Stress has been in the news as a health epidemic since the
early eighties and this situation continues to worsen as an
increasing number of workers say that they are suffering
increasing stress in the workplace. Indeed work is now the
leading environment for the development of stress in adult
Americans. However levels of stress have also been rising
for children in the past few years and many people now link
this to a loss of religious and family values, isolation,
insufficient social support and simple corporate greed.
Nowadays, stress is far more of a danger than it was just
ten years ago and looks to be more extensive and more
invasive than ever with a lot more stress coming from
psychological instead of physical threats.
Stress causes a rise in heart rate and greater blood flow
leading to higher blood pressure. Levels of blood sugar also
increase to give the body the extra fuel which it needs to
fight stress, and the body is designed to push blood away
from the stomach when we are stressed in order to provide
extra strength for the legs and arms as part of what is
often called our "flight or fight" response.
Stress contributes to anxiety and chronic depression
together with skin and gastrointestinal problems, and
interferes with the workings of a lot of the body's major
organs. It can also create an impairment of the immune
system, which cannot shake off viral disorders from the not
particularly serious cold to very serious diseases such as
AIDS and cancer.
Stress in the workplace directly influences such things as
employee absenteeism and productivity and the business
climate progressively worsens with competition today at an
all-time high. The pressure placed upon employees to produce
and the continual concern about job security can produce a
number of conditions including neck pain, back pain, stroke,
hypertension, diabetes, ulcers and heart attacks.
All sorts of things can create stress including just sitting
in front of a computer for six hours every day or more,
meeting deadlines or having somebody continually monitoring
you. In this case the results are frequently seen as
depression and a range of physical ailments which give rise
to lost work time.
Taking the steps to manage the stress in your life may well
be the nicest gift you can give yourself and just a few
quite simple alterations to your lifestyle can make a big
difference to how you handle stress. For instance, taking
just 20 minutes out of your day to walk will lower your
level of stress as will talking to other people, prayer and
meditation and following a healthy diet. Take the time
necessary to master a few relaxation techniques because deep
breathing and relaxation exercises can do a great deal to
reduce your level of stress.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Turbulence Training - Scam Or The Real Deal
I assume that you are reading this article because you have
read about the Turbulence Training program but there's some
skepticism over its effectiveness. For this purpose, I would
not waste space by going into details about the program. The
thing I am going to discuss in this article is whether the
Turbulence Training program is for real or a scam.
Here are some of the key points I found out about the Turbulence
Training program:
1. You will lose fat and gain muscle: The ultimate focus of
any individual should be not just to lose fat, but also gain
muscle. This is because muscles are the only things that
can make your body stronger. Muscles also keep fat away;
since muscles demand a lot of energy to maintain them, your
body uses its surplus energy on these muscles instead of
storing it as fat!
With the TT program, you can not only lose weight, but also
gain valuable lean muscle and become healthy and strong.
2. You will need to work on the system at least 3 times per
week: If you expect to see any immediate results from the
Turbulence Training program then this is not for you as
results may take time. Like most other legitimate weight loss
programs, you won't see any results until after a couple of
weeks have passed!
Also like any other weight loss program you need to be
committed to TT. You need to work on the system for at least
three times per week in order to see any tangible results.
If you are not someone who can remain committed to a fitness
program for a considerable time period, then I'm afraid that
TT is not for you.
3. It consists of an intense training and workout program:
Exercises are the focal point of the TT program - intense
exercises at that. However not all body types are suitable
for intense exercises. In order to make sure that you are
fit for the Turbulence Training program, you should consult
with your doctor before starting the program.
4. Made for busy people: If you think it is difficult to
find time for exercises, then the Turbulence Training
program is for you. Since TT uses intense workouts to help
people lose weight, you won't have to spend three or four
hours at a gym. In fact, TT is suited for busy people. With
the TT program the excuse of 'I am to busy' has no substance
because you do not even need a gym.
Based on the above evaluation, and also the fact that it can
help one lose weight successfully, I can safely conclude
that the Turbulence Training program is a completely
legitimate weight loss program that really produces results!
If you want to learn more on how to blowtorch body fat and
build muscle and claim a free workout or meal plan visit
the Turbulence Training site available at =>
http://www.theturbulencetrainingsite.com
read about the Turbulence Training program but there's some
skepticism over its effectiveness. For this purpose, I would
not waste space by going into details about the program. The
thing I am going to discuss in this article is whether the
Turbulence Training program is for real or a scam.
Here are some of the key points I found out about the Turbulence
Training program:
1. You will lose fat and gain muscle: The ultimate focus of
any individual should be not just to lose fat, but also gain
muscle. This is because muscles are the only things that
can make your body stronger. Muscles also keep fat away;
since muscles demand a lot of energy to maintain them, your
body uses its surplus energy on these muscles instead of
storing it as fat!
With the TT program, you can not only lose weight, but also
gain valuable lean muscle and become healthy and strong.
2. You will need to work on the system at least 3 times per
week: If you expect to see any immediate results from the
Turbulence Training program then this is not for you as
results may take time. Like most other legitimate weight loss
programs, you won't see any results until after a couple of
weeks have passed!
Also like any other weight loss program you need to be
committed to TT. You need to work on the system for at least
three times per week in order to see any tangible results.
If you are not someone who can remain committed to a fitness
program for a considerable time period, then I'm afraid that
TT is not for you.
3. It consists of an intense training and workout program:
Exercises are the focal point of the TT program - intense
exercises at that. However not all body types are suitable
for intense exercises. In order to make sure that you are
fit for the Turbulence Training program, you should consult
with your doctor before starting the program.
4. Made for busy people: If you think it is difficult to
find time for exercises, then the Turbulence Training
program is for you. Since TT uses intense workouts to help
people lose weight, you won't have to spend three or four
hours at a gym. In fact, TT is suited for busy people. With
the TT program the excuse of 'I am to busy' has no substance
because you do not even need a gym.
Based on the above evaluation, and also the fact that it can
help one lose weight successfully, I can safely conclude
that the Turbulence Training program is a completely
legitimate weight loss program that really produces results!
If you want to learn more on how to blowtorch body fat and
build muscle and claim a free workout or meal plan visit
the Turbulence Training site available at =>
http://www.theturbulencetrainingsite.com
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Some Of The Most Popular Ways To Stop Smoking
There's no shortage of methods to stop smoking. But do they
work? Following is an overview of some of the more common
ways to quit. Find out for yourself if they can live up to
their promises.
Pharmaceuticals
Nicotine patches are a popular method for quitting smoking.
They work by slowly decreasing the amount of nicotine that
you ingest each day. This will lessen the withdrawal
symptoms when the nicotine is stopped for good.
A hot new pharmaceutical product is Chantix, a
(http://stopsmoking.walakam.com/important-information-about-the-quit-smoking-pill/)
quit smoking pill. This medication causes the release of
dopamine, a feel good chemical in your brain. The brain
experiences the same effect as if nicotine were present in
your bloodstream. Using this form of treatment, withdrawal
symptoms are virtually nonexistent.
It's important to note that using medications to help you
stop smoking isn't always the complete answer. That's
because it's not just a chemical addiction you're dealing
with. Smoking is also psychologically addictive, which is
equally difficult to deal with.
Quitting Cold Turkey
Most people will try this method first when they decide it's
time to stop smoking. This is a rather brutal approach that
means just stopping; no medications and no slowly tapering
down. Although it's popular, it's not necessarily the most
successful method.
Most people who smoke are addicted to the large quantities
of nicotine that are contained in cigarettes. This is a
highly addictive drug, and withdrawal symptoms appear when
your body is no longer getting it. Quitting cold turkey
heightens the withdrawal effect, and your symptoms will go
on for at least two weeks.
The hard part is to learn how to take your mind off these
symptoms when they come over you. Many people find this too
difficult and eventually give in to their cravings.
Substituting
This technique involves replacing smoking with some other
activity or behavior. Many people have found success by
sucking on hard candy or chewing gum when the urge to smoke
hits. Sometimes this will help to satisfy the oral fixation
by giving your mouth something else to do.
Other people substitute exercise for smoking. When they
crave a cigarette, they simply go for a run or get on an
exercise bike.
Anyone who has ever been a smoker knows how difficult it is
to kick the habit. And anyone who has been successful will
probably tell you that it took several attempts to quit
smoking for good. But it's worth it to keep trying. After
all, your life is on the line.
work? Following is an overview of some of the more common
ways to quit. Find out for yourself if they can live up to
their promises.
Pharmaceuticals
Nicotine patches are a popular method for quitting smoking.
They work by slowly decreasing the amount of nicotine that
you ingest each day. This will lessen the withdrawal
symptoms when the nicotine is stopped for good.
A hot new pharmaceutical product is Chantix, a
(http://stopsmoking.walakam.com/important-information-about-the-quit-smoking-pill/)
quit smoking pill. This medication causes the release of
dopamine, a feel good chemical in your brain. The brain
experiences the same effect as if nicotine were present in
your bloodstream. Using this form of treatment, withdrawal
symptoms are virtually nonexistent.
It's important to note that using medications to help you
stop smoking isn't always the complete answer. That's
because it's not just a chemical addiction you're dealing
with. Smoking is also psychologically addictive, which is
equally difficult to deal with.
Quitting Cold Turkey
Most people will try this method first when they decide it's
time to stop smoking. This is a rather brutal approach that
means just stopping; no medications and no slowly tapering
down. Although it's popular, it's not necessarily the most
successful method.
Most people who smoke are addicted to the large quantities
of nicotine that are contained in cigarettes. This is a
highly addictive drug, and withdrawal symptoms appear when
your body is no longer getting it. Quitting cold turkey
heightens the withdrawal effect, and your symptoms will go
on for at least two weeks.
The hard part is to learn how to take your mind off these
symptoms when they come over you. Many people find this too
difficult and eventually give in to their cravings.
Substituting
This technique involves replacing smoking with some other
activity or behavior. Many people have found success by
sucking on hard candy or chewing gum when the urge to smoke
hits. Sometimes this will help to satisfy the oral fixation
by giving your mouth something else to do.
Other people substitute exercise for smoking. When they
crave a cigarette, they simply go for a run or get on an
exercise bike.
Anyone who has ever been a smoker knows how difficult it is
to kick the habit. And anyone who has been successful will
probably tell you that it took several attempts to quit
smoking for good. But it's worth it to keep trying. After
all, your life is on the line.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Become A Pro In Shrimp Dishes!
Shrimps are no longer considered as a dish reserved for the
special occasion only. Now in almost every home it is cooked
regularly. The reason behind its popularity is not only the
fact that it tastes good and is easy to prepare but it is
healthy as well. For instance, less than 85 calories are
gained with 3-ounces of shrimps. Although it is known to
contain high dietary cholesterol, it doesn't increase blood
cholesterol.
Easy shrimps recipes are widely available that can help you
in preparing a shrimp dish. You can easily prepare tasty and
healthy shrimps with these recipes. A perfect shrimp dish
not only depends on the recipe used but the quality and
quantity of shrimp as well. The most popular type of shrimps
in the market is white, brown and pink shrimp. You will also
find jumbo, rock and tiger shrimps.
Shrimps are available on count per pound basis in the
market. The more the number of shrimps, the smaller their
size is. It is advisable to consider pound per person when
ordering for shrimps. Also, you should buy frozen shrimps
and later defrost them. When about to prepare a shrimp dish,
make sure to thaw the shrimps in your refrigerator before
using them.
You don't need high cooking skills for cooking shrimp.
Depending on the recipe you will either be required to cook
through boiling, cooking within the recipe itself or cooking
partially in advance.
Before providing you with an easy shrimp recipe, here are few
tips that one can follow to cook perfect tasty shrimps. The
most important tip is not to let the shrimp overcook
otherwise the shrimp will dry-up and becomes rubbery. In the
boiling method, the shrimp will rise to the top of water to
signal its done. Secondly, sometimes your shrimp smells off a
little-bit. If it is still fresh from the market then simply
rub the shrimp with baking soda and let it stay in the
refrigerator for about ten minutes. Then rinse it thoroughly
and remove the soda completely. Note that if it is giving
off a strong ammonia odor then it is time for you to throw
it away and not use it. Peeling shrimp off when raw is
easier than when cooked.
Below is an easy shrimp recipe that you can follow :
Ingredients needed:
a. 3 tbsp of garlic minced
b. cup of lemon juice
c. 2 tbsp of olive oil
d. cup of parsley(freshly minced)
e. tsp of salt
f. tsp of pepper
g. 1- pounds of cooked shrimps
Place oil and garlic in skillet over medium heat until
fragrant. After this add parsley, lemon juice, pepper and
salt. Transfer to a large bowl and add shrimps. Serve when
chilled.Enjoy!
special occasion only. Now in almost every home it is cooked
regularly. The reason behind its popularity is not only the
fact that it tastes good and is easy to prepare but it is
healthy as well. For instance, less than 85 calories are
gained with 3-ounces of shrimps. Although it is known to
contain high dietary cholesterol, it doesn't increase blood
cholesterol.
Easy shrimps recipes are widely available that can help you
in preparing a shrimp dish. You can easily prepare tasty and
healthy shrimps with these recipes. A perfect shrimp dish
not only depends on the recipe used but the quality and
quantity of shrimp as well. The most popular type of shrimps
in the market is white, brown and pink shrimp. You will also
find jumbo, rock and tiger shrimps.
Shrimps are available on count per pound basis in the
market. The more the number of shrimps, the smaller their
size is. It is advisable to consider pound per person when
ordering for shrimps. Also, you should buy frozen shrimps
and later defrost them. When about to prepare a shrimp dish,
make sure to thaw the shrimps in your refrigerator before
using them.
You don't need high cooking skills for cooking shrimp.
Depending on the recipe you will either be required to cook
through boiling, cooking within the recipe itself or cooking
partially in advance.
Before providing you with an easy shrimp recipe, here are few
tips that one can follow to cook perfect tasty shrimps. The
most important tip is not to let the shrimp overcook
otherwise the shrimp will dry-up and becomes rubbery. In the
boiling method, the shrimp will rise to the top of water to
signal its done. Secondly, sometimes your shrimp smells off a
little-bit. If it is still fresh from the market then simply
rub the shrimp with baking soda and let it stay in the
refrigerator for about ten minutes. Then rinse it thoroughly
and remove the soda completely. Note that if it is giving
off a strong ammonia odor then it is time for you to throw
it away and not use it. Peeling shrimp off when raw is
easier than when cooked.
