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  • How to Brush Your Teeth Effectively

    How to Brush Your Teeth Effectively

    Brushing your teeth effectively is a problem for many and normal tips cannot ensure that, lets take a look at tips from a reputable medical foundation.

    The British Dental Health Foundation gives the following advice on how to brush your teeth:

    1. Place the head of your toothbrush against your teeth, then tilt the bristle tips to a 45 degree angle against the gum line. Move the brush in small circular movements, several times, on all the surfaces of every tooth.

    2. Brush the outer surfaces of each tooth, upper and lower, keeping the bristles angled against the gum line.

    3. Use the same method on the inside surfaces of all your teeth.

    4. Brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth.

    5. To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several small circular strokes with the toe (the front part) of the brush.

    6. Brushing your tongue will freshen your breath and clean your mouth by removing bacteria.

    Courtesy : NHS UK

  • Five Amazing Facts About Harry Potter

    Five Amazing Facts About Harry Potter

    The seven Harry Potter books have collectively sold nearly half a billion copies altogether, a number that grows steadily; the series is third on the list of the most-read books in the world in the past fifty years.

    It holds a special place on the mantelpiece of popular culture, the kind that signifies you’ve either read it or you’ve been living under a rock for the last decade or so.
    Despite this immense and widespread popularity however, the multibillion-dollar series has still kept a few secrets to itself.

    Here are 5 amazing things you did not know about the Modern Day classic.

    The Four Houses Represent The Four Elements

    The four Houses into which students are Sorted upon entering Hogwarts are meant to loosely correspond with the four classical elements: temperamental Gryffindor as fire, steadfast Hufflepuff as earth, wise Ravenclaw as air, and enigmatic Slytherin as water.
    These associations are hinted in some ways throughout the story, such as by Gryffindor being represented by red, the Slytherin common room being located below the lake, and the opposing nature of those two houses.

    Rowling revealed this tidbit of trivia after being asked a question on the villainy of the Slytherin house; it serves as a reminder that the four Houses symbolise harmony and balance, and that they are not divided but separate components of a greater whole.

     

    Snowy Owls Don’t Hoot

    Hedwig is one of the Potter universe’s most iconic characters (so much so that the main music theme associated with the films is called “Hedwig’s Theme”), which is saying quite a lot since the snowy owl is mostly seen hooting irately or affectionately at her owner throughout the book series.

    The key word, there, of course, is “hooting.” Turns out, Snowy Owls don’t hoot; they, in fact, bark (which sounds like it would just terrify poor eleven-year-old Harry).

    The explanation offered by Rowling, naturally, is that Hedwig just has special magical owl properties, since she is a special magical owl.

    The Dementors Symbolise Depression

    J.K. Rowling has been open about her experiences with depression in the past, a result of her divorce and her poverty while writing the early Harry Potter books.

    To anyone familiar with depression, the parallels are chillingly accurate:

    Dementors revel in despair and seek to bleed dry all the happiness, hope and joy from those that they feed upon until nothing is left but the worst experiences of your life, sometimes going so far as to suck out the soul of their victim in the Dementor’s Kiss. This symbolism, though bleak and eye-opening, is not without its lighter side: as Remus Lupin said, chocolate is always helpful to regain your strength after a brush with the darkness of Dementors.

    Characters’ Wands Correspond To Their Birthdays In The Celtic Tree Calendar

    Wands, being arguably the most important objects in the series, are given their due significance by Rowling in terms of symbolism and folklore, both within the world.

    After assigning Harry’s wand, Rowling discovered that it corresponded with his birthday the Celtic tree calendar, an ancient calendar with thirteen lunar divisions that are each ascribed a different tree. When she made this discovery, Ron’s and Hermione’s wand woods, ash and vine respectively, were also based on their birthdays on the Celtic calendar. This, in addition to them uniting the three main wand cores, gives the trio a “hidden connection.”
    Too bad she perhaps inadvertently gave Draco Malfoy a hawthorn wand, which corresponds to his birthday on the Celtic calendar as well.

