Blogs

Matthew Ward: The Truth about 9/11
September 11, 2010
by Steve Beckow

Matthew at age 17, the time of his transition

Over the years, Matthew Ward has kept us informed of what actually happened on 9/11, what the purpose of 9/11 was, who was responsible for planning and executing it, where their funding came from, what the likelihood of their success will be, and other matters which few other sources can tell us about with authority. Let’s review some of what he has said about 9/11.

Let’s begin then with Matthew’s recitation of what he says actually occurred on Sept. 11, 2oo1.

“I shall mention some of the facts of 9/11 that we in these stations of light know as truth and that can be verified by those among you who are considered experts in their fields.

“The planes were remotely controlled by measures designed to override any manual maneuvers by pilots. The towers were designed to withstand the force of the largest planes hitting them directly.

The towers collapsed due to controlled demolition measures, by explosives strategically located and detonated in timely rhythm; witnesses reported hearing explosions prior to the buildings falling.

“Both the Pentagon and the plane that crashed in the field were hit by scalar beam weaponry.

Regarding the Pentagon, the beams were aimed at the section where a communications group had been recently relocated.

“Results of a major airliner hitting that building at top speed would have penetrated more deeply and devastated more broadly than photos of the destruction showed; further, no one saw any plane approaching that building and there was no way a plane could have struck as the damage showed without being seen at near ground level.” (1)

In September of 2008, he revealed what the deeper purpose of 9/11 was and predicted that, when it became publicly known, the Illuminati would fall:

“The truth about who planned and executed ’9/11′ …. in the higher vibrations in which Earth is now orbiting, … cannot be hidden much longer; when it emerges along with its even deeper purpose than controlling oil resources in the Mideast, which is to dominate the entire planet and kill or enslave its peoples, the Illuminati’s long reign of terror will meet its just end.” (2)

Matthew has identified the lead alphabet agency within the American government mainly responsible for black operations like 9/11: “The major terrorist acts, such as the bombing of the trains in Spain, are planned and executed by the so-called ‘Black Ops’ faction of the CIA.” (3) Moreover, he informs us that the drug trade funds operations like 9/11, HAARP, Area 51, etc.

“The enormously profitable illegal drug industry funds both factions’ ‘black ops,’ including terrorist activities blamed on innocents and vast underground areas where their scientists conduct unconscionable experiments on humankind and develop spacecraft, weaponry, surveillance and weather control systems using technology introduced by the ‘Little Grays.’” (4)

In 2004, as well, he revealed that the galactics have in place a plan to confiscate those funds.

“ET technology will be directed at electronic issues wherein money movement will not go the way the dark forces intend and undetectable glitches in their communication efforts will create confusion and errors. I am not speaking ‘out of school’ here as the dark forces are aware that this has started happening and they cannot locate the origins or detect and correct the flaws. This adds to their fear that they are losing control and their activities will become even more clumsy and obvious until all is ‘brought to light.’” (5)

In mid-September of 2008, he revealed that the Illuminati had allies among a mysterious group, which he does not describe in detail. We do not know if they are galactic or spirit in nature. Were they the Anunnaki? Luciferian spirits? “Relative to dark thought forms, those of antiquity were attracted by those in the planning of ’9/11,’ and the force of that combined energy enabled the Illuminati to manifest that tragic day.” (6)

In May of 2004, he told us that “while we cannot assure you that never will any terrorist acts be successful, we absolutely can assure that none on the scale of 9/11, as currently being speculated, will happen.” (7) In September of 2008, he revealed why: after 9/11 Gaia had asked God not to allow a repetition of a black operation on that scale.

“[9/11] is when Earth chose never again to experience such death and destruction at the hands of dark ones, and in honoring her free will choice, God authorized off-planet helpers to use their technology to prevent all such unconscionable attempts anywhere in the world. Since then they have done so successfully on as many as a dozen occasions.” (8)

Even by the end of 2003, many attempts at a second 9/11 had been foiled by the galactics.

“Many attempts rivaling ’9/11′ that have been undertaken have failed due to the vigilance and technological capabilities of these on- and off-planet beings. This is not interference in your affairs or a denial of the free will of the dark minds, it is in response to the massive free will desire for freedom from terrorist activity that these beings are acting.” (9)

In December of 2004, he revealed that more than twelve second 9/11s had by then been prevented.

“By honoring Earth’s free will to never again experience any terrorist activity like ’9/11,’ God has authorized extraterrestrial intervention to prevent all such attempts and they have successfully done so more than a dozen times since September 11, 2001, including the neutralizing of manmade viruses that were intended to create pandemics.” (10)

Matthew said that the black operatives intended to attack stadiums and malls.

“If people on Earth knew just how much destruction in life and property has been attempted and thwarted, they would reel at the extent to which the dark forces go to retain their control and marvel at the vigilance and capabilities of the extraterrestrial light forces in preventing it.

“When your major media are instructed to send out the colored alerts and specifically mention ‘soft targets’ like sporting events, concerts and shopping malls where a mass of people will be congregating, you can know that terrorism does NOT occur on that scale because the attempts have been prevented. I am not tracking these occasions so I can’t give you an accurate count of these ET interventions—PREventions—but Nirvana’s [i.e., the spirit planes'] monitors of Earth could do so.” (11)

He said this was no arbitrary intervention but a response to growing gaian (terrestrial) desire not to have a repetition of 9/11:

“This is not arbitrary interference by the ETs nor is it a denial of the free will of those who participate in the terrorist plans and attempts; it is the collective feelings of Earth’s population for NO terrorism that is the invitation to the ETs to act.” (12)

Sometimes terrorist alerts themselves were enough to scare the population sufficiently and no actual black operation beyond that was required.

“The ones who give the signal for the higher alerts to be announced are the same ones who do the terrorizing. If the alert alone causes widespread fear, the dark forces don’t need the act itself to generate the negativity they desire and that fear produces. But they can’t pull that off too often or the alerts would become ho-hum. It is when public complacency starts to set in after an alert or two are baseless that our space kin become evermore wary.” (13)

In this message as well, he revealed that the galactics had been outwitted in the case of the Madrid bombings, which they were unable to prevent.

“For those who did not see my comments on the train bombings in Spain, I’d like to mention that it was the cleverness of the dark minds that allowed that effort to be successful.

“The darkness outwitted the light on that occasion and while it was a great sorrow for us and more so for those who believed the false location information regarding the detonators, scrutiny was further tightened after that tragedy that was to have been prevented. And as usual, those who are blamed are not the ones responsible.” (14)

In May of 2004, he explained that “the light forces who have been counteracting major efforts were duped by false information from an Illuminati ‘mole’ and thus were not in position to thwart that tragedy.” (15) He expanded on this account in June of that year.

“The aid of civilizations far advanced of you spiritually, intellectually and technologically has been and will continue to be at the ready to prevent the direst of the predictions, from major explosions to nuclear war. Although monitoring has been diligent, false information by one of the dark forces misguided the Earth teams so that prevention of the train bombings in Spain was thwarted, and since that time, scrutiny has been tightened both on the surface and beyond the planet.

