Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Honey Bees Beekeeping

Honey bees beekeeping is a very interesting hobby anyone, in any shape, from any parts of the world can take up. Honey bees, for starters, are quite intriguing creatures and keeping them can be a worthwhile and rewarding hobby that will provide you a jar of healthy and tasty treat for your own home, or as a gift to families and friends. And as your hobby flourishes, who knows, another surefire way to augment the family earnings. It is also another source of relief from the daily grind of living and working.

Getting started is not always a walk in the park. Of course you will have to learn the trick of the trades and make sure that you are equipped with the proper tools to prosper. Consider the following steps to guide you in your beekeeping adventures:

Learn from the masters - Find an experienced, successful beekeeper who is willing to help you. Seek his guidance and advice to aid you in your newly chosen endeavor.

Book-smart pays - Read two or three of the many good books available on beekeeping and if you can find one written specifically for the area where you live, the better. You may also want to start subscribing to a beekeeping magazine since they will be full of valuable information and tips for beginners.

Start a-fresh - Start with new equipment of standard dimensions and designs. As a newbie, you can do away with the complications brought about by used or homemade equipment.

The tools of the trade - Buy only the equipment you know how to use and that you are certain you would like to use it.

Italian, I love Italian! - Start with Italian bees. They are the standard, the most common, and readily available in most countries.

Beekeepers unite - Join your local beekeepers' association. These groups welcome and encourage beginners and will be a great source of information on books and other publications, trainings and workshops, as well as beekeeping events in your area. You will find kindred souls there.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Candidiasis Symptoms

Common Candidiasis Symptoms

For women

A white discharge, thick and cottage cheese in appearance, is a signs of a vaginal yeast infection. The infection normally causes itching and irritates the vagina and surrounding outer tissues, and may also cause painful sexual intercourse or burning sensation during urination

For infants and adults

Thick, white lacy patches on top of a red base that forms on the tongue, palate, or elsewhere inside the mouth is a symptom of thrush or oral candidiasis. This infection also may make the tongue look red without the white coating, and can be painful and make it difficult to eat.

Red flat rash with sharp scalloped edges is a sign of superficial candidal skin infection. These rashes may cause itching or pain and normally occurs in moist parts of the body such as the diaper area and skin-folds.

For people with weakened immune systems

A painful ulcer throughout the gastrointestinal system that makes it way too painful to even swallow liquids can very well be a sigh of candida esophagitis. This usually occurs to people with suppressed immune system due to AIDS, chemotherapy or other conditions.

Vomiting and diarrhea, frequent stomach pains and digestion problems are known symptoms of digestive tract yeast infection.

Be wary of these signs as well
  • Skin problems (skin infections, eczema, psoriasis, acne)
  • Foggy brain / Trouble concentrating
  • Constant tiredness and exhaustion
  • Anxiety
  • Mood swings
  • Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Anger outbursts
  • Irritability
  • Headaches
Candidiasis can also be a sign of a more serious condition such as HIV/AIDS or diabetes so it is best to consult your medical practitioner for recurring infections.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

The Beekeeping Hive

Here is a lowdown on beekeeping hive 101

To start off:

To finally begin my beekeeping journey, I headed down to the nearest beekeeping store to get my equipment and supplies. I purchased hive parts, smoker, a veil helmet, a feeder, and a hive tool (which is practically the jack of all trades when it comes to beekeeping) and of course, a hive and two packets of bees. I will also need additional equipment once my hive starts producing honey, like honey supers (that's extra parts to store the honey), a bee brush and a suit; so, I am all set for now to start building my own beehive.

To install the bees in my hive:

The bees came in a small cage with a separate one for the queen and a few of her attendants. I filled the feeders with sugar syrup and pried open the cages. I then lifted the queen cage and placed it in the hive, in between two frames. I will be using gradual introduction to make sure the bees are familiar with the queens smell and therefore accepts her as their own before she is finally freed. Once the queen cage is in, I simply removed the syrup can from the main bee cage and placed the cage inside for the bees to crawl out, and placed the lid back securely. I will be back to remove the cage and refill the feeder a few days after.

A note from the hive:

It will pay to observe precautions during beekeeping installation, although bees will less likely sting during hive introductions. Always wear your veil to prevent those nasty stings especially if you are allergic. And do try to visit your hive during sunny days as the bees also get grouchy when its raining. And do not forget to open the hive only, and I mean only, when it is necessary. Your bees wont like the unnecessary attention and gets too stressed with activities.

