States that drink the most beer

Preference and consumption of alcoholic beverages varies not only by person but by location. And the beer industry recently released figures outlining consumption by state.



The top five states for beer consumption per capita are North Dakota, New Hampshire, Montana, South Dakota and Wisconsin, according to the Beer Institute, a trade organization. North Dakota drank about 45.8 gallons of beer per resident 21 and older last year, the institute said. Per capita figures do not include residents under 21 years old.

Meanwhile the states that consume the least beer per capita are Utah, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Maryland and Kentucky, according to the institute. Utah residents drank about 20.2 gallons of beer on average last year, according to industry data.

RELATED: Big Breweries Face Threat Worse Than Craft Beers
In some states, demographics can explain beer trends, said Bart Watson, chief economist at the Brewers Association, an industry group that represents more than 1,000 craft breweries.

Thanks to its oil and gas boom, "North Dakota has a lot of employed young males," Watson said. And Utah’s low beer consumption is related to its large portion of Mormon residents, who don't drink, as well as restrictive alcohol regulations, Watson told "Big Data Download."

Meanwhile, beer competes with other alcoholic beverages at bars, stores and restaurants across Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Maryland, according to Watson.

RELATED: Fewer corks popping with rising economy
And while data from Yahoo! find that consumers using the company's search engine are usually researching brands such as Pabst Blue Ribbon, Foster's, Budweiser, Corona and Heineken, craft brews have been getting more popular.

"I think we're seeing a revolution in consumer demand,” Watson said. “Consumers are demanding more full-flavored beers for more occasions. And we've seen an explosion ... in the market sales, the volume produced and the number of craft breweries in the country."

More than 13.2 million barrels of beer were sold in the United States last year, up about 15 percent from 2011, according to the Brewers Association.

RELATED: What people really want before big storms

And men drank most of it, according to industry data. Men drink about 72 percent of beer of all types, including craft brews, the association said.

Income level also affects craft consumption. About 59 percent of craft beer by volume is drunk by Americans with annual household income of at least $75,000, according to the industry. And on average, craft beer drinkers spend two more years in school than the general population, the data say.

source: http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/big-data-download/states-drink-most-beer-183941283.html

Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce (+ Pickled Jalapenos)

Every week at Food52, a DIY expert spares us a trip to the grocery store and shows us how to make small batches of great foods at home.

Today, Lara Ferroni shows us how to make a smooth and creamy nacho cheese dip and pickled jalapenos in a flash.

 While I never had a real fast food worker experience as a kid, I did work for several years at the local movie theater, where in addition to an inordinate amount of popcorn, we made a lot of movie theater nachos. You know the kind with the little plastic dish with the special cup for the nacho sauce. Trust me on this one, you don't want to know exactly what is in that cheese sauce, but I'll tell you that it does come in very large cans and is closer to plastic in texture before it's heated than anything you should eat. There was nothing nacho-y about the cheese itself -- that effect was created by pouring a bit of the pickling brine from the equally large cans of pickled jalapenos, after first scraping off some weird oily black stuff off the top. You have my sincere apology for ever being involved in serving such crap as food. 

>>RELATED: Homemade Oven-Baked Tortilla Chips

And yet. As gross as it was to see how that nacho cheese was made, it still kind of tasted good, and there have been more than a few times that I craved the velvety spicy cheese alongside my chips.

 This nacho cheese sauce, made with far less scary ingredients, is based on the Chile con Queso recipe in Real Snacks, but with a bit of turmeric thrown in to give it that classic cheese sauce color. It satisfies that craving and is the perfect little snack for Sunday sports watching or a quiet movie night.

>>RELATED: DIY ranch dressing in 3 simple steps: mix, shake, stir.

 While you might be inclined to use cheddar cheese in this sauce, I've found that Monterey Jackgives a much better texture -- cheddar just won't get as smooth. If you really miss the cheddar flavor, try adding half cheddar and half jack instead. 

