Kayak Paddles from kokados.com

What is Worlds Better Than a Hotel Room?

admin — Sun, 16 May 2010 03:57:27 +0000

Yep,they say that the hurricanes scared some folks away from Florida. Well, I just came up with a really good reason for you to revisit the state. Florida contains some of the finest Bed and Breakfast inns in the nation, and below I present some of the ones that stood out to me.

1. The Addison is a serene 14-room inn representing a unique blend of old-style elegance with modern amenities. Traditionally, the values may seem to clash but the builders and owners have merged them together in a beautiful blend. This Inn was selected as one of the ten Best Overall Inns of 2009-2010 by BedandBreakfast.com. It also consistently maintains a number one ranking on TripAdvisor.com. Located on Amelia Island in the historic district of Fernandina Beach, the rooms feature porches for relaxation and an enchanting fountain courtyard. The area is a nature-lover’s paradise with pristine beaches, four major State Parks and a National Park. One can bike, hike, play golf, horseback ride, shell, bird watch, or go backwater or deep sea fishing. Signature breakfast dishes include fresh fruit smoothies, breakfast in a boat (baked potato shell stuffed with scrambled eggs, cheese, and crumbled bacon), banana pancakes with pecan toffee syrup, spicy breakfast quesadillas, praline French toast, and perfect Peruvian coffee.

2. If you can look past the wild and funky website, the Cedar Key B & B is an inn well worth visiting! Located in the second oldest city in Florida, the historic inn was built in 1880. Originally, the town was known for its cedar, out of which Eagle and Eberhardt pencils were produced; today its claims to fame are clam farming and tourism. Besides boasting some of the cleanest and most comfortable lodgings imaginable, this inn’s draw is also the amazing array of activities in the area: boating, kayaking, air boats, fishing, bird watching, playing with dolphins, biking, hiking, scuba diving, plus a famous Arts festival and the October Seafood Festival. Or if you like football, attend a Florida Gators game in nearby Gainesville. A few nice added features of the inn is the pet friendly status, last minute specials, delicious breakfast, and an endless array of amenities such as teas, cookies, biscotti, hot chocolates, coffees, and a bottomless jar of the freshest homemade cookies you’ve ever placed in your mouth.

3. Casa Grandview is located in the vibrant, upscale city of West Palm Beach. This Bed & Breakfast combines some of the most desirable features of the secluded and quaint B & Bs with the services of a luxury resort. The Casa offers romantic cottages, quaint bungalows, art deco cabana suites, stylish tropical coastal villas, and classic city oasis retreats. What a fabulous array of choices, many with kitchens, elaborate baths, and spacious living areas. The owners stock each suite with only the best gourmet foods for your breakfast, and, if desired, for additional meals. Everything you need is available including complimentary Wi-Fi, HD TVs, premium satellite service, music and movie channels, iPod docking stations, and CD players. You can even check emails and surf the web while catching some rays poolside or dozing in a hammock. You will be waited on with 5-star service or left alone for some glorious privacy. Whatever you want is what you get at Casa Grandview.

4. Elizabeth Pointe Lodge is a Nantucket ’shingle style’ inn that overlooks the rich blue Atlantic. What can I say? USA Today deemed this oceanfront inn as one of the 10 greatest places to sit on the porch. Travel and Leisure magazine recognized it as one of the fifty great beach resorts in our nation. The book, 1000 Places to See Before You Die, tagged this as a place where the emphasis is on pure relaxation. The Road Best Traveled distinguished the inn as one of the 12 Best Waterfront Inns in America. The honors go on and on. Besides offering full concierge service and 24 hour room service, there are also gourmet treats offered all day, a lavish wine and hors d’oeuvres reception each evening, and an oceanfront breakfast with scads of sumptuous offerings in the sunroom. In every way, Elizabeth Pointe is determined to go above and beyond your needs and expectations.

5. Florida Trend Magazine states that the Herlong Mansion of Micanopy, Florida is “easily Florida’s most elegant Bed & Breakfast.” In case you don’t know, this quiet little town is south of Gainesville, near Cross Creek, the village the author of The Yearling made famous. The ten fireplaces and high ceilings of the inn are perfectly accented with mission oak woodwork and mahogany inlaid floors. Photos can never do justice to the warm beauty of this place. Wide verandas between enormous pillars on the first and second floors contain cushioned swings that overlook an impeccably manicured lawn with ancient towering oaks. The breakfast isn’t wildly fancy but offers delicious traditional fare such as homemade biscuits and perfect omelettes, rich coffee, and apple bread. And, if you like, you can have a candlelit four-course dinner catered with roses, champagne, the works. Treat yourself to casual elegance for just one night, or more…

6. The Seven Sisters Inn is located in Ocala, Florida, region of rolling green hills and thoroughbred horse ranches. Built in 1888, the Queen Anne Victorian home was judged a “Best Restoration Project” and is listed prominently in the National Register of Historic Places. One startling uniqueness of this inn is the rooms, which feature décor from the four corners of the globe. One enters through elaborately carved Indonesian doors, then there is a Bengal Safari room, a Cape Cod Lighthouse room, an Egyptian Treasure room, an Oriental Zen-like room, and a room from Old Paris featuring imported French fabrics and décor. Visitors feel as if they are traveling the world as they lounge in front of their fireplaces or relax with spa showers, Jacuzzi, Victorian soaking tubs, and heated towel bars. And when you wake the next morning, get ready for an award winning breakfast on white china and crystal, including three-cheese French toast with Ginger Peaches, Eggs Pesto, Chicken Puffed Pastry, Raspberry-Oatmeal pancakes, or Tomato-Zucchini Quiche. The “Seven Sisters” will make you happy.

