So you are thinking of sending your child to summer camp! Here are a few questions you need to ask that may affect your child’s stay at camp. If an area is really important for your child and you can not find the information be sure to call the Summer Camp Director and ask questions.

Facilities Be careful to look at the condition of the facilities. Do the buildings well maintained,? Or do they show signs of needed maintenance. Rustic buildings are perfectly ok, make sure that they are not being neglected. Specific things you’ll want to look for and ask about include:

Bunks: * Are they in cabins, tents, or dorms? * How many beds are in each bunk? * Are the beds individual cots or bunk beds? * Do the campers choose which beds they want? What if they don’t want a top bunk? * Where do the campers store their belongings? * Are the bunks crowded? Is there enough storage space? Does it look like the camp has overbooked and crowded extra campers in? * How clean are the bunks? Beds should be made by the campers and belongings should be in cubbies. * Where do the counselors sleep? How many counselors sleep in each bunk?

Bathrooms: *Does each bunk have it’s own toilets or is there a common bathhouse? How far away are the toilets? * Do children have to walk alone at night? Is the path lighted? * Where are the showers? * If the camp is coed, how separate are the shower and toilet facilities? * Who cleans the bathrooms, and how often?

Waterfront or Swimming Pool: * Can the pool accommodate all swimmers? * Are the waterfront areas for swimming, boating, water skiing and diving separate and clearly marked? * What kind of waterfront toys are provided? * What is the supervision and ratio of lifeguards to swimmers? * Are life jackets always worn whebn boating? * Are swimming tested on skills? * How do the camp keep track ofr swimmers? Buddy board?

The Grounds: * Are playing fields freshly reseeded and mowed? * Are the trails clearly marked? * Is the equipment in good condition?

Dinning Hall: Believe it or not this one of the most important areas at camp. Nearly 25% of their day is spent in the Dinning Hall. So the Camp needs to understand this and work to make it a clean, exciting and nutritious experience Will the camp meet your dietary needs. Don’t be forget to make sure they can accommodate you Kids Summer Camp * Are there alternatives if your child does not like the offering? Is there a salad bar? * When, how and what Are the snacks? Is there a canteen/camp store? * What does a typical menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner look like?* Is there enough space for the whole camp to be served in one seating? * Do cabins eat together? This is your child’s friends. * Are meals buffet style or are campers served family style? If they are served, who serves the food? * Who is the kitchen director and what are his or their credentials? How long have they been at this camp? * What are the safety and cleanliness standards? Who inspectes the state and local codes?

Remember this article has to do with the comforts of camp and not with safety at camp. The American Camp Association has a certification program that looks at over 300 different aspects of camp. It is always best to select a camp that has been ACA Accredited.ACA

You can learn more about selecting a wonderful Summer Camp by visiting Summer Camp Advice, They provide information about Summer Camp

Swift specializes in programs for the First Time Camper, as well as teen campers

Some people may live a full life, trying to cope with a full time job and keeping their family life running smoothly. Thus, the thought of giving your cat some homemade healthy food instead of shop bought meals may not appeal to you at the moment. However, it does not have to be too time consuming to do this.

However, the benefits to having your cat healthy are more important than actually saving the few minutes a day that it could take to prepare a home made cat meal. It may only take you a few minutes more to feed your cat some healthy homemade food than it would to open a packet of shop bought cat food. Another advantage to your cat having a healthy meal will be that your cat will not need as much health care by the professionals, which could end up saving you quite a bit of money.

The first thing you need to know is what food is healthy for cats to eat. I think the best adviser on this is Nature itself.

Knowing what food to feed your cat is the first step. The second one would be to find out how to feed your cat healthily.

By shopping weekly, you can ensure that you always have plenty of food to be able to feed your cat.

With all of your food in stock you could then plan recipes for the week. By sticking to certain foods on certain days, you can make sure that your cat is getting all the nutrition that it actually needs on a regular basis. It makes it easier for you too, as you can just repeat your recipes every week.

By making a week’s supply of food you can put some of the food in the freezer to preserve it, and the rest could go in the refrigerator.

Knowing about homemade cat food and the making of such food just takes a little planning. Once you have gotten the hang of this, it comes a lot easier to you and you can easily fit it into your daily or weekly routine.

In addition to cat nutrition, the author also regularly shares writing regarding HP scanner software and paperless office solutions.

Xian, which is in the central north west of China, is an integral city in the evolution of Chinese history and culture. For this reason it is generally high up on tourists’ itineraries and rightly so. There are a number of fascinating sites to take in while on a Xian travel. The top of the list to visit should be Mount Huashan and the famous Terracotta Warriors.

Xian travel has been an important part of the development of Chinese culture and it was an ancient capital for much of its history too, which explains why there are so many important monuments in the vicinity of the city. It was also the eastern terminal of the famed Silk Road. It is very easy to get to Mount Huashan from Xian and you can even book day trips from the city, there and back.

