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Breast cancer is a cancer that starts in the cells of the breast in men and women. Worldwide, breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer after lung cancer   and the fifth most common cause of cancer death.   However breast cancer mortality worldwide is just 25% greater than that of lung cancer in women.  In 2005, breast cancer caused 502,000 deaths worldwide . The number of cases worldwide has significantly increased since the 1970s, a phenomenon partly blamed on modern lifestyles in the Western world.

Because the breast is composed of identical tissues in males and females, breast cancer also occurs in males.  Incidences of breast cancer in men are approximately 100 times less common than in women, but men with breast cancer are considered to have the same statistical survival rates as women.

Signs and Symptoms

The first symptom, or subjective sign, of breast cancer is typically a lump that feels different than the surrounding breast tissue. According to the Merck Manual, greater than 80% of breast cancer cases are discovered as a lump by the woman herself.   According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the first medical sign, or objective indication of breast cancer as detected by a physician, is discovered by mammogram.

Indications of breast cancer other than a lump may include changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling, nipple inversion, or spontaneous single-nipple discharge. Pain is an unreliable tool in determining the presence of breast cancer, but may be indicative of other breast-related health issues such as mastodynia.

When breast cancer cells invade the dermal lymphatics, small lymph vessels in the skin of the breast, its presentation can resemble skin inflammation and thus is known as inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). Symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer include pain, swelling, warmth and redness throughout the breast, as well as an orange peel texture to the skin referred to as peau d’orange.

Another reported symptom complex of breast cancer is Paget’s disease of the breast. This syndrome presents as eczematoid skin changes such as redness and mild flaking of the nipple skin. As Paget’s advances, symptoms may include tingling, itching, increased sensitivity, burning, and pain. There may also be discharge from the nipple. Approximately half of women diagnosed with Paget’s also have a lump in the breast.

Occasionally, breast cancer presents as metastatic disease, that is, cancer that has spread beyond the original organ. Metastatic breast cancer will cause symptoms that depend on the location of metastasis. More common sites of metastasis include bone, liver, lung and brain. Unexplained weight loss can occasionally herald an occult breast cancer, as can symptoms of fevers or chills. Bone or joint pains can sometimes be manifestations of metastatic breast cancer, as can jaundice or neurological symptoms. These symptoms are “non-specific,” meaning they can also be manifestations of many other illnesses.

Most symptoms of breast disorder do not turn out to represent underlying breast cancer. Benign breast diseases such as mastitis and fibroadenoma of the breast are more common causes of breast disorder symptoms. The appearance of a new symptom should be taken seriously by both patients and their doctors, because of the possibility of an underlying breast cancer at almost any age.

Steps to Prevent Breast Cancer

1. Maintain a healthy body weight (BMI less than 25) throughout your life. Weight gain in midlife, independent of BMI, has been shown to significantly increase breast cancer risk. Additionally, and elevated BMI has been conclusively shown to increase the risk of post-menopausal breast cancer.

2. Minimize or avoid alcohol. Alcohol use is the most well established dietary risk factor for breast cancer. The Harvard Nurses’ Health study, along with several others, has shown consuming more than one alcoholic beverage a day can increase breast cancer risk by as much as 20-25 percent.

3. Consume as many fruits and vegetables as possible. Eat seven or more servings daily. The superstars for breast cancer protection include all cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower) ; dark leafy greens (collards, kale, spinach) ; carrots and tomatoes. The superstar fruits include citrus, berries and cherries. Note: it is best to eat cruciferous vegetables raw or lightly cooked, as some of the phytochemicals believed to offer protection against breast cancer are destroyed by heat.

4. Exercise regularly the rest of your life. Many studies have shown that regular exercise provides powerful protection against breast cancer. Aim for 30 minutes or more of moderate aerobic activity (brisk walking) five or more days a week. Consistency and duration, not intensity, are key!

5. Do your fats right! The type of fat in your diet can affect your breast cancer risk. Minimize consumption of omega-6 fats (sunflower, safflower, corn and cottonseed oils), saturated fats and trans fats. Maximize your intake of omega-3 fats, especially from oily fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, lake trout and herring). Consume monounsaturated oils (canola, olive oil, nuts/seeds, avocados) as your primary fat source, as these foods have potential anticancer properties. Specifically, canola oil is a good source of omega-3 fats; extra virgin olive oil is a potent source of antioxidant polyphenols, including squalene; and nuts and seeds provide you with the cancer protective mineral, selenium.

6. Do your carbs right! Minimize consumption of the high glycemic index, “Great White Hazards” - white flour, white rice, white potatoes, sugar and products containing them. These foods trigger hormonal changes that promote cellular growth in breast tissue. Replace these “wrong” carbs with whole grains and beans/legumes. Beans/legumes because of their high fiber and lignan content are especially special.

7. Consume whole food soy products regularly, such as tofu, tempeh, edamame, roasted soy nuts, soy milk and miso. Only consume organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) soy. Epidemiologic studies have shown a positive association between soy consumption and reduced breast cancer risk.

8. Minimize exposure to pharmacologic estrogens and xeno-estrogens. Do not take prescription estrogens unless medically indicated. Lifetime exposure to estrogen plays a fundamental role in the development of breast cancer. Also avoid estrogen-like compounds found in environmental pollutants, such as pesticides and industrial chemicals. Buy organic produce if you can afford it; otherwise, thoroughly wash all non-organic produce. Minimize exposure to residual hormones found in non-organic dairy products, meat and poultry.

9. Take your supplements daily. A multivitamin, 500-1,000 mg of vitamin C in divided doses, 200-400 IUs of vitamin E as mixed tocopherols, and pharmaceutical grade fish oil. Also take 200 mcg of the mineral selenium or eat one to two Brazil nuts as an alternative. If you have a chronic medical condition or take prescription drugs, consult your physician first.

10. Maintain a positive mental outlook. Engage in self-nurturing behaviors regularly. Develop rich, warm and mutually beneficial relationships with family and friends. Get adequate sleep (7-8 hours per night). The mind-body associations with breast cancer are significant.

After a breast cancer diagnosis, you and your doctors will put together a treatment plan specific to your situation, based on your pathology report. Your treatment plan will be made up of one or more specific treatments that are intended to target the cancer cells in different ways and reduce the risk of future breast cancer recurrence. You and your doctor will base your treatment decisions on YOUR unique situation, including consideration of your overall medical condition and your personal style of making decisions. You may have to re-evaluate your decisions periodically. Your medical team will be your guide.

Treatment of Breast Cancer

There are two methods of treatment - local and systemic.

