Nanotechnology And Health

Without knowing the full consequences of how health will be affected, scientists are attempting to use nanotechology to produce new ways of administering vitamins and minerals.

Nanotechnology is the process of grinding down a substance to the thickness of 1/100,000 of the thickness of a sheet of paper.

Curcumin is one nutrient currently under nanotechnology experimentation because of it's benefits for reducing cholesterol levels, improving cardiovascular health, fighting cancer, and preventing Alzheimer's Disease.

Scientists do not know how the extremely small particle of a nutrient will react within the human body. Research shows that nanoparticles of harmless substances can become extremely dangerous. Small particles of materials, such as gold, react adversely with other materials that they would not react with when in a larger, natural state.

A spokesperson for the Resources for the Future, an economics think-tank based in Washington, DC, expresses concern that no one fully understands how nanotechnolgy will be controlled because there is no way to monitor the nanoparticles.

Until a full understanding of the safety of nanoparticles is grasped, consumers should maintain good health with natural foods and supplements as they are currently available.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
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Salt Dangerous In The Garden

Salt makes an excellent weedkiller and slug control but...... it can be very dangerous to the soil and beneficial earthworms.

Earthworms breathe through their skin taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide. They do this by secreting mucous which keeps their skin moist. Salt destroys their skin so they cannot breathe.

Earthworms and their castings are the best natural fertilizer for the soil.

Slugs can be controlled in many other natural ways without chemicals.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Earthworms And E. coli

For anyone starting or switching to organic gardening and is concerned about E.coli in manure fertilizers earthworms are best friends.

Tests at the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences reveal that the earthworm digestive system acts as a filter for some types of microorganisms. Salmonella and E. coli from animal wastes are broken down to harmless substances when vermicomposted. This means that the disease causing bacteria is also processed by the earthworms in the natural environment of a garden or field. The resulting compost is the best possible natural fertilizer for plants of all kinds.

MRSA and other bacteria are rapidly becoming antibiotic resistant. Antibiotics only increase the strength of the bacteria by forcing the bacteria to mutate into even more virulent forms.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Curry Powder and Alzheimer's

Curry and turmeric, two common cooking spices, may hold the cure for Alzheimer's Disease.

Scientists have discovered that patients taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have a lower incidence of Alzheimer's Disease. This is because Alzheimer's is caused by chronic inflammation of the brain.

NSAIDs can have serious side effects if taken for long periods of time which is common for patients taking them for arthritis. Side effects of NSAIDS include heartburn, ulcers, bleeding and many others but when taken for the long term, such as for arthritis and other inflammatory ailments they can cause heart attacks, strokes, liver and kidney problems.

Turmeric contains curcumin, a potent antioxidant, appears to reduce Alzheimer's-related inflammation in the brain tissue. Curcumin also decreases the building of the fibrous tissue associated with Alzheimer's.

In India, curcumin has been used for many years as an anti-inflammatory medication for bursitis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and arthritis.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Eating Healthy For The Holidays

With all the cookies, and cakes and special holiday treats, it can be difficult to maintain a healthy weight during the Christmas season.

Holiday meals and celebrations used to be traditionally held during the last two weeks of the year. But today, Christmas begins in October, or earlier. That means a good 10 to 12 weeks of indulging on sweets and high fat treats. Almost one-fourth of the entire year.

With diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes on the increase, obesity related illnesses are on the rise.

The answer to having your Christmas cake and eating it too? Eat sensibly, in moderation, get plenty of exercise, and don't start celebrating too early.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
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Diamond Christmas Tree

Most people would accept diamonds as a Christmas gift but how about a Diamond Christmas Tree?

In Tokyo, Japan a department store has a diamond Christmas tree with 400 diamonds for sale. It measures 16 inches tall. There are a total of 100 carats of diamonds and costs a "mere" 1.8 million dollars.

Any Christmas tree can look like a million dollars with the appropriate decorations.

Just be aware that many holiday lights and other decor may have lead coated wires.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
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Lower Cholesterol With Citrus

Citrus fruits are excellent for Vitamin C, antioxidants, and bioflavonoids. Combined with nutrients from Vitamin E it's an unbeatable combination to lower cholesterol levels without drugs.

A study at the the Universities of Guelph and Western Ontario showed that a combination of bioflavonoids and tocotrienols lowered total cholesterol levels by 30 percent while the ratio of LDL to HDL was improved by 29 percent.

With the dangers of side effects from cholesterol drugs on the increase, nutritional therapy is a safe alternative.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Christmas Decorations And Lead

First it was tainted dog food. Then toothpaste. Then children's toys. And now.......... Christmas decorations are coated in lead.

When decorating your home for Christmas this year be aware that many of them have dangerous amounts of lead which can make you sick.

The problem is the plastic coating used as insulation on electric wires. The polyvinyl chloride used as a stabilizer contains the lead.

Some states have enacted laws concerning how much lead can be allowed. A warning label is required for 10 micrograms per deciliter of blood and handling an electric cord can leave 0.5 micrograms on the hand.

Be sure to read labels, wash your hands after putting up decorations, and keep all decorations out of the hands of children.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Coffee Helps Environment

Growing coffee is good for the environment.