Below is an easy shrimp recipe that you can follow :
Ingredients needed:
a. 3 tbsp of garlic minced
b. cup of lemon juice
c. 2 tbsp of olive oil
d. cup of parsley(freshly minced)
e. tsp of salt
f. tsp of pepper
g. 1- pounds of cooked shrimps
Place oil and garlic in skillet over medium heat until
fragrant. After this add parsley, lemon juice, pepper and
salt. Transfer to a large bowl and add shrimps. Serve when
chilled.Enjoy!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
The Weight Loss Tip That Will Change Your Life
By Henry John
Tell everybody that you're going to lose weight and you will
get inundated with advice. Whoever you talk to will warn you
what not to do and what to be aware of. It can become a bit
of a nightmare. You are left really not knowing what to do.
Which diet should you go on? There is always something new
on the market that is promising to rid you of your excess
weight without you having to lift a finger - and in double
quick time too. Then there are those who pass on their
experience of a program saying it's the best there is - or
is it?
If you are after a quiet life, the best thing you can do if
you want to lose weight is to tell nobody. People don't mean
any harm, in fact they want to support you. They mean well,
but they can also give you a lot of unwanted pressure, which
you can do without.
So, the first thing to do is to keep things to yourself. Do
your own research. Make your own decisions. If you rely too
much on the advice of others you will find out the truth the
hard way.
Don't go on a diet. This is probably the best tip that you
will ever get about losing weight. It sounds strange, but as
far as advice is concerned, it's gold dust!
Did you know that the diet industry is worth over $60
billion. It's huge. Surely it's right to assume that diets
work then? You would think so, but all is not quite as it
seems. Diets only deliver short-term weight loss. The
majority of people who go on diets never achieve permanent
weight loss.
So what's the answer? The simple fact is that if you want to
lose weight permanently you have to change. You have to get
rid of the habits that make you fat. You do this by learning
new ones - slim habits.
Learning new habits is the only sure fire way of making
changes. It means that you can learn new eating and lifestyle
habits that will be with you forever and it will allow you
to take control of your life so that you never have to go on
a diet again.
A speaker and author on dieting, healthy weight loss and how
to stay slim, Henry John's special interest is permanent
weight loss and behavior change. He is committed to
assisting people with weight loss tips and advising them on
the best way to lose weight so that they can achieve
(http://www.slimhabit.com/) permanent weight loss. If you
would like to learn more about how to lose weight
permanently go to (http://www.slimhabit.com/)
Tell everybody that you're going to lose weight and you will
get inundated with advice. Whoever you talk to will warn you
what not to do and what to be aware of. It can become a bit
of a nightmare. You are left really not knowing what to do.
Which diet should you go on? There is always something new
on the market that is promising to rid you of your excess
weight without you having to lift a finger - and in double
quick time too. Then there are those who pass on their
experience of a program saying it's the best there is - or
is it?
If you are after a quiet life, the best thing you can do if
you want to lose weight is to tell nobody. People don't mean
any harm, in fact they want to support you. They mean well,
but they can also give you a lot of unwanted pressure, which
you can do without.
So, the first thing to do is to keep things to yourself. Do
your own research. Make your own decisions. If you rely too
much on the advice of others you will find out the truth the
hard way.
Don't go on a diet. This is probably the best tip that you
will ever get about losing weight. It sounds strange, but as
far as advice is concerned, it's gold dust!
Did you know that the diet industry is worth over $60
billion. It's huge. Surely it's right to assume that diets
work then? You would think so, but all is not quite as it
seems. Diets only deliver short-term weight loss. The
majority of people who go on diets never achieve permanent
weight loss.
So what's the answer? The simple fact is that if you want to
lose weight permanently you have to change. You have to get
rid of the habits that make you fat. You do this by learning
new ones - slim habits.
Learning new habits is the only sure fire way of making
changes. It means that you can learn new eating and lifestyle
habits that will be with you forever and it will allow you
to take control of your life so that you never have to go on
a diet again.
A speaker and author on dieting, healthy weight loss and how
to stay slim, Henry John's special interest is permanent
weight loss and behavior change. He is committed to
assisting people with weight loss tips and advising them on
the best way to lose weight so that they can achieve
(http://www.slimhabit.com/) permanent weight loss. If you
would like to learn more about how to lose weight
permanently go to (http://www.slimhabit.com/)
Monday, February 23, 2009
Acai Berry - World's No. 1 Super Food!
Acai berries are loaded with nutrients, vitamins, and
antioxidants which are good for you. These astonishing
little fruits are now used to help treat many kinds of
conditions and diseases. But more and more people have
started to take acai berry for weight loss, and this truly
works.
Lose weight with and feel great with the world's #1 super food!
A lot of people discover that when they start to take the
acai berry for weight loss, they don't find it necessary to
eat as much or as frequently as before. This is because
these berries suppress the appetite effectively and give you
a feeling of fullness which will last all day. This doesn't
mean you don't need a good diet or exercise to shed weight,
but it could really help those who suffer from cravings or
from the urge to over-eat.
Acai berries back a powerful punch, and while they can help
relieve the symptoms of many uncomfortable conditions, they
can also provide you with a burst of energy. With this
increase in energy you are able to exercise more often for
longer periods of time, which will lead to more effective
weight loss.
Your free AcaiBurn Trial is waiting! Get it today.
Your metabolism speeds up when you regularly take the acai
berry to lose weight. When this occurs, you are able to burn
through the food you eat more quickly, and less of it is
stored in the body as fat, which can lead to rapid weight
loss. Acai berries also act as a natural colon cleanser,
which can remove harmful toxins from your body and help you
to drop water weight quickly.
One of the main causes of stress and weight gain is a lack
of sleep. The acai berry helps to relax the body, and
promotes a deeper sleep. Depression, which is also a major
cause of weight gain, can also be treated with acai berries
as well. When you take acai berries for weight loss, they
help to regulate the hormones of the body, which can lead to
a calmer mental state. With more sleep and a decreased risk
of depression, you are in a better mental state of mind in
which to lose weight.
There are often various medical conditions which can keep us
from exercising to lose weight. When you take the acai berry
for weight loss, you are able to relieve many of those
conditions or symptoms and thus promote weight loss through
exercise. Arthritis can often be a debilitating condition
that can keep you from working out. When the acai berry is
taken however, it can relieve the pain associated with
arthritis, and allow you to resume your regular workout
routine.
Lose weight fast and fit into your favorite jeans. Get AcaiBurn Free today!
Lots of people now take acai berry when they go on a diet,
and there are good reasons to consider it. Unlike many other
weight-loss aids, acai berry comes with all sorts of other
benefits, with possible positive changes to your mental
function and overall health.
antioxidants which are good for you. These astonishing
little fruits are now used to help treat many kinds of
conditions and diseases. But more and more people have
started to take acai berry for weight loss, and this truly
works.
Lose weight with and feel great with the world's #1 super food!
A lot of people discover that when they start to take the
acai berry for weight loss, they don't find it necessary to
eat as much or as frequently as before. This is because
these berries suppress the appetite effectively and give you
a feeling of fullness which will last all day. This doesn't
mean you don't need a good diet or exercise to shed weight,
but it could really help those who suffer from cravings or
from the urge to over-eat.
Acai berries back a powerful punch, and while they can help
relieve the symptoms of many uncomfortable conditions, they
can also provide you with a burst of energy. With this
increase in energy you are able to exercise more often for
longer periods of time, which will lead to more effective
weight loss.
Your free AcaiBurn Trial is waiting! Get it today.
Your metabolism speeds up when you regularly take the acai
berry to lose weight. When this occurs, you are able to burn
through the food you eat more quickly, and less of it is
stored in the body as fat, which can lead to rapid weight
loss. Acai berries also act as a natural colon cleanser,
which can remove harmful toxins from your body and help you
to drop water weight quickly.
One of the main causes of stress and weight gain is a lack
of sleep. The acai berry helps to relax the body, and
promotes a deeper sleep. Depression, which is also a major
cause of weight gain, can also be treated with acai berries
as well. When you take acai berries for weight loss, they
help to regulate the hormones of the body, which can lead to
a calmer mental state. With more sleep and a decreased risk
of depression, you are in a better mental state of mind in
which to lose weight.
There are often various medical conditions which can keep us
from exercising to lose weight. When you take the acai berry
for weight loss, you are able to relieve many of those
conditions or symptoms and thus promote weight loss through
exercise. Arthritis can often be a debilitating condition
that can keep you from working out. When the acai berry is
taken however, it can relieve the pain associated with
arthritis, and allow you to resume your regular workout
routine.
Lose weight fast and fit into your favorite jeans. Get AcaiBurn Free today!
Lots of people now take acai berry when they go on a diet,
and there are good reasons to consider it. Unlike many other
weight-loss aids, acai berry comes with all sorts of other
benefits, with possible positive changes to your mental
function and overall health.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Can Anybody Drink Energy Drinks?
Wait; just before you go get another can of Red Bull, you
need to think about the health consequences of drinking too
many energy drinks in one day, even a healthy energy drink.
While energy drinks are excellent energy boosters and can
give you instant energy, they are supposed to be taken only
as long as you need them. Energy drinks are very common
these days and it is only natural that once you feel a
little low in your energy level, you just go out to get
yourself a can of some kind of energy drink.
This attitude is not good. Energy drinks contain certain
ingredients which when used in accurate quantities can
give you the preferred burst of energy. But it will not last
long and in some cases goes away rapidly and leaves you with
less energy than before.
So when is it better to take energy drinks?
Reports and research have both shown that many people have
the tendency of having energy drinks first thing in the
morning -even before their breakfast. Sadly, because the
side effects are not always immediately noticeable, many
think they can get away with this or just simply believe
that there are no side effects.
It is far better to have an energy drink after you have had
breakfast and require some form of energy boost to get you
by. Therefore, drinking an energy drink first thing in the
morning is certain to get you in the hospital very quickly,
as you will more likely experience repeated bouts of dizziness,
increased pulse rate -also known as tachycardia- continual
headaches, insomnia and restlessness.
Why Are Energy Drinks Capable of Causing Such Side Effects?
The reason for the near instantaneous boost that you get
from taking energy drinks is as a result of the high
content of both sugar and caffeine. While these are sure
components for an amplified energy level, they are not
exactly the quickest way to increase your energy levels on
a consistent basis, nor the healthiest.
The same relates to those who are suffering from diabetes;
the sugar content existing in these drinks is a definite
no-no. So if you have any of these illnesses or related
ailments in spite of how minute or mild they might be, then
energy drinks are not meant for you. As an alternative, you
can build up your water intake and use some other health
remedies.
High Energy drinks are common for body builders and physical
fitness buffs that use them to upsurge their stamina and
develop their performance while they are training. However,
many teenagers take these drinks on a daily basis thus
making it responsible for their hyperactivity and
restlessness.
It is not advisable to have teenagers who are not into high
energy sports activities taking energy drinks, otherwise the
risks involved are that the kids become violent and suffer
what is known as "toxic jock" syndrome as research has
shown.
need to think about the health consequences of drinking too
many energy drinks in one day, even a healthy energy drink.
While energy drinks are excellent energy boosters and can
give you instant energy, they are supposed to be taken only
as long as you need them. Energy drinks are very common
these days and it is only natural that once you feel a
little low in your energy level, you just go out to get
yourself a can of some kind of energy drink.
This attitude is not good. Energy drinks contain certain
ingredients which when used in accurate quantities can
give you the preferred burst of energy. But it will not last
long and in some cases goes away rapidly and leaves you with
less energy than before.
So when is it better to take energy drinks?
Reports and research have both shown that many people have
the tendency of having energy drinks first thing in the
morning -even before their breakfast. Sadly, because the
side effects are not always immediately noticeable, many
think they can get away with this or just simply believe
that there are no side effects.
It is far better to have an energy drink after you have had
breakfast and require some form of energy boost to get you
by. Therefore, drinking an energy drink first thing in the
morning is certain to get you in the hospital very quickly,
as you will more likely experience repeated bouts of dizziness,
increased pulse rate -also known as tachycardia- continual
headaches, insomnia and restlessness.
Why Are Energy Drinks Capable of Causing Such Side Effects?
The reason for the near instantaneous boost that you get
from taking energy drinks is as a result of the high
content of both sugar and caffeine. While these are sure
components for an amplified energy level, they are not
exactly the quickest way to increase your energy levels on
a consistent basis, nor the healthiest.
The same relates to those who are suffering from diabetes;
the sugar content existing in these drinks is a definite
no-no. So if you have any of these illnesses or related
ailments in spite of how minute or mild they might be, then
energy drinks are not meant for you. As an alternative, you
can build up your water intake and use some other health
remedies.
High Energy drinks are common for body builders and physical
fitness buffs that use them to upsurge their stamina and
develop their performance while they are training. However,
many teenagers take these drinks on a daily basis thus
making it responsible for their hyperactivity and
restlessness.
It is not advisable to have teenagers who are not into high
energy sports activities taking energy drinks, otherwise the
risks involved are that the kids become violent and suffer
what is known as "toxic jock" syndrome as research has
shown.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
The Physical Symptoms Of Anxiety
The physical symptoms of an anxiety attack are immediately
recognizable to anyone who has experienced this in the past.
Among other symptoms, the person may experience difficulty
breathing, sweating, chest pain, numbness in the
extremities, and uncontrollable shaking. Any combination of
these symptoms, or even experiencing other unusual symptoms,
can accompany an anxiety attack.
Physical symptoms of an anxiety attack can mimic those of a
heart attack or even nervous breakdown. Many people wind up
in the emergency room of a hospital as a result. Although
this step is not really necessary for the panic attack,
people may still benefit from professional care. People who
suffer from severe anxiety may need other alternatives in
dealing with the anxiety.
Researchers believe that the full-blown physical symptoms of
an anxiety attack are linked to the survival 'fight or
flight' response that is an instinctive survival reaction in
most creatures, including humans. In humans, when the brain
perceives a dangerous situation, it releases stress
hormones, primarily cortisol and adrenaline. Physical
manifestations include an energy rush, increased sensitivity
to surroundings and marked aggressiveness. These changes
allow the body to react quickly to a situation and repair
itself quicker if it is injured in some way. However during
an anxiety attack, these manifestations occur for no
apparent reason and the body often absorb or defuse this
change in it's homeostasis. Hence the physical symptoms of
an anxiety attack, as described before.