Local treatments are used to remove or destroy the cancer cells in a specific area. Surgery and Radiation therapy are examples of local treatments.

Systemic treatments are used to destroy or control cancer cells all over the body. Chemotherapy and hormonal therapy examples of systemic treatments.

The right treatment method, however, depends on the size and location of the breast tumor; the results of the pathologist’ s review of the tumor specimen, the woman’s age, menopausal status, and general health; and the stage of the disease.

Filed under: Health on August 22nd, 2008 | No Comments »

is the biggest festival in the Indian state of Kerala.  Onam Festival falls during the Malayali month of Chingam (Aug - Sep).  Carnival of Onam lasts for ten days and brings out the best of Kerala culture and tradition.  Mythologically it is linked to Malayalee-Hindu folktales; but Onam is celebrated by people of all religions.  Intricately decorated Pookalam, ambrosial Onasadya, breathtaking Snake Boat Race and exotic Kaikottikali dance are some of the most remarkable features of Onam - the harvest festival in Kerala. This year Onam is celebrated from 2nd September to 12th .  On this  great occasion the team BinBrain extend Hearty Greetings of coming Onam.

Onam Greetings

Vibrant and joyous festival of Onam is celebrated with lot of zeal in the state of Kerala. Most remarkable feature of this harvest festival is its secular character. People of all caste, communities and religions actively participate with same excitement. Elders in the family convey the good wishes of Onam to the young ones by giving them gifts. Juniors also exchange gifts amongst each other and convey their sincere best wishes for Onam to each other. Now a days people send onam greeting cards and ecards to their dear ones like Christmas New Year seasons. You can send Free Online Greeting Cards to your friends & loved ones from http://www.binbrain.com/photos/ or http://binbrain.com/card/

Story Behind Onam

A long long time ago, an Asura (demon) king called Mahabali ruled Kerala. He was a wise, benevolent and judicious ruler and beloved of his subjects. Soon his fame as an able king began to spread far and wide, but when he extended his rule to the heavens and the netherworld, the gods felt challenged and began to fear his growing powers. Presuming that he might become over-powerful, Aditi, the mother of Devas pleaded with Lord Vishnu to curtail Mahabali’s powers.

Vishnu transformed himself into a dwarf called Vamana and approached Mahabali while he was performing a yajna and asked for alms. Pleased with the dwarf brahmin’s wisdom, Mahabali granted him a wish. The Emperor’s preceptor, Sukracharya warned him against making the gift, for he realized that the seeker was no ordinary person. But the Emperor’s kingly ego was boosted to think that God had asked him for a favor. So he firmly declared that there is no greater sin than going back on one’s promise. He kept his word.

The Vamana asked for a simple gift - three paces of land - and the king agreed to it. Vishnu in the guise of Vamana then increased his stature and with the first step covered the sky, blotting out the stars, and with the second, straddled the netherworld. Realising that Vamana’s third step will destroy the earth, Mahabali offered his head as the last step.

Vishnu’s fatal third step pushed him to the netherworld, but before banishing him to the underworld Vishnu granted him a boon. Since he was attached to his kingdom and his people, he was allowed to return once a year from exile. Onam is the celebration that marks the homecoming of King Mahabali. It is the day when a grateful Kerala pays a glorious tribute to the memory of this benign king who gave his all for his subjects.

Remarkable Features of Onam

Pookalam

Pookalam is an intricate and colourful arrangement of flowers laid on the floor. Tradition of decorating Pookalam is extremely popular in Kerala and is followed as a ritual in every household during ten-day-long Onam celebrations. ‘Pookhalam’ consists of two words, ‘poov’ meaning flower and ‘kalam’ means colour sketches on the ground. It is considered auspicious to prepare Pookalam, also known as ‘Aththa-Poo’ during the festival of Onam.  Kilo and kilos of flowers, lot of dedication, creativity, technique and team effort are the basic essential of an eye catching Pookkalam.

Athapoovu are usually circular in shape and multi-tiered colourful arrangements of flowers, petals and leaves. Use of powder colours, desiccated coconut or artificial flowers is prohibited. Pookalams are normally laid on the front court yard of the house. Idols of Mahabali and Vishnu are placed in the center of the Pookalam and worshiped. Diameter of a Pookalam normally ranges from four to five meters.

Ritual of making the flower mats continues for all ten days of Onam. Designing starts from the day of Atham and is made ready by Thiruvonam day. Basic design is prepared on the first day. Size of a Pookalam is increased by adding more to it on every passing day hence a massive Pookalam gets ready for the main day of the occasion. Its a big creative task, as designers have to think of a new design ever day.

Onasadya

Onasadhya is the most delicious part of the grand festival called Onam. It is considered to be the most elaborate and grand meal prepared by any civilisation or cultures in the world. It’s a feast which if enjoyed once is relished for years. Rich and the poor, everybody prepares Onasadya in a grand fashion as people of Kerala are extremely devotional and passionate when it comes to Onasadya. Rich and the poor, everybody prepares Onasadya in a grand fashion as people of Kerala are extremely devotional and passionate when it comes to Onasadya.

There will be 11 essential dishes for Onasadya. Number of dishes may go upto 13. Earlier, Onasaya used to be even more elaborate than depicted above. There were about 64 mandatory dishes - eight varieties each of the eight dishes. At that time three banana leaves were served one under the other to accommodate all the dishes.

Onasadya is to be consumed with hands and avoid spoon and fork to enjoy the real taste of Kerala. Rice is the essential and major ingredient of Onam Sadya.The food has to be served on a tender Banana leaf, laid with the end to the left hand side. The meal is traditionally served on a mat laid on the floor. A strict order of serving the dishes one after another is obeyed. Besides, there are clear directions as to what will be served in which part of the banana leaf.

Major items:  Pappadum, banana - Salt, banana wafers, sarkarapuratti fries, ginger, lime and mango pickles, ‘vellarika’, ‘pavakka’, ‘beetroot’ and ‘ulli kitchadi’. ‘Kitchadi’ made of pineapple and banana splits or of grapes and apple, ‘cabbage thoran’ or thoran made of beans and avial, bread and green peas mix ‘thoran”, kootucurry, ‘parippu curry, ghee, Sambhar, Rasam, butter milk, curd, adaprathaman Payasam, erissery, Kalan or Pulisseri, Olan, Pachadi,  Mulakoshyam etc

Snake Boat Race

Snake boat races of Kerala during Onam are another, unparalleled attraction of God’s Own Country. A sport that signifies the excellent team spirit, integration and amity of the people of this backwater country. An occasions of great excitement that is a reflection of a vibrant people.

