What Your Urine Says About Your Health

One week beets have you peeing pink, and the next asparagus has you running from the stench. But even if you’re a pro at identifying the reason, finding different colors in the bowl can still be shocking.

Don’t let your pee take you by surprise. The following is a list of seven urine color variations and what they might mean.

The eyes may be a window into the soul, but the toilet bowl is a window into the body. Turns out, you can learn a lot about what's going on inside by examining what comes out. In fact, it's become pretty standard advice to keep an eye on what you leave behind when you pee, and to aim for a light lemonade color as a sign of optimal hydration.

The problem, other than the fact that you have to look into the toilet bowl, is that taking a glance at the color of your pee isn't always as accurate at predicting true dehydration as, say, a blood test, according to research in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The study examined hydration tests among older adults and found that urine color can be changed by too many other things to accurately predict hydration.

The yellow color of urine comes from a chemical byproduct that results when the kidneys do their job of processing waste, explains Koushik Shaw, MD, a urologist and founder of Austin Urology Institute in Texas. The more dehydrated you are, the more concentrated the urine becomes and the darker the color gets. "A pale yellow color reflects a good balance between over- and underhydration," he says.

Money Won't Make You Happy, But These 12 Traits Will

Times have changed quite a bit in half a century. We make far more money than our ancestors did, but according to research, we aren’t any happier. It often seems that happiness is just around the corner... if we work hard enough. But happiness doesn't come wrapped with a big red bow and car keys attached. The best path to happiness is found in several characteristics of happy people. Scientists suggests that half of our happiness is dependent on our genetic make-up, but that we can determine the other half. It's empowering to know that our actions can have a direct effect on our level of happiness, regardless of our genetic predisposition. Here are 12 attributes found in genuinely happy people that may be just what you need to ensure you stay on the sunny side of the street.

1 HAPPY PEOPLE LAUGH OFTEN
Laughter really is the best medicine for the sickening feeling of an unhappy life. Laughing out loud releases feel-good chemicals in your brain, the same chemicals found in people who have a sense of joy and well-being. Not only does laughing make you feel good, it’s also very good for your health. Researchers from the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore found that people who suffered from heart disease were 40 percent less likely to laugh in situations in which people without heart disease would. So if you're interested in living a long, happy life, implement more laughable moments. Surround yourself with funny people, watch hilarious movies that make you chuckle, learn to take yourself less seriously and go see a stand-up comedian every once in while. It doesn’t really matter which comes first, the chicken or the egg, the joy or the smile, just put a grin on your face and laugh your way to happiness (and healthiness)!

Being Married May No Longer Make You Healthier

New research indicates that the health benefits of wedded bliss have been decreasing from generation to generation.
For decades, there’s been a growing body of evidence linking marriage with better health.

Some studies showed that those who tie the knot live longer, have less chance of becoming depressed, and have fewer strokes and heart attacks.

But a recent study published in Social Science Quarterly suggests marriage might not have all the health benefits we previously thought.

Stop Smoking Forever

Let’s face it: It’s hard to quit smoking. You’ve tried and failed several times. This time, though, you have lots of help — from support groups, new therapies and drugs to smart phone apps. Check out these 15 tips to kick the habit for good...

You know all about the dangers of smoking. It’s the leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It also causes cancer, heart disease and stroke. It kills 480,000 people a year. And we’re not even counting its hit on your pocketbook and social life.

Despite these reasons to stop smoking, you just keep coming back for more. Many others — about 20.7 million women smokers, according to the American Heart Association — feel your pain and struggle to kick the habit.


But there’s good news: Smoking has dropped to 15.1% of Americans in 2016, down from 20.9% in 2005, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

And it’s easier than ever before to quit smoking thanks to new tools, techniques and tips to stop smoking.

This Specific Penis Shape Is Linked to Cancer Risk

Listen up, gentlemen! Sure, size doesn’t matter. But when it comes to your health, shape does. A study of 1.5 million men by Baylor College of Medicine in Texas found that curved penises are at a significantly higher risk of developing several types of cancer.

