Motivated by those ads, I decided to visit the site and found that indeed classified advertising in India seems to have come of age. OLX presents an interesting platform for buyers and sellers. The potential problem with any such platform tends to be that a critical mass of buyers and sellers is not reached. However, in the case of OLX, buyers and sellers seem to be thronging the marketplace. So that solves one of the trickiest pieces of the puzzle.

Coming back to how ecommerce ads are making inroads into Indian TV and the Indian psyche, take a look at the following piece about buying a baby cot.

I found it interesting that they decided to use regular looking youths in a commonplace situation in a family setting to show that OLX is really required in our daily lives.

I particularly enjoyed the humor in the ads. Once you see that ad, make sure to see some of their other ads, for instance the one in which the Dad goes wild when the kids recommend selling the desktop computer. But when the Dad finds out that he can get a great price of Rs. 7000 for his really old computer, he screams, “Sell It!”

This “Sell It!” is a repeated motif in all OLX ads in India. And I truly enjoy that. Using the medium of humor OLX has managed to get us to appreciate the basic message that the fundamentals of buying and selling are changing. Online marketplaces are making greater inroads into our lives. And OLX is leading that charge.

Cancer –
According to a 2011 article in Science Daily, researches at UCLA have completed the first genome-wide mapping of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine. 5hmC, as it is commonly known, is a DNA modification in embryonic stem cells. It was also discovered that 5hmC is mainly found in active genes. This holds great potential in the fight against cancer because gene regulation plays a key role in the development of the disease. And if it’s possible to control these genes, it’s possible to stop the growth of cancer.

Additionally, studies performed at the University of Connecticut Stem Cell Research Center and the University of Minnesota yielded encouraging results. Mice that were vaccinated with human stem cells developed immunity against colon cancer. Overall, the cancerous tumors in vaccinated mice were drastically reduced compared to the unvaccinated mice. In another study, 13 mice that were treated with cancer-killing immune cells harvested from stem cells resulted in the complete eradication of cancerous tumors.

Alzheimer’s Disease –
An estimated 5.4 million people in the U.S. alone suffer from Alzheimer’s disease – a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder. According to a 2011 article in the Guardian, US researches created mass amounts of Brain neurons by combining chemical growth elements with embryonic stem cells. The neurons that were created in a lab are the exact same neurons (basal forebrain cholinergic neurons) that lead to memory loss when they stop functioning. According to scientists, the ability to harvest near-limitless amounts of these neurons could be key in understanding how to prevent them from dying in the first place. And while this may not be a cure for Alzheimer’s, medical professionals feel this is a major breakthrough in the search for an effective Alzheimer’s treatment.

Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS) –
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a common motor neuron disease that afflicts as many as 30,000 Americans each year — with 5600 new cases diagnosed annually. According to a November, 2011 article in the Scientist, researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison performed a study in which neurons created from human stem cells were transplanted into mice brains. These cells continued to send and receive nerve impulses after transplant. In other words, these neurons can fully assimilate after the transplant and function as regular, healthy neurons.

On top of this discovery, researches at the same university have been able to grow astrocytes – brain cells that function as guards for neurons and help to prevent diseases of the nervous system. Being able to thoroughly study these heretofore difficult-to-grow cells could lead, experts say, to the discovery of a cure for neurodegenerative disorders such as ALS.

Blindness –
In 2011 the FDA approved clinical trials for embryonic stem cell therapy to treat macular degeneration and macular dystrophy. According to a July article in the Los Angeles Times, two patients became the first to undergo this treatment. This follows almost 20 years of research.

Diabetes –
Scientists at the New York Stem Cell Foundation have reported that, for the first time, nuclei of adult skin cells from patients suffering from type 1 diabetes have been combined with donor germ cells (oocytes). The result is that scientists have been able to derive embryonic stem cells from individual patients. This is being hailed as a major breakthrough in the development of patient-specific stem cells that could conceivably lead to more effective treatments for diabetes.

These are just a few of the advances that have been made in the last year. Breakthroughs in stem cell research are occurring constantly, across the entire spectrum of medicine. And if the past is any indicator, advances and breakthroughs will continue to be made for the forseeable future.

Aurora May writes for Family Cord on topics related to the use of cord blood, and the benefits of cord blood banking and cord blood storage.

