healthy body tips

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) and Bat bugs (Cimex adjunctus and C.  pilosellus) 
Cimicoidea
Bed bugs are parasites that feed on humans.
Occasionally “bed bug” problems are actually caused by bat or bird bugs that can be found in buildings that have bats or birds living in the structure.

Public health significance:
Although both bed bugs and bat or bird bugs will bite people,only bed bugs feed on human blood.Bed and bat or bird bugs have not been found to transmit any diseases to humans.  However,secondary infections resulting from scratching the bites can occur and should be cleaned and treated accordingly.Repeated exposure to bed bug bites may cause some people to become sensitized to the saliva and result in mild to intense allergic reactions.

Sources of infestation:
Bed bugs are bought into home on infested furniture or in luggage and personal belongings after staying in infested lodgings.In apartment buildings,townhouses,hotels and other connected dwellings bed bugs can migrate from one infested unit into other via electrical wiring, plumbing and adjoining walls.Socio-economic considerations:Bed bugs and bat bugs can and will infest the humblest of homes and the most extravagant hotel or mansion if given the chance.

Eggs are white in color and approx 1 mm in length and glued to the surface they are laid on.Eggs are laid in the crevices and surfaces where the adult bed bug hides during non-feeding periods and hatch in 6 to 10 days depending on temperature.


The newly hatched nymph (approx. 1.5 mm) is white to pale yellow until their first blood meal after which they become reddish-brown in color.


Development time from first nymph stage to sexually mature adult is 35 to 48 days under favorable environmental conditions.The bed bug requires a blood meal for each of the five nymphal stages, as well as a blood meal by the adult female before she can lay eggs.


Female bed bugs lay 1 to 5 eggs after each blood meal and can lay a total of 200 eggs during its lifetime of approximately 9 to 18 months.


Bed bugs can survive over 6 months between blood meals if a host is not available. 


Adult bed bugs are reddish brown in color,approximately 7 mm long,egg-shaped with a segmented abdomen, and are flat top to bottom.


Generally,bed bugs are nocturnal,feeding when their host is asleep but will adjust their feeding habits to match the sleeping habits of the host.For example,if the host begins working at night and sleeps during the daytime hours, bed bugs will become day feeders.If the host begins sleeping in another room, bed bugs will follow to the new location.


During non-feeding periods,bed bugs will hide in cracks and crevices in close proximity to the host (e.g., mattress seams,bed frame,headboard,box spring,behind wall hangings or baseboards,torn wall paper, bedroom furniture, etc.).


It takes a bed bug about 5 to 10 minutes to finish a blood meal.The bites are painless, so the host is unaware they are being bitten.


An integrated program of inspection, chemical and non-chemical measures followed by monitoring is required for control of bed bugs.

Housekeeping:
Transporting bed linen,blankets,etc in a plastic trash bag to be laundered in hot water.Items that cannot be laundered in hot water can be placed in a dryer at high heat for 30-40 minutes.


Inspection of places where bed bugs hide (e.g.,bed frame,headboard,box spring,mattress,behind wall hangings,in bedroom furniture,edge of carpeting etc.) and vacuuming them up(and disposing of the vacuum bag) when they are found.


Minimize floor clutter (e.g.,boxes,books,clothing,etc.) to reduce the number of bed bug hiding places. 


On hot,sunny days,place infested mattress,bed frame,headboard,etc outdoors in the direct sun,turning them periodically to drive bed bugs out of infested furniture.


Apply diatomaceous earth (broken up shells of tiny critters) powder to cracks and crevices behind baseboard coving and in floor cracks,and other hiding areas that are out of sight. Diatomaceous earth works by slicing open the exoskeleton (outer, hard covering) of insects, causing them to dehydrate and die. 


Seal cracks and crevices along base board coving and floors with caulking. 

Chemical control: 
The homeowner can do this by applying an insecticide into all the cracks and crevices in the infested room.Following label instructions, apply over-the-counter insecticides that are registered for bed bugs to infested box springs,mattress,bed frame,furniture,crack and crevices,etc. 


