Dreams and Realities of a Belizean

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 08:54:00 +0000

At this time of the year, with pain in my heart and tears in my eyes at the loss of my best friend and soul companion, I reach out across the miles to greet all my blog readers. I promise to return in the new year with a vigor and the passion I once had. Now I wish to thank you for your support.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU ALL WELL.

ABEL MARTIN LOPEZ RODRIGUEZ

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 06:33:00 +0000

NOV 14, 1955 - OCT 18, 2009

REST IN PEACE, DEAR COMPANION, FRIEND, TEACHER, MUSICIAN AND BLOGGER. THE WORLD HAS LOST A GREAT ADVOCATE OF LIFE AND LOVE.

WOMEN ARE REALLY SMART!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 06:09:00 +0000

A woman will not ask unnecessary questions but will act as swiftly and as smartly as the high breed of the human specie that she is!!! (Brenda A. Ysaguirre)

The Gas Men

Two gas company servicemen, a senior training supervisor and a young trainee, were out checking meters in a suburban neighborhood. They parked their truck at the end of the alley and worked their way to the other end. At the last house a woman looking out her kitchen window watched the two men as they checked her gas meter.

Finishing the meter check, the senior supervisor challenged his younger co-worker to a foot race down the alley back to the truck to prove that an older guy could outrun a younger one.

As they came running up to the truck, they realized the lady from that last house was huffing and puffing right behind them. They stopped and asked her what was wrong.

Gasping for breath, she replied, "When I see two gas men running as hard as you two were, I figured I'd better run too!"

Trial: HIV vaccine 31 percent effective

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 06:07:00 +0000

ATLANTA (UPI) -- Trial data on 16,000 adult participants in Thailand shows a human immunodeficiency virus vaccine is safe and 31 percent effective, U.S. researchers say.

The Thai Phase III HIV vaccine study, also known as RV144, began October 2003. The placebo-controlled trial tested the safety and effectiveness of two vaccines: ALVAC-HIV vaccine -- the primer dose that is a modified canarypox vaccine developed by Sanofi Pasteur, based in Lyon, France -- and AIDSVAX B/E vaccine -- the booster dose that is a glycoprotein 120 vaccine developed by Vaxgen Inc. and now licensed to Global Solutions for Infectious Diseases, based in South San Francisco.

The vaccines are based on the subtype B and E HIV strains that commonly circulate in Thailand. The subtype B HIV strain is the one most commonly found in the United States.

"These new findings represent an important step forward in HIV vaccine research," Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which provided major funding and other support for the study, said in a statement.

"For the first time, an investigational HIV vaccine has demonstrated some ability to prevent HIV infection among vaccinated individuals."

More information about the Thai Phase III HIV vaccine trial is at www.hivresearch.org.

Copyright 2009 by United Press International

Negative H1N1 test may not be negative

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 06:03:00 +0000

AS WE GET READY FOR WHAT IS FEARED TO BE AN EVEN WORST FLU SEASON, HERE ARE SOME FACTS WE MAY NEED TO KNOW!!!

ATLANTA (UPI) -- A positive rapid test for influenza is helpful, but a negative result does not rule out pandemic influenza A H1N1 infection, U.S. health officials said.

The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention's Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Report said Thursday two school outbreaks of pandemic influenza last May diagnosed at Greenwich Hospital in Connecticut afforded an opportunity to examine the performance of a rapid diagnostic test in detecting the pandemic virus formally called swine flu.

Dr. James R. Sabetta of the Greenwich Department of Health and the Connecticut Department of Public Health compared the results from rapid tests with the reverse transcriptase -- polymerase chain reaction assay.

A low sensitivity of 47 percent was found for the rapid test. The performance could not be explained by the clinical features of the patients or by the timing of the specimen collection, the report said.

The results affirm recent CDC recommendations not to use negative rapid test results for the management of patients with possible pandemic influenza A H1N1 infection, health officials said.

