Fried Rice~

My fried rice...

Hokkien mee~

yummy !
Mom's cook is always the best in the world !
well, last week, mom made "Hokkien mee" !
I just wanna share my mom's Hokkien mee here !

The ingredients :

As you can see here!

After few hours, the result !

The very very delicious Hokkien Mee !

Homemade Hokkien mee ~

yummy ~~

I love you, Mom !

HK, macau, china~ part 2

Well, 2nd day of HK...
Hmm...
must be DISNEYLAND !
Although HK disneyland is one of the smallest among all, but if you will go to HK, you at least must go once to the Disneyland...
You can simply take the MTR, from any stations, directly to Disneyland, you have to get down at Sunny Bay stop, then change the special MTR to Disneyland.
When you reach Disneyland, my advice is to buy the ticket there. If you will buy the tickets there, you will get a very cute ticket as the picture below.

Disneyland Tickets

For the actual price, please refer Disneyland official website.
After spending 6-7hours there, it's time for you to move to next destination ~

You can take your dinner at any restaurants because the food in HK are really delicious and most important thing is the restaurants are very clean and hygienic.

Before 8pm, you must reach the Victoria Harbour. From there, you can watch the most beautiful night scene in Asia and one the most charming night scene in the world. It will last for 5-7minutes. Be  there before 8pm because there are lots of people around it and you have to stand in front so that you won't be blocked by the others.

HK, macau, china~ part 1

Well, i just came back from these 3places..
If you will ask me which one do you like the most ?
Without any hesitation, I will answer you -> HK !
Why do I like Hong Kong ?
Well, I don't really know the reasons, I just simply fall in love with this city ~
I love the living style there, food, dimsum, transportation, shopping (for certain !), environment, and etc.
1more thing which I love in HK is DISNEYLAND !
Although its a quite small theme park, but the moment you enter Disneyland, its like you totally live in a fairy tale, no car, no pollution and with all cartoons surrounding you, makes you totally relax your mind and forget about the busy life ~

My trip went like this...
1st day I arrive HK at noon. After putting my stuff in hotel, the journey started !
I just went somewhere around Mongkok, and Causeway Bay for shopping.
During Jun till August, you can really enjoy the big sale in HK...
All shops, like Giordano, Bossini, G2000, Gucci, Sasa shop, Coach, Burberry, Nike, Adidas and many more are having BIG SALE...
Well, all boys and girls who love shopping, I guess you can really enjoy yourself very much !!
The perfume in Sasa shop are having huge discounts, some even up till 40-50% ...
For the 1st day, just try to finish all your shopping because started from 2nd day, we should visit some tourist spots in HK ~~

Pineapple Bun (very famous, must try !)

About planes~~

The most ___________ plane in the world !!!

What word would you fill in the blank ??

1. The fastest !

X-43A. This model aeroplane is the fastest aeroplane in the world !

Unfortunately, when NASA tried to fly this plane, it just dropped into the Pacific Ocean...

2. The highest !

America's U-2 . This plane can fly (till now) the highest attitude in the world. It can fly up to 3000m within 1minute and 12000m within 4minutes ! Amazing...

3.  The most expensive !

This plane costs 20billion dollars ! well, it is so- called the "invisible" plane because this type of plane can't be detected by the infra-red nor radar.

4. The funniest plane !

You will only see this cute plane in Japan. This is designed by a 10year-old kid and it is named "The Pikachu Garden" . It contains The Pikachu, and all types of flowers.

5. The longest !

It is the longest aeroplane owned by a commercial airline in the U.S. It is A340-600, the length of the plane is 75.3m. It can fly up to 7500miles, can carry 25% more passengers than A340-300.

6. The most luxury !

It is provided by the Virgin Atlantic Airways, you can enjoy the services, such as games, movies, wines, luxury cars to send you to the airport, spa, lounge bar and many other VIP services...

World Cup has started !

Wow...
2010 world cup in south africa has started today !
First match, in Johannesburg, South Africa VS Mexico.
Second match, France VS Uruguay.

I had watched the first match, what a waste  for Mexico !
It was the mistake of the linesman ! It was really unfair ! But, a game is a game and it has already ended, no arguement and no changes can be made...

For those who want to watch World Cup 2010 South Africa online, please visit RMvalues.com/blog !

Let's party !

Angry !

I dont really understand why he can act like this ???!!!
By spending 5minutes to read an article is it so difficult ?
whenever he asked me to read or correct his blogpost, i have never rejected him !!
and now, I just needed him to spend his f**king 5 minutes to read my essay and he said "NO" to me !!
what the hell !!???

First Aid of seizures

In the movie, we always saw that the first aid of helping a man in the street is by putting some hard things into his mouth to prevent him from biting his tongue. Unfortunately, this is absolutely INCORRECT !

Thus,what is the best first aid for a seizure? Here are some tips if you or someone you love or even someone who needs help has epilepsy.

Always carry medical identification. If an emergency occurs, knowledge of your seizure disorder can help the people around you maintain your safety and provide the appropriate treatment.

Make sure your family, friends, and co-workers know what to do if you have a seizure. (See below.)

Avoid potential dangers of high places or moving machinery at home, school, or work if you have active seizures. Though there is less risk if your seizures are under control, your attention should focus on the specific risks of certain activities (such as mowing, working around farm machinery, hot appliances, etc.).

It is important for you to remain active, but participate in sports and other activities with caution. Avoid potentially dangerous activities, such as bathing, swimming, gymnastics, or mountain climbing without someone near by. Have another person with you who knows your seizure risk and is trained in life-saving techniques. Activities such as baseball, bike riding, canoeing, horseback riding, or hockey can be made safer by wearing helmets and/or life jackets and by having another person with you.

If you are prescribed anticonvulsant medication, do not suddenly stop taking it or change the dosage without consulting your doctor. The type of anticonvulsant medication you are prescribed depends on the type of epilepsy you have, and the dose that is prescribed especially for you according to your weight, age, gender, and other factors.

Be alert to the risks of possible drug interactions between your anticonvulsant drugs and other medications you may take, including over-the-counter drugs. Always call your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure what interactions could occur before taking any medication.

Avoid alcohol, as it can interfere with the effectiveness of your medication.

 What Should I Do for a Person Who Has a Seizure?

 If someone is having a seizure:

• Loosen clothing around the person's neck.
• Do not try to hold the person down or restrain him or her, this can result in injury.
• Do not insert any objects in the person's mouth; this can also cause injury.
• Reassure bystanders who may be panicking and ask them to give the person room.
• Remove sharp objects (glasses, furniture, and other objects) from around the person to prevent injury.
• After the seizure, it is helpful to lay the person on his or her side to maintain an open airway and prevent the person from inhaling any secretions.
• After many seizures, there may be confusion for a period of time and the person should not be left alone.
• In many cases, especially if the person is known to have epilepsy, it is not necessary to call an ambulance. If the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, or if another seizure begins soon after the first, or if the person cannot be awakened after the movements have stopped, an ambulance should be called. If you are concerned that something else may be wrong, or the person has another medical condition such as heart disease or diabetes, you should contact a doctor immediately.

