic surgery was largely viewed as an eccentric luxury. It carried a stigma to an extent that people often went to great lengths to conceal their surgical self-improvement efforts. Today, however, it is not uncommon to overhear an excited post-op patient telling anyone who will listen all about her brand new breasts. There are many people on both sides of the plastic surgery debate---loyal devotees and staunch opponents. Proponents point out that we all spend time improving ourselves in so many ways, so what, they ask, makes plastic surgery any different? After all, though ?natural beauty? is revered and admired in our culture, it is not really something that one ?achieves?, nor is it something that he or she can even take the credit for. Detractors, on the other hand, believe it is much nobler to expend our efforts (and spend our cash) improving our minds rather than our bodies. And of course, there is always the argument that ?that's how God meant you to be?. Most likely, the answer lies somewhere in the middle. Like everything, there is a wrong and a right time, and there are wrong and right reasons to get plastic surgery. Is Plastic Surgery Right for You? Will plastic surgery make you feel less self-conscious in a bikini? Quite possibly. Is it for everybody? Absolutely not. Are there some people whose lives are significantly improved by it? Absolutely. Are there some people who go too far, losing their identities or even lose their lives in their pursuit of perfection? Unfortunately, yes. In the end, only you can decide if plastic surgery is right for you. Hopefully, this site can provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for your unique circumstances. Top  Most Popular Plastic Surgery Procedures in the World It used to be that only celebrities and wealthy housewives underwent cosmetic surgery? but not anymore! Today people of all ages, backgrounds, and income-levels are going under the knife to enhance their looks. Plastic surgery is a booming industry with no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Below is a list of the top 10 plastic surgery procedures. 1. Liposuction: This popular procedures is used to remove excess fat from the body, neck, and chin. When done right the results are impressive, when done wrong lumps can occur. Liposuction 2. Breast Implants: A larger breast size is desired by many woman. This is accomplished using either saline or silicone breast implants.           Silicone gel filled breast implants.  Cosmetic Eye Surgery: This anti-wrinkle procedure helps to minimize the appearance of aging skin around the eyes. Both upper and lower eye lifts are a popular procedure for the baby boomer generation. Cosmetic Eye Surger 4. Tummy Tucks: This is a popular body procedure after a pregnancy or losing a lot of weight. According to this tummy tuck forum, this procedure has a high satisfaction rate. Tummy Tucks 5. Breast Reduction: Many women who were born with above-average breasts choose to undergo breast reduction in order to make them smaller. Breast Reduction usually done by Athlete 6. Rhinoplasty: This is a popular procedure for both males and females. Unfortunately, rhinoplasty causes a relatively high number of dissatisfied patients. 7. Face Lifts: For this wishing to pull the skin tighter to minimize wrinkles, a face lift is performed. Often times cheek implants or another form of cheek augmentation is done in conjunction with this anti-wrinkle procedure. 8. Breast Lift: Over the years gravity takes its toll on the breasts. This is why the breast lift  procedure to lift them back up is so popular. 9. Forehead Lift: This is a less invasive procedure than a face lift. A forehead lift is done for those that only want to target the forehead. 10. Male Breast Reduction: This is an extremely popular procedure for males. Some develop fatty deposits in their breasts or hormonal imbalances trigger the abnormal creation of breast tissue. Either way, this procedure corrects the problem. Have You ever doing one of those most popular plastic surgery procedures in the world?