Nacho Cheese Sauce
Makes about a pint of sauce

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons onion, minced
2 tablespoons green chile, chopped
2 tablespoons tomato, seeded and finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon paprika
 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons all purpose flour (or gluten-free flour mix)
1/2 cup heavy cream
 1 cup buttermilk
2 ounces Monterey Jack cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over low heat in a sauté pan. Add the onion, green chile, tomato, turmeric, paprika and cayenne pepper. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes until the onion softens completely.

Add the remaining butter and the flour, and continue to cook on low for another 2 minutes. Add the cream, 1/2 cup of the buttermilk and cheese and stir to until the cheese melts. Add in the remaining buttermilk a little at a time until you get a velvety sauce, about 10 minutes.

 Transfer the sauce to a blender (I use a hand blender) and pulse until completely smooth. Stream in the olive oil and continue to blend. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with chips andpickled jalapenos.

You can make this sauce a day ahead and keep it in a sealed jar. Reheat in the microwave for a minute, stir, and finish heating another minute to serve.

Save and print the recipe at Food52.

Quick Pickled Jalapenos

1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 or 2 jalapenos

Place the salt, water, and vinegar in a bowl and heat until the salt dissolves (the microwave is fine for this!). Slice the jalapeno into rounds, and add to the brine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Save and print the recipe at Food52.

Lara Ferroni is the author of Doughnuts: Simple and Delicious Recipes to Make at Home, and Real Snacks: Make Your Favorite Childhood Treats Without All the Junk.

source: http://shine.yahoo.com/shine-food/dad-wants-homemade-nacho-cheese-pickled-jalapenos-195800940.html

What Can Meditation Do to Us?

Meditation is not something very popular to all of us. It sounds boring to most people. For a busy person like me, meditation feels for me like it will take away most of my time. And yes, it still sounds so foreign to me.


 



Benefits Of Meditation

The benefits of meditation are endless and certainly deserve your contemplation and consideration. Many successful business people, celebrities and sports professionals practise and enjoy the benefits of meditation. Numerous businesses promote and provide help and assistance to their staff with the benefits of meditation courses and because of this they gain an advantage over their competitors and create more profit.

Research has scientifically proven that meditation is a safe and simple way to balance your physical, emotional, and mental state and its countless values have been known and practiced for thousands of years. More and more doctors promote the benefits of meditation to cure many stress related illnesses. Everyday most of us experience stress in many different ways and I believe many people are simply not aware of the benefits of meditation or of how much stress we actually hold on to. Normally life threatening situations trigger off the stress response which enables us to act without contemplation and deliberation and survive intense situations using fast reflexes. When our bodies are exposed to a sudden threat we respond with the characteristic fight or flight reaction which is known as an adrenaline rush. When adrenaline and other hormones are released from the adrenal glands the pulse races, blood pressure increases, our breathing becomes faster and the blood flow to the muscles increases. If we are in extreme danger these reactions are of great assistance and gain to us. We have inherited this survival response from our ancestors who faced many life threatening situations every day. The same response is now triggered in our daily lives when we are in a traffic hold up or someone irritates us at work or we simply break a cup. If we do not confront the situation (and many are beyond our control) we end up being in a permanent state of stress.

One of the most important benefits of meditation is how it releases stress from our bodies. Meditation practised regularly will lead you to a deeper level of relaxation and contemplation. If you want to be free of constant worry, pressure and stress the benefits of meditation can give you a life that is calm, peaceful, happy and relaxed.
Even ten minutes of meditation a day will help alleviate stress.


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Some of the benefits of meditation are:-

 Reduces anxiety attacks as it lowers the levels of blood lactate.

 Builds self confidence.

 Increases serotonin which influences moods and behaviour. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression, headaches and insomnia.

 Enhances energy, strength and vigour.

 Helps keep blood pressure normal

 Reduces stress and tension

 Creates a state of deep relaxation and general feeling of wellbeing

 Helps with P.M.T.

