Posts Tagged ‘travel’

If you are one of those who love nature, then riding a bicycle will give you lots of joy. Not only is it a good habit to take good care of the environment, but it is also a very healthy lifestyle.

Maybe you have heard others say – stop and smell the roses; and you never even took them seriously. Well, it is a very true statement when it comes to the issues of nature and why it is important to connect to nature.

Riding a bicycle while site seeing is the best way to experience the best of nature. There are some unique sounds, smells from flowers and colors that you only get from nature. This is hardly possible while one is using an automobile.

The situation gets worse if you live in a big city where there is so much activity going on and the sounds and noise so great. It is caused by vehicles as well as other business activities of men. It is the reason guys should actually take off on a holiday to get a bit relaxed. On these occasions, the best thing is to join a bicycle tour of the countryside. Go on camping trips that would make you experience nature, the mountains, the woods and so forth.

Of course going through the mountain roads will be tough but the breeze will also be a bit chilly but beautiful on the face and hair. The best part will happen when you reach the top of the mountain, all the exhaustion will evaporate suddenly when confronted by the breathtaking scene that awaits you up there.

The bicycle tours might seem like cumbersome but if you can keep up with the tour guides and listen to the details they give every now and then as the trip progresses, you will enjoy it more when you get to the beautiful sceneries. You will only want to take more and more photos.

It is believed that the ideas you have picked from reading this information will go a long way towards guiding you on the next bicycle tour you wish to take. At the same time help you arrange an adventure of your own.

The simplest advice is that you will see more and enjoy a great deal of all the beautiful scenes you need to see if you are on a cycling trip.

The author additionally often publishes articles about products including Tacfit Warrior and clean pc.

As the news of influenza is seen everywhere we turn, more and more people are seeking every available means to support their immune system and potentially prevent the infection by any number of serious viral contagions — most notably these days is “Swine Flu”, though there may be more in our future. Historically, essential oils have been used during major plagues as a means to prevent infection. Pictures can be found in natural medicine textbooks of medical practitioners wearing facemasks stuffed with cinnamon, cloves, sage and other botanicals to ward of illness. Today’s leading professional aromatherapists also suggest the most important use of essential oils for humanity will be in the treatment and prevention of such infectious illnesses. Are essential oils a viable option as an alternative therapy for home use? Here’s a look at the scientific research, as well as formulas and practices to make use of aromatic medicines.

Essential Oils’ Antiviral Activity: The Research

Over the last decade, laboratory researchers around the world have found many essential oils are capable of directly eradicating viruses. Further, they may even prevent viruses from moving between cells within the body and limiting the spread of infection. This is not an over-optimistic interpretation of the data by an essential oil proponent, but the actual conclusions of controlled research studies. Abstracts of all the research mentioned here can be found through pubmed.gov, the database maintained by the National Institute of Health and the US National Library of Medicine. If you wish, you can browse these results by entering search terms such as “essential oil virus”, “antiviral essential oil”, and more specifically “laurus nobilis SARS” (Laurus nobilis being Bay Laurel essential oil, and SARS a highly-infectious viral respiratory ailment). While there is not yet data where essential oils have been tested against Swine Flu and Avian Flu specifically, as we’ll see there is every reason to believe the oils will be effective against these virus strains as well.

Looking At The Data: Many Viruses And Many Oils

With more than one hundred published research papers on the subject, a summary is in order. What scientists are finding is that many of the essential oils commonly in use today have antiviral properties. Whether an oil is effective against a particular virus depends upon the natural chemical makeup of the oil and the structure of the virus being studied. The data, without a doubt, is very encouraging. One study performed in Germany this year concluded with the note that Tea Tree was able to “reduce viral infectivity by greater than 96 percent”. The same study went on to clarify that the whole, natural oil, rather than any single chemical synthetically extracted, was up to TEN TIMES more effective as an antiviral agent. The precise reason for this is not known — it is clear that some of the most chemically complex oils exhibit the greatest antiviral effects, and perhaps this mixture of nature’s chemicals attacks the virus AND supports immune function is several ways at once.

Laurus Nobilis and SARS

Many of the studies utilize the Herpes Simplex Virus as a “test subject”, because of the widespread prevalence of infection, along with the relative ease of testing. However, if one digs into the data, many papers present information relevant in in influenza pandemic. SARS ‘Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome’ is caused by the highly infectious SARS-CoV virus that made world-wide news in 2003. A study in the March 2008 Journal of Chemical Biodiversity noted Bay Laurel essential oil to have significant antiviral action against this virus. They’d also noted the natural constituents of this oil, which are also found in a great many other essential oils. This is why you’ll see MANY essential oils noted as antivirals — because many oils share similar natural chemical constituents. So while this next oil is not readily available, the data is very interesting. In 2005, Chinese researchers evaluated the anti-influenza potential of the essential oil from a root used in Chinese medicine, concluding: “In vivo…it prevented influenza virus-induced deaths in a dose-dependent manner”. And the list of oil/virus combinations goes on and on. But this begs the question: how do we derive a formula for Swine Flu prevention?

