Given the growing media coverage of brain fitness and brain training, we have produced this compilation of the Top 21 Books that help understand these trends, the research behind them, and the implications for all of us.

For your easy browsing, we have categorized them into seven groups:

1) Fascinating books on neuroplasticity (the ability of the brain to rewire itself through experience):

- Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain: How a New Science Reveals Our Extraordinary Potential to Transform Ourselves - by Sharon Begley.

- The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science - by Norman Doidge.

- The Executive Brain: Frontal Lobes and the Civilized Mind - by Elkhonon Goldberg).

- The Wisdom Paradox: How Your Mind Can Grow Stronger As Your Brain Grows Older - by Elkhonon Goldberg.

2) User-friendly scientific books on the brain:

- Best of the Brain from Scientific American: Mind, Matter, and Tomorrow's Brain by Floyd E. Bloom.

- A User's Guide to the Brain: Perception, Attention, and the Four Theaters of the Brain - by John J. Ratey.

- In Search of Memory: The Emergence of a New Science of Mind - by Eric Kandel.

- Mapping the Mind - by Rita Carter.

- Phantoms in the Brain: Probing the Mysteries of the Human Mind - by V. S. Ramachandran.

- Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers: An Updated Guide To Stress, Stress Related Diseases, and Coping - by Robert M. Sapolsky.

3) On how to apply all this to education and learning:

- Magic Trees of the Mind: How to Nurture Your Child's Intelligence, Creativity, and Healthy Emotions from Birth Through Adolescence - by Marian Diamond and Janet Hopson.

- The Art of Changing the Brain: Enriching the Practice of Teaching by Exploring the Biology of Learning - by James Zull.

- Enriching the Brain: How to Maximize Every Learner's Potential - by Eric Jensen.

4) On how to apply cognitive and positive psychology to solve other real-world problems:

- Thanks: How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier - by Robert Emmons.

- The Beck Diet Solution: Train Your Brain to Think Like a Thin Person - by Judith Beck.

- Enhancing Trader Performance: Proven Strategies From the Cutting Edge of Trading Psychology - by Brett Steenbarger.

5) With a health/medical angle:

- The Brain Trust Program: A Scientifically Based Three-Part Plan - by Larry McCleary.

- The Memory Prescription: Dr. Gary Small's 14-Day Plan to Keep Your Brain and Body Young - by Gary Small.

- Brain Longevity: The Breakthrough Medical Program that Improves Your Mind and Memory - by Dharma Singh Khalsa.

6) Reference manual:

- The Dana Guide to Brain Health Guide: A Practical Family Reference from Medical Experts by Floyd E. Bloom, M. Flint Beal, and David J. Kupfer.

7) Good combination of information and activities:

- Building Mental Muscle: Conditioning Exercises for the Six Intelligence Zones - by David Gamon and Allen D. Bragdon.

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Everybody worries about their teeth, at least when the toothaches begin. However, not everyone can afford dental work. You may not have any dental coverage with your health plan or may lack any sort of health coverage period. Caring for your dental needs is very important, not only for cosmetic reasons, but also for the relief of pain and for healthier gums. One option that might be of interest to you is an alternative dental plan.

This type of plan has managed to provide many households with supplementary coverage, specifically for the cost of dental work. Not only would such a dental plan cover special dental procedures, it would also allow members to save on pharmaceutical medications and orthodontic devices. This type of plan would care for all of your dental needs, from simple procedures like an in-office cleaning to even root canal surgery.

Unfortunately, many health guide coverage providers overlook important types of coverage. Therefore, if you have a household of members that have dental needs, then a supplementary dental plan may be able to help you. When choosing a provider, make sure that the company's dentists and pharmacies are participating in the plan-and that they continue to renew their membership. The company should be able to verify such pertinent information. Without this participation, any form of coverage is useless!

If you are looking for a dental plan provider, then try the program offered by Careington. This provider specializes in supplementary coverage for dental and vision needs. The company offers a program featuring over 54,000 participating dentists and 57,000 pharmacies already signed up to work with the program. For more information visit the official website at 1Dental.com.