 Increases concentration and strengthens the mind

 Helps reduce heart disease

 Helps with weight loss

If you practise regularly, the benefits of meditation will promote a sense of calm and control, you’ll feel far more relaxed and happy. Your ability to concentrate will be greater. You won’t become stressed about things and you’ll feel more peaceful and relaxed about everything. One of the greatest benefits of meditation is learning to go with the flow and things that used to irritate you before simply become insignificant.

thank you for this source:  http://www.project-meditation.org/benefits_of_meditation.html

natural remedies for headache

Lately I have learned that it is not always good to quickly depend on over-the-counter medicines for any illness. Painkillers, paracetamol/tylenol and the likes may pose dangers to our vital organs in the long run.

Here are some home remedies for relieving headache. Hopefully we all won't have to depend to much on harmful medicines:



Water

At times dehydration can be the reason behind a headache. Actually the lack of water affects the supply of blood and oxygen and thus causes a headache. So, in case of a headache you must drink a cool glass of water. If the reason behind your headache is dehydration water can cure it within minutes. It is a good idea to drink three to four glasses of water before going to bed to keep your body well hydrated throughout the day.

Ice Pack

Applying an ice pack to the back of your neck can give you relief from headache caused due to migraine. You can even place a washcloth dipped in ice-cold water over your head and allow it to sit for five minutes. Repeat the process several times to reduce any inflammation and thus bringing you relif from the pain. Alternatively, you can even use a bag of frozen vegetables to apply the cold compresses as soon as you suffer from a headache. Within half an hour you will get some relief.

Lavender Oil

The health benefits of lavender are something that everyone knows. This herb can be really useful in treating headaches. Take a bowl of hot water and put some lavender oil to it and then inhale its vapor for a few minutes. This popular headache treatment must be repeated several times a day. Else you can even safely apply this herbal oil externally without the need to dilute it. Bear in mind that you must not take lavender oil orally.

Rosemary

Rosemary can be really helpful in treating headaches. The rosmarinic acid present in rosemary oil has got anti-inflammatory properties. You can simply massage your head with rosemary oil to get relief from headache. Else you can make an herbal tea by mixing rosemary and sage. Take one teaspoon of crushed rosemary leaves and one teaspoon of crushed sage leaves in a cup of boiling water and cover it properly. Once the solution comes to room temperature, drink it. You can take this herbal tea two to three times a day. In case if both the herbs are not available, you can make an herbal tea with any of the two herbs.

Cloves

Cloves can be used to ease away tension headaches. Take a few cloves and crush them gently and then put it in a sachet bag or a clean handkerchief. Inhale the smell of crushed cloves whenever you have a headache until you get some relief from the pain. Else you can make a paste of three to four cloves and apply it on the forehead. You can also use clove oil by mixing it with salt, and then apply it on the forehead. The cooling effect of the clove oil will give you relief from headache within minutes.

Basil Oil

Basil is a strong-scented herb which can be used in headache treatment. Basil works as a muscle relaxant, thus it can be helpful for treating headaches caused due to tension and tight muscles. During such headaches, drinking basil tea twice a day is an excellent home remedy. Put some fresh basil leaves in a cup of boiling water and allow it to sit for a few minutes and then sip the tea slowly. The headache will vanish away gently. During mild headaches, you can chew some fresh basil leaves or massage your head with pure basil oil.

Ginger

Ginger can help in reducing the inflammation of the blood vessels in the head, thus giving relief from a headache. During headache you can sip a cup of ginger tea. To make this tea add tea leaves and ginger to a cup of water and allow it to boil for a few minutes. Add milk and sugar as per your taste and then drink it. Else you can boil ginger powder or raw ginger in water, and then inhale its vapor to get rid of headache. Also you can chew a piece or two of crystallized ginger candy when suffering from a headache.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon can cure headaches caused due to common cold. The easiest way to use cinnamon during headaches is to grind a stick of cinnamon with water to make a thick paste and then apply this paste on the forehead for a few minutes. Soon the pain will vanish away. Else you can add two teaspoons of powdered cinnamon to half cup of milk and then boil it for one or two minutes. Add a teaspoon of honey and mix it properly before drinking it. Drink this solution at least twice a day when suffering from a headache.