Iron man 2 !

Well, here is a version of Iron Man 2 to be downloaded !!

Here is the torrent !

I just wanna share my favorite movie with those who likes Iron man !

:)

Click HERE to download !

Valentine's Day Movie is out !

The latest romantic comedy film is here -- Valentine's Day !

 This latest comedy has all the biggest Hollywood stars,such as Julia Roberts, Bradley Cooper, Ashton Kutcher, Jennifer Garner, George Lopez, Jessica Alba, Patrick Dempsey, Hector Elizondo, Emma Roberts, Taylor Swift, Taylor Lautner, Eric Dane, Jessica Biel, Jamie Foxx, Queen Latifah, Anne Hathaway and Topher Grace.

 The story starts with Kate Hazeltine (Julia Roberts), a captain in the U.S. Army on a one-day leave, befriends newly single Holden Bristow (Bradley Cooper).On the other hand,florist Reed Bennett (Ashton Kutcher) proposes to his girlfriend Morley (Jessica Alba), much to the surprise of Reed’s friends Alfonso (George Lopez) and Julia Fitzpatrick (Jennifer Garner). Morley changes her mind and leaves Reed later in the day. Alfonso tells Reed he and Julia knew it would never work out between him and Morely, and Reed wishes they had told him and the story continues...

 Cast :

Julia Roberts as Kate Hazeltine

Bradley Cooper as Holden Bristow

Ashton Kutcher as Reed Bennett

Jennifer Garner as Julia Fitzpatrick

George Lopez as Alfonso Rodriguez

Jessica Alba as Morley Clarkson

Bryce Robinson as Edison Hazeltine

Patrick Dempsey as Dr. Harrison Copeland

Hector Elizondo as Edgar Paddington

Shirley McLaine as Estelle Paddington

Emma Roberts as Grace Smart

Carter Jenkins as Alex Jones

Taylor Swift as Felicia Miller

Taylor Lautner as Willy Harrington

Eric Dane as Sean Jackson

Jessica Biel as Kara Monahan

Jamie Foxx as Kelvin Moore

Queen Latifah as Paula Thomas

Anne Hathaway as Liz Corynn

Topher Grace as Jason Morris

 To download the movie, click HERE !

Sit back and watch the latest comedy of the year ! Enjoy !! :)

Websites which you can download FREE medical ebooks !

Medical students out there !!
Well,I would like to share a few websites which you can download FREE medical ebooks which are so useful nowadays !
There ebooks mainly are in pdf format,so you can put in your iPod touch,iPhone,and smart phones also !

 

1. For heart sounds,

• Normal Sinus Rhythm (~60 bpm)
• Normal Sinus Rhythm (~90 bpm)
• Split S1
• Split S2
• Split S1 with Split S2
• Aortic Insufficiency (regurgitation)  
• Aortic Stenosis
• Mitral Insufficiency (regurgitation)
• Pulmonary Stenosis
• Atrial Fibrillation
• Coarctation of the Aorta
• Pericardial Friction Rub

 For Cardiology FREE ebooks, download HERE !

2. More than 700 ebooks to be downloaded !
These are ebooks which are given according to the topics and subjects,like DM,Cardiology,geriatrics,genetics and etc.

Ebooks including the ABC series and many more !

Download HERE for the ebooks !

3. ECG
Here is a site for ECG library :
http://www.ecglibrary.com/ecghome.html?

ECG given including the normal and pathology !

4. Obstetrics and Gynecology
Well, you can find more than 20 ebooks regarding OBGY !
http://www.4shared.com/dir/8231673/4fe36395/Obstetrics__Gynecology.html

5. Medical Mnemonics
This site contains lots of mnemonics which the medical students needed most !
You can also find the format which is suitable for your PDA also !

http://www.medicalmnemonics.com/

6. Surgery
You can find more than 200 medical ebooks over this website !
http://www.4shared.com/dir/7883515/7896756a/_medical_books__.html

Videos to be downloaded :

• Abscess incision & Drainage
• Pelvic Examination
• Orotracheal Intubation
• Lumbar Puncture
• Male Urethral Catheterization
• Nasogastric Intubation

 More videos, you can download HERE !!

7. Kaplan series for USMLE step 1 (Qbook)

• Q.part1
• Q.part2
• Q.part3
• Q.part4

 Mnemonics for USMLE

To be continued ....
:-)

Bangkok- a nice city !

Thailand - amazed by its heritage of ancient temples, battlefields and ruins and two capitals, Ayutthaya and Bangkok.The east and west sea coasts at the region’s southern end also draw huge numbers of visitors every year. Bangkok residents spend long weekends enjoying the relaxing seaside atmosphere, while holiday-makers from around the world to discover the delights of the tropical beach life.

Bangkok
A nice city yet not so expensive if we compare to other countries,for example Singapore,Japan,Hong Kong,Australia and etc.

The pic above is a coffee shop on the main street of Bangkok. The prices are cheap and nice food provided over there.

A cup with coffee , nice taste and quite cheap if you will compare it with Starbucks or McD ;)

The owner of this small cafe is friendly and nice !

The price list! you can compare the prices yourself ! :)

1.00 USD = 32.2850 THB

The hawker store is a common scene in Bangkok and the most important thing is the prices there are acceptable and much cheaper if you will compare them with the restaurant.You should try the food there as it will be the original Thai taste !

Diseases that Doctors might get wrong...

Sometimes even the best doctors miss the mark: About 40 percent of all mistakes that M.D.s make are misdiagnoses, says the National Patient Safety Foundation. That's because many ailments have similar symptoms or can be detected only with tests that your physician might consider unnecessary if he's confident in his verdict. If you're in the know about often-confused conditions, though, you can ask the right questions to prevent or fix an error — and even save your life.


1. YOUR SYMPTOMS: Numbness on one side, headaches, dizziness, suddenly blurred vision, lack of balance or muscle coordination, and/or slurred speech


The doctor says it's: Vertigo, migraines, or an inner-ear disorder

It could be: Stroke

Why the confusion? Research shows that 14 percent of stroke cases in people under 45 are misdiagnosed. When patients are young and otherwise healthy, ER staff might point to milder problems first. But if you leave the ER with an undiagnosed stroke, you could suffer another one. You may also miss the chance to reverse impaired speech or vision, paralysis, and brain damage.

Red flags: If one side is numb or you have any combination of the listed symptoms, rush to the ER, especially if symptoms persist more than an hour.