Copyright 2009 by United Press International

RAISINS MAY PREVENT TOOTH DECAY!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 05:30:00 +0000

HILO, Hawaii (UPI) -- A healthy alternative to sugary snacks -- raisins -- may actually prevent tooth damage, U.S. researchers say.

In addition to the polyphenols, flavonoids and iron in raisins, U.S. researchers also found germ-fighters that may suppress tooth disease.

One of the many antimicrobial phytochemicals found in raisins -- oleanolic acid -- has been shown to suppress the tooth disease-causing Streptococcus mutans biofilm.

Grape seed extract, high in proanthocyanidins, has been found to positively affect the in vitro demineralization and/or remineralization processes of damaged tooth root and may have the potential of being natural agent for non-invasive root caries -- cavities -- therapy, the researchers said.

The researchers hypothesized that raisins contain antimicrobial phytochemicals capable of suppressing oral pathogens associated with caries or periodontal diseases and thus benefit oral health.

The findings are described in a special supplement on grapes and health published in the Journal of Nutrition.

Copyright 2009 by United Press International

NO FOOL, LIKE AN OLD FOOL

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 07:31:00 +0000

It appears that when we get older we do not get wiser as was the belief back in the days of old. Today, it is common fact that the older we get the more foolish we become.

I have been doing a research and have spoken to 100 women ages 49 to 65 and the results shows that the older fremales become they soften and do things that they would never do when they were younger.

For example:
1. Allow grandchildren to do things they did not let their children do (Stay out late, talk back, sit around when visitors arrive)

2. Donate money to causes they know are false

3. Give grandchildren money freely while their own children had to work for their allowance

4. Wear clothes made of huge floral material and with a lot of frilly parts.

5. Wear clothes that were worn in the 60s to the embarassment of their family.

CAN YOU THINK OF ANYTHING ELSE THEY DO? YOU CAN SEND YOU ANSWERS TO belizeandreams@gmail.com

TO ALL THE WOMEN IN BELIZE WHO WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:18:00 +0000

Did you know... that if you took a vapor bath in Corozal Town at prehiSPAnico Cocoon at the corner of First St. St and Fourth Avenue you could lose weight. The Temazcal, vapor bath, is a Mayan version of the sauna in the USA with a better health value because it uses natural herbs.

Did you know... that fiber in your diet is good for losing weight?

Did you know... that OMNILIFE products can help you with health issues and also to lose weight while being healthy?

Did you know... that all you have to do is call 607 8315 or visit us in Corozal Town for more information.

So... what are you waiting for???

Did you know... that your health is in your hands??

I AM LIVING PROOF THAT OMNILIFE WORKS. YOU CAN BE NEXT!!!!

WHAT DO WE DO WHEN THE OTHER WOMAN IS A MARRIED WOMAN?

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 01:32:00 +0000

(WRITTEN FOR A FRIEND WHO ASKED FOR ADVICE)
Hell, the world is filled with men and women having extra marital affairs these days. Why is this so common in everyday living? Why is it that now it is common to see married woman becoming the other woman? The world has gone insane. And age is not a factor anymore!!Older women seem to have a problem with older husbands and are looking for younger men to become their "toy boy". Now we don´t even have to look far. They are right in our back yard. Damn, what is wrong with these 60 PLUS year olds??? Lordy, lordy!!! Grow up ladies. Have some dignity. And if your husband is acting like he does not know... you are fooling yourselves!!!! No man can be that stupid!!!

So what do we do. Darlings, don´t give in but let the B.... suffer for everything!!! They want to be a part of your life... well they can IF THEY PUT DOWN AND GIVE OUT. AFTER ALL WHAT DO THEY THINK THEY ARE GETTING? A FREEBIE? REMEMBER, There is only need for one person to be the stupid one!!! Then after awhile when they think that all is well and calm... ATTACK WITH EVIDENCE. Yes, darlings, collect evidence and use to protect and preserve that which is rightfully yours.