“Additional ETs with extraordinary powers of both perception and self-protection have taken form on the planet, surveillance teams in spacecraft have increased their vigilant missions, and the reporting systems between them and their colleagues on Earth have been expanded. And not least, people formerly convinced that they were being truthfully informed now are realizing that they were supporting the dark side, and they have joined the ranks of the active lightworkers.” (16)
Matthew said at the end of July 2008, that the Illuminati’s structure was weakening and they were no longer able to mount an effort large enough to create another 9/11, even if it were allowed.

“In recent years the intense competition between the two factions, which eroded the power of each, extended to infighting within each faction, thus further weakening all areas of control. With growing distrust of each other within and between the factions, numerous futile attempts to stage another ’9/11,’ the loosening stranglehold on world economy, and defection of lower ranking members, the once solidly entrenched global foundation of the Illuminati now can be likened to scattered piles of rubble.” (17)

By the end of August in 2008, many servants of the illuminati were jumping ship. Matthew felt that the truth could not be suppressed much longer, but he may have been too optimistic.

“More and more souls are ‘seeing the light’ and making U-turns from their dark tendencies, including deserters from the ranks of the Illuminati. Earth’s ascension course, like everything else, is being accelerated, and storms, flooding, fires and earthquakes will continue to relieve negativity’s pressure on the planet. You will see more honest reporting as media controllers’ hold becomes increasingly tenuous; the lid that has been kept on the truth about ’9/11′ cannot remain securely in place a lot longer.” (18)

In April of 2009, Matthew laid out the strategy behind the release of pandemic viruses, which included distracting attention from attempts to uncover 9/11:

“In addition to authorizing the creation of a virus and its intended worldwide fear, the darkly-inclined individuals’ aim is to distract the attention of the populace from their growing demands for peaceful negotiations; indicting responsible ones in the US government who authorized torture; the truth about the perpetrators of `9/11′; what caused the collapse of the global economy; the decades of government cover-up about the presence of extraterrestrials; who operates the illegal drug industry; the real purpose of chemtrails and weather control; the aims of the worldwide Zionist movement; and the `black ops’ behind terrorism around your world. (19)

In July of 2008, Matthew explained that the Illuminati do not want us seeking the truth.

“The Illuminati do NOT want you to think about these matters! The more you think, the more you question and seek the truth; and their intention to control all people through ignorance and deceit unravels more and more. That their former media control has become badly cracked is a devastating blow to the Illuminati and more evidence that the light is being victorious!” (20)
At the end of August in 2008, he again said that the truth could not be suppressed much longer:

“The lid that has been kept on the truth about ’9/11′ cannot remain securely in place a lot longer.” (21) But by Sept. 11, 2010, today’s date, that truth had not yet broken through the Illuminati’s barriers in full force. He put the suppression of truth in historical perspective.

“Truth is not yet surging into your mainstream information outlets, but it is seeping ever more strongly now that the finger is out of the dike, so to say. With this media barrier seriously compromised, the dark ones cannot much longer hide the massive deception that in this moment is only barely exposed to the public, much as the tip of an iceberg is visible while the immense part with potentially lethal destructive power lies out of view.

“There have been attempts to stifle the truth since the dawn of communication on Gaia-Terra-Shan-Earth, and the attempts were successful when darkly-inclined ones controlled the dissemination of information. In modern times, they expected to broaden their web of control with the Internet, but instead, it became their undoing.

“Now factual evidence that until recently was mainly restricted to that source is reaching the public through the perseverance of courageous investigative journalists, other reporters, eyewitnesses and individuals disclosing personal experiences. Not only is there increasing exposure of lies and corruption, but also innovative ways people are adapting to the economic situation are being publicized. The tearing down of mind control via the media has come about because of the ever-intensifying light.” (22)

Apparently Gaia’s desire to be rid of negativity like 9/11 influenced the election of a spiritual figure like President Obama, probbaly by the Law of Attraction:

“Earth, a sentient soul, cried out in her death throes sixty-some years ago for other civilizations’ help to save her planetary body; she chose to have no more terrorism like ’9/11′; she has been ridding herself of negativity so she can rise to vibratory levels where her original health and vibrancy will be restored and the higher consciousness of her humankind will glory in spiritual renewal. The energetic force that has been propelling her ascension out of third density’s darkness has been leading naturally to a spiritually-evolved visionary as president of what you consider your world’s most powerful nation.” (23)

Matthew has thus informed us that the “Black Ops” section of the CIA is planning the so-called terrorist attacks, which historically they funded through their profits from control of the international drug trade. He’s told us that the galactics can prevent all future attacks on the scale of 9/11 but not necessarily smaller terrorist attacks like suicide bombings.

He tells us that the Illuminati structure is weakening and falling apart and that the truth of 9/11 and other similar black operations will eventually emerge. We see how long it has taken for the truth to begin emerging about 9/11. At some near future date, the dam will burst and the truth of 9/11 and all other heinous activities will emerge, bringing about the downfall of the Illuminati.

http://sbeckow.wordpress.com/2010/09/11/matthew-ward-the-truth-about-911/

Along the Thread of our Inner Sincerity
by Adyashanti

Sincerity is a word that I often use in teaching to convey the importance of being rooted in the qualities of honesty, authenticity, and genuineness. There can be nothing phony or contrived in our motivations if we are to fully awaken to our natural and integral state of unified awareness. While teachings and teachers can point us inward to “the peace beyond all understanding,” it is always along the thread of our inner sincerity, or lack thereof, that we will travel. For the ego is clever and artful in the ways of deception, and only the honesty and genuineness of our ineffable being are beyond its influence. At each step and with each breath we are given the option of acting and responding, both inwardly and outwardly, from the conditioning of egoic consciousness which values control and separation above all else, or from the intuitive awareness of unity which resides in the inner silence of our being.

Without sincerity it is so very easy for even the greatest spiritual teachings to become little more than playthings of the mind. In our fast-moving world of quick fixes, big promises, and short attention spans, it is easy to remain on a very surface level of consciousness without even knowing it. While the awakened state is ever present and closer than your feet, hands, or eyes, it cannot be approached in a casual or insincere fashion. There is a reason that seekers the world over are instructed to remove their shoes and quiet their voices before entering into sacred spaces. The message being conveyed is that one’s ego must be “taken off and quieted” before access to the divine is granted. All of our ego’s attempts to control, demand, and plead with reality have no influence on it other than to make life more conflicted and difficult. But an open mind and sincere heart have the power to grant us access to realizing what has always been present all along.

[...] When you are earnest, you are both sincere and one-pointed; to be one-pointed means to keep your attention on one thing. I have found that the most challenging thing for most spiritual seekers to do is to stay focused on one thing for very long. The mind jumps around with its concerns and questions from moment to moment. Rarely does it stay with one question long enough to penetrate it deeply.

