Four Catholic men and a Catholic woman were having coffee after mass.

The first Catholic man tells his friends, "My son is a priest, when he walks into a room, everyone calls him 'Father'."

The second Catholic man chirps, "My son is a Bishop.. When he walks into a room people call him 'Your Grace'."

The third Catholic man says, "My son is a Cardinal. When he enters a room everyone says 'Your Eminence'."

The fourth Catholic man says, "My son is the Pope. When he walks into a room people call him 'Your Holiness'."

Since the lone Catholic woman was sipping her coffee in silence, the four men gave her a look and said, "Well....?"
She proudly replies, "I have a daughter, slim, tall, 38 Double D breasts, 24" waist, and 34" hips. When she walks into a room, people say, "Oh My God."

Author: Darrell Miller

Osteoarthritis is perhaps the fastest growing form of arthritis in the United States. According to the Arthritis Foundation, one third of all adult Americans have x-ray evidence of osteoarthritis. Last year over 7 million visits to the doctor were osteoarthritis related which is second to cardiovascular disease in America. As we age this number is going to increase unless we take steps to stop arthritis. Over the years researchers have developed medications to help relieve pain but none have actually addressed the underlying cause of joint destruction. In this article we will take a look at the characteristics of osteoarthritis and the current treatments available. Also, we will look at natural alternatives that can help improve quality of life.

Osteoarthritis is a disorder that involves certain bones and joints in the body. A joint is where two bones are connected and made up of cartilage which is surrounded by muscles and tendons. Some joints have a limited range of motion such as a rib in the rib cage and others have a much wider range of movement like hips, knees, elbows, wrists, and thumbs. The wider ranges of motion joints are called synovial joints. (1) Synovial joints have a unique structure. The bones that are connected to synovial joints are cover in a tough fibrous tissue call cartilage. This tough cartilage tissue between the bones is called the joint capsule. The joint capsule has an inner cavity which is lined with an inner membrane called the synovial membrane. With in this membrane there is fluid called synovial fluid which is a thick, slippery fluid that fills the small places in between and around the two bones connecting. The fluid is filled with a substance that lubricates the joints and eases movement. (1,2)                                                                                                                                                                         

                                                    HealthZone

This joint cartilage serves two purposes. First, it allows for a smooth surface to bear heavy weight and ease joint movement when in motion. Secondly, the joint cartilage absorbs shock and distributes the forces and mechanical stresses out to the bones connected to the joint.

Joint function is under continual mechanical stress while in motion and the joints ability to resist the stress reflects its health. If the mechanical stress becomes to much for the joint, some physical changes occur in the joint cartilage covering the bones. (1,2)

Cartilage is tough and some what elastic in nature comprised of water, collagen and complex proteins called proteoglycans. (3) When osteoarthritis has been diagnosed in a patient, the cartilage has started to weaken and become frayed. Over time the cartilage breaks down exposing the two bones of the joint. When two bones rub together all sorts of damage can happen. Bits of bone and cartilage break off and float around in the joint space. When the joint is bent, one usually experiences a gritty grinding feeling which is painful. Over time tiny bone spurs can grow into the cartilage and surrounding tissue causing a great deal of pain and decrease range of motion in the joint. As the arthritis progresses, the pain and discomfort will increase creating sleepless nights and miserable days.

Even though the exact cause of osteoarthritis is not known, researchers do know that it is not age related. Researchers have observed the disease having the same destructive changes in younger patients diagnosed which haven't been observed in older individuals who don't have the disease. (2,4,5) Researchers have observed that certain conditions do seem to trigger the disease or make it worse.

Families who have frequent occurrences of osteoarthritis tend to lean on the idea that it could be a genetic factor. Osteoarthritis of the hands is often seen as genetic. (2) People who are extremely active or have physically demanding jobs have a higher occurrence of developing osteoarthritis. Also, individuals who have certain bone disorders are prone to osteoarthritis as well. Individuals who are over weight are at risk. Because of the excess pounds, these individuals usually develop osteoarthritis in the knees and feet. Over weight individuals usually have denser bones which do not absorb as much shock as thinner bones might causing more damage to joint cartilage.

Currently there is no sure way to prevent osteoarthritis, but slowing the progression may help with some lifestyle changes. The arthritis foundation suggests individuals who are prone to osteoarthritis should maintain a healthy weight and loose weight if needed. They also suggest that these individuals should exercise on a regular basis as a preventative measure. (4) Consumption of Calcium and other vitamins such as vitamin A, C, D, and E can help as well. (6-8)

Treatment of osteoarthritis is usually focused around reducing or relieving the pain an individual experiences and maintain or improve the movement so to reduce any permanent disability. (2) Your Medical practitioner normally prescribes a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen which is only effective in pain management. Sadly these NSAIDs have side effects which can be serious. NSAID induced gastrointestinal complications cause more than 100,000 hospitalizations and nearly 16,500 deaths each year in the United States. Long term use of NSAIDs can cause ulcers in the stomach and intestinal tract which product heartburn and abdominal pain. NSAIDs can interfere with blood clotting and even cause kidney damage. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is some times prescribed for pain relief, but acetaminophen does not reduce inflammation and have the same side effects as NSAIDs plus in large doses can cause liver damage. (9)