Peppermint Oil

The calming and soothing properties of peppermint oil can help a lot when suffering from headaches. Use peppermint oil to massage the forehead, back of jaws, and temples. Peppermint oil helps to open and close the vessels that promote blood flow and within a few minutes you can get relief from headache. Even fresh crushed peppermint leaves when put on the forehead can treat headaches. You can also go for steam treatment, by adding a few drops of peppermint essential oil to a small pot of boiling water and then inhaling the steam for a few minutes.

Apple

Apples can help to alleviate headaches. Both apple and its extract apple cider vinegar have attributes that can balance the alkaline and acidic levels in the body and thus giving you relief from headache. During a headache you can eat an apple with some salt. Else you can add two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass full of water and drink it for immediate headache relief.
Also sharing this video which may be helpful to you:

Reducing Fever Using Acupressure

I wonder if this will really work. This can really be of help when you got kids at home with fever. (thanks to this source: http://clnap.blogspot.com/2011/01/lower-fever-with-acupressure.html)


Children and Acupuncture

Kids are so resilient. If you've had success with acupuncture as an adult think about how much quicker your child-size body would have responded and how many years of discomfort and dis-harmony you could have eliminated. Luckily, acupuncture benefits all ages and we can start wherever we are.

With children in mind, I'd like to share a simple acupressure technique for lowering fevers. This is very helpful when babies are teething or if a fever is getting higher than you might feel comfortable with.

ZhongChong or PC9, is located on the tip of the middle fingers. Not only can it help with fevers for children it also can be used for night time crying. This point is also used to restore consciousness.

Firmly squeeze or massage PC 9 (tips of the middle fingers) for 1-3 minutes on each hand. Depending on the size of the finger I might even massage the entire finger and "nip" the tip of the middle finger. Nipping is done by placing the finger in between your index and middle finger squeezing gently and pulling off. You'll know your doing it right if you hear a little pop as you nip. This point can also be bled in order to clear heat.

What are your natural remedies for lowering fevers?


 

Incorporate working out with your daily routine

Chanced upon such a cool article today and I am sharing it here. I think this can work for busy mothers, or busy individuals who hardly have time for working out. This is very practical. 


Bizarre Ideas for a Workout

Lunges, stretches, running and jogging are past. After going about your regular household chores, office work and long drives back home; taking up a traditional exercise regime is just plain boring! If you’d rather enjoy your workout than force yourself to sweat out the calories, try some of these.

Walking with Weights

Walk and run on leveled ground, slopes and hills with a backpack on your shoulders. Throw in a couple of books or some dumbbells, but make sure that the weight in the bag is evenly distributed. Walking with weights adds intensity to your workout. You can start with 1 to 5 pounds and slowly increase the weight as you go along. Use a bag with padded shoulder straps and a waist strap. Walking for just about 30 minutes at alternating speeds can help burn a good amount of calories. Be careful not to carry too heavy a load, as it can cause your ligaments and joints to pull and tear. Do not carry more than 10% of your body weight.

Circus Inspired Workout

Learning a few circus tricks could help you lose some weight. You walk on a tight rope, balance a flat board, juggle and do a few trapeze stunts to lose some weight. Jukari’s Fit to Fly program is developed by the Cirque and Reebok teams, with specially modified circus equipment and calliope music. Practicing just the basic tricks of trampooling can help improve bone density and promote cellular fitness. The workout helps tone your upper body and core abdominal muscles.

