Learning Problems in Children

Children can experience learning problems because of several reasons. Some children excel at studies while others strive hard. In this article, we discuss the different behavioural and learning problems that students aged 5-15 face.

Dyslexia

Dyslexia is reading problem. The children find it difficult to read what they have written. Dyslexia is characterised by the difficulty of brain in separating and processing written and verbal language. These children find it difficult to learn spelling and to read fluently. They also confuse between similar looking letters like b, d, p, q, etc. They also tend to skip letters, words or sentences while reading.

Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia is the difficulty to write. Students with this problem may be smart at reading and memorizing. Such students also show signs of diminished motor coordination and find the tasks like tying a shoelace.

Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia is problems associated with numbers. They interchange the places of digits. This problem makes it difficult for the children to learn mathematics. Dysnomia Dysnomia is characterised by lack of ability in memorizing names or words. Pupils with this problem find it difficult to remember the word for objects, places or things.

Dyspraxia

Dyspraxia is characterised by lack of or poorly developed skills in skilled tasks like typing, sewing, etc. Such children can also show signs of difficulty in controlling sound and speaking and can be slow at eating or drinking. Children with these type of disorders may be smart at one or more special skills. For example, Ernest Hemingway is believed to have suffered from Dyspraxia.

Helping the children and instilling in them a sense of confidence is essential for the development of such children and to help them lead successful lives.

What Is Internet Fax?

Internet Fax is simply using the Internet or your email system to send and receive faxes. Since it is web based, you can send your faxes anytime anywhere; as long as you have an Internet connection and these days that's available just about everywhere. You sign up with an Internet fax service provider to get your own fax number (local or toll free) which you use in the same manner as you would use any fax number. There is a small charge for this service but keep in mind you do not need an extra phone line to do Internet faxing since everything is done online. Many small and large business owners are switching over to Internet Fax for some obvious advantages: it is very convenient, it is very fast, it offers more privacy, many faxes can be sent/received simultaneously (no busy signals) and it is available wherever you have the Internet. Plus there are no messy fax machines and no need for a second phone line. One of the most asked questions about Internet Fax relates to the confusion over just how the whole thing works. Many traditional fax users can't quite get their heads around the idea of having faxes without the traditional fax machine. Basically, you sign up with a fax service provider and get your own fax number and you send/receive your faxes thru your email system - your fax is attached to an email as either a TIFF or PDF format file.

You can access your faxes from an online interface (your fax login site) where your faxes are received and sent. You can also store your faxes online there. What confuses most people who are not familiar with online faxing is the question: can I still send my faxes to the old traditional machines, since many of my business partners may not be using Internet Fax? The answer is YES! You can send your faxes to the old traditional fax machine and if they have your fax number, they can still return a fax to you via the old traditional manner or fax machine. Here's how Internet Fax works: You use a fax gateway or Internet Fax provider/server to handle your faxes.

For example, say if you were sending a fax. Computer/Internet -> Fax provider/server -> Phone line -> Fax machine You use your computer and the Internet to log into your online account/page to send your fax to your fax provider/server which then uses the phone line to send your fax to the receiving fax machine.

If you are receiving a Fax Fax machine -> Phone line -> Fax provider/server -> Email message (thru Internet) -> Your Email account Someone uses a fax machine to send you a fax which goes thru the phone line to your fax provider/server which converts it into a TIFF or PDF file and sends you an email message with your fax attached in your email. If both parties are using Internet Fax, then your faxes can be sent/received using your email systems over the Internet.

Computer/email -> Fax provider/server -> Computer/email What you really have to keep in mind, once you sign up for an Internet fax service you will have an online interface (login site) where you can send and receive your faxes. Then when you send or receive a fax, you get a confirmation in your web interface and/or by email. This offers some great advantages such as receiving and sending your faxes whenever and wherever you access the Internet. No more busy signals, no more messy fax machines, no more nosy workers seeing the contents of your fax, and no extra phone line. Plus, many faxes can be sent/received simultaneously, even when your computer is turned off. No more missed faxes because your phone line was busy. However, in order to get all these advantages you have to sign up for an Internet fax service. There are many well known Internet fax providers such as MyFax, eFax, RapidFax, TrustFax, Send2Fax... and some very good lesser known faxing companies such as MetroHiSpeed out of Seattle and Faxage out of Denver.

A word of caution, when signing up for any long term business service it pays to do your homework first. It pays to shop around mainly because even any small savings may prove significant over the long haul. Prices can range from very cheat (under $20 a year) to around $10 - $15 a month depending on the kind of service you need. There are many different plans and services, and keep in mind, you will pay more for International faxing. Internet Fax seems to be the way of the future as more and more businesses go online. Besides, as we become more and more modernized, computers are offering us simple and convenient solutions to many of our daily traditional business tasks such as faxing. Can your business or any company really afford to be left behind or not take advantage of the benefits of Internet Fax? Can you still remain competitive without Internet Fax? It's your call?

High Blood Pressure: Causes,Symptoms,Treatment

by: Alexis-Blaise Kenne
Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure is the result of two forces: from the heart as it pumps blood into the arteries and throughout the circulatory system, and the force of the arteries as they resist blood flow. Blood pressure is measured by putting a blood pressure cuff around your arm, inflating the cuff and listening for the flow of blood. Blood pressure is always given as these two numbers, the systolic and diastolic pressures. Blood pressure is traditionally measured with a device called a sphygmomanometer. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Blood pressure is generally felt to be abnormally high at a level of 140/90, and some sort of definitive therapy and follow-up should be started at this level. High blood pressure is called the silent killer because it usually has no symptoms.

Blood is carried from the heart to all parts of your body in vessels called arteries. Blood does not flow regularly like water from a tap:-When the heart contracts (systole), the blood is propelled into the main arteries that act as a pressurised reservoir.

Pressure in a hose can be regulated either by controlling the rate at which fluid passes through it or by widening it. Pressure inside your arteries can cause the muscles that line the walls of the arteries to thicken. Your blood pressure is at its highest when the heart beats, pumping the blood. When the heart is at rest, between beats, your blood pressure falls. Still, for most of your waking hours, your blood pressure stays pretty much the same when you are sitting or standing still.

Heart disease is the UK’s biggest killer, claiming thousands of lives each year. Heart failure is when your heart cannot pump blood around the body as well as it should, and this can cause you to become short of breath and can cause your ankles to swell.

Heart attack High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attacks. Various disorders and drugs can cause the compensatory mechanisms to malfunction, and high blood pressure may result. Causes In most instances of high blood pressure, no known cause can be identified. Doctors do not know what causes high blood pressure in 90 to 95 percent of people who have it. For some people, just being in a medical setting causes their blood pressure to rise. Symptoms When blood pressure is too low, the first organ to malfunction is usually the brain. Symptoms that may occur include: Confusion Chest pain Ear noise or buzzing Irregular heartbeat Nosebleed Tiredness Vision changes. What is treatment, medication, medicines, remedy, drugs, cure of lowering high Blood pressure or Hypertension? . Although high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can cause headaches, dizziness and problems with vision, the majority of people with the condition do not display any noticeable symptoms.