So, don't take my word for it, go out and start your beekeeping adventure A.S.A.P!

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Yeast Infection: Tongue

Yeast infection of the tongue, also known as oral thrush, is generally caused by a fungal infection due to an abnormal overproduction of a microorganism known as Candida Albicans that can be naturally found in the body. Inflamed mucosa, burning sensation, difficulty and pain when eating or swallowing are common signs and symptoms experienced by an individual with oral yeast infection. Tongue may appear to have white to yellow cream-like patches present upon initial inspection of the oral cavity and quickly bleeds when the thrush is scraped.

Oral infections often occur in people who have underdeveloped or very low immune systems like babies and the elderly. Individuals who are suffering from chronic diseases such as AIDS, diabetes and cancer and those who are taking antidepressants, corticosteroids, antihistamines and antibiotics for long term therapy are also highly predisposed to such an infection.

While it may sound scary and disgusting, oral thrush can be easily treated with home remedies. Yogurt can be very good for treating yeast infections since it contains live bacteria that could destroy the yeast. You could try eating yogurt or directly apply it to the affected part. Likewise, slightly crushed garlic may help heal oral thrush since it contains allicin that is believed to have anti-fungal property.

It is still best, however, to seek the medical advice of the doctor when dealing with oral yeast infection, considering the fact that it may be a sign of another underlying disease so to speak. During treatment, it is also advised that toothbrushes should be regularly changed monthly to avoid re-infection.

Friday, June 17, 2011

How to Treat Candidiasis

Candidiasis treatment can simply be over-the-counter (OTC) remedies or prescription medications to be taken at home but if some other disease causing your immune system to weaken, it is best to consult your doctor for any new symptoms before you try self-treatment because you might risk getting infection.

Treatment for yeast infections:

Yeast infections can easily be treated at home with over-the-counter medications such as miconazole, tioconazole, butoconazole, and cotrimazole. Simply massage these remedies into your privates and surrounding tissues for a week depending on the formulation. In case irritation increases around the area, stop using the ointment at once. You have to consult your doctor first before using any of the treatments if you are pregnant or if symptoms continue for more than a week.

Treatment for thrush

To treat thrush, simply swish the antifungal agent nystatin(Bio-Statin, Mycostatin, Mycostatin Pastilles, Nilstat) around the mouth and make sure to maintain excellent oral hygiene. For babies and small children, make sure that all objects they put in their mouths are sterilized after each use and breastfeeding mothers ought to be checked for candida of the breast, too.

For adults, treatment options include troches, pills like fluconazole to be used in conjunction with nystatin to help clear infection. If one wears dentures, make sure to clean them thoroughly after each use. Good oral hygiene is a must.

Treatment for skin and diaper rash

For treatment of diaper rash, make sure to frequently change baby diapers, use barrier creams to speed recovery and to keep the affected area clean and dry all the time. Clotrimazole creams and lotions can also be applied to skin infections. To use other medications, make sure to visit your health care practitioner to get prescriptions.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Important Pointers on Watering your Orchids

Orchid watering plays such a pivotal role in your orchid raising success, and to be able to ace it, here are a few important things you must take note of:

1. Firstly, you should bear in mind that, unlike any other plant, orchids have a special kind of roots that require different and specific type of care. It is best to check on your orchid's particular type to give it the specific care it needs.

2. Generally, you should water once a week, but, remember that different potting materials and different sizes of these potting materials affect the water to dry out at different rates too and may require you to water as often or seldom as necessary.

3. You must water only early in the day and during sunny days as water staying over night or staying in the orchids roots for too long will promote the growth of bacteria and fungi that may kill your orchids.

4. Water your plant with room temperature or lukewarm water to avoid causing injuries to your plant.

5. Water your plant from the top and make sure to wipe out the water that splashed on the leaves and in between the leaves.

6. If you can, it is best to use rainwater instead of tap water, as it absorb and dissolve substances such as dusts and pollens and contributes well in the nourishment of your plant.

7. Lastly, as with everything else, orchid watering is instinctual, so if you feel like you need to water your plant frequently or otherwise, just follow those green thumb instincts and you can never go wrong.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Night Terrors: Infants

What is night terror in infants and who are commonly affected?