Snake boat races are held in connection with Onam, the harvest festival in August/September. Scores of long snake boats and other smaller crafts participate in these events. The largest team sport in the world, the snake boat races are preceded by colourful water parades.

Usually, a snake boat is manned by four helmsmen, 25 singers and 100-125 oarsmen, who row in unison to the fast rhythm of vanchipattu (song of the boatman). Thousands of people crowd the water’s edge to cheer the huge black crafts as they slice through the waters to a spectacular finish. The oldest of these events have curious legends and myths attached to their origin. Myths closely linked to the rustic people and their beliefs.

Kaikottikali dance

Kaikottikali, also known as thiruvathirakali, is a very popular, graceful and symmetric group-dance of the women of Kerala often performed during festive seasons like Thiruvathira and Onam. It is a simple and gentle dance with the lasya element predominating, even though the thandava part is also brought in occasionally, when men also participate as seen in some parts of the Malabar area.

Typically dressed in Kerala style with mandu and neriyathu and the hairbun bedecked with jasmine garlands the women dance in gay abandon, singing melodious Thiruvathira songs which are well-reputed for their literary flourish. One of the performers sing the first line of a song while the rest repeat it in chorus, clapping their hands in unison. Moving in a circle, clockwise and at time anticlockwise, at every step they gracefully bend sideways, the arms coming together in beautiful gestures, upwards and downwards and to either side, in order to clap

kalaripayatt

Another attraction of Kerala during Onam is Kalaripayatt. Kalaripayatt is the ancient martial art existing in Kerala, in South India. In the word Kalaripayatt, Exactly to say a school for all students inside a hut. ‘KALARI’ means the enemy of all Bad, be it Inside or Outside of Human Body or in Nature. ‘PAYATT’ means the practice, which when done regularly under certain conditions increases energy, peace, power, and good health. It also makes the mind sharp and concentrated.

In ancient days, Kerala was covered by thick forests, mountains and water. Wild animals used to attack people. To protect themselves from animals man started to learn different techniques of fighting by watching birds, reptiles and animals. Thus evolved the self-defence technique Kalaripayatt. It is believed one of Lord Vishnu’s incarnation PARASHURAMA united all the techniques observing from nature and presented to humans for their self protection from all kinds of enemies in nature.

Pulikali

Pulikali is a colorful recreational folk art from the state of Kerala. It is performed by trained artists to entertain people on the occasion of Onam.  Pulikali, also known as Kaduvaakali, is a 200 year old art, carefully preserved by the artists of the state. Literal meaning of Pulikali is the ‘play of the tigers’ hence the performance revolve around the theme of tiger hunting. The folk art is mainly practiced in Thrissur (Trichur) and Palghat districts of Kerala. Best place to watch the show is Swaraj Ground at Thrissur on the fourth day of Onam, where Pulikali troupes from all over the district assemble to display their skills.

Striking feature of this folk art is the colorful appearance of the performers. To get the semblance of a tiger artists paint themselves in bright yellow with patterns of black and red. A tiger mask on the face completes the get up.

It is a painstaking job and artists spend a whole night prior to the performance day on their make-up. Patience of artists must be appreciated, as most paints contain toxic chemicals which create a burning sensation when applied on newly shaved bodies.

It is a wonderful sight to see humans in the guise of tigers roaming in the streets. Children, specifically take great delight in their performance as the entertainers dance, pounce and walk like a tiger. Scenes of tiger hunting goats and tiger being hunted by a human beings are also beautifully depicted by them. Beat for the dance movement is provided by percussion instruments like ‘udukku’ and ‘thakil’.

Filed under: Art and Culture, Fun on August 9th, 2008 | No Comments »

Holiday Inn Central Plaza Beijing

Holiday Inn Central Plaza Beijing, an Award-Winning hotel, is conveniently located in Guanganmen commercial and civic area, adjacent to the new Municipal Government Office Building and is within a stone’s throw from Beijing’s Financial Street. The hotel is close to tourist and shopping attractions such as Wangfujing, Oriental Plaza and the Forbidden City. It is 10 minutes drive from the West Train Station and 50 minutes from the Capital Airport.

The hotel has 322 contemporary guest rooms and suites, some with kitchen facilities, including suites and two floors each of Business Club rooms and Executive Club rooms, all equipped with wired and wireless broadband internet, speaker telephone and multi-language voice mail.

With a 640 square meter, pillar-free ballroom and 7 other function rooms ranging from 35 to 176 square meters, the hotel is an ideal venue for business meetings and social functions alike. All the meeting rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual facilities, built-in work station, wireless broadband connection and video conference facilities. The hotel’s professional meetings team will ensure that every event is a success.

The hotel also provides other facilities like business center ticketing and tour desk, kiosk, clinic, car rental, concierge taxi and limousine service, baby sitting service and karaoke.

Amneties

Health & Fitness Center, Spa Facilities, Housekeeping & Laundry Services, Travel Service, Entertainment & Recreation, Hotel Shops, Activities & Services for Children, Business Services, Concierge Services, ATM/Cash Machine, Safety Deposit Box available at Front Desk, WorldNews - Global Newspaper Service, A/C Public Areas, Dedicated Lounge (or 24 Hour Lounge), Porter/Bellman

Transportation

Driving Directions

AIRPORT EXPRESSWAY. E 4TH RING RD. S 2ND RING RD. W 2ND RING RD. BAIZHIFANG QIAO EXIT. RIGHT TURN, TO JUNCTION OF CAIYUANJIE & BAIZHIFANGJIE (2 LIGHTS AFTER RIGHT TURN). LEFT TO N 500

MPark Plaza Beijing Wangfujing

Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing is a 15-storey building with 216 modern guestrooms. The hotel is located along Beijing’s famous Wangfujing Road, close to Tian An Men Square and the Forbidden City, making it central for business and leisure. Shopping is conveniently located at the adjacent Regent Hotel. Other amenities include ATM, fitness and massage centres, and beauty services.

The 216 guestrooms of the Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing all feature contemporary décor in dark wood and earth tones. All rooms are equipped with complimentary high-speed Internet access, bedside control panels, and satellite TV with premium channels that include CNN, BBC, ESPN, and, HBO.