Treatment

Treatment is focused on reducing water retention and lowering blood pressure to normal limits. Treatment for high blood pressure depends on the severity of the disease and whether you have other health problems, such as heart failure or diabetes, or you are pregnant. Treatment of primary high blood pressure, especially moderate or severe high blood pressure, decreases the risk of heart failure, coronary artery disease, heart attack, abnormal heartbeats, stroke, and kidney disease, and reduces the risk of death from these conditions. Treatment for high blood pressure must be highly individualized and based on your risk factors, such as diabetes, smoking, and heart disease. Treatment when blood pressure increases slightly and the woman is not near the end of her pregnancy, bed rest may help reduce the pressure. Treatment begins with changes you can make in your lifestyle to help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease .

High blood pressure is called the silent killer because it usually has no symptoms. When high blood pressure is not found and treated, it can cause: The heart to get larger, which may lead to heart failure. If your blood pressure is in the prehypertension range, it is more likely that you will end up with high blood pressure unless you take action to prevent it. High blood pressure is dangerous because it makes the heart work too hard and contributes to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). If your blood pressure is between 120/80 mmHg and 139/89 mmHg, then you have prehypertension. The good news is that if your blood pressure is high, it can be lowered by making changes to your lifestyle, for example changing your diet, exercising and losing weight, and when needed, with tablets. The medical community?s knowledge of high blood pressure is great, but far from perfect. High blood pressure is more common: In patients whose families have high blood pressure In those over 35 years old In males In Afro-Americans In women on oral contraceptives. The only way to know whether you have high blood pressure is to have it taken by a person who knows how (those automatic machines you sit at in the supermarket are not necessarily kept accurate condition.

Alcohol and Drug Addiction Relief with Ayurveda

by: Manas
Ayurvedic relief from addictions like drugs, alcohol, smoking and over eating helps people come back to enjoying their life without addictions to any harmful substances. Ayurveda is unique system of lifestyle that helps people lead healthy lives. Ayurvedic addiction recovery therapies work with the willpower of the person. As a first step to recover from the addiction, the person must identify he is slave to an addiction and should have a desire to recover from alcohol addiction, drug addiction or addiction to smoking. Over eating is also a behavioral problem that has far reaching consequences on one's health. One detrimental factor to free one from addictions is the withdrawal symptoms. The addicts feel they are punished for abandoning the use of drugs, alcohol or cigarette. Ayurveda approaches this problem systematically and Ayurvedic system of cure from addictions is based on treating the cause instead of symptoms. The alcohol consumption or smoking is only a symptom. Underlying reasons can be stress or mental tension. The person tries to dissolve his worries in alcohol, but he or she ends up more worried and disheartened. Ayurveda aims at removing the root cause of the addiction. Ayurveda aims at replacing the addictive behavior with some constructive behavior. For instance, smokers will be given herbal cigarettes, which satisfy their urge to smoke, but removes the toxins added to their body. This herbal approach is supplemented with counseling, guided meditation, massage therapy, aromatherapy, etc which help in complete recovery of the addiction without withdrawal symptoms. The inertia or the mental conditioning of the person to give up the habit is the first thing that needs attention. Ayurveda also recommends personalized treatment programs based on the physical constitution of the person. Physical constitution, called DOSHA in Ayurvedic terms gives clues to effectiveness in recovery from any addictions. Each type of persons have specific herbal formulations that help in removing toxic wastes accumulated to the body, strengthen internal tissues and easily recover the person from addiction. The important factor is the mental preparedness of the person to accept he/she has some addictions and honest desire to recover. After getting the person in right mental condition, it is easy to recover from any life-threatening bad habits.

Top Ten Tips To Prevent Hair Loss

by: Manas
Though people with an overdose of philosophy say it not what is outside, but inside the skull that counts, people suffering from hair loss wish it is the other way round. People of 'almost' all cultures are obsessed with thickly growing hair. Ayurveda has identified this obsession a few centuries ago and has given the directions to minimize hair loss and better hair growth in its scheme of beauty care, which is commonly called lavanya sutra or the sutra for lavanyam or beauty. Though lavanyam is referred to feminine beauty, hair loss tips are beneficial for the tougher sex too. Here are top ten tips to prevent hair loss and ensure healthy hair growth.

1. Gently massage your scalpel with fingertips after applying a hair oil like coconut oil or sesame oil.

2. Eat Indian gooseberry in any form early in the day. Don't take gooseberry based products later in the night as it can affect your beautiful dental line.

3. Boil fresh or dried and powdered Indian gooseberry (also called amla) in coconut oil. Apply this for nourishing hair growth.

4. Eat all types of vegetables and fruits. This will ensure supply of vitamins and minerals essential for the healthy growth of hair. Vitamins and minerals are good for your health too.

5. Also eat protein rich food items – tuna, lean meat, whole milk are beneficial.

6. While bathing, wash your head with cold water only. It is winter and water is ice-cold, you can make it luke-warm. It is ok to wash your body with cold water.

7. Apply brahmi oil on your scalpel before going to bed. Good for hair growth and brain.

8. Dandruff is a cause of hair loss. Squeeze half a lemon to half a liter of water and rinse your hair and scalpel with this water as a cure to dandruff. Do this no more than three times a week and for up to a month.

9. Rosemary oil is an aromatherapy oil, which can be applied to your hair once in a week to reduce hair fall.

10. Crush a few leaves and flowers of hibiscus (shoe flower) with two or three glasses of water. The water becomes thick with the juice and use this water to wash your hair. Thoroughly cleanses your hair and gives dark bright color to your hair. Never apply soap or high power shampoo on your head, as it can affect healthy growth of hair.

Causes of Bronchitis and Ayurvedic Home Remedies

by: Dev Sri
Bronchitis – causes and Ayurvedic home remedies for bronchitis. Bronchitis is inflammation of bronchi or air passages that carry air to lungs. People suffering from bronchitis see a heightening of this disease in damp climate. In Ayurveda, bronchitis is termed as kasa roga (casa roga). According to Ayurveda concepts, germs cause this disease. However, accumulation of phlegm in the digestive tract after indigestion is the primary reason for bronchitis. Thus treating bronchitis primarily aims at treating abnormalities in digestive system. The medicines also have curative powers to treat lung diseases. Herbal remedies for Bronchitis Tulsi (Holy Basil Ocimum sanctum), adathoda (Adathoda vasika), linseed, etc are used in the treatment of bronchitis. You can chew two or three fresh tulsi leaves daily to keep yourself free from almost all of the diseases that affect you. Tulsi leaves also form constituent of several Ayurvedic preparations aimed at treating bronchitis. The other herbs are used in the concoctions (Ayurvedic preparations). They give the best results when used in the right proportions in the combination. Precautionary measures include avoiding exposure to humidity, dust and other allergens. You should also take care of your food and diet. Include a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. Avoid smoking, alcohol and other addictives. Canned foods items are also best avoided. Easy to digest food items should form the main meals. Eat lots of fibrous food items and avoid the chances of constipation. Problems in digestion are the beginning point of bronchitis and you need to take extreme care in ensuring you have smooth digestion.

TIPS FOR COUPLES

GETTING TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER

1. First important thing is that men and women are DIFFERENT.

2. There may be likes and dislikes. What the husband likes wife dislikes, what the
wife like husbands may dislike, SO GET GOING - HAVE A COMMON AND
GENERAL LIST IT.