It is usually recommended that a professional,commercial pesticide applicator be hired to apply the chemical pesticides.They have the experience and knowledge in bed bug control strategies along with the having the proper equipment to apply pesticides into cracks and crevices. In addition,professional applicators can use more effective pesticides with residual properties that continue to kill bed bugs after they’ve been applied. 

Monitoring:
Following control procedures,monitoring of further bed bug activity is necessary to ensure that control was successful.If evidence of live bed bug activity is found,additional control measures are needed until no activity is observed.
Inspection of mattress, headboard, bed frame,etc. where previous bed bug activity was noted. 
Continued blood spotting of sheets.
Fresh bites.
Adhesive traps that collect insect pests as they cross over its sticky surface.

There are a number of common 'human' foods that can be toxic for your pets.The important thing is to know exactly what to avoid. Here is a complete list. 

1. Alcoholic beverages 

It is often sweet - attracting dogs and cats, but can cause serious and fatal intoxication. Don't ever offer this to your pets.

Here are some of the signs and side effects:
- Incoordination/ataxia 
- Excitement 
- Depression 
- Excessive urination 
- Breathing rate is slowed 
- Cardiac arrest and death 

2. Avocado 

Avocado leaves, fruit, seeds and bark contain a toxic principle known as Persin. The Guatemalan variety is most toxic - but all have toxic potential. They cause vomiting/diarrhea - primarily gastrointestinal distress.

3. Chocolate (all forms) 

Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic.
Signs:
Initial excitation.
Increased drinking and urinating.
Vomiting and Diarrhea.
Theobromine causes an increased heart rate and arrhythmia.
Seizures can then be seen.
Death is then possible.
ACTION PLAN: Induce vomiting, give activated charcoal, and go to the Vet if depression and seizures begin. Baker's chocolate and high cocoa content chocolate is the most toxic; the toxic dose is 2 baking squares for a 10lb dog. Regular chocolate bars have little real chocolate and are seldom toxic.

4. Coffee (all forms) 

Coffee contains dangerous components called xanthines, which cause nervous system or urinary system damage and heart muscle stimulation.

5. Fatty foods

The primary concern here is severe gastrointestinal upset- and in some cases Pancreatitis.This can be fatal in some pets- and it is almost always triggered by a High Fat Meal, such as gravy or bacon.

6. Macadamia nuts 

Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscles of dogs.This has lead to paralysis.A small number of nuts and even the butter can cause this.

7. Moldy or spoiled foods 

Many molds contain a type of toxin called an Aflatoxin.This is thought to be a common cause of "compost toxicity". Signs include (Vomiting/Diarrhea), muscle tremors, in-coordination, elevated temperature, excessive salivation, and liver damage. Avoid feeding anything moldy to your dog or cat.

8. Onions, onion powder 

Onions contain the toxic ingredient thiosulphate.Pets affected by onion toxicity will develop anemia.One Onion can cause this. Fortunately all dogs recover once they are stopped from ingesting onions.

9. Raisins and grapes 

As few as 6 grapes and raisins have caused acute kidney failure in some dogs.The toxic ingredient is not yet known.There is no treatment. Avoid feeding any grapes or raisins to your dogs. 

10. Yeast dough 

The yeast dough/uncooked bread dough will rise in your pet's stomach causing severe gastrointestinal distress (vomiting/diarrhea),bloating, and signs of alcohol toxicity.

11. Xylitol 

Xylitol is a artificial sweeter found in "sugar free" Products,  such as gum, candy etc. Signs relate to a sudden drop in glucose (blood sugar), in-coordination, collapse and seizures.Avoid feeding any gum/candy to your pets. 

