Good health is the best asset in the world.: 2008

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

physician jobs tips

After completeion of residency Now you will look for jobs.
Here are some good jobsites.

1.www.mdjobsite.com

2.www.comphealth.com

3.Always call hospitals in area where you want to work because sometimes the hospitals advertise in some magazines which you dont know

MORE COMINGGGGG AS I just got a page----------------

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

stock picker

visa goooooooooooooo

medical school rankings

go to www.usnews.com
amazing can find rankings for every graduate school.

best website for radiology

learn on
www.learningradiology.com

physician salary-look who makes how much

Specialty
All Physicians
Starting
Eastern
Western
Southern
Northern
RSS
Allergy and Immunology
$233,318
$161,858
$252,445
$237,323
$234,444
$218,137

Anesthesiology
$344,691
$275,000
$312,292
$343,810
$333,035
$349,991

Cardiac & Thoracic Surgery
$460,000
$350,000
$462,747
$492,874
$375,000
$513,747
n/a
Cardiology
$370,295
$275,000
$299,670
$361,205
$417,395
$388,786

Colon & Rectal Surgery
$357,262
****
$342,000
$351,481
****
$378,172

Critical Care Medicine
$249,996
$207,180
$237,886
$313,850
****
$249,996

Dermatology
$316,473
$228,500
$271,580
$325,484
$336,656
$308,658

Diagnostic Radiology - Interventional
$440,004
$350,000
$367,267
$433,085
$538,318
$440,004

Diagnostic Radiology - Non-Interventional
$414,875
****
$371,308
$414,904
$397,393
$430,000

Emergency Care
$255,530
$178,000
$224,373
$260,175
$256,490
$257,745

Endocrinology
$204,217
$150,000
$178,387
$200,491
$196,892
$211,494

Family Medicine
$185,740
$130,000
$159,639
$198,415
$187,281
$177,747

Family Medicine - with Obstetrics
$190,649
$139,375
$175,070
$186,336
$165,290
$199,357

Gastroenterology
$356,388
$280,000
$325,647
$370,095
$374,077
$345,508

General Surgery
$327,902
$220,000
$284,055
$326,042
$320,000
$356,463

Geriatrics
$177,392
****
$175,000
$172,614
****
$179,052
n/a
Gynecological Oncology
$358,297
****
$315,357
$359,277
****
$379,995

Gynecology
$225,182
****
$204,008
$217,586
$230,242
$228,260

Gynecology & Obstetrics
$270,793
$200,000
$232,913
$274,448
$288,815
$274,561

Hematology & Medical Oncology
$280,339
$220,000
$244,478
$298,779
$359,160
$280,001

Hospitalist
$191,436
$151,140
$177,368
$200,977
$199,450
$181,175

Hypertension & Nephrology
$240,145
$175,000
$213,245
$262,687
$263,891
$225,504
n/a
Infectious Disease
$213,496
$150,000
$177,291
$225,033
$173,883
$215,001

Intensivist
$252,055
****
****
$252,619
****
****

Internal Medicine
$193,162
$135,000
$176,642
$203,440
$194,374
$181,570

Neonatology
$255,524
$180,000
$242,739
$284,588
$226,453
$250,131
n/a
Neurological Surgery
$530,000
$400,000
$457,641
$605,825
$550,000
$530,000
n/a
Neurology
$222,998
$177,500
$200,976
$233,221
$226,986
$222,998