3. Learn to accept the other views about any particular issue.


4. Get to know his/her talents.


5. Try to encourage the above issue by spending some time to listen to his/her
achievements.


6. Learn to believe him totally - after all going to lead the whole life together. Try
to get into the habit of HAVING CONFIDENCE IN ONE ANOTHER.


7. Be interested in offering help when he/she need it.


8. Get to know his/her social movements.


9. Share the feelings of school / college days and any unforgettable incidence.
10.Get to know the facts of family members near and dear. In doing so, there will be an idea found about them which leads to a SMOOTH INTERACTION WHEN THEY VISIT YOU OR VICE VERSA.


11.Knowing his taste a wife should try to show her culinary expertise (cooking
talents) because THE WAY TO MAN'S HEART IS THROUGH HIS STOMACH.


12.As a husband - go about with his wife to intrusting places - parks, hotels, visit
to best friend's place THESE ARE ENOUGH TO HAVE AMPLE CHANCES OF
INTERACTION.


13.A casual talk of future plans about management of house or money - which will
unknowingly lead to what is known as TOGETHERNESS. Which gives rise to an
idea "WE SHOULD WORK TOGETHER FOR A HAPPY LIFE"

14.Be flexible - show extra interest in things what he/she likes.
. If out on a trip to holy place - be patient enough to visit the god and
spend some time over there.

· If at a shopping - go according to his/her choice. THERE WILL BE A
REALIZATION OF UNNECESSARY SPENT AMOUNT - TAKING CARE NOT TO DO
IT NEXT TIME.
· To select a movie of her/his choice at least once a month.
· To allow wife to extend her stay at her mother's place. When husband is late
back home in the night- be patient enough to know the reason and don't
shower down questions it irritates him. LET HIM COMMIT FOR BEING LATE.

15. Be rigid - only for very specific things like -
· To have a neatly arranged dinner take.
· Pack his lunch the way he likes.
· To have an attractive and neatly set bed and bed room.
· To set a fixed place for the para phernalia needed to go job.
· To remind the important programs / events on TV.

Stages of Married life

      While every union is unique, there are certain phases that most marriages go through. Each has the potential to either help a couple's relationship grow closer and more solid, or to pull it apart. What's important to keep in mind is that there is no perfect marriage and no relationship without conflict.

The Newlywed Bubble: The First Year of Marriage The Honeymoon's Over (The Early Years) From Lover to Mother (And Baby Makes Three) Life Changes — New Job, Moving, etc.

The Newlywed Bubble: The First Year of Marriage begins with a period of excitement. Negative feelings are swept aside by the optimism of both partners as they begin to share a future. These positive feelings help a couple face the often daunting issues of the first year. Money — who handles it and how it's allocated — is a key issue for many couples. Time apart versus time together, division of household responsibilities, even who controls the television remote, are among the issues couples must begin to hammer out. This is complicated by the fact that almost everyone enters marriage with preset ideas of what a marriage relationshipshould be, and often unconsciously tries to recreate their parent's marriage.
Danger: Ideas of what a marriage should be get in the way of true intimacy, forcing you to reenact roles instead of relating honestly to each other.
Opportunity: Acknowledge and let go of your learned ideas of what a marriage should be. Face down your preconceived notions of marriage and you can decide what really works for you, forming a good foundation for the next phases of marriage. Try this exercise.

The Honeymoon's Over (The Early Years) The early years of marriage can put both parties to the test. What simultaneously ambushes us and gives us opportunities to reach a new level of commitment is when we have expectations we're not even aware of. When that doesn't happen — because it can't happen, the past is past — we may feel let down. The struggle to get him to conform to that desperately cherished fantasy may be initiated at this point — and lead to a battle without ending, for he wants to be accepted as the person he is. Letting go of that ideal and accepting the person you married is essential to a healthy marriage. Danger: Locking into a bickering, critical relationship; holding your partner responsible for your needs.
Opportunity: By taking responsibility for your own needs and desires and trying to realize them through your own efforts instead of projecting them onto your spouse, you'll have more chance of getting what you want and avoiding the resentment that goes with unrealistic demands.

From Lover to Mother To go from being a person to being a mother is the major psychological shift for a woman. And to go from being a couple to being a family is also big. With the arrival of a child, the possibilities for conflict increase. Your needs zoom, so the chances for disappointment are great. The changes and adjustments that come with a baby can be overwhelming. In addition to the time-consuming demands of changing diapers and feeding, questions of who should shoulder which responsibilities, parenting styles, not to mention the issue of making room in the relationship for this seemingly all-consuming new priority, can all become battlegrounds. Becoming parents triggers new sets of unconscious expections, both about child-rearing and about yourselves. Unless both partners try consciously to create their own parenting style, there is a tendency to re-enact the same roles as their parents. Most men don't have fathers who cared for them when they were babies, and it's often easier to fall into the role of "workaholic" while the mother assumes the "nurturing" role. The child may also become an unwitting partner in an emotional triangle as resentments and unresolved problems slink out in strange forms.
Danger: Pre-programmed ideas of parenting roles interfere with forging a marriage and family style that works.

Opportunity: Create a strong healthy family that encourages all members to grow as individuals in a loving, supportive setting. Try this: Read and discuss childrearing books to break out of scripted roles and find effective ways to deal with your children's stages of development. Agree on family rules (never let children play one parent against the other) and consider having a weekly family meeting to discuss problems.

Life Changes — New Job, Moving, Etc. Children heading off to college, a woman's return to the workforce, retirement...even happy changes can shake up the equilibrium of a marriage. Probably the toughest changes to assimilate in traditional marriages (male as breadwinner; woman as homemaker), is when the roles shift. When a woman goes back to work after being a homemaker (especially if she becomes very successful), or a husband loses his job or retires, the couple has to readjust their expectations of each other. "Zack's heart attack meant it was time for him to retire. It's not always so easy to accept shifts in the status quo. It can be a howl of outrage from one partner when the other changes the fundamental agreement. This is especially true if the change is voluntary.. But without the distraction of the children, they may be forced to confront themselves and their own relationship.

Danger: Faced with stress and change, couples often withdraw from one another or blame each other for their own dissatisfaction. Opportunity: Change can stir a relationship into a new phase of intimacy as well as free each individual to develop in new ways: A traditional breadwinner who retires may be able to be closer to the grandchildren; a homemaker who returns to the workforce may enjoy achieving in a new arena. Try this exercise!

Yoga for your Health and Happiness

Yoga for your Health and Happiness


What is Yoga?

Since some years ago, many people were not aware of what yoga is. Some used to believe that practice of Yoga was akin to “magical performances” of the past such as bending bars and tearing plates, Breaking stones, walking on fire, remaining underground in a pit for several days, etc. In recent times, many people have begun to understand instead of wanting to know what yoga is, they are interested to know what among The different yoga practices should they follow for maintaining health, or for overcoming some common health problems.