Recent research suggests that recurring panic attacks are
related to an increased incidence of future stroke or heart
attack. Those who experience a single instance of the
physical symptoms of an anxiety attack without a prior
record of anxiety disorder are not necessarily prone to
cardiovascular issues or any long-term issues. But further
study is needed to determine if repeated panic attacks
actually cause heart problems or are only related to them in
some way.
Doctors speculate that medications commonly prescribed for
anxiety disorder can put the patient at risk of a
cardiovascular event. No matter what, physical symptoms of
anxiety attacks are an indication that something is not
right, and the underlying problem needs to get taken care
of.
Anxiety attacks can be difficult to deal with. Although any
physical symptoms of an anxiety attack may be treated from a
medical standpoint, people still need to address the
underlying cause of the anxiety attack. There are various
therapies available to help people discover and deal with
the stress that is causing the attacks. One effective
therapy that can help a person control their reactions to
stress through sheer willpower is cognitive behavioral
therapy.
Deep breathing, advanced relaxation techniques,
aromatherapy, acupuncture, or massage therapy can help
people address the physical symptoms of an anxiety attack.
Regardless of what others may tell you, it is not easy to
relieve an anxiety attack by simply talking yourself out of
it. Anxiety should be treated as the medical condition that
it is. With proper treatment, people can alleviate the
effects of anxiety.
recognizable to anyone who has experienced this in the past.
Among other symptoms, the person may experience difficulty
breathing, sweating, chest pain, numbness in the
extremities, and uncontrollable shaking. Any combination of
these symptoms, or even experiencing other unusual symptoms,
can accompany an anxiety attack.
Physical symptoms of an anxiety attack can mimic those of a
heart attack or even nervous breakdown. Many people wind up
in the emergency room of a hospital as a result. Although
this step is not really necessary for the panic attack,
people may still benefit from professional care. People who
suffer from severe anxiety may need other alternatives in
dealing with the anxiety.
Researchers believe that the full-blown physical symptoms of
an anxiety attack are linked to the survival 'fight or
flight' response that is an instinctive survival reaction in
most creatures, including humans. In humans, when the brain
perceives a dangerous situation, it releases stress
hormones, primarily cortisol and adrenaline. Physical
manifestations include an energy rush, increased sensitivity
to surroundings and marked aggressiveness. These changes
allow the body to react quickly to a situation and repair
itself quicker if it is injured in some way. However during
an anxiety attack, these manifestations occur for no
apparent reason and the body often absorb or defuse this
change in it's homeostasis. Hence the physical symptoms of
an anxiety attack, as described before.
Recent research suggests that recurring panic attacks are
related to an increased incidence of future stroke or heart
attack. Those who experience a single instance of the
physical symptoms of an anxiety attack without a prior
record of anxiety disorder are not necessarily prone to
cardiovascular issues or any long-term issues. But further
study is needed to determine if repeated panic attacks
actually cause heart problems or are only related to them in
some way.
Doctors speculate that medications commonly prescribed for
anxiety disorder can put the patient at risk of a
cardiovascular event. No matter what, physical symptoms of
anxiety attacks are an indication that something is not
right, and the underlying problem needs to get taken care
of.
Anxiety attacks can be difficult to deal with. Although any
physical symptoms of an anxiety attack may be treated from a
medical standpoint, people still need to address the
underlying cause of the anxiety attack. There are various
therapies available to help people discover and deal with
the stress that is causing the attacks. One effective
therapy that can help a person control their reactions to
stress through sheer willpower is cognitive behavioral
therapy.
Deep breathing, advanced relaxation techniques,
aromatherapy, acupuncture, or massage therapy can help
people address the physical symptoms of an anxiety attack.
Regardless of what others may tell you, it is not easy to
relieve an anxiety attack by simply talking yourself out of
it. Anxiety should be treated as the medical condition that
it is. With proper treatment, people can alleviate the
effects of anxiety.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Want To Live A Better Life? Help The Environment
If you start to live green now you will be adding more time
to your life because natural food is better for your health.
It is also better for the environment. Eating naturally
grown food and walking more will definitely improve anyone's
health. There are many more things you can do to improve your
health and at the same time make the earth a greener place
to live.
There are several ways you can live a greener life that
are easy to implement. Most cities have garbage services
that pick up recyclable materials in addition to your trash.
It is simple to set up a separate container for cardboard,
plastics and other recyclables. On trash day, your garbage
service takes it away and does all the hard work of
recycling all those materials.
Try to drive less. By combining your errands, you not only
save fuel and reduce the traffic on the roads; you are
giving yourself less stress from dealing with traffic jams
and other drivers. Carpool or use public transit when you
can. If you choose to ride a bike or walk for some of your
errands, you also get needed exercise. This will help keep
your heart healthy and keep you limber and toned.
Instead of tossing everything in the garbage, try tossing it
on a compost pile to fertilize your garden in the spring. It
will save you money because you won't have to go to the
store and buy organic fertilizer, in fact it may even save
you a trip to the store. Throw all the old vegetables and
fruit in and any clippings you have from cooking in the
pile. Coffee grounds, egg shells, leaves and grass can all
go in the compost pile. Do not put in meat or bones as it
will attract insects and takes too long to decompose. Hose
down the pile occasionally to keep it from drying out; it
won't break down as well if it is dry.
There is a lot you can do in your home to get more green.
Open up the curtains and let the light in. Natural light is
the best light to see by and you can avoid using energy by
leaving your lights off more. Start using the new compact
fluorescent light bulbs and stop wasting money and energy on
the standard bulbs. These bulbs will last much longer and
use less energy. You will love not having to change light
bulbs all the time.
Small things like recycling cans, bottles and plastic
packaging helps lower your garbage bills and helps reduce
your carbon footprint. Use cloth bags when you shop instead
of taking their paper or plastic bags. Some stores even
knock off a few cents when you use your own bags. All of
this will help reduce pollution, which is healthier for you
because you'll be breathing cleaner air.
Once you get started, you'll be amazed at how easy it is to
live greener. You'll be amazed at how much better you feel?
both physically and mentally. Plus, you'll feel better
knowing you're doing your part to have a healthier planet to
live on. So go ahead? live greener and live longer. You'll
be happy you gave it a try.
to your life because natural food is better for your health.
It is also better for the environment. Eating naturally
grown food and walking more will definitely improve anyone's
health. There are many more things you can do to improve your
health and at the same time make the earth a greener place
to live.
There are several ways you can live a greener life that
are easy to implement. Most cities have garbage services
that pick up recyclable materials in addition to your trash.
It is simple to set up a separate container for cardboard,
plastics and other recyclables. On trash day, your garbage
service takes it away and does all the hard work of
recycling all those materials.
Try to drive less. By combining your errands, you not only
save fuel and reduce the traffic on the roads; you are
giving yourself less stress from dealing with traffic jams
and other drivers. Carpool or use public transit when you
can. If you choose to ride a bike or walk for some of your
errands, you also get needed exercise. This will help keep
your heart healthy and keep you limber and toned.
Instead of tossing everything in the garbage, try tossing it
on a compost pile to fertilize your garden in the spring. It
will save you money because you won't have to go to the
store and buy organic fertilizer, in fact it may even save
you a trip to the store. Throw all the old vegetables and
fruit in and any clippings you have from cooking in the
pile. Coffee grounds, egg shells, leaves and grass can all
go in the compost pile. Do not put in meat or bones as it
will attract insects and takes too long to decompose. Hose
down the pile occasionally to keep it from drying out; it
won't break down as well if it is dry.
There is a lot you can do in your home to get more green.
Open up the curtains and let the light in. Natural light is
the best light to see by and you can avoid using energy by
leaving your lights off more. Start using the new compact
fluorescent light bulbs and stop wasting money and energy on
the standard bulbs. These bulbs will last much longer and
use less energy. You will love not having to change light
bulbs all the time.
Small things like recycling cans, bottles and plastic
packaging helps lower your garbage bills and helps reduce
your carbon footprint. Use cloth bags when you shop instead
of taking their paper or plastic bags. Some stores even
knock off a few cents when you use your own bags. All of
this will help reduce pollution, which is healthier for you
because you'll be breathing cleaner air.
Once you get started, you'll be amazed at how easy it is to
live greener. You'll be amazed at how much better you feel?
both physically and mentally. Plus, you'll feel better
knowing you're doing your part to have a healthier planet to
live on. So go ahead? live greener and live longer. You'll
be happy you gave it a try.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
How To Set Up A Home Gym
So you've made the decision to set up a personal gym in your
home. Good for you! There are lots of home gyms out in the
market that also doubles as functional trainers. But what
exactly makes them better than just the average home gym
most people have? Well, let's find out.
Most functional home trainers are much easier to use than
traditional home gyms. It's intuitive designs make them
easier to figure out, as opposed to your regular home gym
machines that take a lot of time to get used to.
Functional trainers significantly lower the learning curve
required to adapt to a regular home gym, and also offers an
assortment of charts showing several easy exercises to start
you off. You can also increase the difficulty in these
exercises as you progress.
Another advantage is that most functional trainers are a lot
more compact than your average home gym. It makes it easier
to store in closets or small spaces, which is ideal if you
don't have a lot of free space, as in a condo.
Functional trainers also offer a lot more diversity compared
to older, more traditional home gyms. It offers a wider
array of exercises, unlike older home gyms that only lets
you do regular exercises like chest presses, leg curls, etc.
A functional trainer, with it's added handle and cable
settings, will allow you to customize your own set and type
of exercises. The different handles also allow you to work
your muscles in a multitude of ways.
And best of all, functional trainers also give you a better
deal for your money, compared to older, more traditional
home gym models. A functional trainer may retail at just
about the same price as a standard home gym, but just the
fact that it is more compact and lets you do more types of
exercises is ideal. You get more for your money for the
same price.
So there it is, why having a more modern functional trainer
is a better investment than traditional home gyms. I hope
these tips will help you make better purchasing decisions
next time you want to buy something at the fitness store.
home. Good for you! There are lots of home gyms out in the
market that also doubles as functional trainers. But what
exactly makes them better than just the average home gym
most people have? Well, let's find out.
Most functional home trainers are much easier to use than
traditional home gyms. It's intuitive designs make them
easier to figure out, as opposed to your regular home gym
machines that take a lot of time to get used to.
Functional trainers significantly lower the learning curve
required to adapt to a regular home gym, and also offers an
assortment of charts showing several easy exercises to start
you off. You can also increase the difficulty in these
exercises as you progress.
Another advantage is that most functional trainers are a lot
more compact than your average home gym. It makes it easier
to store in closets or small spaces, which is ideal if you
don't have a lot of free space, as in a condo.
Functional trainers also offer a lot more diversity compared
to older, more traditional home gyms. It offers a wider
array of exercises, unlike older home gyms that only lets
you do regular exercises like chest presses, leg curls, etc.
A functional trainer, with it's added handle and cable
settings, will allow you to customize your own set and type
of exercises. The different handles also allow you to work
your muscles in a multitude of ways.
And best of all, functional trainers also give you a better
deal for your money, compared to older, more traditional
home gym models. A functional trainer may retail at just
about the same price as a standard home gym, but just the
fact that it is more compact and lets you do more types of
exercises is ideal. You get more for your money for the
same price.
So there it is, why having a more modern functional trainer
is a better investment than traditional home gyms. I hope
these tips will help you make better purchasing decisions
next time you want to buy something at the fitness store.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
How To Lose Belly Fat Fast
No one has ever been tempted into a relationship by a fat
pot belly. Nor has anyone extended their life with a big
tummy. That belly fat doesn't enhance the fit of your
clothes. With all the tempting fast foods and a busy life,
what are you to do? If you want to lose belly fat, you can.
With a careful belly fat diet and consistent moderate
exercise, you can lose belly fat, and keep it off!
Lose weight with and feel great with the world's #1 super food!
The most common mistake people make when trying to lose
belly fat or lose love handles fast is thinking that
starving themselves will work. If you don't eat but exercise
strenuously, you'll find yourself drained, hungry and still
not losing weight. Another common belief is to eat very
little but fail to exercise. This approach won't lose that
belly fat either.
Your body doesn't operate that way. With small amounts of
food, your metabolism slows to compensate for the lack of
food. So fat will be burned, but much less than with a
combination of diet and exercise.
The secret to losing your fat is to reduce food portions,
and get daily exercise. You can eat whatever you want, as
long as it's nutritious and portions are smaller. Smaller
portions allow you all the tastes you already enjoy, but
because you're eating less, your body will be a fat burning
machine without the awful side effects and dangers of
starvation.
If you're going to consume 1500 calories per day, then a
half-hour of belly exercise will be enough to slowly burn
weight. If you want to ramp it up, then increase the amount
of exercise as you see fit (pun intended). But half an hour
of belly exercises are usually hard enough for a person to
do.
Why is this? Why does it seem much harder to lose belly fat
than anywhere else on your body? It's not that you aren't
burning fat, it's just that the stomach naturally has more
padding. Also, when people try to lose belly fat, they
usually aren't making the most of their exercise program.
They stop between situps, which slows down the fat burning
process. Instead, when you exercise, go all the way through
the routine, stopping only when absolutely necessary.
Another very effective technique to lose belly fat is to do
twists. Standing with your legs apart, twist the upper half
of your body from side to side, with arms stretched out to
the sides. Toe-touches are also a good exercise. These all
provide for a smaller waist and flatter stomach.
Lose weight fast and fit into your favorite jeans. Get AcaiBurn Free today!
When you start your diet and exercise programs, remember not
to slow down. Missing even one day will lead to missing
"just" two days, and soon you're eating burger after burger
while breaking that couch in a little more. After you lose
your fat, don't stop your exercise program. Now you're fit,
so keep yourself that way!
pot belly. Nor has anyone extended their life with a big
tummy. That belly fat doesn't enhance the fit of your
clothes. With all the tempting fast foods and a busy life,
what are you to do? If you want to lose belly fat, you can.
With a careful belly fat diet and consistent moderate
exercise, you can lose belly fat, and keep it off!
Lose weight with and feel great with the world's #1 super food!
The most common mistake people make when trying to lose
belly fat or lose love handles fast is thinking that
starving themselves will work. If you don't eat but exercise
strenuously, you'll find yourself drained, hungry and still
not losing weight. Another common belief is to eat very
little but fail to exercise. This approach won't lose that
belly fat either.
Your body doesn't operate that way. With small amounts of
food, your metabolism slows to compensate for the lack of
food. So fat will be burned, but much less than with a
combination of diet and exercise.