2. YOUR SYMPTOMS: Headaches and/or ringing or aching ears, plus aching back, neck, and/or teeth

The doctor says it's: Migraines or an ear disorder

It could be: Temporomandibular joint syndrome

Why the confusion? When the joint connecting your jaw and skull becomes inflamed, the pain radiates and causes headaches or ear problems. TMJ is best treated by a dentist, but the symptoms will likely send you to an M.D., who might diagnose you with something else. The price you'll pay? Serious pain that could easily have been alleviated.

Red flags: If your doctor gives a tentative diagnosis without conducting any tests or prescribes meds that don't do the trick, head to a dentist.

3. YOUR SYMPTOMS: Fatigue or trouble breathing plus chest pain or tightness and/or palpitations

The doctor says it's: Stress or panic attack

It could be: Heart attack or heart disease

Why the confusion? Heart attacks tend to be more subtle in women than in men: Fatigue or shortness of breath might be your only sign of a problem. In fact, up to half of female heart attack victims are initially misdiagnosed — and heart disease remains the top killer of women in America.

Red flags: If your doc's recommended treatment doesn't help, see a cardiologist, pronto.

4. THE SYMPTOMS: Sadness plus fatigue, weight gain, insomnia, and/or muscle aches or stiffness

The doctor says it's: Depression

It could be: Hypothyroidism

Why the confusion? Doctors tend to link persistent sadness with depression and might not think to test for hypothyroidism, a condition in which your thyroid gland fails to produce enough hormones. Left untreated, hypothyroidism can cause high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, and (ironically) clinical depression.

Red flags: If the meds your doctor prescribes don't lift your mood, request a TSH blood test to check for hypothyroidism. Better yet, ask for the test during your initial visit.

Get fun while doing exercise !

Getting fit and getting trim is often a "two-fer." It's difficult to get fit without eating right, and eating right makes it easier to get fit.

1. Forget Exercise; Have 'Fun' Instead
If the thought of the word exercise makes you cringe, banish it from your vocabulary. Substitute "activity" or even "fun activity."

Exercise definitely sounds like sweat and work. But when we think of 'activity,' it could be things we enjoy doing.There are lots of options. It can be enjoyable activities with friends or with the family.Hiking, biking, urban walks, or playing outdoor games are just a few activities that come to mind.

2. Pick a Comfortable Pace for Fitness
Choose an intensity level from the start that's comfortable for you, not what your buddy or the exercise video diva says is the right pace.

Generally speaking, folks who are overweight, out of shape, and sedentary tend to feel pretty bad even in response to moderate-intensity exercise such as brisk walking.

There does seem to be evidence in the lab that if you have people walk at their own pace they are going to feel better than people who are walking at moderate intensity.We aren't sure if it's because they feel in control, or because they are walking slower and not overwhelmed by the exercise.

3. Get Your Groove On: Exercise to Music
Music makes exercise more enjoyable and more tolerable. In a recent study from Brunel University in West London, music not only enhanced endurance by 15%, but also helped those working out get more pleasure from exercise. (They pumped to tunes from Queen, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Madonna.)

In another study, published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, researchers found that listening to a favorite piece of music decreases the influence of stress caused by fatigue, increasing the comfort level of doing the exercise.

The kind of music doesn't matter at all.The right music? Whatever makes you want to get up on your feet!

4. Lean on Friends for Fitness Support
Exercising with others -- an entire group or just your spouse or a friend -- can make workouts not only more fun but also more regular.The social part sweetens the deal.Find someone you want to spend time with -- a friend, a family member. Make a deal with them, a blood oath to exercise with them.

A lot of people find they enjoy group exercise.If you do, consider a hiking group, mall walking group, aerobics class, or dance studio.

In one study, researchers found that women who find it hard to stick to an exercise routine worked out more regularly and got better results when they worked out with their daughters.

5. Change Your Focus: Aim for a Little Exercise Every Day
Don’t get hung up on the length of each workout. Instead, focus on exercising on most days of the week, especially when you are beginning or resuming an exercise program.

If you get into a pattern of daily exercise, it's easy to increase it.The focus at first is to "show up," to do some exercise or activity most days of the week.

The hardest part of increasing physical activity is simply getting started.

Most people are surprised that when they do this, they get in more exercise. Once you get started it is easier to keep going.And it's easier to increase the amount of time once you are in the habit of every day or every other day.

6. Double Up on Your Goals: Get Fit and Trim
If your goal is to get fit, you may also want to also lose weight or eat more healthfully.

If you think you can't do it all at once, think again. Research suggests that it’s often easier to make massive changes in your behavior than one or two small changes. One study in the American Journal of Health Behavior looked at 810 people with high blood pressure. Some were given two goals: to reduce their salt intake and boost physical activity. Others were given four goals: to reduce salt, boost exercise, reduce fat, and eat more low-fat dairy. Those given the most goals achieved the most.

7. Sneak in Healthier Cooking at Home
You'll have more energy to work out -- and you'll start to shed pounds--if you eat more healthfully. One good way to do that is to reduce total calories by reducing the fat content of your meals.Keep an eye on total salt and sugar, too. Try to reduce each gradually in recipes and favorite dishes.

Often times the family will not notice gradual reductions in these things.You can just do it.He suggests keeping favorite recipes but de-fatting them. Put in less butter, for instance, or substitute fat-free milk for 2%.

8. Plan Meals as a Family
Ask your children or your spouse to help look for healthy, simple recipes. Make it a game. See who can find the healthiest recipe that's also simple,.Then plan meals together, letting everyone pick favorite foods or dishes.

Take the emphasis off the food, and make meals more of an activity,with the focus on planning and team work.

9. Make Portion Sizes a Math Problem
Reducing portion sizes is a fun and simple way to shed pounds.You don't need measuring cups.Make it fun.

Put a typical size portion on your plate, then remove 5% to 10% of it. Is it a standard portion now, or still too much? Teach your children – and yourself – how to eyeball it.
According to the American Dietetic Association:

• 3 ounces of meat is equal to a deck of cards
• One cup of pasta is about the size of a tennis ball
• One bagel is about the size of a hockey puck
• 1 1/2 ounces of cheese is the size of three dominoes
• 2 tablespoons of peanut butter is roughly equivalent to ping-pong ball
• A half cup of vegetables is the size of a light bulb
• 10. Turn Your Children into Assistant Shoppers

As you focus on buying healthier foods, appoint your young children as assistants.

With kids, it can be very effective to recruit them as helpers when shopping.Most kids like to read labels and get to be experts about food.

Indeed, a trip to the supermarket can become a “healthy foods” treasure hunt. Let the children select the healthy vegetable or whole grain they want to serve for dinner. Encourage them to read labels to spot hidden sugars or fat.

Essential Screening Tests Every Man Needs !

1.Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in American men after skin cancer. It tends to be a slow-growing cancer, but there are also aggressive, fast-growing types of prostate cancer. Screening tests can find the disease early, sometimes before symptoms develop, when treatments are most effective.

