Tips To Help Prevent You From Losing Your Wallet

The wallet is one apparel accessory item that can be lost or stolen quite easily, and you never know when it could happen to you. If you want to keep your wallet safe at all times, keep these few tips in mind.

Know Where Your Wallet Is At All Times

The key to prevent the loss of your wallet is to raise your awareness of where it is at all times. When you keep tabs on it, you're less likely to forget where you put it last or not pay attention to whether or not it is still in your back pocket. Most of the time when people lose their wallet it is because they simply lost track of what they were doing and didn't pay attention to their personal belongings.

When you make it a point to verify whether you have everything that you brought with you in the first place, including your wallet, then you can be sure that you still have it on you. Tourists often have trouble with this because they are distracted by everything that is going on around them. Being in a brand new place can be an exciting time for tourists, but it can also make things very easy for those who pick pocket.

Keep It In A Safe Place

The back pocket of your jeans might not always be the safest place to keep your wallet, especially if you're walking the streets of a foreign country where pick pocketing is common. This is the most targeted location for wallets, so you might want to consider choosing a different spot on you to keep your wallet. Consider storing it in a front pocket of some sort. Thieves are less likely to go for a pocket on your front side because you can easily make contact with them.

Purchase A More Secure Wallet

You might also consider buying a wallet that comes with a little more security. One type of wallet in particular is one that comes with a chain attached to it. The chain is attached to the wallet itself and it also has a clip on the other end that you can attach to your clothing or anything else that will help keep it securely fastened to you at all times.

Losing a wallet can be quite devastating especially if you have a lot of money, credit cards, and other important personal items. If you want to keep yours safe, follow these few tips and you'll never have to worry about having this happen to you.

Vitamin D

Introduction

One of the fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin D constitutes two major forms which are vitamin D2 or ergocalciferol and vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol. Vitamin D2 is synthesised by plants while vitamin D3 is synthesised by the body. Vitamin D is naturally present in a number of food sources and dietary supplements, and is also manufactured with the aid of sun exposure. It is produced within the body when ultraviolet-B or UVB rays from sunlight reaches the skin. The liver and the kidney eventually help to convert vitamin D to an active hormone form.

Functions of Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays several key roles in the maintenance of organ systems. For example:

*    Vitamin D helps regulate calcium concentrations in the blood. Since it works more like a hormone, its active form, calcitriol acts with the parathyroid hormone or PTH. If the calcium level is low, this would trigger the secretion of PTH, which would stimulate the conversion of vitamin D to calcitriol. Calcitriol would then act to increase calcium absorption in the intestines, calcium resorption in the kidneys and stimulate calcium release from the bones. 

*    Vitamin D helps maintain blood phosphorus levels. Low levels of vitamin D can result in an overactive parathyroid gland. Also with inadequate phosphorus in the body, bones cannot undergo normal mineralisation. 

*    It is also said that vitamin D benefits the immune system since the T-cells or immune cells have receptors for vitamin D. It acts by boosting phagocytosis, the bodily functions to combat tumours, modulate neuromuscular and immune functions and reduce inflammation. 

*    Vitamin D is also responsible for maintaining normal cell growth and function. It may be an important element to the prevention and treatment of cancer. It has also been suggested that vitamin D plays a role in regulating the growth and function of brain cells. 

*    Research studies suggest that vitamin D, because of its anti-inflammatory effect, plays a role in providing protection against osteoporosis, hypertension, cancer, type 1 diabetes, psoriasis and numerous autoimmune diseases.

Deficiency Conditions

There may be certain underlying causes of vitamin D deficiency. It can result from:

*    Inadequate vitamin D intake together with inadequate sun exposure

*    Certain disorders that compromise vitamin D absorption

*    Conditions that can impair the conversion of vitamin D metabolites such as kidney or liver diseases or hereditary disorders. 

Insufficient vitamin D intake can have serious effects on the bones, which can make them thin, brittle or deformed. Vitamin D deficiency often results in conditions like: 

*    Rickets which is common in children and is characterised by delayed growth and deformity of long bones. 

*    Osteomalacia, which occurs in adults and results in thinning of the bones. Signs of proximal weakness and bone fragility are familiar characteristics.

*    Osteoporosis which is a condition wherein the bone mineral density is reduced and bone fragility is increased. 

Lack of vitamin D may also be linked to increased susceptibility of several chronic diseases like high blood pressure, cancer, tuberculosis, periodontal disease, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, schisophrenia, depression, affective disorders, peripheral arterial disease and a number of autoimmune diseases such as type-1 diabetes. 