Yoga is one of the very ancient Sanskrit works. It has two different meanings - a general meaning and a technical meaning. Both these meaning are not related with each other. In the general sense the word ‘yoga’ is deriven from the root “Yujir-yoge”, which means joining, coming together or union of any two or more things. The word ‘yoga’ has been used in the rigveda, one of the four vedas, of ancient test, to mean “unity of the intellect of the sages” or dheenam yogaminvati or “arrangement of verses” of Chhandasam yogam. In the Atharva veda, another of the four ancient texts, words such as ashtayogaih and shadyogebhih are used to indicate a plow pulled by eight for six bullocks respectively. Word such as viyoga, samyoga, agoga, prayoga, vinigoga, Sshayoga, are common examples of the use of the word ‘yoga’ even today in the general sense of ‘coming together’, derived from the root Yuji.

The technical meaning of the term 'Yoga' is derived from another root “yoji” (samadhau). Here the meaning of word is not “Union” ,but “a state of stability, stillness, and peace”. The word ‘yoga’ here indicates both the state of stillness and the means of practices which lead to that state. These practices include asanas, pranayama, dhyana, yana-niyanmas, etc. While in the Veds the word ‘yoga’ is used only in the general sense, there are texts ( such as the Bhagavad Gita) in which both the meanings are ascribed to that word. In the Gita, words such as buddhiyoga, Karmayoga are used which refer to the technical meaning . Many experts have said that at the time of Panini, the famous Sanskrit Garmmarian of the seventhcentury BC, both the meanings of the word – general and technical – yoga were already in use.

Yoga for Cancer Recovery

You are diagnosed with cancer, receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment, recovering from surgical tumor removal, or in remission. You may be dealing with symptoms or side effect, anxiety or emotional issues.

What can you do for yourself that will help ease your symptoms, give you more energy, calm your mind, and give you tools for accepting, loving and motivating yourself? Try yoga as an adjunct to your medical treatment.

Yoga is an ancient practice of integrating the body, breath, and mind. There are many different styles and ways to practice yoga. For cancer recovery, try gentle yoga, yoga therapy, restorative yoga, yoga for healing, and yoga for beginners. There are several books and videos for different age groups, levels, and considerations. Another option you have is to take a group class or work with a yoga teacher or yoga therapist one-on-one. Go with what motivates you to continue to practice.

One big motivation may also be your body. It may be calling for your attention with fatigue, less range of motion, or pain. In yoga, the body is addressed by practicing physical postures (also called asanas). These stimulate and balance all the systems of the body: musculoskeletal, nervous system, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, reproductive and urogenital. As we now know, the whole person is affected when something is out of balance, as a number of postures are practiced in a sequence to address the whole body.

Depending on what parts of your body are affected, what type of cancer you have (or had), and your physical abilities, your practice will be specific to you. You may not be able to safely or comfortably do the posture the way the teacher or someone else is doing it. That's okay. Modify or change the position so it feels good for you. You will find out what works for you, what you are able to do, and what helps you to move in a positive direction.

When you are practicing a posture, do what you can without creating more pain. You may feel discomfort, but going to the point of sharp pain is not going to benefit you. Sometimes the postures are easier if you don't try as hard - if you actually do less. Ask yourself if you can let go of something: it could be tension or holding in the body, or it could be an expectation or judgment you have about yourself.

An important aspect of yoga is the integration of the breath with the movement or posture. To get a feel for this, you can gently squeeze and release the hands with coordination of the breath with the movement. Next, move to raising the arms at the rhythm of the breath. Then move on to practicing the postures attuned to the breath.

Breathing practices (also called pranayama) are also done for the benefit of improving efficient movement and lung capacity, as well as promoting calm and relaxation.

Remember to start slowly, and create a practice that is comfortable as well as challenging enough to keep you progressing toward a healthier, happier life.

Yoga & Diabetes...

Adult-onset diabetes can usually be controlled through dietary and other lifestyle changes. While Yoga cannot “cure” diabetes, it can complement the lifestyle changes necessary to keep diabetic symptoms in check, and it can help you feel more in control of your health and well-being.

If you need to lose weight, Yoga can help build your concentration and willpower so that it’s easier to stay on a weight-loss program. Yoga breathing techniques are particularly helpful because they teach you to focus on one thing — in this case, your smooth, rhythmic breathing — to the exclusion of everything else. In addition to strengthening your will, this practice also reduces harmful stress reactions and conserves energy so that more of it is available for living your life the way you want to. Learning how to cope with stress is important to anyone dealing with a chronic physical condition.

Yoga exercises gently tone and shape the body, improve posture and flexibility, and contribute to feelings of well-being. Most Yoga exercises have a profound effect on improving circulation, especially to the extremities. Yoga exercises help keep the blood vessels elastic, and Yoga exercise combined with relaxation training has even been shown to reduce high blood pressure in some cases. After you’ve practiced for a while, you can add more vigorous exercises to your Yoga routine to give you the added benefits of some aerobic conditioning and increased muscle strength. Yoga exercises gently press on the body’s glands and organs, resulting in positive effects for the digestive, endocrine, and reproductive systems.

By releasing muscle tension and teaching you how to relax at will, Yoga relaxation training helps reduce the harmful effects of physical and mental stress. Daily practice of meditation shows you a quiet, restful, stable part of yourself that supports everything you do, and teaches you how to draw on these inner resources for the strength and health that can be your choice.

Coping with diabetes does not mean giving in to an “illness” mentality; by following your physician’s instructions and changing your lifestyle, you can create a life that is full, happy, energetic, healthy, and balanced. For a special routine for diabetes, please see the chapter on diabetes in our book The American Yoga Association Wellness Book.

Yoga: Proper Diet

The proper diet contains the following elements:

- cereals
- wholemeal bread
- pasta, rice or potatoes
- fresh fruit
- fresh vegetables
- pure fruit juices
- milk
- yogurt
- butter
- cheese
- legumes
- nuts
- seeds
- sprouted seeds
- honey
- herb teas

All other types of food may not necessary to lead a healthy and happy life. Moreover, consuming other types of food will damage your physical and mental health.

 The Five Principles of Yoga:

1st Principle of Yoga :

Proper Relaxation

2nd Principle of Yoga :

Proper Exercise

3rd Principle of Yoga :

Proper Breathing

4th Principle of Yoga :

Proper Diet

5th Principle of Yoga :

Positive Thinking and Meditation

Sexually Transmitted Diseases(S.T.D's)

Sexually Transmitted Diseases(S.T.D's)

Sexually Transmitted Diseases are those diseases which are transferred through sexual intercourse. Some of the most common STD's are discussed here-

AIDS and HIV

What are HIV and AIDS?

       Over the last fifteen years a new disease spread by a family of viruses, HIV, has spread globally. HIV stands for Human lmmuno-deficiency Virus. HIV has been given this name because its long-term effect is to attack the immune system of the body, making it weak and deficient. We live virtually in a sea of microorganisms and at every moment an enormous number of them are entering our body. It is the immune system that normally fights off these microorganisms and keeps us healthy. Any compromise with the working of the immune system has profound effect on our body.

After about 5 to 10 years of contracting the HIV infection, the virus has weakened the immune system of the patients so much that they develop a number of different illnesses such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, persistent diarrhea, fever and skin infections. This condition is called AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

Why do you need to know about it?

    At the moment it is estimated that 13 million people in the world may have HIV. Every day there are thousands of new cases of HIV infections in the world and these occur in every country. People who have HIV may have no symptoms for many years, and infected people may not even be aware that they have the virus. They look and feel well, but can infect other people during this time.