 

Tests for Prostate Cancer
Screenings for healthy men may include both a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test. The American Cancer Society advises men to talk with a doctor about the risks and limitations of PSA screening as well as its possible benefits. Discussions should begin at:

• 50 for average-risk men
• 45 for men at high risk (including African-Americans)
• 40 for men with a strong family history of prostate cancer.

The American Urological Association recommends a first-time PSA test at age 40, with follow-ups per doctor's orders.

2. Testicular Cancer
This uncommon cancer develops in a man's testicles, the reproductive glands that produce sperm. Most cases occur between ages 20 and 54. The American Cancer Society recommends that all men have a testicular exam when they see a doctor for a routine physical. Men at higher risk (a family history or an undescended testicle) should talk with a doctor about additional screening. Some doctors advise regular self-exams, gently feeling for hard lumps, smooth bumps, or changes in size or shape of the testes.

 

3. Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer. Men have a slightly higher risk of developing it than women. The majority of colon cancers slowly develop from colon polyps: growths on the inner surface of the colon. After cancer develops it can invade or spread to other parts of the body. The way to prevent colon cancer is to find and remove colon polyps before they turn cancerous.

 

Tests for Colon Cancer
Screening begins at age 50 in average-risk adults. A colonoscopy is a common test for detecting polyps and colorectal cancer. A doctor views the entire colon using a flexible tube and a camera. Polyps can be removed at the time of the test. A similar alternative is a flexible sigmoidoscopy that examines only the lower part of the colon.

 

Some patients opt for a virtual colonoscopy — a CT scan — or double contrast barium enema — a special X-ray — although if polyps are detected, an actual colonoscopy is needed to remove them.

 

4.  Skin Cancer
The most dangerous form of skin cancer is melanoma (shown here). It begins in specialized cells called melanocytes that produce skin color. Older men are twice as likely to develop melanoma as women of the same age. Men are also 2-3 times more likely to get non-melanoma basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers than women are. Your risk increases as lifetime exposure to sun and/or tanning beds accumulates; sunburns accelerate risk.

Screening for Skin Cancer
The American Cancer Society and the American Academy of Dermatology recommend regular skin self-exams to check for any changes in marks on your skin including shape, color, and size. A skin exam by a dermatologist or other health professional should be part of a routine cancer checkup. Treatments for skin cancer are more effective and less disfiguring when it's found early.

 

5. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Your risk for high blood pressure increases with age. It's also related to your weight and lifestyle. High blood pressure can lead to severe complications without any prior symptoms, including an aneurysm — dangerous ballooning of an artery. But it can be treated. When it is, you may reduce your risk for heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. The bottom line: Know your blood pressure. If it's high, work with your doctor to manage it.

 

Screening for High Blood Pressure
Blood pressure readings give two numbers. The first (systolic) is the pressure in your arteries when the heart beats. The second (diastolic) is the pressure between beats. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80. High blood pressure is 140/90 or higher, and in between those two is prehypertension — a major milestone on the road to high blood pressure. How often blood pressure should be checked depends on how high it is and what other risk factors you have.

 

6. Cholesterol Levels
A high level of LDL cholesterol in the blood causes sticky plaque to build up in the walls of your arteries (seen here in orange). This increases your risk of heart disease. Atherosclerosis – hardening and narrowing of the arteries — can progress without symptoms for many years. Over time it can lead to heart attack and stroke. Lifestyle changes and medications can reduce this "bad" cholesterol and lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.

 

Determining Cholesterol Levels
The fasting blood lipid panel is a blood test that tells you your levels of total cholesterol, LDL "bad" cholesterol, HDL "good" cholesterol, and triglycerides (blood fat). The results tell you and your doctor a lot about what you need to do to reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Men 20 years and older should have a new panel done at least every five years. Starting at 35, men need regular cholesterol testing.

 

7. Type 2 Diabetes
One-third of Americans with diabetes don't know they have it. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, blindness from damage to the blood vessels of the retina (shown here), nerve damage, and impotence. This doesn't have to happen. Especially when found early, diabetes can be controlled and complications can be avoided with diet, exercise, weight loss, and medications.

 

Screening for Type 2 Diabetes
A fasting plasma glucose test is most often used to screen for diabetes. More and more doctors are turning to the A1C test, which tells how well your body has controlled blood sugar over time. Healthy adults should have the test every three years starting at age 45. If you have a higher risk, including high cholesterol or blood pressure, you may start testing earlier and more frequently.

 

8. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. It's in the blood and other body secretions of infected individuals, even when there are no symptoms. It spreads from one person to another when these secretions come in contact with the vagina, anal area, mouth, eyes, or a break in the skin. There is still no cure or vaccine. Modern treatments can keep HIV infection from becoming AIDS, but these medications can have serious side effects.

 

HIV Screening Tests
HIV-infected individuals can remain symptom-free for many years. The only way to know they are infected is with a series of blood tests. The first test is called ELISA or EIA. It looks for antibodies to HIV in the blood. It's possible not to be infected and still show positive on the test. So a second test called a Western blot assay is done for confirmation. If you were recently infected, you could still have a negative test result. Repeat testing is recommended. If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, ask your doctor about the tests.

 

9. Glaucoma
This group of eye diseases gradually damages the optic nerve and may lead to blindness – and significant, irreversible vision loss can occur before people with glaucoma notice any symptoms. Screening tests look for abnormally high pressure within the eye, to catch and treat the condition before damage to the optic nerve.

 

Glaucoma Screening
Eye tests for glaucoma are based on age and personal risk:

• Under 40: Every 2-4 years
• 40-54: Every 1-3 years
• 55-64: Every 1-2 years
• 65 up: Every 6-12 months

Talk with a doctor about earlier, more frequent screening, if you fall in a high risk group: African-Americans, those with a family history of glaucoma, previous eye injury, or use of steroid medications.

IELTS

IELTS ? What's that ?

IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. It is an English language test which

• tests all 4 language skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking)
• tests international English (no UK or US bias)
• has wide global recognition

Why should I take this exam ?
1. For studying abroad- For UK,Canada,Australia,etc.
2. Immigration- for people who wish to work and stay in Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

There are 2 types of IELTS which you can choose from.
1. Academic: if you intend to study at undergraduate or postgraduate degree level
2. General Training: if you plan to go to English speaking countries to complete your secondary education, to undertake work experience or training programme, or for immigration purposes.

How to apply ?
1. Fill in the form.(you can download from the website)
2. Bring it to the exam center or UK embassy or council.
3. Along with the form,you should bring 2 recent passport-sized photographs without glasses on (for candidates with visual aid)
4. Original and photocopy of your Identity card or passport.
5. Test fee (different in every countries)

You can also apply by post.
1. Print out the form.
2. Fill it in with your details and sign it

Put the application form in an envelope along with:
- Two recent passport-sized photographs without glasses on (for candidates with visual aid)
- Photocopy of your Identity Card or passport
- A cheque which is payable to ‘British Council’ or British embassy.