Nuclear Medicine (M.D. only)
$329,951
****
****
$311,188
****
$421,762
n/a
Obstetrics
$297,887
****
****
****
$316,714
$300,077
n/a
Occupational / Environmental Medicine
$203,159
$146,821
$209,103
$202,662
$182,350
$209,109
n/a
Ophthalmology
$295,510
$205,510
$249,167
$284,526
$320,625
$324,997
n/a
Oral Surgery
$333,857
$229,370
****
****
$275,879
$361,500
n/a
Orthopedic Surgery
$436,481
****
$390,000
$448,559
$403,781
$437,930
n/a
Orthopedic-Medical
$238,154
****
****
****
****
$198,830
n/a
Orthopedic Surgery - Joint Replacement
$502,204
****
$496,639
****
****
$499,998
n/a
Orthopedic Surgery - Hand
$413,148
****
$405,000
$393,308
****
$441,645
n/a
Orthopedic Surgery - Pediatrics
$427,795
****
****
****
****
****
n/a
Orthopedic Surgery - Spine
$579,400
****
****
$623,202
****
$548,000
n/a
Otolaryngology
$327,399
$220,000
$295,844
$326,556
$351,705
$339,085
n/a
Pathology (M.D. only)
$247,506
****
$216,457
****
$259,819
$253,006
n/a
Pediatric Allergy
$175,824
****
****
****
****
****
n/a
Pediatric Cardiology
$218,331
****
$191,668
$264,915
$180,000
$249,996
n/a
Pediatric Endocrinology
$182,488
****
****
****
****
$178,200
n/a
Pediatric Gastroenterology
$221,667
****
$203,767
$238,870
****
$228,227
n/a
Pediatric Hematology / Oncology
$202,903
****
****
$214,461
$206,160
$200,471
n/a
Pediatric Intensive Care
$214,547
****
****
****
$177,999
$212,909
n/a
Pediatric Nephrology
$189,966
****
****
****
****
$178,788
n/a
Pediatric Neurology
$203,000
****
****
$216,139
****
$203,000
n/a
Pediatric Pulmonary Disease
$181,087
****
$173,129
****
****
****
n/a
Pediatric Surgery
$353,682
****
$356,073
$343,774
$377,036
$353,750
n/a
Pediatrics & Adolescent
$185,913
$125,000
$176,938
$187,154
$197,056
$183,642
n/a
Pediatric Infectious Disease
$182,742
****
****
****
****
$165,749
n/a
Perinatology
$349,807
$283,457
$327,631
$353,850
****
$349,725
n/a
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
$219,991
$170,000
$199,808
$218,338
$218,852
$219,992
n/a
Plastic & Reconstruction
$349,499
$250,000
$294,242
$357,217
$323,235
$382,450
n/a
Psychiatry
$200,871
$160,000
$176,300
$214,681
$181,097
$185,999
n/a
Psychiatry - Child
$211,740
****
$162,000
$231,453
****
$181,716
n/a
Pulmonary Disease
$265,907
$182,500
$233,520
$277,535
$285,961
$267,956
n/a
Radiation Therapy (M.D. only)
$371,218
$275,000
$306,887
$414,630
$357,634
$386,990
n/a
Reproductive Endocrinology
$299,620
****
$249,722
$330,361
****
****
n/a
Rheumatologic Disease
$208,285
$155,000
$193,678
$221,868
$201,013
$204,691

Sports Medicine
$240,475
****
****
****
****
$234,538
n/a
Transplant Surgery - Kidney
$342,550
****
****
****
****
$379,248
n/a
Transplant Surgery - Liver
$423,418
****
****
****
****
$431,750
n/a
Trauma Surgery
$353,971
****
$295,164
****
$455,323
$375,491

Urgent Care
$198,646
$140,000
$181,556
$201,887
$210,731
$198,944
n/a
Urology
$365,999
$246,235
$317,392
$371,250
$358,100
$388,552
n/a
Vascular Surgery
$365,882
$260,100
$321,135
$378,973
$364,596
$356,164
n/a
source-cejka