Room Amenities

Internet access - high speed, Cable/satellite TV, Complimentary newspaper, Air conditioning, Climate control, Blackout drapes/curtains, Internet access - complimentary, Voice mail, Direct-dial phone, Bottled water in room (complimentary), Minibar, Coffee/tea maker,Wake-up calls, Housekeeping, Turndown service, Bathroom telephone etc

Policies

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.  Rollaway beds and cribs (infant beds) may be available and should be requested at the time of booking; fees may apply.  Photo identification and credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.  Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in. Special requests made via this Web site cannot be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.  Pets not allowed.
Check-in time is 2 PM
Check-out time is Noon.

Beijing Qianyuan International Business Hotel

Beijing Qianyuan International Business Hotel is conveniently located in the main bustle of Beijing. It is just 18 km from the Airport, 4 km from the Railway, 3 km from the Exhibition Centre and the subway is a pleasant walk of just 0.6 km. Sanlitun Bar Street 3km.Our hotel is right in the centre of the shopping precinct and is situated in Dongzhimen Nei Road on the famous “street of restaurants!”

We have a good selection of different styles of rooms to suit every taste and occasion. Business centre to facilitate all your airline and travel needs, our hotel is the ideal choice for your next convention or trade delegation.

Ample parking is available within the hotel complex so drive in to enjoy the delights of our Qianyuan coffee shop and the Linglonggui Gift Shop, pamper yourself in our Mahua Beauty Salon or sample the finest selection of Beijing’s exquisite cuisine at our Chinese Restaurant. We take care of all your desires the old fashioned way.

We take pride in our old fashioned customer service for our motto is “Customer First! So when you next think of a hotel, think of the Beijing Qianyuan International Business Hotel !your home away from home.

Transportation

Take a taxi from the airport, it takes about 30-40 minutes/RMB80.00. The nearest subway station is DONGZHIMEN STATION, 0.6km away. Hotel is located on the west of DONGZHIMEN flyover, on the second traffic light.

Hotel Facilities:

24h Room Service, Broadband Internet Access, Business Centre, Business Centre with Internet, Conference Centre, Direct Internet Access, Faxing Facilities, Guest Laundry, Hairdresser, Hotel Car Park, Lift, Meeting / Banquet Facilities, Restaurant, Safe Deposit BoxShops / Commercial Services, Tour Desk.

Grand Hyatt Beijing

Grand Hyatt Beijing is minutes’ walking distance from Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. It is located within Beijing Oriental Plaza - the largest shopping mall in Beijing. Featuring 825 luxurious guestrooms and suites, renowned restaurants and bars and an exclusive Club Oasis fitness centre with a magnificent resort-style swimming pool and a 24-hour gym. Over 2,924 qm of meeting facilities featuring one Grand Ballroom, 14 function rooms and a multi-functional meeting venue, “the residence”.

Grand Hyatt Beijing has a circular driveway with a large fountain, which is illuminated at night. The high-ceilinged lobby is flooded with natural light from huge windows and contains ornamental trees and displays of orchids and other flowers. The open-plan lobby café is candlelit in the evenings and lively with the hotel’s mostly business guests from the USA, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Europe.

The business centre has four computer workstations with high-speed Internet access (surcharge), as well as a ten-seat boardroom. 2,800 square metres (30,130 square feet) of conference space includes a Grand Ballroom and 13 other meeting rooms. Club Oasis features a 24-hour fitness centre, 55-metre resort-style indoor swimming pool, and an adjacent spa tub, steam room and sauna. The ladies’ section has a spa room, which offers various beauty treatments.

Guestrooms at Grand Hyatt Beijing have views of the courtyard, Chang’an Avenue, or the northern side of the city. Décor is in brown and olive hues, with wood furnishings. All guestrooms have armchairs, as well as desks with telephones, lamps, and high-speed Internet access, which costs CNY120 (US$16) per 24 hours. Cable/satellite TVs offer premium channels such as CNN, BBC, HBO, Bloomberg, Discovery, National Geographic, ESPN, and many others. Minibars have refrigerators, complimentary bottled water, and tea/coffee kettles. Other amenities include laptop-size safes, bathrobes, and slippers. Bathrooms, which are decorated in beige and black stone, have separate tubs and showers.

The Peninsula Beijing

Tech gadgets, Internet. The hotel’s 525 rooms and suites offer complimentary wireless and wired Internet access, MP 3 / MP4 connectivity, silent fax machines, DVD/CD players, electronic bedside control panels, and telephones in bathrooms.

A large traditional red-and-green Chinese pagoda gate leads into a forecourt, where a central fountain sits in front of the main hotel building. Inside, the lobby is dressed with subtle lights and marbled floors. Skylights bathe the lobby with natural light during the day. An older, well-heeled business and leisure crowd mingle, and small groups gather, in the lobby lounge over drinks and music in the evenings.

Amenity highlights: The Peninsula’s shopping arcade showcases top brands, such as Chanel, Versace, and Gucci, on three floors. Its Cantonese restaurant features antiques dating from the Qing Dynasty, and is styled after courtyards of Beijing’s traditional noble houses. The modern Jing restaurant features a walk-in glass wine cellar and open-concept kitchens. Beauty and body care is offered at the Clarins Beauty Institut, which is complemented by an indoor pool and large fitness center.

Policies

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.  Rollaway beds and cribs (infant beds) may be available and should be requested at the time of booking; fees may apply.  Photo identification and credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.  Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in. Special requests made via this Web site cannot be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.

Beijing Sihe Courtyard Hotel

The Beijing courtyard hotel was built in the beginning period of Qing Dynasty. 20 minutes walking distance from Tian An Men Square, the travel and commercial center of Beijing. The spacious guest rooms are sharing the beautiful inner and outer courtyard and patio with each other. Sihe Courtyard Hotel is not only the kind of residence, but also the rare relic in the history of China.

It is Located in the CBD, in the preserved and protected classical Hutong area, the hotel is only 4 km (2.5 miles) from Tian An Men Square and the Forbidden City.

Beijing Sihe (Courtyard) Hotel is located on a former historical residence of the famous Chinese artist Mr Mei Lan Fang. The 12 guestrooms have classical décor, and are furnished with carved rosewood panels, beds, tables, and chairs, to allow guests the capture the lives of ancient Chinese royalty. The hotel’s amenities include airport transportation, business services, and tour assistance. A 24-hour front desk with concierge service and multi-lingual staff are available to assist with any travel arrangements in and around Beijing or China.

Policies

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.  Rollaway beds and cribs (infant beds) may be available and should be requested at the time of booking; fees may apply.  Photo identification and credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.  Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in. Special requests made via this Web site cannot be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.