Newer medications released to the public are called COX-2 inhibitors which provide pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects with out the side effects of other NSAIDs. (11,12) In some cases, COX-2 inhibitors can cause stomach damage and bleeding. (13,14) All of these medications may help with the pain but does nothing to slow down or stop the osteoarthritis. This medication has no effect on the disease itself. (10)

After reviewing all the side effects from the medications available, some believe that Glucosamine sulfate and Chondroitin Sulfate are better for osteoarthritis because Glucosamine and Chondroitin actually improve synovial joint health without any life threatening side effects. (3)

Glucosamine sulfate and Chondroitin sulfate work so well as treatment for osteoarthritis that even physicians routinely recommend it. Glucosamine sulfate and Chondroitin sulfate are naturally occurring compounds found in human joints. (15,16) When consumed in the right combination can actually reverse the damage in joints affected by osteoarthritis. Glucosamine is a natural substance found in synovial fluid and is the basic building block of proteoglycans, one of the compounds in synovial cartilage. Europeans have been using Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate for more than 10 years to help ease joint pain. Only in the past few years have researchers from American and Europe worked together to figure out how this works. Researchers discovered that Glucosamine sulfate reduces synovial joint inflammation which explains why people feel better after taking the supplement.

Scientific studies have discovered that Glucosamine sulfate can help stimulate cartilage cell growth, inhibit proteoglycans breakdown, and rebuild the damage done by osteoarthritis. (17,18) Glucosamine Sulfate not only helps your feel better but also repairs the damage that's all ready done. The only Glucosamine used in all the studies was Glucosamine sulfate. When the body digests Glucosamine sulfate the sulfate separates and forms a ion salt called a sulfate ion. This sulfate ion is critical for the body to synthesize proteoglycans. (17)

Researchers believe that Chondroitin sulfate works in a similar way to Glucosamine sulfate and should be consumed along with Glucosamine sulfate. Several studies investigated the action of Chondroitin sulfate and determined for best results one should take them both together. However, if your health care practitioner suggests taking only one or the other it is best that you follow your practitioners advice.

Other vitamins and minerals are beneficial to individuals suffering from osteoarthritis. Suck as, folic acid and B12 may increase joint mobility and vitamins A, C, D, and E may prevent the progression of the disease as well as prevent osteoarthritis all together. (8,19,20) Several clinical studies used the herb Boswellia serrata which help with swelling and yielded good results as well. Cayenne or capsaicin ointment can help elevate the pain associated with osteoarthritis. Cayenne pepper depletes the nerves of a neurotransmitter called substance P. This substance P transmits pain messages to the brain, so cayenne is very effective in relieving osteoarthritis pain.

Along with supplements, exercise is an important to help keeps joints mobile and healthy. For those suffering from osteoarthritis, water aerobics might be an option because it is low impact and gives one the ability to flex their joints with out applying much weight on the joints.

It is easy for those who don't feel well to self diagnose. If you suspect that you have a joint health issue, get evaluated by a licensed health care provider before taking any steps to get better on your own. Some of these same symptoms can be related to other illnesses which require different treatment. Only a health care provider can be certain one has osteoarthritis. With proper exercise and supplements one can reduce the constant stiffness and pain associated with osteoarthritis and this can lead to a healthier pain free life. All the supplements mentioned can be found at your local or internet health food store.

References:

1. Siedel HM, Ball JW, Dains JE, Benedict GW. Classification of joints. In: Mosby's Guide to Physical Examination. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby, 1999: 695.

2. Bancroft DA, Pigg JS. Osteoarthritis syndromes. In: Porth CM. Pathophysiology: Concepts of Altered Health States. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott; 1998: 1133-1138.

3. McCarty MF. Enhanced synovial production of hyaluronic acid may explain rapid clinical response to high-dose glucosamine in osteoarthritis. Medical Hypotheses 1998;50,507-510.

4. Arthritis Foundation. Osteoarthritis. Available at: www .arthritis .org/answers/diseasecenter/oa. Accessed June 26, 2001.

5. National Institutes of Health. Osteoarthritis. Available at: www .nih .gov/niams/healthinfo/osteoarthritis /osteohandout_breaks.html. Accessed July 3, 2001.

6. Tiku ML, Shah R, Allison GT. Evidence linking chondrocyte lipid peroxidation to cartilage matrix protein degradation. Possible role in cartilage aging and the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. J Biol Chem. 2000;275:20069-20076.

7. Sowers M, Lachance L. Vitamins and arthritis. The roles of vitamins A, C, D, and E. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 1999;25:315-332.

8. McAlindon TE, Jacques P, Zhang Y, et al. Do antioxidant micronutrients protect against the development and progression of knee osteoarthritis? Arthritis Rheum. 1996;39:648-656.