7. The Williams is a beautifully restored antebellum mansion located in the historic seaside village of Fernandina Beach. There are three separate buildings, each offering rooms for guests: the Williams House, the Hearthstone House, and the Carriage House. You will be captivated by intricate moldings, massive pocket doors, true wood floors, and hand-carved mantles created from heart pine, cherry, or mahogany. Sweeping verandas, original tiled fireplaces and crystal chandeliers make visitors feel as if they’ve slipped into a time warp. If you appreciate the days when great pride and craft were marks of the homes of the wealthy, you will love the William’s House. But it isn’t just a home to wander. The owners cater to your whims, including your desire to wake to a breakfast you’ll remember. Your first course will feature fresh fruit and muffins, scones, or pound cake. Your second course may include strawberry croissant French toast or blueberry strata. Enjoy this with fresh orange juice or rich Colombian coffee. No one will leave the William’s House either hungry or unhappy.

8. Can you keep a secret? There is a Bed & Breakfast inn in Key West called Atlantis House. This is one of those places you will not want to tell your friends about, lest the next time you want to book a night there, it will be booked two or three months ahead. It has only two exclusive rooms: that’s right, the Master suite and the Garden suite. The owners, Steve and Kayla Kessler designed, built, and maintain the property themselves. The inn is nestled in a lush tropical garden bordering the roiling Atlantic. Not long ago, this inn was awarded “The Best of the South” award from BedandBreakfast.com, and it was deserved. I just don’t know how they found the thing. If you want, you can kick back on your own sun deck or spend some romantic moments in the breezy, vine-covered gazebo. Or if you’re a little more adventurous, Steve happens to be a licensed Captain and with his boat, The Contender, he’ll be happy to take you fishing. Then Steve and Kayla will prepare you the perfect dinner with “the catch of the day,” or maybe a lobster Steve caught for your dining pleasure. Steve can also offer private, guided snorkeling tours of the most beautiful coral reef in the Continental United States. Then, after a hard day of sunning or fishing, Kayla, a massage therapist, can massage all your troubles away. Now remember, this is our little secret, cross your heart.

9. Palmer House is an inn nestled in a little town called Lithia, Florida. This is another B & B that was listed by BedandBreakfast.com as one of the “Best in the South” for 2009-2010. It’s a very tranquil place with grandfather oaks, butterfly gardens, hammocks, and bicycle trails. But, hang onto your hats, because nearby are almost all the tourist attractions Florida offers, including Orlando’s. In fact, Lithia is the perfect location from which you can go for day trips either to Busch Gardens or the Tampa Bay Bucs on the Gulf coast or Disney World and Universal Studios on the Atlantic coast. You’ll get home in time for some cookies and milk before bedtime and you’ll awaken the next morning to fresh coffee, quiche, a breakfast casserole, and their signature dish, almond-crusted French toast.

10. On charming Anna Maria Island, near Sarasota, Florida, you will find the Harrington House. It is actually comprised of the Main Inn, the Carriage House, the Huth House, and the Dodt House. You thus have the option of staying in a bungalow, a beach house, a villa or a condo. You can lounge on your balcony opening out onto the Gulf of Mexico, you can kayak with the dolphins, tour the island by bicycle, or swim in the Gulf or the heated pool. Nearby Sarasota and Bradenton offer the Ringling Museum of Art, Selby Botanical Gardens, the Bishop Planetarium, shopping at St. Armand’s Circle, or fine dining at Longboat Key. But, whatever you do, don’t miss the Harrington chef’s most popular breakfast dishes: Buttermilk Pancake Sundae or Jo’s Bacon and Crab Roll.

Yes, in a state chock full of Bed & Breakfast inns, these are a few of the ones I wanted to introduce you to. Maybe there are others to equal some of these. However, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with any of those described above. It’s time you discover the world of difference between a typical hotel and a Bed & Breakfast inn.

Debra Fortosis

Ventilators for Up to 2,200 F Operation

admin — Wed, 12 May 2010 22:34:22 +0000

Industrial Pressure Blower Co. now offers its unique line of high temperature fans and blowers for industrial applications with up to 2200 F air stream temperatures. This was achived by using extremely high strength stainless steel alloys for the fans impellers, that allow for higher safe speeds at elevated temperatures.