Filed under: BinBrain.com on August 1st, 2008 | No Comments »

Bell and Drum Towers

The bell and drum were originally used as musical instruments in China.  Afterward  they were used for telling time.  Telling the time by bell and drum played an important role in helping people live and work regularly when there was no other means to keep track of the time.  As a result, bell and drum towers became public architectures, and were widely constructed in almost every city throughout the country since the Han Dynasty. In the history of their construction, the bell and drum towers of Beijing are the largest and highest. Their layout is unique, in that they were placed fore-and-aft, not as the traditional sense of standing right-and-left horizontally.

Lying to the north of Beijing-south axis line in Dongcheng District, the bell and drum towers are visibly prominent constructions and represent the symbol of this old city. They were built in 1272, and rebuilt twice after two fires.

Bell Tower

This brick and stone towers have two floors: there is an arched door on all four sides of the tower on the first floor, and you can go up to the second floor through stone stairs. The same exists on the first floor. An arched door was also built on the four sides of the second floor.  Additionally, there is a stone window on each side of the four doors. Hanging on an eight-square wooden frame of the second floor, the bell in this tower is the largest and heaviest in China. It is 7.02 meters  high including the pendants, with a weight of 63 tons.  The bell was made of copper, and you can hear its round and clear sound from far away. The two 2-meter-long  wooden logs hanging sideward are used to ring the bell.

Drum Tower

Located 100 meters  south to the bell tower, the drum tower was placed on a 4-meter-high   stone and brick base.  It is 46.7 meters   high, a little bit lower than the bell tower that is 47.9 meters high . This tower is also a two-storey building; the first floor contains the China Committee for the Promotion of the Minority Art. The second floor contains the exhibition area.  Originally, there was one big drum and 24 smaller drums, but only the big drum remains. The method of beating the drum is to beat it quickly for 18 times and then slowly for 18 times. Altogether there are three rounds and 108 tollings. People knock the bell and the drum 108 times, because 108 times represent one year in ancient times.

The Big Bell Temple of Beijing

The Great Bell Temple is located on the northern western of Beijing city, No. 31 Western Section of the North 3rd Ring Road .  Built in 1733, the temple houses the largest bell in China. In addition, the temple also has a small ancient bell museum and some Chinese ancient bells displayed.

The biggest bell known as China’s “King of Bells”, which is 6.87 meters high, 3.3 meters in diameter, 0.22 meter thick and 46.5 tons in weight. It is hangings in the bell tower at the rear of the compound. The tower is 16.7 meters high with a square base, a circular upper structure and windows on four sides. It is said the bronze bell was cast during the Yongle period (1403-1424) of the Ming Dynasty, so the bell is called Yongle Big Bell.

According to the test by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Yongle Bell’s loud and clear sound reaches up to 120 decibels and can be heard 50 kilometers away in the depth of night. Music experts of the Chinese Acoustics Institute have found its tone pure, deep and melodious with a sprightly rhythm. Its frequency ranges from 22 to 800 hertz.

Forbidden City (Palace Museum)

The Forbidden City, also known as the Imperial Palace or Palace Museum, is located in the center of Beijing. Built between 1406 and 1420, it was the imperial residence of 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing (1368-1911) dynasties. Today it has become one of the most important tourist attractions in Beijing.

The entire palace area, rectangular in shape and 720,000 square meters in size, takes up one-third of the 8 kilometer-long central axis of Beijing’s old city proper, from the city gate of Yongdingmen on the south to the Drum and Bell towers on the north. This harmonious assemblage of buildings displays the best characteristics of Chinese architecture — majestic style, flawless construction, and fine coordination of the whole and the parts.  The Forbidden City is also one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites.

Gong Wang Fu (Gong’s Mansion Garden)

Built in late 18th century and situated on the west street of front Shichahai, the Prince Gong’s Mansion Garden used to be the private residence of He Kun, a famous scholar in the reign of Emperor Qiang Long (1736-1796). It was changed into Palace of Prince Qing in the forth year of Jia Jing Region (1786-1821).

In the initial Xian Feng Period (1851-1862), it was changed into the Prince Gong’s Mansion Garden . It was controlled by three hosts during 70 years. During the reign of Emperors Xian Feng and Tong Zhi (1862-1875), the garden was repaired in accordance with the orders of Prince Yi Xin, with palaces built, pools dug, mounts piled up and threes planted behind the Garden.  As a result, the Cui Jin Garden — a beautiful garden with the same artistic conception as the Grand View garden described in the famous classical novel Dream of Red Mansions was constructed. It is as attracting as the Mansions of Prince Zheng and Prince Chun which were quite popular at that time. The Prince Gong’s Mansion Garden is the most intact ancient garden preserved. It was cited by government as the key unit of preservation of culture relics.

Covering a ground area of 38.6 mu (about 6.5 acres), the Cui Jin Garden is surrounded by earthen mounts. It is distinct by its three rows of buildings. Main buildings cover 20 different types including Bat Hall, Moon-inviting Platform, Goodwill Hall, Study Room, Theatrical House, Refreshing Pavilions, Gaily-painted Pleasure Boat, etc. The distinctive halls, platforms, houses and pavilions, together with waters and plants have created a delicate and elegant scenery. As a masterpiece of classical private gardens, the Prince Gong’s Mansion Garden is worth a good enjoying.

The Great Wall of China

For any average traveler who visits China for the first time, the Great Wall is always an indispensable fixture on the itinerary. Without it, a trip to China would be incomplete. The reason is simple: it is one of China’s most important cultural and historical symbols. It is also one of the best known ancient constructions in the world. The massive project stretches from Shanghaiguan in the east to Jiayuguan in the west, a distance of over 6,300 kilometers, covering eight provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions.

The Great Wall was first built as a defense line against nomadic incursions. Its military and strategic importance was unmatched by any other projects in ancient China. The construction of the wall began around the 7th-4th century BC during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476BC).  At that time, feudal states built walls for self-defense against the invasion of nomadic tribes. In 221 BC, after unifying China, Qinshihuang, the first emperor of China, had the walls linked up, reinforced and extended to form the Great Wall. During succeeding dynasties in later years, renovations were made in line with local geographic conditions, creating many enchanting sights. It was listed by UNESCO as its World Heritage in 1987.

Beijing’s Hutong

A hutong is an old city alley or lane, and the hutongs of Beijing are one of its most distinctive features. The capital city is home to thousands of hutongs, many of which were built in the area surrounding the Forbidden City during the Yuan (1279 - 1368), Ming (1368 - 1644) and Qing (1644 - 1911) dynasties.