After all this is your life they have entered, you can´t let them take over... and remember YOU AREN´T THE OTHER WOMAN... and the b..... has her own man to go home to!!!

Comments... well, this is my view so you can have an opinion. Especially, if you are THE OTHER WOMAN!!!!

have a great day!!! PEACE!!!

CARNIVAL IN BELIZE 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 07:31:00 +0000

COROZAL TOWN CARNIVAL 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 07:53:00 +0000

CARNIVAL PAST IN BELIZE CITY AND COROZAL TOWN

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:47:00 +0000

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY, BELIZE

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 08:31:00 +0000

Today Belize is 28. Here´s hoping all Belizeans have a great day as we celebrate the freedom that we experience in this great little nation of ours.

Hip hip hooray!!

AS A NATION WE STAND TOGETHER. WE ARE ONE REGARDLESS OF RACE, COLOUR OR CREED. THIS IS BELIZE!!!!!

South African teen wins 800 amid gender-test flap

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 23:13:00 +0000

By RYAN LUCAS, Associated Press Writer

BERLIN (AP)—Facing questions about her gender, South African teenager Caster Semenya easily won the 800-meter gold medal Wednesday at the world championships.

Her dominating run came on the same day track and field’s ruling body said she was undergoing a gender test because of concerns she does not meet requirements to compete as a woman.

Semenya took the lead at the halfway mark and opened a commanding lead in the last 400 meters to win by a massive 2.45 seconds in a world-leading 1 minute, 55.45 seconds. Defending champion Janeth Jepkosgei was second and Jennifer Meadows of Britain was third in 1:57.93.

After crossing the line, Semenya dusted her shoulders with her hands. Semenya did not speak to reporters after the race or attend a news conference.

About three weeks ago, the international federation asked South African track and field authorities to conduct the verification test. Semenya had burst onto the scene by posting a world-leading time of 1:56.72 at the African junior championships in Maruitius.

Her dramatic improvement in times, muscular build and deep voice sparked speculation about her gender. Ideally, any dispute surrounding an athlete is dealt with before a major competition. But Semenya’s stunning rise from unknown teenage runner to the favorite in the 800 happened almost overnight. That meant the gender test—which takes several weeks—could not be completed in time.

Before the race, IAAF spokesman Nick Davies stressed this is a “medical issue, not an issue of cheating.” He said the “extremely complex” testing has begun. The process requires a physical medical evaluation and includes reports from a gynecologist, endocrinologist, psychologist, internal medicine specialist and gender expert.

South Africa team manager Phiwe Mlangeni-Tsholetsane would not confirm or deny that Semenya was having such a test.

“We entered Caster as a woman and we want to keep it that way,” Mlangeni-Tsholetsane said. “Our conscience is clear in terms of Caster. We have no reservations at all about that.”

Although medals will be awarded for the 800, the race remains under a cloud until the investigation is closed, and Semenya could be stripped of the gold depending on the test results, IAAF general secretary Pierre Weiss said.

“But today there is no proof and the benefit of doubt must always be in favor of the athlete,” Weiss said.

Semenya’s rivals said they tried not to dwell on the issue before the race.

“I’ve heard a lot of speculation, but all I could do was just keep a level head and go about my business,” Meadows said. “If none of it’s true, I feel very sorry for her.”

One thing not in doubt was Semenya’s outstanding run.

“Nobody else in the world can do that sort of time at the moment,” Meadows said. “She obviously took the race by storm.”

MOTHERS WHO HURT THEIR SONS

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 10:33:00 +0000

A MOTHER IS A RAY OF SUNSHINE, A SMILE A MILE LONG AND A HAND TO LEAD A CHILD INTO THE WORLD. (Brenda Ysaguirre)

I have thought long and hard on this topic and it blows my mind so I am going to write something that will hurt some mothers and hopeful will get them to change if they can, some won´t be able to, but this is for them to realize THAT THEY ARE HARMFUL AND INSTEAD OF HELPING HAD PROBABLY DESTROYED MORE THAN ONE PROBABLY GOOD HUMAN BEING!!!!