    Snape

    Dark Wizards Cannot Produce Patronuses

    The Patronus Charm is a very advanced piece of magic used to combat Dark creatures, most notably Dementors. As Dark wizards have an affinity for and are thus desensitized to Dark creatures like the aforementioned, they have no real need to produce Patronuses; and that’s a good thing too, because they may not actually be capable of it.

    The widespread belief in the magical world is that no wizard that isn’t “pure of heart” can produce a Patronus, corporeal or otherwise, but, while this is broadly true, some questionable wizards and witches (looking at you, Umbridge) have managed to cast the charm.
    This is due largely to the fact that the crucial ingredient of a Patronus Charm is pure happiness.

    Since Dark wizards are not capable of such purity of emotion, they also can’t produce a Patronus. Double-double-agent Severus Snape was the only Death Eater who could, since he was redeemed by his love for Lily.

    An example to illustrate: the tale of the Dark wizard Raczidian, whose Patronus Charm backfired, causing him to be devoured by maggots. Lovely.

    Courtesy:  WhatCulture

  • Ten Foods for a Healthy Liver

    Ten Foods for a Healthy Liver

    The liver has many important functions that keeps a person healthy. It removes harmful material from the bloodstream and helps digest food.

    Your liver is the organ responsible for an enormous number of metabolic activities, and you’ll need a plentiful supply of virtually all nutrients for your liver to be optimally healthy.

    Here are 10 fresh foods that keep your liver healthy.

    Garlic

    Garlic helps your liver activate enzymes that can flush out toxins. It also has a high amount of allicin and selenium, two natural compounds that aid in liver cleansing says holistic nutritionist Hermeet Suri.

    Beets
    Beets are high in plant-flavonoids, which can improve the overall functions of your liver.

    Leafy Greens

    Leafy greens like spinach and lettuce have the ability to neutralize metals, chemicals and pesticides that may be in our foods, and act as a protective mechanism for the liver, Suri says.

    Green Tea

    Green tea is full of plant antioxidants known as catechins, which have been known to improve the functions of our liver.

    Avocados

    Adding more avocados to your diet can help your body produce a type of antioxidant called glutathione, which is needed for our livers to filter out harmful materials, Suri says.

    Avocados

    Grapefruit

    Eating or drinking grapefruit juice can help your liver flush out carcinogens and toxins. This fruit is also high in both vitamin C and antioxidant properties.

    Crucferous Vegetables

    Cruciferous veggies like broccoli and Brussels sprouts also increase the amount of glucosinolate (organic compounds) in our bodies that helps create enzyme production for digestion, Suri says.

    Lemons

    We all know citrus fruits like lemons are full of vitamin C, but lemons also help our bodies cleanse out toxic materials and aid the digestion process.

    Turmeric

    Used as a spice, tumeric has been known to help our bodies digest fats and stimulate the production of bile. It can also act as a natural form of detox for your liver.

    Walnuts

    Walnuts are also high in glutathione and omega-3 fatty acids, which help support our liver through its cleansing process.

    Courtesy: Huff Post Canada

  • Six Interesting Facts about Dracula

    Written by Irish author Bram Stoker, Dracula is a 1887 horror novel which introduced the famous character Count Dracula. The character’s popularity can be gauged from the fact that more than 200 films have been made that feature him in a major role. (more…)

  • Six Ways to Catch a Liar

    Six Ways to Catch a Liar

    It is incredibly hurtful to feel as though someone you care about is being dishonest with you. If you place your trust in a person and they lie, it can become very difficult to rebuild that closeness.

    In a professional setting, dealing with dishonesty can leave you feeling vulnerable and frustrated and affect your ability to do your job well.

    One way to address the issue is learning how to tell when someone is lying to you. It’s not always easy, but learning a few tricks will help you to find out when you are dealing with a liar.

    Here are six ways to know if someone is lying; use them wisely.

    Body Language

    Lying with your mouth is one thing, but lying with your body is much harder. There are a few clear signs that suggest a person is lying. Look out for generally “shifty” behaviour, such as foot shuffling and nail biting. Another “tell” is when they subtly cover or shield vulnerable parts of their body, such as the eyes or throat.