The most difficult aspect of HIV/AIDS is that though there are medicines, which can help them, cope with these illnesses, there is no vaccine, and no cure for the HIV, so almost all the infected people become more and more ill and eventually die. It is important that we all know and understand about this infection, so we can protect ourselves and our families.

We have responsibility not only towards ourselves but also towards our children who are growing up in a very different world from that of our childhood. They will have many new opportunities, but also may sometimes be faced with new relationships, standards of behavior and new risks. It is up to us to explain the truth of the situation to them in an honest and informed way, so they may have the knowledge to take the necessary steps to protect their health.

We have to understand that presently prevention is the only cure of HIV/AIDS and that can come about only if we are adequately informed about it. Following are some frequently asked questions about HIV/AIDS:

How does HIV affect the body? Is it the same as AIDS?

   When HIV gets into a persons blood it attaches itself to a special type of white blood cells called as helper T-Lymphocytes. These Helper T- cells are crucial in defending the body against many infections. during all this the persons have no symptoms at all. They look and feel well. They may not know they now have the virus, but could pass it on to someone else through having sex, or by sharing needles or syringes.


Being HIV Positive is not the same as having AIDS. The HIV actually goes inside the white blood cells and lies their quietly. After about 5 to 10 years the HIV virus tricks the cell to start making the viral proteins, this results in the formation of a huge number of viral particles inside the white cells and eventually the cells burst releasing thousands of new viruses in the blood. The released viruses infecting new white cells This cycle goes on and on, and eventually the immune system of the body is overwhelmed and is no longer capable of fighting the infections.

Eventually the infected person may lose weight and become ill with diseases like persistent severe diarrhea, fever, or pneumonia, or skin cancer. He or she has now developed AIDS. People with AIDS can be helped with medicines for the different infections. At the moment though, in spite of much research, there is no cure for HIV or for AIDS and so, sadly, it is almost certain that people diagnosed with AIDS will die.

Chlamydia

  Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease, and is especially common in people under age 25. It is caused by bacteria and is spread by having sex with an infected person. Chlamydia can be very serious if it is not treated with antibiotics.

A woman with chlamydia may have a slight discharge from her vagina, or she may have itching and burning in her vagina. She may have a burning feeling when she urinates, or pain in her lower abdomen. A man with chlamydia may have a discharge from his penis or a burning feeling when he urinates. Many men and women don't have any symptoms, and pass the infection without realizing it. If they do not get treatment, their reproductive organs may be permanently damaged.

In women, chlamydia infections that are not treated may lead to ectopic, or tubal, pregnancy, a dangerous condition. Chlamydia may also cause pelvic inflammatory disease, or P.I.D. This serious infection may prevent a woman from becoming pregnant when she wants to. Signs of P.I.D. are fever, a smelly vaginal discharge or severe abdominal pain. In men, the infection can spread to the testicles, or balls, and may cause sterility, that is, being unable to father a child.

If you find out you have chlamydia, you must make sure your sex partner or partners are treated as well. This is the only way to stop them from passing it on to someone else or back to you.
Chlamydia is treated with an antibiotic, such as tetracycline. Be sure you take all the medication, and follow the directions carefully. Then have a follow-up test after the antibiotic is finished to be sure that the treatment has worked.

There are ways to protect yourself against chlamydia. If you don't have intercourse, or have intercourse with only one partner who is not infected or who has intercourse only with you, you will not get chlamydia or any other sexually transmitted disease. However, if you do have more than one sex partner or if you are starting a new relationship, protect yourself. Do not touch sores, rashes or body fluids.
The best protection is to always use a latex condom and another "barrier method" such as the diaphragm, cervical cap or sponge. Contraceptive foam, cream or jelly provide additional protection. Everyone who is having sexual intercourse should be tested for sexually transmitted diseases at least once a year -- especially if they have more than one sexual partner at a time or change partners during the year.
Remember that chlamydia doesn't always have symptoms -- that's why getting tested is so important! So is getting treatment for yourself and your sex partners. If you want, your doctor or Public Health Unit will tell them without using your name.
For further information you can call a local Planned Parenthood organization or Public Health Unit

Gonorrhea
   Gonorrhea, also called "the clap", is caused by bacteria. It is easily passed from person to person during sex. You can't get gonorrhea from kissing, holding hands or toilet seats. You can get gonorrhea by having vaginal or anal intercourse, or oral sex with someone who has it. It can affect the penis, cervix or opening to the womb, rectum or anus, throat and eyes.

Gonorrhea will not go away by itself. If it is not treated, gonorrhea causes serious health problems. In women it can cause an infection in the uterus, or womb, and tubes. This infection may cause infertility, that is, a woman can't get pregnant. A woman who has gonorrhea when she gives birth may infect the baby; the infection can cause blindness in the child.

Unfortunately, you can have gonorrhea and not know it. You may not see any signs or symptoms. Sometimes the symptoms do not seem serious, so you may ignore them. The symptoms usually start one or two weeks after you come into contact with gonorrhea.
A man may notice a yellowish discharge from his penis or feel pain when he urinates. A woman may notice an unusual vaginal discharge between periods. This discharge may be a different colour or smell, and there may be more of it than usual. A woman may also have pain in her lower abdomen. But many women have no symptoms at all.
The only way to know if you have gonorrhea is to be tested. A Public Health or family planning clinic can provide free, confidential testing and treatment. The test is simple and painless. A doctor or nurse will take a sample of discharge from your penis or vagina. For a woman, this means having an internal examination.
If you have gonorrhea, you will be given an antibiotic medicine. It is very important that you take all of this medication and follow all instructions. You also need to have a follow-up test done after you finish the medicine. This is the only way to make sure you are cured.
If you have gonorrhea, all your recent sex partners also need to be tested. If they have gonorrhea, they need treatment. If they do not get treatment, they can pass gonorrhea on to other people, or back to you. You can get this infection every time you are exposed to it. You can tell your partners yourself, or the Public Health Unit can do it for you without mentioning your name.

There are ways to avoid getting gonorrhea. If you have sex with only one person who only has sex with you, and neither of you has gonorrhea, then you will not be exposed to it. If you have more than one sex partner or if you have a new sex partner, use a condom. Condoms can help stop gonorrhea from spreading. Some professionals think that "contraceptive" foam, cream or jelly give additional protection. Be prepared: have a condom with you. Be safe. If you have more than one sex partner, use condoms. If you think that you or your partner may have gonorrhea, get tested right away. You can call a local Planned Parenthood organization or Public Health Unit.

Genital Warts and HPV

   Genital warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus or HPV which can be spread during sexual intercourse.
Warts usually develop 2 to 3 months after you have been in contact with the virus. They may be so tiny that they can't be seen. Or, they can grow inside your body where you can't see them. They might be on or around the penis, vagina, cervix or opening to the womb, mouth or anus. Genital warts look like ordinary skin warts. They may be soft, pink and look like small cauliflowers, or they may be hard, yellow-grey and smooth. You can have just one wart or large groups of them in one area.
If they are not treated, warts can multiply quickly. Warts on the outside of your body are treated by painting them with a special medicine. Warts on the inside can be removed by a doctor.
Your sex partners should be checked to see if they have warts. Children born to mothers with genital warts may develop them.
There is unfortunately no cure for HPV. Once someone has the virus they always carry it with them, and can pass it on, even if there are no visible warts.
Some types of wart viruses seem to be related to cancer of the cervix. Women who have had sexual intercourse should have a test called a "pap smear" at least once a year to test for this type of problem.
Using a latex condom every time you have intercourse may help stop the spread of genital warts. But remember, it only protects the area it covers. Some professionals also think that using contraceptive foam, jelly or cream may help too.
If you think that you may have genital warts, your doctor or a clinic can help you. Or you can call a local Planned Parenthood organization or Public Health Unit .

