Translator
Archives

Archive for August, 2010

PostHeaderIcon Wild Flower Garden

PostDateIcon August 27th, 2010 | PostAuthorIcon Author: admin
A wild-flower garden has a most attractive sound. One thinks of long tramps in the woods, collecting material, and then of the fun in fixing up a real for sure wild garden.
Many people say they have no luck at all with such a garden. It is not a question of luck, but a question of understanding, for wild flowers are like people and each has its personality. What a plant has been accustomed to in Nature it desires always. In fact, when removed from its own sort of living conditions, it sickens and dies. That is enough to tell us that we should copy Nature herself. Suppose you are hunting wild flowers. As you choose certain flowers from the woods, notice the soil they are in, the place, conditions, the surroundings, and the neighbours.
Suppose you find dog-tooth violets and wind-flowers growing near together. Then place them so in your own new garden. Suppose you find a certain violet enjoying an open situation; then it should always have the same. You see the point, do you not? If you wish wild flowers to grow in a tame garden make them feel at home. Cheat them into almost believing that they are still in their native haunts.
Wild flowers ought to be transplanted after blossoming time is over. Take a trowel and a basket into the woods with you. As you take up a few, a columbine, or a hepatica, be sure to take with the roots some of the plant’s own soil, which must be packed about it when replanted.
The bed into which these plants are to go should be prepared carefully before this trip of yours. Surely you do not wish to bring those plants back to wait over a day or night before planting. They should go into new quarters at once. The bed needs soil from the woods, deep and rich and full of leaf mold. The under drainage system should be excellent. Then plants are not to go into water-logged ground. Some people think that all wood plants should have a soil saturated with water. But the woods themselves are not water-logged. It may be that you will need to dig your garden up very deeply and put some stone in the bottom. Over this the top soil should go. And on top, where the top soil once was, put a new layer of the rich soil you brought from the woods.
Before planting water the soil well. Then as you make places for the plants put into each hole some of the soil which belongs to the plant which is to be put there.
I think it would be a rather nice plan to have a wild-flower garden giving a succession of bloom from early spring to late fall; so let us start off with March, the hepatica, spring beauty and saxifrage. Then comes April bearing in its arms the beautiful columbine, the tiny bluets and wild geranium. For May there are the dog-tooth violet and the wood anemone, false Solomon’s seal, Jack-in-the-pulpit, wake robin, bloodroot and violets. June will give the bellflower, mullein, bee balm and foxglove. I would choose the gay butterfly weed for July. Let turtle head, aster, Joe Pye weed, and Queen Anne’s lace make the rest of the season brilliant until frost.
Let us have a bit about the likes and dislikes of these plants. After you are once started you’ll keep on adding to this wild-flower list.
There is no one who doesn’t love the hepatica. Before the spring has really decided to come, this little flower pokes its head up and puts all else to shame. Tucked under a covering of dry leaves the blossoms wait for a ray of warm sunshine to bring them out. These embryo flowers are further protected by a fuzzy covering. This reminds one of a similar protective covering which new fern leaves have. In the spring a hepatica plant wastes no time on getting a new suit of leaves. It makes its old ones do until the blossom has had its day. Then the new leaves, started to be sure before this, have a chance. These delayed, are ready to help out next season. You will find hepaticas growing in clusters, sort of family groups. They are likely to be found in rather open places in the woods. The soil is found to be rich and loose. So these should go only in partly shaded places and under good soil conditions. If planted with other woods specimens give them the benefit of a rather exposed position, that they may catch the early spring sunshine. I should cover hepaticas over with a light litter of leaves in the fall. During the last days of February, unless the weather is extreme take this leaf covering away. You’ll find the hepatica blossoms all ready to poke up their heads.
The spring beauty hardly allows the hepatica to get ahead of her. With a white flower which has dainty tracings of pink, a thin, wiry stem, and narrow, grass-like leaves, this spring flower cannot be mistaken. You will find spring beauties growing in great patches in rather open places. Plant a number of the roots and allow the sun good opportunity to get at them. For this plant loves the sun.
The other March flower mentioned is the saxifrage. This belongs in quite a different sort of environment. It is a plant which grows in dry and rocky places. Often one will find it in chinks of rock. There is an old tale to the effect that the saxifrage roots twine about rocks and work their way into them so that the rock itself splits. Anyway, it is a rock garden plant. I have found it in dry, sandy places right on the borders of a big rock. It has white flower clusters borne on hairy stems.
The columbine is another plant that is quite likely to be found in rocky places. Standing below a ledge and looking up, one sees nestled here and there in rocky crevices one plant or more of columbine. The nodding red heads bob on wiry, slender stems. The roots do not strike deeply into the soil; in fact, often the soil hardly covers them. Now, just because the columbine has little soil, it does not signify that it is indifferent to the soil conditions. For it always has lived, and always should live, under good drainage conditions. I wonder if it has struck you, how really hygienic plants are? Plenty of fresh air, proper drainage, and good food are fundamentals with plants.
It is evident from study of these plants how easy it is to find out what plants like. After studying their feelings, then do not make the mistake of huddling them all together under poor drainage conditions.
I always have a feeling of personal affection for the bluets. When they come I always feel that now things are beginning to settle down outdoors. They start with rich, lovely, little delicate blue blossoms. As June gets hotter and hotter their colour fades a bit, until at times they look quite worn and white. Some people call them Quaker ladies, others innocence. Under any name they are charming. They grow in colonies, sometimes in sunny fields, sometimes by the road-side. From this we learn that they are more particular about the open sunlight than about the soil.
If you desire a flower to pick and use for bouquets, then the wild geranium is not your flower. It droops very quickly after picking and almost immediately drops its petals. But the purplish flowers are showy, and the leaves, while rather coarse, are deeply cut. This latter effect gives a certain boldness to the plant that is rather attractive. The plant is found in rather moist, partly shaded portions of the woods. I like this plant in the garden. It adds good colour and permanent colour as long as blooming time lasts, since there is no object in picking it.
There are numbers and numbers of wild flowers I might have suggested. These I have mentioned were not given for the purpose of a flower guide, but with just one end in view your understanding of how to study soil conditions for the work of starting a wild-flower garden.
If you fear results, take but one or two flowers and study just what you select. Having mastered, or better, become acquainted with a few, add more another year to your garden. I think you will love your wild garden best of all before you are through with it. It is a real study, you see.
PostCategoryIcon Posted in Garden | PostCommentsIcon No Comments »