    If a person looks like they are trying to protect themselves or is generally uncomfortable or nervous, it could indicate dishonesty.

    Facial Expressions

    There are a few giveaway facial tics and expressions that will let you know someone is not being completely honest. The first is their eyes: it is widely believed that liars blink a lot and avoid eye contact. This can be true, and if you notice this behaviour it is a clear sign of dishonesty. However, some people go the opposite route: they stare at you intently without blinking, often in an attempt at intimidation or proving their honesty. If someone’s eyes are doing strange things, one way or the other, it’s worth taking what they say with a pinch of salt.

    You should also look out for “micro-expressions”. A person telling a lie is effectively playing a part, and sometimes the mask will slip. If you notice fleeting signs of discomfort or anger on their face, be cautious.

    Gestures

    There are a few gestures that are more common among people who are not telling the truth. “Grooming” gestures that involve touching the hair or face are signs of discomfort and deception. You should also look out for pointing and extensive hand gestures, as this can indicate they are playing a role. This is particularly true when they are displaying the next sign of dishonesty…

    Defensiveness

    Two of the most popular tricks in the Liar’s Handbook are projection and deflection. For example, if a person is cheating on their partner then they may accuse them of infidelity when confronted. Becoming aggressive and spreading accusations around is often an attempt to intimidate the person asking questions and (hopefully) end or derail the conversation. Watch out for raised voices, allegations, and manipulation (“don’t you trust me?”) when you confront a person about wrongdoing. If a mild conversation rapidly escalates into an argument or a list of accusations, the chances are that the person you are talking to is hiding something.

    Too Much Information

    If someone is telling you a very detailed story that seems to go on and on, be wary. People who are lying (or at the very least hiding something) tend to come up with very intricate and specific narratives when doing so. Do you remember every detail of what you did yesterday, down to what you had for lunch and the precise time you got home from work? Probably not. So if a person tells you that they had a salad at exactly 1214 pm and follows up with a blow-by-blow account of their drive back to the office, be on your guard.

    It’s possible they memorised this story. It’s also possible that they are trying to dissuade you from asking questions by inserting as much banal information as they can.

    If this happens, throw them off by asking a question they may not have expected: what their meeting was about, perhaps, or if they went to the gym like they planned to. If they struggle to answer, it could be because they haven’t come up with that part of the story.

    Pauses

    There are a few things that can trip a liar up when they are talking. Unsurprisingly, people who are being dishonest often pause in response to a question or statement while they work out what they are going to say. You may also notice them swallowing or struggling to speak: this is because salivary glands tend to slow down under pressure, giving the person in question a dry mouth.

    It’s also worth watching out for heavy breathing or a lot of sighing, as the liar’s blood pressure rises in response to stress and the fact that their pants are on fire.

    https://gph.is/2gpbyfE

    Courtesy: Uncover Discover

  • Four Health Benefits of Eating Red Meat

    Adding one or two servings of fresh or organic lean red meat to your weekly diet will supply your body with many vital nutrients.

    Supplies Protein
    A 3-oz. serving of red meat supplies about half the protein an average adult needs in a daily diet. The protein you get from red meat contains all the amino acids necessary to build muscle and repair tissue. Muscle mass is essential because it gives you the ability to be physically active, but it also produces enzymes and hormones that help prevent illness. Protein has also been linked to weight loss, since it satisfies hunger and keeps your satisfied for hours following your meal.

    Provides Iron
    The Institute of Medicine recommends women consume 18 mg of iron each day and men consume 8 milligrams. Lean red meat supplies a good amount of iron, depending on the cut of the meat, and contains a form of iron more easily absorbed than the iron in plant-based foods. Adding red meat to your diet one or two times a week can help you consume the amount of iron your body needs for your red blood cells to transport enough oxygen to all the other parts of your body. Iron deficiencies can contribute to learning problems, low energy and behavioral issues. A 3-oz. serving of lean ground beef supplies 2.4 mg, and a serving of lean pot roast supplies 2.6 mg.