Deficiency Symptoms in Adults and Infants

Signs of vitamin D deficiency includes muscle aches, myopathy or muscle weakness and bone pain. These symptoms can occur at any age. Pregnant mothers who have vitamin D deficiency can also cause fetal deficiency.

In younger infants, rickets can produce a condition called craniotabes or softening of the skull. In older babies, rickets can impede or delay sitting and crawling and the closure of the fontanels; bossing of the infants' skull and presence of costochondral thickening or what is referred to as 'rachitic rosary.' Children with rickets aged 1-4 years old experience epiphyseal cartilage enlargements on the long bones and delayed walking. Older children and adolescents can experience pain upon walking and in worst cases it can result in 'bowlegs' or 'knock-knees.' 

Tetany that is caused by hypocalcemia may go along with vitamin D deficiency in infants and adults. This condition can lead to symptoms such as loss of feeling in the lip or tongue areas and the fingers, facial spasms, and at worst, seizures.

Recommended Daily Dose of Vitamin D

Doses or intake of vitamin D is determined according to age groups. These amounts are vital to maintain normal growth and bone health and also normal calcium metabolism in the body. The adequate intakes or AIs for vitamin D indicated are based on the supposition that the vitamin D is not synthesized by sunlight exposure. 

From birth to age 13, the recommended AI for children is 5 mcg or 200 IU; for both males and females aged 14-50 years old, 5 mcg or 200 IU is needed; for both males and females aged 51-70 years of age, 10 mcg or 400 IU is required; both males and females reaching the age of 71 and up require 15 mcg or 600 IU of vitamin D. Pregnant and lactating mothers need 5 mcg or 200 IU of the vitamin.

Vitamin D Food Sources

Only a few food sources contain vitamin D.  Best sources of vitamin D are fish meat and fish liver oils. There are also small amounts of vitamin D, in the form of vitamin D3, found in dairy products like cheese and egg as well as beef and liver. Some types of mushrooms also contain varying amounts of vitamin D2.

Common sources of vitamin D include the following:

*    Cod liver oil

*    Fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines

*    Milk including non-fat, reduced fat, whole or vitamin D fortified

*    Margarine

*    Cereals 

*    Egg

*    Beef liver

*    Swiss cheese

*    Fortified orange juice

*    Fortified rice or soy beverage

The Need for Increased Amounts

Since obtaining sufficient amounts of vitamin D in the diet can be quite difficult, many people now consume vitamin D fortified foods in order to maintain a healthy dose of the vitamin. There are some groups however who need increased amounts of vitamin D:

*    Breastfed infants because vitamin D cannot be supplied by breast milk alone

*    Older people due to the fact that synthesis of vitamin D decreases with age and the ability of the kidney to convert vitamin D diminishes 

*    People with limited sun exposure especially those living in northern latitudes, those wearing robes or head covers or those with occupations that prevent them from having sun exposure

*    People with dark skin as more skin pigments like melanin reduces the ability of the skin to produce vitamin D.

*    People with fat malabsorption conditions such as Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis, liver and celiac disease or patients who have undergone surgical removal of any part of the stomach or intestine.

*    People who are obese. An increased amount of subcutaneous fat can snatch more of the vitamin D and somehow alter its release in the circulation.

Interaction of Vitamin D with Prescribed Drugs 

Vitamin D supplements have the tendency to react with certain types of prescription medications. These include the following:

*    Steroids or corticosteroid medications like prednisone which can cause decreased calcium absorption and also damage the vitamin D metabolism process.
*    Weight-loss medications such as orlistat and cholesterol-lowering drugs like cholestyramine also decrease the absorption of vitamin D and other fat-soluble vitamins
*    Phenobarbital and phenytoin increases vitamin D metabolism and decreases calcium absorption.

Vitamin C "The Miracle Nutrient"

Amazing Therapy 

Did you know the vitamin C is a natural antibiotic, anti-viral, antitoxic and immune booster? The medical literature is overflowing with evidence that vitamin C is the single most essential nutrient for achieving optimal health and also the premier agent for curing or effectively treating a large number of infectious diseases. Vitamin C is very arguably the most important treatment that any infected patient should receive, even if the final diagnosis is being made or other medications have been started. 

Vitamin C can neutralize toxins and viruses very quickly by merging with these particles and making them ineffective. 