--By Adyashanti, from his essay, "The Indispensable Qualities of Awakening"

Crab vending machines for Chinese commuters

Automatic crab dispensers have been installed at several underground stations in Nanjing, by an enterprising local company hoping to capitalise on the increasingly hectic lifestyles of urban Chinese.…

Posted By The Telegraph, mer 27 ott, 2010 11:31am BST
By:Peter Foster

Commuters in China who are too busy to keep supermarket opening hours are being offered a nutritious alternative to the diet of crisps, chocolate and fizzy drinks usually dispensed from train station vending machines – live crabs.

The automatic crab dispensers have been installed at several underground stations in Nanjing, the capital of the southeastern province of Jiangsu, by an enterprising local company hoping to capitalise on the increasingly hectic lifestyles of urban Chinese.

The 'Dazha' hairy crabs, which are a popular regional delicacy along the Yangtze River delta cities of Nanjing, Hangzhou and Shanghai, are sold in three sizes – large, medium or small – and range in prices from £1.50 to £5.00.

The crabs are packed into custom-fitted plastic boxes and chilled to 41F (5C) which is enough to sedate them but also keep them alive. A sign next to the machine offers three free crabs for anyone who is unlucky enough to get a dead one, the local 'Guangzhou Daily' newspaper reported.

"The customers were a bit sceptical at first as they were worried if the crabs were alive or not," Wu Zhendi, general manager of the Twin Lake Crab Co. told The Telegraph, "but now they see they are alive, they keep coming back. We are selling hundreds each day, and more at weekends."

The company, which claim on its website to supply crabs to dignitaries staying at China's Diaoyutai State Guesthouse outside Beijing, said it was now planning to expand the trials, possibly even as far as Japan where vending machines are used to sell everything from eggs to ice and umbrellas.

10 things to know about the world's first car

When Karl Benz built the first Patent-Motorwagen in 1885 (it was patented in 1886) he probably didn't realise quite the extent to which it would transform the world. So without further ado, here are ten things you might not have known about the progenitor of motoring.

It wasn't the first attempt at an automobile

Inventors were trying to put a 'car' on the road as early as the 18th century. However, all were attempts to automate the horse-drawn carriage, and were largely useless; the Patent-Motorwagen was the first automobile designed from the ground up to be powered by an internal combustion engine.

An American nearly got there first

American inventor George Selden was working on a horseless carriage at about the same time as Benz, filing a patent in 1879. Unfortunately it wasn't until 1895 that his patent for a 'safe, simple, and cheap road-locomotive light in weight, easy to control and possessed of sufficient power to overcome any ordinary inclination' was approved.

It took at least 12 years to develop

By 1873 Benz had developed a working two-stroke engine, and thereafter set about creating a useable carriage to put it in. The Patent-Motorwagen was complete by 1885 and officially unveiled to the public in Mannheim, Germany, on 3 July 1886.

It had a 0.9bhp engine

It was claimed that the first Motorwagen developed a heady 0.66bhp from its single-cylinder gas-powered engine. A later test showed that to be a conservative power figure, however - it actually had a mighty 0.9bhp. Let's put that into perspective: one of the cars on sale in the UK with the lowest power outputs today is the cdi version of the Smart Fortwo, with 54bhp, or 5,900 percent more than the Motorwagen!

The original prototype crashed

Difficult to control using a lever linked to the central front wheel, the 1885 prototype was crashed into a wall during a public demonstration. Fortunately camera phones hadn't been invented yet, so there was no hilarious footage to upload to YouTube.

It was rear-wheel drive

Drifting wasn't too easy with a horse and carriage, but the Patent-Motorwagen was the keen power slider's dream. Its engine powered the rear wheels via two chains linked to the back axle, good for some serious sideways action. Its tyres were solid rubber.

Karl Benz's wife stole one and went for a joyride

The story goes that Benz's wife, Bertha, took Motorwagen number three for a lengthy drive in August 1888 without his permission. With her two sons she drove the car 50-60 miles to her mother's house then returned three days later. The Bertha Benz memorial route between Frankfurt and Baden-Baden celebrates that historic journey.

Early versions couldn't climb hills

It was only after Bertha's trip that a second gear was added to the car, at her request; like an Austin Allegro, early versions couldn't handle even the mildest of inclines.

The first customers had to buy fuel from pharmacies

Of course, there was no network of fuel pumps in place when the Motorwagen first hit the cobblestones. Buyers had to fill up with small bottles of gasoline, at the time a substance used as cleaning fluid and available only from chemists.

Around 25 were sold

In a five-year period between 1888 and 1893, Benz sold 25 Patent-Motorwagens to wealthy pioneers. In 1893 the three-wheeler was replaced by an updated version with four wheels - the luxurious Benz Velo.

Mark Nichol

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------------------------------

Did you know... new EU Laws secretly approved behind closed doors, threatens to destroy your health, rights & freedom of choice? Therefore, you will no longer have access to thousands of 'safe' natural products & foods used successfully for centuries to heal illnesses such as Cancer, Diabetes, Heart Disease or to maintain overall health.

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7 Reasons to Love Pomegranates (and Juice)
posted by Michelle Schoffro Cook


Pomegranates. These delicious fruits offer more than just incredible taste, they are anti-aging and anti-cancer powerhouses. Here are 7 reasons to add pomegranates or pomegranate juice to your diet.

1. They are anti-cancer powerhouses. Studies show protection again breast and lung cancers and a slowing of prostate cancer progression.

2. They protect your DNA. Compounds in pomegranates also appear to interact with the body’s genetic material for protection.

3. They reduce the effects of aging. Pomegran¬ates are packed with the antioxidant vitamin C—antioxidants help counter free radicals linked to aging and disease.

4. Pomegranates also contain the healing phytonutrients polyphenols and ellagic acid.

5. Pomegranate has been shown to be beneficial for osteoarthritis.

6. Pomegranate may help protect against heart disease by preventing plaque build-up. Pomegranate also lowers LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) and raises HDL cholesterol (the good one). In people with high blood pressure, research shows that drinking only 1.7 ounces of pomegranate juice per day lowered systolic blood pressure by 5%.

7. It may prevent or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. In one study, mice that were bred to develop Alzheimer’s disease accumulated significantly less amyloid plaque and performed better on mental tasks than control mice.

Here are some simple ways to enjoy pomegranates and pomegranate juice:

• You can eat them fresh or drink unsweetened bottled pomegranate juice. For the latter, I recommend diluting 1 part water to 1 part pomegranate juice to avoid blood sugar spikes and crashes that can happen with any juice.

• Mix 1 part pomegranate juice with 1 part sparkling water for an incredible spritzer.

• I sometimes use a splash of pomegranate juice in my salad dressing for incredible anti-aging benefits and to jazz up a plate of greens.

• I also throw a handful of pomegranate berries on top of a salad for an extra kick.

Adapted with permission from The Life Force Diet by best-selling author Michelle Schoffro Cook, BSc, RNCP, ROHP, DNM.

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/7-reasons-to-love-pomegranates-and-pomegranate-juice.html#ixzz10mB0NL00

Natural remedies for common conditions

Toothache
Vanilla extract rubbed on the gums can help.

Cure a headache
Try watermelon juice. Fresh juice is best. Aim for 2 glasses a day.