The secret to losing your fat is to reduce food portions,
and get daily exercise. You can eat whatever you want, as
long as it's nutritious and portions are smaller. Smaller
portions allow you all the tastes you already enjoy, but
because you're eating less, your body will be a fat burning
machine without the awful side effects and dangers of
starvation.
If you're going to consume 1500 calories per day, then a
half-hour of belly exercise will be enough to slowly burn
weight. If you want to ramp it up, then increase the amount
of exercise as you see fit (pun intended). But half an hour
of belly exercises are usually hard enough for a person to
do.
Why is this? Why does it seem much harder to lose belly fat
than anywhere else on your body? It's not that you aren't
burning fat, it's just that the stomach naturally has more
padding. Also, when people try to lose belly fat, they
usually aren't making the most of their exercise program.
They stop between situps, which slows down the fat burning
process. Instead, when you exercise, go all the way through
the routine, stopping only when absolutely necessary.
Another very effective technique to lose belly fat is to do
twists. Standing with your legs apart, twist the upper half
of your body from side to side, with arms stretched out to
the sides. Toe-touches are also a good exercise. These all
provide for a smaller waist and flatter stomach.
Lose weight fast and fit into your favorite jeans. Get AcaiBurn Free today!
When you start your diet and exercise programs, remember not
to slow down. Missing even one day will lead to missing
"just" two days, and soon you're eating burger after burger
while breaking that couch in a little more. After you lose
your fat, don't stop your exercise program. Now you're fit,
so keep yourself that way!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Two Essential Food Repairs for Fast Weight Loss
You may be wondering: "what are food repairs for?" Well, as
a matter of fact, most of the diet plans out there have
certain common loopholes, and these food repairs are
processes to correct those loopholes. These loopholes, if
not corrected, would prevent you from losing weight and
might actually increase your body weight instead!
Many of the fad diet plans out there are either defective or
incomplete. If we follow these diets just as it is, then we
are certain to go in the wrong direction. For example, most
diets would advice you to reduce massively on your food
intake. When you do that, you will end up gaining weight
instead of losing it! On top of that, you will suffer from
malnutrition and lack of energy! Studies have pointed out
that women who eat 400 calories less than their specified
calorie requirements are likely to suffer from abdominal
obesity. As a result, they gain belly fat!
These food repairs will help you achieve your weight loss
goals quicker:
1. Focus on protein rather than carbs: While carbs are
an important ingredient of any healthy meal plan, what you
should focus on is protein, especially when you are trying
to lose weight. Unlike carbs which give you short, sudden
bursts of energy that last only for a short while, protein
will keep you energetic for a longer time. With carbs, your
body will receive more fat than energy; with protein, it is
just the opposite.
Protein also helps you build strong lean muscle mass. Since
lean muscles need a lot of energy to be maintained, your
body has to burn your existing fat deposits in order to
produce the extra energy. So that is another way protein can
help you with weight loss!
2. Skipping breakfast should be avoided: Skipping breakfast
is something most of the very overweight people do; they
have a tendency to think that they will lose weight if they
don't eat breakfast. This is the usual misconception.
Actually, the opposite happens. When you don't eat
breakfast, you are sending a signal to your body that there
is a famine out there, and that to combat it, your body
needs to store energy in the form of fat deposits.
When you starve, your body slows down your metabolism and
stores fat instead of burning it! As you can see, skipping
breakfast will have a negative effect on your body.
Breakfast is ideally there for one reason: to "break the
fast"; that is, to offer your body with the first surge of
energy of the day. When your body gets enough food, it
produces lots of energy and your metabolic rate is
automatically increased. When that happens, you start
losing weight!
a matter of fact, most of the diet plans out there have
certain common loopholes, and these food repairs are
processes to correct those loopholes. These loopholes, if
not corrected, would prevent you from losing weight and
might actually increase your body weight instead!
Many of the fad diet plans out there are either defective or
incomplete. If we follow these diets just as it is, then we
are certain to go in the wrong direction. For example, most
diets would advice you to reduce massively on your food
intake. When you do that, you will end up gaining weight
instead of losing it! On top of that, you will suffer from
malnutrition and lack of energy! Studies have pointed out
that women who eat 400 calories less than their specified
calorie requirements are likely to suffer from abdominal
obesity. As a result, they gain belly fat!
These food repairs will help you achieve your weight loss
goals quicker:
1. Focus on protein rather than carbs: While carbs are
an important ingredient of any healthy meal plan, what you
should focus on is protein, especially when you are trying
to lose weight. Unlike carbs which give you short, sudden
bursts of energy that last only for a short while, protein
will keep you energetic for a longer time. With carbs, your
body will receive more fat than energy; with protein, it is
just the opposite.
Protein also helps you build strong lean muscle mass. Since
lean muscles need a lot of energy to be maintained, your
body has to burn your existing fat deposits in order to
produce the extra energy. So that is another way protein can
help you with weight loss!
2. Skipping breakfast should be avoided: Skipping breakfast
is something most of the very overweight people do; they
have a tendency to think that they will lose weight if they
don't eat breakfast. This is the usual misconception.
Actually, the opposite happens. When you don't eat
breakfast, you are sending a signal to your body that there
is a famine out there, and that to combat it, your body
needs to store energy in the form of fat deposits.
When you starve, your body slows down your metabolism and
stores fat instead of burning it! As you can see, skipping
breakfast will have a negative effect on your body.
Breakfast is ideally there for one reason: to "break the
fast"; that is, to offer your body with the first surge of
energy of the day. When your body gets enough food, it
produces lots of energy and your metabolic rate is
automatically increased. When that happens, you start
losing weight!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Want A Healthy Body? Eat Whole Wheat
Why is it so important to eat whole grains?
Few people realize how nutritional and beneficial whole
wheat products are. Whole grains are a good source of
vitamins B, E, in addition to magnesium, fiber and iron,
plus important antioxidants that are not found in fruits and
vegetables.
Whole grains help control sugar in your blood, a fact that
diabetic people know very well, and also reduces the risk of
cancer. Whole grain must have all 3 parts: germ, bran and
endosperm. Dietary guidelines established by the US
government recommend 3 servings of whole grains a day for
adults.
Historians believe that man has been eating wheat for the
last 12,000 years; it probably started in southwestern Asia
in one of the so-called river civilizations. This incredibly
nutritious plant was revered in parts of China as sacred
food. In the U.S., wheat only started to be grown
extensively in the 19th century after being introduced by
Christopher Columbus in 1492.
Bulgur wheat is a type of cereal made from several wheat
plants that can be found in natural food stores. It is a
common ingredient found in Turkey, the Middle East, and
around the Mediterranean. It is used in bakery, pilaf,
soups, or even in salads. Bulgur has a low glycemic index of
46, which means that people suffering from diabetes can use
it in moderation. The glycemic index or GI is a measure of
the effect of carbohydrates on sugar levels in the blood.
White bread for example has a GI of 100 which would produce
a glucose level of 140, way above the recommended limit
(95).
Is it just bread or can you find other whole wheat products?
Luckily there are several products on the shelves made from
whole wheat flour, spaghetti among them. You can also find bagels,
hot dog bread, vermicelli, muffins and, of course, whole grain
flour that you can use to make pancakes and waffles, as
well as cookies and whole wheat Mexican tortillas (although
you can find them ready-made in your local store). As you
can see, there are a lot of choices for everybody and every
taste.
As you practice good nutrition, your children will learn
it too. Children will learn healthy habits that they
will carry with them into adulthood, keeping them healthy
and fit.
A diet rich with whole grains will help maintain a healthy
body, so start eating more whole grains today.
Few people realize how nutritional and beneficial whole
wheat products are. Whole grains are a good source of
vitamins B, E, in addition to magnesium, fiber and iron,
plus important antioxidants that are not found in fruits and
vegetables.
Whole grains help control sugar in your blood, a fact that
diabetic people know very well, and also reduces the risk of
cancer. Whole grain must have all 3 parts: germ, bran and
endosperm. Dietary guidelines established by the US
government recommend 3 servings of whole grains a day for
adults.
Historians believe that man has been eating wheat for the
last 12,000 years; it probably started in southwestern Asia
in one of the so-called river civilizations. This incredibly
nutritious plant was revered in parts of China as sacred
food. In the U.S., wheat only started to be grown
extensively in the 19th century after being introduced by
Christopher Columbus in 1492.
Bulgur wheat is a type of cereal made from several wheat
plants that can be found in natural food stores. It is a
common ingredient found in Turkey, the Middle East, and
around the Mediterranean. It is used in bakery, pilaf,
soups, or even in salads. Bulgur has a low glycemic index of
46, which means that people suffering from diabetes can use
it in moderation. The glycemic index or GI is a measure of
the effect of carbohydrates on sugar levels in the blood.
White bread for example has a GI of 100 which would produce
a glucose level of 140, way above the recommended limit
(95).
Is it just bread or can you find other whole wheat products?
Luckily there are several products on the shelves made from
whole wheat flour, spaghetti among them. You can also find bagels,
hot dog bread, vermicelli, muffins and, of course, whole grain
flour that you can use to make pancakes and waffles, as
well as cookies and whole wheat Mexican tortillas (although
you can find them ready-made in your local store). As you
can see, there are a lot of choices for everybody and every
taste.
As you practice good nutrition, your children will learn
it too. Children will learn healthy habits that they
will carry with them into adulthood, keeping them healthy
and fit.
A diet rich with whole grains will help maintain a healthy
body, so start eating more whole grains today.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Whose Responsibility Is The Health Of Your Child?
Can you be sued in the future for what your child is eating
now?
Scenario: Two or three decades from now, scores of adults
with health problems like diabetes, cardiovascular disease
and obesity will be suffering serious self esteem issues and
spending tons of money on medicine and treatment. This will
have been caused by what they were fed in their daily
activities during their childhood.
These obese adults burdened by mountains of bills and
feeling ostracized by their healthy peers will then band
into support groups and in their frustration look for
someone to point an accusing finger at- their parents.
Looking for a way to lighten the medical expenses, they then
press lawsuits against the ones responsible for the bad diet
and lifestyle habits they formed in their youth- their
parents. You know what? They might even win because given
the number of junk food-eating kids these days, the judge
will most likely be obese and sickly too.
Such a story may be funny, but believe it or not, it might
really happen. Young adults these days have been blaming Mom
and Dad for their current problems and health and dietary
issues might easily include this. One thing's for sure, the
US government or the American fast food industry won't be
taking the blame for it.
Believe it or not, the diets of a lot of babies and toddlers
these days are actually as bad as those of their chip n
dip munching teenage counterparts who dine mainly on
fast-food. The American Dietetic Association published a
recent study proving this in one of the journals.
Researchers from the Tufts University School of Medicine
held a survey and discovered that 33.3% of the respondents
did not have vegetables or fruits as part of their diet.
Even worse, most of those that did declare vegetables in
their diet were referring to French fries which doesn't really
qualify as healthy food.
It's bad enough that a lot of children these days aren't
getting much exercise sitting in front of the boob tube the
whole day watching cable TV, but researchers also discovered
that some parents were even pouring soda into baby bottles
designed for milk. Cola drinks and other types of carbonated
drinks are a major cause of obesity in adults.
As can be expected, 25% of preschoolers are obese and those
numbers are increasing every year. Given that eating habits
are formed during the ages of 2 and 3, you can bet the
statistics will get worse. Most cases of diabetes and
cardiovascular disease stem from unhealthy food and lack of
exercise in a person's formative years.
The situation may appear bleak, but we are not at all
hopeless. As parents, we can set guidelines that promote
healthy habits early in our children's lives and be good
role models by adopting a healthy lifestyle ourselves. Being
good examples can have dramatic effects on the well being of
our family's health.
Perhaps a few decades from now, babies that have had the
fortune of developing good eating habits and healthy
lifestyles will grow up and praise their parents for playing
a major role in letting them turn out to be smart, fit and
healthy adults. Wouldn't this be a better scenario than
seeing your offspring in court because of the bad stuff they
ate during childhood?
now?
Scenario: Two or three decades from now, scores of adults
with health problems like diabetes, cardiovascular disease
and obesity will be suffering serious self esteem issues and
spending tons of money on medicine and treatment. This will
have been caused by what they were fed in their daily
activities during their childhood.
These obese adults burdened by mountains of bills and
feeling ostracized by their healthy peers will then band
into support groups and in their frustration look for
someone to point an accusing finger at- their parents.
Looking for a way to lighten the medical expenses, they then
press lawsuits against the ones responsible for the bad diet
and lifestyle habits they formed in their youth- their
parents. You know what? They might even win because given
the number of junk food-eating kids these days, the judge
will most likely be obese and sickly too.
Such a story may be funny, but believe it or not, it might
really happen. Young adults these days have been blaming Mom
and Dad for their current problems and health and dietary
issues might easily include this. One thing's for sure, the
US government or the American fast food industry won't be
taking the blame for it.
Believe it or not, the diets of a lot of babies and toddlers
these days are actually as bad as those of their chip n
dip munching teenage counterparts who dine mainly on
fast-food. The American Dietetic Association published a
recent study proving this in one of the journals.
Researchers from the Tufts University School of Medicine
held a survey and discovered that 33.3% of the respondents
did not have vegetables or fruits as part of their diet.
Even worse, most of those that did declare vegetables in
their diet were referring to French fries which doesn't really
qualify as healthy food.
It's bad enough that a lot of children these days aren't
getting much exercise sitting in front of the boob tube the
whole day watching cable TV, but researchers also discovered
that some parents were even pouring soda into baby bottles
designed for milk. Cola drinks and other types of carbonated
drinks are a major cause of obesity in adults.
As can be expected, 25% of preschoolers are obese and those
numbers are increasing every year. Given that eating habits
are formed during the ages of 2 and 3, you can bet the
statistics will get worse. Most cases of diabetes and
cardiovascular disease stem from unhealthy food and lack of
exercise in a person's formative years.
The situation may appear bleak, but we are not at all
hopeless. As parents, we can set guidelines that promote
healthy habits early in our children's lives and be good
role models by adopting a healthy lifestyle ourselves. Being
good examples can have dramatic effects on the well being of
our family's health.
Perhaps a few decades from now, babies that have had the
fortune of developing good eating habits and healthy
lifestyles will grow up and praise their parents for playing
a major role in letting them turn out to be smart, fit and
healthy adults. Wouldn't this be a better scenario than
seeing your offspring in court because of the bad stuff they
ate during childhood?
Saturday, February 14, 2009
How To Remove Scratches from Your Glasses
No matter how careful you are with your glasses, you are
probably going to deal with a scratch or two over their
lifetime. While some scratches may not bother you, as they
are out of your line of sight, others create problems with
your vision when they are directly where you need to look.