Mount Huashan is considered to be one of the five most sacred mounts in all of China. It is called Huashan, because “hua” is the Chinese word for flower and with the five peaks that make up the mountain it has the appearance of a flower and “shan” is the respectful term given to mountains in Chinese.

The mountain is the location of some ancient and significant Taoist temples and it is the destination of many pilgrimages by faithful from all around China. One of the best ways to see the mountain and the surrounding countryside is to take the cable car, or you can do hiking tours with Xian Travel guides for a more energetic experience with the mountain.

There are three trails that go up to the north peak and from there other paths lead to the other four peaks. The tallest peak on the mountain is 2160 meters. Of the three trails the original trail is the most popular and represents the biggest challenge to hikers.

The pathways that lead up the mountain have a reputation for being somewhat perilous as the pathways skirt precipitous drops and they are quite narrow. The trail is known by some as the most dangerous trail under heaven, but the climb is thrilling and when you reach the top you are rewarded with incredible views. The thrill and the excitement of the hike is what attracts many visitors to the site all year around and improvements in the trails by the Chinese Government have improved the Xian travel conditions significantly.

The mountain is considered to be very sacred to Taoism and emperors used to come here to make offerings and pray. There are a number of very important and interesting temples around the mountain. At the south peak there is the Baidi Temple, which is considered the host temple of the Taoist god Shaohao. Right near the base of the mountain is the picturesque Xi Yue Temple, which is one of the oldest in all of China.

While you embark on a Xian travel, you should make a day trip to Mount Huashan a priority on your itinerary. There are many places that can offer day trips to the mountain and bring you back in the afternoon. The mountain has a wonderful combination of spiritualism, excitement and natural beauty to offer every visitor that climbs its peaks.

Xian travel really is a fascinating experience while touring throughout China. It has an interesting blend of old and new, with some very important cultural and historical heritage sites to be seen. The Terracotta Warriors and the Mount Huashan are the highlights of the trip and should not be missed.

If you would like to know more about Mount Huashan, don’t be shy to email Xian Travel Service

Reishi extract has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat arthritis and other forms of inflammation for over 2,000 years. Also commonly known by its Latin name as “Ganoderma,” or Chinese “Ling Zhi,” Reishi is by far the most searched medicinal mushroom on the Internet with over 200,000 searches per month. And although it may not be the panacea (”cure-all”) that some hold it to be, the fact that modern research confirms it as an inflammation modulator may help explain why it has long been heralded as such in the Orient.

In fact, Chinese medical practitioners have been prescribing Reishi extract for ages in cases of arthritis, bronchitis and other conditions involving any type of inflammation. Modern research in Asia as well as in America and Europe confirm the validity of these uses. Out of 19 papers used for this article, 17 reported positive results in the use or Reishi extract for arthritis. Only two were studies were inconclusive, both of which were conducted by the same research team. (1,2)

A U.S. based study conducted in 1993 showed that a water extract of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) exhibited “significant anti-inflammatory activity.” (4) Ten years later, an Indian research paper was published which stated that the use of Reishi extract helped decrease inflammation in acute edema by 56% and in chronic edema by 60%. (3) Using the “Article References” link on this page, you will find references to seven additional research articles that confirm Reishi extract as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. (5,6,7,8,9,10,11)

Next we’ll be looking at some studies that more directly relate to the use of Reishi extract with arthritis. A paper published in 2006 by Blum et al. claimed to provide supporting clinical evidence demonstrating that use of Reishi extract for joint health was both safe and effective. (12)

Also that same year, a Chinese study by Xi Bao et al. came to the conclusion that Reishi plus another medicinal herbal remedy commonly used in China seemed to have a “beneficial immunomodulatory effect” on arthritis. (13)

The mechanism through which Reishi achieves this beneficial effect on arthritis was suggested in a study the following year, 2007, by Ho et al., which states that GL-PP [Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide peptide] significantly inhibited the proliferation of RASF [Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts] (14)

Five additional studies are included in the references that report positive findings between Reishi and arthritis. (15,16,17) One goes so far as to state that Reishi shows favorable results when compared to prednisone, and is free from the side effects. (18) In extension of this, a separate study also found that not only was Reishi extract free of the side effects of prednisone, it could also help balance the existing side effects of prednisolone* such as cell toxicity and proteinuria. (*Prednisolone is the active compound of prednisone. The liver breaks down prednisone and converts it to prednisolone.) (19)

In conclusion, the body of research does seem to support the use of Reishi extract in cases of arthritis. Remember that it is important to always work with a licensed medical practitioner when using any herb for medicinal purposes.

Note: “Reishi” is the Japanese name on the mushroom known in English as “Varnished Conk.” It actually encompasses several closely related species, the most common of which is Ganoderma lucidum (Common Reishi or Red Reishi). This species can be found in the U.S. but is much more common in South East Asia. It is also well known by its Chinese name, Ling Zhi.