The topic may seem hot. You may wonder what the h... is she talking about? Mothers? Hurt their SONS?? By the time you finish reading it will blow your mind too, I believe.

Well, in this world today we know of a lot of abuse going on where children suffer at the hands of their parents. But what about those mothers who do so to older children and do not realize it? And to top it they have done it before in the past in some other form or fashion.

Mother A
Nice woman, nice family of four. Two sons. Is it possible to be a mother and not have the motherly instinct? Can´t be right? So what happens when the children you bring up into this world end up being failures and break your heart. They become drug addicts and jail birds and you still want to believe you tried your best.Let me tell you right now, your children´s failure will always be your failure.

Mother B
Only son. Shouldn´t do anything. Not a single thing. Hahaha. Stop, look and listen. In this harsh world you better let that boy learn that life is hard. Let him mow the lawn, wash dishes, sweep the house, wash his socks and then gradually promote him to washing his briefs and clothes. He probably has more dirty clothes in the wash bin than anyone else in the house anyway!!! Gone is the day of the prince of the house. Life will teach him to be independent if HIS MOTHER HELPS HIM TO BE INDEPENDENT!!!

Mother C
Lord, preserve us!! This is the mother who failed with the older sons and decides to try to make amends with the new kid on the block. But she goes and does the same darn thing by buying him all he WANTS and needs. All his whims and craving are answered. Mother, my a**. You have helped to destroy a great mind.

DO I REALLY HAVE TO GO ON WITH EXAMPLES???? JUST ABOUT RIGHT NOW SOME MOTHERS ARE SAYING.. SHE IS TALKING ABOUT ME. HOW DOES SHE KNOW ME SO WELL? I DON´T KNOW HER AT ALL. TO BE TRUTHFUL, YOU DON´T HAVE TO KNOW ME. BUT THESE ARE REAL LIVE EXAMPLES I WAS USING HERE OF PEOPLE I KNOW. THAT IS WHY I AM SO PISSED OFF. IF IT WAS JUST THE FICTIOUS MOTHER I COULD BE HAPPY.

A note to mothers everywhere:

In the first place you should not have to buy your child´s friendship, if he is yours by birth or adopted. There is no reason you have to give and give and give. And I am talking about giving to grown men who should be able to fend for themselves. God preserve the mother who makes this mistake and tries to buy the love of the son who should be self reliant by now. YOU HAVE CREATED A MONSTER, WOMAN!!! YOU HAVE CREATED THE BEAST OF ALL BEASTS. In your search for peace you have created chaos. Look around you. Are you proud of what you do? I do not think so. So..... is there something you should be doing. Maybe get a shrink to clear your mind????? I give up. This is too much stress. I do this to myself all the time when I get serious in this blog.

But seriously, please, mothers, BECOME MOTHERS, NOT SLAVES, NOT THE PURSE AND NOT THE PUPPET!!!

Have a great day and God help and bless all the mothers of the world who know the true meaning of motherhood.

ALL THE GOOD WE GET FROM FRUITS AND VEGGIES... FROM GOD, WITH LOVE!!

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 22:31:00 +0000

It's been said that God first separated the salt water from the fresh, made dry land, planted a garden, made animals and fish... All before making a human. He made and provided what we'd need before we were born. These are best & mo re powerful when eaten raw. We're such slow learners...

God left us a great clue as to what foods help what part of our body!
God's Pharmacy! Amazing!

A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye... And YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.
A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All of the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure heart and blood food.
Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.
A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop mo re than three (3) dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.
Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.
Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many mo re look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.
Avocadoes, Eggplant and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hor mo nes, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) mo nths to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods ( mo dern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).
Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mo bility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterility.
Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.
Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries
Oranges, Grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the mo vement of lymph in and out of the breasts.
Onions look like the body's cells. Today's research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A working companion, Garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.

ONE OF THE BEST

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:27:00 +0000

While the C-5 was turning over its engines, a female crewman gave the G.I.s on board the usual
information regarding seat belts, emergency exits, etc.