Recent studies show that coffee plantations make excellent wildlife habitat. Coffee and wildlife can live together without harm to either one.

In India, coffee is grown under shade of trees. So coffee fields are being planted with Silver Oak. The fast growing trees shade the coffee plants, are homes to birds, and other small mammals and, the trees themselves are harvested for timber providing more income to the coffee farmers.

Kenyan farmers are being urged to grow more coffee because of the soaring demand for specialty coffees in the United States and elsewhere.

The health benefits of coffee are slowly being discovered.

Home gardeners can use their spent coffee grounds in the garden wherever acidic soil is needed. Blueberries especially, will appreciate the addition of coffee grounds in the soil around their roots.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Vitamin D Helps Prevent Flu

Flu season is right around the corner. Be sure to get enough Vitamin D.

Vitamin D is a natural antibiotic and antiviral compound as compared to other vitamins which act more like antioxidants which also help to keep us healthy.

According to scientists at UCLA Vitamin D helps the body produce proteins called antimicrobial peptides. These peptides help keep us healthy by destroying bacteria, fungi and viruses, including the flu virus, that would otherwise make us ill. They also play a part in keeping the lungs infection free.

Flu is most prevalent in the winter when vitamin D levels are lowest. Children who get a lot of exposure to sunshine suffer less colds and flu than those who stay indoors. Also, children prone to lot of colds and flu were given high doses of vitamin D and stayed infection-free.

The scientists discovered that most people need anywhere from 2000 to 10,000 International Units of vitamin D a day during the winter months. In the summer the body produces more vitamin D from sunlight.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
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Vitamin A Cures Acne

There are all kinds of drugs and chemicals that can be used to fight acne, but why endanger health and skin when natural vitamins and herbs can cure acne without the side effects.

Scientists have discovered that Vitamin A has an astounding effect on acne. Vitamin A is necessary for healthy skin and is even more important in the reduction of acne. The The National Institutes of Health’s U.S. National Library of Medicine even rates Vitamin A as a successful acne treatment.

Tea tree oil, has produced wonders for some acne patients.

Antioxidants are also important to help prevent inflammation and acne pimples are an inflammation of the skin.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
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Garlic Kills Superbug

Scientists have discovered what garlic lovers already know. Garlic is able to kill even the MRSA superbug bacteria.

Doctors at Hastings and Rye company in the UK are experimenting with garlic as a cure for the methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus bacteria, also called MRSA, that is causing difficult to cure infections.

The doctors report that they have treated 50 people with untreatable MRSA infections with the garlic and cured them within several weeks.

Antibiotic resistance is on the increase and garlic, a common herb easily grown in anyone's backyard, seems to be a possible cure.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Potatoes Help Prevent Cancer

Potatoes have long been known for their health giving benefits. So much so that the Great Potato Famine of 1845 and1846 led to many deaths when the potato crops were ruined.

Potatoes have natural chemicals called glycoalkaloids. These substances help protect the potato from insects, bacteria and fungus in the soil so are in and just under the skin of the potato so to gain these health benefits the skin of the potato must be eaten.

These same substances, chaconine and solanine in particular, have been found to have the ability to stop the growth of cancer cells, especially those of the colon, stomach, liver, and cervix.

Yellow, red and even blue potatoes are now available. These contain still other chemicals called polyphenols and anthocyanins which provide high nutrient values of antioxidants.

These varieties of potatoes can be found almost everywhere. And if not, they are very easy to grow in the home garden.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Antibacterial Soaps Aid Infections

There are many factors in the reasons for why antibiotics are becoming bacteria resistant but the overuse of antibacterial soaps is one major contributor.

MRSA, or methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, is the organism responsible for thed eaths of 19,000 Americans in 2005 according to the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over 94,000 Americans contracted MRSA infections in 2005. The infection does not respond to common antibiotics.

Most infections are contracted in hospitals, medical clinics, and nursing homes but the disease is starting to arise at public gyms, and schools where a Virginia high school student died from the infection after being hospitalized for a week.

One way to help prevent, or slow down, even more bacteria from becoming resistant to life saving antibiotics is to use less antibacterial products.

Use natural soaps made from natural soaps natural herbs and cleansers instead of synthetic antibacterial chemicals that help build bacteria resistance.

A second way is to use natural herbs for colds. Antibiotics can't kill viruses so is useless as a cure for the common cold.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Biodegradable Pet Products

Instead of plastic, use biodegradable bags and liners for your pet dogs and cats.

Plastic shopping bags used for dog and cat waste is a good way to recycle plastic that is going to help fill up the landfill. But that one plastic bag is going to take anywhere from 400 to 1000 years to disintegrate. And that is in the open air where water, light and oxygen can reach it and it's a danger to wildlife. In a landfill......... that same plastic bag will last forever.

Paper bags degrade in as little as a month in the open environment but it takes 14 million trees to produce the 10 billion paper bags used by American consumers in just one year.

Until reusable bags replace the plastic bag, the best way to clean up after your pet is to use a biodegradable plastic which returns to the environment naturally.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Reusable Bags Help Environment

Plastic bags are killing fish, mammals, birds, and are even helping to change the climate.

Using reusable canvas bags to help save the environment is one of the easiest things to do that is within reach of every American.