The Industrial Pressure Blower Co. high temperature oven fans line now include:

- Operating up to 2200 F, centrifugal, axial and plug fan types;
- Pre-engineered and custom made fans for all types of applications with vaiety of impeller types and accessories;
- Canada Blower engineers provide a professional advice and recommend a right fan for every application & oven / plenum design;
- The fan offering provides competitive replacement fans to Garden City, Lau, IGE, Alloy Fabricating fan models; repairs, re-build & balancing;
- Unique high temperature water-cooled motors for operation up to 2300 F.

Fans with ambient air cooling systems handling hot airstreams must have sufficient airflow and be kept in operation until airstream temperatures cool below 120 F to prevent damage to the fan unit. The Tubeaxial fan ambient air cooling system is only effective while fan is operating.

There are two major types of high temperature fans - centrifugal and axial:

Centrifugal Wheels:

* Multiblade forward curve wheel. This type of wheel is usually specified where there is a necessity for large volumes of flow against low to medium static pressure requirements. The forward curve blade is that it delivers the same volume of air as either the backward or radial blade wheel, at a lower fan speed, which is important due to wheel stresses at elevated temperatures. This fan is the most common type used in all types of heat treatment operations except where a buildup of material on the blades could occur, as wheel unbalance would result.
* Radial Blade, paddle wheel type fans. This type of wheel is usually specified where there is a necessity for medium volumes of flow against medium to large static pressures. The paddle wheel is considered a self cleaning type of wheel. It could be used where there are various materials or dust in the air stream. Due to its structurally strong design, it is used in many heat treatment applications at very high temperatures where maximum fan longevity is desired.

Axial Blade Wheels:

* The axial blade wheel is usually specified where there is a need for very large volumes of flows against low static pressure. Axial wheel like the multi-blade forward curve type wheel could cause an axial fan to deliver different air volumes at the same static pressure, if the total pressure requirement of the fan system was underestimated. This type of fan is ideally suited where a large volume of flow is required with a minimum of duct work and is used extensively for small and large furnaces, such as aluminum annealing.

Fans handling hot airstreams must have sufficient airflow and be kept in operation until airstream temperatures cool below 120 F to prevent damage to the fan unit. The Tubeaxial fan ambient air cooling system is only effective while fan is operating.

For additional information please refer to http://industrialpressureblower.com/blower.html.

Susan Terlitski
Process Air Moving Engineer
Industrial Pressure Blower Co.
http://industrialpressureblower.com/inquiry.html
http://industrialpressureblower.com/contact.html

Siouzanna Terlitskaia
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-ideas-articles/ventilators-for-up-to-2200-f-operation-681438.html

Louisiana, USA - For a Great Vacation

admin — Mon, 10 May 2010 22:19:14 +0000

No other state in the USA has as colorful a history as Louisiana.

It has been governed under 10 different Flags and it became an independent republic for six weeks before joining immediately joining the Confederacy.

In 1803 President Jefferson knew the importance of trade and this state’s economy, so he charted a deal with Napoleon.

Due to its fertile lands and solid trading opportunities, Louisiana soon became the wealthiest state in the US and promoted the growth of cotton and sugar.

Agriculture suffered badly during the civil war, but with sulfur found in 1869 and oil in 1901, the state became a hub in the oil and natural gas industry and it stays that way even today.

The main content at Audubon State Historic Site is Oakley House complete with boarding facilities for you to stay.

After finalizing its permanent boundary, Fort Jesup State Historic Site was built in 1822 and remained a military post for almost 25 years. It served the purpose of defense for the American Military forces during war with the Mexicans.

Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site was built to control the wild waters of Mississippi River. They were a bane for the traders and as it used to flood the low lying areas. To control them, the Lock was fabricated and when completed in 1909, it was the only Lock in the world to lift water up to 51 feet.

Today it has become an irresistible site for the tourists.

America’s large American Rose Center Gardens have huge pines and different roses for smelling.

Louisiana’s largest water theme park, Blue Bayou Water Park has watery games and amenities for you to indulge in.

With animals in a garden like situation, Greater Baton Rouge Zoo has lots of reptiles too. Why not take a train ride to see them.

Aquarium of the Americans, one of the best 5 Aquariums in the USA has millions of gallons full of Gulf of Mexico water. It has the largest collection of sharks and jellyfish in the world.

At Poverty Point State Historic Park you will find the native earthworks of people who lived here 12 centuries before Christ and the museum offers a guided tour.

Los Adaes used to be the focal point of native Americans, the Spanish and also the French. They used to stay and trade with each other at various points.

This 14 acres site was built by the Spanish in the 1700s and it provides full historical and archaeological knowledge of the time.

How about going aboard the Paddle Wheeler Creole Queen for a cruise trip and then enjoy great music, dinner, jazz and atmosphere.

Bayou Segnette State Park is full of enjoyable pastimes based around water activities and you can watch wildlife. Keep your eyes open for different types of birds and animals while you go about having your fun.

Fontainebleau State Park derives its name from a Paris forest by the same name. It was created by a sugar producer in 1829 and you can still see the brick ruins of sugar mills today.

You can also see the lavish lifestyle that he used to live in. This area is constructed around Lake Pontchartrain.

