Abelbarry's Blog

Improve Your Directory Submission Acceptance Rates

abelbarry — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 11:12:42 +0000

Using directory submissions to get links to your website and gain visibility will usually give you permanent links and advertisement for your site. The benefit of this is that with only a small effort you can submit to the directories and then just sit there and enjoy the quality links and higher search engine rankings you get for your site. The problem is that the more well-known directories get thousands of applications to their sites. As such, they have rules and guidelines for your listing. These rules are put in place to ensure that the submission and review procedure can operate without extra work, as well as to help the editor select just the sites that are appropriate. And so the question is: How can I improve the chances that my listing gets accepted into the highest-traffic, top web directories? One of the most common restrictions imposed by directories has to do with the size of your title, description keywords. Before you begin submitting anywhere, sit down and take down a few properly-formulated descriptions that are 100, 150, 200, and 250 characters long. One of those four levels can usually get accepted in any web directory you come across. You may not be able to say everything about your site, so pick the most important points and go with that. After that’s done with, highest of the difficult work is out of the way. Now all you have to do is search for the length requirements, copy and paste your excerpt of that length, and you’re all set. The exact same process holds true for keywords, so prepare a few different options so that, when it’s time for the submission forms, it’s just a matter of picking the appropriate one. If you waste time submitting to web directories with poorly categorized, spammy listings, you are going to get turned down. You’ve then wasted a lot of your effort and gotten absolutely nothing in exchange. An example of this would be that if you deal in widgets, when you submit your information you include the keyword ‘widgets’ in your description, title, and keywords as many times as you can. typically readability takes a backseat as the focus becomes cramming the keywords in as many times as possible. Review editors detest this and it’s a really easy rejection. Do not spam your directory listings. That can’t be more plainly stated, yet for whatever reason, people still do it. Web directories are sorted by topic and editors commonly take great pride in ensuring that everything stays well categorized. Every directory should advise you this as it makes their job easier when it comes time to review your link. So, put yourself in their shoes and do them a favor, because ultimately it’s you and your website that are going to gain when you are accepted. A tiny extra bit of effort on your side to properly submit your site can vastly improve your likelihood of getting approved. Think about it: If you’re the editor and you want to approve a site, you probably only need to click one button. But, if the webmaster chose the wrong category, then you have to edit his application to modify the selection (and now find the proper category), which takes extra time. If you are the editor sitting down with thousands of applications to read, it’s far easier to click the ‘delete’ button than it is to deal with fumbling through categories. Selecting the proper category should be stressed because it not only makes the directory editor’s job a lot easier therefore speeding up your acceptance, but also the search engines will look at the various links that are next to you on the page you are listed on and if they are of a related theme to your own this can improve your rankings. It’s usually not that hard to adhere to the regulations of a web directory with very little extra work. Most of the editors are looking for the same things, so the formalities from directory to directory tend to be pretty similar.

First aid at work for employees

abelbarry — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:37:11 +0000

All employers have a duty of care to protect the safety and welfare of all employees whilst at work or conducting activities on behalf of their employer.

One of the many areas of health and safety which requires attention is first aid and its provisions to enable the protection of employees in the event of an injury or emergency situation. All employers no matter how large or small should take the welfare of the employees very seriously with first aid being one of the highest priorities in protecting their safety.

First aid has been proven to be an extremely useful tool when preventing or assisting injury. In the US many states have a programme introduced at school level where students are trained in first aid, this has been proven to have saved many lives and is commended throughout the world as good working practice but unfortunately not all countries such as the US obviously take first aid as being a serious issue which can prevent serious injury and even death.

The UK have a legislation requirement named the First Aid at Work stating The Health and Safety Regulations are that an employer has to provide, as a minimum an `appointed persons’ at all times when employees are at work. An appointed person in the case can be a low level first aider or a fully trained First Aider.

Appointed persons will need to attend a one day training course to learn areas of first aid such as dealing with low level injuries such as cuts, sprains, heat exhaustion, assisting but not dealing with more serious injuries such as breaks, heart attacks etc.

A fully trained first aider at work will consist of completing a four day intensive course including a practical examination. On completion of both the training courses the delegate will receive a first aid certificate to prove their competence. First aiders at work should receive a payment from an employer for this task but this is not compulsory and this is at your employer’s discretion. The basic first aid provisions should be a good well stocked first aid kit which can be transported easily to the casualty. Requirements on all first aiders are to ensure all that first aid equipment is fully stocked, in good condition and the expiry dates all checked regularly, the easiest way of achieving this requirement is to compile a first aid box checklist.