12. Apples, Apricots, Cherries, Peaches and Plums. 

Ingestion of large amounts of stems, seeds and leaves of these fruits can be toxic.They contain a cyanide type compound and signs of toxicity include apprehension, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, hyperventilation and shock.
Note - it's the seeds and stems that contain the toxic component,not the fruit itself. 

13. Potato peelings and green looking potatoes 

Potatoes and other Solanum species,including the tomato,are members of the nightshade family of plants. These plants contain solanine and other toxic alkaloids which,if eaten in large enough amounts, can produce drooling, severe gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea, loss of appetite, drowsiness, central nervous system depression, confusion,behavioral changes, weakness, dilated pupils and slowed heart rate.

14. Nutmeg 

High levels of nutmeg can be toxic, even fatal. The toxic component is unknown.Signs of toxicity include tremors, seizures, nervous system abnormalities or death.

15. Tomato leaves & stems (green parts) 


The green parts of the tomato plant are considered toxic because they contain solanine, which has the potential to produce  significant gastrointestinal and central nervous system effects.

Aloysia triphylla
Family Name: Verbenaceae
Common Name: Lemon Verbena, Herb Louisa, herba Luisa
Habitat: Peru, Chile, Bolivia and Central America. Introduced to Europe in 18th Century though Spain.
Popular garden plant though out the world.
Historical Botanical Names: Botanical literature shows a variety of names,including Lippia citriodora and L. triphylla.Verbena triphylla and Aloysia triphylla.A search of the taxonomic sources provides some clarification. It seems that the plant was first classified from specimens mainly growing in the Royal Garden at Madrid. A French botanist published a description in 1784, and a Spanish botanists in 1785, naming it Aloysia in honour of Maria Luisa, princess of Parma and wife of Charles IV of Spain. The plant was later found in the wild by botanists working in South America, who gave it the genus name Lippi, in memory of a French-born Italian naturalist, Augustin Lippi, murdered in Abyssinia in 1709.

A deciduous shrub, growing to a maximum of 5 metres.The leaves are very fragrant, lanceolate, arranged in threes at each node, hence the name origin Aloysia  (3)triphylla. 6 to 8cm long, with smooth margins, pale green in colour.The many small flowers are pale purple, blooming during late summer in slim terminal panicles.The parts usefull are leaves, dried and fresh.Lemon Verbena has an unusually strong lemon scent and flavor to it. The lemon scent comes from an essential oil known as citral, which is also found in lemon, lemongrass and other citrus plants.

Medicinal Use: A medication that reduces fever; an antipyretic,sedative,stomachic,antispasmodic in dyspepsia, indigestion and flatulence, stimulating skin and stomach.

Lemon verbena has certain therapeutic properties and has been used for a variety of ailments including relief of digestive tract spasms, reduction of fever, strengthening of the nervous system, stress relief and as an anti-spasmodic and expectorant. Lemon verbena has the ability to help break down cellulite, as well as to exert a soothing, healing and toning effect on the skin.

Considered the Queen of Aromatic Herbs. The dried leaves are used in sachets and Potpourri. They can retain their odour for years.Oil distilled from plant is used in perfumery. A popular drink in Spain, where it is known as ‘Luisa’.

In cooking, lemon verbena can be used in fruit dishes, jellies, punches, added to baked custard or home made ice cream. Lemon verbena can be used in any dish where lemon might be used including fish and chicken dishes, salad dressings and rice.

Lemon verbena is a popular dessert ingredient and pairs well with vanilla and mint. It compliments most fruit flavors and is the perfect accompaniment to a fruit salad. Pastry chefs have been known to place two or three lemon verbena leaves in the bottom of a buttered cake pan before spooning the cake batter into the pan. The leaves release their oil during the baking process, giving the cake a delightful lemony flavor. It is necessary to remove the leaves prior to serving.