The amount of Vitamin C depends upon the severity of the disease but also on the efficiency of the victim's immune system. Most of us would not get serious life threatening illnesses if we took enough vitamin C daily. At the height of the Polio epidemic in 1949, Dr. Frederick. R Klenner, MD, published that he had successfully cured 60 out of 60 polio patients who had presented to his office. Furthermore, he presented that none of them had any residual damage. He clearly demonstrated that vitamin C is optimal choice to neutralize and often help eliminate nearly any toxic chemical or substance capable of poisoning the body, including the toxins associated with several of the infectious agents. Vitamin C is undoubtedly the ideal agent for treating virtually any viral infection. 

There exists an enzyme called gulonolactone oxidase, which is present naturally in the bodies of rats and guinea pigs, but is missing in humans. The enzyme is needed to convert glucose to vitamin C. Since 100% of humans do not have this enzyme, they must get vitamin C by other means. 

The Process of Using Vitamin C 

Vitamin C can be administered in several ways to deactivate toxins, viruses and histamine. When permitted to drip intravenously, vitamin C oxidizes many pathological situations. When it drips quickly it becomes a flash oxidizer and can handle the non-optimum situation in minutes. Vitamin C can also act as an anti-clotting agent and anti-histamine and works quickly to fight infection. Dr. Klenner said that failures of vitamin C result from insufficient quantities being administered for inadequate time period. 

The way vitamin C works is that after it attaches to the toxin or virus, the vitamin C itself oxidizes the new compound. Thus the toxin or virus as well as the vitamin C are destroyed. For this reason, vitamin C has to continue to be administered after the cure is effected. 

Uses of vitamin C 

Administering vitamin C in sufficient quantity intravenously has resulted in cures and prevention of these diseases and conditions: 

Chronic fatigue syndrome - a viral disease of the immune system, usually characterized by debilitating fatigue and flu-like symptoms. 

Viral hepatitis 

Viral encephalitis - caused by a filterable virus and characterized by apathy and abnormal sleepiness; sleeping sickness 

Chickenpox - characterized by mild headache and fever, malaise, and eruption of blisters on the skin and mucous membranes 

Herpes infection - marked by the development of blisterlike sores on the skin or mucous membranes of the body. 

Viral Pneumonia 

Influenza 

Rabies - transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected animal 

AIDS - caused by a retrovirus and transmitted chiefly through blood or blood products that enter the body's bloodstream 

The common Cold - characterized by sneezing, sore throat, coughing, etc., caused by an allergic reaction or by a viral, bacterial, or mixed infection 

Streptococcal infections - characterized by sore throat infection and inflammation 

Amoebic dysentery 

Staphylococcal infections - the toxins are a common cause of food poisoning, as it can grow in improperly-stored food 

Barbiturates, CO or pesticides or alcohol poisoning - including all reactions to toxic substances 

Any toxic poisoning e.g. mercury, lead, arsenic, nickel, Aluminum - and other heavy metals 

Radiation Toxicity 

Some Australian doctors have administered up to 300,000 mg of vitamin C and obtained great results and no side effects. In another area, terminal cancer patients were given large amounts of vitamin C for up to 8 weeks, and their blood tests afterwards revealed no side effects. So by record, side effects of vitamin C are insignificant. 

One drawback voiced by conservative doctors was that vitamin C might cause kidney stones. Their reasoning was that the result of metabolism of vitamin C is oxalate and kidney stones are composed of calcium oxalate. However, recent studies report otherwise. Vitamin C actually helps dissolve kidney stones, yet the area remains contentious. 

Summer Gardening Tips

Summer gardening tips . . .

Don't be afraid to trim those flowering shrubs and trees that need it. Failure to prune is probably the biggest gardening mistake a person can make. I spent 20 years landscaping homes and businesses, and I watched people make the investment in my services, then they failed to prune when the plants needed it, and before you know it their landscape looks terrible. 

If you make a mistake pruning, don't worry about it. It's like a bad haircut, it will grow out. Of course use common sense and read the previous articles that I've written on pruning. 

Summer gardening tips . . .

Along with summer time comes high humidity. High humidity can cause a lot of problems with the plants in your garden and around your house. One of the simple things you can do is don't water just before dark. Make sure your plants are nice and dry when you tuck them in for the night and you can cut down of the chance fungus being a problem. 

One of the more common fungi that I get asked about a lot is powdery mildew. This appears as a white film on the leaves of ornamental plants. Dogwoods and Purple Sandcherry are often the victim of powdery mildew. Powdery mildew isn't extremely harmful to the plants, it's just that the foliage is damaged, and little growing takes place once it sets in. Your local garden center will have a general fungicide you can spray if you'd like to try and control it. Usually once the plant defoliates in the fall the plant is back to normal. 