Selecting Oils For Daily Flu Protection

Here’s where we’ll make the leap from the scientific evidence to relying on many many years of Aroma Medicine practice throughout the world. In the aromatherapy textbooks, the list of antiviral essential oils is long. This corroborates with the scientific findings that a great many essential oils DO in-fact have antiviral activity. Where the help of skilled professional practitioners comes in is that in these texts, oils are prescribed by how effective they are against viruses that produce particular symptoms — respiratory tract infections are treated with cineol-containing oils such as Eucalyptus Radiata and Ravensara Aromatica. Viral infections of the skin are often treated with Melissa and/or Tea Tree. The doctors who have been using essential oils as medicine for years in Europe have developed a solid system, and can be relied upon in defining the appropriate list of oils for us.

A selection of potentially helpful essential oils includes the following: Melissa (also known as Lemon Balm), Eucalyptus Radiata (one of many kinds of Eucalyptus, this one specifically noted for its antiviral effects), Ravensara (similar to Eucalyptus, also a highly regarded antiviral), Lavender (don’t let its flowery aroma trick you — it is also considered antiviral and an immunostimulant), Maleleuca ericifolia (a relative of Tea Tree), Hyssop, Bay Laurel, and Thyme.

An Influenza Prevention Recipe

An example blend including these oils: 2 parts Melissa, 1 part Thyme (Thujanol, Geraniol or Linalool), 4 parts Lavender, 3 parts Ravensara, 4 parts Eucalyptus Radiata (Narrow Leaf), 3 parts Hyssop, 6 parts Rosalina (Melaluca ericifolia) and 3 parts Bay Laurel. A “part” can be anything — a milliliter, a drop, an ounce — just as long as they’re consistently the same volume. For children between 2 and 13, use 4 parts Lavender, 3 parts Rosalina, 1 part Ravensara, 1 part Eucalyptus and 3 parts Bay Laurel. This recipe is excellent as a lower-cost version for adults as well — and has been made more gentle for the young ones (consult Valerie Worwood’s “Aromatherapy for the Healthy Child” for more on using essential oils with kids).

Diffusion: Getting The Oils Into The Air

The best way to use these oils is through diffusion, which is essentially “rapid evaporation”. A nebulizing aromatherapy diffuser will make a fine mist of essential oil which cleanly evaporates in your surroundings. This method allows a low concentration of the oils to be inhaled regularly. The effect is to actually disinfect the air in your home, as well as getting the oils into one’s lungs and bloodstream in small amounts. A feature of oils’ activity is that they are reported to reduce the ability of viruses to penetrate cell walls, so the lungs and sinuses become protected just by breathing the oil-infused air. Be careful not to overdo it though — the aroma should never be overwhelming or irritating, and your body will tell you if you’ve had enough. The oils do their immune-supportive job in subtle ways, which require only the smallest amounts of oil. The casual inhalation of the oils also gets them into circulation throughout the bloodstream, penetrating all the organ systems, and most importantly the lymph system — home to our immune function. A cold air nebulizing diffuser (as opposed to an ‘ultrasonic’, which dilutes the oils with water) would ideally be run 5-10 minutes every hour for this purpose.

Topical Application and Baths

In cases where diffusion is not practical, topical application of the oil formula is the next best thing. This can be done in a couple of ways: either though an aromatherapy bath, or through the ancient practice of reflexology — where the oils are absorbed at the reflex points of the feet. For the bath, mix 4-6 drops of the essential oil recipe in a little carrier oil (or any off-the-shelf bath oil). Swirl this blend into an already drawn bath and soak! For children, lessen the amount of essential oil 2 drops (for ages 2-8) or 4 drops (9-13). The feet and the areas of the body where the lymph nodes are close to the surface are also excellent places to massage in this recipe. The oils readily penetrate the skin and are rapidly absorbed. For adults, make a 5% concentration of the essential oil recipe in any carrier oil (Coconut, with its own antiviral activity may be best — otherwise any one will do). A 5% concentration is simply a 1 to 20 ratio — 1 part essential oil blend to 19 parts carrier (this same concentration is made by adding 44 drops of the formula to each 1 fluid ounce of carrier oil). Lower this concentration for children in a manner similar to the aromatherapy bath. A daily foot massage, and/or massage into the armpits, neck and sternum is an excellent means of treating yourself and your family to these wonderful herbal medicines.

