Watermelon - Relaxes the Blood Vessels & May Increase Libido

Thursday, July 03, 2008

JC Jones MA RN

Watermelon & the Fourth of July just go together. The lowly watermelon may have a lot to do with our sense of well-being this holiday weekend - so eat up & enjoy! This lovely vine-growing fruit is rich in phyto-nutrients such as beta-carotenes, lycopene and citrulline. Citrulline is converted to arginine in the body. Arginine is an amino acid with beneficial effects on the heart, circulation and immune system.

Arginine enhances the production of nitric oxide a blood vessel dilator that works much like Viagra, according to researchers at Texas A & M. The great thing about watermelon is no side effects~ Watermelon also helps the kidneys detoxify the body.

Keep your watermelon at room temperature to store it. Refrigerate after cutting. Enjoy! Have a happy & safe July 4th Weekend from your friends at Healthline.






Thank you Foreversouls for use of photo Watermelons.

Labels: lycopenes, watermelon

Permalink | 0 Comments| Email Post

Post your comment

This 4th of July - Leave Fireworks to the Pro's

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

JC Jones MA RN

We all love fireworks displays. Fireworks are low explosive pyrotechnic devices used for entertainment and aesthetic purposes. The Chinese invented fireworks in the 12th century BC as an aesthetic use of their invention of gunpowder, and fireworks displays became anticipated events at major celebrations. Today, China remains the largest manufacturer of fireworks in the world. Most fireworks consist of paper tubes filled with combustible material which is launched and exploded.

The beauty and magic of exploding light seems synonymous with summer fun and excitement. It seems unpatriotic not to participate in watching a display of light against the night sky. Consumer use of fireworks - even sparklers which can heat up to 1800 degrees F - is extremely dangerous. Eye and hand injuries are common, especially in young children who are bystanders. Burns from embers or clothing which ignites can also be a hazard.

Bottle rockets are extremely unstable and can cause blindness. Even minor injuries should be treated in the emergency room. Each state in the USA has different laws governing the use and sale of consumer fireworks. Know the laws in your state. Tribal laws on reservations differ from state laws. Enjoy the sights and sounds, but be safe.








Thank you Creativity + Timothy K Hamilton for use of photo St. Louis Fireworks - July 4th, 2005.

Labels: fireworks safety

Permalink | 0 Comments| Email Post

Post your comment

June 27 is National HIV Test Day - Do You Know Your Status?

Thursday, June 26, 2008

JC Jones MA RN

This weekend I watched a fascinating movie - Cover a murder mystery filmed in my home town of Philadelphia. It's a mystery with an HIV/AIDS twist and features the main character - a married woman- waiting at a clinic for her HIV test.

The CDC estimates that as many as 25% of the people infected with HIV/AIDS in the US don't know their status. The National Association of People Living with AIDS (NAPWA) started National HIV Testing Day 13 years ago as a way to promote early diagnosis and treatment - and of course prevent the spread to other unsuspecting people. The NAPWA site makes it easy to search for a testing center by your zip code.

You can get tested with complete anonymity at any of these clinics. Or if you want to get involved in any of the public events happening this week in to bring awareness to this issue, there are many opportunities.

Actress and activist Sheryl Lee Ralph and state Senator Vincent Hughes will be hosting a press event to encourage couples to get tested with their “TEST TOGETHER” campaign on Friday, June 27, 2008 to honor National HIV Testing Day at 11 AM at Love Park at 16th and JFK Boulevard in Philadelphia. Look for events like this one in your city and get tested this week. Know your status!

Labels: AIDS, Bill Duke, Cover, down low, HIV, HIV status

Permalink | 2 Comments| Email Post

Post your comment

Get Active! Get Outdoors for National Great Outdoors Month

Thursday, June 19, 2008

JC Jones MA RN

Americans (yes, norteamericanos y sudamericanos) have always been passionate about our outdoor spaces, loving expansive views and wide open places. June is a time to celebrate the great outdoors by participating in a wide range of recreational activities. Outdoor recreation has ballooned into a $250 billion industry in the US. It was great to see a group of young boys packing up their gear into a big trailer today as I walked the dog. I asked if they were going camping.

"We are going to the desert to ride motorcross until Sunday." They looked happy, healthy, confident and fit - much better than sitting at home playing computer games and watching TV for a week. My daughter is going off to horse back riding camp with the Girl Scouts next week. She has to leave her cell phone and computer behind. Give your kids the gift of the love of nature and the physical world. Help fight obesity in children and build self esteem and a sense of well being and connectedness to something greater than themselves by getting them out of doors - even if it's just taking a walk with you and bird watching.

Thank you jakesmome's for use of photo.

Labels: family, fitness, kids, outdoor recreation, self esteem

Permalink | 0 Comments| Email Post

Post your comment

The Healthline Site, its content, such as text, graphics, images, search results, HealthMaps, Trust Marks, and other material contained on the Healthline Site ("Content"), its services, and any information or material posted on the Healthline Site by third parties are provided for informational purposes only. None of the foregoing is a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Healthline Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. Please read the Terms of Service for more information regarding use of the Healthline Site.