Here are some staggering statistics:

The manufacture of fourteen plastic shopping bags uses the equivalent of petroleum energy to drive a car one mile.

Of the estimated 500 billion to one trillion plastic bags used worldwide annually, only 2 percent are recycled. The rest ending up in landfills. One day of landfill space is gained for every 100 tons of garbage that is recycled.

Biodegradable bags create methane gas which worsens the greenhouse effect.

According to the UK government, reducing the number of bags in that country by just one-fourth would reduce the amount of carbon dioxide to the equivalent of taking 18,000 cars off the road in one year.

Using reusable canvas bags can lower the carbon dioxide output by five pounds per year per person.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Mosquito Bites Cause Ulcers

Mosquito Bites can cause serious ulcers if mosquitoes are infected with Mycobacterium ulcerans, the same organism that causes tuberculosis and leprosy.

While not prevalent in the U.S. yet, West Nile Virus wasn't a common disease until just the last few years as well.

The connection between mosquitoes and the Bairnsdale ulcer, more commonly called the Daintree ulcer, hadn't been confirmed until now.

The painless ulcer, called the Buruli ulcer, resembles a mosquito bite, and often occurs in people near slow moving bodies of water, or after flooding. The ulcer causes destruction to skin and soft tissue, usually on legs or arms. It is not contagious.

The Buruli ulcer has been reported in over 30 countries including the tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, Americas, Asia, and the western Pacific.

The ulcer can be cured with minimal scarring if diagnosed and treated early.

No matter where you live, control mosquitoes by not letting water sit stagnant and by using organic controls safe for children and pets.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Celebrate Herb Day

Herb Day is a holiday that isn't very well known. Celebrate Herb Day this year.

How to use herbs in crafts such as holiday wreaths and centerpieces for holiday dinners.

How to make your own cosmetics such as hand lotions, soaps, sachets, bath oils and infusions, calming pillows, and much more.

Learn about aromatherapy, and how to use herbs to ease symptoms of colds, allergies, and other ailments, naturally.

Herbs can and should be used for cooking to make a wide variety of recipes for delicious dishes. Herb teas are so easily made and are so healthful.

Garlic is one of the most versatile of herbs. Learn how to grow garlic with these easy tips.

So celebrate Herb Day with an herb.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Chocolate Beats Fatigue

Sufferers of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) may find their symptoms relieved by eating a small amount of dark chocolate daily.

CFS is marked by profound fatigue that is not improved with rest.

According to scientists from Hull York Medical School, dark chocolate has been found to lower levels of serotonin.

Dark chocolate is high in polyphenols which seem to improve levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin has been linked with CFS.

Two of the ten test subjects were even able to return back to work.

The flavonols, flavonoids found in cocoa and dark chocolate, are of the same class of antioxidants found in green and white tea.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Schools Ban Halloween

If you love Halloween.......... keep up on the latest news about the holiday being banned.

More schools this year will be banning Halloween parties in favor of fall parties or no celebration at all. It's happening not only in the United States either.

As long ago as 1995 a school in California debated the idea of banning Halloween but the plan was voted down at that time.

Texas banned Halloween in 2000. A school in Washington state joined the banning in 2004.

Ironically enough, Belfast, Ireland, plans a bigger than ever Halloween celebration.

Keep Halloween alive and enjoy the festivites.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Halloween Goes To The Dogs

When celebrating Halloween be sure to include your pets.

Pets love to celebrate the holidays with their owners. Halloween can be a dangerous holiday for pets so enjoy the day but keep your pet safe with these tips.

According to the American Pet Products Manufacturing Association Americans will spend almost $41 billion on their pets this year. That includes health care, food, toys, and everything else people buy for their pets.

The National Retail Federation reports that 7.4 million families will buy costumes for their pets for this year's Halloween celebrations.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Caffeine and Painkillers Don't Mix

For anyone taking acetaminophen for pain, or cold and allergy medications that include the pain relief medication, caffeine intake should be carefully monitored.

New research from the University of Washington in Seattle reveals that acetaminophen taken in combination with caffeine products can cause liver damage.

Over the counter medications for headaches, migraine headaches, sinus headaches, arthritis, menstrual cramps, and many other painful conditions, may all contain acetaminophen. Even children's cold and allergy formulas. In fact, caffeine is actually added to many of these medications as it increases the relief afforded by the acetaminophen.

While coffee is healthful it's consumption needs to be lowered when taking acetaminophen. Children need to reduce the amount of energy drinks and sodas consumed while taking any medication containing acetaminophen.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Green Grass Relieves Stress

Being out in the fresh air, and nature with it's flowers, trees and grass has always been known to be healthy. Now there is proof.

Researchers at the University of Queensland, Australia, have discovered that the scent of mowed grass can help beat stress. It's a physical fact.

When grass is cut, chemicals are released that produce the scent. Hexenol, a type of alcohol, and hexenal, a type of aldehyde are the two chemicals that cause the stress-relieving scent.

Stress can cause headaches, high blood pressure, heart attacks and cancer. So instead of dreading the weekend care of the lawn, bask in the feeling knowing that caring for the lawn just may add years to your life.