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Bitter Melon - Benefits, Medicinal Properties

Bitter Melon is reported to help in the treatment of diabetes and psoriasis. It has also been reported that Bitter Melon may help in the treatment of HIV

Bitter Melon is the English name of Momordica charantia. Bitter Melon is also known by the names Karela and Bitter gourd. Bitter Melon grows in tropical areas, including parts of East Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and South America, where it is used as a food as well as a medicine. It is a green cucumber shaped fruit with gourd-like bumps all over it. It looks like an ugly, light green cucumber. The fruit should be firm, like a cucumber. And it tastes very bitter. Although the seeds, leaves, and vines of Bitter Melon have all been used, the fruit is the safest and most prevalent part of the plant used medicinally. The leaves and fruit have both been used occasionally to make teas and beer, or to season soups in the Western world.

Does bitter melon have medicinal properties?

Bitter Melon was traditionally used for a dazzling array of conditions by people in tropical regions. Numerous infections, cancer, leukemia, and diabetes are among the most common conditions it was believed to improve. Bitter Melon is reported to help in the treatment of diabetes and psoriasis. It has also been thought that Bitter Melon may help in the treatment of HIV, but the evidence thus far is too weak to even consider. The ripe fruit of Bitter Melon has been suggested to exhibit some remarkable anti-cancer effects, but there is absolutely no evidence that it can treat cancer. However, preliminary studies do appear to confirm that Bitter Melon may improve blood sugar control in people with adult-onset (type 2) diabetes.

Is it true that bitter melon capsules are effective in lowering blood sugar of diabetics?

The blood lowering action of the fresh juice of the unripe Bitter Melon has been confirmed in scientific studies in animals and humans. At least three different groups of constituents in Bitter Melon have been reported to have hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) or other actions of potential benefit in diabetes mellitus. These include a mixture of steroidal saponins known as charantin, insulin-like peptides, and alkaloids. It is still unclear which of these is most effective or if all three work together. Nonetheless, Bitter Melon preparations have been shown to significantly improve glucose tolerance without increasing blood insulin levels, and to improve fasting blood glucose levels.

Rich in iron, bitter melon has twice the beta carotene of broccoli, twice the calcium of spinach, twice the potassium of bananas, and contains vitamins C and B 1 to 3, phosphorus and good dietary fiber. It is believed to be good for the liver and has been proven by western scientists to contain insulin, act as an anti-tumor agent, and inhibit HIV-1 infection.

At least 32 active constituents have been identified in bitter melon so far, including beta-sitosterol-d-glucoside, citrulline, GABA, lutein, lycopene and zeaxanthin. Nutritional analysis reveals that bitter melon is also rich in potassium, calcium, iron, beta-carotene, vitamins B1, B2, B3 and C.

Even more effective than a conventional drug in lowering blood sugar!

Recently, the Department of Health guide in the Philippines has recommended bitter melon as one of the best herbal medicines for diabetic management. And multiple clinical studies have clearly established the role of bitter melon in people with diabetes. Scientists have now identified three groups of constituents that are thought to be responsible for its 'blood sugar lowering' action.

One of these, a compound called charantin, which is composed of mixed steroids, was found to be more effective than the oral hypoglycaemic drug, tolbutamide, in reducing blood sugar.

Another, an insulin-like polypeptide, called polypeptide P, appears to lower blood sugar in type I (insulin dependent) diabetics, while alkaloids present in the fruit have also been noted to have a blood sugar lowering effect. As yet, researchers are unclear as to which of these compounds is most effective or if it is the synergistic effect of all three. Further research is required to understand how these compounds actually work.

Compounds known as oleanolic acid glycosides have been found to improve glucose tolerance in Type II (maturity onset) diabetics by preventing the absorption of sugar from the intestines. Bitter melon has also been reported to increase the number of beta cells (cells that secrete insulin) in the pancreas, thereby improving your body's capability to produce insulin (insulin promotes the uptake of sugar from your blood by cells and tissues).