The condition, known as penile fibrosis (or, in less medically charged terms, Peyronie’s disease), is due to a buildup of scar tissue that develops underneath the skin of the penis. The curve is noticeable during erections and can be painful and make sex difficult, if not impossible.

The study looked at patients suffering from Peyronie’s disease compared with those suffering from erectile dysfunction and found that Peyronie’s patients were at a 40 percent higher risk of testicular and stomach cancers and a 29 percent increased risk of skin cancer. Due to this increased risk, the Baylor team advises men with the condition to be monitored for cancer.

Constant Urge to Urinate? Tips to Manage OAB Naturally

Learn the causes of OAB and natural ways to manage your frequent urge to urinate.
Are you skipping excursions with friends because you’re worried a restroom won’t be in arm’s length? You’re not alone. Overactive bladder (OAB) doesn’t have to cramp your style or your social life. Find out natural ways to manage that frequent urge to urinate...
Do you have the path to the mall restroom mapped? Are you afraid to leave home because a restroom won’t be nearby when you need one?

That’s the reality for the millions of women who suffer from overactive bladder (OAB).


In fact, 17% of all women over age 18 have OAB, according to the National Association for Incontinence (NAFI), an education and advocacy association.

So why does OAB have you living in the ladies’ room? And what exactly are the underlying causes of the urge to urinate?
How do you know if you have an overactive bladder?
Key points
Your bladder can hold up to 400–600 milliliters of urine.
The recommended daily intake of liquids is 1.5 liters.
The average person should visit the bathroom between four and eight times during the day and once at night.
Some drinks, like alcohol and coffee, can increase trips to the bathroom.
Having an overactive bladder (OAB) means your bladder has problems storing urine normally. Common symptoms of OAB include:

needing to go to the bathroom more often than usual
being unable to hold your urine
experiencing leakage when you need to urinate (incontinence)
needing to urinate several times throughout the night
Over time, these symptoms may affect your daily life. They can make it harder to plan trips, cause unintentional disruptions during work, or affect your sleep quality.

Former Smokers Take Note: This Simple Home Remedy Could Change Your Life

Everybody knows about the health risks associated with smoking, including an increased risk of heart disease and lung cancer. If you quit smoking, your chances of getting those diseases drop dramatically, but your lungs are likely still coated in tar.

Luckily for former smokers, there’s a home remedy that breaks up much of the muck and gunk in your lungs and gets your breathing back to normal quickly. Enjoy this surprisingly simple solution!

Robert Mugabe resigns after 37 years as Zimbabwe's leader

Robert Mugabe resigned as Zimbabwe's President after 37 years of autocratic rule on Tuesday, finally succumbing to the pressure of a military takeover and the humiliation of impeachment.

The announcement came minutes into a joint session of the Zimbabwean Parliament in Harare, convened to prise the 93-year-old from power.
As the Speaker read out a letter from Mugabe, lawmakers broke out in thunderous applause. The impeachment proceedings were immediately suspended.
In the streets outside, crowds erupted in rapturous celebrations, dancing and cheering in joy, raising their fists and waving Zimbabwean flags.

Selena Gomez accused of lip syncing at the 2017 AMAs

Did Selena Gomez lip sync at the 2017 American Music Awards?

The 25-year-old pop star performed her latest hit, a collaboration with Marshmello called "Wolves," at the AMAs on Sunday night, and Twitter users were quick to suggest that the singer was lip syncing during her first televised performance of 2017.


Clad in a slinky white slip dress, sneakers and her newly-dyed blonde hair, Gomez appeared confident back in the spotlight for the first time since receiving a kidney transplant over the summer. She had fake blood slathered on her body as she delivered a subdued performance of her latest single.

Not everyone was impressed, though.

"Worst lip sync performance goes to Selena Gomez," one used tweeted.

"Hey Selena Gomez, if you’re going to lip sync, you should probably make it semi believable," someone else wrote.

Man Barely Survives A Massive Car Accident, And Weeks Later He Realizes What Saved Him

If you think about it, the word “miracle” gets thrown around too often. It’s frequently applied to silly, insignificant things, or to situations that have perfectly reasonable explanations.

