Typography is the craft of endowing human language with a durable visual form, and thus with an independent existence. (...) Typography remains a source of true delight, true knowledge, true surprise.

Robert Bringhurst, The Elements of Typographic Style

November 23, 2010

Health

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Be Healthy and You Will Age Slower PhotoAging is a complex process that involves many areas of your body. It’s unlikely that any one product or pill could cure all of the ailments of aging. However, there are things you can do that not only will help you age more slowly but will improve your quality of life. Your best bet for a long and healthy life is to:

1. Eat a varied and healthy diet. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods. Fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, and vitamins all play a part in keeping your body functioning at its best. Drink lots of fluids to maintain healthy skin and flush out waste. Eating right will help you maintain a healthy weight.

2. Exercise every day. Exercise improves appetite, makes healthy bones, gives you a better emotional outlook and improves digestion and circulation. Exercise makes you stronger and helps you lose weight.

3. Seeking prompt medical care when you’re ill or injured. Listen to your body and take care of any little problems before they become big problems. Get screened for diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

4. Use sunscreen to prevent sunburn. Professionals agree that one of the most significant factors contributing to aging is chronic inflammation of the skin.

5. Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. Smoking has very damaging effects and dramatically increases your risk of getting cancer and heart disease.

6. Manage stress. Stress is a part of everyday life. Develop ways to help you cope and adjust to situations in your life that may cause you stress. The situation isn’t the problem…its how you react to it.

7. Look for ways to improve overall well-being and enthusiasm for life. Be curios and creative which will encourage you to learn new things. You can also use humor and laughter to help you age well and live long.

8. Keep strong relationships. Maintaining close ties to your family and friends are crucial to healthy aging.

9. Don’t let fears and worries dominate your life. A worried mind is not at peace and robs you of zest and energy which you need to maintain youthfulness.

10. Keep cells youthful with antioxidants. Antioxidants are found in a full-range of fruits and vegetables, as well as in some meat, like fish. Although, our bodies produce its own antioxidants, the level of product declines over time because of environmental factors and through the aging process. You can also take anti oxidant supplements or even anti oxidant teas.

Do all you can to be healthy and in doing so you will age slower. If you have any questions about products that claim to slow or reverse aging ask your doctor. He or she can help you sort through the information and get the facts.

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what makes you age slower

November 17, 2010

Health

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Birth Control and Contraception Methods  PhotoMost women rely on popular contraception methods like birth control pills and condoms to prevent unplanned pregnancies. Although the Pill and most common forms of contraception used by men and women are highly reliable in preventing pregnancies, there is still the possibility of getting pregnant while on birth control albeit being very minimal. Below are five reasons that may cause pregnancies while on birth control:

Improper use of chosen contraception method

Most contraception and birth control methods are almost a hundred percent pregnancy-proof. Human error plays a large part why unplanned pregnancies occur among people practicing birth control.

One such example is the improper use of the Pill. The Pill must be taken at exactly the same time everyday. Forgetting or being late in taking a scheduled Pill intake and having unprotected sex can cause a pregnancy. Also, since the Pill is taken in cycles, a disruption in the cycle caused by missed birth control pills can be tricky to correct and cause an unplanned pregnancy without a backup or alternative form of birth control.

Condoms are also prone to misuse. Not taking the air out of the condom before putting it on can cause it to burst due the friction created by the intercourse. Also, using a condom that does not fit well can cause it to burst or slide and spill the semen during intercourse.

Diaphragms, cervical caps, and IUDs, on the other hand, need to be checked at least once a month for proper positioning. Misalignment or improper coverage can provide little pathways for the sperm to reach the egg and start the conception process.

Inconsistent usage of contraception methods

Inconsistency in the use of contraception methods also contribute to the number of unplanned pregnancies that occur while on birth control. Missed birth control pills or having unprotected sex without condoms “just this one time,” is enough to cause a pregnancy. Since sperm can live inside the woman’s reproductive system for days, having just one unprotected encounter is enough to cause a pregnancy even if the succeeding sexual intercourse made use of contraceptives.

Other antibiotic medications

Taking antibiotic medications have been found to affect and interfere with the efficacy of birth control pills. Antibiotic medications can decrease the levels of steriod plasma concentrations in the pills which can drastically alter their effects. If pills are taken along with antibiotic medication, it is advised that women and their partners use backup birth control methods to augment the decreased efficacy of the pills. Backup contraceptives can come in the form of sperm gels, creams, and condoms.

Broken condoms and other barrier methods

Breakage is the prime cause of failure for barrier methods of contraception. Broken condoms and other barrier methods provide a way for the sperm to escape and reach the egg. Condoms are usually broken due to the increased friction and pressure during intercourse. Using the right-sized condoms and proper latex-safe lubricants can help minimize condom ruptures. Other barrier methods can benefit from monthly checkups to assess and maintain the right fit.

Believing there is a safe time for unprotected sex

There is never a safe time for unprotected sex. Studies have shown that while most women get pregnant during their mid-cycle or fertile days, some also get pregnant on days that normally considered as non-fertile. As such, it is advised that protection should always be used whenever one has sex to prevent unplanned pregnancies.

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contraception, pills and condoms