Calm bites and stings
Infuse cider vinegar with sprigs of rosemary or thyme and apply to the spot.

Relieve coughing
Sprinkle 1 tsp of turmeric into a bowl of boiling water and stir. Breathe in the steam for several minutes

Reduce stress
Sunflower seeds and alfalfa can help.

Sore neck
Fill a sock with a cup of uncooked rice and tie a knot in the end. Heat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds on a medium heat. Apply for 5-10 mins.

Restful sleep
Add 1 tsp honey to a late-night herbal tea (try valerian, available in health shops) or in warm milk to ensure that you wake rested.

Puffy eyes
Spritz eyes with water. Put thick slices of raw potato on eyelids. Leave for 10 mins.

Herbal mouthwash
Mix 1 tsp each of dried rosemary, dried mint and fennel seeds with 2-3 cups of boiling water. Steep for 15-20 mins, cool, cover and store in the fridge for 3-5 days

Get off to sleep
Have half a turkey and lettuce sandwich made with wholemeal bread before bed. High levels of the chemical trytophan, which is found in turkey, is thought to increase feel-good serotonin levels and aid sleep.

Lower a temperature
Add 1 tsp dried sage to a cup, pour over boiling water and steep for 5 mins. Drink several times a day.

Reduce a fever
Crush 10g raisins with 10g freshly sliced ginger and mix with 200ml water. Stand for an hour, then boil to reduce by 3 quarters. Drink once or twice a day until fever reduces.

Burned your tounge?
Immediately sprinkle granulated sugar on it - the sugar absorbs the heat.

Indigestion
Finish meals with 125ml of fresh pineapple juice to combat indigestion.

Natural anti-inflamatory and analgesic
Mash papaya and apply directly to the wound

For sprains and bruises
Mould a bag of frozen peas around the body part. Wrap the bags in a tea towel to prevent ice burn.

Ease cystitis
Okra (lady's fingers) and spinach can both be useful against cystitis. Eat lightly cooked and pulped.

Wrist and ankle sprains
Smear olive oil around the sprain and apply whisked egg yolk. Wrap in cotton wool and bandage at once.

For a cold
Make chicken soup, including onions, sage and garlic. Have a bowl or cup twice a day while you have a cold.

Sore gums
Cut a ripe fig in half and hold it between your cheek and sore gum for 10 mins.

Easy breathing
Place some fresh thyme in a bowl and add boiling water. Then cover your head with a towel and breathe in the fumes.

Sore throats
Add 1/2 peeled onion to a jar of honey, close tightly and leave for at least three days. Take a teaspoon every few hours next time you have a sore throat.

Reduce arthritis
Mix carrot and lemon juice in equal amounts and take a tbsp every day.

Suppress the appetite
Drink 150ml celery juice before every meal.

Menopause
Drink 100ml beetroot juice twice a day to relieve symptoms

Stop bleeding
Hold a piece of fresh bread (wholemeal or white) over a cut, apply mild pressure and wait for the bleeding to stop.

Stomach bug
Spend 2 days on the BRAT diet - bananas, rice, apples (lightly cooked) and toast.

Fight the blues
Put a handful of basil leaves in a teapot and pour boiling water over. Steep for 10mins. Drink a cup 2-3 times a day to ease depression.

Anti-wrinkle mask
Mix together 2 tbsp plain yogurt, 1/2 tbsp honey and 1/2 tbsp lemon juice. Add the liquid from 3 vitamin-capsules. Apply to the face, leave for 10 mins and rinse off.

Reduce swelling of most insect bites and stings
Aloe vera is simple to grow on a window sill for easy access. Simply apply the leaves' cooling gel directly to the area. Alternatively, buy aloe vera gel from a health shop.

Immune-booster
Process carrot, beetroot, gooseberries, a pinch of rock salt and some fresh garlic in a juicer or liquidiser. It doesn't taste as strange as it sounds!

Cold sores
Wrap ice in a tea towel and apply to the area for 10 mins.

Revive cold feet
Soak feet in a basin of warm water with 1/2 cup of salt, dissolved in it for 15 mins. Afterwards, massage it with damp salt.

Lower cholesterol
Extract the juice of 2 cloves of garlic by crushing in a pestle and mortar. Drink a spoonful every day.

Improve your mood
Have a few cashew nuts, raw or slightly warmed, each day.

Combat jet lag
The day before you fly, eat high-protein meals (meat/fish/pulses) for breakfast and lunch, and a carbohydrate meal (pasta/rice) for dinner. The protein in these meals stimulates the body to produce catecholamines, which mirror the body's naturally 'awake' daytime state.

Relieve acid build-up
Chew thoroughly on a celery stick.

Soothe bites and stings
Smooth on tomato juice.

Minimise swelling
Add 1 tsp cayenne pepper to a cup of apple cider vinegar and simmer for 15 mins. Cool to hand-hot. Soak a cloth in the vinegar, wring out the excess and hold the compress on the affected area.

Lessen snoring
A couple of sips of olive oil before bed coats the inside of the mouth.

6 Herbs for the Mind
posted by Michelle Schoffro Cook

When it comes to brain health and mental acuity, few people think of herbs. While Mother Nature’s herbal medicines humbly lay upon the earth in her rainforests, wilderness, and jungles devoid of any slick advertising campaigns, they show tremendous promise in the prevention of brain disease and in maintaining great brain health.

Remember: herbs are potent medicine so it is important to consult with your doctor before you start taking any herbs to prevent drug-herb interactions.

1. A Wise Sage

More than just seasoning for stuffing a turkey, recent research shows that sage is great brain food. A British research team conducted a study of sage’s therapeutic properties on a group of forty-four adults between the ages of eighteen and thirty-seven. Some participants were given capsules of sage oil while others were given a placebo of sunflower oil. Results showed that those who took the sage oil performed significantly better at memory tests than those who took the placebo. The people who were given sage as part of the study had improvements in both immediate and delayed word recall scores, as well as mood improvements. Additional research by the same scientific team led them to conclude that sage may also be helpful for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Fresh sage is an excellent addition to soups, stews, and chicken dishes.

2. The Curry Factor

Here’s another reason to enjoy your favorite Indian curry dishes: they typically contain the spice turmeric, a powerful food that helps protect your brain from disease. Research conducted by Greg Cole, PhD, associate director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at the University of California in Los Angeles, showed that, curcumin, the yellow pigment in turmeric, is a potent weapon against inflammation and plaque build up in the brain. Inflammation and plaque have been linked to serious brain diseases like Alzheimer’s. Additional studies are having similar positive results. The easiest way to enjoy the benefits of curcumin is by adding turmeric to your favorite curry dish.

3. Ginger—Nature’s Anti-Inflammatory

Not just great in stir-fries, ginger is one herb that can do more than add flavor and spice to just about any dish, it also exhibits antioxidant effects and the ability to lessen the formation of inflammation in the brain. Ginger contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds called “gingerols” that are responsible for the herb’s magic. A study in the November 2003 issue of Life Sciences found that ginger offers protection against free radicals, which have the potential to be a serious threat to brain health.