Every once in a while, though, something positive happens that, on a purely logical level, should not have occurred at all. Perhaps there are varying degrees to which things can be considered miraculous, but what other word is there to describe something so wonderfully inexplicable?

That’s the situation in which one Imgur user found himself. He was involved in a gruesome car accident, but what ended up happening to him was truly nothing short of a miracle!

Della Reese 'Touched By Angel' star and singer, dies aged 86

Della Reese, the actress and singer famous for her role as Tess - the wise angel in television drama 'Touched by an Angel' passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, at her California home on Sunday. A statement released on the family's behalf by Reese's co-star Roma Downey read;

"On behalf of her husband, Franklin Lett, and all her friends and family, I share with you the news that our beloved Della Reese has passed away peacefully at her California home last evening surrounded by love. She was an incredible wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and pastor, as well as an award-winning actress and singer.

Queen marks 70th wedding anniversary by making Prince Phillip a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order

The Queen has presented the Duke of Edinburgh with a rare honour as a special anniversary present as they celebrate 70 years of marriage.
As the royal couple reached their milestone platinum wedding anniversary, Elizabeth II appointed Philip a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO) for services to the sovereign.
The touching gesture will be seen as the Queen's recognition of the devotion Philip has shown through the decades, supporting her publicly and privately.
Philip, 96, retired from his public role in the summer after years of royal duty alongside the monarch.
He is the longest serving royal consort in British history, and the Queen, the nation's longest reigning monarch, is the first to celebrate a 70th wedding anniversary.
Awards in the Royal Victorian Order are made personally by the Queen and bestowed independently of Downing Street.
The monarch presented Philip with the honour at Windsor Castle, where they are marking their anniversary privately.
They are celebrating with close family and friends at a special dinner at the Berkshire residence on Monday evening.

US Air Force pilot killed in Texas plane crash

A U.S. Air Force training jet crashed Monday near Lake Amistad, Texas, killing the pilot and injuring another, according to officials at Laughlin Air Force Base.

The two-seat, T-38 Talon jet crashed about 4 p.m. Monday, roughly 14 miles northwest of the air base near U.S. 90 in Del Rio, Texas, officials said.

Some eyewitnesses reported seeing a parachute and one pilot descending to the ground, the Del Rio News-Herald reported.

The surviving pilot was transferred to Val Verde Regional Medical Center in Del Rio. No names were released until family could be notified, according to a base statement.

Libya says to probe 'slave auction' footage

Libya will investigate alleged slave trading in the country, the internationally recognised government announced Sunday, following the release of video footage appearing to show migrants being auctioned off.

Chaos-ridden Libya has long been a major transit hub for migrants trying to reach Europe, and many of them have fallen prey to serious abuse in the North African country at the hands of traffickers and others.

US television network CNN aired the footage last week of an apparent live auction in Libya where black men are presented to North African buyers as potential farmhands and sold off for as little as $400.

Woman, 24, who was held captive as an ISIS sex slave, reveals horror at hands of jihadi monsters

A WOMAN held captive as an ISIS sex slave has revealed her harrowing story at the hands of the barbarous terror group.

Nadia Murad, 24, was one of 7,000 Yazidi women and girls snatched by hard-line Sunni Muslim fighters in 2014 in northern Iraq.
Five of her eight brothers and and her mother were slaughtered while the younger girls like her were kept as sex slaves, The Times reports.

Murad has now opened up about her horror ordeal in a new book called The Last Girl: My Story of Captivity and My Fight Against the Islamic State published on Tuesday.

She writes: "It never gets easier to tell your story. Each time you speak it, you relive it.

Call Of Duty: WWII reader’s review – Reader’s Feature

A reader, and long-time COD fan, offers his verdict on the story campaign, Zombies mode, and multiplayer of WWII. Call Of Duty is a franchise that has certainly had its ups and down the past couple of years, not helped by three year development cycles that has meant the past five titles have been near future or futuristic with 3D movement.