    Contains Zinc
    Another benefit of adding lean red meat to your diet is that it supplies a good dose of zinc. You need zinc from foods because it helps build muscle mass, strengthens your immune system and helps promote a healthy brain. The average person needs 15 mg of zinc each day. A 3-oz. portion of lean ground beef contains 5.5 mg of zinc, and a serving of sirloin steak supplies 6.2 mg.

    Provides B Vitamins
    Lean red meat is a natural source of many B vitamins. Eating foods that contain naturally occurring B vitamins is important because it helps promote a healthy body. Lean red meat contains B-12 for a healthy nervous system and B-6 for a strong immune system. Red meat also contains niacin, another B vitamin that aids in digestion, as well as riboflavin for healthy skin and eyes.

    Courtesy: Live Strong

  • Five Natural Ways to Prevent Hair Fall

    Five Natural Ways to Prevent Hair Fall

    No matter what the cause, nobody wants to lose their hair—man or woman. And while there’s no “magic” cure, you can naturally control how quickly you lose your strands. In fact, you might even be able to stop abnormal hair loss altogether.

    Here are 5 natural ways to protect your hair and keep it where it belongs—on your head, not down the drain.

    Coconut Oil

    Coconut oil is anti-microbial and anti-fungal. Applying it directly to your scalp helps keep it free of germs and dirt that can clog or damage your follicles. It does this without the harsh chemicals found in most hair care products. Yet it’s so strong that it has actually been used to treat head lice.1

    If you use it before or after washing your hair, research shows that coconut oil can significantly reduce protein damage.2 You can pre-wash your hair with it to help clean your scalp of bacteria and buildup. It will also make your hair stronger and more resilient. No bad smell. No harsh

    Saw Palmetto

    Saw palmetto does more than just support your prostate health.

    Researchers believe that saw palmetto is effective for stopping hair loss because it stops testosterone from converting into dihydrotestosterone. It’s a compound linked to thinning hair and pattern baldness.

    You’ll find it in some high-end hair care products. But for the most benefit, we recommend you supplement. You can’t get this one from food and most multivitamins won’t give you enough of it.

    Onion Juice

    Ok, we admit it. This one does not sound pleasant. But onion juice really can make your hair grow.

    One study showed that applying onion juice to the scalp twice a day caused hair regrowth in almost 90 percent of subjects. And they started seeing results in only six weeks.

    Like coconut oil, onion juice cleans the scalp. But it can also increase circulation and nourish hair follicles because it is rich in catalase. This antioxidant may help get rid of the hydrogen peroxide buildup associated with thinning and greying hair.5

    As you can probably imagine, your hair may not smell great after trying this. Make sure to do this before washing your hair.

    Vitamin D

    This one isn’t all that surprising. Vitamin D keeps your hormones running smoothly, so it’s no wonder that it can help keep you from losing your hair.

    Researchers in one study found that vitamin D may help stem cells grow new hair follicles in mice.

    Its receptors are crucial for hair growth. So while this vitamin won’t help you grow back hair that you have already lost, it may keep you from losing any more.

    Going out in the sun and getting active is an excellent way to get this vitamin. But you can also get it from eggs, cold water fish, and mushrooms.

    Iron

    Hair loss isn’t a problem exclusive to men. And in fact, it can be even more devastating when it happens to women.

    One study followed 5,000 women over eight years. It found that women with low levels of iron in their blood tended to have the most hair loss.

    Iron helps transport oxygen to the scalp. Your hair follicles need oxygen to work at their best. Make sure that yours are getting enough air.

    It’s easy to go overboard with iron if you take it as a supplement. This can lead to diarrhea and skin flushing. But it may also cause more serious problems, like fluid in the lungs. Instead, look to your diet to add more iron. Some good sources are oysters, spinach, eggs, and grass fed beef.

    If you’re having a hard time hanging on to your hair, these natural solutions can help. Even if you just want to keep your hair from thinning, trying any of these will give your scalp and follicles the support they need to keep your hair growing thick and strong for 2014…and beyond!