Tattoos & Mehndi Styles

What is a tattoo? Did you know that about twelve million Americans have one tattoo! A tattoo is a design made on the skin by a process of pricking and ingraining an indelible pigment. The design is made on the skin with a temporary dye such as henna or ink. ?The word tattoo comes from the Tahitian "tatu" which means "to mark something.? Tattoos date back to 3300 years B.C. and have been known to be found on Egyptian and Nubian mummies. Many societies wore tattoos as part of their culture but in today's society, tattoos are widely accepted and are used to convey a message or display artwork. Are Tattoo's safe? Yes, if administered properly. The first step is to look for a tattoo artist who is licensed. It is best to have your hepatitis and tetanus immunizations up to date when getting a tattoo. Some cities and states have standards for tattoo studios. Call your state, county or local health department to find out about the laws in your community. How do I pick a Tattoo Artist? Start by asking people you know who have tattoos that you like. The different tattoo publications. When looking for a Tattoo artist there are a few things to consider, first; when looking at their photographs, check to see if the lines are clean and smooth or broken and jagged and be sure they meet up. Take the time to shop around because that will make a big difference in your end result. A good tattoo artist will take time to sit with you and they will create a special work of art just for you. Ask the tattoo artist if he or she is a member of a national tattoo organization. The Alliance of Professional Tattooing is a nonprofit organization that monitors legislations and keeps the artists updated on safety issues. What to look for in a tattoo studio. To find a good studio you should do some research on your own and talk to people you know and get references. It is commonly said that a good studio should be equipped with an autoclave which is a device that pressurizes the instruments and kills any viruses or bacteria. It is recommended that a good studio should have germicidal soap, needle buckets, proper disposal containers, packaged gauze with sterility intact, disposable gloves and check to be sure the studio is clean. Ask to see their permits if they are not displayed on the walls and be sure they are current. The equipment used by the studio should be individually packaged, dated, sealed and sterilized. The tattoo artist should disinfect the work area on your skin with an EPA approved virucidal that will kill any surface bacteria or viruses. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Universal Precautions should be followed by the studio. These are regulations that outline procedures to be followed when dealing with bodily fluids. This is my first tattoo ? What should I expect? This can be a very exciting experience so being prepared on what to expect can make your experience safe and fun! Be sure to be well rested and well fed before a tattoo application. If you are tired, or your blood sugar is low, you could experience a higher level of discomfort than you normally would. It is best not to drink alcohol before getting tattooed because not only do you become dehydrated, it will also cause you to bleed more which can have a negative effect on your new tattoo. What to do before getting a Tattoo. PLEASE: Do not get a tattoo if you are feeling ill. Be sure to wait until you're feeling better before getting that tattoo. Food and rest are important. If you get tattooed on an empty stomach or if you are drunk, it may cause you to feel faint, nauseated, or dizzy. Don't take pain killers like aspirin, ibuprofen, and anesthetics, which may cause increased bleeding or other problems. It is not wise to get tattooed if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The local department of health in your area can advise you if there is an age limit for getting a tattoo and you will probably need a valid form of identification with you. Does It Hurt to Get a Tattoo? This depends on your pain threshold and the expertise of the person wielding the tattoo machine. Where you get the tattoo is also a factor in pain. Getting a tattoo involves being stuck multiple times with a needle, therefore, it can feel like getting a bunch of shots or being stung by a hornet multiple times. It is also normal to bleed a little. What's the Procedure Like? Here's what you might expect from a normal tattooing procedure: The tattoo artist will wash his or her hands with a germicidal soap. The to-be-tattooed area on your body should be cleaned and disinfected. The tattoo artist should put on clean, fresh gloves (and possibly a surgical mask). The tattoo artist should then explain the sterilization procedure to you and open up the single-use, sterilized equipment (such as needles, etc.). If the tattoo artist is using the tattoo machine (with a sterile, single-use needle attached), the tattoo artist will begin drawing an outline of the tattoo. The outline will be cleaned with antiseptic soap and water. Sterile, thicker needles are usually installed on the tattoo machine, and the tattoo artist will start shading the design. Once the tattoo artist has cleaned the area again, color will be injected. A disposable cloth will be used to remove any blood. Once the new tattoo is finished, the area will be cleaned once again and a bandage will be applied. How to Take Care of a Tattoo This is a very important step ? take care of your tattoo until it fully heals. Instructions that the studio gives you should be followed when caring for your tattoo so that you heal properly. If you see or feel any signs of infection such as pain, spreading redness, swelling, or drainage of pus, call your doctor. It is advisable to keep a bandage on the area for up to 24 hours. The tattoo artist will probably advise you to avoid touching the tattoo and not to pick at any scabs that form. You will be advised to wash the tattoo with an antibacterial soap (don't use alcohol or peroxide ? they'll dry out the tattoo). Using a soft towel to dry the tattoo ? just pat it dry and don't rub. Antibiotic ointment may be advised on the tattoo. It is recommended not to use petroleum jelly! If you have redness or swelling try an ice pack on the area. Keep the tattoo dry until it heals, staying away from pools, hot tubs, or long, hot baths would be best. Your tattoo should be kept out of the sun until it's fully healed. What Are the Risks? Chances are everything will be just fine. Be sure that the tattoo artist uses all sterilized equipment and tools. Keep in mind that if you don't go to a tattoo studio or the tattoo studio doesn't follow precautions like using