You rushed to your child's bedroom because you heard a frightening shriek. His eyes glassy, heart racing, breathing is rapid, screaming and confused and he may also be drenched in sweat. He may appear to be awake, yet he won't respond to your attempts to comfort him. After the screams subside, he is calm and has no memory of this episode and, yes, no dream or nightmare to tell you about the morning after.

He will not be able to talk and express feelings for some time and/or to explain the trauma he has just experienced. Such is a classic example of night terrors, infants are most likely to be affected between ages 18 months and 6 years old, which are not not to be confused with nightmares.

How can I prevent night terrors from happening to my baby?

There are several ways to prevent night terrors. Make sure that your baby gets adequate sleep at naptime and at night. Also, make sure to have a noise free and silent place for your baby to sleep and turn off dark lights which may irritate him. Establish a consistent sleep schedule for him and fix a daily routine of waking up, sleeping and eating, and actually follow it.

You can also try giving a chamomile tisane sip before sleeping and have a tissue sprinkled with orange oils and chamomile under your child's pillow to help him sleep better. Cuddling is also helpful and don't forget to visit the doctor occasionally for proper medical care and make sure to give only medications which are properly prescribed.

What are the cures for night terrors?

Relaxation techniques and medications are the best treatments for night terrors. Hypnotherapy is also being used, as well as antidepressants like imipramine or a drug called chlordiazepoxide, which may be prescribed for relief of tensions and nervous feeling.

It is a big consolation to know that night terror does not lead to other sleep disturbances and that providing your child with a lot of love and affection is very important while dealing with such health related issues.

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Candida Die Off Symptoms

A person who is under Candida diet would normally experience a Candida die off symptoms. However, there are some people who do not feel such discomfort and problems while on a strict Candida diet.

The purpose of Candida diet is to fight the yeast overgrowth that is happening inside the body. It has to be done in a gradual manner so as not to overwhelm the body with such change in diet. The Candida die off symptoms may differ in every person; it would depend on how long the yeast has been over growing in the body. Herxheimer reaction is the other term for candida die off.

The die off symptoms can be experienced by some people for a couple of days, while others would be in severe pain for a week. You need to remember that experiencing pain does not mean failure in treatment. In fact, it could mean other wise, the treatment is working well.

The aim of the Candida diet is to kill or stop the Candida overgrowth inside the body and not to starve yourself to death. Aside from combating the overgrowth of yeast or candida inside the body; the diet could also help normalize the balance in your health system.

The common symptoms that a person would normally experience during Candida die off are dizziness, headache, depression, anxiety, exhaustion, sweating and chills. You just need to stick to your diet even if you feel these symptoms. It just means that your body will be back to normal once you are done with the Candida diet.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Beekeeping Class for Beginners

A person interested in beekeeping must not only possess the desire to take care of bees but he or she should be equipped with knowledge on how to properly take care of the bees as well. Some beekeepers would attend a beekeeping class in order to learn something more about beekeeping.

A beekeeper should know the details like the beekeeper protective clothing. You cannot just wear anything during beekeeping, or else you will be prone to bee stings. A beekeeper should know that he or she should be protected from head to feet.

Aside from the protective clothing, other things to learn about beekeeping are the beehives. In order to attract more bees, learn how to create the perfect hive for the colony. There are different hives to choose from, and the most common of which is the Top Bar Hive.

The beekeeping guide or lessons would not only show you what are the necessary equipment for beekeeping; it will also give you an in depth explanation on the functions of each beekeeping equipment and supplies. It will also provide learnings and ideas on how you would go about handling the bees.

Investing to get a quality beekeeping class will give you wealth of information that can be useful in starting your apiary. This would give you a good start in creating a healthy colony and in no time, you will be able to have a taste of the delicious honey as your harvest. Plus the fact the you could also make money out of the beeswax that you can also harvest.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Orchid Growing Supplies

Orchids are highly delicate plants that need constant care as well as grooming. This can be done if appropriate tools are utilized in caring for orchids. Orchid growing supplies are as equally crucial as the basic needs of these lovely flowers for them to give a vibrant bloom such as sunlight, air and water.

It is of prime importance that you keep a handful of cutting shears to cut withered and deteriorating leaves and stems such as secateur shears, blades, heavy scissors and knives. It prevents the further spread of damages to other plant parts and therefore maintains the integrity of the orchids.