Lemon verbena leaves can be steeped in hot water to create an aromatic and mildly sedative herbal tea. It makes a delicious tea and can be drunk anytime as it is relaxing and soothing. Lemon verbena tea is believed to help regulate the menstrual cycle and assist with symptoms of PMS. It has also been found useful in the treatment of Crohn's disease; an autoimmune disease which affects the gastro-intestinal tract. Lemon verbena leaves can also be used in potpourri or to make an infusion which can be added to bath water for a calming effect.

Lemon verbena essential oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory, fever reducer and sedative. It is generally inhaled for stress, insomnia, depression and nervous fatigue. Lemon verbena essential oil has also proven beneficial during an asthmatic crisis. Due to its strong antiviral properties, lemon verbena essential oil can be applied directly to a cold sore to reduce pain and symptoms. Lemon verbena generally is recognized as safe for human consumption.

Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable of the mustard family. Cruciferous vegetables are plants that contain indoles and isothiocyanates, phytochemicals with anti-cancer properties.
Spanish name:  cole
Family:  Brassicaceae
Genus:  Brassica
Species:  Brassica oleracea
Group:  Capitata


Many vegetables evolved the original wild cabbage including broccoli,russels,sprouts,cauliflower,kale,
collard and kohlrabi.Cabbage can be eaten raw as shredded vegetable,cut into chunks and steamed,boiled
or stir- fried.It can also be used as a garnish in salads


1. All cole crops can be cross-bred, making it easy and economical to develop new cabbage varieties.


2. Primary uses of cabbages include processed coleslaw (40 – 45%), fresh head (35%), sauerkraut (12%), various fresh-cut products (5–10%) and dried (less than 5%). 


3. Technological advancements in packaging have increased the number of cabbage heads for market about 30 percent since 1996. 


4. As early as 600 B.C.E., wild cabbage indigenous to Asia and the Mediterranean slowly spread into Northern Europe by the Celts and later the Romans. 


5. Able to store for long periods, cabbage was a staple item of Europeans in the Middle Ages. Its juice was commonly used to heal wounds and as a cough remedy. 


6. In 1541, French explorer Jacques Cartier introduced cabbage to North America. 


7. Since cabbage contains lots of Vitamin C, other explorers,including Captain Cook, traveled with it in order to prevent scurvy. Cabbage rapidly spread across continent. 


8. Opening of trade with Asia in the late 19th century brought Chinese cabbage to California. 



It's high in Vitamins A and C

Vitamins A and C are vitamins with strong antioxidant properties and red cabbage is a good source of both, particularly vitamin C. One serving provides three-quarters of the daily recommended quantity of this vitamin which is important for maintaining healthy skin and connective tissue. Who says citrus fruits are the only good source of vitamin C?

It's a Real Diet Food

Red cabbage is a guilt-free food if you're a calorie counter. One cup of red cabbage has under thirty fat-free calories. The relatively high fiber content of red cabbage makes it a filling and satisfying side dish. No wonder the cabbage soup diet was so popular!

It's Better than It's Green Cousin

Green cabbage may be healthy, but red cabbage is better. Would you believe that red cabbage has twice the vitamin C content of green cabbage? Plus, red cabbage is a rich source of anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid that gives red cabbage it's deep red- purple coloration. There's increasing evidence in animals that anthocyanins help to promote brain health as well as protect against cancer.

There's little doubt that red cabbage is one healthy vegetable, but the indigestible fiber in those crimson leaves can cause flatulence and may need to be eaten in moderation. Enjoy the many health benefits of red cabbage!

Pyrus communis
Rosaceae

Pears (Pyrus communis) are a pome fruit relative of the apple.Pears are members of the rose family. Pear trees can grow for hundreds of years while still producing fruit. The pear tree prefers colder environments and is thought to have originated in present day Western China, where it diverged into 20 different primary species. Evidence also shows that pears were cultivated in prehistoric times, in Swiss areas and even in ancient Rome. Pears have a juicy, distinctive texture and vary in consistency depending on their ripeness. Pears are delicious in both sweet and savory dishes and are extremely high in fiber and vitamin C. When baked, pears soak in their own juices, taking on an even sweeter flavor.One distinct feature of the pear besides the shape is the soft texture. This soft texture is the result of the starch converting to sugar after being picked from a tree to ripen.