The easiest way to enjoy the benefits of ginger is to grate 2 tablespoons of fresh ginger and add to a cup of boiling water. Steep and strain. Enjoy a cup of this warming ginger tea with a touch of honey or a few drops of the naturally-sweet herb, stevia. You can also add freshly grated ginger to soups, stir-fries, vegetables, or other dishes to pack extra brain health into your meals.

4. Ginkgo Biloba to Boost Brain Power

Ginkgo biloba has developed a reputation as the brain herb thanks to its many beneficial effects on the brain, including: increasing blood flow to the brain, assisting with memory and in the treatment of dementia, as well as positive effects on depression. Ginkgo also helps improve the availability of energy to brain cells, which may improve feelings of mental alertness.

In Germany, ginkgo is approved as a treatment for Alzheimer’s. A study of forty patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, showed that 240 milligrams of ginkgo biloba extract taken daily for three months produced noticeable improvements in memory, mood, and attention. Since then numerous other studies have shown similar positive effects on early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.

Opt for ginkgo biloba standardized extract that contains twenty-four percent ginkgoflavonglycosides, also called “flavone glycosides,” the active ingredient which has the capacity to increase blood flow to the brain and lessen symptoms like depression, memory loss, and dizziness, all of which can be the result of reduced blood flow to the brain. For ginkgo’s preventive effects, forty milligrams three times a day is ideal.

5. Periwinkle: The Blue Flower for Grey Matter

Not just for English gardens anymore, the lovely blue flowering plant, periwinkle may help boost memory. Research shows that vinpocetine, a natural compound in periwinkle, helps transport oxygen and glucose to the brain. Since the brain needs both to function optimally, periwinkle may be beneficial for assisting to ease brain disease.

With around one hundred studies conducted on vinpocetine’s effects on humans, mostly in Hungary, it is not surprising that it has been used by Hungarian doctors to treat senility and blood vessel disorders in the brain for twenty-five years. In these studies it appears to boost memory and cognition in healthy people and in those with mild to moderate forms of dementia.

A double-blind study in 1985 in the European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, researchers tested vinpocetine’s effect on the short-term memory of twelve healthy women. The women who took forty milligrams of vinpocetine three times per day for two days scored thirty percent higher on short-term memory tests than the women in the placebo group.

Vinpocetine also thins blood, boosts circulation to the brain, and improves the brain’s ability to absorb nutrients, all of which improve brain function. Experts typically suggest dosages of two milligrams daily, taken with food. Vinpocetine appears to be safe for short- or long-term use. Check with your doctor if you are taking blood-thinning medications.

6. Rosemary to Increase Brain Circulation

This pine-like herb does more than just spice up a roast of beef, it offers anti-inflammatory protection to the delicate human brain. Research proves rosemary’s ability to increase blood flow to the head and brain, thereby improving concentration.

Historically, herbalists have used rosemary to strengthen memory. In England, rosemary’s memory strengthening ability was translated to mean that it would improve fidelity. As a result it was often given as a gift for the bride or groom as part of their wedding ceremony. Perhaps the gift-giver thought the herb would help the newlywed remember his or her vows.

Add rosemary to meat dishes or chop finely and add to bread, buns, or savory baked goods. There’s nothing as yummy as a still warm, freshly baked rosemary scone with tea.

Boosting your mental acuity and brain power can be as easy as eating Indian curries, rosemary biscuits, and drinking fresh ginger tea. Or supplement with ginkgo and vinpocetine to improve your brain health.

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/6-herbs-for-the-ind.html?page=4#ixzz10OEuGbB6

Possible breakthrough in skin cancer treatment

Cancer cells induced to 'eat themselves'

Cases of deadly skin cancer, also known as melanoma, are increasing at alarming rates in the UK - it is now the biggest killer of women in their twenties as we reported here.

When advanced melanoma does not respond to either chemotherapy or immunotherapy, and cannot be treated with surgery, the survival rate is usually very low.

But Spanish scientists have discovered an unexpected vulnerability in melanoma cells that can cause them to effectively eat themselves, known as autophagy.

The processes involved are complex and not fully understood. Previous research has shown that autophagy can play a part in both the halting and the spread of cancer cells.

Normal healthy animal cells are able to recognize and respond to invading viruses. Animal cells, including humans', contain single strands of RNA (ssRNA). In viruses, the RNA is double stranded (dsRNA). This allows human cells to identify the cells containing virus and recognise it as a threat.

In the new study, scientists found that melanoma cells still retain the ability to recognize and respond to dsRNA, raising the possibility that if introduced into melanoma cells, they could be fooled into attacking themselves.

By introducing a chemical designed to mimic dsRNA into the melanoma cells, they were able to stimulate melanoma cells to digest themselves. But the scientists noted that the manner in which the chemical mimic was added to the cells was critical to the success of the process.

Encouragingly, when tested on mice the process resulted in "significant anti-melanoma activity...without notable side effects" according to Dr. Maria S. Soengas, who authored the study which appears in the August edition of the journal Cancer Cell.

At this stage it is too early to say if this process will be of benefit in human cases, but it does represent an exciting new avenue for further research.

Top foods to keep you young


7 Anti-aging foods…
Most of us are keen to stay looking as fresh and young as possible, and although there's no way to pause or turn back the clock, there are few age-proof strategies we can employ to make sure we stay looking good. Maintaining a healthy and well-balanced diet is one approach, and the good news is that there are some foods that are thought to give you extra ammunition when it comes to combating the signs of aging.

Green tea
There is no end to the benefits of this super brew; green tea boasts a wealth of benefits that earns it the top spot in our anti-aging food list. Green tea is believed to help regulate blood pressure, lower blood sugar, boost the immune system, lower cholesterol and studies have even shown that green tea can be effective at preventing cancer. That's as close to the elixir of life as you can get.

Leafy greens
Whilst eating spinach won't be enough to turn you into Popeye, it's certainly excellent for boosting the body's immunity from illness. Spinach and other leafy foods like kale and collard are high in folate which is vital in preventing DNA and blood vessel damage. If you can maintain a healthy circulatory system you are reducing your risk of developing conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and dementia.

Dark chocolate
Who would have thought this sweet treat would feature in an anti-aging list, but the good news is chocolate can help fight against some signs of aging due to its cocoa content. Cocoa is rich in a group of antioxidants called Flavinoids which help preserve healthy function of the blood vessels. And healthy youthful circulatory system lowers risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and dementia. Don't fill your boots though, a square a day is a good guide and make sure you go for the over 70% cocoa stuff.

Soy products
Like fish, soy products such as tofu are also a great alternative source of protein than red meat or even dairy, since they have little or no saturated fat. A diet that's low in saturated fat will reduce your risk of developing heart disease and lower blood pressure. As a staple part of the Japanese diet, soy products are great at helping keep down cholesterol and are a useful addition to a healthy diet.