Jackie Mansfield
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/louisiana-usa-for-a-great-vacation-677283.html

Hawaiian Juice

admin — Sat, 08 May 2010 07:13:15 +0000

Hiking through Hawaii’s lush rainforests… Lounging on a secluded beach… Cruising down a volcano on a mountain bike at top speed… These are just a few of the myriad of activities you can do while in Oahu, Hawaii – However I was here for one reason only, to surf and to experience the home of surfing.

Most people involved with surfing will never visit the home of the sport, although I personally feel it is the most important surf trip to make and the whole point of this trip is simply to experience the ‘Aloha’ of surfing in person.

I’m greeted at Honolulu airport by my personal surf guide as his voice echoes through the arrivals hall “Aloha, Bra…. Over Here….!”, whilst I try to remain calm what seems like hundreds of overweight New Yorkers trample all over me in the rush to get to the free limos for their accommodation.

20 minutes later we are driving away from the city of Honolulu and into the dark depth of Oahu and towards the north shore. My guide who is pleasant and smiling chats happily away totally forgetting that I have travelled 18 hours and feel knackered. Here I am in a warm tropical climate, in a place that I have always wanted to visit since I could first walk and it seems a total daze, I just can’t take it in.

Suddenly we take a sharp right turn and we seem to go off road through some fields, my guide calm as ever just laughs and shouts out “short cut Bra… get some cane on the way!”, I soon find out he means, Sugar Cane! we pull over in a dark field and he grabs a large tall plant and snaps it in half, “that will give you some sugar to wake you up…Bra” then we are off into the night again as I start to doze off despite the recent sugar doze.

6am and I am woken up by what I think is thunder… the ground seems to shake but I see no clouds out the window. In a daze I grab some shorts and take a look outside my accommodation on the North Shore. The noise I heard was simply a nice 20ft swell breaking out front, as I look to my right I see surf pumping and then I look to my left and see the same, out in the line up I can see a few dots being lifted up the huge walls of water then disappearing again. What a wake up call!

After breakfast my guide arrives “what’s up Bra… nice swell today man!” the concern on my face must be obvious, surely this dude is not going to take me out in this swell. To my delight it would seem that we are actually heading for another spot that’s off the beat of normal visiting surfers “locals only Bra… and you my man of course!” as we trek in the 4 x 4 through a track that looks rather overgrown and something out of Tarzan. We burst through the bush and a bay opens up in front of us with a nice 4 to 6ft wave breaking to the right and something rather larger on the left! All I know is we are somewhere on the south shore.

At lunch time for food, I tried a waffle dog (a hot dog wrapped in a pancake-like waffle). My guide had no trouble wolfing down his cheeseburger. I also enjoyed my wonton noodles but relished more the guide’s burger, which he declared the best he’d ever eaten.

Refuelled, we stopped next at Diamond Head, from which lava erupted about 150,000 years ago. “We’re in a volcano?” I asked as I looked up at the lip of the crater and tried to take it all in. I feared it would erupt again while we were in it. Although we felt like ants in the bottom of a big bowl, no harm came to us of course and it was off to the next best surf spot along the coast for some late afternoon watery barrels.

Five days into my week long stay in Oahu and I now feel more like a local than I do at my own spot back on the main land in US. Here I am surfing in waves and next to real Hawaiian waterman of many generations and loving every minute of it. My guide just sits next to me in a line up that looks more like something off one of those surfing DVD’s, branded pro’s sit only yards away trying to escape the cameras that dot the line up of the bigger more popular breaks whilst in between them controlling the surf like amusement park employees are my new friends and for this week if not again I feel like a local!

Suddenly a shout comes from my side “Yours Bra…..!” and I realise that the next lump heading my way is finally mine. I paddle with nice deep strokes, feeling for the wave as it approaches and I catch a glimpse in the corner of my eye as others start to paddle towards the approaching wave. This wave has my name on it; I have the permission of the Hawaiian locals to use the power of Mother Nature for my pleasure. I start to rise up the face, then with out thinking I seem to be flying forward and I am moving quickly and smoothly down the line “Go Bra….” I hear in the distance and I hold tight in the wave and drag my hand to slow down as much as possible as the lip rises up and over with the ease of walking down the beach…. As I exit the barrel spray hits my back and I kick out the wave with as much grace as possible… an experience I could tell a thousands times over and brings me continued stoke, surfing Hawaiian barrels for fun!

Let’s face it, most surfers coming to Hawaii hit the surf and never budge. By the time we’ve packed up everything from wax to ding repair, flown God knows how far, unpacked everything, and planned the surf for the week including all the fun and relaxation, we deserve to dig our heels into the beach and sit awhile. But should the urge to explore strike you, there are fantastic outings all over Oahu, secret waterfalls, hidden petroglyphs, the world’s greatest water slides.

Having a personal surf guide who can drive you about if the surf goes flat or you just wish to explore makes it so much easier and the beauty is you can stay in either budget accommodation or a top 5 star resort either way this is a surf trip that no matter what standard you are from Learner to Professional you should go on. Aloha!

I travelled with Xoxxi ( http://www.xoxxisurf.com ) which is a surf brand run by regular surfers for regular surfers and they were very helpful in this unique travel surfing experience. You can also visit the Hawaiian tourism website at ( http://www.visithawaii.com ) for other information on visiting the state.