These are questions that people have been asking themselves for decades. While the Fountain of Youth is still at large, modern science has made great strides in the development of anti-aging products. Understanding why our culture values these products and why they work is important in deciding which anti-aging approach we should take.

Why Do People Age?
Aging is a natural process that happens to every single person on the planet. Of course, the ways in which people age differ; however, the fact remains that we all get older and our bodies reflect that. For many people, aging is accompanied by fine lines, wrinkles, and skin discoloration. They may also experience sagging skin and a dull complexion.

When we are young, our bodies are able to produce new cells quickly. This keeps our skin supple, keeps lines from forming, and helps us retain our youthful glow. But as we get older, our bodies aren’t able to keep up this high level of cell production. As a result, our skin tissue deteriorates.

Can We Fight the Signs of Aging?
Although aging is a natural process, we can fight it to some degree. With the right lifestyle choices and skincare products, we can turn back the clock, even if only a little bit, and regain some of that youthful appearance that we once had.

More importantly, we can take a proactive stance on anti-aging that allows us to prevent these wrinkles and sun spots from ever developing! The key lies in understanding why aging occurs, which we have described above, and how we can slow it down, which we will discuss below.

The Right Approach to Anti-Aging
Keeping fine lines and wrinkles at bay requires a concerted effort. By following these tips, you can reduce the development of these and other signs of aging.

1. Protect your skin against the sun. Sunscreen, big hats, and clothing keep the sun’s damaging rays from penetrating your skin. This prevents sun spots, wrinkles, and other signs of premature aging from developing.
2. Use an anti-aging product when you are young. Starting your anti-aging efforts in your twenties will allow you to keep the signs of aging at bay.
3. Moisturize regularly. Keeping your skin hydrated will prevent wrinkles. This is particularly important if you have a dry complexion, as dry skin wrinkles more easily.

Although we have yet to discover the fabled Fountain of Youth, modern science has allowed us to access many products that keep the signs of aging at a distance. By following these tips, you can prevent fine lines and wrinkles from overrunning your youthful complexion!

This was a guest post contribution from Trina Coccarelli.  She is a representative of Keranique hair supplies.  To get more info on Keranique’s wonderful products visit this website.

Interesting Results
One of the most surprising results reported in the study was that those who ate chocolate frequently were found to be thinner than those who did not eat it as often. A lower body mass index could not be accounted for by exercise or eating less, especially since people who ate chocolate generally exercised less and ate more food than those who were not chocolate lovers. Although the study did not prove that chocolate consumption will automatically lead to weight loss, it further confirmed that chocolate certainly has its benefits.

Older studies have established that chocolate has certain health benefits, such as the ability of chocolate antioxidants to lower your bad cholesterol while increasing your good cholesterol levels. Chocolate has also been found to be beneficial for lowering blood pressure due to its flavenols, which also inhibit the clotting process to improve your blood flow. Dark chocolate has also been found to contain high levels of anti-oxidants as well as anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, other studies indicated that high chocolate consumption was associated with a lower risk of developing heart disease.

However, it is important to note that a chocolate bar could contain more than 200 calories from sugar and saturated fats. Ideally, limiting your chocolate intake to 1oz. of dark chocolate daily, or adding cocoa powder to your food or coffee once a day should work in your favor. You could also try consuming chocolate in place of something else instead of adding it to your net consumption of calories.

Concerns have also been raised concerning the data collection methods that were used in the study by the University of California. The study was largely observational and the meals taken by the participants were self-reported. This is in contrast to a controlled trial in which participants would be given chocolate and then compared to participants who did not get chocolate. This means that there could have been some false reports provided, especially since people who are overweight tend to under-report their food intake.

Conclusion
The metabolic effects of chocolate could very well play a significant role in keeping you slim as the overall effect. This is the reason why further research needs to be carried out to determine whether these benefits are able to offset the calories that are consumed. Just because chocolate is typically eaten as a sweet containing calories does not mean that it is all bad. You therefore need not beat yourself down when you feel the urge to reward yourself with a bar of chocolate every now and then.

Daniel Crieg is an expert who writes for StretchMarks24, a website that contains information on health, skin care, stretch mark removal and beauty. Feel free to visit the website to find more great articles. This article was written by a guest author. Would you like to write for us?