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

usmle steps 100 tips

100 RULES ONE MORE TIME.
1. If a patient has a fever, give acetaminophen (unless it is contraindicated)
2. If a patient is on a statin or you order a statin, get baseline LFTs and check frequently
3. If a patient is found to have abnormal LFTs, get a TSH
4. If a patient is going to surgery (including cardiac catheterization), make them NPO
5. All NPO patients must also have their urine output measured (type "urine output")
6. If a woman is between 12 and 52 years old and there is no mention of a very recent menses (that is, < 2 weeks ago), order a beta-hCG
7. Don't forget to discontinue anything that is no longer required (especially if you are sending the patient home)
8. When a patient is stable, decide whether or not you should change locations (if you anticipate that the patient could crash in the very near future, send the patient to the ICU; if the patient just needs overnight monitoring, send to the ward; if the patient is back to baseline, send home with follow-up)
9. In any diabetic (new or long-standing), order an HbA1c as well as continuous Accuchecks.
10. If this is a long-standing diabetic, also order an ophthalmology consult (to evaluate for diabetic retinopathy)
11. In any patient with respiratory distress (especially with low oxygen saturations), order an ABG
12. In any overdose, do a gastric lavage and activated charcoal (no harm in doing so, unless the patient is unconscious or has risk for aspiration)
13. In any suicidal patient, admit to ward and get "suicide contract" and "suicide precautions"
14. Patients who cannot tolerate Aspirin get Clopidogrel or Ticlopidine
15. Post-PTCA patients get Abciximab
16. In any bleeding patient, order PT, PTT, and Blood Type and Crossmatch (just in case they have to go to the O.R.)
17. In any pregnant patient, get "Blood Type and Rh" as well as "Atypical Antibody Screen"
18. In any patient with excess bleeding (especially GI bleeding), type "no aspirin" upon D/C of patient
19. If the patient is having any upper GI distress or is at risk for aspiration, order "head elevation" and "aspiration precautions"
20. In any asthmatic, order bedside FEV1 and PEFR (and use this to follow treatment progress)21. Before you D/C a patient, change all IV meds to PO and all nebulizers to MDI
22. In any patient who has GI distress, make them NPO
23. All diabetic in-patients get Accuchecks, D/C oral hypoglycemic agents, start insulin, HbA1c, advise strict glycemic control, recommend diabetic foot care
24. All patients with altered mental status of unknown etiology get a "fingerstick glucose" check (for hypoglycemia), IV thiamine, IV dextrose, IV naloxone, urine toxicology, blood alcohol level, NPO
25. If hemolysis is in the differential, order a reticulocyte count
26. If you administer heparin, check platelets on Day 3 and Day 5 (for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia), as well as frequent H&H
27. If you administer coumadin, check daily PT/INR until it is within therapeutic range for two consecutive days
28. Before giving a woman coumadin, isotretinoin, doxycycline, OCPs or other teratogens, get a beta-hCG
29. If you give furosemide (Lasix), also give KCl (it depletes K+)
30. All children who are given gentamycin, should have a hearing test (audiometry) and check BUN/Cr before and after treatmentMusa's CCS Golden Rules - Part Deux
31. Don't forget about patient comfort! Treat pain with IV morphine, nausea with IV phenergan, constipation with PO docusate, diarrhea with PO loperamide, insomnia with PO temazepam
32. ALL ICU patients get stress ulcer prophylaxis with IV omeprazole or ranitidine
33. If you put a patient on complete bedrest (such as those who are pre-op), get "pneumatic compression stockings"
34. If fluid status is vital to a patient's prognosis (such as those with dehydration, hypovolemia, or fluid overload), place a Foley catheter and order "urine output"
35. If a CXR shows an effusion, get a decubitus CXR next
36. If you intubate a patient you ALSO have to order "mechanical ventilation" (otherwise the patient will just sit there with a tube in his mouth!)
37. With any major procedure (including surgery, biopsy, centesis), you MUST type "consent for procedure" (typing consent will not reveal any results)
38. With any fluid aspiration (such as paracentesis or pericardiocentesis), get fluid analysis separately (it is not automatic). If you don't order anything on the fluid, it will just be discarded.
39. With high-dose steroids (such as in temporal arteritis), give IV ranitidine, calcium, vitamin D, alendronate, and get a baseline DEXA scan.
40. In all suspected DKA or HHNC, check osmolality and ketone levels in the serum.
41. In ALCOHOLIC ketoacidosis, just give dextrose (no need for insulin), in addition to IV normal saline and thiamine
42. All patients over 50 with no history of FOBT or colonoscopy should get a rectal exam, a FOBT, and have a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy scheduled.
43. All women > 40 years old should get a yearly clinical breast exam and mammogram (if risk factors are present, start at 35)
44. All men > 50 years old should get a prostate exam and a PSA (if risk factors are present, start at 45)
45. If a patient has a terminal disease, advise "advanced directives"
46. In any patient with a chronic disease that can cause future altered mental status, type "medical alert bracelet" upon D/C
47. Any patient with diarrhea should have their stool checked for "ova and parasites", "white cells", "culture", and C.diff antigen (if warranted)
48. Any patient on lithium or theophylline should have their levels checked
49. All patients with suspected MI should be given a statin (and check baseline LFTs)
50. All suspected hemolysis patients should get a direct Coombs test Musa's CCS Golden Rules - The Trilogy
51. Schedule all women older than 18 for a Pap smear (unless she has had a normal Pap within one year)
52. Pre-op patients should have the following done: “NPO”, “IV access”, “IV normal saline”, “blood type and crossmatch”, “analgesia”, “PT”, “PTT”, “pneumatic compression stockings”, “Foley”, “urine output”, “CBC”, and any appropriate antibiotics
53. If a patient requires epinephrine (such as in anaphylaxis), and he/she is on a beta-blocker, give glucagon first
54. If lipid profile is abnormal, order a TSH
55. All dementia and alcoholic patients should be advised “no driving”