If you are suffering from scratched lenses, you may be able
to remove them with just items you have around your own
home.
Plastic Versus Glass
One variable to consider when looking for a scratch repair
option is whether your glasses are glass or plastic. Many of
today's lenses are made out of metal plastics, such as
polycarbonate, in order to reduce the risk of breaking.
These lenses also weigh far less than traditional glass
lenses. Many of the scratch repair options work only on
plastic lenses, so if you have glass ones you are going to
struggle to repair the scratch.
For instance, many solutions you can buy to repair scratched
glasses are polymer-based solutions. Polymers and plastics
are both made from carbon, so when you bring them together
they bond with one another, and this can effectively fill in
a crack. These do not work well on glass at all. In fact,
the only likely option you will find to repair a glass lens
that has been scratched is to have it professionally
restored, and the price of purchasing a new lens for your
frames is typically more affordable.
The Toothpaste Method
One way to remove scratches from plastic designer lenses is
to use toothpaste and a soft, non-abrasive cloth. Get a
regular toothpaste, not one with whitening and other fancy
aspects to it, and then rub it on the lens in small circles
using the soft cloth. Spend about 10 seconds rubbing the
toothpaste on the scratched lens. Then, use water and a new
soft cloth to remove the toothpaste.
This does not always work the first time. If you still
notice the scratch, repeat the process again. Keep in mind
that glasses that have a coating on them will be harder to
treat in this manner. You will have to use the toothpaste to
rub off all of the coating, so you may wish to bypass this
option on your next pair of glasses, as they also will
likely get scratched.
Using Jewelers Rouge
Jewelers rouge is another product you might be able to use
to remove scratches from your glasses. Choose a low abrasive
jewelers rouge. Then, make a mix using two ounces of ammonia
and two quarts of water. This is more of the mixture than
you will need, but these measurements ensure that you get
the right ratio. Use a polishing cloth to first apply the
jewelers rouge to the scratch in a circular motion. Buff the
glasses for a while until the scratch becomes less visible.
Then, don some protective glasses and rubber gloves, and use
the ammonia mixture to clean the glass using a soft sponge.
When you are done, dry the lens completely using a
lint-free, scratch-free cloth.
Final Considerations
While your designer glasses may have been expensive, part of
this expense goes towards the purchase of the frames and
having the glasses fitted. You may find that simply
replacing the scratched lens is more affordable than you
think.
If you attempt to use any of these methods to repair your
scratched lens, you need to know that they could end up
damaging your lens if you do them improperly, so do so at
your own risk. Often lenses are coated for various reasons,
including glare reduction and scratch protection, and
attempting to fix a scratch will almost always damage this
coating. However, if the cost of replacing your lens is out
of reach, you may wish to try to repair the scratch
yourself, but understand the risk if you do.
probably going to deal with a scratch or two over their
lifetime. While some scratches may not bother you, as they
are out of your line of sight, others create problems with
your vision when they are directly where you need to look.
If you are suffering from scratched lenses, you may be able
to remove them with just items you have around your own
home.
Plastic Versus Glass
One variable to consider when looking for a scratch repair
option is whether your glasses are glass or plastic. Many of
today's lenses are made out of metal plastics, such as
polycarbonate, in order to reduce the risk of breaking.
These lenses also weigh far less than traditional glass
lenses. Many of the scratch repair options work only on
plastic lenses, so if you have glass ones you are going to
struggle to repair the scratch.
For instance, many solutions you can buy to repair scratched
glasses are polymer-based solutions. Polymers and plastics
are both made from carbon, so when you bring them together
they bond with one another, and this can effectively fill in
a crack. These do not work well on glass at all. In fact,
the only likely option you will find to repair a glass lens
that has been scratched is to have it professionally
restored, and the price of purchasing a new lens for your
frames is typically more affordable.
The Toothpaste Method
One way to remove scratches from plastic designer lenses is
to use toothpaste and a soft, non-abrasive cloth. Get a
regular toothpaste, not one with whitening and other fancy
aspects to it, and then rub it on the lens in small circles
using the soft cloth. Spend about 10 seconds rubbing the
toothpaste on the scratched lens. Then, use water and a new
soft cloth to remove the toothpaste.
This does not always work the first time. If you still
notice the scratch, repeat the process again. Keep in mind
that glasses that have a coating on them will be harder to
treat in this manner. You will have to use the toothpaste to
rub off all of the coating, so you may wish to bypass this
option on your next pair of glasses, as they also will
likely get scratched.
Using Jewelers Rouge
Jewelers rouge is another product you might be able to use
to remove scratches from your glasses. Choose a low abrasive
jewelers rouge. Then, make a mix using two ounces of ammonia
and two quarts of water. This is more of the mixture than
you will need, but these measurements ensure that you get
the right ratio. Use a polishing cloth to first apply the
jewelers rouge to the scratch in a circular motion. Buff the
glasses for a while until the scratch becomes less visible.
Then, don some protective glasses and rubber gloves, and use
the ammonia mixture to clean the glass using a soft sponge.
When you are done, dry the lens completely using a
lint-free, scratch-free cloth.
Final Considerations
While your designer glasses may have been expensive, part of
this expense goes towards the purchase of the frames and
having the glasses fitted. You may find that simply
replacing the scratched lens is more affordable than you
think.
If you attempt to use any of these methods to repair your
scratched lens, you need to know that they could end up
damaging your lens if you do them improperly, so do so at
your own risk. Often lenses are coated for various reasons,
including glare reduction and scratch protection, and
attempting to fix a scratch will almost always damage this
coating. However, if the cost of replacing your lens is out
of reach, you may wish to try to repair the scratch
yourself, but understand the risk if you do.
Friday, February 13, 2009
How To Reduce Dark Circles Under The Eyes Naturally
One of the dreaded overnight surprises is dark under eye
circles. Looking in the mirror and seeing those when you are
in a hurry in the morning can give you a fright. Learn to
combat this pesky problem naturally and save some money.
Why do we have to put up with under eye circles? Many people
don't know the causes. Not getting enough sleep is the first
potential cause that comes to mind. Stress can bring on
sleeplessness and other conditions that can lead to under
eye circles. Dark circles are one sign that the body isn't
getting the time it needs while you sleep to repair itself.
Don't forget the water that flows so freely from our eyes
through a variety of emotional states. Crying, especially at
night, can cause the tissues to retain the fluid leading to
puffiness as well as dark circles.
Here are a few ways to reduce that look without chemicals.
1. Use cucumbers. You don't have to visit a high class spa
to get the benefits. Cool cucumber slices reduce puffiness
and fluid around the eyes. The juices lighten the skin under
the eyes. Apply thin cucumber slices to closed eyes for 10
minutes. Toss them in a salad when you're done.
2. Potato slices are good for under eye circles as well. Who
ever heard of using potatoes? In old fashioned remedies,
potatoes were used to draw out impurities. Here, use thin
raw potato slices (washed first). Apply them to your eyes
for about 20 minutes. The circles will get lighter.
3. Bananas. They are great to eat and now they can work
wonders for the outside as well as the inside. Create a
puree using bananas. When you are ready for bed, apply some
of the puree under your eyes like you would a cream. The
potassium in the banana helps balance the amount of water in
your skin. You'll see those dark circles disappear or at the
least, they will be lightened significantly.
4. Chamomile tea bags. Use chamomile tea to calm your spirit
and your skin. Cold or warm tea bags will do the trick. Cool
them in the fridge for 20 minutes or so or just let them
warm on a plate. Lay back and hold the tea bags on your eyes
for about 10 minutes.
5. Water. Drinking water will never go out of style. Your
body is 90 percent water. Dark circles can evolve from a
poorly watered body. The usual daily dose is at least eight
glasses. Drinking your water (flavored or plain) can stop
dark circles in their tracks.
6. Change your diet. If you are not eating properly, your
body will show it. Lack of vital nutrients and minerals can
manifest itself with dark patches on your skin including
under your eyes.
7. Dark circles and lack of moisture. Keep skin hydrated
from the outside as well. Using a daily moisturizer with
Vitamin E (avocado and nut ingredients) keeps skin supple.
For a more natural application, use avocado puree or almond
oil.
Dark circles are not how we want to put our best face
forward. Get rid of them naturally, without harsh chemicals.
circles. Looking in the mirror and seeing those when you are
in a hurry in the morning can give you a fright. Learn to
combat this pesky problem naturally and save some money.
Why do we have to put up with under eye circles? Many people
don't know the causes. Not getting enough sleep is the first
potential cause that comes to mind. Stress can bring on
sleeplessness and other conditions that can lead to under
eye circles. Dark circles are one sign that the body isn't
getting the time it needs while you sleep to repair itself.
Don't forget the water that flows so freely from our eyes
through a variety of emotional states. Crying, especially at
night, can cause the tissues to retain the fluid leading to
puffiness as well as dark circles.
Here are a few ways to reduce that look without chemicals.
1. Use cucumbers. You don't have to visit a high class spa
to get the benefits. Cool cucumber slices reduce puffiness
and fluid around the eyes. The juices lighten the skin under
the eyes. Apply thin cucumber slices to closed eyes for 10
minutes. Toss them in a salad when you're done.
2. Potato slices are good for under eye circles as well. Who
ever heard of using potatoes? In old fashioned remedies,
potatoes were used to draw out impurities. Here, use thin
raw potato slices (washed first). Apply them to your eyes
for about 20 minutes. The circles will get lighter.
3. Bananas. They are great to eat and now they can work
wonders for the outside as well as the inside. Create a
puree using bananas. When you are ready for bed, apply some
of the puree under your eyes like you would a cream. The
potassium in the banana helps balance the amount of water in
your skin. You'll see those dark circles disappear or at the
least, they will be lightened significantly.
4. Chamomile tea bags. Use chamomile tea to calm your spirit
and your skin. Cold or warm tea bags will do the trick. Cool
them in the fridge for 20 minutes or so or just let them
warm on a plate. Lay back and hold the tea bags on your eyes
for about 10 minutes.
5. Water. Drinking water will never go out of style. Your
body is 90 percent water. Dark circles can evolve from a
poorly watered body. The usual daily dose is at least eight
glasses. Drinking your water (flavored or plain) can stop
dark circles in their tracks.
6. Change your diet. If you are not eating properly, your
body will show it. Lack of vital nutrients and minerals can
manifest itself with dark patches on your skin including
under your eyes.
7. Dark circles and lack of moisture. Keep skin hydrated
from the outside as well. Using a daily moisturizer with
Vitamin E (avocado and nut ingredients) keeps skin supple.
For a more natural application, use avocado puree or almond
oil.
Dark circles are not how we want to put our best face
forward. Get rid of them naturally, without harsh chemicals.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Age - Destroy This Fitness Myth
Myth -- only the young should exercise and as one ages
muscle mass and strength cannot be increased anymore. This
has been negated by various studies in Harvard and other
places. It is plain myth and has no scientific basis.
With aging comes slowing metabolism, accumulation of fat,
clogged arteries, hypertension, thinning bones, sagging
muscles and skin, and a lot of other conditions. Exercise
can slow down the onset of these conditions. So who said
that those beyond 50 should not exercise anymore? In fact,
exercise can slow down or even reverse these unwanted
conditions.
Regular and age-appropriate exercise can help aging people
retard the onset of various age-related ailments. According
to the American College of Sports Medicine, aerobic or
oxygen enhancing exercise done 15-60 minutes a few days a
week is a great boost to one's health.
The safe maximum heart rate is 220 beats minus your present
age. When you are working out, you should target an increase
of between 60% and 90% of this safe maximum. What
cardiovascular exercises can you do? Brisk walking for 30
minutes or three 10-minute walks per day, mild jumping
jacks, gentle jogging in place, swimming, dancing are some
of these exercises. These exercises ensure a healthy heart
and blood vessels.
Other exercises that strengthen the muscles act to keep it
toned while keeping weight down and blood sugar at
appropriate levels. Exercises that develop balance can help
strengthen the muscles found in the legs, which can better
support the body and reduce the likelihood of falling. This
is good, especially since a good majority of broken hips
among the elderly is a result from the elderly falling.
It is recommended that in order to keep the muscles flexible
for movement and the joints lubricated, the elderly also do
a couple of static and dynamic stretches during their
workouts. This improves their ability to balance themselves,
but also to make it easier for them to move freely. This
will, on the overall, reduce the amount of pain they
experience as they go about their daily activities.
Endurance exercises help keep the heart and lungs healthy as
well as keeping muscles toned, joints moving freely and
other body systems functioning well. A slightly higher
metabolic rate stimulates a variety of organs to produce
needed biochemicals. The human body functions better, longer
when it is subject to mild activity than when sedentary for
long periods.
All these activities help raise the onset age of
osteoporosis and to minimize its effects after it begins.
Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus is less likely for
the physically active. Certain forms of heart disease are
less likely for those who exercise moderately later in life.
Many elderly people experience episodes of depression and
low morale because they are left with no family and friends
most of the time. There is evidence that with mild and
regular exercise, these episodes are minimized.
You should consult a physician or trainer (preferably both)
before starting any new exercise program. Begin slowly,
especially if exercise has not been part of your lifestyle.
Build up flexibility, strength and endurance gradually.
If you have a medical condition, be sure to discuss your
plans with a physician and sports expert to develop an
exercise routine appropriate to you.
muscle mass and strength cannot be increased anymore. This
has been negated by various studies in Harvard and other
places. It is plain myth and has no scientific basis.
With aging comes slowing metabolism, accumulation of fat,
clogged arteries, hypertension, thinning bones, sagging
muscles and skin, and a lot of other conditions. Exercise
can slow down the onset of these conditions. So who said
that those beyond 50 should not exercise anymore? In fact,
exercise can slow down or even reverse these unwanted
conditions.
Regular and age-appropriate exercise can help aging people
retard the onset of various age-related ailments. According
to the American College of Sports Medicine, aerobic or
oxygen enhancing exercise done 15-60 minutes a few days a
week is a great boost to one's health.
The safe maximum heart rate is 220 beats minus your present
age. When you are working out, you should target an increase
of between 60% and 90% of this safe maximum. What
cardiovascular exercises can you do? Brisk walking for 30
minutes or three 10-minute walks per day, mild jumping
jacks, gentle jogging in place, swimming, dancing are some
of these exercises. These exercises ensure a healthy heart
and blood vessels.