1. Excercise

Activity is what the body needs to keep its focus off the nicotine it is not getting. Most smokers are not accustomed to getting a lot of exercise, so it is important to start slow. Even something as simple as taking a 20 minute walk a couple of times a day can do wonders for your quit.

2. Drink Lots of Water

This is not a very scientific approach, but drinking an extra amount of water has helped a number of people be able to fight off their nicotine cravings.

3. Taking Deep Breaths

Again, while not the most scientific method, this is a proven technique to help relax the body. Relaxing the body during a craving attack has been helpful to many people who are trying to quit smoking. Most have reported that it helps to refocus your mind.

4. Multivitamins

Adding one that agrees with you could be very helpful when you are initially quitting smoking. Multivitamins help to replenish nutrients that have been lost by smoking. In some cases people have reported that they help dull cravings as well.

5. Rest and Relaxation

While it may not be possible for some, rest and relaxation really can help you when you are going through nicotine withdraw. When you quit tobacco, your body not only has to adjust to life without nicotine, but also flush out literally thousands of chemicals. This can leave you feeling short on energy. Sleeping helps replenish the body and keeps you from using tobacco at the same time.

6. Quit Smoking Aid

Quit smoking aids are readily available to us and tend to be the method that gets the best results. These products contain nicotine in them but not and of the additives or chemicals of tobacco. They also allow you to choose your own nicotine level and taper off nicotine at your own pace. This helps deal with the worst parts of nicotine withdraw. A product like the electronic cigarette allows its user to mimic the act of smoking (this has extra added benefits to quitting), nicotine gum can be chewed and releases nicotine into the blood stream to fight cravings,  the patch is placed on your body and releases nicotine through your pours, and nicotine lozenges are sucked like a regular cough drop.

Whatever method you choose, know that you are making the right choice, because you have already chosen to quit using tobacco products. This is the first step in getting your body back to being as healthy as it can be. Nicotine withdraw is a very tough thing to deal with, but hopefully with a little bit of will power and a little bit of knowledge we can all over come our nicotine withdraw. In doing so we will have won a very serious battle with ourselves.

cc licensed ( BY ) flickr photo shared by orsorama

Jason is a reviewer and writer for several electronic cigarette reviews websites, as well as other health related blogs. This article was written by a guest author. Would you like to write for us?

Breakfast Foods That Will Help You Lose Weight
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. We’ve all heard this! Eating breakfast is crucial no matter what your health and fitness goals are, but especially when you’re trying to lose weight. Now, this doesn’t mean you can just grab any old thing to scarf down in the morning. What you eat for breakfast can make a world of difference in your weight loss efforts.

What makes up a good breakfast? First of all, include complex carbohydrates that will digest slowly and plenty of fiber to keep you full, energized and satisfied until your next meal. Also, include protein for sustained energy. A few breakfast options that have you covered are oatmeal with milk and fruit, whole grain toast with peanut butter, or even a fruit and yogurt smoothie with ground flax seed for added fiber.

Embrace the New Food Pyramid
I grew up being taught that grains like wheat, oats and corn should make up the foundation of our diet. However, more recent findings suggest that a healthier diet isbased on fresh vegetables and fruits, with whole grains being used more sparingly. Grains still have a part in a healthy diet, but they should be used sparingly and whole grain is always best. Here’s the healthier way to go: when you fill your plate at meal times, aim for covering half your plate with vegetables and fruit, a quarter with protein and the last quarter with healthy grains like brown rice or whole grain pasta.

Low Fat Isn’t Necessarily Better
When you see the words “Low-Fat” or “Fat-Free” on a food label, you might reasonably think that it’s a good choice to aid in your weight loss. Unfortunately, many low-fat options of common foods are formulated with synthetic chemicals that our bodies don’t really understand how to process. Also, they aren’t always necessarily less calories! The taste is often made up with added sugar, which won’t do your waistline any favors.

Make Dinner Your Smallest Meal
Somewhere along the line, our culture decided that dinner should be the “feast” of the day. It makes sense practically – it’s the meal that many families get to eat together most often. It’s also the meal that most people have more time to prepare. However, eating a larger breakfast and lunch during the day when we are more active makes more sense from a nutritional standpoint. “Breakfast like a King, lunch like a Queen, dinner like a pauper,” is one old dieting adage that’s not too far off. Ideally, we’d all eat 5 or 6 smalle rmeals or snacks a day, while consuming the most calories in the earlier meals.

