Articles written by Maija Haavisto

Videogames are great fun, and even better when played with friends. Nintendo Wii with its creative game controllers makes this an even more social activity.

Dec 18, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Homemade food items make for a wonderful gift basket for Christmas and other occasions. Tips for which foods to include and how to package the present.

Dec 10, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Colleen Patrick-Goudreau's new cookbook The Vegan Table features 200 recipes to serve at dinner parties, holiday celebrations, romantic dinners and other events.

Dec 7, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common ailment causing diarrhea, constipation and stomach pain and there are many possible causes - most of them treatable.

Dec 5, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Wii Fit is a great exercise game, but its biggest problem has been the lack of activities - the user gets bored. The new Wii Fit Plus tries to remedy this problem.

Dec 2, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Whether writers struggle with plot, characters or just finishing the first draft of a first novel manuscript, one of these three books is guaranteed to help.

Nov 20, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

There are many treatments for fibromyalgia, some even FDA approved, but they only offer symptom relief. Low dose naltrexone (LDN) could treat the actual illness.

Nov 10, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Roasting in the oven is a great and easy way to prepare flavourful vegetables for main or side dishes. Almost any vegetable can be roasted.

Oct 30, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Several infectious causes have been suspected for triggering irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.

Oct 18, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

There are many Twitter clients for various platforms. This article reviews two widgets and one userscript add-on you can use straight from the Opera browser.

Oct 13, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a disabling neurological illness. New study suggests it might be caused by the retrovirus XMRV.

Oct 9, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Lisa Sanders' has written a fascinating book on the importance of using the right diagnostic tools - starting from patient history - to solve "medical mysteries."

Oct 8, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Can stimulants help chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME)? In some cases the answer is yes - and they can help more than just the fatigue.

Oct 5, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Dips, salad dressings, smoothies and cheesecakes - all based on hemp, a real superfood. You don't have to be a raw foodist to enjoy this cookbook.

Oct 1, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which again fills the stores with pink products and pink ribbons. But many people with breast cancer are feeling exploited.

Sep 28, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Dark circles under eyes can make one look tired and weary. Sleep may not be enough to make them vanish, but research shows some eye creams and supplements might help.

Sep 24, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Medical statistics are everywhere, but they are often hard to understand and may seem confusing, contradicting or misleading. This textbook helps you solve the riddle.

Sep 21, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Would you like to save money by making your own vegan yoghurt? Don't worry, it's very easy and you won't need a yoghurt machine or any special equipment.

Sep 14, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Magnesium can help various symptoms of fibromyalgia and conditions often associated with it. But what is the best form of magnesium to supplement with?

Sep 10, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

If you've ever wondered something about mushrooms, this article will answer your questions. Even if you - or your stomach - doesn't like them, you may find a solution.

Sep 8, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Trigger points in muscles may cause or contribute to all types of headaches, not just tension headaches. Once identified the problem can be treated.

Sep 3, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Cooking with mushrooms isn't rocket science, but these tips and ideas for selecting, preparing and seasoning mushrooms help you achieve the tastiest results.

Aug 31, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Myofascial trigger points are at the root of many chronic pain conditions. They are best treated by local massage, though other options for therapy exist too.

Aug 26, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Myofascial trigger points are a very common problem that can lead to severe pain and other puzzling symptoms, which are often misdiagnosed.

Aug 25, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

This delicious mushroom pie is somewhat like a quiche, but free of eggs and dairy. It can also be made gluten-free and soy-free.

Aug 19, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Chaga mushroom has traditionally been used in the treatment of cancer and other serious ailments. Preliminary research shows it has many beneficial properties.

Aug 16, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Aluminium-based antiperspirants may cause skin irritation, stains in clothing and other problems. Five deodorants without aluminium were put to test for efficacy.

Aug 13, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Many medications can effectively treat CFS/ME, but there are also many useful herbs for symptoms like fatigue, cognitive problems and sleep disturbances.

Aug 9, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Wii Sports Resort is a new game from Nintendo similar to the original Wii Sports, but this beach-themed version has many more activities and gaming modes.

Jul 22, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Good news: naturally red hair no longer makes you seen as a witch. Bad news: it can make you more sensitive to pain and more prone to some types of cancer, like melanoma.

Jul 16, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Find yourself cooking the same boring food time after time? Stop! With these simple tips you can have more fun in the kitchen and prepare exciting, delicious dishes.

Jul 13, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

So-called superfoods are heavily promoted for various ailments, including fibromyalgia. Their antioxidant content may offer some relief, but "cure" is likely a misnomer.

Jul 9, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Acetaminophen (known as paracetamol in Europe) has made headlines lately. Is Tylenol really dangerous? How can you take it safely? Or would NSAIDs be a better choice?

Jul 7, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Whether you want to enjoy a cup of café au lait in a classy setting or perhaps a slice of a raw chocolate cake, this article presents ten enjoyable options in Helsinki.

Jul 2, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Autoimmune diseases have been traditionally treated with immunosuppressants, but medications that stimulate the immune system may be a more rational choice.

Jun 30, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

How to remove odor from your hands? What about frozen foods? How to steam vegetables without a steamer and make ice cream without an ice cream maker?