Finally, she said, 'Now sit back and enjoy your trip while your captain, Judith Campbell, and crew
take you safely to Afghanistan '

An old MSgt. sitting in the eighth row thought to himself,
'Did I hear her right? Is the captain a woman? '

When the attendant came by he said 'Did I understand you right? Is the captain a woman?'
'Yes,'! said the attendant, 'In fact, this entire crew is female.'

THIS WILL NOT CHANGE IN BELIZE... AT LEAST NOT TODAY!!

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 22:33:00 +0000

I keep wondering when things will change in Belize. Well, today I have decided to stop wondering. I have come face to face with a reality that is too much. Things will never change in Belize. That can be good or bad. Depending on what it is you are thinking or doing.

1. Belizean Bad Mind
This will never change. There will always be envy, hatred and jealousy towards each other because we cannot help ourselves. We compare ourselves to others, we want what they have and we want to see them suffer. THAT IS THE TRUTH ABOUT BELIZEAN BAD MIND.

2. Jobs SCARCITY
This will never change. We have so many young people coming out of Univeristy and Sixth Form these days and there will NEVER be enough jobs for them to each have at least one! This will create laziness because when the sould seeker of a job realizes there isn´t that dream job he or she was expecting, they will loose heart and ssit back and relax in this jewel called Belize.

3. Crime Rate Going UP
This will not change. Because there are not enough jobs, and because some people prefer to no work, we will have a lot of criminals looking for the easy way to attaining things. Sad but true. We create criminals.

4. The Cost of Living Going UP.
This will not change. All we can do right now is sit back and hurt! Everything is going up except our salaries!! So the shop keeper sees less of us buying in stores and we see less food on our tables. Then the Government goes into schools and say the children are under nourished!! Hell, I wonder why!! Do you?

SO WHAT WILL CHANGE? WHAT WILL BE DIFFERENT?
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. YOU CAN MAKE A CHANGE. DO YOU WANT TO?
LOOK DEEP WITHIN YOUR HEARTY AND SAY "I CAN MAKE A CHANGE. I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE." THAT IS STEP ONE!

Step two is to get up and be heard. YOU HAVE A VOICE. USE IT. SAY HOW YOU REALLY FEEL. FORGET POLITICS. IT DOES NOT FEED US. IT DOES NOT CLOTH US. NOW IS THE TIME TO MAKE A CHANGE. NOW IS THE TIME TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

THE CHOICE IS YOURS. SPEAK OR FOREVER HOLD YOUR PEACE!!!!

Diabetics can lower heart attack risk

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 22:12:00 +0000

CAMBRIDGE, England (UPI) -- A meta-analysis found people who have diabetes but maintain low-blood sugar levels are at less risk for heart attacks, researchers in Britain say.

Dr. Kausik Ray of the University of Cambridge and colleagues said the meta-analysis pooled information from five large trials.

The study, published in The Lancet, determined there was a 17 percent reduction in heart attacks and a 15 percent reduction in coronary heart disease. The study also found a more modest trend toward reduction of strokes with intensive control of glucose levels compared with standard care.

The researchers, in contrast to smaller studies that suggested possible harm from better blood sugar control, found no adverse impact on the risk of death from any cause.

The five trials involved more than 33,000 individuals, including 1,497 heart attack cases, 2,318 cases of coronary heart disease and 1,227 strokes.

"Previous studies have been inconclusive, leaving diabetics and their doctors unsure as to whether maintaining lower blood-sugar levels actually benefited the patients," Ray, the lead author, said in a statement.