Other exercises that strengthen the muscles act to keep it
toned while keeping weight down and blood sugar at
appropriate levels. Exercises that develop balance can help
strengthen the muscles found in the legs, which can better
support the body and reduce the likelihood of falling. This
is good, especially since a good majority of broken hips
among the elderly is a result from the elderly falling.
It is recommended that in order to keep the muscles flexible
for movement and the joints lubricated, the elderly also do
a couple of static and dynamic stretches during their
workouts. This improves their ability to balance themselves,
but also to make it easier for them to move freely. This
will, on the overall, reduce the amount of pain they
experience as they go about their daily activities.
Endurance exercises help keep the heart and lungs healthy as
well as keeping muscles toned, joints moving freely and
other body systems functioning well. A slightly higher
metabolic rate stimulates a variety of organs to produce
needed biochemicals. The human body functions better, longer
when it is subject to mild activity than when sedentary for
long periods.
All these activities help raise the onset age of
osteoporosis and to minimize its effects after it begins.
Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus is less likely for
the physically active. Certain forms of heart disease are
less likely for those who exercise moderately later in life.
Many elderly people experience episodes of depression and
low morale because they are left with no family and friends
most of the time. There is evidence that with mild and
regular exercise, these episodes are minimized.
You should consult a physician or trainer (preferably both)
before starting any new exercise program. Begin slowly,
especially if exercise has not been part of your lifestyle.
Build up flexibility, strength and endurance gradually.
If you have a medical condition, be sure to discuss your
plans with a physician and sports expert to develop an
exercise routine appropriate to you.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
5 Types Of Home Exercise Equipment
It seems like many people have similar goals about their
bodies - lose weight,
(http://www.physicalassets.com/products/ ) strength training
or tone up, but fewer and fewer people are opting to join
gyms to try and reach their goals. Some people don't live
close enough to a gym to make that option feasible and some
people just simply can't afford the monthly dues. If you
have a goal of getting in better shape, but for one reason
or another can't or won't join a gym there are several
viable options you can have at home to help you achieve all
of your fitness goals.
Treadmills
There are few activities that burn calories as well as
running, if you've got some extra weight that you want to
lose or if you just want to get into the best cardiovascular
condition that you possibly can - then running is
an obvious choice to get you to your goal. Running (or
walking for that matter) is an activity that almost anyone
can do without a gym or fancy equipment. The problem with
outdoor running is that weather conditions can ruin your
workout.
A treadmill can be an inexpensive way to be able to do your
running/walking workout without having to worry about the
weather forecast. Rain or shine; wind or cold - it makes no
difference, with a treadmill you'll be able to get a great
workout without leaving your home.
Ellipticals
Elliptical machines offer a cardio workout that can rival
that of a good run or walk. Elliptical machines can cost a
bit more than a lower end treadmill but they do offer one
unique advantage - next to no impact. If you've had a
history of joint pain or problems that preclude you from
high impact exercises like running then an elliptical
machine may be just the thing you need to get a great cardio
workout.
Exercise Bikes
Exercise bikes come in all shapes and sizes and are another
great low-impact alternative to running for cardio workouts.
Biking is an excellent activity to burn calories and build
overall health, but it's wise to "try before you buy" if at
all possible. All exercise bikes may not be comfortable to
all people and the last thing you want when trying to get a
good workout is to be stuck atop an uncomfortable apparatus.
If the store has a display model, give it a quick spin and
make sure that there are several adjustments to accommodate
people of different heights and sizes.
Home Gyms
If part of your goal is to build a bit of muscle, then a
home gym might be the right piece of equipment for you.
There are literally dozens of different brands and models to
choose from, each with different accessories and attachments
to accommodate even the most complex workout routines in a
limited amount of space. It's a good idea to read some
customer reviews before buying to try and gauge the ease of use
of each home gym. Some systems come with resistance bands,
weight stacks or resistance wheels - you want something that
will be user friendly so completing your workout is a
pleasure rather than a hassle.
Spinners
Spinners are like a newer, more advanced version of an
exercise bike. Some models offer wide ranges of adjustable
resistance and tons of extra added amenities that you
wouldn't normally find on a run of the mill indoor cycle.
Some spinners are designed to give you the feel that you
are actually out cycling and riders can get a ride along with
DVDs that virtually put you in different locations and situations
while working out. If you think that traditional indoor cycling is
too boring to hold your attention, than a spinner might be a
bodies - lose weight,
(http://www.physicalassets.
or tone up, but fewer and fewer people are opting to join
gyms to try and reach their goals. Some people don't live
close enough to a gym to make that option feasible and some
people just simply can't afford the monthly dues. If you
have a goal of getting in better shape, but for one reason
or another can't or won't join a gym there are several
viable options you can have at home to help you achieve all
of your fitness goals.
Treadmills
There are few activities that burn calories as well as
running, if you've got some extra weight that you want to
lose or if you just want to get into the best cardiovascular
condition that you possibly can - then running is
an obvious choice to get you to your goal. Running (or
walking for that matter) is an activity that almost anyone
can do without a gym or fancy equipment. The problem with
outdoor running is that weather conditions can ruin your
workout.
A treadmill can be an inexpensive way to be able to do your
running/walking workout without having to worry about the
weather forecast. Rain or shine; wind or cold - it makes no
difference, with a treadmill you'll be able to get a great
workout without leaving your home.
Ellipticals
Elliptical machines offer a cardio workout that can rival
that of a good run or walk. Elliptical machines can cost a
bit more than a lower end treadmill but they do offer one
unique advantage - next to no impact. If you've had a
history of joint pain or problems that preclude you from
high impact exercises like running then an elliptical
machine may be just the thing you need to get a great cardio
workout.
Exercise Bikes
Exercise bikes come in all shapes and sizes and are another
great low-impact alternative to running for cardio workouts.
Biking is an excellent activity to burn calories and build
overall health, but it's wise to "try before you buy" if at
all possible. All exercise bikes may not be comfortable to
all people and the last thing you want when trying to get a
good workout is to be stuck atop an uncomfortable apparatus.
If the store has a display model, give it a quick spin and
make sure that there are several adjustments to accommodate
people of different heights and sizes.
Home Gyms
If part of your goal is to build a bit of muscle, then a
home gym might be the right piece of equipment for you.
There are literally dozens of different brands and models to
choose from, each with different accessories and attachments
to accommodate even the most complex workout routines in a
limited amount of space. It's a good idea to read some
customer reviews before buying to try and gauge the ease of use
of each home gym. Some systems come with resistance bands,
weight stacks or resistance wheels - you want something that
will be user friendly so completing your workout is a
pleasure rather than a hassle.
Spinners
Spinners are like a newer, more advanced version of an
exercise bike. Some models offer wide ranges of adjustable
resistance and tons of extra added amenities that you
wouldn't normally find on a run of the mill indoor cycle.
Some spinners are designed to give you the feel that you
are actually out cycling and riders can get a ride along with
DVDs that virtually put you in different locations and situations
while working out. If you think that traditional indoor cycling is
too boring to hold your attention, than a spinner might be a
better choice.
Whatever your workout or fitness goal is, with the types and
varieties of equipment available - you certainly don't need
to spend the money or waste the time traveling to a gym -
you can get an excellent and tremendously effective workout
right in the comfort of your own home.
Whatever your workout or fitness goal is, with the types and
varieties of equipment available - you certainly don't need
to spend the money or waste the time traveling to a gym -
you can get an excellent and tremendously effective workout
right in the comfort of your own home.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
How To Manage Your Stress
By Lillian F Tighe
Stress and tension are part of most people lives and
threaten your health in many ways. Stress can come in the
form of accidents, financial difficulties, problems at work,
family issues, and poor health. The way to manage stress has
a lot to do with your mental, emotional, and physical
health. The following are some ways that you can manage the
stress in your life:
1. Try to find out what is causing your stress.
2. Examine your life and see if it is possible to make changes
in the areas that are causing you stress.
3. Relaxation techniques such as massage, deep breathing,
meditation, or yoga may help to relieve your stress.
4. Exercise or other physical activity will help you deal with
stress.
5. When you feel overwhelmed by everything you have to do,
create a checklist and arrange your priorities. You will
get satisfaction when you complete the tasks you have set
yourself.
6. Avoid sugar, fats, tobacco, caffeine, and alcohol to help
your body and mind to cope with stress.
7. Getting enough sleep is really important.
8. Find someone to talk to if things are bothering you. You
can talk to family, friends or find a support group.
9. Volunteering can give you a sense of purpose and increase
your self esteem and reduce your stress.
10. Relax by reading a book or watching a movie, listening to
music or working at a hobby you enjoy.
11. Practice anger management. If you feel that you have
problems dealing with you anger find a support group that
you can join.
12. A vacation from your regular life, even if only for a
weekend, will help you deal with stress.
13. Don't take on too much at one time. Learn to take it easy.
14. Don't try to be perfect in everything that you do.
15. Remember that being judgmental is likely to do you more
harm than the people you are judging.
16. Always try to see the amusing side of any situation.
Laughter is the best medicine.
17. Move your head from side to side and rotate you neck in a
circle to reduce the tension in your neck and jaw.
18. Set small and smart goals for yourself and then work
carefully and realistically towards achieving them. Keep in
mind that unrealistic goals never seem to be reached and
this can add to your stress level. Try to set a goal for
yourself this week by using the SMART approach:
SPECIFIC: Choose one little goal and write it down.
MEASURABLE: How will you know when it is done?
ACHIEVABLE: Make sure it is not too big.
REWARDED: When you have finished, how will you reward
yourself?
TIME-LIMITED: Can you set an achievable deadline?
Lillian F Tighe is an authority on healthy living and has
written a book (http://www.besthealthylives.com )
10stepstohealthyliving which you can obtain for free on her
(http://www.besthealthylives.com ) healthyliving website
Stress and tension are part of most people lives and
threaten your health in many ways. Stress can come in the
form of accidents, financial difficulties, problems at work,
family issues, and poor health. The way to manage stress has
a lot to do with your mental, emotional, and physical
health. The following are some ways that you can manage the
stress in your life:
1. Try to find out what is causing your stress.
2. Examine your life and see if it is possible to make changes
in the areas that are causing you stress.
3. Relaxation techniques such as massage, deep breathing,
meditation, or yoga may help to relieve your stress.
4. Exercise or other physical activity will help you deal with
stress.
5. When you feel overwhelmed by everything you have to do,
create a checklist and arrange your priorities. You will
get satisfaction when you complete the tasks you have set
yourself.
6. Avoid sugar, fats, tobacco, caffeine, and alcohol to help
your body and mind to cope with stress.
7. Getting enough sleep is really important.
8. Find someone to talk to if things are bothering you. You
can talk to family, friends or find a support group.
9. Volunteering can give you a sense of purpose and increase
your self esteem and reduce your stress.
10. Relax by reading a book or watching a movie, listening to
music or working at a hobby you enjoy.
11. Practice anger management. If you feel that you have
problems dealing with you anger find a support group that
you can join.
12. A vacation from your regular life, even if only for a
weekend, will help you deal with stress.
13. Don't take on too much at one time. Learn to take it easy.
14. Don't try to be perfect in everything that you do.
15. Remember that being judgmental is likely to do you more
harm than the people you are judging.
16. Always try to see the amusing side of any situation.
Laughter is the best medicine.
17. Move your head from side to side and rotate you neck in a
circle to reduce the tension in your neck and jaw.
18. Set small and smart goals for yourself and then work
carefully and realistically towards achieving them. Keep in
mind that unrealistic goals never seem to be reached and
this can add to your stress level. Try to set a goal for
yourself this week by using the SMART approach:
SPECIFIC: Choose one little goal and write it down.
MEASURABLE: How will you know when it is done?
ACHIEVABLE: Make sure it is not too big.
REWARDED: When you have finished, how will you reward
yourself?
TIME-LIMITED: Can you set an achievable deadline?
Lillian F Tighe is an authority on healthy living and has
written a book (http://www.besthealthylives.
10stepstohealthyliving which you can obtain for free on her
(http://www.besthealthylives.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Natural Ways To Reduce Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against blood
vessel walls as it circulates through the body. When the
heart pumps more blood and if the arteries are narrow, the
higher the pressure. Narrow arteries also make the heart
work harder. Daily life events, such as exercise, stress or
emotions can cause the pressure to rise temporarily. This is
normal. But chronic high blood pressure must be treated.
Some of the symptoms of high blood pressure or hypertension
are headaches, nose bleeding and sweating. Hypertension is
sometimes also said to be the "silent-killer". In some
cases, it's symptom free until you have a heart attack or
stroke.
Blood Pressure numbers:
Systolic and Diastolic are the two measurements used in
blood pressure. For example, 120/80. Systolic, 120 from the
example, is the measurement of the blood pressure during the
heart beat. Diastolic, 80 from the example, is the blood
pressure level when the heart is at rest in between heart
beats. It is said to be in normal range when the measurement
is 120/80.
Diet and life style changes:
Consuming a diet rich in plant foods is one of the best ways
to reduce blood pressure. Plant foods are generally richer
in blood pressure-lowering potassium than animal products.
Also, they are not loaded with sodium, as many packaged
foods are. Salt (sodium chloride) plays a major role in
hypertension. People who consume less salt have little
problem with hypertension.
One teaspoon of salt contains 2,325 mg of sodium. In order
to lower the blood pressure its suggested to take 1,500 to
2,000 mg daily. But remember to consult with your own doctor
for individual intake levels. Some of the main source of
excess sodium in your system comes from packaged and
processed foods.
Some of the foods that are low in fats and high in
potassium, calcium and magnesium, which help lower the blood
pressure, are as follows: Whole grains, fish, nuts and
poultry. Celery, onions and garlic also can help reducing
blood pressure.
vessel walls as it circulates through the body. When the
heart pumps more blood and if the arteries are narrow, the
higher the pressure. Narrow arteries also make the heart
work harder. Daily life events, such as exercise, stress or
emotions can cause the pressure to rise temporarily. This is
normal. But chronic high blood pressure must be treated.
Some of the symptoms of high blood pressure or hypertension
are headaches, nose bleeding and sweating. Hypertension is
sometimes also said to be the "silent-killer". In some
cases, it's symptom free until you have a heart attack or
stroke.
Blood Pressure numbers:
Systolic and Diastolic are the two measurements used in
blood pressure. For example, 120/80. Systolic, 120 from the
example, is the measurement of the blood pressure during the
heart beat. Diastolic, 80 from the example, is the blood
pressure level when the heart is at rest in between heart
beats. It is said to be in normal range when the measurement
is 120/80.
