From early childhood and throughout the schooling system, we learn the “3R’s”: Reading, Writing and Arithmetic – the science of numbers. (Nowadays, you need to add a fourth “R”– Graphing!). Later, we reach a certain level in our education where were may feel rightly or wrongly (often complacently) that our levels of mastering reading and writing are satisfactory.
However… What about numbers ? Generally, we do not fully realize the extent to which numbers control and regulate our lives. We are all identified by innumerable numbers from birth to the very last moments of our lives. Just reflect only on some of our important dates: birth, starting school, finishing primary school, finishing secondary school, the admission to university and then also with every stage of our education imprinted with our marks, marks and marks (percentages!). Then other numbers: the first love (the date, some of us remember!), dates of: marriage, birth of children, the first work, salaries, divorce, then blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar levels, the first operation, the passing away (not yet?) and so on. These numbers are unique to you and unique to me. They all identify you and identify me.
Some numbers quantify information. These are essential to understanding facts, events, processes, laws etc. The US novelist, Nathanel West, 1903-1940, stated aptly: “Numbers constitute the only universal language”. Studies have shown that even rhesus monkeys can understand the relation between numbers 1 to 9 i.e., they are able to judge whether the specified number is smaller or bigger than the other number.
So, what is the present state of arithmetic ? Unfortunately, most of the people satisfy themselves on a very low level of its cognizance. (As an anecdote, I may tell you that I was approached by a lawyer who asked me: “I have to assign a plaintiff 15% of the amount demanded by defendant; how much is it?”). Most people fear numbers if they require any further calculations: making fractions, multiplying, using proportions or inverse proportions, converting to percentages or substituting to formulas. What are the implications of this fact? It often leads to impaired judgment of the average citizen regarding handling their home economics, investment and, as the case may be, the events in their own country and on our globe. As the citizens of a “global village”, we are all affected by events not only in our place or country but even in far-away-countries. Consider these numbers: people affected by HIV, bird flu, tsunami, price of a barrel of oil, tsunami in financial markets, increasing ozone hole, decreasing shoals of fish in oceans, decreasing number of polar bears, the increase in the average yearly temperature, increasing extinction of species of animals and plants. One can present endless number of examples. The numbers can be puzzling, depressing, shocking, fascinating, mystifying or upsetting. Well, they can be… An educated, intelligent and honest person will perceive them this way. A Polish film director Jerzy Konwicki (renown for his “Ashes and Diamonds”) used to say: “only a cow does not care”.
True, a cow does not know, for example, about the “mad cow” disease and does not understand what it means that a certain percentage of cows are affected by foot-and-mouth disease and blue tongue virus. There are however, unfortunately, also some examples among educated as well as decision making persons, institutions and governments who do not care. They have dubious motives to ignore some numbers (and related facts) they do not like. What will be the consequences of their arrogance to human beings in the future? A Japanese proverb says that more intelligent are those who see further…
Below there are several examples of numbers compiled from the Internet, Time and Trumpet. They may not be exact; however you may find them interesting and worthy of your attention:
65 000 – estimated population of Africa’s black rhinos in 1970
3 600 – estimated population of Africa’s black rhino in 2007
2 000 000 000 000 USD – US cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, so far
3 500 000 – Jews murdered in Poland by German Nazis
32 000 000 – population of Poland before II WW; 24 000 000 after the war
1500 – new HIV infections a day in South Africa
1 000 000 – Americans killed yearly by heart attacks (cardiacnetwork.net)
7:2 – ratio of average number of TV sets to children in the USA
1500 – number of hours, the average USA teenager spends watching TV
67% – percentage of Australian and USA men are overweight
1 in 12- South Africans who had access to the Internet in 2007
15-30 000 000 – men suffering from erectile dysfunction (NIH, USA government statistics)
690 000 000 – number of Asians living on $1 or less per day (Asian Dev. Bank)
142.8 – number of women raped per 100 000 in South Africa; 150 per day
66 000 000 – number of people in the USA suffering with arthritis, the most common chronic health problem in the USA
3% – rate of the green gas increasing per year
7 600 000 – number of cancer death worldwide in 2007
5 200 000 – Americans suffer from full-blown diabetes and don’t know it…yet.