"Although additional research needs to be conducted, our findings provide insight into the importance of improving glucose levels, which should include lifestyle changes as well as medication."
Copyright 2009 by United Press International

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CAROLYN ANGELA

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:32:00 +0000

Today is a day I always look back to and remember when my baby girl was born. It is a day I think changed my life forever in a very good way. I may have made many mistakes in my 50 years of life but I can never and will never call the day Carolyn Angela was born as anything other than one of the best days of my life. I have remembered that day, now 29 years later with great love, joy and peace in my heart and soul. It is like it was only yesterday that I held that little baby in my arms for the first time and smiled at her as she looked back at me. She was not a greedy baby and for the first day did not feed at all. I was worried but the nurses told me not to as it was probable that she was full from all the food I had been eating prior to her birth. Tia Brenda was ecstatic that night when Carolyn was born. In the years to follow she was nanny and aunt and grandma to this child that lit up our world. Grandma Ada was also very proud and please with this new addition to the family. Yes, Carolyn Angela, you were and are a blessing that came one June 26th and stayed to light up our world.

Daugther of my life, baby of my heart and child of my soul YOU are everything to me.

You are the sunshine each morning and the stars at night.
You are my mornings battles and my peace at night.
You give my strenght and you give me love.
There is one thing I know, You are a blessing from above.
So on this your birthday I send you this thought,
Knowing and accepting all the joy that you´ve brought.
For the stars in the sky can never shine as bright,
As the child I held on that late June night.

Happy Birthday, baby.
I love you, Mama.

Brenda A. Ysaguirre

COME ON, LADIES, WE CAN DO IT!!

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:59:00 +0000

Study: Women underrepresented in science
NEW YORK (UPI) -- A national survey commissioned by L'Oreal USA finds 65 percent of U.S. adults cannot name a single famous female scientist.

The telephone survey, conducted by the Opinion Research Corp, also found 74 percent of U.S. adults believe women are underrepresented in science-related fields.

L'Oreal USA said it commissioned the survey of 1,000 people in April as part of its commitment to raise awareness of women's contributions to science and the need to encourage more women to pursue science-related careers.

Approximately half (48 percent) of those polled said the United States lags behind other nations in terms of investing in scientific research, development and discovery while U.S. adults overwhelmingly believe science has a significant impact on innovation, economic growth and job creation.

The survey also showed 97 percent of U.S. citizens believe women are capable of making significant contributions to scientific research. Nearly nine of 10 (87 percent) survey respondents said more women are needed in science-related fields to ensure scientific and technological progress, while 59 percent said an underrepresentation of women in science-related fields could hinder U.S. advancements in science, as well as in economic growth.

No margin of error was provided for the survey.

Copyright 2009 by United Press International

DEPRESSION CAN BE DUE TO PREEMIES

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:45:00 +0000

Preemies linked to mom's depression
SEATTLE (UPI) -- Prepregnancy depression appears to be a risk factor in preterm birth among both black and white mothers, U.S. researchers said.

Amelia Gavin of the University of Washington said black women, however, have nearly two times the odds of having a preterm birth compared to white women.

"Preterm births are one of the most significant health disparities in the United States and the overall number of these births increased from 10.6 percent in 2000 to 12.8 percent in 2005," Gavin said in a statement.

For this study, premature birth was defined as any child born after less than 37 weeks of gestation.

Normal gestation ranges from 38-42 weeks. Data for the study was drawn from a larger longitudinal investigation looking at the risks for cardiovascular disease among more than 5,000 young adults in four metropolitan areas.

The study, published in the Journal of Women's Health, found 18.1 percent of the black women had a preterm birth compared to 8.5 percent of the white women.

This difference may be the result of what she calls "weathering," or accelerated declines in health due to repeated socioeconomic and political factors.

Copyright 2009 by United Press International

HAPPY FATHER´S DAY TO ALL THE FATHERS OF THE WORLD

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:17:00 +0000

There is so mauch going on in this world today but TODAY we take time out for the men in this world who through the miraccle of birth have become fathers. Now we know some of you go all the way for your children while others have fallen on the wayside.

To those who need a little push to get back on track I say, "Come on guys. YOU ARE FATHERS. YOU have CHILDREN. YOU can make a difference in their lives."