Karoke Workouts

Music could calm you down, motivate and excite you! Cycling to your favorite song and even singing it aloud while exercising, is a fun way to shed those love handles. Turn on some Black Eyed Peas, Shakin Steven, and Elvis Presley; the upbeat music is always more exhilarating and stimulating. The screen is attached to the exercise bike, so that you see the words flash on screen while you workout.

Wrap around the Pole

A weight loss class that makes you feel sexy during the workout, not just after you’ve achieved your curvaceous goal. The pole dance workout is a routine you would want to stick to. You climb, twirl, spin and dance around the pole, so that each day you push out of your comfort zone and learn to balance your body. While you pick up sassy moves to entertain your partner, you also shape those legs and tone those stomach, thigh and butt muscles. It’s a liberating experience and the versatility it offers makes it that much more attractive.

Dance your Way to Fitness

Groove like the Latinos and lose your self consciousness while burning the unhealthy, excess fat. Booiaka is the latest cardio-dance workout to try. The routine fuses hip-hop, Jamaican and Brazilian dance styles to make exercising a party you’d always want to go to.  You strengthen core muscles and work those hips when you chest pump and squat on the floor. The movements aren’t too complicated or technical and are repeated through the classes. You’d know the class helped when you get up to dance at a party or in a club, unconcerned about what people think of you.

4 WHOLE FOODS THAT GET RID OF GMOS AND PESTICIDES

Feeling tired, sluggish and often times unmotivated to get things done?

It might be the perfect time to detox your body!

If you have done the Alpha Reset already then you know that detoxing has a lot of amazing benefits and tons of new revelations will occur.


Nonetheless, there are also a lot of negative side effects that can occur; after all, you are helping your body from years of abuse. Pesticides, GMO’s, pharmaceutical drugs, chemotherapy residue and a whole myriad of other heavy metals can be a little uncomfortable when you ask them to leave your temple.

There are literally thousands of detoxing solutions out there and it is one of the biggest health trends I’ve ever been part of. So how do you know what works for you? Everyone is different right?

Or are there basic principles that could be applied to you and anyone you know?

pls visit the source: http://fitlife.tv/4-whole-foods-that-get-rid-of-gmos-and-pesticides/

More about artamisa (English name actually is Parsley)

Parsley herb is popularly used as a culinary spice, however, it has many health benefits that most of us are unaware of.

Basic information about the herb:

The botanical name of parsley is Petroselinum Crispum. It is a green colored herb which is often used as a spice. Some people also refer to it as the rock celery. Parsley has been grown for more than two thousand years and it has been used for its curative properties much before it was used as a spice in the kitchen. Parsley is a popularly used spice in the American cuisine, Middle Eastern cuisine as well as the European cuisine. The leaves of this herb are aromatic in nature and are often used to flavor many dishes. Parsley has many health benefits as well. Please read on to know more about them.

The health benefits of parsley herb:Parsley herb has many curative values and is used to heal several health problems. Here we list some of the most common and useful health benefits of this herb:

1. Parsley is rich in Vitamin B12, Vitamin C[1], Vitamin K, Vitamin A as well as Beta Carotene. Apart from the above listed vitamins this herb is also a good source of folic acid as well as iron.

2. Parsley is a power plant of chlorophyll, this helps curb the growth of bad bacteria as it has anti bacterial properties. Chlorophyll found in parsley is a good cure to stop and avoid bad breath (halitosis) for long time.

3. Parsley herb has some volatile oils such as myristicin, limonene, eugenol as well as alpha thujene which are antioxidants in nature. The above mentioned oils counterbalances the effects of some carcinogens (such as benzopyrenes found in cigarette fumes) and reduces the chances of getting cancer.

4. Having parsley everyday helps in reducing blood pressure and reduces the risks related to high blood pressure[2] such as hypertension.

5. Parsley herb is found to be diuretic in nature which promotes healthy workings of the kidney. The diuretic found in parsley helps in getting rid of sodium and other harmful elements from the human body.