IELTS Band Scale

There is no pass or fail mark. Scores are given on a Overall Band Score of one to nine.

Different institutions have their own entrance requirements and may require minimum scores in particular modules. In general, universities request an Overall Band Score of 6.0 or 6.5 for entrance to academic courses. You are advised to check the score required by the particular institution to which you are applying.

IELTS Results Online
Can't wait for your IELTS results to arrive by post? Find out online 13 days after your test.

If you are not satisfied with your result,you can apply for Enquiry of results.You must do this within six weeks of the test date.There is a fee for the test to be remarked.The fee will be fully refunded if your score changes to a higher band score.

Beautiful Skin ! How ?

How to avoid having dry skin which makes you look older ? Just simply take a look at few tips I will show here !

1. Water
Few things are as good as water for keeping your skin in shape. Water keeps skin hydrated, reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It helps cells take up nutrients and purge toxins. And water improves circulation and blood flow, keeping your skin glowing.

Follow your thirst, or aim for about eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.

2. Selenium
Selenium is a trace mineral that may help protect skin cells from free radical damage. It may also play a role in skin cancer prevention.

Excellent sources of selenium include Brazil nuts, button mushrooms, shrimp, lamb, and fish such as snapper, cod, halibut, tuna, and salmon. Selenium is also found in cooked beef, light turkey meat, oysters, sardines, crab, and whole-wheat pasta.

3. Coenzyme Q10
CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant made naturally in your body. It protects skin and other body cells from the damages of free radicals. CoQ10 is also involved in energy production and immune system function.

The main food sources of CoQ10 include oily fish such as salmon and tuna, organ meats such as liver, and whole grains.

4. Antioxidants
Antioxidants prevent or slow the damage done to cells by free radicals. This damage contributes to signs of aging, such as wrinkles and dry skin.

Antioxidants can be found in all kinds of foods, especially colorful fruits and vegetables such as berries, tomatoes, apricots, beets, squash, spinach, sweet potato, tangerines, peppers, and beans.

5. Vitamin A
Want to steer clear of dry, flaky skin? Grab an orange, a carrot, or a slice of cantaloupe.

These fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamin A, which helps hydrate the lower layers of the skin. Other good food sources of vitamin A include leafy greens, eggs, and low-fat dairy such as cheese and milk.

6. Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps protect skin from the sun. It also helps undo damage done by free radicals, which destroy skin-firming fibers such as collagen and elastin.

Excellent sources of vitamin C include red bell peppers, citrus fruits, papaya, kiwi, broccoli, greens, and brussel sprouts.

7. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is another antioxidant that may help shield your skin from damage done by the sun. Vitamin E is also an anti-inflammatory and immunity enhancer.

Vitamin E is found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, olives, spinach, asparagus, olives, and leafy greens in small amounts.

8. Essential Fatty Acid
Essential fatty acids such as omega-3s and omega-6s help produce your skin’s natural oil barrier, keeping dry skin and blemishes at bay. EFAs are necessary fats that help leave skin smoother and younger-looking.

Good sources of essential fatty acids include olive and canola oils, flax, walnuts, and cold-water fish such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel.

9. Healthy Oils
Some oils pack more than essential fatty acids. Good-quality oils like extra virgin olive oil and cold- or expeller-pressed oil are more simply processed than many commercial oils, and so they may help retain more skin-boosting nutrients.

These oils may also help lubricate skin and keep it looking and feeling healthy.

10. Green Tea
Green tea may be the closest thing to a magic elixir that nature can offer for your skin. Green tea helps to stop inflammation, slow DNA damage, and can help prevent the sun from burning your skin.

You can find green tea in an abundance of cosmetics, but why not go straight to the source for a green tea boost: your tea pot.

However,some people may have stomach upset due to green tea! That's why it is important to know whether green tea is suitable for your own stomach !
 

iPhone 4G release date ?

We recently discussed that the iPhone 4G release date could be delayed until next year after news that the 4G chips would not be ready until then, however news has come out today which suggest that Apple may have found a loop hole in the 4G chip issue and a likely summer release date of this year appears to be a lot more closer.

How? Well, Apple’s current job posting maybe a strong indicator that there could be the possibility that Apple could be including LTE (Long Term Evolution) for their next generation iPhone, namely the iPhone 4G.

Apple job posting appeared on their website for a “Cellular Technology Software Manager: requires expert knowledge of WCDMA/UMTS, HSPA, HSPA+, and LTE technology.” However the interesting part of the job posting was the part about the person having expert knowledge in LTE technology.
 

With the recent announcement of the HTC Evo 4G, offering super fast broadband speeds on their mobile phone on Sprint’s WiMAX network, it comes as no surprise that Apple were likely to follow suit by looking at the prospect of offering LTE on their iPhone 4G, which will offer users will extremely faster broadband connections on their phones.

Now usually I would disregard a lot of iPhone 4G rumours floating around in the tech world however, there is strong evidence to suggest that the next generation iPhone will go down this route, especially as LTE is a competing technology to Sprint WiMax network, favoured by US wireless carriers such as AT&T and Verizon Wireless, who have always been official carriers for the iPhone in the past.

What do you think of the rumours? Would you be interested in buying the iPhone 4G in the summer if it included faster LTE connectivity? Leave us a comment and let us know what you think?

iPhone applications and reviews

Even though the iTunes App store has a review and ratings system, it’s still best to get several opinions before spending money on an app you might never use. It would be nice if you could download trial versions of apps from the iTunes store, but it does not look like this will happen anytime soon.

So if you want to find out which iPhone apps are cool, which iPhone apps are popular and which iPhone apps to stay away from, then check out these iPhone app review sites!

1. FreshApps

FreshApps tracks about 444 iPhone applications and adds about 85 new apps everyday. It’s just starting off, but it’s full of great apps submitted by real iPhone users. You can browse, search, rate and comment on any iPhone app. If the app is not listed, go ahead and add it so people can start voting.

2. WhatsOniPhone

I like this site a lot because they have a large team of writers that provide in-depth reviews of each app. Basically, they start with an overview and then write up a review with their own personal opinion and give a final verdict on the app. They also list out the prices for the apps, etc.

3. iPhoneAppPodcast

I like iPhoneAppPodcast because you can actually watch video reviews of iPhone apps, which I have to admit gives you a much better idea of what the app looks like, how it works, and whether you would want to use it or not. Some iPhone apps sound great, but don’t work very well. Pretty much the only site that does in-depth video reviews of iPhone apps.

4. Apple iPhone School

Another great iPhone app review site that breaks down the apps into nice little categories such as Photos, Calendar, Camera, YouTube, Stocks, Maps, Clock, etc. They also have separate sections for games, health, multimedia, network, productivity, system, toys, and utilities.