Summer gardening tips . . .

If you have Perennial Rye Grass in your lawn, and you probably do if you're in the north, you must be careful not to leave your grass wet at night. There is a fungus known as Pythium Blight that appears in very humid conditions. This fungus attacks and kills perennial rye grasses. Here in the north most of our lawns are a blend of fescues, perennial ryes, and Kentucky Blue Grass. 

If you have problems with pythium blight you will lose the perennial rye grass in large areas of your lawn, and even though the other grasses will still be there and fill in, your lawn will have areas that are much darker green than the rest of the lawn because you will then have concentrations of Kentucky Blue grass. 

You can see this fungus in the early morning. It looks like white cotton candy laying on top of your lawn. It usually appears along walks and driveways where the soil is the wet if you have been watering.  To prevent pythium blight, water as early in the day as possible.

Summer gardening tips . . .

Another nasty little blight that likes summer time is Fire Blight. Fire Blight attacks ornamentals, especially Apple trees, Crabapple trees, Cotoneasters, and Pyracantha. You know you have Fire Blight when a branch on one of your plants dies and turns almost red. The leaves usually hang on but turn reddish brown. The damage usually starts out near the end of the branch and works its way toward the main stem of the plant. There is little you can do except prune out the affected branch, cutting it as far back as possible. 

Fire Blight is very contagious to plants so you should burn the branches you prune out. You should also dip or wash your pruning shears in rubbing alcohol after each cut to keep from spreading this deadly fungus.

Summer gardening tips . . .

Unfortunately, I've got one more summer time culprit to warn you about. It's a handy little fungus that grows in mulch. Actually there are all kinds of fungi that tend to grow in mulches, and most of them are really disgusting looking. But this little gem is unique in the fact that as it grows it tends to swell. Then somehow it manages to explode, and it will spatter your house with tiny brown specks. The experts have appropriately named this one “Shotgun Fungus”. Isn't that a cute name? 

These tiny little brown specks will fly as high as eight feet into the air, and once they stick to your house or windows, they stick like glue. I know that right now there are people hollering across the house at their spouse, “Hey, remember those brown specks all over the house? I know what they are. It's from the mulch!” Tell me I'm wrong, but I know I'm not. 

A lot of people are victims of this nasty little fungus, but they don't know it. All they know is that there are tiny brown specks on the house that look like paint. So far they have blamed everything from spiders to aliens. 

There's not a lot you can do to prevent this fungus. I have found that if you keep the mulch loose so air can circulate it is less likely to grow fungi. Don't just keep adding layer after layer to the mulch around your house. You should skip at least every other year and just loosen the mulch you already have down. If you loosen it and then rake it flat it will look like you've just mulched.  Mulch is great, just don't let it get packed down hard.  Loosen it up at least once a year.

350Z body kits - make people stop and stare

There have been a number of sports cars but 350Z is the first that can claim to be the one within the reach of an average common man. Made by Nissan, it debuted in 2003 and was responsible for restoring Nissan’s popularity in the American market. It is a rear-wheel drive vehicle with a powerful engine and it is available as a coupe and a roadster. In 2007 some improvements were made in the car which included providing a new stiff chassis, stronger springs and shock absorbers, and new wheels. These changes improved the performance of the car, but in 2008 the coupe was discontinued and 2009 the roadster was also dropped. 

350Z is a compact car for which the body kits can make a positive contribution. They can give the car a look of customer’s choice. This is one of the least expensive ways of imparting a car a modified look that does not also require much labor. Body kits include items like front and rear bumpers, side skirts, spoilers, and side guards. As would be obvious these are externally fitted parts which can modify the contours and looks of a vehicle. 350Z body kits offer a wide choice of designs and styles to the customers. They can always find a set of body kits which appeals to them. 

Besides a choice of the designs of body kits on offer there is also a choice of the materials used in making them. Body kits are generally made of polyurethane, or fiberglass, or carbon fiber. These materials have their own advantages and disadvantages, and knowledge thereof will be useful while selecting body kits. There are several websites which will give you such information. You can also see there how body kits will look when fitted on your car. That makes it easy for you to select body kits online. When you install 350Z body kits you have to see to it that they are correctly installed. It will be better to engage for the job a professional person who besides being well versed in his job also has some knowledge about your car. You can know more about 350Z body kits at www.ilovebodykits.com.