It can´t be all that hard. After all you marvelled when they were born. You adored their little fingers and toes. So what went wrong. You can never stop being a father once you have become one. The choice is not something you can revoke. So take it like a man. YOU ARE A FATHER. YOU are SPECIAL.

Top those men who have done all and continue to do all for the children they helped to brinmg into this world I say, " Job well done. YOU ARE THE PILLAR ON WHICH YOUR CHILDREN WILL BUILD THEIR OWN FOUNDATIONS. YOU ARE LOVED. YOU GIVE LOVE. YOU brought JOY and HAPPINESS INTO THIS WORLD AND YOU CONTINUE TO SHOW THAT YOU ARE COMMITTED TO YOUR STATUS AS A FATHER. THANK FOR CARING. THANKS FOR BEING A DAD. HAPPY FATHER´S DAY.

To my Dad somewhere in heaven building bridges and buildings, I would like to say, "Thanks dad for making me as strong as you did. Thanks for setting my foundation and thanks for being there for me. I love you even though you are gone. I can nefver forget all the wonderful things you have done for me and all the wonderful times we shared. Siqgy, you are the best dad a girl could have ever asked for. All my love always.

IT´S ALL WITH IKE!!

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 17:15:00 +0000

Baby boomlet trails Hurricane Ike
HOUSTON (UPI) -- Doctors in the Houston area say the power outage that followed Hurricane Ike last year seems to have led to a miniature baby boom.

Dr. John Irwin, president of Obstetrical and Gynecological Associates, told the Houston Chronicle he has 26 deliveries scheduled for June, a month in which he normally delivers 15 to 20 babies. Other doctors in his practice have seen a similar rise in numbers, he said.

Ike hit the Gulf Coast of Texas Sept. 12, with the eye making landfall on Galveston Island early the next morning. Thousands of people were without power for four days, losing access to television, computers and other modern distractions.

Dr. Rakhi Dimino, an obstetrician/gynecologist at Houston Women's Care Associates, is both an observer and a participant in the baby boom. She told the Chronicle her baby is due June 10.

"What everybody else in Houston was doing," Dimino told the Chronicle when asked how she and her husband spent the days after the storm. "You can only do so much when there's no television, nothing open and there's nowhere to go."

Copyright 2009 by United Press International

13 simple tips for seriously better sex

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 04:08:00 +0000

Never in the mood? These surprising secrets will have you craving more
Can you remember the last time you couldn’t wait to get home and shimmy between the sheets?
Was it last week, last month? Last... year? We get it: Sometimes it’s easier to give into your excuses — I’m too tired, let’s just do it this weekend, it doesn’t even feel that great to begin with. But we don’t need to tell you that sex is essential for a healthy marriage — and also a healthy you. Research shows that a happy sex life can stamp out stress, reduce heart disease risk, and even improve immunity. But enough of the non-sexy talk. Try just one of these libido-lifting tricks today. You can thank us later.
1. Take a lunchtime stroll
Research shows that the more fit you are, the more sex you’ll crave. In a study of women ages 45 to 55, sexual satisfaction correlated directly to fitness. "The less exercise they got, the lower their desire and sexual satisfaction," says study author Judith R. Gerber, PhD, a psychologist at the University of Vermont College of Medicine.
2. Book a rubdown
A pampering massage not only relieves stress... but "the skin-on-skin contact stimulates the sex hormone oxytocin," says Ian Kerner, PhD, author of She Comes First. "The more oxytocin released, the more desire a woman will feel." If you don’t want to spring for a full hour-plus session (which can cost $100 or more), tack on a 10-minute session at the nail salon after a manicure.
3. Read something hot
Skip the evening news and flip through a sexy novel instead.
Erotic literature "can quickly jump-start arousal," says Carol Queen, PhD, a sexologist who works at Good Vibrations, a female-owned sex shop in San Francisco. She recommends the Herotica series, written by women, and "The Diary of Anais Nin."
"Perfect for anyone who's not ready to get into bold four-letter words," says Queen.
4. Get really relaxed
Just a few meditation sessions can jack up your sex drive and speed arousal.
Researchers at Canada's University of British Columbia and Israel's Hadassah University Hospital measured reactions among 24 women watching an erotic film, then again after the subjects had attended three mindfulness meditation courses. Watching the same movie, the women were markedly more turned on than during the first viewing. "Mindfulness can directly change brain processing and allow women to experience arousal more acutely," says study co-author Lori Brotto, PhD.