And while many have called the franchise ‘dead’ online, (despite Black Ops III topping 25+ million units last year) the news of a return to its roots this year was met with euphoria all across the community, old and new And with the news, as I’m writing this, that Call Of Duty: WWII has broken the record for the best-selling digital full game on PlayStation 4, and has surpassed $500 million worldwide in it’s opening weekend, it seems it’s been a hit. Although World War 2 isn’t anything new to the franchise, it sure is a refreshing change of pace. A necessary one, and I’m glad to tell you that it’s a great game. Although the campaign isn’t great, the multiplayer sure is.

Having A Pet Dog Leads To Longer, Healthier Life: Study

A team of scientists found that dog owners have lower risks of cardiovascular disease and death. How do dogs protect their humans from untimely disease and death?

Canine Protectors From Cardiovascular Disease And Death
Utilizing data from seven different national registries of 3.4 million individuals in Sweden, a team of Swedish scientists wanted to find out whether dog owners have different disease and death risks compared to non-dog owners. The data they studied included dog ownership registration, which has been mandatory in Sweden since 2001, and hospital records in the national database.

What they found was that having a dog evidently lowers the risk of death due to cardiovascular disease and other causes. Generally, they found that having a dog lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease among single-person households, and lowers death risks among the general public.

Their results also showed that people with hunting dogs actually have the lowest risk of cardiovascular diseases compared to other groups. What's more, they found a 33 percent reduction in death risk and 11 percent reduction in myocardial infarction risk among single dog owners compared to single non-owners, something that the authors find quite interesting.

"A very interesting finding in our study was that dog ownership was especially prominent as a protective factor in persons living alone," said Mwenya Mubanga of the Uppsala University, lead junior author of the study who also points out that perhaps dogs serve as a stand-in family member in single households.

Legend of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild Wins Game Of The Year At The Golden Joystick Awards

Nintendo's epic open world adventure, Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, has won Ultimate Game of The Year at the Golden Joystick Awards, the top prize of the ceremony honoring the best video games to come out in 2017.

The victory comes as no surprise at all, seeing as the game reaped riotous praise and mountains of accolades upon its release. Some even call it a revolutionary title that'll change how open-world elements work in future games, while many argue it's one of the best games in the Zelda series.

Nintendo Won Several Other Awards, Too
Breath of the Wild beats Horizon Zero Dawn and Persona 5, which came in at second and third place, respectively. Besides the top prize, it also came home with Best Audio, Nintendo Game of the Year 2017, and Critics' Choice. Nintendo EPD, responsible for both Breath of the Wild and smash-hit Super Mario Odyssey, was named Best Studio this year.

Car review: Jaguar E-Pace SUV (2017)

The world domination of the SUV continues apace – or E-Pace, in this instance – with a new Jaguar off-road-alike that slots below the F-Pace both physically and alphabetically.

Rather than stealing sales from the larger car Jag reckons the E-Pace will bring new, younger customers through the door – and there are certainly enough of them; compact crossovers like this made up 40% of global SUV sales in 2016, and that number is only expected to increase.

It was inevitable, therefore, that the E-Pace would come along sooner or later. Premium rivals like the BMW X1 and Audi Q3 have been ploughing this particular furrow for years – and even sister-brand Land Rover is at it with the Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque.

Enough with the farming metaphors, what’s the Jaguar E-Pace like to drive?

Unsurprisingly it sits on the same platform as those JLR relatives (a chassis that can trace its heritage to the previous Ford Mondeo) but the E-Pace is more about sporting performance than off-road ability.
It’s powered exclusively by 2.0-litre, four-cylinder Ingenium engines ranging from a 148bhp diesel to a 296bhp petrol as used in the F-Type, although the latter’s soundtrack is a bit more business-like in the E-Pace.

Jennifer Hudson Files Protective Order Against David Otunga After He Got Physical & Taunted Her With a Gun

The recent split between Jennifer Hudson and David Otunga is about to get really messy. The singer has filed a protective order against Otunga, claiming the former pro wrestler has become “aggressive” and “threatening.” He’s been ordered to stay away from his ex-fiancée and their 8-year-old son.
Stating Otunga exhibited “aggressive, threatening and harassing behavior toward me,” Hudson obtained a protection order against him. “I am now living in fear of further action David might take,” she said.
After nearly 10 years together, the couple reportedly broke up several months ago. However, Otunga remained in the couple’s home (which is owned by Hudson) and provided “residential care” for their son, David Jr., while Hudson constantly traveled for work (like Keyshia Cole and Daniel “Booby” Gibson).