Conclusion: Essential Oils, Infectious Illness and the Future

As noted earlier, the world’s leading aroma-medicine practitioners believe the most important healing potential for essential oils is in the prevention and treatment of infectious illness. Of course, one should evaluate every available means of strengthening their immune system and those of their loved ones — there are many ways health professionals will recommend to do this. Considering the scientific data, essential oils are certainly a very worthy method of providing this support. Given all the contagions, Swine flu, Avian flu, and ones yet to be named, natural medicines have the long-term advantage of not being easily “adapted to” by viruses. The oils are so complex, and have evolved as the defense mechanism of plants over millions of years that they may present a far greater challenge to a virus to become resistant to when compared to synthetic preparations. And they’re such a joy to use — you’re house will be smelling fantastic while you’re keeping healthy; a great many amateur practitioners will concur that think you’ll find essential oils very worthwhile.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease. The statements included in this document are the opinions of natural health professionals drawing on historical therapeutic practices and relevant scientific data. They are not meant to be a substitute for face-to-face consultations with trained and licensed medical professionals. Essential oils are considered to be supportive of the immune system’s actions my a great many health practitioners; at the same time, it is important to be aware of all the options available to you to make the best choices for your health and the health of your family.

The author is a natural health professional utilizing aromatherapy essential oils and offers wholesale essential oils through her website.

When planning an overseas trip, most travelers think that they have taken care of everything. From insuring the flight reservation to securing the best hotel, it’s important to protect everything. But what about protecting one’s family from injury or illness?

The average health insurance plan from a traveler’s home country may not cover the same health problems that can occur when traveling overseas. The insurance professionals at IMG offer a travel insurance package, the Patriot travel medical insurance plan, which guarantees medical coverage for individuals and their families when traveling overseas.

Patriot travel insurance offers value and peace of mind for both short vacations and long working trips overseas. While it is impossible to predict a health emergency or illness, Patriot insurance offers assurance that medical treatments will be covered.

Coverage for several types of medical services and treatments, including emergency room visits and hospital stays are part of the Patriot health insurance plans. Additionally, coverage for dental injuries caused by accidents is included.

Plans like Patriot health insurance also include additional coverage that is not found in traditional health plans. Trip interruption coverage and lost luggage coverage, along with assistance with cases of identity theft, are included in the plan in addition to protection against injury caused by recreational activities and terrorism.

Applicants for Patriot Travel Medical insurance must be U.S. citizens traveling outside of the United States, or non-U.S. citizens traveling outside of their home country. Children and spouses can be added to the plan for additional payments.

While traveling abroad, any claims must be pre-certified by the plan provider to determine medical necessity. This includes any claims for procedures, hospital stays or surgery. The exact eligibility requirements for coverage by the Patriot American insurance plan are listed in the certificate provided upon purchase.

When traveling abroad, plans like the Patriot travel insurance plan provide coverage against unforeseen injury and illness. With travel medical insurance, travelers and their families are protected against the unexpected at an affordable rate.

So you’re ready to take a bike ride or tour but you dot know what type of bicycle saddle bags you’ll need for your trip. In order to answer this question there are several things you need to know. How far you’re traveling, how long your trip is, and how much weight you’ll carry.

If you’re going on a short trip then you probably wont need large panniers that sit over the front and rear wheel. So if you’re traveling a short distance for only a day trip then you probably need smaller bags that don’t require an over the wheel rack to mount them. These include; behind the seat bags, handlebar bags, and under the top tube bags.

A good behind the seat bag sits directly under your bike seat and is actually attached to the seat itself. Depending on the size of the bag you can typically fit your bike tools, a tube or two, and a foldaway tire.

The same goes for a handlebar bag. It will hold about the same amount as a large behind the seat bag and rests right on your handlebars. The only caveat is that you must remember that having anything attached to your handlebars will slow your ability to turn the bike. So keep your loads light in handlebar bags.

A great choice for small loads is a good under the top tube bag. This bag is very aerodynamic and light in weight. You’ll have just enough room to hold your essentials such as; cell phone, wallet, some bike tools, and maybe a bag of peanuts. Keep loads to a minimum to prevent the bag from impeding your pedaling.

If you plan on going for a multiple day trip over many miles then you need to carry a lot of weight safely. If you try to cram too much gear in your small day trip bags you’ll risk a crash because your weight will be too high on your bike. You need panniers or bicycle saddle bags that will solve all your problems.

These panniers will attach to racks that you mount over your front and rear tires. You can have up to 2 bicycle saddle bags on the front and rear bags totaling 4 bags altogether. Youll be able to now safely carry all the weight you need for your trip.