Or just go outside and smell the grass as your neighbor does all the work of mowing the lawn across the fence.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Tea Helps Prevent Gallbladder Cancer

A study in China shows that green tea has the benefits of preventing bile stones and cancer. Women in particular had more protection than men.

According to the study one cup of green tea daily for six months helped lower the risk of gallbladder cancer by 44 percent, bile duct cancer by 33 percent and reduced the risk of bile stones by 27 percent. Antioxidants, especially EGCG, seems to be the one that shows promise.

Green tea has many healthful benefits in addition to preventing cancer.

When drinking tea on a regular basis, brewing your own, as compared to bottled, is much more healthful because it's fresh and the health giving properties are at full strength.


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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Nutrition For Healthy Hair

To have healthy hair on the outside, good nutrition must nourish the hair form the inside.

A stressful environment and an unhealthy diet are the two most common reasons for dull, drab, and unhealthy hair.

Vitamins A, C, E, Biotin, Inositol, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B-6 and Vitamin B-12 are all especially important for strong, healthy hair.

Protein is also important to building healthy hair as well as skin and long, beautiful nails.

*****************************************
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Herbs For Fall

For fall celebrations herbs make one of the best food, tea, and decorative items.

Herbs have been used since ancient times in the celebration of autumn. In particular, they were used to flavor the foods and drinks of the autumnal equinox celebrations. They were also thrown on bon fires to send up messages of thanks to the gods for the crops for which the people were thankful.

Today, we still use herbs for flavorings and herbal teas. A stick of cinnamon in a cup of hot apple cider can be very comforting on a cool autumn evening.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Fall Is For Lawn Care

Fall is the time to plant a new lawn or revitalize an old one.

To begin a new lawn or to improve an existing one do it in the fall. Mow the grass, aerate and dethatch. Then sow new grass seed or scatter grass seed into the existing lawn. Add mulch for a new lawn. Water with one inch of water a week until the seed begins to grow.

Organic lawns can be just as lush and beautiful as those grown with synthetic chemicals. Use compost, earthworm castings, and natural fertilizers instead to protect groundwater, rivers, lakes etc.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Life Lessons From A Tree

With the coming of autumn the beautiful colored leaves of trees catch our eye. But the feeling goes much deeper than that. We could all learn to be better Earth citizens if we lived like a tree.

No two trees are alike and yet all trees live in balance with each other.

Trees take pollutants from the air and produce clean oxygen.

Trees take from the soil only what they need. Trees use leaves and other organic matter in the soil to produce compost which they feed upon only to return the favor with more falling leaves in the autumn.

This clever idea was founded by the director of Eretz Carmel, a non-profit organization to promote economic growth and to preserve the natural environment.

You can help by planting a tree or having a tree planted for a loved one, a loved pet, a sentimental occasion, or simply to help the environment.

*****************************************
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Life Lessons From A Tree

With the coming of autumn the beautiful colored leaves of trees catch our eye. But the feeling goes much deeper than that. We could all learn to be better Earth citizens if we lived like a tree.

No two trees are alike and yet all trees live in balance with each other.

Trees take pollutants from the air and produce clean oxygen.

Trees take from the soil only what they need. Trees use leaves and other organic matter in the soil to produce compost which they feed upon only to return the favor with more falling leaves in the autumn.

This clever idea was founded by the director of Eretz Carmel, a non-profit organization to promote economic growth and to preserve the natural environment.

You can help by planting a tree or having a tree planted for a loved one, a loved pet, a sentimental occasion, or simply to help the environment.

*****************************************
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Mosquito Topples Bullfighter

A mosquito is more dangerous than a bull. That is what a Spanish bullfighter discovered.

Besides West Nile Fever, mosquitoes, especially in Latin America and Asia, spread a disease called Dengue Fever.

A bullfighter, that had won the battle with 57 bulls, became ill with a mild form of Dengue Fever. The fever lowers the immune system making the victim more susceptible to all viruses. But the fever does kill hundreds of people annually.

Mosquitoes can be controlled with chemical sprays but organic controls are safer for humans and pets.

*****************************************
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Winterize Your Yard For Birds

If you attract birds to your yard in the summer, be sure to make it welcome
for them in the wintertime too.

First, learn what kinds of birds you have. Many of them will be satisfied with sunflower or safflower seeds. Finches love thistleseed. Bird that eat on the ground will like corn, millet and other grains. Woodpeckers like suet hung in trees.

But the most important thing for birds is water. Make sure to have a birdbath and, if you live in an area where it gets below freezing, a heater to keep the water from turning to ice.

Your feathered friends will thank you with many hours of pleasure.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Sins Of Chocolate

While the saying that liking chocolate is a sin is just a comment borne out of the craving for chocolate there is, in fact, a basis for it.

In the eighteenth century Catholic women drank chocolate to get them through fasting periods. The church leaders then called it a pleasure and consuming chocolate became a sin.

By the way, men crave chocolate almost as much as women do. A recent survey found that 86% of men admit to craving chocolate.

Studies showed that drinking chocolate milk, instead of common sports drinks, improved the performance of bicyclists 49 and 54 percent.

Chocolate is actually very healthful when eaten in small quantities. It helps the heart, eases diarrhea, and a multitude of other health benefits.