Health ingredients  

BORON: Pears contain boron, which helps maintain calcium levels and prevent osteoporosis. 


COPPER: Pears also have a fair amount of copper, an antioxidant that fights off free radicals.


FIBER: Pears have an extraordinary amount of dietary fiber (4 grams), which can prevent constipation and decrease risks of heart disease and diabetes. 


PECTIN: Pears have a high amount of pectin, which can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. 


QUERCETIN: Quercetin, found in the skin of pears, is an antioxidant that helps prevent cancer and artery diseases. 


VITAMIN C: Pears are a great source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that is important for proper immune function. 


FIBER :Fresh pears offer dietary fiber, much of it in the form of Pectin.High fiber diets may also help reduce the risk of colon cancer and can help reduce serum cholesterol.


POTASSIUM: Fresh pears offer potassium; 210 mg in a medium size pear. Although it is an element lost easily through dehydration or perspiration brought on by active lifestyles or strenuous exercise, potassium is necessary for maintaining heartbeat, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, as well as carbohydrate and protein metabolism. Replenish potassium by eating fresh vegetables, fruits or legumes containing high potassium content— pears are an excellent choice. 

If you want a quick fix for: The following are the health benefits of banana.

#1. FLAGGING ENERGY LEVELS:  
There's no better snack than a banana. Containing three natural sugars sucrose, fructose and glucose
- combined with fiber a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.  Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90 minutes workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.  But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions making it a must to add to our daily diet.

#2. DEPRESSION:  
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

#3. PMS:  
Forget the pills -- eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.  

#4. ANEMIA:  
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.  

#5. BLOOD PRESSURE:  
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt making it the perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of Blood pressure and stroke.  

#6. BRAIN POWER:
Eating bananas at breakfast, break and lunch by students,research has shown that the potassium packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert and boost their brainpower.

#7. CONSTIPATION:  
High in fiber, thus including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.  

#8. HANGOVERS:  
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milk shake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

#9. HEART BURN:  
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body so if you suffer from heart burn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.  

#10. BLOOD SUGAR:  
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

#11. MOSQUITO BITES:  
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.  

#12. NERVES:  
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

#13. OVERWEIGHT AND AT WORK?  
Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort
food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese
were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking a banana on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.  

#14. ULCERS:  
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.  

#15. TEMPERATURE CONTROL:  
Many other cultures see bananas as a 'cooling' fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.  

#16. SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder):  
Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer, tryptophan.

#17. SMOKING:
Bananas can also help people to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, and the potassium and
magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

#18. STRESS:  
Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, there by reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high potassium banana snack. According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!  

#19. WARTS:  
Those keen on natural alternatives swear that, if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana
skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!  

Did you know… 
1. Did you know bananas are the most popular fresh fruit in the United States? 


2. Did you know bananas received a new name each time a different group of people discovered them? 
(Some of these included “banna”, “ghana” and even “funana”!  The people of Africa are credited for giving the banana its permanent English name.) 


3. Did you know bananas are the fruit choice of many athletes?  
(The reason --- they have both a high amount of carbohydrates as well as potassium!  Potassium is a mineral that helps the muscles work.) 


4. Did you know you can store ripe bananas in the refrigerator; the peel turns brown but the fruit inside will still be good?  


5. Did you know there is a banana primarily used for cooking? 
(It is called a “plantain”.  It is used like a potato in many tropical lands.) 


6. Did you know there are several different varieties of bananas? 
(These include “finger bananas”, “red bananas” and “plantains”.  The popular yellow banana, “Cavendish” is the one we commonly see in grocery stores.) 