The nation of Bhutan is a tiny Buddhist kingdom tucked into the remote Himalayas between India and Tibet. Here, visitors will discover a rich way of life that has only recently begun to be exposed to modern mindsets and Western culture. This devoutly Buddhist country is home to a distinct culture that is based on age-old Buddhist beliefs and practices and maintains a solid footing in tradition. The government of Bhutan monitors tourism closely as national leaders work hard to protect the cultural heritage and pristine natural beauty of Bhutan, balanced with allowing the adoption of modern technologies and conveniences to enhance the lives of the Bhutanese people.

To this end, the number of tour groups and tourists allowed to visit Bhutan each year is limited. While Bhutanese culture is very conservative and traditional, the warm, friendly Bhutanese people welcome gay travel tours, just as they would any other guest to their country. Due to the limited tourism allowed, anyone who has the opportunity to travel to this mystical mountain kingdom should take full advantage of experiencing all that the country of Bhutan has to offer.

There is not any scene to speak of in Bhutan, which means that a gay vacation planned to this majestic mountainous region would certainly not be for the purpose of seeking out and experiencing LGBT life in a different culture. This is not to say that there is not same-gender intimacy in Bhutan; in fact, it is a common and accepted occurrence. However, there are no words for gay, lesbian or bisexual in the languages of this region and ones identity is not influenced by sexual behavior.

There is a noted level of bisexual behavior among men, most of who are either married to women or monastic monks, and this is not considered taboo. There is technically a very old law on the books in Bhutan that states that homosexual activity is punishable by imprisonment with the possibility of a life sentence; however, most residents are not even aware of this law and there are no records of it ever being enforced.

Gay travel to Bhutan allows an opportunity to experience a culture that is largely untouched by the outside world and is the ideal setting for a spiritual awakening or renewal. From hiking to visiting monasteries and exploring ancient villages, Bhutan gay vacations are unlike anything you will experience anywhere else in the world.

To fully enjoy all that Bhutan offers, it is recommended that you plan your gay holidays to this majestic land very well. This will help to ensure that you are given the opportunity to discover the beauty and spirituality of this magnificent country, while respecting Bhutans natural and cultural richness.

The newspapers, the TV, Magazines and several daily handouts are full of offers and invitations for a stressed person, to get some fitness exersises done, at home or in a center. They say, that all day long sitting in a chair, on the job, and being observed and stressed by business-oriented seniors at all times, will give a person a wrong positioning in the body, and it will create stiff bones and no, or wrong-used muscles, which do not relax, when going home after work and just sitting in front of the home TV.

     It creates pain, discomfort, unhappiness, feeling stressed-like and being unsatisfied in general - or often otherwise frustrated, because of no real sleep. This is the moment, where the wake-up call lets people change their diets and figure out a very sophisticated fitness program, with lots of tools and weapons, which could stem from another planet. And in their pockets you can find all type of nutrition calculators and weight counters.

     But what is  really happening ?

     The above symptoms are obviously there. A change to better nutrition
is always a good thing to do, and exercise in a more normal continual way,
rather than spiny and overdone, will also do some really good for the circulation system of the body.

     Now doctor, give us your diagnosis !

     This is not a pure body problem, when you look at the unhappiness of the person. The person feels completely squeezed into a daily, weekly and monthly all-life-long schedule, to which she is adhered to. Then there is her family, kids, cooking,cleaning the room etc. Together with many usual other little problems, which come with it. Several situations will happen, which will bring her stress and negaitive impressions, where she is never able to get really rid of. She is keeping them then as her “bad moments” of the past. And they’ll stay there, keeping on suppressing her, as soon something similar is happening.

     What is the handling to this “chronic disease” ?

     The name is extroversion. And it costs nothing, only the absolute good will of the person itself,  to really stick to it and get it done.

     Take time, breath deeply, go around in your vicinity or in a nice shopping area. But it is not about shopping, it is about looking around, observing others, looking at huge buildings and feeing their weights. Watch the green on the trees and see all the cars rolling by, and don’t think anything else ! Then comes a moment, where the person will feel getting really tired and wants to stop this exercise. But at this point she has to continue walking and looking, because her stress, depression and problems come all out as this deep tiredness right now, which has to completely disappear.

Only if the tiredness is gone and she feels fresh and awake again, then the person can go home, and she will feel really good about it. She is now “out of it”, and in a new condition on a much higher and healthier level.

     What else helps dramatically, is to plan a vacation, but only for health, sports, nutrition and lots of activities, to be part of. This will bring for sure a very awesome and deep personal change to the better.

     And this with no pills, no pharmacy and none of the overcharged psychological treatments.