I have often wondered about what causes a heart attack. There is a lot of information out there but we seldom connect the dots.

Atherosclerosis (hardening of artery due to plaque) is a form of arteriosclerosis (hardening of artery) and is one cause of heart attacks. 

From what I have read, the main contributors to atherosclerosis could  be:  diet, smoking, exercise, stress mgmt  and genes.

Genes are difficult to overcome but knowing about them does prepare us.

The other factors are ALWAYS within our control.

Better to be educated than surprised ...or worse!

The exact cause of atherosclerosis, in addition to natural aging,  is not known (surprise, surprise) but here are some details that might help you:  

Manageable Causes - smoking, cholesterol, triglycerides, hypertension, obesity, diabeties

Unmanageable Causes - accidental artery damage, chronic inflammation, genes, aging  

Prevention - reduction of causes you can control ... and don't get old 

Detection - If you suspect you (or someone you know) may be affected, ask your doctor if one of these might be appropriate: echocardiogram,  electrocardiogram, or coronary angiography. 

easy/inexpensive long-distance

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If you are looking for a long-distance service that is easy to use, KeepCalling is the one i use for 1.2 cpm (cents per minute) in Canada. 

For instance, England, Australia, Ireland, India, Italy are only 3.5 cpm. Zambia is only 6 cpm.

It has an easy method of speed dialing numbers. 

I just code my most called numbers into their website and refer to them in my phones (home or cell) and one click does it.

If you know of one that is easier and/or cheaper, let me know.

bottled water has to go

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If you were wondering about the global impact, this link describes in vivid detail (even if it isn't 100% correct).

Time to STOP using plastic containers for water.

Cars - India and China - significant impact

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Well, there goes any CO2 reductions we could hope for over the next few years. Just another example of disregard for global warming impact.

China has out-produced the USA for automobiles for three consecutive quarters...and their vehicles will have significant impact on CO2 levels.

It is good to see other countries can product inexpensive vehicles ... a sign the USA will eventually be out of the automobile manufacturing business.

Two concerns:

1. why India did not wait until an inexpensive electric (or hydrogen) vehicle was possible

2. why does General Motors continue to cry poor and product high priced inefficient vehicles ... could it be the expensive labour force or the high exec salaries or both 

The worst may be yet to come this year

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I suggest you don't consider any large purchases for a few months. 

The prices may come down further ... or you may have less disposable income.

The Bank of Canada cut its borrowing rate to .25% ... the lowest in 75 years and lowest practical level possible. 

The governor of the Bank of Canada said "the recession in Canada will be deeper than anticipated, with the economy projected to contract by 3% in 2009."

pesticides/herbicides - April 22nd - Grubs

I have mentioned this before but now is the time to prepare your lawn for 2009.

Ontario has new laws (effective today) .

Rona has the right products and u should consider something like nematodes to take care of grubs. 

U will know if there are grubs; holes in your lawn right now (raccoons go for grubs at this time), round bare spots in July (tooo late). 

Canadian Tire has Nemaglobe has this product and April/May is the right time (as long as temps are between 13 and 35).  

Taking care of your back

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Well, my pain from sciatica is slowly reducing. 

I am now using the Costco version of Robaxacet (2 pills) and one Arthrotec a day ... instead of the Percocet/Arthrotec combination. The generic product also has Methocarbamol and one of these three:  acetaminophen, ASA or ibuprofen.

Costco (or Walmart) is half to third the Robax prices.

For those who sit a lot, this item in my Bicycling mag offers good information - lean back.

  

can't find the special on TV?

Have you ever had to flip thru the TV listings trying to find the time for the Formula One or special golf event, etc?

Rogers doesn't have a search facility. Bell does but it is tedious.

Well this  site may help.

KYOTOplus - nothing changes

12.14.11: Back in 2009, i was optimistic we (aka Harper) would see the light and correct the illiterate understanding many Canadians have of the Kyoto accord.


I was wrong! Nothing has changed (literacy or parliamentary) in the past 2.5 years.


Canada has done extremely little to improve our carbon footprint ... and plans to do no improvements in the next few years. It is getting even more embarrassing.


It seems our parliamentarians (those WE elected) feels USA, China and India need to do a lot before Canada gets on-board.
Many Albertans agree with Harper and Kent. But is it enough to get re-elected next time?


If only the world could rid itself of oil without doing irreversible damage.


Check out this Canadian blog for more comments.


04.05.09: We really need to ensure our government in on board in this next round of KYOTO protocols in Copenhagen in December. Pls sign the petition now.
Canada's commitment has to be strengthened and firmly committed, as right now we looks as bad as the USA.
The top four countries appear to be (in order of negative climate change impact) are USA, China, India, Russia.

While Canada is not a serious contender, it is a global initiative and world view of Canada could be a lot better.
We do not look good in Afghanistan (while we are on the offensive) and ignoring KYOTO really does NOT help with our image.

Maybe this time, we can show a truly committed Canadian position.

Phishing and Pharming

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You have probably heard the terms ... not related to agriculture.

Phishing - an e-mail trying to acquire personal information for fraudulent purposes

Pharming - re-direct you to a fraudulent site

A full description of both.

A quick test to determine how good you are at detecting Phishing.