sterilized equipment or if the tattoo artist shares ink between customers, you're putting yourself at risk for getting viral infections such as hepatitis, bacterial skin infections, or dermatitis (severe skin irritation). Some people may have allergic reactions to the tattoo ink so know your body and if you already have a skin condition such as eczema, you may have flare-ups as a result of the tattoo. You may have serious complications if you attempt to do a tattoo yourself, have a friend do it for you, or have it done in any unclean environment. Because tattooing involves injections under the skin, viruses such as HIV and hepatitis B and C can be transferred into your body if proper precautions aren't taken. At times, the American Red Cross and some other blood banks require people to wait 12 months after getting a tattoo before they can donate blood. The tattoo itself involves several steps Here is one way it works; begin by outlining: By using a single-tipped needle and a thin ink, the artist creates a permanent line over the stencil. They usually start at the bottom of the right side and work up (lefties generally start on the left side) so they don't smear the stencil when cleaning excess ink from the permanent line. Shading: Once the area is cleaned with soap and water, the artist uses a thicker ink and a variety of needles to create an even, solid line. Be careful here because Improper technique during this step can cause shadowed lines, excessive pain and delayed healing. Color: The artist then cleans the tattoo and overlaps each line of color to ensure solid, even hues. There is a final cleaning and bandaging: After using a disposable towel to remove any blood and plasma, a sterile bandage is used to cover the tattoo. You will find that some bleeding occurs during tattooing, but most stop within a few minutes. The tattoo artist then fills in a tattoo using a thicker needle. Caring for a New Tattoo Your tattoo artist will probably give you a pamphlet that explains all the necessary procedures along with instructions such as: You should remove the bandage one to two hours after completion. Wash gently with cool or lukewarm water, using a mild antibacterial soap. Always pat dry. (Don't rub!) Apply very thin coats of antibacterial ointment and work into the skin. You will find that too much ointment can pull color out of the tattoo. Do not soak the tattoo in water or letting the shower pound directly on it. Avoiding the sun, sea and swimming pool until healed is advised. Do not pick at your scabs. They will fall off as the tattoo heals, approximately in one to three weeks. Ice packs should be used if swelling or redness occurs. Always call a doctor if you have even the slightest signs of infection. Can you remove your tattoo? Most people will keep their tattoos forever but sometimes people decide they would prefer to have their tattoo removed. In the past, surgery was required but today a medical procedure using a laser can remove your tattoo and some of the tattoo shops have this service. Check with the American Dermatological Association to find a reputable laser removal specialist. What is Laser Removal? Laser tattoo removal is the process of breaking the ink molecules into smaller pieces and allowing them to be absorbed into the bloodstream and disappear. Does it hurt? Pain is a relative term and of course, it depends on your threshold of pain. Most people believe the best thing about laser tattoo removal is how much ?less pain? there is when compared to other tattoo removal procedures. ?Some people describe the sensation of the laser as being akin to a mosquito bite, or a rubber band being snapped against the skin.? How long does it take? Depending on the size and how complex the tattoo you choose will determine how long it takes. Black tattoos with simple outlining and shading is said to be a lot easier to do than full back colored tattoo. It can take from a couple weeks to a couple of months because the body needs three weeks to heal between laser tattoo removal sessions? and some lasers are designs for specific colors only. Why choose Laser Tattoo Removal? It is virtually painless when comparing to other tattoo removal procedures and it is free of infection risk, and is known to have great results. There are other methods, like excision which actually remove the tattooed skin with a scalpel and this can often make the tattooed area look worse than it did before. Another technique like dermabrasion actually ?sands down? the tattooed area of the skin, making laser tattoo removal a popular and comfortable choice when it comes to tattoo removal. Tattoo Tidbit: Even after your tattoo is healed, tattoos are more susceptible to the sun's rays, so protect it from direct sunlight. Always wear a sunscreen SPF 30 on the tattoo. This protects your skin and keeps the tattoo from facing. Tattoo Tidbit: The color additives used in tattooing pigments are the same as those used in cosmetics. They are monitored by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and approved for topical application only. There are more than 100 different colors. There is some tips about how to put mehndi.. 1 The hotter you are the darker the mehndi colour comes out on the skin.   The old wives tale goes? The darker the colour the more your husband   loves you!? 2 Once mehndi is applied on the skin, it should be left overnight for   at   least 5-6 hours to enhance the deepness in colour. 3 The colour on the skin will darken on the day after the mehndi has been   applied. The darkness in colour will last for a few days and will fade   away. 4 The mehndi powder can be a khaki, green or dark brown colour   depending on where it comes from. It usually develops into a chocolate   brown colour when applied as a paste onto the skin. Fresh mehndi   powder will produce a strong dark brown colour and will last longer.   Stale mehndi will produce a light orange colour, which will not get   darker over time. 5 Lemon Juice & sugar syrup can be applied with cotton wool on to the   mehndi once it is dried. This will secure the mehndi onto the skin more   and therefore, result in the darkness of the colour on the skin. 6 The use of black ?henna? should be avoided as it contains a dangerous   chemical called Para-phenylenediamine (PPD) found in hair dyes which   causes skin irritations. 7Brides should have waxing done before mehndi is applied on them as   otherwise the mehndi will be waxed off with the hair! 8To beautify your mehndi for mehndi nights, wedding or receptions, body   glitter and gems in different colours can be applied on the skin to match   the outfits. Mehndi Creations specializes in all types of glitter work.