During China’s dynastic heyday, the emperors planned the city and arranged the residential areas according to the etiquette systems of the Zhou Dynasty (1027 - 256 BC). At the center of the metropolis was the Forbidden City, surrounded in concentric circles by the Inner City and Outer City. Citizens of higher social status were permitted to live closer to the center of the circles. The aristocratic hutongs of those days were located just to the east and west of the imperial palace. The lanes were orderly, lined by spacious homes and walled gardens.

Further from the palace and to its north and south were the commoners’ hutongs, where merchants, artisans and laborers lived and worked.

The residences lining the hutongs, whether grand or humble, were generally siheyuan, complexes formed by four buildings surrounding a courtyard. The large siheyuan of high-ranking officials and wealthy merchants often featured beautifully carved and painted roof beams and pillars and carefully landscaped gardens. Commoners’ siheyuan were far smaller in scale and simpler in design and decoration.

The hutongs are, in fact, passageways formed by many siheyuan of varying sizes, all arranged closely together. Nearly all siheyuan had their main buildings and gates facing south for better lighting; so that the majority of hutongs run from east to west. Between the main hutongs, many tiny lanes ran north and south for convenient passage.

Around the turn of the 20th century, the Qing court was disintegrating, foreign influences were having a huge impact on people’s lives and China’s dynastic era was coming to an end. The traditional arrangement of the hutongs was also affected. Many new hutongs, built haphazardly and with no apparent plan, began to appear on the outskirts of the old city; while the old ones lost their former neat appearance. The social stratification of the residents also began to evaporate, reflecting the collapse of the feudal system. During the period of the Republic of China (1911 - 1948), society was unstable, fraught with civil wars and repeated foreign invasions. The city of Beijing deteriorated, and the conditions of the hutongs worsened. Siheyuan previously owned and occupied by a single family were subdivided and shared by many households, with additions tacked on as needed, built with whatever materials were available.

The 978 hutongs listed in Qing Dynasty records had swelled to 1,330 by 1949, with nearly 5,000 tiny alleys threading their way between the legitimate hutongs.

In the decades since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, many of the old hutongs have disappeared, replaced by the high rises and wide boulevards of today’s Beijing. Many citizens have left the lanes where their families resided for generations, resettling in comfortable apartment buildings with modern amenities. In Xicheng District alone, nearly 200 hutongs out of the 820 it held in 1949 have disappeared. And the Beijing Municipal Construction Committee says that in 2004, some 250,000 square meters of old housing - 20,000 households - will be demolished in 2004, which means that many more will disappear.

However, many of Beijing’s ancient hutongs still stand, and a number of them have been designated protected areas. The old neighborhoods survive today, offering a glimpse of life in the capital city as it has been for generations.

Summer Palace, Beijing

The Summer Palace, or Yiheyuan, is one of the China’s largest and best-preserved imperial gardens. It is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design, integrating the natural landscape of hills and open water with man-made features into a harmonious and aesthetically exceptional whole. With a concentration of the best of ancient buildings as well as styles of gardening, it is a virtual museum of traditional Chinese gardening.

The Summer Palace was first named the Garden of Clear Ripples, which was burnt down by the allied forces of Great Britain and France in 1860. Reconstruction started 25 years later and was completed in 1895, and the name was changed to Yiheyuan (Garden of Good Health and Harmony). The design gives prominence to the Longevity Hill and the Kunming Lake. Other prominent features include the “Long Corridor,” with brilliant decorative paintings on the ceiling, the Marble Boat, built by Empress Dowager Cixi with fund allotted for building the Chinese navy, and the Seventeen-Arch Bridge.

The Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven, or Tiantan, is China’s largest temple and altar complex. It was the place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshipped heaven and prayed for abundant harvests. As Chinese emperors called themselves Tianzi, or the son of heaven, they had to cede supremacy to the heaven in terms of abiding.

Apart from heaven, Chinese emperors also worshipped many other gods as well as their own ancestors. Therefore, god-worshipping was an important part of their busy schedules. Other than the Temple of Heaven, there are other temples of various kinds scattered in Beijing, including the Temple of Earth, the Temple of Sun and the Temple of the Moon. But the Temple of Heaven is the most important and the grandest of them all.

Situated 2km southeast of the Forbidden City, the Temple, plus subsidiary buildings and surrounding gardens, covers an area five times the size of the Forbidden City. With exquisite architectural workmanship, it is the largest existing ancient architectural group for worshipping in China

Filed under: Travel on July 30th, 2008 | No Comments »

Michael Schumacher is a former Formula One driver, seven-time world champion, and current test driver for Ferrari. According to the official Formula One website, he is “statistically the greatest driver the sport has ever seen”. He is the first German to win the Formula One World championship, and is credited with popularising Formula One in Germany. In a 2006 FIA survey, Michael Schumacher was voted the most popular driver among Formula One fans.

After winning two championships with Benetton, Michael Schumacher moved to Scuderia Ferrari in 1996 and won five consecutive drivers’ titles with them from 2000-2004. Schumacher holds many records in Formula One, including most drivers’ championships, race victories, fastest laps, pole positions, points scored and most races won in a single season. Schumacher is the only Formula One driver to have an entire season of podium finishes. His driving sometimes created controversy: he was twice involved in collisions that determined the outcome of the world championship, most notably his disqualification from the 1997 championship for causing a collision with Jacques Villeneuve. After the 2006 Formula One season Schumacher retired from race driving.

Off the track, Schumacher is an ambassador for UNESCO and a spokesman for driver safety. He has been involved in numerous humanitarian efforts throughout his life. He is the elder brother of former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher, currently racing in Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters.  He is currently acting as advisor and special test driver for the 2008 Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team.

Very Personal Life

He has always been very protective of his private life and is known to dislike the celebrity spotlight, preferring a simple life. In August 1995, Michael married Corinna Betsch. They have two children, Gina-Maria and Mick . The family currently lives in Switzerland. Their home is a 7000 ft² mansion with its own underground garage and petrol station, situated on a private beach on Lake Geneva. The family has two dogs - one stray that Corinna fell in love with in Brazil, and a German Shepherd “Ed” whose entrance to the family made headlines after Schumacher personally drove a taxi through the Bavarian town of Coburg so that the family could catch a return flight to Switzerland,for which both Schumacher and the taxi driver would be reprimanded.

In 2005 Eurobusiness magazine identified Schumacher as the world’s first billionaire athlete. His 2004 salary was reported to be around US$80 million. Forbes magazine ranked him 17th in their “The World’s Most Powerful Celebrities” list. A significant share of his income came from advertising. For example, Deutsche Vermögensberatung paid him $8 million over three years from 1999 for wearing a 10 by 8 centimetre advertisement on his post-race cap.!!! The deal was extended until 2010. He donated $10 million for aid after the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. His donation surpassed that of any other sports person, most sports leagues, many worldwide corporations and even some countries.