Diet and life style changes:
Consuming a diet rich in plant foods is one of the best ways
to reduce blood pressure. Plant foods are generally richer
in blood pressure-lowering potassium than animal products.
Also, they are not loaded with sodium, as many packaged
foods are. Salt (sodium chloride) plays a major role in
hypertension. People who consume less salt have little
problem with hypertension.
One teaspoon of salt contains 2,325 mg of sodium. In order
to lower the blood pressure its suggested to take 1,500 to
2,000 mg daily. But remember to consult with your own doctor
for individual intake levels. Some of the main source of
excess sodium in your system comes from packaged and
processed foods.
Some of the foods that are low in fats and high in
potassium, calcium and magnesium, which help lower the blood
pressure, are as follows: Whole grains, fish, nuts and
poultry. Celery, onions and garlic also can help reducing
blood pressure.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Fat Burning Foods
Want to lose weight the natural way? Then get to know now
what are the fat burning foods that could help you burn your
excess and stubborn fats naturally.
When you go for fat burning foods, you won't need to take
those fat loss pills and supplements widely promoted
nowadays. But of course, you need to be disciplined and do
some exercises. Some weight loss programs may help you
eventually.
Right now, here is good list of fat burning foods. These
foods are believed to burn more calories than the calorie
content of the food itself, thus fighting stored fat:
* Foods with chillies or red chillies - these can
greatly help as chillies actually contain capsaicin that is
good for increasing metabolism.
* Vitamin C rich fruits - include oranges, limes,
lemons, tangerines, guava, and grapefruit. These fruits are
known for having fat burning properties that cause dilution
of fat.
* Apples and Berries - have great fat burning
properties. Pectin found in apples help in absorbing water
from food which helps in releasing the fat deposits from
the body as well as restrict the cells to absorb the fat.
* Dairy products - include cheese, milk and yogurt at
most. Calcium in these products was discovered to increase
fat breakdown in fat cells, thus helps in boosting weight
loss.
* Vegetables - includes asparagus, cabbage, carrot, beet
root, sweet potatoes, and broccoli. These all have great fat
burning properties.
* Nuts - act like fuel so the body can burn fat. Eating nuts
will make a person full, so lessens the tendency for a person
to overeat.
These foods have the potential to burn fats, but of course success
will still depend on the person. Nonetheless, these foods must be
accompanied by exercise to make the most out of their fat
burning potential.
what are the fat burning foods that could help you burn your
excess and stubborn fats naturally.
When you go for fat burning foods, you won't need to take
those fat loss pills and supplements widely promoted
nowadays. But of course, you need to be disciplined and do
some exercises. Some weight loss programs may help you
eventually.
Right now, here is good list of fat burning foods. These
foods are believed to burn more calories than the calorie
content of the food itself, thus fighting stored fat:
* Foods with chillies or red chillies - these can
greatly help as chillies actually contain capsaicin that is
good for increasing metabolism.
* Vitamin C rich fruits - include oranges, limes,
lemons, tangerines, guava, and grapefruit. These fruits are
known for having fat burning properties that cause dilution
of fat.
* Apples and Berries - have great fat burning
properties. Pectin found in apples help in absorbing water
from food which helps in releasing the fat deposits from
the body as well as restrict the cells to absorb the fat.
* Dairy products - include cheese, milk and yogurt at
most. Calcium in these products was discovered to increase
fat breakdown in fat cells, thus helps in boosting weight
loss.
* Vegetables - includes asparagus, cabbage, carrot, beet
root, sweet potatoes, and broccoli. These all have great fat
burning properties.
* Nuts - act like fuel so the body can burn fat. Eating nuts
will make a person full, so lessens the tendency for a person
to overeat.
These foods have the potential to burn fats, but of course success
will still depend on the person. Nonetheless, these foods must be
accompanied by exercise to make the most out of their fat
burning potential.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Balance Training - Get A Complete Workout
Athletes in any sport must focus on several areas of the
body during their training. A strength-based workout
consists of much more than basic stamina and physical
strength; you can train for boxing by using kettle bells,
power bags and boxing rings to focus on your upper body.
This process will enable you to work on your flexibility,
provide a total body workout and will help you to become
aware of mobility limits. One simple way to achieve this is
to focus on balance training in your workout.
Balance training is used by many athletes, martial artists
and physical therapists around the world. It is a
concentrated focus on your body, of maintaining position and
coordination through time and movement. The power bag is one
example and is a useful tool that can be included in your
stretches before and after working out and it can be used
with equipment or be used free standing.
The balance ball is another example. This tool will stretch out
under-used muscles and help to increase movement, which will
limit any muscle adhesion.
While useful, balance training isn't something that you can
just rush into. Many physical trainers will tell you
outright what balance exercises will work for you and which
ones to avoid, as well as which ones can be dangerous based
on your current level of training.
As always, any training should be done in moderation and all
athletes should ease into their training as they go. Always
consult your doctor before starting any exercise program.
The use of balance training combined with other,
muscle-group orientated training will have a
significant impact on your results.
body during their training. A strength-based workout
consists of much more than basic stamina and physical
strength; you can train for boxing by using kettle bells,
power bags and boxing rings to focus on your upper body.
This process will enable you to work on your flexibility,
provide a total body workout and will help you to become
aware of mobility limits. One simple way to achieve this is
to focus on balance training in your workout.
Balance training is used by many athletes, martial artists
and physical therapists around the world. It is a
concentrated focus on your body, of maintaining position and
coordination through time and movement. The power bag is one
example and is a useful tool that can be included in your
stretches before and after working out and it can be used
with equipment or be used free standing.
The balance ball is another example. This tool will stretch out
under-used muscles and help to increase movement, which will
limit any muscle adhesion.
While useful, balance training isn't something that you can
just rush into. Many physical trainers will tell you
outright what balance exercises will work for you and which
ones to avoid, as well as which ones can be dangerous based
on your current level of training.
As always, any training should be done in moderation and all
athletes should ease into their training as they go. Always
consult your doctor before starting any exercise program.
The use of balance training combined with other,
muscle-group orientated training will have a
significant impact on your results.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Water Or Coke?
This I got from a very cool site: thatwasfunny.com As you can fathom
from the title this needs to be taken with a pinch of salt, but I dare say, some of
this is true. What do you think?
from the title this needs to be taken with a pinch of salt, but I dare say, some of
this is true. What do you think?
WATER
1. We all know that water is important but I’ve never seen it written down like this before.
2. 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. (Likely applies to half world population)
3. In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is often mistaken for hunger.
4. Even MILD dehydration will slow down one’s metabolism as much as 3%.
5. One glass of water will shut down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of the dieters studied in a U- Washington study.
6. Lack of water is the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue.
7. Preliminary research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers.
8. A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or on a printed page.
9. Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79%, and one is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer.
Are you drinking the amount of water you should every day?
COKE
1. In many states (in the USA) the highway patrol carries two gallons of Coke in the truck to remove blood from the highway after a car accident.
2. You can put a T-bone steak in a bowl of coke and it will be gone in two days.
3. To clean a toilet: Pour a can of Coca-Cola into the toilet bowl and let the “real thing” sit for one hour, then flush clean The citric acid in Coke removes stains from vitreous china.
4. To remove rust spots from chrome car bumpers: Rub the bumper with a crumpled-up piece of Reynolds Wrap aluminum foil dipped in Coca-Cola.
5. To clean corrosion from car battery terminals: Pour a can of
Coca-Cola over the terminals to bubble away the corrosion.
6. To loosen a rusted bolt: Applying a cloth soaked in Coca-Cola to the rusted bolt for several minutes.
7. To bake a moist ham: Empty a can of Coca-Cola into the baking pan, wrap the ham in aluminum foil, and bake. Thirty minutes before the ham is finished, Remove the foil, allowing the drippings to mix with the Coke for a sumptuous brown gravy.
8. To remove grease from clothes: Empty a can of coke into a load of greasy clothes, add detergent, and run through a regular cycle. The Coca-Cola will help loosen grease stains. It will also clean road haze from your windshield.
For Your Info:
1. The active ingredient in Coke is phosphoric acid. Its Ph is 2.8. It will dissolve a nail in about 4 days. Phosphoric acid also leaches calcium from bones and is a major contributor to the rising increase in osteoporosis.
2. To carry Coca-Cola syrup (the concentrate) the commercial truck must use the Hazardous material place cards reserved for highly corrosive materials.
3. The distributors of coke have been using it to clean the engines of their trucks for about 20 years!
Now the question is, would you like a glass of WATER
or COKE ?
Once again thanks to thatwasfunny.com
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Why A High Protein Meal Plan?
Weight loss and diet plans have become a full-fledged
industry today. As people become more and more health
conscious, they are looking for better and more effective
ways of losing extra weight and getting into shape.
Another addition to the many available diet plans is the
high protein diet meal plan. This plan requires you to
increase the protein content in your diet. This diet plan is
the latest fad in the health world as it allows you to lose
and control your weight without starving yourself.
Protein diet is not the same as Atkins diet. Atkins diet
allows its followers to eat as many calories as they want to
and that diet often contains large amounts of fat. A protein
diet meal plan involves food items with high protein content
but with limited calories and fats.
The benefits of a high protein diet in weight loss have been
recently discovered. Researchers have found out that a diet
with high proteins and lesser carbohydrates helps our body
to burn calories at a much faster rate. This helps us lose
weight and burn the fat that's accumulated in our body.
Another benefit of following a protein diet is that it helps
us consume fewer calories. Studies have shown that people
who eat a meal with high protein content don't feel the need
to snack in between meals.
Recent studies show that we consume more calories when
presented with a large variety of food items. By avoiding
carbohydrates and preferring only proteins, we also limit
the variety of food items we can consume. Thus, it cuts the
calories we consume and helps us lose weight.
So what exactly is there in a protein diet meal plan? Well,
to cut a long story short, this meal plan excludes all the
starch and flour based food items like bread, sugar,
potatoes, etc. But you are allowed to eat protein food like
meat and poultry. You can eat light carbohydrates like green
vegetables but must avoid all types of complex
carbohydrates.
This diet plan requires you to eat small portions of protein
rich meals many times a day. You can decide the size of each
portion according to your requirement. But before trying out
this diet, you must remember that this diet is not for
everyone.
You must consult your doctor or dietitian before trying such
a diet plan, in fact before starting any diet plan. And if your doctor
approves it, you can start your diet plan and start losing those extra pounds.
industry today. As people become more and more health
conscious, they are looking for better and more effective
ways of losing extra weight and getting into shape.
Another addition to the many available diet plans is the
high protein diet meal plan. This plan requires you to
increase the protein content in your diet. This diet plan is
the latest fad in the health world as it allows you to lose
and control your weight without starving yourself.
Protein diet is not the same as Atkins diet. Atkins diet
allows its followers to eat as many calories as they want to
and that diet often contains large amounts of fat. A protein
diet meal plan involves food items with high protein content
but with limited calories and fats.
The benefits of a high protein diet in weight loss have been
recently discovered. Researchers have found out that a diet
with high proteins and lesser carbohydrates helps our body
to burn calories at a much faster rate. This helps us lose
weight and burn the fat that's accumulated in our body.
Another benefit of following a protein diet is that it helps
us consume fewer calories. Studies have shown that people
who eat a meal with high protein content don't feel the need
to snack in between meals.
Recent studies show that we consume more calories when
presented with a large variety of food items. By avoiding
carbohydrates and preferring only proteins, we also limit
the variety of food items we can consume. Thus, it cuts the
calories we consume and helps us lose weight.
So what exactly is there in a protein diet meal plan? Well,
to cut a long story short, this meal plan excludes all the
starch and flour based food items like bread, sugar,
potatoes, etc. But you are allowed to eat protein food like
meat and poultry. You can eat light carbohydrates like green
vegetables but must avoid all types of complex
carbohydrates.
This diet plan requires you to eat small portions of protein
rich meals many times a day. You can decide the size of each
portion according to your requirement. But before trying out
this diet, you must remember that this diet is not for
everyone.
You must consult your doctor or dietitian before trying such
a diet plan, in fact before starting any diet plan. And if your doctor
approves it, you can start your diet plan and start losing those extra pounds.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Common Causes Of Migraine Headaches
With the fast paced lifestyle we all lead nowadays, it's not
uncommon that more and more people are getting migraines as
a result of the stress. This greatly affects our productivity,
not to mention our quality of living. Thus, modern medicine
has tried to come up with a battery of drugs to battle this
growing pandemic.
But even with recent medical and technological advances,
most doctors and scientist still can't identify the specific
factors involved in causing migraines. Some argue that it
has to do with the amount of serotonin in our brains. They
claim that when serotonin levels drop, the sudden imbalance
can lead to a migraine.
A migraine usually presents itself with a number of symptoms.
People often experience light sensitivities, with some saying that
they can see colors or spots in their vision. Others claim
that their scalp feels soft to the touch.
Mood swings are also a common symptom of migraines. People
can go from happy to sad, calm to angry, right before a
migraine hits, making it uncomfortable for the suffering
person and the people around them.
Most migraines usually come and go, but one that lasts for
days may be a sign of a more serious problem. Most stem
from personal bad habits, such as stress and an unhealthy diet.
Sleep and drinking plenty of fluids usually help, but you
can also take a few of the dozen or more over the counter
medicines designed to help relieve migraines.
With all that said, it's important to reduce the amount of
stress in your life. Not only is it unhealthy, but it is
one of the most common causes of migraine headaches. If
you do get a migraine headache attack, just try to relax and
find a quiet place to lie down. Pick some place dark, to
cut the effects of light sensitivity, and apply a cold
compress to your head, while gently massaging your scalp
every so often.
Food sensitivities are also known to trigger migraines.
Dairy and those containing dairy products, such as milk and
coffee, can also trigger migraine headaches, as well as food
additives like MSG. Excessive consumption of these foods
react with a person's body chemistry, triggering the onset of
a migraine headache.
uncommon that more and more people are getting migraines as
a result of the stress. This greatly affects our productivity,
not to mention our quality of living. Thus, modern medicine
has tried to come up with a battery of drugs to battle this
growing pandemic.
But even with recent medical and technological advances,
most doctors and scientist still can't identify the specific
factors involved in causing migraines. Some argue that it
has to do with the amount of serotonin in our brains. They
claim that when serotonin levels drop, the sudden imbalance
can lead to a migraine.
A migraine usually presents itself with a number of symptoms.
People often experience light sensitivities, with some saying that
they can see colors or spots in their vision. Others claim
that their scalp feels soft to the touch.
