Learn about Health Fraud at "Quack Watch"

As world wide web is a rich source of useful information, tips and guides for health related topics, there are a lot of health fraud sites, which mislead you with the non trusted products and information. It is our right to learn about those fraud sites, products or information, because knowledge is the first step to be aware of those scams. "Quack Watch" is a site helping you learn about these matters.

What is "Quack Watch"?

"Quack Watch" is a member of Consumer Federation of America from 1973 through 2003, and a nonprofit corporation.

Mission:

To combat health-related frauds, myths, fads, fallacies, and misconduct. Its primary focus is on quackery-related information that is difficult or impossible to get elsewhere.

Their activities include:

- Investigating questionable claims
- Answering inquiries about products and services
- Advising quackery victims
- Distributing reliable publications
- Debunking pseudoscientific claims
- Reporting illegal marketing
- Assisting or generating consumer-protection lawsuits
- Improving the quality of health information on the Internet
- Attacking misleading advertising on the Internet

They maintain 21 additional sites for autism, chiropractic, dentistry, multilevel marketing, and many other hot topics.

Few helpful site from them:
Bioethics Watch' highlights issues of questionable research on humans.

To know more about the sites from "Quack watch": 'Mission'

'Internet Health Pilot' site provides links to hundreds of reliable health sites.

'Casewatch' site contains a large library of legal cases, licensing board actions, government sanctions, and regulatory actions against questionable medical products.

They have advisory board and discussion forum. You can also subscribe to their newsletter for updated news and articles.

12 tips to Improve your creative abilities

Research studies prove that "people who keep learning and stay mentally active increase their odds of retaining good brain function as they age. The more you use your brain, the stronger it gets — and the longer it stays strong."

Can we improve our creative abilities?

If we are aware of the importance of "creativity" then we can definately try to improve it. We as a teacher usually don't encourage creativity among children. We are used to a system which teach us to follow instruction and we judge the best students by estimating the level they follow the teachers. It is good that development in education system has made it possible to develop creative skills.

According to "Wikipedia":

"Creativity is a mental process involving the generation of new ideas or concepts, or new associations of the creative mind between existing ideas or concepts.

From a scientific point of view, the products of creative thought (sometimes referred to as divergent thought) are usually considered to have both originality and appropriateness. An alternative, more everyday conception of creativity is that it is simply the act of making something new."

Another definition says: "Creative thinking is the process we use to develop ideas that are unique, usefulm and worthy of further elaboration"

These tips are provided by the "University of Michigan College of Engineering" which is a global leader in engineering education and research.


"Tips to Improve Your Creative Abilities"

1- Keep track of your ideas at all times. Many times ideas come at unexpected times. If an idea is not written down within 24 hours it will usually be forgotten

2- Pose new questions to yourself every day. An inquiring mind is a creatively active one that enlarges its area of awareness.

3- Keep abreast of your field. Read the magazines, trade journals, and other literature in your field to make sure you are not using yesterday's technology to solve toady's problems.

4- Engage in creative hobbies. Hobbies can also help you relax. An active mind is necessary for creative growth.

5- Have courage and self-confidence. Be a paradigm pioneer. Assume that you can and will indeed solve the problem Persist and have the tenacity to overcome obstacles that block the solution pathway.

6- Learn to know and understand yourself. Deepen your self-knowledge by learning your real strengths, skills, weaknesses, dislike, biases, expectations, fears and prejudices.

7- Learn about things outside your specialty. Use cross-fertilization to bring ideas and concepts from one field or specialty to another.

8- Avoid rigid, set patterns of doing things. Overcome biases and preconceived notions by looking at the problem from a fresh view point, always developing at least two or more alternative solutions to your problem.

9- Be open and receptive to ideas (yours and others). New ideas are fragile; keep them from breaking by seizing on the tentative, half formed concepts and possibilities and developing them.

10- Be alert in your observations. Look for similarities, differences, as well as unique and distinguishing features in situations and problems.

11- Adopt a risk taking attitude. Fear of failure is the major impediment to generating solutions which are risky (i.e., small chance of succeeding) but would have a major impact if they are successful. Outlining the ways you could fail and how you would deal with these failures will reduce this obstacle to creativity.

12- Keep your sense of humor. You are more creative when you are relaxed. Humor aids in putting your problems (and yourself) in perspective. Many times it relieves tension and makes you more relaxed.


Source

More links:

- CREA Italia is a non-profit association dedicated to the development and promotion of creativity and Creative Problem Solving in Italy and in Europe, mainly in sectors such as education and business, but also for all those people looking for new and innovative personal development paths.

- THE AMERICAN CREATIVITY ASSOCIATION is a primary resource for learning and applying creativity, innovation, problem-solving, and ideation theory, tools, and techniques.