5. Gizmodo iPhone App Reviews

If you are looking for super quick reviews of some of the most popular and used apps, then check out the list created by Gizmodo! They wrote up a huge list of iPhone apps ranging from Twitterific to Pandora. I like the list because most of the apps are useful and cool in some kind of way.

iPad- Disappointment ??!!

I think it is pretty safe to say that many people are slightly (if not more) disappointed with the announcement of the iPad (Apple’s new Tablet computer). I surely am. While a tablet computer is what I asked for, the end result that Apple provided is disappointing. Why is that? I did some thinking and came up with the following reasons as to why the iPad is such a letdown (so far).

The biggest reason I can see people being disappointed with the iPad is due to the fact, it really didn’t introduce anything new. When the iPhone was announced, Apple introduced a lot of new features and things that hadn’t been done before – multi-touch, buttonless (except for the home button), touch screen, a huge full color display, visual voicemail, fully functional mobile web browser (though no Flash even to date), etc. These were all things no one had seen before. Today, it is expected to be common place on all Apple products and I would even go as far as all smart phones (e.g. Droid, Nexus One, Palm Pre, etc). So the fact that the iPad is really nothing more than a giant iPod/iPhone thus far is a disappointment simply because it’s nothing new. We all expected something completely revolutionary.

It doesn’t have a camera which was something I think a lot of people were expecting right off the bat. A camera would be great for video conferencing with people on Skype. I mean, after all there is already a Skype app in the App Store.

Sure you can buy books, but I think a lot of people would like to be able to subscribe/purchase magazines and newspapers via their iPad. Not to mention how much that could help save the newspaper industry.

While both the camera and the ability of being able to subscribe and/or purchase magazines and newspapers from the iPad may be a possibility in the future, they currently aren’t and that is disappointing.

Additionally, the lack of background processes (which is we are expected to see in iPhone OS 4.0 or maybe even 3.2) is another disappointment. I read an article yesterday where the author praised the iPad and one of his points absolutely baffled me. Here’s an excerpt:

As many Apple-watchers had predicted, the device runs a version of the iPhone operating system. This itself is a breakthrough. Apple is departing from—if not dispensing with—the multi-window, desktop metaphor that it invented with the Mac and that has come to dominate PCs via Windows. The iPad has no windows. Like on the iPhone, all programs take up the entire screen, commanding constant attention.

Are you kidding? A breakthrough? Any computer with the inability to handle multiple processes or windows at once is a step backward, not a step forward. That even includes an iPhone if you think about it as a mobile computer as well as a phone.

Nonetheless, I see some major potential in this device (more on that in a later post) and I expect the second generation to much improved similar to the way the iPhone 3G was to the original iPhone.

iPhone 4G is coming ?

Are you ready? Release likely around June or July of 2010.

 

Lots of speculation is going around on the new iPhone 4g... in HD!!

 

Verizon Wireless is currently testing a CDMA version of the iPhone 4G and Verizon confirms they are making network changes to bring the iphone to their network. The new iPhone 4g is going to be loaded with awesome new features like video chat, multi-tasking and extreme downloading. (List of possible features below). Just when you think there is nothing else to come up with, more and more and more technology comes out. And it is on the rise, and not just at Apple, Inc!

 

Woo hoo! This iPhone 4g could also have dual core processors and higher and powerful graphic chips that can deliver higher video resolutions and better "still" images when taking pictures.

 

There are a few networks working on building a 4G network. T-mobile would be a likely carrier since they are GSM already. Sprint has a 4G network already... AT&T and Verizon Wireless are in the beginning stages. There are talks of Verizon Wireless getting iPhone sometime in 2010 since the exclusive contract with AT&T expires, but it could be renewed until 2012.

 

Whether or not it will be 4G will be up to them!... can they build in time? Regardless, there is much anticipation on how many people will leave AT&T for Verizon Wireless because of AT&T's lagging on app restrictions like Slingplayer and Google Voice and Skype (on #g network, not Wi-Fi).

 

AT&T's restrictions have caused the percentage of people that are JailBreaking their iPhones to rise since Jail Breaking usually comes with Cydia which is the app store for jail broken phones. Most of the applications, ringtones, and even iphone themes!...are free with Cydia. Winterboard is part of the download, and it very easily add's the changes to your phone so you dont have to figure how to do it on your own...it is VERY automated.

 

The Palm Pre on Sprint (Sprint now offering a 4G network) has made an attempt at being competitive with iPhone and Blackberry...but it's not looking good. Maybe their recent Android phone will help.

 

iPhone 4G looks promising in terms of being sleek, packed with new hardware and multi-tasking software. Very exciting.

A few features of iPhone 4G:

• A new, sleeker body design.
• OLED screen.
• Multi-Tasking. (use multiple functions at once without going in and out of apps)
• iChat camera (on the front so you can have video chat!!!)
• 32G (basic) and 64G of memory. Your sure to never run out.
• Removable Battery.
• Hi Definition Camera.
• Hi Definition Camcorder.
• Hi Definition audio.
• Messaging light.
• True GPS built in.

Idyllic sceneries in Asia ~~

There are so many beautiful places in Asia.They are the most famous tourist spots that you shouldn't miss.
Don't miss these amazing places if you will visit Asia !

1. Shangri-La,Yunnan,in China

The two main reasons for visiting Shangri-La town are its old city and the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery. Many tourists come to Shangri-La to start an overland trip to Lhasa, in Tibet.

Place for tourist to have some nice teas !

2. Bhutan

It is a country where buying cigarettes is illegal, where the rice is red and where chillies aren’t just a seasoning but the entire dish.Visitors famously have to pay a minimum of US$200 per day, making it one of the world’s most expensive countries to visit.If you do visit Bhutan, you will become one of the few who have experienced the charm and magic of one of the world’s most enigmatic countries – the ‘last Shangri La’ – and you’ll be playing your part in this medieval kingdom’s efforts to join the modern world, while steadfastly maintaining its distinct and amazing cultural identity.

Beautiful scenery in Bhutan

3. Hokkaido, Japan

For many visitors the scenery resembles northern Europe, with rice paddies and concrete warrens replaced by rolling fields and faux-German cottages.For many visitors Hokkaido's numerous National Parks are number one on the agenda, offering near-unlimited hiking opportunities. Hokkaido's other major attractions are flower gardens, high-quality agriculture and seafood, hot springs, and powder skiing. Hokkaido is home to some of Japan's finest sakes, the most famous of the bunch being Asahikawa's Otokoyama. Beer is also big in Hokkaido, the most famous brand being Sapporo Beer.Lavender which reminds us about romance!A church in Hokkaido in the movie "If You Are The One "

Full of Lavender which reminds us of romance in Hokkaido !

4. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

It is a temple which was built for the king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century.Integrated with the architecture of the building, and one of the causes for its fame is Angkor Wat's extensive decoration, which predominantly takes the form of bas-relief friezes. The inner walls of the outer gallery bear a series of large-scale scenes mainly depicting episodes from the Hindu epics the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.Beautiful reflection of Angkor Wat

Better Breakfast !