7. Did you know that an average person eats 33 pounds of bananas each year? 


8. Did you know bananas have been produced for over 1 million years? 


9. Did you know more than 96% of American households purchase bananas at least once a month? 


10. Did you know that Dole packs single bananas in a special way specifically for school food service?.
(There are 150 single packed bananas in a case.  These are always consistent in size, quantity, and quality and are pre-washed and pre-trimmed; 
ready to serve from the carton!)

So you see a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills.When compared to apples: Bananas have four times the protein, twice the amount of carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals.A banana is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around.So may be its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say:  A BANANA A DAY KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY!!  No wonder Tarzan was so fit because of BANANAS...!  

The apricot, Prunus armeniaca, is a species of Prunus, classified with the plum in the subgenus Prunus.


Apricots are small-golden orange fruits with velvety skin and flesh, not too juicy but  definitely smooth with a sweet, tart flavor. 


Apricots originated in China and have been around for more than 4,000 years.Trimmings of the apricot tree were progressively brought through the Persian Empire to the Mediterranean where they became a very popular fruit.Apricots were introduced to America by Spanish explorers who planted this fruit in the gardens of Spanish missions throughout California.In 1792, the first major production of apricots started in northern California.Apricots are grown in Chile, New Zealand, Turkey, France, Spain and Italy.  


Apricots are grown on small to medium sized trees, which contain spreading canopies.Apricots grow best in deep, fertile, well-drained soils and are most successful in mild, Mediterranean climates where the weather is warm and there is no possibility of frost.Apricots are picked by hand.The apricot resembles a peach, but is smaller and has a smooth, oval pit that falls out easily when the fruit is halved.Fresh apricots are ripe when they yield to gentle pressure.  

1. Contains high amounts of vitamin A which keeps skin,eyes,gums and bones healthy.


2. Contains good amounts of vitamin C which helps in cell formation, iron absorption and cold prevention.


3. Does not contain saturated fat, sodium or cholesterol.


4. Good source of potassium


5. Excellent source of betacarotene (vitamin A) and iron and fiber.


6. Apricots have a unique mix of anti-oxidants that aids in fighting heart disease and cancer.

Choose fresh apricots that are plump with golden orange color.Avoid ones that are pale yellow, greenish-yellow, shriveled or bruised Apricots, which are soft, have the best flavor.

Fun Facts
1. Did you know apricots are a member of the rose family? 


2. Did you know there are many varieties of apricots; Pattersons, Blenheims, Tiltons, Castlebrites? 


3. Did you know apricots may be eaten raw or cooked? 


4. Did you know apricots are a relative of the peach? 


5. Did you know that apricots ripen earlier than most other summer fruits? 


6. Did you know that apricots are very sweet? 


7. Did you know that any recipe that contains peaches or nectarines can be substituted with apricots?


8. Did you know that Apricots taste sweet because they contain three sugars sucrose, glucose and fructose, which will  give you energy. 


9. Did you know that Apricots can be purchased fresh, canned, frozen, dried and as nectar both in juice and concentrate. 


10. Did you know that essential oil from the pits of apricots is sold commercially as bitter almond oil.


11. Did you know that astronauts ate apricots on the Apollo moon mission. 


12. Did you know that they are often crossed with plums: 
a. pluots (mostly plum),  
b. apriums (mostly apricot) and 
c. plumcots (equal plum and apricot).


13. Did you know that the largest producers of apricots in the world are China and Turkey. 

Cymbopogon flexuosus
Family-Poaceae




#2. Antibacterial and antifungal properties: Lemongrass is known for its anti bacterial, anti fungal and antiseptic properties. Scientific studies confirm antimicrobial, especially antibacterial and antifungal, activity of lemongrass oil and its components.It is considered effective on fever and in some parts of world known as fever grass. Herbal tea from lemon grass is used as medicine on fever, cold and cough. It has medicinal properties and used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine.

#3. Insect repellent: Lemongrass oil is known to be mild insect repellant due to presence of citronella. Hence it used as a pesticide in manufacture of insect sprays and candles, mosquitoes lotion, soaps.