PostHeaderIcon Tongue In Disease Diagnosis

PostDateIcon August 20th, 2010 | PostAuthorIcon Author: admin
Tongue is a muscular organ associated with the function of deglutition,taste and speech.It acts as an easily accessible organ for the assessment of  health of an individual and shows the state of hydration of the body.It is said that tongue is the mirror of the gastrointestinal system and any abnormal functioning of the stomach and intestines will be reflected on the tongue.

Some characteristic changes occur in the tongue in some particular diseases.That is why the examination of the tongue is very essential and will give some clues for diagnosis.All doctors examine the tongue and they consider the changes in size,shape,,colour,moisture,coating,nature of papillae and movements ect.
Appearance of tongue in some abnormal conditions:-
1) Movements of the tongue:-
a) In one sided paralysis of the body(hemiplegia)tongue moves towards the parylised side when protruded.
b) Tremulus movement of the tongue is seen in diseases like thyrotoxicosis,delirium tremens and parkinsonisum.Tremor is also seen in nervous patients.
c) In progressive bulbar palsy there will be wasting and paralysis of the tongue with fibrillation.Eventually the tongue gets shrivelled and lies functionless in the floor of the mouth.This condition is associated with dribbling of saliva and loss of speech.
d) In chorea(involuntary rhythmic movements) the patient may not be able to keep the protruded tongue in rest,it will be moving involuntarily.
2) Moistness of the tongue:-
The moistness of the tongue gives some indication about the state of hydration of the body.Water volume depletion leads to peripheral circulatory failure characterised by weakness,thirst,restlessness,anorexia,nausea,vomiting ,dry and parched tongue.
Dryness of the tongue is seen in following conditions.
a) Diarrhoeab) Later stages of severe illnessc) Advanced uraemiad) Hypovolumic shocke) Heat exhaustionf) Hyponatraemiag) Acute intestinal obstructionh) Starvationi) Prlonged fasting.
3) Change in colour of tongue:-
a) Central cyanosis:-
Cyanosis is the bluish discolouration of the mucus membrane due to decrease in the amount of oxygen in the blood.This is seen in heart failure,respiratory failure and in anoxia.In cyanosis tongue,lips ect becomes pale bluish.
b) Jaundice:-
This is the yellowish discolouration of all mucus surfaces of the body (including tongue)due to increase of bilirubin in the blood.Jaundice is seen in hepatitis,bile duct obstruction,increased destruction of RBCs and ect…
c) Advanced uremia:-
This is the increase of urea and other nitrogenous waste products in the blood due to kidney failure.Here the tongue become brown in colour.
d) Keto acidosis:-
This is the acidosis with accumulation of ketone bodies seen mainly in diabetes mellitus.Here the tongue become brown with a typical ketone smell from the mouth.
e) Riboflavin deficiency:-
Deficiency of this vitamin (vitamin B2) produces megenta colour of the tongue with soreness and fissures of lips.
f) Niacin deficiency:-
Deficiency of niacin (vitamin B3)and some other B complex vitamins results in bright scarlet or beefy red tongue.
g) Anaemia:-
It is the decrease in haemoglobin percentage of the blood.In severe anaemia tongue becomes pale.
4) Coating on the tongue:-
a) Bad breath:-
The main cause for bad breath is formation of a pasty coating(bio film) on the tongue which lodges thousands of anaerobic bacteria resulting in the production of offenssive gases.Those who complain about bad breath may have thick coating on the posterior part of the tongue.
b) Typhoid fever:-
In typhoid fever tongue becomes white coared like a fur.