Well,yesterday I had listed out few worst breakfast you should avoid....

Today,I will list out few better breakfasts !!

1. McDonald's: Better Bet

Your better alternative under the golden arches is the Egg McMuffin (300 calories, 12 g fat, 5 g saturated fat, 2 g fiber, 820 mg sodium). To help make the healthiest choices at McDonald's or any other fast-food chain, ask for a nutrition information brochure at the counter or check out the web site. Look for items that contain some fiber and protein that will keep you feeling satisfied for hours and don’t have too much sugar, sodium, or saturated or total fat.

2. Burger King: Better Bet

Choose the Ham Omelet Sandwich (290 calories, 13 g fat, 4.5 g saturated fat, 870 mg sodium, and 1 g fiber) for a breakfast that will help keep you feeling full until lunch.

3. Jack in the Box: Better Bets
Take your pick and enjoy a Breakfast Jack (290 calories, 12 g fat, 4.5 g saturated fat, 760 mg sodium and 1 g fiber) sandwich with a slice of ham, cheese and an egg, or for a few more fat calories, make it a Bacon Breakfast Jack (300 calories, 14 g fat, 5 g saturated fat, 728 mg sodium, and 1 g fiber).

4. Dunkin' Donuts: Better Bets

Pair your favorite coffee with a wheat bagel (330 calories, 4 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 12 g protein, 4 g fiber) or a multigrain bagel (380 calories, 6 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 14 g protein, 5 g fiber) high in satisfying fiber and protein that will keep you going strong. Or eat half of a high-fiber Honey Bran Raisin Muffin.

5. Starbucks: Better Bets

Starbucks is a popular morning stop for coffee and a quick treat. Breakfast items vary by region, featuring both indulgent and healthy choices. Better bets include the Spinach Roasted Tomato, Feta & Egg Wrap (240 calories, 10 g fat, 3.5 g saturated fat, 13 g protein, 7 g fiber), the fruit and cheese platter, and any of the low-fat bran muffins, scones, and coffee cake.

6. Subway: Better Bets

Enjoy a Cheese Breakfast Sandwich (410 calories, 18 g fat, 8 g saturated fat, 23 g protein, 1,010 mg sodium, 5 g fiber) on a 6 inch whole grain roll piled high with veggies for a healthy high-protein, high-fiber portable meal.

Worst Breakfast !

There are some breakfasts which are bad for your health !

1. McDonald's: Worst Choices
Pass on the Deluxe Breakfast with a regular or large biscuit and the Big Breakfast because they can set you back a minimum of 790 calories, 51 g fat, and 18 g saturated fat.

2. Burger King: Worst Choice

Skip the Enormous Omelet Sandwich (730 calories, 45 g fat, 16 g saturated fat, and 1,949 mg sodium) containing an omelet on a specialty bun topped with bacon, sausage, and cheese -- a high-calorie, high-fat, high-sodium sandwich containing almost a day’s worth of fat and sodium.

3. Jack in the Box: Worst Choice
Even though it sounds healthy, the Sirloin Steak,Egg Burrito with Fire Roasted Tomato Salsa has a whopping 790 calories, 48 g fat, and 5 g saturated fat along with 6 g fiber.

4. Skip Carl's Junior for Breakfast
French Toast Dips with syrup are the better bet but hardly healthy. Worst bets include the Breakfast Burger loaded with a burger, egg, bacon, cheese, and hash brown nuggets (830 calories, 47 g fat, 15 g saturated fat, 1,580 mg sodium, and 3 g fiber) or the hard-to-hold Loaded Breakfast Burrito bursting with scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, 2 cheeses, and salsa wrapped in a tortilla (820 calories, 51 g fat, 16 g saturated fat, 1,530 mg sodium, and 2 grams fiber).

5. Dunkin' Donuts: Worst Choices

Stay away from the decadent, more like over-the-top desserts, Triple Chocolate Muffin (660 calories, 33 g fat, 7 g saturated fat, 4 g fiber) or Peanut Butter Cup Cookie (590 calories, 29 g fat, 13 g saturated fat, and 3 g fiber).

6. Starbucks: Worst Choices

Worst bets on the Starbucks menu include pretty much all the other high-fat, high-sugar options that won't keep you full until lunch. This includes Starbucks Classic Coffee Cake (570 calories, 28 g fat, 10 g sat fat, 7 g protein).

7. Subway: Worst Choice

You won't lose weight if you opt for our pick for the worst choice, the 6 inch Chipotle Steak; Cheese Breakfast Sandwich (600 calories, 32 g fat, 11 g saturated fat, 1,470 mg sodium, 6 g fiber).

Benefits of a Healthy Morning Meal
Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day -- it gives you energy to start the day and is linked to many health benefits. Studies show that eating a healthy breakfast can help give you a nutritionally complete diet, higher in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals; better weight control; improved concentration and performance in the classroom or the boardroom; more strength and energy to engage in physical activity; and lower cholesterol levels.

Impossible Quiche recipe !

Yummy....

An impossible quiche that anyone can make. You can add anything to the reciepe. This is just the basic ingredients.

 

The recipe is coming !

 

Preparation Time
10 minutes

 

Cooking Time
40 minutes

 

Ingredients
125g ham, chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups (180g) grated tasty cheese
1/3 cup (50g) self-rainsing flour
Salt & freshly ground pepper, to season
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups (375ml) milk

 

Method

1. Preheat oven to 200°C. Grease a 5 cup capacity pie dish.
2. Combine ham, onion, cheese, flour, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Scatter over base of dish.
3. Whisk eggs and milk together in a large jug and pour over ham mixture. Cook for about 40 minutes or until puffed and golden. Cool slightly. Serve warm or cold.

For more recipes,get it HERE for FREE !!

 

 

 

17 Best Foods for Dieters

Here are just a few of the best foods for dieters:
1. Calorie-Controlled Snacks. Plenty of consumers are buying the 100-calorie (more or less) snack packs of everything from chips to cupcakes, but are they really the answer for weight loss?

Many people prefer calorie-controlled packages because they eliminate the chance for mindless overeating. Foods packaged in 100-calorie packs do the work and calorie math for you so you can enjoy snacking on foods that need to be enjoyed in limited amounts.

Quaker Mini Delights (90 calories) and Hostess 100-calorie cupcakes are among the more addictive option.
We should check the ingredient list and nutrition facts on the package. Look for products that offer some nutritious benefits, such as ones that contain less than 3 grams fat, less than 140 milligrams sodium, 15 grams or less sugar, and are made from whole grain with about 2 to 3 grams fiber and about 7 grams protein.