Shannon Burke
http://www.articlesbase.com/extreme-sports-articles/hawaiian-juice-738195.html

Coolest Places To Visit In Europe

admin — Mon, 03 May 2010 21:20:11 +0000

Beautiful, awe-inspiring, fragile, exhilarating, calm, fun, mythological, a gourmet’s delight, historically important, culturally rich and complex are some of the words that can be used to describe Europe. That is because Europe does not just have a complex geography, it carries with it a rich, mythological and glorious cultural past. All of the tourist places to visit in Europe sport one or more of the aforementioned characteristics.

Many travelers to Europe often stick to the beaten path and hang around their favorite places of interest. Here are a few cool, offbeat places to visit in Europe, places that are guaranteed to break the monotony.

DELPHI, GREECE

Delphi is guaranteed to leave you awe-struck and spellbound. It is an archaeological site in Greece which, in the 8th Century BC, was home to the Delphic Oracle, a religious institution famous for the worship of the God Apollo. The Priestess Pythia presided over the Oracle at Delphi and it is said she delivered her dictums in a state of frenzy, often speaking garble which was then given meaning and shaped as prophecy. Geologists now say that it was ethylene gas from the ground that hallucinated Pythia. Delphi is an ancient and mysterious land that was once considered to be at the center of the earth and it definitely should find mention on your must-visit list.

Soak in its glory, relive our ancient past and after you have had enough, you have the whole of beautiful Greece to explore!

CASTLE TOBLINO, NORTHERN ITALY

Castle Tolbino is something straight out of storybook fables. Situated adjacent to the small, gorgeous Lake Toblino and nestled in a very deep valley surrounded by the Dolomite cliffs, Castle Tolbino was built in pre-medieval times and renovated in the 16th century. Foggy mists envelop it creating an atmosphere that is both romantic and haunting. In fact, there are many tragic stories of forbidden love, betrayal, murder and lust that are still talked about in hushed tones. Castle Toblino is one of the top, offbeat places to visit in Europe and a place that will make you lose yourself in time.

DACHAU CONCENTRATION CAMP, GERMANY

This is a sobering and serious trip that is quite out of the ordinary. Located about 30 miles from Munich, the Dachau Concentration Camp jolts you out of your reverie and transports you back in time, back to the dreaded days of the holocaust.

The Dachau Concentration Camp has one main building, formerly home to German soldiers, now converted into a holocaust museum. Then there is the eerie “bath crematorium, a cold, frightening building where the mass murders were carried out by the Nazis. The prisoners were locked in small shower rooms, where the low-hung shower faucets spewed Cyclon-B gas on them. The Germans dispute the usage of Cyclon-B gas so the truth will never be known, but the Dachau Concentration Camp is still one of the eeriest places to visit in Europe.

NORTHERN ALSACE WINE ROAD, FRANCE

The Northern Alsace Wine Road is a lesser-known tourist destination, but surely one of the must-see places to visit in Europe. It cuts through dense forests, picturesque villages and through the plains of the Rhine River. And here comes the news that all lovers of wine want to know - the road is dotted with vineyards where the winegrowers produce the sparkling Cremant and Tokay Pinot wine varieties!

Let us pause to salivate.

Now you are ready to go ahead and travel down the Northern Alsace Wine Road, stopping at quaint village Inns and feasting on their famous meatballs, fish stew, the beer sausages and brioches, the black chestnut pudding, and, of course, the heavenly wine. And when you have had enough food, stop by and visit the Gothic religious structures that are found in abundance. Amen!

DANUBE DELTA BIOSPHERE RESERVE, ROMANIA

Spread over an area of 3450 square km, the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve is a fairy tale land come alive! This gigantic geological and biological wonder is home to some of the most unique species in the world. It hosts 1,200 varieties of plants, 300 species of birds and 45 types of freshwater fish. To top it all off it is located in the area where the Danube River flows into the Black Sea.

Lush green, rich in flora and fauna, unique species, protected ecosphere, inhabitants who travel in kayaks, vine-covered trees in thick forests and an exotic locale make the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve a fairy tale land come alive in all its splendor. Indeed, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the best places to visit in Europe!

These were some of the coolest offbeat places to visit in Europe. Bon Voyage! Have a great time.

David Dutton

Demam Berdarah Dengue: Waspadalah!

admin — Sat, 01 May 2010 20:42:05 +0000

Jika kita perhatikan kalender, jika sudah ada bunyi “-ber” berarti sebentar lagi musim hujan datang yang berarti pula demam berdarah datang. Jika kita lengah bisa sekali kita pun terkena. Penyakit langganan Indonesia ini memang identik dengan musim hujan, tapi bukan berarti di luar itu penyakit ini tidak ada, tetap ada, tapi tidak begitu “in”, baru jika hujan mulai rajin mengguyur, jumlah kasus DBD pun meroket tidak hanya di kota, tetapi juga di desa atau dimanapun juga.