c) Candidiasis;-
It is a fungal infection which affects the mucus surfaces of the body.On the tongue there will be sloughing white lesions.
d) In diabetes and hypoadrenalism there will be sloughing white lesions.
e) Secondary syphilis:-
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted diseased caused by trepenoma pallidum infection.In secondary stage of this disease we can see mucous patches which are painless,smooth white glystening opalescent plaques which can not be scraped off easily.
f) Leokoplakia:-
Here white keratotic patches are seen on the tongue and oral cavity.This is a precancerous condition.
g) AIDS:-
In these patients hairy leukoplakia is seen.
h) Peritonitis:-
It is the inflammation of the peritonium(inner covering of abdominal cavity which also covers the intestines and keep them in position) in this condition there is white furring of the tongue.
i) Acute illness:-
Furring is also seen in some acute diseases.
5) Papillae:-
These are small projections on the rongue associated with taste.There are different type of papillae on the healthy tongue.In some diseases there are some abnormal changes which are following.
a) Hairy tongue:-
This condition is due to elongation of filiform papillae seen in poor oral hygeine ,general debility and indigestion.
b) Geographic tongue:-
Here irregular red and white patches appear on the tongue.These lesions looks like a geographic map.The excact cause is not known.
c) Median rhomboid glossitis:-
In this condition there is smooth nodular red area in the posterior mid line of the tongue.This is a congenital condition.
d) Nutritional deficiency:-
In nutrional deficiency there is glossitis(inflammation of tongue) leading to papillary hypertrophy followed by atrophy.
e) Benign migratory glossitis:-
It is an inflamatory condition of the tongue where multiple annular areas of desquamation of papillae appear on the tongue which shift from area to area in few days.
f) Thiamine and riboflavin deficiency:-
Deficiency of these vitamins cause hypertrophied filiform and fungiform papillae.
g) Niacin and iron deficiency:-
In this condition there is atrophy of papillae.Smooth tongue is encountered in iron deficiency.
h) Vitamin A deficiency:-
This causes furrowed tongue.
i) In nutritional megaloblastic anaemia tongue becomes smooth.
j) Folic acid deficiency:-
Here macrocytic megaloblastic anaemia with glossitis is seen.
k) Cyano coblamine deficiency:-
Here glossitis with macrocytic megaloblastic anaemia and peripheral neuropathy is encountered.
l) Scarlet fever;-
In this streptococcal infection there is bright red papillae standing out of a thick white fur ,later the white coat disappear leaving enlarged papillae on the bright red surface and is called strawberry tongue.
6) Ulcers on the tongue:–
a) Apthous ulcer:-
These are round painful ulcers appear in stressed individuals frequently. May be associated with food allergy.Usual sites are tongue,lips,oral mucosa and ect.
b) Herpes simplex:-
It is an acute vesicular eruptions produced by herpes simplex virus.When these vesicles rupture it forms ulcers.
c) Ulcer in cancer:-
Cancerous ulcers are having everted edges with hard base.Bleeding is also seen.Cancer of the tongue is common in tobacco chewers.
d) Syphilitic ulcers:-
Syphilitic fissures are longitudinal in direction.In primary syphilis extra genital chancre is seen on the tongue.In secondary syphilis multiple shallow ulcers are seen on the under surface and sides of the tongue.In tertiary syphilis gumma may be seen on the midline of the dorsum of the tongue.
e) Dental ulcers:-
These ulcers are produced by sharp edges of carious teeth.