Evidence:

A two-day Indian study published in 1999 examined bitter melon's effect on 100 people with type 2 diabetes. On both days, researchers tested the participants' blood sugar levels in a fasting state and after drinking glucose. Participants took 150 to 200 mi of bitter melon extract on the second day. That day, researchers found that 86 percent of the participants experienced an average 14 percent drop in blood sugar after fasting and after drinking glucose.

Article Resource | Health Guide

Tongue-tied by your doctor's diagnosis of glossitis? Cheer up. It's may not be as bad as you think. To be sure, see a doctor if the problem persists.

Glossitis is the medical term for tongue inflammation and it may be short-lived or a recurring condition. It has many forms and produces a variety of symptoms which affect the color and texture of the tongue.

The acute form may be caused by a local infection, bum, or injury. The tongue becomes swollen and tender and the person may find it difficult to swallow and speak. In severe eases, the tongue is so swollen that it interferes with breathing. This is a medical emergency which requires immediate attention.

"Severe acute glossitis, which can result from local infection, burns and injury, can cause tenderness, pain and swelling to make the tongue protrude from the mouth into the back of the throat - creating the danger of airway obstruction and even suffocation. In severe cases, the patient may not be able to chew, swallow, or speak," according to the editors of Consumer Guide's "Family Health & Medical Guide."

In others, glossitis may result from irritants such as jagged or broken teeth, poor-filling dentures, poor oral hygiene or the habit of biting the tongue. The tongue may also be irritated by alcohol, tobacco, hot spicy food, mouthwashes, toothpastes, breath fresheners and certain drugs.

Poor nutrition is another cause of glossitis. Vitamin B deficiencies can lead to a sore or cracked tongue and the development of mouth ulcers. In pellagra, which is caused by lack of niacin, the mouth and tongue are sore and the person may experience indigestion, vomiting and diarrhea.

Pernicious anemia, which is caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency, is characterized by a pale, sore tongue and bleeding gums. Iron-deficiency anemia, on the other hand, can also produce a sore tongue and abdominal discomfort. These conditions are easily recognizable by their symptoms.

"Symptoms vary widely, ranging from simple redness of the tip and edge of the tongue (if the cause is pellagra, anemia, or irritation from smoking or a tooth with a rough surface) to painful ulcers and whitish patches. In the later stage of pellagra, the entire tongue may be fiery red, swollen and ulcerated. In iron deficiency and pernicious anemia, the tongue is pale and smooth. Painful ulcers on the tongue may indicate a number of diseases, including herpes, tuberculosis and streptococcal infection," said Consumer Guide.

Fortunately, most cases of glossitis are minor and respond well to simple preventive measures such as avoiding alcohol, tobacco and other known irritants. Avoid the things that make your problem worse. If the problem persists or recurs from time to time, a biopsy or tissue sample may be required to rule out other possible conditions.

"In treating glossitis, specific causes, such as jagged teeth and ill-fitting dentures, should be corrected. Irritants including hot or spicy foods, tobacco and alcohol, should be avoided if they are the source of the trouble. A bland or liquid diet, preferably cool or cold may have a soothing effect. Good oral hygiene is necessary in all cases," said the editors of Consumer Guide.

"Symptomatic relief of large lesions includes rinsing the mouth with a medicated mouthwash before meals. Topical anesthetics, such as lidocaine and benzocaine, can also bring relief. Patients experiencing painful burning should be tested to rule out vitamin B12 deficiency, diabetes and anemia," they concluded.

Article Resource | Health Guide

Do you urinate often? Is it a painful experience? Perhaps you have cystitis, a common problem in women.

Cystitis is the inflammation of the urinary bladder, the organ which holds urine before it leaves the body. It is caused by bacteria which have entered the bladder via the urethra, the tube that carries urine outside the body.

Men do not develop cystitis as often as women because they have longer urethras which make it difficult for bacteria to reach the bladder. Also, in women, the distance between the anus and the external openings of the vagina and urethra is shorter, thereby permitting bacteria to travel from one place to another.

However in men who develop cystitis, the problem can usually be traced to some underlying disorder such as an enlarged prostate. This obstructs the flow of urine from the bladder and causes bacteria to multiply further. Other possible causes of obstruction are tumors and kidney stones.