14 000 – dolphins killed annually in Japan
400 000 000 – number of people in the world suffering from depression and mental disorders (WHO).
Look again at the numbers. They alone are meaningless. However, together with the descriptive information, they carry powerful information, obviously to those who are intelligent enough to understand them. Unfortunately, it does not mean yet, that those who understand them and have authority to make decision/s to change some of the numbers/trends are willing to act…
Are you already feeling depressed? You should be… You are intelligent…
Till the next time… (2).
PS: While proof reading, my wife counsels me that I have omitted three other important R’s. During a whole life one should learn: Respect for self, Respect for others and Responsibility for your own actions. She is absolutely Right!
Wacek Kijewski
http://www.articlesbase.com/science-articles/numbers-in-our-contemporary-life-part1-576659.html
Andropause (aka male menopause) may not be a common discussion topic, but it should be. All men experience the symptoms of Andropause to some extent, especially after the age of 40. So what is andropause, and why should you ask your doctor about it?
What is Andropause?
Andropause is caused by low testosterone levels in men. Testosterone levels reach a peak when men are around 15 to 18 years old, and then begin to decline after age 25 – 27. Around the age of 35, most men notice the symptoms of andropause to some extent.
Although andropause is caused by the natural decline of hormone levels in men, factors such as obesity, cancer, heart and lung diseases, certain medications, stress, and depression may accelerate the onset of andropause. Good news though, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol, and following an optimal diet can help you better manage the symptoms of andropause. Also, make sure to get your testosterone levels checked by your doctor on an annual basis. Many men are diagnosed with depression without having their testosterone levels checked to see if they have andropause.
What are the top symptoms of andropause?
The top male menopause symptoms are irritability, decreased sex drive, muscle loss, depression, and decreased bone density. Other symptoms include sleep problems, weight gain around the middle, memory loss, erectile dysfunction, and night sweats. Fortunately, andropause treatment is available. Your doctor can test your testosterone levels and provide testosterone treatment through male hormone replacement therapy.
Male hormone therapy is effective at alleviating the symptoms of andropause. Male hormone treatment can improve a man’s sense of well-being and increase male sex drive, muscle mass, strength, and. Male hormone therapy also reduces mood fluctuations, irritability, and depression. It has been shown to reduce the risk of developing certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis, and therapy can prevent osteoporosis, optimize bone density, and improve mental acuity.
Male hormone replacement therapy is a safe treatment for low testosterone levels . It has been used for over 60 years, and the most recent research confirms, it is a safe and effective treatment if done correctly. Before receiving treatment, you must have a physical exam and a consultation with a qualified physician. Blood tests will be ordered to measure hormone levels and including a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test to check the health of the prostate. These pre-cautionary procedures help ensure proper, safe treatment.
The primary hormones used to treat andropause are testosterone , thyroid, human growth hormone and DHEA (which helps with immune function, increasing energy levels, and reducing depression).
Testosterone:
Testosterone is responsible for the normal growth and development of sex organs and normal levels of testosterone contribute to energy, sexual function, mood, and libido.
Thyroid:
Thyroid is a systemic hormone having a significant impact on overall health including metabolism, energy, well being, hair loss, immune system, memory, heart health, to name only a few.
Human Growth Hormone:
Human growth hormone (HGH) controls muscle and bone growth and lowers the amount of fat in the body. HGH is also known for its anti aging properties and its ability to increase calcium retention, protein synthesis, and muscle mass.
DHEA:
DHEA is secreted by the adrenal gland and several studies suggest that DHEA has many therapeutic properties. Principle among those is 1) support to the immune system helping to prevent everything from the common cold to cancer and 2) a balance to cotisol secreted by the body under stress and highly destructive to body cell when present in excess.
Seeking Help for Andropause and Male Menopause:
It is estimated that four out of five American men over the age of 40 have low testosterone, and 99% men over the age of 60 have low testosterone. However, only 5% are currently being treated. Testosterone is responsible for the muscle development and contributes to energy, mood, and libido. Fortunately, testosterone deficiency can easily be treated.