All employers should firstly risk assess areas of working activities to define what level of first aider cover and equipment is required to fulfil the requirements of the assessment results. As an example a working area where the potential of an electrical shock from a mains supply to an employee would base the assessment of a high risk and the control measures would have to stipulate and ensure the adequate first aid control measures are in place. Another important step in this subject for employers is that they need to compile and communicate a suitable and sufficient policy to cover first aid and its provisions at work.

First aiders at work need to be retrained every three years by a competent service provider, appointed person should be retrained annually.

Tension Headaches—The Most Common Headache

abelbarry — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:36:44 +0000

Headache is a very common health problem. It is often associated with pain in the head, which includes the eyes and the ears, the area behind the head and the upper part of the neck. Oftentimes it occurs without a specific cause as well. There are many kinds of headaches, which are classified according to the location of the pain and the symptoms it brings.

According to the International Headache Society there are more than 150 types of headaches. But the most common of them all is tension headache, which according to specialists represents about 60 percent of all headaches. Even though this kind of headache is rampant, a lot of people don’t really understand this kind of health condition.

These headaches according to specialists are caused by muscle contraction in the head area. Tension headache is said to be caused by bad posture, long hours of sitting or driving, incorrect sleeping habits because of the stress it brings to the head area. Other factors that contribute to tension headaches are emotional stress and depression. This illness normally disappears when the period of stress is over.

Usually a headache starts in the morning and lasts until the afternoon. Because of this illness work related absences occur, sleepless nights are encountered, and irritability therefore follows. There are times that people are hospitalized because of headaches. Which means that severe and frequent headaches can be very costly. Over 40 percent of Americans experience headaches. And of course a lot of them often complain of the pain and discomfort it brings.

None of us want to have a headache that would last for hours or even for a day sometime. Sudden attacks of headaches are sometimes inevitable and may occur several times a day. People with headaches also limited to join activities in work, family and leisure. Because of this growing health problem, specialists have developed drugs to treat this problem.

A scientific breakthrough that combines of acetaminophen and butalbital are developed by specialists to treat this kind of headache. Acetaminophen acts as a pain reliever and also reduces fever. Butalbital on the other hand is a kind of drug that slows down the nervous system and reduces the contractile force in the muscle that causes headaches.

If you decided to use this medicine, there are certain precautions to be taken. Make sure to tell your doctor if you have unusual allergic reaction to butalbital or acetaminophen. Pregnant and breast-feeding women are not encouraged to take this drug because of the unknown effects it may cause to the unborn baby or infant. Do not take this medication without informing your doctor about your pregnancy. The opinion of your doctor is very important in order for you to make a better decision regarding this drug.

Treating ADD – The Range Of Possible Options

abelbarry — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:35:54 +0000

Attention Deficit Disorder, a challenge to say the least, may have you ready to pull your hair out. Luckily, there are treatments available to help your child be more successful at completing daily tasks, paying attention, and resisting impulsive activity. Generally, there are three most utilized methods for treating ADD: medication, behavior therapy, or alternative medicine.

Medication has been the primary treatment method for Attention Deficit Disorder for decades. Although it has been the center of much controversy the last several years, many argue that the effectiveness of medication can not be matched by any other treatment method. On the other hand, it is also argued that the side effects common of such medication make it a poor choice of therapy. ADD is most often treated by a form of stimulant medication. While this medicine would cause increased activity in most people, it has a calming effect on people with ADD. There are also other forms of medication used as well.

Side effects of the medication used to treat ADD are typically decreased appetite, and weight loss as a result, increased anxiety, insomnia, and/or irritability.

Behavior therapy, on the other hand, does not have the side effects common with medication. On the other hand, it will not have the overnight reaction typical of medication treatment either. Behavior therapy focuses on teaching the child effective management skills to deal with the disorder, as opposed to masking its existence. This may include the use of organizers to keep up with schoolwork, as well as introducing a reward system for good behavior. Such steps teach the child the positive results of good behavior, instead of concentrating on negative behavior and harsh discipline. This treatment route is a long and arduous process and will not display immediate results, although the results that come about may be more long term in nature.