6. The oil of parsley herb is a good remedy for hair loss as well as dryness of the skin. Daily application of this oil helps in improving the hair growth as well as makes the skin supple and smooth.

7. Parsley herb is used by the herbalists to cure some ear infections, ringing in the ear and partial deafness.

8. Having parsley herbal tea is helpful as it stimulates digestion of protein as well as fat. The tea also promotes enteric absorption and storage in the liver[3]. It is helpful in treating diarrhea.

9. Parsley herb improves the hormonal balance in females and it also betters the estrogen secretion. This herb is helpful in treating hormonal problems like premenstrual syndrome, menopause or delayed menstruation[4] cycle. This herb is also known to be helpful in easing cramps during menstrual cycle.

10. Parsley is loaded with Vitamin C as well as iron. These nutrients make parsley a helpful herb in curing anemia as well as fatigue[5]. It is also known to repair blood cells as well as improve the blood vessel elasticity. The Vitamin C found in this herb supports the absorption of iron in the blood stream. Vitamin C also reduces the risk of arthritis and osteoarthritis.

The amazing artamisa

I remember as a child my parents would use this on me when I was sick with fever and cough. You can boil this and drink as tea for cough, or put on the forehead on fever. But it seems that it has so many other benefits and cure. Very effective on curing wounds. And OMG I just found out that it is actually PARSLEY??? And yet you find only so few information about it on google. I wish I can share more about this. I will come back again for more info next time. 

Artamisa The Herb

Vitamin Supplement for Artamisa The Herb

 The Herb related alternative medicine supplements and vitamins. Also explore information on Artamisa The Herb treatment, health benefits & side effects with Artamisa The Herb products. Many of the sources come from our Encyclopedia of Natural Health and include relevant health topics. Uses vary, but may include Relieving Ear Aches, and Stimulating T-Cells and are non-FDA reviewed or approved, natural alternatives, to use for Yeast Infections, and Gingivitis. Artamisa The Herb products are reviewed below.

Horrified woman notifies Safeway she found a chicken foot with chicken breasts

PHOENIX -- An Arizona woman recently noticed that her local Safeway store was selling extra chicken parts with their chicken breasts.

A woman who goes by the Twitter handle …more

Lindsey added the comment, “Hey Safeway, does this look like ‘chicken breast’ to you? I’m vomiting.”
Lindsey sent out a second tweet stating that she returned to the store and noticed that the packet of chicken breasts containing the foot was still for sale.

Lindsey said it wasn’t removed until she informed a manager.

Safeway has since stated that the foot did not pose a health risk, but they are working to find out how it landed on their shelves.

Here’s Safeway’s full statement:

"We appreciate that our customer notified us about an object in a package of chicken breasts. We have confirmed with the supplier that the object was a chicken foot, which is a product that the supplier processes and sells to other retailers. While the part does not pose a health risk, we are investigating how it became packaged in with our product. The package was removed from sale."

What's so horrifying with this, anyway. Obviously there was a negligence on the part of the ones who packed it. But hey, here in the Philippines, you do not vomit upon seeing chicken feet along with your chicken breasts. It is actually a delicacy and you will forget your name eating it! 

Lose weight without dieting

This is what I want. To lose weight without dieting. But it would mean extra discipline though. Vegies and fruits can be sometimes lame huhuhu


 

Yoga for beginners

I started this just yesterday. It felt great, I started sweating like a horse in just 5 minutes. And I slept like a baby. Well, I woke up swelling all over this morning though lol. But It says in the lesson that I will have to give it two more days to do it again to give my body chance to recover.


 

After 75 years of marriage, couple die one day apart at age 94

I hope this can happen to me...

High school sweethearts Les and Helen Brown, who were born on the same day on Dec. 31, 1918, died at age 94, within one day of each other.

"My mom often said she didn't want to see my father die, and he didn't want to live without her," Daniel, the couple’s youngest son, told the Long Beach Press-Telegram.