Apa sih DBD itu? Yah pokoknya demam, terus pakek berdarah kayak bintik-bintik merah dikulit. Mungkin itu jawaban sebagian besar dari kita. Memang benar sih, lantaran ciri-ciri demam berarah sebenarnya hampir tidak dapat dibedakan dengan demam-demam oleh penyebab lainnya, terutama pada fase awal.

Tengok saja si Anto yang terbaring lemah di RS karena demam selama 3 hari. Ibunya agak bingung dokter mendiagnosis DBD, padahal gak ada bintik-bintik merah di kulit ataupun mimisan. “Tapi trombositnya turun bu sampai 70.000,” Jelas doker yang merawat Anto.
Tanda-tanda klasik DBD memang antara lain: demam 2-7 hari, bintik-bintik merah di kulit yang disebut petekhie, mimisan, nyeri ulu hati, pusing, gusi berdarah, dll. Tapi di negara endemis seperti Indonesia ini, tanda-tanda tersebut bisa jadi sangat bervariasi. Oleh karena itu yang menjadi patokan, walau tidak terlalu tepat, adalah penurunan trombosit kurang dari 100.000 sel/mm3, dan peningkatan kekentalan darah (hemokonsentrasi) sampai lebih dari 20% dari nilai semua. Jadi, harap diperhatikan disini, bukan hanya masalah trombosit disini tapi kekentalan darah juga (hematokrit).

Jadi apa DBD itu? DBD adalah salah satu bentuk dar infeksi yang disebabkan oleh virus Dengue. Jika pertama kali terinfeksi oleh virus yang memiliki 4 serotipe ini, seseorang akan demam biasa dan memang tidak bisa dibedakan dengan demam-demam akibat infeksi lainnya, dan akan sembuh sendiri. Jika kemudian ia terinfeksi lagi oleh virus dengue serotipe lain, maka akan tmbul reaksi antigen-antibodi yang kemudian akan menyebabkan maifestasi-manifestasi akibat kebocoran plasma. Yang nyata dari hal ini adalah jumlah trombosit yang turun drastis dan peningkatan kekentalan darah tadi.

Yang menjadi perhatian disini adalah mencegah hal tadi berlanjut menjadi renjatan. Jika sampai terjadi renjatan, wah, runyam masalahnya. Syukur-syukur tertolong karena hal ini memang sangat berbahaya karena dapat menyebabkan kematian.
Penanganannya sendiri hanya bersifat konservatif. Yaitu yang penting adalah penggantian jumlah plasma yang bocor tadi yaiu dengan memasukan banyak cairan. Karena itulah dianjurkan pasien-pasien demam untuk banyak minum. Dan jika tanda-tanda DBD sudah semakin nyata, maka dianjurkan untuk dirawat di RS supaya jika tanda-tanda renjatan mulai tampak, pasien akan segera mendapat pertolongan.

Pencegahan
Memang mumet untuk memahami perjalanan penyakit yang sudah menetap di negri kita ini. Yang penting bagaimanapoun adalah pencegahan. Kita harus memahami dan melakukan pencegahan DBD.

Kita semua sudah mendengar gerakan 3M bukan? Nah gerakan ini walaupun sangat sederhana tetapi sangat efektif memberantas penyakit yang diperantai oleh nyamuk Aede Aegyti dan Aedes Albopictus ini .Gerakan 3M ini langsung memutus rantai hidup nyamuk yang hidup dan berkembangbiak di air bersih ini sehingga mencegah virus dengue menginfeksi kita.
- Menguras Bak Mandi WC, drum penampungan air
Cukup dilakukan sekali seminggu karena siklus hidup nyamuk dari telur, jentik, pupa dan nyamuk dewasa membutuhkan waktu seminggu. Lebih dari sekali seminggu juga tidak apa-apa, sih. Lebih baik malahan. Perhatikan pula wadah tempat penampungan air AC, dispenser, tempat saluran air hujan karena tempat-tempat ini sering juga dijadikan tempat nongkrong nyamuk-nyamuk tersebut.
- Menutup rapat-rapat tempat penampungan air
Gentong, tempayan, pokoknya tempat kita menyimpan air-air bersih harus senantiasa tertutup untuk mencegah agar tempat-tempat tersebut tidak menjadi sarang cinta nyamuk-nyamuk penyebab DBD.
- Mengubur
Jika dirumah kita atau di perkarangan kita terdapat ember bekas, ban bekas, pot tanaman yang sudah tak terpakai, maka sebaiknya dikubur saja, kalau dibuang masih bisa menampung air hujan dan kemudian menjadi tempat pesta para nyamuk.
Tindakan-tindakan lain antara lain:
- memperbaiki saluran dan talang air yang tidak lancar/rusak
- Mengganti air vas bunga dan minuman burung seminggu sekali
- menutup lubang-lubang pada potongan bambu/kayu pohon (misalnya dengan tanah, dll)
- menaburkan bubuk pembunuh jentik (seperti abate) di tempat-tempat yang sulit dikuras seperti bak penampungan air
- memelihara ikan pemakan jentik nyamuk
- memasang kawat nyamuk
- tidak menggantung pakaian dalam kamar
- mengunakan kelambu
- memakai losion anti yamuk saat beraktivitas di laur ruangan.