    Courtesy: INH

  • Five Ways to Protect your Child from School Bullying

    Five Ways to Protect your Child from School Bullying

    For any parent, it’s a nightmare to think that your child is being bullied at school.  Maybe you find out from a friend; maybe from a teacher; if you’re very lucky, your child will tell you directly.   But then what?

    Did you know that 25% of public schools report that bullying among kids occurs on a daily or weekly basis?

    You can do your part at home, too. Here are five smart strategies to keep kids from becoming targets — and stop bullying that has already started:

    Talk about it

    Talk about bullying with your kids and have other family members share their experiences. If one of your kids opens up about being bullied, praise him or her for being brave enough to discuss it and offer unconditional support. Consult with the school to learn its policies and find out how staff and teachers can address the situation.

    Remove the bait

    If it’s lunch money or gadgets that the school bully is after, you can help neutralize the situation by encouraging your child to pack a lunch or go to school gadget-free.

    Buddy up for safety

    Two or more friends standing at their lockers are less likely to be picked on than a child who is all alone. Remind your child to use the buddy system when on the school bus, in the bathroom, or wherever bullies may lurk.

    Keep calm and carry on

    If a bully strikes, a kid’s best defense may be to remain calm, ignore hurtful remarks, tell the bully to stop, and simply walk away. Bullies thrive on hurting others. A child who isn’t easily ruffled has a better chance of staying off a bully’s radar.

    Don’t try to fight the battle yourself

    Sometimes talking to a bully’s parents can be constructive, but it’s generally best to do so in a setting where a school official, such as a counselor, can mediate.

    Courtesy:  Kids Health

  • I will shoot myself if a single video is proven fake: Asim Malik

    The owner of Future Concern Asim Malik said that he believes that the cause of all his problems was his wife’s refusal to join PML-N.

    Due to the extent of cases against him and his absence, more and more of his customers turned against him and the pile increased. As a result, his offices were sealed and some of his staff including two girls were arrested.

    “My assistant was tortured to death”, revealed the Future Concern owner.

    He lamented that all his business credibility that he built in 17 years was ruined by the political revenge.

    OFFERING THE VIDEO TO MASHHOOD

    He said, he presented the video he made (released on ARY then) to Rana Mashhood and told him to revert every action he did against him otherwise he will reveal everything about the PML-N’s dirty politics.

    Mashhood took two days to get over the situation and a police source told me the other day that 32 policemen are coming up to stage my fake encounter, he said.

    He said all his staff and family were living at different places that time.

    In a strange revelation, Malik told Mubasher Lucman that some office staff was arrested by Punjab Police personnel  wearing ISI cards, thus defaming the premier intelligence agency of Pakistan.

    He claimed that some media personnel also asked him for bribes while Jang group ran a fake story against him by accepting hush money from somewhere else.

    In the end, Asim Malik promised Mubasher to provide more videos as he used to record every conversation at his office.

  • Five Health Benefits of Tomatoes

    Five Health Benefits of Tomatoes

    Here are five amazing health benefits of tomatoes.

    Improves vision:

    Vitamin A, present in tomatoes, helps to improve your eyesight as well as prevent night-blindness and macular degeneration.

    Helps fight cancer:

    According to studies, tomatoes contain large amounts of the antioxidant lycopene, that is effective in lowering the risk of cancer, especially lung, stomach and prostrate cancers.

    Maintaining blood health:

    Research suggests that a single tomato can provide about 40% of the daily vitamin C requirement and also contains vitamin A, potassium, and iron that is essential for maintaining normal blood health. Vitamin K, which is controls bleeding and blood clotting, tomatoes help in blood circulation.

    Reduces risk of heart disease:

    The lycopene in tomatoes can protect you against cardiovascular diseases. Consuming tomatoes regularly helps decrease the levels of cholesterol and triglyceride in the blood, reducing the deposition of fats in the blood vessels.

    Good for digestion:

    Eating tomatoes daily can keep your digestive system healthy as it prevents both, constipation and diarrhoea. It also prevents jaundice and effectively removes toxins from the body.

    Courtesy: Times of India