Jun 25, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

"The Promise Of Low Dose Naltrexone Therapy: Potential Benefits in Cancer, Autoimmune, Neurological and Infectious Disorders" is a must-read medical textbook.

Jun 22, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Stinging nettle, dandelion, ground-elder, fireweed, alchemilla and plantain - weeds? They are also nutritious wild greens that can be used in cooking similar to spinach.

Jun 17, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Mary Boyle Bradley's husband's multiple sclerosis progresses rapidly - until low dose naltrexone. She becomes an activist to spread information about this treatment.

Jun 10, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Making your own herbal infusions from wild herbs is easy and fun. Even some plants that are commonly treated as pesky weeds can make delicious tea!

Jun 4, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

One of the thousands of multiple sclerosis patients helped by low dose naltrexone (LDN), Joseph Wouk has written a fascinating book about his search for the cure.

Jun 1, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Not a raw foodist nor a vegan? It doesn't matter - you can still enjoy the nutritious, tasty and easy to make side dishes and snacks from Kristen Suzanne's cookbook.

May 26, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Electronic Arts has released a new exercise game for the Wii, though EA Sports Active is perhaps more like a virtual trainer than a sports game. But the exercise is good!

May 22, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

People with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) usually have moderate to severe immune dysfunction which may not be picked up by normal lab tests.

May 19, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) often causes marked immune dysfunction, but some drugs and supplements can help, providing relief of symptoms.

May 13, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Don't worry, raw food desserts don't contain lettuce and sprouts! They are both tasty and good for you. An additional benefit is that they're very easy to make.

May 4, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Is the H1N1 influenza something we should fear, if SARS and bird flu didn't turn into pandemics, either? Is there anything we can or should do to increase our safety?

Apr 27, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Pancreatic cancer comes with a poor prognosis, but that doesn't mean it's untreatable. Vitamins, other supplements and some off-label prescription drugs may help.

Apr 23, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

One can use fruit acquired from normal grocery store fruit to grow exotic plants - even on a windowsill. It is surprisingly easy and fun.

Apr 19, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Restless legs syndrome can cause severe sleep disturbances. Luckily it's well treatable, even with some over-the-counter natural remedies.

Apr 13, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

If you're traveling to Finland, most likely there is no need to rent a car. Both local and long distance public transportation work well, even if they're somewhat pricey.

Apr 6, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Fibromyalgia is not just a fancy name for chronic pain, it is a specific condition which often causes many symptoms besides pain. It is also frequently misdiagnosed.

Mar 31, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Is it really so hard to get protein from a vegetarian diet? What about those following low-carb diets, serious athletes and bodybuilders, and those allergic to soy?

Mar 24, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Psychiatric illness by itself can cause problems in the bed, but the medications used in their treatment can make the problem even worse. Is there anything that can help?

Mar 20, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Nowadays grocery stores offer many meat-free alternatives to meat. But are these products healthy and tasty? Why pretend to eat meat if you're a vegetarian?

Mar 17, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Many people find the idea of needles icky, so the concept of acupuncture may feel quite unpleasant. But what does the needling actually feel like and are there any risks?

Mar 13, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

The Flamingo Spa offers a combination of a waterpark for children and a modern wellness spa for adults near the Helsinki-Vantaa airport in Finland.

Mar 9, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Neurologist, cardiologist, endocrinologist or perhaps an infection specialist? Who should diagnose and treat chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME)?

Mar 3, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Yoga, muscle exercises, aerobic exercises and balance games... Can you use Wii Fit even if you suffer from fatigue, muscle weakness, dizziness or impaired coordination?

Feb 28, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Meringues without eggs? It is now possible with Angel Food's kit, and while the results aren't exactly like normal meringues, they come close and taste great.

Feb 24, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

The term "treatment-refractory depression" refers to major depression that hasn't responded to at least two antidepressants, but other therapies may still help.

Feb 20, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

New Zealand based Angel Food makes a kit for making vegan marshmallows at home, based on agar agar instead of gelatin. But do they taste like normal marshmallows?

Feb 17, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) can be treated with several different amino acids which are available over-the-counter.

Feb 13, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are effective antidepressants. Most of them require strict dietary restrictions, but with newer MAOIs they may not be necessary.

Feb 10, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

The winter is full of photogenic things, besides just snow. The good news is that you don't need fancy equipment to capture the beauty of the season.

Feb 6, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Hannah Kaminsky has created a wonderful cookbook full of vegan sweets, desserts and baked goods. Vegan or not, this is a book for everyone with a sweet tooth.

Jan 30, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Many different types of drugs are used in the treatment of major depression and anxiety. But how do they differ, which one is the best and what will the future bring?

Jan 27, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

This article presents three simple methods for getting rid of nasty pimples quickly, two of them with ingredients you most likely already have.

Jan 20, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

After several studies vouching for its efficacy, the antidepressant milnacipran (Savella) received FDA approval for treatment of fibromyalgia in January 2009.

Jan 17, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

There are many types of sleep aids and medications used off-label for insomnia. Their effects and side effects vary, but this article helps you make educated decisions.