Yogurt
Judging from their frequently bad press, you might assume that all forms of bacteria are out to get you. Thankfully, this couldn't be further from the truth. 'Good' bacteria is great for regulating the immune system, by increasing its antibodies and preventing the rise of pathogenic organisms like salmonella and E.coli. Many yoghurts include a high volume of 'good' bacteria that help maintain gut health and diminish the incidence of age-related intestinal illness. Yogurt is also rich in calcium, which can help stave off osteoporosis.

Red wine
A glass of red wine tots up a good dose of anti-aging elements including polyphenol antioxidants, minerals, and resveratrol. Resveratrol which helps to increase 'good cholesterol' levels in the body and prevents blood clotting and a healthy circulatory system. Resveratrol found in red wine may also be beneficial for women during the menopause by reducing the risk for conditions for example breast cancer and osteoporosis that result from reduced oestrogen levels. Like the chocolate, it's not carte blanche to guzzle as much as you want; we suggest a standard glass every other day is a good approach.

Water
Few people - whether active or not - drink sufficient water, and side effects of even slight dehydration include headaches, fatigue and low concentration levels. Yet increasing fluid intake can increase energy levels, aid digestion, give skin a boost and help boost your anti-aging armoury. Concentrate on drinking little and often throughout the day, being extra vigilant after exercise or when you've been confined in a dry, overheated or air-conditioned environment.

Read more from realbuzz.com

Q & A: Underactive Thyroid

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOzJ_BjTxEM

How your thyroid can make you sick, tired and overweight

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKFLZQLZLFg

Symptoms of a thyroid problem

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=At1sfMh4bxg

Thyroid Examination

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYb-io13fOA

cirujia de la tiroides 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnR8D3AQyPE

Treatment of Thyroid Eyelid and Orbit Disorders

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6RVAIwjN3I

Effects of Thyroid Disease

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GSCECqc8U8

Energising our thyroid gland

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUci1xF7_8E

Exercises to control your thyroid

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KYbUUZ44BA

The Natural Thyroid Diet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6Z2qYKysME

Healthy Food Choices for an Underactive Thyroid

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjKWfHlHCrc

What Is Pelvic Pain?

Pelvic pain refers to pain in the abdomen below the belly button. This pain can accompany a wide range of conditions. It may be a harmless sign of fertility, a digestive disorder like IBS, or a red flag for a life-threatening emergency. In the slides ahead, we explore 18 causes of pelvic pain. But be sure to see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Appendicitis

This is an inflammation of the appendix, a tube of tissue connected to the large intestine. The symptoms include sharp pain in the lower right abdomen, vomiting, and fever. If you have these symptoms, go to the ER. An infected appendix must be surgically removed or it will eventually burst, spreading the infection within the abdomen. This can result in life-threatening complications.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic digestive disorder that causes recurring belly pain, cramps, bloating, and diarrhea or constipation. Doctors don't know what causes it, but there are strategies to control the symptoms. These include diet changes, stress management, and medications to treat diarrhea or constipation.

Mittelschmerz (Painful Ovulation)

If you have painful twinges halfway between your periods, you may be feeling your body ovulate. During ovulation, the ovary releases an egg along with some fluid and blood, which may irritate the lining of the abdomen. This is called mittelschmerz from the German words for "middle" and "pain," because it occurs mid-cycle. The pain may switch sides from month to month. It isn't harmful and usually goes away within a few hours.

PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)

PMS is known for triggering mood swings and food cravings. It can also cause abdominal cramps, low back pain, headaches, tender breasts, and acne. Hormonal changes may be to blame. Stress, lack of exercise, and some vitamin deficiencies may make the symptoms worse. If PMS is interfering with your daily activities, talk to your doctor. Lifestyle changes and medication can often help.

The chart shows hormone changes during a normal menstrual cycle.

Menstrual Cramps

Every month, the uterus builds up a lining of tissue called the endometrium, where an embryo can implant and grow. If you don't get pregnant, the lining breaks down and leaves the body as your menstrual period. Menstrual cramps can occur when the uterus contracts to help push out this blood. The cramps are usually felt in the lower belly or back and last one to three days. A heating pad and over-the-counter pain relievers may help.

Ectopic Pregnancy

This is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate treatment. It happens when an embryo implants and begins growing somewhere outside of the uterus, usually the fallopian tube. The symptoms include sharp pelvic pain or cramps (particularly on one side), vaginal bleeding, nausea, and dizziness. Urgent medical attention is needed.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

One of the most serious complications of STDs is pelvic inflammatory disease or PID. This infection can cause permanent damage to the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes (seen here, swollen and red). In fact, it's the leading preventable cause of infertility in women. Symptoms include belly pain, fever, abnormal vaginal discharge, and pain during sex or urination. PID is treated with antibiotics, and in severe cases, surgery.

Ovarian Cysts

A follicle houses the maturing egg during the menstrual cycle and releases the egg when you ovulate. Occasionally, a follicle doesn't open to release the egg or recloses after releasing the egg and swells with fluid, forming an ovarian cyst. This is usually harmless and goes away on its own. But large cysts may cause pelvic pain, weight gain, and frequent urination. Ovarian cysts can be identified with a pelvic exam or ultrasound.

Uterine Fibroids

Fibroids grow in the wall of the uterus and are sometimes called fibroid tumors, but they are not cancerous. Fibroids are common in women in their 30s and 40s and usually cause no problems. However, some women may experience pressure in the belly, low back pain, heavy periods, painful sex, or trouble getting pregnant. Talk with your doctor about treatments to shrink or remove problematic fibroids.

Endometriosis

In some women, endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus. Growths may form on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, intestines, and other parts of the body. When it's time for your period, these clumps break down, but the tissue has no way to leave the body. While this is rarely dangerous, it can cause pain and produce scar tissue that may make it tough to get pregnant. There are treatments for endometriosis, but there is no cure.

Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection (UTI) begins when germs get into the urinary tract. A UTI can cause problems anywhere from the urethra to the bladder and up through the ureters all the way to the kidneys. Symptoms include pressure in the lower pelvis, painful urination, and a frequent urge to urinate. The infection usually isn't serious if it is treated promptly. But when it spreads to the kidneys, it can cause permanent damage. Signs of a kidney infection include fever, nausea, vomiting, and pain in one side of the lower back.

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are globs of salt and minerals that deposit in the urine. They can be as tiny as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. As the stones move from your kidney to your bladder, they can trigger sudden, excruciating pain in the belly or pelvic area. Your urine may turn pink or red from blood. Check with your doctor if you think you have kidney stones. Most will pass out of your system on their own, but some require treatment.

Interstitial Cystitis (IC)

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic pain condition related to inflammation of the bladder. The cause is unknown. People with severe IC may need to urinate multiple times an hour. Other symptoms include pressure above the pubic area, painful urination, and pain during sex. The condition is most common in women in their 30s and 40s. Although there is no cure, there are ways to ease the symptoms.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Pelvic pain is a warning sign for some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs.) Two of the most common are chlamydia and gonorrhea (shown here through a microscope); they often occur together. They don't always cause symptoms, but when they do, they may trigger pelvic pain, painful urination, bleeding between periods, and abnormal vaginal discharge. It's important to seek treatment to prevent serious complications and avoid infecting your partner.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Many women will have some type of pelvic organ prolapse as they age. This occurs when an organ, such as the bladder or uterus, drops into a lower position. It usually isn't a serious health problem, but it can be uncomfortable. The most common symptoms are pressure against the vaginal wall, feeling full in the lower belly, discomfort in the groin or lower back, and painful sex. Treatment options range from special exercises to surgery.