"Cystitis in men is uncommon. When it does occur, the usual cause is an infection that has spread from an inflamed prostate gland or that has developed in the bladder because of an enlarged prostate," according to he editors of Consumer Guide's "Family Health & Medical Guide."

"Urethritis, an infection or inflammation of the urethra, often sets the stage for the development of cystitis. Urethritis occurs in both men and women and is usually acquired through sexual intercourse with an infected individual," they added.

Cystitis is characterized by painful urination. Others may experience a burning or itching sensation. Patients have a frequent urge to urinate and their urine may be cloudy or bloody. Occasionally, they may have low back pain and a slight fever.

To diagnose the problem and identify the infecting agent, your doc¬tor will rely on urine tests as well as the symptoms present. If there is reason to doubt the results of a simple urinalysis, a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) may be inserted into the bladder through the urethra although this is not always necessary in men.

For difficult or chronic cases of cystitis which are usually caused by an obstruction, special x-ray studies may be required to make a correct diagnosis. Cystitis is a simple problem which can be treated easily; but if the underlying problem is not treated, recurrence is common and things can get worse.

Oral antibiotics are the first line of defense against cystitis. Large single doses may be used or the drugs may be given for months depending on the severity of the problem.

"If the same organism is causing the trouble, the condition may require larger doses of medication or long-term treatment (for up to four to six weeks). If cystitis persists daily doses of medications may be necessary for up to six months. It is important that dosage instructions be followed exactly, because a person is vulnerable to a new infection or reinfection if the entire course of recommended drug therapy is not completed," said Consumer Guide's "Family Health & Medical Guide."

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Healthcare is an important issue for everyone. How we take care of our body throughout our life makes a big difference in the way we age and the diseases we may suffer.

Preventive Health Care

Enzymes are an important factor in our body's health. Enzymes are catalysts that start a chemical reaction to help us digest and absorb our food. If we do not have the proper help, our body cannot assimilate and use the nutrients we feed it. Health care will become a dreaded subject.

Many diseases and health guide concerns could be avoided with the right diet and enzymes. Some people cannot digest their food properly and become overweight while others suffer all manner of upper and lower digestive problems. As we age we lose our ability to digest properly, which causes more health care problems.

What Enzymes Do

There are different types of enzymes that work on a particular food. Amylase works to break down carbohydrates, starches and sugars. Protease breaks down protein in meat, eggs, and cheese. Lipase breaks down fats in dairy products and meats. There are others that are not as general and provide more specific functions.

Proper Nutrition

Because of a lack of good digestion, many people suffer from a deprivation of nutrition. This causes other health care problems. To maintain healthy skin, good cholesterol levels, good memory, healthy bones and joints, we must keep our body nourished and healthy. Lack of nutrition also causes sleep disorders and weight loss or gain and energy loss. Many health care concerns could be avoided with better digestion.

Good Health Care

When someone eats healthy all their life, their organs will be strong and able to fight off disease and illness. But if you cannot get enough nutrients with your food alone, enzymes will help spread the right reactions to each part of the body. Different enzymes will work with others to get each job done. Taking a vitamin supplement with enzymes or making an effort to consume more vegetables could make a vital difference in men's and women's health. Vitamins are much less expensive than healthcare these days!

Raw foods contain healthy enzymes, but heated and processed foods lose most, if not all, of their strength. Eating raw cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and cabbage will provide critical enzymes and also act as cancer blockers. For continuing good health, eating raw vegetables is very important.

Everyone Needs Enzymes

There have been doctors who have treated patients' serious diseases and cancer with diet and enzymes, which show the importance of this factor in our body. Don't neglect the needs of your body. For your own good health care, make sure you do not lack this vital digestive aid.

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Our skin perform many important functions that we take for granted most of the time, despite the fact that it's the body's largest organ. Understanding how the skin works and common problems can help keep that natural healthy glow.

For most adults, their skin will cover almost two kilometres in area and can make up to about a sixth of their body weight.

Did you know... skin replace itself regularly - new cells replace old ones every four weeks or so. Your skins thickness varies on different parts of your body - for example, the soles of your feet, which have tougher time, have thicker skin.