Treating ADD with alternative medicine has also proven to be an area of controversy. Technically, “alternative medicine” is anything that falls outside the realm of standard medication and behavioural treatments. The list of alternative treatments include dietary intervention, nutritional supplements, interactive metronome training, motion sickness medication, treatment for candida yeast, optometric visual training, thyroid treatment, and lead treatment. While these treatments seem to be plentiful, it is important to understand many of these are unproven, or in fact, proven to be ineffective by the scientific community. No treatment should be instituted without the supervision of a doctor.

The Migraine Headache: Definition, Causes And Cures.

abelbarry — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:35:30 +0000

More than 30 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches which can be classified as severe and often disabling headaches. A typical migraine headache will give a warning sign before its onset, such as tingling in your limbs, seeing blind spots or flashing lights. You will know when you are experiencing a migraine headache because they are accompanied by most, if not all of the following symptoms. Severe pain either on one side or both sides of the head, pulsing head pain, worsening head pain with any activity, nausea or vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and not being able to function regularly. While seeing flashing lights or blind spots are a common warning sign of a migraine, some sufferers experience these symptoms throughout the entire duration of their headache. This is classified as a classic migraine and, along with the above conditions, the person will also experience weakness and speech problems along with zigzagging lines in their eyes. If a migraine is left untreated, the pain can last from four to 72 hours, which can cause huge disturbances in a persons normal life.

Although doctors are not 100 percent sure what causes migraines to occur, there are something’s that are known to trigger these headaches. These include, fluctuations in hormones; many women claim that their migraines worsen just before a period or during menopause and pregnancy. Certain foods can also trigger migraines, such as alcohol, cheese, chocolate, aspartame and caffeine which is found in coffee, tea, chocolate and most soft drinks. To avoid migraines as best you can, try keeping a diary of the foods you eat and record how they made you feel afterwards. After a couple of weeks doing this you should be able to see what foods that are triggers for you, therefore telling you which foods to avoid. Other triggers can include stress, changes in the environment and certain medications.

To prevent migraines try avoiding trigger foods, as well as exercise regularly, cutting down on estrogen producing drugs if you are a woman, and quitting smoking and drinking alcohol. All of these things can help you avoid migraines, but if you do happen to get one, try over the counter pain medications or talk to you doctor about prescription drugs that are right for you. Good over the counter medications include Advil, Tylenol, Aspirin and similar drugs. If you have been drinking alcohol in the past 48 hours, you should not take Tylenol as it can cause serious liver damage. Also remember that you should never give Aspirin to a child because it can cause Reyes Syndrome (a potentially fatal illness in children).

Hepatitis C, Reason For Liver Inflammation

abelbarry — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:35:01 +0000

Hepatitis C is an infection with the hepatitis C virus. It causes liver to swell which affects its functioning. Hepatitis C spreads by using infected, dirty needles or through blood transfusion. The virus remains dormant in the liver to cause chronic inflammation. Once infected with hepatitis C virus many may not show any sign of infection. Sometimes people get infected with hepatitis C and would not even know for years. There are two main kinds of hepatitis, acute and chronic hepatitis. When a person’s liver gets inflamed suddenly it is called acute and when the inflammation doesn’t leave you, it is called chronic hepatitis.

Other than using IV drugs or getting stuck with dirty needles, hepatitis C virus can also spread by direct contact with blood of an infected person, by sharing toothbrushes, razors, tattoo needles and even from mother to the unborn child. It is also a sexually transmitted disease. One has to get oneself examined as this virus can lead to cirrhosis (a liver disease) and liver cancer. One of the important reasons for this infection to flourish is by sharing dirty or infected needles.

Common Myths about Hepatitis C

It cannot be transmitted by sneezing, coughing, shaking hands, hugging, kissing, sharing utensils, swimming in public swimming pool, using common toilets or touching doorknobs.

Possible Symptoms

Even though there aren’t any common symptoms we can include some possible symptoms which may pinpoint us towards hepatitis C problem. These possible symptoms are fatigue, losing weight, loss of hunger, joint pains, nausea, anxiety, pain in liver area, flu-symptoms like fever, headache and sweats.

Simple Preventive Measures

There are no home remedies available for this condition. But you can prevent this by following some simple instructions. Avoid sharing needles with any one. If donating blood ask for a fresh needle, opened right in front of you. Have a healthy way of living by including a good diet and exercise routine. Control your alcohol intake to prevent further damage of your liver. Practice safe sex by using condom. Get routine check-up to avoid any complications. By the much needed blood tests one can find out about hepatitis C in an early stage. Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B to prevent further problems.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

Hypnosis: Fact Or Fraud?

abelbarry — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:34:23 +0000

The Sleeping Prophet Edgar Cayce would command himself to engage in out-of-body experiences and near-death experiences through self-hypnosis.