9. Graumlich JF. Preventing gastrointestinal complications of NSAIDs. Risk factors, recent advances, and latest strategies. Postgrad Med 2001 May;109(5):117-20, 123-8. Complete article available online at: www .postgradmed .com/issues/2001/05_01/graumlich.htm.

10. Lehne RA. Acetaminophen. In: Pharmacology for Nursing Care. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: W.B. Saunders; 1998: 705-706.

11. Ballinger A, Smith G. COX-2 inhibitors vs. NSAIDs in gastrointestinal damage and prevention. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2001;2:31-40.

12. Goldstein JL, Correa P, Zhao WW, et al. Reduced incidence of gastroduodenal ulcers with celecoxib, a novel cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, compared to naproxen in patients with arthritis. Am J Gastroenterol. 2001;96:1019-1027.

13. Colville-Nash PR, Gilroy DW. Potential adverse effects of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition: evidence from animal models of inflammation. BioDrugs. 2001;15:1-9.

14. Laudanno OM, Cesolari JA, Esnarriaga J, et al. Gastrointestinal damage induced by celcecoxib and rofecoxib in rats. Dig Dis Sci. 2001;46:779-784.

15. Uebelhart D, Thonar EJ, Zhang J, Williams JM. Protective effect of exogenous chondrotin 4,6-sulfate in the acute degradation of articular cartilage in the rabbit. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 1998;6:6-13.

16. Leeb BF, Schweitzer H, Montag K, Smolen JS. A meta-analysis of chondroitin sulfate in the treatment of osteoarthritis. J Rheumatol. 2000;27:205-211.

17. Deal CL, Moskowitz RW. Nutraceuticals as therapeutic agents in osteoarthritis. The role of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and collagen hydrolysate. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 1999 May;25(2): 379-95.

18. Glucosamine sulfate. Monograph. Altern Med Rev. 1999;4:193-195.

19. Adebowale AO, Cox DS, Liang Z, et al. Analysis of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate content in marketed products and the Caco-2 permeability of chondroitin sulfate raw materials. JAMA. 2000;3:37-44.

20. Crolle G. D'Este E. Glucosamine sulphate for the management of arthrosis: a controlled clinical investigation. Curr Med Res Opin. 1980;7:104-109. About the Author:
Visit VitaNet Health Foods at http://vitanetonline.com/ VitaNet sells high quality supplements like Glucosamine and Chondroitin. Please link to this site when using this article.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Protect Your Joints And Reduce Arthritis With Glucosamine / Chondroitin Sulfate

明天不知會不會更好，肯定明天會更老。人到中年，要人老心不老，皺紋長在臉上，不長在心上。

 

明天會更老 -- 哈哈！願大家永遠有利息在人間。

 

人將老至，四大特徵：

一：躺著不睡、坐著睡。

二：欲哭無淚笑有淚。

三：舊事不忘新事忘。

四：該硬不硬嘴巴硬。

 

朋友們請保重，有健康晚年才有好日子，明天會更老。

 

應邀去北加州台灣大學校友會杜鵑花之夜演講，主題是人到中年後的困境，全場七百人笑聲不斷，表示有共鳴，能開開自己年紀的玩笑，也算是一種成長後的開朗豁達。

 

有首歌唱的是明天會更好，為了是給人信心與鼓勵，

其實現實生活裡明天會不會更好不知道，但明天會更老是確定的。

 

歲月要走過，才知道它的凌厲，到了某個年紀不得不承認地心引力的厲害，器官樣樣俱在，只是都下垂，所謂的：「萬般皆下垂，唯有血壓高。」有人因此特別忌諱說老，連「我先走一步」也不能說。

 

中年後的身體起了很大的變化，蘋果變成梨子型，「坐著打瞌睡，躺著睡不著。想記的記不起來，想忘的忘不掉。」

 

更糟的是哭的時候沒眼淚，笑的時候一直擦淚。

 

頭上是「白髮拔不盡，春風吹又生」，男士們的髮型也個個如小說家莫言所說的「地方支持中央」──兩邊往中央梳，遮住稀疏的部分。

 

皮膚不長 Pimple（粉刺）開始Wrinkle（皺紋），酒窩變皺紋，皺紋變酒窩，無意中發現本來以為額頭上的幾條紋路只是抬頭紋，現在卻是不抬頭也有，還好這個時候有老花眼白內障，也不怎麼看得清楚。

 

記憶力明顯衰退，從一個房間走到另一個房間，就是想不起到這兒來要做什麼？忘了剛剛說過的話，變得一再重複碎碎唸。一位老先生甚至說他有一次竟然笑到一半忘記為何而笑。

 

聽力也不行了，一位做了二十幾年百貨公司銷售員的女士，因為耳朵背，被換到抱怨部門去，反正聽不到，隨您抱怨。另一位女士說她坐公車，站在她前面的一個男孩一直跟她講話，她因為聽不到就提醒對方不必講了，那男孩竟然說他只是在嚼口香糖，沒有和她說話啊。

 