Testosterone replacement can dramatically change how you feel on a daily basis, improve energy and mood, reduce depression and irritability, and help you maintain your muscle strength, increase libido, and reduce belly fat tissue. If you suspect you have andropause, or are beginning to notice andropause symptoms, talk to your doctor about getting your testosterone levels checked. Before you start a treatment program, do your research to make sure the low testosterone treatment program that you are being prescribed is the best for you.
Jim Michels
http://www.articlesbase.com/men’s-health-articles/the-facts-about-andropause-and-hormone-replacement-therapy-740941.html
Garlic is an herb that is a part of every Indian kitchen. It is one of the herbs that are widely used as spices worldwide. Since centuries people are using garlic to enhance taste of their food. In spite of making our food delicious it serves a major role in maintaining our health.
Garlic is derived from a Greek word “garleac” that means spear leek. References of garlic are found in ancient texts and mythological stories. Egyptians used to worship garlic by placing them on the tombs of their ancestors. They thought that garlic would save them from evil spirits and vampires.
It would be surprising for you that Americans were unaware of this herb till the beginning of last century. In 1940 they came across the benefits of garlic and then included it in their diet and also used it for therapeutic purposes.
What does garlic do?
Garlic is a wonderful herb that is very effective in treating various disorders and helps in improving the performance of the body.
Following are the conditions in which garlic is very helpful
· Indigestion
· Worm infestation
· Infections
· Fungal infection
· Hyperlipidemia
· High cholesterol levels
· Cancer
· Blood disorders
· Diabetes
· Impotence
· Decreased sperm count
· Decreased body immunity
What does garlic possess?
Garlic is supposed to possess various chemical agents and minerals that provide it with the properties it possess.
· Allicin
· Allilin
· Saponin
· Beta-carotene
· Beta – sitosterol
· Diallyl disulphide
· Ferulic acid
· Phytic acid
Minerals found in garlic are
· Calcium
· Folate
· Iron
· Magnesium
· Phosphorus
· Potassium
· Selenium
· Zinc
Following vitamins are found in garlic
· Thiamine
· Riboflavin
· Niacin
· Ascorbic acid
How ginger can maintain my health?
· Garlic is widely used by ayurvedic doctors in India and is used since centuries. Ginger has the wonder properties to prevent heart related problems. These problems includes arthrosclerosis, higher degrees of cholesterol, high blood pressure and strengthen the bodies immunity.
· Garlic is very helpful in suppressing the abnormal growth of the cells that leads to the formation of cancer. This property of cancer fighting activity is due to presence of diallyl sulphide. Dially sulphide is believed to possess anti cancerous properties.
· Recent studies have shown that garlic has the tendency to fight against the common cold. Reason fir this can be given that as garlic is of hot potency, it is very helpful in suppressing the causative agent that causes common cold.
· Garlic has also been found in reducing the aggregation of the blood platelets. It helps in reducing the risk of getting blood related problems
· Garlic is also said to be helpful in diabetic conditions. It is said to regulate normal sugar levels of the blood in the body. Prolonged usage of garlic has shown miraculous results in treating diabetes.
· Garlic is also supposed to promote healing of wounds. It has antiseptic properties and hence it is helpful in preventing any kind of infection that might occur on the wound.
· Garlic is vermicidal in action. It helps in preventing any kind of protozoal growth in our gastrointestinal tract. It helps in suppressing the wormal infection of pin worm and round worm.
· Garlic is very effective in treating the fungal infection in the body. It also helpful in preventing the candidasis in vagina. Local application as well as oral medication of garlic is taken in these cases.
· Good aphrodisiac action has also been noticed. It is helpful in increasing the enhancing the mail libido and stamina. It improves the condition of impotence, premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. It is also helpful in increasing the sperm count. It improves the sexual vigor and promotes quality of the sperms. The reference of garlic has also been found in the ayurvedic texts.
Dr John Anne
http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/garlic-how-to-use-garlic-for-home-treatments-126370.html
The commonest worries related to the penis are size, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation. The average penis is 6.2 inches long and 3.7 inches wide. Penis size tends to vary slightly with ethnicity. Men always associate manliness with an above average penis size, while women often give varying answers because of shyness or social stigma.