PostCategoryIcon Posted in Health & Beauty | PostCommentsIcon No Comments »

PostHeaderIcon Todays Carpet Trends

PostDateIcon August 14th, 2010 | PostAuthorIcon Author: admin
Going beyond beige Long ago, when the choices of carpet were limitedto basic beige, the designers tended to treat it more often than not as a neutral background forrooms.  These days, with numerous patterns, textures,and colors to choose from, the carpet is quickly emerging as the focal point in many interiordesigns.

Although you may think the need for neutral carpethas faded away, it hasn’t, as Berber is still anexcellent choice.  Unlike the plain choices of theearly 1990s, the versions of today offer more pattern and texture.  Even the traditional typesof Berber carpet offer more visual interest with more extreme differences in pile being cut thicker,with deeper loop textures.
Color being sprinkled against a neutral backgroundwill add interest and dimension while helping tomask spots and spills.  The flecks of color arenow appearing against tan, beige, and cream typebackgrounds as well as in other neutrals as well.
Colors and texturesThe major shift in new products is going towardslayered color and softer texture in carpet.  Thecombination of pattern and texture will alwaysbe a popular choice simply because it minimizessoil and vacuum marks.  The other advantage hereis that the color and texture offer a moredistinct styling and plenty of fashion appealas well.
The new products are rapidly changing the perception of carpet as not only being a background to showcase other furnishings tothe possibility that the carpet can become afocus for design as well.
ConstructionThe new manufacturing capabilities have producedseveral new looks with carpets that are constructedwith cut and loop yarns.  Some examples includebows, swirls, lattices, plaids, pin dots, andseveral others.
By taking advantage of these choices, you can adda great deal of interest to the room and in sequence with the florals, stripes, and other patterns on windows and furniture.  The carpetpattern and texture will also increase theperception of quality and value in the carpet,and will add a much broader element to the surroundings as well.
These days, carpets can do more than just protectyour sub floor.  They can add a new level ofcomfort and warmth to your home, with literallythousands of choices available.  Carpet iseasier than ever to clean as well, making itmore than worth worthy of being in your home.
With several different trends and new and excitingcolors to choose from, the carpets of todaycan make your house come alive.  The carpetswill add new meaning to your rooms, making youappreciate your home even more.  If you haveolder carpet in your home now, you shouldn’twait another minute to upgrade.  Once you takea look at all of the choices you have, you’llwant to get that new carpet in now – as yourfloor with want to thank you as well!

PostCategoryIcon Posted in Carpet | PostTagIcon Tags: | PostCommentsIcon No Comments »