2. Healthier Fast Food. Fast food restaurants don't have to spell disaster for dieters. Try Quiznos' Flatbread Sammies (all less than 250 calories) or a small Honey Bourbon Chicken sub (320 calories); Taco Bell's Fresco-style items (less than 350 calories); McDonald's Southwest salad with grilled chicken (320); or any of Subway's subs with 6 grams of fat or less (230-370 calories).

3. Low-Fat and Fat-Free Dairy Products. Milk, yogurt (solid, frozen, and drinkable), cheese, sour cream, and cream cheese are available in lower-fat varieties that offer both healthy nutrients and great taste. Laughing Cow light cheese has only 35 calories per individually wrapped wedge, and Yoplait Fiber One nonfat yogurt combines yogurt crunchy cereal for a fiber boost and only 80 calories per 4 oz. cup.

Fat-free half-and-half is a suitable substitute for heavy cream with a fraction of the calories. And lower-fat and fat-free cream cheese and sour cream can easily pitch-hit for their fattier counterparts, particularly in recipes.

You can trim calories effortlessly if you use low-fat and lighter products and if the product is mixed in with other ingredients, no one will ever notice.

4. Rotisserie Chicken. It's no wonder that nearly every grocery store sells rotisserie chickens. You can serve one as is, shred it to use for tacos, pasta dishes, or casseroles, or chop it for an entree salad. You can even have it for dinner one night, then debone it and freeze the leftover meat for a quick meal later in the week.

5. Diet-Friendly Desserts. Lower-calorie and portion-controlled sweets mean that desserts can be part of any weight loss diet. Dieters who crave ice cream love Skinny Cow ice cream cones (150 calories), Edy's Slow-Churned ice cream bars (150 calories), and Fudgsicles (100 calories). Cookie lovers can enjoy Hershey's 100-calorie wafer bars, Teddy Grahams, graham crackers, Fig Newtons, vanilla wafers, or gingersnaps. On the road, try chewing on a piece of sugarless gum or suck on a piece of hard candy to satisfy your sweet tooth without sabotaging your diet. If a small piece won't do it for you, try Nabisco 100-calorie candy bites.

6. Flavored Mustards and Vinegars add sizzle to foods, with few calories. Try honey, tarragon, ginger, garlic, wasabi, or Dijon mustards, or balsamic, wine, herb, cider, fruit-flavored or, sherry vinegars. Use them in place of oil, mayonnaise, or butter in recipes.

7. Light Salad Dressings: Nearly half of the salad dressings you'll see on your grocer's shelves are reduced in calories and/or fat. Use Wish-Bone salad spritzers to lightly mist your salads, or try one of the many light or nonfat salad dressings. Another option is to make your own lower-calorie dressing, using more vinegar than oil, as well as a little water.

8. Cooking Liquids: Dieters have discovered that wine adds wonderful, low-calorie flavor to soups, stews, casseroles, and finishing sauces. Beef, fish, vegetable or chicken stocks come in fat-free varieties and add lots of flavor with very few calories. A secret ingredient to add sweetness to dishes is apple, orange,or pineapple juice concentrate.

9. Frozen Entrees. This is another grocery category that has grown tremendously, as consumers look for quick and easy meals.The light varieties of frozen foods, such as Lean Cuisine, Healthy Choice, or Kashi. Read the label, and look for entrees with about 300-400 calories, less than 600 milligrams of sodium, at least 4-5 grams of fiber, and less than 5 gram fat.

10. Beverages. Good old-fashioned water still tops the list of healthy drinks, but when you want something more, try these virtually calorie-free options: flavored waters; powdered packets to mix into bottled water, like Crystal Light and Propel; green, herbal, or exotic teas; coffee; sparkling water; or diet soft drinks. Low-cal options include light beer (100 calories/12 oz.); wine spritzers (100 calories/5 oz.); Starbucks' skinny latte or mocha (90 calories/12 oz.); and the new V8 juice with fiber (60 calories and 5 grams fiber/8 oz.).

11. Bars. Whether you eat them as snacks, pre-workout, or as meal replacements, these bars are the ultimate in convenience. For staying power, look for bars with fiber and protein, such as Luna, Kashi, or Fiber One bars.

12. Dips. Use these nutritious dips for your veggies, pretzels, or baked chips for only 5-50 calories per 2 tablespoons: hummus, salsas; fat-free black bean dip; mustards; and fat-free French onion dip.

13. Breakfast Cereals. Research shows that people who eat breakfast control their weight better than those who skip the morning meal. Start your day the healthy way with a bowl of whole-grain cereal (top it with fruit and low-fat dairy for extra nutrition). Look for cereals with fiber and protein and not too much sugar, like oatmeal (166 calories, 6 grams protein and 4 grams fiber), Kashi Go Lean (110 calories, 8 grams fiber, 13 grams protein), or Shredded Wheat (170 calories, 6 grams fiber, 6 grams protein)

The Basics for Dieters
Convenience foods are great, but it's hard to beat the nutritional goodness of whole, natural foods. Eating more natural, less processed foods is usually a more nutritious option, but both can fit into a healthy weight loss diet plan.

Here are the four types of food that are the foundation of any healthy diet:
14. Lean protein: Lean protein is important for dieters because it helps you feel satisfied. Excellent sources of low-fat protein include eggs; skinless poultry, edamame or other beans; nuts; shrimp; crab; fish fillets; lean cuts of beef (like filet mignon); and pork tenderloin. When choosing meat, go for lean cuts, trim off all visible fat, and control your portions.

According to the Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition Board, you can safely take in 10%-35% of your total calories from protein. So someone on an 1,800-calorie diet could eat up to 157 grams of protein -- the equivalent of 1 cup of skim milk, 1 cup cooked black beans, 2 ounces almonds, 1 cup low-fat yogurt, 2 eggs, 10 ounces of meat or fish, and 1 cup frozen yogurt.

15. Whole Grains. Most whole grains are a good source of fiber, which helps you fill you up. Try the whole-grain pasta blends or Uncle Ben's brown ready rice. Another dieter's favorite is fat-free popcorn -- crunchy, filling, and a whole grain!

16. Fruits. They satisfy your sweet tooth and are loaded with disease-fighting nutrients, yet are low in calories. Keep a stock of fresh, frozen, canned, and dried fruits on hand, to eat plain or toss into cereal, yogurt, waffles, or batters. Some convenient favorites include frozen berries, dried cranberries, and canned mandarin oranges. Whole fruits are best because of their fiber content, but if you prefer juice, be sure it's 100% juice, and enjoy it in small portions.

17. Veggies. Keep a supply of prewashed mixed greens, shredded carrots, steamed beets, and shredded broccoli slaw on hand for quick and nutritious salads. Roast sweet potatoes for a side dish that needs no topping other than a little salt and pepper. If fresh vegetables tend to become science experiments in your refrigerator, try Birdseye Steamfresh frozen vegetables. Canned vegetables are another option; just rinse thoroughly to reduce sodium. For your lunchbox or a snack, try the convenient packs of assorted veggie sticks with low-fat dip.