Several closely related species of Ganoderma also go by the name of “Reishi”. Most common of these are the Hemlock Reishi (Ganoderma tsugae) found on Hemlocks in the Appalachian Mountains, and the Chinese species “Black Reishi” (Ganoderma sinense). Less common are Ganoderma resinaceum (sometimes called “Red Reishi,” although that name is more often used for G. lucidum), Ganoderma neo-japonicum (no common name other than “Reishi”), and Ganoderma japonicum (Purple Reishi).

Dr. Markho Rafael works as a herbal researcher and author since 1996, specializing in mycomedicinals. Click on Reishi extract for quality products and free articles on mycomedicinals. Reishi Arthritis Article References

Because of their small size-9 to 16 pounds, and growing to only 8-11 inches tall-the Shih Tzu is a perfect size for someone living in an apartment or small house. If you are considering getting yourself a Shih Tzu, there are a few things you should know about the breed before deciding.

Shih Tzu dogs are beautiful with their long flowing hair. Even their tails, which flip over their back, is also covered with that long mane of hair. Usually, because their hair covers their eyes, owners will pin the hair up into a pony-tail. While their muzzle hair is short, they look to have a mustache and a full beard.

These types of dogs can be caring and thoughtful, but also have the tendency to become very lively. With a patient teacher, they are easily trained, and can become very good watchdogs. Other pets in the household can aggravate your Shih Tzu if they feel they are not getting your full attention, but generally they are fine with other pets. The Shih Tzu needs to have a family who is the pack leader, and will let him know the rules of the house. If you allow your Shih Tzu to become the pack leader, you will have problems such as growling, excessive barking, and separation anxiety.

Grooming your Shih Tzu must be done daily in order to keep their coat free of knots and tangles. Owners who keep their dogs hair longer, usually pull the long hair of the head into a topknot to keep it out of the eyes. Some may decide to trim the fur into a “puppy cut” which can alleviate the need to groom as much. It is very important however, that you keep the eyes and ears clean. There are eye drops you can get from your veterinarian if needed. If you suffer from pet dander allergies, this breed of dog is an excellent choice as they don’t shed very often.

Walking your Shih Tzu daily is very important. This can alleviate behavior problems that may arise out of mental or physical stress. Giving them time off the lead, in a safe area, can give this dog a lot of exercise that they may not get just from playing inside. Over feeding your Shih Tzu can be regulated by keeping a feeding schedule. If allowed to free feed, your Shih Tzu will gain weight.

Lizzie Belle is the proud owner of a Shih Tzu, named Sydney, and enjoys sharing information and details of how to take care of your Shih Tzu Dogs. If you’re looking for Shih Tzu facts, names, gifts, or maybe information on how to groom a Shih Tzu, then her website is the place to go. Take a look today at www.shihtzupets.org

Nature has always succeeded to bewilder its inhabitants by its marvelous scenic beauty all around the globe. It has certainly bestowed its blessings on Kerela, situated in the southern part of India. Backwaters of Kerela are the most amazing, attractive and precious features treasured by this state, found no where else in the whole world. Backwaters are a network of lakes, canals and estuaries and deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea. Over 900 km of this tangled water world is navigable and used a local means of transport.

Undoubtedly, roving in a houseboat (Ketuvalloms) listening to the sound of rippling water passing just below can make anyone awestruck. The serenity of the place forms boundless divine connection bringing your mind in sink with the body’s soul.

Experiencing the meadows, infinite countryside, swaying palm trees, emerald rice fields, beaches, transports you to an unforgettable paradise. Known as “god’s own country” it definitely delivers the best it has stored in itself.

The experience enchants your mind in many ways and proves itself to be a blissful holiday destination. This tempting tourist site enthralls the magic of heavens. A visit will satisfy all your requirement constraints. Have a memorable trip!

Wales is a land of amazing physical beauty. Bordered by the deep blue sea and framed by rugged green hills, the Welsh countryside holds several delights for the nature lover and has some of the best walking routes in the region.

Wales has walking trails to suit travellers of various abilities and age groups. Among its most popular routes are three national trails and 19 regional routes besides myriad day walks for those just out to enjoy the bracing weather. Evidence of the Welsh interest in walking is borne out by the various walking festivals celebrated across the country like the Cardigan Festival of Walking as well as the Barmouth Walking Festival.

Some of the most famous walking trails in Wales are to be found in Snowdonia, the largest national park in the country and home to its highest peak, Mount Snowdon. Other national parks which offer delightful walking routes are Brecon Beacons as well as the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. Besides these major circuits there are several less-frequented paths in the countryside like Preseli Hills in Pembrokeshire as well as the Clywdian Range in the Loggerheads County Park. Best of all, these routes in the moors, hills and valleys are well-connected by public transportation and backed by adequate tourist information for the convenience of visitors who come to sample the lush walking trails of Wales.