What they offer: They offer a global network of creative professionals in disciplines ranging from business and industry to education and the arts.

Download Free E-Book "Wellness From Within"

I love to read self help, health related article, books and blogs. I was really amazed to see that health related free stuff and information is easily available on the world wide web, you only need to search cleverly. I have written many posts about FREE e-books which are available to download and there is a lot to learn from those inspirational and motivational books.
At the bottom of the post you can find the links to the related posts.

If you could choose to enjoy better health, would you be interested?
Do increased energy, greater enthusiasm, and an enhanced sense of well-being appeal to you?
How about a greater sense of joy?

The good news is, these things are possible for you. Within yourself, you have the power you need to create wellness in your life. That power is your power of choice.

"Wellness From Within: The First Step" helps you to understand the power you have to effect change using your everyday lifestyle choices and the importance of being an active participant. It introduces you to the relationship between your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects. There is a section modeling your role in your relationship with the healthcare professionals supporting you on your healing journey.

"Health is more than the absence of disease" According to the World Health Organization, "Health is more than the absence of disease. Health is a state of optimal well-being." Optimal well-being is a concept of health that goes beyond the curing of illness to one of achieving wellness.
Achieving wellness requires balancing the various aspects of the whole person. These aspects are physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. This broader, holistic approach to health involves the integration of all of these aspects and is an ongoing process.
The American Holistic Health Association (AHHA) has developed this booklet to help you achieve wellness in your life. It will answer some of the most commonly asked questions about the holistic approach to health and wellness and start you on your path to optimal well-being.

This FREE booklet is provided in many formats:

- Online - Click here to enjoy reading the complete text online.

- Audio - Click here for access to listen to the booklet online or download to your iPod or computer.

- Downloadable pdf - Click here for a pdf verison you can download and printout on your own printer. Note: This is a 30 page document.

Related posts:

- free e-books for every visitor of this site

- Amazing story of a sick woman who cured herself!

- How to be happy?

- Resources to download hundreds of free self help e-books!

Note: I would appreciate if you could help me finding more links to self help, self development books (FREE of cours)- Mention the link in your comments field!

How to stimulate creativity?

If you want to stimulate creativity within you, then you should learn about how brain works. The more we use our brain, more we can be creative or intelligent. But we need to know how to stimulate the skills we have.

How brain works?
Brain actually uses different parts for different types of thought processing.
- The 'now' brain
One part of our brain does a fantastic job busily working away on all of our current tasks, but this is not always the best with coming up with new ideas or problem solving.
- Creative brain
Another part of the brain processes the more complicated or creative thoughts and this tends to process away without any conscious effort. So without realising it, our brain is actually working hard for us on all sorts of ideas. All we need to do is take the time to listen.

The real key to creative thinking is to find ways to turn down the busy 'now' processing part of the brain, which tends to shout over and block the creative part of the brain. This explains why so many of our problem solving ideas come at rather random moments.

Tips helping you listen to your creative brain.

1. Take a shower
Don’t rush, but let the hot water wash away any limitations to thinking freely. This is where I get all my best ideas.
2. Go for a long run or walk
Go at a steady pace and let your mind do the rest.
3. Get a massage
Close your eyes and let your imagination float while your “quiet” massage therapist works away.
4. Yoga
This really stretches and relaxes the body but is really good for unwinding the mind.
5. Talk, talk, talk
Talking things through can be a great way to untangle the knots inside your head. Find a great listener.
6. Listen
Take time out and just listen to other people. This can be at work, in the street or anywhere. Ideas are often found floating on the wind.
7. Stop!
Just stop what you are doing, leave it and go do something completely different for a while.
8. Meditate
Great for turning off the world and opening yourself to new possibilities.
9. Go for a long swim
The repetitive nature is really great for freeing the mind.
10. Go home and sleep on it
A new day with new energy and new ideas.

Problem solving skills-ten ways to stimulate creativity

Doodling is a way to stimulate creativity. Doodles are fun and effective creative thinking exercises.

- 10 Steps for
Boosting Creativity
- 10 Creative Myths
People have a lot of misconceptions about creativity. This article tells you about typical bad assumptions people make about creativity and innovation.

For more articles on creativity: articles on creativity

Related posts:

What is creativity and how to be creative?
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"Finger Tips" - A blog about Message Therapy

I have personally learned "Massage Therapy" basics from an accupressure consultant and noticed the benefits of massage therapy myself. I have plan to write more about "Shiatsu", "Accupressure", or "Massage therapy" because this system offers the free treatment of any ailments. I use massage or acupressure therapy myself for common sickness and found it really effective.