Additionally, to catch pesky mice that enter the home, chocolate is one of the best baits there is to use.

*****************************************
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Growing The Perfect Tomato

Tomatoes are susceptible to the environment and can be affected by the environment.

Many tomato gardeners complain about tomatoes that fail to mature perfectly. The cause is usually caused by the temperatures and moisture in the atmosphere. It's nothing that the gardener did or didn't do caused the problem.

One common problem is a hard white core. High temperatures, dry conditions and over fertilizing are usually the problem.

There are many excellent tips to grow delicious tomatoes.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Fuel Additives And Gas Mileage

Fuel additives are luxury items your vehicle doesn't need.

Many of the gadgets and being touted today can harm your vehicle and just simply don't work.

Most experts agree that slower driving, proper air pressure in the tires, and less weight on the vehicle are the secrets to better gas mileage.

There are many tips that can truly help your car to make more miles to the gallon.

*****************************************
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Termites Help To Produce Biofuel

Termites, which can eat one out of house and home, just may be the answer to more effective biofuels to replace high-priced oil-based gasoline.

While corn is an excellent source of ethanol, miscanthus, a tropical grass may be a better choice. Miscanthus grows 14 feet tall in just one year, and produces enough mass to produce three times as much biofuel as corn in the same acreage. Miscanthus can be grown in the temperate climate of the corn belt in the United States.

The only thing stopping the production is that miscanthus contains a different type of cellulose than corn does. Scientists at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California are studying termites, which can easily digest the cellulose, in order to learn how to do what termites do naturally.

In the meantime, here is a pet and human safe product to kill termites in your home.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Drugged Potato Chips

Your next bag of potato chips just may contain caffeine, a drug.

Potato chips are one of the most popular fast food items sold in supermarkets and fast food outlets today.

And now........... potato chips doused with caffeine may just be able to replace that morning cup of coffee or can of soda at lunch or a mid afternoon pick-me-up. One 3.5 ounce bag of chips will contain as much caffeine as 3.5 cups of coffee with the added bonus of not staining teeth.

Birmingham-based Golden Flake Snack Foods Inc. is testing the new product in eleven southeastern states.

In the future it seems, growing and making your own potato chips will be the only way to get pure, healthy potato chips without added chemicals and other additives.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Eat Almonds And Lose Weight

While almonds are a nut and are high in fat, they are also nutritious and can help with weight loss.

Studies found that people who eat almonds regularly weigh less than people who don't eat almonds.

Researchers conducted a study with 20 overweight women. By eating 2 ounces of almonds daily for 10 weeks it was found that the women gained no weight during that time.

The almonds reduce appetite by producing a satisfied feeling and also by decreasing the amount of total carbohydrates otherwise eaten by more fattening foods. The high fiber in almonds also reduced the amount stored by the body.

Other studies done at Purdue University show that by eating one to three ounces of almonds daily helps to lower cholesterol.

Almonds also increase the level of vitamin E and magnesium in the blood. Both of which are important to a healthy cardiovascular system.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Garlic--A Cancer Cure

As cancer rates rise, and the race for a cancer cure is sought, garlic may become a major source of a cancer cure drug.

South Korean scientists have found compounds in garlic that have the ability to stop the growth of cancer cells as well as kill those already present.

Delicious, fresh garlic is easily obtained and can be added to the daily diet.

The U.S. grows only five percent of the world's supply of garlic, with China supplying 66 percent.

Garlic is also easy to grow in thehome garden.

For more details visit:

http://www.freshplaza.com/news_detail.asp?id=6333

http://www.apluswriting.net/rssnewsfeeds/homeandgarden/Garlic_Prevents_Cancer.htm

http://www.apluswriting.net/rssnewsfeeds/homeandgarden/garlictips.htm

http://www.apluswriting.net/rssnewsfeeds/homeandgarden/Garlic_From_China.htm

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Fifteen Billion Slugs

A gardener, or farmer's, nightmare! Even one slug crawling on a prized rose or hosta or lettuce leaf is a horror, so imagine 15 billion slugs!

Wet, mild, winters are perfect for slug population explosions and that's exactly what Britain had last winter. This summer they have so many slugs they don't know what to do. It is estimated that there are 6 slugs per square foot of land. That equals 15 billion slugs in the country.

According to a British farmer and expert, slugs eat twice their body weight every day and each one can lay up to 100 eggs.

At least in the U.S. gardeners don't have to contend with this many slugs but whatever slugs there are they need to be controlled. There are many different methods for controlling slugs in the home garden.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Eggshells Thwart Slugs

There are many ways to control slugs in the garden but eggshells are one of the best.

Beer attracts slugs so they fall in an drown. Diatomaceous earth is a common remedy because it's sharp edges cut the slugs and make them turn away from the plants. Eggshells do the same thing but are actually more beneficial to the garden because the shells add calcium to the soil.


Eggshells for tomato plants would be especially beneficial if your tomatoes have blossom end rot. This disfigurement is caused my low calcium in the soil.

There are more excellent organic methods to control slugs.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Coffee Prevents Skin Cancer

Enjoy a drink of coffee and help yourself in the prevention of getting skin cancer.

The most common type of cancer in the United States is skin cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute.