5. Pop a multi
Too tired to feel sexy? It may be a diet deficiency.
Two overlooked nutrients may be to blame for sex-derailing exhaustion. "Low folate levels can make you feel tired, with no energy for sex," says Martha Morris, PhD, a Tufts University researcher; national surveys show that many women aren't getting enough of this B vitamin. And low iron can deplete brain neurotransmitters, which can lead to lethargy, says Swiss researcher Bernard Favrat, MD. The fix for both problems: a daily multivitamin with 100% of the DV for iron (18 mg) and folate (400 mcg).
6. Break a sweat beforehand
Exercise primes your body to get in the mood.
For some people, exercising too close to bedtime makes it hard for them to sleep. Take advantage of that found energy. "After 35 to 40 minutes of moderate exercise, everything in your body is going right," says Janet Hyde, PhD, a professor of psychology and women's studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. "Your blood is circulating, your nervous system is firing, so scheduling sex right after you exercise makes for good sex."
7. Smell your way sexy
These surprising scents will move you from the kitchen to the bedroom.
Cucumber, licorice, and baby powder have been shown to turn women on, increasing vaginal blood flow by 13 percent. Pumpkin pie and lavender increase blood flow by 11 percent. Try this: To cap a romantic dinner, serve pumpkin pie and keep a cucumber-scented sachet next to your pillow.
8. Ask about those little blue pills
The same meds that put your partner in the mood may also give your sex drive a lift.

Pills like Viagra increase blood flow to the genital area — something women need for arousal just as much as men do. Though the FDA hasn't approved the pill for women, doctors can prescribe it off-label. Ask your healthcare provider if these meds might help you too.

So if your sex drive stinks because your whoopee lacks whoop or your hormones are running amok, a physical boost may re-ignite interest, says Laura Berman, PhD, founder of the Berman Center. However, if you're slumped because you hate your thighs, resent your husband, or are simply more overworked than worked up, no pill will put you in the mood. It may just give you another headache — a common side effect. Your best bet is to work through those issues.
9. Check your medicine cabinet
Any antidepressants in there? They could be stealing your orgasm.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class of drugs that includes Prozac and Zoloft, "are probably the number one cause of anorgasmia [inability to have an orgasm]," says Andrew Goldstein, MD, of the Sexual Wellness Center in Annapolis, MD. They short-circuit your pleasure center by decreasing levels of the brain chemical dopamine (one of the sexual triumvirate, along with estrogen and testosterone). "People on SSRIs can lack that full range of emotion. They don't get very depressed about anything, but they don't get very excited about anything, either," says Goldstein.

If that zombie-like feeling is torpedoing your love life, ask your doctor whether you could switch to Wellbutrin, a drug that raises dopamine levels (preliminary studies show it may improve sexual desire in non-depressed women). One con: Wellbutrin can cause anxiety, which is common in depressed people. If you're taking a shorter-acting SSRI, such as Zoloft or the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor Effexor, you may be able — with your doc's okay — to take a short drug holiday. "If you don't take it Friday morning, on Friday night and Saturday you can have intercourse and have an orgasm," says Goldstein.
10. Patch it up
If your sex drive has cooled down — because of hormone abnormalities or surgery — a testosterone patch may help rekindle your fire.
Over half of the 64 women who tried it in a University Hospitals of Cleveland study reported a big boost — nearly twice those with a placebo patch — resulting in four or five additional "satisfying" sexual episodes per month. Keep in mind: The patches are approved only for men, though about 20 percent are prescribed for women off-label.