Helen died on July 16, and Les died on July 17. The Southern California couple celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary in September.

"It was a real love match, wasn't it?" their oldest son, Les Jr., told the newspaper. "They were together every day for 75 years."

According to the sons, the pair met at Huntington Park High School and eloped on Sept. 19, 1937, at the age of 18 against their parents’ wishes. They thought a match between a wealthy man and a working-class woman would never work out.

The couple moved to Long Beach in 1963. He was a photographer for the Navy. She sold real estate. They had seven grandchildren.

The two, who were friends with many of their neighbors, were known to take road trips and worshipped at Kingdom Hall as Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Eventually, Helen was diagnosed with stomach cancer, and Les suffered from Parkinson's disease.

"Like the Bible says, 'They were as one,'" Bob Brobst told the Press-Telegram, who was a friend of the couple's for a decade.

Cheerleader's Migraines Relieved Through Implanted Device

I hope her family finds out about acupuncture. It will surely help her a lot. 


Lulu Alvarado was a typical teenager enjoying a night out at the skating rink when she fell on ice and suffered a third-degree concussion.

That's when the severe migraines started. Formerly a star student and varsity cheerleader, Lulu's migraines lasted for 10 straight months, causing her to miss 100 days of school.

So Lulu, 17, and her Weatherford, Texas, family sought help from a neurologist, who warned the family that the migraines might be permanent. Hoping to lessen her symptoms, Lulu tried medications and even Botox injections, but nothing worked.

Eventually, the family decided to try a surgical treatment not yet approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, called the Omega procedure.

7 Surprising Facts About Migraines
Dr. Darren Schuhmacher, Lulu's doctor at the Migraine Treatment Centers of America in Dallas, said the procedure can help 90 percent of participants get relief from migraines.

The procedure involves implanting a small battery in the lower back that charges tiny electrical wires. The wires, placed under the skin, are affixed to the forehead area and deliver gentle electric shocks to the nerves responsible for headache pain. By sending shocks to the nerves, pain signals do not reach the brain.
Lulu said the device helps to numb her headaches.

"It's almost like when your hands or your feet goes to sleep," Lulu said.
Dr. Joel Saper of the Michigan Head Pain and Neurological Institute in Ann Arbor cautions that the procedure is invasive and should only be used as a last resort.

"Surgical procedures of this type, because of the risk and the cost, must be reserved for people who have failed even the most advanced … treatments well beyond just medicines alone," Saper said.
Can Migraines Mean Depression for Women?

The procedure, like all surgical procedures, is not without hazards. Implanting the device can result in a potentially dangerous infection and might not work for all recipients. In addition, the device costs roughly $100,000.

"We have to learn much more about how long such a treatment might work, if it works and what are the ultimate risks to long term treatment," Saper said.

But for the roughly 12 percent of Americans suffering from migraines, the treatment could be key tool in combating debilitating migraines.
"A lot of people say I have more pep in my step," Lulu said.

souce: http://gma.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/cheerleaders-migraines-relieved-implanted-device-172421152.html?vp=1

gummie candies anyone?

Know What you are Eating .!! (Spread the Awareness)

GUMMI CANDIES - What are they made of ?

In case you were wondering what gummy candies are made of ???

Gummies or jelly sweets are a broad, general type of Gelatin-based Chewy Candy along with mixture of sugar, glucose syrup, starch, flavouring, food colouring, citric acid.

GELATIN is a translucent, colorless, odorless, and nearly tasteless substance that is made by prolonged boiling of skin, cartilage and bones from animals. It's made primarily from the stuff meat industries have left over - we're talking about pork skins and cattle bones. Yummy !!! (Source - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gelatin)

If this is news to you, it may shed new light on your Great Aunt's Jell-O mold or Gummy Bear and Candies. And if you love eating chewy candy, you may think twice before chowing down on those gummy worms.
Share with others.