However, with each fighting for full-custody of the 8-year-old, the split has become contentious and a custody battle is brewing. Things came to a head on Wednesday night (Nov. 15) when Otunga became physical after accusing Hudson of dating a producer and getting his son involved in the matter.

Jesse Jackson suffering from Parkinson's

US civil rights campaigner Jesse Jackson his suffering from Parkinson's disease.

In a letter to supporters the 76-year-old said family and friends noticed a change in him about three years ago.

He said he could no longer ignore symptoms of the chronic neurological disorder that causes movement difficulties and had been receiving outpatient care for two years

"Recognition of the effects of this disease on me has been painful, and I have been slow to grasp the gravity of it," he wrote.

The mental disorder that makes Nigerian leaders loot, — Prof. Franzek, researcher, reveals

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM, Netherlands

Ernst Josef Franzek is among the best mental health doctors in Europe. The German born professor of psychiatry and neurology spoke with Sunday Vanguard in the Netherlands during which he expressed worries over what he described as the neglect of mental health care in Nigeria. He attributed the high number of mental health patients in Nigeria to poverty and lack of care for mothers during birth. He also traced the bad leadership in Nigeria and the high crime rate to mental disorders suffered during birth. While calling on Nigerians to ensure their leaders pass mental test before being elected, he criticised the idea of taking mental health patients to the church and, in the process, subjecting them to torture.

Who is Professor Franzek?

I am a psychiatric doctor. I have worked in the Netherlands for more than 40 years. I was born in Germany and educated in a German university. I was a lecturer at the university but, when I turned 50, I decided to do new things. In the summer, I go into research and now I am into another research and treatment of people who have psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and people who also have problem with drugs: Psychiatric disorder and addiction. At the moment, I am the Project Director of the Organization of Mental Health Brabant, the Netherlands.

AC/DC guitarist and co-founder Malcolm Young dies, aged 64

AC/DC co-founder, guitarist and songwriter Malcolm Young has passed away at the age of 64.



Malcolm, who revealed he has been suffering with dementia in 2014, died at home surrounded by his family.

"It is with deepest sorrow that we inform you of the death of Malcolm Young, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother," his family said in a statement on Facebook today (November 18).

"Malcolm had been suffering from Dementia for several years and passed away peacefully with his family by his bedside."
Malcolm's brother Angus also confirmed the news in a statement released on Facebook, praising Malcolm as a "visionary" who will leave behind an enormous legacy.

"Today it is with deep heartfelt sadness that AC/DC has to announce the passing of Malcolm Young," the post read.

Serena Williams is married! See photos from her and husband Alexis Ohanian's in their beauty and the beast themed wedding

After a day of speculation, we finally have a peek inside of Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian's fairy tale wedding.

The couple tied the knot on Thursday night at the Contemporary Arts Center of New Orleans in front of 200 family and friends, including Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, Kelly Rowland, Ciara, Anna Wintour and Venus Williams, among others.

The top-secret affair was kept largely off of social media for the first 24 hours, so details of the "Beauty and the Beast"-themed nuptials were scarce. Paparazzi photos from outside the ceremony and reception showed a star-studded crowd -- also including Eva Longoria, LaLa Anthony, Tina Knowles and Caroline Wozniacki -- and inside Serena and Alexis danced their first dance to "Tale As Old As Time." "Be Our Guest" played as guests entered the reception.

15 Black Men Arrested By a Corrupt Cop Are Cleared of All Convictions

One by one, the men told the same story: A Chicago police officer would demand money from them. And if they didn’t pay, they would find themselves in handcuffs with drugs stuffed in their pockets.

A Cook County judge on Thursday threw out the felony drug convictions of 15 black men who all say they were locked up for no other reason except that they refused to pay Ronald Watts.
It was the largest mass exoneration in memory in Chicago. And even in a city where it has become almost routine for police misconduct to lead to overturned convictions, the courthouse had never seen anything like the order issued in front of more than a dozen men whose lives were changed forever by the former sergeant.