高科技不來電也是年歲漸長的特徵，家裡一停電，所有的鐘都閃在十二點；有一位朋友要去歐洲玩，女兒說：「媽，現在沒有人用傳統相機，這個數位相機您帶著，只要按一按就可以了。」 媽媽沿途拍了五百張，回來往電腦裡一放，怎麼五百張都是鼻子？原來媽媽把相機拿反了。

 

少年夫妻老來伴，中年夫妻怎麼辦？有人形容食之無味，棄之可惜，彼此的壞習慣改不了，有的夫妻是什麼項目都可以吵，從來沒有妥協過，想想婚前是好有話說，婚後變成有話好說。

 

每個來到世間的生命，像整存零付一樣，一點一滴地離去，剛剛才是意氣風發的少年，一轉眼變成哀樂中年，還有人要譏笑說這些人是：「知識退化，器官老化，思想僵化，等待火化。」所以心裡建設靠自己，要人老心不老，皺紋長在臉上，不長在心上。再想想許多人沒有老的權利，年紀輕輕的就歸道山，生活態度也要調整，以前用健康換金錢，現在要用金錢換健康，有所謂的人生三歷：少年爭取的是好學歷，中年成功與否看經歷，年紀越來越大就要看病歷。有好的健康才能說人生如倒吃甘蔗，好日子還在後頭。

 

人生七（力、歷、曆）:

二十看智力；

三十看學歷；

四十看經歷；

五十看體力；

六十看財力；

七十看病歷；

八十看黃曆；

這就是人生。

 

退休『奉』告 -- 有人才有『俸』

好好活，慢慢拖，一年還有一萬多；

要攀，不要比，不要自己氣自己；

少吃鹽，多吃醋，少打麻將多散步；

按時睡，按時起，打拳跳舞健身體；

只要能吃飯，錢就不會斷；

不要嫌錢少，就怕走得早；

官再大錢再多，一樣都進高煙囪；

一個中心：以健康為中心；

兩個基本點：糊塗點，瀟灑點；

四個忘記：忘記年齡，忘記疾病；忘記恩怨，忘記過去。

 

修緣...........人生其實就是碰碰胡....

碰對了方向，光彩一輩子；

碰對了環境，舒坦一輩子；

碰對了時運，順當一輩子；

碰對了愛好，充實一輩子；

碰對了愛人，幸福一輩子；

碰對了師長，收獲一輩子；

碰對了領導，寬鬆一輩子；

碰對了朋友，樂呵一輩子；

碰上了神仙，還有下輩子，願你全碰對！

昨天有聽眾問我牛蒡是否需要先去皮才烹調？查遍資料才知道它是一種神奇的植物。


 



到底牛蒡是什麼東西？請你細心閱讀。如你從來沒有食過，唔........走寶了！

牛蒡，中醫稱大力子，別名東洋蘿蔔，東洋人參。國內以前多為藥用，而在日本，則是千家萬戶的日常蔬菜之一。


牛蒡長的挺特殊，呈細長圓狀，土黃色，擺在菜攤上不怎麼起眼，沒想到卻是營養價值極高的保健型蔬菜。


牛蒡早在李時珍的"本草綱目"中就詳細記載其能"通十二經脈，除五臟惡氣"，"久服輕身耐老"，也就是說，經常食用牛蒡可以減肥，抗衰老。牛蒡屬菊科類，兩年生草本植物，其根深葉茂，福含人體所需的多種維生素及礦物質，其胡蘿蔔素含量在蔬菜中居第二位，比胡蘿蔔高150倍，蛋白質和鈣的含量為根莖類之首。


據科學檢測，牛蒡含有豐富的水分，蛋白質，脂肪，醣類，維生素甲，乙，ç及礦物質鈣，磷，鉀，鐵和膳食纖維，對糖尿病，高血脂症，動脈硬化，便秘，解肝毒具有明顯效果。

它能清除體內垃圾，改善體內循環，促進新陳代謝，被譽為大自然的最佳清血劑。尤其牛蒡含有一種非常特殊的養分，叫"菊糖"，是一種可以促進荷爾蒙分泌的精氨酸，所以被視為有助人體筋骨發達，增強體力及壯陽的食物，尤其適合糖尿病患者使用。

此外，牛蒡的纖維可以刺激大腸蠕動，幫助排便，降低體內膽固醇，減少毒素，廢物在體內積存，達到預防中風，胃癌，子宮癌的功效。


牛蒡憑藉其獨特的香氣，豐富的營養價值而走俏東南亞市場，更風靡日本，台灣。日本，台灣民間將牛蒡作為補腎，壯陽，滋陰之聖品。美國著名的保健專家艾爾，敏德爾在他的"抗衰老聖典"一書指出，牛蒡深受全世界人們的喜愛，它是一種可以幫助人體維持良好工作狀態的溫和營養藥草，而對體內系統的平衡具有復原功效，他還指出，全世界最長壽的日本人就是長期使用牛蒡。