Herpes
     Herpes is caused by a common virus which spreads from person to person, usually during vaginal or anal intercourse, or oral sex. It is related to the virus which causes cold sores on the mouth.
Genital herpes can cause painful blisters that appear between 2 and 360 days after having sex with an infected person. Blisters develop where the virus entered the body: usually on the penis, testicles, thighs, buttocks, vaginal opening, or inside the vagina or the anus. Other signs can include fever, headaches, swollen glands and trouble urinating. Women may feel pain in the lower abdomen. There is itching or tingling and the blisters swell, then burst. Then they become painful sores that do not heal for a few weeks.

Even after the blisters have healed, the virus is still in the body and may cause a new outbreak of blisters later on. These are usually much milder and do not last as long. Illness, stress or many other things can lead to a new outbreak. Not all people with genital herpes have reported outbreaks, but most do.
Herpes is very contagious from the first sign that blisters are about to appear. Do not let the herpes blisters touch any other part of the body -- yours or your partner's. If you do touch an infected area, wash with soap and water immediately.

Even using latex condoms during intercourse may not be enough to prevent the virus from passing from one sex partner to the other. The only sure way to prevent herpes from spreading is not to have any physical contact with the infected area. You need to talk with your sex partner. Honest and open communication can help you and your partner take steps to prevent herpes from spreading.

If you get pregnant, it is very important to tell your doctor about herpes. Herpes can be transmitted to the baby during delivery. You need special medical attention to avoid these problems.
Although there is no cure for herpes, there are ways to relieve the pain and discomfort. "Sitz baths" and warm or cool compresses often help. There are drugs to speed up the healing of the blisters. If you think that you have genital herpes, here are some tips:
- Keep the infected area clean and dry.
- Soak in a hot bath.
- Dry the area around sores with a hair dryer, instead of a towel.
- Don't wear tight clothing or underwear made of synthetic material. Cotton is better.
- If urinating is painful, do so in the shower or a tub of hot water.
- For more information or to find out where to get help, you can call a local Planned Parenthood organization or Public Health Unit

Syphilia

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria. These bacteria are passed from person to person, usually during vaginal or anal intercourse, or oral sex. Syphilis is spread by contact with sores, rashes, saliva, semen, blood or fluids from the vagina of someone who already has it.

The early signs of syphilis appear 3 or 4 weeks after exposure. A hard, round sore appears on the genitals or sexual organs. This sore, a chancre*, or kankar, appears where the bacteria entered the body. It looks like a small red crater. Men usually get them on the penis. Women get them around the outside or on the inside of the vagina. Therefore, women don't always know it's there. Chancres on the mouth and other parts of the body may be painful, but are not always a sign of syphilis.
The sores do go away on their own in a few weeks. 2 to 5 months later, the syphilis bacteria start to cause problems in other parts of the body. You become tired, feverish and lose your appetite. You usually get a skin rash or notice that patches of hair fall out. In a few weeks these symptoms also go away.
You may never have any other sign of the disease, however it may keep on attacking parts of your body. Syphilis can cause permanent, serious damage to your heart or brain and, eventually, can cause death. It can also pass from a pregnant woman to her fetus, causing birth defects.

Your doctor or Public Health clinic can do a free, confidential test for syphilis by taking a blood sample. It takes a while for syphilis to show up in your blood. If you think you were in contact with syphilis, but your blood test is normal, have another blood test in 6 weeks. All pregnant women are tested for syphilis.
If you do have syphilis, it can be treated with an antibiotic such as penicillin. It is important to complete all of the treatment. You must also have follow-up blood tests to make sure you are cured. All of your sex partners must be tested and treated at the same time. This is the only way to stop them passing syphilis on to someone else or back to you. The Public Health Unit can provide treatment, and can contact your sex partners without using your name if you want. You should not have sex until your follow-up blood test shows that you are cured.

There are ways to protect yourself from getting syphilis in the first place. If you have sex with just one partner who is not infected and who only has sex with you, you will not be exposed to syphilis. If you have more than one sex partner, or if you start a new relationship, use a latex condom for intercourse or oral sex to help stop the bacteria. Some professionals think that using contraceptive foam, jelly or cream may also help. If your partner has a sore or any other sign of infection, or if your partner was exposed to syphilis, do not have sex until a doctor says it's okay.
Syphilis is not a very common disease any more, but it is very serious. You can call a local Planned Parenthood organization or Public Health Unit .
*chancre is pronounced "shang'-kar"

Crabs or Lice, and Scabies

"Crabs" are small, crab-like lice that live in pubic hair and occasionally in the hair of the armpits, eyelashes and eyebrows. They crawl onto you during close physical contact with someone who has them. But you can also get them by sharing bedding or clothes with someone who already has them.

The main symptom is intense itching caused when the lice bite you so that they can suck your blood. You may also notice small black spots or bloodstains on your underwear. Although they are tiny, crabs can be seen without a microscope. You can also feel their eggs, little lumps at the base of hair.

To cure crabs, you have to use a non-prescription lotion or shampoo which you can get from your doctor, clinic, or drug store. Follow the instructions carefully. Use a fine toothed comb or your fingernails to scrape the eggs off the hairs. Tell your sexual partner or anyone that you share clothing or a bed with to also get treatment. Avoid close contact until both of you are cured. You may need to repeat the treatment after one week.

After treatment, you must wash all clothing, towels and bedding in hot water. Crabs die within 24 hours after leaving your body, but their eggs will live longer.

Scabies, often called "the Itch", are mites or members of the spider family. You can only see them under a microscope, but they cause intense itching. The female digs into the skin to lay her eggs, usually on a person's hands, wrists or genital area. This leaves marks that look like scratches. The mites are spread through any body contact, and often affect whole families. Using a special lotion on the entire body is usually enough to get rid of the scabies.

If you think you have crabs or scabies, get medical advice. See a doctor or go to a clinic or a drug store. You can call a local Planned Parenthood organization or Public Health Unit .

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis, also called "trich", is a common infection caused by a germ that is usually passed from one person to another during sexual intercourse. This germ can live up to 24 hours on wet clothes or towels, so it may be possible to pass it from one person to another by sharing these items.

Trichomoniasis is usually not dangerous. Women may not see any signs that they have trich, and men usually don't see any signs. If a woman has symptoms, they can include a frothy, bubbly yellow or greenish-white discharge from the vagina, which may be worse after sex. This discharge may have a bad smell. A woman may also have itching around the vagina and a burning feeling when she urinates.
To test for trichomoniasis, a doctor will do a pelvic exam and look at the discharge from the vagina. Since men usually don't have symptoms, they usually find out that they have trich only when their female sex partners are tested. It is important that all sexual partners get treated at the same time or the germs will just pass back and forth between partners.