Today I am here with a review of a blog "Finger Tips" which is written by a practicing, nationally certified licensed massage therapist, and offers tips, pointers and information about improved health and wellness. Massage therapy news and insights are also covered.

Few article links:
- How Snoozing Makes You Smarter

- The Endocrine System

- Tennis Ball as Pressure Point Accessory

Related post:

When a journalist devoted his life for a volunteer purpose!'

Download free e-book '"Next Steps After Your Diagnosis"

Research shows that patients who are more involved in their health care tend to get better results and be more satisfied. Download this free e-book which would help you take care of yourself after the diagnosis.

Like so many other people in your situation, you might be feeling one or more of the following emotions after getting your diagnosis:

"Afraid. Alone. Angry. Anxious. Ashamed. Confused. Depressed. Helpless. In denial.Numb. Overwhelmed. Panicky. Powerless. Relieved (that you finally know what's wrong). Sad. Shocked. Stressed."

It is perfectly normal to have these feelings. It is also normal, and very common, to have trouble taking in and understanding information after you receive the news—especially if the diagnosis was a surprise. And it can be even harder to make decisions about treating or managing your disease or condition.

Your doctor gave you a diagnosis that could change your life. This document can help you take the next steps. Every person is different, of course, and every person's disease or condition will affect them differently. But research shows that after getting a diagnosis, many people have some of the same reactions and needs.

Five Basic Steps

This document describes five basic steps to help you cope with your diagnosis, make decisions, and get on with your life.

Step 1: Take the time you need. Do not rush important decisions about your health. In most cases, you will have time to carefully examine your options and decide what is best for you.

Step 2: Get the support you need. Look for support from family and friends, people who are going through the same thing you are, and those who have "been there." They can help you cope with your situation and make informed decisions.

Step 3: Talk with your doctor. Good communication with your doctor can help you feel more satisfied with the care you receive. Research shows it can even have a positive effect on things such as symptoms and pain. Getting a "second opinion" may help you feel more confident about your care.

Step 4: Seek out information. When learning about your health problem and its treatment, look for information that is based on a careful review of the latest scientific findings published in medical journals.

Step 5: Decide on a treatment plan. Work with your doctor to decide on a treatment plan that best meets your needs..

Although most of the published research referred to in this publication focuses on cancer, it likely is relevant to people with other diseases and conditions as well.

"Next Steps After Your Diagnosis" offers general advice for people with almost any disease or condition. And it has tips to help you learn more about your specific problem and how it can be treated.

The information here is presented in a simple way to help you scan the material and read only what you need right now. Organizations, publications, and other resources are included if you would like to know more. This online version has many additional resources with their Internet links.

Download link: 28 page pdf version of"Next Steps After Your Diagnosis"

Hard facts about drug companies and their marketing strategies

There are some codes of ethics which drug companies had to follow while marketing their products in the market. But according to a report provided by "US PIRG" the real picture is that "drug companies are marketing the latest, most expensive drugs by offering expensive gifts to doctors- and result is over-prescription of the newest drugs. Clearly these marketing efforts do not rely solely on scientific research and medical benefits.

This over-prescribing causes three problems for consumers.
- First, these drugs are the most expensive for consumers – who end up paying twice, as they ultimately pay for the gifts given to doctors as well.

- Second, because the newest drugs have been on the market for a shorter time than the older ones, they are among the least-tested, with potentially unknown side effects.

- Finally, drug company marketing to doctors damages the exclusivity of the doctor-patient relationship, as drug marketers shoulder their way into the consulting room.

Currently, drug companies are allowed to set their own standards for their marketing to doctors. They are required by California’s Senate Bill 1765, however, to adopt a limit on the total value of the gifts they can give to a particular doctor in a given year, and post this information to their web sites.

This white paper examines the rules the drug companies have set for themselves, assesses whether they comply with the minimum requirements of SB 1765, and identifies aspects of the drug company rules that are deeply problematic. Among our findings:

-Drug companies fail to count some meals and other payments as “gifts,” and therefore not subject to the limit;
-Some companies reserve the right to exceed their limits if they so choose;
-Others assert that they are following a limit, but do not disclose what that limit actually is, while a few fail even to post their policies at all.
It is clear that drug companies cannot be trusted to actually protect consumers through voluntary restrictions on their direct-to-doctor marketing. By playing by their own rules, the manufacturers have created limits that in many cases fail to constrain their actions at all. Fortunately, there are common-sense policies that will restrain direct-to-doctor marketing to an appropriate scope. These include:

-Putting in place hard, enforceable limits on per-doctor gifts;
-Publicly disclosing all gift and non-gift payments;
-Encouraging access to disinterested, third-party informational resources on drug safety and efficacy.

source link:
Playing by Their Own Rules

Download the pdf version of full report.