中醫早對牛蒡的藥用價值給予肯定。牛蒡籽可作解毒，利尿之中藥;牛蒡果可治浮腫，咽喉腫痛，肺炎，猩紅熱及流行性耳下腺炎，感冒;牛蒡根與大腸燉食可以防止痔瘡，搗汁可以防治煩躁。因於牛蒡有去淤，處鬱及促進血液循環的功能，所以很適用於長期久坐辦公室的上班族，不過牛蒡是很強的鹼性食物，患接觸性皮炎或濕疹的人，最好少用。
  

現在國內種植牛蒡多供出口，少量供應國內市場。選購牛蒡有講究，長 60厘米以上，直徑 2厘米以上，表皮光滑幼嫩，形體正直而新鮮的為上品。牛蒡食用方法很多，可隨意烹飪，拌，炒，煮，涮，煲湯，作餡均可，特別是牛蒡茶，煮沸後味道最佳。


中華傳統藥膳牛蒡食療菜譜
牛蒡根燉雞適用於體虛瘦弱，四肢乏力，消渴，水腫，咽喉腫毒，咳嗽等病症。
牛蒡排骨湯此菜湯汁清淡，有降火氣之效。
牛蒡燉肉適用於頭暈，咽喉熱腫，陰虛，咳嗽，消渴，體虛，乏力，泄瀉等病症。
牛蒡燉豬大腸適用於便血，血痢，痔瘡，脫肛，癰腫，消渴，咽喉腫等病症
牛蒡粥適用於肺胃虛熱而引起的咽喉腫痛，咳嗽，食慾不佳，便秘等病症。
牛蒡魚蓉羹功效：補益脾胃，適用於腦血管疾病，高血壓，冠心病等。
牛蒡豬肚絲功效：補脾益氣，適用於糖尿病，消渴症（患者宜空腹食用效果更佳，渴則飲湯。）
牛蒡杜仲羹功效：補益肝腎，強腎壯骨。中風後遺症。
找到一個最簡單的湯譜給大家，今晚不妨試下煲吧。
紅蘿蔔粟米牛蒡湯


材料：
紅蘿蔔 1 個
粟米 2 條
牛蒡半條（大部份超巿都有買得到）
瘦肉約 6 兩
製法：

   1. 紅蘿蔔去皮切件。
   2. 粟米洗淨切件。
   3. 牛蒡洗淨 (可輕刮去皮，不去皮亦可)
   4. 將所有材料放入約 3 公升滾水中，慢火煲約 2 小時，落鹽調味。


Recommending two articles:

馬悅淩醫師的《不生病的智慧》，有一章談到耳朵與腎相應，而耳朵有幾乎全身的反射區，最後提到這按摩操對腎虛、尿頻、夜尿多、前列腺炎及陽痿的人有明顯的效
果。


一天，在公共汽車上，一位中年婦女在我的座位旁站了一會兒，突然雙手捂著肚子蹲在了地上。見到這種情景，我趕緊站起身，讓她坐在我的座位上。我出於職業的習
慣，就問她是不是肚子痛，她說是的，我說你在你的耳垂處找最痛的點，找到後用勁按，能止痛。她聽後馬上就把用手在兩個耳垂處摸了一會兒，然後用力地按壓起來
。只過了十幾秒鐘，她就驚訝地抬起頭對我說，還真管用，肚子痛好多了。她又繼續按壓了不到一分鐘，這時她的臉上再也沒了痛苦的樣子，腹痛已完全消失了。
還有一次，一位朋友來我家玩，我發現她的頭不敢轉動，一問才知道晚上睡覺不當心落枕，正想問我有什麼好辦法呢。我就在她兩個耳朵上的枕穴上按壓起來，剛一按
壓她就大叫「太痛了」，我說你忍一會，等疼痛緩解一些時，你的頸子就可以轉了。我按了2∼3分鐘後，讓她活動一下頸子，她說真神，僵硬的頸子一下子輕鬆了許
多。我又繼續按壓了幾分鐘，再讓她試試，她的頸子已能自由活動了。我說一定要抽空經常按摩這個地方，夜?媞恅悸`意不耍貪涼，以後就不會再復發了。
人的耳朵確實是一個非常神奇的地方，如果我們把耳朵上的主要穴位連起來，其形狀恰似倒置於子宮中的胎兒。而人體各器官和組織在耳朵上都有相應的刺激點，一旦
受到疾病侵犯，耳上的某個特定穴位就會產生預警信號。因此，當刺激某個耳穴時，就可以診斷和治療體內相應部位的疾病，很多中醫高手還可以通過觀察耳部皮膚顏
色的深淺變化，有無凹凸變形、脫屑、毛細血管是否充盈等現象來協助診斷疾病。比如在冠心病病人的耳垂處常可見到一條斜形的皺痕，此皺痕被稱為「冠心病溝」。
耳垂對血管缺血現象很敏感，一旦冠狀動脈硬化引起冠心病時，耳垂組織就會發生缺血現象，併發生一定程度的萎縮變化，依據這條斜線狀的皺痕來診斷冠心病，準確
率可達90%。人們在醫院偶而可以見到醫生在患者耳朵上某個特定的穴位埋藥籽或埋針，以此治療各類疾病。