It is recommended that you have a second test to make sure the infection has gone away. Do not have sexual intercourse until you and your partner have been cured.

Here are some tips to make you more comfortable:
-Itching can be relieved by soaking in a bath or applying cold compresses.
- Wearing cotton underpants will keep the area dryer, and help to speed up the cure.

Trichomoniasis is usually not a serious infection but it can be painful and a nuisance. It does not affect a woman's ability to get pregnant later.
For information, testing or treatment of trichomoniasis, see a doctor or go to a clinic. You can also call a local Planned Parenthood organization or Public Health Unit .

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a serious infection of the liver, caused by a virus. This virus is found in the blood, semen, fluids from the vagina and saliva of the infected person. The virus can be passed from person to person during sexual contact, or by sharing personal items such as toothbrushes, razors or needles. A pregnant woman can pass hepatitis on to her fetus.

The signs of hepatitis include tiredness, nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and jaundice. Jaundice means that the skin, whites of the eyes, urine and stools all may become yellow. Sometimes hepatitis has no symptoms.

Doctors and clinics can test for hepatitis by taking a blood sample. There is a safe vaccination to help prevent infection. It is a series of three needles, given over several months. It is wise to become immunized before having sex with anyone who might have hepatitis B.

There is no medical cure for hepatitis. It may take weeks or even months, but most people get better, and are no longer contagious. However, some people become carriers of the virus and must avoid transmitting infection. Following a special diet and avoiding alcohol may help you recover if you get the virus.

If you think you have hepatitis, see a doctor or go to a clinic to be tested. For more information, you can call a local Planned Parenthood organization or Public Health Unit .

Gardnerella

Gardnerella is a kind of bacteria which grows in the vagina and anus. It may be passed from one person to another during sex. Too much of this bacteria can cause annoying symptoms, especially in women. These include mild itching or burning, and a fishy smelling discharge. The discharge can be worse after sex. Some women have no symptoms, and men usually have none.

A clinic or doctor can test females for Gardnerella by taking a vaginal swab. Males are not usually tested.
Treatment is recommended only if the infection is annoying. You may have sex again after you are treated. But use condoms for at least a week until the bacteria are flushed out of your system.

A woman can practice good vaginal hygiene by wiping herself from front to back after using the toilet, not the other way around. Using douches, deodorant pads or tampons can change the normal state of the vagina and allow too much bacteria.
Follow-up testing is not necessary if the symptoms have gone away.
If you want more information, call a doctor or clinic. You can also call a local Planned Parenthood organization or Public Health Unit .

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease or PID

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease refers to swelling and infection in any of a woman's womb or uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, or the covering around them.

If it is not treated, PID has serious, long-lasting effects. It can cause scarring in the infected areas and great pain in the lower abdomen. The scarring can also block the fallopian tubes which lead from the ovaries to the uterus. If this happens, a woman may not be able to get pregnant or, if she gets pregnant, the pregnancy may start in one of the tubes instead of her uterus. The woman might then need to have an emergency operation.
Although most women recover from PID if they are treated quickly, if they don't get treatment PID may be difficult to cure.

PID is related to sexually transmitted diseases. Gonorrhea and chlamydia, for instance, can travel into the uterus and produce PID. Anything that allows germs to get into the uterus might help produce PID. Douching may drive bacteria from the vagina into the uterus. Any time the cervix is opened or a medical instrument is used in the uterus, there is a chance of getting PID.

New types of IUD's, or Intrauterine Devices, are much safer than the old types; however, the string which hangs down from an IUD can allow bacteria to travel up into the uterus. PID is also more likely to occur if a woman has several sex partners.

The warning signs of PID are:
- pain in the lower abdomen or lower back
- deep pain inside during intercourse
- feeling nauseous or dizzy
- fever
- feeling tired for no reason
- heavier bleeding during a period, bleeding between periods, or bleeding after intercourse
- a change in vaginal discharge, or a different colour discharge, and
- a bloated, full feeling in the abdomen.

PID is a serious problem, but there things you can do to lower the chance of getting it, like using condoms and finding other ways to practise safer sex.
If you notice any of these warning signs, get medical attention. Call your doctor or a clinic, or go to a Hospital Emergency Department. Or, you can call your local Public Health Unit

Vaginal Discharge and Yeast, or Monilia and Candida

Vaginal infections are common. Most women will experience this at some time in their lives, even if they keep themselves very clean. They can learn to tell the difference between vaginal discharge, which is normal, and vaginal infection which should be treated.

Just as your mouth is always wet with saliva, a vagina is always wet with fluid. This fluid is important, because it cleans out germs and old cells. It is usually clear or white, and has very little smell. There is usually more of it about two weeks before your menstrual period. This is normal, and one sign that a woman can become pregnant.

If is some vaginal discharge which is not normal it should be treated. If it causes itching or irritation, if it is mixed with blood or has a strong or unpleasant smell, if there is so much of it that it becomes annoying, there might be an infection.

Most vaginal infections are not sexually spread, but are caused by a fungus. Yeast is normally found in a vagina, but may for some reason get out of control. The most common vaginal infection in women is caused by yeast, or monilia or candida.

A woman can find out if she has a vaginal infection by going to a doctor or a clinic. During her appointment, she is examined and a sample of the vaginal discharge is taken. If infection is there, treatment may be pills, creams, suppositories, or a special douche. Sometimes sex partners need to be treated at the same time, to stop the infection from being passed on or back to her. She may be told not to have intercourse or to be sure the man wears a condom during intercourse, until the infection is completely gone.
Here are some things you can do to help prevent vaginal infection:
- Keep the outside of the vaginal area clean and dry. Avoid perfumed or scented soaps, douches, tampons, sanitary napkins or sprays.
- Avoid bubble baths or bath oils.
- Wear cotton underpants and pantyhose with a cotton-lined crotch. Synthetic materials trap heat and moisture, helping bacteria grow.
- Avoid wearing clothes that are too tight in the crotch and thighs.
- Pyjamas and night clothes should be loose fitting.
- Avoid intercourse that hurts. Use contraceptive foam or jelly, or a water-soluble jelly if more lubrication is required.
- Avoid sugar and caffeine.
- Stay healthy, so that the body is better able to fight infection.

For a test or treatment, you can go to a family planning clinic or your doctor. For more information, you can call your local Public Health Unit .

Avoiding Sexually Transmitted Infections

Some people think they will never get a sexually transmitted infection or disease, that is, an S.T.I. You may think that only others get Gonorrhea, Herpes, Chlamydia, AIDS and other infections. If you are having a sexual contact, you may be running a risk. Protect yourself and your partner.

Some S.T.I.s can't be cured. Sometimes there are no signs, or they develop very slowly, without your knowing they are there. If they are not treated, they can cause serious health problems or even death. This is why you need to know how to avoid them.

S.T.I.s can pass from person to person during sexual contact. You can get an S.T.I. from vaginal intercourse, oral sex, anal intercourse, sharing sex toys and mutual masturbation. You cannot get an S.T.I. from toilet seats or dirty clothes. The more people you or your partner have sex with, the greater your chance of coming in contact with an S.T.I. Just like a cold or the flu, if you are exposed to an S.T.I., you can catch it, no matter how clean you are. You can only be sure you will not get an S.T.I. if you or your partner have never had sexual contact except with each other.If you are sexually active, the best protection is to be with only one person who is only with you.