56. To diagnose Alzheimer’s, first rule out other causes. Order a CT head, vitamin B12 levels, folate levels, TSH, and routine labs like CBC, BMP, LFT, UA. Also, if the history suggests it, order a VDRL and HIV ELISA as well
57. Also rule out depression in suspected dementia patients
58. For all women who are sexually active and of reproductive age, give folate. In fact, you should give ALL your patients a multivitamin upon D/C home
59. All pancreatitis patients should be made NPO and have NG suction so that no food can stimulate the pancreas
60. Send patients home on a disease-specific diet: diabetics get a “diabetic diet”, hypertensives get a “low salt diet”, irritable bowel patients get a “high fiber diet”, hepatic failure patients get “low protein diet”, etc
61. Do not give a thrombolytic (tPA or streptokinase) in a patient with unstable angina patient 62. Patients who are having a large amount of secretions, order “pulmonary toilet” to reduce the risk of aspiration
63. Every patient should be advised to wear a “seatbelt”, to “exercise”, and advised about “compliance”
64. In any patient who presents with an unprotected airway (as in overdoses, comatoses), get a CXR to rule out aspiration
65. In any patient with one sexually transmitted disease (such as Trichomonas), check for other STDs as well (Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, etc.) and do a Pap smear in all women with an STD
66. Remember to treat children with croup with a “mist tent” and racemic epinephrine
67. Any acute abdomen patient with a suspected or proven perforation, give a TRIPLE antibiotic: Gentamycin, Ampicillin, Metronidazole
68. Get iron studies in patients with microcytic anemia if the cause is unknown. Order “iron”, “ferritin”, “TIBC”
69. Women with vaginal discharge should get a KOH prep, saline (wet) prep, vaginal pH, cervical gonococcal, chlamydia culture
70. If a woman is found to have vaginal candida, check her fasting glucose
71. When the 5 minute warning screen is displayed, go through the following mnemonic (RATED SEX). I know it probably is not the best mnemonic, but it is difficult to forget!:Recreational drugs / ReassuranceAlcoholTobaccoExerciseDiet (eg. high protein, no lactose, low fat, etc.)Seat belt / Safety plan / Suicide precautionsEducation (“patient education”)X (stands for safe seX)
72. All suspected child abuse patients should be admitted and you should order THREE consults: consult “child protection services”, consult “ophthalmology” (to look for retinal hemorrhages), consult “psychiatrist” (to examine the family dynamics)
73. When a woman reaches menopause, she should have a “fasting lipid profile” checked (because without estrogen, the LDL will rise and the HDL will drop), a DEXA scan (for baseline bone density), and of course, FOBT and colonoscopy (if she is over 50)
74. If colon cancer is suspected, order a CEA; if pancreatic cancer, order CA 19-9; if ovarian cancer, order CA 125.
75. Remember to give “phototherapy” to a newborn with pathologic unconjugated bilirubinemia (it is not helpful if it is predominantly conjugated). Also, with phototherapy, keep the neonate on IV fluids (the heat can dehydrate them), and give erythromycin ointment in their eyes
76. Before giving a child prednisone, get a PPD77. If a patient is found to have high triglycerides, check “amylase” and “lipase” (high triglycerides can cause pancreatitis)
78. Remember that any newborn under 3 weeks of age who develops a fever is SEPSIS until proven otherwise. Admit to the ward and culture EVERYTHING: “blood culture”, “urine culture”, “sputum culture”, and even “CSF culture”. And give antibiotics to cover EVERYTHING.
79. If you get a high lead level in a child, you have to check a “venous blood lead level” to confirm. If the value is > 70, admit immediately and begin IV “dimercaprol” and “EDTA”. Order “lead abatement agency” and “lead pain assay” upon discharge.
80. If you perform arthrocentesis, send the synovial fluid for “gram stain” and the 3 Cs: “crystals”, “culture”, and “cell count”
81. If a patient has exophthalmos with hyperthyroidism, it is not enough to just treat the hyperthyroidism (as the eye findings may worsen). You should give prednisone.
82. If any patient has cancer, get an “oncology consult”.83. In a patient with rapid atrial fibrillation, decrease the heart rate first (then worry about converting to sinus rhythm). Use a CCB (diltiazem) or a beta-blocker (metoprolol) for rate control.
84. In any patient with new-onset atrial fibrillation, make sure you check a TSH85. In any patient with suspected fluid volume depletion, order “postural vitals” to detect orthostasis
86. Before a colonoscopy or a sigmoidoscopy, you should prepare the bowel: make the patient NPO, give IV fluids (if necessary) and order “polyethylene glycol”.
87. Any patient with Mobitz II or complete heart block gets an immediate “transcutaneous pacemaker”. Then order a cardiology consult to implant a “transvenous pacemaker”
88. If calcium level is abnormal, order a “serum magnesium”, “serum phosphorus”, and “PTH”
89. Treat both malignant hyperthermia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome with “dantrolene”
90. All splenectomy patients get a “pneumovax”, an “influenza” vaccine, and a “hemophilus” vaccine if not previously given.
91. If you give INH (for Tb), also give “pyridoxine” (this is vitamin B6)
92. If you give pyrazinamide, get baseline “serum uric acid” levels
93. If you give ethambutol, order an ophthalmology consult (to follow possible optic neuritis)
94. If you perform a thoracocentesis (lung aspirate), send the EFFUSION as well as a peripheral blood sample for: LDH and protein (to help differentiate a transudate versus an exudates) and pH of the effusion
95. Give sickle cell disease children prophylactic penicillin continuously until they turn 5 years old
96. Any patient with a recent anaphylactic reaction (for any reason), should get “skin test” for allergens (to help prevent future disasters) and consult an allergist
97. Do not give cephalosporins to any patient with anaphylactic penicillin allergies (there is a 5% cross-reactivity)
98. Order Holter monitor on patients who have had symptomatic palpitations.
99. Any patient with a first-time panic attack gets a “urine toxicology” screen, a TSH, and “finger stick glucose”
100. All renal failure patients get: “nephrology consult”, “calcium acetate” (to decrease the phosphorus levels), “calcium” supplement, and erythropoeitin