#4. Lemongrass as preservative: Lemongrass Oil been traditionally used as preservative in protecting ancient palm leaf manuscripts in India.

Botanical name Achillea millefolium L.
Family Asteraceae (Compositae)

Achilleus, the greatest hero of the Trojan War in Homer’s “Iliad”, is reported to have used yarrow to stop the flow of blood from his wounds inflicted in battle. It has been scientifically proven that this plant has substances that have blood clotting and anti-inflammatory properties. In the Middle Ages in Europe, yarrow tea was taken to stop internal bleeding. Micmac Indians drank it with warm milk to treat upper respiratory infections.
Other Names: Milfoil, Old Man's Pepper, Soldier's Woundwort, Knight's Milfoil, Thousand Weed, Nose Bleed, Carpenter's Weed, Bloodwort, Staunchweed

Yarrow is used to treat colds, cramps, fevers, kidney disorders, toothaches, skin irritations, and hemorrhages.

Yarrow oil has been traditionally used in hair shampoos, but is not recommended for large or frequent doses for long periods of time. It may cause the skin to be more sensitive to sunlight.

1. Diaphoretic and antipyretic for the common cold, influenza,and fever


2. Anticatarrhal for sinusitis or sinus congestion with headache


3. Bitter digestive tonicand cholagogue for loss ofappetite and biliary disorders


4. Gastrointestinal anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic for indigestion,epigastric distension,flatulence,and intestinal colic


5. Antihypertensive for hypertension and sequelae ofCVA


6. Diuretic and urinary antiseptic for urinary retention or cystitis


7. Emmenagogue for amenorrhea or menstrual irregularities


8. Astringent and antihemorrhagic for urinary incontinence,diarrhea,menorrhagia,or leukorrhea


9. Vulnerary and topical anti-inflammatory for slow-healing wounds and skin inflammations

Step 1:
Learn About Diabetes
Diabetes means that your blood glucose (sugar) is too high. Diabetes is serious because it can damage your heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. But you can learn how to manage it and prevent or delay health problems.

Go to www.YourDiabetesInfo.org.
Ask your diabetes health care team how you can learn more.

Step 2:
Know Your Numbers
Ask your doctor what diabetes target numbers are best for you.They may be different from the numbers at different times. A1C measures your average blood glucose level over the past 2 to 3 months.The A1C target for many people is below 7.

LDL, or bad cholesterol, builds up and clogs your arteries. The LDL  target is below 100.High blood    pressure makes your heart work too hard. The blood  pressure target for most people is less than 130/80.

Step 3:
Manage Your Diabetes
Your diabetes care plan should help  you to: Keep track of your diabetes numbers.

Learn how and when to check your own blood glucose.
See what makes your blood glucose go up or down.Go over the test results with your  health care team. Use them to manage your diabetes. Ask how to prevent low blood glucose.

Be active for 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. Brisk  walking is a great way to be active.

Stop smoking - SEEK HELP TO QUIT

Eat healthy foods such as: fruits, vegetables, fish, lean meats and poultry, dried peas or beans, lentils, and low-fat or skim milk and cheese whole grain foods such as whole wheat bread and crackers, oatmeal, brown rice, and cereals food prepared with little added fat, oil, salt, or sugar'smaller servings of meat, fish and  poultry ,larger servings of fruits and vegetables.Seek help if you feel down. Talking with a counselor, friend, family member, support group, or a religiousleader may help you feel better.

Brush your teeth and floss every day to prevent problems with your mouth, teeth, or gums.

Take your medicines even when you feel good. Ask if you need to take low-dose aspirin to prevent  a heart attack or stroke.

Check your feet every day. Call your health care team if a cut, sore, blister, or bruise on your feet  or toes does not begin to go away after 2 days.

Step 4:
Get Regular Care
Contact your health care team if you have any questions or problems as you manage your diabetes, medicines, or supplies.Talk to your doctor if you plan to get pregnant.