下面我為大家介紹一套見效最快的耳部自我按摩方法

1.提拉耳尖法：用雙手拇、食指捏住耳朵上部，先揉捏此處，直至該處感到發熱為止，然後  再往上提揪15∼20次。此處主要有神門、盆腔、內外生殖器、足部、
踩、膝、胯關節的反射區以及肝陽穴、風溪穴等。

2.上下按摩耳輪，並向外拉：以拇、食二指沿耳輪上下來回按壓和揉捏，使之發熱發燙，然後再向外拉耳朵15∼20次。耳輪處主要有頸椎、腰椎、胸椎、腰?椎
、肩、肘等部位的反射區。

3.下拉耳垂法：先將耳垂揉捏、搓熱，然後再向下拉耳垂15-20次，使之發熱發燙。耳垂處的穴位主要對應頭、額、眼、舌、牙、面頰等處。

4.按壓耳窩：先按壓外耳道開口邊的凹陷處，此部位有心、肺、氣管、三焦等穴，按壓至此處明顯的發熱、發燙。然後再按壓上邊凹陷處，這樣來回摩擦按壓至感覺
發熱、發燙為止。此處主要有脾、胃、肝、膽、大腸、小腸、腎、膀胱等部位的反射區。

5.推上下耳根：中指放耳前，食指放耳後，沿著下耳根向上耳根推，要用勁推40∼50次左石，推後不但耳部發熱，面部、頭部都會有明顯的發熱感覺，這對頭痛
、頭昏、神經衰弱、耳鳴等病都有非常好的療效，而且還有明顯的美容效果，愛美的女士們不妨試試看。一套操做下來，最多10分鐘的時間，你的面部血液循環就會
明顯改善，同時也促進了面部代謝產物的排出。堅持做2個月，你的面部就會富有光澤、彈性十足。

做完這套操後，再用十指梳頭100次，可以刺激頭部的經絡，增加腦部的血液循環，降低血壓，有效的治療和預防腦動脈硬化、腦血栓的發生。
這套簡單的耳部按摩操，可以在睡覺前和起床後各做一次。除了上述好處，它還能起到強壯內臟的效果，特別是堅持下去可以以補腎、固腎及治療氣虛，對腎虛、尿頻
、夜尿多、前列腺炎及陽痿的人有明顯的效果。對遺尿、哮喘及體弱多病的孩子，家長每天睡覺前給他按摩雙耳5分鐘，堅持下去，就可以根治這些疾病和增強孩子的
體質。
 
 

同样是泡妞，领导叫失足， 富人叫包养，百姓叫嫖娼；

同样是出国，领导叫考察， 富人叫旅游，百姓叫偷渡；

同样是干活，领导叫带头， 富人叫创业，百姓叫打工；

同样是说话，领导叫精神， 富人叫名言，百姓叫废话；

同样是要求，领导叫意见， 富人叫提案，百姓叫牢骚；

同样是炒股，领导叫主力， 富人叫游资，百姓叫散户；

中山领导流浪汉；泽东领导穷光蛋；

小平领导小商贩；泽民领导贪污犯；

剩下我们怎么办？跟着涛哥混口饭！

涛哥说："再穷也得过元旦！"祝大家元旦快乐！

By Darrell Victor

Given that there are risks of retirement in general, it is no surprise that there are risks associated with early retirement in particular. However, early retirement is typically far riskier than retirement at the full retirement age. In some cases, early retirement is involuntary or even ideal. It is clear that those who retire earlier than the full or normal retirement age bear burdens that are peculiar to early retirees.

Increased longevity risk

All retirees bear the risk of outliving retirement savings, especially if they do not plan for retirement properly. However, early retirees typically face a longer retirement period with lower retirement income. The other risks of retirement tend to compound longevity risk as well. Those who retire between 62 and 65 may have a retirement period of 18-25 years (on average). However, the earliest retirees might live up to 36 years on average!

Opportunity cost

Opportunity cost is the cost of a decision in terms of what you forego by making that particular decision. The earlier you retire, the higher your opportunity cost of early retirement is going to be. You might forego the income you would have enjoyed from working longer and higher retirement benefits, for example. Increased longevity makes opportunity cost even higher for early retirees; this is one reason for many baby boomers' decision to work longer.

Loss of employer-sponsored benefits

While working, you may enjoy employer-sponsored benefits such as health benefits and savings plans. Some employers offer coverage for retirees as well, but this is not often the case. When you take the decision to retire early, you should factor in these benefits as part of your decision. At best, you should have a suitable alternative to benefits lost, especially health coverage and income, when you retire early.

Debt-servicing risks

Many retirees find themselves entering the retirement phase in debt, whether the debt is a mortgage or consumer loans. Since retirement income is normally fixed, the burden of the debt increases over time and refinancing options become far less attractive. While some retirees might seek to pay the balance of debt with lump sums and gratuity benefits received, even that may not be a wise move, since they forego the benefits of investing that lump sum wisely and deplete their retirement savings - without knowing if they might need it sooner than later.