What Your Cholestrol Means

Your test report will show your cholesterol levels in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). To determine how your cholesterol levels affect your risk of heart disease, your doctor will also take into account other risk factors such as age, family history, smoking and high blood pressure.

A complete fasting lipoprotein profile will show:

Your total blood (or serum) cholesterol level
Your HDL (good) cholesterol level
Your LDL (bad) cholesterol level
Your triglyceride level

YOUR TOTAL BLOOD CHOLESTROL LEVEL:

Less than 200 mg/dL: Desirable

If your LDL, HDL and triglyceride levels are also at desirable levels and you have no other risk factors for heart disease, total blood cholesterol below 200 mg/dL puts you at relatively low risk of coronary heart disease. Even with a low risk, however, it’s still smart to eat a heart-healthy diet, get regular physical activity and avoid tobacco smoke. Have your cholesterol levels checked every five years or as your doctor recommends.

200–239 mg/dL: Borderline-High Risk

If your total cholesterol falls between 200 and 239 mg/dL, your doctor will evaluate your levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol and triglycerides. It's possible to have borderline-high total cholesterol numbers with normal levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol balanced by high HDL (good) cholesterol. Work with your doctor to create a prevention and treatment plan that's right for you. Make lifestyle changes, including eating a heart-healthy diet, getting regular physical activity and avoiding tobacco smoke. Depending on your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and your other risk factors, you may also need medication. Ask your doctor how often you should have your cholesterol rechecked.

240 mg/dL and over: High Risk

People who have a total cholesterol level of 240 mg/dL or more typically have twice the risk of coronary heart disease as people whose cholesterol level is desirable (200 mg/dL). If your test didn’t show your LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides, your doctor should order a fasting profile. Work with your doctor to create a prevention and treatment plan that's right for you. Whether or not you need cholesterol-regulating medication, make lifestyle changes, including eating a heart-healthy diet, getting regular physical activity and avoiding tobacco smoke.

Your HDL (Good) Cholesterol Level

With HDL (good) cholesterol, higher levels are better. Low HDL cholesterol (less than 40 mg/dL for men, less than 50 mg/dL for women) puts you at higher risk for heart disease. In the average man, HDL cholesterol levels range from 40 to 50 mg/dL. In the average woman, they range from 50 to 60 mg/dL. An HDL cholesterol of 60 mg/dL or higher gives some protection against heart disease.
Smoking, being overweight and being sedentary can all result in lower HDL cholesterol. To raise your HDL level, avoid tobacco smoke, -->maintain a healthy weight --> and get at least 30–60 minutes of physical activity more days than not.

People with high blood triglycerides usually also have lower HDL cholesterol and a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. Progesterone, anabolic steroids and male sex hormones (testosterone) also lower HDL cholesterol levels. Female sex hormones raise HDL cholesterol levels.