Jan 15, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook for Milk Allergies, Lactose Intolerance, and Casein-Free Living by Alisa Fleming is a comprehensive guide to dairy-free life.

Jan 9, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis may be associated with chronic viral infections. Several herpes viruses have been implicated, and they can be treated.

Jan 5, 2009 - Maija Haavisto

Influenza and the common cold can both make you miserable, but there are several differences between these maladies.

Dec 30, 2008 - Maija Haavisto

This hearty pie makes a great lunch, but also works well at dinner parties. The potato crust is lower in fat than traditional pie crusts, and can be made gluten-free.

Dec 22, 2008 - Maija Haavisto

Influenza is a fairly severe infectious disease occurring as yearly epidemics. Luckily there is a vaccination, but how well does it work and who should get it?

Dec 15, 2008 - Maija Haavisto

Simple things like a nice garnish, a few props and adding a little contrast in Photoshop can transform an ordinary food photo into a beautiful and professional one.

Dec 8, 2008 - Maija Haavisto

Food blogs are becoming more and more popular and the competition is fierce. To build a thriving blog, delicious recipes aren't enough - you also need dazzling photos.

Dec 5, 2008 - Maija Haavisto

Antipsychotic drugs are sometimes used in the treatment of fibromyalgia. They may relieve pain and insomnia, but do the benefits outweigh the risks?

Dec 2, 2008 - Maija Haavisto

Medical and health writing is a popular career, but it should be driven by a real interest and passion in the subject, not just a hope of making easy money.

Nov 26, 2008 - Maija Haavisto

Wella System Professional Remove Shampeeling Anti-Dandruff shampoo is an effective dandruff shampoo, but may also help those with seborrhea who don't have dandruff.

Nov 18, 2008 - Maija Haavisto

There is no full consensus whether fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) are the same thing, but does it even matter?

Nov 12, 2008 - Maija Haavisto

These easy recipes for homemade vegan chocolates make wonderful gifts. Chili, mint, cinnamon, berries... even "milk chocolate" without milk.

Nov 6, 2008 - Maija Haavisto

Medications, herbs and supplements can alter our dreams, making them more or less vivid, easier or harder to recall and causing or reducing nightmares.

Oct 30, 2008 - Maija Haavisto

Nonna's Italian Kitchen is a vegan cookbook full of delicious Italian recipes. What about pesto, bechamel sauce or meatballs without meat or dairy products?

Oct 28, 2008 - Maija Haavisto

There are many safe and non-addictive nutritional supplements that can be useful for those who have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.

Oct 23, 2008 - Maija Haavisto

Many plants have sedative or otherwise sleep-inducing properties that can help with both falling asleep and staying asleep, usually with very few side effects.

Oct 20, 2008 - Maija Haavisto

Many websites list jobs for writers and other freelancers. This article reviews the unique features of oDesk. Membership is free, but getting jobs requires commitment.

Oct 16, 2008 - Maija Haavisto

There are many misconceptions about chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME), even though it is one of the most common neurological illnesses.

Oct 13, 2008 - Maija Haavisto

Research shows that horny goat weed, a purportedly aphrodisiac herbal remedy, has a mode of action similar to sildenafil (Viagra), but may have fewer side effects.

Oct 9, 2008 - Maija Haavisto

The goal of NaNoWriMo is to write a novel during the month of November. Why do tens of thousands of writers participate every year and how do they make it?

Oct 6, 2008 - Maija Haavisto

You were prescribed something for pain or for sleeping problems and now you find out that it is an antidepressant. But you are not depressed, so how does this make sense?

Oct 2, 2008 - Maija Haavisto

Nava Atlas is known as the author of ten vegetarian cookbooks. Her latest title Vegan Express features meals that are quick to make, but healthy and tasty.

Sep 29, 2008 - Maija Haavisto

Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a chronic condition, but curable in some cases. The future is likely to bring even better cures.

Sep 25, 2008 - Maija Haavisto

The Alternative Party will gather together 1,000 computer hobbyists to enjoy art, music, workshops and retro computers. The theme of this year's party is steampunk.

Sep 22, 2008 - Maija Haavisto

Low dose naltrexone has been used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis for over 20 years, but only now was the first official study published.

Sep 17, 2008 - Maija Haavisto

A Life Transparent by Todd Keisling is a talented author's debut novel combining science fiction with elements from horror and thrillers.

Sep 14, 2008 - Maija Haavisto

Frequent urination is a distressing symptom, but often people are too embarrassed to discuss it, even with their doctors. Luckily bladder problems are usually treatable.

Sep 10, 2008 - Maija Haavisto

September 14th-20th 2009 is the National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week. But what are invisible illnesses and why should you care?

Sep 7, 2008 - Maija Haavisto

All medications have side effects, but the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics appears to have the potential to cause severe, even permanent, adverse reactions.

Sep 4, 2008 - Maija Haavisto

Subtitled "150 Amazing Animal-Free Lunches Kids and Grown-Ups Will Love", Vegan Lunch Box shows that healthy food can be tasty and easy to make.

Aug 31, 2008 - Maija Haavisto