Retirement income risk

Since early retirees have an increasingly higher life expectancy, much can happen to their retirement income in that period. The combination of inflation and taxation significantly erodes retirement savings and income. This suggests that earlier retirees' income may not keep pace with living expenses in the latter stages of retirement, which increases the income risk significantly.

Inaccessible state/retirement benefits

When you retire before the full or normal retirement age, some retirement benefits may not be available. Even if they were, you would receive a lower nominal benefit because your life expectancy is longer. Age is a significant factor in the retirement decision, since it can affect your defined benefit, tax burden and even your annuity benefits- to name a few. The relatively low availability of replacement income for early retirees is a surmountable problem, but a critical early retirement issue nonetheless.

Tax risks of taking Social Security benefits earlier

Early retirees who receive retirement income from sources other than Social Security have a higher tax liability arising out of existing tax legislation. Since this fact exposes early retirees to additional taxation before the full retirement age, it is better to delay taking Social Security benefits, until the full retirement age. The distribution of retirement income has a clear tax implication. While the tendency of early retirees is to grab all their retirement income available, this can augment their tax burden significantly.

Social and psychological risks

Those who dream of early retirement sometimes base their dream on push factors. The major push factors are that their job is too stressful or they do not want to work for too long. Relying on push factors can create a void in that such retirees may not properly plan for taking retirement early. They do not know how they would fill the gap in a meaningful way. This can lead to an aimless, sedentary lifestyle, particularly when funds are limited and the retirement reality comes to bear. Retirees must be able to cope properly with being out of the workforce. Many retirees enjoy working or switching jobs to a part-time endeavour that they truly enjoy to avoid socio-psychological retirement issues.

The good news is that while the risks of retirement are more burdensome to early retirees, they are not necessarily insurmountable obstacles to a happy and secure early retirement.

Darrell Victor is a freelance writer and former insurance advisor. To read related articles visit http://www.helium.com/users/338815/show_articles?channel=6

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darrell_Victor
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Risks-and-Costs-of-Early-Retirement&id=3419949

My daugther asked me if I like UFC and mixed martial arts?  She was surprised when I told her I like both UFC and mixed martial arts.  Actually, I also like watching the Chinese sanda, the Thailand Muaythai and Brazilian Jujitsu.   Are you surprised that the boomers like watching these martial art fighting?

UFC, , Jujitsu, Sanda and Muaythai become more and more popular in many countries.  In the old days of the 60s to 80s,  boxing, judo, karate and Taikwando were very popular.  They are less popular today.   The audience for these sports dropped substantially.

I am not a kungfu guy.  I just a watcher....a UFC viewer usually in the TV channel 39.  For the great fights, people have to pay for the pay per view.  The other place where people can  search is  Youtube.   Just type in the keyword in the search box and select the match you like.  Then you can enjoy the match.

Here is the preview of UFC 108 between Evan Rashad vs Thiago Silva:  

Chelsea knocked out Watford last year and ultimately won the FA Cup.

Where can I watch FA Cup live? Thanks to the internet and youtube, people can now watch live at their home.  For example  the  match Chelsea vs. Watford played on Sunday, January 3, 2010, at 15:00 GMT, you can watch the match highlights:

 


How about other FA Cup highlights?  Yes, they are shown
in the video clips from YouTube and other videos, e.g.:
 

 
     原來幸福
   　快跑的未必能贏，
     力戰的未必得勝；
     智慧的未必得糧食,
     明哲的未必得資財，
     靈巧的未必得喜悅；
     所臨到眾人的，是因為「時間」與「機會」。

   The race is not to the swift
    or the battle to the strong,
    nor does food come to wise
    or wealth to the brilliant
    or favor to the learned:
    but time and chance happen to them all.

美國著名牧師葛培理的女兒安妮於911後，被美國某電視台邀請上一早晨節目。主持人單刀直入問︰「為何神會讓此等悲劇發生？」

她以神的睿智，道出一番見解︰ 「我深信神跟我們一樣，為此事極度痛心。但美國人在這些年來，將神從學校中趕走、將祂從政府內踢走、將祂從我們生活中剔走。作為一位紳士，我相信神只有默默地從我們的生活中無奈淡出。當初是我們自己叫神離開，為甚麼現在又要問祂到底在那裡？為甚麼我們有權質問神，為何不保護美國人？不如讓我們回顧美國這幾年的道德發展，好嗎？