90 Quick Tips for Diabetics

90 Quick Tips for Diabetics

1.   Take one day at a time.

2.   Frequent blood glucose testing is the best way to keep tight control.

3.   To warm feet, rub with lotion and cover with warm socks.

4.   Protect insulin and test strips from extreme heat and cold.                          

5.   Check your feet before going to bed.

6.   Blood glucose test guidelines:

• Type 1: 3-4 times a day
• Type 2: 1-2 times a day                                                                                  

7.   Take a walk in the mall. 8.   Check blood glucose before each meal for a day.
9.   Are you testing as often as your should?
10. Have you had your eyes examined recently?
11. Treat yourself to something special today.
12. Eat a variety of foods at every meal.
13. Know the effect of sweets on
your blood glucose.
14. Still checking your feet before bedtime?
15. Inspect shoes for foreign objects and feet for pressure points.
16. Know you target HbA1c.
17. Stop smoking. It's okay to ask for help.
18. Check your glucose patterns for a day.
19. Keep an extra battery for your blood glucose monitor on hand.
20. Find a new diabetic recipe or two to try.
21. When you buy shoes, buy them in the afternoon.
22. Know how to manage your blood glucose levels on sick days.
23. From time to time, check your feet during the day, especially between toes.
24. Is diabetes overwhelming you? Talk to a diabetes team.
25. Never skip a meal.
26. Record your blood glucose levels every time you test.
27. Try chicken soup or broth when you're sick.
28. Cover open sores with antiseptic and gauze.
29. If blood glucose is too high or low, call your diabetes team or doctor.
30. How many times did you test your blood glucose today?
31. Have you had an HbA1c test recently?
32. Before you start an exercise program consult your doctor!
33. Keep your insulin and medication with you when you travel.
34. Time to get more test strips and lancets?
35. See your diabetes doctor or educator if you have any questions at all.
36. Keep your meter from extreme heat and cold.
37. Learn something new about diabetes today.
38. File toe nails, do not cut them.
39. Use a fresh lancet every time you test.
40. Record times when you have problems with blood glucose levels.
41. Tell your dentist you have diabetes and ask for dental care advice.
42. Call your doctor right away if your foot shows signs of infection.
43. See a diabetes eye doctor.
44. Take a thirty- minute walk at your own pace.
45. Avoid shoes that irritate your feet.
46. Visit a local farmer's market. It's good exercise.
47. How many times did you test your blood glucose today?
48. Check your blood glucose pattern over the next four days.
49. See a foot doctor for corns and calluses.
50. Have your blood glucose records ready to show your doctor at all times.
51. Every so often, pick a day to test your blood glucose level four times.
52. Do not go barefoot.
53. Drink eight glasses of water, especially on hot days.
54. Ask your doctor to teach you how to adjust your insulin.
55. Check your blood glucose before drinking alcohol and make sure you've eaten.
56. When sick, try popsicles or ginger ale.
57. Have you had your kidney function tested recently?
58. Clean wounds or sores twice a day with warm water and mild soap.
59. Check your test strips supplies regularly.
60. Call a doctor if a cut or sore is draining. Change bandage often.
61. Take a bike ride or a half-hour walk.
62. Keep extra regular insulin on hand when sick.
63. You should see your diabetes doctor four times a year.
64. Attend a diabetes management course.
65. Hug yourself!
66. Frequent blood testing is the best way to keep tight control.
67. Keep an eye on your diabetes medicine - do you need to get more?
68. Less activity may mean more insulin or pills.
69. Have you had your cholesterol checked lately?
70. Keep your blood monitor in your purse or backpack.
71. Wear comfortable shoes and take a hike.
72. Treat yourself to a massage or a warm bath.
73. Keep test strips dry.
74. Check your blood pressure.
75. Get flu shot if you can, every winter.
76. Avoid heating pads or hot compresses on feet.
77. Always take your diabetes medicine when sick.
78. Stick to scheduled meal times as closely as possible.
79. Keep a list of questions you want to ask your doctor.
80. Test often when you eat a heavy meal.
81. See a foot doctor for nail and foot care.
82. Wash your feet and use lotion to keep the skin soft.
83. Try a new low fat recipe once a week.
84. Find a new diabetic dessert recipe and try it.
85. Take a day off to relax from time to time.
86. Try a diet soda with lime.
87. If you are eating more than usual, test more often.
88. If you feel "different", test your blood glucose right away.
89. Make sure a family member knows how to help you in an emergency.
90. Make a diet plan and do your best to stick to it.
Resources:
Dedicated to the Diabetic Diet Ebook
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