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

Varicose veins commonly occur in the legs (seen here in the upper thigh), and they can sometimes develop in the pelvis. Blood backs up in the pelvic veins, causing them to become swollen and painful. This is known as pelvic congestion syndrome. The pain tends to be worse when you sit or stand. Lying down may provide relief. There are minimally invasive procedures to treat pelvic congestion syndrome.

Scar Tissue

If you've had surgery in the pelvic or lower abdominal region, such as an appendectomy or a C-section, or infection in the area, you could have ongoing pain from scar tissue. Adhesions are a type of internal scar tissue that forms between organs or structures that are not meant to be connected. Abdominal adhesions can cause pain and other problems, depending on their location. In some cases, adhesions must be surgically removed.

Vulvodynia

Vulvodynia is chronic vulvar pain that has no known cause. The pain affects the area around the opening of the vagina. It can be constant or recurring and is often described as a burning, stinging or throbbing sensation. Riding a bike or having sex may make the pain worse. It is not caused by an infection. And a diagnosis of vulvodynia is made only after ruling out other causes of vulvar pain. Treatment options range from medication to physical therapy.

Pain During Sex

Pain during sex (dyspareunia) can be caused by many of the conditions we've discussed, most of which are treatable. Other reasons for painful sex are vaginal infections or insufficient lubrication. Sometimes there is no medical explanation for pain during sex. In those cases, sexual therapy may be beneficial. This type of therapy can help resolve inner conflicts about sex or past abuse.

Chronic Pelvic Pain

Chronic pelvic pain occurs below your belly button and lasts at least 6 months. It may be severe enough to interfere with your sleep, career, or relationships. The first step toward getting your life back is seeing your doctor for a diagnosis. Most of the conditions we've discussed respond well to treatment. Sometimes, even after a lot of testing, the cause of pelvic pain remains a mystery. But your doctor can still help you find ways to feel better.

Top ten threats to men's health

They cause more than 60 per cent of all men's deaths in the UK. Find out what you can do to protect yourself


For the weaker sex, British women do pretty well. Men die sooner, they're 70 per cent more likely to die from cancers that affect both sexes and 60 per cent more likely to develop them in the first place. Why is this? Is it down to genes?

We don't think so. If you look at the top ten health threats to men living in the UK, you'll find that many can be prevented.

Some can even be stopped in their tracks if you know the warning signs, have a few tests done by your GP and make some lifestyle changes.

Heart disease

The number one threat to men’s health in the UK is heart disease, killing over 50,000 men annually - one in five of all male deaths. Sadly, most are preventable.

What you can do about it
You're at risk if you are over 40, overweight, have high blood pressure and cholesterol, are a smoker, are diabetic or have a family history of heart disease. See your GP for advice and try to modify your lifestyle: Quit smoking, improve your diet to include fruit, vegetables and fibre, avoid foods containing saturated and trans fats, limit your alcohol intake, try to maintain a healthy weight, and incorporate some exercise into your routine.

Stroke

In 2007, over 20,000 men died of stroke. Strokes cause more death in men than any single cancer and are the leading cause of disability in the UK. Around half a million people in England alone have some form of disability because of stroke.

What you can do about it
Most people think of strokes affecting only the elderly, but anyone can get one. Strokes are more common in men than women and the vast majority occur in people over the age of 45. You are more at risk of a stroke if you have high blood pressure and cholesterol, smoke, drink to excess, are overweight, diabetic, already have heart disease or have previously had a heart attack. To reduce your risk, have your GP check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, maintain a healthy weight, stop smoking, cut back on salt in your food and limit your alcohol intake.

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer of men in the UK, with around 16,000 men dying from it every year.

What you can do about it
Smoking causes 90 per cent of lung cancer cases, though a family history of the disease, exposure to radon gas, air pollution, second-hand smoke and chemicals like asbestos can also cause it. The symptoms of lung cancer can include a persistent cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing up blood, chest pain, weight loss and fatigue. To prevent lung cancer, stop smoking, Doing so will also reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a group of chronic lung diseases which include chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and annually cause the death of between 12,000 and 13,000 men in the UK. Eight out of ten cases are caused by smoking. An estimated three million people in the UK have COPD, but only 900,000 are diagnosed, probably because many ignore the symptoms.

What you can do about it
The early signs of COPD include cough, phlegm and shortness of breath - if have been or are a smoker, and have these symptoms, you should see your GP. COPD can't be cured, but it can be slowed down by medication. The best way to prevent COPD is to stop smoking. Stopping smoking will reduce your risk and help improve your symptoms if you have COPD.

Influenza and pneumonia

Influenza, pneumonia and bronchitis are all infections of the lower respiratory tract which kill, on average, over 10,000 men every year.

What you can do about it
Pneumonia is caused by a number of different bacteria and viruses. Although anyone can be infected, smokers, people with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions are more at risk. Both diseases are most common during the winter months. You can get vaccinated for the influenza, as well as against pneumonia. Make sure you keep your hands clean, as they are often in contact with germs. Don't smoke as it raises your risk of infection. Eat a healthy balanced diet and try to get some exercise, even in the winter months. This helps to keep your immune system healthy.

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cause of cancer in men. Each year approximately 35,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer and around 10,200 die from it, yet a recent survey found that 60 per cent of men were unaware of the symptoms.

What you can do about it
Over 70 per cent of new cases occur in men over the age of 65, and having a close family member who has had the disease makes it more likely you will get it too. Early symptoms may include the need to urinate often, passing urine slowly, discomfort while urinating, blood in urine or semen, pain or stiffness in back, hips or pelvis and difficulty in having an erection.

If you have any of these symptoms, see your GP. There is no one way to prevent prostate cancer. However, eating a healthy balanced diet, rich in fruit, vegetables and fibre is associated with a lower risk of many cancers. Cutting back on red meat and saturated fat and drinking alcohol in moderation may also reduce your risk.

Bowel cancer

Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in men and each year over 20,000 men are diagnosed with the disease in the UK and around 8,500 die from it.

What you can do about it
If caught early enough, it is one of the most treatable of cancers, with 90 per cent of those diagnosed living for more than 5 years. It tends to occur in people over the age of 60 and its risk factors include a family history of the disease, having diabetes, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, a poor diet, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption and being inactive. Symptoms might include bleeding from the bottom, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain and tiredness.

Liver disease

In 2008 there were 4,764 deaths in England and Wales due to alcoholic liver disease. Three-quarters were men. Alcoholic liver disease is a group of illnesses which develop when the liver becomes damaged due to heavy drinking including fatty liver, hepatitis and cirrhosis.