Sun damaged skin cells naturally self-destruct, but in studies with mice show that drinking caffeine increases the process by 95 percent. Additionally exercise increased the destruction by 120 percent. And lastly, tests revealed that in mice who drank caffeine and exercised the skin cell destruction was increased by 380 times those who did neither.

So a combination of two or three cups of coffee a day, with exercise, can help reduce skin cancer.

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Author: Marilyn PokorneyFreelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment.Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Termites Are Cockroaches

No one wants to find a cockroach in their home, but if you have termites, your home is infested with cockroaches.

According to scientists there are 4,500 known species of cockroaches so there are actually two to three times as many that haven't been discovered yet. Of that number, scientists consider only 1 percent of all cockroach species as pests.

And the one cockroach that most people don't even know is a cockroach, is the termite.

Controlling cockroaches can be easily done with natural controls when harmful synthetic chemicals are not desired.


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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Eat Your Garden Slugs

If you can't beat 'em, eat 'em! That is the attitude of a restaurant owner in the Swedish town of Malmoe. His menu offers "slug toast".

Sweden is suffering a very wet summer which is ideal for the Spanish slugs to exist.

A gardener in the southern Swedish town of Hjaernap has found 36,674 dead slugs in her garden since April.

Even the agricultural sector is affected because the slugs crawl into livestock feed and the cattle won't eat them.

Since the slugs grow to about 5 inches long experts say the best way to kill them is to cut their heads off with scissors or drop them in boiling water.

Luckily, most slugs are a mere fraction of that size and are much easier to eliminate from the home garden.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Your Shoe Mileage

Do you run or walk for daily exercise? If so, then you need to know your shoe mileage.

Shoes wear out and are not helpful or protective to feet and legs during extreme exercise long before they show wear and tear.

Doctors and fitness trainers recommend replacing a pair of athletic shoes after no more than 500 miles. If the shoes are showing wear and the feet, legs or knees are showing any sign of pain, replace them at 400 miles. Replace any shoes immediately when they become uneven or have a hole in the sole.

Walking is the best exercise because it involves the legs, the largest muscles in the body and it also stimulates every muscle in the body.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Tea Becomes A Food

With the antioxidant benefits of tea becoming more and more well known tea has become a food instead of just a refreshing beverage.

Green tea has been associated with lower cholesterol levels, relieving arthritic pain, reducing the risk of severe arteriosclerosis, can help control diabetes, prevent influenza, inhibiting the activity of the AIDS virus and many more health benefits.

So it no surprise that a food company in France, Danisco, has developed a tea extract that will be used as a flavor enhancer in dressings, soups, sauces, meat, and seafood products.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Pretend You Have No Brakes

Drive your car gently and easily and get more mileage. Aggressive driving can reduce gas mileage by 33 percent on the highway and 5 percent in the city according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Instead, slow down, keep up the maintenance on the vehicle and inflate the tires properly.

Some experts recommend pretending you have poor, or no brakes, and keep more distance between your vehicle and the car in front of you to prevent slamming on the brakes and rapid acceleration.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

No Place To Hide From Ants

If you are thinking of moving to the North Pole to get away from ants. Think again.

Ants can live almost anywhere in the world. Just ask people who live in Iceland.

Scientists are studying why ants are invading swimming pools in Reykjavík. They theorize that it's the warmth from the water but more studies are needed.

Comparatively, it's a more simple matter to control the simple ants that invade your kitchen or home.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Garage Sale Valuables

Don't sell your treasured valuables at your garage sale
unless you really intend to.

When getting items ready for a garage sale be sure to check items thoroughly. Especially small things like jewelry, dishes and other small items that you may be tempted to sell in groups.

One woman failed to do this and sold her mother's treasured diamond wedding ring as costume jewelry by mistake.

Garage sales can be fun and profitable. Just take your time and be fully prepared.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Cockroaches Like Human Ears

Cockroaches like to crawl into human ears. Especially those of sleeping children. Cockroaches will also crawl into nostrils.

Cockroaches can spread disease by carrying bacteria and other disease organisms on their bodies and feces when they crawl on dishes, tables and other kitchen items.

Cockroaches are also a major cause of allergies and asthma.

Cockroaches can be controlled with synthetic pesticides and all natural insecticides for those who prefer organic control without poisons.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Stinging Ants Plague Outdoor Lovers

While most ants, except for fire ants, don't bite people, there is one species of flying ant that is stinging people in Florida.

Scientists aren't sure yet which species of the Hypoponera genus of ants is the one causing the problem. Four species of the ant live in Florida.

Most common ants present no problem other than irritation when they find their way onto kitchen counters, around dog and cat food dishes and likewise. These are easily controlled.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Stinging Ants Plague Outdoor Lovers

While most ants, except for fire ants, don't bite people, there is one species of flying ant that is stinging people in Florida.

Scientists aren't sure yet which species of the Hypoponera genus of ants is the one causing the problem. Four species of the ant live in Florida.

Most common ants present no problem other than irritation when they find their way onto kitchen counters, around dog and cat food dishes and likewise. These are easily controlled.

*****************************************
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Bedbugs On The Increase

For reasons not fully understood, bedbugs are making a return to all parts of the United States but the northwest seems to be experiencing the most problems.