某年，有人提出，學校內不可祈禱，因為學校應宗教中立，學校無權要求學生祈禱。我們說︰「沒問題！」

某月,有人覺得教導人「不可殺人、不可偷盜、要愛鄰舍」的聖經落伍不如把它從學校中拿走。我們說︰「沒問題!」

某日,有人說:「孩子的自尊心很脆弱,我們不應使用體罰」(說這話的人,他的孩子最終自殺身亡).我們說:「沒問題!」
   
某刻，有人說︰「時代變了，老師、校長不應責罰學生，學生承受太大壓力了。」因怕惹怒家長，引起傳媒報導， 學校不敢處罰學生。我們說︰「沒問題！」

又有人說︰「孩子有人權，他們有權接受墮胎手術，更沒有責任通知父母。」我們說︰「沒問題！」

他說︰「與其閃閃縮縮，不如主動教孩子如何使用安全套。反正孩子都是好奇嘛，婚前性行為，沒甚麼大不了！」我們說︰「沒問題！」

有人說︰「工作跟私人生活應分開，只要那總統能搞好經濟.....我們幹嗎要管人家的私生活？人人都有私隱嘛！」我們說︰「沒問題！」

有人說︰「瀏覽色情網站是資訊自由，即使是兒童色情網站又如何？這都是個人言論自由，關你甚麼事！」我們說︰「沒問題！」
 
有人說︰「現代人應有開放思想，電視、電影的色情、暴力，只不過在反映社會實況。關於毒品、強姦、謀殺、惡魔的歌詞，也不過是宣洩情緒、紓緩壓力......為何要大驚小怪？想做就去做嘛！」我們說︰「沒問題！」

成年人為社會訂下以上種種「社會制度」後，我們又要追問︰為甚麼現今孩子沒有良知？

為何孩子持槍殺人？為何13歲的孩子已為人父母？為甚麼911慘劇要發生？
  
神無奈地答︰「孩子呀！是你們不許我踏入『你們的生命。』
   
若細心思索，不難發現這一切是我們自己做成的，我們親自承受自己所栽種的。」

有趣的是，人們離棄神，卻又質問神為何整個世界正走向地獄的門口。

有趣的是，我們相信報紙所說的，卻質疑聖經上所說的。

有趣的是，你可以透過電郵發出笑話，並且很快被廣傳，但當你發出與神有關的信息時，人們卻猶豫。

有趣的是，不雅及色情的文章在網上自由地發放；但在學校及工作環境中，對於神的公開討論卻被抑制。

你正在想什麼呢?

有趣的是，當你把這封郵件轉送出去時，你不會發給很多人，因你不知道其他人會怎樣看你。

有趣的是，你對別人怎樣看你比對神怎樣看你更加在意。

若你認為這是有意義的，把這封電郵傳給其他人吧，否則，把它棄掉吧!
   
沒有人會知道的，但是若你棄掉這思想過程的話，便不要投訴現今的世界不像樣了!

'What is your plan for 2010 as you are going to become 65 next year?' my wife asked me this morning. It is the question that leads to my new year resolution 2010 as follows:

• Watch out for my weight. The optimum weight should be around 165 lb. My    weight now is 175 lb.
• Watch out for my diet. More veggies and less meat especially the red meat.
• More exercises. Reduce my waiste to 34 inches from 36 inches.
• Prepare a retirement activities plan
• Find a new home for retirement.

These are my goals and resolutions for the new years. How about yours?

Today is the first day of the new year.  I woke up early at 6:30 am.   The hangover from the New Year Eve countdown party by The La Salle Old Boys Association (Toronto) at Palace Chinese Restaurant Totonto is still there.  Chinese food and imported  wine were abundant.  Every body including all the old boys their spouses, family members and friends enjoyed the moment of this annual gathering. 

There were over 400 people.  Most of  them are guests I meant  the ladies.  My table was close to the dancing area.  It was fully packed whenever the dance music began.  Old songs of the 50 to 70 brought us back the memories when we were young at our teens. 

The first song which kicked off the countdown party dancing was 'Tonight' 今晚夜 a Chinese pop song of the 80s originally sung by Teresa Chan.  The melody and lyric perfectly matched the function of this annual gathering at the New Year Eve.
 




Other old songs of the boomers generation by super stars such as Always in My Mind by Elvis Presley, Twist by Chubby Check, Changing Partners by Patty Page, 月亮代表我的心Teresa Teng, etc brought us back to the time when we chased after the girls at school.

The food was so so good that they were totally consumed and no doggie bags or stylofoam box requrired.   The wine both red and white were abundant.  I drank a little bit only as I have to drive home with Julie in safe after the party which finiished at 1:00 am.

Thanks to all the old boys who organized the New Year Eve countdown party.     .     

PLEASE FORWARD THIS WARNING AMONG FRIENDS, FAMILY AND
 CONTACTS!

 You should be alert during the next few days. Do not open
 any message with an attachment entitled 'POSTCARD FROM
 HALLMARK,' regardless of
 who sent it to you... It is a virus which opens A
 POSTCARD IMAGE, which 'burns' the whole hard
 disc C drive of your computer.

 This virus will be received from someone who has your
 e-mail address in their contact list. This is the reason why
 you need to send this e-mail to all your contacts. It is
 better to receive this message 25 times than to receive the
 virus and open it.

 If you receive a mail called 'POSTCARD', even
 though sent to you by a friend, do not open it! Shut down
 your computer immediately. This is the worst virus announced
 by CNN.

 It has been classified by Microsoft as the most destructive
 virus ever. This virus was discovered by McAfee yesterday,
 and there is no repair yet for this kind of virus. This
 virus simply destroys the Zero Sector of the Hard Disc,
 where the vital information is   kept.