Celebrity Illness - Quote - 2min with Hippocrates - Your Health - Lifestyle Tip - Web Watch - Win It - Just for Fun

Britney’s Diet Pill Secret

Last month Australia's NW magazine revealed Britney Spears was so desperate to lose weight she had turned to using ‘diet pills’. Paparazzi photographs revealed her handbag contained Zantrex-3 pills when she dropped it at Heathrow airport in London. The 21 year old pop star denied taking the pills. The allegation is particularly scandalous in light of her previously publicized weight loss binges.

Zantrex-3 is a mixture of herbal ingredients and caffeine. A recommended serving contains around 320mg of caffeine, about the same as in 2 cups of coffee. The product has not yet been approved by the US government's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for curing any specific conditions.

It seems the allure of an easy way to lose weight has made Zantrex popular among the general population and celebrities alike, despite the lack of government approval for claims about its therapeutic effectiveness.

 Quote

"First the doctor told me the good news: I was going to have a disease named after me."
Steve Martin

 2min with Hippocrates

Indigestion

Indigestion or heartburn is known medically as Dyspepsia. It is a vague feeling of abdominal discomfort usually including a feeling of fullness, belching, bloating, and nausea. Indigestion is rarely a serious health problem, unless it is accompanied by other symptoms.

Indigestion is often caused by eating too fast or overeating. Some people find certain foods may aggravate it. Wine and carbonated drinks are common candidates. Spicy foods, high-fiber foods, fatty foods, or too much caffeine can also be responsible. Symptoms may be worsened by anxiety and depression.

To avoid indigestion, eat slowly and chew thoroughly. Eat meals in a relaxed manner without rushing and avoid excitement or exercise immediately after a meal. Avoid chewing gum as it may cause air swallowing. Avoid aspirin and NSAIDs (use acetaminophen instead).

It is important to see your doctor if the symptoms of indigestion last longer than 2 weeks, or the pattern of when it occurs changes noticeably. Also see a doctor if there are any other symptoms including abdominal pain lasting longer than 6 hours, unexplained weight loss, vomiting of blood or passage of blood in the stool or Jaundice (yellow coloring of the skin and eyes).

Keep an eye out for possible heart attack symptoms which may be similar to indigestion. Look out for jaw pain, chest pain, back pain, profuse sweating, anxiety, or a feeling of impending doom.

 Your Health

You may have heard that green tea is good for your health. It is known to contain various antioxidants that can help lower cholesterol and guard against cancer.

Green tea is made from the same plant as regular black tea, but is prepared by steaming and then drying the leaves, whereas black tea is allowed to briefly ferment which gives the tea its dark color.

Both types of tea contain antioxidants but green tea contains significantly more. There is usually less caffeine in a cup of green tea because it tends to be drunk as a weak brew.
If you are trying to give up caffeine altogether you might want to try herbal infusions, such as chamomile or peppermint.

Green tea is usually consumed without milk or sugar. Why not try some as a warming alternative to your afternoon coffee or soda.

 Lifestyle Tip

Shop 'till You're Fit

Here’s a tip to make exercise feel less like a chore and more a part of daily life.
Go visit a shopping mall. Mall walking is a great way to help you burn calories and tones your legs. Shopping centers are heated in winter, air-conditioned in summer, safe, well lit, and free of snapping dogs and pollen.

Try keeping good posture when you walk to improve your six pack. Hold an elegant upright posture and tighten your abdominal muscles. Most people lean forward too much or hunch when they walk. There are plenty of windows around for you to check your posture in the reflections.

Always take the stairs or walk up the escalators. Empower yourself with the knowledge that you are burning calories while you shop. Don’t forget, you might also find some bargains!

Email us your lifestyle tips. Please include your name and state if you wish to be acknowledged.

 Web Watch

Your Health Forum – Share your medical experiences with like minded people.

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 Just for Fun

A Short History of Medicine
2000 B.C. - "Here, eat this root."
1000 B.C. - "That root is heathen, say this prayer."
1850 A.D. - "That prayer is superstition, drink this potion."
1940 A.D. - "That potion is snake oil, swallow this pill."
1985 A.D. - "That pill is ineffective, take this antibiotic."
2000 A.D. - "That antibiotic is artificial. Here, eat this root!"

 Hot Dates

Veterans' Day: Tuesday 11 November
Originally called Armistice Day to celebrate the end of world war 1. In 1954 Congress made this day an occasion to honor those who have served America in all wars.

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Thanksgiving Day: Thursday 27 November
Celebrates the first autumn harvest after the colonization of America by the English in 1621

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