PostHeaderIcon Find Quality Boots that Fit Like a Glove

PostDateIcon August 9th, 2010 | PostAuthorIcon Author: admin
Finding just the right fit for your boots is important if you want comfort and healthy feet. Whether buying motorcycle boots, logger boots, lacer boots, cowboy boots, or steel toe boots, you’ll want the best fit possible so you can enjoy your activities without aches and blisters. Here are some “fitting” tips to remember when shopping for boots.
Choose Quality over Price
Invest only in boots of high quality. Price should only be a factor once you’ve carefully examined the quality of the boots. To put them to the test, check for solid bottoms. Try pressing your thumb into the bottom of the sole. If the sole can be pressed in with your thumb, the boots are probably too soft to give the protection you need. Also, try twisting the soles of the boots. If you can twist them, they’re probably too soft. Solid bottoms are very important with steel toe boots, logger boots, lacer boots, or any other boots used for strenuous work or activities.
Another indicator of quality is the strength and protection provided by the sides of the boots. Good boots will provide extra padding to protect your feet from rocks, stones, metal objects, and so forth. Ankle support can be tested by grabbing the top of the boot and trying to bend it over sideways. If it can be bent easily, then ankle support is probably not a main feature.
If working outdoors or doing outdoor activities such hiking or riding motorcycles, be sure the boots are waterproof. Motorcycle boots and cowboy boots will be exposed to all sorts of weather while riding, from the heat of the sun to possibly heavy rain downpours! Waterproof boots will last longer and protect your feet from moisture.
Pricing your boots should only come after quality has been considered. You can shop online to find great bargains once you know which type or brand name of boots you want.
Fitting Your Boots
Even if shopping online for boots, you should have them fitted in person by a professional if possible. Remember, all boots are not created equal; all feet are not created equal! Your boots should fit like a glove and be as comfortable as your running shoes. Even heavy boots should fit comfortably.
Before leaving the house, grab a pair of socks you would normally wear with boots. Try on the boots and wear them while walking around the store for at least 15 minutes.
Sizing Your Boots
Be sure the boots do not slip on the heel. Also, check for plenty of room at the toes. Many brand name boots offer a “wide-toe” size if needed. Check the sizing with your index finger. To do this, unlace the boots and move your foot forward as far as possible. Try slipping your index finger inside the boot behind the ankle. If your finger fits there comfortably, then you’ve got the right size. They’re not too tight or too loose.
To check for tightness, try them on without socks once. Be sure your toes have plenty of “wiggling” space. Also, feel for tight spots around the sides of your feet. Then, test the boots again with socks.
Test Your Stride
While walking around the store, notice how the boots feel when walking forward, backward and side-ways. If planning to wear the boots while hiking or walking on inclined areas, ask the store clerk if there’s an inclined area in the store or a slanted board to test your boots.
Shopping for Boots Online
Once you find the perfect fit and quality boots, you can go online to find great prices on the type of boots you need. There are boot outlets online that offer many brand names and styles to fit your needs. Also, many online malls offer other items for sale, from RC toys to diecast model cars, so you can do other shopping during your visit. Whether you need logging boots, lacer boots, cowboy boots, steel toe boots, or motorcycle boots, you’ll want the very best. Your feet are worth it!
PostCategoryIcon Posted in Fashion | PostTagIcon Tags: | PostCommentsIcon No Comments »

PostHeaderIcon Are Those Boots Really Made For Walking?

PostDateIcon August 3rd, 2010 | PostAuthorIcon Author: admin

It’s that time of year again: boot-buying season. There are all types and styles to choose from, but finding the best-fitting boots requires some shopping legwork.

While you’re deciding between a stiletto heel, kitten heel or stacked heel, think of where you will be wearing them and for how many hours each day. What might look great on the fashion runways may not be so practical when you’re running to and from your 9-to-5 office job.
“Your boots only have to last a season,” said Dr. Marlene Reid, a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association. “Your feet have to last a lifetime.”
Follow these tips from the APMA when you shop for your next pair of boots.
* Shop later in the day (your feet tend to swell during the day) and have your feet measured before you begin trying on boots.
* Try on the boots with the type of hosiery or socks you plan to wear with them.
* Look for boots that offer stability, preferably something with a wider heel. Heels that are less than 2 inches high are best. Skinny stilettos may look cute on the rack, but they put a lot of pressure on your feet.
* Make sure the shape of the boot is wide enough for a comfortable fit on your feet. Some boot designs can be too narrow and can cause blisters and bunions.
* Choose boots with a firm heel counter. Just because the boot fabric covers your ankle does not mean it provides proper support.
* Buy a pair of boots that feel comfortable after you have walked around the store in them. Boots should never have to be “broken in.”
* Select a boot with a rubber sole and traction on the bottom to prevent slipping. Remember, most fashion boots are not made for snow.
* Consider the material. “During the winter months, the feet tend to sweat more because shoes are enclosed and people wear thick socks or hosiery,” Reid said. “Selecting a boot made of leather, which absorbs moisture, over a synthetic material is a wise choice.”
PostCategoryIcon Posted in Fashion | PostTagIcon Tags: | PostCommentsIcon No Comments »
Categories
Recent Posts
Blogroll
Tags