Experts theorize that bedbugs are developing a resistance to insecticides.

When visiting hotels check the mattress under the sheet as that is the most likely place they will be. Bedbugs travel on clothing, linens etc. so thoroughly wash belongings in hot water when returning home.

Bedbugs can be killed with all natural insecticides that they haven't developed a resistance to.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Slower Speed Means Better Mileage


One driver put the suggestion of driving at lower speeds to get better gas mileage and found that it is true.

The driver set his cruise at 60 mph while everyone else passed him at 75 mph and discovered that at the end of the 300 mile journey his car had made 44.5 miles to the gallon. The car used only 6.73 gallons for the trip.

Of course the model of the vehicle is going to make a difference but as a general rule, slower speed means better mileage.

There are many more tips drivers can use to get better gas mileage.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Garlic From China

Garlic is one of the most healthful herbs one can eat. But do you know where the garlic you are eating was grown and produced?

Despite all the garlic eaten in the U.S., American growers only produce 5 percent of the world's total supply of garlic. China is the number one supplier with 66 percent!

In 2006 the U.S. imported 138 million pounds of fresh garlic. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service says garlic power and garlic salt imports also increased 384 percent since the late 1990's.

Perhaps it's time to grow your own garlic. It's easy and satisfying.

*****************************************
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Slugs Eat Entire Garden

If you have slugs in your garden be glad you don't live in Sweden where Spanish slugs are taking over gardens.

One garden had all it's plants eaten by the slugs in just a few days when the owner was away on vacation. Over 900 slugs were picked from the garden.

The wet summer in Sweden is bringing out the Spanish slugs called killer slugs because they are cannibals and eat the weak and dead of their own kind. This species of slug grows to 6 inches in length. Each slug can produce 400 baby slugs.

The Spanish slugs have no natural predator. Even animals who chomp on the pests spit them out when they get a mouthful of slime.

Here are some tips to reduce the slugs in your home garden.


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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Coffee Relieves Stress

Coffee breaks are actually healthful. Coffee relieves stress and helps the body stay healthy while under stress.

Jobs where employees have a low amount of control over their duties leads to more workplace stress than the employer experiences. Thus the coffee break to reduce the tension. Some studies have also associated coffee with improved alertness and memory.

In some instances coffee actually has more antioxidants than fruits, vegetables and green tea especially those called polyphenols. Antioxidants are necessary to help prevent illness due to stress.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Earthworms Revitalize Dead Soil

The lowly earthworm has the ability to bring dead soil to life. With just a little help from humans, soil that has been void of healthy nutrients can be brought back to productivity by earthworms.

In Havana, Cuba, Specialists at the Center of Environmental Studies and Research have initiated environmental programs to bring life back to the island where drought and desertification have taken a toll.

The scientists are using all natural methods including earthworms. The scientists have concluded that "earthworm humus is one of the most efficient and cheapest fertilizers used in bioorganic agriculture.

"If earthworms can bring lifeless soil back to life just imagine what earthworms can do for your vegetable or flower garden.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

High Temperatures Halt Tomato Production

Tomato plants need average summer temperatures to produce fruit. With high temperatures yield will be slowed until normal temperatures return.

With daytime temperatures over 92 and nighttime lows of 70 or above, tomatoes won't produce as well.

During this time, mulch plants well, water deeply, watch for pests and take care of the plants. Cooler temperatures will once again return and the well-tended, healthy plants will produce delicious tomatoes.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Strawberries Improve Memory

Many fruits contain antioxidants and bioflavanoids which are necessary for good health. Strawberries contain one such chemical called fisetin.

Studies at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies show that fisetin may just help with memory loss.

Memory loss is a disease that occurs when the brain loses neurons. Fisetin helps protect neural cells from dying and creates new connections between nerve cells. Fisetin works by stimulating signaling pathways that enhance long-term memory by strengthening the connections between healthy neurons.

Bioflavanoids and antioxidants are essential for a good long term memory.


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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Be Careful Advertising Garage Sales

Having a garage or yard sale can be fun and profitable but be aware of local laws that, if broken, could cost you your profit, or more, with fines ranging from $500 to $1000.

Some cities require an official fluorescent sticker issued by the Public Works Department to make all garage sale signs legal.

Most cities do not allow signs on public utility poles, traffic or street signs, or trees. Signs should be taken down within 48 hours of the garage sale ending or even on the same day.

Some cities also require permits to have a garage sale. There may be a limit of how many sales a homeowner may have during the year as well.

Have a successful garage sale this summer with over 200 helpful hints!
*****************************************
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Exercise Helps Prevent Bowel Cancer

Strenuous exercise, or even just cleaning house for a couple of hours a day, can lower the risk of being afflicted with colon cancer.

According to a study according to the study conducted on more than 413,000 people at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in Lyon, France , 70 percent of cases could be prevented by changes in diet and exercise.

More than 940,000 cases are diagnosed each year and over 50 percent of patients die from the illness.

Walking is one of the best exercises there is for people of all ages and can be done indoors or out throughout the year.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Earthworms Reduce Weeds

It is an established fact that earthworms improve garden and agricultural soils but it's not so well known that earthworms also can help reduce weed growth.