Mood swings are also a common symptom of migraines. People
can go from happy to sad, calm to angry, right before a
migraine hits, making it uncomfortable for the suffering
person and the people around them.
Most migraines usually come and go, but one that lasts for
days may be a sign of a more serious problem. Most stem
from personal bad habits, such as stress and an unhealthy diet.
Sleep and drinking plenty of fluids usually help, but you
can also take a few of the dozen or more over the counter
medicines designed to help relieve migraines.
With all that said, it's important to reduce the amount of
stress in your life. Not only is it unhealthy, but it is
one of the most common causes of migraine headaches. If
you do get a migraine headache attack, just try to relax and
find a quiet place to lie down. Pick some place dark, to
cut the effects of light sensitivity, and apply a cold
compress to your head, while gently massaging your scalp
every so often.
Food sensitivities are also known to trigger migraines.
Dairy and those containing dairy products, such as milk and
coffee, can also trigger migraine headaches, as well as food
additives like MSG. Excessive consumption of these foods
react with a person's body chemistry, triggering the onset of
a migraine headache.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
I LOVE BANANAS!!!
A friend of mine sent me this piece on bananas, and since its my favorite fruit, along with strawberries, I found it brilliant and thought it a good idea to share it with you. Read on and be amazed:
Never, put your banana in the refrigerator!!!
This is interesting.
After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.
Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.
Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.
But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit.
It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.
Depression:
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.
PMS:
Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
Anemia:
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
Blood Pressure:
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
Brain Power:
200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
Constipation:
High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
Hangovers:
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
Heartburn:
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
Morning Sickness:
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
Mosquito bites:
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
Nerves:
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
Overweight:
and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.
Ulcers:
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Temperature control:
Many other cultures see bananas as a 'cooling' fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):
Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.
Smoking &Tobacco Use:
Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
Stress:
Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels.. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.
Strokes:
According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!
Warts:
Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!
So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, 'A banana a day keeps the doctor away!'
PASS IT ON TO YOUR FRIENDS
PS: Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time! I will add one here; want a quick shine on our shoes?? Take the INSIDE of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe....polish with dry cloth. Amazing fruit.
What's your take on bananas, and if its not your favorite what fruit is?
Monday, February 2, 2009
The Causes And Treatment For Greasy Hair
By Jennifer Summers
Greasy hair can look oily and dull, and have a lank and
lifeless appearance. It can look flat and heavy, and it
never seems to stay clean and fresh. It takes on a stringy
appearance within a few hours of shampooing and refuses to
stay full and fluffy. Does this describe your hair? Do you
ask the question, why is my hair greasy? Greasy hair can
cause social embarrassment as others may judge that the
sufferer has poor hygiene and does not wash their hair
frequently enough, even if they actually wash it every day.
The grease found in hair is called sebum and is oil that is
produced natural by the body. Each of the hairs on your head
has a gland called the sebaceous gland immediately under the
skin, this gland produces sebum. Oil in greasy hair protects
each strand from split ends and dryness, and is in fact a
sign of healthy hair. Sebum is made as lubrication for the
skin and hair, providing a protective barrier and preventing
drying. Sebum is the body's own natural moisturizer.
Greasy hair is excess of sebum in the hair and comes as a
result of an over production of sebum (oil) from over active
sebaceous glands, stimulated by hormones called androgens.
Androgens are male hormones that are present in both men and
women, but are higher in men. Androgens do two things:
First, they enlarge the sebaceous glands in the skin.
Second, they cause these glands to increase oil production.
Fluctuating hormones can cause greasiness as hormones play a
part in sebum production. Greasy hair is most common in
women because of either pregnancy or monthly cycle, older
women going through the menopause, and teenagers
experiencing puberty. Stress can be a contributory factor in
greasy hair as it is known to affect hormone levels. People
with fine hair on their head may experience excessive greasy
hair as they have more hair follicles and more sebaceous
glands producing more sebum.
There are several external causes of greasy hair. Washing
your hair too frequently can cause more sebum to be produced
as frequent washing can strip the hair of oils. To combat
this sebaceous glands excrete sebum. Sebaceous glands can be
stimulated through vigorous scrubbing of the hair and scalp
while washing. Touching your hair can also stimulate
sebaceous glands, along with vigorous hair brushing which
carries oil throughout the hair. The over-use of styling
products can cause hair to look greasy as the products can
build-up at the roots. Everyday environmental pollutants can
also cause hair to look greasy.
There are also many internal causes of greasiness too. I have
already mentioned fluctuating hormone levels, but one of the
main culprits when it comes to internal causes of greasy
hair is diet. Western diets that tend to be greasy, high in
fat and sugar, processed and containing additives can
be a major cause of greasy hair as the high fat content
increases oil levels in and on the skin. Hormones can be
found in meat in the western diet, adding to the unbalanced
hormone levels. A diet lacking in vitamin B can also
contribute towards greasy hair.
The best way of avoiding, preventing, treating and getting
rid of greasy hair is to treat it from the outside and the
inside. On the outside: steer clear of brushing your hair
too frequently, and too vigorously. Avoid using a
moisturizing shampoo as this can leave some oil in the hair.
An extra cleansing or clarifying shampoo that has a mild-ph
is the best shampoo to use for greasy hair. When shampooing,
massage you hair and scalp lightly and do not scrub your
hair and scalp.
For the best results, the longer you leave the shampoo in,
the better. If necessary, rinse your hair and shampoo again.
The question of how often to wash your hair is as unique as
the individual. The ideal frequency is 1-2 times per week,
but to find your own balance start with washing everyday,
then reduce that to find a good balance of washing and oil
production. If you use a hairdryer when styling your hair
don't let it get too hot as heat will stimulate more oil
production. When it comes to conditioning your hair, again
use a conditioner designed for greasy hair. Apply
conditioner to the mid and ends of your hair, but not the
roots.
With the inside: do all that you can to reduce and eliminate
any and all stress. In your diet, consider using a vitamin B
supplement. Make sure you eat plenty of whole grains, seeds,
nuts, leafy green vegetables, salads and fresh fish. Reduce
the amount of fatty foods that you eat, avoiding greasy,
fried and fatty foods as much as possible. Reduce the number
of white flour based foods in your diet, foods like
pastries, pasta and bread. Lastly, avoid sugar and sugary
foods like biscuits, cakes and soft drinks.
Greasy hair can look oily and dull, and have a lank and
lifeless appearance. It can look flat and heavy, and it
never seems to stay clean and fresh. It takes on a stringy
appearance within a few hours of shampooing and refuses to
stay full and fluffy. Does this describe your hair? Do you
ask the question, why is my hair greasy? Greasy hair can
cause social embarrassment as others may judge that the
sufferer has poor hygiene and does not wash their hair
frequently enough, even if they actually wash it every day.
The grease found in hair is called sebum and is oil that is
produced natural by the body. Each of the hairs on your head
has a gland called the sebaceous gland immediately under the
skin, this gland produces sebum. Oil in greasy hair protects
each strand from split ends and dryness, and is in fact a
sign of healthy hair. Sebum is made as lubrication for the
skin and hair, providing a protective barrier and preventing
drying. Sebum is the body's own natural moisturizer.
Greasy hair is excess of sebum in the hair and comes as a
result of an over production of sebum (oil) from over active
sebaceous glands, stimulated by hormones called androgens.
Androgens are male hormones that are present in both men and
women, but are higher in men. Androgens do two things:
First, they enlarge the sebaceous glands in the skin.
Second, they cause these glands to increase oil production.
Fluctuating hormones can cause greasiness as hormones play a
part in sebum production. Greasy hair is most common in
women because of either pregnancy or monthly cycle, older
women going through the menopause, and teenagers
experiencing puberty. Stress can be a contributory factor in
greasy hair as it is known to affect hormone levels. People
with fine hair on their head may experience excessive greasy
hair as they have more hair follicles and more sebaceous
glands producing more sebum.
There are several external causes of greasy hair. Washing
your hair too frequently can cause more sebum to be produced
as frequent washing can strip the hair of oils. To combat
this sebaceous glands excrete sebum. Sebaceous glands can be
stimulated through vigorous scrubbing of the hair and scalp
while washing. Touching your hair can also stimulate
sebaceous glands, along with vigorous hair brushing which
carries oil throughout the hair. The over-use of styling
products can cause hair to look greasy as the products can
build-up at the roots. Everyday environmental pollutants can
also cause hair to look greasy.
There are also many internal causes of greasiness too. I have
already mentioned fluctuating hormone levels, but one of the
main culprits when it comes to internal causes of greasy
hair is diet. Western diets that tend to be greasy, high in
fat and sugar, processed and containing additives can
be a major cause of greasy hair as the high fat content
increases oil levels in and on the skin. Hormones can be
found in meat in the western diet, adding to the unbalanced
hormone levels. A diet lacking in vitamin B can also
contribute towards greasy hair.
The best way of avoiding, preventing, treating and getting
rid of greasy hair is to treat it from the outside and the
inside. On the outside: steer clear of brushing your hair
too frequently, and too vigorously. Avoid using a
moisturizing shampoo as this can leave some oil in the hair.
An extra cleansing or clarifying shampoo that has a mild-ph
is the best shampoo to use for greasy hair. When shampooing,
massage you hair and scalp lightly and do not scrub your
hair and scalp.
For the best results, the longer you leave the shampoo in,
the better. If necessary, rinse your hair and shampoo again.
The question of how often to wash your hair is as unique as
the individual. The ideal frequency is 1-2 times per week,
but to find your own balance start with washing everyday,
then reduce that to find a good balance of washing and oil
production. If you use a hairdryer when styling your hair
don't let it get too hot as heat will stimulate more oil
production. When it comes to conditioning your hair, again
use a conditioner designed for greasy hair. Apply
conditioner to the mid and ends of your hair, but not the
roots.
With the inside: do all that you can to reduce and eliminate
any and all stress. In your diet, consider using a vitamin B
supplement. Make sure you eat plenty of whole grains, seeds,
nuts, leafy green vegetables, salads and fresh fish. Reduce
the amount of fatty foods that you eat, avoiding greasy,
fried and fatty foods as much as possible. Reduce the number
of white flour based foods in your diet, foods like
pastries, pasta and bread. Lastly, avoid sugar and sugary
foods like biscuits, cakes and soft drinks.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Heal Yourself With Aromatherapy
Have you ever considered aromatherapy for your health and
well-being? Well before you go into it, lets take a look at
what it is and what it is not.
First off, aromatherapy is considered a science and art of
healing and maintaining the subtle energy balance of the
human body. This art has been in practice for many
centuries.
They date as far back as the ancient Egyptians to the
classical Greeks. Though technically they are not recognized
by the medical establishment as a hard-core science, their
healing track-records are proven. They range from
alleviating headaches to curing certain diseases.
If course as with all things, not all aromatherapy are
created equal. The effectiveness and efficacy of this
ancient art really depends on the skill of the user and the
quality of the oils used. It must be said that aromatherapy
is not a cure-all. What it does is that the aromatherapy
oils help the body to heal itself.
Huh? I know you might be a little confused here. Let me
explain. Unlike medical science, where administered drugs will
cause certain effects in the body, aromatherapy oils
actually have an indirect effect on the human body.
It stimulates certain natural functions of your body which
knows how to heal and repair itself. The efficiency of the
aromatherapy oils depends a lot on how well the blood-stream
circulates in the body. The faster and smoother it
circulates, the greater the effect it can have.
Certain oils like the lavender can be soothing and helps the
body to unwind while other types can aid in other bodily
problems like indigestion or insomnia. If you wish to fully
benefit from the many wonders of aromatherapy, than you
should seek out a quality store that stocks good essential
oils.
Aromatherapy oils are basically taken from the extracts of
trees and plants. Ancient tribes knew the benefits of these
plants as they experimented and cataloged its uses and
properties. These oils were then passed down orally or
written in texts to let the next generation know of it.
Alternatively, you can also visit an aromatherapy therapist.
What the therapist will do is do a basic diagnosis of your
health issues. Than he or she will select certain essential
oils that will have the best effects for your custom needs.
Remember, certain oils may not be suitable for some people,
so take care to only approach qualified aromatherapy
therapists for advice. I hope the above article has given
you a clearer picture of what aromatherapy is and clear up
any common misconceptions of it.
The general rule of thumb is: Look for professionals who
know what they are doing. Stick with this advice and you
will be fine. Now go and bathe yourself in that nice
aromatherapy bath!
well-being? Well before you go into it, lets take a look at
what it is and what it is not.
First off, aromatherapy is considered a science and art of
healing and maintaining the subtle energy balance of the
human body. This art has been in practice for many
centuries.
They date as far back as the ancient Egyptians to the
classical Greeks. Though technically they are not recognized
by the medical establishment as a hard-core science, their
healing track-records are proven. They range from
alleviating headaches to curing certain diseases.
If course as with all things, not all aromatherapy are
created equal. The effectiveness and efficacy of this
ancient art really depends on the skill of the user and the
quality of the oils used. It must be said that aromatherapy
is not a cure-all. What it does is that the aromatherapy
oils help the body to heal itself.
Huh? I know you might be a little confused here. Let me
explain. Unlike medical science, where administered drugs will
cause certain effects in the body, aromatherapy oils
actually have an indirect effect on the human body.
It stimulates certain natural functions of your body which
knows how to heal and repair itself. The efficiency of the
aromatherapy oils depends a lot on how well the blood-stream
circulates in the body. The faster and smoother it
circulates, the greater the effect it can have.
Certain oils like the lavender can be soothing and helps the
body to unwind while other types can aid in other bodily
problems like indigestion or insomnia. If you wish to fully
benefit from the many wonders of aromatherapy, than you
should seek out a quality store that stocks good essential
oils.
Aromatherapy oils are basically taken from the extracts of
trees and plants. Ancient tribes knew the benefits of these
plants as they experimented and cataloged its uses and
properties. These oils were then passed down orally or
written in texts to let the next generation know of it.
Alternatively, you can also visit an aromatherapy therapist.
What the therapist will do is do a basic diagnosis of your
health issues. Than he or she will select certain essential
oils that will have the best effects for your custom needs.
Remember, certain oils may not be suitable for some people,
so take care to only approach qualified aromatherapy
therapists for advice. I hope the above article has given
you a clearer picture of what aromatherapy is and clear up
any common misconceptions of it.
The general rule of thumb is: Look for professionals who
know what they are doing. Stick with this advice and you
will be fine. Now go and bathe yourself in that nice
aromatherapy bath!
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