Hal-hal tersebut harus diperhatikan tidak hanya di rumah kita saja, tapi juga di tempat kerja, lingkungan dan dimana saja karena nyamuk-nyamuk penyebar DBD bisa berada dimana saja. Lagi pula tindakan-tindakan tadi sudah sangat efektif mencegah DBD daripada pengasapan/fogging yang notabene tidak nyaman dan juga berefek samping merugikan bagi kesehatan pula. Nah, Anda tidak malas bukan untuk melakukan gerakan 3M untuk mencegah DBD?

hendy winata
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/demam-berdarah-dengue-waspadalah-702518.html

10 Things to Do and 10 Places to Go to for Healthy Living in Chicago, Illinois

admin — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 20:48:10 +0000

Chicago is a port and transportation center located at the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. The city is blessed with skyscrapers and other sceneries. Renowned for the world’s tallest buildings, it is certainly a good place to hang out. By just traveling around, you may get involved in some sports activities of your choice.

1. North Avenue Beach. If you think this beach was made to give you your swimming pleasures, this place is more than that. It has an outdoor gym where you could stretch and keep those muscles fit. Biking and in-line skates are also allowed in the area. Volleyball may also be played. With this variety of options, you could find a health activity you will dwell on.

2. Bike Chicago. This bike rental stall has several locations found in Chicago. If you want to tour the place, they have the so-called touring bikes. If you want to climb uphill and you think walking would be too tiresome, mountain bikes are offered as well. They also have various gears that will make your ride around town comfortable and easy.

3. The Green at Grant Park. By the name itself, you could conclude that this is a golf club. Yes, The Green at Grant Park is a typical 18-hole golf course which could help you enhance your putting capabilities. This may not sound ideal for competitions but it is far better than miniature golf.

4. McCormick-Tribune Ice Rink. Conveniently located at the Millennium Park, this rink will give you a different kind of skating experience. The view of the lake as well as the grandest skyscrapers in the city will make your playing time a more ideal one. It is just like hitting two birds with a stone by being healthy as well as enjoying the sceneries.

5. Lincoln Park to Oak Street Beach. This is considered as the best route to take for in-line skating. You may also take your bikes along with you and join a group of avid bikers. Be extra careful though especially that there are tendencies that skaters and cyclists may clash.

6. Belmont Harbor. This is known to be an ideal place for sailing the city of Chicago. The view is definitely enticing while the sport will help you enhance your skills. It may sound better if you know how to sail your own boat but if you want to feel relaxed, you may ask someone to do it for you.

7. Ohio Street Beach. Though there are 30 indoor pools found along the Chicago Park District, a better alternative for swimming could be found from the stretch on Ohio Street Beach going northwest to the Navy Pier.

8. Windward Sports. Windsurfing in Chicago is also a pleasant health option. While enjoying the breeze, you could surf with the waves of the famous Lake Michigan.

9. Chicago River Canoe and Kayak. Kayaking in Chicago is always a good alternative to start a healthy living. You may have a team with you and you will certainly enjoy several forms of kayaking from cardio kayak to paddling under the moon.

10. Adler Planetarium. This is an educational location which could help you exercise your mind and your eyes as well. Exploring scientific inventions could be a healthy option for everyone. Walking is a good form of exercise as well.

John C. Arkin
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/10-things-to-do-and-10-places-to-go-to-for-healthy-living-in-chicago-illinois-692150.html

Kayaking for Beginners - Begin a Great Kayaking Experience

admin — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 23:31:21 +0000

The benefits of kayaking can sometimes be greatly enjoyed if it is done in the company of others. Including others in your team is very great, no matter you original intentions. It does not matter what your intentions are; just make sure you go out kayaking in a company. Remember that there will be some who are more skilled than you do and it is only through such association that learning and practice becomes perfect.

There are lots of beginners who sit and imagine how easy paddling can be done. This is often a poor approach to whoever intends to learn about kayaking. It is therefore important that you begin through some useful lessons because this may be the only method that you will use to learn every safety measure. And remember that safety should be your first priority. Remember that you must know the basics of kayaking. There is no way through which you can become an expert without first passing through the starting point.

Know That the Most Accurate Equipments Are Indispensable

Taking some lessons on the essentials of kayaking is indispensable because you will get involve on the usage of almost all of the equipments needed for kayaking. But remember that coming into contact with the necessary equipments is not all that is necessary. You must be able to have the skills to employ these equipments in the proper manner. Remember that a wrong usage of these equipments may work against your own safety. Always commit to memory that a safety lesson is needed, no matter the fact that you find yourself in very quiet waters. The risk of danger cannot be easily predicted. Therefore, you have to be forewarned in order to be forearmed.

When you are through with every kayaking lesson, you must endeavor to put it to practice. This will mean that you personally get most of these kayaking instruments and go out to the waters. Avoid renting equipments because these will cost you more. It is better to own your personal kayaking instruments. Remember that you are making a lifetime purchase. But before you make any purchase, make sure that you have verified the strength and quality of it before paying for it. Sometimes, it is best to do the verification with an experienced kayaker.