The Blaine County Recreation District in Idaho is beginning a test project against noxious weeds this spring. They have teamed up with a local service, Whitehead Landscaping, who will apply the vermicompost tea to the weed infested land.

Research has shown that earthworm excrement, also called castings or vermicompost, improves the fertility, aeration, porosity, structure, drainage, and moisture-holding capacity of soil. The possibility of earthworms having the ability to aid in prevention of weed growth is a breakthrough for using less synthetic and harmful chemicals.

*****************************************
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Tea More Valuable Than Gold

In China, where the health benefits of tea is well known, some tea varieties are worth more than gold.

The health benefits of tea include prevention of cholesterol buildup, helps burn body fat, prevents rheumatoid arthritis, aids with diabetes, prevents cancers, suppresses the process of plaque formation on teeth, kills the bacteria which causes bad breath, kills seven strains of food poisoning bacteria including staphylococcus, clostridium and botulus, is a good treatment for diarrhea and many more too numerous to list.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Coffee Prevents Alzheimer's

By drinking a delicious three cups of coffee a day, one may just be able to prevent getting Alzheimer's disease.

As reported in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition studies show that coffee has a protective effect on the brain.

Most Alzheimer's patients die within ten years of being diagnosed so any possible cure that may help prevent the dreaded disease is well worth researching.

So in the future a doctor may just say to a patient "Drink 3 cups of coffee and call me in the morning."

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Pesticides Reduce Nitrogen In Soil

Pesticides are reducing the fertility of garden and agricultural soils.

For healthy gardens and agricultural crops, including vegetable gardens, nitrogen is a necessary nutrient. But some studies are revealing that pesticides are reducing the plants ability to use the available nitrogen in the soil.

According to an environmental scientist, Jennifer E. Fox of the University of Oregon in Eugene, despite increased amounts of nitrogen being added to soils fertility and crop yields have stabilized and even decreased over the last 40 years.

Fox, John A. McLachlan of Tulane University in New Orleans, and colleagues have discovered that the pesticides bind to the receptors on nitrogen that should be attaching to the roots of the plants.

A much safer and natural alternative to keeping soils healthy is to have plenty of earthworms in the garden. Earthworm casts are an excellent organic way to healthy, productive soils.

*****************************************
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Eat Chocolate And Live To 100

Two chocoholics lived to be 122 and 119 years old.

The world's oldest centenarians, Jeanne Calment (France, 1875 to 1997) and Sarah Knauss (U.S.A., 1880 to 1999) were chocoholics.

There is news that chocolate milk is good for athletes as well.

Dark chocolate, has high levels of antioxidants called flavonoids. These help to remove free radicals in the blood.

Chocolate also appears to slow clotting of platelets for up to 12 hours after eating. This helps to prevent blood clots which can cause heart attacks and strokes.

Once again chocolate proves itself to be a healthful food. It helps to ease diarrhea.


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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Toxic Indoor Pollution

If you spend most of your time at work indoors you may be risking your health more than people who spend time outdoors.

The air inside modern tightly insulated buildings can be up to five times as polluted as the outside air according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Molds, chemicals from paint used on the walls, and furniture, glues to hold carpeting down, fumes from cleaning products, are some of the worst offenders making people sick.

When people spend 90 percent of their time indoors in this toxic environment headaches and respiratory illnesses increase. These chemicals can even cause lung cancer, aggravated heart conditions, and death.

It's not only the elderly and children who are adversely affected. Healthy adults are also affected.

While one can't control the air quality at work, one can use air cleaners
for a safe, clean environment in the home.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Toxic Plastic Baby Bottles

If you are a mother of a new baby, or know someone who is, a warning about using plastic, instead of glass, baby bottles could save the child a lot of health problems later in life.

According to a report by the Environment California Research and Policy Center released in February, 2007, bisphenol A, a toxic chemical, leaches from the plastic bottle into the liquid being fed to the baby.

Bisphenol A is a chemical likened to the sex hormone estrogen and can cause all sorts of serious health problems ranging from breast and prostate cancer to insulin resistance leading to diabetes, and congestive heart failure later in life.

It can also cause impaired immune function, early onset of puberty, obesity, and hyperactivity at all ages.

The bottom line for baby feeding is the use of traditional glass bottles.

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Author: Marilyn PokorneyFreelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Plastic Bag Fees

The indiscriminate use of plastic bags is going to cost shoppers.

Very soon, shoppers will be paying extra at the check out for the use of plastic shopping bags.

By the end of 2008 Hong Kong residents will be paying about 6 cents per bag in US currency.

Ireland already has a fee of about 15 cents in U.S. currency since 2002.

In Finland, supermarkets pay a fee on the quantity of plastic bags used, with the proceeds funding recycling.

In Belgium, supermarkets encourage re-use of shopping bags by giving shoppers points on loyalty cards.

Denmark has a tax on all packaging.

Zanzibar has banned plastic bags in an attempt to save its environment. A fine of $2000 and a jail sentence is a very real possibility to anyone making, importing, using or selling plastic bags on that island country.

Plastic bags are responsible for the deaths of many animals, fish and birds, not to even mention the amount of landfill space they require. Even when exposed to the elements, plastic bags can take over 1000 years to disintegrate whereas canvas or cloth bags can be reused for years.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************