Don’t overlook what you eat when it comes to losing weight! You can be working out on the best elliptical machine every single day, but if you’re eating junk all the time, you simply will not meet your weight loss goals. Clean up your waist line and see what adifference it makes for you!

Tracy Martin is a freelance health writer and is devotedly passionate about healthy, natural living, fitness and nutrition. She loves yoga and dance, and also stays fit by chasing her three little kids around, hiking with her husband, and training on elliptical trainers which on the rare occasion she can actually sneak away to the gym. This article was written by a guest author. Would you like to write for us?

Long Term Problems
Chronic pain can directly and indirectly impact on other areas of the body, it is extremely debilitating and can lead to negative physical as well as emotional consequences. Fatigue, insomnia and depression are just three of the well-known conditions which can be brought on, or worsened, when a person suffers from chronic leg pain.

Chronic leg pain can severely limit a person’s ability to function. Medical experts highly recommend a range of treatments at the same time to best combat the problem, however we are going to look at the best alternative, non-invasive methods without using prescribed medication or otherwise.

Helping Chronic Leg Pain
Natural remedies are growing in popularity as a way of dealing with a whole range of ailments, and are more easily accessible than ever before. In addition to treatments, a number of leg workouts can be regularly performed in order to increase mobility of the leg and achieve a reduction in chronic leg pain. Simple exercises such as ankle rotations, or even opening then closing your legs while sitting or when you have just woke up can greatly improve blood flow around the body and reduce pain in your leg areas.

In addition to leg workouts you can also perform yoga and other relaxation techniques in order to reduce chronic leg pain. Yoga and meditation in particular, are excellent ways to focus the body and mind away from the primary source of pain, and have both been shown to have excellent long term healing effects on the body.

In cases where there is an underlying cause, such as arthritis or a condition elsewhere in the body, treatment for the initial ailment will usually be carried out which should then have the added benefit of aiding the chronic leg pain. For example, a person with back pain would perhaps undergo acupuncture, which would reduce pressure on the back as well as achieving a pain reduction in other areas.

In the case of chronic leg pain, it is always best to continue with as many leg workouts as often as you can in addition to the treatment in order to maintain muscle form and strength.

Videojug is a leading video website with thousands professionally-produced free factual content. If you suffer chronic leg pain, you can find guides on how to maintain muscle form and strength in videos about leg workouts. This article was written by a guest author. Would you like to write for us?

1. More and more people are choosing Invisalign over traditional braces. Why? The Invisalign treatment uses clear aligners to shape your teeth. Unlike braces, they are not unpleasant and are actually painless to wear. Not only that, you’ll hardly feel anything in your mouth and more importantly – people won’t even notice that it’s there! But this treatment isn’t for people with severe cases. To check, take the self-assessment test online. And if you think this is the one for you, visit your dentist to discuss the Invisalign treatment.

2. If you only want to cover imperfections like teeth stains, gaps or crooked teeth, then the best bet for you is to use veneers. You can choose porcelain or composite veneers. Porcelain offers a stronger and more durable alternative to its composite counterpart. The drawback is it costs more. On the one hand, porcelain veneers will last you longer than the composite ones. Have a little chat with your dentist and see what they think is best for you.

3. For those who have chipped, cracked or irregular shaped teeth, cosmetic contouring may be the treatment for you. Again, this is another pain-free option. This is a great choice for those who don’t have the patience to wait a year to see changes. It will only take about 1 to 3 visits to your dentist to achieve that perfect smile.

4. The use of removable orthodontic appliance is another painless alternative. Keep in mind though, that this generally only works on the upper teeth and only if the treatment needed is only minor. One advantage of going for this kind of treatment is that since it is removable, it is easy to clean – unlike braces. If you think this treatment is for you, consult your dentist.

5. Once again, if the imperfections of your teeth are very minor. Talk to your dentist, perhaps wearing a specially designed retainer will correct the imperfections of your teeth. Visit your dentist or orthodontist to discuss the best possible pain-less treatment for you.

Keep in mind that braces are still the quickest and most effective way to straighten teeth, especially for severe cases. Just think: no pain, no gain. Don’t worry, if you want something that’s less obvious, opt for clear braces or choose braces that are used on the backside of your teeth. That way no one will see those metal wires on your teeth. You’re on your way now to attaining that perfect smile.