Confirm That Your Tools Are Just the Appropriate Tools

The most appropriate tools will not be judged from simple observation. Make sure that your paddle is of the required length. Remember that the required length will be calculated using your height plus your stroke style. Getting a paddle that is either too long or too short will adversely affect your efficiency in learning any kayaking technique.

Every accurate paddle for leisure should measure something close to 230cm in length. This is especially required by those who launch comfortable strokes at short slants close to the surface of the water. But if you think of paddling forcefully, a shorter paddle will be best for you. But make sure that the blades are very strong. It is recommended as a learner, to opt for anything that is neither too long nor short. Keep in mind that ease of use should be your chief concern.

Getting a Good Life Jacket

This should be one of your necessities when you begin practicing in the waters. Make sure that it is not only of the highest quality, but that it is at ease to be used and you should properly fit into it. There should be no idea of renting one. This should be indispensable to every learner because you will at most of the time of learning be in the waters. Also make sure that it contains enough safety devices that can make you identifiable in the dark.

Security while putting on your life jacket should be your principal concern. Therefore, make sure you are very comfortable in it because you may be required to put it on for longer periods. Also make sure that it is entirely replaced whenever you find any damage done to it. Never compromise anything for your safety.

David S. Stratton
http://www.articlesbase.com/extreme-sports-articles/kayaking-for-beginners-begin-a-great-kayaking-experience-668987.html

Kayaking for Beginners - Begin a Great Kayaking Experience

admin — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 22:10:26 +0000

Know That the Most Accurate Equipments Are Indispensable

Confirm That Your Tools Are Just the Appropriate Tools

Getting a Good Life Jacket

David S. Stratton
http://www.articlesbase.com/extreme-sports-articles/kayaking-for-beginners-begin-a-great-kayaking-experience-668987.html

Hair Care Tips and Hairstyles for Party-goers

admin — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 00:36:24 +0000

You can avoid hair styling buildup by rubbing a clarifying shampoo on dry hair weekly. This might sound a little different, but not adding water creates friction that will remove grime. After the application shower and rinse your hair as usual. This is called a hair facial.

How to star style sultry side braids:

1. Spray gel onto damp hair
2. Part the top half in the middle
3. Do two loose French braids on either side
4. Connect the braids
5. Secure with an elastic
6. Gather the rest of your hair into a messy bun

Try this treatment for flaky hair:

1. Dab a cotton ball in mouthwash, run it over strands. The astringent will help remove white specs when you don’t have time to shower
2. To keep off future flakes use a dandruff shampoo, and use a hair scrub weekly

How to keep hair color looking vibrant in hot weather:

1. Use a protective spray to shield the hair from UV damage
2. Use lightly shine-enhancing stylers (like serums) that attract rays
3. Wear a wide elastic headband to help absorb perspiration along your forehead that will dull the color over time
4. Work a color-protective leave-in condition into hair strands so the water will not affect your hair color

Create an elegant side ponytail:

1. Make a deep part on one side of your head and pull hair into a low, loose ponytail on the other side
2. Secure with an elastic
3. Wrap a small section of hair around it
4. Hold in place with a bobby pin
5. If you have fine hair, work in a thickening lotion to help the ponytail stay in place
6. Finish up the look with a shine spray

If you prefer a smoother finish on your elegant side ponytail hair style, use a paddle brush instead of your fingers to pull hair back.

Wear your hair in a classic, chin bun:

1. Blow out hair so it is smooth
2. Pull it back into a low or high ponytail
3. Secure with an elastic
4. Twist the tail into a bun
5. Tuck ends under
6. Secure with bobby pins

If you are in a hurry to get to the party, skip blow-drying and apply a leave-in condition to damp hair. Use a dryer with 1,850 watts or more to get the hair dry fast.

Do you prefer sexy, loose waves instead of wearing your hair up for parties?

1. Start with clean, dry hair
2. Make a deep side part and use a curling iron to roll 2-inch sections from the ends up to the middle of your head
3. Run your fingers through the curls to separate them
4. It is recommended to apply a thermal protector before heat styling your curls to prevent damage
5. Use a flexible-hold hair spray to make the style last without stiffness
6. For the curling iron: Use a medium-barrel iron to give you just-the-right-size curls

What if you have short hair or just no time at all to get ready for a party?

1. Slip in a flashy hair accessory
2. Keep barrettes, bobbys, and bands in place by misting with hair spray after they are secured

Where to find the products mentioned in this article:

• Almost any department or drug store as well as beauty house supply stores

Source: Cosmo Hair. Cosmopolitan [serial online]. July 2008;244(1):76. Available from: MAS Ultra - School Edition, Ipswich, MA. Accessed August 1, 2008.

Galluzzo S. Easy party-pretty hair.. Parenting [serial online]. December 2007;21(11):79-79. Available from: Health Source - Consumer Edition, Ipswich, MA. Accessed August 1, 2008.

vishal
http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/hair-care-tips-and-hairstyles-for-partygoers-743778.html