One of his main hobbies is horse riding, and he plays football for his local team FC Echichens. He has appeared in several football charity games and organised games between Formula One drivers. In 2008 it was reported that he might play football for San Marino champions S.S. Murata in the European championship.

Schumacher is a special ambassador to UNESCO and has donated 1.5 million Euros to the organization. Additionally, he paid for the construction of a school for poor children and for area improvements in Dakar, Senegal. He supports a hospital for child victims of war in Sarajevo, which specialises in caring for amputees. In Lima, Peru he funded the “Palace for the Poor”, a centre for helping homeless street children obtain an education, clothing, food, medical attention, and shelter. He stated his interest in these various efforts was piqued both by his love for children and the fact that these causes had received little attention. While an exact figure for the amount of money he has donated throughout his life is unknown, it is known that in his last four years as a driver, he donated at least $50 million.

Since his participation in a FIA European road safety campaign, as part of his punishment after the collision at the 1997 European Grand Prix, Schumacher has continued to support other campaigns, such as Make Roads Safe, which is led by the FIA Foundation and calls on G8 countries and the UN to recognise global road deaths as a major global health issue.

Formula  One

Schumacher was noted throughout his career for his ability to produce fast laps at crucial moments in a race, to push his car to the very limit for sustained periods. Motor sport author Christopher Hilton observed in 2003 that “A measure of a driver’s capabilities is his performance in wet races, because the most delicate car control and sensitivity are needed,” and noted that like other great drivers, Schumacher’s record in wet conditions shows very few mistakes: up to the end of the 2003 season, Schumacher won 17 of the 30 races in wet conditions he contested.

Some of Schumacher’s best performances occurred in such conditions, earning him the title “Regenkönig” (rain king) or “Regenmeister” (rain master). He is known as “the Red Baron”, due to his red Ferrari and in reference to the German Manfred von Richthofen, the famous flying ace of World War I. Schumacher’s nicknames include “Schumi”,”Schuey” and “Schu”.

Schumacher is often credited with popularising Formula One in Germany, where it was formerly considered a fringe sport. In 2006, three of the top ten drivers were German, more than any other nationality and more than have ever been present in Formula One history. Younger German drivers, such as Sebastian Vettel, feel Schumacher was key in their becoming Formula One drivers. In the latter part of his Formula One career, and as one of the senior drivers, Schumacher was the president of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association.

Filed under: BinBrain.com, Sports on July 20th, 2008 | No Comments »

Hypertension, referred to as high blood pressure, is a medical condition in which the blood pressure is chronically elevated. It was previously referred to as nonarterial hypertension but in current usage, the word “hypertension” without a qualifier normally refers to arterial hypertension. Hypertension can be classified either essential (primary) or secondary. Essential hypertension indicates that no specific medical cause can be found to explain a patient’s condition. Secondary hypertension indicates that the high blood pressure is a result of another condition, such as kidney disease or tumours .

Persistent hypertension is one of the risk factors for strokes, heart attacks, heart failure and arterial aneurysm, and is a leading cause of chronic renal failure. Even moderate elevation of arterial blood pressure leads to shortened life expectancy. At severely high pressures, defined as mean arterial pressures 50% or more above average, a person can expect to live no more than a few years unless appropriately treated. Hypertension is considered to be present when a person’s systolic blood pressure is consistently 140 mmHg or greater, and/or their diastolic blood pressure is consistently 90 mmHg or greater.

Although no specific medical cause can be determined in essential hypertension, the most common form has several contributing factors. These include salt sensitivity, renin homeostasis, insulin resistance, genetics, and age. Certain medications, especially NSAIDS (Motrin/Ibuprofen) and steroids can cause hypertension. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) inhibits the 11-hydroxysteroid hydrogenase enzyme (catalyzes the reaction of cortisol to cortison) which allows cortisol to stimulate the Mineralocorticoid Receptor (MR) which will lead to effects similar to hyperaldosteronism, which itself is a cause of hypertension.

Hypertension is one of the most common complex disorders, with genetic heritability averaging 30%. Data supporting this view emerge from animal studies as well as in population studies in humans. Most of these studies support the concept that the inheritance is probably multifactorial or that a number of different genetic defects each have an elevated blood pressure as one of their phenotypic expressions.

Signs and symptoms

Hypertension is usually found incidentally - “case finding” - by healthcare professionals during a routine checkup. The only test for hypertension is a blood pressure measurement. Hypertension in isolation usually produces no symptoms although some people report headaches, fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision, facial flushing, transient insomnia or difficulty sleeping due to feeling hot or flushed, and tinnitus during beginning onset or prior to hypertention diagnosis.

Malignant hypertension (or accelerated hypertension) is distinct as a late phase in the condition, and may present with headaches, blurred vision and end-organ damage. Hypertension is often confused with mental tension, stress and anxiety. While chronic anxiety and/or irritability is associated with poor outcomes in people with hypertension, it alone does not cause it. Accelerated hypertension is associated with somnolence, confusion, visual disturbances, and nausea and vomiting .

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of hypertension is generally on the basis of a persistently high blood pressure. Usually this requires three separate measurements at least one week apart. Exceptionally, if the elevation is extreme, or end-organ damage is present then the diagnosis may be applied and treatment commenced immediately.

Obtaining reliable blood pressure measurements relies on following several rules and understanding the many factors that influence blood pressure reading.

For instance, measurements in control of hypertension should be at least 1 hour after caffeine, 30 minutes after smoking or strenuous exercise and without any stress. Cuff size is also important. The bladder should encircle and cover two-thirds of the length of the (upper) arm. The patient should be sitting upright in a chair with both feet flat on the floor for a minimum of five minutes prior to taking a reading. The patient should not be on any adrenergic stimulants, such as those found in many cold medications.

When taking manual measurements, the person taking the measurement should be careful to inflate the cuff suitably above anticipated systolic pressure. The person should inflate the cuff to 200 mmHg and then slowly release the air while palpating the radial pulse. After one minute, the cuff should be reinflated to 30 mmHg higher than the pressure at which the radial pulse was no longer palpable. A stethoscope should be placed lightly over the brachial artery. The cuff should be at the level of the heart and the cuff should be deflated at a rate of 2 to 3 mmHg/s. Systolic pressure is the pressure reading at the onset of the sounds described by Korotkoff . Diastolic pressure is then recorded as the pressure at which the sounds disappear (K5) or sometimes the K4 point, where the sound is abruptly muffled. Two measurements should be made at least 5 minutes apart, and, if there is a discrepancy of more than 5 mmHg, a third reading should be done. The readings should then be averaged. An initial measurement should include both arms. In elderly patients who particularly when treated may show orthostatic hypotension, measuring lying sitting and standing BP may be useful. The BP should at some time have been measured in each arm, and the higher pressure arm preferred for subsequent measurements.