What you can do about it
It's a fatal mistake to think that binge drinkers are most at risk from liver disease. People most at risk are those who drink over the limit on a regular basis over the years. Alcoholic liver disease does not usually cause any symptoms until the liver has been seriously damaged. When this happens, alcoholic liver disease can cause nausea, weight loss and eyes and skin turning yellow.

The best way to prevent alcohol related liver disease is not to drink alcohol, or to stick to the recommended daily limits. For men this means drinking no more than three to four units a day. One unit of alcohol is equal to about half a pint of normal strength lager, a small glass of wine or a pub measure (25ml) of spirits.

Alzheimer's

Nervous system disorders account for 5 per cent of all male deaths in the UK. Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia are responsible for around half of this figure, at just over 5,000 deaths per year.

What you can do about it
The early signs of dementia include an inability to recall recent events, failure to recognize familiar faces and names, general confusion about everyday matters, language problems and mood and behavior problems. Age is the biggest risk factor for dementia, with about one in 14 people over the age of 65 and one in six people over 80 has some type of dementia.

There is no way to prevent dementia, but generally speaking maintaining a healthy lifestyle - exercising, not smoking, keeping socially and mentally active - can help protect against both mental and physical decline.

Accidents

Accidents are the 10th biggest killer of UK men. This does not include deaths from transport related accidents, which adds a further 2,000 deaths to the 3,700 total. Four out of every ten accidental deaths are caused by falls. Drug related deaths account for another 12 per cent of accidental deaths in men, with choking and suffocating causing another per cent.

What you can do about it
Most accidents occur in the home. If you are in an accident, or are witness to one, the first thing to do is to remove yourself from any immediate danger. Call the emergency services on 999 to get professional help. Get basic first aid training for yourself and all members of your family.

Ensure that fire alarms are fitted and working. Check them regularly. Avoid walking in slippery or icy conditions, especially if you are older. Try to exercise regularly, and make sure that you have your eyesight checked regularly. Ensure that your home is free of obstacles that may trip you up.

Top ten threats to women's health
And what you can do to protect yourself


Women are generally more sensible and health conscious than men, and pursue eating, drinking and smoking with greater moderation.

And yet, women's health is threatened by the same lethal conditions that affect men, many of which can be prevented through a healthier lifestyle.

In this feature, we look at the top ten causes of women's death in the UK, and what you can do to protect yourself.


Heart disease

Heart disease kills more women in the UK than any other cause. In 2008, more than 40,000 women in England and Wales died due to heart disease, and around 100,000 women have heart attacks every year.

What you can do about it
You are more at risk of heart disease if you have high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol levels, smoke or are overweight. If you are over 40, overweight and "too busy" to exercise, at least take time off to visit your GP can assess your risk of heart disease. Try to cut back on foods which are rich in saturated and trans fats and high in salt and incorporate some type of physical activity into your daily routine.


Stroke

For some reason, stroke is often regarded as a condition which mainly affects men. Not so. Stroke is the second biggest cause of women's deaths in the UK. Although strokes are mores common in men, women are one and a half times more likely to die from one. They are also the leading cause of disability in the UK.

What you can do about it
A stroke happens when the blood flow to the brain is interrupted by a blood clot blocking an artery. Some risk factors for stroke can't be changed - e.g. you are more likely to have one as you age. However, eating a healthy diet rich in fibre and low in saturated fats and salt reduce your chances of developing high blood pressure, and high blood cholesterol levels, both major risk factor for stroke.


Influenza

Around 17,000 women die from infections of the lower respiratory tract each year such as flu, pneumonia and bronchitis.

What you can do about it
Older women, those with weakened immune systems and smokers are most at risk from these diseases during the winter months. Protect yourself by getting the yearly vaccinations for flu and pneumonia. Eat a healthy balanced diet to keep your immune system healthy.


Dementia

More women die from dementia than men simply because they are more likely to live longer. The biggest risk factor for dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, is ageing. Having a close family member with dementia is an additional risk factor.

What you can do about it
You can't stop yourself from ageing, or change your genes (not yet anyway). When it comes to diet and exercise, many studies suggest what's good for the heart is also good for the brain. Keeping mentally, physically and socially active have also been found to lower your risk of disease.


COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of chronic lung diseases which include chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It kills more women than breast cancer, yet many people have never heard of it. COPD is more common in men, but women are catching up fast.

What you can do about it
Eight out of ten cases of COPD occur in smokers, so the best way to prevent it is to stop smoking. If you have a 'smokers cough' you should get it checked by your GP, who can carry out a lung function test to assess any damage to your lungs. There is no cure for COPD, but there is medication which can slow down the rate at which the disease progresses.


Lung cancer

Lung cancer kills more women in the UK than any other cancer in the UK. It causes one in five of all female cancer deaths, and more than 10,000 women die from it every year.
Nine out of ten cases of lung cancer are caused by smoking. Air pollution, second-hand smoke and working with chemicals such as asbestos can also increase your chances of lung cancer.

What you can do about it
The more you smoke, the greater your risk of lung cancer. Stopping smoking not only reduces your risk of lung and other cancers, but also of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure.


Breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. More than 45,000 women develop the disease each year - equivalent to 125 women a day. Advances in medical research, screening and new treatments is the reason why breast cancer is not higher up in our list.

What you can do about it
All women between aged between 50 to 70 are eligible for NHS screening. Screening is by breast mammogram - a bit like an X ray. If you are not being screened, see your GP to find out why not.

If you have a close family member who has had breast cancer before the age of 50, you should inform your GP, as a minority of cases are caused by a gene which can run in families.

All women should learn what their breasts look and feel like normally, so they can notice any changes in the shape, size and texture which occur.


Kidney disease

Kidney disease is often a complication of diabetes or high blood pressure.

What you can do about it
Diabetes and high blood pressure are often linked to being overweight and an unhealthy diet. Try to maintain a healthy weight, cut down on dietary salt and include some form of physical activity on a daily basis.


Bowel cancer

Bowel cancer is the second most common cancer in women after breast cancer. Each year around 17,000 women are diagnosed with the condition and 7,000 die from it.

What you can do about it
Poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity and lack of exercise all increase the risk of bowel cancer. Diets rich in red and processed meat and low in fruit, vegetables and fibre add to the risk of disease.

Everyone between the ages of 60 and 69 in England, 50 and 74 in Scotland, and 60 and 74 in Wales are eligible for screening kits which are sent to the home. The kits detect tiny amounts of blood hidden in your faeces - don't let this put you off using them.


Ovarian cancer

There's a lot of competition for the number ten spot, but we have chosen ovarian cancer. Many medical conditions can lay claim to be a 'silent killer', but none more so than ovarian cancer.

The symptoms of early disease are often 'silent' or ignored by busy women, when treatment is most effective against the cancer. It is often mistaken by women (and some GPs) for irritable bowel syndrome.

What you can do about it
Women who have used the contraceptive pill and breast fed after pregnancy have a lower risk of ovarian cancer.

A small minority of women have inherited genes which increases their risk of ovarian cancer.

You may be eligible for screening if you have a close relative who has had the disease coupled with another who has had breast cancer before the age of 50, from the same side of the family.

Contact your GP for further details on this.