On the other hand, the size of the pot will greatly vary on what type of orchids you choose to grow. Other tools that you may need for potting method are planting sticks, hammers, and butane/propane torches which may be necessary to push potting materials, break pots and sterilize tools respectively. Also, you must use potting mixes that are made of both organic fibers and inorganic materials for they promote aeration and aid in holding water to keep the soil constantly damp.

Likewise, it is also a must to keep a number of watering accessories in your garden to complete your set of orchid growing supplies. These tools give your orchids a regular splash of water which may be substantial for their growth, to wash away pests and keep them clean at all times. Watering materials include watering cans, hoses, water flow regulators, water breakers sprayers and mists.

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Yeast Intolerance

Yeast is needed by the human body but too much of yeast is harmful and can cause health problems. The human body needs yeast in small quantities in order to maintain a normal digestive system. But yeast in the body must not be excessive because it can cause problems and people who have too much yeast tend to develop intolerance to it.

There are lactose and gluten intolerance and this is common knowledge already but yeast intolerance is different because not everybody has knowledge about it until they encounter such problems.

The reasons for the intolerance can be caused by a long-lasting illness/stress, an unbalanced diet or a course of antibiotics. If a person is diagnosed with such health problem, he needs to reduce his intake of any yeast type of products or foods that have yeasts in it such as sugar foods and fermented foods.

There are symptoms that show a person has a candida infection and these includes but is not limited to: bloating of the stomach, oral thrush and bad breath, food cravings, mood swings, feeling tired and production of gas. But a person must not assume directly that he has an infection just because he experiences all of the symptoms. It is important that he visits a doctor and get his condition diagnosed first because there are also illnesses which has the same symptoms with candida infection.

There are many medical tests available that can help determine whether a person is suffering from yeast intolerance. A home test can be done but a person cannot just rely on it, medical test is still recommended.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Yeast Intolerance

Yeast is needed by the human body but too much of yeast is harmful and can cause health problems. The human body needs yeast in small quantities in order to maintain a normal digestive system. But yeast in the body must not be excessive because it can cause problems and people who have too much yeast tend to develop intolerance to it.

There are lactose and gluten intolerance and this is common knowledge already but yeast intolerance is different because not everybody has knowledge about it until they encounter such problems.

The reasons for the intolerance can be caused by a long-lasting illness/stress, an unbalanced diet or a course of antibiotics. If a person is diagnosed with such health problem, he needs to reduce his intake of any yeast type of products or foods that have yeasts in it such as sugar foods and fermented foods.

There are symptoms that show a person has a candida infection and these includes but is not limited to: bloating of the stomach, oral thrush and bad breath, food cravings, mood swings, feeling tired and production of gas. But a person must not assume directly that he has an infection just because he experiences all of the symptoms. It is important that he visits a doctor and get his condition diagnosed first because there are also illnesses which has the same symptoms with candida infection.

There are many medical tests available that can help determine whether a person is suffering from yeast intolerance. A home test can be done but a person cannot just rely on it, medical test is still recommended.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

How To Repot an Orchid

People who just started to love and grow orchids might ask themselves if it is difficult to repot an orchid. Houseplants and orchids needed to be transferred to larger pots when they grow because they need more space, but repotting an orchid is more complicated compared to ordinary houseplants. When repotting orchids, it pays when the person does the right thing because more flowers will bloom and the orchid becomes healthier.

Steps on How to Report an Orchid:

Remove the orchid from the old pot. Get some old newspapers and turn the orchid upside down on it. If the roots are stuck to the container, use sterilized knife to loosen it from the pot. It is important to only use sterilize tools to cut the orchid roots in order to avoid diseases. Wiping the tools with rubbing alcohol or sterilizing it through flaming using a lighter can be done.

Prepare the orchid to be repotted is the next thing to do. Shake off the soil attached to the roots. The roots needs to be trimmed before the orchids can be repotted using sterilized scissors to remove the dead and damaged roots.

Move the orchid to the new pot. If the orchid is placed in previously used pot, the pot needs to be washed thoroughly and must be soaked in a weak solution of chlorine for 30 minutes and should be rinsed well. Clean stones or plastic foam must be put into the bottom of the pot because orchids require good drainage.