If you have more than one sex partner or if you start a new relationship, use latex condoms and a "barrier method" such as a diaphragm, cap or sponge. When used properly, latex condoms help stop S.T.I.s from spreading. Contraceptive foam, cream, jelly or the sponge give additional protection.

You or your partner may think condoms are unromantic and a bother. Remember, an S.T.I. is a lot more unromantic. So be prepared; use a condom. You can say, "I don't want to take chances, so let's use this condom." Or, "Since we don't have a condom, let's make out some other way besides having intercourse." Don't have contact with sores, rashes, sperm, blood, or vaginal fluids. Talk with your sex partner beforehand so that you don't feel embarrassed about being careful. Washing and urinating before and after sex may also help reduce risk.

There is no way to be sure that someone doesn't have an S.T.I. just by looking at their genitals. However, if you do see a sore or an unusual discharge on the genitals, don't take any chances. Say "NO" to sex until a doctor says your partner is okay. Explain your reasons to your partner and encourage a visit to a doctor. Don't risk getting an S.T.I.
The following might be warning signs of a sexually transmitted illness:
- unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
- pain in the genitals or lower abdomen
- Itching, sores or bumps on the genitals
- Unusual bleeding or bleeding after intercourse
- A bad smell

Remember, people often have no sign or symptom. They can pass infections on to someone else without knowing it. So if you are sexually active, being tested at least once a year will help prevent spreading S.T.I.s.

If you do get a sexually transmitted illness, get treatment right away. Your sex partners will also have to be treated. If you want, your doctor or Public Health Unit will tell them without using your name. This is the only way to stop the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and the serious health problems they cause.

Educational Evaluation Quality - Good Results

Educational Evaluation Quality - Good Results

by:Manas R Parida

     An adequate educational evaluation enhances instruction. Just as evaluation impacts student learning and motivation, it also influences the nature of instruction in the classroom. There has been considerable recent literature that has promoted evaluation as something that is integrated with instruction. To her, when evaluation is integrated with instruction it informs teachers about what activities and assignments will be most useful, what level of teaching is most appropriate, and how summative evaluations provide diagnostic information. For instance, during instruction activities informal, formative evaluation helps teachers know when to move on, when to ask more questions, when to give more examples, and what responses to student questions are most appropriate. Standardized test scores, when used appropriately, help teachers understand student strengths and weaknesses to target further instruction.

Good assessment is valid and considers validity as a concept that needs to be fully understood. Like reliability, there are technical terms and issues associated with validity that are essential in helping teachers and administrators make reasonable and appropriate inferences from evaluation results (e.g., types of validity evidence, validity generalization, construct underrepresentation, construct-irrelevant variance, and discriminant and convergent evidence). Both intended and unintended consequences of evaluation need to be examined with appropriate evidence that supports particular arguments or points of view. Of equal importance is getting teachers and administrators to understand their role in gathering and interpreting validity evidence.

Good evaluation is fair and ethical and there are four views of fairness: as absence of bias (e.g., offensiveness and unfair penalization), as equitable treatment, as equality in outcomes, and as opportunity to learn. It includes entire chapters on the rights and responsibilities of test takers, testing individuals of diverse linguistic backgrounds, and testing individuals with disabilities or special needs.

According to his text, there are also three additional areas characterized as also important:

- Student knowledge of learning targets and the nature of the evaluations prior to instruction (e.g., knowing what will be tested, how it will be graded, scoring criteria, anchors, exemplars, and examples of performance).
- Student prerequisite knowledge and skills, including test-taking skills.
- Avoiding stereotypes.

Evaluation that is fair, leading to valid inferences with a minimum of error, is a series of measures that show student understanding through multiple methods. A complete picture of what students understand and can do is put together in pieces comprised by different approaches to evaluation. While testing experts and testing companies stress that important decisions should not be made on the basis of a single test score, some educators at the local level, and some (many?) politicians at the state at the national level, seem determined to violate this principle. There is a need to understand the entire range of evaluation techniques and methods, with the realization that each has limitations.

Good evaluation is efficient and feasible. Teachers and school administrators have limited time and resources. Consideration must be given to the efficiency of different approaches to evaluation, balancing needs to implement methods required to provide a full understanding with the time needed to develop and implement the methods, and score results. Teacher skills and knowledge are important to consider, as well as the level of support and resources.

We may consider a lot the importance in the fact of good evaluation appropriately incorporates technology. As technology advances and teachers become more proficient in the use of technology, there will be increased opportunities for teachers and administrators to use computer-based techniques (e.g., item banks, electronic grading, computer-adapted testing, computer-based simulations), Internet resources, and more complex, detailed ways of reporting results. There is to him, however, a danger that technology will contribute to the mindless use of new resources, such as using items on-line developed by some companies without adequate evidence of reliability, validity, and fairness, and crunching numbers with software programs without sufficient thought about weighting, error, and averaging.

To summarize, what is most essential about evaluation is understanding how general, fundamental evaluation principles and ideas can be used to enhance student learning and teacher effectiveness. This will be achieved as teachers and administrators learn about conceptual and technical evaluation concepts, methods, and procedures, for both large-scale and classroom evaluations, and apply these fundamentals to instruction.

Prof. (Dr.) K.C. Sadangi, The Director of SCITM, Semiliguda

          Professor (Dr.) K. C. Sadangi currently Director of SCITM, Semiliguda, was born on 1st July 1941, at Paralakhemundi, Dist:- Ganjam (Orissa). He had his early education in Gunupur and in Maharaja's Boy's High School, Paralakhemundi upto 1956. Then he studied at A.V.N. College, Visakhapatnam.
          He received B. Tech (Hons.) degree in Chemical Engineering from Vikram Deo College of Science and Technology, Jeypore (Andra University) and M.Sc.( Tech.) degree from H.B.T.I., Kanpur during 1964. Dr. Sadangi had his Ph.D. from the prestigious Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore in 1969 after doing research in I.I.Sc. (1964 to 1969).
He was in Industry for more than one year around 1969-70 in Bombay area engaging in creation , production and troubleshooting.
        He served at Regional Engineering College , Rourkela as Asst.Professor, Professor , HOD and Dean during 1970 to 2001. He has contributed towards Academic development, Administration and organisation of GIET, Gunupur and JITM,Paralakhemundi Engineering colleges during 2001 to 2005.
        He is an able administrator with vast experiences and Principal-in-charge of REC,Rourkela, Chairman JEE for 2years and several of REC (Present N.I.T) Rourkela, regional Research Labarotries, Bhubaneswar, Orissa Public Service Commission, Union Public Service Commission and Universities in India.
       He was also the Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering, Chief Warden, Superintendent of Hostels, Professor - in - Charge of Examinations etc.
        Prof.(Dr.) K.C.Sadangi was the secretary of National Seminars . He is the receipnt of National awards like RAJIV GANDHI SHIROMANI award , RASTYA NIRMAN RATAN and BHARAT BIKASH RATAN with gold medal
        Prof.(Dr.) K.C.Sadangi is interested in spirituals discussions. His hobbies include rearing pet animals, academic administration and management.