Your kin is made up of a high percentage of water, similar to most other parts of your body - in fact skin has up to 20% of your body's total water content. To stay health, your skin needs to maintain a high percentage of water and you need to make sure you keep your skin hydrated - especially after excess exposure to sun or wind which will dry out your skin. Drinking water and using moisturizers are two easy ways to maintain your skins water content.

Your skin is made up of three layers, the outer layer i called the epidermis and this has four layers of it's own. This where the old, dead skin cells are shed and replaced by new cells from the skins deeper layers which are known as the dermis and subcutaneous layers.

So what does our skin do?

One of the main functions of the skin is to keep the body's temperature at safe levels at all times, so regulating it when we are too hot or too cold. Our body's temperature should stay around 37 degrees Celsius and our skin helps us to do this, when we are hot, sweat will evaporate to help us keep cool, and when we're cold, hairs stand up on end, trapping air which helps us to stay warm. Many outside factors influence the health guide of our skin and limiting their effects is one of the ways we can all help to maintain healthy skin. Your skin plays an important role in protecting you from ultraviolet rays, bacteria and dehydration.

Skin complaints

Skin complaints range from more common dry skin to eczema, psoriasis and veruccas and can affect anyone. If you are concerned about your skin or would like further information about how to treat and existing conditions you can ask your pharmacist for advice and guidance on the best treatments.

Dry Skin

Your skin is directly exposed to the elements and can dry out because of extremes in the weather, excess sun, wind or cold. Our skin contains a high level of water and will become dry and flaky if it dries out. You may feel your skin becoming itchy and peeling.

There are many ways that you can prevent and treat dry skin. To try and stop your skin drying out you should aim to apply moisturizer once a day, in particular to vulnerable areas on your hands and face. Also try to keep hydrated - it is recommended that you drink eight lasses of water, juice or soft drinks everyday. Protecting yourself in extreme weather conditions will also help to prevent dry and cracked skin so try and cover up with gloves and a scarf in winter weather and a hat in summer. Visit your pharmacist for advice on the best kind of protection for you.

Eczema

Eczema is a group of skin conditions, often called dermatitis. These conditions can range from mild to quite serious and can affect people of all ages. Eczema is not contagious and at the moment there is no cure, only treatments. Eczema symptoms can range from dry, hot and itchy skin to raw. Inflamed and bleeding skin.

Estimates suggest that 1 in 5 children of school age has eczema and the figure for adults is around 1 in 12.

There are many different causes of eczema and they differ for different people - what is a trigger for you may not affect someone else at all. There are also different types of eczema - some are inherited and these are usually triggered by allergic reactions to things in the environment; for example dust or animal fur. Other types of eczema are caused by exposure to irritants which could include washing powder or chemicals in some household products.

There are a range of treatments available that can help reduce the symptoms of eczema and there are steps that you can take to reduce the likelihood of symptoms occurring again. Visit your pharmacist to discuss treatments for eczema. This could include bath oils, emollients, creams, lotions or, for more serious conditions, steroid preparations.

It is important that you prevent moisture loss from your skin as much as possible and these treatments will help. To minimize future outbreaks of eczema you can also try using in perfumed soap and non biological washing powders.

Acne

Acne affects many of us at some time in our lives. It is estimated that up to 90& of teenagers have acne at some point. However it is a common misconception that acne occurs only in teenagers. In fact it can affect up to 25% of adult men and 50% of adult women.

Acne is a condition which causes the skin to develop small red lumps. You will usually see them on the face, arms, back and chest. It is caused by overactive oil glands which results in blocked pores in the skin causing blackheads, whitehead or deep lumps or cysts. Acne usually occurs in teenagers and can continue for some people in their 40's or 50's.

Pregnancy or menstruation can contribute to outbreaks of acne, as can pollution, humidity or extreme heat or cold.

Early treatment for acne is important as it can make you self-conscious and in severe cases can cause scarring. Treatments are available from your pharmacist in the form of creams, lotions or gels which contain benzoyl peroxide. If your acne is severe you should consult your doctor who may recommend that you use a stronger treatments or an antibiotic.

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