Well, I'm heading off to work with my apple and sandwich in hand.  It's SUCH a nice day today--too bad it's not my day off.  :)   I hope everyone that can,  will post today and keep that yellow shirt from appearing so often!   BYE!

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The median nerve controls sensations to the palm side of the thumb and fingers (although not the little finger), as well as impulses to some small muscles in the hand that allow the fingers and thumb to move. The carpal tunnel - a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand - houses the median nerve and tendons. Sometimes, thickening from irritated tendons or other swelling narrows the tunnel and causes the median nerve to be compressed. The result may be pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm. Although painful sensations may indicate other conditions, carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common and widely known of the entrapment neuropathies in which the body's peripheral nerves are compressed or traumatized

The new crop is REALLY looking good this year!

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away"?but why? Do you really know what makes an apple so special? Why is it that we never hear an orange or a banana a day keeps the doctor away?
Apples have properties that no other fruits have and its benefits have been proven overtime. You will be able to get the benefits of these properties individually with other fruits, but an apple combines everything and makes it simpler. It has been shown over and over that if it's not simple, easy and fast, people won't take care of their health.

1-Apple contains Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps greatly your immune system. A lot of people who lack Vitamin C in their diet have poor healing, bruise easily and have bleeding gums.

2-Prevent Heart Diseases. The reason it can prevent both coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease is because apples are rich in flavonoid. Flavonoids are also known for their antioxidant effects.

3-Low in calories. A regular size apple has between 70-100 calories. Eating an apple when craving for candy or chocolate can make the desire disappear since apple in itself contains sugar, but gives you only ? of the calories.

4-Prevent Cancers. Notice the plural. We all know that cancer comes in several forms and in different places. Apples target multiple cancers such as colon cancer, prostate cancer and breast cancer in women.

5-Apples contain phenols, which have a double effect on cholesterol. It reduces bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol. They prevent LDL cholesterol from turning into oxidized LDL, a very dangerous form of bad cholesterol which can be deadly.

6-Prevent tooth decay. Tooth decay is an infection that seriously damages the structure of your teeth, which is caused primarily because of bacteria. The juice of the apples has properties that can kill up to 80% of bacteria. So there you have it, an apple a day also keeps the dentist away!

7-Protects your brain from brain disease. This is something many people don't know, and when you consider that your brain makes the person you are, it gives a whole new perspective. Apple has substances called phytonutrients, and these phytonutrients prevents neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinsonism.

8-Healthier Lungs. A research at the University of Nottingham Research shows that people who eat 5 apples or more per week has lower respiratory problems, including asthma.

9-They taste great! And not only that, they also come in many flavors and colors. Not in a mood for a green apple? Why not get a red one, or a macintosh! Their taste can vary greatly, but still give you all the apple benefits. Variety is an important element to maintaining your health.

On average, Americans consume around 20 pounds of apples a year, which comes to around 1 apple a week. Unfortunately, while an apple a week is better than nothing, it is nowhere close to being able to extract all the advantages apples have to offer. Eating apples is part of balanced and healthy diet than will increase your longevity, so why limit yourself to only 1 per week?

Osteoporosis

Osteoporisis means 'porous bones'.

Why is this important?

The importance of Oseteoporosis lies in the fact that it may cause serious problems for the women who have it. It is much more common in women, especially in menopause. About one third of women over the age of 65 will suffer a fracture of a vertebra in their old age. Another common site of fractures in elderly women in the hip bone.

How does this condition come about?

The bones in our body are not solid and unchanging. Everyday there is a process of breakdown and rebuilding going on; the bones are being constantly remoulded. Usually the two processes are in a state of balance and the bones maintain a certain thickness and strength, but as we get older an imbalance develops and there is more breakdown of bone than repair. The bones therefore become thinner.

The body needs calcium for normal function of all the cells. The bones form a sort of calcium bank for the body. If there is a shortage then calcium will be drawn out of the bones and unless the lack is corrected, the bones will remain deficient in calcium.

Risk factors

Genetic factors
A family history of osteoporosis or a fracture due to osteoporosis.

Body type
Small thin fair complexioned, white or Indian women. Age plays a role. As women get older the level of hormones, especially estrogen drops. This causes a decrease in the absorption of calcium and a tendency to osteoporosis.

Medical and surgical problems
Certain drugs cause loss of bone mineral. These include cortisone, anti-epileptic drugs and others. Hysterectomy before the menopause especially if the ovaries are also removed increases the risk of osteoporosis. Overactive thyroid or para-thyroid glands also do so.

Life-style
This plays a very definite role. These all increase the likelihood or aggravates osteoporosis; smoking and alcohol intake; drinking a lot of tea or coffee; an insufficient intake of calcium and lack of weight bearing exercises.

Managing Fall Allergies

Here are a few tips for easing fall allergy symptoms:

• Stay indoors with the doors and windows closed when pollen is at its peak (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) to avoid being exposed to your allergy triggers. To keep track of the pollen count in your area, visit the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology web site (www.aaaai.org).
• Before you turn on your heat for the first time, have your heating ducts cleaned. Particles of mold and other allergens can become trapped in the vents over the summer and will fill the air as soon as you crank up the furnace.
• Use a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your heating system to remove pollen, mold, and other particles from the air.
• Use a humidifier to keep your air at between 35 and 50 percent humidity.
• Wear a mask when you rake leaves to avoid inhaling mold spores.

To avoid food allergies:

• Pack lunch for children with allergies, and tell them not to share food with their friends.
• Inform the school about your child's allergies, and if the allergy is severe, leave an epinephrine pen with the school nurse.
• Don't let kids eat any Halloween candy until you've first checked it for allergy triggers.