For more information about modern ortho care and alternative treatments, including Invisalign, visit the website of Orthodontics of Boca Raton. This article was written by a guest author. Would you like to write for us?

1. Snoring and Breathing Problems
   While snoring isn’t necessarily a sure sign that you have sleep apnea, it is one of the signs to look for. A clearer sign that you have obstructive sleep apnea is that you gasp for breath while you sleep or wake up thinking you’re choking. It can be difficult to detect these signs. Many people don’t even realize they are experiencing these symptoms. However, your partner may be notice the problem. You may also choose to record your sleep so that you can look for these signs.

2. Mood Changes
   People experiencing obstructive sleep apnea may experience changes in their mood. Mostly, those that suffer from the condition may be cranky or even depressed. This is due to the fact that they aren’t getting a good night’s sleep. If you notice a change in your mood, it may be a sign of sleep apnea.

3. Fatigue
   Those with obstructive sleep apnea may also experience extreme fatigue. If you notice that you get sleepy while doing less active activities, such as driving, this may be a sign. Because obstructive sleep apnea leads to waking up several times a night, you may not be getting enough deep sleep, which can make it hard to stay awake.

4. Brain Function Problems
   Another sign of obstructive sleep apnea is problems with brain function. You may not be able to concentrate as easily and you may even find yourself forgetting things more often. Children suffering from the condition may even experience ADHD and problems in school due to their inability to concentrate.

5. Dry Mouth and Sore Throat
   Last, but not least, another sign to look for is a dry mouth and sore throat in the mornings. This usually means that you’ve slept with your mouth open. If you don’t have a cold or allergies, it may be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea not only disrupts your sleep, but can affect your entire life. Lack of sleep can impair brain functions, cause extreme fatigue, and may even change your mood. If you’re experiencing any of these signs, you may want to consult your doctor for treatment or consider visiting a sleep specialist so that you can be tested for obstructive sleep apnea.

About the Author: Julio Pasco suffers from sleep apnea but knows that detection and treatment can make a world of difference. He loves researching health topics and is currently reading about candida on sites like yeastinfectiontreatment.org and others.
This article was written by a guest author. Would you like to write for us?

There may be a lot of birth control methods and products available, but not all of them are suitable for you. Hence, it is important for you to consult with a physician prior to choosing and using one. There are also several factors to consider when selecting the right birth control method such as your health and medical history, how often you have sex, how many sexual partners you have, other medications you are currently taking, and allergies. Below are a few birth control options available.

Contraceptives are essentially divided into two: barrier method and hormones. The most popular barrier method is the condom. There are two types of condoms: the male condom and the female condom. The male condom is a covering that is placed on an erect penis to prevent the sperm from meeting the egg. The female condom is a thin, polyurethane pouch which is inserted in the vagina prior to sex. When used properly, this birth control method is very effective; however, some people may be allergic to the materials so it is not recommended for their use. It can also prevent catching STDs.

Another barrier method is the sponge. Usually used with a spermicide, it is a disk-shaped polyurethane device that is inserted in the vagina prior to sex, usually at least 6 hours. This birth control method is not recommended for women who have given birth naturally because the cervix and vagina have stretched considerably. There is also the risk of having irritation and urinary tract infections.

A popular birth control method for monogamous couples is the oral contraceptive pill. Some pills are a combination of two hormones while others have just one type of hormone. You need to get a prescription from a physician to buy a pack and you must take it daily, preferably at the same time every day. Aside from thickening the cervical mucus which prevents the sperm from joining the egg, it also regularizes your period and can lessen menstrual cramps. However, it can cause certain side effects such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, and mood swings.

If you do not want to be bothered by taking pills every day, you can ask your doctor about progestin shots. This works by preventing ovulation and thickens the cervical mucus. You need a prescription to get a shot every three months. Its side effects include bleeding, breast tenderness, and weight gain.

Whatever birth control option you prefer, be sure to check with your doctor first. Only he or she can give you proper advice on how to use it and how effective it is.

Citations:

• Note: The image in the content came from marshall.edu

Written by Robert Kirk who runs an shop online which specialise in a full selection of cheap condoms online including from brands such as Durex Condoms, Pasante Condoms & EXS Condoms. This article was written by a guest author. Would you like to write for us?