Under a trance state, he would give readings and diagnoses to people he has never met. His followers documented almost 14,000 journeys unto the spirit realm, made through his subconscious mind or what Cayce referred to as the soul.

Sensational historian David Lewis revealed that Adolf Hitler was once hypnotized and this may have been the root of the kind of life he has led.

Lewis claimed that in 1918, Hitler believed he has gone completely blind despite diagnoses of doctors that nothing is wrong with his eyes. Through hypnosis, a doctor suggested to Hitler that indeed, he has lost his eyesight but through will power he can make himself see again. Thats because God made him an exceptional person, the good doctor added. Since then, Lewis said, the hypnosis marked Hitler so much that he took life believing he was exceptional, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Robert F. Kennedys assassin was under the influence of a mastermind through hypnotism during the assassination, and was said to have shown robotic, trance-like movements and repeated RFK must die over and over again during police interrogation.

Have you read about clairvoyants reaching into other dimensions to get rare or secret information? How about mediums meddling with the underworld and calling the dead? Hypnosis stories are they for real?

Yes and No.

Yes, hypnotism really has been used as part of the treatment and therapy of various physical and psychological conditions. Through its ability to tap into the subconscious and to intensify focus and concentration, hypnosis can help you be more attuned with your intellectual and emotional capacity; thus helping you modify your habits and behaviors, or wield more control over the way you think and analyze.

But no, it is not the cure-all for your problems. It is not proven to be effective every time, as often claimed. The United States general surgeon reports there is insufficient evidence to support hypnosis as a treatment for smoking cessation. Again, the effectiveness of hypnotism depends on each and every different case it is being used for.

Indeed, it will not hurt to try hypnotism; but dont rely on it too much either. It may help you and may change your life forever. It may also work for you for an allotted period only. Or it may not and you may walk out of another hypnotism session unchanged and still be the same old self. Your results will depend on a lot of other factors aside from hypnosis, such as determination, motivation, and will power. Your destiny is still in your own hands.

Cleaning Up For Hay Fever Allergies

abelbarry — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:33:56 +0000

Spring is coming and with it the pollen that is the primary cause of Hay Fever. Start getting ready today and you can reduce the watery eyes, runny nose, and low energy associated with Hay Fever allergies.

How do we reduce the symptoms of Hay Fever? Simply put, we reduce exposure to pollen. Let’s look at a typical American home and understand how to achieve this reduction of pollen exposure.

First we need to make sure that we have air conditioning. While we all enjoy the breeze from an open window, that breeze will carry in the pollen that we want to keep out. Therefore we need air conditioning to keep the inside of our home pleasant. Since some pollen will get inside when door are opened and closed we need to make sure that the filter on is in good shape. Usually the air conditioning system uses the same filter as the furnace. Change to a high-end furnace filter available from 3M, WEB, and Purolator. These are much more effective than your bargain basement home improvement center filters. Next, change the filter monthly during the peak Hay Fever season. It is a small price to pay for a bit of cleaner air.

This next recommendation is simple and inexpensive. When you and your children come home after work or after play take a shower and put on freshly laundered clothes. Your hair, skin, and clothes are ideal places to harbor pollen so don’t spend the evening in your own personal pollen cloud. Get clean! This extra pollen-free time will help you to recover from the day and helps your body get ready for a restful sleep.

Wear a dust mask when you are doing the house cleaning. Many of the dusting and vacuuming devices put almost as much dust and pollen back circulating in the air as they take out. A dust mask will help you from getting a “snoot full” of pollen as you are cleaning. Speaking of vacuum cleaners, you should really have a HEPA vacuum or at least one with a HEPA filter after the bag filter. This will reduce the pollen and other bad stuff that you put back into your home air space.

Now that everything is clean and tidy the job should be done. If you still have sneezing at home the next line of defense is a HEPA air purifier. Put a small one in each bedroom and run them on high during the day. This will create a clean air bubble in which your family can sleep restfully. If there is a family room or other common area put an air purifier there so that just before bedtime you get maximum clean air.

If your family still sneezes see your Doctor for medication to address Hay Fever allergies. There are a number of new drugs that will block the T-Cells which cuse the runny nose due to pollen.