BP varies with time of day, as may the effectiveness of treatment, and archetypes used to record the data should include the time taken. Analysis of this is rare at present.

Automated machines are commonly used and reduce the variability in manually collected readings . Routine measurements done in medical offices of patients with known hypertension may incorrectly diagnose 20% of patients with uncontrolled hypertension.

Home blood pressure monitoring can provide a measurement of a person’s blood pressure at different times throughout the day and in different environments, such as at home and at work. Home monitoring may assist in the diagnosis of high or low blood pressure. It may also be used to monitor the effects of medication or lifestyle changes taken to lower or regulate blood pressure levels.

Home monitoring of blood pressure can also assist in the diagnosis of white coat hypertension. The American Heart Association states, “You may have what’s called ‘white coat hypertension’; that means your blood pressure goes up when you’re at the doctor’s office. Monitoring at home will help you measure your true blood pressure and can provide your doctor with a log of blood pressure measurements over time. This is helpful in diagnosing and preventing potential health problems.”

Some home blood pressure monitoring devices also make use of blood pressure charting software. These charting methods provide printouts for the patient’s physician and reminders to take a blood pressure reading. However, a simple and cheap way is simply to manually record values with pen and paper, which can then be inspected by a doctor.

Treatment

Lifestyle modification (nonpharmacologic treatment)

Weight reduction and regular aerobic exercise (e.g., jogging) are recommended as the first steps in treating mild to moderate hypertension. Regular mild exercise improves blood flow and helps to reduce resting heart rate and blood pressure. These steps are highly effective in reducing blood pressure, although drug therapy is still necessary for many patients with moderate or severe hypertension to bring their blood pressure down to a safe level.

Reducing sodium (salt) diet is proven very effective: it decreases blood pressure in about 60% of people . Many people choose to use a salt substitute to reduce their salt intake.

Additional dietary changes beneficial to reducing blood pressure includes the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), which is rich in fruits and vegetables and low fat or fat-free dairy foods. This diet is shown effective based on National Institutes of Health sponsored research. In addition, an increase in daily calcium intake has the benefit of increasing dietary potassium, which theoretically can offset the effect of sodium and act on the kidney to decrease blood pressure. This has also been shown to be highly effective in reducing blood pressure.

Discontinuing tobacco use and alcohol consumption has been shown to lower blood pressure. The exact mechanisms are not fully understood, but blood pressure (especially systolic) always transiently increases following alcohol and/or nicotine consumption. Besides, abstention from cigarette smoking is important for people with hypertension because it reduces the risk of many dangerous outcomes of hypertension, such as stroke and heart attack. Note that coffee drinking (caffeine ingestion) also increases blood pressure transiently, but does not produce chronic hypertension.

Relaxation therapy, such as meditation, that reduces environmental stress, reducing high sound levels and over-illumination can be an additional method of ameliorating hypertension. Jacobson’s Progressive Muscle Relaxation and biofeedback are also used particularly device guided paced breathing .

Medications

Unless hypertension is severe, lifestyle changes such as those discussed in the preceding section are strongly recommended before initiation of drug therapy. Adoption of the DASH diet is one example of lifestyle change repeatedly shown to effectively lower mildly-elevated blood pressure. If hypertension is high enough to justify immediate use of medications, lifestyle changes are initiated concomitantly.

There are many classes of medications for treating hypertension, together called antihypertensives, which - by varying means - act by lowering blood pressure. Evidence suggests that reduction of the blood pressure by 5-6 mmHg can decrease the risk of stroke by 40%, of coronary heart disease by 15-20%, and reduces the likelihood of dementia, heart failure, and mortality from vascular disease.

The aim of treatment should be blood pressure control to <140/90 mmHg for most patients, and lower in certain contexts such as diabetes or kidney disease (some medical professionals recommend keeping levels below 120/80 mmHg). Each added drug may reduce the systolic blood pressure by 5-10 mmHg, so often multiple drugs are necessary to achieve blood pressure control.

Commonly used drugs include:

ACE inhibitors such as creatine captopril, enalapril, fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (Zestril), quinapril, ramipril (Altace)

Angiotensin II receptor antagonists: eg, telmisartan (Micardis, Pritor), irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), candesartan (Amias)

Alpha blockers such as doxazosin, prazosin, or terazosin

Beta blockers such as atenolol, labetalol, metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL), propranolol.

Calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine (Adalat) amlodipine (Norvasc), diltiazem, verapamil

Direct renin inhibitors such as aliskiren (Tekturna)

Diuretics: eg, bendroflumethiazide, chlortalidone, hydrochlorothiazide (also called HCTZ)

Combination products (which usually contain HCTZ and one other drug)

Filed under: Health on July 14th, 2008 | No Comments »

 

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Filed under: BinBrain.com on June 29th, 2008 | No Comments »

The 2008 Summer Olympics will be celebrated from August 8, 2008, to August 24, 2008, with the opening ceremony beginning at 08:08:08 pm CST at the Beijing National Stadium in Beijing, People’s Republic of China. 

This will be the third time the Olympics are held under the jurisdiction of 2 different National Olympic Committees(NOCs) ,Hong Kong and China.  The Olympic games were awarded to Beijing, People’s Republic of China after an exhaustive ballot of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on July 13, 2001. The official logo of the games, titled “Dancing Beijing,” features a stylized calligraphic character, meaning capital, referencing the host city. The mascots of Beijing 2008 are the five Fuwa, each representing one color of the Olympic rings. The Olympic slogan, One World, One Dream, calls upon the world to unite in the Olympic spirit. Athletes will compete in 302 events in 28 sports, just one event more than was on the schedule of the Athens games of 2004.

The Chinese government has promoted the games to highlight China’s emergence on the world stage, amidst concerns about environmental issues and human rights violations, particularly in Tibet. There have also been growing concerns of major nations boycotting the Olympics in protest of China’s actions in Tibet. Earlier in 2007, former IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch had said that he believes that the Beijing games will be “the best in Olympic history.”

The Beijing government has issued new mandates that require police officers in the city to act more appropriately. The government has circulated pamphlets urging officers to desist from using foul language, being arrogant, and h