Many men in their 20s and 30s are unhappy about the size of their penis and suffer from performance anxiety. This problem is often seen in men who are either introvert or lack confidence overall.
Some women say that penis size does not matter and only passion and love matter during intercourse. Others openly say that bigger the penis, greater the pleasure due to the friction caused.
Erectile dysfunction involves no erection or weak erection, while premature ejaculation implies early or untimely ejaculation of the semen. Both types of problem have physical and psychological bases. Physical causes include diabetes, hypertension, surgery, kidney diseases, and hormonal disorders. Psychological factors are performance anxiety, marital discord, stress, anger, and depression.
Most of the problems associated with low sexual performance are caused by low blood flow to the penis. Poor dietary habits, lack of exercise, smoking, or old age can cause decreased blood flow to the penis. Poor performance leads to decreased pleasure. Therefore, all the 3Ps matter in providing a fulfilling sexual experience to males and their partners.
The size of the penis can be increased by various artificial aids like pumps and gels, as well as surgery. The surgical procedure is initiated for medical reasons and psychological or aesthetic reasons. The former includes a condition known as Micro penis, which affects man’s capacity to procreate. The latter is based on a man’s desire for a bigger penis.
Men, the world over, have taken recourse to aphrodisiacs since time immemorial to improve their erection and ejaculation. However, it was with Viagra’s launch that male sexual enhancement became a hotly debated topic.
Today, a variety of pills, oils, lotions, gels, and massagers for male enhancement are easily available in pharmacies and online stores. Some of them claim to boost overall strength and vitality of males, which have a positive correlation with sexual desire and prowess.
Others offer remedies for specific problems like erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, by claiming to increase the size, firmness, and period of erection and delaying ejaculation, respectively.
Apart from oral medicines and locally applied products, men take recourse to counseling to improve their sex life. This includes identifying mental blocks like fear, anxiety, and stress.
People today are more vocal about sexual issues and view sex as something more than a tool for procreation. The obsession with male enhancement is likely to grow in the future with increasing desire for sexual pleasure and gradual evaporation of the social stigma associated with sex-for-pleasure.
In addition, the vagaries of modern life are likely to cause sexual defects in men, leading them to take recourse to male enhancement products and devices.
Simon Chan
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/the-wonder-of-male-enhancement-68806.html
Buying drugs online is the most convenient and reliable way to buy. All the licensed online stores are quite safe and dependable. You can easily find drugs for all kinds of health related issues like overweight, sexual problems, skin care etc. The customer has the privilege of choosing from the wide range of popular drugs like Viagra, Cialis, Phentermine, Levitra etc. The other attractions of online pharmacy are the availability of discounts, online prescriptions, free consultation form licensed physicians and reviews by the existing users.
Let us closely examine the two major health issues – Overweight and Erectile Dysfunction which is major cause of concern in the current time. Problem of overweight or obesity has engulfed people from all age groups. The main reasons for this are the sedentary lifestyle and regular consumption of fast food which is high on fat. On the other hand, Erectile Dysfunction is a problem which refers to the inability of a man to get or maintain enough erection to have successful sexual intercourse. This has affected many people above the age of forty.
It is very important to control weight to remain away from the fatal diseases like hear attack, high blood pressure and diabetes associated with it. Therefore, a well-defined diet plan and a rigorous exercise regime is a must. Diet pills like Phentermine are also one of the best options to loose your weight the easy way. It acts as an appetite suppressant and restricts the intake of calories. Similarly, erectile dysfunction is very much treatable. There is a wide range of treatments like psychotherapy, drug therapy, vacuum devices and surgery to choose from. The most popular method of all is the drug therapy. Drugs for curing erectile dysfunction can be either consumed orally or injected directly into the penis.
Drugs like Phentermine and Didrex available for weight control and Viagra and Cialis for erectile dysfunction have provided a major breakthrough in fighting these diseases. The availability of such drugs through an online medium has further increases there accessibility and acceptance.
The statistics reflect that more and more people are relying on the Online Pharmacies to buy drugs. The reviews and feedbacks from users also suggest the high rate of success that has been achieved by them. No doubt, online is the most popular and easy way to buy drugs.
Antony Virgese
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/online-the-way-to-buy-51601.html