Your LDL (Bad) Cholesterol Level

The lower your LDL cholesterol, the lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. In fact, it's a better gauge of risk than total blood cholesterol. In general, LDL levels fall into these categories:
LDL Cholesterol Levels
Less than 100 mg/dL-Optimal

100 to 129 mg/dL-Near Optimal/ Above Optimal

130 to 159 mg/dL-Borderline High

160 to 189 mg/dL-High

190 mg/dL and above-Very High

Your other risk factors for heart disease and stroke help determine what your LDL level should be, as well as the appropriate treatment for you. A healthy level for you may not be healthy for your friend or neighbor. Discuss your levels and your treatment options with your doctor to get the plan that works for you. -->

Your Triglyceride Level

Triglyceride is a form of fat. People with high triglycerides often have a high total cholesterol level, including high LDL (bad) cholesterol and low HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
Your triglyceride level will fall into one of these categories:

Normal: less than 150 mg/dL

Borderline-High: 150–199 mg/dL

High: 200–499 mg/dL

Very High: 500 mg/dL

Many people have high triglyceride levels due to being overweight/obese, physical inactivity, cigarette smoking, excess alcohol consumption and/or a diet very high in carbohydrates (60 percent of more of calories). High triglycerides are a lifestyle-related risk factor; however, underlying diseases or genetic disorders can be the cause.

The main therapy to reduce triglyceride levels is to change your lifestyle. This means -->control your weight -->, eat a heart-healthy diet, get regular physical activity, avoid tobacco smoke, limit alcohol to one drink per day for women or two drinks per day for men and limit beverages and foods with added sugars. Visit your healthcare provider to create an action plan that will incorporate all these lifestyle changes. Sometimes, medication is needed in addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle.
A triglyceride level of 150 mg/dL or higher is one of the risk factors of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome increases the risk for heart disease and other disorders, including diabetes.

Source-American Heart Association

Good Health tips

10 Essential Health Tips (The Basics to Practice Every Day)

"He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything." -Arabian Proverb

1. MOVE MORE:

Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it's a stress buster. Think 'move' in small increments of time. It doesn't have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that's great when you're up to it. Meanwhile, move more. Thought for the day: Cha, Cha, Cha…. Then do it!

2. CUT FAT:

Avoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats (i.e. pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage). Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise. Thought for the day: Lean, mean, fat-burning machine…. Then be one!

3. QUIT SMOKING:

The jury is definitely in on this verdict. Ever since 1960 when the Surgeon General announced that smoking was harmful to your health, Americans have been reducing their use of tobacco products that kill. Just recently, we've seen a surge in smoking in adolescents and teens. Could it be the Hollywood influence? It seems the stars in every movie of late smoke cigarettes. Beware. Warn your children of the false romance or 'tough guy' stance of Hollywood smokers. Thought for the day: Give up just one cigarette…. the next one.

4. REDUCE STRESS:

Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like. (i.e.,Soak in a hot tub; walk on the beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated. Avoid difficult people when possible. Thought for the day: When seeing red, think pink clouds….then float on them.

5. PROTECT YOURSELF FROM POLLUTION:

If you can't live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low. Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is good. Plant lots of shrubbery in your yard. It's a good pollution and dirt from the street deterrent. Thought for the day: 'Smoke gets in your eyes'…and your mouth, and your nose and your lungs as do pollutants….hum the tune daily.

6. WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT:

Statistics show that seat belts add to longevity and help alleviate potential injuries in car crashes. Thought for the day: Buckle down and buckle up.

7. FLOSS YOUR TEETH:

Studies make a direct connection between longevity and teeth flossing. Nobody knows exactly why. Perhaps it's because people who floss tend to be more health conscious than people who don't? Thought for the day: Floss and be your body's boss.

8. AVOID EXCESSIVE DRINKING:

While recent studies show a glass of wine or one drink a day (two for men) can help protect against heart disease, more than that can cause other health problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer. Thought for the day: A jug of wine should last a long time.

9. KEEP A POSITIVE MENTAL OUTLOOK:

There's a definitive connection between living well and healthfully and having a cheerful outlook on life. Thought for the day: You can't be unhappy when you're smiling or singing.

10. CHOOSE YOUR PARENTS WELL:

The link between genetics and health is a powerful one. But just because one or both of your parents died young in ill health doesn't mean you cannot counteract the genetic pool handed you. Thought for the day: Follow these basic tips for healthy living and you can better control your own destiny.

With Love

Good health is the best asset in the world.