Think Twice About Going To The Emergency Room For Back Pain

abelbarry — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:33:25 +0000

With low back pain being the number reason why millions of Americans miss work, you would think hospitals around the country would be more compassionate with people who suffer from chronic low back pain. Being a chronic pain sufferer myself who suffers from low back pain with a herniated disc, I know too well how ER doctors treat patients seeking help for some kind of relief. It seems as soon as you walk in and tell them the reason your here to see the doctor is for back pain, your immediately cast in a different light.

The ironic thing in today’s modern times, hospitals and ER doctors have available, and can look up information on patients that have on record tests such as, MRI’s, CT scans, or any other type of documentation to verify a diagnosis the patient is complaining of. With so many people falsely going to ER rooms complaining of back pain just to get medication, they should actually do a little research before they put you in that category of just seeking medication.
For instance, I waited 2 hours in the waiting room, after I got back to see the ER physician, I waited in the room for an additional hour just to hear the nurse tell me I need to go see my primary care physician about substance abuse. I was in shock. I could not believe they thought I was there seeking medications and not truly suffering from pain. When just recently I had two MRI’s taken at this same hospital showing indeed I do suffer from herniated discs, and other back problems as well. To add insult to injury, I received a bill the following week charging me for the visit. I wonder what did they do for me. What did they charge me for? The only thing they did in all reality is turn me away. So why do they charge me for turning me away in my time of need.

Unless your in a horrible car wreck, or your wheeled in by ambulance on a stretcher, going to the ER room for pain is a waste of time and money. Not only is it a waste of time and money, your humiliated by the whole ordeal. People who suffer from chronic pain are simply not believed. For whatever the reason may be, ER doctors do not want to treat people in pain. Chronic pain sufferers in America are discriminated again tremendously. Everyone who suffers from pain should write their congressman or senators. Something has to be done. Seems doctors are taken the war on drugs against the innocent, against the people who truly suffer from chronic daily pain. There is something wrong with this picture. America has the best healthcare in the world, but yet you cant get treated for something as simple as low back pain. I just pray for the millions of Americans who are in the same situation they that somehow will find a compassionate doctor who truly understands pain. Seems most doctors today are more interested in what’s best for them, and not the patient. Don’t they still take an oath to help the sick and hurting? Sometimes I wonder.

Garlic – An Essential And Integral Part Of Home Remedies

abelbarry — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:32:52 +0000

Stories of garlic being used to protect us from the fanged-tooth ‘Darcula’ may not be of a great help in the recent times. Even though garlic may not drive an evil vampire, it surely can ward off all the blood sucking diseases in our body. It is one of the most frequently used products in out diet. With the increasing health benefits it surely can help us clear all the major illnesses in our life. The presence of sulfur gives garlic that biting smell for which it has become so famous. These odors and smells help you fight all kind of illnesses.

Ample amount of vitamin B6, vitamin C and selenium is present in garlic. A good source of manganese is available to boost your health. Studies have shown that daily dose of garlic in small amounts reduces blood pressure, serum triglycerides, platelet aggregation and LDL-cholesterol. On the other hand it increases the level of serum HDL-cholesterol and fibrinolysis to stimulate the production of nitric oxide which relaxes you. The organ sulfur compound obtained in garlic is known as ajoene and is used to treat skin cancer. It prevents heart disease and any risk of stroke. It is able to cut down the number of free radicals present in the bloodstream.

Home Remedies With Garlic

Garlic has been widely used to cure acne. By rubbing garlic cloves on the affected area can get rid of acne. It purifies your blood which cleanses it to keep acne away.

To get rid of warts, apply garlic juice on the wart, two times daily for about a week

Garlic is termed as an aphrodisiac. By consumption of two or three raw garlic cloves in a day could help you overcome the sexual impotency problem.

Garlic juice poured in your punctured ear can alleviate your pain.

It is also very useful for arthritis patient. It boosts the immune system and reduces the pain.

By chewing garlic can get you rid of cold. The anti-viral agents help to fight off cold in matter of days.

Rubbing garlic clove on a cut can clear off any chances of infection.

Having garlic a day would help you to clear your allergies.

Having two or three cloves of garlic every morning can help you overcome back problems.

To beat cough problems use 10 to 15 garlic cloves. Chop them properly. Cover it with honey and keep it overnight. Have it first thing in the morning. It would help you cure your cough problems.